Counted Worthy

After a lengthy sabbatical from blogging my quiet times, I’m compelled to blog this morning’s.  I’m in Acts now, taking a break from my Old Testament study and journeying through the New Testament once again for the past few months.  This morning I’m in Chapter 5, I was so stirred by the familiar words of verse 41, that I couldn’t resist the urge to blog them.

  “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”  Acts 5:41

Prior to this verse the apostles had been flogged for proclaiming the name of Jesus, now we find them rejoicing over the hardship they’ve just endured.  In previous years this verse hasn’t resonated in quite the way it does presently.  Watching the political and cultural shifts in our nation is understatedly alarming.  While we’re not yet at the point of being flogged for our faith (by officials), we are very much at the point of being told not to speak of our Savior.  I’ve watched the unfolding decline of our nation with a heavy heart.  But, in recent days, I’ve become very convicted that these are the days our testimony speaks.  When it costs something to stand up for Jesus, people will listen.  When we pay a price to stand up for Jesus our faith is forged as we experience His sustaining grace through the trial.  The days ahead will be days of refining, lukewarm will no longer be an option.  In preparation, we must heed the words of Joshua:

   ¹⁴ “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. ¹⁵ But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15.

If we are truly His, when ordered not to speak of Him, like the apostles we must proclaim :

 ¹⁸Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. ²⁰For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”   Acts 4:18-20

 May my soul pant for him, that I may be fully committed to Him, surrendered in spirit that I may act in obedience, without delay, doing whatever He calls me to do.  When I have obeyed, may I have a spirit that rejoices over having had the opportunity to serve no matter the cost.  May I be counted worthy.

 ^13″Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”  1 Peter 3:13-17

Chosen In Him… Elatedly Elect!

Recently several friends have asked me to share my understanding of election.  I have been very tentative in doing so, and will very cautiously attempt to provide a brief outline of my beliefs here.  I find it very difficult to discuss election alone, so I will include aspects of depravity, grace and atonement as well.  Bear in mind, I do not claim to be a theologian nor an eloquent author; just a simple woman seeking to know Him better. 

For a clearer understanding from a theologian’s presentation, read the statement of beliefs on Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s website here.

This is neither intended to persuade nor ignite heated debate; it is purely a brief statement of my beliefs for those who have asked.  Disclaimers in place, here it goes…

I believe our elect status is determined by our position in Christ.  For example, looking at Ephesians 1: 3-8

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

 We are chosen “in Him” – that is through our relationship with Jesus Christ.   Our Sovereign God, omniscient and unbound by time – seeing the end from the beginning, knew before the creation of the world that man as He created Him, a free moral agent, would choose disobedience, sin and ultimately death.  So, before the foundation of the world He chose His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect sacrificial lamb to atone for the sins of the world.  At that time God predestined that all who turn and believe in the Son unto salvation would receive the gift of new life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit granted by God’s grace.  God freely offers this gift to all mankind, drawing all to him through Holy Spirit conviction, and the presentation of the gospel message from the Living Word of God (John 12:32; John16:8-11; Romans 1:16-17). Just as in the Old Testament, He sets before each of us life and death, and tells us to choose accordingly (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).  As Charles Stanley often says, “What will you do with Jesus?”  Your answer to Jesus is your choice of life or death.  Accept or reject, it’s up to you to decide (John 5:24; John 3:35-36).   The”work” that brings salvation is believing (John 6:29).  “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26

 While I do believe He calls all men unto Himself, I also believe a person’s unbelief and repeated rejection of His offer may result in spiritual hardening (Hebrews 3:7-19).  The hardened unbeliever may be spiritually blinded by Satan. (2 Corinthinas 4:4). If they die spiritually blinded, they will indeed perish, but it is the result of their unbelief and willful rejection of Him (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11).  I take courage and persist in praying passionately for our unsaved loved ones, knowing that “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)  We know that it is His desire that none should perish, and that everyone would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  So, we may approach His throne boldly, praying within His will, and on their behalf that He will orchestrate circumstances to bring them to a place of brokenness, and that He will open their blinded eyes so that they may see The Way and repent (John 15:22-24).   

