A Declaration of Dependence

"So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed."
(John 8:36)
Saturday, July 4th, is America's 233rd birthday, an annual celebration and commemoration of our country's "Independence Day".

While I am grateful for the blessings and privileges that have resulted from my American citizenship, I am not heralding my country's independence in this post. Instead, I am proclaiming complete and total dependence ... on the Lord Jesus Christ. The liberty that interests me is the freedom found in Him.

Our earthly homes and temporal circumstances are just that: earthly and temporal. Yet, where we live and what we face are neither random nor insignificant. Acts 17:24-28 reveals the purposeful eternal kingdom plan of God: "The God Who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.' For in Him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.' "

There's a fine line but an imperative distinction between independence and freedom. As my associate pastor illustrated in his message this past Sunday, independence implies self-sufficiency--the ability to stand alone and the exemption from reliance on or control by others. Freedom, in contrast, intimates a deliverance from bondage and oppression, including full and unrestricted access to accompanying rights and privileges. Just consider: those who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord are His heirs (reference, among others, Acts 3:25; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29, 4:7). Therefore, we have every legal right and freedom to His full and gracious inheritance (reference, among others, Ephesians 1:13-23; Colossians 1:12, 3:24; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4)!

An individual who--and a nation which--attempts to live independently of the Lord Jesus Christ is choosing a proverbial hard row to hoe, risking current freedom in Him as well as eternal freedom with Him. Why would we choose self-sufficiency when His grace is sufficient (reference 2 Corinthians 12:9)? Why would we choose independence when our salvation and honor depend upon Him (reference Psalm 62:7)?

"This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.' " (Jeremiah 17:5-8)

That principle applies to nations as well as to inviduals. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ... no king is saved by the size of his army," extols Psalm 33:12, 16.

Dependence is defined as "the state of relying upon someone or something". The Someone on Whom every nation and all of creation must rely is the Lord Jesus Christ. Job 8 recounts: "Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? ... Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold." (verses 3, 11-15). Now in this particular passage of Scripture, Bildad, in attempt to explain Job's suffering, wrongly accuses him. However, the generalization of Bildad's words ring true: those who forget (or outright reject) God are deceived and will eventually find themselves groundless.

Precious ones, time is short. Independence is inconsequential. What matters is freedom, eternal liberty in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our glorious inheritance in Him hinges upon our humble dependence on Him. Let's declare it.

Precious Father, thank You for being our depender and our defender (reference Psalm 68:5)! Thank You for the freedom You provide through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, forgive us for failing to depend upon You. Forgive us for striving in self-sufficiency when You have promised to provide our every need (reference Philippians 4:19). Forgive us for remaining in self-inflicted bondage when You have set us free (reference Psalm 81:6, 119:32, 146:7; Romans 6:18-22; Galatians 5:1). Forgive us for preferring to stay in our little corner of the world when You have given us the keys to the kingdom (reference Matthew 16:19)! We depend upon You. We declare it, Lord, and we ask for boldness as we share it. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, My Savior, and "Heir of all things" (reference Hebrews 1:2). Amen.

"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks
that they must turn to God in repentance
and have faith in our Lord Jesus."
(Acts 20:21)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "Don't Forget to Remember"
• "There's a Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On"
• "In God We Trust"
• "The Great Depression"
• "Blessed is the Nation ..."

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Don't Forget to Remember ...

"... they were longing for a better country--
a heavenly one."
(Hebrews 11:16)
Beloved, today is Memorial Day in the United States of America, a day when Americans pay tribute to the men and women who have served--and are serving--in our country's military forces. It's also a day when we memorialize those who have died in their service.

My father and husband have served in this nation's armed forces, and even as I lift prayers and give thanks for the lives and service of all in our military, my heart is longing for a country of my own, the one in which I, and all Christians, will eternally dwell (reference Hebrews 11:13-16).

And, as I remember our American troops, I am also interceding for those serving the country of Israel, God's chosen land. My spirit is grieved for the battle-weary state, and the words of the Lord as recorded by the prophet, Joel, have been on my heart this past week: "In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter in judgment against them concerning My inheritance, My people Israel, for they scattered My people among the nations and divided up My land." (Joel 3:1-2).

This morning, I was also drawn to remember a different kind of memorial, that which Aaron, the high priest, wore on his shoulders and over his heart (reference Exodus 28): " 'Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.' ... 'Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD.' " (verses 12b and 29).

Beloved, even as we give thanks and praise for the abundant and gracious blessings, which the Lord has bestowed upon us in our temporary residence, let us never forget that this earth is not our home. "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20).

Today, as you pause to remember American veterans, remember, too, those soldiers in the Lord's army, serving the cause of Christ (reference 2 Timothy 2:1-7). And, don't forget to remember the source of our true freedom, for "... the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25; see also 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1).

