The Calling Of God Not Of Men
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Galatians 1:1
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Give Me This Mountain
The words of faith declared by Caleb to Joshua, "Give Me This Mountain," were given because of a promise, one that would be fulfilled by God. The mountain was land, a possession in the promised land. Caleb's confidence in claiming this mountain was the faithfulness of God, the certainty of the "reward" promised to him. The mountain that he claimed by faith, became his to possess and enjoy.
All My Springs Are In Thee
God reveals Himself to men by His Spirit by making very real the Life of Christ to the heart. This comes often first by a desire for the things of God, then a seeking after God to know Him. Invariably this leads to a knowledge of His ways. Is this complicated? No, but the grace of God must be sought, for faith is a gift which comes from God in response to the seeking soul.
Unto Earth's Remotest End
The message of the Gospel was not given solely for the benefit of the nation of Israel. Indeed, we discover through the writings of the prophets, the words of Christ, and those of the Apostles, that the great truths of salvation, and the revelation of the knowledge of Christ in the church, was intended for the whole world. Just as Christ tasted death for every man, so it is the will of God that none should perish, but that all be saved.
The Windows Of Heaven
That which is primary in the perspective of God concerning the great, and multiple needs of men, is His intervention in the heart to make of it a temple, a place of worship in Spirit and truth. Christ once said, "I have come that they may have LIFE, and that they my have it more abundantly." The greatest provision of God to man by God, is the gift, the eternal gift of His Life, to be known and lived.
The Lampstand, The Golden Oil, And The Light
The Bible is full of picture, and also of objects that God has chosen in order to reveal to men something of His ways. A Lampstand was a picture of the means of giving light, not only to Israel but to the whole world. The Golden Oil spoke, and speaks still, of the Spirit of God. Christ the light of the world.
Letters Written By God
The letters that are written by God are eternal in nature. Though some are written on stone, and paper, that which is eternal are the truths revealed in them. With regard to believers who are born of the Spirit, having the Spirit of God dwelling in them, God also writes letters concerning HIs glory revealed in and through them. These are living letters to be read by all men. The letters written on stone and those which are written on hearts, come from the same Author, the Lord Jesus Christ by the Spirit. Both are for the glory of God.
If Any Man Is Willing
It has been said that the "will" is king in the realm of the Spirit. Why? Central to prayer is the petition that the will of God be done. Basic to Christ's devotion to the Father, was "...not My will but Thine be done." Fundamental to receiving guidance from God is to grasp Jesus' words: "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall KNOW..." (Jn. 7:17) To know freedom, and blessing, by the grace of God the will is to be submitted to the will of God.
God's Everlasting Gospel
The Gospel of God is good news, because it declares the intervention of a holy and perfect God into the circumstances and lives of men, in order to save them. The Gospel is not only a story of Jesus, the Son of God, the Anointed One of God, having come to pay the price for all the sins of men, but it is a declaration of the faithful power of God to save the sinner from perishing, giving to him today eternal life by the Spirit of God.
Wholehearted Devotion To Christ
Why is the believer called to be wholly devoted to Christ? It is because of the worth of His Person. The fact that God is holy sets Him apart from all that is of this creation, so that we might worship and serve Him. There has never been a greater love than that of God for fallen man, and never the proof of it as the giving of Christ to be man's sin bearer. Is God not then infinitely worthy to be worshipped and served?
The Power In Singing
Singing is not only an expression of faith, but one also of joy. The cause of singing to God is remembrance of His love and goodness. And yet, in the act of singing by the Spirit of God, there is a power in it, one that overcomes lesser things. Singing with a thankful heart is well-pleasing to God.