TRIUMPH IN TRIBULATION ROSS SMITH

TRIUMPH IN TRIBULATION                                                                                                                                          ROSS SMITH

 

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 Psalm 119:71                                     IT IS GOOD for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.

Some months ago, I would have asked myself, “am I able to make the same confession that the Psalmist made” and probably would have been hesitant in making such affirmation, but in hindsight and by experience, we begin to understand Father’s intentions for us in the circumstances experienced day by day.

It helps to understand why the Psalmist made this comment. In verse 67 of this chapter, it points out that some digression obviously incurred a particular affliction to educate the Psalmist to appreciate and value His statutes.

The Septuagint phrases it this way, “Before I was humbled” in place of the word  “afflicted”, and the Bible dictionary definitions broaden the meanings of “AFFLICTED”, taking it beyond the suffering of physical ailments, to which we so casually apply this verse.

But then, if we skip forward to verse 75, the “AWARENESS” of God’s providence is acknowledged, stating,” IN FAITHFULNESS You have afflicted me”, or maybe better understood as “disciplined me”.

Psalm 119:75                                     I KNOW, O Lord, that Your judgments are right and righteous, and that IN FAITHFULNESS You have afflicted me

The term “IN FAITHFULNESS” also is so incredibly significant, it shows again that He always has my best interest at heart, it is not by chance or coincidence, whatever the “AFFLICTION”, it was tailor-made for me “IN FAITHFULNESS”, I am never out of his sight and care.  (Hebrews  4:13)

We often presumptuously question God’s dealings when all we need is firstly to acknowledge “HIS FAITHFULNESS” and secondly “that I might LEARN Thy statutes “.

Again, the word “LEARN” is replaced in verse 73 by, “give me UNDERSTANDING that I may “LEARN” your commandments”. Now, whether it be “LEARN” or “UNDERSTAND”, both precede EXPERIENCE, the affliction, the discipline that brings us closer to the Lord.  In this context, Romans 5:3 assumes new proportions, stating that the “AFFLICTIONS” are a necessary element of “PATIENCE”, and which Hebrews says we are obviously short of and desperately need! And these “AFFLICTIONS” are a cause for rejoicing because of the fruit they produce. These are good reasons to “TRIUMPH IN TRIBULATION”.

Romans 5:3                                        Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, KNOWING that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

Hebrews 10:36                                  For YOU HAVE NEED OF steadfast patience and endurance, SO THAT you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.

David had learned early on the value of “adhering, trust and relying” (the acronym ATR). In verse 66, he confirms he has been practising this skill.

Psalm 119:66                                     TEACH ME (Maybe by “Affliction”? ..  comment mine) good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, FOR I HAVE believed (trusted, relied on, and clung to) Your commandments.

The events following in verse 67 and verse 71 reinforce that no matter how we think we have developed our relationship with the Lord, there are more and deeper and broader expanses, often exposed to us by “AFFLICTION”.

David acknowledges the timescale involved, or the “circumstances” encountered and realised he had obviously digressed. But then he goes on to acknowledge that his “AFFLICTION” was good for him, just as it is good for us, for we not only appreciate God’s Word but have also experienced God’s Word, and that experience results in understanding, or the benefit of “EXPERIENCE”.

Psalm 119:67                                     BEFORE I WAS AFFLICTED I WENT ASTRAY, BUT NOW Your word do I keep [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it].

Psalm 119:71                                     IT IS GOOD FOR ME that I have been afflicted, that I might LEARN Your statutes.

This “LEARN” is not just a recital of Scripture but a reality. Notice the outcome of verse 67, a perpetuation of deep meditation that produces the obedience called “FAITH”.

In verse 69, the affliction David faced was probably slander when he says, “The arrogant and godless have put together a lie against me”. We must reflect on this affliction “species” because our life of contrast (Ephesians 5:11)  will educe such behaviour patterns from those who observe us.

Matthew 5:11                                    Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you WHEN (Note it is “WHEN” not “IF”  ..  comments mine) people revile you and persecute you and say ALL KINDS OF EVIL THINGS against you falsely on My account.

Our “outward condition” is the one under discipline, whether it be physical, emotional, economic or any other obscure aspect of our circumstance. This only becomes a “reality” when our “adherence, trust and reliance” (ATR) has been tested and proved. Without “Endurance, steadfastness and Patience” together with “adherence, trust and rely”, we have only a “CONFESSION”, where we are expected to be a “DEMONSTRATION”.

