Doors provide an entrance into many types of spaces. They also function as protective barriers, providing safety from unwanted intruders. Locks are commonly used on doors to safeguard access into households or places of business. Peepholes on a door allow an occupant to identify safe visitors. When the wrong person accesses a door, crimes of various sorts may ensue. Lives become threatened, subject to mortal danger.

As God’s children, we have been given access to Him through a narrow Door. Jesus identifies Himself as the only Door to the Father. That Door opened for us as we approached Him in faith, crouching low in humility and repentance. As we walked through the Door, its crimson color reminded us of the blood of Jesus that was shed to wash away our sins. We were welcomed and received into God’s household with unconditional love. Entering through the Door by faith made limitless grace available, all that we need for life and godliness.

How do we continue to dwell in the safety of Christ, kept from the dangers of sin? We allow God’s truth to become the doorkeeper of our mind.The Word of God acts as a peephole by which we learn to recognize the lies of Satan. Lies are like unwanted intruders, intent on robbing us of the rich rewards of faith in Christ. We learn to lock the door of our mind to lies, denying them entrance. Joyfully, we fling the door of our minds wide open to welcome the words of Christ. By clinging to, and obeying them, we find love, safety, peace, wisdom, and power to live in victory over sin.

How secure is the door of your mind? Are you leaving it carelessly unlocked by neglecting the Word of God? Ask God to help you lock out dangerous intruders, lies that rob you of joy and victory over sin. Fling wide open the door of your heart and mind to Jesus. His truth, power and peace will rush in, guarding you in all of your ways

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.”

Isaiah 26:3

Bridges provide a means of safe deliverance over otherwise impassable obstacles. Magnificent suspension bridges may span large bodies of water, great heights or perilous mountain routes. Such bridges are often engineered with steel cables embedded in tons of concrete on either end. This enables the bridge to withstand hundreds of thousands of pounds of stress.

Life in a broken world often fills our lives with troubles that produce tremendous stress. Broken relationships, betrayal, unmet expectations and other problems cause us to feel deep anxiety. We wonder how we can withstand the pressure of trials without giving in to fear. The apostle Paul lived with ongoing distressing circumstances: beatings, shipwrecks, rejection and imprisonment. He talked about being oppressed in every way as he lived to make the good news of Jesus known.

What is the antidote for fear when we face a deep chasm of impossible looking circumstances? Like Paul did, we turn our gaze to Jesus. We come to Him in faith, depending upon Him as our bridge over troubled waters. His Word works like the steel cables of a suspension bridge, firmly stabilizing us in His great love and strength. No matter how much our bridge sways, we will walk securely, high above evil in the power of His Spirit. He will safely deliver us to where we need to go.

As God’s beloved child, will you choose to believe that God has shared all His infinite resources with you through the person of Jesus? Step out upon His words. He will transform your fear into faith as you believe and obey. Let Him be your bridge over troubled waters.

“Fear not, for I am with you; do not look around in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

Imagine a group of world-renowned experts gathered around your kitchen table. The group has assembled to answer your questions from their tremendous expertise and experience. Now imagine that an hour or so into the discussion, you begin to argue with them. Even worse, you quit listening to them. You choose not to believe or act on the facts they have shared. Such actions would be foolish, if not futile.

Are we not prone to do this with God? Over thousands of years, God assembled His words into one divinely inspired book, the Holy Bible. In addition, God sent Jesus as a living testimony of His words, showing us who He is and exhibiting how we are to live. Yet like humanity since the beginning, we often fail to listen to, believe and act on the words of the One who knows all things. When we make choices apart from God’s wisdom and Word, we forfeit great blessing and endure needless hardships and consequences.

There’s a better way:

“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word.” 

Isaiah 66:2b

When we humble ourselves before God, become contrite in spirit and tremble at His Word, we make God’s Word the authority in our lives.

It’s the mindset:

 God said it. I believe it. That settles it.

Such a mindset does not ignore, discount or circumvent the intelligence God gave you. Instead, it’s the ultimate use of your intellect. We wisely follow the advice of worldly experts. Even more so, we should tremble at and act upon every word God speaks. In doing so, we receive lavish portions of His power and wisdom. We gain access to the very mind of Christ. Anything less is an act of ignorance and foolishness.

No matter how we have ignored or rejected God’s words in the past, we can choose to submit to them today. Go to God’s Word. Believe it. Act according to it!

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life.”

John 6:68

]]> http://acommunityofgrace.com/?feed=rss2&p=934 0 http://acommunityofgrace.com/?p=932 http://acommunityofgrace.com/?p=932#comments Tue, 27 May 2014 01:58:00 +0000 http://acommunityofgrace.com/?p=932

Through the centuries, our world has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties. The royal family of England is one of the last remaining monarchies.  As Queen Elizabeth II continues to reign, Prince Charles, Prince William and now Prince George wait in line to assume the throne. They anticipate this position of honor and power for one reason – it’s their birthright. Though the full realization of their inheritance has not transpired, their royal status affords them numerous privileges today.

As the descendants of the house of Windsor have a royal inheritance, we, as Christians, have been blessed with a glorious inheritance. We are citizens of a kingdom that will never fall. We have a King whose reign will never end. We have an inheritance beyond anything this world has ever seen: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2).

Though we’ve not yet received our full inheritance, we have access to everything we need to live an abundant and godly life on this earth. We receive it by going to the One who sits on the throne:

“Let us fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to God’s throne of grace; that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need — appropriate and well-timed help, coming just when we need it” (Hebrews 4:16).

Your God-given inheritance is guaranteed. You lack nothing, but to receive it, you must believe it:

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:12).

Our times of greatest need provide God the opportunity to bestow His greatest supply. There’s no reason for you to live as a spiritual pauper when the riches of heaven are available to you today.  Do you need to claim part of your inheritance? Go to God’s throne of grace, asking and believing for all you need.

“My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

The reigning monarch of England is entitled to continuous protection in her royal residences by two contingents of soldiers. The daily changing of the Queen’s Guard is a symbolic reminder of the high worth placed upon the life of the sovereign.

The Queen depends on regiments of highly trained soldiers for physical protection. Christ-followers also must learn to trust in God’s truth to guard them from the dangers of sin. Believing God is having a firm conviction of future promises despite present circumstances or distressed emotions. Such faith believes that God is Who He says He  is and will reward those who earnestly seek Him. Belief issues forth in obedience, trusting in God to accomplish His spoken word.

How do we grow in greater faith? We intentionally spend time with God, cultivating His friendship.We listen to His words and pour out our hearts to Him. Knowing God deepens our trust in Him. His unconditional love anchors us in the testing of our faith.

David had been told by God that he would be king over Israel. For many years that promise looked like an impossible reality. He lived as a fugitive, running from a jealous king who sought to kill him. Yet David refused to succumb to unbelief while his faith was being tested. He was protected from the lies of Satan as he clung to the love and truth of God.  His heart cried out to God in Psalm 27: 13,14:

“What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait, hope for and expect the Lord.”

God rewarded David’s faith, preserving his life until the time came to fulfill His spoken promises.

Have you been living in unbelief? Perhaps your mind needs a “changing of the guard.” It is time for Satan’s lies to be evicted. You are a royal child of the King. Your life has become His royal residence. You are entitled to be safely guarded by faith in God’s Word and the power of His Holy Spirit.