Now I Know
What is true knowledge, great and wonderful knowledge? Is it not that pertaining to God who is perfect and holy? That which is the end and purpose of man, is that he may truly KNOW God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. To know, and be persuaded of, the truth of God, is to be blessed beyond measure. Christ IS Christianity, and the knowledge of Him, and the experience of His life, is the pinnacle of our existence.
Not Wanting For Anything
What does David mean, by saying, "...I shall not want." Is it not the same thing that another Psalmist would say, "...no good thing will He withhold from him that walketh uprightly?" (Ps. 84:11) It is the same. God gives all that we need in Jesus Christ, for His glory and honor. Who will choose to live in this reality?
The Lowliness Of Christ
What constitutes true humility? The point of reference to understand it, and the power to live it, is found in only one place...Christ. There was never a moment when He was not lowly, though He was exalted as King. His humility permeated all that He was as a man on this earth. And that lowliness is seen even in heaven as the Lamb of God. Though He was the King, yet, He was the Lamb.
The Lion Who Overcame
Who is Christ? He is certainly the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, by the sacrifice of His life. But He is also the Lion of the tribe of Juda, who has conquered not only the grave and death, but all the principalities and powers of darkness, whose only purpose is to destroy the work of God, and to thwart His will. However, the victorious Christ is forever in his church, and every believer. He has prevailed, and will continue to do so.
The Difference Between God And Men
What is the difference between God and men? First, it is found in the shear volume and size of each. For God, the earth is His footstool. For man, his footstool is a little piece wooden furniture. Secondly, the nature of God is so vast, and unique, that there is but one word that can describe it: Holy. Man, on the contrary, is a slave to his lusts and desires, a prisoner to sin, a puppet of Satan. He is weak by virtue of his separation from the God who made him, and who sustains him. The difference between God and man is as different as different as heaven is different from earth.
Standing And Withstanding
What does it mean to take a position of faith, to take one's stand upon the word of God? It means that faith is directional...it only looks in one direction for everything. For the Christian, he only looks at Christ, for in Him is everything. The Christian is therefore, not only positionally complete in Christ, He is that one who is in living union with Christ, in a position to derive all from Him by that inward attitude of faith.
Armed To Suffer And To Overcome
Is there no end to the suffering of earth? Is there no way through this vale of suffering, the result of a sinful world, sinful hearts, and the one who hates Christ and His church? There will come a day, and a moment, when the suffering will be over. But there is a path through suffering, and it is that path that Christ walked, revealing to us His way, and His power in the suffering. He overcame all to show us the way, and provide His very victorious life the proof, and power to overcome.
A Time To Live
What does it mean to truly live? Is it to exist, or is it to know a power, a presence, a Person...who brings into perspective the reason and purpose for one's entire existence? Paul wrote, "For me, to live is Christ." Is this true for us, who profess His name? Do we know Him, and the "power of His resurrection?" Do we know the fruits of His life dwelling within, swelling up to overflowing in the life, in the service of the King, and love for others?