On Being A Living and Holy Sacrifice – Romans 12

All people, regardless of status, ethnicity, geography, facial features, or body type, are the recipients of 24 hours, or 1,440 minutes in every day – GOD gives all the same. However, the children of GOD receive something in addition – the fruit of His enduring goodness and mercy.

Every millisecond of every day, because of the atoning blood of JESUS CHRIST, GOD forgives our sin and cares for us as a Father and Shepherd.

Romans 12:1 tells us that recipients of the fruit of GOD’s mercy, the children of GOD, ought to gladly give their bodies daily in holy sacrificial service to their Father.

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:2

How do we consecrate and offer ourselves to God as a living and holy sacrifice?

The dictionary defines sacrifice as “anything consecrated and offered to God.”

In the past GOD accepted repeated blood sacrifices for our sin. Now He has offered up His only SON as a sacrifice to save us. In light of what GOD has done for us, we offer ourselves and all that we are to GOD as “human sacrifices.” We dedicate ourselves wholly to the LORD daily; we give all that we are, all that we have, all that we are gifted to do in service to Him.

Our sacrifice is not an atoning sacrifice bur rather an offer of worshipful thanksgiving for the atonement that CHRIST freely purchased on our behalf, by which the Father cancelled out our sin debt. And now He calls us children - we are GODS's family. It can hardly be too much to show our sincerest and humblest appreciation for our redemption - the payment of a debt we could never repay on our own.

How do we practice holy and worshipful service to our GOD?

We make choices everyday about how we spend our time. How do we ensure that what we are spending the majority of our waking hours on, some 960 minutes, is worshipful and acceptable to GOD?

GOD gives to all of His children “gifts of grace” to be used for and behalf of the Body of CHRIST. These include gifts for prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and kindness. As is His way, GOD does not leave us to our own devices in the way we handle our gifts, but ensures that we get everything we need to excel in our gifts, so He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well... Romans 12:6-9.  

The Holy Spirit is our counselor. Only by allowing ourselves to be led by the Spirit, are we able to consistently impact other’s lives for good. The Holy Spirit helps us to develop the qualities that mark us as “human sacrifices” and mature in holiness that is acceptable to the Father. The Holy Spirit works with us to ensure that the people and Kingdom of God reap the full benefit of our gifts, as GOD intends. 

What attributes mark a child of GOD as a living and holy sacrifice, and acceptable to the Father?

A child of GOD must easily be distinguishable from the rest of the world – the attributes that mark us as such are contained in one word “LOVE”! A genuine love for GOD and His people by which we are able to:

1. Hate evil and embrace what is good
2. Not give in to evil in our personal lives
3. Hold tightly and honor GOD's WORD and HIS TRUTH
4. Honor others above ourselves
5. Be hardworking and zealous in doing good and not be slothful and lazy
6. Rejoice in the hope we are promised
7. Be patient and endure in hardships
8. Pray continually for all people and in all circumstances
9. Contribute to the needs of the Body and non-believers
10. Be hospitable to all people
11. Bless and not curse our persecutors
12. Rejoice with those who are happy and weep with those who grieving
13. Live in peace with all people
14. Avoid pride and associate with everyone, regardless of status
15. Be teachable – not be a know-it-all obsessed with our own wisdom
16. Not seek revenge and payback one evil for another – but forgive
17. Allow GOD to be the Judge of His creation – leave vengeance to Him
18. Do what is honorable at all times – walk in integrity
19. Provide for the needs of our enemy – food, clothing – as it is within our ability to do
20. Not allow evil to influence our choices but instead choose to good and acts of service

 (Romans 12: 9-21)

What we do for the people of GOD and in service to our Father represent our love in action.

GOD is pleased when we choose to do that which is holy and do it with worshipful humility.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father and our GOD whose mercy never runs out and whose love is unfathomable, to the only wise GOD whose glory is promised forever through JESUS CHRIST. For YOU, Father, so love us that YOU gave YOUR only SON that we would be saved to everlasting life. Because of so great a sacrifice, we are now sons and daughters with special gifts for service in YOUR Kingdom. Thank you Father, that YOU gave us also the HOLY SPIRIT to be our guide and counselor, to teach us how to use our gifts and how to be holy and dedicated servants, living sacrifices in gratitude for all that YOU have done. Father, help us not to see what we are called to as anything less than the greatest of honor, and how undeserving we are outside of CHRIST. Holy GOD, teach us eternal gratitude, worship and reverence. YOU are a good, good Father and we love YOU. To YOU be dominion and power for ever and ever, in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

The Beatitudes – The Life-force of Authentic Christianity

As I researched the eight beatitudes from JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount for recent article posts, I became convinced that these “statements of blessing” are for all who claim GOD as Father and JESUS as LORD, and not just for the disciples of JESUS’s day, as some commentaries suggest.

