Monday, August 31, 2020
"Shock and Awe"
Yesterday during our worship time at church I felt led to read from 1 Samuel, and it had to do with the account of David being at Ziklag. This is during the time that King Saul was hunting for him, and Ziklag is actually in Philistine territory, and David had been given the city to live in with his followers, so that King Saul wouldn't attack him anymore. I am sure there is much that I could reflect on concerning his time in Ziklag, but today my focus is on the event that followed Ziklag's destruction, when David and His men were away, and had just returned. While the story is a bit long, it is worth the read and reflection. The story is found in the following set of verses - 1 Samuel 30:1-20 NIV:
[1] David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it, [2] and had taken captive the women and everyone else in it, both young and old. They killed none of them, but carried them off as they went on their way.
[3] When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. [4] So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. [5] David's two wives had been captured---Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. [6] David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
[7] Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod. ” Abiathar brought it to him, [8] and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?”
“Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue. ”
[9] David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Valley, where some stayed behind. [10] Two hundred of them were too exhausted to cross the valley, but David and the other four hundred continued the pursuit.
[11] They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat--- [12] part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights.
[13] David asked him, “Who do you belong to? Where do you come from?” He said, “I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago. [14] We raided the Negev of the Kerethites, some territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And we burned Ziklag.”
[15] David asked him, “Can you lead me down to this raiding party?” He answered, “Swear to me before God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to them.”
[16] He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah. [17] David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled. [18] David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. [19] Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. [20] He took all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying, “This is David's plunder.”
My first sense in reading this was that God was about restoring things that the enemy has tried to steal from us, and from Him. That theme alone is enough to get me excited, for there is much that enemy has attacked in our life, through disease, through greedy business practices that have negatively affected us, through delusion, deception, division and lies. I would love to see the Lord strike the enemy and take vengeance upon him and return everything that has been lost or affected, and add to all that great amounts of "plunder".
As I was thinking through this, I had the phrase "Shock and Awe" pop into my mind. I was a bit familiar with this term that is normally used in military engagements, and thought I would look into it a bit more. The basic definition is as follows: "Shock and awe (technically known as rapid dominance) is a tactic based on the use of overwhelming power and spectacular displays of force to paralyze the enemy's perception of the battlefield and destroy their will to fight."
It is defined by four characteristics:
1) near total or absolute knowledge and understanding of self, adversary, and environment;
2) rapidity and timeliness in application;
3) operational brilliance in execution;
4) and(near) total control and signature management of the entire operational environment.
(See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_and_awe)
As I was reading this, and thinking back to the verses from 1 Sam 30, I thought that the two were related. In fact, if we look at the defining characteristics of rapid dominance, those are all characteristics of God's intervention. When He moves, He had total knowledge of the adversary, and the environment. In this story above, He led David to find the Egyptian slave who could lead him directly to the camp of the Amalekites. God provided them the strength and endurance to rapidly deploy their forces, and pursue the enemy before they were able to leave the vicinity. God provided David the plan and the encouragement to pursue the enemy, and led him directly to them, when the enemy was not prepared for battle. Other than the 400 men that escaped, David and his forces had complete control of the battlefield and exacted complete victory! Amen!
Secondly, I believe this is also about, not only reclaiming that which has been stolen, but also about multiplication, so that what is restored is much more than what has been taken! When they returned to Ziklag, they had so much plunder, they shared it with, at minimum, 14 other groups of people. That is absolutely an abundance and multiplication.
Additionally, I believe this is in the process right now. That the Lord is about moving and preparing to unleash a "Shock and Awe" campaign upon our enemy! The enemy who has tried to defeat us, injure us, wound us, divide us, cause us to distrust one another, steal from us, confuse us, delude us, and any other other demonic or spiritual attack upon our own lives, the lives of our brothers and sisters, and even over the Body of Christ worldwide. I feel like the Lord is going to give us victory in many of the battlefields, and that it will be quick and decisive. I believe that it is not just about victory, but also about a recovery of much more than has been stolen in the first place!
Finally, Ziklag was essentially a small victory for David and His 600 men, but it immediately preceded the final transfer of the Kingdom of Israel from Saul to David, and as such was a precursor victory. God was once again proving to David that although the whole situation from his anointing to be King when he was a child, up until now, He had been with him (David), even during the rough stretches, and that He was with David still, working powerfully on his behalf. In the same way, I feel like the "Shock and Awe" campaign that will be unleashed by the Lord, will just be a precursor to even greater things, to greater Glory!
So today, I am encouraged to remind the Lord of all the ways the enemy has stolen from me, has attacked me, and is at work in and around us. I am encouraged to lift these to Him in prayer, and to seek His wisdom for those things I need to do. I am encouraged that God is still on my side, even though it hasn't always worked out the way I thought it would! I am encouraged that there are greater things to come, and that we will see the Lord Glorified as He releases His "Shock and Awe" Campaign on the enemy!
Amen and Amen!
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Demolishing the High Places
This morning, and for the last few mornings, I have been reading through Paul's letter to the Colossians, which is one of my favorite letters of Paul's. This morning I was impressed with the strong language Paul used in describing our need to put to death certain things of our old nature. Here are the verses - 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."
Paul begins by reminding us that in our salvation experience, we become a new being, as from God's perspective, our old self dies with Christ and we are now hidden in Christ, alive in Him. This is language that can only be slightly understood by us this side of eternity, but is the foundation for the next paragraph.
Moving to the next paragraph, Paul starts with the very stark statement, "Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature". My thought this morning on reading that was "how difficult of a time we have putting to death things from our old nature". It seems that while we may not be actively participating in the list Paul gives us in verse 5 and verse 8, these things are never far away, as culturally they are sometimes celebrated, and certainly allowed. We might not visit them, but we do not put them to death. Paul's language can't be any clearer, the word he used is the Greek word Nekroo, which means to put to death, first and foremost. It can also mean to destroy the power of something, but I like the first definition better. The NASB translates this sentence, "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead" and while they mean essentially the same thing, I again prefer the NIV translation.
I like the fact that this sentence demands action, and demands a finality! A couple of evenings ago we had good friends over and we were talking about the way the Israelites used to allow the high-places and Asherah poles to remain, rather then destroy them completely, as they had been commanded. There are 40 different references to Asherah poles in the Old Testament, and that fact shows how much of an ongoing issue it was. Occasionally a King would come along, who followed the decrees of God, like Josiah (See 2 Chron 34) who would destroy the high places and Asherah poles. At one point it described how he ground the idols into powder ( 2 Chron 34:7). Many of the rest of the references were of the kings allowing the high places to remain, and their failure to follow God's direction.
The question in my mind, was why did they allow them to remain? I think it primarily has to do with unbelief. They didn't fully trust God's plan and word for them, and wanted to keep their options open. They had people living around them who seemed to prosper, who worshipped such things, and sometimes the commands of God were hard or required sacrifice. Other times they might not have wanted to seem that different, as when the requested a King the first time (See 1 Sam 8:5). Whatever the "reason" it all seems to come back to unbelief, to not believing God's Word, His plan or His character.
When I read Paul's encouragement, and thought about my typical response to those things in my life, I realized that I don't take the radical steps to "put things to death" rather I lock them away in a closet, and try not to visit that closet in thought and certainly in deed. Paul is talking about Idolatry, and his encouragement to "put to death" is in line with what the Israelites were encouraged by God to do to the high places, and what Josiah did. However, we live in a world that is full of the list Paul warns against and thus it is hard to "put these things to death", for they are all around us.
So how do we "put something to death" that is so prevalent? Paul says we must rid ourselves of these things, and that is the start. I must choose daily what things I will allow in my life, and what things I think about, entertain or view. We must be willing to recognize these things, and root them out. Jesus, in his sermon on the Mount, said we had to go beyond our actions to what is in our heart and thoughts (See Matt 5: 21-32). We must take thoughts and even attitudes captive to the throne and refuse to allow them to affect us. We must choose to guard our eyes and ears, to turn away from those things that are full of such temptations. We must learn to confess our sins, one to another, as encouraged by James (James 5:16), refusing these things a foothold in our lives.
We must learn to wage a spiritual war in our own lives, and in our own thoughts. Paul's list, includes several things that are accepted as "normal" these days, like slander, anger and greed. If I pick up any news headlines, they will almost always include one of those three topics. Slander seems to be the political tool of the day, and in an election year, we almost never hear about the positive plans or ideas, but rather are filled with slanderous tidbits. What we choose to read, to express, or to join ourselves to in our day, has a impact in our lives, and this is what Paul is addressing.
One of the things my Dad taught me when I was learning to drive was to look where I want to go, rather than looking at that which I didn't want to hit. The same can be said here, and that is another part of the "putting to death" these things. If we are always focused on God, on His Word, on His face, we can effectively shut out and shutdown anything that is not of Him. Jesus described the need to fill a house that has been emptied of a demon (Matt 12:42-45), and that is a good way to think about our lives, our thoughts and our actions. If we are busy about the things of God, if we are reading his word, if we are praying, if we are serving, if we constantly are setting our mind on things above, then we will fill our life with Him, and there will be little room for things that belong to our earthly nature.
Finally, we must wage war against those things that are actually causing these things to proliferate, as Paul writes. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. [4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." He adds in his letter to the Ephesians 6:12 NIV: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Let us come together as the Body of Christ, and let us fight with our weapons, that have true power to destroy strongholds, our prayer and worship.
Let us commit together to identifying the lies and delusions, the subtle infiltration of the earthly nature into our ways, and let us battle these and destroy them, demolishing the strongholds and high places that have been erected even within the church. Let us pray for a wave of repentance to flow through the church, poured out on us by the Holy Spirit! Let us embrace humility, and cast off the spirit of pride, the spirit of religion, the spirit of independence, the spirit of unbelief, and the spirit of division, the spirit of judgement, and the spirit of immorality.
Oh Lord, wash us clean, and help us to put to death, in our lives, and in our corporate lives as Your Body here on earth, all those things that are of our earthly nature, all those high places that are not of You! Help us to repent and to change our hearts, our minds and our actions! Let us press forward into purity and holiness, for You desire a spotless Bride (Rev. 19: 7-8).
Amen and Amen!
[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."
Paul begins by reminding us that in our salvation experience, we become a new being, as from God's perspective, our old self dies with Christ and we are now hidden in Christ, alive in Him. This is language that can only be slightly understood by us this side of eternity, but is the foundation for the next paragraph.
