August Quotes

There can be no participation in Christ’s life without a participation in his death, and we cannot enjoy the benefits of his death unless we are partakers of the power of his life. We must be reconciled to God in order to be holy, and we cannot be reconciled without thereby becoming holy.

-Charles Hodge

No matter how hard Satan tries, he cannot dim the glory of Jesus. People may close their eyes or turn their backs, but neither of those actions reduces Jesus' divine stature. 

-Woodrow Kroll

A Sovereign Protector I have, unseen, yet forever at hand. 

-Augustus M. Toplady

To be a follower of the Crucified means, sooner or later, a personal encounter with the cross. And the cross always entails loss.

-Elisabeth Elliot

“Loving someone requires maintaining a measure of optimism on that person’s behalf. Hope is an attitude that good will eventually come to those who may now be failing. Failure invades every Christian’s life, and it often causes others to give up on the one who fails. Yet, Christians who love continue to hope for the best. This optimism encourages others to keep moving forward. This hope is based not on the Christian, but on Christ. The hope of each Christian is that Christ will preserve him to glory. When a brother falls, it is Christ who picks him up and makes him stand (Rom. 14:4). Christ is the one who promised to finish the work he began".

-(Pratt, R. L., Jr. (2000). I & II Corinthians (Vol. 7). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

Yet, just as the soil patiently endures the frigid hand of frost and snow and bitter cold, the soul's
winter is only a curving bend to the fair meadows of spring. Only through mourning can one know the exhilaration of joy. Beauty is the by-product of burnt, ash-dust. God looks at a field of stinky, dead earth and says, "This is my garden." I have learned never to begrudge winter, for in her wake lie all the trees of Eden.

-Unknown 

But did the clouds rain free, and the earth open beneath me, I would not stir; for I know who planted me here, and as long as He wills me to stand, neither men or devils can move me hence.
~William Wallace

Mercy is never free. Mercy is very expensive. Mercy requires paying the cost of justice, and that is the cost of our Savior’s life. But that mercy is beautiful to behold for those whom God has given eyes to see it. Mercy changes lives. And the offer of mercy can also harden. 

~Tony Reinke

Hold your ground! Should a Christian flee? Should a Christian be afraid? You are not going anywhere—Hold fast your position! You are not changing the things that God has set. You heed God’s lead, not the Enemy’s! The Enemy will not define the terms of your life. The Enemy will not dictate where you go, what you say, what you don’t say, or what you do, or don’t do. God set you here. Stand firm. Don’t move from this position. Be still and watch what your God will do for those who trust in His Almighty Name! 

~Eric Ludy

What we offer unto God? Stubborn, sinful, rebellious rejection. But unto us? A Child is born. A Son is given.

 ~James MacDonald

Reminders to Live By

It's not often that we pull out the book of Ecclesiastes and quote from it, yet it carries some deep wisdom from a man who desired and gained it early in life, but maybe should have applied it (a little) more to himself.

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again, there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time (Eccl. 1:9-10, NIV).

Here is stated the theme of Ecclesiastes and the heart-cry of the author, King Solomon. Perhaps many of us could relate to the same thoughts today. There truly is nothing new, whether good or bad, that has not already existed beforehand. Our lives are just a dash on the timeline of eternity, so there is no way we would end up seeing something new that has not already been. Whether a heinous sin or the mountain-top joy, mankind and God have seen it already. Do not be surprised at God's greatest blessings, for He gave them to others long before you. Don't be shocked by the revelation of the depth of man's depravity. God's mercy began in the Garden and has been forgiving ever since.

There is a time for everything... (Eccl.3:1)

There really is, you know. Each event is appointed by God, and in some ways regardless of your integrity or folly, His events will unfold until the end of time. Not all good follows one another, and neither does the bad. But it is interspersed throughout our life as He sees fit to grow us. We wonder how the blessings could get any better, or we wonder when the darkness ends, but both do, each in their own time.

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God (Eccl.3:12-13).

Nothing better. Those are strong words. But do balance them out with the rest of Scripture, too. ;) The principle remains. God desires us to find pleasure and happiness and good in our work. In fact, that's His blessing--His gift to us. He desires that our prospering should lead to happiness and the doing of good, and personal satisfaction. Yet that personal satisfaction is based on the God who gave it, so the glory is His.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Eccl.4:10, 12).

Companionship is necessary for thriving as a Christian. To survive as a Christian, friendship is not necessary, but God did not mean for us to survive. We were made to thrive, and we imitate the Trinity when we desire friendship. The help, defense, and loyalty of a friend cannot quickly be repaid. How easy it is to be loyal to one's own flesh and blood, but the real test comes when we stand not just with those who are our own flesh, but also with those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb.

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all (Eccl.9:11).

Your swiftness, strength, resources, wisdom, or intelligence do not guarantee success or good outcomes. God is sovereign, and life has it's own rewards and consequences, so do not think that just because you are wise that you will be prosperous. Life does not always happen that way.

God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Eccl.12:14). 

Death is promised to all who are here before the Lord returns. It is certain and no man can reverse it, regardless of how they try. The Lord commands the souls of men, and He takes them when He will. For believers, their works will be tried by fire, but their is no judgment to their souls. That has been paid by Christ. For those outside of Him, they will suffer the second death. Solomon ends his book with a warning, but with a hope, as well. Fear God and reverence His word. So no matter which direction life takes you, you have God by your side.

