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“These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
[Revelation 3:1b-4 NKJV]
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
[Revelation 3:1b-4 NKJV]
At first, this meditation was going to be called "But You Are Dead", but this seemed very accusatory even if it is a problem that Jesus' identifies. What He is saying is that we can be spiritually dead, because we will not watch. He is speaking to those of us who seem spiritually alert, but in reality are anything but.
This is really an exhortation to come up higher, to abandon spiritual slothfulness and turn your eyes towards Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. In a sense, this letter is an extension of the letter to the Church at Ephesus, because there is an encouragement to remember what we have already received and heard, to hold on to that and thus return to our first love. In other words - and for the fourth time in five letters - there is an urging to repentance.
Watchfulness is the key. Our Lord says that He will come upon you like a thief if we will not be alert and watchful.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
[Matthew 24:43 NKJV]
“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
[Revelation 16:15 NKJV]
What does being watchful entail? Paul says this in Ephesians 6:
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
[Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV]
... and in 2 Timothy 4:
I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch.
Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing (be watchful); accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
[2 Timothy 4:1-5 MSG]
This is really an exhortation to come up higher, to abandon spiritual slothfulness and turn your eyes towards Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. In a sense, this letter is an extension of the letter to the Church at Ephesus, because there is an encouragement to remember what we have already received and heard, to hold on to that and thus return to our first love. In other words - and for the fourth time in five letters - there is an urging to repentance.
Watchfulness is the key. Our Lord says that He will come upon you like a thief if we will not be alert and watchful.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
[Matthew 24:43 NKJV]
“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
[Revelation 16:15 NKJV]
What does being watchful entail? Paul says this in Ephesians 6:
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
[Ephesians 6:14-18 NKJV]
... and in 2 Timothy 4:
I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch.
Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing (be watchful); accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
[2 Timothy 4:1-5 MSG]
“Hold Fast Till I Come” — FOUNTAINVIEW ACADEMY
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Thursday 3rd September 2020
“Be strong in the Lord” — we much prefer to be strong for the Lord. The only way to be strong in the Lord is to be “weak in Him.”
Thursday 3rd September 2020
“Be strong in the Lord” — we much prefer to be strong for the Lord. The only way to be strong in the Lord is to be “weak in Him.”
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“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.
And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come.
[Revelation 2:19-25 NKJV]
Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.
And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come.
[Revelation 2:19-25 NKJV]
Jesus, through the apostle John, addresses what is best described as an unrepentant seductive spirit -- a Jezebel spirit — which can quickly overtake an individual, then a church, if it is allowed to do so. And that is a crucial point in the letter, because you allow that spirit to take up residence. This spirit is the complete opposite of all that God wants His people to be; for despite their love, service, faith and patience, the Thyatirans had allowed themselves to be seduced away from God.
There is a heavenly pattern and a structure to these letters, so it is no surprise really to see that the Church at Thyatira is right in the centre of it. Jesus has His harshest words for those drawn away by Jezebel. Just see what the effect was of Ahab marrying her ...
And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshipped him.
Then he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.
[1Kings 16: 31-33 NKJV]
Immediately on binding himself to Jezebel, Ahab found that his focus had changed, losing any sight he may have had of God; seduced away to worshipping a wooden image — wood being a type of the natural man without God. He threw in his lot with Baal (adversary; to have dominion over; master; etc)
The Lord has given us authority over such spirits, and it is for each one to claim that authority in Jesus’ name.
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
[Luke 10:17-20 NKJV]
... hold fast what you have till I come.
PRAYER: Lord, help us always to look to you and resist the seducer; the evil one who seeks to lure us onto the path to destruction; keeping us bound to the world. Give us the discernment, Heavenly Father, to recognise Jezebel and to claim Your authority in overcoming her imprecations. In Your great mercy, Lord, protect us, that we may indeed 'hold fast'.
There is a heavenly pattern and a structure to these letters, so it is no surprise really to see that the Church at Thyatira is right in the centre of it. Jesus has His harshest words for those drawn away by Jezebel. Just see what the effect was of Ahab marrying her ...
And it came to pass, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians; and he went and served Baal and worshipped him.
Then he set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had built in Samaria.
And Ahab made a wooden image. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.
