Tag Archives: Biblical truth

Altars of Earth

May 2, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

It’s all in the instructions

I am notorious for ordering items online. When the box arrives, I’m excited to see my item in the perfect spot I’ve chosen for it. However, when I open the box, all I see are parts and pieces in plastic bags with the INSTRUCTIONS on how to put it together. Thank the Lord, I have such a kind and knowledgeable husband who is good with instructions.

Today we explore a set of instructions God gave Israel following His presentation of the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:24).

An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you.

God’s “thunderous” manifestation of his presence impressed upon Israel that He was the “Living God” and not some impotent idol they had worshipped in Egypt (Exod. 20:18-20). God was the Creator and not the molded creations of man’s idolatrous mind. God was moving closer to His people. He would come to them and bless them.

Why an altar of earth?

An altar of earth, a simple structure, or of stone (unhewn), was to be constructed. God wanted them to build a plain altar of stone with no engraving. I’m sure many of the Israelites had seen the engraving of the statues and monuments in Egypt. They may have even been engravers themselves. But God required a higher yet simpler standard that would recognize who He was. The moment a tool was put to the stone, it would be considered “polluted”.

It should be noted that the primary purpose of the altar was for worship. That worship was to include specific offerings—a peace offering and a burnt offering. There was no mention of presenting a sin and trespass offerings which were given to Israel later.

The peace offering revealed man’s need for sacrifice that would reconcile him to God. Jesus Christ accomplished that by His blood on the Cross. The burnt offering speaks of God’s worthiness and ability to save. Christ was the perfect sacrifice and the only one able to satisfy the righteous requirements of God (2 Cor. 5:18)

Where’s my altar?

Everywhere Israel journeyed, they made an altar of earth. The altar was to be placed in those places where “God recorded His name.” One commentary states it this way: “cause My name to be remembered”.

God would reward Israel’s offerings in those places where God was worshipped in sincerity.

Afterwards, God chose one particular place (Jerusalem) to record his name. But now that has been taken away under the gospel, when men are encouraged to pray every where. This promise revives in its full extent, that, wherever God’s people meet in his name to worship him, he will be in the midst of them, he will honour them with his presence, and reward them with the gifts of his grace; there he will come unto them, and will bless them. More than this we need not desire for the beautifying of our solemn assemblies.[1]

This portion of the Exodus text caught my attention. I then began to ask myself the following questions.

Where are my “altars of earth” to the Lord?

Where are the places in my life where God has caused me to “remember His name”?

Am I watchful and recognize when I am “out of fellowship” with Him?

Am I presenting offerings that worship God?

Do I bless God for all His benefits? His presence, power, provision, and protection?

Altars and offerings are no longer needed to be in right relationship with God. Jesus’ death and resurrection eliminated that requirement. However, it is important that we Christians spiritually create our personal altars to worship God in recognition of His love and gift of life through Jesus Christ.

I close with the following scripture texts in the hope that they will “cause His name to be remembered” by each of us.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.(Rom. 12:1)

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. (Heb.13:15)

Give to the LORD the glory due his name; Bring an offering, and come before him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! (1 Chron. 16:29)

[1] Matthew Thomas Commentary

Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual Sight: A Deeper Perspective, Part 2

April 8, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Looking beyond what we can see

The ability to see has been associated with many things in the biblical record. It has been linked to wisdom (Job 42:5), to salvation (Ephesians 1:18), and to discernment (John 7:24). This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it helps to expand our understanding of spiritual sight. Spiritual sight help us to “look beyond what we can see”.

To see or not to see

The prophet Jeremiah was a heartbroken prophet with a heartbreaking message. He labored for more than 40 years proclaiming a message of doom to the stiff-necked people of Judah.

Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not: (Jeremiah 5:21-29)

Despite Jeremiah’s many warnings, they did not see that their behavior was headed for a collision with the judgment of God. Judah continued to worship idols, disobey God’s covenant, and practice social injustice. Their lack of vision and refusal to surrender to God’s will resulted in exile to Babylon for 70 years. Judah’s loyalty had become divided and had blinded her to the things of God.

How would we evaluate our current world and the choices being made? Who has eyes and sees not and ears yet hears not?

