This morning I felt like reading out of John's Gospel, and am thinking about the relationships of Mary and Martha with Jesus. Here are the specific verses - John 11:20-22, 28-35 NIV:
[20] "When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. [21] “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
[they have a bit of a conversation here which I did not include here]
[28] "After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” [29] When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. [31] When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
[32] When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
[34] “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
[35] Jesus wept."
As I was re-reading this story this morning, I was struck by the personal nature of the relationships Jesus had with each of the sisters. We know from the previous story of Mary at His feet, and Martha busying herself about the house (Luke 10: 38-42) that they were very different personalities, and that they likely related to Jesus differently. There have been plenty of commentaries written about their interaction, and Jesus' comments, but my one thought today is that regardless of our attitude or relationship, Jesus meets us where we are at and is comfortable with our position. In other words, He understands us all and will not require us to change the way we think and act to have a relationship with us.
So back to Martha and Mary - Martha goes out in pursuit of the Lord, while Mary just stays home, even though she knows that Jesus is coming. I find this interesting - Mary was the one (according to Luke) who wouldn't separate herself from the Lord, and yet when the opportunity to approach Him about her brother Lazarus comes, she stays home. I think this reflects on her deep sorrow and disappointment. She had this deep intimate relationship with the Lord, her brother gets deathly sick and she sends messengers to the Lord but He doesn't come in time to save her brother. I am pretty sure she felt completely let down in her faith in the Lord. She couldn't begin to understand how He would not hear her and respond to her request, coming immediately when she asked for help. I imagine in her mind and heart that was actually every bit as significant of a loss as her brother's death. I think she was despairing the loss of her brother and her relationship with Jesus.
I wonder how many of us have lost faith due to the death of a loved one? We cry out, we have all sorts of logic as to why the Lord should save our loved one, why they should continue living, all the good they were doing, and our incredible love, and yet they die - so we conclude that the Lord either doesn't love us or doesn't really listen to our prayers. The reality is that neither is an accurate perspective.
Martha, was more pragmatic, but still had a deep relationship with Jesus, so much so that she felt comfortable to leave her sister and family friends to go meet Jesus as soon as she heard He was coming. It seems to me that sometimes a dose of pragmatism is helpful in dealing with difficult situations. Martha lost no time in going to Jesus once again, knowing in her heart that He wasn't like anyone else. She probably figured that He was likely detained by something after their summons concerning Lazarus, but the fact that He was here now meant anything was possible. She was grieving but hopeful, and knew her relationship with Him allowed her to approach Him and speak with Him. Jesus was so gracious to her in His response, leading her gently to grow in her faith.
Getting back to Mary, Jesus is aware that she has not come to Him, and specifically invites her through her sister Martha. This is not about Him refusing to go to her, but really an invitation to re-enter relationship. She did go to Him, inspired and encouraged by the fact that He had asked about her, for this showed He still cared. She fell at His feet, and laid the accusation of her heart on Him. Instead of being angry at her words, Jesus was clearly moved and John describes His reaction. The Greek words used describe someone who is groaning outwardly, almost snorting and charging towards the foe (in this case death), and mourning deeply. He was clearly moved - and I believe He feels the same way about any of our losses. He is not cold and disconnected but rather very much impacted by our grief and sorrow, and empathetic towards our pain. I am reminded of the apparent fact that He had to stand by and watch His earthly father, Joseph, die and could not reveal himself yet. He understands grief, and personal loss. He understands our pain, our accusations, our sorrow, our anger, our rejection of belief, all the ugliness that pours out when we are grieving our loss. He shares our deep sense of sorrow for each of us is precious to Him. I believe He wept for Mary and Martha.
This morning I am reminded of the fact that Jesus loves me, understands me, and is gracious to me, in spite of my pain, sorrow, and grief. He meets me where I am, invites me back into relationship, and shares my pain. Lord thank You for Your amazing and comforting love and relationship.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Refreshment in the Desert
This morning I felt like reading from the Psalms, as it has been a while since I meditated on one of them. I turned to one of my favorites Psalm 63:1-8 NIV:
[1] "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
[2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
[3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
[4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
[5] I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
[6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
[7] Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
[8] I cling to you; your right hand upholds me."
Wow, each line is so rich. David wrote this psalm when he was in the desert. I can just see him reflecting on his physical thirst, which quickly became a reflection on his real thirst for the loving embrace of God. I imagine the dry plodding walk of someone in the desert, trying to find water, needing to keep moving to find that which they seek. I imagine the growing need, the dry mouth, the whole body becomes aware of its need for water.
Those who journey through deserts often, have learned to recognize the signs of water, learned where to look, and learned how to conserve that which they have already. Those who live by fresh water seldom think about the need to conserve, or how to find the hidden water that will keep them alive. Those who have water delivered to their door, or poured for them when they thirst, have little knowledge of where the water comes from, and how precious it is, they take it for granted.
I know that in my life, the times in the desert (dryness in my relationship with the Lord) have made me so much more appreciative of times of refreshing. I have seen the power and glory of God exhibited in ways that are astounding, and I have walked through dry and weary times. The reflection on what God has done and what I have seen help me to push through the dry seasons, knowing that times of refreshing are coming.
If I look closely at David's reflection, it is two lines about his dryness, and seven lines about the richness and blessings of relationship with God. He does not associate God with his dryness, that is from the desert, God is full of life and refreshing. David, in spite of the dryness, continues to seek God. He does not get angry with God for being in the desert, He rather reflects on the wonder of his relationship, and is moved to praise and singing. It is like he is a sailor walking through the desert singing about his love for the sea. The one makes him treasure the other even more.
Finally, what we choose to think on, is our choice. In the midst of the desert I can choose to think about the sand and the dryness, or I can think about the wonders of refreshment, showers of grace and mercy, the goodness of the Lord. Our mood and our vision will be greatly affected by that which we think about and look at. The second perspective has a look of hope and expectation, the first leads to self-focus and misery.
This morning I am encouraged to remember, and wait in joyful anticipation for times of refreshing in the Lord. He is good! He is full of life! His love is better than life! I can and will choose to praise Him, to reflect on His love and mercy! I will cling to Him, because His hand holds me up!
Amen!
[1] "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
[2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
[3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
[4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
[5] I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
[6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
[7] Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
[8] I cling to you; your right hand upholds me."
Wow, each line is so rich. David wrote this psalm when he was in the desert. I can just see him reflecting on his physical thirst, which quickly became a reflection on his real thirst for the loving embrace of God. I imagine the dry plodding walk of someone in the desert, trying to find water, needing to keep moving to find that which they seek. I imagine the growing need, the dry mouth, the whole body becomes aware of its need for water.
Those who journey through deserts often, have learned to recognize the signs of water, learned where to look, and learned how to conserve that which they have already. Those who live by fresh water seldom think about the need to conserve, or how to find the hidden water that will keep them alive. Those who have water delivered to their door, or poured for them when they thirst, have little knowledge of where the water comes from, and how precious it is, they take it for granted.
I know that in my life, the times in the desert (dryness in my relationship with the Lord) have made me so much more appreciative of times of refreshing. I have seen the power and glory of God exhibited in ways that are astounding, and I have walked through dry and weary times. The reflection on what God has done and what I have seen help me to push through the dry seasons, knowing that times of refreshing are coming.
If I look closely at David's reflection, it is two lines about his dryness, and seven lines about the richness and blessings of relationship with God. He does not associate God with his dryness, that is from the desert, God is full of life and refreshing. David, in spite of the dryness, continues to seek God. He does not get angry with God for being in the desert, He rather reflects on the wonder of his relationship, and is moved to praise and singing. It is like he is a sailor walking through the desert singing about his love for the sea. The one makes him treasure the other even more.
Finally, what we choose to think on, is our choice. In the midst of the desert I can choose to think about the sand and the dryness, or I can think about the wonders of refreshment, showers of grace and mercy, the goodness of the Lord. Our mood and our vision will be greatly affected by that which we think about and look at. The second perspective has a look of hope and expectation, the first leads to self-focus and misery.
This morning I am encouraged to remember, and wait in joyful anticipation for times of refreshing in the Lord. He is good! He is full of life! His love is better than life! I can and will choose to praise Him, to reflect on His love and mercy! I will cling to Him, because His hand holds me up!
Amen!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Mercy vs Sacrifice; Sinners vs Righteous
I am reading from Matthew's Gospel and resting in the ninth chapter. I love this story about Jesus, for it shows His and the Father's heart towards those who don't know Him - Matthew 9:9-13 NIV:
[9] "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
[10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The theme of these verses fits in well with my meditations of late on sin, self-righteousness and the Kingdom. If we look closely at the last sentence, we find a very interesting correlation that Jesus makes - mercy with sinners, righteous with sacrifice. He is welcoming the first pair and rejecting the second pair.
Again, we must put this in the context of comments towards the self-righteous Pharisees. He was trying to break them, and those who believed like them, out of their existing paradigm. He was communicating the heart of the Father and helping them to understand that the Father had a completely different approach then they thought.
Back to the last line - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" and "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners". If I ask myself what does Jesus want? The answer is mercy and sinners. As I was thinking about this I realized that there is a certain cause and effect in play here as well. Sinners, who are called to relationship with the Lord, in spite of their sin, are very conscious of the mercy that has been extended to them. They recognize this mercy is not what they deserve, and they are grateful. When they encounter other sinners, rather than judging them in their sin, they introduce them to the one who has had mercy on them. They don't apply requirements for righteousness, for none were applied to them. If this is what Jesus wants, and who He came for, and who He came to call, then this is likely where He is, and where He wants us! In other words, if Jesus had an option He would rather hang out with sinners than with those who thought they were righteous, and He would want the same for us.
Following this thinking, Jesus (and thus His Father who He was representing) does not desire sacrifice and did not come to call the righteous. The original language is quite clear that this is exactly what Jesus said - sacrifice pertaining to the Law, and the sacrifices required to appease guilt, and righteous pertaining to the same - righteous within the context of the law. Again, we must look back at the message of righteousness through faith, not works as described by Paul in his letter to the Romans. Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who saw themselves as righteous and required others to fulfill the sacrifices of the law to attain their level of righteousness. Again, Jesus plainly is saying this is not what He or the Father desires.
So today my encouragement is to remember that He called me, extended mercy to me when I did not deserve it, and has given me His righteousness, not because of something I did, but because of His love and mercy. He desires this same attitude of me, to extend mercy and call sinners. Lastly, if He came to call sinners I am pretty sure that is where He is, and where He expects us to be. Personally I want to be where He is! Amen!
[9] "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
[10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
[12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The theme of these verses fits in well with my meditations of late on sin, self-righteousness and the Kingdom. If we look closely at the last sentence, we find a very interesting correlation that Jesus makes - mercy with sinners, righteous with sacrifice. He is welcoming the first pair and rejecting the second pair.
Again, we must put this in the context of comments towards the self-righteous Pharisees. He was trying to break them, and those who believed like them, out of their existing paradigm. He was communicating the heart of the Father and helping them to understand that the Father had a completely different approach then they thought.
Back to the last line - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" and "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners". If I ask myself what does Jesus want? The answer is mercy and sinners. As I was thinking about this I realized that there is a certain cause and effect in play here as well. Sinners, who are called to relationship with the Lord, in spite of their sin, are very conscious of the mercy that has been extended to them. They recognize this mercy is not what they deserve, and they are grateful. When they encounter other sinners, rather than judging them in their sin, they introduce them to the one who has had mercy on them. They don't apply requirements for righteousness, for none were applied to them. If this is what Jesus wants, and who He came for, and who He came to call, then this is likely where He is, and where He wants us! In other words, if Jesus had an option He would rather hang out with sinners than with those who thought they were righteous, and He would want the same for us.
Following this thinking, Jesus (and thus His Father who He was representing) does not desire sacrifice and did not come to call the righteous. The original language is quite clear that this is exactly what Jesus said - sacrifice pertaining to the Law, and the sacrifices required to appease guilt, and righteous pertaining to the same - righteous within the context of the law. Again, we must look back at the message of righteousness through faith, not works as described by Paul in his letter to the Romans. Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who saw themselves as righteous and required others to fulfill the sacrifices of the law to attain their level of righteousness. Again, Jesus plainly is saying this is not what He or the Father desires.
So today my encouragement is to remember that He called me, extended mercy to me when I did not deserve it, and has given me His righteousness, not because of something I did, but because of His love and mercy. He desires this same attitude of me, to extend mercy and call sinners. Lastly, if He came to call sinners I am pretty sure that is where He is, and where He expects us to be. Personally I want to be where He is! Amen!
The Kingdom and Little Children
This morning I was continuing my reading of Luke's eighteenth chapter - Luke 18:15-17 NIV:
[15] "People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
I have always liked these verses, because they represent the way I think the Father is towards all of us. He welcomes us and desires us to come to Him.
This morning I thought I would dig into the original Greek, as there are two words that seem pretty significant "belongs" and "receive" both of which are describing the Kingdom of God. These are Jesus' words concerning the Kingdom, so it is important for us to understand them.
The first word translated 'belongs' is the Greek work Eimi and the definition is given as follows: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. Only a few times is this word translated 'belongs' in the scriptures, so this causes me to wonder about a fuller meaning. If we replaced belongs with the simple definition "is present" it significantly changes the way I read this verse. It would sound to me that little children have an awareness of the Kingdom, that us older people do not. I find from my experience that this is often true, that little children are more sensitive to the moving of God, and spiritual reality around them, although they sometimes don't have language to describe what they are sensing or feeling.
The second word here translated 'receive' is the Greek word dechomai and it is defined as follows:
1) to take with the hand
a) to take hold of, take up
2) to take up, receive
a) used of a place receiving one
b) to receive or grant access to, a visitor, not to refuse intercourse or friendship
1. to receive hospitality
2. to receive into one's family to bring up or educate
c) of the thing offered in speaking, teaching, instructing
1. to receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject
d) to receive. i.e. to take upon one's self, sustain, bear, endure
3) to receive, get
a) to learn
When I look at this definition, I imagine a little child holding out there hand to receive a gift their Father is giving them. There is an expectation and joy in the place of receiving something good. I imagine the child grasping this gift in their hand, recognizing that it is their gift because the Father has given it to them. There is no thought of earning or working, only receiving and taking it in their hand too examine and enjoy. A child will often not comprehend the actual value of the item that had been received, and I believe that is in play here as well, for all of us are like children in our understanding of the true riches of the Kingdom of God.
Finally, the fact that the way we receive the kingdom is critical to our ability to enter into the Kingdom, should cause us to review our attitude and heart. I think for me this means that it is not complicated and it is related to our heart attitude. We don't earn it, we receive it! It's not out of the ordinary, it is part of our life. In the same way we receive it, we should give it away.