July Quotes

Jesus is coming back for HIS church, not yours.

-Unknown

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

We are who we are, not because we are who we are, but we are who we are because we live in Christ.

-Unknown

God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.

-John Piper

God's training is for NOW, not presently. 

His purpose is for THIS MINUTE, not for something in the future. 

We have nothing to do with the afterwards of obedience; 

we get it wrong when we think of the afterwards. 

What men call training and preparation, God calls the end... 

If we realize that obedience is the end, 

then EACH MOMENT IS PRECIOUS. 

-Oswald Chambers

If you remove the snow from the hillside in the late winter, you will find sweet flowers growing there, beneath the cold drifts, unhurt by the storm and by the snowy blankets that have covered them. Just so, should we keep our hearts tender and sensitive beneath life's fiercest winter blasts, and through the longest years of suffering, and even of injustice and wrong treatment. That is true, victorious living.

-J.R. Miller

Those who worry about the loss of time entailed by such small, external acts of helpfulness are usually taking their own work too seriously. We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God, who will thwart our plans and frustrate our ways time and again, even daily, by sending people across our path with their demands and requests. 

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Cheerfully and gratefully I lay myself and all I am or own at the feet of Him who redeemed me with His precious blood, engaging to follow Him, bearing the cross He lays upon me. This is the least I can do, and I do it while my heart lies broken and bleeding at His feet. 

-Elizabeth Prentiss

Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, there a church of God exists, even if it swarms with many faults.

-John Calvin

Becoming a mentor has got to be something that comes up within you—it’s got to be God’s work. It can’t be our work because we’ll give answers that aren’t God’s answers.

-Patty Webb

In my many years of pastoring, counseling, and traveling, I’ve found an all-too-common and dangerous theme among Christians: no one lays down the law better than the one who thinks they’re keeping it themselves.

-Paul Tripp

Ah, I have kept Him waiting when I ought not, but He has waited even then. Always waiting – so patient with my foolishness, my weakness, my fear. Our fellowship is with God, and fellowship is friendship, and friendship means that partnership which, on His part, is the accommodating of His strength to my weakness. 

-G. Campbell Morgan

If He loved me yesterday, He loves me today. My unmoving mansion of rest is my blessed Lord. Even when prospects are few and hopes are squashed and joy is waning, I have lost nothing of what I have in God. He is "my refuge" to which I continually return. I am a pilgrim in the world, but at home in my God. In the earth I wander, but in God I dwell in a quiet dwelling place.

-Charles Spurgeon

Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, there a church of God exists, even if it swarms with many faults.

-John Calvin

Friendship is held to be the severest test of character. It is easy, we think, to be loyal to a family and clan, whose blood is in your own veins.

-Charles Alexander Eastman

A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes another's.

-Leo C. Rosten

Keep Yourselves from Idols

I've been reading through Deuteronomy again for the past couple days, and the passage on idolatry in chapter four stood out to me this time, and as most of us know, idolatry was an issue that the Israelites struggled with frequently. In fact, it makes up much of their history as they fell, time and time again, into worshipping other gods from other nations.

While I didn't do an extensive study of this passage, I read it in its context and mentally connected the passage to other places in Scriptural history. The reason God gave here for forbidding idolatry was interesting: You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol..." (Deut.4:15-16a, NIV). Since the Israelites had not been permitted to see a physical image of God, they were warned against creating an representative object of which to worship. Even Moses, the meekest man, had not been permitted to see God's face, and the Lord Himself had to protect Moses from seeing His glory. They did not know what the image of God looked like, save that they were created in His image, and therefore, they must not attempt to create a replica of something which they had never seen.

Not only were they not to create an idol, but they were not to make and image of any shape: not a man or woman, not an animal on earth or a bird, not like any creature that moves on the ground or a fish in the water, not a heavenly body or anything whatsoever.

The Fire that spoke from the burning bush had rescued His people from the furnace of Egypt. The One who had not revealed His face had placed His image on the faces and hearts of men. The One who commanded them to cross the Jordan would one day send His Son to "cross the Jordan" (figuratively) to redeem Israel. The Covenant-Maker commanded His covenant-breakers not to attach themselves with any other gods. The God who gathered Israel as a nation would scatter them for their rebellion. The gods who turned the peoples' hearts away would eventually be the motivator to turn their hearts back to Yahweh.

God was God then, and God is God now. The God who rescued, scattered, and redeemed His people also does the same with us today when we leave the worship of His throne and join with others to worship our own heart's desires. This passage was a reminder of that. We tend to idolize things such as people, money, or places...even things like self-pity, grief, or happiness can become places of idolatry because our hearts are bent on placing something or someone on the throne rather than Christ.

But the God who allowed circumstances to cause suffering for Israel, also waited for their repentance and never left them or forgot His covenant with them. And ultimately, He sent a Redeemer for their (and our) sake, to rescue them permanently and bring them into His eternal home. There we will see His glory face-to-face and there will be no struggle to allow Him to rule in our hearts.

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. 
(1 John 5:21, NIV)

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me

to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

it is they who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet I will be confident.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, 

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

he will lift me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up

above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

but the Lord will take me in.