Barriers to seeing spiritually

The “usual suspects” stand as barriers to using our spiritual sight. They are our flesh, the world, and Satan.

Our flesh is the natural or “unredeemed” part of us that take us away from the purpose of God. Our flesh sees with natural eyes and refuses to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul the Apostle notes that it is impossible for the natural man to see with spiritual eyes (1 Corinthians. 2:13-16).

The world is that which is contrary to the things of God. It includes the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). We are told by the Apostle John, that those who love the world do not love God (1 John 2:15). Divided loyalty ultimately leads to disobedience (Titus 1:16).

Satan does what Satan always does: he discourages, he deceives, and he destroys. Of all the barriers, Satan is the greatest challenge. Why? Because most people don’t believe he exists. He remains the unseen “puppeteer behind the curtain”. But be assured he is very real. Look for him where there is conflict, confusion, and chaos (James 3:16). However, to see him, we will need our spiritual sight.

Our flesh, the world, and Satan keep us from viewing the world as it really exists. In addition, the postmodern, 21^st century worldview has created a “distorted” picture of what we see. This is especially true with identifying sin.

Our “spiritual sensibilities” are slowly being dulled. The ultimate goal, of course, is complete spiritual blindness.

How do we gain spiritual sight?

First and foremost, we need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Jesus shared with His Disciples the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding them in all truth (John 16:13-14). Each day it is important that we invite the Holy Spirit to join us through reading scripture, meditation, and prayer. As we do, we train our spirit man to “listen for the Spirit’s voice” as He communicates with us.

Secondarily, we can practice the presence of the Holy Spirit. Practicing the Holy Spirit’s presence acknowledges the fact that God, in all His fullness, is always with us (Psalm 139:7-12). Because of that, we should not limit this practice to our devotion and prayer time only but also include it in our “normal rhythm of life“.

Finally, we must be intentional in our pursuit of the knowledge of God and our growth in Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Seeing with spiritual sight is not a natural attribute for believers. Therefore, it must be developed.

Give all diligence

The Apostle Peter describes this process as “giving all diligence to add to our faith” (2 Peter 1:5-8). Diligence translated means earnestness in accomplishing, promoting, or striving after anything. Peter describes the results for believers who lack that diligence: “They are short-sighted, even to blindness…” (2 Peter 1:9)

Let us make a commitment today to develop our spiritual sight. While it’s been said that “the eyes are the windows of the soul”, it is more important to believe that spiritual sight will “keep your soul.” (Matthew 6:22-24).

Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual Sight: A Deeper Perspective, Part 1

April 1, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

An invitation

When I begin my daily devotions, I open with Psalm 119:18: Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. My favorite teacher, Alistar Begg, often begins his bible study sessions with this prayer, “Make the book come alive to me.”

Our intent is the same though our approach may differ. We invite the Holy Spirit to join us as our Teacher, as we seek God’s instruction for our life. Doing this, we are better able to navigate in this post-modern world where there are no absolutes nor acceptable standards of rightness.

As we examine our current society, it appears what is right or wrong is left to the judgment of the individual. In the absence of a common standard of right and wrong, anything goes.

The Heart wants what the Heart wants

People reject a standard for truth because of their greater desire to do “that which seems right in their own eyes”. But what is right?

A recent Barna Research study, The End of Absolutes: America’s New Moral Code, found no agreement on the definition of morality today.

What is it based on? Where does it come from? How can someone know what to do when making moral decisions? According to a majority of American adults (57%), knowing what is right or wrong is a matter of personal experience. This view is much more prevalent among younger generations than among older adults. Three-quarters of Millennials (74%) agree strongly or somewhat with the statement, “Whatever is right for your life or works best for you is the only truth you can know,” compared to only 38 percent of Elders. And Millennials (31%) are three times more likely than Elders (10%) and twice as likely as Boomers (16%) and Gen-Xers (16%) to strongly agree with the statement.

People want “what they want” including freedom to choose what fits their preference and lifestyle, even if it means disobedience to God. [1]

The need to see spiritually

What then are we to do? It is critical that we as followers of Jesus Christ, develop an “eye” for what is truth versus what is error (1 John 4:1). We began this discussion in our series on spiritual discernment. However, during these end times, we must be even more intentional, vigil, and alert by honing our “spiritual sight”. (1 Pet. 1:13).

This 21^st century challenge is similar to what the Disciples and the early Church faced. They encountered a society that was “hostile” to the things of God and where men “leaned to their own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

The Disciples had to develop a “new view” of the world. Jesus taught them that view in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). It was the “Kingdom view”. Believers would have to “see” things differently than the rest of the world. They would learn to develop their spiritual sight.

Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Disciples ultimately proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. They participated in ushering in the Kingdom of God. We have that same opportunity today.

Time to Practice

I invite you to “a deeper perspective” of God’s Word by using your spiritual sight. Following are (3) scriptures to read and meditate on this week. Feel free to use different translations and paraphrases. Get your journal out as you read and invite the Holy Spirit to join you.

Jeremiah 5:21-29

Matthew 6:22-23

1 Corinthians 2:13-16

Answer these questions for each scripture you read:

How does this scripture relate to my personal walk with God?
How does it influence my view of 21^st century society?
What “new” insight did the Holy Spirit reveal to me in this scripture?

[1] Spiritual Discernment: Light for Darkened Eyes

Spiritual Maturity

In God We Trust: 2025

March 4, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

In God we trust. It’s printed on our coins, and we claim its truth as a nation. But the question we must ask ourselves is this. Do we REALLY trust in God? Let’s do a quick “fact check” by looking at two areas we face daily.

Concerned about financial security? We could direct our attention and efforts toward making sound business decisions which include debt reduction, savings, and sound business investments. We depend on personal discipline and outside counsel to help us make the best decisions for ourselves and our family.

Nervous about the state of our nation and the world? We might put our energy into supporting political parties and other platforms that support our views and belief systems. We place our trust in people and agendas that can move forward viewpoints we support.

Where have we put our trust in the areas noted above? Do we trust our personal knowledge, tangibles we can count, people we vote for, or do we trust God? In Psalm 56, King David shares his story to encourage us to look to a higher power, Eternal God, to help us realign our trust in 2025.

A Psalm of Trust

Psalm 56 is identified as a song for the distressed. David was in distress. Some would describe it as being “between a rock and a hard place.” Like David, we sometimes find ourselves wedged between many rocks and brutally hard places. Sometimes this happens because of others, like Saul, and other times it is the result of our own disobedience and waywardness. In those times of distress and fear, we are to call out like David: “In God, I have put my trust.” (Psalm 56:4)

The background for today’s Psalm can be found in 1 Samuel 21:8-15, where we are told of David’s escape to Gath, the stronghold of the Philistines, arch enemies of Israel. The Philistines were well acquainted with David who killed their champion, Goliath, when he was only a young shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17). Now because of King Saul’s jealousy, this young man runs for fear of his life to a place of even greater peril and sure death. He now stands captured by his worst enemy, the king of the Philistines.

Trust (batach) in Hebrew means “bold and confident”. The description means to literally “throw oneself down, extended on the ground, upon his face.” Can you imagine that picture? David, literally throwing himself on the mercy of God, fully confident and bold; defiantly proclaiming, “What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:4) Did he recall the many times God intervened on his behalf as King Saul sought to capture and kill him? His eye was not on the source of his fear but on the Deliverer of his soul. David’s spirit was humbled, cast down in full confidence and trusting in Almighty God for his life—not the Philistine king.

Trust in 2025

Perhaps we were sincere when we first inscribed on our coins, “In God we trust”. However, our trust in “other things and people” has caused us to take our eye off God. Question, have they increased our trust?

As we face the many challenges of life that shake the foundation of our faith, we must:

- Put our trust in the One who can deliver us from all harm. (Psalm 46:1)
- Remember those times that God stepped in to deliver us and brought us to a point of safety. (Psalm 91:1,2)
- Exchange our fear for bold confidence in God. (Psalm 20:7)

What are the things that cause distress in our lives? Perhaps our stress is generated by things we have no control over; the state of the economy, unending political wrangling or social injustices that are currently in news headlines. Maybe it’s our health or the changing needs of our immediate family. Regardless of the “earthly” source of our fear, we can go to The “Eternal” Source, God. Now is the time to write upon our hearts the Psalmist’s words, “I have put my trust in God.”

