Holiness

Holiness befits Thy house, O LORD, forevermore. Psalm 93:5

Holiness is a character trait of all who follow Jesus; who make him Lord of their life. To be holy is to be separated from the world and worldly ways. Yet, it is more than this. It is being separated from my way to the Lord’s way. Separated specifically for His use; His purpose. Being His child, I should exemplify His character and attributes.

I do not dress as the world dresses, neither do I talk as the world talks because I have a higher calling, therefore I will have a greater accountability when I stand before God. Romans 14:10, 12

Motives, for what reason do I accomplish anything? Is it to boast in what I can do? No, motives must be pure. My life in all areas must bring glory to God. My prayer life must be a joy, not a drudgery of presenting an “I want” list to God. Prayer is not only speaking to God the things on my heart, it is listening to Him. How do I deal with my fellowman? If what I do is not done out of love than it has no value. “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he hasn’t seen. I John 4:20

As a child of God I have no will of my own. Jesus surrendered His will to the Father Matthew 26:39. My only desire is to see God’s purpose and will accomplished in my life. The resignation of the will was seen in Mary of Bethany sitting at the feet of Jesus. Luke 10:39 It was present in the apostle Paul who said, “For me to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21. The key is to desire God’s will to be accomplished.

Another perspective on holiness is that it makes me desire to be where Christ is. I am exiled on this planet until He comes again
1 Thessalonians 4:16. My desire for Jesus allows the Holy Spirit to separate me to Christ. The greater my desire, the more I desire to be separated.

I am set apart, or sanctified, by the blood of Jesus. I cannot “work” at holiness. It is a divine process. Ephesians 5:27 I surrender my will, I yield to the Holy Spirit because I hunger and thirst for God. Christ warns those who follow Him, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Obedience must be done in love, not fear 1 John 4:18. If I obey only because of fear of punishment, and then I have not experienced the totality of God’s love. Christ, knowing He was sent to die for the sins of the world said, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God.” Psalm 40:8 He was obedient to the Father’s commandment John 10:18. Jesus did not fear to ask the Father if there were another way for the justice of God to be satisfied to let it be. But God the Father allowed His Son to die, that I may live Luke 22:42. Jesus obeyed out of love. His trust was in His Father to know what needed to be done to take away the sin of the world. So must I trust God to know what is best for me to accomplish His will.

This and much more is the holiness which befits God’s house. I delight to do the will of God that where He is I may be there too.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

The Lord Who Listens

When I was a child if I were to become angry for one reason or another my mother would instruct me. I wouldn’t have to say a word, but Mom always knew by my expressions, I guess, I wasn’t thinking nice thoughts. “Be careful what you think, God is listening,” she would say. I always wondered how she knew these things. My father was more inventive. When he returned home from work he would say to me, “A little birdie told me you were naughty today.” He explained when he ate his lunch he fed the bird some bread. The bird was so grateful he told my father I had been naughty. I later found out the little birdie was my mother! I still laugh when I think about this!

Today while I was in prayer I asked the Lord how I could verbalize my thankfulness for the Gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you sounds so minutiae in view of the salvation God has given to me; to all who call on His name. Then I thought to myself, there are no words to express the thankfulness I experience but, thank you, Lord. It was then I heard the still small voice say “I know the thoughts that come into your mind, every one of them.” 1 Kings 19:12; Ezekiel 11:5b

It occurred to me as it does over and over, there isn’t anything the Lord does not know about me. In fact, He knows me better than I know myself. Nevertheless, I thought of my mother’s words to me, “Be careful what you think, God is listening.”

These words brought me comfort. The comfort of remembrance of my mother, of the day I found the verse in God’s word telling me how God listens to my thoughts. Psalm 94:19. It is a comfort knowing God cares for me beyond my comprehension to understand.

The comfort of His presence to have the Holy Spirit speak in my quiet time is always a blessing. There is a peace knowing I am receiving instructions, encouragement and guidance, from the Lord.

The comfort of joy knowing God saw me as a child sitting, staring at the baby in the manger wondering how God put on human flesh to come and die for a sinful world. Joy abounds when the assurance of salvation brings to me the anticipation of Christ’s return. He is coming back for me, for all who have claimed the baby in the manger as Lord and Savior of their life. John 14:3

I am very thankful God is God. This simple fact enlightens my life in numerous ways. When I can’t think of what to say, or how to pray God knows my mind and my heart. Romans 8:26, 27. I understand I have a responsibility as a child of God and a disciple of Jesus. John 15:10 Yet, even in obedience there is joy!

