FORTY

The number 40 appears often in Scripture, usually in context with 'judgment' or 'testing'. Of course, it's still to be taken literally ('forty days' is 'forty days'). But it seems that God has chosen this number to emphasize times of trouble and/or hardship.

In the Old Testament:

God destroyed the earth with a great flood ... The rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. (Genesis 7:12) 

After killing an Egyptian, Moses fled to a desert region ... After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush. (Acts 7:30)

He communed with God on Mount Sinai ... Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. (Exodus 24:18) 

Moses interceded on Israel’s behalf ... Then I fell down before the Lord like the first time, for forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all your sin which you had committed by doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger. (Deuteronomy 9:18)

The Law specified a maximum number of lashes a man could receive for a crime ...  Forty blows he may give him and no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight. (Deuteronomy 25:3). 

The Israelites wandered that long ... And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments. (Deuteronomy 8:2) 

Those who Moses selected to spy out Canaan ... And they returned from spying out the land after forty days. (Numbers 13:25)

In captivity ... Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. (Judges 13:1)

Goliath taunted Saul’s army before David slew him ... And the Philistine drew near and presented himself forty days, morning and evening. (1 Samuel 17:16)

When Elijah fled from Jezebel ... So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:8).

(the number 40 also appears in the prophecies of Ezekiel and Jonah)

In the New Testament:

Before Jesus was tempted in the wilderness ... And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. (Matthew 4:2)

Between Christ's resurrection and ascension ... After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)

**********

The Word of God definitely seems to use the number 40 to press home the gravity of a certain situation, but nowhere in the Bible do we find an 'assigned' meaning. 

Some place great significance on 'numerology' as a method of study ... a rather 'highbrow' attempt to uncover hidden truth (a 'grasping at straws', of sorts). 

The Holy Spirit reveals all we need to know ... All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Having said that ... the number 40 was still an interesting subject to explore. 

 

A CLEAN HEART

According to Scripture, the 'heart' warehouses one's moral traits ... A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. (Luke 6:45)

God judges accordingly ... He does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance. The Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

We read that David's lust for Bathsheba led to adultery and subsequently, the intentional death of her husband. When Nathan the prophet exposed the king's iniquity ... guilt, grief, and remorse flooded his soul. 

David not only sought forgiveness for what he'd done, but desperately wanted God to perform a 'heart transplant' and instill an unflagging desire to obey Him ... Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

This prayer is as appropriate now as it was back then. Everyone who calls upon the Lord for salvation is given a new heart washed in the 'blood of the Lamb'. Then we are transformed by the Holy Spirit's ongoing sanctification.

Because of what took place on Calvary's cross, the throne of grace welcomes every wayward sinner ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

No matter how dirty, God can create in you a clean heart. 

CHANGE

We are caught up in the swirling tide of time and our world is in a constant state of 'flux'. Solomon waxed poetic concerning the cyclical changes common to man ... 

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, etc. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Essentially, 'change' is the one certainty we all experience. Every moment of every day is a transition from 'what was', to 'what is', to 'what will be'. So ... this begs the question: How can you find rest for your soul in the midst of it all? 

The answer: In the 'everlasting' arms of God. Though wave after wave of 'mutability' crashes against the shore of life, the Bible assures that God is steadfast and true ... I am the Lord, I do not change. (Malachi 3:6)

Despite being surrounded by the chaos of a lost and dying world, you can find peace in a saving relationship with the 'immutable' Lamb of God ... Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Spurgeon - Before all worlds, He planned your salvation; He entered into a covenant with His Father to undertake it. His delights were with the sons of men in prospect, and now today He is as steadfast to that covenant as ever. 

Some believe that the church must adapt to the times we live in. But, human beings do not have the power (nor the authority) to alter God's truth ... Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160)

The only change that truly matters is that which being 'born-again' brings. When you receive the gift of salvation, you're instantly made a 'child of God' and after that ... sanctification continues to transform you into the likeness of Christ. 

COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY

It has become Satan's weapon of choice. 

False prophets are using religion to spread 'egocentric' theology ... They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (Jude 1:4)

To inspire confidence that their deceptive teachings are of God, they often use the name of Jesus. He spoke of it ... In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)

They are reprobate by nature ... They slander whatever they don’t understand and are destroyed by what they know instinctively (as though they were irrational animals). (Jude 1:10) 

Scripture pronounces doom on them because of their kinship to a 'terrible trio' of Old Testament figures ... Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. (Jude 1:11)

1. The way of Cain: 

Paved with human pride, it attempts to appease God by following manmade rules instead of coming to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Balaam's error:

He valued financial gain more highly than God's will, leading followers into a false sense of entitlement and moral decay. 

