Part 2
The believer’s cross – as taken up in obedience to the crucified Savior – is that cross that separates us from the world, the fleshly self, and those who are perishing (Rom. 1:16; 6:7; 1 Cor. 1:18; Gal. 2:20; 6:14; Col. 1:14, 20). The cross is the answer and solution to all of man’s problems, not self-help programs or books, seminars, conferences, seminary, 12-step programs, or any other counterfeit.
“I, like other believers, have tasted the resurrection blessing after a dying to self. Once you taste it, it becomes easier the next time. It's not a formula that always works (we should never think we can put God in a box), but it is God's program for today. The cross has replaced the law (Gal. 3:1-3; 2:19-21). Only the cross can stamp out self. Every other program ends up in licentiousness (license for sin) or legalism.” Travis Bryan III
“A Tree Planted by the Waters”
Jeremiah 17:7
Observe in Jeremiah 17 the fruitfulness of that trusting disciple who is planted down deep into the soil of the LORD:
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
“A tree planted by the waters” goes down deep into the earth and receives simultaneous watering, and is thereby raised up into great fruitfulness. This is a picture of what the LORD intends for each of us. Are you ready to sink down and die deep so that He might raise you high in His power and for His blessed glory?
Those who walk according to another gospel – one that is cross-less – are bound in deception and bound for eternal damnation. They are not being “raised up” by the same Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, because He simply will not raise up any vessel that is still alive under its own power. He only raises up those that be bowed down in humility before Him and crucified with Christ (Ps. 145:14; Gal. 2:20). “The counsel of the ungodly” would deceive us into skirting the essential cross and doing things in our own feeble and foolish wisdom. With this in mind, let’s prayerfully and carefully read the first Psalm.
Psalms 1:
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And 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; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
The grace, peace, truth, love and fruitfulness of our God abound to each of God’s people this day and hour. The LORD bless and enable each of us to be conformed to the crucified image of Jesus Christ as we expect the soon return of our blessed LORD and Savior (Rom. 8:29; Gal. 2:20).
To all those who are cheerfully giving themselves over to the LORD – who are being crucified with Christ – the exceeding great and precious promise of the LORD is as such:
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
It is the Holy Spirit of God who allows us to be brought to the revelation and realization of our own complete hopelessness and inability to be right or do right with His enabling grace. He brings us to this place so “that the power of Christ may rest upon” us. In our own “weakness” and our own “infirmities,” as we are crucified with Him, His sufficiency and power rests upon us.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Jesus Christ is the very power and wisdom of God. He who is all in all has been made toward us wisdom and power personified.
“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:24
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect plan, revealed so clearly in Your Holy Word. At this very moment, if never before, I bow down before You, and ask You to bless my desire to be Yours. Grant repentance where needed and take over my whole vessel. I now yield full control and reign in my life to You. I bow down deeply and beg You to enable me to die deeply, that You might fully possess and raise this life up to bring You glory alone! Amen.
Capture Points
1. Write out Isaiah 37:31 on an index card (with reference). Meditate upon it and memorize it as you carry it with you (KJV recommended).
2. Worshipfully discuss the biblical dynamics of 2 Corinthians 4:10-14.
3. Read Psalms 1.
This is the first chapter in the book "Raised Up" which is available at SafeGuardYourSoul.com
todd tomasella
Links:
http://womenwhofeargod.com/
http://momentswithmymaster.com
http://todd-tomasella.com
http://predatorsinourpulpits.com/
http://everywordofgodispure.blogspot.com/
http://safeguardyoursoulaudios.blogspot.com/
http://bewarefalseprophets.blogspot.com/
http://momentsformymaster.blogspot.com/
http://toddtomasella-safeguardyoursoul.blogspot.com/
http://safeguard-your-soul.blogspot.com/
http://graceandtruthbibleschool.blogspot.com/
http://todd-tomasella.blogspot.com/
http://safeguardyoursoul.com
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-women-professing-godliness-by-todd-tomasella-1296534225.html
http://safeguard-your-soul.blogspot.com/2010/11/whats-in-your-mouth.html
http://safeguard-your-soul.blogspot.com/2010/11/gods-word-is-truth.html
http://safeguard-your-soul.blogspot.com/2010/11/path-to-misery-wanna-be-miserable-or.html
http://safeguard-your-soul.blogspot.com/2010/11/who-are-you-feeding.html
http://safeguard-your-soul.blogspot.com/2010/11/proper-new-testament-fellowship.html
