Rejected Accusations

My journey through the minor prophets this time has been amazing.  God's unending faithfulness to a persistently unfaithful people... here's a story: A Memoir . Then in Zachariah's book he tells us about a vision he had.  The Accuser, Satan, is standing before the LORD making accusations against Jeshua the high priest.  The LORD looks straight at him and says, "I reject your accusations.  Further more, I rebuke you for these accusations.  This  man was going down but I have snatched him from the fire."  He goes on to replace the priest's filthy clothes, a picture of his sins, and gives him fine new clothes.  Yes, he is made new.  This scenario cultivates hope as we contemplate our place before our LORD.  The accusations are rejected.  We stand clothed in Jesus' righteousness alone.  Furthermore, as the LORD proclaims of this priest, we are symbols to the world of things to come.  The task is before us.  Let us be faithful as we stand acquitted.

In My Valentine Box

I found this in my valentine box this morning. The box has 962 pages of messages...messages of love, hope and encouragement. "Who is a God like you, who pardons all our guilt. You overlook the sins of your people. You will not stay angry with us forever because you delight in showing us unfailing love. Once again, you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean. You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised those who lived before us." (Micah 7:18-20) I rest secure in my God's love.

Firm Faith

Ahaz is king of Judah and an attack from Israel and Syria is looming on the horizon. Isaiah says that the king and his people were like trees shaking in a storm. They were stricken with fear. I'm not always that afraid, but there certainly are many times that worry and fear dominate my thoughts. God tells Ahaz, through Isaiah, that the invasion will not happen and He finishes His proclamation with an interesting statement, "Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm." Is my faith firm? Is is wavering, doubting? There's no room for that. I must not look to the left or to the right. I must hold fast to my faith firmly planted in God, my Savior. It is only then that I allow Him to make me stand firm. Oh that I don't cause a hindrance.

Who's Voice

I can be in a whole crowd of people and the sea of voices will be a din around me when suddenly my ears focus on one familiar voice calling out, "Mom!" or "Cindy!" The din continues, yet I have heard the voice of one that has importance to me, one that my attention is drawn to. All the rest remain unimportant as I tune in.
This is what I think Jesus is refering to when He says, "My sheep listen to my voice..." and "they do not recognize a stranger's voice." The evil one and the world around us make up a sea of voices beckoning us this way and that, to this idea and that, to this love and that, to this pursuit and that, etc. Yet, as sheep of The Good Shepherd, we are to hear only one voice. The voice of our Shepherd who calls us and gives us eternal life (Jn. 10:28).
Who's voice is catching my attention?

Walking Down Abraham's Road

• Face the facts.
• Do not waver in doubt regarding God's promise.
• Be strengthed in your faith.
• Give glory to God.
• Be fully persuaded that God is able to do all He has promised.
• Result: God sees us as righteous.

Who? Those of us who believe in Him who raised Jesus from the dead. He was raised for our justification! That's me. Can I walk this road? I am fully persuaded that God is able to do all that He has promised. I will walk this road.

" I see grace grows best in winter." - Samuel Rutherford

I find this so true in my walk with Jesus. I pray so much more diligently during the hard, dark days of my life. Yet when the light of spring and warmth of summer days arrive, when the trials fade into distant memories, I so often loose my driven pursuit of a close relationship with my Lord.

After King David's reign, under the reign of King Solomon, his son, God graciously granted the land of Israel peace and quiet on every side. David orders the leader's of Israel to help his son Solomon in the building of the Temple for the LORD with these words, "Is not the LORD you God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side?...Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD you God..." (1 Chronicles 22: 18,19)

Oh that I might consistently devote my heart and soul to seeking the LORD my God during the times of peace and quite just as I do during the times of trial. God give me that determination.

Steadfast

Steadfast: not changing or moving; firm in purpose; true.

Psalm 112 says that the man is blessed whose heart is steadfast.

Psalm 57 and 108 say that the steadfast heart will sing and make music.

When the storms of life are rocking my boat, often times it feels like they're "tossing" my boat to and fro, my heart is easily rocked or tossed right along with it. There has been a lot of that lately. I am challenged to keep my heart steadfast. I am anchored to the solid rock. "My God is my rock." Psalm 18:2.

Can I sing and make music to my God, my redeemer and friend? Yes, even in pain and troublesome unknowns, when my heart is steadfastly trusting, waiting and hoping, I can make exalt the Lord, sing and make melody from the depths of my soul.

Strike up the band!