Devotionals @ The Mount Church

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinner or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

Do you want to be a tree that is able to not only survive drought, but flourish in the midst of it? If so, this Psalm tells us how to do it. It is by sending down deep roots into God’s word, and allowing it to nourish us from hidden reservoirs, even when we find ourselves in a dry period of our lives. God’s word can do just that. It is able to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, train us in righteousness, and thereby equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). It is able to lead us down the right path, give us words to speak to others, and show us God’s will in a very tangible way. It is all there for us, and God has given us his Holy Spirit to interpret his word in our lives and help us understand all it says. God has done his part in providing the instruction and the power to carry it out. So what is our part?

I have heard that the way that bank officials are trained to recognize counterfeit money is by intensely studying the real thing. They know what legitimate money looks like so thoroughly that when an imitation shows up, they recognize it immediately. Oh that the same were true in our lives. We are so often subject to deception because we fail to familiarize ourselves with the truth. We do not spend time studying and reading God’s word, sending those roots deep into the ground for future feeding. We want it all handed to us in an easy to digest form that requires no real effort on our part. And then when hard times come, we have no deep roots, no strong foundation, and we find ourselves struggling, doubting, and discouraged.

The answer is simple. It is a matter of us disciplining ourselves in God’s word on a regular basis. If we choose not to listen to the counsel of the wicked or spend time being influenced by sinners and mockers, but instead delight in God’s word, we will find ourselves learning truth. We will find ourselves able to recognize the counterfeit. We will be sending down deep roots that will feed us well both in time of plenty and time of need. That is our responsibility. And too often we take it lightly and dismiss it as the first item to drop in our ever busy days. I say this because it has been the truth at times in my life. And I have felt the consequences of the drought when it comes. But by God’s grace and power, I endeavor to make this time in God’s word a daily discipline that will fuel my life. I know that in committing myself to this it will exact a cost, but the benefit will be so much more than that. In fact, I would be foolish not to do so.

It would be like not packing for a vacation and arriving unprepared for all meals and events that had been planned. You may be able to “show up” at some of them, but you will not be able to fully enjoy or participate. And sometimes you may not have what you need to thrive. How foolish would that be? You knew that the vacation was coming. Why were you so unprepared? You missed out on all the things that were planned for your well-being and enjoyment. It is the same way with our spiritual lives. We know that hard times are just as much a part of life as good times. We need to choose now (in the packing stage) to do the things that will have us prepared for the events ahead (life…).

God’s word is true and good. He has given it to us to benefit us in every stage of life. We all know we need it to be able to discern the right path in the road ahead of us. What will we do in response? How will we take advantage of this knowledge? Will we be prepared in the dry times? Will we yield our fruit in season? Will we prosper in whatever we do? The suitcase is on the bed. What will you put in yours?

prayer

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I so often do not spend the time I need to in your word. I thank you that you are ever-willing to forgive me when I fall short, and you are more than able to give me the power to make this a part of my every day life. I commit myself anew to being in your word, and I ask that you will teach me all that I need to know in order to produce good fruit in this season and the seasons to come. Give me a love for your word, and a heart that is devoted to studying it. I love you, Amen.

At one point in my college career I was unknowingly exposed to the beginnings of a cult. The speaker taught at a weekend retreat that I attended and throughout the time, scripture was used. It seemed biblical. It made sense. But I was never comfortable the entire time. I remember praying that the Lord would allow me to remember what was true, and if anything was false, that He would erase it from my memory. I can honestly say that I remember almost nothing from that time.

The enemy is a master at distorting and twisting meaning, quietly planting doubts, and slowly leading believers away from the truth until all seems gray and one wonders how you fell so far away without noticing. It is imperative for every believer to have a thorough understanding of the word, and of His character, to understand how to walk with the Holy Spirit, and to consistently fellowship with other godly believers in order to both recognize and counter deception and half-truths.

knowing the truth

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”

Genesis 3:1

There is a logical progression of deception that we are exposed to in falling away from the Lord. Genesis 3, the story of the fall, clearly outlines this tactic. Satan began with questioning God’s words-did God really say…? It is innocent, just a clarifying question even. And yet, the wording plants a seed of doubt, there is an implication of withholding, a negative connotation within the question posed. And if entertained, one takes a baby-step away from the Lord.

