​No Pain is Ever Wasted (Exodus 3:7-9)

Exodus 3:7-9, “And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.”

Moses learned that God was with His people in their pain. “And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7). The Israelites, like us at times, must have felt alone in their pain. But God assured them He had a plan to “deliver them” and that “the cry” of their hearts was heard (Exodus 3:8-9). He would ultimately use their pain to grow their faith, defeat their enemies, and bring Him honor. He lovingly won’t waste our pain—and neither should we.

Because of His person and His promises, God is mindful of the afflictions of His people throughout the ages. He’s loving, merciful, and compassionate; therefore, He sees the dilemmas and hears the groans of His people (Exodus 2:23). And because He’s a promise keeper (Exodus 2:24), He acts for the well-being of those who belong to Him. We see this same dynamic in God’s ultimate rescue plan through Jesus (Galatians 4:4-5). Mary sang about such things in Luke 1:54-55, “He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” And God was with Mary and Abraham as they experienced pain in life, just as He’s with us in our pain.

In spite of his afflictions and mistreatment, however, he concludes in Psalm 119:68, “Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.” In a broken world filled with hatred and pain, we, too, can rest in the never-failing goodness of God. He uses all things, even our trials, for our spiritual growth and to conform us to the image of His Son, Jesus. Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” The brain is remarkably small, but stress can make it even smaller. Recent research has revealed that cumulative stress can shrink the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for managing emotions, impulses, and social interactions. This shrinkage is linked to anxiety and depression, highlighting the toll that a lifetime of stress can take. But there’s good news, the brain can heal through intentional practices like exercise, prayer, and meaningful relationships. The psalmist in Psalm 119 understood this idea of growth and healing after facing stress and hardship. Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Affliction, though painful, became the psalmist’s teacher. God often uses afflictions to bring us to repentance; from going astray from God to choosing to obey His Word. Psalm 119:66-68, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.” The psalmist expresses gratitude for his bitter medicine and God’s goodness. While he understood that affliction and suffering could diminish him, he trusted God to use those experiences to refine and restore him. Like our brains, our spirits are capable of being stretched. God uses this stretching to cause growth and renewal. Through Scripture, prayer, and a Spirit-inspired perspective, He can reverse the effects of our hardships. He can use our afflictions for our spiritual growth, transforming pain into purpose.

One of the greatest difficulties of the ministry is seeing people suffer. As a pastor, I have watched the sick take their last breath; I have seen parents weep bitterly over their wayward children; I have prayed with people who have lost their jobs, their cars, their homes, and sadly, their family. Whenever I visit someone going through great adversity, I try my best to offer encouragement and strength in their hour of need. But through my many years of ministry, I have discovered something interesting. Sometimes, those people who are enduring affliction are more of an encouragement to me than I am to them. Amazingly enough, God uses affliction to bring hope and comfort to others. King Nebuchadnezzar would have never seen the “fourth man walking” had not the three Hebrew boys been in the fire. Mary and Martha would have never known resurrection power had not Lazarus died. The world would have never understood the sovereignty of God in such a personal way had not Job lost all that he had. Consider how God used their lives to encourage and equip millions of people down through the years. Sometimes, the affliction we endure is ironically for the benefit and blessings of others. Instead of asking God to take away your pain, ask Him to use it for someone else’s gain.

Questions to Consider:
What does it mean for you to know God hears your cries?
How is God using your pain to help others?
How has God helped you grow in faith through suffering?
How has affliction caused you to embrace gratitude?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me through my trials. Help me to use my pain and afflictions to teach and to help others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Faith Over Fear (Psalm 23:4) – PART 2

Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Even if we must walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we do not need to fear because He is there. When He deems it best, He has the power to calm the storm we are going through. (Psalm 107:29) When we must face the trial, He provides rest in the shadow of His wings until our calamities are passed. (Psalm 57:1) Don't be afraid when the winds howl and the storm beats around you. God is your shelter in the time of storm. Psalm 18:2, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 62:8, “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Even when the world is crashing around us, we can have peace knowing that God is in control. He knows what we are going through and will be there with us through the midst of it all. Regardless of what we are facing, He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. His presence can give us hope, and we need to remember that whatever we face, He has allowed it in our lives.

2. PREVENTABLE FEAR (John 14:27; II Timothy 1:7)
John 14:27, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” II Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Since we have nothing to fear, why do we continue to fear (Hebrews 13:5-6)? Jesus described the last days as times of intense, global fear (Luke 21:26). How can we handle our fears in such a turbulent world? A little boy was on a plane one day that was experiencing violent turbulence. A lady sitting next to the little boy was terrified. She couldn't understand why the boy was able to play with his toys while the plane was under severe turbulence. After a while of observing him, she just couldn't stand it any longer. "Little boy, how can you have so much fun when the plane is going through this?" The little boy put his hand on the lady's hand and said, "Lady, my daddy is the pilot." The same should be true with us. When our Heavenly Father is the pilot, we can handle the turbulence because we know He's got it all under control.

