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Tag: hope (Page 1 of 3)
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(Original radio broadcast from May 8, 1998)
Today we would like to discuss the singlemost important issue in your life and mine! Does this arouse your curiosity? Should any ordinary man make such bold statement? We would like to invite you to stay tuned, and answer this question for yourself!
It is becoming increasingly evident that we are heading into a time of great expansion for the Kingdom of God. Pressures from every side are moving against the people of God, and these pressures must of necessity force us out of our comfort zones. Passivity and complacency have captivated us for much too long, while our enemy has continued to thrive in this earth.
Our Great Commander and Chief is presently mobilizing His forces. The question we must ask ourselves today is, will we be in that number?
No effort will be made here to incite fear into your hearts, and none will be necessary. Many of you are already overcome with fear for the days that are upon us, but our only purpose is to instill hope! Our hope is found in only one place and one person. That person is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!
The crucial question of this hour is not if you should move into the country and hoard provisions, or invest your money in the gold market. If the Spirit of the Lord directs you to do certain things, by all means obey Him! But as I listen and observe the conversations of my fellow Christians, and even my own words, I am forced to ask this haunting question: Where do you and I stand in our relationship with Jesus Christ!
Many of us have been walking with the Lord for years and yet finding ourselves being shaken by daily events. We then begin to look to Christian leaders in church, and on the radio and TV, and these in turn point to specialists of every field. There are Christian psychologist, and counselors, doctors and scientists, all of whom have much wisdom and insight to offer us. But there is also the great danger of our ever learning, while never coming to the full knowledge of the Truth!
But what is the Truth? The question should rather be: Who is the Truth? Bible believing Christians have within their grasp the one greatest resource that has ever been given to mankind, but how we fail to avail ourselves of it! We have the most awesome and marvelous privilege of KNOWING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST intimately, but who has the time for that?
There are so many important projects to be involved in and works to accomplish! There are so many things to possess and pleasures to experience! There are so many problems to solve and answers to be sought! Who has the time to SEEK THE LORD?
Brothers and sisters, the present time, and every time, will always be the proper time to seek the Lord! Are any of us so familiar, so spiritually mature that we have actually outgrown our need to maintain an intimate relationship with Him? And what are we actually talking about, but finding our pleasure in and actually giving pleasure to the most awesome being in the universe! He is our Creator and Lord! He is our friend and lover! He has redeemed us from the curse, and brought us forth from the graveyard of fallen humanity! Why should we NOT desire Him! Why should we fail to seek Him first above all things — the One from Whom we draw our very breath and life?
May the Lord Jesus Christ use this entire broadcast today to draw us near unto Him! May we all receive a fresh revelation of His glory, which will fill us with an all-consuming desire and passion for Him!
If you are finding it difficult to love others — seek Him. If you are reluctant to give and sacrifice for His Kingdom — seek Him. If you lack the energy to even perform the simple and normal duties of life — seek Him!
If you are having trouble paying your bills — seek Him. If your children are giving you problems — seek Him. If your marriage is in danger — seek the Lord!
How can I suggest this course of action? Because I have found myself in each one of these situations, and have consistently proven by the Word of God that He is a rewarder of them that believe that HE IS, and who diligently SEEK HIM!
Be advised that we are not counseling anyone to seek rewards! We are exhorting one another to SEEK the Lord! In Him we find our purpose in life, as well as the means to succeed in that purpose. Any other goal or venture is vain — absolutely worthless, and not worth the waste of your time or God’s time in prayer for!
As in any relationship, our intimacy with Christ is progressive. There may be certain aspects of His Life and Nature that we have already fully experienced in our walk, but we must never settle down right there. One of the greatest testimonies of all time is found in the life of Paul and in his letter to the Philippians:
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:7-14).
We would do well to adopt the attitude of the great apostle, Paul. With all the revelation he possessed, the mighty miracles he performed, and the countless souls he won to the Lord, the fire of his passion was not quenched! He knew there was even more of the Lord Jesus Christ to know! From the pain of His sufferings, to the joy of seeing His children walk in Truth! All of it was real, for Christ is ever real and alive unto us, and the challenge to live as He Lived remains ever before us!
We too must press towards the mark for the prize of the High calling of God in Christ Jesus! We too must hunger and thirst for His resurrection life above all things! Knowing that eventually every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, our greatest desire is to know His Lordship in our lives today!
