The Divine Patience

English: Date palm tree বাংলা: খেজুর গাছ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s Today’s Devotional from The Vine…

“Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire. - Matthew 3:10

 

The picture is very suggestive.The axe lying at the tree’s root, or raised in the woodman’s hand to strike, shows that judgment impends, hangs ready to fall. Any moment the tree may be cut down. The axe lying at the tree’s root unused tells of patience in the husbandman; he is waiting to see if the fruitless tree will yet bear fruit. The axe leaning quietly against the tree is very suggestive. The meaning is very plain.

God waits long for impenitent sinners to return to Him; He is slow to punish or to cut off the day of opportunity; He desires all to repent and be saved. Yet we must not trifle with the Divine patience and forbearance. We must remember that while the axe is not lifted to strike, still there is not a moment when it is not lying close, ready to be used; when the summons may not come, “Hasten to judgment.” The axe of death really lies all the while at the root of every life. There is not a moment when it is not true that there is but a step between us and death.

The lying of the axe at the root suggests that its use is not pruning but cutting down. God has two axes. One He uses in pruning His trees, removing the fruitless branches, and cleansing the fruitful branches that they may bring forth more fruit. The work of this axe is not judgment or destruction, but mercy and blessing. It is the good, the fruitful tree that feels its keen edge.

Then God has another axe which He uses only in judgment, in cutting down those trees which after all His culture of them bring forth no fruit. Life is all very critical. There is not a moment in any day on which may not turn all the destinies of eternity. It certainly is an infinitely perilous thing for an immortal soul to rest an hour with the axe of judgment waiting to strike the blow that will end forever the day of mercy. Only supremest folly can be blind to duty in such a case.

Spiritual Hunger

Here’s Today’s Devotional from The Vine…

 

He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.- Luke 1:53

 

A great many people attend church and Sabbath school, where the blessings of grace abound, and yet are “sent away empty.” They are not fed. They do not carry anything with them from all the fullness before them. They are no better, no stronger, no happier for the privileges they have enjoyed. Is it the minister’s or the teacher’s fault? No; the fault must be their own. They were not really hungry, or they would have been filled.

A lady was ill with consumption. She was advised to go to Florida to spend the winter. She wrote home glowing letters about the salubrious climate, the wonderful foliage, the luscious fruits. While it was midwinter at her old home in the North, it was summer where she was. She spoke of the table, – how it was covered with all manner of tempting fruits. But in every letter she wrote there was one sad lament: “I have no appetite. If I only had an appetite, I am sure I should soon grow well amid such luxuries.” Then in a little while word came that she was dead, – dead in the midst of abounding plenty, not for want of food, but for want of appetite.

So it is with many souls. They live amidst abundance of spiritual provision. God spreads full tables before them continually. They sit down besides them, and then are sent away empty; not because there is nothing there for them, but because they have no hunger for such things. Others sit close by them, at the same tables, with the same provisions before them, and are richly fed, and go away rejoicing in strength and hope, and refreshed in all their nature; but these came with spiritual appetite. Our constant prayer should be that God would make us hungry for himself. The beatitude is, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Discouragement

MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

DISCOURAGEMENT
By Gary Wilkerson

Discouragement can hinder but it can never halt God’s plan for victory.
Gideon fought against 100,000 enemy soldiers with his band of 300 and won such
a massive victory that only 15,000 of the enemy were left. After the victory
some of his brethren asked him, “‘What is this that you have done to us,
not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?’ And they accused him
fiercely” (Judges 8:1, ESV). 

The people of Gideon’s own nation questioned his leadership, his decisions,
his motives and his actions. Some of our most disheartening, soul-wrenching
struggles often are not out in the battlefield of life but are in the
fellowship of believers. Sometimes our own brothers and sisters hurl
accusations at us and seem to find much to complain about. We expect such
things from our enemies but we can be caught off guard and surprised when one
of our own brethren fiercely accuses us.

Gideon was not discouraged, distracted or diminished in his faith, however,
when he was questioned—He stayed in the battle! I love what he did: “And he
said to them, ‘What have I done in comparison with you?’” (8:2). Gideon
was saying to his accusers, “What are my victories compared to yours?”
Instead of getting upset and into a fight with them, Gideon did what Nehemiah
had done when he was building the wall and his enemies said to him, “Come
down here. We need to discuss what you are doing.” Nehemiah responded to his
enemies, “I don’t have time to discuss what I’m doing; I’m too busy
doing it” (see Nehemiah 6:1-9).

