Body Building, In Love

This morning I am reflecting on these famous verses from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV:

[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." 

[14] "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

I have loved these verses for many years, as they seem to me to lay out part of the strategy for healthy growth and maturity for the Body of Christ.  As I was reading through these verses this morning, I started working through the descriptions and thinking about how they apply to the human body.  In both paragraphs Paul speaks of the body being built up, and for this I imagine someone who is body-building, working to increase there strength, and thus their ability, as well as their size.  Professional body builders work on building up every specific muscle group, focusing intently on each part to make sure they are each seeing increase.  When I looked at what Paul said, he defined works of service  (v12) as that which help us build ourselves up in love (v16).    

If I take that back to the body-building analogy, there is a difference between those who exercise, doing similar movements as body builders, and those who focus solely on building the body up.  It has to do with the amount of weight being moved, the number of times it is moved and the food that is being consumed.  The body builder knows that they need to work the muscle to the point of failure, then eat the right food so that when the muscle restores itself, it does so stronger and larger than it was previously.  The saying is "no pain, no gain" and this is very accurate. I find it amazing that Paul is using this type of language to talk about the Body of Christ, and when applied to the Body of Christ, maturity and building up the body looks different than what we commonly experience, at least in the American church.

Going back to Paul's examples, of works of service done in love, we find our definition of how to train to build ourselves us, essentially what our weights are and what our motivation should be.   Love is the motivation, love is supposed to be the drive of our works of service.  Love like Jesus loved.  Looking back at Jesus' most famous statements about love we find our definition and motivation described.  Jesus commanded us to love in John 13:34-35 NIV: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  Jesus reiterated this statement a few chapters later in John 15:12-13 NIV: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Looking closely at Jesus' statements, He defines the love we are called to as being the way He loved.  He then goes on to say that the greatest love is laying down one's life for another.  This is no emotional, feel good love, but the love of personal sacrifice, the love of looking past sin to the heart, the love of commitment, of sharing everything and anything.  Paul in his famous description of love found in his first letter to the church in Corinth, give us a equally challenging list.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV:  "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."    We could replace each word 'love' with Jesus and we would get a fair description of Jesus' love for His followers, and for us.  If we equally replaced each word 'love', with the word 'I', we would have an excellent definition of how we should be in our love for one another.  The one thing Paul doesn't add to this list is laying down one's life, and this is really the ultimate expression of love, the heaviest weight if we go back to the body building example.

Jesus said that it would be by our love for one another that everyone would know we are His followers, and this statement should cause us to consider our actions.  If we apply Paul's description of what builds the body up, then our works of service, done in love, ought to be what people see and that which allows them to recognize that we are followers of Christ.  Going back to the Body Building analogy, there must be a a challenging of capacity, a cost or pain for real growth.  This building up must be fueled by solid food.  Applying this analogy back to the Body of Christ, especially the early church, we see examples of people sharing life and resources with each other, regularly meeting together, opening their homes to one another (Acts 2:44-46;  Acts 4:32-35).  We see them ministering the Word of God, proclaiming the Gospel fearlessly in spite of threats to stop, and rather than cowering in fear when threatened, they rejoiced (Acts 4:23-31).  They embraced the words of Jesus in very real ways.   We know that other of the early churches did not embrace the exact same methods, but their communal life was similar.  

My questions today are whether my life is an example of this type of love?  Am I engaged in building up the body?  Am I living my life in such a way that I am willing to lay down my life for my friends, my family, my brothers and sisters?  Is the church I am attending embracing and encouraging this type of Christian life?  Am I doing what I can to build myself up in Christ?  Am I eating the Word of God, feeding on His truth?  Am I diligently looking for ways I can serve others?  Am I willing to lay down my time, my agenda, my opinions, my resources to invest in others, to meet needs, to serve?  

Oh Lord help me!  I know that my personal and self-focused idea is to minimize my pain, minimize my costs, live my life with as little effort and self-sacrifice as possible, but that is not Your call.  Lord, help us, as Your Body, to see the invitation and opportunity before us to really grow in strength and power.  Move in our hearts, that we might be desirous of real maturity, and the process it takes to get there!

Amen!

Holy Spirit and Life For Our Mortal Bodies

The day before yesterday I started a reflection on the following verses, but ended up snoozing through most of my prayer time.  I know some days just quieting my mind will cause me to go back to sleep as I settle all the whirling thoughts that normally wake me up; not bad thoughts or anything, just thinking about work, life, etc. I wanted to revisit these verses today, as they really grabbed my attention and I have continued to think about them throughout the last few days.

Romans 8:9-11 NIV:

[9] "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. [10] But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. [11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."

I love the promise laid out here by Paul that God will give life to our mortal bodies.  He is using a simple logic, and makes a solid case that we have in us, in our bodies, indwelling our spirits, the Holy Spirit.  This is not some junior version of the Holy Spirit, but the same Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead!  Wow!  This life, he speaks of, was the life that restored Jesus body.  I don't want to go too far down that path, as we know Jesus had a resurrected body that had been in some way transformed.  We do know that He was alive, He ate food and had a physical body that others could touch.  We also know that certain of his scars remained in his hands and side, and we suppose his feet, although I don't believe they are mentioned specifically. The point here is that this same Spirit, this same life is available to us, and promised to us.

As I was reading this I was thinking that we must each have some personal proof that this is the case, for something this significant should be experienced and known by all.  I was reminded, as I thought that, of the several times in prayer and worship that I have felt an actual quickening in my spirit, even in my physical body, as if I was being immersed in electricity.  That is my experience, and while helpful for me, it doesn't solve the greater question in my mind, for each of us should know this reality somehow, if we are Christians, as Paul states in verse 10 and 11 above.  