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;

for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Tough Faith

I've been reading through the Psalms for the past four days, and I will finish it in three days. Spending a week in the Psalms is one of the parts of my Bible reading schedule that I look forward to the most, as they are the praises and pleadings of God's children.

One phrase from the notes from my study Bible summed up one of the themes of Psalms: Tough faith will not let go. We see examples continually of the Psalmists when they're in the deepest valleys struggling with depression, despair, and discouragement. Their fears are real, and God knows that. He doesn't condemn them for their sorrow and hurt, but rather responds to their faith that would not let go. God brings them comfort and relief in Him--not necessarily relief and comfort by removing the difficult circumstances.

One of the first examples comes in Psalm 3, when David flees from his son Absalom.

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. 

David was often in physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional trouble, and this setting is no different. Yet in the next two verses, he is instantly reminded of who God is, and he finds his salvation in God. Tough faith doesn't let go, but consciously reminds oneself of God's faithfulness. God met David where he was and provided strength even in the presence of his enemies.

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. 

Psalm 13:1-2 gives another example of David's pleas to God when he feels like he can't endure any longer:

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long mustI take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

 That's how David begins the Psalm, but because tough faith doesn't let go but rejoices in trusting God, he ends the Psalm very differently.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. 

Psalm 27 shows the contrast of fear and faith in almost each line. Tough faith takes courage in God's past, present, and future protection and rests in the knowledge of a glorious future with Christ.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? ...Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident...For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock....I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 35 is one of David's pleas to God for vindication from those who maliciously accuse him, but again David's tough faith won't let go, but chooses to rejoice in a God who will restore justice and righteousness for him.

Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft....But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth....Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! ...Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

Psalm 71 is another lament by an unknown author. Here tough faith doesn't let go, and chooses to hope in a God who has always been greater than the discouragement of fear. 

O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! May by accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. Wiht the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.

But it was from on of the Psalms written by the sons of Korah that this phrase ("tough faith will not let go") comes from. Psalm 88 describes a person who is consumed with troubles so much so that even his closest friends avoid him. This isn't a Psalm that even "ends well", but rather describes the severe sorrow, pain, and discouragement that God's people often face. But even in the suffering tough faith will not let go, but chooses to continually cry out to God for mercy, refuge, and healing. 

You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them. I am shut in so that I cannot escape; my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you. 

Even in the troubles that overwhelmed his soul, tough faith chose to relentlessly pursue God through prayer. Each day he called upon God pleading with him through the darkness for salvation. 

Tough faith never gives up. 
Tough faith never loses heart. 
Tough faith never breaks faith. 
Even in the valleys. 

September Quotes

Faith is believing you will receive mercy, while knowing you deserve justice.

-Unknown

We did not choose this battle, but it is come.

-Pendragon (the movie)

When our will goes hand in hand with God’s then are we fellow workers with him in the affairs of the universe—not mere discoverers of his ways, watching at the outskirts of things, but laborers with him at the heart of them.

-George McDonald

I have a great need for Christ: I have a great Christ for my need. 

-Charles Spurgeon

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right. 

-Martin Luther King Jr.

The path you take with your feet should never contradict the conviction of your heart.

-Joshua Harris

Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave. 

-Stonewall Jackson

...there is only one thing that can wash the blood from our hands, the blood from His. 

-R.C. Sproul Jr.

Forgiveness is the oil that keeps the machinery of the Christian home and church running smoothly. In a world where even those who have been declared perfect in Christ sin, there is much to forgive. Christians who must work together closely find themselves denting each others' fenders, now and then taking out a taillight or two, and at times even having head-on collisions. Under such conditions, forgiveness is what keeps things from breaking down completely.

-Jay Adams

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.

-Theodore Roosevelt

Christ went more willingly to the cross than we do to the throne of grace. 

-Thomas Watson

Living becomes an awesome business when you realise that you spend every moment of your life in the sight and company of an omniscient, omnipresent Creator. 

-J.I. Packer

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

The book of Nehemiah recounts the time of the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah, as cupbearer to King Artexerxes, hears of the broken wall of the Jews and prays for God's wisdom and direction.

The Babylonians and Assyrians took captive God's chosen people, but decades later King Cyrus, the Persian ruler, allowed the Israelite people to return to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding and reconstructing the temple. Ezra recounts the first return under Zerubbabel and Joshua, while the second return was led by Ezra himeself. And finally, Nehemiah leads the exiles on a third return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.

They encountered much opposition in their work--seven accounts are specifically told to us. Enduring the mocking taunts of Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, the people willing set to work in groups and families. Nehemiah leads the people, praying against the opposition and setting guards to protect against invasions.

Knowing that the God of heaven was their protection, the Israelites soon have to prepare against a potential military attack, for Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites plot together to throw the Jews into confusion and stop the reconstruction. Later Sanballat and Geshem attempt to lure Nehemiah outside of Jerusalem, but he refuses and continues on in his work, praying that God would strengthen his hands and keep the people focused. Nehemiah was later threatened with false charges and others were paid to falsely prophesy and discredit Nehemiah. We're told, too, of how Tobiah wrote letters to Nehemiah to try and frighten him.

