'Yes' Without Success

"Then Jeremiah spoke to the officials and the people in his own defense. 'The LORD sent me to prophesy against this Temple and this city,' he said. 'The LORD gave me every word that I have spoken. But if you stop your sinning and begin to obey the LORD your God, He will change His mind about this disaster that He has announced against you. As for me, I am in your hands - do with me as you think best. But if you kill me, rest assured that you will be killing an innocent man! The responsibility for such a deed will lie on you, on this city, and on every person living in it. For it is absolutely true that the LORD sent me to speak every word you have heard." Jeremiah 26:12-15

Sometimes life just seems so unfair.

There are many stories of individuals just like Jeremiah who receive a call from God on their life. Immediately they respond with excitement, imagining the glorious outcome of their obedience, but instead are faced with discouragement and opposition. How do we handle times when we know we are doing what is right, walking in step with the Lord, but rather than the delight and joy we thought would accompany our calling, results are miniscule, we are not accepted as we expected, and some even openly stand in the way against us? In frustration edged with anger we cry out to the Lord, "But Father, I said 'yes' to You. Why is there not more fruit and opportunities?"

The prophet Jeremiah was called to speak to the nation of Judah on God's behalf. Jeremiah was faithful to deliver every message the Lord led him to share, but because his words spoke against the sin of the people, with clearly defined consequences to come, he was now facing the possibility of death at the hands of the very ones God had sent him to caution. If these people remained unrepentant, they would face coming disaster.

Jeremiah was doing everything right. He was following God. Sharing His word. Yet despite the prophet's faithful efforts to follow in faith, life became even more difficult. His ministry results were not just lean, they were mean! Maybe we do not experience outright opposition, but our 'yes' to God can be more striving than thriving. All we envisioned at the moment of decision as we joyfully abandoned ourselves to God's call, has been overshadowed by hard work, without the harvest we had anticipated. In our minds we reflect and recall the moment God placed this vocation on our hearts. The invitation is still undeniable. We do not doubt God wants us doing exactly what we are working so diligently to accomplish, but why does it have to be such an uphill climb? Why can it not be easier?

Challenges to our calling our inevitable. One of the tools the enemy uses to his greatest advantage is to discourage us in our calling. He begins resisting us in every area of advancement for Kingdom purposes and discouragement is his weapon of choice. He knows he cannot make us forget the precious moment when God summoned us to service for Him, but he can make life so difficult that we consider abandoning the call. Satan's opposition does not come to those sitting back and doing nothing. It comes to those already in the trenches.

So, what can we do? How can we combat the weariness and frustration? How can we protect our thoughts from accusing God for not fulfilling His part? We need to encourage ourselves that God is still honoured in our 'yes' even when all evidence of impact is unseen. Our 'yes' is not about results. Our 'yes' is about obedience. Jeremiah delivered God's message, and the responsibility of the outcome is God's, and does not reflect on the prophet's efforts. Our 'yes' is no less in the eyes of God when the outcome we had hoped for does not appear to be reached. When the congregation is small. When the spouse is unfaithful. When the funds are diminishing. When the books do not sell. When the invitations to speak are few. When the mothering seems thankless. When the boss is unappreciative. When will we finally accept and understand that obedience to God's call is not about success, but instead our 'yes' reveals our love to Him.

A flower that blooms unseen in a remote location still gives testimony to God's amazing creation. If it's petals all fall before ever being noticed, it has still fulfilled its purpose for the Lord and He is pleased. Keep blooming friend. Do not give up. You are exactly where God desires you to be. Wait on Him for the next move and all the results. 

The LORD Is Our Righteousness

"And this will be His name: 'The LORD Is Our Righteousness.'" Jeremiah 23:6

Sometimes I think for those of us who grew up in the church since birth, we have sadly become too accustomed to hearing familiar Bible verses. Listening to the same scriptures being read since our nursery days, we sit back comfortably when we recognize a phrase or passage that has often been repeated in our hearing. We can almost cruise on autopilot, and miss out on understanding or comprehending the truth. In its familiarity we respond to the most amazing and incredible truths as common. Reading through Jeremiah 23 that is exactly what happened to me. 