I am reminded of a couple of verses from Acts where we are told the Holy Spirit came upon people, and this was visible to others.  Here are a couple of the verses - Acts 10:44-46 NIV:  "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God."   Later Peter is recounting this event in defense of his actions in going to the Gentiles in Acts 11:15 NIV: “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning."   Here Peter is referring to Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit came up on them at Pentecost, so this was an experience of some power and physical manifestation.

We also have this report of Paul's ministry in Ephesus found in Acts 19:4-7 NIV:  Paul said, “John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. [7] There were about twelve men in all."

In both of these instances, we see the Holy Spirit coming upon the people in such a significant way, that others could observe His arrival.  We also have several references to people being filled with the Holy Spirit the first being Acts 2:4 NIV: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."  This filling by the Holy Spirit was also experienced and observed, as we see in the next set of verses:  

Acts 4:31 NIV: "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." 

Acts 13:9-12 NIV:

[9] "Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, [10] “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? [11] Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” 

"Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. [12] When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord."

Acts 13:49-52 NIV:

[49] "The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. [50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. [51] So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. [52] And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

The last two seem less conspicuous, and seemed more descriptive of the people, than an actual observable event.  However, whether that is the case or not, the author, who had penned the previous verses and descriptions was using a phrase that had a certain definition and expectation associated with it, so I believe these do indicate that the move of the Holy Spirit was observable in each of these cases.

We find in other places Paul writing about the different gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit, helping us to understand some of the other ways the Holy Spirit is present and operating in our lives.  Here are some of the most significant sections where Paul describes these:

1 Corinthians 12:6-11 NIV:

[6] "There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."

[7] "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 NIV:

[27] "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. [28] And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? [31] Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way."

Romans 12:4-8 NIV:

[4] "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV:

[22] "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

We see in these lists from Paul, helpful descriptions of some of what the Holy Spirit brings to us as He empowers us and strengthens us.  These are meant to encourage and strengthen the Body of Christ and help us to grow and mature.  The listed fruit are what we should see as evidence in our lives when we submit ourselves to the Lord and allow the Lord to direct us and guide us.  Paul writes that we are new creations and these gifts and fruit are meant to be evidence of this fact.

Finally, the pouring forth of the Holy Spirit into our lives is meant to be a seal, guaranteeing our salvation. We have a couple of different instances where this is mentioned:

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV:

[21] "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV:

[13] "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession---to the praise of his glory."

Ephesians 4:30 NIV:

[30] "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Putting this all together, we do receive the Holy Spirit into our very bodies during our salvation, this infilling of Holy Spirit is meant to provide us with strength and encouragement, gifts that are used to strengthen, encourage and mature the Body of Christ, which includes us.  This indwelling can be something that is evident to all, accompanied by power and physical manifestation.  Holy Spirit in us is a seal of promise that we will receive the inheritance promised.  This seal and indwelling is not an optional extra but is standard equipment for all who are saved through faith in Christ Jesus. 

While we may participate in denominations or church expressions that are not open to these gifts and understandings of the Holy Spirit, God certainly does not seem to make a distinction, instead promising that all who are saved are so affected and sealed.  

My prayer is that in my life, and in the lives of all I know, that we would experience a renewed outpouring and filling of the Holy Spirit.  I pray that we would experience a fresh release of gifts and see abundant fruit of Holy Spirit evident in our lives.  I pray that this outpouring and infilling would be evident to those around us, to the Glory of God!  I pray that we might be encouraged and strengthened in our lives, and see the Church strengthened and matured, purified and made ready!  Come Holy Spirit! Give life to our mortal bodies!

Amen and Amen!

How Then Should We Respond?

This morning I am continuing my reading from 1 Peter.  These next verses seemed quite appropriate - 1 Peter 2:11-17 NIV:

[11] "Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 

[13] "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. [16] Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

Recently, I have had several conversations about how, as Christians, we should respond to all that is swirling around us here in the US.  Peter's encouragement is to live in such a way that our lives should stand out from the lives of those around us, not for our judgments, religion, or right beliefs, but rather by our good deeds.  He goes on to urge his fellow followers of Christ, to submit themselves to whatever human authority they find themselves under, and to even honor them!  That is a pretty bold statement, and one that is easy to follow when you approve of the present government, but definitely challenging when you don't approve, like or agree with your government.  Peter wrote that during the time when the Roman Emporer` was Nero.  Regardless of our situation, this is our encouragement, as Christians.  As bad as some of our governing individuals seem, we are called to honor them, and show proper respect for them.     

As I reflect further on this, I am reminded of several verses where we are told our citizenship is really in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), and that we are part of the Kingdom of God, first and foremost.  I wrote a blog entry on this several years ago (See - https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/05/our-identity-and-nationality-in-christ.html).  I am reminded here of another bit that I quoted in the blog entry above.   One of the earliest apologists of the Christian faith, in his letter to Diognetus wrote the following -

[1] "For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity by country, language, or customs. [2] For nowhere do they live in cities of there own, nor do they speak some unusual dialect, nor do they practice an eccentric lifestyle. [3] This teaching of theirs has not been discovered by the  thought and reflection of ingenious men, nor do they promote any human doctrine, as some do. [4] But while they live in both Greek and barbarian cities, as each one's lot was cast, and follow the local customs in dress and food and other aspects of life, at the same time they demonstrate the remarkable and admittedly unusual character of their own citizenship. [5] They live in their own countries, but only as aliens, they participate in in everything as citizens, and endure everything as foreigners. Every foreign country is their fatherland, and every fatherland is foreign....[9]They live on the earth, but their citizenship is in heaven. [10] They obey the established laws; indeed in their private lives they transcend the laws."  (Epistle to Diognetus 5:1-6, 9-10) 