In the New Testament it is clear that man’s final condemnation unto death is the result of his rejection of Jesus Christ. Knowing that God’s character is unchanging, and He Himself proclaims His kindness, justice, and righteousness (Jeremiah 9:23-24), it certainly seems a contradiction to damn much of mankind for not believing in a plan they were never given the ability to believe in.   If men are so blinded by their total depravity that only through a regenerating work of God can they see their need for Him and call upon the name of Jesus, certainly those who remain blind because they were not given the ability to see would not be found guilty.  Christ himself says in John 9:39-41:

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”  Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”  Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

And similarly in John15:22-24:

 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.

Another contradiction arises when we look at the efficacy of the sin of Adam in comparison to redemption through Christ.  Why would sin enter through Adam condemning all, but the blood of Jesus be spilled and not atone for all?  Examining Romans 5:18-19, it doesn’t fit to say that salvation is only available to a select few individuals specifically chosen in advance. 

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

It seems very clear here, just as sin entered through Adam, bringing condemnation for all; so also life is made available to all through Christ.  It clearly states that Christ’s death, being the one act of righteousness, brings life for all men. Meaning all men are given the right to life, and the opportunity to become son’s of God, being made righteous through belief in Christ (John 1:12).  Not all are made righteous, because not all choose Him, but many will be made righteous through faith in Him.

I stand in awe of His plan for us, the elect, the chosen, the redeemed children of God.  I rejoice in  knowing there is room for all at the foot of the cross, if only they will believe.  As I look at my precious children, I am confident their fate is not predetermined.  It is certainly foreknown by Him, but not predetermined by Him.  I will raise them as He has instructed me, training them in the admonition of Him, we will discuss Him and His ways throughout the day (Deuteronomy 11).  I praise Him that I can have full confidence that Christ paid their sin debt, enabling them to be reconciled to Him, our Holy God, if only they will believe.  Prayers of this mother will rise daily, that He will draw them in, revealing Himself clearly to them so they will choose to cling to Him alone.  In the end if they reject Him, I’m left knowing He gave them every opportunity to receive salvation.  His Word clearly tells me He loves them, draws them and has predestined that if they believe in Christ they have the right to become sons (and daughters) of God.

There are many more passages that could be quoted and arguments that could be made.  I’ve presented a few that are most prominent in my mind, answering the original question as to what I believe.  Having acknowledged the disagreement on election, I will also acknowledge my choice to respect those who are committed to a belief in Unconditional Election.  They certainly are able to argue their perspective, and I believe time has proven we won’t agree on the correct interpretation this side of heaven.  So from here, the best thing we can do is agree to disagree.  As passionately as I am convicted on this issue, I am mortified by the attitudes I see displayed on blogs all across the internet.  This is a critical doctrine, worthy of much discussion and debate, but it must always be done in love and with respect.  Jesus’ parting words to us include the following:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35

May our words always reflect our love for one another, that the world may see His love in us and know that we are His.

For Such A Time As This

I love reading the book of Esther, my favorite verse is the climax where Mordecai charges Esther with the following statement:

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Through the book of Esther we watch Esther transition from being an orphan in the care of her cousin, to the royal position of queen.  Through this well known story, and Mordecai’s challenge, we are reminded that God raises people up to certain positions to be used through obedience for His purposes and glory. 

We see a similar theme in the life of Joseph, as the favored son of his father, we see Joseph betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery and travelling a road wrought with hardship.  Eventually he, too, winds up in a royal position, all the while being used through obedience for God’s puposes and glory.  He reminds his brothers of this in Genesis 50:20:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

God has us here for such a time as this.  He has a plan, and divine appointments for us, if only we will seek Him and His will (Ephesians 5:15-17).  Ours may not be a royal position or the dramatic saving of lives, but it will undoubtedly be for His glory. 

