Tag Archives: Trust in God

In Search of Peace: What is Peace?

August 9, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Pursuit of Peace

With all the chaos in the world, contention in our country, and personal stress in our life, it is no surprise that one of the things people want most but can’t seem to find is peace. Whether we’re talking about world peace, peaceful relationships, or peace-of-mind, there just never seems to be enough peace.

What is peace? A biblical counselor asked their patients to work through an exercise which has them lists the qualities and characteristics of peace. The results with both Christian and non-Christians are to help people understand that, many times, the peace they seek is “situational, temporary, and experiential”.

It (peace) is seen as the absence of conflict or the removal of hinderance to personal happiness. “When I’m not fighting, when I’m appreciated, when I’m happy, when I’m financially secure.”[1]

What does OUR list look like? Take a minute and write down what you think peace looks like.

Do we want peace?

Silly question! Who doesn’t want peace? Well, of course, Satan doesn’t want it. Whether it’s peace in the world or peace of mind, Satan loves confusion, conflict, and division. So do Satan’s followers: “principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness of this world” and “spiritual wickedness in high places”, i.e., political, commercial, social, religious (Eph.6:12). Before we answer the question of do we want peace, let’s agree on what it is.

What is peace?

A general definition of peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there is no fighting or war, everything co-existing in perfect harmony and freedom.[2] Is peace a feeling?

Webster adds to this definition by highlighting the “freedom” aspect of peace: “freedom from disturbance, from war, from civil disorder, and even freedom from disputes and dissension between people.” Is peace based on our circumstances?

I am enjoying this study on peace. From a biblical perspective, it gives me an opportunity to closely examine the words that were “carefully” chosen by the Holy Spirit to best represent God’s intended meaning of peace. It becomes a point of spiritual clarity for me. Whether it is Greek or Hebrew, the word meaning adds to the “precision” I need to know what peace really looks like.

Peace by any other name!

The biblical concept of peace is larger than what we might read in our modern dictionaries. It rests heavily on the Hebrew word root (slm) which means “to be complete” or “to be sound”. The verb peace conveys the meaning—”to be complete or whole” or “to live well”. It is from this root that we get the more familiar word, salom or shalom.

In the Old Testament, this fine distinction of peace can be grouped into four general categories of shalom:

Wholeness of life or body, i.e., health. (Ps. 34:18; 147:3; Jer. 33:6)
Right relationship or harmony between two parties or people, often established by a covenant. (Numbers 25:12-13; Ezek. 34:25-26)
Prosperity, success, or fulfillment (Lev. 26:3-9)
Victory over one’s enemies or absence of war (Isa. 9:6-7)

The New Testament word for peace, eirene, has been greatly influenced by the Hebrew use of shalom. It occurs in each book of the New Testament. Eirene originally referred to the orderly, prosperous life that is possible if there is no war. Only much later did philosophers begin to apply the concept to an inner, personal peace.

In many ways, the two renderings of peace overlap, especially regarding relationships and harmony between people and nations. It describes:

Harmonious relationships (Luke 14:32)
Freedom from harassment (rest from war) (Luke 11:21; Acts 9:31)
Order, rest, and contentment (Matt.10:13, John 14:27)
Harmonized relationship between God and man (Acts 10:36; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14-17)

Shalom is still used in both greetings and farewells. It is meant to act as a blessing to the one to whom it is spoken.

Where is my peace?

In answer to my earlier question, “do we want peace?” Of course, we do! So, if we all want peace, why don’t we have it and why is it so elusive? As stated earlier, many times the peace we seek is situational, temporary, and experiential. If we base our peace on the things of “this world, our peace is tied to an unstable, ever-changing world (1 John 2: 15-17).

Unfortunately, we often allow this type of peace to dictate our feelings and our emotions. We may feel safe, secure, and calm; that is until there is a change in circumstances.

Peace may appear to elude us because we don’t know what REAL PEACE looks like. That is the purpose of this series to better understand what real peace looks like. Once we have a clear understanding of what it looks like and its true source, we will find shalom as we navigate the tumultuous waters of 21^st century living.

May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory.

May it be filled with God’s shalom.

