Scripture – Micah 5:4-5a “And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God, and they shall abide for He shall be great to the ends of the earth. And this One shall be peace.”

Observation – This is a prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. He has made a stand and does feed His flock with the strength of God. His flock shall and does abide (John 15) with Him forever. He is known and is great to the ends of the earth. Multiplies millions throughout the earth know His name. Many have and do speak of bringing peace, but He is the only one who shall bring peace because He is Peace.

 Application – We can trust God’s word. It shall come to pass. As many words were fulfilled regarding Christ first coming and we can be just as sure at He shall fulfil every word of prophecy concerning His final coming. We can also be confident that He is our Shepherd and feed us with His strength and that we shall abide with Him forever. He saves to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25) and He lives forever to make intercession for us.

 Prayer – Lord, thank You for being my always faithful, life giving, abiding Shepherd. Only You bring the peace that passes understanding. I shall abide in You and Your words shall abide in Me. I am saved to the uttermost and shall be with the Lord forever. I am indeed very blessed. You are my peace!

Scripture – Hebrews 6:12 “That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

 Observation – We are being exhorted to continue on in faith with a full assurance of hope until the end. Obviously some who ‘had tasted the heavenly gift…’ had fallen away from the faith.

There is a danger that when we grow lazy, we can open a door to unbelief. There can be a long time between the receiving of the promise and inheritance or ‘actual’ fulfilment of the promise. Abraham is a good example of someone who needed faith and patience before the promise came. His example in Romans 4:17-25 is a good one. “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but strengthened himself in faith, giving glory to God.”

 Application – Abraham becomes our mentor when it comes to inheriting the promises through faith and patience. We need to stop looking at our natural feelings and circumstances but be proactive in giving thanks for the promise and ‘seeing’ it by faith. Just because we haven’t seen it yet in the natural realm doesn’t mean we haven’t got it in the spiritual realm.

 Prayer – Lord, I want to thank You for Abraham and his example. I will continue to thank You for all the promises that You have made and that are mine in Christ Jesus. Some I won’t see until the end but I believe in them. They are certain. Help me to continue in faith and patience to receive all Jesus died and rose to give us.

Scripture

Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seeing then that we have a High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the thrown of grace, that we may obtain mercy and grace to help us in time of need.”

 Observation

Jesus understands. He is a wonderful High Priest who is touched with our weakness. He has been on earth and suffered the attack of the enemy.

Two things we are exhorted to do:

1. Hold fast our confession.
2. Come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.

Application – Our confession of faith, that we should hold fast to, is a confession that Jesus is our High Priest, that He has provided a rest and that He has opened the way to the throne of grace in heaven.

This confession helps to build the faith that gives us the confidence to go boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and grace in time of need.

Sometimes when in the very difficult times we need a simple formula to help us. As we keep it simple and hold fast to that which is true we can have confidence that something good will happen.

Prayer – Lord, right now I need this to be the reality in my life. I do confess that You are my High Priest and that you have done the work and I can enter in the Rest and I can find grace to help me in this time of need.

Scripture – Jude 1:19 “There are sensual persons who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.”

 Observation – One of the characteristics of sensual people is that they cause divisions. This is closely connected to them not having the Spirit, who is the unifier and maintainer of unity. It is not unusual to see people who ought to be demonstrating unity in the midst of their differences, actually causing divisions. In spite of their protestation one can easily see that they are not being influenced by the Holy Spirit. Their own selfishness and sensuality exposes that it is the flesh and not the Spirit.

 Application – When discord, division and dissention are coming to the surface it is not the Holy Spirit. Love, unity and longsuffering will always accompany His presence.

I not only want to be known for being filled by the Spirit because of the gifts being used, but also to be so filled and influenced by the Spirit that the fruit of the Spirit is obvious to all.

 Prayer – Lord, I give the Spirit full control. This life is too difficult to walk according to flesh. I must be a person who walks according to the Spirit. Help me to be aware of His prompting and stirrings. Holy Spirit fill me, lead me and help me to be a person who causes unity and one accord among the Christians.

 Our Armour and Our Weapons                          Part 3 – Gospel of Peace

Standing in Peace

Ephesians 6:15 “…your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…”

Last time we looked at the “breastplate of righteousness” The breastplate of righteousness protects our vital organs and especially our heart. Wounded, guilt-ridden, condemned hearts cause many would-be champions to retreat from the battle. Knowing we have “right-standing with God” enables us to have confidence in our relationship with God and therefore confidence when confronting the enemy.

Today we look at the sandals Roman soldiers wore. These had cleats on the bottom of them. Those cleats were to dig in and stand in the face of battle. We don’t want to be a “push-over”. In the midst of the battle we need stand strong.

What is meant by “the preparation of the gospel of peace”?

“Preparation” is the Greek word that refers to the basis of something, the foundation of something and the firm footing of something.

“Gospel of peace” is the good news that Christ has made peace between God and man. “Peace” is a condition of freedom from disturbance. It is the gospel of “shalom” which implies health, well-being, and prosperity. It is the gospel of “reconciliation” which means it brings together those who were previously separated.

In the Amplified Bible we read, “And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

Putting it all together we are given a picture of a person who is at peace with God, others and himself. Such people will be able to go into battle to preach the gospel, heal the sick and help others in need because they are not self-centred, anxious or worried about themselves and their relationships with others. Such a person is not easily toppled by offence, criticism or accusation. Whenever we go into any situation with a lack of peace in our heart we are susceptible to stumbling.

Because of the Gospel of peace we can be at peace and let others know that they can also live with peace in their heart.

Through Christ I have peace with God and His peace dwells in me!