Lord, help us to welcome Your Kingdom! Help us to take hold of it and embrace it with all our life, for it is a gift from You!
[15] "People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
I have always liked these verses, because they represent the way I think the Father is towards all of us. He welcomes us and desires us to come to Him.
This morning I thought I would dig into the original Greek, as there are two words that seem pretty significant "belongs" and "receive" both of which are describing the Kingdom of God. These are Jesus' words concerning the Kingdom, so it is important for us to understand them.
The first word translated 'belongs' is the Greek work Eimi and the definition is given as follows: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. Only a few times is this word translated 'belongs' in the scriptures, so this causes me to wonder about a fuller meaning. If we replaced belongs with the simple definition "is present" it significantly changes the way I read this verse. It would sound to me that little children have an awareness of the Kingdom, that us older people do not. I find from my experience that this is often true, that little children are more sensitive to the moving of God, and spiritual reality around them, although they sometimes don't have language to describe what they are sensing or feeling.
The second word here translated 'receive' is the Greek word dechomai and it is defined as follows:
1) to take with the hand
a) to take hold of, take up
2) to take up, receive
a) used of a place receiving one
b) to receive or grant access to, a visitor, not to refuse intercourse or friendship
1. to receive hospitality
2. to receive into one's family to bring up or educate
c) of the thing offered in speaking, teaching, instructing
1. to receive favourably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject
d) to receive. i.e. to take upon one's self, sustain, bear, endure
3) to receive, get
a) to learn
When I look at this definition, I imagine a little child holding out there hand to receive a gift their Father is giving them. There is an expectation and joy in the place of receiving something good. I imagine the child grasping this gift in their hand, recognizing that it is their gift because the Father has given it to them. There is no thought of earning or working, only receiving and taking it in their hand too examine and enjoy. A child will often not comprehend the actual value of the item that had been received, and I believe that is in play here as well, for all of us are like children in our understanding of the true riches of the Kingdom of God.
Finally, the fact that the way we receive the kingdom is critical to our ability to enter into the Kingdom, should cause us to review our attitude and heart. I think for me this means that it is not complicated and it is related to our heart attitude. We don't earn it, we receive it! It's not out of the ordinary, it is part of our life. In the same way we receive it, we should give it away.
Lord, help us to welcome Your Kingdom! Help us to take hold of it and embrace it with all our life, for it is a gift from You!
Saturday, February 20, 2016
There is NO Self-Righteousness
This morning I felt like I should read from Luke's Gospel. I turned to chapter 18 and after reading through the whole chapter the following passages grabbed my attention - Luke 18:9-14 NIV:
[9] "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people---robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
[13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
[14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This is such an interesting story, for Jesus is addressing the Pharisees as well as the rest of the people who followed Him. The Pharisees were the ones that held themselves as righteous according to the law, they were the experts on God's word and had spent their lives pursuing this path of righteousness. These were the people that others looked up to, in regards to the religious purity, yet they were the people that Jesus confronted the most often, showing them how they were misunderstanding the purpose of the Law.
The Pharisees pursued external works as a way to righteousness, and Jesus is calling them to consider their hearts instead. Fasting and tithing, regular church attendance, etc. does not earn anyone righteousness. In fact these things can become a source of pride in our lives, as we judge others who don't do these things as worse than ourselves. The truth is that all of us are sinners, and have gone astray (Is. 53:6) and our only righteousness comes from Jesus (See Romans 1-5). There is NO self-righteouness. None of us is any better than anyone else in terms of righteousness on our own, it is only through our faith in Christ Jesus. If the gift is the same, how can we think of ourselves as better than others?
It is true that by the grace of God, and through our love for Him, that some of us have started to conform our lives to Him. Our calling is to be like Him, to become like Him, to represent Him to the world. Our lives become our witness and the people around us view our lives. We want our lives to point to Christ. Jesus was constantly pointing to His Father, constantly representing Him to the world, and we are called to do the same. This isn't a competition to see who can be the most righteous, the most pure, the most holy. Instead we called to relationship with the Lord, and invited to introduce others to Him.
So I am reminded today of my own sinfulness, my own need for righteousness through faith in Jesus, and I am so grateful that He has saved me. I want o walk humbly in the knowledge that it is all about Him, and I have just accepted the most fantastic gift ever given. It isn't something I earned, but rather it is the free gift of the Lord because of His love for me.
Amen.
[9] "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people---robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
[13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
[14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This is such an interesting story, for Jesus is addressing the Pharisees as well as the rest of the people who followed Him. The Pharisees were the ones that held themselves as righteous according to the law, they were the experts on God's word and had spent their lives pursuing this path of righteousness. These were the people that others looked up to, in regards to the religious purity, yet they were the people that Jesus confronted the most often, showing them how they were misunderstanding the purpose of the Law.
The Pharisees pursued external works as a way to righteousness, and Jesus is calling them to consider their hearts instead. Fasting and tithing, regular church attendance, etc. does not earn anyone righteousness. In fact these things can become a source of pride in our lives, as we judge others who don't do these things as worse than ourselves. The truth is that all of us are sinners, and have gone astray (Is. 53:6) and our only righteousness comes from Jesus (See Romans 1-5). There is NO self-righteouness. None of us is any better than anyone else in terms of righteousness on our own, it is only through our faith in Christ Jesus. If the gift is the same, how can we think of ourselves as better than others?
It is true that by the grace of God, and through our love for Him, that some of us have started to conform our lives to Him. Our calling is to be like Him, to become like Him, to represent Him to the world. Our lives become our witness and the people around us view our lives. We want our lives to point to Christ. Jesus was constantly pointing to His Father, constantly representing Him to the world, and we are called to do the same. This isn't a competition to see who can be the most righteous, the most pure, the most holy. Instead we called to relationship with the Lord, and invited to introduce others to Him.
So I am reminded today of my own sinfulness, my own need for righteousness through faith in Jesus, and I am so grateful that He has saved me. I want o walk humbly in the knowledge that it is all about Him, and I have just accepted the most fantastic gift ever given. It isn't something I earned, but rather it is the free gift of the Lord because of His love for me.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Hatred and Spiritual Blindness
This morning I thought I would go back to where I left off in John's first letter. It was a while ago that I started working through his letter verse by verse, and I really enjoyed that study. So this morning I went back to where I left off. The following verses caught my eye - 1 John 2:9-11 NIV:
[9] "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. [10] Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. [11] But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them."
When I read these verses I was reminded of a common dream I have where I am driving somewhere and it starts getting darker and darker and I have no idea where I am going because the darkness is blinding me. It is a bit unsettling to see such a clear parallel in my dreams with John's letter here. It is interesting, as we were just talking last night about how the Lord speaks to us through our dreams. I had used this very dream as an example of my not knowing where I was going in the future, being blind to what is up ahead.
In these verses John is speaking specifically about fellow members of the Body of Christ, for the Greek word is adelphos, which denotes a fellow believer, whether man or woman. Hatred for a fellow brother or sister, a fellow member of the body of Christ, causes spiritual blindness according to John. Good Spiritual sight seems to me to be related to our understanding of God and His heart and purpose for ourselves and those around us, and spiritual darkness or blindness would be a lack of this understanding.
I can definitely see John's point, for if we are hating a fellow believer, we are rejecting one that the Lord has chosen and died to save. We are rejecting His perspective on their significance and membership in the Body of Christ. Secondly, the most significant characteristic of Christ is His love. He IS love, literally the word incarnate. Love is the greatest of gifts (1 Cor 13:13) and the most excellent way according to Paul. It is the single thing that is supposed to differentiate us as followers of Christ (John 13:35). It is the new commandment that Jesus gave us, that we should love one another (John 13:34). It is supposed to be the most significant characteristic of the Body of Christ, the church.
Thus, John can safely say that anyone that hates a fellow member of the Body of Christ is still in darkness, for they are not operating in the single most important charism of the church - love. I am sure one of the great disappointments the Lord has with His church today is the fact that the church is hardly distinguishable from the rest of the world. We seem to have lost our love and affection for one another, choosing instead to argue and fight over doctrinal differences, and scriptural interpretation. We compete with each other for members, we discourage inter-church and inter-denominational fellowship. We offer a thin hand of fellowship to our fellow brothers and sisters. We each think that our perspective is correct and give into spiritual pride as we judge all those who don't agree with us.
We are called to love one another, to be for each other, to have this love be so evident that world can easily identify that we are followers of Jesus. Let us pray for the spiritual blindness to be lifted that we can see where we are supposed to go, and what we are supposed to do. Let us lay down our judgments and mistrust of each other, let us set aside our hatred and disagreements and let us open our eyes to see one another the way the Lord sees us, as someone worth giving our very life for out of love.
Amen Lord, help me to see!
[9] "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. [10] Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. [11] But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them."
When I read these verses I was reminded of a common dream I have where I am driving somewhere and it starts getting darker and darker and I have no idea where I am going because the darkness is blinding me. It is a bit unsettling to see such a clear parallel in my dreams with John's letter here. It is interesting, as we were just talking last night about how the Lord speaks to us through our dreams. I had used this very dream as an example of my not knowing where I was going in the future, being blind to what is up ahead.
In these verses John is speaking specifically about fellow members of the Body of Christ, for the Greek word is adelphos, which denotes a fellow believer, whether man or woman. Hatred for a fellow brother or sister, a fellow member of the body of Christ, causes spiritual blindness according to John. Good Spiritual sight seems to me to be related to our understanding of God and His heart and purpose for ourselves and those around us, and spiritual darkness or blindness would be a lack of this understanding.
I can definitely see John's point, for if we are hating a fellow believer, we are rejecting one that the Lord has chosen and died to save. We are rejecting His perspective on their significance and membership in the Body of Christ. Secondly, the most significant characteristic of Christ is His love. He IS love, literally the word incarnate. Love is the greatest of gifts (1 Cor 13:13) and the most excellent way according to Paul. It is the single thing that is supposed to differentiate us as followers of Christ (John 13:35). It is the new commandment that Jesus gave us, that we should love one another (John 13:34). It is supposed to be the most significant characteristic of the Body of Christ, the church.
Thus, John can safely say that anyone that hates a fellow member of the Body of Christ is still in darkness, for they are not operating in the single most important charism of the church - love. I am sure one of the great disappointments the Lord has with His church today is the fact that the church is hardly distinguishable from the rest of the world. We seem to have lost our love and affection for one another, choosing instead to argue and fight over doctrinal differences, and scriptural interpretation. We compete with each other for members, we discourage inter-church and inter-denominational fellowship. We offer a thin hand of fellowship to our fellow brothers and sisters. We each think that our perspective is correct and give into spiritual pride as we judge all those who don't agree with us.
We are called to love one another, to be for each other, to have this love be so evident that world can easily identify that we are followers of Jesus. Let us pray for the spiritual blindness to be lifted that we can see where we are supposed to go, and what we are supposed to do. Let us lay down our judgments and mistrust of each other, let us set aside our hatred and disagreements and let us open our eyes to see one another the way the Lord sees us, as someone worth giving our very life for out of love.
Amen Lord, help me to see!
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Duck Down So The Lord Can Swing
This morning I read through Peter's first letter to the church. It is so interesting when you read through one of the letters all in one sitting, you can get a much better sense of the man who wrote it, and His overall theme. I spend so much time in Paul's writings, it is nice to read another author. My quick synopsis of Peter is that he is more a man of faith than of logic, a man who has suffered and persevered, and seen God's hand caring for him through it all.
The two verses that stood out to me today we the following - 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV:
[6] "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
As I read these verses, the part about casting all your anxiety on Him, is what resonated the strongest in my heart. I don't suffer from anxiety, but I have plenty to occupy my mind, and I think that qualifies as something I can unload into His caring hands. The original Greek could be translated as 'casting your cares on Him, because He cares for you' and that is more in line with my life. I have many cares that I am concerned with, and the point is simply that God has the same cares, because He cares for me. What an incredible thought - God cares for me, and because He does, He is willing to help me with my load.
A good example of what this is like is when I have a hard day at work, my sweetheart will take time to listen to me because she cares for me and loves me. My cares become her cares and vice versa. Peter is saying that our relationship with God can be exactly like that.
Secondly, his point about humbling ourselves under God's mighty hand is in recognition of God's capability and care. We don't need to prove our worth, don't need to yell to get His attention, don't need to try to do everything on our own, but rather can trust in His power and authority to lift us up, to give us strength, to give us His perspective. He really does care for us, and will not withhold His power from us.
As I was thinking about this the following imagery came to mind. It is like I am wading into a fistfight, and God is behind me and is obviously taller and has a longer reach. I can try to take on the opponent myself, or I can duck down and let the Lord swing at the opponent. In ducking down, I am bowing in front of His mighty hand(s) so that He can use them. If I stand in front of Him, I keep getting in the way. It might not be exactly what Peter was thinking about when He wrote these lines some many years ago, but that imagery really helps me!
So today I am encouraged to cast my cares upon Him, to duck down (humble myself) so He can work. I am encouraged to do this because He cares for me!
Amen!
The two verses that stood out to me today we the following - 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV:
[6] "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
As I read these verses, the part about casting all your anxiety on Him, is what resonated the strongest in my heart. I don't suffer from anxiety, but I have plenty to occupy my mind, and I think that qualifies as something I can unload into His caring hands. The original Greek could be translated as 'casting your cares on Him, because He cares for you' and that is more in line with my life. I have many cares that I am concerned with, and the point is simply that God has the same cares, because He cares for me. What an incredible thought - God cares for me, and because He does, He is willing to help me with my load.
A good example of what this is like is when I have a hard day at work, my sweetheart will take time to listen to me because she cares for me and loves me. My cares become her cares and vice versa. Peter is saying that our relationship with God can be exactly like that.
Secondly, his point about humbling ourselves under God's mighty hand is in recognition of God's capability and care. We don't need to prove our worth, don't need to yell to get His attention, don't need to try to do everything on our own, but rather can trust in His power and authority to lift us up, to give us strength, to give us His perspective. He really does care for us, and will not withhold His power from us.
As I was thinking about this the following imagery came to mind. It is like I am wading into a fistfight, and God is behind me and is obviously taller and has a longer reach. I can try to take on the opponent myself, or I can duck down and let the Lord swing at the opponent. In ducking down, I am bowing in front of His mighty hand(s) so that He can use them. If I stand in front of Him, I keep getting in the way. It might not be exactly what Peter was thinking about when He wrote these lines some many years ago, but that imagery really helps me!
So today I am encouraged to cast my cares upon Him, to duck down (humble myself) so He can work. I am encouraged to do this because He cares for me!
Amen!