At this time of year I have the greatest sense of “family”. I am thankful for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Although I may never meet them this side of heaven, there is unity in our beloved Savior.

It is my prayer for all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are thankful to God for the Savior, to realize God hears your thoughts, and the music of joy in your heart for the Son He loves so dearly; the One who was born to die for us. John 3:16

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. May God bless you with spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, the one true Gift.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Psalm 86:10-12

This Psalm in its entirety is a prayer of David.

*For You are great and do wonderous things…
God’s work is beyond my mind (which He created) beyond my understanding to describe. I believe Him when His word tells me there is no other God other than Him.
Isaiah 44:6,8 The word “wonder” means God’s works are beyond human comprehension. However, God delights in my thinking of the vast works He accomplishes; works of salvation,the work of refining my faith, healing, and spiritual growth. He enjoys listening to the wonder of mind and heart as I observes the beauty of nature, the vast starry night sky, or the power of a storm. I do not have to understand how God does His wonderous works; I experience them.

*Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth…
God must teach me His way for I do not have the capability to know what
He desires from me. If I choose my own way I choose a path to
destruction; an eternity separated from God. Matthew 7:13,14 Walking and living by faith is a life of learning experiences; each event is an opportunity to grow in faith by trusting God alone. God’s faithfulness never fails. His truth is the only truth which can guide my life. John 17:17

*Unite my heart to fear Your name…
When my heart goes in different directions all at the same time I must make this my prayer. It is easy for my heart to become weighed down with family, friends, even Church. Whenever my heart is overwhelmed I remember Jesus’ words to Martha, “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion which will not be taken away from her.” I strive to be a Mary in a Martha world; undivided between competing loyalties. Luke 10:41,42 Fear seems to have a negative connotation; actually the word means to “stand in awe, and reverence.”

*I give thanks to You, O LORD my God with my whole heart…
He has set me free from the death of sin. Romans 6:23 The salvation given to me in Christ Jesus has delivered me from sin; and the Holy Spirit gives me power to overcome sin. My whole heart is healed of its spiritual sickness, and the new life given to me by Christ’s sacrifice gives me liberty to walk in God’s truth; His ways. In Psalm 138:8 David states it this way: “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.” God’s reply, I will not forget you. I have engraved you on the palm of My hands.” Isaiah 49:15a; 16b

*I will glorify You forever…
This speaks not only of my life on earth, but in eternity. Glorifying God becomes a way of life. One question precedes all actions, speech, and thoughts; that question being, will this glorify God?

My time on this earth is a dress rehearsal for eternity. I won’t get things right all the time, but I know God is watching me strive to obey and please Him. I know He is faithful, forgiving and compassionate. His understanding is unsearchable, I will not be afraid. He knows my hearts's desire is to give Him my very best. Isaiah 40:28

*Scripture taken from the English Standard Version, ESV

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Be Careful How You Listen

Take heed what ye hear; with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you; and unto you that hear more shall be given. For he that hath, more shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Mark 4:24-25

In today’s world there are many false doctrines, multiple Bible translations and ministries filled with secular humanism. Jesus warned His followers to seek after God’s truth amid all the false teachings which are the inclinations of men. Entrapment in sin comes when God’s word is used to promote a false doctrine, a particular group, or to give credence to a false ministry.

Take heed - This is a Greek verb meaning a command to be done in the present and future; a continuous action. Jesus said this to His disciples. He says it to those who follow Him in this generation.

To what ye hear – Another repeated continuous action. Be on guard to what and to whom one listens. Don’t be caught unaware or deceived with teaching which is not Biblical. Check the Scriptures when you are taught something that does not settle with your spirit; seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He will guide in all truth. John 16:13 A true minister will draw people to Christ. He will reflect Christ in his personal life and teach others how to draw near to the Savior.