Matthew 5:11 constitutes a “REPUTATIONAL AFFLICTION”, but it is not to destroy us but to “HUMBLE us” and is the replacement word for “AFFLICTION”. David said in his words, “it was good for him”, Matthew says in his words, “blessed happy to be envied and spiritually profitable with life joy and satisfaction” as the parallel term for “good for me”, quite an impressive progression.

However, the instruction in verse 12 is essential, “Be GLAD and supremely joyful”, and this leaves no room to question, resent, complain, resist or any other negative reaction to “God’s Faithfulness”.

When we “learn by experience”, then the appreciation of God’s Word deepens, no longer just words on a page but an engraving on our heart and with lasting results.

And the BALM OF GILEAD, that fragrant oleoresin, that precious ointment which in “AFFLICTION” or “DISCIPLINE” or “TEACHING” is the comfort of His statutes and commandments is applied as we emulate the Psalmist in verse 78, “I will MEDITATE on Your precepts. This is how we “TRIUMPH IN TRIBULATION.”

Psalm 1:2                                             But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

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DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD ROSS SMITH

DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF                                                                                                      ROSS SMITH

 

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1  Samuel 30:6                                   David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. BUT DAVID ENCOURAGED AND STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD HIS GOD.

1. David was greatly distressed
2. He was under the threat of death
3. He encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

The scene is set in Ziklag, but the origin of this event started sometime earlier when David became anxious about Saul’s ambition to kill him.

So, he takes 600 men and heads to Philistine territory, a town called Gath, on the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. Goliath came from there, and so David would have been well known as to his fighting prowess. David colluded with the king there, and as a consequence, his men and their families joined David and his wives and set up residence there.

Back in 1 Samuel 27:1 is where the rot set in and is a graphic reminder for us to reflect on this damning habit. “David said in his heart”, or as we understand, he engaged in “SILENT DEBATE”.

This habit so undermines and destroys our “Adherence, Trust and Reliance”, and David is a great lesson for us. Because of his “SILENT DEBATE”, he defected to the enemy and infected 600 families by joining with the Philistine’s and spent 16 months collaborating with king Ashish.

Ziklag was quite near Gath, where the king resided, so no doubt the inappropriate liaison continued when David set up his living arrangements.

In his inimitable fashion, David reverts to his warlike character and further deviates from God by lying to Achish about his raids and his ruthless extermination of some of the enemies of Israel. He has not only defected, but he has also declined.

Eventually, the liaison with the Philistine king leads to David and his men joining with this foreign army. As the Philistine army is preparing to go to war, including David and his men, the Philistine hierarchy of Lords found out about David and his 600  and promptly kicked them out. Now probably with his tail between his legs, David takes three days to get back home to Ziklag.

It was a very discouraging day for David, for when he returned from the battlefield with his men, they discovered that in their absence, the city had been raided and ransacked by a group of terrorists, their families were missing, and the city had been looted and burned. In some sort of convoluted way, the men held David responsible for what had happened and were suggesting that they should stone him. Ziklag no longer existed; the Amalekites had burnt the whole town down and made prisoners of the inhabitants, mainly wives and children of the 600 men. It also included, however, David’s two wives.

In 1 Samuel 30:6, David faces an “INSURMOUNTABLE” or a “SANCTIFIED EXPERIENCE”, “he was greatly distressed”. Father uses events, circumstances, trials and temptations in His quest to conform us to His image and likeness, but do we recognise God at work?

To his credit, David began to see God at work. He had wept bitterly, not only for his family but realised in his backslidden state he was the one responsible for all this, the destruction of the city and the capture of the people.

Now comes the lovely lesson, one we have been superficially nibbling around the edges, that is, God is at work even when it looks like a disaster.

Many people in such circumstances rush off to the doctor for some “antidepressants” or get referred to a shrink to try and adjust their head, but the problem is about 30 cm lower, in their heart.

“DAVID ENCOURAGED AND STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD”.

HOW DO YOU DO THAT? Do you know how to encourage yourself, or are you always looking for encouragement from an external source? David probably did some deep soul-searching and realised it was God’s intervention, using the Philistine hierarchy to send him and his men home at a critical time, immediately after the disaster, even while the smoke is still rising. He probably reflected what he had written in one of his Psalms,

Psalm 43:5                                          Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my [SAD] countenance, and my God.