God promises His protection to keep us from fear. Most people like a challenge. Throughout the Scriptures God challenged His people with great challenges, with tough situations with difficult people. Without God challenges can be frightening. Every new challenge with God is an adventure. God promises that He will never abandon us or fail to help us. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life's challenges. It is far better to fear God than to fear man. Fear of people can hamper everything you try to do. In extreme forms, it can make you afraid to leave your home. By contrast, fear of God—respect, reverence, and trust—is liberating. Why fear people who can do no eternal harm? Instead, fear God who can turn the harm intended by others into good for those who trust Him.

Fear produces negative effects: Fear arrests action, restricts faith, dazes decision making, harm health, juggernauts joy, prevents prayer, paralyzes productivity, and restrains relationships. The first time we read of fear in the Bible is in the garden with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8-10). Adam and Eve’s sin against God brought about guilt. As a result of their sin, for the first time they feared God and attempted to hide from Him. Their effort was useless because with them, and like all mankind, no one can hide from the Lord (II Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:13; Zechariah 4:10; I Peter 3:12). Sin drove a wedge in the relationship between God and Adam and Eve. Their aim was to hide and handle the matter themselves. Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Only the shedding of the blood from an innocent animal could reconcile their relationship. Only Jesus Christ can free us from the bondage of sin. We went astray and the Lord pursued us. He is still seeking out mankind today, inviting them to accept Him as their Lord and Saviour.

Questions to Consider:

• Have you made the Lord your strength?
• Do you give your burdens, worries, and cares to Him?

Points to Ponder:

• The Lord gives us strength to face tough challenges of life every day.
• When we make the Lord our Saviour and our strength, we can live and walk more consistently.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are my shepherd. Thank You that even in the darkest times, You are who You say You are. Thank You that You don’t leave me indefinitely in the valley, but You bring me through it. And thank You most of all for Your presence. You never leave me alone. You are always with me, no matter what, no matter when, no matter how long. With this promise, I can have faith over fear. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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Faith Over Fear (Psalm 23:4) – PART 1

Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

From 2001 to 2006, NBC aired a show playing on the fears of people aptly called Fear Factor. This show placed contestants in ridiculous circumstances to see whether or not they could overcome a particular fear. Challengers experienced everything from drowning in a car to being attacked by a dog to eating a pig’s snout. Did I mention it was ridiculous? At the end of the show, the last one standing won the grand prize. The show’s premise struck a chord with its audience, and really with all of humanity: the fear of facing death. Where Fear Factor had built-in safety features around their stunts, real life does not. However, God has given us comfort in our fear of death, and this comfort is His presence. Long before a reality show dealt with this fear, David wrote about it in the 23rd Psalm. He said in Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” No one likes the thought of passing away. But when death’s shadow stands across the valley of our life, we do not have to fear. Our Great Shepherd will be with us, and He has already defeated death and the grave. For the believer, death is simply the entrance into the reality of God. Therefore, fear is not a factor for us.

While there is no official count, there are over 500 phobias or fears. All names from A to Z. There is the fear of success, failure, meeting new people, standing or speaking before people, rejection, sickness, unknown, future, trusting Christ for salvation and taking up their cross to follow Him, life after death. All through the Scriptures God’s people struggled with fear. Notice: The Ten Plagues of Fear. Because of fear…

• Adam and Eve hid from God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8-10).
• Israel forfeited Canaan (Numbers 14:20-25).
• Gideon’s army of 300 men vs 135,000 Midianites (Judges 7:3).
• Saul's army fled from Goliath (I Samuel 17:8-10).
• Elijah suffered depression (I Kings 19:3-5).
• Ephraim turned back in the day of battle (Psalm 78:9).
• Jonah ran from the call of God (Jonah 1:3).
• The man with one talent feared and buried it in the ground (Matthew 25:24).
• Christ's disciples deserted Him at the cross (Matthew 26:56).
• Christ's disciples cried out, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38).