I’m reminded of a precious woman whom God placed in my life in a “for such a time as this” moment.  I will cautiously preface the following testimony by saying it was God’s will for us individually to homeschool our family, in no way do I believe it to be His will for all Christians.  I wrestled at length with His conviction and my husband’s urging to homeschool my children.  I had reluctantly agreed, but was so discouraged at the thought of it.  It certainly was not my heart’s desire at the time, but rather an act of obedience to God’s prompting and my husband’s urging.  That morning I cried out to God, broken in spirit and overwhelmed with the task at hand.  I pleaded with Him for a physical touch, for affirmation of His instruction and encouragement as I sought to be obedient.  I was to meet my husband for lunch that afternoon, arriving slightly early I went into Dollar Tree to browse.  As I was kneeling looking at a display, a woman came and stood over me.  She struck up a conversation, and not long into it, it was clear she was my physical touch.  God sent her to affirm His plan for me, to encourage me in obedience to His will, and to bless me beyond words.  She probably has no idea how she was used that day; but I know from what she shared, she had been seeking Him and He had used her for such a time as that.

The appointment may be noble like Esther’s and Joseph’s, or ignoble like that of the precious saint in my Dollar Tree encounter. But the end result is ultimately the same – God’s glory.  From a worldly view it might seem of little importance that she encouraged me that day.  But from my vantage point, it was a direct touch from God.   Her obedience profoundly impacted me as a testimony of my Father’s faithfulness, and solidified my obedience in the matter.

How I pray that I will always be available to be used by Him for every opportunity.  May I always be seeking Him and fully surrendered so that my eyes will be open to every appointment, be it noble or ignoble .  Let me not be set on determining my steps, but let me seek the direction He would have me go (Jeremiah 10:23).  As I seek Him through His word, I pray that He will grant me His wisdom so that I may make the most of every opportunity He sets before me, and be used for such a time as this (Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 4:5). 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3

I’m Not Who I Was

⁶ Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
       for they are from of old.

 ⁷ Remember not the sins of my youth
       and my rebellious ways;
       according to your love remember me,
       for you are good, O LORD.

 ⁸ Good and upright is the LORD;
       therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

 ⁹ He guides the humble in what is right
       and teaches them his way.

 ¹⁰ All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
       for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

 ¹¹ For the sake of your name, O LORD,
       forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

 ¹² Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
       He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

Psalm 25:6-12

As I gaze back across my journey thus far, I rejoice as I see the valleys He has carried me through, and the mountain tops He has set my feet on (Psalm 18:32-33).  I also see the wilderness where I’ve wandered each time I’ve gone astray.  Sometimes my detour was only a short one, as I quickly returned to His path, but other times I spent many nights in the wilderness.  I’m reminded of His compassion and mercy in those times.  Like many before me, when I cried out to Him from the wilderness, he heard my cry and led me back to the path He had marked out for me.  Though scars of consequence may remain, He was faithful each time to bind my wounds and carry me out (Psalm 147:3). 

I’ve not completed my journey, Lord willing, I have many mountain tops and valleys yet to experience.  I’m thankful as I look back, that there is always a forward progression.  He is daily drawing us nearer to Him, as we in obedience plod forward.  Sometimes it feels as though we are sprinting, other times crawling.  But as His children seeking Him, we are always progressing (Philippians 3:12-14).

Thankfully I’m not who I was 20 years ago, 20 months ago, or even 20 days ago.  He is daily teaching, leading and transforming me into who He wants me to be.  If you are my brother or sister in Christ, I know the same is true of you.  So let’s encourage one another in our journey, remembering we are not who we were, and letting go of the notion that we know one another’s hearts (1 Corinthians 4:5).  God transformed a piece of mine this morning, Lord willing He’ll transform another tomorrow. 

Next time you see me, remember, I’m not who I was.  I’m washed in the blood of Jesus, forgiven anew just this morning.  Search for His new, transforming work in me, and encourage me as I press on in my journey.  I’ll do the same for you.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:23-25

 

May I be that tree

^{Psalm 1}

¹ Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.

 ² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
       and on his law he meditates day and night.

 ³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
       which yields its fruit in season
       and whose leaf does not wither.
       Whatever he does prospers.

 ⁴ Not so the wicked!
       They are like chaff
       that the wind blows away.

 ⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
       nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

 ⁶ For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
       but the way of the wicked will perish. 

I love this passage.  How I long to be that tree planted by the streams.  You can just see the roots deeply running and feeding from the life giving water.  I envision those roots clinging to the surrounding soil, gripping it and preventing erosion as the storms blow through.  Not only do they hang on to the rich soil for its own nourishment, but they keep the soil stable for the saplings about it to grow and develop their own roots. 