 Unite My Heart                             

Scripture – Psalm 86:11 “Teach me Your way, O Lord, I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear You.”

Observation – David’s great desire is to walk in God’s ways. There are many ‘ways’ but unless they are God’s ways they lead to trouble and destruction. David is aware that it is very easy to end up with a divided heart – the influence of the world can be strong. A divided heart is unstable. A united heart – one that is single and fully devoted to the Lord is stable and sound and keeps us in the fear of the Lord.

Application – My prayer; my desire is to walk in God’s way s and His truth. Like Paul I can pray this prayer because I am aware of the temptation and philosophies of this world. I need to pray for a united/single heart. I need His grace to do what I need to do. While it is my responsibility I can still ask for Him to help me. In fact my own efforts in my own strength will fail.

Prayer – Lord teach me Your ways. Show me how to live successfully as a man of God in this world. It can be confusing at times. Unite my heart so I am single minded and single hearted.

I really want to walk in the truth – not in my own imagination. Lord settle my mind and reveal Your ways I pray.

Scripture – 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”

 Observation – Paul is about to “depart” this world, but knows he has fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. It has been a fight against much opposition for many years. Satan has been after him, people have left him and it has not been easy. Yet he has done this with great faith and faithfulness.

 Application – This is every committed Christian’s dream – to have fought a good fight; finished the race and kept the faith. What awaits Paul and all who love the Lord’s appearing is a crown of righteousness.

This is a strong encouragement for us to keep in going with the Lord in spite of the many difficulties that we face. Circumstances were certainly bad through much of Paul’s ministry but he had learned how to walk with the Lord through it all.

Like Paul, I certainly need an abundance of God’s grace to live this Christian life. Thank God He has provided it. I can’t think of anything worse than to fail towards the end and not finish the race. Towards the end many do appear to ‘drop the ball’ in one way or another. It does not necessarily mean they don’t make it to heaven; it just means that they could have left having completed their life’s calling.

Prayer – Lord I ask for an extra input of grace to enable me to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. I know I will continue to believe in you all the way through, however I would love to fulfil your purpose and plans for my life. Thank You for GRACE.

26/6/09   Be Strong in Grace                                 

 Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:1 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is Christ Jesus.”

 Observation – Paul is exhorting Timothy to be strong in the favour and empowerment that is in Christ Jesus. This could refer to the grace that Jesus had or it could refer to the grace that is ours ‘in Christ Jesus’. The second is more likely.

Grace gives the idea of being a gift of God’s goodness, not something we earn by our efforts. Timothy is therefore being encouraged to recognise and believe in and live out of the truth that he has an abundance of grace to live the Christian life because he is in Christ.

 Application – I need to meditate upon the grace of God that is mine in Christ. As I do this and receive a greater and greater revelation of grace I undoubtedly will be able to reign in life to a greater measure. I need to realise that grace – God’s free unmerited favour and ability – will strengthen me. I can then be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

 Prayer – Lord, thank You so much for Your free unmerited favour and strength. There is therefore now no condemnation to me. I ask You to help me live free of guilt and shame and doubt. I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

I am more blessed and freer than I know.

Thank You for placing me into Your body. Revelation Lord – more revelation.

25/6/09           Stir Up the Gift Within          

 Scripture – 2 Timothy 1:6-7 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

 Observation – Paul is exhorting Timothy to stir up the gift of God. Is this a specific gift corrected to Timothy’s ministry or is it the gift of the Holy Spirit? Timothy may have been struggling with fear and Paul is reminding him that the Spirit is certainly not a spirit of fear! He is a Spirit of love, power and a sound mind. One must ask how do we stir up the gift within us. Maybe it is bringing it to remembrance. Maybe it is rejecting and casting down thoughts that are contrary to the Spirit – such as fear, doubt, anxiety and unbelief. Maybe it is declaring who we are in Christ - who God says we are and confessing the gifting and callings God has given us. Maybe it is speaking the truth about the Spirit in us, rather than concentration on the flesh and what are mind tells us, or the accuser tells us.

 Application – I will stir up to remembrance who I am in Christ and who I am after the Spirit. I will confess that I have the Spirit of power, love and a sound mind. I will remember the words that have been spoken over me – concerning my calling and my favour with God and man.

I will cast down all the accusing thoughts of the enemy.

Prayer – Lord, I am called by You and have received You. I have a very bold, positive, friendly, positive sound-minded spirit who has been indwelt by You!

 Many people find it difficult to forgive. This is often because they do not understand what forgiveness is and how it is applied.

 Forgiveness is a decision we make to release a person from our condemnation and judgment.

Forgiveness is full of grace (unmerited favour) because it is giving someone something they do not deserve.

Forgiveness is full of mercy because it is deciding not to give something they do deserve.

We are the recipients of God’s grace and mercy.

 Our willingness to forgive should not be dependent on how people respond to us. They may continue to be nasty and not give any evidence of being sorry for their actions.

 Extending grace and forgiveness sets us free. When we forgive, we no longer need to spend precious emotional energy thinking about the day oppressors will get what they deserve. Forgiveness lifts a weight from my shoulders and places on God’s shoulders.

 Actually He is the only one who understands the thoughts and intents and motives of a person’s heart and therefore is the only one who can judge fairly.

 People who wait for the person who has wronged them to repent or be sorry before they forgive them can spend their life in captivity to unforgiveness, resentment and bitterness.

 There are many very unjust things done in our world. When we can forgive those who refuse to listen to God’s command to do justice, it can allow them to hear God’s judgment without feeling a personal judgment from us. Forgiveness is releasing a person from our own personal judgment.

 “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)