But still the work went on, for "the people had a mind to work" and joined themselves with Nehemiah in raising the walls and defending what was rightfully theirs. God destroyed the plans of those who opposed the Israelites' work, and Nehemiah brought leadership to the people who had been in captivity for so long.

In chapter 8, the people gather together under Ezra the scribe as he reads and explains the words from the Law of Moses for at least six hours. As a scribe, Ezra had set his heart on the Word of God and sought to learn it and teach it to his people, and so, with 13 other men, he stands before the people, blessing them and worshipping the one true God with them and expounding the Scriptures to them.

The people, intensely convicted of their sins by the reading of the Word "wept as they heard the words of the Law". They understood their transgression of the law and the sin that had caused them to be taken into captivity, and they realized that God did indeed punish sin. However, Nehemiah and Ezra and the Levites comfort the people, telling them that this day was a holy day. The work on the temple had been completed through God's strength, protection, and guidance. This was a day for rejoicing. Rejoicing in a God who blessed obedience. Rejoicing in the fact that God once again preserved a remnant of His people. Rejoicing that the walls around Jerusalem were now finished. They were given a fresh start, and though God punished sin, He also blessed obedience. This is why Nehemiah said "And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." This was a time of celebration for all the goodness God had done for them, and the people were encouraged to keep the Feast of Tabernacles that had likely been neglected during captivity.

The heads of homes and families and the Levites and priests came together under Ezra to study the Law, and then joyfully enforced it throughout the land. "And there was very great rejoicing" among the people. Obedience was blessed, sin was confessed, and joy and freedom reigned once again in the hearts and homes of the people.

His World and His Word!

This week's Bible reading schedule took me through the whole book of Psalms. And while I love them all, two of my favorites would be Psalm 18 and 19. Psalm 18 describes David's love for the Lord who consistently delivers him. He speaks of God's awesome power over the earth when he cried out to the Lord, and he tells of how God has protected him and enabled him to walk in integrity.

Psalm 19 begins with a description of the Creator's creation, as well, saying that "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). While we as Christians are commanded to share the gospel with the unsaved, creation itself merely shows the God of heaven on its own. In response to the Pharisees who were criticizing Jesus followers for proclaiming His glory, Jesus responded, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." (Luke 19:40) Creation points to a Creator, and because creation is all over the world, the message is spread to all the corners of the earth. "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20) God's world since the six days of creation have shown the glory of Christ, and David often describes the majesty of the earth in his Psalm, as he did in Psalm 19:1-6. And one day our Creator will create a new heavens and a new earth where we will reign with Him and glorify Him for all of eternity.

In the rest of Psalm 19, David describes the Word of God using four different words: law, testimony, precepts, and commandment. Each of these have specific definitions and describes part of what God's Word does. As the law of God, Scripture directs, instructs, and shows us truth from error. Scripture's testimony is that which points back to the Divine Author. Precepts show us how God governs men's hearts (and all of creation), and commandments in the Word of God are divine orders that we are called to obey. The fear of the Lord imparts wisdom, and in that wisdom we realize that God's rules are righteous, just, and eternal, which leads us to desire them over any temporal, earthly thing. The Word of God also warns and directs, commanding us to deal with the sin in our life as God reveals it, so that it doesn't have dominion over us. David ends with a prayer and a plea that his words and thoughts would be pleasing to a holy Creator. Realizing that he is accountable to the One who made and sustains him, David desires that his life would be a living sacrifice to His Lord--his Rock and his Redeemer.

May we, too, be able to pray as David did, that our words and thoughts would be found to be in line with God's truth. For as our Creator, we are accoutable to Him who gives us our life. By His grace He has granted us mercy by giving us His Word, so that we might know the fear of the Lord that gives wisdom.

Bearing the Burdens of Others

This week I read the latter half of 2 Chronicles up to the end of Job. I'm actually using two different Bible reading plans right now, but the second one doesn't really count--I'm reading through all the notes in my study Bible using a 6-month reading plan. But this week both of my reading plans had something in common.

Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." We all carry our own burdens, either of difficult situations, trials and temptations, or just even the own sin in our hearts. Burdens are something we carry with us all the time, every day. They give us ample opportunities for learning endurance, patience, and forbearance. But in this verse in Galatians, it doesn't just say to carry our own burdens, but also those of fellow believers. Sometimes this means carrying the weight of another's sin and its consequences.

Hezekiah
This man began his reign over Judah after the nation had been corrupted by the ungodly leaders before him. The Bible tells us, however, that "he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done". The sin of the nation wasn't directly Hezekiah's fault, yet he took on the responsibility of it and commanded the people to reform their land. He reminded them that the wrath of the Lord was on them (and him) because of their wicked forefathers. "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, in order that his fierce anger may turn away from us" (2 Chronicles 29:10). He was willing to take on the consequences of the people's sin and begin the process of repentance with them. He commanded the priests to sacrifice, and he led the Israelites in consecrated worship to the Lord. He gathered Judah and those who would come from Israel to once again celebrate the Passover, and Hezekiah prayed for them all. "And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people" (2 Chronicles 30:20)

Josiah
He was the third king after Hezekiah, and because the people had turned away from the Lord again, Josiah had a similar task to Hezekiah. After Hilkiah find the Book of the Law of the Lord in the temple, Josiah has it read to him. And then he realizes even more the great sin of the people in forsaking God. God reveals to Josiah through a prophetess that great destruction will come because of the people's disobedience, and only because of Josiah's humility before the Lord would he be spared the sight of this destruction of the land. Josiah takes on the results of sin and brings the people to repentance by reading the Book of the Law to them. "And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book" (2 Chronicles 34:31). Josiah saw relative peace while he reigned, and he died before Jerusalem was captured, burned, and her people exiled.

