The Lord be Magnified!

 Do you say continually, "The Lord be magnified!"?  What if we asked if you love your salvation?  Would you answer differently?  Yet Psalm 40:16 states, "Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, 'The Lord be magnified!'"  The obvious point is that God is worthy of our continuous exalting and glorifying Him.  Clearly the Holy Spirit needs to show us how all things show His glory and empower us to boldly magnify Him for all He has done.  

Let's consider why the Lord Jesus willingly laid down His life and endured such torment and suffering that He was marred beyond recognition. (Isaiah 53) Through His blood being poured out all our sins we were washed clean.  We not only are "most blessed" to receive His forgiveness, but He also lifted us up with Him to be "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people. (1 Peter 2:9)  Why has He bestowed on us such awesome favor?  The rest of the verse gives this answer, "that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."  We have been appointed to proclaim His praises.  Ephesians 1 also summarizes our purpose by declaring we have been destined to live for the praise of His glory.  We are His light.

Our ways and thoughts are so far from His ways and thoughts.  If we found a "deal" in the Black Friday sales, we would go all out to tell everyone around us.  Yet in coming into the salvation of Jesus Christ, receiving the greatest possible gift with everlasting greatness and joy, the hope of glory, Christ in us, it seems such a "little thing" that we are afraid or hesitant to tell anyone.

"Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus" is the line from a song by Anne Wilson.  The words continue, "He makes a way where there ain't no way, rises up from an empty grave, ain't no sinner He can't save, let me tell you 'bout my Jesus.  His love is strong and His grace is free, and the good news is that I know He can do for you what He has done for me.  Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus."  May the Holy Spirit put that kind of appreciation for what He has done in our lives and that kind of boldness to make it known to all. 

Here is my suggestion how to change this omission into action.  As we read the Word of God and get fresh revelation in the knowledge of Him, respond to the Holy Spirit with a simple, "Thank you.  Show me more."  The more we taste and see how good He is, the less we will be intimidated by our fears of what others may think.  As we forget not His benefits, our eyes and heart will be enlightened to see that He is the answer to every situation.  That kind of "know-so" heart confidence can't help but flow from our lips.

We are the salt of the earth that preserves life and makes everyone thirsty.  Therefore, God commands us who have freely received, to freely give.  Never think that a little "salt" of what God has done is too small to mention, but rather, because you love your salvation, say continually, "Let the Lord be magnified!"

 

Let

  Let.  This implies something that we do.  It is a participation of agreement to some action.  In Psalm 31, the word "let" precedes the desired end several times.  It is first addressed to God as a prayer for His participation.  For example, v.1 'Let me never be put to shame," and v.16  "Let Your face shine on Your servant."  In these verses we are inviting the Lord, actually agreeing with His Word and giving Him permission, to perform His desires.  What a marked contrast to the concept that we are waiting on God to move, rather than God is waiting on us to let Him do it.  

The dictionary definition of "let" is to allow, permit, give permission to, give leave to, choose to execute what is right or should be done.  In short, "let" requires your agreement and obedience to an order.  "Let" is the switch on the flashlight, God is the battery.  

The conclusion of Psalm 31 calls on us to choose an action God commands, "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope in the Lord."  Likewise, Jesus often directed His followers with commands like "Let your light shine among men."  In John 14, as He was explaining to His disciples that He was going to die and go to the Father, His instruction was "Let not your hearts be troubled."  A choice like this requires a deliberate focus on His truth and rejecting the natural thoughts and feelings that our fallen nature pumps into our consciousness.  

God is so good.  Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life.  His mercy is fresh every morning.  No good thing does He withhold from those who fear Him.  God makes all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose.  There are so many of these promises which show His goodness and give us a future and a hope. We can focus on His goodness and mercy and "let" this truth flood our soul, or we can focus on the negative emotions that scream at us.  However, know that this decision is life or death; choose life.  It is up to us to take every thought captive to obey Christ.  The question is what thoughts and feelings will you allow to dwell in your mind.  No one can do this for you, you have free will and are king of your life. The choice is yours.  