Moving to the next paragraph, Paul starts with the very stark statement, "Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature". My thought this morning on reading that was "how difficult of a time we have putting to death things from our old nature". It seems that while we may not be actively participating in the list Paul gives us in verse 5 and verse 8, these things are never far away, as culturally they are sometimes celebrated, and certainly allowed. We might not visit them, but we do not put them to death. Paul's language can't be any clearer, the word he used is the Greek word Nekroo, which means to put to death, first and foremost. It can also mean to destroy the power of something, but I like the first definition better. The NASB translates this sentence, "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead" and while they mean essentially the same thing, I again prefer the NIV translation.
I like the fact that this sentence demands action, and demands a finality! A couple of evenings ago we had good friends over and we were talking about the way the Israelites used to allow the high-places and Asherah poles to remain, rather then destroy them completely, as they had been commanded. There are 40 different references to Asherah poles in the Old Testament, and that fact shows how much of an ongoing issue it was. Occasionally a King would come along, who followed the decrees of God, like Josiah (See 2 Chron 34) who would destroy the high places and Asherah poles. At one point it described how he ground the idols into powder ( 2 Chron 34:7). Many of the rest of the references were of the kings allowing the high places to remain, and their failure to follow God's direction.
The question in my mind, was why did they allow them to remain? I think it primarily has to do with unbelief. They didn't fully trust God's plan and word for them, and wanted to keep their options open. They had people living around them who seemed to prosper, who worshipped such things, and sometimes the commands of God were hard or required sacrifice. Other times they might not have wanted to seem that different, as when the requested a King the first time (See 1 Sam 8:5). Whatever the "reason" it all seems to come back to unbelief, to not believing God's Word, His plan or His character.
When I read Paul's encouragement, and thought about my typical response to those things in my life, I realized that I don't take the radical steps to "put things to death" rather I lock them away in a closet, and try not to visit that closet in thought and certainly in deed. Paul is talking about Idolatry, and his encouragement to "put to death" is in line with what the Israelites were encouraged by God to do to the high places, and what Josiah did. However, we live in a world that is full of the list Paul warns against and thus it is hard to "put these things to death", for they are all around us.
So how do we "put something to death" that is so prevalent? Paul says we must rid ourselves of these things, and that is the start. I must choose daily what things I will allow in my life, and what things I think about, entertain or view. We must be willing to recognize these things, and root them out. Jesus, in his sermon on the Mount, said we had to go beyond our actions to what is in our heart and thoughts (See Matt 5: 21-32). We must take thoughts and even attitudes captive to the throne and refuse to allow them to affect us. We must choose to guard our eyes and ears, to turn away from those things that are full of such temptations. We must learn to confess our sins, one to another, as encouraged by James (James 5:16), refusing these things a foothold in our lives.
We must learn to wage a spiritual war in our own lives, and in our own thoughts. Paul's list, includes several things that are accepted as "normal" these days, like slander, anger and greed. If I pick up any news headlines, they will almost always include one of those three topics. Slander seems to be the political tool of the day, and in an election year, we almost never hear about the positive plans or ideas, but rather are filled with slanderous tidbits. What we choose to read, to express, or to join ourselves to in our day, has a impact in our lives, and this is what Paul is addressing.
One of the things my Dad taught me when I was learning to drive was to look where I want to go, rather than looking at that which I didn't want to hit. The same can be said here, and that is another part of the "putting to death" these things. If we are always focused on God, on His Word, on His face, we can effectively shut out and shutdown anything that is not of Him. Jesus described the need to fill a house that has been emptied of a demon (Matt 12:42-45), and that is a good way to think about our lives, our thoughts and our actions. If we are busy about the things of God, if we are reading his word, if we are praying, if we are serving, if we constantly are setting our mind on things above, then we will fill our life with Him, and there will be little room for things that belong to our earthly nature.
Finally, we must wage war against those things that are actually causing these things to proliferate, as Paul writes. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. [4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." He adds in his letter to the Ephesians 6:12 NIV: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Let us come together as the Body of Christ, and let us fight with our weapons, that have true power to destroy strongholds, our prayer and worship.
Let us commit together to identifying the lies and delusions, the subtle infiltration of the earthly nature into our ways, and let us battle these and destroy them, demolishing the strongholds and high places that have been erected even within the church. Let us pray for a wave of repentance to flow through the church, poured out on us by the Holy Spirit! Let us embrace humility, and cast off the spirit of pride, the spirit of religion, the spirit of independence, the spirit of unbelief, and the spirit of division, the spirit of judgement, and the spirit of immorality.
Oh Lord, wash us clean, and help us to put to death, in our lives, and in our corporate lives as Your Body here on earth, all those things that are of our earthly nature, all those high places that are not of You! Help us to repent and to change our hearts, our minds and our actions! Let us press forward into purity and holiness, for You desire a spotless Bride (Rev. 19: 7-8).
Amen and Amen!
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
No Fear, Heirs of God
This morning I have been reading through Paul 's lovely letter to the Roman's. I call it lovely because I think its His real masterpiece of laying out our faith and calling us into the deeper realities. The verses I am reflecting on this morning are from 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 (or daughtership). 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."
The verse that initially grabbed my attention as I was reading through these was the first part of verse 15, " The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again." What a great line! Oh that many of our churches would grasp this reality, for so many use fear as a rod to keep their members in line with their teaching or rules of life. I have friends who grew up fearing they could lose their salvation at any time. Others that fear missing church on a given Sunday or eating something they aren't supposed to eat, or any number of law-ish requirements.
The key to this all is what Paul continues on with, our salvation is not about some set of acts that we do, but about our adoption into the family of God, as His sons and daughters, it is about relationship. The specific term he uses is a Roman legal term, an adoption that is irrevocable by either party. Once the adoption is complete the former identity of the child who is adopted is expunged completely, and it is as if they never existed. In other words, it is impossible to go back, because that identity is gone forever. This is the example Paul uses here, and I think it would be so helpful for us to get this deep into our hearts and minds.
Secondly, Paul writes something that absolutely is beyond comprehension, that we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Again this goes back to the legal term he uses for adoption, for the term also includes with it a specific provision of being an heir. I wrote extensively on the subject a few years ago and that can be found at the following link: https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/06/adoption-as-gods-sons-and-daughters-its.html
I just can't wrap my mind around the reality of that statement about being heirs of God. We are so much more than just saved from hell, waiting for heaven Christians! We have as our inheritance, right now, all the God provided to Jesus, for we are co-heirs with Christ! Note, this inheritance is not just available upon the death, but is available now, just as in the story of prodigal son (See Luke 18:11-32). We don't need to wait for heaven to experience the benefits of our inheritance. In fact Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt 6:10) which is about extending to earth the rule of our Father here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Oh, that we would learn to live in this reality!
The Father wants us, His children, to live our lives from the place of assured relationship and access to Him. He wants us to live as those who have access to the resources of Heaven, as ones who understand our identity and live without fear of losing that identity. He wants us to step into all He has for us, not just leave the inheritance sitting in the heavenly bank account, for the day we enter Heaven. He wants us inviting others into this awesome family, for there is more than enough provision and blessing for us all!
Lord, I pray this day that you would help me to grasp with a greater measure the reality of my sonship! Help me to step into all that You have for me, now, as a co-heir with Christ! Help me to lay down and be free of all that would chain me with fear! I pray for all my brothers and sisters who have been taught to fear You, that they might receive freedom from these lies.
Amen!
[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 (or daughtership). 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."
The verse that initially grabbed my attention as I was reading through these was the first part of verse 15, " The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again." What a great line! Oh that many of our churches would grasp this reality, for so many use fear as a rod to keep their members in line with their teaching or rules of life. I have friends who grew up fearing they could lose their salvation at any time. Others that fear missing church on a given Sunday or eating something they aren't supposed to eat, or any number of law-ish requirements.
The key to this all is what Paul continues on with, our salvation is not about some set of acts that we do, but about our adoption into the family of God, as His sons and daughters, it is about relationship. The specific term he uses is a Roman legal term, an adoption that is irrevocable by either party. Once the adoption is complete the former identity of the child who is adopted is expunged completely, and it is as if they never existed. In other words, it is impossible to go back, because that identity is gone forever. This is the example Paul uses here, and I think it would be so helpful for us to get this deep into our hearts and minds.
Secondly, Paul writes something that absolutely is beyond comprehension, that we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Again this goes back to the legal term he uses for adoption, for the term also includes with it a specific provision of being an heir. I wrote extensively on the subject a few years ago and that can be found at the following link: https://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2017/06/adoption-as-gods-sons-and-daughters-its.html
I just can't wrap my mind around the reality of that statement about being heirs of God. We are so much more than just saved from hell, waiting for heaven Christians! We have as our inheritance, right now, all the God provided to Jesus, for we are co-heirs with Christ! Note, this inheritance is not just available upon the death, but is available now, just as in the story of prodigal son (See Luke 18:11-32). We don't need to wait for heaven to experience the benefits of our inheritance. In fact Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt 6:10) which is about extending to earth the rule of our Father here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Oh, that we would learn to live in this reality!
The Father wants us, His children, to live our lives from the place of assured relationship and access to Him. He wants us to live as those who have access to the resources of Heaven, as ones who understand our identity and live without fear of losing that identity. He wants us to step into all He has for us, not just leave the inheritance sitting in the heavenly bank account, for the day we enter Heaven. He wants us inviting others into this awesome family, for there is more than enough provision and blessing for us all!
Lord, I pray this day that you would help me to grasp with a greater measure the reality of my sonship! Help me to step into all that You have for me, now, as a co-heir with Christ! Help me to lay down and be free of all that would chain me with fear! I pray for all my brothers and sisters who have been taught to fear You, that they might receive freedom from these lies.
Amen!
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
With Gentleness and Respect
This morning, my time is short, so I will share these verses and comment briefly. I was reading from 1 Peter 3:13-16 NIV:
[13] "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Peter wrote these words during the period when Christians were being persecuted for their faith. There were many false stories about Christians, and he was calling his brothers and sisters to rise above the "noise" of the the false witness and news of the day about Christians. As I read these verses I had to think of much of the present media twist, characterizing Christians as biggoted and hateful, for clearly there is an anti-Christ spirit alive and well in our media today.
What I love about Peter, and really all of New Testament authors, is their consistent alignment with the teaching and witness of Christ. While Jesus did respond to the teachers and Pharisees with what seem to be harsh words, His overall witness towards the Romans and authorities was gentleness and respect. His message was first and foremost about love, about revealing the Father, about mercy and compassion. He wasn't here to judge the world but to save the world by laying down His own life.
Peter is encouraging them to persevere in gentleness and respect. His previous verses had emphasized this attitude and behavior, as follows - 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV: "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Wouldn't it be an interesting witness if we, as Christians, chose to live out the words of Peter found in verse 15? If our response to those that were attacking us, or judging us was to respond with the reason we have this hope, but always with gentleness and respect? There is something in me that wants to defend myself, to answer verbal blow with verbal blow, but Jesus gave us a different way, to "turn the other cheek" to pray for and love those who are enemies (Matt 5: 38, 44).