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman.

Genesis 3:4

With the planting of doubt, Satan then becomes bolder. He directly denies the words of the Lord. He twists God’s intended meaning. And if listened to, another step away from the Lord is taken.

“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3:5

His final tactic quickly follows denying God’s words. He questions the Lord’s goodness, His character, His love for you. Eve listened. Rebellion followed.

When Christ was tempted, He answered every attack with scripture. He knew the Word and He believed it, He clung to it. He also knew His God. Our first defense in recognizing and avoiding deception and half-truths is to know the Truth. When we know him as our Wonderful Counselor, our Provider, our Great Physician, our Father who loves us, we cannot doubt His goodness to us, even in pain. When we know His promises, of life, of freedom from sin, forgiveness, power to live, we can choose to believe His words over the lies we hear.

the Holy Spirit

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

John 15:26

The Holy Spirit has many roles and many names. One of His roles is to reveal truth. He gives insight and discernment into scripture. He opens our eyes and gives us understanding. And while no one should lead their life according to feelings which come and go, I have no doubt that it was the Spirit who made me so uncomfortable when exposed to false teachings. We must cultivate a habit of walking closely with the Lord and being sensitive to his Spirit in order to discern truth from the slightest deceptions.

fellowship

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

We were not made to walk this life alone. In fellowship we can challenge and spur one another on to Christ. We can grow by hearing what other’s are learning in their own walks. We can hold one another accountable to walking uprightly. We can pray for one another. Another aspect of fellowship is the ability to question, to be honest, to seek godly counsel. When I struggle with an issue, or a lesson, and I am unsure what the truth is, I seek wise counsel. I go to friends and family who I know are walking with the Lord, and I seek their advice, I search out their insight and I question the source of their advice. Anything that is from the Lord will not contradict His word or His nature. In seeking out others’ godly knowledge we can know Him more intimately and we can gain understanding of what is truth and what is not. We can spur one another on to Him and prevent each other from quietly slipping away. In these ways, we can learn to recognize deception and half-truths and cling instead to the Lord.

action point

Challenge: Do you have an accountability partner? This is someone in your life that you can be completely real with, in all struggles, with every thought or fear or doubt, with dreams and hopes. It is a person you meet with regularly to share what you are learning spiritually, what you are struggling with, to challenge and pray for each other-to hold one another accountable. If you do not have this person in your life, spend some time praying and asking the Lord to provide this for you, and spend some time brainstorming various people you could challenge to meet with you. If you already have this person, spend some time this week setting a specific goal to work towards together-whether it is scripture memory, study of a particular book together, or a character study on the Lord. Challenge each other to know Him intimately and to take active steps in that direction.

Sin in our lives is going to distort our vision. Short and simple.

How can you think of saying, “Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,” when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Matthew 7:4-5

Jesus was teaching, and told his listeners not to judge, or they would be judged in the same way. Jesus recognized how easy it is to slip into a judgmental stance and yet be completely blinded by our own weakness and sin. With a very approachable image, Jesus cut right to the point; proper discernment starts with recognizing our own weakness. Maybe once we deal with that we will be better prepared to help others.

your weakness

It’s the way it seems to work… The things we most criticize in others we are oblivious to in our own lives. If we want to have discernment about what is happening around us, spiritual insight into the way God is moving, we need to start by getting our image of ourselves straightened out.

This is not meant as an opportunity to beat yourself up, but to honestly assess where you are. Are you growing the way you would like? God is well aware we aren’t perfect. He isn’t expecting more of you than he himself will give the strength for. So we need to start by honestly looking at where we have come from, so that we can understand where we have still to grow. If we will stop the frenetic pace long enough to let God show us what he has called us out of, we will see that we are already growing more like Him. There are pain points - areas we struggle with. These we can more easily identify.

