The Super Test of Super Tests

“By faith Abraham, when has was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Hebrews 11: 17-19). Perhaps you have notices life is marked by tests. Some are major, most are minor; some linger, most leave about as quickly as they arrive. In the process of growth toward maturity, trouble plays an essential role: it puts faith on the line. Note several factors involved in testing. First, there are several levels of testing. We read in II Corinthians 4:8-9, about four levels of stress. The levels of testing or stress are indicated by the following terms: the first level of stress is found in the word afflicted. This is the lowest level of testing. It is mild or moderate. The word in the Greek means pressure. This type of stress comes from people, deadlines, interruptions, and delays. It is easily forgotten but it attacks us on a daily basis. The second level of stress is found in the word perplexed. The Greek word means “without a way” and conveys the idea of not knowing where to go or to whom one can turn. This kind of testing would include not knowing how to handle unfair treatment from unfair people. The third level of stress is found in the word persecuted. This is an extreme level of testing. It can be either emotional or physical. This form of irritation or stress does not pass quickly. And the fourth level of stress is found in the word struck down. This is the ultimate testing, maximum stress. It can include the loss of someone or something near and dear to you: the loss of a spouse to divorce; a mate to death, a child, or friend; something you considered valuable; a dream. For Abraham, it was the potential loss of his “only begotten son” (Hebrews 11:17). Second, we find the ultimate level of testing. The Scriptures reveal the story of Abraham and Isaac in both telescopic (Hebrews 11) and microscopic (Genesis 22) fashions. Note an overview found in Hebrews 11: 17-19. Our usual response to life’s ultimate tests is “I can’t believe it!” We reason, “How can a good God bring such a test? It’s unfair!” An analysis of Genesis 22 is in order. The God who told Abraham to leave Ur, who gave Abraham the promise of a nation, and who opened Sarah’s womb in her old age, told Abraham to sacrifice his son. Please note Abraham’s words found in Genesis 22:3-10. “We will worship, we will return.” How could Abraham have done this? The answer is found in Hebrews 11:19, he brought God into his reasoning. Third, our lives today: a personal examination. In reviewing Hebrews 11:17-19, there are at least four applications we can draw for our own lives. God’s will always require obedience (v. 17a). The plan is never fully understood (v. 17b). Ultimate tests initially seem contradictory (v. 18). Our response invariably reveals our theology (v. 19). Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Secret of Contentment