We are called to transcend our earthly existence, and to instead embrace our citizenship in Heaven.  Christ came to establish His Kingdom, and this He did successfully.  However it is not an earthly Kingdom, nor is it even a redeemed nation!  The United States is not, nor will it ever be God's chosen nation.  He love's all peoples and all nations, and the only Nation that He has ever chosen as His own is Israel, but that was the Old Testament revelation.  Jesus came and gave us further revelation and directed the Apostles to go to all Nations, and to make disciples of all peoples (Matt 28:19-20).  The Holy Spirit further encouraged the Apostles, when they were limiting the revelation of salvation to Jews, to go to the gentile peoples (See Acts 10 & 11) God's Kingdom and favor is no longer linked to any one nation, but rather to each of us individually, wherever we live, as His sons and daughters.  We are His Kingdom, His daughters and sons, in whatever country or city we live in.  We are citizens of Heaven, and that is where we should place our hope.  While our hearts are towards heaven, we are called to live godly lives, here on earth, in whatever country we live, to respect and honor the governments that we are under.  

Oh Lord, help us to live our lives in such a way that those who look at us may see our good deeds and glorify God! 

Amen!

Rid Ourselves of These...

Today I was reflecting on a conversation I had last evening with some good friends.  We were talking about some of theories and prophecies that have been embraced by some members of the Body of Christ, here in America, during these most recent days leading up to the inauguration of President Biden.  As I was thinking that over, I was asking the Lord for some perspective, and felt led to read from 1 Peter 2, which seems to be a very helpful test.  Here are the verses - 1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV:

[1] "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. [2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

Peter is writing, "To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia." ( 1 Peter 1:1 NIV).  These verses from the beginning of chapter 2 are directed to all of us, and we would be good to examine our hearts, our words and actions of late.  Peter is not making a distinction that these actions are being directed to any group in particular, but are rather actions that in general should not been found in the Body of Christ.

Looking at the original Greek we find the following:

Kakia is translated malice.  It is defined as malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure.

Dolos is translated deceit.  It is defined as craft, deceit, guile and originally pertained to trapping or ensnaring an animal.

Hypokrisis is translated hypocrisy.  It can be defined as (an extension of an actor in a play) implying arrogance and hardness of heart, utterly devoid of sincerity and genuineness

Phthonos is translated envy.  It can be defined as ill will (as detraction), that is, jealousy (spite): - envy

Katalalia is translated slander.  It can be defined as  defamation: - backbiting, evil speaking.

So if we apply these definitions and look at our words, thoughts and actions towards those that have a different political opinion than ourselves, do we see our thoughts and actions represented by Peter's list of things we need to get rid of from our lives??  I know I have been working hard to maintain a balanced approach and understanding, and certainly see in this list a representation of some of my thinking.  

Have I wanted the other side to fail?  Wanted someone to be destroyed politically?  Desired to see someone prosecuted for the their wrongs?

Have I participated in the spreading of secret knowledge, or believed rumors and false accusations?

Have I been been judgmental to those I label as stupid, ignorant or hateful, bigoted or utterly foolish?  Am I so convinced of my correctness that I am arrogant towards anyone who has a different opinion?

Have I been angry about the success of others?  Have I been frustrated even spiteful towards those with opposing views?

Have I been attacking anyone through my words?  Have I spoke evil of anyone, any group, even those with whom I disagree?

Again, Peter is not speaking of just between fellow Christians, but towards anyone.  I am sad to say that in the church, even in my own church, that there is such strife, we see brothers and sisters attacking each other over different beliefs, different prophesies, different interpretations of recent events!  Oh Lord, forgive us!  Forgive me for any of the times I have crossed the line into these actions that Peter lists.   

I think it is interesting that Peter then says to become like newborn babies, and crave pure spiritual milk.  In other words, we might think we are operating in maturity, but we are mistaken and need to go back to the very basics.  We need to learn to love one another (John 13:38), to pray for those who are against us, to love even those who are our enemies (Matt 5:43-48) We need to once again remind ourselves that we were sinners and the only reason we have received salvation is that Jesus paid the price for our sins.  It was not our right living, or right judgments that allowed us to step into relationship with the Lord, it was Jesus' blood, poured out for us!

In summary, I am encouraged this day to look at my thoughts, words and actions, and make sure to rid myself of any of these that Peter listed.  I am encouraged to treat everyone, whether a fellow believer or not, with love and mercy!  I am encouraged to remind myself of the simple truths of my faith, the pure spiritual milk!  I know the Lord is good, and has awesome plans for us, in His never-ending love.  I am encouraged to be sure that my thoughts, words and actions are aligned with the Lord!

Lord help us all to be light in this world!

Amen!

The Testing of Our Hearts

This morning I am reflecting on a single verse from Proverbs 17.  I know my Honey reads a proverb a day, however, I don't spend as much time in them as I probably should.  They are packed with wisdom.  Anyway here is the verse - Proverbs 17:3 NIV: 

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart."

I always liked this verse, but truthfully have not spent much time reflecting on what is actually being said here.  I understand the concept, but wanted to look deeper.

The first thing I was thinking was why the two different apparatus to test silver and gold?  This got me wondering about the melting points of each metal, as that is what is being described.  The process of heating the silver and gold to melting allows impurities in each to be skimmed off, thus providing greater purity, and a more accurate assessment of the total amount of pure silver or gold.  Silver melts at 1762F/961C, and Gold at 1946F/1061C.  A standard wood fire usually burns around 600C, coal about 660C and candle's average flame temp is 1000C.  A bonfire can reach temperatures of 1100C, but must have a strong oxygen supply (think furnace or bellows).  Thus, while you could melt pure silver in a small crucible over a candle, you would need a powered furnace burning either wood or coal to get to the temperature to melt gold.  