I think this would be a wise approach to the contentious social media postings these days. Many of us have strong opinions one way or the other, and often it seems that all gentleness and respect has been lost. I am encouraged by Peter's words to check my heart, my attitude and my words in my dealings with those who do not share my faith or my opinion.
Lord, help us to make our hope in You, a light in this dark time!
Amen!
[13] "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Peter wrote these words during the period when Christians were being persecuted for their faith. There were many false stories about Christians, and he was calling his brothers and sisters to rise above the "noise" of the the false witness and news of the day about Christians. As I read these verses I had to think of much of the present media twist, characterizing Christians as biggoted and hateful, for clearly there is an anti-Christ spirit alive and well in our media today.
What I love about Peter, and really all of New Testament authors, is their consistent alignment with the teaching and witness of Christ. While Jesus did respond to the teachers and Pharisees with what seem to be harsh words, His overall witness towards the Romans and authorities was gentleness and respect. His message was first and foremost about love, about revealing the Father, about mercy and compassion. He wasn't here to judge the world but to save the world by laying down His own life.
Peter is encouraging them to persevere in gentleness and respect. His previous verses had emphasized this attitude and behavior, as follows - 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV: "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Wouldn't it be an interesting witness if we, as Christians, chose to live out the words of Peter found in verse 15? If our response to those that were attacking us, or judging us was to respond with the reason we have this hope, but always with gentleness and respect? There is something in me that wants to defend myself, to answer verbal blow with verbal blow, but Jesus gave us a different way, to "turn the other cheek" to pray for and love those who are enemies (Matt 5: 38, 44).
I think this would be a wise approach to the contentious social media postings these days. Many of us have strong opinions one way or the other, and often it seems that all gentleness and respect has been lost. I am encouraged by Peter's words to check my heart, my attitude and my words in my dealings with those who do not share my faith or my opinion.
Lord, help us to make our hope in You, a light in this dark time!
Amen!
Monday, August 17, 2020
Right Teaching, Hearing and Living
This morning I was reading from the Book of Nehemiah, where the Book of the Law was found and read to the people for the first time since they were carried into exile in Babylon. They had spent over 70 years in exile, so the people who went back to Jerusalem were likely the children of those that had been captured. They had likley done their best to pass the laws down to the their children, but these passages describe what is likely the first time they actually heard it themselves. Here are the verses from Nehemiah 8:5-12 NIV:
[5] "Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. [6] Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
[7] The Levites---Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah---instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. [8] They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
[9] Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
[10] Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
[11] The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
[12] Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them."
I love the reaction of the people, for their hearts were clearly moved as they heard the words of the Law! They wept as they heard the words, and I am assuming it was for joy and sorrow at the same time. They were hearing clearly the word proclaimed and they could see what they had remembered, what they had somewhat remembered and discovered those things they forgot, or misunderstood. Clarity is such a beautiful thing, when the Lord brings it!
I also love how the Levites, didn't just read the words, but they explained to the people what the words meant, so that they could understand fully!
Oh, that the word of the Lord would be proclaimed to all the people, and they would hear and understand fully, and that their hearts would be stirred! Come Holy Spirit and inspire Your Church! Move in our hearts! Stir us to right teaching, right hearing and right living!
Amen!
[5] "Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. [6] Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
[7] The Levites---Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah---instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. [8] They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
[9] Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
[10] Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
[11] The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
[12] Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them."
I love the reaction of the people, for their hearts were clearly moved as they heard the words of the Law! They wept as they heard the words, and I am assuming it was for joy and sorrow at the same time. They were hearing clearly the word proclaimed and they could see what they had remembered, what they had somewhat remembered and discovered those things they forgot, or misunderstood. Clarity is such a beautiful thing, when the Lord brings it!
I also love how the Levites, didn't just read the words, but they explained to the people what the words meant, so that they could understand fully!
Oh, that the word of the Lord would be proclaimed to all the people, and they would hear and understand fully, and that their hearts would be stirred! Come Holy Spirit and inspire Your Church! Move in our hearts! Stir us to right teaching, right hearing and right living!
Amen!
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Rejoicing, Peace and The Battle in Our Minds
This morning I am perusing one of my favorite Pauline letters, his letter to the Philippians. I guess I like this letter because of Paul's transparency, his desire for more of the Lord, his dogged pursuit of all that the Lord has for him. I need that type of encouragement in my life, for sure. Anyway the verses I am reflecting on this morning are as follows - Philippians 4:4-9 NIV:
[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
I know I have reflecting on these words many times throughout my life, but they grabbed my heart again this morning. There is so much to think about thee days, so much to be concerned with, so much that can cause anxiety and worry, and it was nice to be reminded by Paul of a path forward into peace.
I love that he starts with the encouragement to rejoice, twice even! The Greek word is "Chairo" and it means exactly that to rejoice, but to do it exceedingly! Paul using it twice here means to rejoice exceedingly, exceedingly! Notice that this is an encouragement of how to approach our lives, not the response to our situation or circumstances. This is a mind-set, an attitude that we can choose to live within or not. Paul goes on to address the concerns of life in verses 6 & 7, but the overarching mindset that he encourages is rejoicing. What if we chose to wake up in the morning determined that we would rejoice all day long, regardless of the circumstances? I know I would definitely have a better day.
Paul writes the following a bit later, Philippians 4:12 NIV:..." Philippians 4:12 NIV: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." I think this secret is setting one's heart to rejoicing, first and foremost.
Secondly, Paul does encourage us to unburden ourselves unto the Lord, brining Him the things that cause us anxiety and releasing them to Him through prayer, and petition. It is a wonderful thing to unload our worry onto the Lord. Jesus gave us this very invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 NIV: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Finally Paul's encouragement is to think of things that lift us up, that will cause our minds to gaze on our Lord. He is our source, our life and our salvation. We can choose what to think on, and Paul's encouragement here is to do just that. To think about the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, and the praiseworthy. I dare say that if we chose to force our thoughts onto this track, we would be quickly lifted out of our present perspective and see life differently.
For most of us, the great battle is in our minds. We must recognize that every thought that flows into our minds is not necessarily from us. The enemy works hard to convince us that those thoughts that bring anxiety, worry, division and doubt are from ourselves, but I have definitely learned that they are often from him. If you struggle with your thought life, I would highly recommend C. S. Lewis's Book "The Screwtape Letters". That book was foundational to my ability to recognize the lies and thoughts that are broadcast into my mind.
I have learned that when I am under attack to counterattack through prayer and petitions. I often will pray for salvation for some that I know who are lost, and find that the attack ceases soon after, for apparently my prayers are far more effective than the attacks of the enemy. If I am feeling constrained financially, thinking the Lord hasn't blessed me lately, or something stupid like that, I will counter-attack by deciding to give unto the Lord, to bless someone, and I find that the attack in my minds ceases. Hopefully that is helpful to someone today.
Paul provides us the path forward, rejoice, thank God, place our worries and concerns in His hands, to then set our minds on things of heaven, things of His Kingdom, things that are lovely and cause praise to well up within us. We are supposed to have a spring of living water within us (John 4:14), and the enemy tries to fill it in with the rock and mud of worry, doubt and anxiety.
In summary, let us choose this day to rejoice, and to rejoice again, and again and again! Let us choose to think about things that at lovely, pure, true, noble, praiseworthy and right. Let us counter-attack the enemies stream of negativity with Kingdom thinking. Let us press forward into the peace and rest that Jesus offers!
Amen and Amen!
[4] "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
I know I have reflecting on these words many times throughout my life, but they grabbed my heart again this morning. There is so much to think about thee days, so much to be concerned with, so much that can cause anxiety and worry, and it was nice to be reminded by Paul of a path forward into peace.
I love that he starts with the encouragement to rejoice, twice even! The Greek word is "Chairo" and it means exactly that to rejoice, but to do it exceedingly! Paul using it twice here means to rejoice exceedingly, exceedingly! Notice that this is an encouragement of how to approach our lives, not the response to our situation or circumstances. This is a mind-set, an attitude that we can choose to live within or not. Paul goes on to address the concerns of life in verses 6 & 7, but the overarching mindset that he encourages is rejoicing. What if we chose to wake up in the morning determined that we would rejoice all day long, regardless of the circumstances? I know I would definitely have a better day.
Paul writes the following a bit later, Philippians 4:12 NIV:..." Philippians 4:12 NIV: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." I think this secret is setting one's heart to rejoicing, first and foremost.
Secondly, Paul does encourage us to unburden ourselves unto the Lord, brining Him the things that cause us anxiety and releasing them to Him through prayer, and petition. It is a wonderful thing to unload our worry onto the Lord. Jesus gave us this very invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 NIV: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Finally Paul's encouragement is to think of things that lift us up, that will cause our minds to gaze on our Lord. He is our source, our life and our salvation. We can choose what to think on, and Paul's encouragement here is to do just that. To think about the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable, and the praiseworthy. I dare say that if we chose to force our thoughts onto this track, we would be quickly lifted out of our present perspective and see life differently.
For most of us, the great battle is in our minds. We must recognize that every thought that flows into our minds is not necessarily from us. The enemy works hard to convince us that those thoughts that bring anxiety, worry, division and doubt are from ourselves, but I have definitely learned that they are often from him. If you struggle with your thought life, I would highly recommend C. S. Lewis's Book "The Screwtape Letters". That book was foundational to my ability to recognize the lies and thoughts that are broadcast into my mind.
I have learned that when I am under attack to counterattack through prayer and petitions. I often will pray for salvation for some that I know who are lost, and find that the attack ceases soon after, for apparently my prayers are far more effective than the attacks of the enemy. If I am feeling constrained financially, thinking the Lord hasn't blessed me lately, or something stupid like that, I will counter-attack by deciding to give unto the Lord, to bless someone, and I find that the attack in my minds ceases. Hopefully that is helpful to someone today.
Paul provides us the path forward, rejoice, thank God, place our worries and concerns in His hands, to then set our minds on things of heaven, things of His Kingdom, things that are lovely and cause praise to well up within us. We are supposed to have a spring of living water within us (John 4:14), and the enemy tries to fill it in with the rock and mud of worry, doubt and anxiety.
In summary, let us choose this day to rejoice, and to rejoice again, and again and again! Let us choose to think about things that at lovely, pure, true, noble, praiseworthy and right. Let us counter-attack the enemies stream of negativity with Kingdom thinking. Let us press forward into the peace and rest that Jesus offers!
Amen and Amen!