It's hard to find anyone in Christian history who became a great leader without earning an advanced degree at the University of Adversity. John Bunyan (1628-1688), the author of The Pilgrim's Progress, grew up in poverty and taught himself to read. As a young man, he struggled with feelings of not being forgiven by God and was tortured by visions of eternal punishment. His devout wife helped him to overcome his fear, but then, while she was still in her twenties, she died of a sudden illness. In his grief, Bunyan devoted himself to preaching. The English government, however, repeatedly imprisoned him for preaching without a license. On one occasion, Bunyan was sentenced to three months in prison, but when he told the officials he intended to go on preaching, his sentence was extended to 12 years. John Bunyan experienced God's presence in a special way while he was in prison. In fact, it was in his cell that he penned his enduring classic, The Pilgrim's Progress. It's a book that could only have been written by a soul that was refined by the fires of adversity. A. W. Tozer once wrote, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." God has a mission for your life and mine. But before we can carry out that mission, we will often go through the boot camp of adversity. If this is where you find yourself today, ask God to give you His grace to walk through this time with you. He promised He would never leave or forsake us. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound, in any and every circumstance. I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. yet it was kind of you to share my troubles. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:10-19). Paul the Apostle also suffered hardship. However like John Bunyan, Paul was not a victim of circumstances but the victor over circumstances. He said "I can accept all things" (v.11), "I can do all things" (v.13), and "I have all things" (v.18). Paul did not have to be pampered to be content; he found his contentment in the spiritual resources abundantly provided by Christ. Contentment is not escape from the battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of the battle (v.11). The verb "learned" means learned by experience. Spiritual contentment does not come immediately after one is saved. Content means contained. The resources are within. The Christian has sufficient resources in Christ. In the above chapter, Paul names three spiritual resources that make us adequate and give us contentment. First, the overruling providence of God (4:10). In this day of scientific achievement, we hear less and less about the providence of God. The word providence comes from two Latin words: Pro, meaning before and video, meaning to see. God's providence means that God sees to it beforehand. It is the working of God in advance to arrange circumstances and situations for His purposes. Joseph and his brothers illustrate providence. His brothers envied him, and they sold him as a slave at age 17. In Egypt God revealed 7 years of famine were coming. When the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams were revealed. Twenty years later Joseph's brothers were reconciled to him, and then understood what the Lord had done. In Genesis 45:5 Joseph stated "God did send me before you to preserve life." God in His providence has caused the church at Philippi to become concerned about Paul's needs, and it came when Paul needed their love the most. Life is not a series of accidents; it is a series of appointments. The Lord has promised "I will guide you with My eye" (Psalm 32:8). Abraham called God Jehovah-Jireh "The Lord will see to it." When God puts forth His own sheep He goes before them (John 10:4). God's providence is a wonderful source of contentment. Second, the unfailing power of God (4:11-13). Paul explains that he is not complaining. His happiness does not depend on circumstances or things. Most believers have learned how to be abased, very few have learned how to abound. The word instructed (v.12), means to be initiated into the secret. The word was used in pagan religion. It meant the inner secrets. Through trials and testings Paul was initiated into the wonderful secret of contentment. It was the power of Christ that gave Paul spiritual contentment (v.13). Paul's motto "I can through Christ." Third, the unchanging promise of God (4:14-20). Paul thanks the church at Philippi for their generous gift. He compares their giving to three very familiar things. 1. A budding tree (v.10). The word "flourished" refers to a tree budding. We go through winter seasons spiritually. But spring always brings new life and blessing. The tree has not moved, circumstances are not changed. The difference is the new life within. 2. An investment (vv.14-17). Their missionary gift would pay them rich spiritual dividends. They gave materially, and received spiritually. The church is poor that fails to support missions. 3. A sacrifice (v.18). Spiritual sacrifices are the Praise of our lips (Hebrews 13:15), good works (Hebrews 13:16), and winning the lost (Romans 15:16). The philippian believers offered a sacrifice to the Lord in giving to Paul. Paul sees this gift as coming from heaven. They gave out of poverty, but God will supply out of His riches in glory (v.19). Hudson Taylor said "When God's work is done in God's way for God's glory, it will not lack for God's supply." Contentment comes from adequate resources. Our resources are the providence of God, the power of God, and the promises of God. These resources made Paul sufficient for every demand of life, and they can make us sufficient, too. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Know Your Enemy

Isaiah 14:13-14 "For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the side of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." The enemy said he would ascent into heaven, to take charge. He said he would exalt his throne above the stars of God to rule over all creation in God's place. He would sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north to lead in all worship services that were meant to worship God. He would ascend above the heights of the clouds to break into God's most private secret haven. And he would be like the most High, to drive God out and take His place. The enemy still fights against God by doing battle with God's children. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood." We must know his ways and be on guard. We are never so much like the enemy as when pride rules in our hearts. The cure for pride is worship. Pride focuses on self; worship puts the focus on Christ, (John 4:23). There is the pride of self will, the pride of self effort and the pride of self glory. The answer "Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes unto heaven and his understanding returned" (Daniel 4:34). Look to Jesus and give yourself to Him. Jesus came to "Heal the broken hearted and set the captive free." God does not deliver us for our sake but for His sake. He frees us so we can fulfill His purpose, ( Isaiah 61:1-4). Many Christians battle with a spirit of fainting. In Christ we obtain comfort for mourning, garland for ashes, gladness for sorrow, the mantle of praise and thanksgiving instead of weariness and heaviness. Freedom comes through brokenness, repentance, humility and trust. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