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of this day. Let us never forget to remember You and Your eternal kingdom plan; may our every thought, word, and deed be in accordance with Your good will, purpose, and pleasure. Keep our eyes eternally focused, precious Lord, and keep our hearts heaven-bound. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the great High Priest in Whom I confess (reference Hebrews 3:1, 4:14, 6:20). Amen.

"I will perpetuate Your memory
through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise You
for ever and ever."
(Psalm 45:17)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "There's a Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On"
• "In God We Trust"
• "Blessed is the Nation ..."

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Not Guilty ... by Association

"Then he showed me
Joshua the high priest
standing before the angel of the LORD,
and Satan standing at his right side
to accuse him."
(Zechariah 3:1)
For the better part of 20 years, I have suffered from chronic migraine headaches. My migraines begin with a shortness of breath, followed by a paralyzing and lingering pain on the right side of my shoulder, neck, and head. Just this week, I awoke on Monday with a migraine. Today is Saturday, and although the initial nausea and intense pain is gone, the stiffness, discomfort, and shortness of breath remain. In one dreadful instance, several years ago, the aftershocks lasted for over a month!

My head is so rarely completely clear, that I hardly remember what it feels like to function without pressing through the discomfort. As I've prayed through these debilitating headaches over the years, the Lord has led me to several Scriptures, but none have resonated like the one above from Zechariah 3.

As I mentioned, my migraines are always on my right side (with one exception in 2003). As I read Zechariah 3 last autumn, this portion hit me afresh: "Satan standing at his right side to accuse him".

Beloved, in the name, power, and authority of Jesus Christ, I rebuke Satan and any of his minions flanking and accusing me! We are free of condemnation in Christ Jesus. The righteous are innocent because of His shed blood. By association with Him, we are not guilty.

But, that doesn't stop our accuser. The big loser. Even if the enemy can not reverse the Lord's verdict, he will try to neutralize, paralyze, and terrorize us to the end. Try as he might, however, he can not condemn us. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2).

Jesus Christ, in His purity and righteousness as the Son of God, assumed every shred of our deserved condemnation, every bit of our warranted guilt, when He perished on the cross. And, He when He arose victoriously from the tomb three days later, we who live in Him were pronounced innocent ... not guilty by our association with the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Precious ones, let us live in that freedom! Let us not be depressed, oppressed, suppressed, or otherwise harassed by one who has no authority to judge us! Accuse as he may, the enemy is blowing hot air. "Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He Who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign LORD Who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment the moths will eat them up." (Isaiah 50:8-9).

As I clung to the Lord and sought His comfort and reassurance during this latest attack, He led me to Psalms 34 and 37. "I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. ... The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. ... The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry ... The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. ... Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34).

"... Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. ... For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. ... The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke. ... Those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand. ... I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. ... For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever ... the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. ... The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial. Wait for the LORD and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. ... The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him." (Psalm 37).

Beloved, I have prayed for insight into my headaches. I have pled for relief. I have begged for mercy, all the while considering those who truly live in chronic pain and disease exceeding the relative insignificance of my headaches. I have not yet received a reprieve, but I know that His "grace is sufficient" and His "power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Beyond that, I know that Christ Jesus and His indwelling Spirit are interceding on my behalf ... and on the behalf of all who put their trust and hope in Him. "... The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. ... Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:26-27, 33-35).

Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. No one can prosecute us before Him. We are burning sticks, whom He has snatched from the fire. He has removed our filthy rags, clothing us in the richness of clean garments (reference Zechariah 3:2-5). We are free, and, soon, He will dwell among us. "He will wipe every tear from (our) eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain ..." (Revelation 21:4).

Beloved righteous ones of the Most High God, be free in the knowledge of your sentence and your status! No guilt; no guilty. No condemnation; no condemned. No accusations; no accused. Only innocence. Only innocent. By association.

Precious Father, thank You for being my Defender (reference Psalm 68:5-6), my Deliverer (reference 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalm 18:2, 40:17, 70:5, 140:7, 144:2), and my righteous Judge (reference Genesis 18:25; Psalm 7:8-11, 9:8, 50:6, 58:11, 72:2, 96:13, 98:9; Isaiah 11:4; Jeremiah 11:20; 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 12:23). I trust in Your goodness, Your grace, and Your justice, and I long for the day when I will eternally dwell in Your house forever (reference Psalm 23:6). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, for I know my Redeemer lives (reference Galatians 3:13-14)! Amen.

"... 'Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power
belong to our God,
for true and just
are His judgments...' "
(Revelation 19:1-2)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "Once ... and for All"
• "The Great Depression"
• "A Holy Harvest"
  

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

The Great Depression

" 'I have indeed seen the oppression
of My people in Egypt.
I have heard their groaning
and have come down
to set them free ...' "
(Acts 7:34)
Dear friends, we are battling a great depression, and I am not referring to the US economy. Every day, the Lord brings Christians across my path who describe themselves as "depressed". It breaks my heart. Precious ones, there is no such thing as depression in the Word of God! (Well, actually, there is one instance of depression in my NIV Bible, but it refers to a physical indentation in a house wall caused by mildew.)

