God's Merciful Compassion--a Study

Gods merciful compassion is seen everywhere in the Old Testament. 1. His compassion carries on in the New Testament as well, where we see: He is the One from whom all things come and for whom we live ( 1 Corinthians 8:6). We see He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3-10), sealing us with His Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21-22; 5:5) and effecting our rescue from Satan's domain (Col. 1:13-14). He Himself does not tempt us (Jas. 1:13), and He moderates every temptation we experience ( 1 Cor. 10:13). He is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24-25), but even when we do fall, He confronts us in our troubles (2 Cor. 1:3-4) and continues to work all things for our good (by conforming us to the image of Christ; Rom. 8:28-30). He works in us (Phil. 2:12-13), enabling us to grow (1 Cor. 3:7) and to do the works He has already prepared for us (Eph. 2:8-10). 2. The believer's responsibilities towards God. In light of the revealed character of our loving, merciful, compassionate Creator, what is our response? The following suggestions provide the framework as seen in the Old Testament. We are to enjoy the Eternal One forever. (1). We are to delight in God's Law (Ps. 1:2; 19:8). (2). God Himself is the source of joy and delight (Ps. 21:6; 45:7). (3). We take joy in: a. His protection (Ps. 5:11; 16:8-11). b. His salvation, forgiveness, and consolation (Ps. 35:9, 51:8). c. His provision of material possessions (106:5; 113:9). d. His victory, judgment(s), deliverance (21:1; 35:27; 145:7). E. His creation (48:1-2; 111:2). (4). We express our delight through: a. Song (Ps. 9:2; 31:11). b. Worship (Ps. 34:1-3; 42:4; 47:5; 118:15; 122:1). we are to pursue the Holy One. Throughout the Bible are commands to seek God (1 Chron. 16:10-11; 2 Chron. 14:4; Ps. 77:2; 105:3-4; Isa. 55:6; Hos. 10:12; Amos 5:4-6; Zeph. 2:3; Matt. 6:33; 7:7; Luke 11:9 and 12:31). We are promised that if we seek Him, we will find Him (Deut. 4:29; 1 Chron. 28:9; 2 Chron. 15:2; Prov. 8:17; Jer. 29:13). He will hear us and forgive (2 Chron. 7:140; we will understand justice (Prov. 28:5) and lack no good thing (Ps. 34:10). Indeed, God seeks after those people who seek to know Him (Ps. 14:2; 53:2). We are to praise the Worthy Master. God's quest to be glorified and our quest to be satisfied reach their goal in this one experience: our delight in God which overflows in praise. For God, praise is the sweet echo of his own excellence in the hearts of his people. For us, praise is the summit of satisfaction that comes from living in fellowship with God. Piper, Desiring God, p. 41. (1). We praise God for: a. His deeds (Ps. 9:1, 21:13). b. His character or attributes (Ps. 7:17; 107:1; 146:10). c. His law (119:7, 62, 108, 164, 171, 175). (2). One significant avenue of praise is song (30:4, 69:30; 147:1,7). (3). The rest of the Creation also praises God (19:1; 148:1-8). (4). Psalm 150, the last Psalm, is a delightful summary of praise: Praise the Lord. "Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power, Praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise him with the harp and lyre, Praise him with tambourine and dancing, Praise him with the strings and flute, Praise him with the clash of cymbals, Praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. We are to worship the Glorious King of Kings. The fuel of worship is a true vision of the greatness of God; the fire that makes the fuel burn white hot is the quickening of the Holy Spirit; the furnace made alive and warm by the flame of truth is our renewed spirit; and the resulting heat of our afflictions is powerful worship, pushing its way in our confessions, longings, acclamations, tears, songs, shouts, bowed hearts, lifted hands and obedient lives. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

