Thoughts for reflection . . . (Ready?)

Is my life in an ever increasing state of readiness for the Lord's second coming? Do I believe in His imminent return? Or do I push the event into the undefined future and remain unaffected by it's impact?

Jesus' words to His disciples in reference to His return was, 'be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.' and 'take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.'
[Matt24.44, Mark13.33]

Nearly two thousand years later those same words equally apply to us and can be considered with even greater urgency as we near the conclusion of the age.

The level of my expectation of the Lord's return will have a direct influence on the focus of my preparation and my life now. The final verses of Scripture have the Lord declaring, 'surely I come quickly', and our heart cry in return should be as in those verses, 'Even so, come Lord Jesus.'
[Rev22.20]

But am I ready if He should come now? Is there a diligence about my life that refects such a cry of desire to see the Lord? 'Holiness becometh Thine house, O Lord', says the Psalmist. Is my life separated and unspotted from this world? Will the Lord find me about His business as a faithful servant when He comes? Is there an urgency in my heart to share the words of life to those around me, knowing that the time is short and I may be the only voice for God that they may hear?
[Ps93.5, Matt24.44-46, 2Tim4.2, Acts20.26-27]

The prophet Malachi declared, 'who may abide the day of His coming?' His appearing will be glorious and a rejoicing to His children, yet the Scripture says the righteous will scarcely be saved and Jesus said, 'when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?
[Mal3.2, Titus2.13, 1Pet4.18, Luke18.8]

The condition of readiness in my life will be known by a daily closer abiding in the Lord, a progressive level of holiness in all my ways, and my loins being girded about and my light burning.
[1John3.3, 1John2.28, 2Pet3.14, Heb12.14, Luke12.35]

May my spiritual senses not be dulled and numbed by the world around me, but may I be awake, alert and getting my house in order, that when He appears there may be no regret.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Trials)

What is my reaction to trials and difficulties in my life? How do I handle them? Do I submit passively to those times and find myself crushed beneath their weight? Do I rise up in complaint, or self pity? Do doubts and questions arise in my heart?

The Scripture declares in a number of places that entering the kingdom of heaven will be through much tribulation, that in this world we will have tribulation and all that desire to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. The life of a believer is not one of guaranteed ease in this world.
[Acts14.22, John16.33, 2Tim3.12]

Yet in the midst of trials and difficulties, God has furnished us with many promises that enable us to not be overcome in those times of hardness. All around may be darkness but Light is available to us.
[Rom8.35-39, John12.46, Ps18.28, 97.11]

Jesus said that 'he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness but will have the Light of life'. We therefore need to be following Jesus and His example in the midst of the darkness of trial and suffering we may be encountering.
[John8.12, 1Pet2.21]

In all of the Lord's sufferings and rejection by man He never complained, never shrunk back, but moved forward through those times with resolve and purpose. He had the absolute assurance of the presence of God the Father with Him. He knew He was never alone, and saw ahead to the final outcome.
[1Pet2.21-23, John8.29, 16.32, Heb12.2-3, John12.32]

When times are hard our focus and perspective will determine how we are affected by those circumstances. Our eyes must be on Jesus, our strength must be drawn from Him. Our hope must be in His Word and His faithfulness.
[Heb12.2, Ps18.1-2, 27.1, Hab3.17-19, Phil4.11-13 Ps119.81,114, Ps89.8, Deut7.9, 1Cor10.13]

God knows our frame, He remembers we are but dust. He does not expect us to just endure, survive and exist in our own strength but calls us to find Him our all in all, and by Him overcome. He is the source of endless strength, the well that never runs dry, the Hope that never disappoints.
[Ps103.14-16, Is26.4, Ps9.10, Rom5.3-5]

May I continually turn my eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. Then the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Fear God)

How much of the fear of God is present in my life?