God's Fertilizer

"All things work together for good to them who love God and are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). "Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything" (Acts 9:8-9). A study of church history reveals that most Christian leaders had an advanced degree in adversity. I believe God's purpose in allowing difficulty in a believers life is to advance their spiritual growth. Romans 8:28 is a conditional promise. For the person who shuns spiritual growth and spurns an intimate relationship with the Lord, there is no guarantee that "All things will work for good." "Good" may refer to character development or a faith lesson that results from adversity. These are things God values far more than health, wealth, or many other blessing we tend to place a high value on. If you lose your job you are not guaranteed you will get a better one. The true blessing may lie in your coming to a greater understanding of what it means to trust God daily. How many Biblical characters lives end with "And they lived happily ever after." Moses died in the desert outside of the Promised Land, Paul was beheaded by Nero, most of Christ's disciples were martyred. Does God care about our happiness? Of course, we have the joy of the Lord, as well as the deep happiness that a spiritually maturing believer experiences. However we must grasp God's purposes for suffering or we might become bitter toward Him, and end up blaming Him for our struggles. We must be careful not to see our trials as something God does to us. Rather we must realize they are tools the Lord uses for our benefit. Christlike living may result in changing our priorities from comfort and pleasure, to accepting difficult times as part of God's plan for our spiritual growth. Many times suffering opens the door to greater joy and peace. When we exercise the mind of Christ we begin to understand God's purposes and when the bottom seems to fall out we don't panic, or assume God has forgotten all about us. We know God could speak a word and all our troubles would be erased. But experience tells us that the Father doesn't choose to work that way. When we understand why God permits trying circumstances, we can face trouble with the assurance of His love and mercy. That's why James said "Count it all joy when you encounter many trials" (James 1:2). John Wesley (1703- 1791), fleshes out Romans 8:28. As a young man you wouldn't have thought of him as a great Christian leader. He was just over five feet tall and very thin. In his early years, he suffered greatly from feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and a morbid fear of death. Though he didn't understand the Christian gospel, he devoted himself to doing good works for the poor in an effort to earn his way to heaven. While in his early thirties, he sailed to America to do missionary work among the American Indians. While crossing the Atlantic, Wesley's ship passed through a violent storm that broke the main mast off its base and nearly sank the ship. As the waves crashed over the ship, Wesley huddled in terror, knowing he didn't have peace with God. He survived the storm, and continued to struggle in his relationship with God for several more years. Finally, back in London, he attended a meeting on Aldersgate Street, where he heard a preacher reading from the preface of Martin Luthers' book on Romans, Luther wrote that salvation comes by faith in Christ alone. At that point, he said, "I felt my heart strangely warmed." Soon after that, Wesley began preaching the gospel. John Wesley was well acquainted with adversity. He was married to a most difficult woman, on occasion she would physically beat him. He stayed married to her and provided for her all his life. As an itinerant preacher he spoke on an average of three times a days, and he wrote gospel hymns and sermons as he traveled by horseback. His own words give us a glimpse into his heart. "Lord, I am no longer my own, but Yours. Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will. Let be employed by You or laid aside for You, exalted for You or brought low by You. Let me have all things, let me have nothing, I freely and heartily yield all things to Your pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am Yours. So be it." Amen John Wesley His fifty-two-year preaching ministry became the foundation of the modern evangelical movement. But it never would have happened if John Wesley had not been tossed on the stormy seas of adversity. Adversity is often God's fertilizer for spiritual calling. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Running to Win