Through prayer, he received directions from the Lord. “You are to pursue after them.”

Through prayer, he received the promise of the Lord. “You will overtake them and recover everything that was taken.”

What if God had said, “No, David, your wives and your possessions are gone”? It would have been hard, but I think David would have submitted.

We cannot write our own terms when we come to the Lord. We can’t say, “Lord, I’ll come back if You will do what I want.” He is the Lord, which means He does what He wants, which doesn’t always fit with what I want.

Submission means that I let Him call the shots. Whether He says, “It’s all gone,” or whether He graciously gives it back, I must submit.

There is a place for “ENCOURAGEMENT”, but the qualifications of those seeking men’s assistance identify a less than an attractive scene. Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians starts out with the rabble, includes the “timid and fainthearted”, and lumps them into the same group as “WEAK SOULS”.

1 Thessalonians 5:14                      And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; ENCOURAGE the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper]

If it were not for this “PROVIDENTIAL PREPARATION” of God, David could have been away for an extended period of time as was usual in war, and who knows where or what would have been the fate of the families. As it was, the raid was so recent that the smoke was still lingering over the debris, so the Amalekites and the captives were probably not far away.

David has been in tight spots before; we all know well his exploits, and it is the “EXPERIENCE” he has gone through that now at this critical juncture, jogs him to realise, “I NEED TO ADHERE, TRUST AND RELY”, and so he set about it because there was no one else to do it, the 600 men held him responsible and as a consequence, sought to stone him.

Faith is taking God at His Word, often in the face of overwhelming circumstances to the contrary, and then obediently ACTING upon that Word until what is promised is reality. That is ACTIVE “Adhere, trust and rely.”

What got David into this mess, it was his “SILENT DEBATE”, as recorded in verse one

Isaiah gives us good counsel,

Isaiah 40:31                                        But THOSE who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

If you read the previous verses, 15 to 30, the futility of man without that awareness of God’s “INCONCEIVABLE GREATNESS” is graphic, but verse 31 puts the onus right back on us. It starts out, “THEY”, meaning those who are facing the educational and providential hand of God in our current or next circumstance.

Isaiah doesn’t give any quarter, no second or third party coming to the aid of the “THEY”, but squarely stating that it is up to us to defer to the Lord, and so, how do we do that?

Paul gives some direction,

1 Corinthians  10:13                        For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [NO MATTER HOW IT COMES OR WHERE IT LEADS] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), THAT YOU MAY BE CAPABLE AND STRONG AND POWERFUL TO BEAR UP UNDER IT PATIENTLY.

God is faithful to His Word; that’s where we head, that’s where we find our directions to locate the escape route or the landing place. We don’t escape the lesson, but if we respond positively, we escape the consequences.

If we choose to dismiss, or ignore, or gloss over seemingly insignificant events, such as being sent home by the Philistine’s, we will not have the experience to “ENCOURAGE OURSELVES”. David’s previous encounters and experiences come flooding back to his mind where God had “ENABLED” him in his deeds of renown.

This disaster is about to achieve its purpose, to arrest David’s full attention, same as happens in our circumstance under God’s “COMPASSIONATE COMPULSION.”

David didn’t have the benefit of the Word of God, such as we have today but reverted to the Old Testament method of finding God’s will. This great warrior, now wifeless and responsible for 600 widowers,  goes to the priest, not for the priest’s counsel but in search of the God he has neglected.

Have we not had an experience where in hindsight, we can see Father was trying to reform us but did we learn the lesson, or did we complain? The test is when we get direction, viz “EXPERIENCE”, it should change our behaviour. If we continue to do what David did in verse one that is “SILENTLY DEBATE”, then we have learned nothing, no appreciation that the Word is my encouragement and direction as I earnestly seek it like gold, spelt out in Isaiah 40:31 above.

The method David used to “ENCOURAGE HIMSELF IN THE LORD” was that which Jeremiah recommends and is appropriate for us today.

Jeremiah 33:3                                    Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognise, have knowledge of and UNDERSTAND).

These “THINGS” Jeremiah refers to often constitute the “INSURMOUNTABLES” of life’s exigencies, sometimes sickness, sometimes a disaster, sometimes crushing defeats. Still, if we are submissive to God, we will come to “UNDERSTAND”, which results from “EXPERIENCE”.