Ezra
After King Cyrus allowed the deported Jews to return to Jerusalem, many exiles returned to their homeland. Under Ezra's leadership the people fast and pray, and begin the reconstruction of their land. Ezra soon finds out that the Jews have once again intermarried with the pagan nations around them, breaking the commands of God and bringing judgment if they did not repent. Ezra identifies himself with the sin of the people and is struck with grief at their sin. He prays to the Lord admitting the guilt of the people and recognizing that they deserved judgment. "O Lord, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this" (Ezra 9:15). Ezra prays and makes confession, interceding for the people and taking on the weight of their sin, and the people responded in humility, separating themselves from the pagan foreigners.

Job
Perhaps this scene from Job is one we don't remember often. After all of Job's "friends" have given their "advice", the Lord answers Job and silences Job's questions, showing His infinite power even in the midst of suffering. He calls Job to trust Him even when he doesn't know the reason for his trials. And in his humility he acknowledges the greatness, majesty, and sovereignty of God in his life. God then turns his anger on Job's friends for their misrepresentation of Job's character and God's character. And though Job has suffered much mentally from these three men, he obeys the Lord and prays for them, interceding for them on behalf of their sin. "...and the Lord accepted Job's prayer" (Job 42:9).

Jeremiah
Knowing as the "weeping prophet", this man was sent to proclaim God's judgment on Judah. And though the nations sin was not his, he lives his life in humility and identifies himself with the sinners. In Jeremiah 10:24, he asks the Lord to bring correction and justice on himself and on the people for their sin. He places himself as one of the Israelites and takes on their sin, pleading with the Lord for mercy.

Moses
Though not in my week's reading, this man serves as another example of bearing the burden of another's sin. After Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the 10 Commandments, he was greeted with the noise of the people worshipping and dancing around the golden calf that had apparently just appeared out of the fire (as Aaron intelligently reported). Moses metes out judgment on the people when he commands the Levites to destroy those who had turned from the Lord, and the next day day Moses says to the people "You have sinned a great sin, And now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin" (Exodus 32:31). Realizing the folly of the Israelites and the greatness of their sin he pleads for forgiveness from God for this rebellious group. "But now, if you will forgive their sin--but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written" (Exodus 32:33). Moses' desire for the people's forgiveness is so great that he places the sin on himself, and says that if God could not spare them in His justice, he will be willing to end up in the darkness of eternity if only the Israelites would be spared!


These men willingly took on the sins of others in order to bring mercy on others, but yet see justice done to sin. But they were not faultless men themselves, and though many times they did bear the burden of sin that was not theirs, they only represented a Greater Intercessor who was to come. In order to perfectly fulfill justice for sin and give grace to the wrongdoer, a perfect atonement was needed, and that was only found in the sinless priesthood Christ. Only the One who came willingly in the faultless image of God could bear the sins of the world and, at the same time, bring judgment and grace.

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

(Isaiah 53:11-12)

Sometimes we, too, are called to wrestle with the sins of others and to bear its consequences, not because we're perfect, but because the body of Christ works to bear the burdens of others. We're to help the weak, encourage our fellow soldiers, and admonish the sinning. "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak" (Romans 15:1), and this should be done with the knowledge that others are bearing our own weaknesses, as well. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, KJV). 

Laws for a Lawless People

I covered Genesis 29-Numbers 8 in this week's reading. It was interesting to again read all the "rules" God laid out for His people. God didn't institute laws and commands for other people like He did for the nation of Israel. You come to the end of reading Exodus and Leviticus and you wonder if the Israelites had any time to "just live" with all the laws about restitution, slaves, social justice, Sabbath practices, feasts and fesitivals, temple building, endless sacrifices (I always wondered how they didn't run out of bulls, sheep, goats, and oxen!), offerings, clean and unclean animals, purification, sickness, atonement, relationships, diets, property, redemption, and numerous other categories.

Some of the first listed commands God gave His people was the night of the first Passover. He instructed them carefully on how to prepare the lamb and other food, and how to put the blood of the Lamb on the sides and top of the door if they wanted their firstborn spared from death. The Israelites obeyed these commands and their children were spared. But even though they saw the rewards of obedience many times, they also later found out the consequences of disobedience, for time and time again they turned from serving God to worship other gods.Yet, God chose them, an unruly people, and gave them His rules. He knew they couldn't keep them, but that showed them their dependency on God and paved the way for a needed Savior.

And in the middle of all the rules, you see the words "I am the LORD" or "because I am holy". The rules were given, not to hem them in unnecessarily, but to show the nation of Israel that they were set apart from the rest of the nations. They were called to be holy, as God was holy, because He chose them. Because He made them in the image of Himself. And though they defaced that image repeatedly, grace did come. The law showed them that they deserved to die--they could not keep the law even though their life depended on it. They were dead in their sin, but they had faith in God and looked for the day when the promise of their Savior would come. And He did, but not in their time.

