From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Praise His Name for b-u-t!!! part 6

(If you haven't read part 1 of this series, you need to read at least the first 2 paragraphs of it before proceeding with this message, so you will understand its premise.)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  (Phillipians 4:6-7)  This is one of the most beautiful verses in the Bible to me.  Anxiety (care-ful, full of anxious care, stressed out about things) is so prevalent today.  The Apostle Paul here gives us the wonderful revelation that, we as God's children, are not to worry and fret about anything; and then he gives us the solution and answer to the problem of worry.  That solution is: (1) prayer, as in worship and praise (2) supplication, the making of specific requests (3) ending with giving of thanks to God for all His blessings, including the answer HE will give to your supplications, knowing that answer will be the best thing for you.  We are then promised that when we keep doing these things, God will literally post a guard of peace (like building a fort) around our hearts (feelings and emotions), and (literally, also our) mind (thoughts).  HE does this through (by the instrument) Christ (the Messiah, the One sent by God) Jesus (which means, Jehovah saves).  What an awesome promise from God's Word!  Remember 2 Corinthians 1:20, which says: For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.  Every promise from God's Word is yea (true) and amen (firm, trustworthy).  Let me remind you of this hymn:

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (Phillipians 4:19)  The Church at Phillipi had sent Paul a love offering to assist him as he traveled in his preaching and teaching ministry.  His words tell us they had done so before this.  Paul knew that giving like that is sacrificial letting go freely of things and money they could well have used themselves.  Paul acknowledged that and said but God recognizes your sacrificial giving also and shall (not might) meet (supply) their needs.  That Word still applies to day.  When we are openhanded to God and His work and workers, HE, in turn, is openhanded toward us.  Luke 6:38 states it thusly:  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.  Praise His Name for b-u-t!!!

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  (1 Thessalonians 5:9)  This passage began with a reminder that the Day of the Lord, when all will face God; and those who have been unconcerned about Him and His offer of salvation, who are called the children of darkness, will have God's wrath come upon them suddenly, when they are not expecting it.  The saved (includes us today), the children of light, are counseled to stay alert to His sudden coming and live as we should.  Our incentive is given as the fact God has not ordained (appointed) us to receive that wrath as we deserve, but, rather, has ordained us to receive His marvelous eternal salvation because Jesus, Who we chose as our Master (Lord), suffered for us.  Praise His Name for b-u-t!!!

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.  (2 Thessalonians 3:3)  Not every man can be trusted to keep their promises.  This causes stress, doubt, and fear in our lives, but, our Master can be trusted (is faithful), and will strengthen (stablish, establish) and protect (keep) us from both evil men and the Evil One, Satan.  Praise His Name for b-u-t!!!

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do  (Hebrews 4:13)  The previous verse in Hebrews 4 declared God's Word, in itself, is like a super sharp scalpel which can cut down to the inner core of men, laying open and revealing their innermost thoughts and desires to them.  Paul then declares here that, not only the Word reveals these things, but God alone, apart from His Word, is not blind to our thoughts and desires.  Every created thing and its desires, thoughts, and intents lays completely uncovered and open in His sight.  Not only are those things in Christians revealed, prompting us to live holy lives, but also those who would desire to harm us are under God's infinitely powerful "microscope."  They can't "sneak" past and fool God, posing as sheep among the true sheep of His Flock.  No, God sees their true "wolf" identities.  Our Mighty Shepherd watches over us with all-seeing eyes.  Praise His Name for b-u-t!!!

This concludes part 6 of this series.

Ben