Isaiah 48:10-11                                 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried and chosen you in the furnace of affliction. (V11) FOR MY OWN SAKE, FOR MY OWN SAKE, I DO IT [I refrain and do not utterly destroy you]; for why should I permit My name to be polluted and profaned [which it would be if the Lord completely destroyed His chosen people]? And I will not give My glory to another [by permitting the worshipers of idols to triumph over you].

The result of David’s repentance, acceptance, and recognition of God in this event, his “AWARENESS” was not only effective for David, but the Council of God was also so profound that it convinced his army, those who just some short time before, the 600 men,  were organising to stone him, now they join him.

How remarkable an encounter with God can change the attitude, behaviour, and destiny of hundreds.

2 Corinthians 6:1                              LABORING TOGETHER (Collaboration with God is always the assurance of victory, “despite outward conditions”  ..  comments mine) [as God’s fellow workers] with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain [that merciful kindness by which GOD EXERTS HIS HOLY INFLUENCE ON SOULS AND TURNS THEM TO CHRIST, keeping and strengthening them–do not receive it to no purpose]. (God’s COMPASSIONATE COMPULSION)

  

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SELF CONTROL ROSS SMITH

SELF CONTROL                                                                                                                                                ROSS SMITH 160921

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We are so very well equipped with knowledge from the Word of God; we can cite Scripture at the drop of a hat for the circumstances prevailing for other people, yet when we are faced with dealing with our own events, we regularly become impotent.

2 Peter 1:6                                          And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] SELF CONTROL, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),

From the expressions Peter uses, there are two things required of us, first is “EXERCISE“, which will result in “fitness”, but then we are required to “DEVELOP“, which is to “enlarge or extend”.

In this case, we are talking about “SELF CONTROL“, and as we well know, it is the fruit of the Spirit amongst the several specified in Galatians 5:22 – 23. The fruit of the Spirit is the change in our character that comes about because of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. If we lack “SELF CONTROL“, we often forfeit the control of the Holy Spirit.

“SELF CONTROL” (called “temperance” in the KJV) is, of course, the ability to control oneself. It involves moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to our base desires and fleshly lusts.

One proof of God working in our lives is the ability to control our own thoughts, words, and actions. Romans 6:18 uses the words,” conformity to the divine will in thought, purpose, and action).”

It is not that we are naturally weak-willed, but our fallen nature is under the influence of sin. The Bible calls it being a “slave to sin” (Romans 6:6). One definition of sin is “filling a legitimate need through illegitimate means“, and Corinthians describes it eloquently.

1 Corinthians 10:23                         All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].

Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are incapable of knowing and choosing our best means to meet our needs.

We, as Christ representatives, need self-control because the outside world and internal forces still tend to attack us. Romans 7:21 – 25 gives an excellent description of the war waged in our members and how we must have our defences at a ready.

“SELF CONTROL has as a natural requirement the characteristic of “PERSEVERANCE“, or as we see in 1 John 5, it is called “ADHERENCE“. This means that we value the long-term good instead of the instant gratification of the world. Self-control is a gift that frees us, frees us to enjoy the benefits of a healthy body, frees us to rest in the security of good stewardship, and frees us from a guilty conscience.

“SELF CONTROL” enables us to restrict the indulgence of our foolish desires and passions and releases us to find the liberty to love and live as we were meant to.

It is an unfortunate fact of life, becoming more evident in the days we live, that a lack of “SELF CONTROL leads to anarchy and rebellion. We have seen recently that people find it impossible to comply with the government’s demands, and so frequent our streets in mobs, blatantly rebelling.

We are not unfamiliar with what Samuel says in describing rebellion but maybe have not yet “DEVELOPED” the self-control that Peter nominated. If we exercise the knowledge we have accumulated to develop the conformity God requires; then we will be able to perpetuate the “DEVELOPMENT” as a preservative against “WITCHCRAFT“, which occurs as a consequence of lack of “SELF CONTROL“.

1 Samuel 15:23                                 FOR REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim (household good luck images).

THE EXERCISE OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-CONTROL NOW BECOMES AN IMPERATIVE.