I agree with Christian writer and poet Eric Simpson that the Beatitudes “…are the essence, the lifeblood and beating heart of authentic, ancient and living Christianity.”

The Beatitudes describe the life of JESUS. Throughout the generations the children of GOD are identified as such because we imitate CHRIST’s life. There ought to be no supposition, no guesswork, no perhaps, or maybes about who we are, and not just by what we profess but what we actively and consistently DO!  Including these Beatitudes.

All of GOD’s WORD is His law. While the world in general is free to see the Scriptures as “suggestions,” we who claim “sonship” with the Father do not have that luxury.

My research indicate strongly that Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” is central to living and authentic Christian lifestyle, that this is where it must begin before the rest –poverty of spirit, peacemaking, a passion for righteousness, compassion, mourning for others, meekness, will follow naturally. It must be a natural outflow; we cannot fake these, not for long.

 

A pure heart is the seat of holiness.

The Bible is clear that purity of heart is fundamental to holiness: Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT. The New International translation (NIV) says it this way, Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Terms used in other translations for the heart include “source of life,” “issue of life,” “spring of life.” 

The condition of our hearts determines the condition of our action.

Is it possible to do all the “right” Christian activity – church attendance, Bible reading/study, regular prayer, etc. and not “see GOD?”

To not be involved in overt sin or depravity does not equate with being in right standing to see GOD – not when we compare our righteousness by the world’s standards instead of GOD’s.

No individual in JESUS’ day could out-do a Pharisee in “righteous” living. These Jewish religious leaders observed over 600 religious laws and chastened severely anyone of the faith who couldn’t keep these laws to the letter. Yet JESUS warned His disciples against imitating their lifestyle. 

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20

These Jewish religious leaders lacked compassion, love and respect for others. JESUS was contemptuous of their rituals and ceremonial practices, called them hypocrites and warned them of harsh judgement.

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees, Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith….Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?” Matthew 23: 23-31

The Pharisees religion was devoid of purity of heart and thus could not meet the Father’s criteria for holy living.  JESUS was explicit that GOD’s response to this self-righteousness would be His wrath and judgement.

To have only an appearance of holiness, one that does not involve purity of the heart, is offensive to the Father.

The Christ-like lifestyle (“Be holy, for I am holy”) the Father demands of His children is one of self-sacrifice.

As CHRIST’s life demanded huge sacrifices of Him, the life of a child of GOD demands the same:

• Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose. 1 Peter 4:1-2
• Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
• I have been crucified with Christ…. Galatians 2:20
• I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8
• "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
• I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God…Romans 12:1-2
• "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:38

Is the self-sacrifice worth it? 

The answer has to be “yes”, if we want to experience the blessedness offered in the Beatitudes –

• to see the face of GOD Matthew 5:8 
• to inherit the kingdom of heaven Matthew 5:3 & 10  
• to be comforted in our trials Matthew 5:4
• to inherit the goodness of this earthly kingdom Matthew 5:5  
• to be filled with JESUS righteousness Matthew 5:6
• to have mercy instead of justice Matthew 5:7  
• to be GOD’s children Matthew 5:9 

Fortunately for us, GOD knows that, even though we want to live lives that please Him, often our spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, that we will sin and fall short of His glory. He has called us to be victorious in living out our calling as children of GOD, but He does not expect us to go the journey alone.

We can forget that our being like GOD in holiness can only be done with the help of the entire Godhead - the Father who is the origin of our holiness, the SON who imputes that holiness to us and the Holy Spirit who is our sanctifier for our life time. Together they work to change us daily into GOD’s same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Why must we be willing to give ourselves over completely to THEM all?

We can go back to the fundamentals for an answer.

The opening question of the book of Reformed Christian Instruction, the Heidelberg Catechism gives us a clue: 

What is your only comfort in life and death?  

The answer in summary is whether we live or die, we belong body and soul to the Father who purchased us with the blood of His SON, JESUS CHRIST to free us from the power of sin and evil. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit work as one to preserve us daily so that “not one hair falls from our heads” without His knowledge, and He works everything together to ensure us of eternal life

.

The Father goes one step further and put His joy in us to make it our greatest delight to live for Him.

We can do this!