1. PROPER FEAR (Deuteronomy 10:20)
Deuteronomy 10:20, “Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.” What does it mean to “Fear God?” Throughout the Bible, we find this phrase, "Fear not." Fearing God does not mean being terrified of Him. God wasn't trying to scare the people. He was showing His mighty power so the Israelites would know He was the true God and would therefore obey Him. If they would do this, He would make His power available to them. God wants us to follow Him out of love rather than fear. To overcome fear, we must think more about His love (I John 4:18). In Deuteronomy 10:12-22, the fear of the Lord is motivated by His power and justice. In saying that the Lord is God of gods and Lord of lords, Moses was distinguishing the true God from all the gods worshiped by the Egyptians throughout the land. Then Moses went a step further, calling God "mighty and terrible" (Deuteronomy 10:17). He has such awesome power and justice that people cannot stand before Him without His mercy. Fortunately, His mercy toward His people is unlimited. When we begin to comprehend the degree of God's mercy toward us, we see what true love is and how deeply God loves us. Our fear of what He might do to us is transformed into a reverence before His great mercy. Although our sins deserve severe judgment, God has chosen to show love and mercy to all who seek him. When we begin to know God personally, we will fear Him reverentially. To fear the Lord is to recognize God for who He is: holy, almighty, righteous, pure, all-knowing, powerful, and wise. When we regard God reverentially, we gain a clearer picture of ourselves. When we recognize who God is and who we are, we will fall at His feet in humble respect. Only then will He show us how to choose His way. Fearing God leads to a closer walk with Him. Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear Him. God offers intimate and lasting friendship to those who revere Him, who hold Him in highest honor. Your friendship with God will grow as you revere Him.

Question to Consider:
· What dark valleys have you walked through in your life?
Point to Ponder:
· Even in the darkest times, God is who He says He is, and He brings you through the valley, not leaving you in it.

Prayer, Father, I confess that sometimes my fears reveal I’m not trusting You as I know I should but I’m trusting in something or someone else instead. Lord, too often, through the eyes of the flesh, I see my battles bigger than You. Help me to trust in You and see them as You see them. There is never a problem I encounter that is greater than You. Help me to trust You increasingly and banish fears from my life. With this promise I can have faith over fear. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20:1-9) – PART 2

Joshua 20:1-9, “The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled. And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.”

4. Bezer (Joshua 20:8)
Bezer means “a Fortress, fortified place, an established secure place”. Reuben means"Behold a son", Christ is our refuge. What confidence the child of God can have knowing we are sheltered in the Lord’s care and protection. “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust’” (Psalm 91:2). “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Christ is the fortress and defense of His people, the stronghold in which the prisoners of hope are secured. The Lord is our fortress and security in the wilderness of this world. Our secure place and fortress is in the Son. Nahaum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Psalm 91:2, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

5. Ramoth (Joshua 20:8)
Ramoth means “Height, exaltation or victory”. Gad means gathering of troops cutting through enemy lines. Christ is our exalted Saviour. “…God also hath highly exalted him…” (Philippians 2:9-10). In Christ, we are elevated above the world to sit in heavenly places. Christ is exalted high above principalities and powers. When Jesus is our refuge, we not only enjoy life, grow in grace, but like a gathering of troops we are victorious in Him, cutting through enemy lines. Christ is the one by whom we have been exalted from our low estate to sit among princes and to inherit the throne of glory (Ephesians 2:4-7). And Christ is the one we exalt, honor and magnify (Revelation 5:9-10). Romans 8:37, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

6. Golan (Joshua 20:8)
Golan means “Exultation, Joy, revealed, manifested”. Bashan means soft, sandy, rich soil. Manasseh means to cause to forget. Christ is God manifest in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16). He is the one revealed to us, to whom we are called and by whom we are saved (Galatians 1:15-16). In Christ the glory of God is revealed (II Corinthians 4:6). And that revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ is salvation. Christ is our source of joy who helps us to forget the sorrows of our past failures (Philippians 3:13). When He is the joy of our life we become like the good ground in Christ's Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:15). Romans 5:11, “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” I Peter 1:8, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”

Jesus Christ is our refuge, our protection from sin, death, and judgment to come. Scripture says that we have strong consolation because we "have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:18). Just as the murderer is guilty before God, so we are guilty of sin. But when we flee to Christ, we are accepted by Him and find refuge in His righteousness. Philippians 3:9, “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.” Inside the city was safety, security, and serenity. Outside the city was death, despair, doom, and destruction. In Christ, however, we have safety, security, and serenity. Without Him, we have death, doom, and destruction. Being found "in Christ" means that Christ is our sanctuary, our refuge from death and the coming judgment of God. If a person is to escape death and judgment, he must flee to Christ. Christ alone has been appointed by God to give refuge and safety from death and judgment. Jesus Christ is the refuge of mankind. He is man's only hope.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, there are many times I have failed to flee to You when faced with the overwhelming circumstances of life, but I pray that from this day forward, I would live in total dependence on You. As I have trusted You with my soul, help me to live my life with complete dependence on You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

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Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20:1-9) – PART 1

Joshua 20:1-9, “The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled. And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.”