 

COMPASSIONATE COMPULSION ROSS SMITH

 COMPASSIONATE COMPULSION                                                                                                                              ROSS SMITH

 

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Philippians 1:12                                But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Paul in the above scripture recognises God’s “PROVIDENTIAL PREPARATION”, not rueing his state but revelling in it. His attitude was contagious because, in verse 14, he says his brethren were “indifferent to the consequences.”  Then in verse 16, he states, “they recognise and know that I am [providentially] put here.”

One phrase in verse 12 we tend to miss, Paul wants them to “understand”, and we are aware that this word means “experience”. So, he is not looking for their commiserations but their engagement.

God’s providence is not to be interpreted in fragments, and we need to see the “WHOLE”,  to see the ADVANTAGE in the DISADVANTAGE. The admirable Wisdom of the PROVIDENCE OF GOD is, that it is “MANY SIDED”.

Ephesians 3:10                                  THE PURPOSE IS] that through the church the COMPLICATED, MANY-SIDED WISDOM OF GOD in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.

Not be “potential” or the “maybe”, but THE PURPOSE IS.

So, Paul, even amid the events that I call “GOD’S EMPHASIS” (circumstances, events, trials that God employs for our good) concentrates His purpose into a succinct phase

(1)                Promote Progress

(2)               Joy in believing, the ability to “adhere, trust,  and rely”, which is the expansion of believe.

For much of his writing, he sets out to put things right, establish order, promote holiness, or in other words, “PROGRESS”. But, progress has a price.

Philippians 1:28-30                          And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] (AKA “Adherence,Trust,Reliance”)  will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.  (29)  FOR YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED [THE PRIVILEGE] for Christ’s sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER IN HIS BEHALF. (30)   So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still].

Remember he said in Philippians 1, 2, “I want you to understand”, so here is the confirmation, “you are engaged in the same conflict”.

If we think we have it hard or had it hard, then we need to think again because these thoughts are misconceptions, or what James 1:22 says, “deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth”.

And so, Paul then proceeds to the second part of his urging, (Phil 1:25) “TO PROMOTE YOUR PROGRESS AND JOY IN BELIEVING.”(That is, “adhering, trusting and relying…  Comments mine)  This sort of attitude is not difficult when the seas are calm, and the winds but a zephyr, and the road has been freshly graded, but the test is, as Paul says, is to promote “progress and JOY in believing”.

We must realise that we are to face trials and troubles and come out the other side, WITH EXPERIENCE or with developed “adhere, trust and rely”, which is true believing.

Paul uses such economy of words, but with such profound intent, each word “God-breathed” when we pause to consider and contemplate. He confirms the principles in verse 29, establishing that to gain “EXPERIENCE” demands troubles.

The Apostle then becomes lyrical in chapter 2:1 using expansive language to identify, what we see as his unenviable lot, with those with similar ambition. His expressions form a most interesting phrase, which we are inclined to gloss over without extracting the nourishment.

Philippians 2:1                                   SO BY whatever [appeal to you there is in our mutual dwelling in Christ, by whatever] strengthening and consoling and encouraging [our relationship] in Him [affords], by whatever PERSUASIVE INCENTIVE there is in love, by whatever participation in the [Holy] Spirit [we share], and by whatever depth of affection and compassionate sympathy,

• Mutual dwelling in Christ
• Strengthening and consoling, and encouraging in relationship
• PERSUASIVE INCENTIVE (God’s emphasis as explained earlier)
• Participation in the Holy Spirit we share (AKA “fellowship”)
• Depth of affection
• Compassionate sympathy (by way of mutual experience)

Isn’t the term “PERSUASIVE INCENTIVE” a nice way of describing the extent Father goes to develop our conformity, events and circumstances we have so often objected to because we didn’t or couldn’t see the “PERSUASIVE INCENTIVE”. In my terms, I can call it MOTIVATING INFLUENCE or that process to reach the goal.

What is your spiritual motivation? Firstly, it should be to please the Lord. We can do that in numerous ways, but the headline is “OBEDIENCE”.

John 14:15                                          If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.  (See also v 23)

So, we see that “MOTIVATION IS BEHAVIOUR”, the drive behind what we do, that “PERSUASION” to act in a particular way.

“INCENTIVES”.  In societal terms, they are “carrots”, but there is no such intent here. It doesn’t matter how humongous the “INCENTIVE” is; it will not provoke much response if it is not aligned with our goals or purposes.

