Surrendered will or (doing the will of God from the heart)

 

 I recently read a story of a woman who for years was married to a harsh husband. Each day he would leave her a list of chores to complete before he returned at the end of the day. " Clean the yard, stack the firewood, wash the windows..." 

If she didn't complete the tasks, she would be greeted with his explosive anger. But even if she did complete the list, he was never satisfied; he would always find inadequacies in her work. After several years, the husband passed away. Some time later she remarried, this time to a man who lavished her with tenderness and adoration.

One day while going through a box of old papers, the wife discovered one of her first husband's lists. As she read the sheet, a realization caused a tear of joy to splash on the paper.

"I'm still doing all these things, and no one has to tell me. I do it because I love him."

That is the unique characteristic of the new kingdom. Its subjects don't work in order to go to heaven; they work because they are going to heaven. Arrogance and fear are replaced with gratitude and joy.}

               (story taken from The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado)

The law is an external dictate and doesn't win the will of the heart; a dictator forces submission on you from without, but someone you love captures your heart and will from within. Paul writes, " For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Rom. 8:14-16 KJV "Wherefore thou art no more a servant (slave), but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Gal. 4:7

We've gone from dictator to Father, from slave to son. Bondage to lusts and additive habits are the results of a deceptive lure and enticement to turn back to sin (Egypt, or the yoke of bondage which is the law-a cruel task master) but perhaps the most deceptive is religious bondage (legalism), a striving to earn your acceptance with God. Our rest is in knowing we are accepted and approved (righteous or in right-standing with God) all through the finished work of the cross, a complete work of grace. " For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His." Heb. 4:10 KJV It's His righteousness we adorn.

When we rehearse the righteous acts of God, we willingly submit. This truth is found in the song of Deborah. (Read Judges 5:1-31 for the entire account) "Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves." Judg. 5:2 KJV "The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the Lord. Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way. they that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates." Judg. 5:7-11 KJV

Lets examine two scripture verses that really bring the song of Deborah to life. The first is found in the 28th chapter of Isaiah, as follows, "In that day the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people. He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:5-6 NIV, emphasis mine) The second verse is found in the 12th chapter of Isaiah: "And in THAT day you will say: "OH LORD, I will praise You; Though you were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song, He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." (Isa. 12:1-3 NKJV, emphasis mine) 

God's anger is turned away. Deborah states at the beginning of her song that when the people of Israel chose new gods, war was at the gates and the people of Israel were unwilling to fight, but when they rehearsed the righteous acts of the LORD the people willingly went and contended with the war at the gates. 

There is a parallel from the Old Testament to be seen which brings to light our surrendered heart to God's will and our worship as New Testament believers. It's interesting to note that perhaps the greatest threats to Israel in the times of the Kings came from within rather than without, for after all a divided kingdom cannot stand. (ref. Mark 3:24-26) What's often referred to in the Old Testament as the "sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat" plagued basically all of the Kings of the northern ten tribes which started shortly after Solomon's death and the succession of his son Rehoboam. The people soon rebelled under the heavy hand of the cruel young ruler (Rehoboam) and ten tribes choose to follow Jeroboam as their king while the remaining two tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to king Rehoboam, also being loyal to the house of David, thus the kingdom was divided. 

Scripture tells us, 

"And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of his people turn again unto their Lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one even unto Dan." 1 Kings 12: 26-30 KJV 

Jeroboam also inserted false priests not of God's order as he replaced the proper worship of God with the worship of idols and images, he also created and ordained his own feasts and times of feasts which were not of God.

The house of the Lord at Jerusalem was the designated place of God to worship, this was where God's temple was that king Solomon had built under King David's instructions. God had said through out Israel's journey after leaving Egypt that I am bringing you to a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there, a place where you will have rest from your enemies round about, a place where you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. King Solomon was known as a man of peace and the kingdom for the most part had rest from its enemies during his reign, the kingdom was not divided at this time. (ref. Deut. 12:7-12)

It was God who stated under their conditional Covenant that if certain stipulations were met, he would cause it so no man would desire their land, thus giving safety to their borders.  God commanded " Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year. (ref. Ex. 34:20-24)

With time, they fell prey to many things that drew them away from their faithfulness to God and the agreement they had made. The dividing of the kingdom of Israel and Jeroboam's false worship created an open door for the enemy to eventually invade. 