[1Kings 16: 31-33 NKJV]
Immediately on binding himself to Jezebel, Ahab found that his focus had changed, losing any sight he may have had of God; seduced away to worshipping a wooden image — wood being a type of the natural man without God. He threw in his lot with Baal (adversary; to have dominion over; master; etc)
The Lord has given us authority over such spirits, and it is for each one to claim that authority in Jesus’ name.
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
[Luke 10:17-20 NKJV]
... hold fast what you have till I come.
PRAYER: Lord, help us always to look to you and resist the seducer; the evil one who seeks to lure us onto the path to destruction; keeping us bound to the world. Give us the discernment, Heavenly Father, to recognise Jezebel and to claim Your authority in overcoming her imprecations. In Your great mercy, Lord, protect us, that we may indeed 'hold fast'.
"Have Mercy On Me, O God" -- GRAHAM KENDRICK
OSWALD CHAMBERS -- RUN TODAY'S RACE
Wednesday 2nd September 2020
"Perfect love casteth out fear," but to say "therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed," is only possible when the love of God is having its way.
Wednesday 2nd September 2020
"Perfect love casteth out fear," but to say "therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed," is only possible when the love of God is having its way.
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“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
[Revelation 2:13-16 NKJV]
Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
[Revelation 2:13-16 NKJV]
This letter, at first reading, seems difficult to get a hold of; it needs some cross-referencing to other scriptures to understand what the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans means. As written, John clearly expects that this is something we know about, and it must have been generally understood within the early church.
In 2 Peter, Balaam is mentioned in a section entitled “Depravity of False Teachers”:--
They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
[2 Peter2:15-16 NKJV]
There is also mention of speaking falsely for financial gain and being filled with deception. Putting it mildly, the Church at Pergamos was compromising their faith; and add to that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, who supported the persecution of the people. No wonder Jesus hated them - a strong sentiment indeed.
The only true response to such an accusation from on High is repentance, for that is the first step in the road to deliverance. Sadly, the church at Thyatira did not follow that course as we shall see.
In 2 Peter, Balaam is mentioned in a section entitled “Depravity of False Teachers”:--
They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
[2 Peter2:15-16 NKJV]
There is also mention of speaking falsely for financial gain and being filled with deception. Putting it mildly, the Church at Pergamos was compromising their faith; and add to that the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, who supported the persecution of the people. No wonder Jesus hated them - a strong sentiment indeed.
The only true response to such an accusation from on High is repentance, for that is the first step in the road to deliverance. Sadly, the church at Thyatira did not follow that course as we shall see.
STEVE GREEN — “I Repent”
OSWALD CHAMBERS -- RUN TODAY'S RACE
Tuesday 1st September 2020
If you only know what God has done for you, you have not a big enough God; but if you have had a vision of Jesus as He is, experiences can come and go, you will endure, “as seeing Him Who is invisible.”
Tuesday 1st September 2020
If you only know what God has done for you, you have not a big enough God; but if you have had a vision of Jesus as He is, experiences can come and go, you will endure, “as seeing Him Who is invisible.”
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“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
[Revelation 2:9-10 NKJV]
[Revelation 2:9-10 NKJV]
This letter is the first of only two, where there is nothing said against the church. Instead there is an encouragement that we do not fear any of those things which [we] are about to suffer. There is an honest realism to Scripture, which shows that our Heavenly Father is wholly in touch with us; understands our predicament and indeed says that this is all part of My creative plan for your life.
The second part of The Lord’s reassurance here is that He is well aware of the way that the Devil works in our lives that [we] may be tested. This brings the realisation and confirmation the the Devil is actually working to God’s eternal plan, whether he knows this or not. We must understand that the hardships and trials of life are the testing of our faith. This is perhaps the hardest truth to get to grips with.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
[1 Peter 4:12-14 NKJV]
Finally, we know that the tribulation will end — you will have tribulation ten days — the number ten represents God’s law (as in ten commandments) to show that He has put a legal constraint on any suffering — and there will be the victor’s crown of life, a life eternally with Him, as our reward. There can be no better outcome than this.