The law was good, for it showed sin, but when Christ came, He fulfilled the law. That is why today we live under grace. Not grace to sin, but grace to become holy. That is why we're free from sin and death. That's where there is no condemnation. We've been released from the law, to live under grace. Grace binds us to a merciful God, not permitting sin, but destroying it, and holding us captive to the One who rescued us. We couldn't keep the law any more than the Israelites could, but we have a Mediator and a Savior who could and did. And He provided the life we needed to conquer the death of sin and be holy as He is holy.

Free from the law—oh, happy condition!

Jesus hath bled, and there is remission;

Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,

Christ hath redeemed us once for all.

Children of God—oh, glorious calling,

Surely His grace will keep us from falling;

Passing from death to life at His call,

Blessed salvation once for all.

But now are we released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

(Romans 7:6)

His New Year!

Well, here it is again. Another 365 days (363 now) laid out before us. And January 2015 also ushers in the third anniversary of Facing the Waves. Thank you to all who have made this journey and these posts possible. Knowing my audience and reading comments has served as a means of encouragement each week. :)

In the last several hours of 2013 I posted on one my social networking sites some of the goals I intended to accomplish during 2014. I didn't refer to those goals very frequently througout the year, but I was surprised to see that I had actually accomplished many of them by the end of 2014. I did actually earn 24 more credits. I did attend the annual Christian Heritage homeschool conference in April. I did continue to teach Sunday school, and I did read more books (42, to be exact). I did pass my music harmony exam and my New Drivers' road test. I had seven harp jobs, and I started blogging on a weekly basis. Unfortuntately, there were several major goals I did not accomplish, which were all very disappointing. I did, however, participate in things like my sisters's graduation, a church wedding, my dog's puppies, weekly Bible studies, college assignments, music practice and private lessons, hosting friends, making meals, volunteering for a seamstress, housesitting, and dogsitting.

The very last goal I listed was something that encompassed each and every one of my previous goals, and it was to do as King Hezekiah did in this passage...

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God. Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:20-21)

Hezekiah didn't just randomly decide to do what was good, right, and true in the eyes of the Lord. He was in the position to lead the Lord's people, and he had to make a conscious decision to seek God. The Israel nation was full of people who had turned from Him, who had had false places of worship erected, and who had had previous kings whose hearts were wicked in the sight of God. Hezekiah had an ungodly father, so he wouldn't have even had a godly upbringing from his own parent. And so he is now king over an ungodly nation, and he has most certainly learned first-hand that people do not naturally seek after the Lord.

A king over the Southern kingdom at age 25, Hezekiah does not procrastinate. He repairs the temple and he calls the entire nation (Northern and Southern) to worship the Lord and observe the Passover. Some laughed and mocked the new king after the couriers had delivered the messages. Hezekiah found that though he heard and responded to the challenge to seek the Lord, not everybody else was going to back him up. Leadership is often a lonely position; those you lead or influence may scorn your ideas and convictions. Be willing to be put in a place where you are the object of other people's mocking. Be willing to go "outside the camp and bear the reproach" for God's sake (Hebrews 13:13).

But some didn't laugh. 2 Chronicles 30:11 said that some of the people humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. They had set their heart and mind to seek the Lord their God (1 Chronicles 22:19a). Seeking the Lord is a conscious decision and it's foundation is prayer. When King Hezekiah determined to seek the Lord early in his days, that's when his life produced that which was good, right, and true before the Lord, and that's why he prospered. He wasn't a perfect man, but his life demonstrated his heart's desire. When we pray, we acknowledge our dependence on God. People often pray when they need something. The Lord's leaders prayed especially when they were completely helpless or surrounded by enemies. We seek the Lord in prayer when we realize who we are and who we are not. And we should be afraid to take one step without the Lord leading our lives. Hezekiah sought the Lord, he prospered, and he brought about a spiritual revival in Israel.

Yet, seeking the Lord doesn't mean we won't have troubling or threatening circumstances. The righteous kings of Israel rooted out the evil, but that was not without difficulty. But those who humbled themselves and prayed, those who heeded the warnings of God, and those who followed His words were blessed. Hezekiah cried out to the Lord and was delivered when Sennacherib threatened his nation. Job was a godly man, yet his life was not free of turmoil and fear. Josiah was a righteous king, and though the Lord promised that he should not see the destruction of the land, He promised that it would surely come later. God never promised a life free of storms, but He did give us a Rock to cling to while we face the waves. He offers the freedom of peace through the difficulties, and He promises that though we may not understand, each joy and each trial will ultimately bring about glory to His name and growth in our spiritual walk.

And so, I learned that this year in my own limited way. Learning that seeking God is a conscious decision; that seeking God doesn't remove challenges, but provides a training ground for spiritual maturity; and that seeking God means constant communion with Him in prayer. And I had ample opportunities to put those things into practice this year.

Don't excuse your imperfections. Plead with God to save your from yourself. Prepare your heart to seek the Lord. And recognize that obstacles and distractions will come. But those who seek the Lord with all their heart will be found of Him, and their life will yield that which is good, right, and true.