Murder is a capital crime, a very serious offense. Killing people is a violation of the sanctity of life. The most valuable asset a person has is life itself, his own life. Therefore, to take a person's life is to steal the most prized possession he has. The sanctity of life cannot be over-stressed. For this reason, murder is a capital offense and is subject to the most severe penalty under law. But there is a difference between deliberate, premeditated murder and accidental, unintentional murder (manslaughter). A man who intentionally kills a person with malice and forethought differs from a man who is sawing a tree that falls and kills a person. Being guilty of killing a person by accident is far less condemnable than killing someone deliberately with premeditation. For this reason, the penalty for deliberate murder needs to be different than for accidental, unintentional murder.

Years before the Israelites ever crossed the Jordan River to enter the promised land, God had instructed His people to make special provision for the person who committed accidental murder. He also charged His people to make special provision for the ministers of God. According to the Mosaic Law, anyone who committed murder was subject to execution. However, the Lord established various “cities of refuge” for those who killed someone unintentionally. These cities were part of the distribution of the Promised Land given to the Twelve Tribes of Israel. God set these cities aside to which the murderer could flee. Within the boundaries of that particular city, he would be safe from any avenger –at least until the case went to trial. These cities provided a safe-haven, a place of security during troubled times. They were indeed cities of refuge. In Scripture, the word “refuge” was synonymous with these cities. There is no doubt King David alluded to these particular regions when he said in Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. There were times David could not make it to the cities established by the law, but he could go to God. Indeed, the Lord is our rock, our shield, our fortress, our high tower, and our strength. His provision is discovered in His presence. Run to God, abide in His company, and experience His peace during troubled times.

The six cities of refuge (Joshua 20:1-9), which Joshua appointed in the land of Canaan, were types of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even their names represent Him. These six cities were considered very important and were mentioned frequently in Scripture (Exodus 21:13; Numbers 35:6, 9-28; Deuteronomy 4:41-43; 19:1-13). These six cities were a beautiful expression of the mercy and grace of God.

1. Kedesh (Joshua 20:7).
Kedesh means Sanctuary, Holy, Righteousness, Consecrated. Galilee means "circle, circuit”. Mt. Naphtali means "struggler, wrestler”. Christ is the holy one, both as God and as man. Being the holy God-man, He is abundantly qualified to be our Mediator, Saviour and Redeemer. In Kadish, we see Jesus Christ is the Holy One of God. In Christ, we have a sanctuary of holiness in the world of sin. Christ is a refuge for the struggling sinner. Like the circle, His righteousness is eternal, never ending. Our life in Him is everlasting. When Christ is your Saviour, the first thing He does is cleanse you from your sin. Christ is made of God unto us righteousness and holiness, justification and sanctification (Psalm 16:10; Hebrews 7:26; I Corinthians 1:30).

2. Shechem (Joshua 20:7).
Shechem means “the shoulder’”. Ephraim means "to bear fruit”. The shoulder is the place of strength and safety. The shoulder speaks of service. Jesus Christ is our strength and security. As the shoulder speaks of service, Jesus Christ is the servant of God. Christ carried the enormous load of our sin upon the cross and put it away (Isaiah 53:6). The government of the world, in general and of His church in particular, is upon His shoulder (Isaiah 9:6). And in conversion, He finds His lost sheep, lays it upon His shoulder, and carries it home (Luke 15:4). When we make Christ the refuge of our life, He gives us strength to help us and keep us. He shoulders our burdens. He puts His fruit in our life (Galatians 5:22-23) and helps us to be fruitful.

3. Hebron (Joshua 20:7).
Hebron means “Communion, fellowship”. Judah means "praise". Christ seeks continual fellowship with us. “…truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ’” (I John 1:3). In Christ, we have access to and fellowship with God, and shall have uninterrupted communion with Him in heaven’s eternal glory (I Corinthians 1:9; Ephesians 2:18; John 17:24). When we make Christ the refuge of our life, we are brought into communion and fellowship with God the Father. We have fellowship with God. The result of that fellowship with God is praise for Him. He gives joy unspeakable and full of glory. I John 1:3, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

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The Power, Presence, and Performance of the Holy Spirit in the Life of a Believer (Philippians 2:13) – PART 11

X. He Works in us that which is Pleasing to God.

Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

When you were first saved, God began a new work in you; but you were certainly not a finished product. You had a lot of growing to do. God started something in you, and He is the one that will complete it. The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, “…He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it …” He wants to build character into your life.

Paul explained that it is God who strengthens us for service. Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Hebrews 13:21, “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Before we were saved He worked on us. Now He works in us. God must work in us before He can work through us. This principle is seen at work throughout the Bible in the lives of men like Moses, David, the Apostles, and others. God had a special purpose for each man to fulfill, and each man was unique and not an imitation of somebody else. For example, it took God forty years to bring Moses to the place where He could use him to lead the people of Israel. As Moses tended sheep during those forty years, God was working in him so that one day He might work through him. God is more interested in the workman than in the work. If the workman is what he ought to be, the work will be what it ought to be.