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Hard Hearts, Opinions and Repentance into God's Purposes
This evening I am reading from Luke, Chapter Seven, and there are so many great stories to reflect upon, but the set of verses that captured my attention was where Jesus is talking about His cousin John. Here are the verses - Luke 7:18-30 NIV:
[18] "John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, [19] he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
[20] When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?' ”
[21] At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. [22] So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. [23] Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
[24] After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? [25] If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. [26] But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. [27] This is the one about whom it is written: “ 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
[28] I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
[29] (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. [30] But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)"
The two verses that stand out most to me are verses 29 & 30, and it seems Luke just adds them as a commentary. I wrote a reflection on those two verses a few years ago, which you can read here: http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/06/stepping-into-gods-purposes.html
However, today I want to spend some time looking at just verse 29, as it is a very interesting commentary on people's response to hearing God's word, and to the honoring of a man of God. All the people, even the sinners, were in agreement with Jesus' words about John, and that is such a beautiful thing these days, everyone agreeing with someone's opinion. In this case, it wasn't just an opinion, but the very Word of God.
As I reflect on this, I think that in our present state of disagreement and division, strife, and arguments, Jesus could come and provide the very word of God about a particular subject, or a particular person, and half of the people who heard Him would disagree because they had a differing opinion! It seems today that people are worshipping their positions and opinions every bit as much, if not more than God.
John was a true prophet, and his ministry, like those of the true prophets before him, was a response to a call of God. John wasn't a prophet for his own profit. He wasn't a prophet for the luxuries that recognition could bring him. He lived in the wilderness and people went out to him, for he spoke the truth, and their hearts were stirred by his message. He spoke of turning back to God, of repentance and the need for forgiveness. The following verses are some of his interactions with the crowds - Luke 3:8-14 NIV:
[8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. [9] The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
[10] “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
[11] John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
[12] Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
[13] “Don't collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
[14] Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely---be content with your pay.”
Isn't it interesting that John's message of repentance has to do with how we treat one another? This is apparently the fruit that should be produced in keeping with repentance! His message was simple and to the point, and people responded accordingly. They responded by publicly proclaiming their need for change, and being baptized by John. They embraced his words, and they stepped into God's purposes for themselves which is the opposite of what the Pharisees and experts of the law did (see verse 30 above). God's purposes are not complicated, and when we hear them they should stir our hearts, if we can even feel our hearts.
Hard heartedness, in any area is dangerous. When we take up our opinions so strongly that we no longer see people with differing opinions as worth any respect or honor, we have become calloused and heart-hearted. We cease to see them for who they are, sons and daughters of God, and instead only view them by the label we place on them. In the Pharisees case here, they considered themselves the experts and didn't need to hear some wild-man in the wilderness telling them they needed to change. In their hard heartedness they missed God's purposes for them!
The other evening I had a very weird dream where I was in a large game of capture the flag, but in the middle of the field was a giant mud-pit. When the signal was given almost every player from bother sides ran into the mud and started massive mud-slinging brawl. I was not in the midst of the mud, and as I looked around, I saw the other team's flag unguarded and I ran directly to it and scored for our team. In fact I did it over and over again, and I was amazed that most of the people were so busy wrestling in the mud that they totally forgot the purpose of the game.
In the same way, I wonder if some of us have become so embroiled in our opinions or the arguments around us that we have lost sight of the purpose for which Christ Jesus called us. We are called to be a light to the nations, to represent His kingdom, to love one another as Christ loved us, to seek and save the lost. We are called to faithfully represent the ministry of Jesus, and showcase the Love of the Father.
Let us listen to the words of John, and let us turn back to God, let us love one another, let produce the fruit in keeping with repentance! Let us listen to Jesus, and represent His ministry, as He described it, "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." (Luke 7:22NIV).
I am encouraged to look at my life and to see where I need to repent, where I need to love, where I need to respond to the words of the Lord, where I need to soften my heart! Lord, help me to hear Your word and respond! Help me to love those around me, to produce good fruit! Help me to step fully into Your purposes for me.
Amen Lord, Help me Lord!
[18] "John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, [19] he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
[20] When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?' ”
[21] At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. [22] So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. [23] Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
[24] After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? [25] If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. [26] But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. [27] This is the one about whom it is written: “ 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
[28] I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
[29] (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. [30] But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)"
The two verses that stand out most to me are verses 29 & 30, and it seems Luke just adds them as a commentary. I wrote a reflection on those two verses a few years ago, which you can read here: http://amomentwithgod-srh.blogspot.com/2015/06/stepping-into-gods-purposes.html
However, today I want to spend some time looking at just verse 29, as it is a very interesting commentary on people's response to hearing God's word, and to the honoring of a man of God. All the people, even the sinners, were in agreement with Jesus' words about John, and that is such a beautiful thing these days, everyone agreeing with someone's opinion. In this case, it wasn't just an opinion, but the very Word of God.
As I reflect on this, I think that in our present state of disagreement and division, strife, and arguments, Jesus could come and provide the very word of God about a particular subject, or a particular person, and half of the people who heard Him would disagree because they had a differing opinion! It seems today that people are worshipping their positions and opinions every bit as much, if not more than God.
John was a true prophet, and his ministry, like those of the true prophets before him, was a response to a call of God. John wasn't a prophet for his own profit. He wasn't a prophet for the luxuries that recognition could bring him. He lived in the wilderness and people went out to him, for he spoke the truth, and their hearts were stirred by his message. He spoke of turning back to God, of repentance and the need for forgiveness. The following verses are some of his interactions with the crowds - Luke 3:8-14 NIV:
[8] Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. [9] The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
[10] “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
[11] John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
[12] Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
[13] “Don't collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
[14] Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely---be content with your pay.”
Isn't it interesting that John's message of repentance has to do with how we treat one another? This is apparently the fruit that should be produced in keeping with repentance! His message was simple and to the point, and people responded accordingly. They responded by publicly proclaiming their need for change, and being baptized by John. They embraced his words, and they stepped into God's purposes for themselves which is the opposite of what the Pharisees and experts of the law did (see verse 30 above). God's purposes are not complicated, and when we hear them they should stir our hearts, if we can even feel our hearts.
Hard heartedness, in any area is dangerous. When we take up our opinions so strongly that we no longer see people with differing opinions as worth any respect or honor, we have become calloused and heart-hearted. We cease to see them for who they are, sons and daughters of God, and instead only view them by the label we place on them. In the Pharisees case here, they considered themselves the experts and didn't need to hear some wild-man in the wilderness telling them they needed to change. In their hard heartedness they missed God's purposes for them!
The other evening I had a very weird dream where I was in a large game of capture the flag, but in the middle of the field was a giant mud-pit. When the signal was given almost every player from bother sides ran into the mud and started massive mud-slinging brawl. I was not in the midst of the mud, and as I looked around, I saw the other team's flag unguarded and I ran directly to it and scored for our team. In fact I did it over and over again, and I was amazed that most of the people were so busy wrestling in the mud that they totally forgot the purpose of the game.
In the same way, I wonder if some of us have become so embroiled in our opinions or the arguments around us that we have lost sight of the purpose for which Christ Jesus called us. We are called to be a light to the nations, to represent His kingdom, to love one another as Christ loved us, to seek and save the lost. We are called to faithfully represent the ministry of Jesus, and showcase the Love of the Father.
Let us listen to the words of John, and let us turn back to God, let us love one another, let produce the fruit in keeping with repentance! Let us listen to Jesus, and represent His ministry, as He described it, "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." (Luke 7:22NIV).
I am encouraged to look at my life and to see where I need to repent, where I need to love, where I need to respond to the words of the Lord, where I need to soften my heart! Lord, help me to hear Your word and respond! Help me to love those around me, to produce good fruit! Help me to step fully into Your purposes for me.
Amen Lord, Help me Lord!
Sunday, August 9, 2020
But You, Who Do You Say I Am?
Last night I was reading from Matthew's Gospel, and I came across something that I read many times, and probably even noticed, but found myself pondering the reason Jesus asked the following questions. Here are the verses - Matthew 16:13-20 NIV:
[13] "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
[14] They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
[15] “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
[16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
[17] Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. [18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [20] Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah."
I have always thought that Jesus asked the same question effectively, but upon closer reading I saw that Jesus actually asked two different questions. I know that observation isn't a big revelation, but for me it stood out as significant. Jesus never did or said anything without direction from the Father, so what He asks and how He asks are important.
Just to be clear, this is the tenth time Matthew records Jesus using the term "Son of Man?" and every time previously, He was referring to Himself, sometimes blatantly, other times in a slightly veiled way, but it was nonetheless a familiar term to the Apostles and disciples. I can almost see the look confusion, followed by a bunch of furtive glances to each other from the Apostles. To me it seems like He was asking a question with a very obvious answer (Jesus), and yet the Apostles didn't say His name.
The first question is "who do the people say the Son of Man is?" and in this Jesus is effectively revealing the overall confusion in their times, of how this Messianic question would be fulfilled. They were waiting for the "Son of Man", the messiah, but his time of coming and identity were clouded in prophetic language with a bunch of different interpretations. The term was used mostly by the prophet Ezekiel, but t was Daniel who tied it the Messiah, the one who would come and bring salvation, at least that is how i read it. Anyway, it was a phrase that was known and clearly pointing at the Messiah, Jesus had used the term to refer to Himself, and yet when asked what the people thought, they answered everyone but Jesus.
A simple observation here is that the opinion of the people is often not correct, nor concise. There were probably as many opinions amongst the people as there were people. My point is that we can't look to the crowds for truth.
Next Jesus asks a very pointed question, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
This is actually one of the most important questions we need to ask ourselves regularly! Our deep down thoughts and actions are intimately affected by how we answer that question! Who do we say Jesus is?
Is He our friend?
Is He our Lord?
Is He our judge?
Is He our provider?
Is He our brother?
Is He our Savior?
Is He someone we know?
Is He someone we aspire to be like?
Is He all powerful and holding all authority?
Is He a historical figure?
Is He a wise teacher?
Is He fully man and fully God?
Is He the Son of God?
One of my favorite author, A.W. Tozer, says, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." (The Knowledge of the Holy). I think this is so true, and it is essentially the foundation upon which our life in God, if we have one, is built. It also might be the reason we don't have a life in God, as somewhere along the way we have believed what someone else told us God was like, and it wasn't good, and we never actually bothered to find out for ourselves.
Jesus is getting to that exact question here, "who do you say I am?"
I also think that Jesus was looking for a bit of a confirmation from the Father, that it was time to pull back the veil and tell the Apostles exactly who He was and what was coming! Imagine His perspective, knowing full well that He was heading to a date on the cross, gathering the Apostles, and seeing them completely missing the purpose and plan! I am amazed at Jesus patience, and understanding of the limited grasp of this all in the minds and hearts of the Apostles. I am sure that He wanted to tell them the whole truth, but realized they couldn't grasp the whole truth.