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose mercy endures forever and whose love is steadfast. Thank you for giving your SON, JESUS CHRIST for us. Father, we know that without HIS enormous and matchless sacrifice, our end would be truly unbearable. We thank you that He’s our HIGH KINGLY PRIEST, TEACHER and FRIEND who helps us to live a holy and authentic Christian life, to do your will by showing mercy, peace, and compassion to a dark world. Father, YOU chose us and YOU equipped us with everything we need to do what is pleasing in YOUR sight. You show us how to die to self and live for and with Christ here on earth so we can enjoy YOUR glory in the New Jerusalem. We love YOU for your eternal care of us. There is none more deserving and we give YOU all the praise, all the honor and all the glory, forever and ever. We ask all things in HIS Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Persecuted

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The eight beatitudes JESUS spoke to His disciples in Matthew 5 is, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

Bible definition of persecution - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

The primary Old Testament Hebrew translation for persecution is radaph, while the New Testament Greek translates this word as dioko/diogmos. Both emphasize the concept of pursuit but can be extended to include pursuing, to oppress, harass and also to bring to judgment or punishment.

In both the Old Testament and New Testament, the nature of persecution are physical, social, mental, and spiritual. Physical to include taking another's life (Genesis 4, Cain murdering Abel) or maiming the body (Exodus 22, 23). Social persecution (or discrimination) consists of making individuals or a group outcasts. An example of extreme mental and spiritual persecution is seen when the Apostles Peter and John were threatened not to preach the gospel (Acts 5:28; Acts 5:40).

Christian persecution today

Christian persecution is on the rise and happening daily in countries around the world.

According to *Open Doors USA and the **Pew Research Center, more than 75% of the world’s population live in areas with severe religious restrictions, and 215 million believers suffer “high, very high or extreme persecution” in the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. The Middle East accounts for a majority of countries ranked in the top 10 for extreme persecution of Christians.

As recently as this year’s Palm Sunday suicide bombings at two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt left forty-five people dead and many more wounded.

Who are the persecuted?

The persecuted are not law-breakers or criminals but those who choose to follow GOD’s law, For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 1 Peter 4:3-4

More importantly, the persecuted are those who profess belief in JESUS CHRIST as the SON of GOD, Messiah and Savior of the world.

JESUS goes a little further to define this eighth beatitude and thereby emphasize believer persecution as a certainty. He also tells us that we are in good company and what our response ought to be: “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

We are persecuted not for wrong-doing but for doing right according to GOD’s law, and for believing in CHRIST.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible comments on this beatitude in part, “We are not to seek persecution. We are not to provoke it by strange sentiments or conduct; by violating the laws of civil society, or by modes of speech that are unnecessarily offensive to others. But if, in the honest effort to be Christians, and to live the life of Christians, others persecute and revile us, we are to consider this as a blessing. It is an evidence that we are the children of God, and that he will defend us.”

The WORD of GOD agrees with and confirms this view:

• If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 1 Peter 4:12-16
• "All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," 2 Timothy 3:12.
• ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. John 15:20

 Blessedness of the persecuted

GOD’s WORD instructs us to rejoice in suffering. This seems unfeeling given the fact that hundreds of Christians die * each month for their faith. The Christian life was never meant to be an easy one and for too many the dangers are real, fierce and imminent.

However, there are just as many of us whose suffering are but a mild discomfort by comparison. We then ought to rejoice since our trials serve to test our Christian faith, increase our endurance and bring us to a greater maturity in our faith.

• Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

It is easy to be hateful, but Christ-likeness in the face of evil opposition produces a kindness within us by which we are able to obey JESUS command to pray for and forgive our oppressors – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” and by doing so we are even recognized even more as children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44-45

At whatever level our persecution JESUS assures us the blessedness of the Kingdom of Heaven. And as with all the preceding beatitudes, only the children of GOD inherit the promises of GOD.

It has been noted by all commentaries and essays on this eighth beatitude, that the blessedness promised to the persecuted is the same as that to be bestowed upon the poor in spirit of the first beatitude.

As this was the reward promised to the poor in spirit—the leading one of these seven beatitudes—of course it is the proper portion of such as are persecuted for exemplifying them. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Having fully recognized the extent of our spiritual wretchedness and poverty that separates us from GOD, we understand that our need for a SAVIOR is greater and more necessary than our safety from human evil.

Once we fully accept JESUS is that bridge, we can conduct our lives in the enduring peace of His salvation, which is our strength.

The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? PSALM 118:6

*A nonprofit organization focused on serving persecuted Christians

**A nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world.

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose love for us never ends, may we always recognize the utter worthlessness of our own spiritual currency and the inability of works to save us. May we cease to strive to attain in our own strength what we never can because of our inherent wickedness and instead yield and accept the gift of mercy and grace by which we can be saved, though our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.  We thank you for our HIGH KINGLY PRIEST, TEACHER and FRIEND; we are honored to be His ambassador in YOUR earthly Kingdom and we look forward to our complete reconciliation with the TRIUNE GOD in glory, the New Heaven and the New Earth. Father, help us to persevere, to never grow weary, to keep our eyes fixed on THE PRIZE as we learn to be more like YOU every day. We love YOU, and give YOU all praise, all honor and all glory as YOU equip us with everything we need to do what is pleasing in YOUR sight, through JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be glory forever and ever. We ask all things in HIS Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Peacemakers

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The seventh of eight beatitudes JESUS spoke to His disciples in Matthew 5 is “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Bible definition

The New Testament Greek eirénopoios used in Matthew 5:9 translates as “peacemaking” or a “peacemaker.” 