Reading it once again, I am reminded I can not passively become this tree that I long to be.  I am clearly instructed to avoid several things in verse 1:

1. Do not “walk in the counsel of the wicked.”  How I pray  I will never be tempted to entertain worldly advice, or be led astray by false teaching.  May I always seek first the counsel of His Word (Psalm 119:24) and His Holy Spirit (John 16:12-15)

2. Do not “stand in the way of sinners.”  I pray for wisdom that I may be led along straight paths, clearly perceiving His will for me.  I cling to His instructions so that I may be sure footed and not stumble as I journey on the path of righteousness (Proverbs 4:11-19).  I pray that I will have a bold spirit and willingness to walk His way, that I will not be found blending in with the crowd of sinners walking contrary to His way (Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:13-14).

3. Do not “sit in the seat of mockers.” I cry out to God to protect me from pride, that he will reveal it within me, so I may repent and humble myself before Him (Proverbs 21:24).  I pray that as He pours out His wisdom on me, that I will be a peacemaker sowing in peace, and raising a harvest of righteousness. (Proverbs 29:8, James 3:18).

While avoiding those activities, I am told in verse 2 to be actively seeking Him through His word, and meditating on it day and night.  My mom asked me several years ago to choose a verse for a bracelet she was having made for me.  I very prayerfully considered it and at that time claimed Jeremiah 15:16 as my life verse:

When your words came, I ate them; 
they were my joy and my heart’s delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God Almighty.

I long for that to be my life’s theme.  May His word forever be my heart’s focus, for I know that obedience to His word is where delight is found (Psalm 119:35).  I pray regularly that He will create in me a passion that I would pant with longing for His commands (Psalm 119:131).

Lord, I pray that you will indeed make me that tree planted by the streams.  Let me soak up the nourishment of the living water with roots growing ever deeper.  Let me be firmly planted to withstand the storms of life.  Let my leaves be ever green glorifying you, come what may. May my children take refuge beneath my branches of faith during times of scorching heat.  Let my roots in you hold the soil firmly around them as they send out tender shoots seeking you, so the floods of crises will not sweep them away.  May the fruit of my faith provide nourishment and be a testimony of your faithfulness for them and others.  Let me stand boldly and firmly, with outstretched arms for your glory.

Extinguish this fire…

The past several weeks I’ve been trying to impress upon my children the importance of the words we speak.  I long for them to speak words of kindness to one another, rather than belittling and discouraging words.  I’ve repeatedly quoted Ephesians 4:29 to them, and have instructed them to memorize it as well:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29

As I was praying for them in this regard, I felt compelled to study further in the Word about the power of the tongue and of words.  In the process I fell under deep conviction for my own guilt in this area.  I find the following deeply convicting every time I read it:

⁵Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  ⁷All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ⁸but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.  James 3:5-12

I’ve written the following verses on notecards to read and meditate on every morning.  I pray that He will use His word to continually convict me and extinguish the fire in my mouth on a daily basis:

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matthew 12:36-37

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.  James 1:26

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.  Proverbs 10:19

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Proverbs 12:18

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.  Proverbs 21:23

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.  Proverbs 25:15

I pray, like Isaiah, my lips will be touched and purified (Isaiah 6:5-7).  May the fire that so readily burns in my mouth be extinguished;  and the fire that burns for Him in my heart be kindled to a blazing flame. 

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.  1 Thessalonians 5: 19-22

A Message of Hope

For those of us who wrestle with guilt, it’s easy to become hopeless at times.  Looking back across the spectrum of mistakes in the past can be crippling.  We see others around us who appear to have it all together, and we may even be tempted to give up.

I have a message of hope to share.  I’d like to introduce you to Manasseh, he was King of Judah from 695-642 BC.  Here are some of the high points of his career:

• He killed his sons by sacrificing them in a fire (2 Chron 33:6)
• He ”shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end.” (2 Kings 21:16)
• He built altars within the temple of God for the worship of idols (2 Chron. 33:4)
• He practiced sorcery and witchcraft (2 Chron 33:6)
• He carved, raised and worshipped an idol within the temple of God (2 Chron 33:7)
• He ignored God speaking to him (2 Chron 33:10)

Not only was he guilty of the above offenses (sins), but he did not go alone, he led an entire nation down the same road.  He is described by God as having done more evil than the pagan nation of Amorites that had been driven out before them (2 Kings 21:11). 

