Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Seeing God is The Joy of Jesus
Seeing God is The Joy of Jesus
by Dr.James A. Lee
12/05/11
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Have you ever found the profound need to see Jesus? There comes a time in life when one must search deep within ones soul for the truth. The Bible tell us that the truth shall set thee free. The ideal of freedom is what most people and nations seek in one form or fashion. The goal of ones life is to discover ones creator. Would you like to see God?
Phillip asked Jesus to show us the father. Jesus was and is the light of the world. He is the truth and the life. We must pay close and careful attention to what Jesus said and did to give us life more abundantly. Jesus said, if you have seen me, you have seen the father. Jesus loved His enemies, Jesus pray for them.
The Sermon on the mound is one of meekness. Jesus was meek. When we see Jesus, we see God. The Joy of Jesus is seeing God. God is love. When we experience true love we see God is Christ Jesus. The cross is where death meets life. Jesus gave His life so that we may live and see the Father God. This is the Joy of Jesus.
God will Take Care of You
As I rest in God, my balance is restored.
December can be a busy time. In rushing about, I may neglect my own physical and spiritual needs. Even when it's time to rest, I may push myself to keep going and do more. It's helpful to remember that I am the one who needs to take care of me.
I give myself permission to step back and take time for physical and spiritual self-care. It only takes a moment apart to let go of any stressors. Resting in God, I breathe deeply and feel my body relax. I let tension and strain melt away. I affirm divine life and vitality flowing in and through me. Spending time in quiet communion with God restores my balance, physically and spiritually.
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.--Matthew 11:28"
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Faith is The Joy of Jesus Today
Faith keeps me strong and confident.
Faith is an inner knowing that arises from my connection to Divine Mind. It allows me to move beyond the limitations of my fears. Faith does not mean always being strong--but faith gives me the courage to take the next step knowing strength will come. It does not mean having a perfect plan, but moving forward assured that guidance and direction will be provided in a perfect way. Faith does not mean always getting exactly what I want, but knowing that my good is available in every situation.
My good may be a new idea or insight; it may be comfort, help or a whole new way of living. Faith encourages me to keep anticipating the good. I am in awe of the blessings that continue to appear in my life.
And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you according to your faith."--Matthew 8:13"
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Monday, December 12, 2011
FaithWriters.com-Christian Prophecy - The Joy of Jesus is in the Clouds
When Jesus took Peter, James and John to a mountain with Him, there was a great transformation. Jesus turn in to a dazzling white. He spoke with Moses and Isaiah on the mountain. Then a cloud appeared. God spoke and said. This is my Son listen to him.
Jesus said when he returns in will come in a cloud.
I love clouds. There some that are so white and fluffy. A big ball of cotton. Jesus will come to us in the most beautiful cloud ever seen. The Joy of Jesus is found in the clouds. We must always look up.
God will speak to our hearts of the love and joy of Jesus. We must place out trust in Him.God said, listen to him. We must follow Jesus and hold tightly to His words of eternal joy in the clouds.
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The Words of Love in Christ Jesus
The words I speak are full of love.
The words I speak have power, and I have the power to choose them wisely. Choosing words hastily or in anger may cause another to feel demoralized or discouraged. By contrast, loving words can heal and uplift.
I think of how words affect me. In prayer, I ask the Christ within to guide my words to be encouraging and uplifting for others as well as myself. I set an intention to speak in positive ways throughout the day. My words and tone of voice make a difference.
I acknowledge the Christ Spirit in each person and myself, and I naturally choose words of grace, love, peace and appreciation.
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.--Ephesians 4:29"
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Sunday, December 11, 2011
Love is The Word
Joining family, friends and my community in this season of love, I feel a generosity of spirit. Divine Love connects us to one another. It encourages cooperation. As we share God's love from within, we express appreciation and respect for each other.
I love and accept myself, and I love and accept others. Love brings forgiveness to strained relationships and healing to old hurts or misunderstandings. Love transforms conflict into harmony.
When I see with the eyes of love, I see possibilities for good in all people and circumstances. The more love I give, the more love grows in me. I am filled with joy as I express love with a happy heart.