In part, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines “peacemakers” as follows: In classical Greek a "peacemaker" was an ambassador sent to treat of peace. The word in Matthew 5:9 would, perhaps, be better rendered "peace-workers," implying not merely making peace between those who are at variance, but working peace as that which is the will of the God of peace for men.

Biblical scholars find only one other place in the New Testament where the same Greek work is used, but in a slightly different form, –“…and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” Colossians 1:20  

Who are peacemakers?

Barnes' Notes on the Bible commentary on the seventh beatitude characterizes JESUS’ peacemaker in part as follows:  “Those who strive to prevent contention, strife, and war; who use their influence to reconcile opposing parties, and to prevent lawsuits and hostilities in families and neighborhoods…There ought not to be unlawful and officious interference in that which is none of our business …Friends, neighbors, people of influence, lawyers, physicians, ministers of the gospel, may do much to promote peace.”

Conflict is prevalent in  our world and GOD’s WORD is clear that His children ought to be other and work for peace and peacemaking, within the body of Christ as well as with our fellow-men:

• Live in harmony with one another…Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:16-21. 
• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Colossians 3:15
• Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11
• So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19
• …be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
• Pursue peace with all men,…Hebrews 12:14

Peace is one of GOD's characters (Romans 15:33, Hebrews 13:20, Philippians 4:7) and we are most like GOD our Father when we imitate his character and do what He does.

Blessedness of peacemakers

CHRIST as PRINCE of PEACE (Isaiah 9:6) is the only true peacemaker to have walked among us on earth.

Before CHRIST returned to the Father HE imparted His peace to those who would become the children of GOD: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” John 14:27; and by His death on the cross, He reconciled us back to GOD, the Father who in turn gave us CHRIST’s ministry of reconciliation: All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.

We are CHRIST’s ambassadors for peace on earth to show others how to be reconciled back to the Father, and JESUS tells us that we are blessed o bee called children, or sons, of GOD for it.

Only GOD’s children have His character, and only GOD’s children can bring the peace of knowing God to others.

Now Peacemaking is a divine work. For peace means reconciliation, and God is the author of peace and of reconciliation. … It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the particular blessing which attaches to peacemakers is that "they shall be called sons of God." For they are seeking to do what their Father has done, loving people with his love. John R. W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Prayer and Thanksgiving:  Abba Father, our LORD and our GOD whose love for us never  fails, YOU are the GOD of our peace. We thank you for JESUS CHRIST our PRINCE of PEACE by whose Spirit we are taught to be ambassadors of peace in YOUR Kingdom and take delight in serving others and show them how to be reconciled again to YOU. Father we love YOU. YOU deserve all praise, all honor and all glory. May we desire to be more like YOU every day. May YOUR peace equip us with everything we need to do what is pleasing in YOUR sight, through JESUS CHRIST, to whom be glory forever and ever. We ask all things in HIS Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Pure in Heart

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The sixth of eight beatitudes JESUS preaches about in Matthew 5 is, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  Matthew 5:8

The English dictionary describes a thing or person that is pure as being “free from what vitiates (spoil or impair the quality of), weakens, or pollutes; containing nothing that does not properly belong; free from moral guilt” Some synonyms for “pure” are: uncontaminated, untainted, unstained, undefiled, untarnished, immaculate, unpolluted, uncorrupted, virtuous, undefiled.

Biblical purity

Purity is a sacred refined thing. It stands diametrically opposed to whatever defiles…. Purity of heart does not exclude purity of life, no more than the pureness of the fountain excludes the pureness of the stream. But it is called purity of heart, because the heart is the main thing in true religion, and there can be no purity of life without it… Civility and morality are not purity. A man may be clothed with great moral virtues, such as justice, charity, prudence, temperance–and yet go to hell. Thomas Watson (1620-1686), Heart Purity

The WORD of GOD teaches that the fruit of a pure heart is a life of holiness, which pleases GOD.

