Consistently God

“For I the LORD do not change; Malachi 3:6


I often forget that God is consistent and unchanging.  These are two of God's many characteristics that are reflected in both the new and old testaments.  He proves himself to us time and time, and time again.  He answers prayer, fulfills every promise that he makes, and provides our every need before we even think to ask, and then some. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17


I was reading 1st Kings 3:11-13 the other day when I was overwhelmed by God's consistent nature, his unchangeable character, and his goodness.  What's awesome is, is that He's been this way since the beginning of time.  I've  been the inconsistent, forever flaky, rebellious, unfaithful one; just like David and Solomon.

In the beginning of 1 Kings God is setting the stage to expand His kingdom and prosper His people, as well as the leadership he's established. He begins by fulfilling one of the many promises that he made to David, by making Solomon, his son, king; that was no small thing. It was  miraculous considering that the kingdom was being stolen from David and Solomon without their knowledge.  Once again here God proves himself to be trustworthy, consistent, and the ultimate promise keeper.  King Solomon realizes right away that the promise he'd inherited of being king over the multitude would not be easy; being a leader never is.  Humbled by this great responsibility Solomon ask God for an understanding mind to govern the people, so that he could discern between good and evil, because he knew that a successful reign couldn't happen without God. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8 So God being consistent, unchanging, good, and faithful, not only gives Solomon what he ask for, but he gives him abundantly more than he even thought to ask.  And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.  I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 1 Kings 3:11-13


Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?  If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11
I found myself after reading 1 Kings being overwhelmed, by God's goodness, consistency, and unchangeable character, but by His desire to bless us; to be our Father.  God keeps his promises and pours out his many blessings upon us; not just because we ask, but because he's our Father and it pleases him to honor our faithfulness.  Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4

Back to the Cross!

You know, I really am delusional. At times I think way to highly of myself lacking Christ like humility. Sometimes I think I'm beyond temptation, and that I am no longer a sinner. This perspective is one that has poisoned the minds of many that have come before me. It's deadly!

In fighting the battle against sin and temptation I've realized that I am not beyond sin or temptation. "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12 Although I'm still a sinner, I'm no longer a slave to sin. I have the ability through Christ alone to resist temptation, which is the language of the flesh, that speaks to my sin nature. "But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." James 1:14-15 A lack of humility will lead me to a worldly death. It is Him who has done and is doing all the work. It is his breathe that I breath, it is His strength that upholds me, and it Is His Spirit that sanctifies me. "I have no good apart from Him." Psalm 16:2 "I am the vine you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

The problem with our culture is(Christian Culture), is that we have not realized our own depravity. We see everybody else's just fine, and praise ourselves for not being like them. But what we don't see, what I don't see, is that I would've been and could still easily become just like "Them" if not for the grace of God. We are not beyond sin; and we are all, murderers, thieves, and adulterers. Jesus said it best in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5-7:1-27 Realizing our own depravity goes along with the sanctification process. The Cross serves as a constant reminder of our depravity and the escape from it. It is at the foot of the cross where we are humbled and lead to repentance. It is my prayer that I would be reminded daily of my own depravity, which would lead be to repentance, then praise, of a merciful, gracious, and good God who is mighty to save.