With what measure ye meet it shall be measured unto you – The time given to learning God’s truths, studying His word, and worshipping is never lost. God will give back in knowledge and wisdom. The more God’s word is appropriated the greater the spiritual growth. Give little, receive little; the result is a slower spiritual growth. To those who hear, and thirst for a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ, more will be given until Scriptures flow. Proverbs 18:4; John 7:38

From him shall be taken even what he hath – To those use God’s word for personal gain, to promote their agendas, to prey upon the weak in faith, to name a few, will lose God’s words because their motive is impure. The “religious” person who knows verse upon verse, but lives like the devil, in reality is mocking God Galatians 6:7. These types of people, and there are many more, will have God’s words taken from them because they exploit the sacred Holy Writ.

Unto you that hear – For the sincere heart who desires to know and understand God more divine truths will be given. God is acquainted with the humble heart. He knows how I struggle to learn what the Holy Spirit is teaching me. God’s patience is boundless as He waits for me to understand what He is teaching me. The Holy Spirit will return me to a verse I thought I learned from only to find as I re-read it and contemplate what God is requiring of me; my understanding is broadened. I gain knowledge of God that carries me for days thinking on what I have learned until the next time when again I am brought to the same verse to learn something new. God’s word will never be exhausted of lessons to learn! It is a joy to the Father heart of God when His children read His words; to know more of Him, to be more like Christ Jeremiah 33:3. It gladdens His heart to see one who is willing to obey His words and live life according to His commands.

The disciples weren’t hearing Christ’s words for their own benefit. They were listening and understanding which enabled them to bring the Lord’s words to others. Just as Mark brought Christ’s words to me, I must speak the Lord’s words to others.
2 Timothy 2:24-26

God’s truth leads me away from the error of men. Many translators need to be scrutinized. Although the intents of the translators may be admirable, they do harm to the word of God; making the Scriptures compatible with today’s culture lessening the intensity of meaning God intended for His word to project. There is no fear of God when His words lose their intensity; His words are compromised in respect and obedience. Translators, by attempting to make Scripture easy to understand have brought God down to the “human” level, obliterating the sovereignty of God and His holiness. Isaiah 55:8 In their zeal to make the Bible “easier” to understand they have made it more palatable; distorting the words, and the intent of God’s commands. A palatable Gospel leads some Christians on a walk which becomes one of compromise rather than progressive sanctification. 2 Timothy 2:21

An example of the distortion can be seen in the verse I quoted in the beginning from Mark 4:24. The phrase, “Unto you that hear,” does not appear in some translations of the Bible. Another verse is Colossians 1:20 Speaking of the sacrifice of Jesus, “And having made peace through the blood of HIS cross….” Most translations read, “the cross”, when in reality the cross of Christ was His cross, given by the Father John 19:17. Each disciple of Christ has been given a cross to bear. The cross every committed Christian bears is doing the will of God every day. Matthew 10:38; Luke 14:27

Some translations change the verb tense. They choose an alternative description. For instance, Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith…” Translations read, “For by grace you have been saved through faith..” Looking at this, one might think there is nothing wrong with the translation. Yet to me, there is a large difference between ‘ye are saved” and “you have been saved.” Yes, I am saved by grace through faith everyday. The verb “have been” puts being saved by grace through faith as a single past action.

Many will think I am “nit-picking” and everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, when I read God’s word I want to know exactly what He desires to impart to me; not what a translator decides I should know. It is said that the King James Version of the Bible is outdated; it cannot be understood. When I first started working with computers I had no understanding of how they worked. I had to learn by experience, be instructed, and patiently take my time to gain the knowledge I needed to enable me to operate my computer easily and efficiently. The knowledge I needed was accomplished through a process. A process which at times was slow, but I never gave up. I can liken this to reading the KJV. The Holy Spirit has a unique way of making this version understandable. I am not saying all translations are erroneous but one needs to be attuned to the Spirit and pay attention to Him when He enlightens an error of translation.

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught (anything) from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God…” Deuteronomy 4:2; Joshua 1:7 God’s word is to be kept pure, free from continual hindrance of men. It is to be kept in its entirety, nothing added or taken away from it Proverbs 30:6;
Revelation 22:18, 19. Changing God’s words to be “politically correct” is adding to and taking away from the original Scriptures.

