He Hearkens To Those Who Fear Him

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."

Malachi 3:16

Take some time today to think about this next line of text, which I am about to write; God knows and sees all that we do… Oftentimes, we (for whatever reason) think that we can get over on God, we come to a conclusion that if we do just enough in church, God will be pleased, or if we read just enough throughout the week, that everything will be okay… The Bible constantly reminds us that God looks at the heart of man. The acts that you do on this earth aren’t what God notes, but the thoughts that spur your actions are what God is watching. If you give simply for someone to see your act of kindness, the bible says that you have already received your reward; however, if you sow a seed with a desire not to gain popularity from men, then God will reward your deeds because you are truly doing them from the kindness of your heart… 

This is why we are instructed in the gospel of Matthew to be secretive in our giving, the word says “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” So many of us do things to be seen and praised by men, and Jesus said that those who do that have already received their reward… Understanding this in today’s time means that we must stop doing things to get a rise out of people, we must stop trying to inflate our own egos, and we must stop trying to “trick” God… The steps you take this day are recorded, the avenues and paths you walk have been written down, and if you are walking with the Lord, know that just as Malachi says, even though you may experience ups and downs, highs and lows, God has “…heard it…” God knows what you stand in need of, He knows the battles you have faced and the trials that you have overcome, He has seen the storms that have approached your door, and at the end He will justify you through the blood of Jesus and say “come on in…” 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

A Fool Is Wise Accordingly To Worldly Standards

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a fool so that he may become wise.

1 Corinthians 3:18

Socrates once said, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." We are charged today through this verse penned by Paul to remain humble… In the world that we live in, it is very easy to become so entrapped with pride, ego, and self-righteousness; however, the call of all Christians is to rise above the standards of this world by taking the path least traveled… It’s human nature to want to be the best and showcase your talents; the biggest factor in doing that is how you go about it… The bible is clear about boasting and even tells us that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.…” The higher you are on yourself, the further you will fall when you are humbled… I don’t know about you, but my fear of heights and falling keeps me close to the ground… 

This letter written to the church of Corinth by the Apostle Paul, reminds us that we must not think higher of ourselves than we ought. Paul tells the church of Corinth at the very beginning of this verse, “Do not deceive yourselves…” Paul says this because the church had lost sight of God and focused on its material wealth and stature. Remember what happened with Eve in the garden, Satan told her that she wouldn't die, but he also appealed to her mental makeup in declaring that if she ate the fruit, she would “…be like God, knowing good and evil…” This same appeal to the human nature of desiring power and elevation is present in our day and age, which is why Paul says, “If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age…” God is bigger than this world, we don’t have the full picture, and it’s time that we understand that true wisdom is God and ONLY comes from Him… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

He Feels Your Pain, He Has A Plan

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9

God sent His son into this world to deliver us from the penalty of sin. None on this earth was or is perfect, for through Adam’s bloodline all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Seeing that there was none among us to deliver us from wickedness unto righteousness, God sent his ONLY begotten son. Hebrews reminds us that he was touched by our infirmities; Christ had compassion on his Father’s creation, so he laid down his life. People lose sight of the fact that Christ was 100% God and Man. There were many times he was tempted, just as we are. The devil offered Him the world (although it wasn't his to offer). He could have passed from taking the cup in the Garden of Gethsemane, but instead, He was without sin. For that, you should truly be grateful. 

Our second focus verse, taken from Isaiah, declares to us the revelation we should grow to see and understand; in our deepest stage of evil, God had already formed a plan for Salvation, He had already ordained the time and day His son would come. He had already planned a way of escape for His children. Despite what I may think is best, I am glad that God knows best… There have been numerous times when I pondered the question: What is God up to? This passage from the prophet simply tells us today that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than ours. So when you feel despair about your circumstance and can’t seem to understand your situation, know that God is at work and it all will work for the good, for those called according to His purpose! 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!