The Joy of Jesus Church is asking 10 million to Join The Campaign for Hope | PRLog
The Joy of Jesus Church is asking 10 million to Join The Campaign for Hope
People are losing hope today due to the economy and jobs. The Joy of Jesus Church is aware of this situation and calling for positive thinking around the world to make a difference. One campaign for 10 million people to stand up for Hope and Opportunity is a real start to a new beginning.
The joy of Jesus Pastor The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee is in deep prayer for families around the world. The Joy of Jesus has programs that promote opportunity in the following ares: Jobs, Business, Education,Health Care, Peace Studies, Green technology, and Poverty Studies to improve the quality of life for all.
Join our Campaign for Hope. Give to The Joy of Jesus through our free toolbar or visit our sponsors today. We are looking for 10 million people that starts with yo today, help us help othershttp://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 9, 2011
Do not Worry by A.W. Pink-Anxiety
Booklets and Pamphlets
by A.W. Pink
Anxiety
"Be anxious for nothing" Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:6
Worrying is as definitely forbidden as theft. This needs to be carefully pondered and definitely realized by us, so that we do not excuse it as an innocent "infirmity." The more we are convicted of the sinfulness of anxiety, the sooner are we likely to perceive that it is most dishonoring to God, and "strive against" it (Heb. 12:4). But how are we to "strive against" it?
First, by begging the Holy Spirit to grant us a deeper conviction of its enormity. Second, by making it a subject of special and earnest prayer, that we may be delivered from this evil. Third, by watching its beginning, and as soon as we are conscious of harassment of mind, as soon as we detect the unbelieving thought, lift up our heart to God and ask Him for deliverance from it.
The best antidote for anxiety is frequent meditation upon God’s goodness, power and sufficiency. When the saint can confidently realize "The Lord is My Shepherd," he must draw the conclusion, "I shall not want!" Immediately following our exhortation is, "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God." Nothing is too big and nothing is too little to spread before and cast upon the Lord. The "with thanksgiving" is most important, yet it is the point at which we most fail. It means that before we receive God’s answer, we thank Him for the same: it is the confidence of the child expecting his Father to be gracious.
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought (anxious concern) for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:25,33)
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I am uplifted by the grace of God.
The early followers of Jesus set an example of how to move through the world with infinite grace. When I am in a tense or stressful situation, I call upon the Christ in me to help me respond with grace and understanding. In doing so, I experience the delight of graceful expression.
When I remain in a peaceful state, my heart opens wide and I create a force field of loving energy. Acting from the Christ within, I allow others to be where they are without judging them, or myself.
I am inspired to be more gracious and accepting, to love myself and others fully and completely. By allowing the grace of Spirit to move through me freely, I help create a world that is loving, kind and compassionate.
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.--Acts 6:8"
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Thursday, December 8, 2011
Touching God is The Joy of Jesus
In hallowed moments, I am one with the Divine.
Often we are separated from objects considered too valuable to touch--artwork, sculpture, relics from antiquity--but communing with the truly sacred is an experience of touching the Divine.
I close my eyes, take a gentle breath and leave the clutter and clatter behind. I remember a holy moment full of love and oneness. I rest in the quiet chapel of my mind and heart.
In the stillness I feel the presence of pure Love. Enfolded in this Love, my heart opens ever wider until there is no "me and Love," there is only "Love." Time stops and I am ageless. I am Love and every possibility of Love. I rest in this hallowed moment until a thought stirs me back into the world.
O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides. --Psalm 26:8"
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
A Prayer for Peace
I embrace all people in my prayers for peace.
At one with the presence of God, I begin my day with a prayer for peace. I am aware of God's peace within my body, mind, soul and spirit. My inner peace expands to embrace the fullness of life on the planet. I include the people of all nations, for God is creator of all.
The planet we share has immense capacity for healing and recovery. In places where conflict has caused damage or even raged for years or centuries, peace is possible, because God is the unifying and co-creating power within us all.
I help generate peace by expressing peace in every word I speak, every action I take, and every prayer I hold in my heart.
The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it. --Psalm 89:11"
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Hope and Pray is The Joy of Jesus
I live this day in positive anticipation.