3. Korah's rebellion:

He assigned himself the role of a spiritual leader and rejected the teachings of those actually called by God.   

The Holy Spirit will prompt you when a message does not agree with Scripture. Knowing the Word of God is a safeguard against false doctrine ... Examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Be careful not to stray from the truth toward a teaching that appeals to your flesh.  

VICARIOUS ATONEMENT

You were born into sin. 

If left to your own devices, you are hopelessly lost. No matter how impressive your 'goodness quotient' is in the eyes of the world, reconciliation with a holy God is impossible. 

Bridging that gap took an act of 'vicarious atonement' ... the worthy for the unworthy. 

Jesus Christ: The Propitiation ... For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) 

The sinless Lamb of God became the object of divine justice, paying a debt He did not owe to redeem those who had no viable means to do so. On Calvary's cross the words, 'It is finished' fell from His bruised and bloodied lips. 

The 'great exchange' could now take place. Jesus bore your sin so His perfect righteousness could be applied to your account. Those who have surrendered their life to Him can't help but celebrate the Lord's goodness ... I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of righteousness He has covered me". (Isaiah 61:10)

According to the Bible, the term 'vicarious atonement' is an accurate description of Jesus' role in your salvation ... For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18) 

Jesus did it of His own volition ... For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. 

In light of what He has done, you should be motivated to venerate our Lord in every thought, word, and deed ... For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

To make it possible for the wall of partition to be torn down, Jesus paid it all. 

Run to Him ...

 

THE ADVERSARY

You have an enemy ... Satan is the 'evil one', the 'father of lies', a 'murderer from the beginning', and the 'accuser of the brethren'. 

To stand firm in your faith you must ... Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Everything you need has been provided ... Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

Obedience to two commands assures victory ... Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

'Resist' means withstand, strive against, or oppose in some manner. Using Scripture to expose Satan’s lies and temptations is the most effective way to defeat Him. Jesus did so when He was tempted in the wilderness.

Then ... at Calvary's cross, the devil was dealt a decisive blow. When confronted with the Gospel, he must release his grip on the sinner who receives Christ as Savior. 

After salvation, Satan continues to attack a believer in an attempt to cripple his walk of faith. But a promise remains ... Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

If you submit yourself to God's perfect will and resist the temptation to go your own way, 'the adversary' cannot touch you.  

WHAT IS TRUTH ?

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus Christ and ultimately ordered his crucifixion. A part of that historical inquisition is as follows ... 

Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose, I have been born, and for this, I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38)

That same question can be heard today from those who use human reasoning to discredit the Gospel message; i.e. self-righteous 'pragmatism' to argue against the testimony of a Christian witness. 

It represents a 'to each his own' philosophy based on the idea that whatever works for you is 'truth'. Pragmatism satisfies man's need to be in control. In other words, truth has nothing to do with facts but whether it agrees with one's personal observations and ego-centric rationale. 

It's merely a form of 'relativism', especially when applied to morality ... There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

The unsaved world thinks of Christianity as just another 'made-up' religion that depends on its adherents to even exist ... The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Those who have knelt at the foot of the cross and received the gift of salvation know truth that comes from God ... The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:17)

What man's finite human intellect thinks of as 'truth' is not at all compatible with Christianity. We aren't to bring it into our relationship with God ... The just shall live by faith. (Hebrews 10:38)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only truth that really matters. It dictates where you spend eternity. 

 

DIVINE RECIPROCITY

All that you are, all that you possess, and all that you do must not be held tightly to your bosom. True followers of Christ live with an 'open hand', willing to surrender all for the sake of the Gospel. 

Putting the well-being of others before our own self-interest runs contrary to the 'old man', sinful nature. God's 'Divine Reciprocity' turns everything on its head ... 

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it, and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. (Luke 17:33)

By 'sowing' grace, kindness, and forgiveness ... we 'reap' grace, kindness, and forgiveness.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:37-38)

You cannot do this in your own strength. To guard against being prideful in the effort, we learn to rely on the sufficiency of Christ for all things spiritual. We become a vessel in His hand, a conduit through which He imparts God's love ...