God's Perspective on Suffering

Please read Hebrews 2:9-18. The secret of suffering is perspective. The secret of getting through suffering and enduring suffering, is perspective. Suffering is the very reason some Hebrews in the first century said, "We have no more time for the Savor. Give us the comforts of yesteryear." Here the subject changes from the glory to the grind of life. Sin has taken such as toll that it leaves a complication which we all experience, suffering. Christ brings us perspective, and only in Him can we view suffering correctly. First, Jesus is the pioneer of perfecting. Our salvation came through the womb of pain, as does our maturing in Christ. Bringing sons into glory requires a painful process. Pain is not an enemy, but a friend. In life suffering makes and matures us. Jesus gave Himself in death. The writer puts his finger on the secret of perseverance when he says "We see Him." Apart from Christ, we have no accurate view of our present circumstances, whatever they may be. The term author means "Pioneer" suggesting one who blazes a trail so that others can follow. Here the scene is not one of a wilderness or jungle, but of salvation. Jesus Christ stands at the other end of His path, bidding us to come where He is. It should be of interest to us that the author of salvation has been perfected through suffering. Jesus purposes to bring sons to glory. "To perfect through sufferings." God's plan for us includes suffering. The term to perfect contains the thought of "Bringing to completion." Second, Christians are the subject of suffering. The above passage lists four familiar areas of suffering that force us to look to Jesus for relief and strength. Each type of suffering is terribly difficult to endure. 1. The pain of identification. It is suffering that identifies Jesus with humanity. Without it, He could never have said "I fully understood". 2. The pain of enslavement. When each of us was without Christ, our only choice was to do wrong. At times the consequences of past involvements, along with moments of feeling guilt, spill over into our new lives. 3. The pain of failure. When we fail, we suffer. Failure is painful, it hurts us deeply. The writer of Hebrews again points our focus to Jesus in order to help us preserve our perspective. When we sin we find a Priest who is to us a refuge. 4. The pain of temptation. None of us needs that explained. The Greek says "He is able to run to the cry." When we are tempted, all we need to do is call to Him and He is there. Why? Because He knows what it is to be tempted. Third, the perspective of glory and groaning. Romans 8:23 refers to our painful experience as "Groaning." It is something that goes on continuously as we wait "Eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body." We may wrap us this teaching with three statement of perspective. 1. Our groaning gives us the glory of a compassionate heart. 2. Our groaning crushes us into the glory of a submissive spirit. 3. Our groaning marks us with the glory of a Christlike life. How has suffering given you greater compassion toward others? How has suffering produced in you greater submission toward God? How has suffering marked you with a Christlike life which you can display to the world? Do you need a new perspective on suffering? 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.

Do You Love Life

In our Western culture you frequently hear people talk about living the “good life.” If you were to ask these people to define their idea of this life, you’d hear a multitude of answers. Most of them would involve the indulgence of a particular appetite or taste for pleasure. Years ago this was summed up with a bumper sticker on an expensive motor home or other recreational vehicle, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Sadly, many people define the “good life” in terms of a toy, not in terms of a godly lifestyle. Note what the Lord has to say about the "Good Life." "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." (I Peter 3:10). Peter is saying whoever "Wishes to love" life, present and eternal will not involve himself in those things that make this life a burden. He goes on to tell us that we must curb, or cause to cease, using our tongues for evil and deceitful purposes. He is implying that our natural inclination is to speak evil. The Holy Spirit promises a blessed life to those who show patience toward those who are evil. That is why we are to love and pray for our enemies. This takes the wisdom of God being operative in our lives. James 3:17 says "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." A growing Christian will show this kind of fruit in their lives for they depend on God for everything. Depending on God will deliver you from evil for the Lord will be attentive to your prayers. Living the life of Christ is dependent on staying connected to Christ. He is the Vine, we are the branches. Our very life comes from Him. We live the life of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We learn the wisdom of God as we saturate our heart and minds with the Scriptures. Part of loving life is walking out of the way to avoid evil. We will not experience the good life by walking blindly into evil, and then pretending we could do nothing to avoid it. We are to discern the difference between good and evil and take specific steps to avoid evil. The other side of this coin appears when we purposefully determine to do good. There is no need to fret about what is good and what is not. God doesn't leave us to on our own to figure it out. This is one reason He gave us the Bible. That is why we read the Scriptures as God's relevant message to us. Loving life and seeing good days has a lot to do with the use of our tongues. The Bible tells us "Out of the heart the mouth speaks." Our heart feeds our tongue. How is your heart doing? Are you feeding from the Word of God? If you wish to love life, the Lord through the Scriptures will show you the way. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

God Bless the Thron in My Flesh

Do you have something in you life that is a constant irritant? That wonderful person you work or live with who grates on your nerves? A physical pain or ailment that is always with you. Do you suffer from blinding headaches, financial woes, neighbor problems, etc.? Have you ever thought if I could just get rid of this, life would be so much better. Have you prayed that God would change your situation, bring you healing, help you with that mountain of unpaid bills, move that obnoxious neighbor. Well, you are in good company. The Apostle Paul had a "thorn in the flesh." We know it was allowed to come to him by means of the enemy himself. God was clearly in charge of this thorn, it was given to Paul in the frame work of His will. Paul explains the purpose of this thorn when he said it came "to keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" (II Cor. 12:7). Pride in a believers life is a killer. The more we are used by the Lord the greater the temptation of believing our own stuff. When we take the glory for what the Lord is doing in and through us, we are displaying pride. God says in Proverbs He "Hates a proud look." Pride in the heart shows up as a smirk on the kisser." Ones face displays what is in ones heart. Satan fell when he became puffed up with pride. He was no longer content to be under God's authority but he wanted "to be like the most High God." Meaning he wanted to dethrone God and take His place. We are never so much like the enemy as when we are driven by pride. Sometimes God in His graciousness allows us to have a "thorn in the flesh." to keep us humble and broken before him. Remember, with the thorn comes an equal amount of grace. The Lord told Paul "My grace is sufficient for you." Ask God to let you see the purpose for your thorn, it may become one of your very best friends. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Who Ownes You