The Scriptures describe the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. True wisdom in the heart of man finds it's origins in the fear of the Lord. The presence or absence, and the degree of the fear of the Lord in my life will be revealed by how I live. Do I highly esteem God, greatly revere Him and honour Him, walking humbly before Him? Do I tremble at His Word, esteeming that same Word more than my necessary food?
[Ps111.10, Prov1.7, 9.10, Prov8.13, Mic6.8, Is66.2, Job23.12]

The Proverbs declare that by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil, and the fear of the Lord is to hate evil. What is my attitude to the evil around me that can be found in the media, entertainment world and society in which I live? Do I tolerate it? or shun it and exclude it from my life?
[Prov8.13, 16.6]

The working out of the Christian's life, a life lived out of love for God, must be in the context of fearing God: We are to be perfecting holiness in the fear of God, submitting ourselves one to another in the fear of God, and through grace serving God acceptably in reverance and godly fear.
[Phil2.12, 2Cor7.1, Eph5.21, Heb12.28]

The fear of the Lord is a serious matter. For those who walk in this fear, it is a fountain of life and there are abundant promises.
[Prov14.27]

As I walk in the fear of God:
- the Lord's secret is with me
- great goodness is laid up for me
- the Lord's eye is upon me
- the angel of the Lord camps around me
- I will have no want/need
- God will be a banner to me
- His salvation is near to me
- His mercy is toward me, as high as the heavens above the earth
- the Lord pities (has compassion on) me
- the Lord will bless me, fulfil my desire and takes pleasure in me.
- my days will be prolonged
- I will have strong confidence and assurance
[Ps25.14, Ps31.19, Ps33.18, Ps34.7, Ps34.9, Ps60.4
Ps85.9, Ps103.11, Ps103.13
Ps115.13, Ps145.19, Ps147.11, Prov10.27, 14.26]

May my heart be united to fear the name of the Lord, and be ever learning what it means to fear Him
[Ps86.11, Ps34.11-14]

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Satisfied)

How satisfied am I with where I am in my walk with the Lord, and how does that reflect in what I am doing with my life each day?

Do I get disillusioned with my own shortcomings, weaknesses and failures and thus stop where I am, or have I become tired of the journey and content to settle with where I find myself?

The Psalmist declared in Ps17.15, 'I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.'

How important is it to me to be Christlike in all my ways? Christlikeness is not just words and deeds conforming to a pattern that we see in Scripture, it is a life yielded to God that results in His divine life flowing through us, bearing fruit that shapes our whole being.
[Gal5.22-25]

Our life in Christ is a journey with a destination of a promised land. A 'land' where Christ will present us to Himself holy and without blemish. Where we are to be found in peace, without spot and blameless, clothed in a righteousness that is not our own but from Himself.
[Eph5.25-27, 2Pet3.13-15, Phil3.8-10]

Such a promised land awaits, but we can become satisfied with life in the wilderness, staying with the familiar but far short of where we are called to be. Until the day when we see the Lord, we should be careful not to settle where we are, but be seeking God with great diligence, to run the spiritual race with focus, and never stop at where we have thus attained but press forward to what is ahead.
[2Pet1.5-12, 1Cor9.24-27, Phil3.13-14]

2Pet1.4 indicates that the provision of the exceeding great and precious promises God has given us, is so that we might be partakers of the divine nature.

May I make full use of the promises that God has given me to see His life transform me, changing me day by day, so that I can echo the Psalmist: that I will be satisfied when I awake with likeness of Christ my Saviour.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Walk, Stand, Sit)

As followers of Christ our relationship to the world (it's values, opinions and ways) and whether we allow it to be part of our life and influence us, will determine our progress and health spiritually and our effectiveness in the Kingdom of God.
[Luke9.62, 16.13, Rom12.2, 2John2.15-17]

The Scriptures declare in Psalm1.1, 'Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.'

The blessings of God come as we step off the path of conformity to the world's ways and expectations and stand in that place of separation unto God and obedience to Him. We are to live by the principles of another kingdom as revealed in the Scriptures. A kingdom that is not of this world.
[Ps128.1, Matt5.8, Luke11.28, 1John3.22, Rev22.14, John18.36]

We need to guard ourselves daily from adopting the traits of this age. The world's counsel will appear to us like signposts on our pathway which if followed will lead us off the narrow way that leads to life and take us down the same path of darkness as the world is walking. Instead we must allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to light our path, to be our Guide and be the source of our counsel and instruction.
[Ps119.105, 130, Ps32.8-9, John16.13, 1John2.20,27]

The way of the wicked and transgressor the Bible says is hard, is darkness, and will be turned upside down - but we can find ourselves standing in that same way if we adopt the pattern of the world in our lifestyle and our thoughts. Our lives reap what we sow.
[Prov13.15,20, Prov 4.19, Ps146.9, Eph5.5-8, Rev18.4, Gal6.7-8, Rom8.13-14]

