The Foundation of Your Times

Isa 33:5-6 … Though the LORD is very great and lives in heaven, he will make Jerusalem his home of justice and righteousness. In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. NLT

God sent Isaiah to warn the people to do neither. The key to their salvation was to trust in the Lord, not man. The Lord would provide the stability they needed, when all seemed lost

In Isa 33:5-6 we find one such exhortation to put their trust in the Lord. Scripture speaks of wisdom and knowledge of the Lord as "the foundation of your times"

Though we are removed from the days of Isaiah by thousands of years. The counsel given by him still rings true! In troubled times, the Lord provides "The Foundation Of Your Times"!
I. THE UNSTABLE CONDITIONS OF TODAY

A. WE FACE MANY DISTURBING THINGS IN LIFE...Many are common in every age
(Job 14:1) "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. (Sickness, Death, Natural disasters) Some may be peculiar to our day and age. (Threat of biological war, environmental pollution, inflation, recession, unemployment, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, terrorism)

B. THE AFFECT SUCH THINGS CAN HAVE... For some, there is anxiety and fear. Others react with depression. Even Christians can be affected as we murmur and complain or simply exist in a state of "joylessness"

C. YET SOME ARE NOT DISTURBED … Even though they experience the same things which devastate others The same financial crises, diseases, uncertainties…Somehow they still find cause for great joy and stability in their lives!

It is the LORD who provides our foundation for troubled times!

II. THE FOUNDATION BY THE LORD COMES THROUGH WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE... "Wisdom and knowledge will be the foundation of your times"
A. WISDOM will also guide and protect you from the pitfalls of life.
Prov 2:1-7… My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; Wisdom will provide comfort and confidence in times of turmoil

Prov 3:21-26… Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, God is willing to provide such wisdom to those willing to look to Him! –

James 1:5-8… If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

B. Our stability of the times also comes through SALVATION...Salvation is a clear issue frond in scripture but we tend to be like the "Frank and Ernest" cartoon in which: A lawyer and his client are sitting in the law office and the client says to him, "The question of right and wrong is very clear. I want you to cloud it up for me."

The salvation of the Lord can help us face DEATH
If we know the Lord will save us in eternity, we can better face the adverse circumstances of this life.
Consider the example of Paul:

1) He had a strong hope

(2 Cor 5:1,5-8) For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2) His attitude because of that hope

(2 Cor 4:16) Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

(Rom 8:31-39) What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

YES, the wisdom, knowledge, and salvation found only in the Lord provides the foundation we need for our times!

III. THE KEY TO THIS FOUNDATION IS "THE FEAR OF THE LORD"

(Prov 1:7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. NKJV

(Prov 9:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

Why is the fear of the lord so necessary...

1. "...by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil."
(Prov 16:6) By loving kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

The fear of the Lord is a reverence for God and His righteous judgments This fear becomes an effective motivation to depart from evil and turn to God!

"In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence...a place of refuge."

(Prov 14:26) He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

When we turn to God, the fear of the Lord becomes a source of great blessings!

(Ps 33:18-34:1) But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
Such as wisdom, knowledge, salvation, confidence, refuge; indeed "the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life"!

(Prov 14:27) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.
~Bits and pieces of Sermon by Larry Elder

WORD WEALTH (NSFLB)

Isaiah 33:6 (times) 'et (eht); Storng's #6256: A particular time; season, age, occasion, or some period of time; current times. Unlike 'olam, which refers to a vast expanse of time, 'et is used to describe a small space of time. 'Et can be a season, such as Passover season, rainy season, harvest season (see 2 Chr. 35:17; Jer. 51:33; Zech. 10:1). It may refer to a portion of a lifetime, "time of old age" (Ps. 71:9). (See also "time of trouble," "time of love," and "evil time." Ps. 37:39; Exek. 16:8; Amos 5:13.) 'Et occurs 290 times. The present reference speaks of the stabilizing force God will provide to the believers, even in the midst of the uncertain times of the present age.