Psalm 107 recounts the grace and mercy the Lord provided to His children...

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. 
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
(Psalm 107:28-31)

Perhaps 2014 was a good year for you, or perhaps it was a hard year. Likely, it was a bit of both. But God was, is, and always will be in control. There is much hope when walking into an unknown future with a omnipotent, loving, and merciful Savior. And just as He prospered Hezekiah when he sought the Lord, so, too, will he bless those who remain faithful to His Word.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near...

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sowerand bread to the eater,

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accmoplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace.

(Isaiah 55:6, 8-12a)

I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my guide.

~Martin Luther

When the Light of the world is walking before you and beside you, the darkness of the unknown path must flee, for Light is the absence of darkness. The Prince of Darkness is overthrown when the Light of the World is your shield. May His Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path as we tread the path of this next year.

Praise the Lord for what He has done in 2014, what He is doing today, and what He will do in 2015!

God bless you all. Happy New Year!

**Notes taken from the sermon series Hearts Prepared to Seek the Lord (Part One, Part Two) by Pastor Paul Johnson.
**Check out the new blog design, and tell me what you think! Suggestions are welcome! Also, all my previous puppy updates from the summer have been archived to the "My Puppies" page underneath the blog title. 

His Intercession!

Wherefore he is able also 

to save them to the uttermost 

that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth 

to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

Do you ever think about the fact that Jesus prays for you? We often think about prayer as our talking to God--and rightly so--but Jesus also pleads before the throne of grace for us. He lives to make intercession for His chosen ones. He can save us because He died for us, and is now able to represent us perfectly and completely before a holy and just God. He died to bury our sins, but He lives to intercede for our lives. 

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27) An all-knowing Savior not only knows exactly how to pray for us, but He also knows the mind, Spirit, and will of God. He prays with that knowledge. Knowing that God's purposes are sovereign, and that everything He does or says will be accomplished regardless of man's desires. Yet, the One who searches the human heart still stands before that Throne and begs for mercy and grace on our behalf. 

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

The blood of the One who bought us--the sacrifice Who paid for our sinful lives--takes the likeness of a man on Himself, but His holiness is what permits Him entrance into the holy place. For God cannot turn away a perfect Ransom. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1b-2)

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry.
"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry.
"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

He is the remover of the Father's righteous wrath. He is the One and only atonement for sin. He is our High Priest--the One who dares to freely enter the Holy of Holies and look upon the face of God. He is the presence of the sinner but the flawless Christ. He is the Son of Man, yet the Son of God.

And He prays for us. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:34) Yes, our sins condemn us, but it is the risen Christ who intercedes for us. He not only sits in glory and majesty at the right hand of the Father in equality with Him, but He also took on the form of a servant and the fashion of mankind in order that He might pray for us.

So when your spiritual life appears to be fading, when your prayers don't seem to be reaching the heavens, when your questions outnumber your answers, and when your faith simply collapses--remember. Remember that Christ is already praying for you. Remember that He constantly stands before the Father, pleading for mercy for you. Remember Who He is and what He has done and is doing for you. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of  the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24) Our imperfect prayers reach the King of Kings as perfect, because of our Intercessor. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Therefore, the Holy of Holies, the sacred dwelling place of God, is open to us. He invites us to enter with our imperfection, because the Ransom who stands in our place has made us perfect in His sight. For all of time and eternity.

Jesus says, I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. and all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, ever as we are one: I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that teh world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:9-10, 17, 22-23)

So then, Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have no an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And "Father, Abba, Father," cry. *

*Hymn lyrics by Charles Wesley.

The Fig Tree

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; 

the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; 

the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls. 

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 

The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, 

and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

No blossoms on the tree. No grapes on the green vines. The olive crop fails, and the herds die. The sheep are scattered, and the stalls are empty. Emptiness, failure, and fruitlessness. A situation like this for a farmer would be grave indeed. Lack of produce, crops, and herds would lead to financial, physical, and mental stress. 

Surely it is the same with our lives. We feel, at times, the emptiness of our hearts, the failure of our strength, and the fruitlessness of our own efforts. The temptation to "just give up" plays with our will to keep going. To keep going amid the darkness, confusion, and failure. The sin that we know exists within our own heart seems too great to be conquered. 

But that's because we are just surviving on our own mental resources, will power, and strength. Our bodies and minds are finite; there is a point, when we have to stop, because we physically can't keep going any more. We can't produce any more, give out anything, or fill our beings. We're just done. 

And that's where Habakkuk found himself, too. He wrote during a time of judgment on the Israelites. A time of wickedness, fear, and calamity. A time when no hope was in view.  And so, he turns to the Lord, questioning the unholiness and ruin around him. In answer, Habakkuk is reminded of the Lord's power, holiness, and judgment, and in his fear and grief, he rejoices. 

Although...

The fig tree does not blossom. 
The vines produce no fruit. 
The labor of the olive plant fails. 
The fields yield no meat. 
The flock is separated from the fold.
The herds are not in the stalls. 

And yet...

He rejoices. 

He rejoices in a good God. He rejoices in a God who provided salvation once and for all. He rejoices in the joy of the Lord, for it is his strength. He rejoices in a God who uses weakness to show His strength. He rejoices in a God who "works through the most imperfect circumstances, and turns them into [Habakkuk's] good, and His glory". He rejoices not only in a God who chastises, but also in a God whose mercies are new every morning. 