We must walk through this world even as Jesus walked, keeping ourselves unspotted from it. We must stand in this evil day clothed in the armour that God has provided, with Him as our defense, keeping on the way of holiness. From that place of set apartness we must not look with a heart that judges those around us, but in humility recognise our position as recipients of grace, seated in Christ in heavenly places, and allow His influence to dominate our lives.
[1John2.6, Jam1.27, Is35.8, Eph2.6]

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Pursue]

Our lives can be characterised by passivity in spiritual matters or a passion that causes us to press forward into knowing God and all He has for us.

The Lord when speaking to the Church of Laodicea said He would spue them out of His mouth because of their lukewarmness. We must not allow our love for God to be cooled by deception or by the winds of the world's indifference, nor lose the recognition of our true condition before Him.
[Rev3.15-19]

In 2Tim2.22 the Apostle Paul says to 'flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace . . '. The Greek word translated here 'follow' is elsewhere translated in a different context as 'persecute'. The implication of this word therefore implies intensity and focus in going after the subject at hand.
[Matt5.10-12, John5.16, Acts9.4, 22.4]

My life as a believer should be one of zeal and passion in following Christ, a life with a single undistracted focus and devotion. My heart should be strongly pursuing righteousness: the godly, holy lifestyle that is the outworking of the righteousness I have in Christ Jesus. Pursuing faith: that simple believing and trusting in God in all areas of my life. Pursuing love: the root from which every part of my life in word and deed should grow and pursuing peace: that inner calm and stillness that is independent of external circumstances and only found in Christ.
[1John3.7, Heb12.14, Gal5.6, Eph2.14, 3.17, 5.2, Col3.15]

May my eyes be anointed to see clearly the true condition of my heart. May I fan the flames of devotion to the Lord through repentance where necessary, and by realigning the activities of my life provide fuel to that fire of love for Him.

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Stayed)

One of the secrets of our walking in peace amidst every circumstance will be the governing of the direction and content of the thoughts of our minds.

The promise in Scripture is that 'He will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusts in Thee.'
[Is26.3-4]

The field of our mind is the scene of many a battle, the outcome of which will influence whether I live in faith or doubt, trust or worry and fear, humility or pride, in purity or lust. Uncontrolled, our mind can lead to us to a place of weakness, vulnerability and ultimate failure, yet a mind fenced in by the protection of the instruction of Scripture and whose thoughts are governed by the Holy Spirit will be as a city protected by defensive walls.
[2Cor10.3-5]

My mind must be stayed upon God, trusting in Him. In all times and seasons my thoughts should lean upon Him that has redeemed me. Thoughts of His greatness, faithfulness and mercy. Thoughts of His everlasting, ever abiding presence with me. Thoughts of the supreme King and Ruler over all, Who holds me in His hand.

Dwelling on the greatness of my God and King will shrink the size of the giants I face. Envisioning the bountifulness of the 'Lord who provides' will bring faith when in time of need. Thinking upon the One Who is mighty to save and deliver will endue me with courage to face that which would seek to bring fear into my life.
[Ps77.13, 86.10, 95.3, Gen22.14, Zeph3.17, Ps56.13]

May I renew my mind through God's Word, choosing to think on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy, shutting my life and heart to those activities which would pollute and compromise my life in Christ, leaving me in a place of trust in God that results in ultimate peace.
[Phil4.8]

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Wind and Clouds)

Our lives as followers of Christ should be lives of fruitfulness. As a farmer would never expect a harvest without the planting of seed, so we also cannot expect to look for fruit and a harvest where the necessary labour has not been undertaken to see the desired results.
[John15.16, 1Cor3.8-9, 1Cor15.58, Col1.28-29, 1Thess3.5]

Fruitfulness requires action and obedience on our part. The Scripture declares that 'He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.'
[Eccl11.4]

The spreading of the Gospel and extension of God's kingdom is one of the primary areas we should be looking for fruitfulness in our lives. However, it can be too easy for us to be observing the winds of change and storms around us and be waiting for circumstances to become more compliant before fulfilling our call as ambassadors for Christ. We need to be taking every opportunity to communicate the truths of the Gospel and sowing seeds of God's Word in the lives of those with whom we meet in this world.
[2Cor5.20]