The Bible says that Gideon and his 300 men “. . . came to the Jordan and
crossed over . . . exhausted yet pursuing” (Judges 8:4). Gideon chose to get
back into warfare with the enemy. He crossed over to the other side of the
river and got back into the battle God had called him to fight. When you live
out the mission that God has called you to; when you are not discouraged and
dissuaded by what others say about you; when it is your holy ambition to do
what God has called you to do—that becomes your victory. 

Stay focused on your battle, stay focused on your calling, and God will give
you the victory!

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/21289?src=devo-email

From The Pastor’s Heart

January 2013

 

Dear Friend,

Our lives are often like a road we travel. At times, the journey is easy, the path ahead is unmistakable, and everything seems to be going well for us. But if you’re like me, there are also many seasons when the route is bumpy, and your circumstances take turns that are unexpected and confusing. The way before you is not very clear. As you go, the hazards—and even the blessings—become more challenging to spot. If you are not looking in the right direction, you can get into trouble.

This is why it is so important to have someone with you at all times who knows the road you are traveling. I recall learning this in a vivid way when I graduated from seminary and was just starting as a pastor. I had only been serving at my first church, Fruitland Baptist in North Carolina, for two months. A member of the congregation took me up a wooded trail into the mountains to visit a woman who had just lost her husband and was having a difficult time.

As we were walking, everything seemed fine. But suddenly, this church member said, “Stop,” in a hushed but serious tone. I immediately heeded the warning. It took me a moment, but as I carefully followed this person’s gaze, I saw the danger. Camouflaged by its surroundings was an angry rattlesnake—coiled and ready to strike. If I had taken another step, it would have bitten me. Thankfully, my friend knew exactly what to look for and was able to prevent it.

Likewise, as we begin 2013, we need someone trustworthy to lead us on the road to life at its very best—someone who comprehends exactly what is ahead and can prepare us for both the trials and treasures along the way. But who knows the future and understands the best plan for our lives? Who is able to train us in a way that is edifying rather than discouraging and loves us enough to protect us from pitfalls, making sure we don’t miss a single blessing?

You know the answer. You realize there is no one on earth able to fulfill all these requirements, but there is One in heaven who is always calling you to place your confidence in Him. So why is it sometimes so difficult to rely on the Father for the future?

The truth is there are as many reasons for doubting God as there are people who have doubts. However, all of our fears are ultimately rooted in a faulty understanding of who God is. The most effective way to learn to trust the Lord for what’s ahead is to get to know Him today.

First, it is crucial to understand that the Father is the wisest Leader for you because He knows you and the path before you perfectly. The Creator who formed you understands you better than anyone else ever could. He is intimately aware of your strengths, weaknesses, fears, and failings, which means He comprehends the most effective way to teach you. Psalm 139:16 reports, “Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me.” The Lord not only knows what will happen to you this year but every year of your life. He works to free you from bondage and helps you reach your full potential.

Second, God is the most helpful Leader for you because He loves you unconditionally. You never have to wonder if the Father has your best interests at heart because He does (Jer. 29:11). You never have to fear He will abandon you because of something you’ve done wrong. He won’t (Heb. 13:5). He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3), which means you can trust He will always lead you in the best way possible. This does not suggest that you won’t have troubles or difficulties. Rather, it indicates that even when you encounter challenges, you can be sure He’s allowed them for your benefit (Rom. 8:28). You may not understand what’s happening to you, but you can continue to live in confidence and victory because of His love.

Third, the Lord is the best Leader for you because He empowers you completely. God is able to equip you perfectly to accomplish goals you never dreamed possible. Paul wrote, “I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe in him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead” (Eph. 1:18-20, TLB). Is there anything you will ever face that requires more strength than was present at the resurrection? Of course not. Yet imagine all that’s possible for you. If you commit to following God wholeheartedly in 2013, you can expect to:

• Go where you’ve never been.
• Do what you’ve never done.
• Love more than you’ve ever loved.
• Be liberated from the things you hold too tightly.
• Trust the Lord in ways you never have before.
• And become more than you ever thought possible.

I hope you will choose to make the Father your constant Guide on the journey ahead. If you set your soul on following Him faithfully, you can be sure that He will lead you in the most wonderful plan for your life, train you in a way that edifies your soul, protect you from pitfalls, ensure you don’t miss His blessings, and help you become all He created you to be. No doubt, my friend, that is the road to life at its very best. Be sure you don’t miss it.