Friday, February 12, 2016
Wages and Benefits
This morning I continue to chew on Paul's letter to the Romans. There is so much to digest and understand in this letter, I could probably spend a month every year just wading through it again and again, gaining more and more insight. Today, the verses I am thinking on are from Romans 6:22-23 NIV:
[22] "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves [bond-servants] of God, the benefit [fruit] you reap leads to holiness [sanctification and consecration], and the result is eternal life. [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I added some alternative translations into the text, which for me is helpful in understanding Paul. In other words, Paul is saying that when we willingly choose to bind ourselves to Jesus, to serve His will, we reap the fruit of that decision. The fruit we experience here is related to becoming more like Him, set apart for God's purposes and uniting ourselves with Him. The ultimate fruit is eternal life, which Jesus (as quoted by John) equates with knowing God relationally, both here on earth and in eternity (John 17:3). What a great deal!
The second thing I noticed is found in the last line - the wages of sin and the gift of God. Paul is comparing the two life-choices, serving sin and serving God. In the first (sin) we receive payment (wages) for our choices and the ultimate effect is we forfeit our life (death). That sounds to me like I am actually paying out of my life (the wages for sin) every time I sin and the result is not good, for at the end I receive death. You could also say that everytime you sin, you receive payment in the form of a little bit of death being released into your life, with the final payment guaranteed. On the other side, if I choose to serve God, He gives me the gift of Eternal life, and I reap the fruit of relationship with Him. If I were to draw this up in an equation form it would look like this:
Our Choice Payment Received Final result
Serve sin a little bit of death death (not eternal life)
Serve God relationship with Him Eternal Life with Him
This seems so straight forward, yet many have become convinced that the opposite is true, that serving sin leads to excitement, adventure, fun, and fulfillment. I have heard people describe final judgement and hell as being like one giant party of booze, drugs, music and sex, while heaven is completely boring and filled with an angry God. The words of the Billy Joel song Only the Good Die Young describes this perspective pretty well - "I would rather laugh with the sinners than die with the saints." This is such a twisted perspective it could be considered delusional, yet it is quite common and widely accepted. Let us pray for an end to this delusion in our lives and lives of our young people!
This morning I am encouraged to recognize and enjoy the fruit (benefits) of my decision to follow the Lord, choosing to serve Him with my life. I am encouraged to think on the final benefit of this choice, eternal life with Him, who is the very definition of love!
[22] "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves [bond-servants] of God, the benefit [fruit] you reap leads to holiness [sanctification and consecration], and the result is eternal life. [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I added some alternative translations into the text, which for me is helpful in understanding Paul. In other words, Paul is saying that when we willingly choose to bind ourselves to Jesus, to serve His will, we reap the fruit of that decision. The fruit we experience here is related to becoming more like Him, set apart for God's purposes and uniting ourselves with Him. The ultimate fruit is eternal life, which Jesus (as quoted by John) equates with knowing God relationally, both here on earth and in eternity (John 17:3). What a great deal!
The second thing I noticed is found in the last line - the wages of sin and the gift of God. Paul is comparing the two life-choices, serving sin and serving God. In the first (sin) we receive payment (wages) for our choices and the ultimate effect is we forfeit our life (death). That sounds to me like I am actually paying out of my life (the wages for sin) every time I sin and the result is not good, for at the end I receive death. You could also say that everytime you sin, you receive payment in the form of a little bit of death being released into your life, with the final payment guaranteed. On the other side, if I choose to serve God, He gives me the gift of Eternal life, and I reap the fruit of relationship with Him. If I were to draw this up in an equation form it would look like this:
Our Choice Payment Received Final result
Serve sin a little bit of death death (not eternal life)
Serve God relationship with Him Eternal Life with Him
This seems so straight forward, yet many have become convinced that the opposite is true, that serving sin leads to excitement, adventure, fun, and fulfillment. I have heard people describe final judgement and hell as being like one giant party of booze, drugs, music and sex, while heaven is completely boring and filled with an angry God. The words of the Billy Joel song Only the Good Die Young describes this perspective pretty well - "I would rather laugh with the sinners than die with the saints." This is such a twisted perspective it could be considered delusional, yet it is quite common and widely accepted. Let us pray for an end to this delusion in our lives and lives of our young people!
This morning I am encouraged to recognize and enjoy the fruit (benefits) of my decision to follow the Lord, choosing to serve Him with my life. I am encouraged to think on the final benefit of this choice, eternal life with Him, who is the very definition of love!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
A Bond-Servant to Righteousness
This morning I am continuing my reading from Paul's letter to the Romans 6:16-18 NIV:
[16] "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey---whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? [17] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. [18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
I was specifically focused on the word slave(s) in these verses. We normally understand the word slave to someone who is captive against their will, forced to serve someone or something completely against their will. However, the Greek word here is doulos and that term is more closely translated bond-servant. The key point is that it is not against the individuals will that they are in this position. One definition describes the bond-servant as "one who gives himself up to another's will". Reading verse 16 closely, it is apparent that Paul means exactly that as he describes the transaction as "you offer yourselves to someone as obedient bond-servants". In the remaining verses, we should understand that anytime the word slave is translated, it was actually the word Doulos, and should be understood as I just described, a willing bond-servant. For me this was important, as I could never see myself becoming a slave to righteousness, but can definitely see myself as a bond-servant of righteousness.
Secondly, Paul describes responsibility for sin as being our choice "you offer yourselves", and that is generally the correct understanding as far as I can tell. When we sin we are, of our own will, choosing to do something different than the will of God. We aren't forced to sin, and we bear responsibility for our sin. This is not a popular perspective these days of casting blame upon others. When something bad happens the first thing we tend to do, with our media leading the charge, is to ask who is to blame. From God's perspective the blame for our sin lies with us. There are the forces of the world, the flesh and the evil one, but we have free will, which is something that always brings back the responsibility for our actions onto our shoulders. We can be influenced by these other things, but at the heart of every sin is a choice we make. This is a huge theological topic and one that no one fully grasps, for it deals with the will of God, and His purposes which are things we can just vaguely understand, so I am just going to stop here, and say that I think Paul has it correct.
More important than any sin of mine is the salvation offered to me in Christ Jesus. Salvation and forgiveness, mercy and compassion are what I am choosing to embrace and think on. I am choosing now, of my free will, to make myself a bond-servant of God. I am choosing, and have been choosing daily for years, to give myself to His will, not mine. I am not perfect in this pursuit, but I am getting better every day, taking little steps in becoming more and more like Him. I choose to focus on the beauty of His grace and righteousness which wash over me. I choose to think on the wonders and majestic nature of God and His creation. I choose to try and represent Him to those I meet and those I have known for years. I choose to embrace my freedom from sin, purchased by Christ Jesus, and offer the rest of my life to Him, because I love Him. I have willing bound myself to Him, the King of Righteousness, for to know Him is eternal life (John 17:3).
Amen!
[16] "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey---whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? [17] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. [18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
I was specifically focused on the word slave(s) in these verses. We normally understand the word slave to someone who is captive against their will, forced to serve someone or something completely against their will. However, the Greek word here is doulos and that term is more closely translated bond-servant. The key point is that it is not against the individuals will that they are in this position. One definition describes the bond-servant as "one who gives himself up to another's will". Reading verse 16 closely, it is apparent that Paul means exactly that as he describes the transaction as "you offer yourselves to someone as obedient bond-servants". In the remaining verses, we should understand that anytime the word slave is translated, it was actually the word Doulos, and should be understood as I just described, a willing bond-servant. For me this was important, as I could never see myself becoming a slave to righteousness, but can definitely see myself as a bond-servant of righteousness.
Secondly, Paul describes responsibility for sin as being our choice "you offer yourselves", and that is generally the correct understanding as far as I can tell. When we sin we are, of our own will, choosing to do something different than the will of God. We aren't forced to sin, and we bear responsibility for our sin. This is not a popular perspective these days of casting blame upon others. When something bad happens the first thing we tend to do, with our media leading the charge, is to ask who is to blame. From God's perspective the blame for our sin lies with us. There are the forces of the world, the flesh and the evil one, but we have free will, which is something that always brings back the responsibility for our actions onto our shoulders. We can be influenced by these other things, but at the heart of every sin is a choice we make. This is a huge theological topic and one that no one fully grasps, for it deals with the will of God, and His purposes which are things we can just vaguely understand, so I am just going to stop here, and say that I think Paul has it correct.
More important than any sin of mine is the salvation offered to me in Christ Jesus. Salvation and forgiveness, mercy and compassion are what I am choosing to embrace and think on. I am choosing now, of my free will, to make myself a bond-servant of God. I am choosing, and have been choosing daily for years, to give myself to His will, not mine. I am not perfect in this pursuit, but I am getting better every day, taking little steps in becoming more and more like Him. I choose to focus on the beauty of His grace and righteousness which wash over me. I choose to think on the wonders and majestic nature of God and His creation. I choose to try and represent Him to those I meet and those I have known for years. I choose to embrace my freedom from sin, purchased by Christ Jesus, and offer the rest of my life to Him, because I love Him. I have willing bound myself to Him, the King of Righteousness, for to know Him is eternal life (John 17:3).
Amen!
Sunday, February 7, 2016
In Christ, I Have Authority Over My Mind
Recently the Lord has given me some great insight and encouragement in the area of my thought life. This may not be something you struggle with, but for the last 40 plus years it has been a regular struggle, battle, and annoyance in my life. What I am talking about is the access to my thoughts that the enemy had and his ability to plant thoughts in my mind.
You may not be real familiar with this if you do not regularly monitor your thoughts and their point of origination, but it something that the Lord has made me increasingly aware of in my life. As I have paid attention to my thoughts, I have recognized that some do not originate from me. Some, and I find this number increasing, are clearly from the Lord, and others are clearly not from the Lord (most likely originating from dark spiritual entities). For years I have just assumed that this was part of the struggle that we as Christians learned to deal with, and that we learned how to walk victoriously, rejecting the thoughts from the enemy. However, I also found myself regularly listening to the thoughts and agreeing in some ways with their accusations against God, against others, and always drawing my eyes away from God. I have grown increasingly frustrated with this particular struggle, believing that as a mature Christian I should see more victory in my life in this area.
The other day I was thinking about this situation and I asked the Lord why the enemy has access to my thoughts. I felt like the Lord responded, "because you allow him to have access." He then pointed to my belief that this was just a normal part of a Christian's life, and said that this was the access point the enemy used, as I was allowing him in because I didn't realize it could be any different. I just assumed that because he (the enemy) was a spiritual entity I had no way to stop him.
The Lord then took me through a quick litany of scriptures and showed how He had defeated the enemy completely and had all authority and power (Matt 28:18), and how I was now a new creation (2 Cor 5:17), hidden in Him (Col 3:3) and had authority to drive out the enemy (Mark 3:15). The enemy has no authority in His kingdom, and I am in His Kingdom!
I have heard Graham Cooke and Bill Johnson both talk about how the enemy only has power in our lives in areas where we allow him, where we are in agreement, and this finally made sense to me in this area. My thought and belief that it was a normal part of Christian life, was the very point of access for him, where I was unwittingly in agreement with him.
The Lord's point was very simple, in Him, I have authority over my mind. I can shut the door on the enemy, and any other source, and they don't have any right of access. As His follower, I have authority over the enemy, and I just need to walk in that authority. I am a new creation, I no longer have to allow what was present in the 'old man', access to the 'new man'.
As I was thinking about this an analogy popped into my head - that of buying a house. When we buy a new house, part of the contract is NOT that we allow the old owner access to the house whenever he wants. When we purchase the house, all the keys are handed over and it is now our house, and we have authority and power over who we allow into that house. In the same way when we experience salvation in Christ, we become a new creation in Him, casting away the old. The old no longer has any right or access, unless we grant it. Paul talks quite a bit about this subject in a more thorough way in Romans 6-8.
Upon realizing this truth in my life, I quickly repented (changed the way I am thinking) and shut that door. Since that time, I have noticed a complete freedom from the accusing and lying, self-focused thoughts that don't originate with me. I still have my own selfishness, but those thoughts are not the same as what I was struggling with before.
I share this in the hopes that some of you might recognize a similar situation in your lives, and discover truth that will set you free from the lies and accusations of the enemy, especially in the area of your thoughts.
Peace, Sam
You may not be real familiar with this if you do not regularly monitor your thoughts and their point of origination, but it something that the Lord has made me increasingly aware of in my life. As I have paid attention to my thoughts, I have recognized that some do not originate from me. Some, and I find this number increasing, are clearly from the Lord, and others are clearly not from the Lord (most likely originating from dark spiritual entities). For years I have just assumed that this was part of the struggle that we as Christians learned to deal with, and that we learned how to walk victoriously, rejecting the thoughts from the enemy. However, I also found myself regularly listening to the thoughts and agreeing in some ways with their accusations against God, against others, and always drawing my eyes away from God. I have grown increasingly frustrated with this particular struggle, believing that as a mature Christian I should see more victory in my life in this area.
The other day I was thinking about this situation and I asked the Lord why the enemy has access to my thoughts. I felt like the Lord responded, "because you allow him to have access." He then pointed to my belief that this was just a normal part of a Christian's life, and said that this was the access point the enemy used, as I was allowing him in because I didn't realize it could be any different. I just assumed that because he (the enemy) was a spiritual entity I had no way to stop him.
The Lord then took me through a quick litany of scriptures and showed how He had defeated the enemy completely and had all authority and power (Matt 28:18), and how I was now a new creation (2 Cor 5:17), hidden in Him (Col 3:3) and had authority to drive out the enemy (Mark 3:15). The enemy has no authority in His kingdom, and I am in His Kingdom!
I have heard Graham Cooke and Bill Johnson both talk about how the enemy only has power in our lives in areas where we allow him, where we are in agreement, and this finally made sense to me in this area. My thought and belief that it was a normal part of Christian life, was the very point of access for him, where I was unwittingly in agreement with him.
The Lord's point was very simple, in Him, I have authority over my mind. I can shut the door on the enemy, and any other source, and they don't have any right of access. As His follower, I have authority over the enemy, and I just need to walk in that authority. I am a new creation, I no longer have to allow what was present in the 'old man', access to the 'new man'.
As I was thinking about this an analogy popped into my head - that of buying a house. When we buy a new house, part of the contract is NOT that we allow the old owner access to the house whenever he wants. When we purchase the house, all the keys are handed over and it is now our house, and we have authority and power over who we allow into that house. In the same way when we experience salvation in Christ, we become a new creation in Him, casting away the old. The old no longer has any right or access, unless we grant it. Paul talks quite a bit about this subject in a more thorough way in Romans 6-8.
Upon realizing this truth in my life, I quickly repented (changed the way I am thinking) and shut that door. Since that time, I have noticed a complete freedom from the accusing and lying, self-focused thoughts that don't originate with me. I still have my own selfishness, but those thoughts are not the same as what I was struggling with before.
I share this in the hopes that some of you might recognize a similar situation in your lives, and discover truth that will set you free from the lies and accusations of the enemy, especially in the area of your thoughts.