Man's countenance can also be an obstacle to us going out to reap in the harvest that Jesus spoke of. The Lord said to Jeremiah, 'Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee.' We need to be set free from the fear of man so that we are not hindered in moving forward to see the advance of the kingdom of God. Not fearing people's reactions, nor trying to predict their responses, but reaching out with faith and expectation, remembering God's promise that He is with us and will never leave us.
[John4.35-38, Jer1.8, Ps118.6, Prov29.25, Heb13.5-6, Is41.10, Ps56.4]

Clouds of the storms of persecution and rejection may build. Clouds of difficulties and trials may cast their shadow over our lives, yet in the midst of such times God still has a harvest field for us to work in.

What other winds and clouds am I observing that are holding me back? May my focus not be on the atmosphere around me or the threatening skies that would try and bring fear and hesitation, but on the Lord of the harvest: the One to Whom the winds and storms must obey. With such focus may I then be a faithful witness and not shy away from declaring the truths that can set people free.
[Matt9.38, Mark4.41, John8.31-32,36]

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Dependence)

In the varied terrain of the circumstances of life that I pass through, am I walking with dependency upon God in all things, or is there independence in my life? Do I rely upon my own experience, wisdom, strength and determination to get me through the valleys, or to scale the mountain slopes of difficulties I face, or do I recognise and acknowledge my own limitations and therefore seek God for all I need?

The Scriptures show that a believer's position of strength, and the overcoming of what we face, comes through Christ and a total dependence upon God.
[2Cor4.7, Phil4.11-13, 1John4.4, Ps18.1-3, Prov3.5, Ps44.5-8, Ps55.22]

The Apostle Paul says, 'Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;'
[2Cor3.5]

Genuine trust in the Lord will be reflected by a total reliance upon Him. The purpose of our lives is to bring glory to God. God receives glory when I can look back on my life and point to Him being the source and foundation of all that was accomplished.
[1Cor10.31, 2Cor1.20, 2Cor4.15, Phil1.9-11, 1Cor4.11-15, Rom11.36]

Walking in independence places trust in my own abilities and finds it's roots in pride. Jesus said, 'for without Me ye can do nothing.' If we believe what Jesus said to be true, it will cause us to depend totally on Him, to abide closely to Him, to not seek to achieve anything through our own resources, but instead drawing on the treasures of provision that God has given us in Christ.
[John15.5]

May the testimony of my life be as stated by John the Baptist, 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' May all I do be in His strength and for His glory.
[John3.30, Col3.17, 1Cor10.31]

- sent from Palm T|T3

Thoughts for reflection . . . (Home)

There's a familiar expression that says, 'Home is where the heart is'. Jesus declared, 'Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'
[Matt6.21,Luke12.34]

As I travel through this world, encountering the varied circumstances that make up the tapestry of my life, what do I consider home?

Is home to me limited only to the place I live, or maybe being in the presence of loved ones, such as family or friends? Or do I have a greater vision, one of an eternal home, in the presence of my Saviour for time without end? Where does my heart naturally incline to? What perspective influences me the most?

How I spend my time and energy, together with the way I think will either tie me to this world and shackle me to a worldly perspective, or it will bring focus on the unseen and free me into a life of preparation for the tomorrow that is coming, and the eternal home prepared for me.

The Lord's return or my going to meet Him may be many years hence, yet I need to be living as if it were tomorrow. Jesus said, 'Surely I come quickly', 'be ye also ready', 'watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour', 'Watch therefore and pray always.'
[Rev21.20, Matt24.44, 25.13, Luke 21.36]

Jesus said that His return would be as in the days of Noah: eating, drinking, marrying, the normal activities of life taking place with people totally unawares of the pending 'end of things as they know it'. For the believer it should be different than for those of the world. With a pilgrim mentality and a heart focussed on preparation we should be in a continual state of readiness for the Lord's return, being about our Master's business.
[Matt24.38,1Pet2.11, Heb11.13, Luke12.35-38]

May my heart be drawn to the eternal, that I may be effective in the temporal. May my focus be on where I'm going and not from where I come. May I be sowing my life into those God directed activities which reap eternal reward.

- sent from Palm T|T3