So what does this have to do with the testing of our hearts?  Well in my opinion, the heating to skim out impurities is the picture that comes to mind.  In our lives, circumstances and situations can cause melt-downs in our lives.  Intense emotions, passion, loss and grieving, significant change, all of these are situations that can consume our minds and thoughts.  It is interesting how many fire-related terms we use to describe our lives, and I think they really do make sense.  It is one thing to be living a balanced life and to maintain a solid grasp on the day to day efforts to cope and succeed, it is a whole other thing to maintain our composure and balance in the midst of stress, trying to keep our cool, so we don't have a melt-down.  Sometimes it seems like things are piling on creating a bonfire of circumstances.  Other times it seems like the wind of massive change is inflaming everything around us!  All I can say is that in this example in proverbs the more precious metal is assigned the greater heat.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." ( Matthew 5:8 NIV).  David said the following in Psalm 24:3-4 NIV:  "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? [4] The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god." 

Putting these together, a pure heart allows us to enter into the Lord's presence, to see Him!  The Lord desires this for us, so much so that He came to earth to provide a way to righteousness, and forgiveness of our sins.  Again, David prayed the following in Psalm 51:9-11 NIV:  "Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. [10] Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. [11] Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me."  Jesus, through His death and resurrection, made the answer to this prayer available to us all!  

Back to the Proverb, the testing of the Heart is not to see if we are failing, but rather to allow us to become more pure in our affections.  Times of stress and strain allow us to see what is in our hearts, allows us to see what other things we are looking to in our life to sustain us.  The Lord isn't testing us to see if we are worthy, He has already made us worthy by His sacrifice, rather, He is helping us to see the areas where growth and healing are needed.  His testing is with the intent to allow us to graduate to greater favor and representation of Him.  I am reminded of parable of the Talents (or bags of Gold) in Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus tells the story of a master entrusting his servants with money, each to his abilities.  We find the heart and attitude of the servants towards their master revealed in  parable, and for the last servant who buried the money, it wasn't a good thing.  The ones who passed the test well, moved onto greater things in the Master's household.

In summary today, I can look at my life and see how opportunities abound to reveal to me the condition of my heart.  Some of these situations test me terribly and sometimes I fail, even the easy tests.  The Lord, though, is always there encouraging me to get up and try again, for His heart is for me and He desires my advancement!  He has made the way, provided all that I need in Him, and mostly these days the question is whether I will turn to Him, or will I turn to my own efforts or other things rather than turn to Him. 

Lord, help me to become more pure of heart!  Amen!

Deeper Thoughts - The Trinity

This morning I have been reading a bit of John's Gospel.  I probably spend more time in his Gospel then the others, and I guess its due to all the revelation Jesus provides about deeper things, like His relationship with the Father.  In the verses today, Jesus is providing some context for understanding the Trinity - John 14:23-31 NIV:

[23] "Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. [24] Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 

[25] “All this I have spoken while still with you. [26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

[28] “You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. [29] I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. [30] I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, [31] but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me." 

“Come now; let us leave."

As I do spend so much time in John's Gospel, these verses are familiar to me, and lately I have been trying to really stop and reflect on familiar passages, as often times there are hidden gems of revelation that are available, if I dig a little deeper.  As I was reading these verses this morning, the thought that dropped into my mind was concerning the difficulty Jesus must have had in describing the deep mystery of His relationship to the Father, using human language.  We have here the translation of John's original Greek (although there is some debate in scholarly circles that it was written in Aramaic first) and that translation makes some assumptions as well.  It is so interesting that we have so many different translations that we can access, all of which are translations based form the same basic source.  We see in these multiple translations the difficulty of perfectly communicating what was said from one language to another language.  

In this same way, It seems that Jesus was describing His relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and providing the best description possible in the language that was available to Him.  However, I am sure Aramaic is not the language of Heaven, so many of the nuances and even some of the significance could be lost in translation.  Take for example verse 31 from above, Jesus says, "...so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me."  When we read these words we have an understanding of what love and command mean, and while love denotes intimate relationship, command has more of a duty associated with it, almost a following of orders.  The Greek word is entéllomai, and it is defined as: to order, command to be done, enjoin.  In my modern American mind these two words don't go together very well, but Jesus used them often, and thus there is something that He is communicating that is important.

Just looking at these three paragraphs, we see Jesus describing a unity with the Father, living together with Him, in us.  A subservient nature of speaking the words of the Father, that His words are not His own, but rather come from the Father.  In the next paragraph he speaks of being replaced by the Holy Spirit, who is being sent in His name, and will remind and teach what He said, which, if we think about it, is what the Father told Him to say.  This could all seem very authoritarian, but we also know that God defines Himself as love, and Jesus says He does all this to show the world that He loves the Father!  I see why the great theologians have spent so much time trying to understand the mysteries of the Trinity, for it is not clear exactly how they all are one and yet work together separately.

This morning, I am encouraged to broaden my mind, and my thinking, recognizing that there is much more to the Trinity, much more to the relationship between Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit that we can readily grasp and understand.  In the same way, there is an invitation to deeper relationship available to me, as described by Jesus in verse 23, and the doorway to this deeper life is opened through love and obedience.  

Lord, I want to know You more, I want to know Your ways, Your words, Your intimate love and fellowship.  I want to grasp these deeper things, and push beyond my present knowledge and understanding. 

Amen!

Sow What?

This morning I am reflecting on a few passages from James' letter.  I do appreciate his straight forward approach to things that can be over-spiritualized at times.  Here are the verses that were highlighted for me this morning - James 3:9-13,17-18 NIV:

[9] "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? [12] My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." 

[13] "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." 