Christians are to know the Bible; for God’s word protects from being deceived. God’s truth enlightens the eyes turning people from darkness to light; from the power of Satan to the power of God that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith that is in Jesus. Acts 26:18

Listening, studying, and reading the Bible gives confidence to proclaim the truth in the name of Jesus. One of the reasons Jesus spoke in parables was to encourage those who believed to want to know more. Those who did not believe in Him would not want to know what the parable meant. This is one of the reasons Christ repeated the phrase, “If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Desire precedes how one hears. Jesus knew the hearts of all men. John 2:24, 25 When He was alone with His disciples he explained all things to them. And that’s the secret, getting alone with Jesus. He will explain all that needs to be known. Ephesians 1:17

In this day and age it is imperative for me to be careful not to listen to false words, but to walk straight in God’s words that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 30:21

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

God Hears A Yearning Heart

When I was a child of four and a half years old we had a Beagle puppy named, Lucky. He was like my shadow, everywhere I went Lucky was constantly at my side. One day after hanging the laundry out to dry my mother opened the door to come in the house. She did not know Lucky was waiting for the door to open. He bolted out the door and ran through our yard to the street right into the line of traffic. My mother ran after Lucky and tried to reach him. Sadly, he was struck by a car. All too quickly Lucky was gone. I missed him and cried for a long time. My parents vowed we would never have another dog; and we never did have one.

Growing up I was allowed to have cats and I once had a rabbit, but never another dog. I began to make a weekly trips to the library to bring home books about dogs. I studied them, and decided if I could ever have a dog I would have a Pomeranian. They were small dogs, intelligent, and made great companions. Although it seemed unlikely I would ever be able to afford a dog of this caliper I couldn't help admiring them. Being a purebred they were very expensive not only because of the breeding but because of the standards of the American Kennel Club. They specified among purebred dogs which ones were acceptable to be registered in the club. So I only dreamed of having one of these magnificent little creatures. My desire was tucked away in the closet of my heart; life continued to go on.

When I married my husband he owned a dog who was an Australian and Golden Retriever mix. The dogs name was Pete. Pete was such a dandy dog! Loyal, comical, and big! However, he was an old dog whose hips were giving out; Pete was in excruciating pain. We spent one weekend carrying Pete up and down the stairs to bring him outside. It was no easy chore because Pete weighed ninety five pounds. We did it because we loved him. We knew the end was near when the veterinarian arrived. We stayed with Pete until the end. There, in our kitchen, Pete left us and returned to his Creator. Even now, nearly seven years later we have our moments of grief, but speak of Pete with a great fondness. We know we will see him again.

We were dog less for a few years until Shiloh came into our lives. A breeder did not want her, so our daughter brought her home. She was a German Shepherd and beautiful! You can read how God used Shiloh. The date is July 7, 2009 “A Lesson in Obedience” on the pull down menu. Shiloh was with us for four years. She had a difficult time in the city. Noises confused her and she had outgrown our small yard. There was nowhere to run her, and she became aggressive if anyone came near me. The decision was made by my husband to put Shiloh up for adoption. I had to agree with him because she was a strong dog. It took all I could do to handle her. We would have kept her forever, but there were many factors we needed to consider. The bottom line was we needed to do what was right for Shiloh.

Our Shiloh was adopted by a young couple who owned a fifty acre farm. Although we do not know where she is, the adoption kennel told us Shiloh had found her forever home. We missed her terribly but we were overjoyed Shiloh was at peace. She had a place to run to her heart's content. She would grow strong and live a happy life. Still our hearts were broken, the house was not the same without a dog.

I did not pray for another dog. I found myself online looking at pictures of Pomeranians as well as other dogs. I remember one day thinking, “Lord, it’s in Your hands.” Life continued for a while without a dog in our home.

My husband and I attended our grandson’s first birthday party. The woman who helped us find a home for Shiloh was there. During our conversation I mentioned how lonely our house was without a dog. She said, “I have a dog you can have. She is a Pomeranian, she is seven years old and her name is Morgan. She is a purebred and I’ll give you her papers.” Morgan came to live with us in July.

God used this woman to give me a dog I had been wanting since childhood. I was struck with a sense of awe at what God had done. He had opened the little door in my heart and saw my desire and heard the yearning of my heart. I am reminded of Psalm 44:21”…For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.” Yet, the Holy Spirit continued to echo in my spirit, “Delight thyself also in the LORD and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4

The Hebrew word for “delight" does not mean great joy or pleasure. Its meaning is illustrated in an example of soft clay in the hands. The clay is squeezed until it pushes between the fingers and wraps around them. It is when God squeezes believers to mold them into His desire; He looks for pliability not resistance. He looks for surrender not holding out. He looks for love and obedience, not anger; He looks for humility and not pride. God knows all about me, and He knows about you, too. I never prayed for a dog, yet God knew my desire hidden in a closet in my heart.