The writer of Psalm 24 tells us that a man’s character (integrity of heart) defines the quality of his life and is of such that qualifies him to stand in GOD’s presence and be blessed by GOD: Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. V. 3-5

In his epistle to Titus (1:10-16), the Apostle Paul shows us what purity isn’t; just giving verbal assent to GOD and His moral law is not purity. Here Paul warns Titus against a group of people who “profess to know God, but they deny him by their works.” Titus 1:16. Paul describes them as people with impure hearts whose” minds and their consciences are defiled,” thus showing themselves to be “detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.”  Certainly not among the qualified who would “see GOD.”

Paul’s caution to Titus reminds us that outward behavior and lifestyle are an outcrop of our heart condition, “To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Titus 1:15.

Blessedness of purity

A pure heart is manifested in a holy lifestyle, which GOD rewards…. and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Romans 12:14

 A child of GOD is called to a life of holiness by the mere fact that our Father chose us through His SON by whose power living in us we can live pure and holy lives. “…but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct (1 Peter 1:13).

Our reward for obedience in purity is that we shall see God.

All human beings will have an audience with GOD on Judgement Day (every eye will see him, even those who pierced him…Revelation 1:7). However, while the profane will see GOD as Judge, the pure in heart will be blessed to see and enjoy GOD as His chosen people and a Friend (They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:4).

The pure in heart who "see GOD" will live with Him in His Kingdom for all eternity.

"As for me, I will see YOUR face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in YOUR likeness." Psalm 17:15

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose love never ends, we thank you for choosing us and for sending YOUR SON to teach us about purity and holiness and the reward we can look forward to in the here and now and in YOUR soon coming Kingdom. We thank you that the same power that lives in CHRIST JESUS lives in us so we can do all things through Him. Father YOU are so faithful…YOUR goodness is boundless and your mercy is new every morning. We are grateful for YOUR WORD which is life to us and became LIFE for us. We adore YOU, we adore JESUS, our Savior and precious Friend. To YOU, we give all praise, all honor and all glory, and our earnest desire is that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts always be pleasing in YOUR sight. We ask all things in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Merciful

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The fifth of JESUS’ eight beatitudes in Matthew 5 states, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  Matthew 5:7

Biblical mercy/merciful

The Hebrew translation often used in the Old Testament for “mercy” is checedh, "kindness," "loving-kindness," while the New Testament eleos is associated with "grace."

Mercy is probably GOD’s most called-on attributes, for it is not only who GOD is, but it is what He does. Mercy is GOD’s essential attitude to mankind in general; no one in GOD’s creation is exempt. – "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." (Romans 9:15), “…He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45.)

GOD’s mercy: “endures forever” (Psalm 136:1), “is great” (1 Kings 3:6), “plenteous” (Psalm 86:5), “tender” (Luke 1:78), “abundant” (1 Peter 1:3). GOD Himself is described as "the Father of mercies" (2 Corinthians 1:3), "rich in mercy" (Ephesians 2:4), "full of pity, and merciful" (James 5:11).

Mercy wouldn’t exist without GOD.

Who are the merciful?

One Bible commentary describes the merciful in the context of Matthew 5:7 as “those who are so affected by the sufferings of others as to be disposed to alleviate them.” 

The merciful, says Erasmus, are those “who, through brotherly love, account another person’s misery their own; who weep over the calamities of others; who, out of their own property, feed the hungry and clothe the naked; who admonish those that are in error, inform the ignorant, pardon the offending; and who, in short, use their utmost endeavors to relieve and comfort others.”

However, Biblical scholars and writers on this topic also agree that the truly merciful labor under the burden of awareness that they too are the object of mercy. Not that our mercifulness comes absolutely first. On the contrary, our Lord Himself expressly teaches us that God's method is to awaken in us compassion towards our fellow men by His own exercise of it… (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary)

JESUS’ parable of the unmerciful debtor (Matthew 18: 21:35) supports this view – a servant to whom his master forgave an enormous monetary debt was naturally expected to have equal compassion required for forgiving his own servant of a significantly lesser debt; instead he was harsh and unrelenting in his cruelty. When his master found out, he angrily rescinded his mercy and punished the unforgiving servant. ‘Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers.

The life principle of “what goes around comes around.”  

As GOD’s children, we reflect His mercy and are therefore merciful. Every day we have new opportunities to show mercy. As JESUS Himself said, the poor, wretched and destitute will always be with us (Matthew 26:11). By caring for orphans and widows in their distress, helping the poor and oppressed, and by forgiving those who injure us, we show that we are like GOD.

