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Perfected in Christ

He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV)

I believe we need a new understanding of the spiritual pilgrimage of the Lord Jesus. We think that because He was God Son, and because of what He was, His way was less difficult than ours. He had certain powers that we have not. He had a nature that we have not. We cannot understand the mystery of One such as He being subjected to trials and difficulties and adversities, and being tested to breaking-point, where it called for the intervention of heaven to get Him through. He was brought there; He was brought to the point more than once where even He would not have gone through, had not heaven intervened and angels ministered to Him. You say: "I have never had that experience." Ah, but you have. You may never have actually seen angels coming to minister to you, but there is no believer who has gone this way, who has gone any distance, but knows in his heart, ut for God and Heaven, I would not be here today.My own testimony is that it has required the intervention of heaven, more than once, to save me from succumbing.

But what is true of ourselves was far more true of Him. We do not understand this mystery, but He had a spiritual pilgrimage, with far deeper testings and tryings than ever you or I need, have, or will have. Yes, n all points like as weit is true; but, for Him, with greater acuteness than for us. Through it all He has been perfected i>made perfect.i>Though He was a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and having been made perfect (having been made complete) He became... the author of eternal salvation(Heb. 5:8,9), i>eternal redemption(Heb. 9:12). He has reached the end of the road of perfection for us. And He is the guarantee that God can do it in us! That is the point. He is there like the itle deedsfor faith; the guarantee and the certainty that God, having got Him there, can get anybody there. He can get you and me there at the end. He can make perfect His work in us.

The Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. § Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. § Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. § Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today … then you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.”

Is not the Lord your God with you? And has He not given you rest?

Genesis 39:3;  Psalm 128:1;2;    Psalm 37:3;4;    Joshua 1:9;  Matthew 6:33;  2 Chronicles 26:5;  Deuteronomy 8:11,17;1 Chronicles 22:18;

Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?

Not being weak in faith, [Abraham] did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. § Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Arise, take up your bed and walk”? § If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. § Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? § Look at the birds of the air … your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? § Why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not … remember the five loaves of the five thousand?

My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Mark 2:8;  Rom. 4:19,20;  Mark 2:9;  Mark 9:23;  Matt. 28:18;  Mark 4:40;  Matt. 6:26;  Matt. 16:8,9;  Phil. 4:19

The Word's Word

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" (Heb. 10:19).

The written Word is meant to reveal the Living Word, not to hide Him. Many know prophecy better than the Prophet. Our Father gave us His written Word that we might know His Son, not only as Saviour but as our very Life. "Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth" (John 17:17).

"The knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ is the basis of the believer's life. That is, it underlies our very relationship with God; it underlies all our growth in grace; it underlies every fragment of our service. There is nothing which comes within the compass of the life of the Christian which does not depend upon the knowledge of the Lord Jesus." -T. A-S.

"Heart acquaintance with Christ is the secret of spiritual growth. One may know all the truths of the Bible, and yet be practically ignorant of the person of the Lord Jesus. It is possible to go back into the world with acquaintance with the scriptures, but it is virtually impossible to return thither with the scriptural acquaintance of Christ in the heart."

"The believer should have but one object: knowing Christ has laid hold of him for glory, his heart is running after Him. He is to have no other object, though he may have many things to do. The Lord Jesus is in all' believers as the power of life, and He is all' as the object of that life. He is all and in all' (Col. 3:11). And, all to Him I owe.'"

"Having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Heb. 10:21, 22).

Once Upon Eternity (1)

Be Prepared