[1] The Pursuit of Peace, Samuel Stephens, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, April, 2020

[2] Vocabulary.com

Victorious Living

On the Road to God’s New Thing

May 23, 2023 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 (Ep. 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 Pet. 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. (Phil. 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

God’s Reason for New Things

May 16, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why change?

Last week we asked if we are ready for “new things”. Maybe your life is going great and you have no need to change. Great! But for the rest of us, we realize that as the world changes, we too, must make sure that the way we are operating is within the will of God and His purpose for our lives.

Why resist?

It is human nature to resist doing new things even if new things offer more than the status quo. The Book of Numbers takes us to where we observe the impact of a nation’s resistance to “new things” with respect to God and His divine purpose for their life.

But if the LORD make a new thing and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. Num. 16:30 (KJV)

What should have been an eleven-day journey resulted in a forty year “funeral procession” (Num. 14:28-29; 32-35). Regardless of Israel’s opposition, God would show them a reason for His new thing.

Resistant and rebellious until the end!

From the time of their departure, Israel complained and was rebellious against not only the leadership of Moses and Aaron but also against God Himself. Israel had seen the many miracles of God yet in their hearts, regardless of what God did for them, “Israel had Egypt in their hearts. ” [1]

Where is your heart? When God attempts to move you to your divine purpose, do you complain and murmur? Is your affection set on the things of this world when God’s plan offers much more? (Col. 3:2-4)

New things may come with a price.

Read Numbers 15:1-20:13

Motivated by jealousy and envy, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram attempted to seize the priesthood from Aaron and his sons. In so doing, they also challenged the sovereignty and authority of God.

In the wilderness, God would teach Israel a painful lesson about the reason for “new things”—about sacrifice, authority, and responsibility.

That “new thing” would come with a price—it would cost Korah, Dathan, and Abiram their life, their families’ lives plus the lives of 14,700 people within Israel’s camp.

One of the reasons for God’s severity in punishing Israel was to prepare the way for His new thing—a people who would accept the “new beginning” He had readied for them in the Promised Land. It would be there that Israel would experience new victories, a new priest (Eleazar), a new leader (Joshua), and a new generation.

How does God use “new things” in our life?

- God might need to reset or reboot our current efforts. Stalled plans, ungodly influences or fleshly lusts can often take us off the path God sovereignly chooses for us. God’s intervention will guarantee success. (Phil. 1:6)

- God may desire to take us out of our comfort zone. He may even allow “trials and tribulations” into our life to move us forward. In trusting and waiting on the Lord, we find courage to persevere as we pursue God’s plan for our life. (1 Pet. 1:6-7)

- God could choose to introduce us to an opportunity that may not have been on our radar screen. It is in those moments we can depend wholly on God to bring prospects into our life that will result in our good and His glory. (Matt. 7:11)

God always has a reason for introducing new things into our life.

They may not be easy but they are always worth it. We may not understand “why” but we can trust “Who” (God).

In the past when faced with new things, I was like Israel, guilty of complaining and murmuring. Out of fear and frustration, I would cry, “Lord, why me?” I now choose God’s path for my life and when faced with “new things” I sigh in faith and confidence, “Lord, it’s YOU and me!”

[1] Wiersbe Bible Commentary

Victorious Living

Ready for Something New?

May 10, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Do you need something new?

Do you need a new surge of inspiration? Perhaps you began 2023 with a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, gain more faith, or increase your personal time with family.

Perhaps you’re fasting to discipline your body or engaged in a prayer effort to renew your spirit. Aren’t these the things we normally do? How’s it working? Maybe it’s time to change our thinking. Maybe it’s time to do a “new thing”!

It’s been said, “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you got!” So do a new thing! God’s thing! Walk in the divine purpose God created just for you—from the beginning of time (Eph. 2:10).

What’s a “new thing”?

In the Old Testament, the use of “a new thing” is cited in only three (3) texts: Isaiah 43:19, Numbers 16:30, and Jeremiah 31:22. Here they describe situations where God’s greatness and sovereignty is on display as God “invites man” to move into His designated purpose.