 Blessedness of mercy

"….the Christian stands in a middle point, between a mercy received and a mercy yet needed.…And thus, while he is ever to look back on the mercy received as the source and motive of the mercy which he shows, he also looks forward to the mercy which he yet needs, and which he is assured that the merciful shall receive,…" Archbishop of Dublin Richard Trench (1864-1884)

GOD delights in showing mercy:

• The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9
• As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Ezekiel 33:11

The ultimate demonstration of GOD’s mercy here on earth is our salvation: GOD saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:5. While we were guilty sinners and deserving of eternal damnation, our Father showed His mercy by giving his SON to die for us; expressing his willingness to pardon and save us; and sending his Spirit to renew and sanctify our hearts. (Romans 8)

At the final judgement, the merciful will receive the inheritance of mercy when we are granted entry into the Kingdom of heaven: Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Matthew 25: 34-36

The person who is merciful is blessed by knowing the joy of GOD’s merciful forgiveness here on earth and with perfect happiness for all eternity in GOD's Kingdom

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:9

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose goodness and mercy covers all that you have made, and whose love is unfathomable, we give YOU thanks for YOUR greatest show of mercy towards is, YOU saved us from hell and damnation while we were yet sinners, YOU gave YOUR SON. Thank YOU for showing us how to be merciful by first giving us mercy. Father, with YOU on our side, how can we lose? You tell us what our choices are, life or death, and then to ensure our safety, you tell us which to choose. Father, may none of us be too stiff-necked to obey, may we all choose life, as the alternative is too grim and too final to bear. We adore YOU, Father, faithful, and good and true. And to YOU, be dominion and power for ever and ever. We ask all things in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Hungry and Thirsty

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The fourth on the list of JESUS’ eight beatitudes in Matthew 5 states, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be (filled) satisfied Matthew 5:6

Why hunger and thirst?

In every human being there is a restlessness and longing that religious writers and teachers refer to as a “GOD-like vacuum.” It is GOD Himself who has put eternity into man’s heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11) which, Theologian and Scientist Blaise Pasquale (1623-1662) describes this way:

"What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself"

We try to satisfy this “hunger” by our achievements, relationships, status, riches, recreational drugs, etc. but no matter how hard we strive, we are never quite fulfilled, or satisfied – until we find GOD, our Creator and His righteousness.

“Thou madest us for Thyself, and our heart is restless, until it rest in Thee.” (St. Augustine)

Of human righteousness

The word righteous or righteousness appears approximately 600 times in the Bible. The Old Testament Hebrew word for “righteous” is tsaddiy which means just, lawful, and correct, and the New Testament Greek dikaios means observing divine laws or upright, faultless, innocent, and guiltless. These are all descriptive of GOD Himself; righteousness is one of GOD’s attributes. GOD, by His very nature is righteous – all that He is, does and says is right and perfect.

Unlike GOD, whose righteousness is inherent and constant, we fallen human beings are not inherently righteous. "No one is righteous--not even one.” Romans 3:10 How than can we be righteous and obtain the blessedness JESUS promises? The answer is through CHRIST – this righteousness is GOD’s own righteousness purchased for us by faith in HIS SON, CHRIST JESUS

• …the righteousness which is from God by faith…Philippians 3:9.
• For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
• But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, Romans 4:5
• …through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19

JESUS is saying that instead of seeking after and yearning for earthly goods which never satisfies, we ought to yearn after the righteousness that already belongs to children of GOD.

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ….seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6: 32-33

 Blessing of righteousness

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible says this about the blessing promised to those who seek after righteousness:  Never was there a desire to be holy which God was not willing to gratify, and the gospel of CHRIST has made provision to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy.

When our thirst and hunger for GOD’s righteousness becomes as intense and focused as the deer mentioned in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” GOD’s response will be what He promised, a deep and abiding satisfaction that will last for all eternity.

In consequence of this filling and satisfaction, we have good things to last forever: …the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. Isaiah 32:17

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose mercy never runs out and whose love is unfathomable, we thank you for our righteousness through CHRIST JESUS. Your WORD tells us that the righteous are never forsaken nor does our children go begging for bread. YOUR promise to not withhold goodness from those who live righteously is forever yes and amen, and we are glad of it. Father, without YOU our human heart is restless but with YOU, we have peace in our souls and a quiet within us that the world does not know. Thank you for reminding us that material possession can never give us what YOU have – a good and faithful GOD and Father to be with us for all eternity. To YOU, be dominion and power for ever and ever. We ask all things in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Meek

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The third of JESUS’ eight beatitudes in Matthew 5 states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Defining Meekness 

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary gives three definitions for the adjective “meek”

1. Mild: enduring injury with patience and without resentment
2. Submissive: deficient in spirit and courage
3. Moderate: not violent or strong

The Greek word translated “meek” is praeis and refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit, or humility.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary interpretation of meek personality who are to be blessed in JESUS’ third beatitude are those who “quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer; who, in their patience, keep possession of their own souls. This interpretation lines up perfectly with both the dictionary definition and the Greek translation – mildness, enduring injury with patience and without resentment.