Two of the most basic needs of an individual Christian are the ability to do the right thing and the desire to do the right thing. This verse reveals that God gives both of these things to us. The words "worketh" and "do" are from the Greek word energein which means "to energize”. Our English word energy comes from the word translated "worketh" in Philippians 2:13. It is God's divine energy at work in us and through us! This word is always used of the action of God. The word worketh carries the idea of "energizingor producing an effect". It is action that is effective, not wasteful. The power that works in us is the power of the Holy Spirit of God (John 14:16-17, 26; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 6:19-20). The same Holy Spirit who empowered Christ when He was ministering on earth can empower us as well. But we must recognize the fact that the energy of the flesh (Romans 7:5) and of the devil (Ephesians 2:2; II Thessalonians 2:7) are also at work. Because of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, God's divine energy is available to us (Ephesians 1:18-23).

Philippians 2:13 indicates that God gives us the desire to do the right thing and the ability to do that which is right. We are changed by God's working in our lives. Our strength and energy for working out our salvation comes from God Himself. It is not a work accomplished in the strength of the flesh. Jesus said in John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing.” Our work is a spiritual work performed by the power of God. Living the Christian life and serving the Lord can only be done in His power. God's power enables the Christian to work out his salvation. God arouses, stirs, and energizes the heart of the believer to do God's will. We all experience movements and stirrings within our heart toward God. These stirrings are of God. God is working within us, energizing us, giving us both the will and power to do what pleases Him. Our duty is to grab hold of the stirrings—not to let them pass. We ought therefore to so serve Christ because it is God who is working in us both to make us willing as well as to do His will. He motivates our will to do His will. When the Lord works in us, His work is effective and life-changing. God must work in us before He can work through us. He is more interested in the workman than the work. When the worker is right, the work goes right. This is where many Christian workers mess up because they neglect their relationship with the Lord for the rigors of their work. Walk with God each day!

What does God use to work in us?
1. The Word of God speaks to us.
I Thessalonians 2:13, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” We are to appreciate the Word, realizing it is the word of God and not the word of man. We are to appropriate the Word, welcoming it in our hearts and lives. We are to apply the Word, putting it into practice.

2. The Holy Spirit speaks to us.
The Holy Spirit of God speaks to us today through the Bible, conviction, peace through right decisions, and counsel from mature believers.

3. God uses prayer to work in us.
God uses prayer to align our hearts with His will. As we communicate with Him through prayer, our mind will have the mind of Christ.

4. He uses suffering to burn the dross out of our lives.
When we yield to the Lord, He does have an impact in our lives. We are able to live straight in a crooked world.

God does not leave us alone to work out our salvation and deliverance. He works within us: moves, stirs, energizes, and arouses us to get up and get to it. And whatever the energy points toward is what we need to do. God uses the energy and stirring to direct and guide us. The point to see is that God is forever working within us, never leaving us alone, working and stirring us to complete our salvation. God will finish what He has started. There is a great work God wants to do in this world, and He wants to use us to carry it out. He provides the strength, wisdom, and grace to do the job, we just have to get to work. Ask God to give you a burden to do something great for Him, and start working towards seeing it accomplished. He’ll give you the grace you need to work from start to finish.

PRAYER: Lord, I ask You to make my thoughts agreeable to Your will. May my thoughts, choices, and decisions be submissive to obey You as You work in me by Your Spirit to make me be the person You created me to be!

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The Power, Presence, and Performance of the Holy Spirit in the Life of a Believer (Ephesians 1:13-14) – PART 10

IX. He Secures Us.

Ephesians 1:13-14, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Now we come to two of the greatest verses in the Bible on assurance and the security of the believer (Ephesians 1:13-14). In Paul's day, an official document was sealed with wax, and while the wax was still soft, an impression was made with an official ring, or seal, of a king. The unbroken seal identified the document as genuine and guaranteed it would not be opened until it reached its destination. The Holy Spirit is the seal that identifies us as God's children and secures us until we reach our final destination. The Holy Spirit is “…the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:14). The word earnest refers to earnest money, or deposit, given by a purchaser. The Holy Spirit is a deposit, guaranteeing our ownership by God and that we will reach our destination (Heaven).

We can see many of these by showing the four pictures sealing provides.
1. Sealing pictures Acquisition.
2. Sealing pictures Absolute ownership.
3. Sealing pictures Authenticity.
4. Sealing pictures Assurance, Absolute security.

In the ancient world, a seal guaranteed authenticity. Many kings wore a signet ring with his royal seal engraved on the ring. Once the king's signature was given, the document was sealed by pressing the signet ring into the soft wax on the document. Sealing was used to authenticate contracts, for new laws and military orders. The seal was also used in the ratification of treaties. In the Roman world, the seal of Rome carried the weight and authority of Rome. Woe be to any who tampered with that seal. The wrath of the Roman government would fall upon him. Immediately upon trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour, the new Christian is sealed with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is likened to a seal. The seal of the Holy Spirit refers to the security of our salvation. It is sure! Immediately upon trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour, the new Christian is sealed with the Holy Spirit. As applied to the Christian, there are three great truths concerning the seal of the Spirit.