I am also comforted by the fact that the Lord, totally understands my own limitation in grasping His Word and His plans and purpose for me. I am such a dunderhead at times, and while I read these types of verses, and think, "Come on you guys, the answer is SO obvious!", when I am confronted with questions from the Lord, I am every bit as confused or missing the point!
I am additionally aware that sometimes the Lord is about revealing His character to me in different ways. Sometimes He is revealing Himself as Lord and Savior, sometimes as provider, or healer. My relationship with Him is always changing, going deeper, and oftentimes coming back to a character trait, but revealing additional aspects or depth that I hadn't seen before. I think it is safe to say that I could grow in knowledge of Him every day for the rest of my life and never know Him fully.
As I look back over my life, I see many times that my questions were answered in time, in process and in revelation. His plan is so perfect that He often is revealing Himself in the exact way I need to experience Him, at the exact moment need to encounter Him in that way. In these verses today, we see Him finally reveal, once and for all, to the Apostles, that He was indeed the Messiah. They need that knowledge going forward, for they would surely have abandoned Him if they didn't firmly believe He was the Messiah.
Finally, in Peter's statement, we find revelation. That revelation is followed by a release of prophetic destiny into Peter's life! Isn't that interesting Jesus asks, "who do you say I am?" and when He receives an answer proceeds to tell Peter who he is in His eyes. Our relationship with Jesus, our understanding of Him, is critical to our own understanding of who we are, of our identity and purpose! It is in pursuing Him, that we often find out who we really are!
In summary, I am encouraged today to take a deeper look at who I say Jesus is to me! I am encouraged to look at how I think about Him, recognizing that my actions should reflect my thinking and if they don't then I need to either change the way I think, or change the way I act. I believe that's called repentance. :-) Lord, I want to know You more, and I want to understand Your thoughts about me! Help me Lord! Pull back the veil and reveal more of Yourself to me today!
Amen!
[13] "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
[14] They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
[15] “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
[16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
[17] Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. [18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [20] Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah."
I have always thought that Jesus asked the same question effectively, but upon closer reading I saw that Jesus actually asked two different questions. I know that observation isn't a big revelation, but for me it stood out as significant. Jesus never did or said anything without direction from the Father, so what He asks and how He asks are important.
Just to be clear, this is the tenth time Matthew records Jesus using the term "Son of Man?" and every time previously, He was referring to Himself, sometimes blatantly, other times in a slightly veiled way, but it was nonetheless a familiar term to the Apostles and disciples. I can almost see the look confusion, followed by a bunch of furtive glances to each other from the Apostles. To me it seems like He was asking a question with a very obvious answer (Jesus), and yet the Apostles didn't say His name.
The first question is "who do the people say the Son of Man is?" and in this Jesus is effectively revealing the overall confusion in their times, of how this Messianic question would be fulfilled. They were waiting for the "Son of Man", the messiah, but his time of coming and identity were clouded in prophetic language with a bunch of different interpretations. The term was used mostly by the prophet Ezekiel, but t was Daniel who tied it the Messiah, the one who would come and bring salvation, at least that is how i read it. Anyway, it was a phrase that was known and clearly pointing at the Messiah, Jesus had used the term to refer to Himself, and yet when asked what the people thought, they answered everyone but Jesus.
A simple observation here is that the opinion of the people is often not correct, nor concise. There were probably as many opinions amongst the people as there were people. My point is that we can't look to the crowds for truth.
Next Jesus asks a very pointed question, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
This is actually one of the most important questions we need to ask ourselves regularly! Our deep down thoughts and actions are intimately affected by how we answer that question! Who do we say Jesus is?
Is He our friend?
Is He our Lord?
Is He our judge?
Is He our provider?
Is He our brother?
Is He our Savior?
Is He someone we know?
Is He someone we aspire to be like?
Is He all powerful and holding all authority?
Is He a historical figure?
Is He a wise teacher?
Is He fully man and fully God?
Is He the Son of God?
One of my favorite author, A.W. Tozer, says, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." (The Knowledge of the Holy). I think this is so true, and it is essentially the foundation upon which our life in God, if we have one, is built. It also might be the reason we don't have a life in God, as somewhere along the way we have believed what someone else told us God was like, and it wasn't good, and we never actually bothered to find out for ourselves.
Jesus is getting to that exact question here, "who do you say I am?"
I also think that Jesus was looking for a bit of a confirmation from the Father, that it was time to pull back the veil and tell the Apostles exactly who He was and what was coming! Imagine His perspective, knowing full well that He was heading to a date on the cross, gathering the Apostles, and seeing them completely missing the purpose and plan! I am amazed at Jesus patience, and understanding of the limited grasp of this all in the minds and hearts of the Apostles. I am sure that He wanted to tell them the whole truth, but realized they couldn't grasp the whole truth.
I am also comforted by the fact that the Lord, totally understands my own limitation in grasping His Word and His plans and purpose for me. I am such a dunderhead at times, and while I read these types of verses, and think, "Come on you guys, the answer is SO obvious!", when I am confronted with questions from the Lord, I am every bit as confused or missing the point!
I am additionally aware that sometimes the Lord is about revealing His character to me in different ways. Sometimes He is revealing Himself as Lord and Savior, sometimes as provider, or healer. My relationship with Him is always changing, going deeper, and oftentimes coming back to a character trait, but revealing additional aspects or depth that I hadn't seen before. I think it is safe to say that I could grow in knowledge of Him every day for the rest of my life and never know Him fully.
As I look back over my life, I see many times that my questions were answered in time, in process and in revelation. His plan is so perfect that He often is revealing Himself in the exact way I need to experience Him, at the exact moment need to encounter Him in that way. In these verses today, we see Him finally reveal, once and for all, to the Apostles, that He was indeed the Messiah. They need that knowledge going forward, for they would surely have abandoned Him if they didn't firmly believe He was the Messiah.
Finally, in Peter's statement, we find revelation. That revelation is followed by a release of prophetic destiny into Peter's life! Isn't that interesting Jesus asks, "who do you say I am?" and when He receives an answer proceeds to tell Peter who he is in His eyes. Our relationship with Jesus, our understanding of Him, is critical to our own understanding of who we are, of our identity and purpose! It is in pursuing Him, that we often find out who we really are!
In summary, I am encouraged today to take a deeper look at who I say Jesus is to me! I am encouraged to look at how I think about Him, recognizing that my actions should reflect my thinking and if they don't then I need to either change the way I think, or change the way I act. I believe that's called repentance. :-) Lord, I want to know You more, and I want to understand Your thoughts about me! Help me Lord! Pull back the veil and reveal more of Yourself to me today!
Amen!
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Sinners or the Righteous?
This morning I have been reading from Matthew's Ninth chapter, and there is so much to think about, just in that one chapter, its hard to know where to start. That being said, I have read through it and the allow the Lord to highlight in my mind and/or heart the verses He wants me to focus upon. This morning there is just the lightest of indicators, but I believe these are the verses that I should spend time on.
Matthew 9:9-17 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.”
[14] Then John's disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
[15] Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
[16] “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. [17] Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
In just these eight verses, there is much to look at, however the two statements that caught my eye this morning were found in verses 13 and 17, and I think they are related. It is clear from reading the Gospels that Jesus' ministry, while powerful and enjoyed by many people, caused much confusion, consternation and even arguments. He wasn't doing what people, especially the leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) thought the messiah should be doing. He was spending time with the "sinners" and poor and common people. He wasn't acting like a "leader", and didn't seem to care that much about the other leaders and what they thought of Him.
As I was reading through these verses again, I was thinking about how unpopular they would be if they were spoken to our church congregations on a Sunday morning, if they were directed at those sitting in leadership and even in the congregation, not as "sinners" but as those who saw themselves as "righteous".
Now I am not making any wide generalizations here, just imagining if we were the objects of Jesus' comments. I wonder if we would respond in humility and repentance, or if we would become incensed? Its not like we aren't trying to do the right thing, trying hard to reach the lost and care for those who need help.
The question that keeps popping into my mind, is what about this young generation that seems to be leaving the church in greater numbers all the time. I keep wondering about all the good people I know that have stopped going to church for a variety of reasons, and I wonder if continuing to do church as usual is a bit like verse 17?
Has the church become unable to change, unable to flex enough to hold this new generation?
Have we become so used to preaching to "righteous" believers that we have lost touch with the "sinners"?
Do we want to be around "sinners" for there sake or are we only comfortable with the "righteous"?
As we look at this recent time of craziness and forced change, are we just wanting to go back to the way things were before?
Are we struggling to find our identity outside of our activity or responsibility in the church? In other words, now that we can't do what we always have done, are we unsure if our calling or value to the Body of Christ?
Those could be some deep questions to consider, and that is what the Lord seems to be high-lighting to me today. Jesus' statements in these verses should cause us to stop and think about what we are doing, about who we are focused on, and about our call in the Body! These verses should challenge us, for they represent some of the core features of Jesus' ministry on earth! He came to seek and save the lost. He came representing the Father, and yet He came as a servant leader, one who didn't pursue glory for Himself, nor pursue positions of power or authority. He was different that most everyone expected, and His primary motivation was love.
In summary, I believe the Lord continues to provide us an opportunity to reassess our situation, our thinking, our heart attitudes, and the need for change and flexibility. His heart for the lost hasn't changed, and Jesus, in perfect obedience to the Father, showed us what that heart looked like! The question is whether looking at us and at the Church, if people would see the same heart of the Father?
Oh Lord help us to faithfully represent You to this world around us. You love each and every man, woman and child, and desire Your ministry to continue through the church, Your Body on earth. Help us to be more like You!
Amen!
Matthew 9:9-17 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.”
[14] Then John's disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
[15] Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
[16] “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. [17] Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
In just these eight verses, there is much to look at, however the two statements that caught my eye this morning were found in verses 13 and 17, and I think they are related. It is clear from reading the Gospels that Jesus' ministry, while powerful and enjoyed by many people, caused much confusion, consternation and even arguments. He wasn't doing what people, especially the leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) thought the messiah should be doing. He was spending time with the "sinners" and poor and common people. He wasn't acting like a "leader", and didn't seem to care that much about the other leaders and what they thought of Him.
As I was reading through these verses again, I was thinking about how unpopular they would be if they were spoken to our church congregations on a Sunday morning, if they were directed at those sitting in leadership and even in the congregation, not as "sinners" but as those who saw themselves as "righteous".
Now I am not making any wide generalizations here, just imagining if we were the objects of Jesus' comments. I wonder if we would respond in humility and repentance, or if we would become incensed? Its not like we aren't trying to do the right thing, trying hard to reach the lost and care for those who need help.
