Meditation is often neglected by Christians. As Christians, we pray and we praise. We speak to God and we may sometimes even listen for His words. We read the Bible and we talk with others about its meaning. But how often do we simply meditate on God, His goodness, and His word? How often do we spend a quiet time alone in God’s presence with no purpose in mind – simply to ponder and reflect?

Perhaps one of the reasons some believers shy away from the exercise of meditating is because of the perverted ways in which false religions use this as a medium.

Unger explains, “Meditation is a duty that ought to be attended to by all who wish well to their spiritual interests. It should be deliberate, close, and continuous. The subjects that ought more especially to engage the Christian mind are: the works of creation; the perfections of God; the character, office, and work of Christ; the office and operations of the Holy Spirit; the dispensations of Providence; the precepts and promises of God’s words; the value, powers, and immortality of the soul; the depravity of our nature, and the grace of God in our salvation.”

Psalm 77 is a chapter on meditation.  Asaph cries out to God, but his soul found no comfort.  Have you ever felt like that?  This Psalm begins to describe meditation with the use of words such as:

• I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night (verse 2)
• I remembered God (verse 3)
• I have considered the days of old (verse 5)
• I call to remembrance my song in the night (verse 5)
• I commune with mine own heart (verse 5)
• My spirit made diligent search – (verse 5)
• I will remember (verse 10)
• I will remember the works of the LORD (verse 11)
• I will remember thy wonders of old (verse 11)
• I will meditate also of all thy work – (verse 12)

How often do we just go through the motions and then wonder why we have no emotion concerning God or the things of God?  The missing link is found with our heart.  God reminds us to give Him our heart, both in the Old and New Testaments.  Until He gets our hearts, our actions will never change.

The psalmist understands that what had really changed was his attitude. So he will force himself to remember all of God’s past blessings. Meditation is a spiritual discipline. There are times when we must discipline ourselves to meditate upon God. Asaph admits it is his own grief that has produced the despair in his heart. He has been practicing wrong thinking patterns. So he calls upon himself to meditate on the deeds of the Lord and God’s wonders of old. He understands that as he meditates on these things, those awful feelings will diminish. So he disciplines himself to meditate.

There are times when we must force ourselves to do things that we know are good for us. We can usually find time to read the Bible and to spend time in prayer each day. But do we make time to meditate on God? Let us be willing, as Asaph was, to discipline ourselves.  The Daily Journal published by Reformers Unanimous is a tool that will help you “ponder” on God’s presence and power.  It will help you look daily for His favor on you.   Use it today!

• • When our lives are filled with lamentation,
    And our troubles cause us agitation,
    And all others are an irritation,
    And our spirit feels debilitation,
    Then we know we need resuscitation
    From our present incapacitation.
    We reserve some time for cogitation
    As we search for an elicitation
    Of some help from others’ consultation.
    Or we search for someone’s great quotation
    In a scientific dissertation.
    And when nothing meets the expectation,
    We receive rehabilitation
    When we spend some time in meditation.

• • (Author Unknown)

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

II Kings 5: 15-27

The natural inclination and deeds of the old nature are nowhere more cleverly disguised than in Christian service. Just because someone is actively serving the Lord, or at least outwardly appearing to do so, does not mean that God is pleased. Often we do not realize that selfish interests are involved, and this is what makes fleshly service so deceptive. This account of Gehazi’s trickery is helpful in evaluating our old service to see whether or not our interest, or God’s interest, is really at the heart of our labors.

Gehazi was a servant to Elisha (v. 20), who was the servant of God. The two held different stations, but both were equally responsible for being servants of God. Being around godliness or a godly man is not enough. There is always personal accountability to our Heavenly Father for a godly, dedicated walk. It was not enough that Gehazi was identified with a godly man like Elisha; Gehazi needed to be godly himself. We cannot rest on someone else’s laurels.

Gehazi saw Naaman as an income producing statistic rather than a sinner saved by grace (v. 20). Elisha, on the other hand, was concerned for the new converts spiritual well-being (v. 19). How do we view potential “converts?” As more income to meet the budget? If so, then we have a lot in common with Gehazi. What will it take to get us to compromise our message in order to keep more Naaman’s in the congregation? Is our honest desire spiritual growth or carnal gain?

Pious talk is often an attempt to cover an underlying deception of the heart – in this case an out right lie (v. 22). It is terribly tempting to talk about all we do for the Lord or how tirelessly and selflessly we serve and the Lord’s vineyard; but mere talk is a dead giveaway for a listless spirit within. Yes, Gehazi prospers for the moment (v. 23); but another ally is needed and so on, and so on, as the ditch defense (v. 25). The sin of selfishness in the end bears bitter and lasting fruit (vv. 26-27).

