Morning Moments

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The text says to “keep”, which is to guard, hold, preserve. In other words, we must “say it” and “show it” and “safeguard it”. We must “produce it”, “protect it”, and “preserve it”. But how, pray tell, could we ever be without spot and unrebukable? After all, Peter said that when we take buffeting (harsh treatment for our faults (sins) patiently, it is acceptable with God (1 Pet 2:20).

The word “spot” means “stain”. The word “unrebukable” means not able to be seized, arrested, laid hold of”. Is this possible? YES and here is how:

In the first place, the blood of Jesus removes any stain we possess and confess (1 John 1:9), and secondly, “who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect; it is God who justifies us (declares us righteous) Romans 8:33. So as we walk in the light (in fellowship) with Him, we remain clean and any rebuke can be dismissed as an attack from the enemy. This is not pride, but confidence which so few believers seem to have. Our walk with Him is one of meekness (strength under control), humility (bowing before Him), and boldness (confidence in Him and His Word, not ourselves and our abilities).

God wants us clean, calm, confident, and courageous! By the way, is that how you live? I may stumble, but I will not succumb to Satan’s slander. I may fail, but I will not let flattery, fatigue, fault finders or fortune stop me from following Him. He knows the terrain, the threats, the trials, the temptations, and the taunts, long before I ever get to them. He is my Guide and Guardian in life and I REFUSE to listen to Satan’s appeals or accusations. All of my “cants” are His cans. All of my insufficiency is met with His sufficiency. I will follow, fight, and faith it every step of the way. THAT IS MY CONFESSION! It is what Paul was teaching Timothy, so get over the “shyness” and receive His strength. Get over the “timidity” and triumph with, for, in, and because of Jesus.

As many of you know, I am going through a physical battle right now. I have been diagnosed with a stomach tumor, a bad gall bladder, feet that are worn out and full of arthritis, a severely frayed cartilage in my right knee, a bad shoulder, a problem hip, and God knows what else. So, you can imagine that this word is always for ME first, but if you can use it, have at it. The truth is, as my doctor said yesterday, it isn’t age, but mileage

I have NEVER known of anyone in war who was not war-worn after awhile. Timothy had his battles, Paul had his, I have mine, and you have yours and whatever suffering we face along the way is simply an opportunity of bearing in our bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus, and sharing in His afflictions and suffering, in order to share also in the power of His resurrection. We have heard too much from too many for too long about health and wealth, and not enough by enough about enough of the grace of God and HIS glory from suffering.

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

OUR EXPECTATION – and our hope – is that He who to us will soon come again for us and be forever with us because He cares so much about us that He has chosen to live in us. It is THEN that He shall show His Power as seen in the word “potentate”, which means “sovereign” or “ruler”. Notice the words very carefully, my friend. He is the BLESSED and ONLY Potentate”. Can we comprehend that? NO MAN is the worshipful master or the potentate, and any man claiming that title for himself is treading on VERY dangerous ground. SELAH!

It is sound doctrine we are charged to guard. Notice that the “who is” is in italics which means it is not in the ancient manuscripts but was placed in the KJV for “clarity”, but sometimes it doesn’t clarify. The text says “which in his times he shall shew the blessed and only…” He alone is Preeminent as seen in the words King of kings, and He alone has the Position of Lord of lords.

We shall see the significance of this tomorrow, God willing.

BLESSINGS!