That’s a good reason to go deep in God’s Word so that our “Purpose, thought and action” is stimulated by the nature of the one Who gave us the Word and can be imitated. Our Purpose, Thought and Action are to be like Jesus, and I don’t need to enlarge on that goal because it is part of the “elementary” of Hebrews 6:1 and is interesting in New Living Translation.

Hebrew 6:1(NLT)                              So let us stop going over the basics of Christianity again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. (There’s that word again!) Surely we don’t need to start all over again with the importance of turning away from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

The Bible says, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14), and if we are not experiencing pressure, it may mean we are just “one of the called?” It may also mean that you are not in the right place.

What motivates me to welcome and rejoice in pressure is the picture the Word paints of my potential, not just in the brevity of my life but what lies ahead in the heavenly realm.

Luke 22:28-30                                    And you are those who have remained [throughout] and persevered with Me in My trials; (V29)  And as My Father has appointed a kingdom and conferred it on Me, so do I confer on you [the privilege and decree], (V30)  That you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

In 1 Corinthians 15:19, it points out that if we have only hope in this life, then we are all people most miserable and to be pitied. PRESSURE IS PURPOSED TO POINT OUR ATTENTION TO THE PRESSURISER; IT IS THE “INSURMOUNTABLES” THAT MAKE THE “COMMENDABLES”.

Returning to Philippians, chapter 3:13 says, “forgetting what lies behind and “STRAINING FORWARD” to what lies ahead”. This verse establishes anticipation of progress, not dwelling on what has transpired but STRAINING FORWARD, indicative that the route ahead will demand our practised “ENDURANCE, STEADFASTNESS PATIENCE”.

It also demands a focus on the goal, no detours, no distractions, no excuses, but STRAINING FORWARD, with a single eye and ambition. How frequently we stopped to look back in the instruction is plain, “forgetting what lies behind”.

This is particularly applicable to what James said in 1:22, “reasoning contrary to the truth”. Any baggage we brought with us, even from yesterday, James calls “deception”.

The “straining forward” is not to haul along our baggage but to stretch our reach for higher goals to “what lies ahead”. One word of warning, what lies ahead in our pursuit of “CONFORMITY” includes “God’s Emphasis” (see the study by this name)  comprising trials, tribulations, temptations, all meant to prove us, to prove our “adherence, trust and reliance”.

All we experience is God’s “COMPASSIONATE COMPULSION” for HIS PURPOSE.

 

SELAH

 

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LET BE ROSS SMITH

LET BE                                                                                                                                     ROSS SMITH

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Psalm  46:10 (A)                                LET BE and be still, and know (recognise and understand) that I am God –

Two little words “LET BE” but with a wealth of meaning. So often unexplored because of the simplicity but emphasised by the depth of value. We must stop and imbibe every expression of God’s Word, no matter how seemingly unimportant, because they are “God-breathed”, so demand our contemplation.

We often consider the “LET BE” of Psalm 46:10 is simply to rid ourselves of situations or circumstances that often form the basis for “SILENT DEBATE”, those discussions we conduct as internal dialogue and are most often caustic and involve other people.  Indeed, it certainly covers this but contemplating the extent of this expression yields far more intent.

This “LET BE” also refers to those things that interfere with developing our awareness of God on a moment by moment experience. We know, but frequently do not recognise these things as “DISTRACTIONS.” They come in many devious ways; we are all prone, well-practised, and have no excuse.

Scripture often uses the words “DRAWN AWAY”, and most relevant is;

James 1:14                                          But every person is tempted WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY, enticed and baited BY HIS OWN evil desire (lust, passions).

This “DRAWN AWAY” are distractions that are conceived in the womb of our preferences, that is, those things not “suited and requisite for life and godliness.” In themselves, these “Things that distract” may not inherently be seen as inappropriate; however, they contradict the principles we have been urged to practice. Very frequently, they involve either people or things confronting our pride, which is a further clue as to the inappropriateness.

We know “our thoughts are not His thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8), but He wants to change that. It is in that moment by moment “AWARENESS” that we will consistently “Roll our works upon Him” (Proverbs 16:3)  with the consequence, “He will all CAUSE our thoughts to become agreeable to his will.

Zephaniah 2:1 begins to set down the principle of “LETTING BE” in unambiguous terms.