I look forward to this day with great excitement. Each day brings unexpected gifts. I am willing to live this one to the best of my ability. Whatever comes my way, I choose to see it as an opportunity to grow and to know God more.
If my plans are interrupted or delayed, I take the additional time to reflect or notice something that may have otherwise escaped my attention. What some may see as a frustration, I see as a chance to slow down and feel God's presence. My faith assures me that there is nothing God and I cannot accomplish together. I look for and find blessings in ways expected and unexpected, treasured even more because I live in positive anticipation.
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the body. --Proverbs 15:30"
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Monday, December 5, 2011
Seeing God is The Joy of Jesus
E-NEWS The Joy of Jesus: Living in God's Love
Living in God's Love
By helping others through challenging times, we tap into our own inner strength. Offering a gentle and steady hand, an encouraging word or rolling up our sleeves and getting to work on behalf of others--these acts of caring fulfill us not only as human beings, but as sacred beings.
We reach out in love through the many ways we serve. It may be reading to a child or visiting an elderly patient in a nursing home; providing comfort and essential aid to residents in a disaster area, or caring for animals at a local shelter. We can give from the heart in a multitude of ways.
As good Samaritans who offer care and comfort to others, we answer the call to be God's love in expression.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Peace is The Joy of Jesus
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season, we begin by making room for the Christ Spirit to be born anew in our own hearts. Jesus set the example for all humankind. He was not born into a world of peace, but rather, he brought his peace to the world.
As God's beloved child, I need not wait for the world around me to be peaceful before opening my heart and giving birth to the peace of God in me. Giving glory to God, I quiet my thoughts. In a moment of silent praise, I am filled with the peaceful Christ Presence. The Prince of Peace finds a home in my own heart. As I abide in deepest peace, heaven is established on earth, and Christ is born in me.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
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I begin my prayer for others by centering myself in the peace of God. From a consciousness of faith and peace of mind, I affirm: God is your help in every need.
As I pray for my dear ones, I hold an image of them in my mind that affirms the radiance of their being as a beloved child of God. If they are experiencing a health challenge, I behold them whole and well, functioning perfectly and enjoying life. If their need is financial, I envision them abundantly blessed, in the flow of God's good, with every need being met. If they are at a crossroads, I affirm they are being divinely guided along the path that is right for them.
With a faithful heart, I pray for others.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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I may feel insignificant as I gaze at the vast expanse of a star-filled night or reflect upon the beauty and immensity of creation. But I, too, am a magnificently created expression of life. Each cell of my body is a universe of divine life and intelligence.
Although my well-being is enhanced by what I take into my body, healing is generated from the inside out. I turn within in prayer and meditation to affirm my health and wholeness at a cellular level. I cease all concern about what could be wrong with my body and affirm the renewal of vibrant life within me. As I hold a vision of myself radiant with life, I claim my true identity as a whole and healthy creation of God.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Today on Radio The Joy of Jesus
Today on Radio
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Proper Perspective In Trouble
As discouraging as trials can be, no amount of complaining or self-pity can ever bring about a solution. How can we maintain a proper perspective when our problems weigh heavily on our shoulders? In his inspiring message, A Proper Perspective in Trouble, Dr. Stanley reminds us that trials and challenges are no time to buckle, but rather a time to shine for Christ.
This radio broadcast is also available:
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In Spirit, I am unlimited.
Where Spirit is present, there is freedom--and Spirit is within me. The spirit of God enables me to face any challenge with wisdom, serenity and resolve. In Spirit, I am unlimited.
Jesus assured his followers they were capable of living an unlimited life. Just as God's spirit enables the birds of the air to find food and shelter, Spirit supports me as I live and create a happy and meaningful life.
A consciousness of freedom delivers me from all self-imposed restrictions. I am free to grow and to change. My potential for success is unlimited and my opportunities to serve others and express love and joy are endless.
Aware of the spirit of God ever-present within me, I am free and unlimited.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.--2 Corinthians 3:17"
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
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I celebrate the journey of my life.
Life is a journey that continuously takes me from comfortable and familiar territory to the new and unexplored. At times in my life I may change jobs, build a family, move to a different home or city, travel around the world. Venturing into the unknown can feel frightening. I choose to embrace the adventure of exploring new possibilities. With every change and challenge, God is with me.