Scripture records in John's gospel concerning Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:21-24 KJV

Also we find " Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21 KJV

As born again believers when we receive Christ we become indwelled by the Spirit of God and the Kingdom of God resides within us. The truth of the gospel which is the message of His unconditional love declares the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts. (ref. Rom. 5:5)

As Christians we can lose site of this love which is implanted in our hearts if we in our thinking go back and place ourselves under the stipulations and regulations of the law which we have been delivered from. (ref. Rom.7:6) We don't lose our salvation but we become carnal in our thinking. Paul writes in the book of Romans, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. for therein is the righteousness of God (our right standing with God) revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. Rom. 1:16-17 KJV The law is not of faith. (ref. Gal. 3:12-13) Also we read, " For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Gal. 5:6 KJV This is speaking of the love of God towards us. (ref. 1 John 4:16) Scripture also states, " We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 KJV Also found in scripture, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 NIV You could not clean yourself up to be saved, it was His unconditional love that compelled Him to go to the cross. Now the Apostle Paul tells us not to go back under the law which we have been delivered from. (ref. Gal. 5:1-4, Rom. 7:6) The law is anything we try to merit with our own human effort or performance to earn salvation or our acceptance with God.

So this brings us back to the story of the woman who lost her first husband who was cruel. Her first husband died and she remarried a second time to a kind and loving husband who won her heart. She surrendered her love to his love and willingly served him from the heart. Her first, cruel husband and the lists he demanded she do represented the law which can only force submission from without. Paul writes, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." Romans 7:4 

Many of the Israelites during the time of Deborah as their Judge rehearsed the righteousness acts of God and were able to take their places of authority and man or go down to the gates and victoriously defend themselves against the invading enemy. 

During the time of the kings written in 1st and 2nd Kings the "sin of Jeroboam son of Nebat" caused a great disunity for the nation of Israel because of the failure of the nation as a whole to worship the True God of Israel as the northern ten tribes worshiped false gods. Again, theirs was a conditional covenant as they were under the Old Testament and we are now under the New Testament.

There is "the subjective will of God," which is perhaps praying about things such as cars, jobs, even missionary ventures, etc. and there is "the objective will of God," which is things that are clearly defined in the Word of God. Such things as to know we are loved and accepted by God and at peace with Him because of Christs' finished work put forth in the gospel. You could have a true calling of God to serve a certain people group and be in the subjective will of God, but not understand God's unconditional love towards you and not be at peace. Many missionaries get frustrated and leave their calling for this reason. 

A surrendered heart, a person who is willingly serving from the heart is one who is doing it out of gratitude for the love our Savior has shown to us.

I end this writing with these verses found in the book of Romans. "I beseech you therefore brethern, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom. 12:1 KJV And because of Jesus that's how God sees us as born again Christians. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." Rom. 12:2 KJV

             

    

 I wrote this and placed it in an editorial a few years ago for a past election but feel it still applies toward this one - If you agree, pass it along.

Dear Voter

Socialism is a flawed concept; it always fails, and the fallacy is they think they can tweak it and make it work. Free market capitalism has some risk, but it works and allows our God-given ideas to be used. Build a better mouse trap and you’re a success; work hard and you’re a success.

It’s no coincidence that the world came out of the dark ages into the age of the industrial revolution shortly after the Bible was mass produced with the advent of the Gutenberg printing press. Before socialists and communists attempt to indoctrinate youth with their twisted doctrine, they try to get them to believe the lie that there is no God; this sets the government up to be the biggest authority, but we know God is the true Authority. Small government is part of the answer, not a looming bureaucratic mess.

Wealth distribution is a failed attempt to make all people equal. Wealth distribution is a tenet socialists adhere to. The tenets put forth in the Declaration of Independence are the ones worth noting and declare what the Founding Fathers knew to be true and self-evident – that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights and the only qualification pertaining to our country to obtain these rights is to be a human being and a U.S. citizen.