If we were to take a quiz right now, and I asked you to list the names of God found in Scripture, I'm sure together we could come up with an impressive compilation. We can recite them easily and could probably tag on a few scripture references too, but have we truly stopped to consider the meaning of each title? God's names help to describe and define His character and His actions. Each name highlights a specific part of His nature. Today we are considering what it means that 'The LORD Is Our Righteousness.'

First, we need to understand righteousness. To live righteously involves acting justly, honestly, faithfully, obediently and morally right. Just writing those words I am exhausted. This standard of living is impossible on our own, but then add to that God's requirement for righteousness, which is perfection in action, attribute and attitude, and the expected grade is overwhelming. This is where this particular name of God washes over our lives bringing sweet relief. 'The LORD Is Our Righteousness.'

On our own, we cannot attain this level of living. 2 Corinthians 5:21 brings us the answer. "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." The New International Version writes it this way, "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This means, that sinners saved by grace, become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. This is how fallen humans are restored and reconciled in relationship to our Creator God. This great exchange of our sin for Christ's righteousness is our salvation. This is not about the goodness of man, but we become "the righteousness of God." 

Without exception, Paul tells us in Romans 3:10, that no one is righteous, no not one. Our nature is evil and our hearts are wicked. Without Christ we live in total depravity. Even the good things we do fall so short of the holiness of God. We cannot achieve the righteousness God requires on our own. In this beautiful name of Christ, at salvation the Lord's righteousness becomes our righteousness through His death on the cross. This is guaranteed and not disputable, however, the practical application of living completely righteously through the power of the Holy Spirit will not be perfected until heaven. Romans 6 encourages us to be "instruments of righteousness", and that will happen as we yield ourselves more and more to Christ's lordship.

God's name, "The LORD Is Our Righteousness", is a name of hope. The prophecy of a righteous descendent from the lineage of David arising, ruling with wisdom and justice is now accomplished. We see this fulfillment through Jesus Christ. For those of us who have responded to Christ's invitation, believing in Him, repenting and receiving forgiveness of our sins, God has clothed us in garments of salvation and robed us in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

For Christ-followers, "The LORD Is Our Righteousness." The question to ask today, are you trusting in the Lord as "your" personal righteousness? Turn to Him today and experience this name of God over your life.

Keeping Up Appearances

"But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!" Jeremiah 22:15a

Years ago, I recall watching the television program, "Keeping Up Appearances". It was a British sitcom largely focused on the life of one couple, their grown son, and the neighbourhood in which they lived. Richard's wife, Hyacinth, exhaustingly desired to portray an image of social superiority. Her continual efforts to hide her actual status were comically hindered by her lower-class relatives. Extending invitations to her "candlelight dinners", she aimed to impress by extravagance and unnecessary purchases. However, possessions do not make a person, just as a cedar palace does not make a great king.

Jehoiakim may have inherited his father's Josiah's wealth, but he did not and could not inherit his faith. A magnificent castle does not guarantee moral character. Greatness is not achieved by the accumulation of great things. Good to great happens through obedience and a personal relationship with the Lord. 

Appearances come with automatic presumptions. We have all heard the adage that sitting in a garage does not make one a car, and going to church does not make one a Christ-follower. The external "beautiful cedar palace" is only the face, not the heart.

The world tries to achieve greatness through position, power, possessions, people, promotion and pride, often portraying to the world a false identity. These are all empty investments. God's Word reminds us in Luke 12:15, "for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." We may have earthly wealth and success, be recognized by others as an influencer, but our security is not found in the lives we build, but in taking "hold of that which is life indeed." (1 Timothy 6:19)

Thoughts wander to Judas. "Judas bore the cloak of religion, but never knew the heart of Christ." (Max Lucado) This disciple, turned deceiver, betrayed his Saviour while having only a "form of godliness." Jesus is not deceived by the cedar castles we build or the cloaks we wear. He looks past all the exterior façade and pretending. Our castles and cloaks can be a false security, but building on Christ as our foundation will ensure a mansion for eternity. Maybe it is time to examine ourselves again.

