The November Movement

20/04/2023

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20/04/2023

A Mentor

14/11/2018

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25/06/2018

5 Lessons on Suffering from the Longest Psalm in the Bible

When we think of Psalm 119, we might think "really long Psalm" or "acrostic song" (i.e., each section starts with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet) or "a really long, acrostic song all about Scripture (all but a few of the 176 verses make specific reference to God's Word). Rarely do we think "suffering." But here in this longest-of-songs is a treasure trove of how to prayerfully think about suffering. Consider a few ways this song can be a steady counselor during times of hardship.

5 Lessons on Suffering from the Longest Psalm in the Bible
1. Suffering Leads to Singing

It's frequently overlooked, but the songwriter behind Psalm 119 had a reason for writing. It wasn't that he went to a Bible conference and was so full of fresh insights and faith that he just had to write a song all about God's Word. Rather, this song was brought about by a time of great suffering in his life. Throughout the meditations on Scripture are frequent references to his own shame (v6), destitution (v25), affliction (v67), the wicked generally (v53), and the wicked persecuting him (v84). In other words, had the Psalmist not been persecuted, we wouldn't have this wonderful song.

This shouldn't surprise us. As we call to mind your favorite prayers in Scripture, chances are very, very good those prayers were brought about through suffering. And as we'll see if we follow the theme of suffering through this song, singing during and after suffering is often the sweetest.

People turn in many directions when suffering: finding solace in friends, finding distraction in entertainment, finding numbness in drugs or alcohol, finding escape in sleep or even su***de. But the Psalmist shows us the right direction, that suffering is always a call back to God's Word.

Not only does God's Word illuminate the path we walk during suffering, it's also the only source of sense during the extreme disorientation suffering always brings.

By turning to God's Word, we are reminded that God made me (v73). And the God who made me is good (v68) and in goodness afflicts me (v67). And while those who sin against us are guilty, God can use their evil for great good (v50). Only in the story of Jesus' death and resurrection will we find true reassurance from a God who is absolutely capable of using evil for good. Only in God's Word will our desires - rocked by suffering - be ordered according to eternity rather than our comforts.

Whenever suffering comes into your life - and it will - it will always be a call for you to value (v72) cling ever more tightly to God's Word. (v92)

In fact, we might say that suffering is really how we learn to pray and praying is the only way to suffer well. Suffering is so often what God uses to shake us out of the smallness and staleness of our prayers and to lift our hearts to him in new and desperate ways. As C.S. Lewis famously wrote, "Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

We might also say that suffering is what makes prayer really real. Real in the sense of vital and important and life-giving (v28). And real in the sense of brutally-yet-respectfully honest (v82).

Whenever suffering comes into your life - and it will - it will always be a call for you to raise your heart to the Lord in prayer (v82).

Wouldn't it be great if we could "learn our lesson" without hardship and suffering? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the process of growing as a Christian was simply reading the Bible, hearing sermons and prayerfully getting more holy every day? Alas. We aren't machines and sanctification isn't a linear process of grace constantly leading to holiness. More often than not, the key that opens new doors of sanctification is suffering.

The Psalmist's understanding of how God used suffering is bracing: "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes." (v71)
What was true for our Savior must be even more true for us: "...he learned obedience through what he suffered." (Heb. 5:8) In God's trustworthy hand, suffering becomes a spiritual scalpel, cutting away our idolatry, disbelief, worldliness, prayerlessness and selfishness. In God's hand, suffering leads to sanctification.

Whenever suffering comes into your life - and it will - it will always be a call toward greater holiness, great Christlikness.

A final word of encouragement from the big picture of Psalm 119: God will use your sufferings not only for you but also for others and, ultimately, for Himself. Just as the Psalmist's pain led to a wonderful song and countless voices raised to God in praise, so your suffering will be seen by others as a testimony to God's grace, an echo of the sufferings of Christ, an example to follow and even a warning to unbelievers. Paul tells us in Philippians 1:29 that "it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." Take courage and pray that God would use your sufferings to silence demons, to glorify His name and to give courage to others in their sufferings!

Whenever suffering comes into your life - and it will - it will always be used for the good of others and for the glory of God.