The preoccupation of Gehazi with the things which would seemingly bring gratification to the flesh pointed to the inner spirit of covetousness – the fountainhead of evil. Beware of this plague! Follow after the right things! Blessings are assured now, and reward later. Flee selfishness; follow after godliness! Which of the two are we living in our lives of Christian service?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Good Morning!  Are you ready for the work week, or did you already complain in your heart (or out loud) that it is time to go back to work?

Thus far, in the first selection on murmuring, we have discussed how the Spirit leads us in dealing with complaining and its negative influences on our lives. Through faith we can use the positive plan, God promised us, to deal with dissention among our fellow brothers.  We also looked at how God intends us to lead others who engage in murmuring. The second selection showed us that we need consultation and leading from God to overcome Satan and his strategies.  The Lord leads us to what we shall and shall not do, according to His will.  In this third and final selection, we will complete the remaining Spirit-led requirements, leaving us with a better understanding of what He would have us do when encountered with murmuring, whether it is from others or within ourselves.

Let us begin with the fourth requirement from God; “Thou shall not focus on the murmurers.” As we continue to look at the Israelites in the wilderness, God states in Exodus 16:6, “…You shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt.” Here, Moses and Aaron could have scorned against the Jews, however they would have been taking on the Israelites’ negative characteristics.  Leaders often become prey to the very issues that irritate them.  They start complaining about the complainers.  Moses never complained about the Jews, despite their continued grumbling.  Often times, we complain and lose out on the blessings, contentment, and peace, which God intends for us.

Next, we are instructed that, “Thou shall talk truth to the murmurers.” In Exodus 16:7-8, the scripture states, “…then you shall see the glory of the Lord.” This was a positive statement about the future.  Sometimes there is pressure to compromise the truth, due to the consequences, but we’ll never be good leaders if we fail to tell complainers the truth.  Instruction six says, “Thou shall not bear the murmurers alone.” Exodus 16:9 states, “…Come near before the Lord.” Moses used Aaron to speak to the congregation.  They were not only brothers, but a team.  Aaron challenged the Jews to come near before the Lord, “…for He hath heard your murmurings.” If we are dissatisfied, hungry, or hurt, we are to come near before the Lord.  This is where you can get real, lasting help.

We also see that, “Thou shall not point people to yourself.”  In Exodus 16:10, the Bible says, “…They looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.”  Moses told Aaron, “We are not their saviors.”  The ego drives people to look to others; however the Spirit always directs people to look towards the Lord and not draw the focus on themselves.  You’ll never be able to live up to the performance standard of God.

Finally, we see, “Thou shall persevere until death.” Dealing with those who complain, whether it is in ministry, family, or business, ranks high on the list of why leaders quit.  For instance, statements are uttered like, “I’ve had it; I’m not putting up with this anymore!” This was not an option for Moses.  Our success is not based on how many people we change from being negative, to being content.  If you take that as the standard, even Moses was a flop.  A leader is not here for the followers, but for Him.

In conclusion, throughout these selections on murmuring, we’ve seen how faith must be used to combat murmuring, both among others and within ourselves and how good leadership is a reliance on God.  Our success is measured by our willingness to remain faithful to the call of God, with a good spirit, regardless of the situation.  Every leader will be criticized.  God called us here to persevere.  It’s inevitable that people will perpetually murmur.  Get over it and move on. Love God, serve the Lord, persevere, and enjoy a wonderful week!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

II Kings 5: 1-14

Whatever is not of faith is sin; and faith is integrally linked to recognition of, and conformity to, the Word of Truth. Are we walking by faith, allowing the Word to lighten each step of our pilgrim pathway; or by sight, trusting the frailty of the flesh and the foolishness of self? Are we seeking to please ourselves or our Lord? Elisha and Gehazi illustrate these two different options left to every servant of God. Today, we look at Elisha; and in two weeks, we will look at Gehazi.

He was not well known or highly regarded by the dignitaries (vv. 5-6), but certainly was known as God’s man by a “little maid” (vv. 2-3). A faithful servant of the Lord today is not out to please men or impress the religious masses; his desired recognition is among those who are themselves seeking to walk according to Truth – God’s faithful remnant.