I believe that what some Christians are battling is not depression but oppression. And, oppression comes not from God but from His enemy.

To oppress means "to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority; to keep down by severe and unjust use of force; to burden spiritually". Oppression is "the arbitrary, unjust, and cruel exercise of authority or power". Our oppressor is satan, who roams the earth in his limited authority, seeking to make the most of his abbreviated period of power, accusing and confusing the righteous (reference Job 1:7, 2:2; Zechariah 3:1; 2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 5:8).

Satan has lost us for eternity, but he is literally hell-bent on neutralizing and paralyzing us, robbing us of our freedom and joy in Christ and preventing us from furthering God's eternal kingdom plan.

There are those who are so comfortable in this cloak of oppression that we wear it like a martyr's hand-me-down: ragged, dirty and ... depressed. We are clothing ourselves in the tatters of enemy lies! The children of the Most High God are not meant to be depressed, oppressed, repressed, or suppressed!

The definition of depression is "a pressing down, a state of feeling sad, a lowering of vitality or functional activity". You see, we are allowing the enemy's oppression to depress us! By pressing us down with his unjust authority, satan is squashing the life out of our Christian witness and inheritance!

Beloved, we are royalty! We "are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God"! We are not to cower in the shadows of the enemy; we are to "declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light"! (Reference 1 Peter 2:9).

We do live in a fallen world right now. We physically exist in the temporal realm of "the ruler of the kindom of the air" (reference Ephesians 2:2), but, as Christians, we spiritually live in the freedom of Christ. Some of us, though, wander around like the Israelites in the desert, who had been so accustomed to their yoke of Egyptian slavery and oppression, that most seemed to prefer it!

You'll remember that, as recorded in the Old Testament, the Lord graciously saved His people, releasing them from enemy captivity with plans of leading them to the promised land. And, like a bunch of stubborn old mules, most wallowed in their new-found freedom, looking backwards instead of forwards, rehashing and romanticizing their past instead of embracing and enjoying the journey to their future.

The Lord gave them Divinely appointed leaders to guide and encourage them on their way; He sustained them daily with fresh manna from heaven. And what did they do? They grumbled, complained, and continued to hold themselves hostage. "In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron ... 'If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt!' ..." (Exodus 16:2-3).

Have mercy. The Lord freed them, and they wished to be enslaved again! They Lord provided manna to nourish them, and they viewed it with selfish and thankless suspicion. "... 'What is it?' ..." (Exodus 16:15). " '... we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!' " (Numbers 11:6). And, even though they didn't really like the manna, some still disobediently, greedily, untrustingly (and fruitlessly!) hoarded it, and, because of their faithless gathering, God's Divine provision rotted in their proverbial clenched fists.

(As I write this, I am cognizant of the many exclamation points I am using. (!!) My first instinct is to edit them out, but I believe the Lord is emphasizing His passion on this topic, so I will leave them in. Also, I sat down this morning, intending to write on a subject from Malachi, but, as you regular readers know, "my" ideas seldom make it into these posts! :-) Maybe we'll see Malachi in the next post ... maybe not. We'll see whatever the Lord wants to communicate through the power of His Holy Spirit. I am not depressed or oppressed, but I do digress ... sorry about that!)

Beloved, please know that if you believe in and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are free!

"It is for freedom
that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves

be burdened again
by a yoke of slavery."

(Galatians 5:1)

Cast off that oppressive shroud with which the enemy is smothering and choking you (reference Matthew 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7,19; Luke 8:7, 14)! Cloak yourself instead with the zeal of the Lord (reference Isaiah 59:17).

Your imprisonment is a lie. Your freedom is the Truth. The distance between the two is your choice. The Lord has provided the key to your release. In fact, He has already unlocked your shackles. All you have to do is walk out in hope (reference Isaiah 40:31), walk forward in faith (reference Romans 4:12), and walk on in joy and Truth (reference 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3-4).

March, my precious friends, march! Your royal inheritance, the promised land, is but a step away.

Precious Father, thank You for Your Truth, which sets us free (reference John 8:32)! My heart is burdened for those who live in the light of Your Truth but exist in the shadows of the enemy's deception. May they--may we all--realize that You have freed us from our chains (reference Psalm 116:16)! May we cast off our self-inflicted cuffs, carrying our spiritual brothers and sisters with us (reference Isaiah 52:1-2, 58:6). I pray in the name Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Light (reference John 14:6). Amen.

"To the Jews who had believed Him,
Jesus said,
'If you hold to my teaching,
you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the Truth,
and the Truth will set you free.

... I tell you the Truth,
everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Now a slave has no permanent place
in the family,
but a son belongs to it forever.
So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed.' "

(John 8:31-36)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

• "A Battle Rages; Stand Firm!"
• "Nothing is Impossible with God!"

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.