Peace, Sam
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Asking for the Whole Meal
This morning I am reading where I left off yesterday in Mark's Gospel. This story is a great example of Jesus signalling that salvation was available to all people, not just the Jews. Here is the story - Mark 7:24-30 NIV:
[24] "Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. [25] In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. [26] The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
[27] “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.”
[28] “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.”
[29] Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
[30] She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone."
I have always been intrigued by this interchange between Jesus and this woman. She is clearly not a Jew, but is described as a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. The area of Tyre and Sidon was where a significant Mediterranean port existed, and this area, though now ruled by Rome had a long history of Hellenistic influence. To be Greek meant you were raised with the standard Greek pantheon of gods.
So we have here a women, not of the Jewish faith, not believing in God as we know Him, who comes to Jesus because she heard He could heal. Tyre is in the north of Israel, and a little more than 30 miles from the Sea of Galilee, and Capernaum where Jesus set up His base of ministry. Jesus was apparently visiting Tyre to take a break, as He did not want people to know where He was staying. However, people in all of Israel were talking about Jesus, and someone must have seen Him, recognized that He was in town, and news got out traveling through the neighborhood lines of communication. No marketing campaign was necessary for Jesus ministry, it was the people who witnessed His miracles that were His messengers.
This woman was willing to cross faith boundaries to find relief for her daughter, who was possessed by an unclean or foul spirit. She knew the basics of authority and power; when you wanted to cast out something that was unwanted, you had to find someone with the authority, power and knowledge to do so. When we are sick, most of us go to a licensed and educated doctor to be treated, because we know they have the authority, power and knowledge to help us. She had heard stories about Jesus and recognized that He had something others did not, and was willing to seek Him out to see if He could help. Basically she was bearing witness to the Kingdom of God that Jesus had been proclaiming and demonstrating. She heard the stories and recognized that this man Jesus was demonstrating the kind of authority and power she needed.
People in great need will do extraordinary things to seek for help. She tracked Him down and threw herself at His feet, begging for His help. His response seems a bit mean initially, but I believe that His heart was already moved by her desperation. Anyway, I believe He was looking for faith, something the Father would have already planted in her to cause her to even seek Jesus out in the first place. Jesus had been given a task and that was to preach the Kingdom to the remnants of the chosen people, the Jews, and he gave similar clear instructions to His disciples when He sent them out (Matt 10:5-6). Yet here, He sees that the Father is already spreading a wider net of faith, and she clearly has it. She was willing to settle for crumbs, as referenced in their conversation, but the Lord never just gives crumbs, His invitation is always to His full banquet.
I wonder how many of us think this way about the Lord, that we are just hoping for crumbs, knowing that anything is better than nothing? We have this idea that we can't ask for the whole meal, the whole blessing, thinking we have disqualified ourselves in some way. We think the best we can hope for is some small pittance of God. Jesus demonstrates the truth of the matter here and heals her daughter. He heals the daughter of someone who has never belonged to the "right" church, who didn't know the Law, who wasn't pursuing righteousness, who wasn't descended from Abraham, and who likely worshipped idols. Salvation is available to all of us, no less the righteous or the sinner. His love is for all people, and He holds nothing back from one or the other. If God is willing to heal the daughter of someone who is clearly not one of His people, how could we ever think He wouldn't open wide the doors to those who know Him and love Him. I never gave my son less than I gave some stranger who asked me for something.
Finally, Jesus has authority over all things, over every situation! So let us be encouraged today that His love (all His love), authority (all His authority), and power (all His power) is available to us. We don't need to beg for scraps, for He loves us all equally, whether we know Him or not, whether we have just heard about Him or whether we have walked with Him for years. He desires for us to experience the reality of the His Kingdom, demonstrated in our lives.
Amen Lord! I am asking for the whole meal, not just crumbs, because that is what You desire to give me!
[24] "Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. [25] In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. [26] The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
[27] “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.”
[28] “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.”
[29] Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
[30] She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone."
I have always been intrigued by this interchange between Jesus and this woman. She is clearly not a Jew, but is described as a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. The area of Tyre and Sidon was where a significant Mediterranean port existed, and this area, though now ruled by Rome had a long history of Hellenistic influence. To be Greek meant you were raised with the standard Greek pantheon of gods.
So we have here a women, not of the Jewish faith, not believing in God as we know Him, who comes to Jesus because she heard He could heal. Tyre is in the north of Israel, and a little more than 30 miles from the Sea of Galilee, and Capernaum where Jesus set up His base of ministry. Jesus was apparently visiting Tyre to take a break, as He did not want people to know where He was staying. However, people in all of Israel were talking about Jesus, and someone must have seen Him, recognized that He was in town, and news got out traveling through the neighborhood lines of communication. No marketing campaign was necessary for Jesus ministry, it was the people who witnessed His miracles that were His messengers.
This woman was willing to cross faith boundaries to find relief for her daughter, who was possessed by an unclean or foul spirit. She knew the basics of authority and power; when you wanted to cast out something that was unwanted, you had to find someone with the authority, power and knowledge to do so. When we are sick, most of us go to a licensed and educated doctor to be treated, because we know they have the authority, power and knowledge to help us. She had heard stories about Jesus and recognized that He had something others did not, and was willing to seek Him out to see if He could help. Basically she was bearing witness to the Kingdom of God that Jesus had been proclaiming and demonstrating. She heard the stories and recognized that this man Jesus was demonstrating the kind of authority and power she needed.
People in great need will do extraordinary things to seek for help. She tracked Him down and threw herself at His feet, begging for His help. His response seems a bit mean initially, but I believe that His heart was already moved by her desperation. Anyway, I believe He was looking for faith, something the Father would have already planted in her to cause her to even seek Jesus out in the first place. Jesus had been given a task and that was to preach the Kingdom to the remnants of the chosen people, the Jews, and he gave similar clear instructions to His disciples when He sent them out (Matt 10:5-6). Yet here, He sees that the Father is already spreading a wider net of faith, and she clearly has it. She was willing to settle for crumbs, as referenced in their conversation, but the Lord never just gives crumbs, His invitation is always to His full banquet.
I wonder how many of us think this way about the Lord, that we are just hoping for crumbs, knowing that anything is better than nothing? We have this idea that we can't ask for the whole meal, the whole blessing, thinking we have disqualified ourselves in some way. We think the best we can hope for is some small pittance of God. Jesus demonstrates the truth of the matter here and heals her daughter. He heals the daughter of someone who has never belonged to the "right" church, who didn't know the Law, who wasn't pursuing righteousness, who wasn't descended from Abraham, and who likely worshipped idols. Salvation is available to all of us, no less the righteous or the sinner. His love is for all people, and He holds nothing back from one or the other. If God is willing to heal the daughter of someone who is clearly not one of His people, how could we ever think He wouldn't open wide the doors to those who know Him and love Him. I never gave my son less than I gave some stranger who asked me for something.
Finally, Jesus has authority over all things, over every situation! So let us be encouraged today that His love (all His love), authority (all His authority), and power (all His power) is available to us. We don't need to beg for scraps, for He loves us all equally, whether we know Him or not, whether we have just heard about Him or whether we have walked with Him for years. He desires for us to experience the reality of the His Kingdom, demonstrated in our lives.
Amen Lord! I am asking for the whole meal, not just crumbs, because that is what You desire to give me!
Monday, February 1, 2016
Eyes on Him
This morning I felt like reading from Paul's letter to the Galatians 5:13-16, 22-25 NIV:
[13] "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. [16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
[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. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
As I was reading these verses this morning, I was conscious of how 'other' focused we are called to be. Paul encourages us to fight against indulging our own flesh by serving one another, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. In walking by the Spirit, as being led by the Holy Spirit, we are focused on the direction of the Spirit, rather than our flesh. I think I have said this before, but I am definitely aware of the fact that pretty much all my sins originate from a selfish perspective. When my eyes are fixed on myself, it is very hard to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit, and it is very hard to love my neighbor.
My prayer this morning is that I might consistently turn my eyes away from my own flesh and turn towards the Lord. As I learn to walk more fully in His ways, my life will be filled with more of the fruit of that pursuit. Who doesn't want more love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in their life? I know that I do! Lord help me to be more focused on You, in step with You Holy Spirit!
[13] "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. [16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
[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. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
As I was reading these verses this morning, I was conscious of how 'other' focused we are called to be. Paul encourages us to fight against indulging our own flesh by serving one another, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. In walking by the Spirit, as being led by the Holy Spirit, we are focused on the direction of the Spirit, rather than our flesh. I think I have said this before, but I am definitely aware of the fact that pretty much all my sins originate from a selfish perspective. When my eyes are fixed on myself, it is very hard to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit, and it is very hard to love my neighbor.
My prayer this morning is that I might consistently turn my eyes away from my own flesh and turn towards the Lord. As I learn to walk more fully in His ways, my life will be filled with more of the fruit of that pursuit. Who doesn't want more love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in their life? I know that I do! Lord help me to be more focused on You, in step with You Holy Spirit!
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Clothed in Love, Full of Peace
This morning I opened my Bible to Paul's letter to the Colossians 3:12-17 NIV:
[12] "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
[15] "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
I was thinking about kindness yesterday, and was reminded of verse 12 during my meditation. Paul has such a great ability to put down rich concepts in a few words. Here he bundles compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love all together, using the imagery of clothes. If you look closely, it is as if the first character traits are undergarments, and love is the garment that binds them all together. As the outer garment, love should be the first thing that people notice about us. Love is that which binds all the other traits together in unity, and is the thus the most important.
Secondly, on the inside, in our hearts, Paul encourages us to let Christ's peace rule. This is really critical, for His peace is undisturbable. He has defeated sin and death (1 Cor 15:53-57), He is over every authority and power (Col 2:10), and He is now seated in glory next to the Father (Eph 1:20). The peace of Christ, which is beyond our understanding (Phil 4:7) is available to us, to guard our hearts and minds. If we allow our perspective to be His, allow Him to show us what He sees, and trust His guidance and direction, our hearts can be at peace.
What a great picture, unshakeable peace on the inside, and love on the outside!
Finally Paul encourages us to do all things in His name. I like to think of this as me representing Him, and showing that by what I wear (love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness), and by how I act (full of peace). Paul encourages us to do everything, whether word or deed as His representatives. This means we never should be taking off these clothes, but always (every moment of every day) be mindful and deliberate in our re-presenting of Him. There is no room here for the "Sunday Christian", someone who goes to church on Sunday and acts like their fellow Christians on that day, but on every other day acts like someone who doesn't know Christ. We are called to represent Him, to do everything in His name.
Lord, I pray that You will help me to walk in this way, clothed in Your character traits, and filled with Your peace.
I am reminded of a scene from a movie called The Last Remake of Beau Geste. In this scene there are a bunch of boys having a huge mud fight, and out of the middle of them steps one young man, clothed completely in white, untouched and unmarked by any of the mud flying all around him, and the light shines on him making him stand out that much more. This is what I think Paul is encouraging us to be like, in the midst of all the swirl around us, being at peace and untouched and unaffected by those things flying around us. Our clothes (verse 12) setting us apart from all those around us.
Amen Lord! Please help us represent You in our every day.
[12] "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
[15] "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
I was thinking about kindness yesterday, and was reminded of verse 12 during my meditation. Paul has such a great ability to put down rich concepts in a few words. Here he bundles compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love all together, using the imagery of clothes. If you look closely, it is as if the first character traits are undergarments, and love is the garment that binds them all together. As the outer garment, love should be the first thing that people notice about us. Love is that which binds all the other traits together in unity, and is the thus the most important.
Secondly, on the inside, in our hearts, Paul encourages us to let Christ's peace rule. This is really critical, for His peace is undisturbable. He has defeated sin and death (1 Cor 15:53-57), He is over every authority and power (Col 2:10), and He is now seated in glory next to the Father (Eph 1:20). The peace of Christ, which is beyond our understanding (Phil 4:7) is available to us, to guard our hearts and minds. If we allow our perspective to be His, allow Him to show us what He sees, and trust His guidance and direction, our hearts can be at peace.
What a great picture, unshakeable peace on the inside, and love on the outside!
Finally Paul encourages us to do all things in His name. I like to think of this as me representing Him, and showing that by what I wear (love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness), and by how I act (full of peace). Paul encourages us to do everything, whether word or deed as His representatives. This means we never should be taking off these clothes, but always (every moment of every day) be mindful and deliberate in our re-presenting of Him. There is no room here for the "Sunday Christian", someone who goes to church on Sunday and acts like their fellow Christians on that day, but on every other day acts like someone who doesn't know Christ. We are called to represent Him, to do everything in His name.
Lord, I pray that You will help me to walk in this way, clothed in Your character traits, and filled with Your peace.
I am reminded of a scene from a movie called The Last Remake of Beau Geste. In this scene there are a bunch of boys having a huge mud fight, and out of the middle of them steps one young man, clothed completely in white, untouched and unmarked by any of the mud flying all around him, and the light shines on him making him stand out that much more. This is what I think Paul is encouraging us to be like, in the midst of all the swirl around us, being at peace and untouched and unaffected by those things flying around us. Our clothes (verse 12) setting us apart from all those around us.
Amen Lord! Please help us represent You in our every day.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Representing The Lord With Kindness
Yesterday specifically, and all week really, I felt the Lord increasing my awareness to the people I encounter daily. I often travel for work, and had the opportunity to fly back to KC yesterday. As I was walking through the airport, watching the multitudes of people passing by, I was reminded that the Lord loves each and everyone of them. Last night, my honey and I went out to eat and sat at the bar (it was either that or wait 45 minutes to eat) and sat very close to people on either side of us. I felt encouraged to chat briefly with both parties, just being kind and friendly. I was reminded while we were sitting there that the Lord loved them all, the guy and girl with the orange dyed hair who liked hockey, the young man from Romania in KC for his first time. It doesn't seem like much, but scripture says that kindness leads to repentance (Rom 2:4), and repentance means changing our mind, and changing our actions.
What if we all as Christians. as representatives of Christ, were kind to everyone we met, whether they looked like fellow Christians or not, whether they had tattoos, or orange dyed hair, whether they were dressed poorly or obviously wealthy? I wonder what the impact would be if Christians become known for kindness rather than being labeled as judgmental? One of my favorite authors, Graham Cooke, says that God is the kindest person he has ever met. If that is the case, than as His representatives, we should be too. If we were kind to everyone, one wonders if others would experience repentance, changing the way they thought about Christians, about the church and about the Lord?
Being very honest, I tend to be very judgmental in my first reaction to people, I immediately classify people, affixing labels to them before I even meet them. I classify people by how they dress, how the look, how they act, by their posture, by their interaction with others around them. I am so quick to make judgement calls that I often never take the opportunity to even interact, to introduce myself, or to find out anything about them. In not meeting them or interacting with them, I am effectively putting the light that is in me under a bushel basket (Matt 5:15) and that is sad.
