05282022 Access to God

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our Savior, who has shown Himself to be a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

A fifth category of God's blessing to His children is their access to Him. Rather than being remote and unapproachable, God makes Himself very available to His children and welcomes them to come near.

This access to God is evident by the fact that God hears them. He hears their prayers. He hears their cries for help. He hears the outpouring of their hearts. Whether they are sharing, worshipping, praying, appealing, or begging, God hears his children. “The LORD will hear when I call unto him” (Psalm 4:3). “The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer” (Psalm 6:9). “I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications” (Psalm 116:1).

The believers’ access to God means they are able to come directly to Him. God does not hide His face from His children. They will be able to see Him. This will be true in its fullest demonstration in heaven, but there certainly is a sense of this even in the present. “His countenance doth behold the upright” (Psalm 11:7). “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). “Neither hath he hid his face from him” (Psalm 22:24).

Believers have access to God because He makes Himself near to them. They never have to go far to find Him, because He is always there. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of broken heart” (Psalm 34:18). “But it is good for me to draw near to God” (Psalm 73:28).

Believers are able to stand in the presence of God. This is true even though He is so holy and divine, and they are so weak and mortal. God accepts them as they come to Him. “Who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4).

It isn't that God reluctantly allows His children to come near; He actually invites them to come. God desires to have a close relationship with His children, and He encourages them to seek Him. This is evidence that He freely and willingly offers access. “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek’” (Psalm 27:8).

This nearness to God never needs to end. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee” (Psalm 73:23). The context of this verse involves a psalmist who admits acting inappropriately, like a beast before God. In spite of this believer’s failure, God is still with him.

Any unbeliever who calls out for God's mercy in salvation will be received. God might choose to graciously answer other prayers or to reveal Himself to the wicked, but in general these people remain without access to God. Instead of enjoying the answered prayers, the nearness, the invitations, and the constant presence of God, unbelievers face rejection and removal. “Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross” (Psalm 119:118-119).

How wonderful that God does not hold us at arm’s length nor banish us to isolation. Instead of removing Himself from us or holding Himself aloof, God actively and willingly grants us access to Him and remains near to us even though we are imperfect and fail.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

05212022 Our Importance to God

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our graciously caring God. What a wonder that God looks on us with favor and warmth!

A fourth category of God’s blessing to His children is the incredible idea that we are important to God. In multiple ways, the Creator and divine Ruler of the universe expresses how very much we mere (believing) humans matter to Him.

This mighty God who could completely ignore us actually humbles Himself on purpose to interact with us. “Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth” (Psalm 113:6). He always has His eyes open to see what is happening with us, and His ears are in tune to hear our every cry. “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry” (Psalm 34:15, also 33:18). This divine attention is constant. “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4).

Although our Father-God is so high above us, He is careful to make Himself near to us. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). He remains with us everywhere we go. “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (Psalm 139:7). God places Himself right at our side. “For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor” (Psalm 109:31). He holds our hand. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23). He sends His angels to surround us as well. “The angel of the LORD encampeth round them that fear him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7).

Our importance to God is revealed by how much He knows and thinks about us. He keeps us in mind even though we are nothing. “Who remembereth us in our low estate” (Psalm 136:23). He knows us thoroughly and in intimate detail - our every thought, our entire path, even when we stand or sit. “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me” (Psalm 139:1, see vs. 2-4). God thinks about us and pays attention to us. “The LORD hath been mindful of us” (Psalm 115:12). His thoughts about us are constant and innumerable. “Many … are … thy thoughts which are to us-ward: … if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:5). “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand” (Psalm 139:17-18).

Our importance to God is shown through His faithfulness. His faithfulness is rooted in His eternal plan for us. “Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old” (Psalm 74:2). God simply does not forsake those whom He has chosen. “For thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psalm 9:10). He will never abandon them. “For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance” (Psalm 94:14).

Our importance to God is displayed by His positive response toward us. God takes pleasure in us. “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy” (Psalm 147:11). “For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation” (Psalm 149:4). God actually delights is us. “He brought me forth also into a large place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me” (Psalm 18:19).

This unlikely importance to God is summed up in the fact that He has chosen us as special and as having a special relationship with Him. God is for us; He has placed Himself in the position of being on our side. “This I know; for God is for me” (Psalm 56:9, also 118:6). God has set us apart specially for His favor and service. “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself” (Psalm 4:3).

The fact that we are important to God is almost beyond belief. We don’t deserve His favor any more than the wicked do. This unmerited importance is highlighted when we realize the vast difference between believers and unbelievers. If sinners would come to God, they would enjoy the same blessing, but until then, the absence of mention about their importance to God is stark. In contrast with the quantity and variety of verses about the believer’s importance to God, the wicked are described simply and sadly. “The wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5).

Praise God for loving us and for showing how important we are to Him in so many ways! May these truths excite and encourage your heart.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

05152022 Expressions of God's Favor

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God who loves us so much and treats us so well. Can you imagine if our God was like the false gods who are assigned traits of coldness, capriciousness, and even cruelty?

A third category of God’s blessing to His followers is something I will call expressions of God’s favor. These are generally not specific, concrete, identifiable, or tangible manifestations. Rather, they are broad terms that persist over time. These are things that God does with purpose toward His children because they are His and because His heart is favorable toward them.

God surrounds His children with this type of favor that manifests in various ways. “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12).