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

The Holy Spirit equips you to serve. The eternal impact you have on this lost and dying world begins and ends with the Lord ...

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

To experience the fullness of His presence ... loosen your grip on this life. 

The world is not your home, pilgrim.  

A LIFE CUT SHORT

The meaning of the following verse has been explained by Bible scholars in several ways ... 

If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. (1 John 5:16)

There are three camps ...   

• Some believe that God cleanses the church by removing Christians who continue in unrepentant sin. Paul's admonition concerning a man sleeping with his father's wife is used to support this position ...  When you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 5:4-5)

• For those who don't believe in 'eternal security' (i.e. once saved, always saved), the passage refers to a loss of salvation and spiritual death. They justify their stand with these verses ... It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss, they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

• Others insist that 1 John 5:16 is simply 'physical death' brought on by the consequences of sin (i.e. alcohol, drugs, or tobacco-related health problems for example). Christians are not exempt from paying a stiff price for carnal behavior. That is why we are given this command ... Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds. (Ephesians 4:22-23)

It is good to read what trusted commentators say, but don't allow them to be the only source of interpretation. Your personal edification is important. Prayerfully study the Word of God for yourself ... for He is not the author of confusion, but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33) 

The Holy Spirit will satisfy your hunger for divine truth ... For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:8)

Take it in, soak it up. 

AFRAID TO SERVE

Even when Christians are prompted by the Holy Spirit to do so, they often hesitate to speak or act. There is a fear of what others might think, say, or do in response to their spiritual sagacity. 

Jesus encouraged His disciples to be bold ... So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. (Matthew 10:26-27)

According to Scripture, 'reticence' runs contrary to one's walk of faith ... For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Remember ... 'humility' and 'timidity' are not the same thing. 

The 'humble' are used as obedient earthen vessels through which the Lord pours His Spirit. Those who are 'fearful' shrink in the face of adversity and fail to 'move the needle' in God's Kingdom.

If indeed Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, you've been equipped with all the 'power, love, and self-control' necessary to serve Him. 

Tap into that reservoir so that you can experience His 'precious promises' ... the 'peace that passes understanding' ... and the 'joy of your salvation'.

It's there for the claiming ... pray accordingly.

TEMPTED AND TESTED

There are two driving forces we contend with daily. 

1. 'Temptation' is the enticement to sin. It originates from ...

Satan himself: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1)

His demonic hoard: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Or ourselves: But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:14)

2. 'Testing' is to reveal character and strengthen faith. Its origin is God ...   

It has to do with obedience: Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3)

Believers are to anticipate it: Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing has happened. (1 Peter 4:12)

The Lord never cajoles: Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. (James 1:13)

God's indwelling Spirit opens our understanding so that we might discern the difference between the two ... He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)

But ... if we choose to navigate this fallen world in our own strength, 'temptation' is difficult to resist, and God's 'testing' is considered some kind of punishment.    

Wiersbe - If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to ‘count it all joy!’ If we live only for the present and forget about the future, testing will make us bitter, not better.

David prayed ... Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. (Psalm 26:2)

Every Christian should long for that cleansing work of God. Ongoing sanctification depends on it.   

SECRETS

Sometimes 'keeping secrets' is an act of noble self-restraint ... He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden. (Proverbs 11:13)

But it can be used for evil purposes ... The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. (Proverbs 17:23)

There is a type of 'secret keeping' that is always wrong: the vain attempt to hide one's sin. 

The Lord sees it all ... You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence. (Psalm 90:8)

It is God's desire that you get ahead of the inevitable ... For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. (Luke 8:17)

'Honesty is truly, the best policy' ... He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

Jesus bore your sin on Calvary's cross ... Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Because of Christ's atoning sacrifice, God promises ... 

• If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

• I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)

• God will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)

• As far as the East is from the West, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

Since iniquity cannot be secreted away, trust God with it. 

Repent and be restored.  

WHO AM I, LORD ?

David scanned the night sky and felt insignificant in comparison. He could not help but wonder why such a magnificent Creator would care about mankind. 

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Psalms 8:3-4)

The Hebrew word for 'man' in this verse represents an individual person; 'the son of man' refers to people in general. It is a deeply contemplative question ... why would Almighty God lovingly pursue and redeem sinful human beings? 