First, have I had a personal encounter with the Lord? Was there a point in time when a decision was made to follow Him, not just in word, but by confession, repentance and surrender? Have I received God's forgiveness through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross? Have I turned away from past sinful behaviour or am I still living the same way? What has changed, or what is changing? Is their evidence of obedience to God's Word? Do I choose Scripture that validates my desires or do I let the Lord run a fine-tooth comb through my life, removing any of the tangled mess that still remains? Am I clinging to old habits, thoughts, language, feelings? How do I spend my time? Is God a priority? Am I daily in His Word and in prayer? Is my longing for Him growing and my desire for the Holy Spirit increasing? Have I been baptized? Do I have more than belief in a God, knowing the God intimately as my personal Heavenly Father? Do I speak to Him? Do I recognize Him speaking to me? Is my walk more than castles and cloaks?

One of the primary ways we will know if our foundation is built firmly is by the fruit that the Holy Spirit grows through our lives. Not just some fruit, but increasing fruit. A tree that yields more and more produce every year is the result of roots growing deeper and deeper into the rich soil of God's Word. May our fruit reflect a dedication to God and not to growing an embellished image of self that is only concerned about keeping up appearances. Maybe some cedar palaces need to be abandoned for the sake of God's glory.

Green Leaf In Drought Time

"...blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

My favourite genre of Christian literature is biographies. I have shelves of books that I cannot part with, filled with testimonies and personal stories of tragedies and triumphs as godly ones walk with the Lord. I have rejoiced over the lives of past and present men and women who have openly shared their struggles. I have also often seen the miraculous touch of God on their lives. What encouragement it has been to me, as I have read of their endurance and faithfulness. Every person becomes a dear and precious friend. Each story renews hope in my own heart. 

I have rejoiced with David Green, owner of Hobby Lobby, in seeing God's incredible victory before the United States Supreme Court. I have evidenced the extraordinary connection between prayer and provision as I read of George Mueller's complete dependency on God as he directed several orphanage buildings in Bristol, England. To be honest, I actually cried reading of his death at the conclusion of "Delighted in God" as his life story made such a lasting impression on me. Examples of being a supportive wife are revealed through the life of Susannah Spurgeon, and a beautiful, covenant marriage is highlighted through the missionaries to China, Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth. Other names such as Elisabeth Elliott, Amy Carmichael, Peter Marshall, Eric Liddell along with countless others, fill my bookshelves. But, one couple who may be little known, lived lives that reflect today's verses from Jeremiah so well.

It is rare to read a biography where its pages are filled with hardship, difficulty and perseverance that never seem to be awarded. With anticipation, the reader keeps waiting to see a mighty turn-around by the hand of God, but in the lifetime of these heroes of the faith, it does not come. The unrelentingly harsh and discouraging ministry of Wilda and Arthur Mathews, the last of the missionaries to escape from the merciless hand of Chinese communists, appears unrewarded from chapter to chapter.

Through every page the readers heart is hoping to see a blessing, some ease, a release from the trials, accusations and persecutions this dear couple faced as they served, but every paragraph revealed yet another new burden or hardship. The unbelievable hope and strength that this couple maintained only came from the Lord as they faced every extreme situation they met with a song in their hearts lifted in praise to God. In the biography, "Green Leaf in Drought-time", Wilda and Arthur share how "greenness" is not dependent on the resources that would normally make foliage plentiful, but only by complete dependence on the Lord.

"Drought" can come unexpectedly. When God allows trial upon trial, our response is most often discouragement. We become overwhelmed. We wonder if God is upset with us for some unknown reason, and yet His purpose is for us to "grow green" and display His glory. It is His desire that our lives are never, not for a moment, interrupted from fruit bearing even through difficult seasons.