Our Founding Fathers fought the Revolutionary War to win their liberty from an oppressive, tyrannical king who failed to afford them their human dignity and rights. The Declaration of Independence, as well as our constitutional rights are equally applied to all U.S. citizens. The right to bear arms, freedom of speech and all the other rights put forth are equally applied. Our laws against murder, slander and any other crimes are meant for all U. S. citizens equally. Failure to point you to these rights that are already yours and creating a victimhood mentality, as well as protected group and hate speech laws, creates inequality, lifting one group above the rights we are all afforded as U.S. citizens.

Any rights we ever have in this country as citizens always have to be applied equally, based only on the fact that we are human beings and U.S. citizens. Anything else may sound like it’s good and beneficial to certain special interest groups, but in reality creates inequality by creating certain rights afforded to groups, but not all individuals. We must remember all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. The inherent risk in our constitutional republic is that some of the individuals fail to apply themselves, i.e., lazy, or a morally deficient person says he is mistreated. Small government, by the people and for the people, with few regulations, is what preserves decency for all. Like the song says, ‘Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight’ Jesus loves all peoples of the world and so should we. But race politics pits one race against another, creating a constant state of victimhood. If you are a human being and a U.S. citizen, the Constitution and our law system, which are both founded on Judeo-Christian ethics, afford us all equality.

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The Power Of Passion

A Scepter of Righteousness

 God, the Father, had this to say about His Son, Jesus, "But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Heb. 1:8-9  Again, a sceptor of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. 

The people of Israel wanted a king, so they could be like other nations that had a king. Their first king was Saul, then King David, followed by a long procession of both good and bad kings. The division in the kingdom came shortly after Solomon, David's son, was succeeded by his son, Rehoboam, who was the anointed successor. Two of Israel's tribes followed King Rehoboam, and the remaining ten tribes followed Jeroboam, who became their king. The two tribes of the southern kingdom were composed of the territory belonging to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the northern kingdom was composed of the territory belonging to the remaining ten tribes. 

God had made a promise to King David that he (David) would always have somebody from his lineage to sit upon the throne. God promised David that the house of David and his kingdom would endure forever, saying, Your throne will be established forever. (ref. Ps. 132:11, Acts 2:29-30, 2 Sam. 7:16, Luke 1:32b-33) 

Scripture says, "Concerning His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, which was made of the seed of David, according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"  Rom. 1:3-4

This of course, is who Father God is referring to, when in the following scriptures it is written, "But unto the Son he saith, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Heb. 1:8-9

How can we explain a scepter of righteousness? Not a whole lot is said in scripture to fully explain the use of a king's scepter. One of the most powerful descriptions of its use might be found in the book of Esther. Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who raised her, are both amongst the exiled Jews in the Persian diaspora in approximately 486 - 465 BC. Esther and Mordecai's faith in God cause a response on Esther's part to approach the Persian King Ahasuerus, risking her life in an attempt to save the Jewish people in that realm from wicked Haman, who was an advisor to the Persian king. 

Haman's plot was to destroy the Jewish people. Esther, who through a fateful series of events is now queen to King Ahasuerus, said to Mordecai, "All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come into the king, into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live; but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther, the queen, standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So, Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." Esther 4:11-17, 5:1-3 

God answered the prayers of Esther, Mordecai and the rest of the Jewish people who were exiled living in that realm; Haman and many other enemies of the Jews were destroyed, as Esther and Mordecai had favor with King Ahasuerus. They put faith in God as their Deliverer and God made a way; God met all their needs. 

We are told in Scripture, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Mat. 6:33

Esther was able to come all the way into the inner court, and the king held out his scepter that she would live. Prior to this, it's told, "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight, more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti." Esther 2:17

"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom."  Heb. 1:8 

A scepter of righteousness is descriptive of His righteousness; the true righteousness He offers to those who are willing to give up their own (their own effort and merit) as a way to approach Him for eternal life and enter into the inner court through the veil which has been torn.

'Righteousness' signifies uprightness and right-standing with God. 'Justified' refers to something that is crooked being made straight. In fact, we get the word, 'wicked' from the word 'wicker'; meaning twisted. 