Sealing is a work of the Holy Spirit. Sealed means preserved; kept; protected; to set a seal or to mark with a seal. A seal is a sign indicating ownership, finished transaction, identification, security, genuineness, value, authority. Believers belong to God and the Spirit seals us. The Holy Spirit is the seal and the seal signifies ownership (II Timothy 2:19). II Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” The seal is also called a signet. This comes from the signet ring that possessed a distinctive mark. There are many illustrations of a seal, both from ancient and modern times. The following Scriptures are a few examples of sealing in the Bible (I Kings 21:8; Esther 3:12; John 6:27; II Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; Revelation 7:3-8).

There are three important occasions in the Bible when a seal is used:
1) As used by Darius to place Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:16-17).
2) As used by Ahasuerus (upon the advice of wicked Haman) to plot the wholesale murder of the Persian Jews (Esther 3:8-12).
3) As used by Pilate to seal the tomb of Jesus (Matthew 27:66).

From very ancient times, it has been the custom to confirm and guarantee an agreed-on purchase by sealing the contract with a seal that could only be broken by the buyer when he was ready to take possession of his purchase. And we are part of that possession! The price has been paid for our redemption from sin’s bondage, but we have not yet entered on the inheritance which our great Redeemer has promised us. In the meantime, our individual title deed, as it were, has been sealed by none other than the Holy Spirit. He is not only the seal, but also the “earnest”, that is, the down payment, the earnest money who guarantees the total “redemption of the purchased possession.”

In the northern woodlands of Canada, cut trees are carefully stamped with the seal of the owner so that months later the tree can be identified and claimed. The logs are stored in frozen rivers. In the springtime, when the rivers thaw, the logs are able to float down the river to the mills. There is no difficulty identifying them with the seals on the logs. As the trees are stamped, we believers are stamped and sealed for identification by the Lord. The Lord seals us unto the day of redemption. His seal is our security and mark of ownership.

The Holy Spirit is given to the believer to give the believer perfect assurance of his salvation. We know that we are redeemed and that we are God's cherished possession by the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank You for sending someone to reach me and explain the Gospel to me. When I confessed I was a sinner and called upon Christ Who died for me to save me, immediately You gave me the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s presence in me is absolute, guaranteed proof that I belong to You. I am so thankful that You pressed the insignia of the Holy Spirit into my heart and spirit, which means “postage-paid”. Because of this precious work You’ve done in my life, I rejoice that one day I will reach my destination to be with You in my heavenly home! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

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The Power, Presence, and Performance of the Holy Spirit in the Life of a Believer (I John 4:4) – PART 9

VIII. His Presence in Us Gives the Assurance of Victory.

I John 4:4, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

The Bible often speaks of the Christian life as a spiritual warfare. We must never forget that this is a battle that has already been fought and won. Jesus Christ has already triumphed over sin and death, and His Holy Spirit who is in us is greater than any power or opponent that we may face. The victory is not won through our great strength. Instead, it is won through dependence on God’s strength at work in our lives. We are not fighting alone, nor are we fighting a battle which cannot be won. We should never make the mistake of underestimating Satan’s deception, we do not need to cower before him. Rather, we are told in James 4:7 to resist the devil, and he will flee from you. The losses we experience in the battles of life come from our failure to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). To be an overcomer, we must utilize the strength and power that are made available to us as children of God. Then victory is assured.

These forces of evil are infinitely too great for us, but "greater is He that is in you." Our warfare, as well as our witnessing, must be in the power of the Holy Spirit, or it will be unavailing. In spite of all the opposition of this world toward Jesus Christ and Christians, we have overcome this world which is at enmity with God. The conflict between Satanic forces and Christians seems to never cease. When God is doing a work through His people, Satan rises up opposition. During the ministry of John Wesley during the 1700s, Satan raised up men like Voltaire and Thomas Paine to oppose Christianity. During the 1800s, God used men like Spurgeon and Moody, yet, Satan raised up rivals such as Joseph Smith and Brigham Young to found the Mormon cult. Charles Russel started the Jehovah’s Witness cult and Mary Baker Eddy founded the Christian Science movement. These cults continue to deceive people today. The 1800s also spawned great missionary ministries pioneered by men like William Carey, Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, and David Livingstone. Satan raised up Karl Marx whose seeds of unbelief spawned Communism that swept the people of Russia and China into deep darkness and spiritual death. As Christians, we have overcome Satan’s opposition because we are God’s children. How did that happen? A person becomes a child of God when he or she places faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. Christians are victors in Christ. We are overcomers because Jesus Christ, who lives within us, is greater than this world. He provides clarity in a confusing mess. John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

We are overcomers. We should be a consistent overcomer:

1. Because of the Goodness of God.
Romans 12:21, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

2. Because of the Defeat of Satan.
I John 2:13, “I write unto y0ou, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.”