The question that keeps popping into my mind, is what about this young generation that seems to be leaving the church in greater numbers all the time. I keep wondering about all the good people I know that have stopped going to church for a variety of reasons, and I wonder if continuing to do church as usual is a bit like verse 17?
Has the church become unable to change, unable to flex enough to hold this new generation?
Have we become so used to preaching to "righteous" believers that we have lost touch with the "sinners"?
Do we want to be around "sinners" for there sake or are we only comfortable with the "righteous"?
As we look at this recent time of craziness and forced change, are we just wanting to go back to the way things were before?
Are we struggling to find our identity outside of our activity or responsibility in the church? In other words, now that we can't do what we always have done, are we unsure if our calling or value to the Body of Christ?
Those could be some deep questions to consider, and that is what the Lord seems to be high-lighting to me today. Jesus' statements in these verses should cause us to stop and think about what we are doing, about who we are focused on, and about our call in the Body! These verses should challenge us, for they represent some of the core features of Jesus' ministry on earth! He came to seek and save the lost. He came representing the Father, and yet He came as a servant leader, one who didn't pursue glory for Himself, nor pursue positions of power or authority. He was different that most everyone expected, and His primary motivation was love.
In summary, I believe the Lord continues to provide us an opportunity to reassess our situation, our thinking, our heart attitudes, and the need for change and flexibility. His heart for the lost hasn't changed, and Jesus, in perfect obedience to the Father, showed us what that heart looked like! The question is whether looking at us and at the Church, if people would see the same heart of the Father?
Oh Lord help us to faithfully represent You to this world around us. You love each and every man, woman and child, and desire Your ministry to continue through the church, Your Body on earth. Help us to be more like You!
Amen!
Friday, July 31, 2020
"It Is the Lord Who Sends The Thunderstorms"
This morning I thought I would spend some time in Zechariah. Again, not my normal reading choice. I opened up chapter ten and saw the following verse - Zechariah 10:1 NIV:
"Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;
it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone."
For those living in KC, this past day was pretty much non-stop rain, so this might not be our hearts cry right now. :-)
Also, reflecting on the natural weather, at day in the 70s with 24 hours of rain in July is definitely not what one would expect, living in Kansas City! The Lord, while He put into place the seasons and changes, can certainly supersede such seasonal norms and provide relief from heat and dryness in the middle of what is normally a hot and dry period, in response to the prayers of His people.
I was thinking how asking God for springtime rains, doesn't make much sense, as in our normal year, we experience plenty of ran in the spring. Our logical mind would say that there is no need to ask for that which is expected, and will by nature be provided, and almost seems a bit unnecessary.
I would say that turning our mind and heart to our creator is never a bad thing. Understanding that His creation has order and follows a predictable seasonal pattern is the foundation of our scientific exploration and thought. It was in recognizing that there was order, that things seemed to follow consistent patterns, that gave man his earliest awareness of God's involvement.
However, this morning, my heart and mind aren't moved by the natural seasons, but rather by the spiritual indications. These verses from Zechariah would be the second time in the last few days that I have been reflecting on the rains, and I believe that rain is symbolic of God's favor, presence and Word being poured out on His sons and daughters.
I am reminded of a set of verses from Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV:
[10] "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, [11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Lord, I pray for an outpouring of Your Word, of Your Presence and of Your Favor over Kansas City, and over all Your people! We pray that Your Presence would saturate us and overflow onto all around us. We pray for Your heavenly power to be unleashed and that all the peoples would see and respond to You. We pray that the fruit of Your word would be seen, and that it would accomplish Your purposes. We pray that the land and the people would be revived by the rain of Your presence!
Amen and Amen!
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
God's Mountain, Higher Than Every Other
This morning I felt like I should read from the Prophet Micah, definitely not my normal routine, chapter four to be specific. It is interesting that Micah was a prophet prior to the Babylonian exile, and while I am not going to quote the verses related to that in chapter four (See Micah 4:10), the Lord was clearly giving them direction as a nation, and telling them what would soon happen. He wrote his letter in 800 BC, and the first Babylonian exile occurred in 597BC, so roughly 200 years after Micah wrote these words. I am just so aware this morning of God's bigger picture, and His deeper plans, they are so much more than we can comprehend, even when He tells them to us ahead of time.
In that light, I am confident none of what is happening today in our country caught God by surprise. He has plans and purposes that we cannot fathom. He speaks through His prophets, but often the prophets don't know His timing either. I am sure that Micah thought their was an immediacy to his words, yet the fulfillment was much later. In that light, I wanted to reflect on some of Micah's prophecy that has clearly not come to pass yet, and relates to the final days. It is quite different than the present situation, and should provide us some perspective to pray towards.
Here are the verses - Micah 4:1-4 NIV:
[1] "In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.
[2] Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
[3] He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
[4] Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken."
It would be interesting to see how many times the phrase "In the last days" is used in scripture. That would be a very interesting study. We are clearly closer to those days than Micah who spoke of them 2800+ years ago.
Clearly this overall prophecy has yet to come about fully, for we do not see a world without war or strife. We do not see the Mountain of the Lord's temple established as the highest. By this I believe He is talking about the reign and rule of the Kingdom of God, established as the highest mountain. There is an understanding today of the Seven Mountains of Influence and they are Religion, family, education, government, media, arts, & business. When I read these words from Micah, that is what I think of, and in this case it would be indicative of God's Kingdom, His rule, being higher than all and influencing all the other mountains.
We have seen verse 2 somewhat fulfilled, as the word of the Lord has gone out from Jerusalem to the whole world, and some people from most every nation turn to the Lord. I pray for the day when we will see most most if not all nations turning to God, looking to understand His ways, His reign and rule. Oh for the day of Lord's rule and reign!
In reading verses 3 & 4, I am wondering if this is a picture of the millennial reign of Christ, or if we will see this reality in our present world, prior to Jesus' return. Regardless, it is something to pray for, something to look towards.
It is good for me to be reminded that God has plans and purposes that we only slightly understand. He is fully in charge, fully engaged and we are moving in the direction He has planned. Our present difficulties, stress and uncertainty will be resolved one day. We can ask for His wisdom in understanding our times, like the sons of Issachar who understood the times and knew what to do (1 Chron 12:32).
Lord, we know You and trust that You have plans we don't understand, but we know and trust You. Help us to understand these times, and help us to know what we should do! We want to be a part of all You are about on this earth.
Amen.
In that light, I am confident none of what is happening today in our country caught God by surprise. He has plans and purposes that we cannot fathom. He speaks through His prophets, but often the prophets don't know His timing either. I am sure that Micah thought their was an immediacy to his words, yet the fulfillment was much later. In that light, I wanted to reflect on some of Micah's prophecy that has clearly not come to pass yet, and relates to the final days. It is quite different than the present situation, and should provide us some perspective to pray towards.
Here are the verses - Micah 4:1-4 NIV:
[1] "In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.
[2] Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
[3] He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
[4] Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken."
It would be interesting to see how many times the phrase "In the last days" is used in scripture. That would be a very interesting study. We are clearly closer to those days than Micah who spoke of them 2800+ years ago.
Clearly this overall prophecy has yet to come about fully, for we do not see a world without war or strife. We do not see the Mountain of the Lord's temple established as the highest. By this I believe He is talking about the reign and rule of the Kingdom of God, established as the highest mountain. There is an understanding today of the Seven Mountains of Influence and they are Religion, family, education, government, media, arts, & business. When I read these words from Micah, that is what I think of, and in this case it would be indicative of God's Kingdom, His rule, being higher than all and influencing all the other mountains.
We have seen verse 2 somewhat fulfilled, as the word of the Lord has gone out from Jerusalem to the whole world, and some people from most every nation turn to the Lord. I pray for the day when we will see most most if not all nations turning to God, looking to understand His ways, His reign and rule. Oh for the day of Lord's rule and reign!
In reading verses 3 & 4, I am wondering if this is a picture of the millennial reign of Christ, or if we will see this reality in our present world, prior to Jesus' return. Regardless, it is something to pray for, something to look towards.
It is good for me to be reminded that God has plans and purposes that we only slightly understand. He is fully in charge, fully engaged and we are moving in the direction He has planned. Our present difficulties, stress and uncertainty will be resolved one day. We can ask for His wisdom in understanding our times, like the sons of Issachar who understood the times and knew what to do (1 Chron 12:32).
Lord, we know You and trust that You have plans we don't understand, but we know and trust You. Help us to understand these times, and help us to know what we should do! We want to be a part of all You are about on this earth.
Amen.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Waiting for Rain (Revival)
This morning I felt led to read from the fifth chapter of James. I had to reread the chapter a couple of times to see what was resonating with my spirit. My reading is often like that - I read and wait and ask the Lord to highlight or begin to speak about a particular subject. It is like I am sitting at the feet of Him as if He is a teacher, waiting for Him to speak about the verses and bring enlightenment.
This morning He highlighted the following verses - James 5:7-11 NIV:
[7] "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. [9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
[10] Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
My thoughts upon reading these verses were a bit all over the place. I know several farmers, and have family that are farmers, and the first thing I thought was that no farmer I know just waits patiently for the rains, they are working every day, constantly working to make things ready for either planting or harvesting, depending on the season. If they have planted then they are out working the field to minimize the weeds, working on the harvesting equipment, preparing storage facilities or agreements to sell the harvest, etc. If they have harvested, they begin preparation for the next season of planting, in a never ending cycle of preparation and daily work.
My second thought was that many farmers, even in Jesus' day figured out that they could irrigate the land and water the crops, even if there wasn't any rain. I have seen the giant irrigation systems of the Midwest USA, read about the irrigation systems of the Kibbutz's in Israel that allow rich harvests from the dry lands there. In ancient days, they devised systems to flood fields, and these same type of systems are used today in many places.
So what's my point? Its not that man can accomplish the same thing through hard work and irrigation, but rather that James is speaking about something that we cannot work up, or bring about, he is speaking of the return of the Lord! Secondly, as I was reading this I felt like the autumn and spring rains represented waves of revival, poured out on the earth through the Holy Spirit. This is where I felt my spirit start to jump! We have been praying for many years for the Lord to pour forth revival, and have recently been pressing in more and more praying that a wave of revival would pour over our land! Regardless of how much we pray, the revivals of the Lord are sovereign acts of God. Our job is preparation.
As I engaged with this idea, I realized that all the thinking about the farmers work, was related to the church's ability to prepare for and benefit from the rain of revival. The farmer spends much of his time thinking about and working to bring the soil to its proper preparation to receive the seed and then to absorb the rains when they come. In hilly country the farmers terrace their farms so the rain that comes doesn't run off, but instead is absorbed into the soil. They break up fallow ground, they plow and disk and prepare the soil. They plant and then work the soil to best support the growing plants. All of this is support work, for its the rains of the Lord that bring life!