The famous Muppet, Kermit the Frog, knew this truth well when he would sing, "It's not easy being green." It's hard to thrive amidst continual attack. Finding ourselves suddenly in the middle of situations that threaten to weaken our resolve, what we are speaks louder than what we say. When our message is silenced and our evangelism forbidden. When our ministry is dry and the invitations to speak and serve stop coming. It is in these opportunities that God proves through the life of His children that green leaves are still possible, and that His promises are still true today. "The Lord shall satisfy their soul in drought." (Isaiah 58:11)

God calls us to be leaves that remain green on parched ground. The testimony of a life flourishing in the face of adversity draws attention, not to the thriving survivor, but to the gracious, sustaining hand of God.

More Than

"Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth." Psalm 73:25

"More than anything." Does our desire for the Lord truly fall under this category? Is He more than all else for which our heart longs?

More than a desire to be loved and accepted by others.

More than longing for perfect health.

More than searching for temporary satisfactions.

More than striving for any materialistic gain.

More than constantly struggling to please others.

More than attempting to keep up appearances.

More than answers to heartfelt prayers.

More than working for any financial gain.

More than any worldly success.

More than yearning to know and be known.

More than a hunger to see and be seen.

More than any aspiration for contentment and happiness.

More than needing safety and security.

More than a propensity to eliminate pain.

More than temporary fulfillment in temptations.

More than an attraction for miracles and the miraculous.

More than the battle for increased trust.

More than relishing Your benefits and blessings.

More than a desire for what You do...I long for who You are.

"I desire You more than anything on earth."

Lord, from the deepest part of my heart I want to want You more. I long to say with the Psalmist that nothing else matters and that You alone are my everything. Father, I desire You to occupy my heart. So many things in life, some listed above, truly do matter, but may they not be my most or more. God fill me and consume me. May You be the inclination and initiation of every thought. Surpass the sweetness of all other enticements. Increase my yearning for You, surrendered completely to Your sovereignty over me, in me, and through me. May my every breath be praise and gratitude to You. Jesus, my passion is You. 

Discover. Devour. Delight.

"When I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight..." Jeremiah 15:16a

How much do we love God's Word? The prophet Jeremiah is declaring his fulfillment and delight in the Word of God, but sadly his audience does not share his zeal. As Jeremiah faithfully shares God's message to the people of Judah, their response is resistance. The prophet found his personal encouragement through his time in scripture. 

The word "discovered" implies a seeking heart. Far too often we can come with complacency. The discipline of Bible reading can lack the fervour of intent that Jeremiah expressed as he deliberately sought the Lord. The only way for us to sustain any peace or power in our lives is through time pursuing God in secret. 

As the prophet "devoured" God's Word, it became part of him. He absorbed and digested all the teaching. He discovered and immediately took hold of it. He knew the value and without hesitation prioritized comprehending and owning these truths for himself. Sometimes digging is involved to bring understanding and meaning to our reading, but when an instant awakening occurs, how our heart's rejoice.

Spurgeon, commenting on this verse said: "I have said that Jeremiah lets us into a secret. His outer life, consisting in his perpetual faithful ministry, was to be accounted for by his inward love of the word which he preached. Depend upon it, this secret unriddles all true spiritual life. If ever you see any one who walks in holiness stand fast in temptation, and be upheld under affliction, you may rest assured there is something about him that is not perceived by every eye; there is a secret which the world does not know - a hidden fountain, which sustains the stream of his life - an invisible spring of vitality which keeps him vigorous even in the midst of surrounding death." 

I'm surmising that the majority reading this have multiple Bible translations readily available to them, either as paper books, or online. Do we search to find Him and know Him through the pages of this sacred text? Recently I was browsing through devotional books I have used over the past many years, since including God's Word into a daily part of each morning. One such book was gifted to me from a retired missionary when I was only 14 years old. By the time this leather-bound, treasured devotional was passed on to me, his wife, the previous owner, had already gone home to be with her Lord. Her squiggly underlines and comments had been joined with my penned reflections in the margins. There were many pages crinkled with words blurred and blotted from tears that had fallen as a hurting, hungry heart sought the Lord. Tender and touching to see the penmanship of my younger days. Expressions of wonder and awe. Comments of confusion. Requests from a teenager, young and longing for love. I smiled as I found a short prayer for Barry Manilow's salvation, no doubt coming from an infatuation with the singer many years ago.