God, in His holiness, poured out wrath on Manasseh and Judah. God enabled the Assyrian army to conquer them, and Manasseh was led away in shackles and with a bronze hook through his nose.  Manasseh, in humiliation, was finally broken and ”humbled himself greatly” before God (2 Chron. 33:12).

The awesome, compassionate, unchanging God we serve was true to His promises:

And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.  2 Chronicles 33:13

God forgave and restored Manasseh, and He desires to forgive and restore us as well.  Manasseh did “evil in the eyes of the Lord.”  It doesn’t get any worse than that, no matter what  you’ve done wrong specifically, it’s the same in God’s eyes – evil. 

Like Manasseh, fall broken before Him, humbling yourself greatly.  If you’ve never surrendered your life to Him and received His salvation, confess your sin before Him, and acknowledge your need for Him.  Let Him break the chains of sin, guilt and regret.  For more on salvation click here.

If you have a relationship with Him, humble yourself before Him and cling to His promises.  If you’ve repented (asked for God’s forgiveness, and turned away from whatever sin has ensnared you), He HAS forgiven you:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

 ”Guilt” is not from God.  Holy conviction prior to repentance is from Him, His gift to us, guiding us into a closer relationship with Him.  Once we’ve repented, we are to focus on what is before us, without looking back to the past.  Throw off Satan’s shackles of guilt today, and victoriously run the race before you in freedom bought with the precious blood of Jesus.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3: 13b-14

That old familiar feeling

I was recently stricken once again by that old familiar feeling.  I’m ashamed to admit it, but pride has been a recurring sin in my life.  When I least expect it, it sneaks in and grabs hold of me once again.  I’m disgusted to learn I’m even capable of developing pride in the thought that I might be obtaining some degree of humility.  Reading about Hezekiah this morning, I was encouraged to learn I am not the first to have this issue, and even more encouraged to learn that victory can be gained.

Hezekiah was absolutely a man after God.  It is said of  Hezekiah:

Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.  He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses.  And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. 2 Kings 18:5-7

Oh, how I long to be that faithful.  He’s described as seeking the Lord “wholeheartedly” in 2 Chronicles 31:21.   Then it happens, he too is gripped by that opportunistic sin of old.

But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the LORD’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 32:25

How can it be that he is standing firmly on the rock, wholeheartedly seeking the Lord his God, and then, in what seems like an instant, he has fallen?  Like Uzziah, Rehoboam and others; he undoubtedly began to rest in his own strength and power leading to the devastating results of pride and self reliance (2 Chronicles 12:1; 2 Chronicles 26:16).

We are no different, we are clearly warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12:

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

The moment we think we are standing firm, pride rears its ugly head and in an instant we are consumed.  Once pride sets in, devastation is sure to follow. 

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.   Proverbs 16:18

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12

But, there’s more to Hezekiah’s story!  When confronted with his pride, Hezekiah humbled himself and repented, and the Lord’s wrath was stayed (2 Chronicles 32:26).  The same is said of Rehoboam:

Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah. 2 Chronicles 12:12

The God we serve is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He forgave Hezekiah, Rehoboam and countless others when they humbled themselves, and He will forgive us as well. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  1 Peter 5:6

May I always keep Christ and His Word as my measuring rod so that it will be ever before me that my very best is as filthy rags.  May I never forget how detestable the Lord our God considers the sin of pride.  Fervently I pray that I will never again entertain that old familiar feeling, but that I will have His wisdom poured out on me that I might gain humility daily.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  James 3:13

 

Give Them a Heart for You

Studying the story of Joash in 2 Chronicles today, the Lord impressed upon me the importance of never ceasing to pray that my children will wholeheartedly seek Him.  It would be easy after they make a profession of faith, and seem to be bearing fruit, to assume they are “safe” and let our prayers for their wholehearted devotion to Him fall by the wayside.  Observing the life of Joash I am acutely aware of what a tremendous mistake that would be.