Jesus said to Nicodemus, "...verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:5-7

Remember, (if you are born again), before you were born again, you were on a fast track heading down the highway of life. You were trying to earn your way to heaven by your effort and performance. Then you heard the truth of the gospel, the message that said it wasn't your performance, but what Christ did on the cross that offered you His uncondtional pardon, and you accepted His offer. He took your sin and gave you His righteousness. You accepted His sacrificial atonement. You repented, which means you changed the direction of your thinking; you went in the other direction. Now, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, all because of Jesus. 

Jesus holds this scepter out for anyone to touch it. His scepter speaks of authority and right-standing and it is graciously extended. 

God said He would break or destroy the scepter of many wicked nations (ref. Ps. 125:3) and finally, he said the scepter of Egypt will depart away. (ref. Zech. 10:11) Egypt represents sin and bondage, which in one way or another epitomized the passing pleasure of sin of all nations who forsake God. God's will is for you to forsake this temptuous, false way to meet your needs, as we should rely only on Him. As Scripture tells us, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible. Through faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch him." Heb. 11:24-28 

It is in your thoughts that you feel close or distant from God, but the truth is, if you're born again, He's in you and you're in Him - He's always very near. 

Esther and Mordecai prevailed against their enemies with the authority and enablement of the king who's favor they had, as Esther was able to enter the inner court and be in his (King Ahasuerus') presence. Jesus, our great King, has beckoned to all of mankind to come into the inner court of His presence by extending His scepter of righteousness. 

By default, everybody who does not place their trust in Christ to enter the kingdom is embracing the world's way of doing things. You cannot earn your way to heaven by your effort and performance. Only One measured up to the standard of the law and we must place our trust in Him, as you've received an imputed righteousness. (ref. Rom. 4:5-8) Only then are you in right-standing with God and made straight. If you are born again, then you've been made the righteousness of God, it's something you cannot earn, even though the world, the flesh and the devil want you to think differently. This is walking in a different way and thinking different thoughts than the world's system of doing things. 

Scripture says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:7

Christian - Rest begins in your thought life!

 We must be a doers of the Word and the next step after believing the Word of God is to let or allow the Word to capture your mind, thought life, and your imagination. The enemy knows if he can capture your thought life, he has won a great victory. You cannot keep thoughts from coming to your mind, but you can keep them from staying there. You can't stop someone from knocking on your door, but you can decide who you want to let in. And so, dealing with the devil and his thoughts and suggestions, we must do it right when they come to our minds, whether it's doubt, whether it's fear, or lack, whether it's strife or unforgiveness. Whatever it is, whether it's sin (misbehavior) or disobedience; whatever it is, you deal with it right there at the door, and you have authority. In other words, as a believer, if you don't exercise your authority in your thought life, you'll never exercise your authority in your outward life. 

"Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowlege of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Cor. 10:5 KJV  

It's the anointing that destroys the yolk of bondage; in other words, any kind of bondage. So when you meditate on the Word, the anointing comes up into your soul (your mind, will and emotions) and destroys bad imaginations, it destroys old thought patterns and attitudes, so that the new creature (creation) and the reality of what has been done for you in Christ now - comes up and gets on your soul and then that overflows into your body. And so, when you meditate on the Word of God, you're taking spiritual realities from the Word of God and you're allowing that to capture your imagination. (Above quoted from Mark Hankins Ministry)

"And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."  Gen. 4:6-7 KJV

Cain didn't do a very good job of dealing with what lieth at his door. He bought the lie, and the very next verse tells us that Cain rose up against his brother and slew him. (ref. Gen. 4:8) Cain also didn't deal well in his response to the Lord's question of  'Where is Abel thy brother?' He (Cain) said, 'I know not: am I my brother's keeper?' (ref. vs. 9) The answer to Cain's question is yes, you are your brothers keeper. 

The Hebrews who came out of Egypt were at the door of the Promise Land and their ticket in was faith; the only trouble was, so few of them had one. Faith has a faith object and most of them had a dim view of theirs. When faith is missing, the only thing left to fill in the void is doubt and unbelief. Scripture tells us, "He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel." Ps. 103:7 KJV  The NLT translation reads, "He revealed his character to Moses, and his deeds to the people of Israel." The aspersions and murmurings cast against God's character went something like this. 

"And ye murmured in your tents, and said, 'Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us." Deut. 1:27 KJV  Also, as found in Exodus, "And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, Oh Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." Ex. 32:4 KJV

God said, "Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I swear in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest." Heb. 3:10-11 KJV 

Stephen, the first recorded martyr for Christ, said in speaking of the Israelites exiting Egypt, "To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what has become of him." Acts 7:39-40 KJV

We, as Christians, can find ourselves wanting to turn back. We, too, like the Hebrews coming out of Egypt, have been set free. They were delivered and set free from the cruel Egyptian task masters who held them in the bondage of slavery, externally forcing them against their will to do their dictates. The Hebrews were not their own to do as they would, but were property owned by someone else. Moses wrote, "And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers." Deut. 6:23 KJV  Biblically speaking, Egypt represents sin and bondage. "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?" Gal. 4:9 KJV  

The law is an external dictate and doesn't win the will of the heart; a dictator forces submission on you from without, but someone you love captures your heart and will from within. Paul writes, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Rom. 8:14-16 KJV "Wherefore thou art no more a servant (slave), but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Gal. 4:7 

We've gone from dictator to Father, from slave to son. Bondage to lusts and additive habits are the results of a deceptive lure and enticement to turn back to sin (Egypt), but perhaps the most deceptive is religious bondage (legalism), a striving to earn your acceptance with God. Our rest is in knowing we are accepted and approved (in right-standing with God) all through the finished work of the cross, a complete work of grace. "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." Heb. 4:10 KJV  It's His righteousness we adorn.

When we rehearse the righteous acts of God, we willingly submit. This truth is found in the song of Deborah. (Read Judges 5:1-31 for the entire account) "Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves." Judg. 5:2 KJV "The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the Lord. Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way. They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the Lord go down to the gates." Judg. 5:7-11 KJV

Lets examine two scripture verses that really bring the song of Deborah to life. The first is found in the 28th chapter of Isaiah, as follows, "In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people. He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:5-6 NIV, emphasis mine) The second verse is found in the 12th chapter of Isaiah: "And in THAT day you will say: "OH LORD, I will praise You; Though you were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song, He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." (Isa. 12:1-3 NKJV, emphasis mine)  God's anger is turned away. Deborah states at the beginning of her song that when the people of Israel chose new gods, war was at the gates and the people of Israel were unwilling to fight, but when they rehearsed the righteous acts of the LORD the people willingly went and contended with the war at the gates.

Gates and doors are entrance points that allow access in or out. Again, the Lord said unto Cain, "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." Gen. 4:7 KJV  We, as born-again Christians are accepted of God and we do well to rest in this truth, to rejoice in this truth and deny access to the door of our heart anything that speaks otherwise. (ref. Isa. 54:17) "For we which have believed do enter into rest," Hebrews  4:3a KJV  Most of the Hebrews who came out of Egypt stalled in the wilderness and could not move forward to claim the promises. "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Hebrews 4:2 KJV

We, too, can have a time of testing in the wilderness, let us do as Jesus did in His wilderness temptations. He knew and spoke the truth to overcome the temptations of the enemy; we also believe and therefore speak. (ref. 2 Cor. 4:13) He knew He was and is the beloved Son of God and didn't have to prove it to satan. We can overcome these trials in faith and be assured of the victory, but most importantly, rest. It's from this position of rest that we obtain the promises. We are to enter into His rest, ":although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." (ref. Heb. 4:1,3b) 

This is referring to what's stated primarily in the first three verses of Genesis chapter two, "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made and God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." Gen. 2:1-3 KJV  This is not referring to God resting as though He were tired, like we get tired physically or emotionally, etc., but that His work of creation was complete. You can liken it unto an artist painting a picture or a sculptor creating a sculpture. When he or she finishes it, it's perfect and complete. One more brush stroke or one more chiseled piece removed is not needed, so the artist sets the brush or chisel down and rests from their creative work. So He, (God) rested on the seventh day and God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. 