In the New Testament this concept of “a new thing” is manifested in the fulfillment of Messiah who came to gift us with salvation and to restore man to God’s original purpose—to glorify Him and live with Him forever. God was unable to fulfill His purpose through families, tribes or kings; through prophets, mediators or priests. God brought salvation to earth through Jesus Christ—”God’s new thing”.

This “new thing” would result in:

- - The Kingdom of God coming to earth. (Matt. 4:17)
  - Mercy, grace, and truth. (Ps. 85:10)
  - Man becoming a “new creation”. (2 Cor. 5:17)
  - Freedom from the penalty and power of sin. (Rom. 8:1)

A new thing is promised.

In Isaiah 43:19, God is promising to retrieve and restore Israel from their 70-year exile.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (KJV)

The New Living Translation makes God’s plans even clearer.

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

The Israelites deliverance out of captivity would be more famous than that from Egypt (Jer. 23:6-8). Israel thought they knew God but He was about to show them something different—“a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert”. To do this would be humanly impossible but God alone had the power and authority to do “a new thing” (Isa. 45:7, 12).

I am learning that with God nothing is impossible (Gen. 18:14). As my pastor stated in his Sunday sermon, the reason we aren’t realizing God’s best for our lives isn’t because of God. “God is not the problem. WE are the problem!” Our lack of faith and refusal to get out of our comfort zone keeps us from moving into God’s promises and His purpose for our lives. 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us that: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared or those who love him.”

Are we ready for a new thing?

For us, God is more than able to “make a pathway through the wilderness and create rivers in the dry wasteland.” God wants to do a “new thing” in our life so we can walk in His divine purpose. Here is the “CPR” we can use to revive us and begin our journey.

- - Confess areas of sin in our life that are interfering with hearing God.
  - Position ourselves to hear God speak—pray, read and meditate on His Word.
  - Reflect on where God has already begun working in our life.

Then ask God how we can serve in His Kingdom (our purpose), wait patiently, and listen attentively. God invites us to join Him in doing a “new thing.” When we trust God with our lives, we can look forward to an exciting future with purpose (Jer. 29:11).

Eastertide

The Holy Spirit: Our Resurrection Power

April 18, 2023 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

Preparation for ministry

We are currently in the season of Easter known as Eastertide, which is the 50-day period following Easter Sunday. This season gives us the opportunity to reflect on the power and the presence of the resurrection in our lives. It culminates on Pentecost Sunday (June 5th ) which marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on man. In discussing the resurrection, we would be remiss if we ignored the source of “that power”. That source is the Holy Spirit.

Jesus directed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem “for the promise of the Father, which, they had heard about” from Him” (Acts 1:4). That promise was the Holy Spirit. With His arrival would come “power” needed to fulfill their commission. This would not be temporary nor external power. But this power would come from the indwelling of the Spirit within each of them (John 14:17). For God’s kingdom to grow, the Disciples would need the power of the resurrection Spirit.

The Disciples laid the groundwork for the spread of the gospel message after Jesus’ ascension. It would later be the work of the New Testament writers, like the Apostle Paul, to teach the Church how that gospel would be lived out in the believers’ daily life. That would include the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s teachings in the book of Ephesians gives us great insight into the power of the resurrection Spirit in those who are in Christ.

Role of the Holy Spirit

In Ephesians 1, the Apostle Paul focuses on the work of the Triune God in fulfilling the work of salvation. God the Father provided the way to redemption (Eph. 1:3-8). He chose believers and predestined them to adoption. Jesus Christ the Son offered Himself for the redemption and forgiveness of sin for those who accept Him by faith. He paid the righteous demand for sin (Heb. 9:21-22). The Holy Spirit’s role in the work of salvation would be to seal those in Christ until eternity future (Eph. 1:13a-14).

A seal, in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security or indicate ownership. Ancient seals were often made of wax, embedded with the personalized imprint of their guarantor. In both the Old and New Testament, the significance of the act of sealing was dependent on the authority of the one doing the sealing. It would authenticate the guarantor’s ability to “make good” on that which was promised within the sealed document. In this case the promise of the believer’s salvation and future inheritance.