[17] "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

James spent quite a bit talking about our tongues (speech) and how dangerous it can be.  We are seeing the fruit of that in our nation, and it is a dangerous situation.  James, calls us back to the basics here, but it something that is easily forgotten in the battle for truth and for people's attention, even when we are in alignment with the Word of God.  

Our speech towards all others, who are made in God's likeness, should always be mindful of that fact.  One of the authors I have read recently says its important that we remember that we are all image-bearers of God.  It is so easy to affix labels that allow us to categorize others, which in effect de-humanizes them to an extent, for no individual can be defined perfectly by our common labels of religious, political, sexual orientation, racial or economic classification.  First and foremost, in our minds, should be the fact that all of these labels, are subject to the most important fact that these people are made in God's image, effectively God's children, and our brothers and sisters.  Our speech towards others, should reflect this fact.  

Jesus called us to a pretty radical approach and James is calling us to embrace this practice.  Here is one version of Jesus' encouragement found in Luke 6:27-36 NIV:

[27] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you." 

[32] “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Imagine if we lived by these words in our life!  I would expand this to say not just enemies, but anyone who thinks differently than we do, especially these days.  The original Greek word is echthros, which is defined:

1)  hated, odious, hateful

2)  hostile, hating, and opposing another

While I would normally not think this definition appropriate for those with opposing, or other views, in today's polarized society, this seems to be the way we are encouraged to view anyone who thinks differently than us.  Jesus is quite specific in His direction, and I don't believe He was just saying this for dramatic effect. James somewhat refelcts these words in His letter, calling us to live a life-style that is consistent with our beliefs. 

Lastly, James invites us to sow in peace, and reap righteousness.  The question in my mind is sow what?  His whole chapter is mostly on speech and actions, and it is my conjecture that this is what we are sowing!  It is recognized by psychologists that words spoken to us and over us have lasting effect!  I can almost imagine my words going forth as seed that is being sown into the lives of those that hear me.  What will be the fruit that grows from the seeds I am planting?  Wow, that makes me stop and reflect!  The same can be said of our actions, that they are affecting those around us.  Our actions are remembered every bit as much as our words, for they tend to speak louder at times.  

In summary, I am encouraged this morning to be very cognizant of the fact that my words and my actions are impactful. I need to treat and speak to those around me as fellow image-bearers of God, whether they believe, think or act like I do. I need to think of my words and actions as sowing seeds.  May my life and words bear the fruit of righteousness.

Amen and Amen! 

Hearing The Lord, and Difficult Words

This morning I was reading through Acts 21, and read something that caught my eye.  I am very familiar with the verses and yet I don't remember reading this particular bit before.  I am always amazed at how new revelation sort of hops off the page.  Anyway, here are the verses - Acts 21:10-14 NIV:

[10] "After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. [11] Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' ” 

[12] "When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [14] When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord's will be done.”

What caught my eye this morning was Paul's response to this prophecy of Agabus.  While most everyone else was fearful, and Paul responded with confidence and faith in the Lord.  He said He was "ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."  What got me thinking this morning is that Paul, likely expected that He was going to die and yet he knew the path of the Lord's will for him led  that way.  I could almost imagine the Lord asking Paul if he was willing to die, to really lay down his life for Him?

I can tell you from experience that question from the Lord is no easy question.  It is easy to think in our mind, "yeah, I would lay down my life!"  but it is a much more sobering reality when you actually get asked the question, and really have to answer and walk out your answer.  My experience was not so much a laying down my literal flesh and blood life, but rather my aspirations, dreams and reputation.  The Lord asked me one morning if I was willing to lay down my life for someone that I loved very much, and while my answer was yes, it was with the full knowledge of what would likely occur as a result of that decision.

I believe the Lord had had that same conversation with Paul, laying before Him the question of whether he would be willing to lay down his life for His Name. I am confident Paul had already made the decision, much before Agabus brought this prophecy, so it was easy for Paul to make his pronouncement.  His life had already been laid down, and He was willing to die for the Lord.  Chains didn't scare him, nor the threat of death, for He knew this was the path of the Lord for him.  He knew the Lord, and trusted Him.  His relationship of intimacy allowed Him to step into a place of willingly sacrificing himself for love of the Lord.

The other thought I had in reading these verses is that there were probably some people in that crowd, who heard Paul proclaim this and went away thinking Paul had prophesied His own death in Jerusalem.  We know that Paul didn't die in Jerusalem.  I was thinking that it would be interesting to see how people responded, and especially after Paul didn't die in Jerusalem. 

I am not looking for controversy, just recognizing our humanness and desire to be right, and hear correctly.  Sometimes the Lord speaks and we don't hear clearly.  Sometimes the Lord speaks and we only hear the part we want to hear.  Often times if we are in a group and we hear something, we will all hear it slightly differently, but each of us will be convinced we heard correctly.  Right now, in the Body of Christ, there are many voices saying many different things.  Those speaking the words, I am sure, believe they have heard from the Lord, and are doing the best they can to bring those words to the Body.  However, I can say that no one hears the Word of the Lord perfectly and no one speaks the Word of the Lord perfectly.  Each of us needs to hear the Lord speaking for themselves, and sometimes that word is not popular, nor does it seem right to other believers.  In the verses for reflection this morning, the whole crowd was trying to talk Paul out of going to Jerusalem, and His proclamation, while admirable, didn't sound correct to them!  They wanted Paul to be safe, thought that made the most sense for the Body of Christ, admired His ministry and wanted to see Him continuing on, but God had other plans.  