PRAYER: Godly Wisdom in the Affairs of Life

Father, You said if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of You, Who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Therefore, I ask in faith, nothing wavering, to be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Today I incline my ear unto wisdom, and I apply my heart to understanding so that I might receive that which has been freely given unto me. In the name of Jesus, I receive skill and godly wisdom and instruction. I discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight. I receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity. Prudence, knowledge, discretion, and discernment are given to me. I increase in knowledge. As a person of understanding, I acquire skill and attain to sound counsels [so that I may be able to steer my course rightly]. Wisdom will keep, defend, and protect me; I love her and she guards me. I prize Wisdom highly and exalt her; she will bring me to honor because I embrace her. She gives to my head a wreath of gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory will she deliver to me. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and honor. Jesus has been made unto me wisdom, and in Him are all the treasures of [divine] wisdom, [of comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God]; and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden. God has hidden away sound and godly wisdom and stored it up for me, for I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, I will walk in paths of uprightness. When I walk, my steps shall not be hampered — my path will be clear and open; and when I run, I shall not stumble. I take fast hold of instruction and do not let her go; I guard her, for she is my life. I let my eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and my gaze is straight before me. I consider well the path of my feet, and I let all my ways be established and ordered aright. Father, in the name of Jesus, I look carefully to how I walk! I live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as unwise and witless, but as a wise — sensible, intelligent — person, making the very most of my time — buying up every opportunity. Amen.Scripture References: James 1:5,6 1 Corinthians 1:30
Colossians 1:9 Colossians 2:3 AMP
Proverbs 2:2 Proverbs 2:7 AMP
Proverbs 1:2-5 AMP 2 Corinthians 5:21
Proverbs 4:6,8,9 AMP Proverbs 4:11-13,25,26 AMP
Proverbs 3:16 AMP Ephesians 5:15,16 AMP

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Fill the Vacancy with the Lordship of Jesus

Make Jesus Lord of every area of your life.  Fill the Vancancy with the Lordship of Jesus.

Scripture: Matthew 12:43-45

43 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest, but he finds none. 44 Then he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and brings with him seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. So shall it be also with this evil generation."
 

What is the point of Jesus' grim story about a vacant house being occupied by some evil force?  If you knew that someone had a life-threatening disease, would you let that person into your house without proper protection?  Sin and evil are like deadly viruses.   They are especially contagious when we get close to them and allow them to infect us.   Jesus warned his followers about leaving their homes and lives unprotected from destructive and evil forces.   It's not enough, however, to simply" clean house" by banishing evil thoughts and breaking with bad habits.   Something has to take their place to fill the void that has been created.

God wants to fill the void in our lives with himself and with the good things he provides for our well-being.   Augustine of Hippo said that our lives have a God-shaped void which only God can fill satisfactory.  If we attempt to leave it vacant or to fill it with something else, we will be worse in the end.  What do you fill the void in your life with?  Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it.   There are two kingdoms in opposition to one another— the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness under the rule of Satan.  If we disobey God's word, we open to door to the power of sin and Satan.  If we want to live in freedom from sin and Satan, then our house must be occupied by Jesus where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior.   Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to God and his word?

"Lord, be the ruler of my heart and the master of my home. May there be nothing in my life that is not under your lordship."

A Deeper Study "The Danger of an Empty Home"

I Corinthians Teaches Truth & Invites Action

 

Growing in Godliness

Instruction in godly living is as vitally important today as it was to the church in Corinth.  Because human nature remains the same, we find ourselves facing the same issues and needing the same instruction as the Corinthians did.  Our source of power for godly living remains in the Cross and in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The motive for our godliness continues to be love, and our goal to glorify God.  Diligently study this book and allow the truth to change the way you live.

Preach Christ crucified.  Recognize all wisdom and power are found in Jesus.  Glorify God in your body and in your spirit.  Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Do not give yourself to immorality or sin of any kind. 
 

Cultivating Dynamic Devotion

Devotion to God becomes truly dynamic when the Holy Spirit is allowed free address in our lives to teach us, to give us gifts, and to manifest the presence of the Lord.  There is nothing more exciting and wonderfully fulfilling than deeply knowing, loving and experiencing a close, intimate relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Welcome the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in your life.  Be sincerely and eagerly available to receive any of the gifts of the Spirit that He would minister through you.  Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, keeping your heart available to the Spirit's resources of gifts and power for serving and loving others.  Pray with the spirit, and pray with the understanding.  Sing with the spirit, and sing with the understanding.

