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Paul tells Timothy, “The word of God is not imprisoned.”
2 Timothy 2:9 NASB77
Throughout the centuries God’s servants have known imprisonment, been bound by chains, and kept from preaching and teaching the Word of God. The messenger of the Word may be imprisoned by adversaries but the Word of God cannot.
William Punshon shares these thoughts with us about the Word of God… “The reasoned cast it into the furnace, which his own negligence had heated “seven times hotter than its wont—but it came out without the smell of fire. The formalist fastened serpents around it to poison it—but it shook them off and felt no harm. The infidel cast it overboard in a tempest of sophistry and sarcasm—but it rode gallantly upon the crest of the proud waters. And it is living still, yet heard in the loudest swelling of the storm. It has been speaking all the while—it is speaking now.”
No one can put a chain around God’s words and limit its movement, bind it purpose, chain its influence, weaken its authority, or contain its power.
No warrior can dull the edges of its blade;
No intellectual can undermine its truth;
No skeptic can lessen its authenticity;
No mocker can weaken its foundations;
No philosopher can out-think its penetrating insight;
No strongman can weaken its power;
No religion can replace its transforming power.
The rebellious fight it, the disobedient ignore it, the stubborn refuse it, the indifferent ignore it, the lazy neglect it, the careless skim over it, the foolish despise it, the runaway turns his back on it, and the traitor renounces it.
The hungry one eats it, the weary one rests in it, the traveler finds his way in it, the humble one learns from it, the servant yields to it, the submissive one obeys it, the worshipper loves it, the downcast one is encouraged by it, the weary one is strengthened by it, the sick one is healed by it, and the wise one builds his life upon it.
Fret buster # 44
Be patient, we don’t need to know everything right now. In this life we won’t be able to resolve every question, solve every problem, or understand every situation. In time, everything will be made clear.
“For we know in part and we prophesy in part. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:9,12
Fret buster # 45
Not every promise of God is intended for now. Some things will be for another time and another season. We don’t need to fret over God’s timetable. We will inherit all the promises of God through faith and patience.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
Fret buster #46
As John upon his dear Lord’s breast,
So would I lean, so would I rest;
As empty shell in depths of sea,
So would I sink, be filled with Thee.
And so though daily duties crowd,
And dust of earth be like a cloud,
Through noise of words, O Lord, my Rest,
Thy John would lean upon Thy breast.
-Amy Carmichael
“God, everything is changing.”
“I’m not.”
“People are restless.”
“I am in control.”
“Things around me are so shaky.”
“You are standing on a rock that cannot be moved.”
“The economy is unstable.”
“I own the cattle on a thousand hills.”
“How can I cope?”
“You will always have my grace.”
“I am worried.”
“Do you believe I care?”
“I wonder if something bad will happen.”
“Do you believe I am good?”
“I am afraid.”
“Don’t you believe that I love you?”
“What will become of me?”
“You can’t imagine how wonderful it is going to be!”
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9
God never leaves His child to fail when in the path of obedience.
-Theodore Cuyler
Are you where God would have you be? If you are, then be afraid to complain of circumstances which God has ordained on purpose to work out in you the very image and likeness of His son.
-Mark Guy Pearse
The Lord is your Shepherd to guide, watch, preserve, restore, and tend, as well as to feed. His eyes never slumber, and His hands never rest. His heart never ceases to beat with love, and His shoulders are never weary of carrying His people’s burdens.
-C.H. Spurgeon
Recently, my wife shared some thoughts with me about our daily relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, I would like to share those thoughts with you.
We all have a need, in a given moment, of the heart—loneliness being a big one. We can be in a crowd and feel lonely. Is Jesus enough to fill that hole?
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." John 14:27
Issues of sin, as the Holy Spirit may reveal something in our heart that is not right. Anger, hatred, greed....Did Jesus' death on the Cross cover it?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
Sense of worth. Can it be found in Jesus?
"My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place...Your eyes saw my unformed body." Psalm 139:15
Fear of any form. Can I be free from fear?
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:8
"Do not be anxious about anything...present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
I may feel insecure. Is He enough?
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8
Worry can be small or huge. Is there an answer?
"Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Hurt, rejection? Is He enough?
"The Lord is a refuge...a stronghold in times of trouble...for You, O Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:9 & 10
Heaviness of heart. Where is Jesus?
"You are my hiding place...You surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7
"You turned my wailing into dancing you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 30:11
Fear of man is a terrible bondage. What do people think? We must be driven by what the Lord thinks, not what man thinks. Knowing we have His approval is our place of rest in all you do.
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Colossians 3:23
"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence." Psalm 16:11
Contentment—can I be content with what I have, or do I need more? Can I be content in who God made me, or do I have to try to be someone else?
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
What's my address? His Presence! That is where I live.
There are no cracks or imperfections in what He does in our lives. He is about bringing us closer and closer into His heart.
I love the freedom Jesus gives.
Jesus is the Beauty of every day!
-Char Lessin
(This is will conclude the series on security.)
Here is a tenth reason why we can be secure in uncertain times.
Jesus Christ will never let you go.
Jesus is with you always. No one can pluck you out of His hand.
He is in you and you are in Him. He is your Shepherd and He will watch over you. You need not fear any evil. He is your High Priest. He is daily interceding for you and His prayers are being answered. He is your Bridegroom. He is preparing a place for you in His Father’s house and He will come for you.
His hands that hold you are pierced hands. If you ever question His love for you, look at His hands. His arms were once outstretched on the cross so that He could embrace you now with His unfailing love.
When He shed His blood he took your sin; when he died on the cross He took your death; when ascended into hell he took your judgment; when He rose from the grave He won your victory.