I may not be able to see around each bend--but I know I will be led to the right destination. I have the wisdom and understanding to navigate any speed bumps, detours or obstacles. I celebrate the wide-open grandeur of life as I travel with the Divine on my spectacular life journey.
When our days there were ended, we left and proceeded on our journey.--Acts 21:5"
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Monday, November 28, 2011
The Sermon On The Mount - Chapter Two
The Sermon On The Mount
by Arthur W. Pink
Chapter Two
The Beatitudes-Continued
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). There has been considerable difference of opinion as to exactly what meekness consists of. When we wrote upon this verse some twelve years ago, we defined it ashumility, but it now appears to us that that is inadequate, for there is no single term which is capable of fully expressing all that is included in this virtue. A study of its usage in Scripture reveals, first, that it is linked with and cannot be separated from lowliness: "Learn of Me: for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29); "Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called; with all lowliness and meekness" (Eph. 4:1, 2). Second, it is associated with and cannot be divorced fromgentleness: "I beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:1); "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men" (Titus 3:2). Third, "receive with meekness the engrafted word" is opposed to "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" (Jam. 1:20, 21). Fourth, the Divine promise is "the meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way" (Ps. 25:9), intimating that this grace consists of a pliant heart and will.
Additional help in determining for us the meaning and scope of the word "meek" is to be obtained from duly noting our present verse in the light of the two preceding ones. It is to be kept steadily in mind that in those Beatitudes our Lord is describing the orderly development of God's work of grace as it is experientially realized in the soul. First, there is a poverty of spirit: a sense of our insufficiency and nothingness, a realization of our unworthiness and unprofitableness. Next, there is a mourning over our lost condition, sorrowing for the awfulness of our sins against God. And now we have meekness as a by-product of self-emptying and self-humiliation; or, in other words, there is a broken will and a receptive heart before God. Meekness is not only the antithesis of pride, but of stubbornness, fierceness, vengefulness. It is the taming of the lion, the making of the wolf to lie down as a kid.
Thomas Scott rightly points out that "There is a naturalmeekness of spirit, springing from love of ease, defect in sensibility and firmness, and the predominancy of other passions, which should be carefully distinguished from evangelical meekness. It is timid and pliant, easily deterred from good, and persuaded to evil; it leads to criminality in one extreme, as impetuosity of spirit does in another; it is often found in ungodly men; and it sometimes forms the grand defect in the character of pious persons, as in the case of Eli, and of Jehoshaphat. Divine grace operates in rendering such men of an opposite temper more yielding and quiet. The meekness to which the blessing is annexed is not constitutional, butgracious: and men of the most vehement, impetuous, irascible, and implacable dispositions, by looking to Jesus through the grace of God, learn to curb their tempers, to cease from resentment, to avoid giving offence by injurious words and actions, to make concessions and forgive injuries."
Meekness is the opposite of self-will toward God, and of ill-willtoward men. "The meek are those who quietly submit themselves before God, to His Word, to His rod, who follow His directions and comply with His designs, and are gentle toward men" (Matthew Henry). As pointed out above, this is not constitutional, but gracious-a precious fruit of the Spirit's working. Godly sorrow softens the heart, so that it is made receptive to the entrance of the Word. Meekness consists in the spirit being made pliant, tractable, submissive, teachable. Speaking prophetically through Isaiah the Saviour said, "The Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek"(Isa. 16:1), for they have bowed to the authority of the Law. And again it is written, "For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation" (Ps. 149:4).
A word or two on the fruits of meekness. First, Godwards.Where this grace is in the ascendant, the enmity of the carnal mind is subdued, and its possessor bears God's chastenings with quietness and patience. Illustrations thereof are seen in the cases of Aaron (Lev. 10:3), Eli (1 Sam.3:18), and David (Ps. 39:9). Supremely it was exemplified by Christ, who declared, "I am a worm, and no man" (Ps. 22:6), which had reference not only to His being humbled into the dust, but also to the fact that there was nothing in Him which resisted the judgments of God: "The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:11). He was "led [not dragged] as a lamb to the slaughter": when He was reviled, He reviled not again; when He was buffeted, He threatened not. He was the very King of meekness.