Never give up your yearnings, your dreams, or your desires. Get into God’s word and obey it. Follow Jesus’ example and delight to do God’s will. Psalm 40:8 Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on a straight path. Psalm 5:8 Wait patiently for God to work. It took years and several dogs until God brought Morgan to me. It was His time, and in His way this came about. It was all God; I had nothing to do with it. Don’t ever give up believing God will not bless you.

Jesus asked the two blind men who followed Him wanting to receive their sight, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” We must answer in the affirmative for His word promises He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we are able to ask or think according to the power that works in us. Matthew 9:28; Ephesians 3:20 Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.

Make the Lord your delight your joy, your pleasure; allow Him to squeeze you like soft clay and mold you into His child. Wait and see what He will do, He is faithful; He gives us all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

“Come and see…”

In the book of John there is a scene one could easily pass over while reading. John the Baptist was doing what he was called to do - prepare the way of the Lord. He was preparing people for Jesus, the Son of God. He was baptizing them in Betharbara beyond Jordan. John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jesus walked on and was busy about His work. The next day, John stood with two of his disciples and looking at Jesus as he walked, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!’

After listening two of his disciples left John and followed Jesus. One of the disciples was Andrew, Peter’s brother. Then Jesus turned and asked, “What seek ye?” In other words, “What do you want?” They said to Him, “Rabbi, (which is interpreted Master) Where dwellest thou? Or it could be said, “Where are you staying?” Jesus said, “Come and see.” They went with Jesus and stayed with Him.

It struck me as I read this, the readiness with which Jesus reached out to these disciples. Those who come to Him are never turned away. It must have been a revelation to the disciples to see the Lamb of God and spend time listening to what He had to say.

Day and night I thought about this Scripture. (I’m still thinking about it) Christ’s three little words have affected my life in numerous ways .My husband and I had a chance to go camping in a beautifully wooded area next to a lake. All the time I could hear the Holy Spirit whisper, “Come and see..” I thought about how God existed before there was time as we know it. In His wisdom and compassion He created time for us. How everything man calls his own, belongs to God, creation, deliverance, promises fulfilled, protection, forgiveness, faith, grace, the list is endless! All the things Christ invites me to come and see are astounding.

Come and see Jesus, for by Him were all things created; from the universe in which I live to the multitudinous stars in the night sky – He made them all.
Colossians 1: 16
Come and see He who died not only for my sins but for the sins of the world.
John 1:29
Come and see the One who rose from the dead; the One who lives forevermore and who has the keys of hell and death. Revelation 1:18
Come and see the King who will return to earth one day to give to all the recompense of their deeds. Revelation 22:12

Jesus invites me, invites me to “Come and see” that I may be made in His image; to learn the many things He has accomplished for me, to look with spiritual eyes on my inheritance and to wait patiently for His return. Romans 8:29;
Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.


Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

In The Holiness of Suffering, There Is Beauty

But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance, or at his physical stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance but the LORD looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Beauty unseen by the world:
In the suffering we endure there is an unseen beauty. We do not recognize it, we only know this: suffering hurts. Yet, to God, there is nothing more precious and glorious than seeing His chosen ones conform to the image of His only Begotten Son. This is accomplished by accepting the bitter and the sweet circumstances which God allows into our lives. Romans 8:28,29

Profession or Confession:
How worshipfully nominal Christians sing, “Isn’t He beautiful, beautiful O isn’t He?” They bypass Christ’s suffering, and go straight to the victory. They envision the Redeemer glorified and majestically perfect. He is, rightfully so, but only to those who participate in the fellowship of His sufferings. Only those who endure suffering will reign with Him. 2 Timothy 2:12

As faithful disciples acknowledge Christ had to suffer before He was glorified. Those who dismiss His sufferings cannot have an intimate relationship with the Lord. They are “professors” rather than “confessors”. Professors come to Jesus not for Who He is, nor to learn what He commands. They come to receive from Him, rather than to wait patiently on Him. Confessors live out their faith. "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” Philippians 3:10 When professors discover that suffering is a requirement of discipleship; Christ is betrayed and many follow no more. John 6:66