Paul instructs the Colossians, "Let the peace of God rule in our hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."  In Philippians, he further states the necessity to refuse to be anxious by turning things over to the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving, so the peace of Christ can fill our hearts and minds. Then he shows us how to "change the channel" by deliberately thinking about what is lovely, pure, just, and worthy of praise.  We can allow Christ's peace to enter by obeying His simple command "think about these things."  

Clearly the gate keeper is our mind and heart.  Proverbs 23:7 reveals as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.  2 Corinthians 10:4 points out the divine weapons for the spiritual battle empower us to take every thought captive and put down every imagination that opposes Christ.  On the amazing positive side, the Spirit has reveals to us the mind of Christ and we are instructed to "let" this mind be in you, which leads us to know God's thoughts and ways.  We let His thoughts and ways dominate and replace our thoughts and ways.  God's way of rewarding us for choosing to keep His Word in your mind and heart, thus speaking His truth, is to lead us "always in triumph."  

Finally, Jesus said to those who would be His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  Matthew 16:24  Therefore, we let Him and His life rule in us by laying down our selfish ways, thus letting His joy and peace be our strength.  God is waiting for us and calling to us to allow Him to live in us forever.  Let Him.   

Glory of God Will Be Seen

 Jesus told Mary, after the death of Lazarus, that if she believed she would see the glory of God. Therefore, in that same promise we can stand in faith that, yes, today we will see and experience the glory of the Lord. It pleases God to give us the kingdom.  We beheld His glory in receiving Jesus according to John 1:14.  Even though we live in the real world which always has tribulations, God is always with us and reminds us to focus on Him and His victory rather than let our hearts be troubled.  Psalm 17 graphically brings this truth to our attention with the last verse, 'As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness."  

What a powerful assurance that His presence will result in being satisfied. What could describe this condition better that these promises: my needs are all met, no good thing will He withhold, surely goodness and mercy will follow me today, in His presence is fullness of joy, and all things work together for good because I love Him and am called according to His purpose.

Moses consecrated Aaron with the instructions of what he needed to present to God and with the assurance that "Today the glory of the Lord will appear to you." in Leviticus 9.  In the New Testament, we are instructed to present ourselves as a living sacrifice and be renewed in our mind to prove or demonstrate God's good and perfect will.  We know the promise in Isaiah 60 that in the midst of darkness His light comes and "the glory of the Lord will be seen upon you."

So God created you and this day to show HIs glory to you.  He clearly desires to walk with you in His glory wherever you go and whatever you do.  The command is to consecrate yourself and this day to Him, believe His Word, and surely you will see the glory of God.  In His presence we are being changed from glory to glory.  

Believe the promise of God that today His glory will be seen upon you.

Don't Drink Dirty Milk!

Drink Pure Milk.  Touch Nothing Unclean.

Jesus was the most joyful person on earth because He loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, according to Hebrews 1:9.  Because of the fall of man, evil has entered the world, and now life is filled with choices such as good or evil, right or wrong, life or death.  God reminds us that life and death are before us, so He clearly instructs us to choose life.  We are called to love good and hate evil.  Scripture is filled with promises and blessings on those who fear Him, which is defined in Proverbs 8:13 as hatred of evil.  It pleases God when His children reject evil.  

In the New Testament this contrast between good and evil and the need to choose good is further explained to ensure obedience.  2 Corinthians 6:14 states, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.  For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?  And what communion has light with darkness?  And what accord has Christ with Belial (the devil)?"  God then shares His Father-heart desire to walk with us as His sons and daughters and literally be in us.  What could be stronger or more important that His next statement, "Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.  Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."