 

 

Prayerfully yours,

Charles F. Stanley

P.S. Thank you for your faithful prayers and generous gifts. I want to assure you that In Touch Ministries will certainly continue following the Father’s path in 2013. For a review of 2012 and a preview of the year to come, please visit us at intouch.org/annualreport after January 15th. May God bless you abundantly as you seek Him daily. Have a very Happy New Year.

Religious But Lost

Read | John 3:1-6

English: Jesus and Nicodemus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nicodemus would probably be welcome at any church today. He seems like an ideal member—principled, knowledgeable, morally upstanding, courteous, and humble. However, Nicodemus had two big problems despite all of that outward religious appeal: first, he was blind to the truth, and second, he was spiritually dead.

The man was lost. That is, he did not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As a Pharisee, Nicodemus adhered to strict Jewish codes and laws, so he was certainly religious. But the problem of the lost person is not attitudes, conduct, or even character. We can change and control those things through sheer determination, and many folks do. What people really need is a change of their basic nature. We come into this world with a natural “bent” away from God.

Jesus explained to the observant rabbi that all his outward goodness couldn’t erase, replace, or change his nature. Instead, every person who desires to serve God must be born again. The Lord promised that if Nicodemus received Him as Savior, then he would enter into a brand-new life. His old sinful nature would be transformed so that he could have a real relationship with God. Instead of appearing to be a religious man, Nicodemus would be a true believer.

No one gets into heaven on the strength of good works and kind behavior. When we stand before God, the only thing that will matter is whether our old sin nature has been replaced. We want to show Him the living Spirit we received when Jesus came into our life.

http://www.intouchministries.org

The Book Of Life

By David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

God has recorded every passion and motive of every person—every single
thought, word and deed. The motives of the Christian are entered in a “book of
remembrance,” which is the Book of Life, and on the day of judgment, Christ is
going to remember all who are in this book.

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord . . .
heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared
the Lord. . . . And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day
when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son
that serveth him” (Malachi 3:16-17).

If you love Jesus with all your heart and are cleansed by His blood, then your
name is written in His book of remembrance. This message should not produce
fear; in fact, it should bring great rejoicing to your heart as you see all
that God has planned for those who love Him!

There are books but then there is “The Book.” The Bible says each life has
its own book, a record of an entire lifetime on earth:

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the
earth and the heaven fled away. . . . And I saw the dead, small and great,
stand before God; and the books were opened . . . and the dead were judged out
of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And
the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the
dead which were in them: and they were judged according to their works”
(Revelation 20:11-13).

The wicked and ungodly will be judged by everything written in those
books—one by one—before the Judge of all!

Scripture says every person will have a resurrection body at that time. The
sinner will have a body “fitted to destruction” (Romans 9:22). But the godly
will be given a new body, likened unto the Lord’s! And when the judgment is
over, the Lamb will rise up from His throne and lead His flock into eternal
paradise.

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/21245?src=devo-email

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A True And Holy Life

Here’s Today’s Devotional from The Vine…

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. - Luke 1:5

 

It makes a great deal of difference in what times and amid what circumstances and influences a man lives. In godly days, when piety pervades all life, it is not remarkable that one should live righteously; but when the times are ungodly, and the prevailing spirit is unrighteous, the life that is holy and devout shines with rare splendour, like a lamp in the darkness.

Such were the times and the spirit of “the days of Herod,” and such were the lives of the blameless old people, who are here mentioned. Amid the almost universal corruption of the priesthood and hypocrisy of the Pharisees, they lived in piety and godly simplicity.

The lesson is that it is not necessary for us to be like other people, if other people are not what they ought to be. The prevalent standard of living ought not to satisfy us, if the prevalent standard is low. No matter how corrupt the times, we should strive to live righteous and godly lives.

Nor is this impossible. God is able and willing to give us all the grace we need to enable us to live a true and holy life in the most unfavouring circumstances; and He will do so if He has really placed us in these circumstances. God makes no mistakes in planting people in this world. He does not put any of us in a spiritual climate in which we cannot grow into beauty and strength; and wherever He plants us, He sends the streams of grace to refresh us.

So, whatever our circumstances may be, it is possible for us to live a godly life. The darker the night of sin about us, the clearer and steadier should be the light that streams from our life and conduct. Any one should be able to live well in the midst of friendly influences and favouring circumstances; but it is doubly important that we be loyal and true to Christ when surrounded by those who care not for Him.

Accepting Christ

Here’s Today’s Devotional from The Vine…

But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: -John 1:12

 

The people who shut their doors on Christ always shut out great blessings; those who open to Him let all heaven’s love and joy into their lives. Some say it does not matter whether they receive Christ or not. They believe in God’s mercy and love, and do not see why they need to accept Christ. Here it is made very plain that the only way to receive God’s love and mercy is by receiving Christ. Only those who accept Him become God’s children. Christ is the only way to God, the only door into the Father’s house. To refuse Christ is to refuse adoption into the family of God.

Then we also learn another thing from this mornings text . Some people are puzzled to know how to become Christians. Here the way is surely made as plain as a pathway of light. Christ comes to us as the one Mediator, the Son of God, the divine Savior; and we have only to receive Him, to accept Him with our hearts, and commit ourselves to Him. “But there is that mystery of the new birth. I can’t understand that,” says someone. You have nothing whatever to do with that; for does not this verse say that if we receive Christ we become the children of God?

The same sentence goes on to say that those who thus receive Christ are born again; but it says expressly that this change is not their own act, not the act of any man, but is divinely wrought, they are born of God. All that belongs to us is simply to receive Christ. We have nothing whatever to do with the mystery of the new birth. That is God’s work, and He is able to effect it. Our part is the acceptance of Christ; God will change our hearts. If we accept God’s Son as our Savior, the new life will at once flow into our heart, and we shall become children of God, not by any fiction of name, but by the communication of divine life.

Standing Before A Holy God

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

By David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011]

“Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will
the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of
oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for
the sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6-7).

The Israelites in this passage were asking a good question: “How can any human
approach a holy God? How can we ever please Him and be accepted by Him? What
kind of sacrifice does He want from us? Our blood, our bodies, our children?”

God’s answer appears throughout the Scriptures: “I do not want your sacrifices,
your good works, your promises, your moral deeds. Not one of these fleshly
things is acceptable in My sight. Nothing can please or delight Me except My
Son and all who are gathered in Him.”

Think of the most moral, upright person you know. Even he or she is not
accepted in God’s presence outside of Christ. All of that person’s good works,
kind nature and generosity are filthy rags in God’s sight.

So, how are we accepted by God? Paul writes, “He hath made us accepted in the
beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). Our good works come as a result of being in Him.

If you have given your heart fully to Jesus, you have probably voiced the same
questions Israel asked: “Oh, God, how can I please You? How can I be a delight
to You? I’ve made promises and tried my best, but every time I think I’m making
progress, I take two steps back. Should I read more of the Bible? Should I spend
more time in prayer? Should I do more witnessing? Lord, what do You want from
me?”

God answers us as He did Israel: “I don’t want any of your sacrifices or good
works. I recognize only the work of My Son, who delights and pleases Me. I
chose you from before the foundation of the world to be wed to My Son. I wooed
you, convicted you and through my Spirit I brought you into Him. I cannot hate
My own flesh!”

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/20960?src=devo-email

 

Rejecting Christ

 Today’s Devotional from The Vine..

He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. - John 1:11

The picture represents Christ coming with infinite grace to those He loved, and to His own people, only to be rejected by them and turned away from their doors. This was one of the saddest things about the Savior’s mission to this world. He was the God of glory and of life. He came to bring heaven to earth, but when He stood at men’s doors and knocked, the doors were kept closed upon Him, and He had to turn and go away again, bearing back in His hands the precious gifts and blessings He had brought and wished to leave.

We say the Jews, “his own,” were very ungrateful to treat their Messiah in this way; and also that their rejection was a terrible wrong to themselves for they thrust away in Christ the most glorious things of heaven and eternity. But how is it with ourselves? Christ comes to us. He is continually coming. His hands are full of blessings. He has eternal life to bestow. Do we receive Him? Is it not true of us that He comes unto His own, and His own receive Him not?

Do we really take from the hand of Christ all that He offers to us? Do we not daily grieve Him and rob ourselves of blessings by declining what He brings? Especially do we reject Christ often when He comes to us in the garb of pain or sorrow. Many times the blessings He brings to us then are the very richest and the most precious in all His store. But how many of us receive Christ as gladly, and take the gifts from His hand as cheerfully and gratefully, when He comes in grief or suffering, as when He comes in the garb of joy or worldly prosperity? Why should we not do so? Can we not trust His love and wisdom? He never sends pain unless pain is best. He never chastens unless there is a blessing in chastening.