Second, manwards. Inasmuch as meekness is that spirit which has been schooled to mildness by discipline and suffering, and brought into sweet resignation to the will of God, it causes the believer to bear patiently those insults and injuries which he receives at the hands of his fellows, and makes him ready to accept instruction or admonition from the least of the saints, moving him to think more highly of others than of himself. Meekness enables the Christian to endure provocations without being inflamed by them: he remains cool when others get heated. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness: considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1). This means, not with a lordly and domineering attitude, not with a harsh and censorious temper, not with a love of finding fault and desire for inflicting the discipline of the church, but with gentleness, humility and patience.
But meekness must not be confounded with weakness. True meekness is ever manifested by yieldedness to God's will, yet it will not yield a principle of righteousness or compromise with evil. God-given meekness can also stand up for God-given rights: when God's glory is impeached, we must have a zeal which is as hot as fire. Moses was "very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3), yet when he saw the Israelites dancing before the golden calf, in zeal for Jehovah's honour, he broke the two tables of stone, and put to the sword those who had transgressed. Note how firmly and boldly the apostles stood their ground in Acts 16:35-37. Above all, remember how Christ Himself, in concern for His Father's glory, made a whip of cords and drove the desecrators out of the temple. Meekness restrains from private revenge, but it in nowise conflicts with the requirements of fidelity to God, His cause, and His people.
"For they shall inherit the earth" or "land," for both the Hebrew and Greek words possess this double meaning. This promise is taken from Psalm 37:11, and may be understood in a threefold way. First, spiritually, as the second half of that verse intimates: "The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." The spirit of meekness is what enables its possessor to get so much enjoyment out of his earthly portion, be it small or large. Delivered from a greedy and grasping disposition he is satisfied with such things as he has: "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked" (Ps. 37:16). Contentment of mind is one of the fruits of meekness. The haughty and covetous do not "inherit the earth," though they may own many acres of it. The humble Christian is far happier in a cottage than the wicked in a palace: "Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith" (Prov. 15:16).
Second, literally. The meek inherit the earth in regard of right,being the members of Christ, who is Lord of all. Hence, writing to the saints, Paul said, "For all things are yours; whether. . .the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are yours" (1 Cor. 3:21, 22). Right or title to the earth is twofold: civil and spiritual. The former is that which holds good-according to their laws and customs-before men, and in regard thereof they are called lords of such lands they have a right unto in the courts. The latter is that which is approved beforeGod. Adam had this spiritual right to the earth before he fell, but by his sin he forfeited it both for himself and his posterity. But Christ has regained it for all the elect, hence the apostle said, "As having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (2 Cor. 6:10). Third, mystically. Psalm 37:11, is an Old Testament promise with a New Testament meaning: the land of Canaan was a figure of heaven, of which meekness proves the possessor to be an heir, and for which it is an essential qualification. From what has been before us let us learn, first, the value of this spiritual grace and the need of praying for an increase of the same: "Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment: seek righteousness,seek meekness" (Zeph. 2:3). As a further inducement to this end, mark these precious promises: "The meek shall eat and be satisfied" (Ps. 21:26), "The Lord lifteth up the meek" (Ps. 147:6), "The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord" (Isa. 29:19). Second, see the folly of those who are so diligent in seeking earthly possessions without any regard to Christ. Since all right to the earth was lost by Adam and is only recovered by the Redeemer, until they have part in Him none can, with the comfort of a good conscience, either purchase or possess any mundane inheritance. Third, let the fact that the meek. through Christ, inherit the earth serve for a bridle against all inordinate care for the world: since we are members of Christ the supply of every need is certain, and an infinitely better portion is ours than the perishing things of time and sense.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). In the first three Beatitudes we are called upon to witness the heart exercises of those who have been awakened by the Spirit of God. First, there is a sense of need, a realization of their nothingness and emptiness. Second, there is a judging of self, a consciousness of their guilt and sorrowing over their lost condition. Third, there is an end of seeking to justify themselves before God, an abandonment of all pretences to personal merit, a taking of their place in the dust before God. And here, in the fourth, the eye of the soul is turned away from self to Another: there is a longing after that which they know they have not got and which they are conscious they urgently need. There has been much needless quibbling as to the precise import of the word "righteousness" in this verse, and it seems to us that most of the commentators have failed to grasp its fullness.