Sealing of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit not only endows the believer with power to accomplish the purposes of God (Phil. 1:6; 4:13) but He also gives assurances that God will do and can do all that He has pledged—promises and blessings for today and an inheritance in the future (2 Pet. 1:3-4; 1 Pet. 1:3-5).

The Holy Spirit seals those who trust in Christ (Eph. 1:12, 13). His presence is God’s guarantee that believers are owned by Him and secure in Him. Since the Holy Spirit’s task is to apply Christ’s work to God’s people, He anoints those in Christ the moment they believe (2 Cor. 1:21-22).

The believer is then secured as a member of God’s family, not in their own power, but because the Spirit is applying the promises made possible by God through our relationship with Christ. His sealing comprises the initial down payment or the earnest of the full redemption of God’s possession in eternity future (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Resurrection Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the power of God for the people of God. Our position in Christ makes resurrection power available to us. It is our responsibility to access it (Eph. 1:18-20).

I leave you to consider these thoughts from preachers, past and present, who speak clearly on the power made available to each of us through the resurrection Spirit.

Smith Wigglesworth, British evangelist, influential in the early history of Pentecostalism, wrote this about the Holy Spirit:

Enter into the promises of God. It is your inheritance. You will do more in one year if you are really filled with the Holy Ghost than you could do in fifty years apart from Him.

Charles Stanley, Pastor, televangelist, and theologian, offers this insight:

The power of the Spirit is God’s divine energy and authority released in believers’ lives for the purpose of righteous living and fruitful service. When we walk in the Spirit, we’re relying on His strength to accomplish God’s will. When we do God’s work by His strength, in His way, and with His wisdom, we’ll be blessed no matter what goes on around us. Walking in the Spirit doesn’t mean life will be easy—but we never have to walk through it alone, because our Helper is always with us.

Is it time to access the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit? Absolutely! Today, take hold of God’s divine power living within you.

Spiritual Maturity

Don’t Let Go Your Faith!

March 14, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Where is your faith?

Economic upheaval, social strife, and natural catastrophes. All these cause us to continually feel anxious, apprehensive, and nervous. What is our response to these feelings of dread? These feelings may cause us to question our faith. Are we secure in our belief that God is there to help us in our direst of circumstances? These questions, unanswered, can result in a faith unable to stand the challenges we face in the 21^st century.

In the book of Hebrews, the author addresses many Jewish believers, who had stepped out of Judaism into Christianity. Faced with persecution by their countrymen, they wanted to reverse their faith choice. The author moves forward to show that there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism.

Let us hold tightly…

As true as it was in the 1^st century, today it is even more imperative that we believers hold firmly to our faith even in the midst of persecution, antagonist challenges, and the current worldview.

The religious landscape of the United States continues to change at a rapid clip. In Pew Research Center telephone surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019, 65% of American adults describe themselves as Christians when asked about their religion, down 12 percentage points over the past decade. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated share of the population, consisting of people who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular,” now stands at 26%, up from 17% in 2009.

How do we counter the pressures we feel? “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Heb. 10:23)

Without wavering to the hope we affirm…

In God we can place our confidence and our hope. Amid gloom and crisis, we place our hope in the supreme God who rules over everything. And because God is sovereign, He ultimately controls all that happens in the world and in our lives.

Our belief and hope in our God become the refreshing promise of rescue and provision regardless of the circumstances we face. God’s plan and purpose for our life supersedes indisputable facts and devastating odds (Habakkuk 3:17-19 ).

For God can be trusted to keep His promises.

Although we flippantly have inscribed on our coins, “In God we trust”, it’s now time to write upon our hearts the Psalmist’s words, “I have put my trust in God.” (Ps. 56:4) Trust in Hebrew means bold and confident. The description means to throw oneself down, extended on the ground, upon his face. We figuratively (and literally) throw ourselves boldly into God’s arms.

As we face the many challenges of life that tend to shake the very foundation of our faith, let us “put our trust” in the One who is able to deliver us from all harm (Ps. 46:2). With God we are able to exchange our fear for bold confidence (Ps. 20:7).

Stretch out on “mature faith”, believing what God has promised in His Word. Depend on the presence of the Holy Spirit to bring to your memory that which God has said He would do (2 Cor. 1:20).