In summary, we need to have grace for one another.  We need to have grace for those who don't understand, for those who don't hear correctly, for those whose human thinking is limiting their understanding of God's plans.  We need to have grace for anyone that thinks differently than us!  We need to recognize that God will sometimes test our resolve with words or invitations that will challenge us, that will cause us to count the cost, that will invite us to lay down our lives.  These words are difficult to hear, and difficult to embrace.  Others may not understand or agree, but we need to follow the Lord!  Our relationship with Him must be the bedrock in our life, so that we are not dissuaded by other people's opinions.  

Lord, we turn to You, and ask for clarity and compassion, for grace and mercy.  Help us, as Your Body, to not be torn asunder by the many voices, but instead help us to press into You, the one voice, the Word, that we might hear for ourselves. 

Amen and Amen!

The Depth of the Riches Of God's Wisdom

This morning I am reflecting on a few verses from Paul's letter to the Romans.  Paul, in looking at the mysteries of God is expressing his absolute inability to fully comprehend everything that God is about in his life and in the world, which seems like a fitting reflection, or recognition.

Here are the verses - Romans 11:32-36 NIV:

[32] "For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all."

[33] "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
[34] “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
[35] “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”
[36] For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

I started my reflection on verse 32, which in an of itself, is a deep mystery.  I started by looking at several study aids to gain a better understanding, and quickly realized the meaning of these few verses is exactly what Paul is describing here.  God's wisdom is beyond the depth of human wisdom, knowledge and understanding!  We could study these verses, or even just verse 32 and never come to an end of the depth of that simple sentence. 

Here are a couple of links, in order of simple to complex,  to some of the resources I was referencing:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhn/romans-11.html

Adam Clarke's Commentary - https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/romans-11.html

Heinrich Meyer's Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament - https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/hmc/romans-11.html

I was specifically just looking at the comments on verse 32 from above and was amazed at the amount of commentary was provided.  I was previously familiar with Matthew Henry's and Adam Clarke's commentaries, but what really blew my mind was Heinrich Meyer's coverage of just this one verse.  He is footnoting tons of other authors, providing his detailed analysis, looking at other's thoughts, etc.   His coverage was extensive, and the meanings of the original language is discussed with several different authors cited for each particular opinion.  I was overwhelmed by just the amount of human study, human expertise and human knowledge that has been applied to just a single  verse, and I realized that Paul is EXACTLY correct.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!"

This morning, rather than being overwhelmed, I am actually comforted by the depth of God's thoughts, recognizing that He is operating on a completely different level than even the greatest human minds can achieve.  He is beyond knowing, yet invites us to know Him!  His ways are unsearchable, and yet HE reveals His ways to us constantly.

God is so far above the fray that He has the complete picture!  He knows every man's thoughts, and can see clearly the proper path.  If we look to Him, rather than at the present circumstances, we are brought to a place of peace and rest, for we recognize that our knowledge is insufficient, but He understands all, and is in complete control.

Amen!  Come Quickly Lord and Help us!

Autumn and Spring Rains

This morning I felt led to read for James 5, yesterday from Deuteronomy 11, one would think that these chapters have very little in common, however they both had the exact same phrase, and that caught my attention!  Here are the different sets of verses - Deuteronomy 11:8-15 NIV:

[8] "Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, [9] and so that you may live long in the land the Lord swore to your ancestors to give to them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey. [10] The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden. [11] But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. [12] It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end."

[13] "So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today---to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul--- [14] then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. [15] I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied."

AND - James 5:7-8 NIV:

[7] "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."

The phrase that repeats in both is obvious, the autumn and spring rains.  This has to do with the blessing and provision of the Lord, and some would add the outpouring of Holy Spirit.  There was a great awakening called the Latter Rain Revival that occurred between 1875 and 1925 here in the United States, amongst the Protestant Church, and it focused on a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  This revival was birthed out of the third time this phrase is used in scripture as a reference to God pouring out blessing and pouring out His Spirit, and it is found in Joel 2:21-29 NIV:

[21] "Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things! 

[22] Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. 

The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches. 

[23] Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. 

He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. 

[24] The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. 

[25] “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten---

the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm---

my great army that I sent among you. 

[26] You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; 

never again will my people be shamed. 

[27] Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed. 

[28] “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. 

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 

[29] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."

As I am reflecting this morning a few things are apparent to me as I allow these verses to settle into my heart.  First, while they have to do with the Blessings of the Lord, and His provision, another common theme is patience.  We want to rush from one season of blessing and provision to another, but there is a summer dry period in between the spring and autumn rains.  Dry periods are not much fun, but they are seasons of growth and maturing, and God knows we need that in our lives.

Secondly, there is a partnering component to this for the abundance that is produced by the rains and seasons between must be gathered to be enjoyed.  James speaks of the farmer waiting patiently, in Joel there is a threshing floor full of grain and vats full of new wine and oil, in Deuteronomy he speaks of gathering the same.  We are invited to participate in this in-gathering.

Thirdly, the order in which these are referred is autumn and spring rains, which means there is a winter in between.  Winter is a time where the ground lies fallow, where one lives on the produce that was gathered, a time of preparation for the new seasons.  Again, we like to run from one season of blessing to another but in the natural order of things, there are seasons of rest, of preparation, of unfruitfulness.  

Fourth, I am particularly encouraged by verses 25-27, in Joel 2, for they speak of a repaying for the years of loss.  Being somewhat removed from an agrarian culture, we read about swarms of locusts, or grasshoppers here in Kansas City, and we think of that as bad, but we may not register what that means in practical terms.  The locusts ate all the crops, thus there would be no harvest, no new grain for the coming winter, no new grain for the planting in the spring.  If stores of grain were not present, then the next year would be a season of hunger, if not starvation.  We are going through a season where millions of people are laid off, unable to find work, and while they might be ok for a while, the longer that season goes on the greater the problems will be.  We really need to see the Lord move to restore what was lost!  