In many Old Testament passages "righteousness" is synonymous with "salvation," as will appear from the following. "Drop down ye heavens from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it" (Isa. 45:8); "Hearken unto Me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: I bring near Myrighteousness; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion" (Isa. 46:12, 13); "Myrighteousness is near. My salvation is set forth, and Mine arms shall judge the people: the isles shall wait upon Me, and on Mine arms shall they trust" (Isa. 51:5): "Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment and do justice: for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed" (Isa. 56:1); "He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isa. 61:10). Yet after all, this does not bring us much nearer in that "salvation" is one of the most comprehensive terms to be found in the Scriptures. Let us, then, seek to define its meaning a little more closely.
Taking it in its widest latitude, to "hunger and thirst after righteousness" means to yearn after God's favour, image, and felicity. "Righteousness" is a term denoting all spiritual blessings: "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). More specifically, "righteousness" in our text has reference, first, to the righteousness of faith whereby a sinner is justified freely by Divine grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. As the result of his Surety's obedience being imputed to him, the believer stands legally righteous before God. As sinners who have constantly broken the Law in thought, word, and deed, we are utterly destitute of righteousness. "There is none righteous, no not one" (Rom. 3:10). But God has provided a perfect righteousness in Christ for all who believe: it is the best "robe" put upon each returning prodigal. The merits of Christ's perfect keeping of the Law is reckoned to the account of every sinner who shelters in Him.
Second, this "righteousness," for which the awakened sinner longs, is to be understood of inward and sanctifyingrighteousness, for as we so often point out, justification and sanctification are never to be severed. The one in whom the Spirit graciously works desires not only an imputedrighteousness, but an imparted one too; he not only longs for a restoration to God's favour, but to have God's image renewed in him. For this twofold "righteousness" the convicted "hunger and thirst," expressive of vehement desire, of which the soul is acutely conscious, for as in bodily hunger and thirst there are sharp pangs and an intense longing for their appeasement, so it is with the soul. First, the Spirit brings before the conscience the holy and inexorable requirements of God. Next, He convicts the soul of its destitution and guilt, so that he realizes his abject poverty and lost condition, seeing there is no hope in and from himself. And then He creates a deep hunger and thirst which causes him to lock unto and seek relief from Christ, "The Lord our righteousness."
Like the previous ones, this fourth Beatitude describes a dualexperience: an initial and a continuous, that which begins in the unconverted, but is perpetuated in the saved sinner. There is a repeated exercise of this grace, felt at varying intervals. The one who longed to be saved by Christ now yearns to be made like Him. Looked at in its widest aspect, this hungering and thirsting refers to that panting of the renewed heart after God (Ps. 42:1), that yearning for a closer walk with Him, that longing for more perfect conformity to the image of His Son. It tells of those aspirations of the new nature for Divine blessings which alone can strengthen, sustain and satisfy it. Our text presents such a paradox that it is evident that no carnal mind ever invented it. Can one who has been brought into vital union with Him who is the Bread of Life and in whom all fullness dwells be found still hungering and thirsting? Yes, such is the experience of the renewed heart. Mark carefully the tense of the verb: it is not "Blessed are they which have," but "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst." This has ever been the experience of God's saints (Ps. 82:4; Phil. 3:8, 14).
"They shall be filled." Like the first part of our text, this also has a double fulfillment: an initial, and a continuous. When God creates a hunger and thirst in the soul, it is that He may satisfy it. When the poor sinner is made to feel his need of Christ, it is that he may be drawn to and led to embrace Him. Like the prodigal who came to the Father as a penitent, the believing sinner now feeds on the One figured by the "fatted calf." He is made to exclaim, "Surely in the Lord have I righteousness." "They shall be filled" with the peace of God which passeth all understanding. "Filled" with that Divine blessing to which no sorrow is added. "Filled" with praise and thanksgiving unto Him who has wrought all our works in us. "Filled" with that which this poor world can neither give nor take away. "Filled" by the goodness and mercy of God, till their cup runneth over. And yet, all that is enjoyed now is but a little foretaste of what God has prepared for them that love Him: in the day to come we shall be "filled" with Divine holiness, for we shall be made "like Him" (1 John 3:2). Then shall we be done with sin for ever: then shall we "hunger no more, neither thirst any more" (Rev. 7:16).
