Down on Bended Knee

“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” Obadiah 1:15

Obadiah tells the story of two nations, the nation of Israel and the nation of Edom. Behind the story of these two nations is the story of two men: Jacob was the father of Israel and his twin brother Esau became the father of the Edomites. The relationship between these two brothers was in constant conflict, even before they were born, they struggled together in their mother’s womb. Jacob, the younger brother had stolen the birthright from his older brother Esau and Esau never got over it.

This family feud marked the lives of these two men and the lives of their descendants, the two nations of Israel and Edom. The nation of Edom would stand by and watch with delight and laugh as Israel would be attacked by its enemies: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says about Edom-We have heard a message from the Lord: An envoy was sent to the nation to say, ‘Rise, and lets us go against her for battle.” Obadiah 1:1.

Obadiah teaches lessons about the attitude of pride and a desire for revenge will ultimately lead to destruction: “You should not look down on your brother in the day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.” Obadiah 1:12.

Pride sets us up for the fall. Arrogance believes it is invincible, but an attitude of self-centeredness leads to failure: “See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised.” Obadiah 1:2. A heart governed by the Spirit of God is aware of the attitudes of pride: self-sufficiency, self-righteousness, and self-centered judgmentalism: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:17.

We are to give our hurts over to the Lord: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.” Romans 12:19. A humble heart sets aside grudges and weeps with those who are hurting: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15.

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:11-14. 

He Fills Me Up

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” Psalm 63:1-5.

We are God’s treasured children. He chose us from the beginning of the world with love that lasts forever. The Holy Spirit is at work in us that brings forth good fruit. Because He is a Holy God we are made righteous, whole and complete. Truth sets us free from sin and misery: “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

We are called to follow, the outward call, of living out the gospel of grace and truth. The inward call is the workings of the gospel of grace and truth through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Therefore, when we believe and obey the Gospel we will be with Jesus and will be a witness to the gospel and share in His glory: “To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:14.

The Bible tells us to stand firm and abide in Him. We must pay attention to the workings of the Holy Spirit, be diligent, equipping ourselves in Truth. “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15. “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” 1 John 2:28.

When we pray we pray to our God the Father but also to our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and we should pray in His name unto God. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, and not just to endure or be patient, but joyful, in troubles, in pain and suffering. Our hope is grounded in the love and grace of God, the promises of God, the goodness and the faithfulness of God. Grace and mercy of God are what we hope for, and what our hopes are founded on, and not on any effort of our own. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

He fills me up with good things, your Holy temple. He gives me love. He watches over me. He protects me from harm. He listens to my distress. He gives me rest. He gives me strength. He delivers me from evil. He is so good. He fills me up.    

A Life of Lasting Significance

“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Hebrews 10:16

To the unbeliever, “a meaningful life” is contrived from a mix of one’s opinions, experiences, perspectives, realities, and the lack of understanding and knowledge of Biblical Truth. To the unbeliever, truth is abstract: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. There is a world view and there is God’s view of what it means to live a meaningful life according to His will and purpose.  

Every promise from God is declared through  Jesus Christ. God chose each of us for his good pleasure. We are his special possession: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9. When Jesus prayed for his disciples, he confirms them: “For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” John 17:7-9.

Our purpose is to bring glory to the name of Jesus. We are his Life’s work: “All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.” John 17:10. Our Father in heaven watches over us, uniting us together with his Son as one into his Holy Family: “Holy Father, protect them by your power of your name-the name you gave me-so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11. Jesus prayed in our behalf. He knew the world would hate us so he asked the father to set us apart for his purpose: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:16-17.

A life of significance is firmly fixed in desire to follow the will and ways of God. We need to relate and respond to each other, lean and support, give and take, confess and forgive:  “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” John 5:9-17.

We need each other. We are to work in unity. There is one body with many parts: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. 

You get More when you are Thankful

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 1 John 1:4-5.

An attitude lacking thankfulness leads to emptiness. In the garden Eve turned her attention away from all the blessings she already had to focus on what she did not have. Her negative thoughts and focus darkened her mind which led to temptation. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Genesis 3:6-7.

Eve was no longer thankful and satisfied. She reasoned with the lie of the evil one. She thought she needed more and she was deceived. Therefore, thankfulness is much more than being grateful. Thankfulness protects hearts and minds from evil and darkness. When we are grateful, we are equipping ourselves with a weapon of “Light” to fight spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare is resisting, overcoming and defeating the enemy's lies including deception, temptations and accusations. 

An attitude lacking gratefulness will deceive the heart and mind to draw you away from the Light. “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.” Psalm 23:4. The shadows of darkness are weapons formed against us. They will not harm us if we believe and follow the Light. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men” John 1:4.

Thankfulness requires discipline. Anything worth having requires effort. Disciplines produce an outcome. Thankfulness that builds character strength is a principal like cause and effect or what you sow you reap. Discipline is both a process and a result. We go through the process of discipline to achieve the goal, then discipline is produced. When you “work” at a discipline, you “become” more disciplined. When we refuse to follow God’s ways as Eve did, God disciplines us because He loves us.  “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.” Proverbs 15:5.

The condition of the heart is reflected outwardly. ”Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23. A thankful heart leads to satisfaction. Satisfaction is contentment. When you are content, you don’t look for more; you are satisfied. Satisfied people are joyful people, and joy is health and strength. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7. 

The devil made me do it!

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12.

During the 70’s, well known comic genius Flip Wilson, whose character “Geraldine Jones” made famous the line “The devil made me do it!” Blaming the devil for everything became a national catchphrase.  Funny as the joke is, playing the blame game, even blaming the devil, is refusing to own up to responsibility to choices and actions.  

The “fall of man” is explained in the book of Genesis. The devil is described as “the serpent, craftier than any of the other animals the Lord God had made.” Genesis 3:1. The serpent tempted and deceived them. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10: “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44.

The enemy distorts the truth using confusion and messages of doubt. He makes his way seem a better way, a short-cut but he is a liar and a thief. The act of sinning that Adam and Eve did in the garden is about choice: The Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:13. We can blame the devil for our choices but responsibility for the act of sin is on us. “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’" Jude 1:9.

The message of Jude is to “contend for the faith.” Jude 1:3. The Lord has given us everything we need to live victoriously. We have a call to persevere: “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:17-21.

We are to agonize over pursuit of pleasure, looking deep in the heart, and questioning thoughts. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Two Kinds of Wisdom

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11

The “good life” is found in Christ, by learning His ways and gaining understanding to His Kingdom, not the kingdoms of this world. Jesus came to earth to serve, He humbled himself: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

There is a battle waging a war within our hearts. Fighting and quarreling comes from evil desires: “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” James 3:14.

The world says “I did it my way.” Such prideful arrogance leads to destruction and ruin: “Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” James 3:15.

The world’s wisdom is not like the wisdom from the Lord. When we follow Jesus, He gives the proper perspective, what to avoid, and how to live better: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16

Godly wisdom ignites our desires to follow God. It gives us insight, direction, and meaning to life. The wisdom that God freely gives shapes our behavior and attitudes:  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

If at all possible, we are to live in such a way, to be at peace with everyone. We are to humble ourselves, and He will lift us up. “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18

Spiritual Warfare

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

The Bible says we must follow Christ: “Those without vision cast off restraint. Blessed is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18. As Christians, we are in a battle to stay on the path that leads to glory. Commitment to vision is needed. Hard work requires self-control, discipline, is intentional, and requires dedication to excellence. To have such spiritual transformation, renovation of the heart is the foundation to change: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25.

The way to victory is a radical path of faith in Jesus because of who He is and what He has done to give us the victory over sin and temptation. Faith demands us to persevere through suffering, to endure hardship, and to push past our weariness as we approach the finish line. “This body of ours had no rest, but we are harassed at every turn, conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforts us.” See 2 Corinthians 7:5-6.

We push forward and strain ahead, to keep the victory and becoming more like Jesus. The trophy is our freedom in Christ. “It is freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1.Our reward is in Jesus. Unless He is the major pursuit of our lives all other pursuits are dead end streets. They don’t work, don’t satisfy, and have no fulfillment.  Anything other than the love of Christ won’t do for us what we think they are going to do. Read Matthew 6:33. 

You will Find Him when you Seek Him

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1. When we seek God, we will always find him. He watches over us, He cares for us. He is full of tenderness and compassion. He listens to our hearts through sincere prayers, requests, praise, and cries for help. He is with us: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:4. The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous.  
   

 “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2. When we seek God he knows what we need. He is our provider, our portion, our strong hold. He is the remedy for our disease. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:23-24. We must become dependent on him and count on him.

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3. When we seek God, he heals our hearts. His name means healer. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” 2 Chronicles 7:14-16. We are His temple. We are Holy for He is Holy. 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. We can know that through times of great pain and suffering, he cares for us. “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12. “The rod of correction imparts wisdom.” Proverbs 29:15.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5. When we seek God, we will great gain. He is our banner of victory. Through him, the battle is won. We are his people: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” John 2:20. “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Prov 16:5.  

 “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6. When we seek God, we will live with him in eternity. We may live in this world, but as believers, we are not of this world. While on earth, we are aliens, yet citizens of heaven. “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13. His love endures forever.

God is at work within us. When we seek God, we will be fully known: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. Look to the Lord and you will not fail: “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.” Psalm 128:1