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36). I had a professor in Seminary who would say "Its always to soon to quit." Those words were spoken in a time when the average stay of a pastor was under two years. The above passage says the same thing, Don't quit, its too soon to quit, persevere, keep on keeping on. The Lord is telling us to stay confident in Him. Things don't have to go our way, we can be assured they are going His way. That's what really matters in the end. We find real comfort in the Lord's command to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5). The word "Trust" means to fall flat on your face before. The word indicates a total trust which would not in anyway rely on self, resources, other people, or cleaver schemes. Our trust is to be in Him alone. When we fall flat on our face before Him we are saying I surrender everything to You. I give you total control of my life, my future, my finances, my relationships, my possessions, my health, and every other aspect of my life. Then watch Him work, for its all about Him. He is God and I am not. Ya know, I can write about this a whole lot easier than I can live it. That is why I need to actively do things that will keep me close to the Lord. Like what things you may ask? Well like prayer, Bible reading, fellowship with other believers, attending church, and obeying God. He never moves over but I have a tendency to do so. The song writer said "Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love." In His grace He is faithful to keep on calling me back to fellowship with Himself. I will be the first to acknowledge that it can be hard to stay focused when life begins to crumble. Staying confident when it seem like our life dreams have evaporated can really be tough. Those are the times we must pray for strength, and exercise faith in the God who is too wise to make a mistake. These times are designed by Him to deepen our dependency and strengthen our resolve to follow Him. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

How to "Rejoice Always"

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”- Philippians 4:4. Make no mistake about it, God desires that we rejoice, but He wants us to rejoice with purpose. If we are not rejoicing with His purpose in mind, we will have merely titillated our senses. Psalm 21:1 Tells us there will be everlasting Joy when God's Kingdom is established on earth. Joy and gladness are not only deep inward feelings, they are also expressed in visible celebration when God's people gather together. Why is rejoicing so import? Because "The joy of the Lord is our strength." Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. A believers joy is conditioned by the believers knowledge of the Word. We know that "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (I Cor. 13:6). Speaking to believers Isaiah 60:15 says "Whereas you have been forsaken and hated... I will make you an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations." No only do we as believers experience joy, we are to pass joy on to others. Ephesians 5:20 says "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." For some, this is difficult, actually, at times, we all stumble over this command. We are certainly a gracious people when things are going well. When we return from a trip safely we are quick to thank the Lord for our safe arrival. But let's suppose the trip was a disaster, we were involved in an accident and we were injured. Perhaps the accident caused a delay that cost a large sale or the loss of an important client. Maybe lightning struck the house, or a burglar broke in damaged the house and stole irreplaceable valuables. Do we see God's hand in these circumstances as well? Or do we serve a God who is only involved in the "Good" things of life? Did Job bemoan his "Bad luck" or murmur against God. Just the opposite, he bowed before Him, and blessed Him (Job 1:13-22). Was Job being fatalistic or blind to reality? Not on your life. People who live by genuine faith in God, always rejoice in the Lord, knowing He is involved in all aspects of life. Paul's exhortation to the Philippians is nothing short of a call to faith, this call goes out to those undergoing some sort of heavy trial. When a believer knows that his life and all its circumstances are in the hands of the sovereign, wise, and loving God who is always working for his good, (Romans 8:28-29), then he can truly "Rejoice always." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Power in Weakness