The second part of The Lord’s reassurance here is that He is well aware of the way that the Devil works in our lives that [we] may be tested. This brings the realisation and confirmation the the Devil is actually working to God’s eternal plan, whether he knows this or not. We must understand that the hardships and trials of life are the testing of our faith. This is perhaps the hardest truth to get to grips with.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
[1 Peter 4:12-14 NKJV]
Finally, we know that the tribulation will end — you will have tribulation ten days — the number ten represents God’s law (as in ten commandments) to show that He has put a legal constraint on any suffering — and there will be the victor’s crown of life, a life eternally with Him, as our reward. There can be no better outcome than this.
There is a path that no fowl knoweth
The vultures eye hath never seen
Where no thorn tree, nor thistle groweth
No hedge to hinder, completely clean
High on the mountain
Above earth’s stormy sphere
Above the heavens coral plain
It’s paved with gold
And precious stones so dear,
It leads to life, the highest gain
To walk this path there is a cross to bear
But in the end there is a crown to wear
A crown of life and love unheard before
When we shall pass o’er on the other shore.
The vultures eye hath never seen
Where no thorn tree, nor thistle groweth
No hedge to hinder, completely clean
High on the mountain
Above earth’s stormy sphere
Above the heavens coral plain
It’s paved with gold
And precious stones so dear,
It leads to life, the highest gain
To walk this path there is a cross to bear
But in the end there is a crown to wear
A crown of life and love unheard before
When we shall pass o’er on the other shore.
"There Are Trials In Life" -- BLISS ZIMBABWE
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Monday 31st August 2020
It does not matter where a man may get to in the way of tribulation or anguish, none of it can wedge in between and separate him from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Monday 31st August 2020
It does not matter where a man may get to in the way of tribulation or anguish, none of it can wedge in between and separate him from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
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“I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name's sake and have not become weary.
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
[Revelation 2:2-4]
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
[Revelation 2:2-4]
The Church at Ephesus is often called ‘The Loveless Church’, but really that is not strictly accurate. The text says that you have left your first love, not that you do not love. Perhaps it would be better called ‘The Misplaced Love Church’, or ‘The Church That Loved Others Before God’.
Plainly the Ephesians were doing many things aright as verses 2 and 3 reveal — they seem adept at religious observance and ‘doing’ things correctly — but it seems that they did not follow the first and second commandments.
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’
On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
[Matthew 22:37-40]
Can I lay my hand on my heart and say that my first and foremost love is The Lord: do I love Him more than I love my life, my wife, my children or grandchildren? This first love is not an early infatuation before finding true love; it is a love before all others; it is the agape love that God has for each of us; the highest, purest form of love imaginable.
I did not answer my question, and the truthful answer is I believe so, I hope so, I trust so, but only God can judge. He has evidenced His love for me time and again.
In the final analysis, what we seem to be looking at here is passion. We might be great at the work, persevering in faith, patient and resisting evil, but none of these things reveal a passion for Him, certainly nothing like the passion He pours out on us. Let your life be a passionate expression of The Lord.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your passion is overwhelming and restoring to me. You lift me up when I fall down. You are always there for me and I need your help to keep me focussed on You, acknowledging You as my first and greatest love.
Plainly the Ephesians were doing many things aright as verses 2 and 3 reveal — they seem adept at religious observance and ‘doing’ things correctly — but it seems that they did not follow the first and second commandments.
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’
On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
[Matthew 22:37-40]
Can I lay my hand on my heart and say that my first and foremost love is The Lord: do I love Him more than I love my life, my wife, my children or grandchildren? This first love is not an early infatuation before finding true love; it is a love before all others; it is the agape love that God has for each of us; the highest, purest form of love imaginable.
I did not answer my question, and the truthful answer is I believe so, I hope so, I trust so, but only God can judge. He has evidenced His love for me time and again.
In the final analysis, what we seem to be looking at here is passion. We might be great at the work, persevering in faith, patient and resisting evil, but none of these things reveal a passion for Him, certainly nothing like the passion He pours out on us. Let your life be a passionate expression of The Lord.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your passion is overwhelming and restoring to me. You lift me up when I fall down. You are always there for me and I need your help to keep me focussed on You, acknowledging You as my first and greatest love.
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” — Mass of The Rock
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Tuesday 25th August 2020
It is easy for me to talk about what I could do with a thousand pounds if I had it; the test is what I do with the 2 pence I have got. It may be hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven, but it is just as hard for a poor man to seek first the kingdom of God.
Tuesday 25th August 2020
It is easy for me to talk about what I could do with a thousand pounds if I had it; the test is what I do with the 2 pence I have got. It may be hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven, but it is just as hard for a poor man to seek first the kingdom of God.
- Published on
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”.
[Revelation 1:10-11 NKJV]
saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”.
[Revelation 1:10-11 NKJV]
As a fellowship we have looked at the seven churches before and know that John was speaking to the church of Jesus Christ — the fellowship of His saints — and revealing His plan and purpose in this picture.
Christ confirms this by stating at the very beginning that He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last; He is all, and there is no disputing.
The message is to the gathering of His church, but equally to each one as His called out ones who form His body.
“Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.
He reassures us that we are secure if we are in Him and goes on to reveal to each one the challenges and trials facing every believer in His company by speaking to the fullness of His church in seven ‘letters’.
These are warnings and encouragements, setting before us a glorious pattern to those who are His overcomers; those who will take the warnings to heart and take joy in the encouragements.
Jesus knows what is in man and His understanding of the depth of us in the letters to the seven churches which are in Asia, reveals an aspect of the Father’s heart which should make us all glad. He wants us to succeed and have the victor’s crown.
Christ confirms this by stating at the very beginning that He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last; He is all, and there is no disputing.
The message is to the gathering of His church, but equally to each one as His called out ones who form His body.
“Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.
He reassures us that we are secure if we are in Him and goes on to reveal to each one the challenges and trials facing every believer in His company by speaking to the fullness of His church in seven ‘letters’.
These are warnings and encouragements, setting before us a glorious pattern to those who are His overcomers; those who will take the warnings to heart and take joy in the encouragements.
Jesus knows what is in man and His understanding of the depth of us in the letters to the seven churches which are in Asia, reveals an aspect of the Father’s heart which should make us all glad. He wants us to succeed and have the victor’s crown.
DARLENE ZSCHECH —“Victor’s Crown”
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Monday 24th August 2020
“Except your righteousness shall exceed”—not be different from but “exceed,” that is, we have to be all they are and infinitely more! We have to be right in our external behaviour, but we have to be as right, and “righter” in our internal behaviour. We have to be right in our words and actions but we have to be right in our thoughts and feelings”
Monday 24th August 2020
“Except your righteousness shall exceed”—not be different from but “exceed,” that is, we have to be all they are and infinitely more! We have to be right in our external behaviour, but we have to be as right, and “righter” in our internal behaviour. We have to be right in our words and actions but we have to be right in our thoughts and feelings”
- Published on
“For I will look on you favourably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.
You shall eat the old harvest, and clear out the old because of the new.
I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you.
[Leviticus 26:9-11 NKJV]
You shall eat the old harvest, and clear out the old because of the new.
I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you.
[Leviticus 26:9-11 NKJV]
With all our here and there activity recently, it might have been easy to put the things of the Spirit on the back-burner, so to speak. We can all get so busy at times that we can readily forget that The Lord is always guiding, illuminating and making the paths straight.
So much stuff (no other word will do) has been thrown away in our mad decluttering of, not only my late mother’s home, but our own as well. 80+ black bin bags sent to the skip from Mum’s house; and today, we began to clear out excess books from Dove Cottage.
Excess books? No such thing I hear you cry, particularly if you are a bibliophile like me, but we feel that The Lord is asking us to de-clutter. He says, in every season, clear out the old because of the new. Our treasures are really ties that bind us, and we need to be free of such encumbrances.
The real danger in holding on to the old is that the old becomes an idol and clouds our relationship with the Almighty. Not in every case of course, but if your possessions take precedence over your life in Christ, you need a fresh infilling from the Holy Spirit to revitalise your faith - and we all need that from time to time.
All of our clearing out work has and continues to be tough, but it is no more than The Lord asks of us. At all times, no matter what the circumstances, we must look to Jesus Christ, first and foremost. Sometimes the choice He asks will be difficult, but His reasoning is always sure and Given in love. Trust in His judgement, for our own is shaky at best. Clear out the old stuff today, so that He can set His tabernacle amongst us.