Probably the most frequently mentioned is God’s lovingkindness. Translated “mercy” in the KJV, this is a kind disposition that looks in pity, mercy, and favor upon someone. It is a constant companion to God’s people, and God expresses it abundantly. “He that trusteth in the LORD, mercy [lovingkindness] shall compass him about” (Psalm 32:10). (Also 5:7, 17:7, 86:5, 103:4.)

Another evidence of favor is God’s compassion. Translated “have pity” or “have mercy,” this is a tender and loving compassion for those who are struggling, hurting, or in need. “The LORD pitieth [has compassion on] them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13). (Also 103:4, 135:14.)

God’s favor is expressed by giving grace and glory. “The LORD will give grace and glory” (Psalm 84:11). His favor is expressed in being light and salvation. “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1). His favor is expressed by supplying strength and power. “The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people” (Psalm 68:35). (Also 28:8.) It is expressed by being a defense. “He is the saving strength of his anointed” (Psalm 28:8).

God’s favor is evidenced by His supplying the very fountain from which life springs forth and abounds. “For with thee is the fountain of life” (Psalm 36:9). This divine favor causes God to bring unworthy people near to Him. “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest to approach unto tee, that he may dwell in thy courts” (Psalm 65:4). The favor shows itself by God’s constantly surrounding His people so that they are ever in His care. “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever” (Psalm 125:2).

God’s favor is displayed through constant and marvelous displays of His infinite goodness, which is stored up for repeated bestowal on His children. “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee” (Psalm 31:19). This comes across as help for those who are the neediest (the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoners, the blind, those who are bowed down, the strangers, the fatherless, the widow). God helps each of these specifically according to their need (Psalm 146:7-9).

God meets these needs so thoroughly that there is no lack. His provision is sufficient. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1-2).

Truly, “The LORD hath done great things for us” (Psalm 126:3). This abundant favor is not by accident or coincidence or merely by routine. No, God expresses it deliberately for His children. This is apparent when we consider God’s dealings with the wicked. Although everyone on the earth receives some of God’s bountiful provision, His disposition is not in favor toward the wicked. “The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth” (Psalm 34:16). “He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light” (Psalm 49:19).

We are undeserving of God’s favor, but how wonderful that He displays it to us day after day in ways that are far deeper than the individual details of practical life. God’s favor is expressed on a profound spiritual and foundational level that permeates all of life. May you be reassured and encouraged by the consideration of this great truth.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

05082022 Productivity and Success

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God whose plans cannot be stopped. He can accomplish great things even when man thinks they are impossible.

A second category of God’s blessing has to do with productivity and success. This is often the way men want to measure God’s blessing. There have always been proponents of the prosperity gospel, which appeals to people with its assurances of health and wealth. Due to the obvious abuse and misunderstanding within the teaching of these movements, the concept of success as a measure of blessing must be handled carefully.

At the same time, it is true that God often does bless His people with productivity and success that can be explained only by God’s deliberate hand of blessing. Many Christians, whether in Biblical times or throughout church history, have experienced great success in their homes, businesses, and ministries. For some, that success happened throughout their lives, while for others it manifested after a time of preparation. For some, like many pioneering missionaries, the successful groundbreaking became evident only when the fruit flourished under the ministry of the next missionary.

For a little perspective, consider these examples. Abraham was a very rich man, although he had no offspring for many years and owned no property except a burial plot. Job experienced incredible blessing both before and after his time of suffering, but for a while he had nothing. God blessed Joseph in all that he did, even when he was a slave and a prisoner. God gave great success to Paul’s church-planting ministry, but that did not negate the reality of persecution and suffering. We would consider each of these men to have productivity and success, but for none of them was that constant across all areas of life.

The basic truth, however, is that God does bless His children with success. The Psalms teach that God does deliberately prosper His followers. This prosperity can be widespread. “And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).

God can give success by causing His children to be firmly established. “LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong” (Psalm 30:7). God can cause this firm standing to last through their entire lives. “The LORD preserveth the faithful” (Psalm 31:23). God can even extend this productivity past the deaths of His children. “The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever” (Psalm 37:18).

The productivity that God gives is illustrated through a healthy tree that flourishes and bears fruit. “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither” (Psalm 1:3). This fruitfulness continues even when the world would put an older person on the shelf and consider him past his prime. “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing” (Psalm 92:14). In order to produce this unexpected fruit, God gives special strength. “So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:5).

This concept of productivity and success is perhaps best summarized by this verse. “Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed” (Psalm 25:3). These people will not come to ruin or see their (God’s) plans fall apart in disaster. They will not be broken by failure or by God letting them down.

This final verse serves as the greatest contrast with the wicked, who will not experience this meaningful level of productivity. While the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, the reality is that “Let them be ashamed which transgress without cause” (Psalm 25:3). “Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly” (Psalm 6:10). All their plans and efforts will come to ruin and emptiness.

Productivity and success will not be equal for all believers, but it is the general practice of God to bless the godly efforts of His children. Any home and marriage that survives is an evidence of blessing. Any church that is planted or ministry that exists is an evidence of blessing. Any Christian that remains faithful is an evidence of blessing. We know this is true, because “except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1), and “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Without God’s blessing, our efforts would also end in ruin and emptiness.

The insight of Gamaliel sums this concept up well. When considering the activities and spread of the early church, Gamaliel recalled two previous movements. In the first, the leader “was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.” In the second, the leader “also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.” With these examples to bolster his policy, Gamaliel gave this advice: “Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God” (Acts 5:36-39).

Yes, with God on our side and as we follow His leading, we can see the prospering of the work that He has given us. The productivity may be great or small, but God will successfully work out His plan in us.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA