◄ ►

Our Continuous Occupation

We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The word 'beholding' is a strong word; it is not just taking a look, it is 'fixing our gaze.' That is what the New Testament means by beholding, behold. We all, fixing our gaze upon Christ, as He mirrors in His own Person the glory of God, the satisfaction of God, the mind of God in perfection. The point is that you and I must contemplate the Lord Jesus in spirit, and be much occupied with Him. We must have our Holy of Holies where we retire with Him. We must have a secret place where we spend time with Him. And not only in certain special seasons, but we must seek, as we move about, ever to keep Him before us. Looking at the Lord Jesus, contemplating Him, we shall be changed into the same image. The Holy Spirit will operate upon our occupation.

You become like that which obsesses you, which occupies you. Is that not true? You see what people are occupied with, and you can see their character changing by their obsessions. They are becoming like the thing which is obsessing them; they are changing; they are becoming different. Something has got a grip on them; they can never think about anything else, talk about anything else; and it is changing their character. Now Paul said, "For me to live is Christ being occupied with Him." It is the wrong word to use, but nevertheless it would be a good thing if He became our "obsession," our continuous occupation. As we steadfastly fix our gaze upon Him, the Spirit changes us into the same image.

You were enriched in everything by Him.

When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. § He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. § To will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. § To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.

1 Cor. 1:5;  Rom. 5:6;   Rom. 8:32;  Col. 2:9,10;  John 15:4,5;  Rom. 7:18;  Eph. 4:7;  John 15:7;  Col. 3:16

They shall see His face.

Moses] said, “Please, show me Your glory.” But [God] said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” § No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. § Every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. § I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God. § I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. § We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. § The Lord Himself will descend from heaven. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Rev. 22:4;  Ex. 33:18,20;  John 1:18;  Rev. 1:7;  Num. 24:17;  Job 19:25,26;  Ps. 17:15;  1 John 3:2;  1 Thess. 4:16,17

Triumph In Trial

Always guarded by the power of God through faith.... In such a hope keep on rejoicing, although for a little while you must be sorrow-stricken with various trials" (1 Peter 1:5, 6, Wms.).

There are testimonies, and there are testimonies. Some can testify as to how God cleared up adverse circumstances for the victory; but others can testify to the triumph God gave in the midst of difficult circumstances. The essential consideration is that our Father be glorified in all His dealings with and for us. How He brings it all about should be secondary to us.

"If there is a great trial in your life today, do not own it as a defeat, but continue, by faith, to claim the victory through Him who is able to make you more than conqueror, and a glorious triumph will soon be apparent. Let us learn that in all the hard places our Father brings us into, He is making opportunities for us to exercise such faith in Him as will bring about blessed results and greatly glorify His Name."

"God has put you in exactly the right crucible to burn up what He sees needs to be burnt up. Many think victory' means getting your circumstances put right. No! true triumph is within - when in the midst of your circumstances the Spirit of God can so energize you and strengthen you in spirit, that you can stand quiet in the thick of it all, and say, God is God,' and know that you are held by Him - which is infinitely better than all your trying to hold things steady."

"Therefore, my brethren . . . stand fast in the Lord" (Phil. 4:1).

Simply Amazing - Grace Thru Faith- study [27]

The Bruised Reed