19/02/2018

God’s Word is Necessary

Most of us, deep down, want the same things out of life. Of course, I’m talking about ultimate things, not immediate things. On the immediate level, people have a wide variety of desires. Some people like to travel. Some people like fine dining. Some people prefer indoor plumbing and a comfortable bed. And other people like camping. There are a million different tastes, interests, and hobbies. But if we get to the level of the heart, I think people all around the world generally want the same things: We want purpose. We want to be happy. We want to know we are okay. We want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to be known by someone bigger than ourselves. We want to live forever.
And if you dig around in those desires, you’ll find that most people are waiting for some word from somewhere so that they can finally know this good life. They want a law or a list that will tell them steps to take to get there. They want their teacher to say, “You’ve passed,” or their parents to say, “I love you.” They want to get a call from their dream job or their dream date. They want to hear good news about their retirement fund or their health or their kids. Many of them are listening intently to hear from the most sacred voice they know: their own. And some are desperate to hear from God.
The doctrine of the necessity of Scripture reminds us of our predicament: the One we need to know most cannot be discovered on our own. And it assures us of a solution: this same ineffable One has made himself known through his word. As the Westminster Confession of Faith explains, “Although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation.” Holy Scripture, the Confession goes on to say, is therefore “most necessary” (WCF 1.1). The Scriptures are our spectacles (to use Calvin’s phrase), the lenses through which we see God, the world, and ourselves rightly. We cannot truly know God, his will, or the way of salvation apart from the Bible.
We need Scripture to live the truly good life. We need Scripture to live forever. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). There is no other book like the Bible. It reveals a different kind of wisdom, comes from a different source, and tells of a different love.
A Different Wisdom
Wisdom is one of the main themes in the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians. Writing amid a Greek culture that lauded fine-sounding philosophers and fancy orators as the rock stars of their day, Paul takes great pains to differentiate the gospel from that kind of wisdom. If you are looking for wisdom in sophisticated speech and powerful rhetoric, Paul says, you’ll not find it in the preaching of the cross (1 Cor. 1:18–25). You’ll not find it in my sermons (2:1–5). And you’ll not find it in many of yourselves (1:26–31).
The gospel is wisdom for the mature (2:6), but it has nothing to do with the “wisdom” this world longs to see. God’s wisdom is not of this age (v. 6a). It doesn’t belong to this earthly realm or this “not yet” moment in redemptive history. God’s wisdom is not of the rulers of this age (v. 6b). It has nothing in common with scheming powerbrokers or the cunning devices of the Evil One (cf. 2 Cor. 4:4; 10:4–6). God’s wisdom is unique. It is not immediately obvious to all or universally appreciated by all (1 Cor. 2:7).



We can get very frustrated when people don’t see what we see, when good arguments from Scripture don’t seem to carry the day. But we should not be surprised. God’s wisdom is a secret and hidden wisdom. This doesn’t mean we must cross the sea or climb into the heavens to find the wisdom of God. It means God must speak to us if we are to be truly wise. All truth may be God’s truth, but all saving truth is revealed truth.
The word of the world is not like the word of God. One is new and now. The other is ancient and everlasting. One is fleeting (“doomed to pass away”; 1 Cor. 2:6) while the other is fixed and firm (“decreed before the ages”; v. 7). If we want the “wisdom” of passing fashions, impressive brains, and talented people, then we can look to the world. But if we want—and if we need—a wisdom that is beyond us, that is outside of us, that will never fail us, we must look into the things that “God has revealed to us through the Spirit” (v. 10).
A Different Source
So where do we go to learn the things God has revealed? Do we look to the trees? What about the inner light? How about community standards? Maybe human reason and experience? The clear testimony of 1 Corinthians is that only God can tell us about God. Just as the spirit of a person discloses the thoughts and feelings and intentions of that person, so also no one can make known the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:11). The only Being knowledgeable enough, wise enough, and skillful enough to reveal God to you is God himself.

23/01/2018

Verse of the Day
January 22
Psalm 29:11
11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace

15/01/2018

15/12/2017

07/12/2017

12 Things to Thank God for in the Midst of Affliction

One of the most important things we must do when we suffer is to give thanks. I don’t say this lightly and I know many believers who have endured unimaginable pain and tragedy. Giving thanks in the midst of agony and affliction is certainly not easy to do.

Yet Ephesians 5:20 tells us we should give thanks “always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” and 1 Thess 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Giving thanks helps us focus on God in our affliction, steers us away from complaining, strengthens our faith, and brings glory to Jesus.

There are many things we can give thanks for when we suffer, but here are 12 that I try to remember:

1) That God is sovereign and in complete control of the intensity and the duration of your affliction.

I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose’ Is 46:9-10

2) That God’s love and mercies never cease

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lam 3:22-23

3) That Jesus will never leave nor forsake you.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5

4) That God is with you in your affliction

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Is 43:2

5) That God hears your every prayer

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry. Ps 34:15

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles. Ps 34:17

6) That God is using this affliction to make you like Christ.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28–29

7) That this affliction is momentary and light compared to the eternal reward it is producing

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison… 2 Cor 4:17

8) That Jesus is your sympathetic High Priest who intercedes for you constantly

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Heb 7:25

9) That God is near you in your pain

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

10) That Jesus is your refuge, strength, and strong tower you can run to.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps 46:1, ESV

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Pr 18:10

11) That God has saved you, washed away your sins, and adopted you as his own child.

Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Rom 4:7

12) That someday Jesus will wipe away every tear from your eyes and you will see his glorious face.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Rev 21:4

09/10/2017

Prayer with an Attitude

The Bible tells us we should “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Unfortunately, for many of us, a few minutes spent in prayer feels like forever. Why do we struggle so much with prayer when we know how vital it is to our relationship with God?

We certainly don’t lack information about how to pray. Christian bookstores are packed with books that explain in great detail the various methods of prayer. But perhaps we need to also direct our attention to our motivation, our attitude, in prayer. The following article, entitled “Focus on the Father” by Rusty Rustenbach (excerpted from Discipleship Journal, Issue 6), explores how our attitude can make prayer an adventure rather than a burden. As you read through the article, underline any portions that stand out to you. Then respond to the questions and exercises.