Joash was raised by his uncle and priest, Jehoiada.  Jehoiada sought the Lord and made a covenant, “that he and the people and the king would be the Lord’s people.” (2 Chronicles 23:16)  Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he, “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest.“ (2 Chronicles 24:2)

By all appearances Joash was a godly king, doing all the right things.  In addition to repairing the temple, burnt offerings were offered to the Lord continually in the temple (2 Chronicles 24:14),  I’m afraid if I were his mother I might have been tempted to rest in the assumption that he was right on track with the Lord, and my prayers might have waned.  Unfortunately everything changed when Jehoiada died.

After Jehoiada’s death Joash and the people of Judah forsook the Lord:

 They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.  2 Chronicles 24:18-19

Joash even went so far as to have Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, stoned to death in the courtyard of the temple, for prophesying the word of the Lord.  Joash’s rejection of the Lord cost him his life:

“Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash. ” 2 Chronicles 24:24b

The account of Joash compels me to be on my face before the Lord, praying that He will give my children an undivided heart for Him (Psalm 86:11).    That they, like Caleb, will have a different spirit and follow Him wholeheartedly (Numbers 14:24).  May I never grow complacent in my prayers that my children be captivated by Him, and wholeheartedly devoted to Him.  Let me never be tempted to see their professions of faith and good works and assume they are surrendered to the point that I lay down my sword and cease to fight on their behalf.

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.  Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.  Ezekiel 11:19-20

A New Battle Plan

This morning the Lord impressed upon me a new battle plan based on the example of Jehoshaphat.

1. Make it a priority to walk with God daily; pray for a longing to become a woman or man after God’s heart  (2 Chronicles 17:3)
2. When  a crisis is looming (or the enemy is approaching), resolve to inquire of the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3)
3. Fix your eyes upon Him rather than the crisis or the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:12b)
4. Trust His word and worship Him (2 Chronicles 20:18)
5. Praise Him for “the splendor of His holiness, “  and thank Him for His enduring love as you go into battle (2 Chronicles 20: 21)
6. Stand firm in faith and see the provision of the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:17)
7. When the battle is over, praise the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:26)

One of my many favorite Biblical accounts is the story of Judah under the leadership of Jehoshaphat.  Jehoshaphat was a godly leader for Judah, who “walked in the ways his father David had followed.” (2 Chronicles 17:3)

The part of the story I love is in 2 Chronicles 20, when a vast army of Moabites and Ammonites came to make war against Judah.  Jehoshaphat immediately resolved to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast for all of Judah.  All the people of Judah responded by coming together to seek the Lord.  Jehoshaphat stood before them crying out to the Lord and proclaiming:

 “…We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12b

What wisdom is revealed in that verse; though I don’t know what to do, my eyes are fixed on you rather than the problem, or a frantic search for my own solutions.

God responded through Jahaziel:

^15b  This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…  ¹⁷ You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ ” 2 Chronicles 20: 15b, 17

Jehoshaphat and all of the people immediately fell down in worship before the Lord.

This is the part I really love;  their faith is evidenced by their action when:

²¹ After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
       “Give thanks to the LORD,
       for his love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21)

How I long for that kind of faith!  If only I would follow their example consistently as I face the battles of my life.  Notice, it says the men were appointed to praise Him for “the splendor of His holiness.”  Not to praise Him because the battle was going their way, the physical battle had not even begun yet.  Notice also that the singers were placed at the head of the army, not behind.  How significant that we put our faith, our praise and thankfulness for Him ahead of any other means we might have to manage or fight the battles of our lives.

God was faithful to His Word, as He always is.  Judah didn’t have to fight the battle.  As they were singing praises to God, He set ambushes for the attacking armies, and they slaughtered one another.  By the time Judah arrived at the battle site, “they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground, no one had escaped.” (2 Chronicles 20:24)

As he promised deliverence to Judah (2 Chronicles 20:17), He has promised provision for us.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, the God of the universe is on our side, and “we are more than conquerors, through Him who loved us!” 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who  have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
   ”For your sake we face death all day long;
      we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,  neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” Romans: 8:35-39