The book of Exodus tells us, ":wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Ex. 20:11b KJV (hallowed means to make it holy) We too, as Christians have been made holy-we've received the Holy Spirit and are now saints. We've been sanctified and set apart for His special purposes; we are complete in Christ. (ref. Col. 2:10) He, (Christ) is our sabbath rest. We were made this way the moment we became born again. It's all grace. "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." Heb. 7:19 KJV  

Our rest, as Christians, is a spiritual rest that we are meant to enter into continually. (ref. Col. 2:6) Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Mat. 11:28-30 KJV  Our rest is achieved by our remembrance that we are complete in Him, all by grace and faith in His blood. (ref. Heb. 13:9, 20, Rom. 3:25) The Apostle Peter wrote, "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:"  "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Pet. 13-14, 22 KJV

And yes, be your brother's keeper. 

 The Nativity in Bethlehem

I love the Christmas season and the chance of seeing a nativity scene set up in someone's yard or some other outdoor setting. Perhaps you've had the good fortune to attend a live nativity using real animals. Whether an outdoor nativity scene or a smaller scaled model inside someone's home, it provokes wonder as to how the real scene in Bethlehem with the Christ Child must have been. 

In Hebrew, the city's name is pronounced, "Beit-lehem." "Beit" means house and "Lechem" means bread - together being "house of bread." Jesus said, at one point, "I am the Bread of life" (ref. John 6:35; 48) and "I am the manna that came down out of heaven..." (John 6:31) 

Nativity is described in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as: The place of origin. Jesus came down from heaven and took on a body of flesh. Jesus grew to physical maturity in that body. His spirit was from above. Jesus said to a group of Pharisees, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: Ye are of this world; I am not of this world." (John 8:23b KJV) Jesus said we too must be born from above; this is the only way we can see or enter the kingdom of God. (ref. John 3:3) 

The word 'nature' is a root word of 'nativity'-implying that our nature is a derivative of where or who we are from. A born-again believer, or a born-from-above believer, is one spirit with God and he is also a new creation (ref. 1 Cor. 6:17, 2 Cor. 5:17) 

John the Baptist speaking, said, "He that cometh from above is above all: He that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all." (John 3:31 KJV) 

The difference between someone born from above (born-again) who has God as his Father and someone who is not born from above, is profound. 'Jesus said unto them, if God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? even because ye cannot hear My word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.' (John 8:42-44 KJV) "I speak that which I have seen with My Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father." (John 8:38 KJV) 

We, as born-again (born from above) Christians, can speak from our place of heavenly origin and heavenly nature, in contrast to an unbeliever who cannot. This is not to say someone who is not born-from-above, or born again, goes about always telling lies. But, it is to say the person who is born-from-above now has as their place of origin, heaven (ref. Eph. 2:6) and our identity in the truth of who we are is who we are in Christ. If we go by our five senses or our circumstances as to who we are, we are not seeing with the eyes of faith. We are not speaking the truth of the reality of our heavenly position or our place of origin.  We are not speaking or acting according to our new nature. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor. 5:7 KJV)

The entire third chapter of the book of James is well worth reading to bear this out. The book of James says, "But if ye have bitter envy and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." (James 3:14-15 KJV) The entire third chapter of the book of James has much to say about our tongue speaking earthly wisdom and the wisdom which descends from above, but ends with the final three verses, saying, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But, the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." (James 3:16-17 KJV)

When we, as born-from-above believers speak or act against the truth of who we now are in our new spirit and nature, we are lying against the truth of our true origin. This is not to say we are to now become police monitors of all action and speech, for that is an exterior bandaid leading to bondage. The final verse in James chapter three concludes, "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18 KJV) Righteousness is an inward transformation and one which we have been made. (ref. 2 Cor. 5:21) It (righteousness or our right-standing with God) is not a result of our effort or performance, but of faith placed in Christ's finished work; it is a gift. We have been made new creations. (ref. 2 Cor. 5:17) This brings a rest, a peace. When you see a nativity scene this Christmas season, let it speak to you of our heavenly origin and our heavenly nature, and remember our native language of where and Whose we are from. 

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