As we rapidly approach our national election day, a precipitous rise in inflammatory rhetoric seems to have broken out of the halls of our political institutions and has spilled onto the consciousness of the American people. And as much as we would like to blame a particular person or group, in reality we must rightfully place the blame for our acidic atmosphere on the one who is actually responsible. That is, Satan, the deceiver, the father of lies, the murderer, the tempter, the enemy, the adversary, that old serpent who wants to use us all as pawns in his plan to sow discord, destruction and death. But despite his wicked antagonisms and provocations we still serve a mighty God whose power is "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." (Ephesians 1: 21) And it is through this wonder working power that we can experience the peace of God in the midst of any storm, temptation, persecution or trial.
With that being said, I am not here to speak about politics but I’m here to speak about God. And although politics affects us all, it really doesn’t matter because economics, social issues, weather and a whole host of other human conditions affect us all well. But according to God’s Word, we as Christians cannot be moved by these things just because the demonic-influenced winds of societal hysteria are blowing in every direction. We cannot allow ourselves to be coerced or influenced into stepping out of the protective confines of our shelter of salvation and becoming involved in the ungodly antics of this world.
And so I speak not to the world in general, but to the body of Christ in particular. Don't be entangled in bitterness and hatred, which are the hallmarks of this world, but be immersed in the cleansing, healing, comforting and resurrecting Word of God. If you want to always keep your conversation holy, your actions honorable, your thoughts clean and your heart pure, then take heed to the eternal wisdom of God when He says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” (Psalm 1: 1-6) What wonderful promises God has made to us in this beloved Psalm. And these benefits are absolutely guaranteed to anyone who believes, receives, loves, cherishes, adores and obeys His Word. Please understand, dear ones, that our Father has assured us that we will be the beneficiaries of so many incredibly wonderful things as a result of our submission and obedience to Him as His faithful children. And these are not just empty words but rock-solid, iron-clad promises that can be counted on 100%. And guess what? He ain’t failed nobody yet!
With that in mind we must endeavor to stay involved in, saturated by and completely filled with God’s Word because it has a heavenly purpose that is infused with incalculable power. As it is written, “For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4: 12) And not only that, but God also said, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55: 11-12) Ever seen the trees clap, or the mountains sing, or the clouds praise God? It is an indescribably awesome and glorious sight! It is a spectacular visual spiritual experience that mere human words are incapable of describing. It is one of those events where God truly does exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. And if you think this only happened in the days of the Old Testament, think again. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy." (Acts 2: 17-18)
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.“ (2 Corinthians 7: 1) Read often, pray often, praise often, worship often and the Word of God will inspire you to live holy. Not just on Sunday, but Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well because we are no longer our own but have been bought with a price. If we always hunger and thirst after righteousness, then we shall be filled. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1: 4) God’s Word was sent to encourage, reassure, embolden and edify you for His glory and for your redemption. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3: 16-17) And if used correctly it will, not maybe or probably, but definitely will work wonders in your life. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." (Psalm 119: 9-11)
And why is the Word of God so precious and so wonderful? Because the Word of God is the Son of God, Who was God that appeared in the flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1-5, 14 & 17) “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3: 16)
Therefore we can now say with supreme and utmost confidence, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults. Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 119: 7-14)
God loves us so very much that He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross that we might be redeemed from the death penalty of sin that was imposed upon us all. And all we have to do to accept His loving offer of salvation as He knocks upon the door to our broken heart is to humbly and sincerely repent of the wrongs we have done. Then go and sin no more. God wants everyone to be saved because one day soon Jesus is coming back as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS, and we must, by any and all means, be ready. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Revelation 19: 11-14)
And so beloved ones, whatever your struggle is today, whatever difficulty you are facing at this moment or whatever distress the whole world may be in, through God's Word you will find comfort, strength, peace and life everlasting. Let His Word remind you of the freedom found in conversion, the blessed beauty of baptism, the exhilarating joy of sanctification and the sheer, divine power of the Holy Ghost. Be encouraged to hold on with all of your might because your King is on the throne and it will soon be time to go home. A home so eloquently described in the Apostle John's Revelation vision when he said in part, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21: 1-7 & 22-23) "And He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22: 1-5)
May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all people, even as we do toward you that He may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
Comments