Zephaniah 2:1 (A)                             COLLECT YOUR THOUGHTS, yes, unbend yourselves —

The first instruction is “COLLECT YOUR THOUGHTS.” This clearly suggests that our thoughts can be or are SCATTERED, a succinct description of “distractions”. This “COLLECTING” skill might take some little time to develop momentum because much of our “SCATTERED THOUGHTS” are in reminiscence of things either previously enjoyed or endured or of things anticipated. To “COLLECT OUR THOUGHTS” is then to apply the Word of God.

1. DON’T LOOK BACK. Luke 9:62  Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.
2. DON’T ANTICIPATE. Matthew 6:34  So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
3. DON’T PRESUME. Romans 14:23 (B) For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].
4. DON’T SUCCUMB TO PREFERENCES. James 1:14 (B) “enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions).”

It is inappropriate for us to try and pin our preferences on His providence

“COLLECTING OUR THOUGHTS” is not like collecting eggs; it is firstly the selection of thought and then the culling of thought. If we choose to “Think on things above” (Colossians 3:2), we will have a lot less culling to do!!! Culling generally includes death, and “sense and reason without the Holy Spirit is death” (Romans 8:6), and sense and reason, in this case, embraces “SCATTERED THOUGHTS” of distractions, or the product of a wandering mind.

This complicates matters, for, on the one hand, we want to think as God thinks. Still, on the other hand, we engage in reverie, that is, daydreaming, preoccupation, inattention and absentmindedness. Maybe a better term is “DOUBLEMINDEDNESS”. The outcome of “doublemindedness” is the toxic bacterium of “instability in everything” (James 1:8)  and further scattering of our thoughts and our application of the Truth.

Just like heaven and earth are contrary one to the other, both cannot be followed together; affection for things earthly will weaken and abate affection for things heavenly.

The “evil thoughts” of James 1:14 are not evil in themselves but in their consequence. Several translators used the term “Gather yourselves together” instead of “Collect your thoughts”, and the Hebrew meaning is that of collecting stubble or a time of drought. Strong’s calls it “sapless through drought.” It also means, “Sift yourselves, separate the wheat from the chaff. This is the very scenario of “SCATTERED THOUGHTS”, with lots of useless chaff and very few things of consequence.

Paul gives an alternative description of the same process and says “LET BE” in unambiguous terms, and the words “HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH” should be a stark warning for us to guard against distractions.

If after we have enjoyed our “wallowing” in the mire of countless distractions, we pause to analyse their content, we will generally find they were “trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings” (2 Timothy 2:23)   because they have not provided either an answer or a solution nor has our experience been that of the Psalmist when he wrote,

Psalm 104:34                                     May my meditation be sweet to Him; as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord.

Meditation is the calm and quiet dwelling of our heart and mind upon a truth until that truth has time to take up residence in our mind and pervade it with its influence. Meditation is the quiet thinking on single truths, the steady setting of attentive thought “drawn away” in the proper sense from other distracting things and concentrated on this truth alone.

2 Timothy 2:23                                  But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels.

There is a term for this, and it is most often used in relation to political enunciations.   BLOVIATION is a style of empty, pompous speech described  as “the art of speaking for as long as the occasion warrants and saying nothing.”

Matthew 12:36                                 But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak.

It is hard to make something out of nothing unless you use “SILENT DEBATE”, then our misdirected internal dialogue can create all sorts of scenarios out of that which is nothing. The Bible calls them “IMAGINATIONS”, and 2 Corinthians 10:5 particularly instructs us to “LET BE” by “CASTING DOWN.” (KJV)

Paul says this creativity is prompted by, and is acting in the way of the flesh and calls it in verse two “the low level of worldly motives”.

2 Corinthians 10:2                            I entreat you when I do come [to you] that I may not [be driven to such] boldness as I intend to show toward those few who suspect us of acting according to the flesh [ON THE LOW LEVEL OF WORLDLY MOTIVES and as if invested with only human powers].

The alternative is in Psalm 92, with verses 5 to 6 making a comparison between the “AWARE” and the “UNAWARE.”

Psalm  92:5                                         How great are Your doings, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep. (The “AWARENESS”)   (V6)  A man in his rude and uncultivated state knows not, neither does a [self-confident] fool understand this: (The “UNAWARENESS”)

When we are successfully dealing with our “SCATTERED THOUGHTS”, when we “LET BE”, the drought breaks and verses 12 to 14 of Psalm 92 paints a glorious panorama of the evidence of such comportment,

• Fruitful in old age like Zachariah and Elizabeth
• Full of sap or vitality
• Rich in verdure, or the evidence of “trust, love and contentment”.

So, Zephaniah 2:1 is demanding we enquire into ourselves, examine our motives, respond to the pricks and goads of conscience, abandon mundane ruminations and do as Paul exhorted the Philippians, “striving side by side and contending WITH A SINGLE MIND for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). “ (Philippians 1:27 (B)

This requires the “UNBENDING YOURSELVES” from the rigidity of habit and preference, and Zephaniah further applies the pressure, nominating that to fail to comply is shameful and ignorance of conformity, no sense of shame and no consciousness of sin.

Verse 1 (B)                                          “UNBEND YOURSELVES [in submission and see if there is no sense of shame and no consciousness of sin left in you], O shameless nation [not desirous or desired]!”

One good reason for this intense exertion to “GATHER OUR THOUGHTS” is contained in verse 2,

Zephaniah 2:2                                    THE TIME FOR REPENTANCE IS SPEEDING BY LIKE CHAFF WHIRLED BEFORE THE WIND!] THEREFORE CONSIDER, (Or in the terms, we are using, “COLLECT YOUR THOUGHTS”.. comments mine) before God’s decree brings forth [the curse upon you], BEFORE THE TIME [TO REPENT] IS GONE LIKE THE DRIFTING CHAFF, before the fierce anger of the Lord comes upon you–yes, before the day of the wrath of the Lord comes upon you!

The “LET BE” now becomes a compelling instruction, not only restructuring our thought patterns opening up the access to both the surpassing peace of His presence but also knowing Him more deeply et cetera. (Philippians 3:10)

 “LET BE is the same as “LEAVE IT ALONE”. How often we like to fiddle and meddle. This is where the discipline of “LET BE” becomes an imperative, and if we stop for a moment to review our “SCATTERED THOUGHTS”, we will frequently find that they are centred on things unconducive to spiritual maturity and rapidly deteriorate that leads to unrest.

We have been afforded “Peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7); however, we forfeit that right by our engaging in “WORTHLESS THOUGHTS” and that unwillingness to “LET BE”. We are like a dog with a bone!!!

If it is none of our business, then we do not need to engage in the debate, and Paul told it how it was in 1 Thessalonians  4:11 (B), “endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs”, and if it is our business, we have all the resources freely given us that are “He has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, (2Peter 1:3)

If we are not totally convinced that our deliberations are “sense and reason WITH the Holy Spirit” (Romans 8:6), then the sooner we “COLLECT OUR THOUGHTS AND UNBEND OURSELVES”, the sooner we will recover our peace.

Ephesians 4:17 (ISV)                       Therefore, I tell you AND INSIST ON in the Lord not to live any longer like the gentiles live, THINKING WORTHLESS THOUGHTS.

Proverbs 26:17                                  He who, passing by, STOPS TO MEDDLE with strife that is none of his business is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

“SCATTERED THOUGHTS” are frequently the result of DISCONTENT and are seldom accepting of the circumstance in which we are found, and now know that is a position remote from the Lord.

The “would be, could be, should be” that attires these distractions are just fancy dress, looking for a venue to flaunt itself, and the enemy will readily oblige, serving to boost our pride.

Two words will help us divest ourselves of that unnecessary chatter that populates our “SILENT DEBATE” and which we need to implement urgently because “THE TIME FOR REPENTANCE IS SPEEDING BY LIKE CHAFF WHIRLED BEFORE THE WIND.” Keeping these words in the forefront of our minds will assist in “LETTING BE” and its damaging consequences. These words are “CONVERSATION CONSERVATION” and are a firm principle of God’s Word.

Ecclesiastes 5:2                                 Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven, and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few.

James 1:19                                          UNDERSTAND [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], SLOW TO SPEAK, slow to take offense and to get angry.

A good reason to “CONSERVE OUR CONVERSATION” is because that internal dialogue or “SILENT DEBATE” has PRIDE as its Genesis and almost without exclusion tends to cause anger. Does not the instruction, “LET BE” or “LEAVE IT ALONE”, loom large on the curriculum of “CONFORMITY?”

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