And so can we. We serve the same God Habakkuk served. He has not changed, for He is the same "yesterday, today, and forever". His "faithfulness reaches the skies", and He's promised that our sins are as far removed as east is from west. Though He may afflict, He does not do so willingly, and though "weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning". He goes before us in all our ways, and He is with us. He has never failed any one of His chosen, and "this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." 

Though vine nor fig tree neither

Their wonted fruit should bear,

Though all the field should wither,

Nor flocks nor herd be there,

Yet God the same abiding,

His praise shall tune my voice;

For while in Him confiding,

I cannot but rejoice.

In this Habakkuk rejoiced. Will you, too, learn to rejoice in the midst of fear, pain, and confusion? If He never gives you in your lifetime what you desire most, will you still rejoice in His loving kindness? Habakkuk did. 

Psalm 30

I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.

What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

I Will Rejoice

Blessings,
Kaleigh

His Joy!

Rejoice evermore.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 

Two simple words. Yet the weight of that command carries further than outward actions. 

For those of you who know me fairly well, you may think it ironic that one of my favorite books of the Bible is Philippians. For my readers who don't know me as well, Philippians is a book about joy, but my personality tends to run Pessimistic Sarcasm by default. In other words, a joyful life is one that requires work for me. 

I wrote a post entitled "His Joy" last year, but it didn't reach the depths that I wanted it, too. I have also been reading through a book entitled With the Master: In Fullness of Joy (Susan J. Heck) which is a Bible study on the book of Philippians. Combine that with receiving John Piper's devotional on joy this morning, as well as deciding to submit something for the next issue of a girls' newsletter (the topic just "happened" to be joy), and then reading about joy in my personal devotions this morning.  

So, in light of all that, here it is.

Paul speaks a lot about joy. As a man who endured great persecution, he is continually encouraging others to find their joy in the Lord, in other believers, and in their salvation.

Paul found his joy in the Lord.
He couldn't base it on his circumstances because they were constantly changing. Imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, wayward churches and "believers", and false teachers provided Paul with more than enough hardships to complain about. Yet, he didn't. In 2 Corinthians 7:4 he says "I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation". Paul knew where to find his joy, and because he clung to the steadfast joy of the Lord, he was able to say, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." We have the hope of a Savior who is sovereign, and not only do we have that hope, but along with that God provides joy when we believe and trust in His will. "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13) God fills us with joy! We can't outwardly express joy every single minute, because some of our circumstances are truly not joyful. But that is not what determines what we feel like. The only way to be genuinely joyful is to allow Christ's joy and peace to reign in our hearts. Jesus said to His disciples "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full". (John 15:11) It is the commands of Christ and the comforts of the Spirit that will fill us with joy.

Paul found his joy in other believers.
"Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all." (2 Corinthians 7:13) There should be (and often is) joy among fellow believers. We share the same faith; we encourage one another in our walks with the Lord; we rejoice with those who rejoice. Titus' "spirit was refreshed" and that caused joy for Paul and many other fellow believers. Joy is contagious; often it's a domino effect. You can't help but pick up the joyfulness of someone when they are happy. And that's a good thing. Paul also had joy in other believers because he had confidence in them. "I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things." (2 Corinthians 7:16) Paul was joyful when lifting up fellow believers from Philippi in prayer. He greatly longed to be with them in person, but his joy stemmed from pleading for them before the throne of God. "Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy." (Philippians 1:4) He knew that his and their joy would once again be fulfilled when they could fellowship in person again. "And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again." (Philippians 1:25-26)

Paul found joy in his salvation.
It was from Paul's deep faith in Christ, that his joy increased. "...but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (Romans 5:11) If Christ had not provided a way of salvation, then our happiness in this world would be painfully temporary. While the happiness in this life is still short-lived, we have an ever-abiding joy because of the cross. The Man of Sorrows, the one who endured the excruciating death of the cross, bore the shame of the world with joy! And He it is who is the author and finisher of our faith. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Paul found joy in seeing the steadfast faith of the Colossian believers: "...I [am] with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ." (Colossians 2:5) Watching others--maybe even people you've discipled--increase in their faith and grow in their stedfastness in the Lord is truly a joy. And you rejoice with them, because, as Matthew Henry states, "For by faith we stand firmly, and live safely and comfortable. Our strength and ability are owning to faith, and our comfort and joy must flow from faith". When you see others standing firmly for the Lord it provides great joy for the people around them. David, in his Psalm of repentance, prayed "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation..." (Psalm 51:12). Salvation carries with it the joy of forgiveness--nothing held against you in spite of continual failures. The grace and mercy freely given to us provides us with a restored vision and a humble spirit to continually press onward.

And then in conclusion, Paul commands the Thessalonian believers to "rejoice evermore". Not just through wonderful circumstances; not just on a cheerful Sunday morning; not just when the depth of salvation is so real. No, he says "evermore". Always. Continually. Never-ending. The joy of the Lord is our strength. His joy and strength never fails, and the Author and Finisher of our faith has no end, either.

Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

When we come boldly to the throne of grace, there...only there, will we find that in His presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

Striving to please Him,
Kaleigh