Privilege of Prayer
Of all the ingredients in discipleship, the area many of us struggle with most is prayer. According to one recently published estimate, a typical Christian layman spends about three and a half minutes each day in prayer. Full-time Christian workers average about seven minutes per day. This pitiful situation must amaze even the Lord Himself, for Isaiah 59:16 records that when no one was found to intercede for His people, God was appalled. Why do we fail to take full advantage of the privilege of prayer? Is it a lack of discipline? Are we too busy? Are we unmotivated?

1. What things make it difficult for you to spend quality time in prayer?

_Too busy or tired
_ Can’t concentrate
_ Don’t know what to pray about
_ Don’t feel like it
_ Feel guilty
_ Not convinced it makes a difference
_ Other:

Perhaps the basic cause of our weakness in prayer relates to how we view God. We may have no genuine awe for the One “who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth” (Isaiah 51:13). God seems more like a superhero from a child’s cartoon, whittled down to human size.

If we aren’t captivated by God, prayer is a tedious task. It becomes a discipline that only those with wills of steel can master. I once regarded prayer as “gutting it out” before God. It meant trying to bring reams and reams of petitions before the Lord. The more requests I could bring, the more spiritual I was.

2. What similarities do you see between the author’s approach (bringing “reams and reams of petitions before the Lord”) and Jesus’ admonition in Matthew 6:7?

3. How would you compare the focus of prayer in Matthew 6:7 with the focus in Matthew 6:9-13? Which of these is most like your approach to prayer?

Communion or Wrestling Match?
I also misinterpreted statements from godly men about the importance of prayer. Martin Luther’s statement that “I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer” implied to me that prayer was a guaranteed formula for success.

Rather than being a dynamic communion with the sovereign Lord of the universe, to me prayer was an exercise meant to wrestle effects into the lives of people and to manipulate God’s hand. Prayer became lifeless
and tedious. It was like castor oil: terrible tasting, but good for me.

4. Which of the following statements describe your general attitude toward prayer? Check all that apply.
_ Prayer is like a marriage—it is hard work but can be very rewarding.
_ I want to like prayer, but I really don’t.
_ Prayer is like writing “thank you” notes—it is an obligation I need to fulfill.
_ I look forward to prayer.
_ I enjoy the time I spend in prayer, but I would like to go deeper.
_ Other:

Yet God reminded me of the truth I was neglecting: He wanted to commune with me. What does this mean? Communion is defined as the intimate sharing of thoughts and emotions, and an intimate fellowship, rapport, or communication. This is the kind of relationship God wants with me.

5. How is God’s desire for communion (intimate relationship) with us expressed in the following verses?

a. Isaiah 30:18
b. Isaiah 65:1-2
c. Jeremiah 33:3
d. Matthew 23:37
e. Romans 5:8-10
f. 1 John 4:9-10

6. Summarize in your own words the most significant or meaningful insight you gained from the verses above.

What Is Your Picture of God?
I saw I had become hardened to the excitement of walking in continual awareness of God’s presence. I realized afresh that He desires open communion with me. He has little interest in the petition gymnastics I was trying to perfect in prayer. He wants me to be preoccupied with Himself. Seeing God this way enables us to stand in awe of Him. It stimulates our heart to vital communion and conversation with Him. Seeing God as He is requires faith on our part, but whoever is enamored and thrilled with God is then rightly motivated to pray. Discipline will still be necessary, but prayer won’t be drudgery. I believe that is hat John 4:24 is hinting at: “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (emphasis added).

7. Read John 4:4-30, the context of the story of the woman at the well.

a. How did the Samaritan woman’s inaccurate picture of God affect her ability to worship Him “in spirit and in truth”?
b. What aspects of God’s character are hardest for you to grasp (for example, all-powerful, ever-present, all-knowing, sovereign, holy, righteous, loving, merciful, faithful, and so on)? How might this affect your prayer life?

30/08/2017

13 Scriptures to Meditate on When Your Future Is Uncertain

At one time or another, all of us will face times of uncertainty.
Maybe you graduated from college and have no idea what you will do this coming January. Perhaps you just lost your job. Or you’ve just moved to a new area where you know no one. Maybe you’ve just started a new job and feel overwhelmed at the challenges that loom before you. Maybe you’re single and wonder if you’ll ever get married. Your life may even be so uncertain you don’t know where your next meal will come from.
The reality is that none of us are secure in this world except in Christ. Nothing is certain. We aren’t guaranteed our next meal. We aren’t even guaranteed our next heartbeat. Even when we feel secure, we are incredibly fragile and completely dependent on the Lord for every breath. But when we are particularly tempted about the future it is important for us to meditate on these bedrock truths. My suggestion would be to copy these verses and put them somewhere so you can see them regularly, like in your Bible or on your fridge. Even if you only meditate on the first three or four, God will use his word to encourage your heart.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. Psalm 37:37
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18
My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:13-14
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will sn**ch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to sn**ch them out of the Father’s hand. John 10:27-29
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25