With this foundational understanding, let's consider the coming holiday of Halloween.  It's origin was the 2000-year ago Celtic feast of Samhain, where ghosts of the dead were believed to come back to haunt the living.  Scripture is extremely clear in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 that "There must never be anyone among you who...consults ghosts or spirits, or calls up the dead."  As you recall King Saul's final condemnation came when he asked the witch of Endor to call up Samuel from the dead.  In the New Testament, Paul openly states, "I do not want you to be participants with demons.  You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too." (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)

The Celts were afraid of the demon spirits from the dead, so at the feast of Samhain  there were large bonfires, animal sacrifices, and people even wore the heads and skins of the sacrificed animals to scare away and hide from the evil spirits, which is where the custom of dressing up in costumes comes from.  Some people offered fruit, candy, of gifts to appease the evil spirit world to avoid their "tricks."   

An honest look at the character of what Halloween celebrates also shows the nature of Satan, not God,  Fear, evil spirits, witches, death, torment, twisted and ugly creatures, deception and openness to the demonic supernatural demonstrate the exact opposite of the beauty and love of God.  Jesus said Satan was out to steal, kill, and destroy.  He call him the father of lies.  Paul points out what a deceiver he is because "Satan, himself transforms himself as an angel of light."  All the excuses or rationalizations do not cover the truth that this holiday does not honor or glorify God, but rather is the work of darkness.  God is not mocked.   

Children are open to the supernatural because they are close to God.  Woe to those who lead them astray!  What we can excuse as innocent fun is not right in God's eyes if it opens children to demonic darkness.  Lead children to taste and see the goodness of God, His healing power, His victory over fear, death, and sin.  Jesus is so good, so beautiful, so loving, so wonderful.  Let them enjoy His presence in worship.  Give them the pure milk of the Word.  Don't drink dirty milk.

          

Crowns Are Not Always Comfortable

 Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Father.  Nothing compares to the crown that God has for those who faithfully serve Him. 

There is a standing joke about the response of the person whom the dentist informed that she needed a crown.  Her reply was, "it is about time somebody recognized that!"  Just so happens that this week I did get a crown from the dentist and my overall reaction is that crowns are not always comfortable. 

The analogy to receiving a crown from men is likewise true.  Jesus warns in Luke 6:26 "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets."  Our flesh always wants men's approval and to feel like our efforts are noticed and appreciated.  This leads to a dangerous pattern.  We may do or say things just to please men rather than seek to please God by being obedient to the truth of God's Word.  The difference is life or death.  Choose life. 

Have you noticed in the sermon on the mount how many times Jesus says to pray in secret, fast in secret, give in secret, so God the Father can reward you openly.  He calls us to "perform" for an audience of One, not to show off to others.  God looks at the heart, not the outward physical display.

1 Peter 2:14 points out that the role of authorities is to punish evil and praise good.  Therefore, there certainly is nothing wrong with commending good behavior or choices. These comments help motivate people to continue in godly actions. 

However, there are also some negative things that can tempt us.  First, we can become arrogant and think we are better than we are. We may even think we are better than others when Scripture in Philippians 2 reminds us to "esteem others better than ourselves."    Second, we can begin to compromise our standards just to get men's approval, rather than be true to the godly convictions God has planted in our hearts.   We want to stand before God in our greatest appointment with no regrets.   

What is the answer?  Let the peace of God be the umpire in your heart.  Do things and choose attitudes which please Him rather than looking for fleshly affirmation.  We know according to Romans 8 that flesh is enmity against the spirit and cannot please God.  Be gracious to receive thanks when people give you credit or recognize your efforts, but let your rejoicing rest in the comforting witness of the Holy Spirit.  T. L. Osborn, a seasoned evangelist who carried the Gospel to India, said it this way, "If you aren't affected by people's cheers, you won't be distracted by their jeers."  Corrie Ten Boom accurately described this situation as receiving the "roses" people give her, but before going to bed she would say, "Jesus, these really belong to You."   

Crowns, except the one God gives, are temporary and not always comfortable. 

     

Look in the Mirror

This morning I looked in the mirror and wasn't very excited or pleased with what I saw.  However, God quickly reminded me that it was the wrong mirror!  The real me can only be discerned by looking in His mirror.  James 1:25 says, "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." 

When we look into God's mirror, which is His Word, all darkness is removed and we see the light of completeness in Christ.  Darkness is only in the natural world, and comes into us when we let the natural replace the divine.  We have been made a new creation, a temple of the Holy Spirit, filled with the very righteousness and life of God.  In Him we live and move and have our being. 

However, it is possible to forget who we are in Christ.  Looking into the mirror of our thoughts and feelings only magnifies attention to the flesh and tends to make us ignore or forget the truth.  The above stated verse in James 1:25 exhorts us to "continue in it."  Likewise, Jesus, in John 15, declares "If My Word abides in you."  This serious admonition to keep our minds and hearts renewed rather than be conformed to the world is reinforced by Paul in Romans 12:2.  The blessings proclaimed in Psalm 1 flow from keeping this Word in our minds and hearts day and night.  

Death and life are set before us each day. Which mirror will you observe and believe? Choose the mirror of life.  Choose to dwell on the life-giving truth of who you really are through the mirror of divine revelation. The main role of our recreated spirit is to be in continuous fellowship with God.  David prayed, "I set the Lord always before me."  We are instructed to stand fast in the peace and freedom that Jesus Christ purchased and continues to provide when our heart and mind are stayed on Him.  

It all depends upon which mirror you look into and which reflection you continue to believe.  We are blessed beyond what we can think or imagine as we reflect on the image God's mirror presents.  Not only to maintain our position, but also to be further changed.  "We all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18 

Our life today is meant to be filled with giving praise and thanksgiving, rejoicing in His goodness, and walking in the divine power and overflowing joy.  It all depends upon which mirror we consult, and whether we hold fast the picture reflected from God's mirror!  Every time you look into the physical mirror, deliberately choose to also look into the eternal mirror and remember who you are by the finished work of Jesus Christ. 

 

Alert and on Guard, We Overcome!

 The words of Paul to the Ephesians in Acts 20 resonate with the spiritual battle we currently are involved in, whether we are aware of it or not.  Even though he had gone through incredible attacks, even being stoned, shipwrecked, and knew that imprisonment and suffering was ahead, Paul states "None of these things move me."  Oh, that we all had our hearts steadfast like his.  

Our overcoming abundant life depends upon living by the Word of God rather than the happenings of the world around us.  It may be a challenge to fight the good fight of faith and to know God is working all things for our good when things around us are falling apart., However, the truth is that His way is perfect, even in the midst of the storm.  The good news is He is always a very present help in times of trouble and He simply wants us to call on Him.  Jesus has already won the victory, so stand in faith to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.    

  

Paul's instructions to the Ephesian leaders was to "take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock" and to "be alert and on your guard."  October tends to be a season when the spiritual forces of evil get stirred up with the Halloween emphasis.  The Spirit of God reminds us to be vigilant in our taking authority and declaring victory over the demonic forces.by "the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and with total commitment where we love not our lives even unto death." (Rev 12:11).  

Paul's warning goes even further, stating that ferocious wolves will get in and even within our ranks people will rise up and say perverse things leading others astray.  Rather than let this warning discourage us believers, Paul calls on us to stand strong in the Word of God which is able to build us up to receive the full inheritance.. However, the battle is real, and both Paul and Jesus tell us to be alert.  Jesus shows much more concern about us being deceived in the last days than He does about us being persecuted.  All those who refuse to love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) will be subject to deception. 

It is not a time to be passive or defeated in spirit, but rather to rise up in the authority and name of Jesus, declaring the victorious Word of God, and trusting the Holy Spirit to equip us with all we need to overcome.  .  According to 1 John 5:4 all those born again are united "in Christ" and destined to overcome the world and the work of the enemy. By faith we unite in HIs victorious death and resurrection, and now live by faith in the power of God.  Jesus warned His followers, in John 14 shortly before His arrest, to "not let your hearts be troubled.",  What God commands He also enables.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you keep your heart in Him and His promises instead of rehearsing what the enemy is doing.  Daily put on the armor of God and use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,  The anointing of God will break the yoke and give us discernment to stand against the enemy's traps.  .   

Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph!

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