Monday, December 9, 2013

"Heart Treasures"



     Suppose we became convinced that the daily reading, assimilation, affirmation, and application of a certain book would inevitably lead to financial wealth and security? 

     We'd likely read, assimilate, affirm, and apply the book, wouldn't we? (sadly, disastrously, a current tome is being heavily marketed as such, touting a "Biblical code" that ensures riches if properly followed and applied).  Why then do believers often find difficulty in consistent devotion to the Book that promises "the unsearchable riches of Christ" and "all spiritual blessings" (Ephesians 3:8; 1:3).

     The obvious answer that springs to mind involves fleshly carnality.  "I'm just not spiritual enough," we might confess, "and thus, my priorities are not in order."  Certainly this can be the case, even as one preacher once wrote in the flyleaf of his Bible, "This Book will keep you from sin, and sin will keep you from this Book."   However, another hindering influence must be acknowledged as we consider the challenge of consistent relationship with God through His Word.

    "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:11-12).

    Our spiritual enemies know the mighty effect of Scripture in the hearts and lives of God's trusting children in Christ.  Thus, they seek to cloud our remembrance and affirmation of the heart treasures awaiting us in the Word of God.  The Lord Jesus Himself, the living Word, meets us in the Bible, God's written Word.  "For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light shall we see light" (Psalm 36:9).  This we know in principle, but this we often forget in practice.  Again, this may result from spiritual weakness on our part.  Often, however, the spiritual warring of Satan and his minions accounts for distraction and discouragement regarding the Scriptures.  We don't face merely the failings of our flesh, but also the fightings of our foes.  Recognizing the conflict prepares and enables us to "fight the good fight of faith" whereby we recognize the vital place of the Bible in our hearts and in our relationship with God (I Timothy 6:12).  "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).

    We are fully responsible for availing ourselves of the wondrous gift of the Bible.  The attempt of devils to hinder does not absolve us if we succumb to their subtle and direct attacks on our calling to walk with God in the light of His Word.  Nevertheless, we do well to realize and remember our adversaries' constant working to distract us from the spiritual riches and blessing of heart found only in the Lord Jesus.  This should get our spiritual dander up, as it were, steeling within our hearts greater determination and devotion to that Book filled with "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (I Peter 1:4).
   
"I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil."
(Psalm 119:62)\

Weekly Memory Verse
    But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).
(Ephesians 2:4-5)

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