When I think of the Lord and His ministry on earth, it seems that He always interacted and really met the people He encountered. I can't imagine the love that God has for each of us, being carried by Christ in His earthly ministry. I am confident that Jesus was so in touch with the Father, so in-step with His heart and thoughts, that as He walked among the people He was constantly in love with those around Him. He wasn't kind in an anonymous sort of way, but really interacted with people, healed them, spoke to them, entrusted truth to them. He loved people when he looked at them (Mark 10:21) and He was kind to them. He gave them the chance to interact and come to know their Messiah at a personal level. We are invited to do the same.
I am reminded of my Dad, for the most consistent thing I have heard about him was how kind he was to everyone. So many people at the funeral and wake commented on his kindness. That was the type of man that he was, he was always interested in people, taking interest in their lives, talking with random strangers we met when we went on trips, asking questions that showed his interest in them as a person. That is definitely one way I want to emulate my dad.
Finally in thinking about kindness, it one thing that people will generally always receive. When we extend kindness, people lower their defenses because they recognize that you are not there to judge them or hurt them. Kindness says that we value them as a someone significant, as someone worthy of our attention and care.
Paul says it well in his letter to the Colossians 3:12 NIV: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Lord, help me to put on these clothes today, that I might represent You well. I guess you could call these character traits my dress code. Help me Lord, I want to be more like You every day.
What if we all as Christians. as representatives of Christ, were kind to everyone we met, whether they looked like fellow Christians or not, whether they had tattoos, or orange dyed hair, whether they were dressed poorly or obviously wealthy? I wonder what the impact would be if Christians become known for kindness rather than being labeled as judgmental? One of my favorite authors, Graham Cooke, says that God is the kindest person he has ever met. If that is the case, than as His representatives, we should be too. If we were kind to everyone, one wonders if others would experience repentance, changing the way they thought about Christians, about the church and about the Lord?
Being very honest, I tend to be very judgmental in my first reaction to people, I immediately classify people, affixing labels to them before I even meet them. I classify people by how they dress, how the look, how they act, by their posture, by their interaction with others around them. I am so quick to make judgement calls that I often never take the opportunity to even interact, to introduce myself, or to find out anything about them. In not meeting them or interacting with them, I am effectively putting the light that is in me under a bushel basket (Matt 5:15) and that is sad.
When I think of the Lord and His ministry on earth, it seems that He always interacted and really met the people He encountered. I can't imagine the love that God has for each of us, being carried by Christ in His earthly ministry. I am confident that Jesus was so in touch with the Father, so in-step with His heart and thoughts, that as He walked among the people He was constantly in love with those around Him. He wasn't kind in an anonymous sort of way, but really interacted with people, healed them, spoke to them, entrusted truth to them. He loved people when he looked at them (Mark 10:21) and He was kind to them. He gave them the chance to interact and come to know their Messiah at a personal level. We are invited to do the same.
I am reminded of my Dad, for the most consistent thing I have heard about him was how kind he was to everyone. So many people at the funeral and wake commented on his kindness. That was the type of man that he was, he was always interested in people, taking interest in their lives, talking with random strangers we met when we went on trips, asking questions that showed his interest in them as a person. That is definitely one way I want to emulate my dad.
Finally in thinking about kindness, it one thing that people will generally always receive. When we extend kindness, people lower their defenses because they recognize that you are not there to judge them or hurt them. Kindness says that we value them as a someone significant, as someone worthy of our attention and care.
Paul says it well in his letter to the Colossians 3:12 NIV: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Lord, help me to put on these clothes today, that I might represent You well. I guess you could call these character traits my dress code. Help me Lord, I want to be more like You every day.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Mystery, Treasures and Love
I was just thinking about how much there is to ponder and think on in the Lord. His life is one of mystery, the revelation He brought was unfathomable, and any one of His characteristics is truly beyond our comprehension! One could sped the whole of their life trying to grasp and understand more of the Lord and never even touch the smallest true understanding, for He is infinite in being... Lord, help me to dive deeper into You, using my time to enhance my understanding of You and grasp how rich Your love and mercy are to me.
Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians 2:2-3 NIV:
[2] "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
What an incredible statement, that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, the mystery of God. It is a wonderful desire to long for the full riches of complete understanding, but I believe this side of heaven, that is quite impossible to accomplish. That does not mean we should not endeavor to increase in understanding, but rather that we must never think we have completed the quest, for God is full of mystery and of Godliness. As mere humans our grasp of infinite and divine is far from the reality of the actual truth, so we must settle ourselves into an attitude of constant growth, pursuit and learning. We must pursue God's fullness and never cease, for the greater revelation leads to greater understanding, which leads to us knowing Him more, and experiencing a greater love for Him.
The great news is that the Lord wants to reveal more and more to us. Frederick Faber in his book "The Precious Blood, or the Price of Our Salvation" said this about our Lord Jesus: "He longed to make his Father known, and so to increase his Father's glory. He knew that we must know God in order to love him, and then that our love of him would in its turn increase our knowledge of him. He yearned also with an unutterable love of us; and this also entered into his Heart as another reason for his affectionate impatience."
Faber was speaking about the Lord's desire for our salvation, which His blood purchased for us. I thought his comments about the Lord desiring, even longing to make His father known so helpful. This is the same way our hearts should respond to the wonder and love of our Lord. We should desire, even long to make His love known to all, out of our own love for Him and for others. This is really the fuel that must drive the spread of the Gospel. It should not be duty, for duty can be accomplished without relationship, without love, without mercy and compassion, and those were all present in the Lord. We must not just spread the good news, but do so with the same ardor the Lord has for us.
The more we know, the more we understand, the more of the hidden treasure we uncover, the greater will be our love and awe in regards to the Lord. Let us press on, into "the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Let us pursue Him with our hearts and our minds and embrace Him with growing affection.
Amen!
Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians 2:2-3 NIV:
[2] "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
What an incredible statement, that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, the mystery of God. It is a wonderful desire to long for the full riches of complete understanding, but I believe this side of heaven, that is quite impossible to accomplish. That does not mean we should not endeavor to increase in understanding, but rather that we must never think we have completed the quest, for God is full of mystery and of Godliness. As mere humans our grasp of infinite and divine is far from the reality of the actual truth, so we must settle ourselves into an attitude of constant growth, pursuit and learning. We must pursue God's fullness and never cease, for the greater revelation leads to greater understanding, which leads to us knowing Him more, and experiencing a greater love for Him.
The great news is that the Lord wants to reveal more and more to us. Frederick Faber in his book "The Precious Blood, or the Price of Our Salvation" said this about our Lord Jesus: "He longed to make his Father known, and so to increase his Father's glory. He knew that we must know God in order to love him, and then that our love of him would in its turn increase our knowledge of him. He yearned also with an unutterable love of us; and this also entered into his Heart as another reason for his affectionate impatience."
Faber was speaking about the Lord's desire for our salvation, which His blood purchased for us. I thought his comments about the Lord desiring, even longing to make His father known so helpful. This is the same way our hearts should respond to the wonder and love of our Lord. We should desire, even long to make His love known to all, out of our own love for Him and for others. This is really the fuel that must drive the spread of the Gospel. It should not be duty, for duty can be accomplished without relationship, without love, without mercy and compassion, and those were all present in the Lord. We must not just spread the good news, but do so with the same ardor the Lord has for us.
The more we know, the more we understand, the more of the hidden treasure we uncover, the greater will be our love and awe in regards to the Lord. Let us press on, into "the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Let us pursue Him with our hearts and our minds and embrace Him with growing affection.
Amen!
Friday, January 22, 2016
Fresh Mercy and Compassion
This morning I am reminded of a great set of verses from the Book of Lamentations 3:22-24 NASB:
[22]" The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.
[23] They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
[24] “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I have hope in Him.”
This morning I felt like I just needed a start-over, a chance to clear the slate and start fresh and these verses popped into my head. I love the fact that His compassions, His mercies are new every morning. What an awesome God we serve. He does not hold our sins against us, does not punish us for our past mistakes, instead, He renews His compassion for us every morning.
The Hebrew word that is translated compassions is the word Racham, and its definition:
1) to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion
This is what we are greeted with each morning by the Lord, a fresh and new deep love, mercy and compassion. The word they used when translating the bible to Greek was a word that means feelings in the very bowels or womb. I can imagine this being like the first time a mother feels the baby move inside her womb, there is a sense of wonder and her love that erupts, and I think God feels that way about me.
He is filled with compassion for me, and will never fail to have compassion for me. No matter how many times I choose poorly, no matter how many times I think wrongly, no matter how often I settle for less than He has for me, His response is a fresh outpouring of compassion and mercy. Wow!
Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness, Your awesome love, mercy and compassion! You are so good, I have no other hope than You!
[22]" The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.
[23] They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
[24] “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I have hope in Him.”
This morning I felt like I just needed a start-over, a chance to clear the slate and start fresh and these verses popped into my head. I love the fact that His compassions, His mercies are new every morning. What an awesome God we serve. He does not hold our sins against us, does not punish us for our past mistakes, instead, He renews His compassion for us every morning.
The Hebrew word that is translated compassions is the word Racham, and its definition:
1) to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion
This is what we are greeted with each morning by the Lord, a fresh and new deep love, mercy and compassion. The word they used when translating the bible to Greek was a word that means feelings in the very bowels or womb. I can imagine this being like the first time a mother feels the baby move inside her womb, there is a sense of wonder and her love that erupts, and I think God feels that way about me.
He is filled with compassion for me, and will never fail to have compassion for me. No matter how many times I choose poorly, no matter how many times I think wrongly, no matter how often I settle for less than He has for me, His response is a fresh outpouring of compassion and mercy. Wow!
Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness, Your awesome love, mercy and compassion! You are so good, I have no other hope than You!
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Confirming the Gospel
This morning I was reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians 1:3-11 NIV:
[3] "I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
[7] It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. [8] God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God."
I love how Paul was so encouraging in his prayers. I would love someone to say to me they were praying for me with joy and thankfulness. :-)
The verse that grabbed my attention this morning was verse 7, specifically when Paul talks about defending and confirming the gospel. I understand the idea behind defending the gospel, that there was a constant pressure to try and distort the gospel, many heresies that Paul and the other Apostles were confronting. The strove to defend the pure essence of the gospel in spite of immense pressure and persecution.
The part that I think is so important is that Paul also worked to confirm the Gospel, not just defend it. In other words, he worked to prove that what he said was true. When I think about how one would do that, the first things that pop into my mind are miracles and healing. These were what Jesus did to confirm that what He said was true, that He really did come from the Father. Jesus said it this way in John 14:10-14 NIV:
[10} "Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. [11] Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
The empowerment to do miracles, signs and wonders, and healing was a core part of proving the good news of the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Jesus understood that, and the people believed because of His ability to demonstrate things like the healing of the man born blind (John 9), the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11), raising the widows son (Luke 7), feeding thousands through the multiplication of food (Mark 6 & 8), and on and on. These healings and miracles proved that He came from the Father. As the formerly blind man said when questioned about his healing, “Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (John 9:30-33 NIV).
So my prayer today is that the Lord would enable me and empower me to not only defend the Gospel, but to confirm the Gospel. I pray that people would come to know the good news, and enter into relationship with the Lord, coming to understand how much He loves them and is for them. I pray that their love may abound and be filled with knowledge and insight into how good God is!
Amen!
[3] "I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
[7] It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. [8] God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God."
I love how Paul was so encouraging in his prayers. I would love someone to say to me they were praying for me with joy and thankfulness. :-)
The verse that grabbed my attention this morning was verse 7, specifically when Paul talks about defending and confirming the gospel. I understand the idea behind defending the gospel, that there was a constant pressure to try and distort the gospel, many heresies that Paul and the other Apostles were confronting. The strove to defend the pure essence of the gospel in spite of immense pressure and persecution.
The part that I think is so important is that Paul also worked to confirm the Gospel, not just defend it. In other words, he worked to prove that what he said was true. When I think about how one would do that, the first things that pop into my mind are miracles and healing. These were what Jesus did to confirm that what He said was true, that He really did come from the Father. Jesus said it this way in John 14:10-14 NIV:
[10} "Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. [11] Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. [12] Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
The empowerment to do miracles, signs and wonders, and healing was a core part of proving the good news of the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Jesus understood that, and the people believed because of His ability to demonstrate things like the healing of the man born blind (John 9), the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11), raising the widows son (Luke 7), feeding thousands through the multiplication of food (Mark 6 & 8), and on and on. These healings and miracles proved that He came from the Father. As the formerly blind man said when questioned about his healing, “Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (John 9:30-33 NIV).
So my prayer today is that the Lord would enable me and empower me to not only defend the Gospel, but to confirm the Gospel. I pray that people would come to know the good news, and enter into relationship with the Lord, coming to understand how much He loves them and is for them. I pray that their love may abound and be filled with knowledge and insight into how good God is!
Amen!
Friday, January 15, 2016
We Are Co-Heirs
I was reading from Smith Wigglesworth's "The Complete Smith Wigglesworth" this morning and his topic was faith, that helps us to overcome. He had some really good points that fit nicely into that which I have been learning deeper of late.
"They that believe, love. When did He love us? When we were in the mire. What did He say? Thy sins are forgiven thee. Why did He say it? Because He loved us. What for? That He might bring many sons into glory. His object? That we might be with Him forever. All the pathway is an education for this high vocation and calling. This hidden mystery of love to us, the undeserving! For our sins the double blessing. “...whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory...even our faith”
"He is the root! In Him is life. When we receive Christ, we receive God and the promises (Galatians 3:29), that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. I am heir to all the promises because I believe. A great heirship! I overcome because I believe the truth. The truth makes me free."
"They that are poor in spirit are heirs to all. There is no limit to the power, for God is rich to all who call upon Him."
These quotes focus on the love of God; His love for us while we are still sinners; His desire for relationship ("that we might be with Him forever"); His acceptance of us as His heirs, His sons and daughters; His opening the way for us to experience the wonders of His love and provision.
This really is a matter of faith, for our human wisdom would consider this all complete foolishness. Why would God do such wonderful things for us, and have such a heart for us, especially when we were sinners? The only answer that makes any sense is because He loves us. He loves us and wants us to be with Him forever! I am continually amazed at this Good News, for I am surely undeserving of such love and desire.
For us to fully experience all the Lord has for us, we must enter into faith, for faith will allow us to step into the things that human wisdom says are impossible, improbable and illogical. Entering an heirship of the Lord, where that which is His becomes ours requires faith.