There is a freedom from fear and anxiety for one who knows the Lord. But there is a need for instruction in this area. Far too many understand Christianity as a list of do’s and don’t’s, or as a constant pursuit of Biblical knowledge. More of us need to understand how to correctly use the scriptures as a means for our spiritual growth. Jesus confronted some Bible scholars of His day for knowing the scriptures, but not realizing that they spoke of Him. We have a tendency to pick and choose the Scriptures that reinforce our own ideas and beliefs, but wholesome teaching involves the whole counsel of God. And Satan would love to keep our thoughts focused on theology, rather than our relationship with the Living Christ!
Man is not to live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the Mouth of God. As sincere babes, we are to desire the milk of the Word, which feeds our inner man. As we grow in thought and practice, the meat of the Word becomes palatable unto us. In this we obtain the strength to perform the duties of a mature son in his Father’s House.
Before we close this teaching, we hope to leave you with both the desire for a deeper walk with Christ, and some direction that will aid you in your pursuit of Him.
First of all, you must know that it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. This whole plan was His idea! He gave Himself to reconcile you unto Him! Therefore we must understand that He is ready and willing for you to know Him experientially. He is actively drawing you into Himself at this very moment!
He has given us the Scriptures, the Gospel, His servants and the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us into completeness in Him! We even have an open line of communication unto Him in our prayers! Christ has torn away the veil, that we may boldly come before the throne of Grace!
All of these gifts must be received by us.
James 1:21-22: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
There is no doubt that the Scriptures can be intimidating and challenging unto us, both mentally and spiritually. But that is not our concern. When we spend time in study and meditation on the Scriptures, our attitude is one of meekness and receptiveness. When we meet with the hard sayings, and difficult challenges, we must continue to receive with meekness the ENGRAFTED WORD. You see, this is how we become doers of the Word! The Word of God becomes a part of us — whether we mentally understand it our not!
The Scriptures become a means for us to receive the Life of God into our bodies! They also can convey the wonderful revelation of the Person of Christ unto us, as the Mighty Presence of the Holy Spirit enlightens our study of them!
Always remember. Whatever Christian discipline we practice –whether it is prayer, fasting, Bible study, church meetings; whatever offerings we give unto the ministry and the needy; whatever services we perform for humanity — in all things our ultimate desire is to KNOW HIM, and there is a beauty to be discovered in every one of these activities when we see Him in them!
This ONE THING I DO, forgetting those things that are behind me, reaching forth unto those things that are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the upward call of God IN CHRIST JESUS!
Heavenly Father,
There are more than a million distractions both within us and from without us today, that strive for our attention. How easy it has become for us to simply forget you, your love, your life, and your purpose for our lives. Give us a new and fresh revelation of your Son, and His glorious Bride, the Church. And fill us with a consuming passion and love for you.
Our commitment today is to keep our faces towards you. Give us the strength to follow through in this commitment in turning away from any idols that have found places in our hearts. We lay our hopes, dreams, and fears before you. We lay our careers, hobbies and even our families on your altar.
Accept our bodies as living sacrifices unto you, and also our love which is merely a response to your great Love for us. Keep us on this path, for our trust is only in You.
In Jesus Lovely Name,
Amen
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If. Such a very small word. Just two letters. But the meaning contained in these two letters could lead to either life or death. They could become an open door to endless possibilities, or perhaps spell perpetual gloom and darkness. I wonder, could we take the time to explore the power of the word, “if,” by studying God’s use of it in the scriptures? What exactly are the possibilities that the Creator of the universe holds out to us, as we seriously and humbly handle His Living and inspired Word?
In a day when depressing news travels at the speed of light, and the vanities of the rich and famous are common knowledge, apathy has become a popular commodity. So much time is taken up talking about the world’s problems, but so little action is taken. The common attitude is that nothing can really be done, and many Christians are certain that nothing should be done, for this world is soon coming to an end. When that happens, we Christians will not be here anyway. Therefor all that remains is to lead as many as we can to a safe zone for retreat, and wait for our Lord’s return.
But what IF? What if we were to plunge deep into His Word and discover the latent power of this word, IF? Perhaps there are some hidden treasures therein by which we can recover from our apathetic comfort zones, and rise up to the occasion for the greater glory of God! This small word might have a great significance indeed, as we allow the wonderful Spirit of God to breathe life into it!
Israel of old was confronted by the Lord with this little word on many occasions. In the 7th Chapter of 2 Chronicles, the Lord was holding out to Solomon the King, some of the possible futures that the people might choose. He showed him how Israel might find herself in situations very similar to those which we are experiencing in our modern times. Wars, pestilence and famines could occur to those in disobedience, but there was a way out. This way out begins with an IF.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
By now I can hear various dissenting voices. “That was the Old Testament, they were under a different covenant, so long ago.” “God has a predetermined plan today, and there is nothing we can do to alter it.” Or how about, “We are good people, without sin, for Christ has abolished sin on the cross. For what should we repent?”