The subject of ownership is an interesting one. Ask a stranger, who owns the new car he's just stepped out of, he will say with pride it's mine. But is it really? Truth be known, it probably belongs to the bank and he is paying a monthly fee to use it. Does it really belong to the bank? As Bible believers we know everything belongs to the Lord. He is the Creator and sustainer of all things. There is Theological truth, and then there is the "Truth" we practice in daily life, what we really believe comes out in daily living. Who do we really belong to. We can only answer that question by asking ourselves "Who are we living for?" Many will, in an honest moment say they are living for self. Self interests take precedence over everything. The Lord may get some attention on Sunday Morning, or during a crisis, or illness. However in the general flow of life, He is kept in the background. Pau tells us “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8. Abraham is an example of a man of faith who knew he belonged to the Lord, God, Almighty. God came to him and said "Follow Me." Abraham (Abram) before God changed his name, followed "Not knowing where he was going." Every place Abraham pitched his tent he built an altar. Why? Because he worshiped the Lord. Who owns us? "We are bought with a price." The Lord owns us. That means God takes responsibility for that which is His. The Lord feeds us, heals us, gives us strength, wisdom, understanding, friends, family and so much more. He is the one who smiles upon us, He lifts up our heads when we are down cast, He is our encouragement, He always loves and accepts us, He never leaves us alone. As we "Present our bodies as a living sacrifice." He accepts our offering as an reasonable act of spiritual worship. Today lets rejoice in the knowledge that we belong to Jesus.

Wisdom and the Christian

We learn in the Bible that wisdom is to be sought after with diligence. In contrast we hear worldly wisdom (the Devil's thinking) from many sources. Television programing glorifies sin and mocks righteousness. The daily news hardly sees life through God's eyes. Righteous people are frequently scorned and openly slandered. Immoral people grace the front pages of our magazines. Those who love life are called evil, those who hate life are called "Good". However God offers us another way. He says concerning wisdom "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." (Proverbs 35-36). This brings us to the subject of meditating on the Scriptures. King David would wake up at 3:00 AM to delight in the Word of God. He gave the Scriptures priority over sleep. He wrote "Oh, how I love Your Law, it is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97). Note David loved the Law, and he spent his day in meditation on it. As the most powerful king on earth he was a busy man. However the Scriptures were always on his mind. They were his constant companion. How about you, what voices are you listening to, what are you going to choose to meditate on today? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Making The Right Choices

Each new day comes with a multitude of choices. Will I get up the first time the alarm clock ringsm or will I hit the sloth button? What will I wear? Choices concerning breakfast, what will I eat, or will I eat at all? How will I drive on my way to work? What will I do concerning that rude driver who cut me off? What route will I take. Will I break the speed limit, flow with traffic, or lead the pack. What will my attitude be like at work? Will I snub the co-worker who threw me under the bus (figuratively speaking) last week? Will I do my best, and work harder and smarter? Or will I be a complainer like some others are, always griping about something that doesn't suit me? King David made a bold statement about his daily choices. The said, “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws,” (Psalm 119:30). Choosing the "way of truth." begins with knowing the One who is the "Way, the Truth and the Life." When we know Jesus then we are attracted to the Word of Truth which is the Scriptures. Walking in the Word is necessary in order to know what truth is. As we surrender to the Lord we are filled with the Spirit of Truth, The Spirit of Truth is the Holy Spirit. He is the One who Jesus said would "Teach us all things." We are also to be a part of the Local Church which is the "Pillar and ground of the Truth." Freedom comes from knowing God's Truth. "You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free." This speaks of an experiential knowledge of the truth. In other words it is more than a head knowledge, it is knowledge that lives in the heart. Years ago there was a gospel tract called "He missed heaven by 18 inches." The idea was a man knew all about Jesus and the blood of the cross in his head, but he had not received Jesus in his heart. David went on to state "I have set my heart on your laws." The laws of God are good. Why? Because God's law points out violations of love. Jesus said the Great Commandment was to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself, on these two commandment hang all the Law and Prophets." How did King David come to the conclusion that choosing the way (path) of truth is best? He learned this by experience. There were times he wandered from the path of truth and paid a terrible price. One thing remarkable about David, he always repented and returned to the path of truth. The questions each of us must face daily is what path will I choose to walk on today. For the believer that path must be the "Way of Truth."