3. Because of our Faith in God.
I John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

4. Because We Believe Jesus is God’s Son.
I John 5:5, “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

5. Because of the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

6. Because of the Strength Christ Provides for Us.
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
I Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Christians are overcomers, but unfortunately, many believers go through life defeated, discouraged, depressed, down-cast, despondent, and full of doubt. Why? What is the problem? Are there biblical principles that Christians can implement into their lives where they can enjoy a victorious Christian life that is filled with joy, purpose, peace, and satisfaction of soul? The answer is “Yes”. God provides for us in His Word principles that will help us be consistent in victory.

Having God on your side makes all the difference. We face real opposition in this world. The power of the world, the flesh and the devil is not an imaginary force. Yet the power of every enemy is insignificant next to the power of God which is available to us. God is not somewhere far away needing us to reach out and get His attention. The Holy Spirit lives within every child of God, always present and ready to help.

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​The Power, Presence, and Performance of the Holy Spirit in the Life of a Believer (Acts 1:8) – PART 8

VII. He Gives Power to Witness.

Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Scriptures to Seek: Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 7:39; Acts 2:32; 22:9-15; 26:16; I Corinthians 4:19.

This word "power" is from the word dunamis {doo '-nam-is}. It forms our English word "dynamite”. What does it actually mean? It means "strength, power, ability, moral power and excellence of soul”. The Christian does not have to live a defeated life, conquered by addictions and sinful habits. You and I don’t have to live this way. We are given the power to say "NO" to sin and temptation. The Holy Spirit equips Christians with the ability to live a godly life for Christ and be effective in serving Him. All Christians have within them spiritual dynamite for service, fellowship, witnessing, and overcoming sinful habits and attitudes. He gives the believer the ability and power to do God’s will.

The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to be witnesses for Christ. Witness is the key word in the book of Acts. The form of this word is used in twenty-one verses in Acts. Only in the book of John is it used more. To witness is to bear testimony or give evidence of. A witness is someone who sees something and tells others about it. Jesus was speaking to the disciples about being witnesses before He ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. Jesus’ last command ought to be our first priority. Being a witness for Christ is telling others what He did for you by His death, burial, and resurrection. We often refer to witnessing as soul winning. All of us can, and should be a witness of Jesus Christ. We can do this by passing out Gospel tracts, giving our testimony of salvation, preaching or teaching, and door to door soul winning. There are countless other ways of being a witness, but every Christian should do something. There should be ministries in your church such as bus, jail, prison, printing, Sunday School, Christian School, fairs, camps, and other areas of service in which you can take part in the obedience to Jesus’ last command.

This word witnesses stresses the importance and clarity of the task at hand. A witness tells what he has seen, heard, and knows. In a courtroom, the judge and the jurors are not interested in our opinions or what we think, but about the facts that we know. As disciples of Jesus, we know the Lord and we are to tell others what the Lord has done and what He is doing. Proverbs 14:25, “A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” We are to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to the greatest purpose of all time. We are to be witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus has a plan to reach this world. His plan includes His Spirit-filled and Spirit-empowered disciples invading society and influencing sinners with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How quickly our world could be evangelized, even at this late date in the church’s history, if every church would take this plan seriously and begin with its own immediate community, reach out to its own country, become involved in missionary activity to the farthest reaches of its own continent, and then send out its ambassadors to all nations. The world would be invaded by armies of believers from all nations reaching out to all peoples in all parts of the world.

A witness tells the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ. The early church was so effective in their witness, they turned the city of Jerusalem upside down (Acts 17:6). What does that mean? The word "turned" and "upside down" are from the word anastatoo {an-as-tat-o’-o} which means "to stir up, excite, unsettle minds by spreading the Gospel”. Jerusalem was stirred up and excited because the Christians were stirred up and excited. Photography began with Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, who produced the first daguerreotype. That was almost 180 years ago! How quickly photography has become a vital part of all our lives. Upon producing the first photographic image, the inventor cried out, "I have seized the light." Christians have a different cry: "The light has seized me." Without Christ, we walked in spiritual darkness.