Please read II Corinthians 12:1-10. The personal experiences of the Apostle Paul as recorded in these verses have deep significance for all who are desiring to grow in grace. Paul's visions and revelations were further proof of his Apostleship. Note several results of this vision. First, a new revelation. This revelation was for Paul alone. He said it wasn't his to share "Not lawful." We can only know the character of this vision by its fruits. The fruit seen here is worthy of God. The Spirit of God may lead us through spiritual experiences that the language of mortals cannot fully express. There are precious seasons of the consciousness of God's presence and the reality of His power that are beyond expression. I remember a young mother, not expected to live, who came to Christ in the hospital. God spared her life and saved her soul. Her experience was such that she could only say "No words can express how real He is." Second, a new trial. Fresh trials usually come after new visions. Spiritual burdens often cure spiritual pride. The crown of thrones Christ wore for us make easy all the thrones in the flesh we may at anytime be afflicted with. God permitted Paul's body to be afflicted. A thorn in the flesh, could refer to a splinter or a stake, thrones come in many sizes. What ever this throne was, we know it was a messenger of Satan personified. Paul knew it was God's will that he suffer with this affliction. Paul was more anxious to preach the Gospel than to glory in his special revelation. His vision did not supersede the Word of God. God teaching us more about Himself is complementary with our being a witness for Him. Third, a new promise. The power of weakness is abundantly evident in Paul's ministry. Paul was told that God's grace is sufficient. God's strength is made perfect in weakness. His power is increased as the weakness grows. This is not the weakness of ignorance or of unbelief but that of conscious self-insufficiency. If God's strength is to be made perfect in weakness, surely there is a blessing for all of us. I have found it is much easier to be self-confident that self-emptied. Human weakness opens the door for more of Christ's power and grace to be manifested in our lives. Slowly, Paul learned the supreme lesson, that God will not give His glory to another for self display. When we humble ourselves, God exalts us. Forth, a new source of joy. Glorying in our infirmities is something far better than merely submitting to them. Sometimes God says no, to one of our prayers, out of love. It is common for believers to find joy in their gifts, but not so common to find joy in their infirmities. Paul said "That the glory of God may rest upon me." Means to cover with a tent." Here, Paul himself is the one being covered, as if the glory of the Lord was overshadowing him. Fifth, a new resolution. Paul took pleasure in every trial and hardship that made him feel more acutely his own weakness. We are told to "Glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation works patience" (Hebrews 12:11). Paul will choose to be joyous even unto death, for he has learned that when problems come he has fresh access to the power of God. The Apostle learned to glory in every trial, because they made him draw more closely to the Lord. Our trials will make us better or bitter, the choice is ours. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

The Paradox of Suffering

The Christian life is one of paradoxes. In II Corinthians 1:4 we read "Who comforts us in all our trials, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any distress by the same comfort that we ourselves receive from him." Paul declared here that God comforts His children in times of tribulations. How? We are not told exactly; it could be through the ministry of Christian friends, certainly through the Scriptures. Christ promised He would not leave His followers orphans but that He would send the Holy Spirit to be their Comforter (John 14:16-18). Here Paul emphasizes the constancy of God's comfort. It is not temporary or spasmodic. This verse could well read: "Who always comforts us...." Here is one paradox, affliction and comfort appear to go together, but not without purpose. The very comfort that is received in times of suffering brings with it an understanding of why the comfort is sent in the first place. It is not only for the one who is comforted, it will also, through that one, benefit others. It is a reassuring thought that the constant comfort of God attends the overflowing sufferings that may come the believer's way. In II Corinthians 1:5 we read "The more we share Christ's suffering, the more of his comforts are overflowing towards us, through Christ." When the sufferings of Christ are present in abundance, the comfort is present in superabundance. God always gives more than He takes. Paul is saying here that although the sufferings of Christ seem to be present in abundance, even to overflowing, the comfort and encouragement for enduring the trial is more than abundant. Our union with Christ may be the cause of affliction, but it is also the source of consolation. Apart from Christ, suffering often leads to despair rather than comfort. I write these daily devotional thoughts from my life experiences. I just went through a trial whereby God came through in the nick of time. It is my personal experience that God loves taking me to the wall, (If He doesn't show up I'm dead meat), where there is no way over and no way around and then He make a door, at the last minute, and allows me to pass through. However the Lord reminded me, He has given me a reprieve, but my trails are not over, I still walk in a robe of flesh, I still face daily struggles, and I still have an enemy (Satan). I believe God in His sovereignty gives me exactly what I need to keep me dependent on Him. I identify with King David who said "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your precepts." I can attest to the fact that I would be totally wiped out apart from Him, and because of the comfort I have received in my trials, He, at times allows me to comfort others in their time of need. How are you doing with your present trial? Are you clinging to Jesus, receiving the comfort the the Holy Spirit, allowing believers to minister to you? Perhaps you have become bitter and you feel hopeless? Please ask the Lord to comfort you in your present distress. "He is an ever present help in the time of need." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.