But there are other areas that we may be more accustomed to - we may not even see the danger. Prayer is what is required here. It may not be “sin” - but just an over-commitment that keeps us from growing and serving where God would have us. It may be a habit that causes us to be unable to use our material possessions to meet needs the way God desires. It may be a pattern that causes you to be more stressed, less patient, less kind - and less aware of the opportunities around you.

Whatever God points out, we need to be willing to give over. God has our best interest in mind when he calls us to put him and his kingdom first. If we would take that seriously every day, there is no end to what God could do among us. We would see lives completely transformed.

seek forgiveness

Nehemiah portrays this wonderfully. Whether personal sin or corporate failing, Nehemiah calls the people to look to God as the solution. God knows us perfectly. He doesn’t want us to wallow in self-pity. He wants us to take hold of his gift and move on with new power. He wants to see the walls rebuilt, a dying people given new life.

This is incredibly personal - and by that, I mean you personally must be engaged. Even if the sin or failure is of the people at large, there is a way in which you can offer that sin to God for reconciliation. This is the example of Nehemiah in chapter 1.

Of course, the language of forgiveness has been cheapened in our culture. We tell our children to apologize when they hurt one another - but often the apology is lip-service. It is forced and not true. God called the people to demonstrate their change of heart by action. They were not only to be sorry for what had happened and was happening, they were to make positive changes to rectify the matter. This is recounted in Nehemiah 5, 9 and 10. The action was a proof of a changed heart. It was clear evidence that God was doing something in his people.

moving on

Once our vision is set right, God will use us to strengthen others. With an awareness of our own weakness and fail-points, we will offer criticism with mercy and patience. We will be able to tell the difference between petty issues and those that threaten to rupture God’s work. The body is need of believers who have spiritual discernment - and God has gifted some more than others with a sense of what is going on in the spiritual war around us. But the spirit within us gives every believer the ability to confidently follow God with hope, daily.

No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, it is put on a lampstand to give light to all who enter the room. Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not really darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you.

Luke 11:33-36

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

Romans 12:17

As the walls of Jerusalem were in the process of being rebuilt, the land was also going through a time of famine. Families who were laboring day and night to restore the wall were having to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and homes to get food put on the table at home. Some were even selling their children into slavery just to make ends meet. Finally some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their oppressors, who happened to be the nobles and officials of Jerusalem, their own fellow Jews! While the working class of the city was toiling under the hot sun to restore the city and rebuild the wall, the nobility was selling their very own countrymen back into slavery by charging them interest when they borrowed money. Finally Nehemiah had enough. He heard the cries of oppression and called a public meeting to address the problem.

In his indignation he said, “The rest of us are doing all we can to redeem our Jewish relatives who have had to sell themselves to pagan foreigners, but you are selling them back into slavery again. How often must we redeem them? What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations? (italics and bold added) I myself, as well as my brothers and my workers, have been lending the people money and grain, but now let us stop this business of loans. You must restore their fields, vineyard, olive groves, and homes to them this very day. Repay the interest you charged on their money, grain, wine, and olive oil.” Then the officials replied, “We will give back everything and demand nothing more from the people. We will do as you say.”

Nehemiah also went on to inform the officials that during the entire twelve years that he was governor of Judah, neither he nor his officials drew on their alloted food allowance. He said because of his fear of God, he did not tap into or abuse that perk like his predecessors had. He refused to act that way or to take advantage of the people. He knew the people were already having a difficult enough time, and he was going to be a part of the solution, not the problem. The crisis he and his nation were facing was a time for their true character to be revealed.

When crisis comes into our lives, that is not a time to throw godly behavior to the wind, but it is a time to exemplify the righteousness that is within us. How we respond to the difficult times in our lives reveals who we really are! If our first inclination is to look out for number 1, to walk all over anyone who gets in our way, to avenge the wrong that has been done to us, then our character is not emulating that of Christ. If we were to look at the model of Jesus, we would see that getting even was not his way. He was not vindictive, malicious, cunning, spiteful, or rude. His standard operating procedure was to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44) He taught that if someone slaps us on the right cheek, to turn the other too. (Matthew 5:39) If someone demands that we carry their gear for a mile, offer to carry it for two! (Matthew 5:41)

This kind of behavior, the kind that stares crisis and hard times in the face, and says, “I refuse to stoop to a demeanor that is less than God’s standard for me as His child,” is the real litmus test of our character. How we respond to life’s battles is the barometer of our spiritual maturity and the revelation of who we are at our core. We will either show our family resemblance to our Heavenly Father or we will reflect our kinship to the world. We will demonstrate a godly nature or a sin nature, and the choice is always ours to make. May we remember that we are held accountable for every word we speak, every thought we conceive, and every deed we carry out, whether in times of peace or in times of crisis. And may that knowledge spur us on to diligently following the example of Jesus and always treating others as we would want them to treat us! (Luke 6:31) After all, should we not also walk in the fear of our God in order that we won’t be mocked by our enemies?

application

Print this saying out and hang it on your bathroom mirror for the next month or two as a reminder of the kind of lives we’re supposed to lead as followers of Christ:

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes…your destiny!

For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.

Matthew 25:14

Christ told the parable of the talents shortly before his crucifixion. Before His good byes, and before His warnings, this was one of the last messages, one of the last lessons, He desired to challenge His disciples with. In short, His message centers around stewardship.

Each of us has a job to do. In the story of the talents, the Master entrusts his servants with his property. To entrust is to place into someone’s care, in Greek, to give into the hands of another. It is the servant’s job to care well for the Master’s property. Matthew Henry notes that each servant is given a talent, none are without, and that it is given - none are derived solely by the servant, but instead are from the Master and ultimately for the Master. It is the same for us. All that we have comes from the Lord, whether job, family, possessions, or spiritual gifts, all are given, all are entrusted to us. The question then becomes are we being a good steward of the gifts we’ve been entrusted with?

A simple way to define successful witnessing is “taking the initiative to share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results up to God”. Much as successful witnessing is simply doing what you are commanded to do in the power of God and not your own, being a good steward is simply caring well for the things you have been given, in the strength and wisdom of the Lord. In jobs, we are to work as for the Lord and not for man (Colossians 3:23). In relationships we are to love the Lord with all our hearts, and love one another as we love ourselves (Mark 12:13). Paul admonishes Timothy to, “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6), and we are to fan into flame our spiritual gifts as well (by using them-by seeking out what they are, and by praying for ways that you could minister using your gifts).

In the parable of the talents, each servant is entrusted with a different amount “according to his ability”. The Master did not expect the one with 2 talents to put this money to use and produce a profit equal to the one given 5 talents. He did, however, expect each servant to put their talents to use. The ones that did were praised and rewarded with more, the one that did not was condemned. This is not a new concept. In the business world, the employee that works diligently and wisely is rewarded with benefits and entrusted with more responsibility, where the one that squanders his time is let go. We must learn to look at our lives through the spiritual reality that we live in-to see that ALL things we have are a gift entrusted to us, and to work accordingly. It is imperative to realize at the same time, that only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we truly accomplish that which the Lord has called each of us to do. And in this realization, we see His goodness-He calls, He entrusts, and He gives the power and wisdom to accomplish His will. We are not lacking. His plan is good.

application

• What have you been entrusted with? (List everything that you can think of, in the physical realm, in relationships, and spiritually)
• Do you see these as coming from the Lord? What are some ways you could cultivate your ’spiritual eyesight’?
• What does it look like to be a good steward of the things the Lord has entrusted you with? (Pick 3 from your list)

Remember, we CANNOT do our jobs on our own. If you have questions regarding: Who is the Holy Spirit? Why did He come? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? Why is the average Christian not filled with the Spirit? How can you be filled with the Spirit?

Please see: http://www.transferableconcepts.org/english/spirit/index.html

prayer

Father, thank you that you have a purpose and a job for each one of us to do. I praise you that you are wise and loving and that you have a good plan for each of our lives! Lord, I pray that you would continually open our eyes to the things that you have given us, that you entrust to our care. May we see all things as being from you and not of ourselves. Teach us to care well for what you’ve given us, give us direction and great vision for the ways that you desire to use each of us. Give us the faith to step out in your power and to accomplish the job that you have given each one of us. May we rely on you alone.