The world's longest night took place in 1752 A.D. This was the time of the changeover from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. People went to bed on September 2, and when they woke up it was September 14. That was truly a long night, but far longer, was the night of sin in which we all lived and walked in darkness until Jesus Christ "brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." We have so much to be thankful for because God has done all that He can to show us the light of truth. We are to be witnesses of that truth. Many of the Christians in the early church sealed their witness for Jesus Christ with their own blood. They were martyred. In fact, the word "witness" is from the word martus {mar'-toos} which forms the English word "martyr”. Peter challenged us in his first epistle to always be ready to be a witness for Christ and of the Gospel. I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” Paul told us in the book of Titus that how we live our lives will determine the effectiveness of our witness. Titus 2:4-8, “…That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

Points to Ponder:
His coming is imminent.
Tell people what Christ has done for you and what He did for them. Keep it simple.
Don’t make the Gospel complicated.
Soul winning is one beggar telling another beggar where the bread is!

Questions to Consider:
How is your witness for Christ?
How can you be a witness for Jesus?
What does the word witness mean?
Where did Jesus tell the Disciples to be witnesses to?

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The Power, Presence, and Performance of the Holy Spirit in the Life of a Believer (II Corinthians 13:14) – PART 7

VI. He Enables us to Maintain Communion.

II Corinthians 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

I John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

NOTICE: The Trinity is seen in this verse. The blessing includes three parts. Paul touches upon each member of the Trinity in invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to them.

1. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ: Paul wished them to experience all the favor and blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wanted them to know the saving power of the Lord's death and His day by day deliverance which is to be consummated in the glorious day of eternal redemption (II Corinthians 8:9; II Corinthians 8:9; II Timothy 2:1).

2. The love of God: Paul wished them to experience all the love of God, ranging from the gift of Christ to save the world over to the day by day provision of necessities (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 8:38-39; Ephesians 2:4-5; I John 3:1).

3. The Communion of the Holy Spirit: Paul wished them to experience the presence and power of God's Spirit as they walked in fellowship with the Father and the Son and with other believers (Romans 8:15-16; I Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 4:6; I John 1:3).

When Jesus’ earthly ministry was in operation, He and the Holy Spirit always worked together. Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16), and led by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:1). Jesus also healed people by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38), cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:28), was resurrected from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11), and was seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly places through the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19-20).

The Holy Spirit enables us to have fellowship with one another and to serve the Lord together. The words “with one another” however, in the context of the passage refer to the fellowship between the Lord and the Christian. When we live godly lives, our fellowship and closeness with God is strengthened. That makes sense because it is our sin that hurts our fellowship.

What does Paul mean by "communion of the Holy Spirit?" The answer is a great truth. This word "communion" is from the Greek word koinonia {koy-nohn-ee'-ah} which means "fellowship, partnership and participation”. It is having things in common and believers do have a great deal in common one with another. They share a common salvation. They share new life in Christ, a home in heaven, blessed ties in the family of God, membership in the body of Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who communicates all these things to us.The Spirit of God is not only our partner in life, He participates with us, giving us direction and comfort, helping us to carry the burdens we face. The hope of personal growth in Christ for the Corinthians and all other believers is the the love, grace, and power of God working in our lives. If you want to turn your life around, then yield and receive His power and grace.

Paul ends his letter to the church with a threefold encouragement from God.
a. The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gjft.”
b. The love of God. I John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
c. The communion of the Holy Ghost. John 14:16, 26, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

The Holy Spirit is the One who alone can shed the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God our Father abroad in our hearts. The Holy Ghost with us keeps us in fellowship with the Father and the Son. There can be no communion with the Father or the Son when the Holy Spirit is grieved (I John 1:7). As grace belongs to Jesus Christ and love to God, so communion belongs to the Holy Ghost because He is the Spirit both of the Father and of the Son. Honour Him.

How is a Christian able to personally implement these commands and turn his life around? The answer is here. All three persons of the Trinity work together to help us cope with life, live for Christ, and conquer our trials. It is by the Son of God's grace, God the Father's love, and the communion of the Holy Spirit that we are able to get on track and stay on track. He will take on a more active role in your life. He wants you to know that you are not alone and that He will take responsibility for you! Decide today to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in ministry. Allow Him to help you fulfill the responsibilities of your calling in Christ. Begin today to develop a walk of daily communion with the Greater One within. Let Him be all He wants to be in your life your Source of wisdom, power, and strength in ministry.

Questions to Consider:
Have you asked the Spirit of God to be your Partner in life and to take responsibility for all your cares and concerns?

What can you do to make the Holy Spirit a closer, more active Partner in every area of life?

PRAYER: I want to thank You for being my Partner in this world. I need Your partnership. I know that without You, I am so limited in what I am able to do. You see what I can’t see; You know what I don’t know; You have wisdom and insight that I don’t have. I simply must have Your help if I am going to do what God has asked me to do. I ask You to please forgive me for all the times I have gotten in such a hurry that I didn’t take time to fellowship with You. From this moment on, I promise I will do my best to consult You before I make a decision or take a single step! In Jesus’ name I pray!

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