God’s power and glory (v. 8), not Naaman’s honor or self-aggrandizement (vv9-12), was Elisha’s concern. He wanted all to know that there was, in fact, a God in Israel; and that there was still a prophet of God who stood uncompromisingly as his servant. Elisha’s desire was to honor his Lord, not bring attention to self by trying to dazzle Naaman and his cohorts with a sensationalized or colorful ministry. Unpretentious, humble service is the crowning mark of the selfless servant.

Elisha was also careful as to how his ministry was perceived by others; he refused their gifts (vv. 15-16). A clear testimony, honoring to God and honest before men, was far more important than personal gain. Nor did he seek self-vindication when he was misrepresented by Gehazi before Naaman (v. 22). God’s judgment, not his own wrath, was pronounced by Elisha. God will set things straight and administer justice in the end (vv. 25-27). Until God finally sets things straight, we are to obey our Master’s commandments whether the immediate consequences might be favorable or not.

Our motivation for ministry must be pure and selfless, too. We must constantly guard against the temptation to trim the message or let down the Biblical parameters for faithful ministry in an effort to enhance our image or broaden our fellowship. God’s glory is the issue here, not our popularity. If we are identified with Truth in every way possible, then we will necessarily be out of step with this current evil age. God is seeking workers today who are willing to bear his reproach. Let’s all be selfless servants!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

No matter who you are, whether you are saved or unsaved, life is difficult.  If you are unsaved, your life is difficult because you do not have the Lord Jesus Christ in your life.  If you are saved, your life is difficult because you do have the Lord Jesus Christ in your life.  If you got saved thinking your life would not be difficult any more, you were wrong.  Whether you are saved or unsaved, life is difficult and full of trouble.  Now, for the unsaved, there is no hope.  At the end of the road is Hell—a lake of fire forever and ever.  For the saved, we can look forward to a better land.  But, throughout life, we are going to be dealing with pain and struggle and difficulty; and for those of us who are saved, the chastening hand of God.  In Hebrews 12:10, we see three purposes that lie behind the chastening we receive. Today, we will discuss the first purpose:

First, chastening is for pleasure.  “For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure.” Now at first glance, this seems to be rather strange.  In fact, chastening someone for pleasure would seem to be sadistic and sick.  But, God is not evil nor sadistic.  He does not take pleasure in the fact that we are being chastened; the pleasure is because He knows that chastening has divine blessing and benefit as its end result. If we are going to become what our Father intends for us to be, then He must allow us to experience pain.  He takes pleasure, not in our pain, but in what it will produce.

To help you understand this, let’s look at the times God the Father said He was pleased with His Son Jesus.  The first was when Jesus was baptized.  After John baptized Jesus, a voice from Heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)  What was it about Christ’s baptism that pleased the Father?  Baptism is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  The Father was looking ahead to the suffering of His Son.  The second time was on the Mount of Transfiguration.  Jesus was talking to Moses and Elijah about His soon coming death.  Peter, James, and John heard a voice from Heaven that said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 17:5)

Was the Father pleased when Jesus worked miracles and preached the gospel?  Yes, He was.  In John 8:29 Jesus said, “I do always those things that please him.” The expression of God’s pleasure focused on Jesus’ obedient suffering.  God was not pleased in seeing His Son hurt, but He was pleased in seeing His Son’s obedience and His willingness to suffer unselfishly for the sake of others.

There are some lessons that we are not likely to learn in sermons; we learn them through suffering.  We are born naturally selfish.  If you have children, you know that our nature is “Me first.”  Kids do not have to go to school and take Selfishness 101—it comes naturally.  The only way to overcome that trait is to be broken through God’s divine chastening.  Selfish people make poor husbands, poor wives, poor workers, and poor Christians.  Chastening helps us to learn to please others rather than focusing on what pleases us.

A few years ago, my family and I had the privilege of seeing Rachel Barton, the world-renowned violinist from Chicago at a concert.  When she came on to the stage, it was obvious that she walked with a severe limp.  With great difficulty, she made her way to her seat and began to play.  I have never heard anyone else play with such emotion, beauty, and grace.  We sat spellbound as we listened to her.  Later, I found out her story.  When she was in her early twenties, Rachel was getting off a train to teach violin lessons carrying her 400 year old Amati violin worth more than half a million dollars.  The door of the train closed on her shoulder and caught the violin case.  She was dragged more than 350 feet by the train.  One leg was severed, and the other was badly injured.  Rachel Barton could have given up.  Instead, she continues to practice and play through the pain for the pleasure of others.  Every pain that God brings or allows into our lives has a purpose.  If we respond to it properly, that purpose will be accomplished.  Remember, when we enduring chastening for the pleasure of others, it pleases God.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Dr. Paul A. Kingsbury

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.