Spiritually, we have also seen much that has been lost over these last years, due to abuses, sin and the spirit of religion in the church.  There are generations of people, even nations that are unaware of the blessing and power of the Lord!  We have churches that function without paying much if any attention to the Holy Spirit, and we think that is just status quo.  In reality, these are all hungry, if not starving for the blessing of the Lord.  Oh Lord, it is time for a release of the Holy Spirit over all Your church!  Pour forth Your Holy Spirit upon all Your people!  Fill us one again!

Lastly, I am encouraged that it is in the Lord's heart to bless us.  He is a God of abundance, and He wants us to experience His blessing.  This is not some prosperity Gospel misappropriation of the Word, but rather a reflection on the nature of God!  HE reveals Himself this way, and we would be wrong to think of Him otherwise.  IF we have need He welcomes us to pray to Him!  If we have need of Holy Spirit, we are encouraged by Jesus to simply ask - Luke 11:11-13 NIV:

[11] “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Amen!  Lord, we need Your blessing, we need You!  Please send us the autumn and spring rains!  Repay the years of the Locusts!  Pour forth Your Holy Spirit once again, on all Your church! 

Amen and amen!

God's Enemies?

This morning I have been pondering the different expressions of the Lord found in scripture, particularly towards those who were not Israel, His chosen people.  I was thinking about how amazing, and yet how confusing the different revelations can be, without looking at all of it as a complete spectrum.

Take Egypt as an example, it is mentioned 666 times in my NIV translation, so it is the subject of many scriptures.  In Genesis Egypt serves as a place of refuge for Abraham, during a famine, and then again as a place of refuge, this time under Joseph.  In Exodus, we find the Egypt has become a place of enslavement for Israel, and they are seen more as an enemy.  In Numbers and Deuteronomy, Egypt is remembered longingly by the people at times (even becoming a rival for the peoples affections), but is referred to as the place God delivered them out of, a place they were captive slaves, and that the Lord redeemed them from that country.  Later in Joshua, Judges, and the Books of Samuel we find God constantly telling the Israelites to not turn to Egypt for help, not to embrace their God's.  We find God delivering Israel from them in battle.  In Kings and Chronicles we find them occasionally as trading partners, sometimes attacking Israel and Judah, sometimes operating together as Israel would seek their aid, but throughout it all, it is clear that Egypt is more an enemy than a friend, and it is constantly referred to as a the place of Israel's enslavement.  Within the writings of the prophets, we often find prophecies against Egypt, and it seems like they are being cursed by God, for their role in the downfall of Israel and Judah, and always referred to as the place God redeemed Israel out of, a place of enslavement.

However, this is not the only perspective of God towards Egypt recorded in the Old Testament.   We find that there are verses of blessing for Egypt, which, while not necessarily hidden, are not in-line with the consistent theme  I just outlined.  Here are some verses from Isaiah 19:19-25 NIV:

[19] "In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. [20] It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. [21] So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. [22] The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them." 

[23] "In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. [24] In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. [25] The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance. ”

I remember the first time I read this, I was shocked!  It seemed so radically different than anything else I had read about Egypt.  I was blown away that God would refer to Egypt as "My People" and that they were somehow part of His plan to bless the whole of the earth!  This really caused me to take a different look at Egypt and how I thought God thought about them.  I always read scripture with an understanding of Egypt being an enemy nation, and now I had to change the way I thought.  

When we consider the New Testament and the revelation of Jesus, we know that Jesus was sent primarily to the Jews.  There were specific times that Jesus ministered to other nationalities, but overall His ministry was to the Jews, so much so that the early church, even though they had been commanded to go to all the nations (Matt 28:19), they had focused almost exclusively on the Jews.  Thus it was a great surprise to the Apostles and the early church when Peter was directed to go to the Gentiles and minister to them - see Acts 10.  

The Egyptians were considered a gentile nation, even though there were Jews living there, as there were in many of the other countries surrounding Israel.  Following the persecution that broke out after Stephen's martyrdom, the Jewish Christians scattered (Acts 8) to many places in the world and one of those places was Egypt, who by that time was under Roman rule as well.   In fact previously, we find that God directed Mary, Joseph and infant Jesus to shelter in Egypt shortly after He was born (Matt 2), so we know it was not considered an enemy nation at that time.  In Acts 2, we find that there were Jews present in Jerusalem from Egypt at the Pentecost event.

Not found in scripture is the fact that some of the strongest early churches were founded in Egypt following that initial persecution.  In fact it is well established that Mark, the author of the Gospel, traveled to Alexandria and established a thriving Christian community there and was Bishop over that church.  Thus we find God's revelation towards Egypt seemingly evolving over time.  However, since God is always the same, its not God's attitude towards Egypt that has changed, just what He has revealed through His Prophets, and later His Son, and finally the Apostles and disciples of the early church.   We find in Isaiah 19, God's heart clearly revealed towards Egypt, and that was written 700 years before the time of Christ, and yet it had never changed, and that word is still true today, even though Egypt is a largely Muslim nation.

So why this reflection?  It seems to me that I need to pay very close attention to the way I think towards people.  It is so easy for me to think of one group, one nation or one ideology as being my enemy, or being cursed of God, thinking I am in line with the thinking and revelation of God, even justifying my judgment.  However, this is not God's heart!  He desires us to go to all nations, tongues and tribes, every center of ideology and proclaim His Kingdom and His love for the people found there!  God is creator of the whole world and  every man, woman and child is created in His image.  He loves us! Whatever our national alignment, our ideology, our theology, and even our proclivities towards sin, He loves us.  As noted in John 3:16-17 NIV: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

We must, as His representative, embrace this same attitude, to the best of our ability. We must show love to those who are different, those who think differently, those of different nationality, those of of different ideology.  They are not our enemies, nor are they God's enemies.  While we do battle in our life as Christians, "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." ( Ephesians 6:12 NIV).  Thus, we must guard our hearts and minds and make sure that our thoughts towards our fellow brothers and sisters be in-line with God's thoughts towards them.  