Each morning it is my time with the Lord that prompts my early rising with ease. I eagerly anticipate what He will say to me that day. His Word speaks through every stage of life. Sometimes it is a Word of conviction. Often it is an answer to a specific prayer. Many times it is a new revelation. At other moments He speaks through a quiet whisper revealing more of His nature to me or sharing a divine secret. Sometimes our time together is long and lingering and it is the clock that dictates the end of our time together, not a feeling of completion. Is He ever silent? Yes, there are days when my journal only contains the date with a sentence or two, but those mornings of seeking are still special. The joy and delight that His Word has become to me welcomes me to trust in the silence and wait patiently. You see, He and I share a history. Over 50 years. A lot of memories. A lot of blessed Mary moments, sitting at the Master's feet.

Ask the Lord to increase your hunger for Him. I know that is a prayer He longs to answer. He longs for His Word to be our joy and our heart's delight. Do not settle for anything less. He alone more than satisfies a famished soul.

Quote: C. H. Spurgeon sermon, "The Secret Food And The Public Name"; a sermon delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington.

Preparing For Horses And Thickets

"If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?" Jeremiah 12:5

Have you ever played the game of Monopoly? I am sure most of us are familiar with this game. One of my favourite cards tells the participant to "Advance to Go", not only skipping over some possible roadblocks on the way, but collecting an additional $200!!! Or what about the old "Snakes and Ladders" game? When a token landed on the base of a ladder, the player instantly advanced up the board, often missing rows of traps set along the way. 

There are so many times in life when we catch a vision for a new direction. With excitement we start planning and strategizing to see its fulfillment. The problem being, we often want to jump from inspiration to implementation too quickly. We are not fans of the middle, and the work that must be done to strengthen us and bring lasting results. We want the immediate "Advance to Go" or "Ladder" that will instantly take us closer to completion without the challenges that lie in wait along the way.

This is Jeremiah's problem too. He wants the end result without the in-between. Knowing he is struggling to run with "mere men" and already falling on "open ground", God says the prophet is not ready yet for racing horses or traversing thickets. This is so true in our lives also. "Mere men" and "open ground" problems are the day-to-day roadblocks and discouragements that Satan uses to weaken our resolve so that we will not pursue even greater accomplishments. If he can weary us in the early stages of a new calling, he can defeat us before we get too far. He wants us to give up. But, what if the "mere men" and stumbling on "open ground" are evidence we are following God's will? The enemy never tries to dishearten someone going in his direction.

"Mere men" are the training ground for "horses" and the obstacles on "open ground" prepare us for the denseness of the "thicket" that threatens to prevent us from moving forward. God is strengthening us and developing within us the power needed to endure. Without each step along the way, our resolve actually diminishes. As my friend Lina writes in her Bible study, "Through the Desert", "God is too faithful to withhold from us the riches of the desert places in our lives."

Think of the Israelites and their desire to instantly be removed from Egypt and placed in the Promised Land. They wanted to jump directly from A to Z, but their journey took forty years! We also want instant everything without the work involved to ready us for all God has planned ahead. Exodus 13 tells us that God knew His people, and He also knew that the shortest route was where Egypt's military outposts were located. The Israelites were not ready to face this challenge. The opposing armies would make them change their minds and return to Egypt. God, anticipating the dangers they would face, chose not to send them the shortest way, but the safest way. The "desert" was the "mere men" and "open ground" training field for His people. "Mere men" and "open ground" are never an oversight, but a valuable part of our growth.

Where today are you seeking instant gratification? Don't try to race past the integral part of the journey. Reframe your thoughts to consider not only the situations outcome, but the character development that God is going to all this effort to accomplish so that you will be more like His Son. The time for supernatural victory over "horses" and "thickets" is coming, and He is developing in you today the abilities, courage, endurance and knowledge to be greatly used by Him.

"Through the Desert: A Study On God's Faithfulness", by Dr. Lina Abujamra; Esther Press; copyright 2023