Don’t let go your faith!

Although we may occasionally “waver” in our faith (we’re a work in progress through sanctification), we must never give up on God. While we may be unsteady and even unstable at times, God never changes. He is always the same (Mal. 3:6). God is ______ and much, much more.

I believe like the writer of Hebrews that there is more (so much more) to be gained in Christ than anything and everything that this world has to offer (Eph. 1:3-17). Knowing all this, why would I ever let go my faith God!

Knowing God

Compassion: A Movement of the Heart

March 7, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Motivation for compassion

Throughout this series we have focused on compassion: its definition, its motivation, and its costs. We defined compassion as a willingness to relieve the suffering of another. Compassion is generally motivated by an individual’s awareness of suffering and the effort it would take to relieve it. Included in that assessment is the costs to become engaged in extending compassion. The Parable of the Good Samaritan helped us visualize the different factors that impacted the extension of compassion.

How can I develop compassion?

There are various teachings in psychology and sociology that suggest that there are ways individuals can increase their compassion IQ.

One school of thought is that compassion is natural and it comes in the “flow of life”. We have compassion for our friends who experience loss or groups of people who experience displacement due to a natural catastrophe. “Feelings of compassion don’t need to be forced,” they say. Simply open your heart, let yourself be moved, and let compassion flow through.” They also recommend activities each day to “open oneself” to compassion’s flow.

However, as followers of Christ, we believe compassion is achieved by more than an intellectual assessment, the natural flow of life, or exercises we can practice. For believers, our display of compassion is motivated by something greater.

A meeting of the hearts

Brené Brown in her book, Atlas of the Heart, describes compassion this way.

Compassion is the daily practice of recognizing and accepting our shared humanity so that we treat ourselves and others with loving-kindness and we take action in the face of suffering. Compassion is a “virtuous response that seeks to address the suffering and needs of a person through relational understanding and action.”

In her description, Brené captures the connecting link between us and those we see suffering. It is our humanity. It is important that we continually acknowledge the “humanity factor” and the fact that we each are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) and therefore, are to be treated with both love and respect. It is our humanity that extends beyond our intellectual lens of who are deserving of our mercy and kindness (Micah 6:8).

Compassion is a spiritual response.

The previous sources of compassion where intellectually derived. In contrast, God’s compassion is spiritually based. Can a non-Christian show compassion? Of course. The difference is the motivation that leads to their act of mercy and kindness.

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the first two travelers’ motivation to intercede was influenced by their flesh. Their final choice was based on what best satisfied their “flesh”: self-comfort, self-preservation, and self-importance.

The Good Samaritan, on the other hand, saw the need, and then resolved to help because he looked with “spiritual eyes”. He looked at the man and saw his humanity. Like himself, the beaten traveler was in the image of God and deserving mercy. Setting his fleshly responses aside, the Samaritan then showed him compassion.

Are we ready to show compassion?

Compassion for the believer is motivated by two things: our identity in Christ, and our relationship with God. Our spiritual position demands a “different response” to the situations and circumstances we experience in this “fallen world.”

To increase our compassion IQ, I recommend we become more like Jesus. Jesus’ compassion was extended to the helpless crowds (Matt. 9:36), the sickly masses (Matt. 14:24), the hungry people (Mark 8:2), and to all in need of “love and mercy” (Isa. 61:1-3).

The true center of Christian living is that we be extensions of Jesus to those in need. These needs can be social, political, or financial. They can be resolved through advocacy, philanthropy, sponsorship, or personal involvement. Jesus’ compassion still flows to and through us today. As the elect of God, holy and beloved, we are to put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering (Col. 3:12).

Dear Jesus,

Help me to daily see the humanity in others. Let me not be moved by my head but by my heart. As You saw and were “moved with compassion”, let me be moved by love and bowels of mercy. Help me be your hands and help those whom You send into my life.

Knowing God

Where do I go for comfort?

February 8, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Where do you go?