Celebrate the Lord's Supper regularly. Receive His forgiveness, healing, wholeness, and restoration.

Pursuing Holiness

As a believer, we are made righteous and holy in Jesus alone.  Righteousness, a term taken from the courts, is God's judicial determination to right every wrong,   His gift to the guilty which removes all condemnation and puts them in a state of justification, including full acquittal from all charges  against them.

Corinthians tells us that , having been sanctified, we are called to live holy lives.  Holy living requires that we rely fully on the Lord's wisdom and not the wisdom of the world.  Be filled with the Holy Spirit.  We are able to understand the deep things and discern God's ways by the Holy Spirit.  Likewise, the Spirit empowers us to live as God's people, holy and set apart to Him.  

Put your confidence in Jesus, who has sanctified you.  Live your calling as a sanctified one living daily in His holiness.  Sanctification is a symbol taken from the temple, showing the need for cleansing from pollution.  It includes a renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit, which allows acceptable living before God and points to our ultimate perfection in His presence.

Find true wisdom, power, and holiness in Jesus.  Reject living in your own wisdom and ability.  The heart of true wisdom is knowing the ways and the will of God, and living in harmony with ultimate created reality.  The human wisdom Paul opposes is not intellect or education, but a false independence of God and a bent toward self-sufficiency.  God rejects human wisdom because of its pride and self-glory.

The gospel is the revelation of truth, but in the final analysis it is the operation of God's power with victory over sin and death.  Redemption, taken from a background of slavery and debt, speaks of freedom and final deliverance from all aspects of sin, including the resurrection of the body.  Biblical salvation is nothing short of a complete restoration of the universe, with a new heaven and new earth.

The Walk of Faith

Faith enables us to believe and receive all God has for us as Christians.  By faith, walk in the fullness of the gifts and power of the Spirit.  By faith, proclaim God's Word without reservation.  By faith, dedicate yourself to the work of the Lord. 

Boldly preach Christ and Him crucified.  This is the simple gospel.  Make room for the demonstration of the Spirit and power when you speak or preach.  Recognize that kingdom ministry includes signs, wonders, and miracles that demonstrate the power of God.

Keys to Renewing Church Life

While individual relationship with Jesus will always be vital, we must also see ourselves as living members of Christ's body, the church.  We must move from individualism and begin again the gathering and function of local congregations and the church as a whole.  We have one head who is Christ, and one body, the church.  Renew your commitment to the local body of believers.  Seek to build up the church through your words, actions, an participation.

Intentionally pursue unity within the body of Christ.  Do not give place to divisiveness or competition.  Honor others, seek to be like-minded, and recognize Jesus as the common ground for unity.  Recognize that division in the church is sin.  Turn from jealousy and arguing, which cause division.  Seek unity in Jesus.

Understand that the church is the New Testament temple of God.  His Spirit dwells in the corporate body, which is composed of many members in whom the Spirit also dwells.  Honor all members of the body, rejoice with them in their successes in the Lord, and care for one another.  Do not neglect church discipline.  Do nothing that will tear down the body, but build on the foundation for Christ Jesus. 

Utilize your gifts for the good of the whole body.   Seek to use your spiritual gifts to build up the church and glorify Jesus.  Let a word in tongues be interpreted, and let mature leaders judge a prophetic word.  Do not forbid speaking in tongues; do desire order in their exercise; and do earnestly desire to prophesy.

How to Pray for Your Church

1. Pray for Unity in Jesus for the Church

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.  (John 17)

2. Pray for God’s Will within the Church

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.  (Colossians 1:9-13)

3. Pray for the Holy Spirit to Move in the Church

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.  (Ephesians 1:16-20)

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  (Ephesians 3:14-19)

4. Pray for Fruitfulness for the Church

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)

~Bits and Pieces from study on I Corinthians