Looking at the Webster's definition of an heir - a few things are apparent:
1 : one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property
2 : one who inherits or is entitled to succeed to a hereditary rank, title, or office
3 : one who receives or is entitled to receive some endowment or quality from a parent or predecessor
The passing of titles, property or endowments usually occurs upon the death of the one who holds these things. However, Jesus first, in the story of the wayward son (Luke 15:11-32) and Paul in his letter to the Romans indicates that we are heirs and our inheritance is available to us even now. Here is what Paul writes - Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
If we are co-heirs with Christ, we are able to inherit that which He inherited. He does not wait for the end of ages to inherit, but is even now glorified, so neither do we need to wait for the end of ages. If He has already inherited that which the Father designated then any co-heirs would also receive their inheritance. (At least that is what makes sense to me). Now in the natural, some heirs, at the passing of the one who willed them something, have the inheritance put into a trust which is watched over by the guardian of the trust, until they reach a legal age to receive the full inheritance.
Interestingly, Paul uses similar language to describe the Law and the Gospel of grace through faith in his letter to the Galatians 3:23-25 NIV:
[23] "Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."
So we are now back to the message of faith, and that is what is our inheritance, the very gift of God. Faith will allow us to enter fully into the plans and purposes that God has for us, allowing us to access that which is in Him, as a part of our inheritance!
I know that the Lord has me pressing into deeper understanding and deeper faith. Lord I do believe, help me to overcome my unbelief, and my lack of understanding. Lord, I pray that You will help me for faith is not somewhere I can go on my own.
"They that believe, love. When did He love us? When we were in the mire. What did He say? Thy sins are forgiven thee. Why did He say it? Because He loved us. What for? That He might bring many sons into glory. His object? That we might be with Him forever. All the pathway is an education for this high vocation and calling. This hidden mystery of love to us, the undeserving! For our sins the double blessing. “...whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory...even our faith”
"He is the root! In Him is life. When we receive Christ, we receive God and the promises (Galatians 3:29), that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. I am heir to all the promises because I believe. A great heirship! I overcome because I believe the truth. The truth makes me free."
"They that are poor in spirit are heirs to all. There is no limit to the power, for God is rich to all who call upon Him."
These quotes focus on the love of God; His love for us while we are still sinners; His desire for relationship ("that we might be with Him forever"); His acceptance of us as His heirs, His sons and daughters; His opening the way for us to experience the wonders of His love and provision.
This really is a matter of faith, for our human wisdom would consider this all complete foolishness. Why would God do such wonderful things for us, and have such a heart for us, especially when we were sinners? The only answer that makes any sense is because He loves us. He loves us and wants us to be with Him forever! I am continually amazed at this Good News, for I am surely undeserving of such love and desire.
For us to fully experience all the Lord has for us, we must enter into faith, for faith will allow us to step into the things that human wisdom says are impossible, improbable and illogical. Entering an heirship of the Lord, where that which is His becomes ours requires faith.
Looking at the Webster's definition of an heir - a few things are apparent:
1 : one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property
2 : one who inherits or is entitled to succeed to a hereditary rank, title, or office
3 : one who receives or is entitled to receive some endowment or quality from a parent or predecessor
The passing of titles, property or endowments usually occurs upon the death of the one who holds these things. However, Jesus first, in the story of the wayward son (Luke 15:11-32) and Paul in his letter to the Romans indicates that we are heirs and our inheritance is available to us even now. Here is what Paul writes - Romans 8:14-17 NIV:
[14] "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
If we are co-heirs with Christ, we are able to inherit that which He inherited. He does not wait for the end of ages to inherit, but is even now glorified, so neither do we need to wait for the end of ages. If He has already inherited that which the Father designated then any co-heirs would also receive their inheritance. (At least that is what makes sense to me). Now in the natural, some heirs, at the passing of the one who willed them something, have the inheritance put into a trust which is watched over by the guardian of the trust, until they reach a legal age to receive the full inheritance.
Interestingly, Paul uses similar language to describe the Law and the Gospel of grace through faith in his letter to the Galatians 3:23-25 NIV:
[23] "Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."
So we are now back to the message of faith, and that is what is our inheritance, the very gift of God. Faith will allow us to enter fully into the plans and purposes that God has for us, allowing us to access that which is in Him, as a part of our inheritance!
I know that the Lord has me pressing into deeper understanding and deeper faith. Lord I do believe, help me to overcome my unbelief, and my lack of understanding. Lord, I pray that You will help me for faith is not somewhere I can go on my own.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
We Are His Sons and Daughters
This morning I was continuing to think through the theme I was meditating on last night. I came across the following verses in the Letter to the Hebrews 2:10-11 NIV:
[10]" In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. [11] Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters."
This really is an amazing few verses, and if we grasped this reality, our lives would be changed radically. It is the Lord, who makes us holy (sanctifies or sets us apart) just like He did for the Levites. The Greek word translated "makes people holy" is Hagiazo.
Definition
1) to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow
2) to separate from profane things and dedicate to God
a) consecrate things to God
b) dedicate people to God
3) to purify
a) to cleanse externally
b) to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin
c) to purify internally by renewing of the soul
Once we are made holy, we become members of His family. Paul calls us adopted into the family, and I think that is a fitting description. Once we were not a part of the family of God, but now through His choice, and His actions, we become adopted sons and daughters of Him. We, of course, have to accept Him as our Father, for He would never forcefully join us to His family without our agreement. However, once we say yes, we are joined to his family and become his full sons and daughters, and everything He has is ours (Luke 15:31). This is so astounding!
Lord, I clearly don't live in this reality, nor understand the fullness of what it means to be your son. Help me to learn, help me to change the way I think and ultimately the way I act because of this truth. Help me to couple expectation and gratitude together, so that I never get out of balance one way or the other. Help me to delve deep into Your goodness, into Your desire to care for us all.
Amen!
[10]" In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. [11] Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters."
This really is an amazing few verses, and if we grasped this reality, our lives would be changed radically. It is the Lord, who makes us holy (sanctifies or sets us apart) just like He did for the Levites. The Greek word translated "makes people holy" is Hagiazo.
Definition
1) to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow
2) to separate from profane things and dedicate to God
a) consecrate things to God
b) dedicate people to God
3) to purify
a) to cleanse externally
b) to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin
c) to purify internally by renewing of the soul
Once we are made holy, we become members of His family. Paul calls us adopted into the family, and I think that is a fitting description. Once we were not a part of the family of God, but now through His choice, and His actions, we become adopted sons and daughters of Him. We, of course, have to accept Him as our Father, for He would never forcefully join us to His family without our agreement. However, once we say yes, we are joined to his family and become his full sons and daughters, and everything He has is ours (Luke 15:31). This is so astounding!
Lord, I clearly don't live in this reality, nor understand the fullness of what it means to be your son. Help me to learn, help me to change the way I think and ultimately the way I act because of this truth. Help me to couple expectation and gratitude together, so that I never get out of balance one way or the other. Help me to delve deep into Your goodness, into Your desire to care for us all.
Amen!
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Father's Reality and Generosity
This evening I was reading back through a couple of my last blogs. I was reading my blog titled Touching the Clothes - Passing Holiness ( http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2016/01/touching-clothes-passing-holiness.html) and one of the lines really caught my eye, which wasn't really about clothes at all. Here is the line - " Thus, those which are made holy, set apart for God, are provided for by God."
When I read that line, it seemed I suddenly gained deeper understanding concerning God's promise and plan for us. That line was based on a few verses from Ezekiel 44:28-30 NIV:
[28] “ 'I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. [29] They will eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guilt offerings; and everything in Israel devoted to the Lord will belong to them. [30] The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household."
Basically God chose the Levites, set them apart for service to Himself, and then provided for them out of all that He was His. Think on that for a second...God chooses them and sets them apart (sanctifies), calls them His own, and then calls them to serve Him, and in return He provides them everything they need. According to scripture in the New Testament we are chosen (Eph 1:11) and called (Rom 8:30), sanctified (1 Cor 6:11) and set apart, His own sons and daughters (2 Cor 6:18). In other words, the same principles apply to us!
It is like the Father's statement to the older brother in the story of the prodigal son, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." Luke 15:31NIV. We are always with Him, He has chosen us and set us apart, and we are hidden in Him now, and everything of His is ours, because that is how He cares for those He has chosen. The obvious good news is that we are all His chosen and beloved ones. We just need to learn to step into this reality, in the same way that the older brother needed to step into that reality.
God really is that good, and really is that generous. We don't want to cross over into the name it and claim it mentality, but we need to know that our share is not the scraps from the table, but rather the feast of the King Himself, at His invitation.
The older brother lived captive to his own reality, thinking that his father never gave him anything good (Luke 15:29). If He had only grasped the truth of the Father's love and generosity, His life would have been markedly different! In the same way, I believe the Lord wants us to expand our understanding of His promise and blessing, and step into His reality, leaving our "older son" mentality in our past.
Lord, I don't grasp this fully, that I know. I also know You are calling me to step into Your reality, so please help me and help us all come to understand how good and generous You really are!
Amen!
When I read that line, it seemed I suddenly gained deeper understanding concerning God's promise and plan for us. That line was based on a few verses from Ezekiel 44:28-30 NIV:
[28] “ 'I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. [29] They will eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guilt offerings; and everything in Israel devoted to the Lord will belong to them. [30] The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household."
Basically God chose the Levites, set them apart for service to Himself, and then provided for them out of all that He was His. Think on that for a second...God chooses them and sets them apart (sanctifies), calls them His own, and then calls them to serve Him, and in return He provides them everything they need. According to scripture in the New Testament we are chosen (Eph 1:11) and called (Rom 8:30), sanctified (1 Cor 6:11) and set apart, His own sons and daughters (2 Cor 6:18). In other words, the same principles apply to us!
It is like the Father's statement to the older brother in the story of the prodigal son, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours." Luke 15:31NIV. We are always with Him, He has chosen us and set us apart, and we are hidden in Him now, and everything of His is ours, because that is how He cares for those He has chosen. The obvious good news is that we are all His chosen and beloved ones. We just need to learn to step into this reality, in the same way that the older brother needed to step into that reality.
God really is that good, and really is that generous. We don't want to cross over into the name it and claim it mentality, but we need to know that our share is not the scraps from the table, but rather the feast of the King Himself, at His invitation.
The older brother lived captive to his own reality, thinking that his father never gave him anything good (Luke 15:29). If He had only grasped the truth of the Father's love and generosity, His life would have been markedly different! In the same way, I believe the Lord wants us to expand our understanding of His promise and blessing, and step into His reality, leaving our "older son" mentality in our past.
Lord, I don't grasp this fully, that I know. I also know You are calling me to step into Your reality, so please help me and help us all come to understand how good and generous You really are!
Amen!
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Joy for Sadness
This morning I was reflecting on my present spiritual dryness, something that is directly related to grieving the loss of my earthly father. I am dry, almost lifeless in my spirit, and lack pretty much all motivation. I am surprised somewhat by this season, but then I was surprised by my father's passing as well. There are many extenuating circumstances as well, so overall I would say I am feeling pressed and drained on most every side.
This is what I love about the Lord, He understands my situation, my heart condition and He cares and is not bothered by my honesty and difficulty. I can tell Him exactly how I feel and He is not offended. What I really need is more of Him, more interaction with Him, for He is the source of all life, He is the life (John 14:6).
So, as I was sitting here thinking about my present state, I asked the Lord to lead me to someplace in scripture that would minister to my present state. I sometime receive the impression of a number when I ask for direction, which usually relates to a verse or page number. This morning I received the impression of the number 1117, which I thought referred to a page number, when I turned there in my Bible, I found myself in the concordance in the back of the bible, in the Rs, and as I was reading down the list of the words on the page, one word caught my eye "revive". I hadn't even thought of that word in my meditation on my present state, but that is exactly what I need, revival, as in life being breathed back into my life, a breath of wind for my sails, something to cause me to stir in my heart and spirit.
When I looked at the verses listed after the word revive in the concordance, the first verse listed was Psalm 85. Here are the verses -
Psalm 85:6-13 NIV:
[6] "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
[7] Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.
[8] I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants---but let them not turn to folly.
[9] Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
[10] Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
[11] Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.
[12] The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
[13] Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps."
I have always loved the imagery of verses 10 and 11, love and faithfulness meeting righteousness and peace kissing, faithfulness spring up from the earth, and righteousness looking down from heaven!
What I need today though is to be revived. If I used one word to describe my present state of heart, it would be sadness. The prescription for sadness is joy, and joy causes us to rejoice. Yes, Lord that is what I need, joy and life! Lord, show me Your unfailing love, Your faithfulness and Your joy.
Psalm 30:10-12 NIV:
[10] "Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help. ”
[11] You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
[12] that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever."
Yes Lord, please clothe me with joy!
Amen!
This is what I love about the Lord, He understands my situation, my heart condition and He cares and is not bothered by my honesty and difficulty. I can tell Him exactly how I feel and He is not offended. What I really need is more of Him, more interaction with Him, for He is the source of all life, He is the life (John 14:6).
So, as I was sitting here thinking about my present state, I asked the Lord to lead me to someplace in scripture that would minister to my present state. I sometime receive the impression of a number when I ask for direction, which usually relates to a verse or page number. This morning I received the impression of the number 1117, which I thought referred to a page number, when I turned there in my Bible, I found myself in the concordance in the back of the bible, in the Rs, and as I was reading down the list of the words on the page, one word caught my eye "revive". I hadn't even thought of that word in my meditation on my present state, but that is exactly what I need, revival, as in life being breathed back into my life, a breath of wind for my sails, something to cause me to stir in my heart and spirit.
When I looked at the verses listed after the word revive in the concordance, the first verse listed was Psalm 85. Here are the verses -
Psalm 85:6-13 NIV:
[6] "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
[7] Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.
[8] I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants---but let them not turn to folly.
[9] Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
[10] Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
[11] Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.
[12] The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.
[13] Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps."
I have always loved the imagery of verses 10 and 11, love and faithfulness meeting righteousness and peace kissing, faithfulness spring up from the earth, and righteousness looking down from heaven!
What I need today though is to be revived. If I used one word to describe my present state of heart, it would be sadness. The prescription for sadness is joy, and joy causes us to rejoice. Yes, Lord that is what I need, joy and life! Lord, show me Your unfailing love, Your faithfulness and Your joy.
Psalm 30:10-12 NIV:
[10] "Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help. ”
[11] You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
[12] that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever."
Yes Lord, please clothe me with joy!
Amen!
Saturday, January 9, 2016
He is Worthy of Our Trust
This morning I felt like I should read from Ps. 37. I love the following verses, and they are appropriate for me to meditate on today.
Psalm 37:3-7 NIV:
[3] "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
[5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
[6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
[7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;...'
I love the picture of God's blessing, and provision these verses paint. If we trust in Him and delight ourselves in Him, committing to following His ways, He will bless us! There is also a sense of waiting, knowing that maintaining a trusting attitude and focus on the Lord will be worth it.