Jesus will never ask you to do something without His grace. In the dark times He will be your light. In troubled times He will be your security. In uncertain times He will be your guidance. In fearful times He will be your peace. You will never face a day without Him; you will never take a step without Him walking beside you; you will never face a need without His supply; you will never face a circumstance that He can’t bring you through triumphantly.
[For it is He] Who rescued and saved us from such a perilous death, and He will still rescue and save us; in and on Him we have set our hope (our joyful and confident expectation) that He will again deliver us [from danger and destruction and draw us to Himself]. 2 Corinthians 1:10 AMP
But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere.
2 Corinthians 2:14 AMP
In the light of God’s great certainties our response should be one of faith that says “Yes” to all that is true in Him and His Word. It should be a response that says “No” to fear and everything that is of the darkness. It should be a response of hope that moves us ahead in the confidence of knowing that the best is yet to be. It should be a response of praise and worship for the wisdom of His ways, the beauty of His character, and the blessings of His goodness that He has showered upon us in Christ. It should be a response of obedience that follows the Lord wherever He leads, that reaches out to those in need, that seeks His honor and glory, and a response that finds us being faithful in the thing He has called us to do until He comes.
Here is a ninth reason why we can be secure in uncertain times.
God loves you and will not fail you.
You are God’s child and He is your Father. He loves and cares for you more than you will ever know. He is the one who sent His Son to die for you. He is the one who ran to receive you when He saw your heart turn to Him for forgiveness. He is the one whose pleasure it is to give you the Kingdom. All that He is, He is for you. All His redemptive names are yours to claim and call upon.
He is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides for you;
He is Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals you;
He is Jehovah-Nissi, the God who is your banner;
He is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, the God who sanctifies you;
He is Jehovah-Shalom, the God who is your peace;
He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the God who is your righteousness;
He is Jehovah-Rohi, the God who is your shepherd;
He is Jehovah-Shammah, the God who is present with you.
The depth of His love for you cannot be measured, and its height cannot be scaled. He wants you to trust Him completely because He will not fail you. He cannot. When you go through trials He will keep you from defeat, when you face temptations He will keep from shame. When the enemy comes in like a flood, He will raise up a standard against Him. No weapon that is formed against you will prosper, for the battle is the Lord’s. You will never face an enemy that you have to fear or run from, for “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” You life belongs to Him and your times are in His hands.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5-6 [KJV]
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:1-2 [KJV]
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3 [KJV]
Here is an eighth reason why we can be secure in uncertain times.
Jesus’ Return Is Certain.
A basketball fan was at home watching his favorite team play on TV. It was the biggest game of the season and the outcome would influence the national championship. The fan watched the game with great interest. As the game reached its final minutes the score was tied. Anything could happen. The teams were trading basket for basket. The fans in the stadium were going wild as the tension continued to build.
The fan at home, however, sat calmly on the couch without a fear or worry. How could he be so calm in such a crisis situation for his team? The answer is a simple one, the game was pre-recorded and the fan heard the final result before turning on the TV. In the same way, as believers in Jesus Christ, we can walk through tense times in perfect peace because we already know what the outcome will be.
Jesus Christ is coming back. The outcome of all things has already been determined. Jesus is the winner. He is without rival in the universe. No evil doer, no outlaw, no terrorist, no anarchist will be standing in the end. Every enemy of God will be defeated, every false prophet will be exposed, every evil spirit will be chained, and every accusing tongue will be silenced.
The final chapter of history has already been written, and there will be no need for rewrites or revisions. God’s plan will be fulfilled. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. One day soon, you will forever be with the Lord.
Maranatha!
And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 [NLT]
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13 [KJV]
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 [KJV]
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 [KJV]
Here is a seventh reason why we can be secure in uncertain times.
God has given you all that you need to serve Him.
The grace of God covers you, the presence of God is in you, the angels of God are with you, the arms of God are around you, the gifts of God are for you, and the power of God is upon you. He has not abandoned you or left in this world as an orphan, alone and forsaken.
He has called you to serve Him and equipped you to serve Him. He has given you the ministry of reconciliation so that you can reach out to others; He has given you the ministry of intercession so that you can pray for others; He has given you the ministry of hope so that you can comfort others.
You are His ambassador on a holy assignment. God is for you, the Holy Spirit is in you, Jesus is with you, and all the heavenly hosts are on your side. The weapons of your warfare are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. He has given you the whole armor of God for every battle you face. He has you covered from head to toe.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians. 6:13-18 [KJV]
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Matthew 24:45-46 [KJV]
…I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20 [KJV]
Here is a sixth reason why we can be secure in uncertain times.
You are under the New Covenant bought by the blood of Jesus Christ
The New Covenant is a covenant that has been sealed by God’s promise and His oath. It is an eternal agreement that God has made with you through His Son. He sent Him from heaven to earth to establish this covenant with you. The New Covenant is a covenant of grace making available to you what you could never deserve or earn.
What was incomplete in the old covenant became perfect in the new; what was temporary in the old covenant became permanent in the new; what was insufficient in the old covenant became a completed work in the new. The blood covenant of Jesus Christ perfected the work of your salvation.
When Jesus came, He came to save you, cleanse you, forgive you, and deliver you from your sins. He lived a sinless life so that He could offer Himself upon the cross as your substitute. He was the sacrificial lamb who made atonement for your sin.
The blood of Jesus cleanses you and claims you. You have been bought with the blood of Christ. He is your Redeemer and He has taken full responsibility for your life. The shed blood of Jesus means that your past is forgiven and your present and your future are with Him. The loudest message of the New Covenant is, “I love you, I have bought you and you are mine.”
You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24 NKJV
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 NKJV
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