It is easy in this time of chaos, and upheaval and turmoil (at least here in the USA) to become jaded, hard-hearted, even hateful towards others.  We find ourselves swept up in the battles, and lose sight of the fact that these people who represent opposing views, are just as loved of the Father as we are!  Jesus came and died for them too.  His blood was shed for their sins as well as my own! 

So my encouragement today is to meet all of this turmoil with a heart of love, choosing to lower myself to a place of embracing people with other ideologies as brothers and sisters, rather than rising above them in judgment.  I choose to turn towards them in love, pray for them, and pray for this nation that is being torn asunder by the powers and principalities that are inciting this all.  My battle is in prayer and love, not in angry words or actions.  My weapons are love and prayer, compassion and mercy. 

May God's Peace reign in our hearts and minds.

Sam

Replying With Gentleness and Respect

This morning I felt led to read from 1 Peter chapter three, and came across the following verses that seemed to resonate with me - 1 Peter 3:13-16 NIV:

[13] "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

My Bible has a reference of Isaiah 8:11 for the the end of verse 14, where it is translated "Do not be frightened".  I decided to follow that reference and included a bit more, as it is helpful and timely.

Isaiah 8:11-13 NIV:

[11] "This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: 

[12] “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. 

[13] The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.

I am reflecting this morning on these two related passages and it seems they are timely, at least for me.  It is so tempting these days to give our minds and hearts, all of our attention to the many conspiracies that are all around us.  We can become so caught up in them and allow our thoughts and conversation to become focused on these things, and apparently that is nothing new to the Lord.  He encourages Isaiah, with a strong hand, to not follow this trend, this flow of thought, to not bear witness to it, as it could apparently become something of an idol.  The Lord points Isaiah back, telling him to turn his heart towards the Lord, recognizing that He is the one who should be worshipped, adored, and held in awe.  

Peter adds to this the encouragement to be prepared to provide an answer, when questioned about having hope. and to do so gently and with respect. Oh, that we would learn to treat all people who think differently than us, with gentleness and respect.  It is so easy to treat  those who think differently with distrust and belief that they are somehow an enemy.  Peter is encouraging us to treat them with gentleness and respect, and maintaining a clear conscience, which I believe has to do with the one command of Jesus to love one another as He loved us (referencing our good behavior in Christ).  

So this morning, I am encouraged to guard my heart and mind, to make sure that I am spending more time thinking about the Lord, embracing His word and command to love than I am any other line of thought!  I am encouraged to make sure that I always speak respectfully of those who think differently, engaging them gently and in kindness.  

Oh Lord, help us all to walk back from the division and judgment that seems to be taking over our land!

Amen!

God Plans to Fulfill His Promises

This morning I was reading from the Book of the Prophet Daniel, and felt like I should chapter 9.  If haven't spent much time reading Daniel, it is a very interesting book and contains some of the most accurate foretelling prophecy of what was to occur to Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah and even the destruction of Jerusalem.  It is worth reading along with a commentary on the meanings of the different images  and visions he sees.  

However this morning, I am just reading and reflecting on the first few verses from chapter 9, as they seem appropriate this day as we celebrate the new year.  Here are the verses - Daniel 9:1-3 NIV:

[1] "In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom--- [2] in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. [3] So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes."

These couple of verses are masterfully understated, for Daniel just gets right to the point.  He is obviously reading scripture, studying them and praying through them, seeking the Lord's word for him and for his people.  The time-frame of their captivity is mentioned in the first verses, and if we studied the timeline we would see that the Jews were in their 70th year of captivity.  All of this lines up perfectly and as he is reading he happens upon Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the Babylonian captivity, and the length of it found in Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV:

[10] This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Daniel, after reading these verses immediately starts praying and fasting, pleading with God to fulfill that which He promised to do. A few verses later, we find God sends an Angel to visit Daniel and to speak to him, assuring him that his prayers had been heard, and providing timelines and understanding to the fulfillment of the promise originally spoken to Jeremiah.  We actually see the fulfillment of the restoration of the Jews to Jerusalem carried out in books of Nehemiah and Ezra.  I remember the first time I put this whole time-line together, and  it was amazing to me how the Lord had spoken the prophecy in Jeremiah, had encouraged Daniel to pray and intercede and then fulfilled the promise in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah.  It certainly encouraged me to see the faithfulness of the Lord.

Today, my encouragement is multi-fold.  First, I am encouraged that spending time regularly in Scripture is so important.  Secondly, I am encouraged that my prayers are important not just in my life, but that they have power to release things in the Kingdom of God.  Thirdly, I am encouraged that God hears my prayers immediately and responds.  Fourthly, I am encouraged that God has spoken things prophetically over my life and that it is good to reflect on those promises, even praying over them, activating my faith and reminding the Lord of what He has spoken over me.  It is mostly for my own benefit that I would do this, as God certainly knows what He has spoken over my life, and He intends to fulfill them all, but it is important for me to be reminded of this, that I might have right perspective.  Fifthly, I am encouraged that God's plans are much larger than I can comprehend, and that I just need to listen to what He is saying here and now, and I can't do that if I never take time in prayer. 

In summary, our prayers change things, and they are multiplied in effectiveness when they are in line with God's word. I am encouraged to go and revisit all the old prophecies over my life, and over our church, pressing in for anything that has not been fulfilled, asking God to provide insight, understanding and direction!

Amen and Amen!  May we see fulfillment of God's promises in our lives in this New Year!