As this fourth Beatitude has been such a storehouse of comfort to many a tried and troubled believer, let us point out the use which may be made of it by Satan-harassed believers. First, by those whose faith is little and weak. There are not a few in God's family who sincerely long to please Him in all things and to live in no sin against their conscience, and yet they find in themselves so much distrust and despair of God's mercy that they are conscious of much more doubting than faith, so that they are brought seriously to question their election and state before God. Here, then, is Divine consolation for them: if they genuinely hunger and thirst after righteousness, Christ Himself pronounces them blessed. Those who are displeased with their unbelief, who truly desire to be purged from distrust, who long and pray for increased faith and assurance-evidencing their sincerity by diligently using all proper means- are the subjects of God's approbation.
Second, by those whose sanctification is so imperfect. Many there be who are most anxious to please God and make conscience of all known sins, yet find in themselves so much darkness of mind, activity of rebellious corruption, forwardness in their affections. perverseness in their wills, yea, a constant proneness to all manner of sins; and, on the contrary, they can perceive so little of the fruits of sanctification, so little evidence of spiritual life, so few signs of Divine grace at work within, that they often seriously doubt if they have received any grace at all. This is a fearfully heavy burden, and greatly casts down the soul. But here is Divine consolation. Christ pronounces "blessed" not those who are full of righteousness, but those who "hunger and thirst" after it. Those who mourn over their depravity, who grieve over the plague of their hearts, who yearn for conformity to Christ-using the means constantly-are accepted of God in Christ.
Third, by the more extreme case of one who has grievously departed from God and long been a backslider, and now, conscious of his wickedness, is in despair. Satan will tell him that his case is hopeless, that he is an apostate, that hell is prepared for him and he must surely be damned; and the poor soul is ready to believe that such must really be the case. He is destitute of peace, all his evidences are eclipsed, he cannot perceive a ray of hope. Nevertheless, here is Divine comfort. If he truly mourns over his departure from God, hates himself for his backsliding, sorrows over his sins, truly desires to repent of them and longs to be reconciled to God and restored to communion with Him, then he too is among the blessed: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
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I put spiritual principles to work in my life.
My life is enriched through my practice of spiritual principles. As I deepen my understanding of myself, I become increasingly aware of my oneness with God. I commit to daily prayer and meditation. I view challenges as opportunities to practice the principles I know. I contemplate the personal meaning of Scripture and apply timeless truths to everyday situations.
Reading the words of Jesus, I am inspired anew: "If you continue in my word ... you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." As a student of Truth, I embrace and enhance my study by exploring the meaning of spiritual teachings and apply what I learn. I put principle to work in my life.
I pray that you may have the power to comprehend ... what is the breadth and length and height and depth.--Ephesians 3:18"
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Sunday, November 27, 2011
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| A New Form of Life by Dr.James A. Lee 12/31/69 Free to Share |
Is the life we live meaningful in the love of humanity? Can one image a life filled with both love and peace? Now is the time to look beyond the struggles of a horrible depression unto a world of harmony and completion. Jesus offers us a new life separate and apart of our present condition. As I give thanks to God for all of creation, I am deeply concerned for all of the crime, suffering and hate in the world. The real question in my heart is where is the love? Is there hope for all those who are suffering from a world lost in sin and darkness? The Bible tells us that we can place our trust in God. One of Jesus disciple asked Jesus to show us the father. Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen the father. Jesus gave up His life on the cross for the sins of the world. God raised Him on the third day with all power, honor and glory. Our new life is with the Resurrected Christ. Creating a New Heaven and Earth, filled with love and perfect peace. Lord we give thanks for our new life in The Joy of Jesus, The Lord of all Salvation Today! |
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