In today's farming, it is amazing how large of a farm a single farmer can work and prepare, sometimes thousands of acres. In the same way, some of the recent revivals were prepared for by relatively small groups of people. The New Hebrides Revival (started in 1949 in the New Hebrides Islands off Scotland) seemed to have been prepared for by a couple of old sisters who had been praying for a sovereign move of God. The Azusa Street Revival (started in 1906 in Los Angeles) was largely prepared for by a small group of believers.
The preparations these two small groups made were done through prayer. They prayed and prayed, seeking the Lord of the Harvest to send forth rain upon their lands. There were churches in both locations and those churches were doing the best they could to plant and water, but they produced nothing like the rain of revival! With local irrigation the only that beenfits is the local farm, but with the rains the whole regiuon benefits. The thing about the rain of revival is that it produces abundant fruit, even on soil that was seemingly never touched or prepared, other than general prayer over a the region. What I mean is that there were massive outpourings of salvation, of people who had never heard the Word or darkened the door of a church, coming to Jesus. There are great stories of the presence of God overwhelming people as they walked by, completely unaware of what was happening in the nearest church. Revival is not the result of well oiled ministry programs, excited singing, or powerful preaching, it is birthed only out of the sovereign move of the Holy Spirit.
Our job, in preparing for revival rains, is to pray, first and foremost. Secondly, we need to have hearts and minds prepared to recognize the move of the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, we need to be ready to jump in with both feet, for when the rains of revival fall, the harvest is immediate! Next, we need to wait patiently, but expectingly! The farmer doesn't just sit and wait, they are actively preparing for the expected rains. Patiently waiting does not mean doing nothing.
Finally, we need to cultivate our love for one another. I think its so interesting that James adds that encouragement against grumbling against one another. The Greek word is "stenazo", and it means to groan or sigh, and the root is "stenos" which means the narrows or straits in a river. In other words, it is the result of the sides pressing in, or circumstances pressing in, or just pressure. When there isn't any rain, and things get dry, people start to complain. When pressure mounts, we start looking around and comparing our situation to others and complaining about how much better someone else has it... (At least that is how I operate). One wonders if James is commenting on the fact that there was a competitive spirit in the churches he saw, where they were constantly comparing themselves to one another, bad-mouthing others for things they didn't agree with??
I recently watched a sermon where a preacher was explaining why he was directing his church to stop using worship songs from different well known churches, because they taught things that he didn't agree with, and he didn't want to support anything that might have the slightest deviation from what he held to be the truth. Rather than looking at and celebrating the good that was coming out of them, he could only look at the one little difference and warn his people to have nothing to do with them. One wonders if there wasn't a bit of jealousy over the success of these other ministries. I don't know anything about his ministry, so I am not saying anything about his motivation, only that he spent much of the sermon grumbling against his brother and sisters.
We are not going to agree with everything that is being taught by every other church, but we are in the same Body of Christ, as there is only ONE. We need to get over ourselves, our pride, and our opinions and learn to love one another! When revival hits, it affects the whole region, regardless of denomination and/or affiliation!
In summary, let us press into the Lord, preparing for the autumn and spring rains, the rain of revival. Let us not stop patiently waiting by actively engaging in prayer and preparation of our hearts for the coming of the Lord! Let us lay down our opinions and bitter disagreements and let us chose to love one another and be for one another!
Amen, come quickly Holy Spirit, we need Your rain!
This morning He highlighted the following verses - James 5:7-11 NIV:
[7] "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. [9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
[10] Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
My thoughts upon reading these verses were a bit all over the place. I know several farmers, and have family that are farmers, and the first thing I thought was that no farmer I know just waits patiently for the rains, they are working every day, constantly working to make things ready for either planting or harvesting, depending on the season. If they have planted then they are out working the field to minimize the weeds, working on the harvesting equipment, preparing storage facilities or agreements to sell the harvest, etc. If they have harvested, they begin preparation for the next season of planting, in a never ending cycle of preparation and daily work.
My second thought was that many farmers, even in Jesus' day figured out that they could irrigate the land and water the crops, even if there wasn't any rain. I have seen the giant irrigation systems of the Midwest USA, read about the irrigation systems of the Kibbutz's in Israel that allow rich harvests from the dry lands there. In ancient days, they devised systems to flood fields, and these same type of systems are used today in many places.
So what's my point? Its not that man can accomplish the same thing through hard work and irrigation, but rather that James is speaking about something that we cannot work up, or bring about, he is speaking of the return of the Lord! Secondly, as I was reading this I felt like the autumn and spring rains represented waves of revival, poured out on the earth through the Holy Spirit. This is where I felt my spirit start to jump! We have been praying for many years for the Lord to pour forth revival, and have recently been pressing in more and more praying that a wave of revival would pour over our land! Regardless of how much we pray, the revivals of the Lord are sovereign acts of God. Our job is preparation.
As I engaged with this idea, I realized that all the thinking about the farmers work, was related to the church's ability to prepare for and benefit from the rain of revival. The farmer spends much of his time thinking about and working to bring the soil to its proper preparation to receive the seed and then to absorb the rains when they come. In hilly country the farmers terrace their farms so the rain that comes doesn't run off, but instead is absorbed into the soil. They break up fallow ground, they plow and disk and prepare the soil. They plant and then work the soil to best support the growing plants. All of this is support work, for its the rains of the Lord that bring life!
In today's farming, it is amazing how large of a farm a single farmer can work and prepare, sometimes thousands of acres. In the same way, some of the recent revivals were prepared for by relatively small groups of people. The New Hebrides Revival (started in 1949 in the New Hebrides Islands off Scotland) seemed to have been prepared for by a couple of old sisters who had been praying for a sovereign move of God. The Azusa Street Revival (started in 1906 in Los Angeles) was largely prepared for by a small group of believers.
The preparations these two small groups made were done through prayer. They prayed and prayed, seeking the Lord of the Harvest to send forth rain upon their lands. There were churches in both locations and those churches were doing the best they could to plant and water, but they produced nothing like the rain of revival! With local irrigation the only that beenfits is the local farm, but with the rains the whole regiuon benefits. The thing about the rain of revival is that it produces abundant fruit, even on soil that was seemingly never touched or prepared, other than general prayer over a the region. What I mean is that there were massive outpourings of salvation, of people who had never heard the Word or darkened the door of a church, coming to Jesus. There are great stories of the presence of God overwhelming people as they walked by, completely unaware of what was happening in the nearest church. Revival is not the result of well oiled ministry programs, excited singing, or powerful preaching, it is birthed only out of the sovereign move of the Holy Spirit.
Our job, in preparing for revival rains, is to pray, first and foremost. Secondly, we need to have hearts and minds prepared to recognize the move of the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, we need to be ready to jump in with both feet, for when the rains of revival fall, the harvest is immediate! Next, we need to wait patiently, but expectingly! The farmer doesn't just sit and wait, they are actively preparing for the expected rains. Patiently waiting does not mean doing nothing.
Finally, we need to cultivate our love for one another. I think its so interesting that James adds that encouragement against grumbling against one another. The Greek word is "stenazo", and it means to groan or sigh, and the root is "stenos" which means the narrows or straits in a river. In other words, it is the result of the sides pressing in, or circumstances pressing in, or just pressure. When there isn't any rain, and things get dry, people start to complain. When pressure mounts, we start looking around and comparing our situation to others and complaining about how much better someone else has it... (At least that is how I operate). One wonders if James is commenting on the fact that there was a competitive spirit in the churches he saw, where they were constantly comparing themselves to one another, bad-mouthing others for things they didn't agree with??
I recently watched a sermon where a preacher was explaining why he was directing his church to stop using worship songs from different well known churches, because they taught things that he didn't agree with, and he didn't want to support anything that might have the slightest deviation from what he held to be the truth. Rather than looking at and celebrating the good that was coming out of them, he could only look at the one little difference and warn his people to have nothing to do with them. One wonders if there wasn't a bit of jealousy over the success of these other ministries. I don't know anything about his ministry, so I am not saying anything about his motivation, only that he spent much of the sermon grumbling against his brother and sisters.
We are not going to agree with everything that is being taught by every other church, but we are in the same Body of Christ, as there is only ONE. We need to get over ourselves, our pride, and our opinions and learn to love one another! When revival hits, it affects the whole region, regardless of denomination and/or affiliation!
In summary, let us press into the Lord, preparing for the autumn and spring rains, the rain of revival. Let us not stop patiently waiting by actively engaging in prayer and preparation of our hearts for the coming of the Lord! Let us lay down our opinions and bitter disagreements and let us chose to love one another and be for one another!
Amen, come quickly Holy Spirit, we need Your rain!
Monday, July 27, 2020
Jesus, Raised For Our Justification
This morning I was reading in Romans and a couple of lines grabbed my attention. Paul often times writes very concise sentences that contain massive truths, these verses are an example. Here are the verses - Romans 4:23-25 NIV:
[23] "The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, [24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness---for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. [25] He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."
Paul is laying the foundation of the Gospel of Grace in this chapter, and he bases much on the story of Abraham, to whom righteousness was credited because of his belief. This happened prior to the Law, so it sets the stage for any man of faith to be credited righteous by God.
His last statement is what caught my attention this morning, the fact that the Resurrection was for us justification (being called righteous) by God. In other words, Jesus' death paid our sin debt, but it was the Resurrection that won for us righteousness through faith. I don't comprehend that truth nearly enough, Lord, please open my mind and heart for greater revelation and wisdom.
Here is what David Guzick says concerning these verses:
4. (23-25) Abraham's justification and our own.
Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
a. It was not written for his sake alone: It wasn't only for Abraham's benefit that God declared him righteous through faith; he is an example that we are invited to follow - it is also for us. Paul's confidence is glorious: It shall be imputed to us who believe; this wasn't just for Abraham, but for us also.
b. Who believe in Him who raised up Jesus: When we talk about faith and saving faith in Jesus, it is important to emphasize that we mean believing that His work on the cross (delivered up because of our offenses) and triumph over sin and death (raised because of our justification) is what saves us. There are many false-faiths that can never save, and only faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross and through empty tomb can save us.