There is only one answer I can give. What IF? What if those who long to see the glory of God upon His people again would take a chance and PRAY? What if enough of us realized that we have all been living far beneath our privileges, and possessed the courage to ask God “Why?” and “What would you have us to do?” What if we were to take the initiative presented by James, to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and to draw nigh unto Him that He might draw nigh unto us?
What if we were to accept the challenge of Jesus to ask that we might receive, seek that we might find, to knock that the door would be opened unto us? Is there even the slightest possibility that we might prove the Lord, and He could open the windows of heaven unto us? Do you think?
What if, we might have long failed to realize that the Lord is eagerly waiting to rain down upon us with showers of life, healing and blessing? Perhaps the only delay was our ignorance or willingness to acknowledge our desperate need! Please, my brother, my sister, consider the possibilities! Consider what our wonderful Savior and Lord can do and desires to do on our behalf! After all, it was He who said, ” IF YOU CAN BELIEVE, all things are possible!
Our Lord is so gracious and kind towards us! He is quick to acknowledge our virtues and accomplishments. He is also patient to wait for our steady spiritual growth in Him, but His patience does not negate His wonderful and glorious purpose which His wisdom has designed for us. Neither does He take pleasure in our powerlessness to deal with many of the challenges of life. His vision for us is one of abundant and victorious living!
In the third chapter of Revelations, Jesus was addressing the church at Ephesus. He spoke more than a few words about the good works they had done. They had been diligent and faithful unto Him and in many ways. They had been very careful to dot their i’s and cross their t’s. For this He commended them.
But…. He did have one complaint to make to them. He told them that they had left their first love. His solution was for them to repent and do the works they had done at the first. This was not to condemn them, but to lift them up into a higher level of love, life and joy in Him!
The following words may not apply to you. If so, then maybe you could pray for the rest of us! For you are definitely not in need yourself. But if you do sense a hunger within and a need for more of God, then please read on.
How long has it been since you thought of Jesus in your first waking moments? How long has it been since your love for Him was more pleasurable to you than your favorite hobby or television program? How long ago did you feel the beating of His Heart compelling you to do something really sacrificial for someone else? Do you still remember when heaven was very real to you, for your consciousness was filled with His glorious presence!
Of course seasons come and go, and the spring and summer must give way to the winter and fall. This is part of God’s grand design. But we cannot rely only on the weather to determine our faithfulness, love and devotion towards our Lord, and to one another.
It seems that the time to return to the freshness of spring has come. With that comes a purity and the rapture of new found love! For many of us, repentance is not enough. Some changes must be made in our life-styles, to make room for the Lord, and His pre-eminence. Then the Lord whom we seek will suddenly come to fill His Temple, which we are, anew!
This is not to suggest He has ever left us. His promises to us ensure that will never happen. Nothing can separate us from His love! What actually happens often times, is that in our business of normal living, we forget about Him. And as the gentle dove, which will never intrude, He patiently awaits our realization that we have neglected our communication with Him. Very slowly, and steadily, coldness and indifference sets in, with little notice. This state soon becomes accepted for normal, until His Word comes to awaken us.
Many of us fail to realize our need, while we are very busy doing good deeds or maintaining religious forms. Like the Ephesians, we confuse duty with devotion. The Lord was quick to remind us that works of obedience must accompany faith and love, and that they are actually inseparable. But how can we really do the works of God in our own power?
It has become a popular belief that the demonstrations of power and deliverance that the early church manifested were not intended for today. If that is what some believe, it is their right. Certainly they have the evidence on their side. But what IF? What if we completely gave ourselves unto the Lord for His service? What might He do through yielded vessels? Is there a limit to God? Does He answer to any restraints, other than those self-imposed by His own will? Did not Jesus say that even greater works than these shall you do? If my words abide in you, and you abide in me……?
Think of the possibilities! Some of you might be meeting Jesus today for the very first time. Others may be needing a fresh infilling of His Spirit. It matters not where you are now, Jesus is ready and willing to bring you into His world! His kingdom is of another dimension, another attitude, another reality! In it you will instantly see how irrelevant your present cares and petty desires really are in comparison to His Glorious Presence!
He is not calling us to live lives of guilt and self-abasement, but He does need humble, broken and submissive hearts. These are the tools that He has always used to turn the world upside down! Please allow me to exhort you one more time. Let us give ourselves more completely and unreservedly unto Him! Let us behold His glory and be released from all bondages as His face shines upon us! Let us now begin to live out the words of this old chorus: “I keep falling in love with Him, over and over, and over and over again!”
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