There is a song I love to sing when I feel at my wits end (yes, even believers reach that point). The lyrics clearly describe the various resources I seek when in that state of mental and spiritual anguish. Today I even played it in praise as God answered a prayer of deliverance for a family member. The words are these:

Where do I go when there’s nobody else to turn to?
Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen?
Who do I lean on when there’s no foundation stable?

I go to the Rock
I know He’s able
I go to the Rock.

Where do I go, where do I go?
When the storms of life are threatening?
Who do I turn to when those winds of sorrows blow?
And is there a refuge in the time of tribulation?

I go to the Rock
I know He’s able
I go to the Rock.

That Rock, in the song, is the Rock of our salvation—Jesus Christ. God has provided for us “The Source” as “The Resource” to the comfort we need in times when storms roar in our life. God does that because He is the only, real source of all comfort. He is the God of all Comfort.

All Comfort

“The God of all comfort” is an Old Testament description of God who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort (Ps. 23:4; Ps. 119:76). The Greek word for comfort is related to the familiar word paraclete, one who comes alongside to help. It is another name for the Holy Spirit (John 14:16).

Comfort is often used to mean softness and ease. But this is not the meaning in 2 Cor. 1:3-4.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The Apostle Paul is saying that God came to him in the middle of his suffering and trouble to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness.

Paul thanks the God of all Comfort for his deliverance from the trials and tribulations he experienced in Asia (Acts 19). Consequently, God delivered Paul from all these and provided for all his needs (2 Cor. 1:8-10). This deepened Paul’s love and trust in God. It was Paul’s personal need and God’s divine response–His mercy and comfort–that drew Paul even closer to God than before his trials. Are you closer to God after your trials and challenges?

God has not changed (Mal. 3:6; James 1:17). Though God is still in the heavens, He reigns over all the world (Ps. 103:19). God comes alongside us (paraclete) to help us during our time of trouble. God is there to provide divine comfort–strength and courage–during difficult times. He is the God of all comfort.

That we may be able to comfort…

Just as Paul shared with the church at Corinth, sharing how we endure afflictions and trials can benefit others (2 Cor. 1:5-6). As God comforts us, we can comfort others. In doing so, we not only encourage those going through difficult times, but also ensure their ability to persevere.

By extending our comfort, we can help our community not only survive but thrive in the midst of social upheaval and political rankering. We can help others increase their emotional capacity and their ability to move forward rather than being stuck in their past pain and hurt.

Most importantly, we can introduce them to the God of all Comfort. Gloria Gaither, Christian singer-songwriter, and author leaves us this observation about the God of all comfort.

God walks with us. He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is there.

Knowing God

Rehearsing God’s Mercy

January 31, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Rehearsing helps us remember.

When we hear the word “rehearse”, we conjure up visions of singing, dancing, or acting. A rehearsal is a preparatory event that is performed before the official public performance, as a form of practice. The intent of a rehearsal is to ensure that all details of the performance are adequately prepared and coordinated for presentation.

This Psalm is a timely rehearsal that help us to remember God’s loving protection and provision in our lives. It is a time that we reflect when God has shown His great mercy to us (Lam. 3:22-23). It is, then possible, by repeating God’s example, that we can begin to expand our mercy and our compassion to others. It is in preparing that we begin to conform to the image of Jesus (Rom. 12:2). We can begin to rehearse God’s mercy.

Rehearsing prepares.

In Psalm 106, the psalmist prepares the Jews who have returned from Exile by recounting the mercies extended by God to the nation of Israel. Can you imagine returning to your hometown after a 70-year absence?

Many of the older Jews had died in captivity; younger Jews had little to draw upon to refresh their memory of God’s love and provision for Israel during her glory days. Instead, they arrived to find burnt gates and broken walls.

Many would have forgotten God’s reason for allowing them to go into captivity. It was their habitual, sinful nature and rebellious lifestyle (v.43) that resulted in their 70-year banishment from Israel. It was the psalmist’s intent to prepare the returning Jews’ hearts and minds for spiritual revival—a return to God.

Rehearsing increases wisdom.

The Psalmist takes time to share with the returning Jews, the errors that contributed to their exile. Here are a few key learnings that are still appropriate for today’s believers.