I should say the the first two verse of this Psalm set the stage for these 5 verses - here is how the Psalm starts - Psalm 37:1-2 NIV:
[1] "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
[2] for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away."
In other words, the psalmist is calling us to not compare ourselves to those that seem wealthy and rich, amassing great fortunes. When we look around at the world there are many wealthy people who have amassed great fortunes, who know nothing of God. They seem to have these great lives and seem to be happy and full of life. Our media is obsessed with the famous and wealthy and so we have their lives thrust before us for all to see. The psalmist is calling us to consider the final end of those who do not know God, their eternal destiny, and recognize that only those that trust in the Lord will truly see His blessing and righteousness. We will ultimately be vindicated in our trust in Him.
Thank You Lord for Your encouragement this morning. You are worthy of our trust, our delight and our commitment. If we wait on You we will not be disappointed.
Amen!
Psalm 37:3-7 NIV:
[3] "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
[5] Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
[6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
[7] Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;...'
I love the picture of God's blessing, and provision these verses paint. If we trust in Him and delight ourselves in Him, committing to following His ways, He will bless us! There is also a sense of waiting, knowing that maintaining a trusting attitude and focus on the Lord will be worth it.
I should say the the first two verse of this Psalm set the stage for these 5 verses - here is how the Psalm starts - Psalm 37:1-2 NIV:
[1] "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
[2] for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away."
In other words, the psalmist is calling us to not compare ourselves to those that seem wealthy and rich, amassing great fortunes. When we look around at the world there are many wealthy people who have amassed great fortunes, who know nothing of God. They seem to have these great lives and seem to be happy and full of life. Our media is obsessed with the famous and wealthy and so we have their lives thrust before us for all to see. The psalmist is calling us to consider the final end of those who do not know God, their eternal destiny, and recognize that only those that trust in the Lord will truly see His blessing and righteousness. We will ultimately be vindicated in our trust in Him.
Thank You Lord for Your encouragement this morning. You are worthy of our trust, our delight and our commitment. If we wait on You we will not be disappointed.
Amen!
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
St. Therese of Lisieux - A Soul in Love
I have been reading the autobiography of St. Therese the Little Flower. It has been a nice read and encouraging to me to let her words soak into my heart. Her love and devotion are so pure and sweet, and her only desire is the Lord. I love her perspective of it all being about a loving relationship.
Here are several quotes that have struck my heart strings, all taken from " ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX: THE STORY OF A SOUL" :
"Well now, I am this child, the object of the foreseeing love of a Father “Who did not send His son to call the just, but sinners." He wishes me to love Him, because He has forgiven me, not much, but everything. Without waiting for me to love Him much, as St. Mary Magdalen did, He has made me understand how He has loved me with an ineffable love and forethought, so that now my love may know no bounds."
"Thank God for the favours He has so freely bestowed on you without any merit on your part.”
"Without any merit on my part! That was not difficult to believe. Fully conscious of my weakness and imperfection, my heart overflowed with gratitude."
"At the beginning of my spiritual life, about the age of fourteen, I used to ask myself how, in days to come, I should more clearly understand the true meaning of perfection. I imagined I then understood it completely, but I soon came to realise that the more one advances along this path the farther one seems from the goal, and now I am resigned to be always imperfect, and I even find joy therein."
"I know that a mother is ever ready to forgive her child’s small thoughtless faults. How often have I not had this sweet experience! No reproach could have touched me more than one single kiss from my Mother. My nature is such that fear makes me shrink, while, under love’s sweet rule, I not only advance— I fly."
"Full sweet is the way of Love. It is true one may fall and be unfaithful to grace; but Love, knowing how to profit by everything, quickly consumes whatever is displeasing to Jesus, leaving in the heart only a deep and humble peace."
"It seems to me that if everyone were to receive such favours God would be feared by none, but loved to excess; that no one would ever commit the least wilful fault— and this through love, not fear."
"His Justice, even more perhaps than the rest, seems to me to be clothed with Love. What joy to think that Our Lord is just, that is to say, that He takes our weakness into account, that He knows perfectly the frailty of our nature! Of what, then, need I be afraid? Will not the God of Infinite Justice, Who deigns so lovingly to pardon the sins of the Prodigal Son, be also just to me “who am always with Him”?
"You know it has ever been my desire to become a Saint, but I have always felt, in comparing myself with the Saints, that I am as far removed from them as the grain of sand, which the passer-by tramples underfoot, is remote from the mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds."
"And you did not even consider it imprudent to assure me one day, that the Divine Master had enlightened my soul and given me the experience of years. I am too little now to be guilty of vanity; I am likewise too little to endeavour to prove my humility by fine-sounding words. I prefer to own in all simplicity that “He that is mighty hath done great things to me"—[ 10] and the greatest is that He has shown me my littleness and how incapable I am of anything good."
"Each time that my enemy would provoke me to combat, I behave as a gallant soldier. I know that a duel is an act of cowardice, and so, without once looking him in the face, I turn my back on the foe, then I hasten to my Saviour, and vow that I am ready to shed my blood in witness of my belief in Heaven. I tell him, if only He will deign to open it to poor unbelievers, I am content to sacrifice all pleasure in the thought of it as long as I live. And in spite of this trial, which robs me of all comfort, I still can say: “Thou hast given me, O Lord, delight in all Thou dost."
..."for I reflect that since my small acts of virtue can be mistaken for imperfections, why should not my imperfections be mistaken for virtue? And I say with St. Paul: “To me it is a very small thing to be judged by you, or by man’s day. But neither do I judge myself. He that judgeth me is the Lord."[ 22]
And it is the Lord, it is Jesus, Who is my judge. Therefore I will try always to think leniently of others, that He may judge me leniently, or rather not at all, since He says: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged."
"I must confess I am far from living up to my ideal, and yet the very desire to do so gives me a feeling of peace. If I fall into some fault, I arise again at once— and for some months now I have not even had to struggle."
"A holy nun of our community annoyed me in all that she did; the devil must have had something to do with it, and he it was undoubtedly who made me see in her so many disagreeable points. I did not want to yield to my natural antipathy, for I remembered that charity ought to betray itself in deeds, and not exist merely in the feelings, so I set myself to do for this sister all I should do for the one I loved most. Every time I met her I prayed for her, and offered to God her virtues and merits. I felt that this was very pleasing to Our Lord, for there is no artist who is not gratified when his works are praised, and the Divine Artist of souls is pleased when we do not stop at the exterior, but, penetrating to the inner sanctuary He has chosen, admire its beauty.
I did not rest satisfied with praying for this Sister, who gave me such occasions for self-mastery, I tried to render her as many services as I could, and when tempted to answer her sharply, I made haste to smile and change the subject, for the Imitation says: “It is more profitable to leave everyone to his way of thinking than to give way to contentious discourses.” And sometimes when the temptation was very severe, I would run like a deserter from the battlefield if I could do so without letting the Sister guess my inward struggle.
One day she said to me with a beaming face: “My dear Soeur Thérèse, tell me what attraction you find in me, for whenever we meet, you greet me with such a sweet smile.” Ah! What attracted me was Jesus hidden in the depths of her soul— Jesus who maketh sweet even that which is most bitter."
"It may be that some day my present state will appear to me full of defects, but nothing now surprises me, and I do not even distress myself because I am so weak. On the contrary I glory therein, and expect each day to find fresh imperfections."
"My companion charmed me by her innocence and by her open and frank disposition, though I was surprised to find how her love for you differed from mine; and besides, I regretted many things in her behaviour. But God had already given me to understand that there are souls for whom in His Mercy He waits unweariedly, and to whom He gives His light by degrees; so I was very careful not to forestall Him."
"From the moment I entered the sanctuary of souls, I saw at a glance that the task was beyond my strength. Throwing myself without delay into Our Lord’s Arms, I imitated those tiny children, who, when they are frightened, hide their faces on their father’s shoulder, and I said:
“Dear Lord, Thou seest that I am too small to feed these little ones, but if through me Thou wilt give to each what is suitable, then fill my hands, and without leaving the shelter of Thine Arms, or even turning away, I will distribute Thy treasures to the souls who come to me asking for food. Should they find it to their taste, I shall know that this is due not to me, but to Thee; and if, on the contrary, they find fault with its bitterness, I shall not be cast down, but try to persuade them that it cometh from Thee, while taking good care to make no change in it.”
The knowledge that it was impossible to do anything of myself rendered my task easier. My one interior occupation was to unite myself more and more closely to God, knowing that the rest would be given to me over and above. And indeed my hope has never been deceived; I have always found my hands filled when sustenance was needed for the souls of my Sisters. But had I done otherwise, and relied on my own strength, I should very soon have been forced to abandon my task."
"How wonderful is the power of prayer! It is like unto a queen, who, having free access to the king, obtains whatsoever she asks. In order to secure a hearing there is no need to recite set prayers composed for the occasion— were it so, I ought indeed to be pitied!
Apart from the Divine Office, which in spite of my unworthiness is a daily joy, I have not the courage to look through books for beautiful prayers. I only get a headache because of their number, and besides, one is more lovely than another. Unable therefore to say them all, and lost in choice, I do as children who have not learnt to read— I simply tell Our Lord all that I want, and He always understands."
“Draw me: we will run after Thee to the odour of Thy ointments."[ 1] O my Jesus, there is no need to say: “In drawing me, draw also the souls that I love”: these words, “Draw me,” suffice. When a soul has let herself be taken captive by the inebriating odour of Thy perfumes, she cannot run alone; as a natural consequence of her attraction towards Thee, the souls of all those she loves are drawn in her train."
"Above all I follow Magdalen, for the amazing, rather I should say, the loving audacity, that delights the Heart of Jesus, has cast its spell upon mine. It is not because I have been preserved from mortal sin that I lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I feel that even had I on my conscience every crime one could commit, I should lose nothing of my confidence: my heart broken with sorrow, I would throw myself into the Arms of my Saviour. I know that He loves the Prodigal Son, I have heard His words to St. Mary Magdalen, to the woman taken in adultery, and to the woman of Samaria. No one could frighten me, for I know what to believe concerning His Mercy and His Love. And I know that all that multitude of sins would disappear in an instant, even as a drop of water cast into a flaming furnace."
"This is all Our Lord claims from us. He has need of our love— He has no need of our works. The same God, Who declares that He has no need to tell us if He be hungry, did not disdain to beg a little water from the Samaritan woman. He was athirst, but when He said: “Give me to drink,"[ 6] He, the Creator of the Universe, asked for the love of His creature. He thirsted for love."
Here are several quotes that have struck my heart strings, all taken from " ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX: THE STORY OF A SOUL" :
"Well now, I am this child, the object of the foreseeing love of a Father “Who did not send His son to call the just, but sinners." He wishes me to love Him, because He has forgiven me, not much, but everything. Without waiting for me to love Him much, as St. Mary Magdalen did, He has made me understand how He has loved me with an ineffable love and forethought, so that now my love may know no bounds."
"Thank God for the favours He has so freely bestowed on you without any merit on your part.”
"Without any merit on my part! That was not difficult to believe. Fully conscious of my weakness and imperfection, my heart overflowed with gratitude."
"At the beginning of my spiritual life, about the age of fourteen, I used to ask myself how, in days to come, I should more clearly understand the true meaning of perfection. I imagined I then understood it completely, but I soon came to realise that the more one advances along this path the farther one seems from the goal, and now I am resigned to be always imperfect, and I even find joy therein."
"I know that a mother is ever ready to forgive her child’s small thoughtless faults. How often have I not had this sweet experience! No reproach could have touched me more than one single kiss from my Mother. My nature is such that fear makes me shrink, while, under love’s sweet rule, I not only advance— I fly."
"Full sweet is the way of Love. It is true one may fall and be unfaithful to grace; but Love, knowing how to profit by everything, quickly consumes whatever is displeasing to Jesus, leaving in the heart only a deep and humble peace."
"It seems to me that if everyone were to receive such favours God would be feared by none, but loved to excess; that no one would ever commit the least wilful fault— and this through love, not fear."
"His Justice, even more perhaps than the rest, seems to me to be clothed with Love. What joy to think that Our Lord is just, that is to say, that He takes our weakness into account, that He knows perfectly the frailty of our nature! Of what, then, need I be afraid? Will not the God of Infinite Justice, Who deigns so lovingly to pardon the sins of the Prodigal Son, be also just to me “who am always with Him”?
"You know it has ever been my desire to become a Saint, but I have always felt, in comparing myself with the Saints, that I am as far removed from them as the grain of sand, which the passer-by tramples underfoot, is remote from the mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds."
"And you did not even consider it imprudent to assure me one day, that the Divine Master had enlightened my soul and given me the experience of years. I am too little now to be guilty of vanity; I am likewise too little to endeavour to prove my humility by fine-sounding words. I prefer to own in all simplicity that “He that is mighty hath done great things to me"—[ 10] and the greatest is that He has shown me my littleness and how incapable I am of anything good."
"Each time that my enemy would provoke me to combat, I behave as a gallant soldier. I know that a duel is an act of cowardice, and so, without once looking him in the face, I turn my back on the foe, then I hasten to my Saviour, and vow that I am ready to shed my blood in witness of my belief in Heaven. I tell him, if only He will deign to open it to poor unbelievers, I am content to sacrifice all pleasure in the thought of it as long as I live. And in spite of this trial, which robs me of all comfort, I still can say: “Thou hast given me, O Lord, delight in all Thou dost."
..."for I reflect that since my small acts of virtue can be mistaken for imperfections, why should not my imperfections be mistaken for virtue? And I say with St. Paul: “To me it is a very small thing to be judged by you, or by man’s day. But neither do I judge myself. He that judgeth me is the Lord."[ 22]
And it is the Lord, it is Jesus, Who is my judge. Therefore I will try always to think leniently of others, that He may judge me leniently, or rather not at all, since He says: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged."
"I must confess I am far from living up to my ideal, and yet the very desire to do so gives me a feeling of peace. If I fall into some fault, I arise again at once— and for some months now I have not even had to struggle."
"A holy nun of our community annoyed me in all that she did; the devil must have had something to do with it, and he it was undoubtedly who made me see in her so many disagreeable points. I did not want to yield to my natural antipathy, for I remembered that charity ought to betray itself in deeds, and not exist merely in the feelings, so I set myself to do for this sister all I should do for the one I loved most. Every time I met her I prayed for her, and offered to God her virtues and merits. I felt that this was very pleasing to Our Lord, for there is no artist who is not gratified when his works are praised, and the Divine Artist of souls is pleased when we do not stop at the exterior, but, penetrating to the inner sanctuary He has chosen, admire its beauty.
I did not rest satisfied with praying for this Sister, who gave me such occasions for self-mastery, I tried to render her as many services as I could, and when tempted to answer her sharply, I made haste to smile and change the subject, for the Imitation says: “It is more profitable to leave everyone to his way of thinking than to give way to contentious discourses.” And sometimes when the temptation was very severe, I would run like a deserter from the battlefield if I could do so without letting the Sister guess my inward struggle.
One day she said to me with a beaming face: “My dear Soeur Thérèse, tell me what attraction you find in me, for whenever we meet, you greet me with such a sweet smile.” Ah! What attracted me was Jesus hidden in the depths of her soul— Jesus who maketh sweet even that which is most bitter."
"It may be that some day my present state will appear to me full of defects, but nothing now surprises me, and I do not even distress myself because I am so weak. On the contrary I glory therein, and expect each day to find fresh imperfections."
"My companion charmed me by her innocence and by her open and frank disposition, though I was surprised to find how her love for you differed from mine; and besides, I regretted many things in her behaviour. But God had already given me to understand that there are souls for whom in His Mercy He waits unweariedly, and to whom He gives His light by degrees; so I was very careful not to forestall Him."
"From the moment I entered the sanctuary of souls, I saw at a glance that the task was beyond my strength. Throwing myself without delay into Our Lord’s Arms, I imitated those tiny children, who, when they are frightened, hide their faces on their father’s shoulder, and I said:
“Dear Lord, Thou seest that I am too small to feed these little ones, but if through me Thou wilt give to each what is suitable, then fill my hands, and without leaving the shelter of Thine Arms, or even turning away, I will distribute Thy treasures to the souls who come to me asking for food. Should they find it to their taste, I shall know that this is due not to me, but to Thee; and if, on the contrary, they find fault with its bitterness, I shall not be cast down, but try to persuade them that it cometh from Thee, while taking good care to make no change in it.”
The knowledge that it was impossible to do anything of myself rendered my task easier. My one interior occupation was to unite myself more and more closely to God, knowing that the rest would be given to me over and above. And indeed my hope has never been deceived; I have always found my hands filled when sustenance was needed for the souls of my Sisters. But had I done otherwise, and relied on my own strength, I should very soon have been forced to abandon my task."
"How wonderful is the power of prayer! It is like unto a queen, who, having free access to the king, obtains whatsoever she asks. In order to secure a hearing there is no need to recite set prayers composed for the occasion— were it so, I ought indeed to be pitied!
Apart from the Divine Office, which in spite of my unworthiness is a daily joy, I have not the courage to look through books for beautiful prayers. I only get a headache because of their number, and besides, one is more lovely than another. Unable therefore to say them all, and lost in choice, I do as children who have not learnt to read— I simply tell Our Lord all that I want, and He always understands."
“Draw me: we will run after Thee to the odour of Thy ointments."[ 1] O my Jesus, there is no need to say: “In drawing me, draw also the souls that I love”: these words, “Draw me,” suffice. When a soul has let herself be taken captive by the inebriating odour of Thy perfumes, she cannot run alone; as a natural consequence of her attraction towards Thee, the souls of all those she loves are drawn in her train."
"Above all I follow Magdalen, for the amazing, rather I should say, the loving audacity, that delights the Heart of Jesus, has cast its spell upon mine. It is not because I have been preserved from mortal sin that I lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I feel that even had I on my conscience every crime one could commit, I should lose nothing of my confidence: my heart broken with sorrow, I would throw myself into the Arms of my Saviour. I know that He loves the Prodigal Son, I have heard His words to St. Mary Magdalen, to the woman taken in adultery, and to the woman of Samaria. No one could frighten me, for I know what to believe concerning His Mercy and His Love. And I know that all that multitude of sins would disappear in an instant, even as a drop of water cast into a flaming furnace."
"This is all Our Lord claims from us. He has need of our love— He has no need of our works. The same God, Who declares that He has no need to tell us if He be hungry, did not disdain to beg a little water from the Samaritan woman. He was athirst, but when He said: “Give me to drink,"[ 6] He, the Creator of the Universe, asked for the love of His creature. He thirsted for love."
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Touching the Clothes - Passing Holiness
This morning I am pondering an interesting scripture from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel, as follows:
Ezekiel 44:17-19NIV:
[17] “ 'When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. [18] They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire. [19] When they go out into the outer court where the people are, they are to take off the clothes they have been ministering in and are to leave them in the sacred rooms, and put on other clothes, so that the people are not consecrated through contact with their garments."
The very last line is what caught my attention, the people could become consecrated (sanctified or made holy) through contact with the garments of the Priests. When I read that I was immediately reminded of how people touched Jesus' cloak and were healed instantly. I wanted to understand the reason and there was a cross reference to a scripture in Leviticus so I turned there and found the following verses with a similar context:
Leviticus 6:17-18, 26-27 NIV:
[17] "It must not be baked with yeast; I have given it as their share of the food offerings presented to me. Like the sin offering and the guilt offering, it is most holy. [18] Any male descendant of Aaron may eat it. For all generations to come it is his perpetual share of the food offerings presented to the Lord. Whatever touches them will become holy. ' ”
[26] "The priest who offers it shall eat it; it is to be eaten in the sanctuary area, in the courtyard of the tent of meeting. [27] Whatever touches any of the flesh will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in the sanctuary area."
It seems to me that there is a Spiritual principle being laid out here that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Jesus. In each of the cases, there are offerings that are being made, offerings that are meant to bring forgiveness for sins, and they are ministered unto God in the Holy of Holies, that inner sanctum where only the priests were allowed. They represent the cleansing and purification of the people for their sins, which obviously Jesus fulfilled once and for all on the cross (see Heb. 10: 1-18).
The Hebrew word that is translated consecrated is the word Quadash and it means to be set aside, set apart for God, as in God's portion. Under the old covenant the priests were considered set apart to service of God, and the tribe of Levi was specifically selected or set apart. As they are God's portion, they are provided for by God, and this is described quickly in the following verses from Ezekiel 44:28-30 NIV:
[28] “ 'I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. [29] They will eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guilt offerings; and everything in Israel devoted to the Lord will belong to them. [30] The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household."
Thus, those which are made holy, set apart for God are provided for by God.
Now jumping forward to the verses that popped into my head concerning people who were healed by touching the garment of Jesus, we find a couple of descriptions, the most well known being the woman with the internal bleeding (Luke 8:40-48). She is healed the moment she touches Jesus' outer garment. Later we find hundreds of people trying to touch His garment, for all who did were healed - Matthew 14:34-36 NIV: "When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. [35] And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him [36] and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."
So my conjecture is that this healing of the people is the same thing as what we see alluded to in Leviticus and Ezekiel. The people when they touch the cloak of the perfect sacrifice (Jesus) are made holy, and healed. The word most commonly used for being saved or salvation is the Greek word sozo which means both salvation for the soul, protection from the requirements of the law, but also healing and cleansing. In a very real way, they were experiencing the reality of God's Kingdom present on the earth, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus. being healed both internally (soul) and externally (body). It was as if, when they touched the garment of Jesus, some of His holiness, His reality affected them, and they received sozo.
It only makes sense that if this passing of holiness was true for the old testament regulations, it would be true in the greater reality as demonstrated by Jesus. There is clearly so much more to all this, and I am surely just scratching the surface of the Kingdom realities.
Lord help us to understand and experience the fullness of all that You have for us, Your church.
Ezekiel 44:17-19NIV:
[17] “ 'When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. [18] They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire. [19] When they go out into the outer court where the people are, they are to take off the clothes they have been ministering in and are to leave them in the sacred rooms, and put on other clothes, so that the people are not consecrated through contact with their garments."
The very last line is what caught my attention, the people could become consecrated (sanctified or made holy) through contact with the garments of the Priests. When I read that I was immediately reminded of how people touched Jesus' cloak and were healed instantly. I wanted to understand the reason and there was a cross reference to a scripture in Leviticus so I turned there and found the following verses with a similar context:
Leviticus 6:17-18, 26-27 NIV:
[17] "It must not be baked with yeast; I have given it as their share of the food offerings presented to me. Like the sin offering and the guilt offering, it is most holy. [18] Any male descendant of Aaron may eat it. For all generations to come it is his perpetual share of the food offerings presented to the Lord. Whatever touches them will become holy. ' ”
[26] "The priest who offers it shall eat it; it is to be eaten in the sanctuary area, in the courtyard of the tent of meeting. [27] Whatever touches any of the flesh will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in the sanctuary area."
It seems to me that there is a Spiritual principle being laid out here that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Jesus. In each of the cases, there are offerings that are being made, offerings that are meant to bring forgiveness for sins, and they are ministered unto God in the Holy of Holies, that inner sanctum where only the priests were allowed. They represent the cleansing and purification of the people for their sins, which obviously Jesus fulfilled once and for all on the cross (see Heb. 10: 1-18).
The Hebrew word that is translated consecrated is the word Quadash and it means to be set aside, set apart for God, as in God's portion. Under the old covenant the priests were considered set apart to service of God, and the tribe of Levi was specifically selected or set apart. As they are God's portion, they are provided for by God, and this is described quickly in the following verses from Ezekiel 44:28-30 NIV:
[28] “ 'I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. [29] They will eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guilt offerings; and everything in Israel devoted to the Lord will belong to them. [30] The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household."
Thus, those which are made holy, set apart for God are provided for by God.
Now jumping forward to the verses that popped into my head concerning people who were healed by touching the garment of Jesus, we find a couple of descriptions, the most well known being the woman with the internal bleeding (Luke 8:40-48). She is healed the moment she touches Jesus' outer garment. Later we find hundreds of people trying to touch His garment, for all who did were healed - Matthew 14:34-36 NIV: "When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. [35] And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him [36] and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed."
So my conjecture is that this healing of the people is the same thing as what we see alluded to in Leviticus and Ezekiel. The people when they touch the cloak of the perfect sacrifice (Jesus) are made holy, and healed. The word most commonly used for being saved or salvation is the Greek word sozo which means both salvation for the soul, protection from the requirements of the law, but also healing and cleansing. In a very real way, they were experiencing the reality of God's Kingdom present on the earth, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus. being healed both internally (soul) and externally (body). It was as if, when they touched the garment of Jesus, some of His holiness, His reality affected them, and they received sozo.
It only makes sense that if this passing of holiness was true for the old testament regulations, it would be true in the greater reality as demonstrated by Jesus. There is clearly so much more to all this, and I am surely just scratching the surface of the Kingdom realities.
Lord help us to understand and experience the fullness of all that You have for us, Your church.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Water From the Rock
This morning I felt like I should reflect on the story of 'the water from the rock' found in Exodus 17:1-7 NIV:
[1] "The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. [2] So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”
[3] But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
[4] Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
[5] The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. [6] I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. [7] And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
A couple of things pop into my mind immediately:
First, the Hebrew people were persistent in their unbelief and ungratefulness. They were always more worried about what God was going to do today, rather than thinking about what God did yesterday and how that revealed His character and faithfulness in caring for them. I am reminded of how often I am exactly like this, immediately starting to complain if something doesn't go my way.
Secondly, they were in this place because they were following God, as He directed them. God had a plan. He always does, and He was going to provide for them, as He promised He would, but the people weren't willing to wait on God.
Their perspective, once again was limited by the present situation, not having learned about God's blessing and provision from His previous acts and interactions. He had previously provided manna and quail, had purified poisoned water, and safely protected them from the pursuing Egyptian army, a location without water was not going to be a problem for God. The people, however, were quick to complain and grumble.
I know that by following the Lord, I have several times found myself in apparently difficult situations, and in those times I am quick to follow the Hebrew people's example of grumbling and complaining. As I think about this, I realize that this is a symptom of a unrenewed mindset, and wrong identity. The Hebrew people were no longer slaves, they were God's chosen people, the people of His promise, but their mind-set was still slave-like. Slaves have no choice and no freedom, and when things are difficult they complain and grumble, for that is all they can do. Slaves are justified in their complaints against unfair and cruel masters.
The problem is that God isn't like their former masters and they were no longer slaves, they were His chosen people. He loved them, chose them and promised to take care of them and protect them. The people didn't trust God, didn't trust Moses, and were convinced they would have been better off to have stayed in Egypt. They were deluded in their thinking, as we can clearly see from our perspective, but in the midst of it all, they could not see their wrong perspective.
In the same way, my sometime struggles in believing God are the result of an unrenewed mind, and wrong identity. I am thinking like someone who hasn't met or experienced God's love, and I am not embracing my identity as His son, whom He greatly loves. As Paul says in his letter to Colossians 3:1-14 NIV:
[1] "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
[5] "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."
[12] "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Amen! Help me Lord to clothe myself in what is from You, embracing my new identity as Your son, holy and dearly loved. Help me to fully believe in You, Your Word, Your promise and Your timing.
[1] "The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. [2] So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test?”
[3] But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
[4] Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
[5] The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. [6] I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. [7] And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
A couple of things pop into my mind immediately:
First, the Hebrew people were persistent in their unbelief and ungratefulness. They were always more worried about what God was going to do today, rather than thinking about what God did yesterday and how that revealed His character and faithfulness in caring for them. I am reminded of how often I am exactly like this, immediately starting to complain if something doesn't go my way.
Secondly, they were in this place because they were following God, as He directed them. God had a plan. He always does, and He was going to provide for them, as He promised He would, but the people weren't willing to wait on God.
Their perspective, once again was limited by the present situation, not having learned about God's blessing and provision from His previous acts and interactions. He had previously provided manna and quail, had purified poisoned water, and safely protected them from the pursuing Egyptian army, a location without water was not going to be a problem for God. The people, however, were quick to complain and grumble.
I know that by following the Lord, I have several times found myself in apparently difficult situations, and in those times I am quick to follow the Hebrew people's example of grumbling and complaining. As I think about this, I realize that this is a symptom of a unrenewed mindset, and wrong identity. The Hebrew people were no longer slaves, they were God's chosen people, the people of His promise, but their mind-set was still slave-like. Slaves have no choice and no freedom, and when things are difficult they complain and grumble, for that is all they can do. Slaves are justified in their complaints against unfair and cruel masters.
The problem is that God isn't like their former masters and they were no longer slaves, they were His chosen people. He loved them, chose them and promised to take care of them and protect them. The people didn't trust God, didn't trust Moses, and were convinced they would have been better off to have stayed in Egypt. They were deluded in their thinking, as we can clearly see from our perspective, but in the midst of it all, they could not see their wrong perspective.
In the same way, my sometime struggles in believing God are the result of an unrenewed mind, and wrong identity. I am thinking like someone who hasn't met or experienced God's love, and I am not embracing my identity as His son, whom He greatly loves. As Paul says in his letter to Colossians 3:1-14 NIV:
[1] "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
[5] "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."
[12] "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Amen! Help me Lord to clothe myself in what is from You, embracing my new identity as Your son, holy and dearly loved. Help me to fully believe in You, Your Word, Your promise and Your timing.
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