These type of people existed in David’s time:
Those who spoke of God with their lips and acted ungodly with their actions were in constant battle with David. In Psalm 144:10 David praises God for delivering His servant from the “hurtful sword”. A sword is nothing less than fatal. However, the “hurtful sword” David speaks of here, pertains to the tongue.
James 3:5,9

There were people David believed were true to him, he learned their hearts were not faithful; such was Ahithophel. 2 Samuel 15:12 They laid spiritual traps for him. Their hope was for his downfall. They were persistent like the pounding waves against a sea wall. They relentlessly drove at him with their pretense trying to make his body feeble, his mind weary, and his spirit battle worn. This was his experience when he penned the words, “for my love they are my adversaries…”
Psalm 109:4,5 As Christ’s disciples can relate to David. It in times of persecution the power of the Holy Spirit becomes the battle cry. Determination becomes stronger and courage is undefeated. Battles belong to the Lord, but the victory is ours.
1 Corinthians 15:57

God promises to lead, feed, and guide His people in peace and spiritual warfare. The reply in the spiritual battle is, “Strengthen me according to Your word.” Psalm 119:28 The Psalmist comforted himself with the knowledge that God would take care of his enemies. What was required of David was to stay close to God, drawing his needs from the presence of the Almighty. It would be this that would sustain him. This is also an invaluable lesson to the committed disciple of Christ.

Salvation and Identification:
We are told in Philippians to “work out our salvation in fear and trembling”. Philippians 1:28; 2:12 The word salvation in this sense does not mean the salvation of the soul. It means the gifts of salvation given to us by God in Christ. They are pure gifts and must remain pure. For those who follow Christ, this is a difficult endeavor working out the ministry for which we have been specifically called. Salvation in this verse means deliverance from the snares and hindrances which would prevent the Lord from completing His will in the disciple's life; that which would prevent one from doing the will of God. God’s purpose must be achieved if our affinity with Christ is to be accomplished. John 17:4 This step in the Christian walk is completed by faith. The Christian's desire must be the base of their life and motives. The only desire being: to know and understand God. If He is not desired,the Christian is powerless. Jeremiah 9:23,24; John 15:5

Beauty which is holy:
“Fragments” of God are only understood when the heart is yielded to the Holy Spirit. He is the One who draws the curtain up allowing Christ to be glorified and thus bringing glory to God the Father. Mark 4:33; John 16:13-16 God allowed Christ to be disfigured. Isaiah 50:6-9 But is it understood beauty was the benefit? This concept has probably never entered the mind as applied to identification with Christ. Yet, an emotional “marring”can be experienced when those we love turn against us because we follow Christ. We can endure a physical marring when we endure sickness or disability. Enduring a social marring is experienced when people of the world persecute disciples for their faith in Christ. Until one can learn to accept the marring process the spiritual marring which must take place will never begin. It must begin to make us useful vessels. Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:4

The carnal nature must be replaced with God’s divine nature enabling the Holy Spirit to flow to others who need His touch. Once acceptance of who we are in Christ Jesus confirms in the heart God's calling, our beauty becomes holy. It is a beauty given by God who ordains each man’s sufferings solely for His own purposes. He did it with each person He called. All carried His mark. All held their faith in God alone. Separation from the world is the mark of commitment. When God instructed Moses to build an altar of stone, He told Moses not to lift a “tool upon it”. For if a man used a tool on the stone, the stone then became polluted. Exodus 20:25 The apostle Peter tells states Christians are to be “living stones”. 1 Peter 2:5 It is need essential to guard against those things which pollute the soul and the body. Pollution derived from the world makes an unfit temple; a temple in which the Holy Spirit is able to dwell.

The furnace of affliction:
While God's His furnace of affliction is endured it might help to remember another thought which is this: God’s love for His children is fathomless. He desires to prepare them for eternity. For God not to replace the human nature with His divine nature would be to obliterate the reality He may never have us for eternity if there is a failure to “measure up”. The yardstick God uses to measure divine character is, suffering. Isaiah 53; 48:10; 2 Timothy 2:12 The endurance of faith, rooted in a relationship with Christ, will bring the Christian through the fires of affliction. The apostle Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit states this so eloquently: “ …That the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes, though is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. 1 Peter 4:6-8

Jesus Christ, Our Example:
When Jesus hung on the cross the Father could not look at His Son covered with our sins.Isaiah 59:2 But had the thought ever crossed one’s mind of the Father heart of God? His pain and suffering? He had to turn away, for His heart was torn to shreds as He watched His Son. An innocent spotless Lamb, slaughtered for the sins of humanity. He had to turn away before He destroyed the whole earth.

The Father knew Jesus was sinless. He had to be, in order for the sacrifice to be accepted. Jesus willingly, in obedience to His Father, took on Himself the punishment for the world’s sins. John 10:18 In the midst of the putrid horror the sons of men created on earth, was God’s Messiah. This too, is a fact for disciples of Christ struggling to live out lives in a Godless generation. Though we do not seek to put ourselves on the same level as Christ, the principle is relative. Christ warned us of our lot in John 15:18,19 “If the world hate you, know that it hated Me before it hated you”. Through all Jesus endured; He held His peace. He did not allow His suffering to rob Him of “the peace which passes all understanding”. Jesus knew His life would be the very standard God would use to judge His enemies.
Philippians 4:6,7

Those of Jesus’ day are like the nominal Christians of today. Would a nominal Christian of today, run to a side pierced by a Roman soldier’s spear? As they surveyed the flesh torn, swollen, bruised, disfigured face would they be repulsed; or would they remember a face once defined in strength and gentleness? Would they cradle the lifeless body and remember times of spiritual intimacy? Would it tear their hearts knowing the price of the Sacrifice given? Could they then sing adoringly, “Isn’t He beautiful, Beautiful O isn’t He?” I think not.

Five days before His crucifixion these “type” of people honored Jesus crying, “Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The same people screamed to have Christ put to death before Passover. The book of James defines this very well. “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble. But do you want to know, O foolish man that faith without works is dead?” James 2:19-21 There are nominal Christians who think all they have to do is believe in the sacrifice of Christ. They fit the Holy Spirit in somewhere and go to church every Sunday. They think to themselves they are doing a pretty good job as a Christian. They live their daily lives making their own decisions, doing their “own thing” until Sunday rolls around. God isn’t in their thoughts from Monday to Saturday. Their Bible stays closed until Sunday morning, if it is opened at all.

The disciple of Christ lives out his or her belief in obedience and worship. They honor God with faith and trust. Their priority is the will of God. They go to church to be a servant to others, not to use it as a social club. Jesus shows the contrast between “believers” and “disciples” in Matthew 7:21-23 It is the reason Jesus stated, “For many be called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:16

God knew Abraham would command his household after the ways of a holy God.
Genesis 18:19 Just as He knows those of this day and age who still agonize for the price paid to ransom mankind. How is this possible? After two thousand years those who are intimate with God still feel His heartache, His grief. Isaiah 65:2.

Those of today who slander the name of the Savior had their counterparts in that great and mournful day past. They want a God who will take what they desire to give to Him; rather than obey what He commands. They are as those who stood at the foot of the cross and shook their fists at God’s precious Gift. Rather than repent and believe, they gathered together to have a good laugh. They satisfied their self righteousness and animosities with cruel remarks made against a sinless life. They enjoyed their rebellion as they watched the life flow from the Man, Jesus.

All the while God the Father looked down from heaven. With tears in His eyes, and a heart overflowing with grief He announced to all of heaven and earth, “This is My Son in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 Christ’s obedience was well pleasing to God the Father; it was an act of beauty. God also considers our obedience and suffering for His purpose a picture of beauty. He suffers, also, as He walks by our side. Nominal Christians know of God, but they do not know Him.Isaiah 63:9 Knowing, means to be intimate with the Lord, and proving that intimacy with a life of faith and works. Believing God in the face of great suffering and trials which sre not understood, is a work of faith. The Father uses great suffering to “fertilize”faith. He wants the seed of faith He planted to bloom and become a great tree of His planting. Jeremiah 17:7-10 Romans 12:3 Suffering brings sufficient grace to endure whatever life holds.2 Corinthians 12:9

So maybe, just maybe, as we struggle with our identity, conformity and obedience to God; as nominal Christians gather round our cross to mock and rail on us we will be able to keep our peace as Jesus kept His peace. Luke 9:23;14:27 Then possibly, God the Father will look on us with merciful favor and say, “These are my children, and they are beautiful!”

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com