To leave us in the quagmire of depravity was never His intent. The Lord designed and breathed life into man for a divine purpose ... He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will. (Ephesians 1:5)

The stark difference between fallen man and the holiness of God required a perfect sacrifice ... For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Death was conquered ... But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). (Ephesians 2:4-5)

'What is man, that thou art mindful of him?' was a personal inquiry made by King David. You too may have asked from a contrite heart ... Who am I, Lord, that you are mindful of me? 

If you've been saved by grace through faith, your identity is hidden in Christ. 

YESHUA HAMASHIACH

The name 'Jesus' is the Greek form of the Hebrew word Yeshua, which means salvation'. Hamashiach stands for ... 'the anointed one' or 'Messiah' (translated as 'Christ' in the Greek). 

Together, they refer to the One chosen by God to save His people. The Old Testament has more than three hundred prophecies concerning Israel's coming Deliverer. Jesus fulfilled every one of them, thus deserving the title ... 'Yeshua Hamaschiach'.

However, He did not come for the Jews only. Christ offers forgiveness and salvation to everyone who calls upon His name ... For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Surrounding His throne for all eternity will be those from ... every nation, tribe, and tongue. (Revelation 7:9)

This is a poignant reminder that all people are precious to God. No race, ethnicity, or background is exempt from His love ... There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

The Lord is not put off by the unique titles that each language uses for Him. He knows your heart, pilgrim. The power is not in the 'moniker' you use ... but in the Person to whom it refers. 

 

APOCALYPSE

Translated from the Greek word apokálypsis, apocalypse literally means 'unveiling'. The last book of the New Testament is John's inspired account of end-time events, which begins with this admonition ... 

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, everything that he saw. (Revelation 1:1-2)

Because of the historical influence of the book of Revelation, the term 'apocalypse' is often used to describe a catastrophic event ... the final destruction of the world as we know it. 

Other 'apocalyptic' passages in the Bible include ... 

There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. (Daniel 12:1)

Behold, the Lord is ready to devastate the earth and leave it in ruins; He will mar its surface and scatter its inhabitants. (Isaiah 24:1)

I will not let My Holy Name be profaned anymore. Realize that it is coming and it will be done, declares the Sovereign Lord. (Ezekiel 7-8)

The prophetic 'end of days' described in Revelation will be the ultimate revealing of God, His wrath, His justice, and, ultimately ... His love. Those who know Jesus as Savior will escape unscathed. When we look at the original definition (i.e. 'unveiling') we find that Jesus Himself was the supreme 'Apocalypse' of God ... 

Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 16:16-17)

I pray that Jesus is a 'revelation' to you as well. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. 

LOVE VERSUS INFATUATION

'Infatuation' is an intense feeling, often mistaken for true love. It is typically a short-lived euphoric experience that cares little about what its object requires. For example, people become infatuated with the Gospel message ... only to have their initial enthusiasm give way to restless vexation.  

Jesus spoke of it in a parable about a sower (God), the seed (His Word), and the soil (mankind) ...  

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. (Luke 8:11-14)

We tend to view faith as a positive response to a moment of spiritual clarity. Scripture reveals that it is much more ... a transformation that deals death to your old nature and births you anew. 

Surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is required ... I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

We are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Here is a spiritual litmus test to see if you are doing so ... 

1. Infatuation is driven by emotion; love is driven by commitment.
2. Infatuation cannot wait to be satisfied; love waits for God’s timing.
3. Infatuation is about self-satisfaction; love promotes the recipient. 
4. Infatuation ends abruptly; love never fails.

Many flocked to hear a new rabbi from Nazareth who healed the sick, fed the multitude, and spoke kind words. They didn’t really love Him; they only loved what He could do for them ... These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (Matthew 15:8)

That is infatuation. 

In today's world, some think they are Christians because of the rush of adrenaline they feel during a worship song ... but in reality, they are unwilling to take up their cross and follow Him.

OUR UNCHANGING GOD

His immutability is taught throughout Scripture ...

God is not a man, that He would lie, Nor a son of man, that He would change His mind; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

I am the Lord, and I do not change. (Malachi 3:6)

Therefore, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is also changeless and eternal. The plan of salvation was set in motion by our heavenly Father, whose timeless perfection is found in ... 