This personality is neither submissive nor moderate as Henry’s Commentary further states this is a meekness which promotes wealth, comfort, and safety, even in this world.

 

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible says this about meekness – Meekness produces peace. It is proof of true greatness of soul. It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. It looks upon those who offer them with pity. He that is constantly ruffled; that suffers every little insult or injury to throw him off his guard and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of every mortal that chooses to disturb him. He is like "the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."

Meekness is a character that requires inner strength – it is a character that CHRIST JESUS ascribes to Himself in Matthew 11: 29. “I am meek and lowly.” Many of us who were raised in Christian homes will remember first childhood bedtime prayer we were taught which began, “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild….”

To be meek and lowly is not the same as submissive or lacking in courage. JESUS on several occasions during His ministry proves this when He challenges injustice on His behalf and others. On one occasion, after His betrayal and arrest, He questions the High Priest’s official’s insults and physical assault against Him, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” John 18:19-23.

There is no hint of aggression or meanness in JESUS’ words, nor is there a shrinking timidity; He is direct but respectful in His response to uncivil and unfair behaviors. 

JESUS knew exactly who He was – GOD in human flesh. He had the power and authority to do whatever He wanted, but, for our sake, He exhibited the ultimate in meekness. He chose to submit to beatings and insults and ultimately He submitted Himself to death on a cross.

Though he was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to….He gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave…He humbled himself in obedience to God  and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Because the children of GOD are promised persecution,(...all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:5,) we must grow daily in meekness to respond appropriately when we are faced with unpleasantness; especially when we share the gospel message. “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness (meekness) and respect,….” 1 Peter 3:15-16.

A humble response will always be more effective than hostility, and for this, we have JESUS’ promise of blessedness. A meek person will be happy or blessed.

 The Blessing of Meekness

JESUS said, the meek “shall inherit the earth.”  The earth here speaks of heaven right here on earth, GOD’s perfect kingdom is coming to earth, the New Jerusalem. “I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.... And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem…” (Revelation 21:1-2.) 

All the godly, the meek, the poor in spirit, the mourners – will inherit GOD’s kingdom here on earth. Those who obey Him and submit their will to Him will live with Him for all eternity, and have all the good things that non-believers fruitlessly strive for in this present earth, and more. 

This new earth will be a place of holiness and purity, set aside for those who have been justified to receive the blessedness JESUS promised.  … But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27

Because we recognize true strength in meekness, to some degree, the children of GOD already have some benefits of GOD’s kingdom in this present world. We daily have peace and contentment that the rest of the world does not have.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose mercy never runs out and whose love is unfathomable, we thank you for CHRIST JESUS who is both our teacher and example of how we should live in this world that is not our home. Thank you for the promise of blessedness in meekness, for the New Jerusalem that is our inheritance if we do not faint or give up. Teach us to be patient and not grow weary in obedience and remind us that our labor is not in vein. YOU have promised that you withhold no good thing from those who live righteously and we walk daily in the joy of YOUR promise and keep our eyes on our SAVIOR and LORD, the AUTHOR and the FINISHER of our faith, by which we will see YOU, our GOD. To whom, be dominion and power for ever and ever. We ask all things in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Mourners

Beatitude definition: a statement of blessing.

The second of the eight beatitudes JESUS names in Matthew 5 is, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Taken in context, JESUS’ entire Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes were told to His disciples to prepare them for their new life in His kingdom here on earth. Their lifestyle as CHRIST followers was about to undergo a radical change, and be entirely different from the rest of the world.

Followers of CHRIST today also live in the earthly kingdom of GOD, being in the world but separate from it (John 17:6-19), so our lives ought to imitate that of JESUS’ disciples. The statement and promise of this second beatitude are as much for us today as for those who heard it directly from JESUS’ mouth over two thousand years ago.

What does it mean to mourn?

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of “mourn” is to feel or express grief or sorrow for. However, commentaries on the second beatitude agree that JESUS’ use of mourning in the context of the blessedness indicates a grieving over sin and evil, our own and that of the world.  

The reason for sin and evil is the same today as when JESUS lived – the result of man’s rejection of GOD and His law in favor of our own choices:

• …wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Romans 1:18:22.
• He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… Isaiah 53:3
• All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Isaiah 53:6

We will find sin and evil in ourselves as well as others, but wherever we find it we must honestly and intensely sorrow over it. The sincerity of our grief will be manifest in our honest confession and repentance to GOD for our own sin and heart-felt intercession on behalf of others. GOD’s response then is the blessedness of His comfort that would make our sorrow easier to bear.

However, any grief we experience is a light affliction compared to what the sinless CHRIST suffered for us. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone….He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross…1 Peter 2:22-24. But CHRIST endured the suffering and pain because of what He would accomplish by his anguish – the saving of many souls unto righteousness (Isaiah 53: 11.)

A child of GOD who sorrows over the world’s sinfulness also is assured that our pain is not in vain. We who suffer for righteousness’ sake will receive an eternal reward (Matthew 5:12.) This promise will help us to endure suffering in the here and now for the sake of the kingdom of heaven to come.

Nobody loves his fellow-men better than a disciple, nobody understands his fellow-men better than the Christian fellowship, and that very love impels them to stand aside and mourn… They bear their sorrow in the strength of Him who bears them up, who bore the whole suffering of the world upon the cross. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

All praise to God…our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose mercy never runs out and whose love is unfathomable, may we never forget CHRIST’s willingness to suffer because He knew the joy that His suffering would accomplish for us. Thank YOU again and again for our salvation through Him that promises us eternal life in heaven with YOU.  Thank YOU for making us YOUR portion and for being our priceless REWARD. Teach us to weep and sorrow over the sin of the world, as YOU do. May we ever be mindful that YOUR abiding and perfect love for the world brought about the sacrifice YOUR ONLY SON. Father, may we never cease to mourn with anguished groans and without restraint while we have breath in our bodies. We give all praise to our GOD and our merciful Father the source of enduring comfort. To Him be dominion and power for ever and ever, in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Look at the Beatitudes: The Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5 records eight “beatitudes,” or statements of blessings, that JESUS pronounced during His Sermon on the Mount. Each beatitude identifies a character type or disposition and assigns a specific blessedness to it.

Biblical scholars generally agree that JESUS’ beatitudes represent the Christian lifestyle and that all these blessings apply to all Christians. The poor in spirit, the peacemaker, the pure in heart, are not character types to be assigned to distinct and separate groups but these are who we are, or ought to be, as children of GOD.

The first beatitude JESUS names refers to the “poor in spirit” – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3.

What does it mean to be poor in spirit?

Many places in GOD’s WORD assures GOD’s children of access to all the “riches” of the heavenly Father who will give good gifts to those who ask him (Matthew 7:11) – that He will care for us and we will lack no good thing. (Psalm 23 and 34)

All of this is fact, but JESUS’ concern in the beatitude is not about our material possessions and comforts but with the total bankruptcy of spirit that a person must arrive at to drive them to seek out GOD’s saving righteousness that comes through CHRIST JESUS.

We are the poor in spirit who:

1. Recognize we are utterly destitute spiritually, that nothing good dwells in us (Romans 7:18), and we can do nothing to deliver ourselves from our dire situation.
2. Humbly acknowledge that, our hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately sick…(Jeremiah 17:9 ), and that our status in life is woefully inadequate to change the gravity of our situation.
3. Admit all of the above before we can come to GOD in faith to receive the salvation He offers.

CHARLES H. SPURGEON puts it like this, “…you must know the bitterness of sin before you can know the blessedness of forgiveness!

What is the kingdom of heaven?

The “kingdom of heaven” essentially means salvation by which we are assured eternity in heaven with GOD when we die (Romans 6:23) and abundant life with GOD here on earth – John 10:10.

The kingdom of heaven is GOD’s gift to us – we receive His grace through our faith so we are saved not by any works that we do…”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” Ephesians 2:8. By this saving grace we are children of GOD.

If we do not perceive our wretchedness and poverty, we will never know how desirable is that remedy that Christ has brought to us or approach him with proper warmth of affection. As soon as we know that we are ruined, aware of our wretchedness, we eagerly run to avail ourselves of the remedy, which otherwise would be held by us in no estimation. In order, therefore, that Christ may be appreciated by us, let us each consider and examine ourselves, so as to acknowledge that we are ruined until we are redeemed by Christ. ~JOHN CALVIN

We must recognize our sinfulness before we can understand our need for a SAVIOR.

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, our LORD and our GOD whose mercy never runs out and whose love is unfathomable, may we always recognize the utter worthlessness of our own spiritual currency and the inability of our own works to save us. May we cease to strive to attain in our own strength what we can only obtain through YOUR gift of mercy and grace; may we humbly acknowledge that we can be saved only though our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. Remind us constantly that our true worth is in CHRIST alone and by Him alone we have eternal life, both here on earth and in heaven with YOU. Thank you for faith to trust YOUR WORD. Father, I pray also that every person who reads this post will know the love of GOD that is wide and long and high and deep enough to save every soul. For YOU so love the world, that YOU gave YOUR only SON, that whosoever believes in Him would be saved to everlasting life. To you, Father, be dominion and power for ever and ever, in JESUS’ Holy NAME. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile