Isaiah 2:2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
In an unstable and shaky world, the "mountain of the Lord's house" is the place of stability. Isaiah prophesied that in the latter days (today) people would decide to "flow into" God's house saying, "He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.”
People are hungry for answers. People want to make sense of life. As Christ's church we have a golden opportunity to change a generation. God has positioned us as "mountains," which are unmistakable landmarks in any landscape.
Everyone is looking. Let's show them what Jesus can do!
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory." ~ Romans 5:2 (NLT)
We are living in a society that feels entitled to things that must be earned and maintained through diligence. To be sure, God wants to bless people with the necessities of life such as shelter, food, health, and education. These are foundational to life and stability.
"This place" of which the Apostle Paul speaks, in a specific context can represent places such as ministry office, leadership over people, and recognized authority in Christ's Church. These are not "places" to which we have a right.
These are places of "undeserved privilege." With privilege comes great responsibility and necessary accountability. In the absence of these, the privilege must be revoked.
However, when we humbly accept our places of undeserved privilege and serve with faithfulness, under proper authority, we will partake of God's promise to share in the measure of God's glory which He gives to fulfill His purposes.
2 Cor 13:11 (NJKV) Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Some of the Apostle Paul's greatest insights came at the end of his letters. While reading this benediction, as part of my morning devotions, two words stood out from this text:
"Become complete"
The King James Version reads, "Be perfect." The New International Version reads, "Strive for full restoration."
The statement, "become complete" in the original Greek means this:
1) to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete
2) to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair
3) to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust
4) to fit or frame for one's self, prepare
5) to make one what he ought to be
Becoming complete must be our aim, more than finding fault in others, and more than worrying about what you don't have. Becoming complete is part of the firm foundation on which we live.
Here's a powerful prayer, "Lord, help me become complete. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
View this Article at:
http://www.bryanhudson.com/2012/09/the-lost-art-of-loyalty_7725.html
James 2:15 (NKJV) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:17 (Amplified) So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).
We often use the word "faith" by itself. We say, "I have faith." In reality, faith is never alone. "Faith" is shorthand for something like, "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action." Just as the text indicates that faith alone would not benefit a person in need, faith in all areas should result in "deeds and actions of obedience." I see three keys to genuine faith:
- First: Our faith is in God, not in ourselves.
- Second: Our faith is based on biblical truth. What we need and want is consistent with God's will, God's word and God's plan.
- Third: Our faith leads to actions that correspond to what is believed. Faith is no leap in the dark. Real faith (or "Faith in God, according to His scriptural promises, with corresponding action.") looks like a plan.
To be clear: We don't invent actions to make it look like we have faith. The actions flow out of genuine faith and obedience to God.
Sometimes concerns motivate us to take better corresponding actions in relation to our faith in God in a matter. It isn't always about, "Devil get behind me!" It is sometimes about, "Get your behind moving!"
Remember these words, "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6:12) A "good fight" is one in which we enter the arena prepared, take some hits, dish out more hits, and continue fighting based on the strength that God supplies.