1. His Nature ... God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24 Amp)

2. His Character ... Rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

3. His Work ... God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Ephesians 1:11)

From the hymn, 'A Firm Foundation' comes this blessed truth ...

Throughout all their lifetime my people shall prove
My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love,
And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still on my shoulders be borne.

The Lord's 'consistency' is vital to our faith. If He were a 'moving target' so to speak, a saving relationship with Him would be impossible. 

                       

WHEN YOU FALL

Sin is any thought, word, or deed that conflicts with God's divine law or holy character. 

When the finished work of Jesus Christ is received by grace through faith ... forgiveness and everlasting life are secured. However, while we anxiously wait for the day of our 'homegoing', the battle against sin wages on ...

For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these are in direct opposition to each other, so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do. (Galatians 5:17 Amp)

It is clear from this passage that those who have been redeemed by Jesus' precious blood ... still sin. So what are we to do when we fall? 

1. Allow everything to be revealed ... Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me. (Psalm 139:23-24)

2. Own up to our iniquity ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) 

3. Change direction ... Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

The Lord is not some remote deity, with no understanding of human frailty. Jesus not only recognizes the war going on in your soul, He experienced it first-hand ... For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15).

Christ calls us to return to Him. He knows we are exhausted from the fight ... Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Satan is 'the accuser of the brethren' and would have us believe that we serve an unforgiving God. The Bible says otherwise ... Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Do that ...

AFTER A LITTLE WHILE

God has prepared a glorious eternal dwelling place for the followers of Christ. 

The Bible describes it as His perfect Kingdom, free from the devastation caused by sin's corrupting influence. 

Rest for our souls in the 'future', requires that we trudge through the mire of the 'present'. The hardships we experience in this life can feel like the blistering headwind of a never-ending storm, but it is but a brief struggle when compared to eternity ... 

For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

The Lord Himself prepares us for the transition from this life to the next ... 

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)

He is equipping us to share in His glory forever ... 

God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

Peter listed four ways we are being transformed in preparation for that day:

 

1. God perfects you ... repairing the damage that sin has wrought. 

2. God confirms you ... validating your position in Christ. 

3. God strengthens you ... infusing spiritual growth and resolve. 

4. God establishes you ... laying an unshakeable foundation.

According to prophecy, we could be going home very soon. Our race will be over, suffering will end, and we'll be welcomed into His Kingdom. 

After a little while ... 

GOD IS ABLE

Paul penned a wonderful benediction in his letter to the Ephesians, reminding us that God can do 'immeasurably more' than our heartfelt petitions and inner longings cry for ... 

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Three attributes of God are expressed in this passage:

1. 'Sovereignty' ... His authority to go above and beyond anything asked of Him.
2. 'Omnipotence' ... His unlimited power to do so.
3. 'Glory' ... His Majesty is recognized by those who receive it. 

John MacArthur -  When the Holy Spirit has empowered us, Christ has indwelt us, love has mastered us, and God has filled us with His own fullness, ... then He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. Until those conditions are met, God’s work in us is limited. 

The Lord's capacity to give will always exceed our 'asking'. Man's earthbound view of God prevents him from seeing the vastness of His provision. We often seek a cup of water ... not realizing there is an ocean in His hand. 

Yet, a promise remains ... His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)

As you mature spiritually, you'll learn to tap into that reservoir more and more. 

IMMORAL OR AMORAL ?

Immorality is the 'willful violation' of a moral code, while amorality is more of a 'purposeful disinterest' in it.  

For example: an 'immoral' person understands lying is a sin, yet fails anyway. He is not exempt from feelings of guilt and shame. Because of Adam's fall, everyone is born under that curse ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

'Amoral' people are numb to the 'right or wrong' of sin, simply seeing lying as a viable option. Their soul has become so hardened that they are willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want ... liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical behavior]. (1 Timothy 4:2 Amp)

We are witnessing a deep-seated 'amorality' in society today. Those who champion a liberal 'woke' agenda are past caring whether their behavior is immoral. The Lord has responded accordingly ... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, He gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting. (Romans 1:28)

Their arrogance has supplanted any feelings of guilt, allowing them to commit deplorable acts ... way beyond the comprehension of most people.

God will not give a pass to 'amoral' people ... Because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourselves in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed. (Romans 2:5)

Whether you'll be judged 'moral', 'immoral', or 'amoral' is up to you. Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way you will be accepted into God's kingdom. His righteousness must be your mantle.