So much stuff (no other word will do) has been thrown away in our mad decluttering of, not only my late mother’s home, but our own as well. 80+ black bin bags sent to the skip from Mum’s house; and today, we began to clear out excess books from Dove Cottage.
Excess books? No such thing I hear you cry, particularly if you are a bibliophile like me, but we feel that The Lord is asking us to de-clutter. He says, in every season, clear out the old because of the new. Our treasures are really ties that bind us, and we need to be free of such encumbrances.
The real danger in holding on to the old is that the old becomes an idol and clouds our relationship with the Almighty. Not in every case of course, but if your possessions take precedence over your life in Christ, you need a fresh infilling from the Holy Spirit to revitalise your faith - and we all need that from time to time.
All of our clearing out work has and continues to be tough, but it is no more than The Lord asks of us. At all times, no matter what the circumstances, we must look to Jesus Christ, first and foremost. Sometimes the choice He asks will be difficult, but His reasoning is always sure and Given in love. Trust in His judgement, for our own is shaky at best. Clear out the old stuff today, so that He can set His tabernacle amongst us.
“Fresh Outpouring” — Kim Walker-Smith and Jesus Culture
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAYS RACE
Sunday 23rd August 2020
The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else. “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD.”
Sunday 23rd August 2020
The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else. “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD.”
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There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
[Ephesians 4:4-6 NKJV]
[Ephesians 4:4-6 NKJV]
Paul says there is but one baptism, but in Luke 3, John the Baptist shows us that this one baptism is made up of three; water, Holy Spirit and fire.
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
[Luke 3:16-17 KJV, which gives a clearer distinction between ‘Holy Spirit’ and ‘Fire’, than do some other translations]
We know that God has established a principle of three-in-one; He is the Triune God. So just as He is The one true God of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; His one baptism is by water, Holy Spirit and fire. (See also Run Today’s Race below).
Paul is not wrong in his declaration to the Ephesians; he is uncovering the deeper truth in three verses packed with three-within-three revelations:
The simple lesson for all of us in our daily walk is to be aware of our God’s threefold working in us through His word, His Spirit and His life.
... And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
[Ecclesiastes 4:12b NKJV]
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
[Luke 3:16-17 KJV, which gives a clearer distinction between ‘Holy Spirit’ and ‘Fire’, than do some other translations]
We know that God has established a principle of three-in-one; He is the Triune God. So just as He is The one true God of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; His one baptism is by water, Holy Spirit and fire. (See also Run Today’s Race below).
Paul is not wrong in his declaration to the Ephesians; he is uncovering the deeper truth in three verses packed with three-within-three revelations:
- One body, one Spirit, one hope
- One Lord, one faith, one baptism
- God who is above all, through all and in you all
The simple lesson for all of us in our daily walk is to be aware of our God’s threefold working in us through His word, His Spirit and His life.
... And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
[Ecclesiastes 4:12b NKJV]
“Threefold Amen” — Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625), from his anthem ‘Great King of Gods’, sung by Milwaukee Chamber Choir.
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Saturday 22nd August 2020
Things go by threes in the Bible: Father, Son and Holy Ghost; God, Church, converts; Husband, wife, children. It is God’s order, not man’s. Whenever one of the three is missing, there is something wrong.
Saturday 22nd August 2020
Things go by threes in the Bible: Father, Son and Holy Ghost; God, Church, converts; Husband, wife, children. It is God’s order, not man’s. Whenever one of the three is missing, there is something wrong.
- Published on
I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
[John 17:14 NKJV]
[John 17:14 NKJV]
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt
Fighting and fears within without
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind
Sight, riches, healing of the mind
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt
Fighting and fears within without
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind
Sight, riches, healing of the mind
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
“Just As I Am” is a beautiful hymn, with a poetic appeal that readily holds in the mind — particularly if it was regularly sung at primary school assembly, which is where I first encountered it. Yet something about it always makes me pause and consider.
It may be that the phrase just as I am, can be interpreted in different ways. In the way that Jesus used it in John 17 (Jesus says the expression twice, and it is found only in John 17), but it is really just as I am not, rather than Him saying who He is.