A Prayer of Trust

God of creation and God of salvation, I put my trust in You. Though the earth may tremble, and the mountain be carried into the sea, I put my trust in You. Though life may be hard and the challenges daunting, I put my trust in You. I trust in You and You alone because You are MY GOD and MY FATHER. I am Your child. These things I ask in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Maturity

Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

February 25, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Is Jesus the One for the 21st century?

Yes, He is! I say that not based on my feelings or opinion but on what God has said about Who He is and how He operates in this fallen world. I continue to use the phrase, “fallen world” to direct our attention to the condition that has led us to the pain and suffering we are experiencing in the world. And that condition is sin.

It is easy to wonder why God isn’t more active in resolving the difficulties we face in our world. Know this! God cares and engages in every aspect of our lives (Matt. 10:29-31). However, man’s “free will” allows him to choose those things that, many times, are outside God’s will and not in the best interest of others (which includes the world).

We often look to God to “zap the bad” and make it disappear. Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works in a fallen world. That’s why it is valuable to draw near to God (James 4:8) so that we can better understand His ways and His works. When we do that, we can begin to understand why Jesus is the One for today.

What are our options?

So what have been our “options” to address the challenges of 21^st century living? We’ve tried to legislate, to mandate, and to regulate, just to name a few. New beliefs, creeds, and convictions, offer no long-term solution to the various world crises we face. No person, political platform, nor social movement has moved us closer to “the good life”, harmony or peace. These are not the right solutions for our sin problem.

Why not choose Jesus? Choose Him not for solving all the problems we experience during difficult time. Nor for miracles Jesus can perform to address our human needs. But choose Jesus because He is the One. He is the One God has ordained to address the issue of sin and to give us life—life now and life in eternity.

Jesus knew.

Jesus knew He was the One. As He arrived in Nazareth, He entered the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up to read (Luke 4:16-21). He read from the Old Testament book of Isaiah that prophesied of the abundant life that would be available to those who would believe and follow the promised Messiah (Isa. 61:1-2).

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus concluded His reading with a statement meant to remove any doubt as to who He was (Luke 4:21). “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus was the promised Messiah. Jesus was the One.

Recognizing The One

Are we poor in spirit? Disappointed, distraught, and discouraged? Are we brokenhearted, blinded, and held captive by the world’s promise of a better life?

In our humanity, we are continually looking for someone or something to manage the challenges we face. In God’s economy, believers understand that Jesus is The One.

Who better to guide us and to help us through the challenges that lie ahead than The One who is omniscient! The all-knowing One who can see today, tomorrow and into eternity.

Who better to protect us than the one who is omnipotent? All powerful. Not like the impotent idols we think will secure our life: wealth, status, or relationships. All these and more, we foolishly depend on to make us feel safe and secure.

Who better to provide for both our spiritual and physical needs than the One who is omnipresent—”everywhere present”. Where can we go that Jesus is not with us? (Ps. 139:7-10)

Jesus is the great I Am. Bread of life (John 6:35). Light (John 8:12). The Door (John 10:9). The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). Resurrection and Life (John 11:25). The Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). The Vine (John 15:1, 5).

Jesus is the One! He is the One we need right now for the challenges we are facing. Jesus is the Only One.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: How Are You Holding Up?

February 18, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How are you holding up?

In recounting the major events of this century, I better understand the severe damage they have had on us, and on our view of life. Pandemics, wars, terrorism (domestic and foreign), social strife, natural disasters and so much more. Our personal lives have also been affected as we navigate changes in responsibilities, relationships, and work life.

It has been exhausting! These shifts, and dips of life, have required more than “pushing through”. It has necessitated more than “hanging on”. It requires that we cling even more closely to God. God’s presence and power is the only true source of resiliency.

In John 16:33, Jesus shares this truth with His Disciples. We can place our trust in this truth as we move into 2025 and beyond.

In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer. I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.

The Amplified Version of Jesus’ words encourage us even more.

In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Because of “these times” in which we live, it is imperative that we holdfast our faith. Our trust and belief in Sovereign God is essential not only for our physical and mental well-being, but also for our spiritual perseverance and endurance (Psalm 18:1-2).

To help us on our faith journey, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, a message that is important to remember when facing 21^st century challenges and tribulation: “Don’t Let Go Your Faith!”

Victorious Living

On the Road to God’s New Thing

February 4, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A road by any other name

A road is literally defined as a wide way leading from one place to another. We often think of roads as access to new opportunities of commerce or development, such as the road to success.

A road can also describe a series of events or a course of action that will lead to a particular outcome. In the book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck uses “road” figuratively to describe the sometimes hard and often painful process of change. Peck uses the “road less traveled” as a illustration of the journey this requires.

Jeremiah’s road

In Jeremiah 31, the prophet speaks to the people of God in Babylon to prepare them for a “road”—both literally and figuratively—that would return them to their own land after their 70-year exile.

Jeremiah’s message is clear. They are not to be afraid or lose heart. They are to be focused with a firm resolution to rebuild the nation of Israel.

In Jeremiah 31:22, Israel is called to refrain from falling back into their old rebellious habits as God creates “a new road” to their salvation—a “new thing” that had never been done before (or since).

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.

Failure on the road

Israel is warned against potential backsliding which is interpreted as “faithless”. In the past both Israel and Judah had consistently failed to “holdfast” to God and depend solely on Him for their every need. (Job 27:6) The results was always disastrous as proven by the conquest of both nations.

Where are we placing our faith? Is it in people—elected officials, family members, or friends? Are we dependent on things—bank accounts, social status, or professional affiliations? Do we believe only in ourselves—our intellect, looks, or personality? When Jesus returns, will He find us faithfully following Him on the new road? (Luke 18:8)

With God on the road to new things

Israel is encouraged to trust God, Who would create a “new thing”—interpreted as strange and surprising—in the earth. God would create a woman who would “compass” or protect man.

Many interpreters understand this “new thing” to be the incarnation of Jesus Christ. A woman, the Virgin Mary, enclosed in her womb the Might One. This was to be their incentive.

They would know that with their return from exile came the promise of not only their physical restoration but also the spiritual blessing of the Mighty God (Is. 9:6). God would not cast off His people but bless them. This was to be their assurance.

What is the road for us today?

How do we to live in the knowledge of this “new thing”? Knowing the blessings of being in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).

• We live attentively in God’s presence. God is creating new opportunities for us. However, we must listen for His voice and watch where He is working. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

• We live expectantly in God’s provision. God has provided all that we need to live godly lives and to accomplish His purpose in our lives. (2 Peter 1:3-8)

• We live faithfully in God’s purpose. As the elect of God we live by faith. We do not backslide or “draw back unto perdition” but trust that He who began this “good work in us” is able to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)

Our journey to understanding “new things” has hopefully provided incentive and inspiration to walk in the divine purpose God has created for our lives. When we as believers trust God and understand God’s reason for “new things”, we can move forward joyfully in faith and confidence.

Victorious Living

What I Learned in 2024: What Time is it?

January 14, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A New Year Begins.

Welcome to 2025! As is my habit with WordBytes in January, I’d like to share with you my key learnings from 2024.

I am a learner by nature. I especially LOVE to read and study God’s Word. Through writing WordBytes and daily journaling, I capture my thoughts and share my emotions with the Lord. I write, scribble, cut and paste; highlight, and redline. I use many symbols to capture what God is revealing to me in our time together. My journal is my personal creative mess!

As I read my quarterly journals for 2024, there emerged several key themes that I’d like to share in this year’s learning. All revolved around the idea of “time”. Not the time we use to calculate intervals of a day (chronos time), but the appointed time in the purpose of God (karios time).

2024 was the “karios time” to receive the message God wanted to share with me, not only for my spiritual growth and development, but also to build my resilience for 21^st century living (Esther 4:14).

A Time for examination.

2024 was a time to examine myself and see if I was still in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Was my heart “divided”? Was I attempting to serve God AND the world? Who and what dominated my time and my resources? Was I being conformed to the image of Christ? (Romans 8:29)

In his book, Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in these Turbulent Times, John Eldredge reminded me of this fact.

Maturity is no longer optional, dear ones; wholeheartedness is no longer something we can go without. Those vulnerabilities in us prove treacherous in this world, like a faulty bridge or a bow that is not properly strung.

With all the distractions and competition for my attention, was I still faithfully following Christ? I needed to daily acknowledge Jesus as Lord of my life and totally commit to follow Him.

A Time to surrender.

Surrender is an unpopular word usually associated with defeat. But with God, surrender takes on a new meaning. Surrendering to God, makes possible, what is impossible without Him.

I foolishly believed that my efforts shaped me into the person God created me to be. It is the Holy Spirit within me that does the work (Philippians 2:13).

In his book, Absolute Surrender, A.W. Tozer, shares this thought about my role in surrendering.

A life of absolute surrender has its difficulties. I do not deny that. Yes, it has something far more than difficulties: it is a life that with man is absolutely impossible. But by the grace of God, by the power of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, it is a life to which we are destined, and a life that is possible for us, praise God!

It is my honor to surrender “everything and everyone” to the Lord. I have come to the reality that without Jesus, I can do nothing (John 15:5). God alone knows where I am, where I need to be, and what it will take to get me to where He wants me to be. It is my job to surrender.

A Time to go deeper into God’s love.

As a child, I was taught the song, “Jesus loves me”. However, I did not fully understand the depth of that love until I experienced the joy and pain of living in this fallen world. Through both good and bad times, I have experienced the love of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:16-20)

As I read W. Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I was amazed at the uncanny similarities between the work of the shepherd and Jesus’ work in the life of human sheep.

It is a tragic truth, that many people who really have never come under God’s direction and management claim that “The Lord is my shepherd”. They hope that by merely admitting that he is their Shepherd, they might somehow enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.

Jesus is my Good Shepherd (John 10:14) who loves me and cares for me even in my disobedience, and my foolishness. Jesus makes me lie down, restores my soul, and leads me. His love for me is extraordinary.

MOMENTS OF MINDFULNESS

Time to reflect on today’s session. Feel free to share your remarks at https://www.itwministries.org.

What have you learned in 2024? What things will you leave behind that won’t be helpful in your 2025 journey? What things has God revealed that will help you achieve a richer life in Christ in 2025?

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

November 12, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A Return n to the Familiar.

Last week we shared our thoughts on peacemaking. We used the Sermon on the Mount, more specifically, The Beatitudes, that are found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:3-12). Why did we choose them for our teaching?

While the behaviors outlined in the Beatitudes may not conform to the current “worldview”, they are none the less valid and profitable. The Beatitudes are foundational truths for righteous living that transcend time.

21^st century living through the lens of the Beatitudes is a challenge, to say the least. They are counterculture, counter-intuitive, and just plain hard. While living the “Beatitude life” may appear difficult, it is worth the effort in the end.

The key to living the Beatitude Life is in our understanding their benefits. For the next few weeks, we will examine the Beatitudes and the “blessings” available to us right now.

“Nothing new under the sun.”

We believe the teachings contained in the Beatitudes are relevant and desirable for 21st century believers. The behaviors described in the Beatitudes represent what life “in Christ” looks like in relationship to God and with our fellowman.

In Ecclesiastes 1:9, Solomon stated that “there was nothing new under the sun”. He was not referring to the normal changes that occur over time in society. We are continually learning and integrating new technology and innovation into our world.

What has not changed is the heart of man (Jeremiah17:9). The influence of the world, of sin and the pulling of our flesh continues (1 John 2:16-17). Time has not lessened the need for God’s plan of salvation. Justification, regeneration, and sanctification—are needed as much in AD 2024 as they were needed in 1 AD. The need will continue until Christ returns.

Supernatural power needed.

Once we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we no longer are expected to live by the world’s dictates. Instead, we are to pursue a righteous lifestyle like that demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

The behaviors chronicled in the Beatitudes, however, are not developed in the flesh. They are supernaturally enabled. Some believe the Beatitudes are behaviors we should strive to achieve. No amount of striving can accomplish each of these controversial behaviors. They are only possible through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Beatitudes make no sense, especially to the unredeemed world. It is this third person of the Godhead that is responsible for the transforming work needed to live out the behaviors described in the Beatitudes (Philippians 2:13).

Stormie Omartian clarifies our response to the Holy Spirit’s power.

Know that once we have received Jesus, we can’t continue to live our old sinful lifestyle. Now that we have His Holy Spirit living in us, guiding us, and transforming us, we have no excuse.

Beatitude living is “supernatural living” that flows from a life lived in obedience to and trust in God. Our behavior is reframed to see God and others with the eyes of Christ.

We’re not home yet.

The Beatitudes remind us that this world is not our final place of residency. The kingdom of heaven is the reward that Jesus wants us to focus on. In an age of instant gratification, rewards that come later are not usually sought after.

Knowing that we are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world, we must turn our attention to things that have eternal value (Colossians 3:1-2). Therefore, we live in this world with different expectations on how life is to be lived. Unfortunately, many believers, like unbelievers, focus on “life in this time” rather than “eternity with God”.

The Beatitudes are “rules of engagement” for followers of Christ. They are intimidating and antagonistic to accepted practices and beliefs of the world. True satisfaction and peace are only possible through Jesus Christ. It is through Christ’s “blessedness” that true satisfaction and peace can be experienced—both now and through eternity.

Our Faith Walk

Although and Yet: A Prayer of Faith

October 29, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Wickedness leads to judgment

The Prophet Habakkuk lived and prophesized in the reign of king Manasseh, when wickedness abound. Destruction by the Chaldeans was imminent. God would use them as an instrument of His judgment.

If God were to assess the moral condition of our nation, would we be prepared to receive His punishment? The “sins of Judah” resulted in its fall. Disobedience is a slippery slide that leads to a continuum of sins (James 1:13-15). Where are we as a nation on that slide?

What’s in a name?

Before being taken into captivity, Judah would experience the loss of all its material wealth and property. All the blessings of God (Deut. 28:1-14) would be eliminated because of the wickedness and rebellion of Judah (Deut. 28:15-68).

How was Habakkuk to respond to God’s pending punishment on the nation of Judah? Habakkuk is an unusual name which means “to embrace or cling”. In the final chapter of this book, his name becomes apparent as Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

Although and yet. These two conjunctions reflect how devoted Habakkuk was to his God and the trust he would need to navigate through the dark days that lie ahead.

Habakkuk’s declaration

In the final chapter of the book, Habakkuk concludes with a prayer confessing his continuing trust in the rightness of God’s dealing with Judah (Hab. 3:17-18).

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

May I digress and spend a moment on the grammar Habakkuk used in this prayer. Though is a conjunction meaning “in spite of the fact that”. When used at the beginning a phrase, clause, or sentence, it offers a contrast to the main sentence. Yet is also conjunction that means, in this context, “nevertheless.” What are you saying, Habakkuk? Put it in 21^st century language we can understand!

In spite of rising costs and inflation,

And drought burned crops and dying cattle in the fields,

In spite of fires, floods, and ravaging storms,

And our shrinking GNP and personal investment accounts,

In spite of doing more with less

And receiving little in return

Nevertheless, I will rejoice in my Lord!

I will be joyful and trust in God.

He is my salvation!

That is the kind of faith we need today. Our world continues to shift from the familiar to the unrecognizable. These lead to uncertainty and fear. How will we respond? Take a moment and write your own declaration of faith. What is your “in spite of” and your “nevertheless”?

Habakkuk’s faith

Habakkuk concludes his prayer by living up to his name. He praises God’s wisdom even though he doesn’t fully understand God’s way. Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

That faith and trust is captured in his closing statement (Hab. 3:19, NLT):

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

able to tread upon the heights.

In the King James version of this verse, two different words are used for “make”.

“He will make my feet like hinds’ feet” or “to transform into”.
“He will make me to walk upon my high places” or “tread, bend, or march”.

The deer in this verse was not the domesticated goat we see on farms today but was a wild mountain goat that was equipped the move through the rugged terrain of the mountains. Narrow openings and ledges, crooks, and jagged rocks. This is where the deer lived, yet they moved confidently knowing they were created for that world.

Application for us. Our sovereign God has created us for such a time as this. He is transforming us and bending us so that we will be able to not only survive but thrive. But our ability to walk upon “our high places” is dependent on our faith and trust in God—even if we don’t understand His ways. We must live by faith (Hab. 2:4). If we do, then we too will be able to walk on our high places (Hab. 3:19).