- Confess and repent of your sins to avoid God’s judgment. “We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (v. 6)

- Seek God’s wisdom in all your decision making. “They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel.” (v. 13)

- Eliminate complaints about what you don’t have and express gratitude for God’s provision.“They despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.” (vv.24-25)

Even in Israel’s rebellion and sin, God never failed to extend His mercy and grace (vv. 44-45).

“Nevertheless he (God) regarded their distress when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered His covenant and showed compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.”

Rehearsing makes for great testimonies.

If we were to “rehearse” God’s mercy in our life, what would we write? Would it be similar to Israel’s history reflecting a life pattern of sin and backsliding? Do we see evidence of God’s love and mercy regardless of our rebellion and spiritual failures? Take time to reflect on where you’ve come from and then write your own psalm reflecting when and how God’s love and mercy was extended to you.

Satan uses our memory to evoke shame and guilt for things we have done that were not God honoring. However, we can use our past errors as our testimony to others about the saving love of Christ. If we now walk under the guidance and direction of God’s Spirit, remembrance of our life B.C. (Before Christ) should not be an indictment against us but evidence of the immense love God has for us.

There is nothing better than living in God’s A.D. (Abundant Dominion). Let us continually rehearse God’s mercy in our hearts and minds as we prepare for effective service and kingdom building.

Spiritual Renewal

The REST we need!

January 25, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Biblical view of rest

Last week we asked the question, “Do you need rest?” We examined the three (3) biblical rests God has provided for His Covenant people. Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

We concluded that accessing these rests is possible through development of an intimate relationship with God. Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obeying Him. We closed with Lawrence O. Richards’ explanation that Christians often struggle with learning how to enter God’s rest. God’s rest is a place of confidence and contentment that can only be found in relationship with Him.

The Scientific view of rest

In her Ted Talk, “The 7 Types of rest that every person needs,” Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, shares what is really needed for us to rest. My biggest take away was the fact that we often mistakenly view rest as sleep.

“We go through life thinking we’ve rested because we have gotten enough sleep — but in reality we are missing out on the other types of rest we desperately need. The result is a culture of high-achieving, high-producing, chronically tired and chronically burned-out individuals. We’re suffering from a rest deficit because we don’t understand the true power of rest. “

Dr. Smith concludes her study with the definition of spiritual rest. She describes it as feeling a “deep sense of belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose”. She recommends that to receive spiritual rest, one needs to “engage in SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF, ADD PRAYER, MEDITATION, OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.”

For me, and believers in Christ, that “deep belonging, love, acceptance, and purpose” is found in Christ. Christ is the better rest.

A Better Rest

Paul states that in Christ, “we live, and move, and have our meaning” (Acts 17:28). This includes our time of rest. Even during our physical rest, we must not forget to maintain relationship with Jesus. It is in acknowledging the Lord’s presence, that our better rest begins.

Jesus invites the crowds in Matt. 11: 28-29 to “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus offers rest.

After the disciples had returned from their mission trip (Mark 6:7-13), Jesus instructs then to “come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Jesus is rest.

“Alone time” with God can allow God to examine us. It can be a time of knowing God more deeply, a time of strengthening, a time of refreshment, a time of sharing our deepest concerns with God, and a time of simply being with the One who formed us and loves us beyond our understanding.[1]

Rest: How do we enter it?

The rest we need can only be found in relationship with Jesus. It is “relational rest”. This rest can be found in the practice of spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are not an end in themselves. Spiritual disciplines are intended to deepen our relationship with God.[2]

Prayer	Talking to God
Meditation	Listening to God
Solitude	Alone with God
Contemplation	Thinking about God
Worship	Glorifying God

I close with a formula on how to enter God’s rest. Feel free to develop your own. The main thing to remember is to keep Christ as the source of your rest.

R. Reflection. Daily examine where God has been at work. This will foster awareness of God’s presence.

E. Exchange. Trade-out Satan’s lies for God’s truths. This will increase your wisdom and discernment.

S. Solace. Find comfort and consolation in God’s presence. This will strengthen your confidence.

T. Transformation. Each day seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. This will please God.

[1] Got Questions, “What does the Bible say about the value of solitude?”

[2] Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, “A Prayer for Presence.”