No, I believe that my problem with it — and I am aware of being overly pedantic in this — is that the repetition of just as I am implies that I do not need to change, because Jesus will always accept me just as I am no matter how badly I behave, no matter what the problem. However, there is an element of Victorian complacency here; the idea that I need take no responsibility for my attitudes and behaviour, because Jesus will still save me; all of which stresses ‘me’ instead of ‘Him’.
What I am saying is that this is a song of reassurance, but not necessarily theologically precise. It may be however that it is saying that at whatever place we reach on our walk of faith is just as I am at that time.
For all that, I love the song, and appreciate the comfort it was no doubt intended to give, but I feel - generally - that we should always be careful and aware of what we are singing in praise to Him. Listen for His voice.
Just as He is not of this world, He wants us to be not of this world also, and to hear His heart. Be just as He is.
It may be that the phrase just as I am, can be interpreted in different ways. In the way that Jesus used it in John 17 (Jesus says the expression twice, and it is found only in John 17), but it is really just as I am not, rather than Him saying who He is.
No, I believe that my problem with it — and I am aware of being overly pedantic in this — is that the repetition of just as I am implies that I do not need to change, because Jesus will always accept me just as I am no matter how badly I behave, no matter what the problem. However, there is an element of Victorian complacency here; the idea that I need take no responsibility for my attitudes and behaviour, because Jesus will still save me; all of which stresses ‘me’ instead of ‘Him’.
What I am saying is that this is a song of reassurance, but not necessarily theologically precise. It may be however that it is saying that at whatever place we reach on our walk of faith is just as I am at that time.
For all that, I love the song, and appreciate the comfort it was no doubt intended to give, but I feel - generally - that we should always be careful and aware of what we are singing in praise to Him. Listen for His voice.
Just as He is not of this world, He wants us to be not of this world also, and to hear His heart. Be just as He is.
“JUST AS I AM” — G Michael Eldridge
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Friday 21st August 2020
God is never away off somewhere else; He is always there.
Friday 21st August 2020
God is never away off somewhere else; He is always there.
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And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching:
"Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.
[Mark 4:1-5 NKJV]
"Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.
[Mark 4:1-5 NKJV]
Today’s meditation is taken from Oswald Chambers’ ‘Devotions For A Deeper Life’, and this is his devotion for today, August 20th, and meditates on what I believe to be a very real danger in these troubling times - which is that we can tend to direct our prayer focus in the wrong direction.
Some people receive the Word of God and run well for a time, but they permit something to hinder them—usually the cares of this world. They will tell you, “If you only knew what I have to contend with” or, “If you only knew my peculiar situation, my trials, my difficulties.”
This kind of self-sympathy, arising from the cares of this life, is carnal. It will kill the Spirit of God within you.
Jesus said, “If you look at your problems instead of Me, the Word will be choked in your heart.” Satan will try his best to have you look at the difficulties of your life. He knows that if he can get your eyes off of Jesus and onto these, he will be able to choke your spiritual life.
Have you ever noticed how many times Scripture warns us not to be anxious, not to worry? He tells us to cast our cares upon Him, to trust Him, to wait on Him, and to fret not. May God help us to keep the thorns from growing up in our hearts and choking the Word of God in us!
PRAYER THOUGHT: Forgive me when I cease to trust You, Lord, and begin to worry selfishly.
This kind of self-sympathy, arising from the cares of this life, is carnal. It will kill the Spirit of God within you.
Jesus said, “If you look at your problems instead of Me, the Word will be choked in your heart.” Satan will try his best to have you look at the difficulties of your life. He knows that if he can get your eyes off of Jesus and onto these, he will be able to choke your spiritual life.
Have you ever noticed how many times Scripture warns us not to be anxious, not to worry? He tells us to cast our cares upon Him, to trust Him, to wait on Him, and to fret not. May God help us to keep the thorns from growing up in our hearts and choking the Word of God in us!
PRAYER THOUGHT: Forgive me when I cease to trust You, Lord, and begin to worry selfishly.
“Seed, Scattered and Sown” — Dan Feiten
OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Thursday 20th August 2020
There is nothing so secure as the salvation of God; it is as eternal as the mountains, and it is our trust in God that brings us the conscious realisation of this.
Thursday 20th August 2020
There is nothing so secure as the salvation of God; it is as eternal as the mountains, and it is our trust in God that brings us the conscious realisation of this.