· Faith in the historical events of the life of Jesus will not save
· Faith in the beauty of Jesus' life will not save
· Faith in the accuracy or goodness of Jesus' teaching will not save
· Faith in the deity of Jesus, and in His Lordship will not save
c. Jesus died because of our offenses, but was raised up because of our justification. The resurrection has an essential place in our redemption because it demonstrates God the Father's perfect satisfaction with the Son's work on the cross, proving that it was in fact a perfect sacrifice made by One who remained perfect, even though bearing the sin of the world.
i. Delivered up because of our offenses: The ancient Greek word translated delivered (paradidomi) was used of casting people into prison or delivering them to justice. "Here it speaks of the judicial act of God the Father delivering God the Son to the justice that required the payment of the penalty for human sin." (Wuest)
ii. "Jesus' resurrection always includes his sacrificial death but it brings our the all-sufficiency of his death. If death had held him, he would have failed; since he was raised from death, his sacrifice sufficed, God set his seal upon it by raising him up." (Lenski)
iii. "Christ did meritoriously work our justification and salvation by his death and passion, but the efficacy and perfection thereof with respect to us depend on his resurrection . . . This one verse is an abridgement of the whole gospel." (Poole)
d. In this chapter, Paul has clearly demonstrated that in no way does the Old Testament contradict the gospel of salvation by grace through faith. Instead it is in fulfillment of the Old Testament, and Abraham, justified through faith, is our pattern.
[23] "The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, [24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness---for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. [25] He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."
Paul is laying the foundation of the Gospel of Grace in this chapter, and he bases much on the story of Abraham, to whom righteousness was credited because of his belief. This happened prior to the Law, so it sets the stage for any man of faith to be credited righteous by God.
His last statement is what caught my attention this morning, the fact that the Resurrection was for us justification (being called righteous) by God. In other words, Jesus' death paid our sin debt, but it was the Resurrection that won for us righteousness through faith. I don't comprehend that truth nearly enough, Lord, please open my mind and heart for greater revelation and wisdom.
Here is what David Guzick says concerning these verses:
4. (23-25) Abraham's justification and our own.
Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
a. It was not written for his sake alone: It wasn't only for Abraham's benefit that God declared him righteous through faith; he is an example that we are invited to follow - it is also for us. Paul's confidence is glorious: It shall be imputed to us who believe; this wasn't just for Abraham, but for us also.
b. Who believe in Him who raised up Jesus: When we talk about faith and saving faith in Jesus, it is important to emphasize that we mean believing that His work on the cross (delivered up because of our offenses) and triumph over sin and death (raised because of our justification) is what saves us. There are many false-faiths that can never save, and only faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross and through empty tomb can save us.
· Faith in the historical events of the life of Jesus will not save
· Faith in the beauty of Jesus' life will not save
· Faith in the accuracy or goodness of Jesus' teaching will not save
· Faith in the deity of Jesus, and in His Lordship will not save
c. Jesus died because of our offenses, but was raised up because of our justification. The resurrection has an essential place in our redemption because it demonstrates God the Father's perfect satisfaction with the Son's work on the cross, proving that it was in fact a perfect sacrifice made by One who remained perfect, even though bearing the sin of the world.
i. Delivered up because of our offenses: The ancient Greek word translated delivered (paradidomi) was used of casting people into prison or delivering them to justice. "Here it speaks of the judicial act of God the Father delivering God the Son to the justice that required the payment of the penalty for human sin." (Wuest)
ii. "Jesus' resurrection always includes his sacrificial death but it brings our the all-sufficiency of his death. If death had held him, he would have failed; since he was raised from death, his sacrifice sufficed, God set his seal upon it by raising him up." (Lenski)
iii. "Christ did meritoriously work our justification and salvation by his death and passion, but the efficacy and perfection thereof with respect to us depend on his resurrection . . . This one verse is an abridgement of the whole gospel." (Poole)
d. In this chapter, Paul has clearly demonstrated that in no way does the Old Testament contradict the gospel of salvation by grace through faith. Instead it is in fulfillment of the Old Testament, and Abraham, justified through faith, is our pattern.
Saturday, July 25, 2020
The Energy of Partnership in the Body of Christ
This morning I am spending some time reflecting on a few verses from Paul's letter to Philemon. I don't often read this short letter, but today felt led to spend some time reading and reflecting on it. The verses that stuck out to me were the following - Philemon 1:6-7 NIV:
[6] "I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. [7] Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people."
This is an interesting statement that Paul makes, praying that their partnership in the faith may be effective in deepening Philemon's understanding of that which they share, of every good thing, for the sake of Christ Jesus.
There is something about being in partnership, in joining ourselves to a body of believers that is supposed to help us deepen our understanding of that which we share. I guess this makes total sense, in that the only real way we experience the wonder, love and fullness that is supposed to be evident in the Body of Christ, is to actually join ourselves to it, entering into a sort of partnership.
The NASB translation reads slightly different - Philemon 1:6-7 NASB:
[6] "and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. [7] For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother."
While the NASB is closer to the original Greek, I like what the translators of the NIV brought out, namely the sense of being joined together in their common faith. Paul goes on in the letter to appeal to Philemon because of their relationship, and I think the NIV translation captures that more effectively.
Going back to my reflection, the partnership aspect is included in the definition of the Greek word Koinonia, which is defined as follows:
1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse
a) the share which one has in anything, participation
b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy
1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)
c) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship
There is definitely belonging that is understood in this word. Its not a random gathering, but one in which people have a part, and do so willingly.
Thus, we find Paul, reminding Philemon of his partnership, and pointing to the fruit of that partnership, namely a deepened understanding. Paul says that the partnership, the Koinonia is effective in deepening the understanding or knowledge. That word is the Greek word "energes" which is defined as effective or powerful. I like the word powerful, for clearly the Greek word "energes" is where we get our word energy from, and energy is encapsulated power! In other words our willingly joining ourselves to the Body of Christ, to the fellowship of a group of believers, is supposed to energize our knowledge and understanding of our faith, of our purpose and calling!
No wonder we are encouraged to not forsake the gathering of believers (Heb 10:25). Without this joining, without our active participation, our depth of understanding, our common purpose will not be fully experienced or enjoyed.
What a great encouragement! Lord, I pray that all in the Body of Christ, might experience this deepening of understanding, this shared experience for the sake of Christ Jesus, in whose name we gather.
Amen!
Friday, July 24, 2020
Freely Received, Freely Give
This morning, and truthfully for the last few days, I have been feeling pretty disconnected from the Lord, thinking about my future and a bit concerned that things are not working the way I had hoped they would with my new job. I find that often times like these, bring with them a season of finding it difficult to connect to the Lord. It is like the dry season financially leads to a dry season spiritually. As I think about this, I realize I am not that different than the Israelites being led through the desert. As soon as things got a little tense they started turning away from God. I am trying desperately to not turn away from God, instead doubling down, but still feeling that dryness.
Lord, You know everything, You led me down this path, and You know our need. I am asking that You help me to stand firm, to trust, to have faith, to continue to press into You in spite of my concerns and worries. I have done everything I can, that I have felt You asked me to do, to surrender my life to You.
As I wrote that last sentence, I felt like there were two things that came to mind. 1) I haven't been reaching out to pray for people who need it...effectively holding back any blessing that He wants to pour on them (mostly out of unbelief and fear of man). 2) I have something I felt like the Lord asked me to do, and I haven't moved it forward yet.
Of the two, the first really just resonated with me. How can I withhold something the Lord wants to give away. It's similar to what Bruce Wilkinson describes in his Book, "You Were Born For This:", where he describes setting aside money in your wallet that is God's money, to be spent only on those or what He tells you to do, most often people. For those who haven't read this book, it is a great practical primer on how to be more involved in dispersing the blessings of God. Anyway, I liked this idea of having God's dedicated money in my wallet, because this involves already having made the decision to dedicate it to God, and now its just a matter of timing and learning to listen to how He wants to spend His money.
In the same way, I saw this as applying to the prayer for people, to taking a moment to pray for that need which was just described. Rather than just saying I will be praying for them, instead taking a moment right then to pray and release God's blessing over them. These verses come to mind from Matthew 10:7-8 NIV: "As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
I think there is a bit of a log-jam on my side, and I am holding back things the Lord wants to release through me, and I am doing so out of fear of man. Its not like I need to start with complete stranger, I have enough friends in need, that I talk to regularly, that could use a touch from the Lord, and a touch from a caring brother. Compassion was often times a precursor to the miracles that Jesus performed! Six times, it specifically says that Jesus had compassion for the people in Matthew and Mark's Gospel, and each time, ended up performing miracles and healings, either himself or through His Apostles.
Looking at the first mention of this is Matthew's Gospel we find the following story - Matthew 9:35-38 NIV:
[35] Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Jesus then goes on in the very first bit of Chapter 10 (These times are not separate, they are just separated into chapters for readability) to send out the 12 Apostles, to proclaim the Good News as quoted above. His compassion for His people is endless, and at present we are the ones He is sending. We have been given the same authority, for we minister out of the power of the Holy Spirit, just as He did, just as the Apostles did.
Lord, help me to decide today to be ready to actually pray for someone today. Help me to have the Holy Spirit enflamed courage to stop and take time to pray right then. Help me to leave the effectiveness of the Prayer up to you, for I can do nothing on my own, other than join my compassion to Yours. Lord, I surrender my fear of man to You, and I choose to give freely, for I have freely, through Your grace, received so much!
Amen, help me Lord Jesus.
Lord, You know everything, You led me down this path, and You know our need. I am asking that You help me to stand firm, to trust, to have faith, to continue to press into You in spite of my concerns and worries. I have done everything I can, that I have felt You asked me to do, to surrender my life to You.
As I wrote that last sentence, I felt like there were two things that came to mind. 1) I haven't been reaching out to pray for people who need it...effectively holding back any blessing that He wants to pour on them (mostly out of unbelief and fear of man). 2) I have something I felt like the Lord asked me to do, and I haven't moved it forward yet.
Of the two, the first really just resonated with me. How can I withhold something the Lord wants to give away. It's similar to what Bruce Wilkinson describes in his Book, "You Were Born For This:", where he describes setting aside money in your wallet that is God's money, to be spent only on those or what He tells you to do, most often people. For those who haven't read this book, it is a great practical primer on how to be more involved in dispersing the blessings of God. Anyway, I liked this idea of having God's dedicated money in my wallet, because this involves already having made the decision to dedicate it to God, and now its just a matter of timing and learning to listen to how He wants to spend His money.
In the same way, I saw this as applying to the prayer for people, to taking a moment to pray for that need which was just described. Rather than just saying I will be praying for them, instead taking a moment right then to pray and release God's blessing over them. These verses come to mind from Matthew 10:7-8 NIV: "As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give."
I think there is a bit of a log-jam on my side, and I am holding back things the Lord wants to release through me, and I am doing so out of fear of man. Its not like I need to start with complete stranger, I have enough friends in need, that I talk to regularly, that could use a touch from the Lord, and a touch from a caring brother. Compassion was often times a precursor to the miracles that Jesus performed! Six times, it specifically says that Jesus had compassion for the people in Matthew and Mark's Gospel, and each time, ended up performing miracles and healings, either himself or through His Apostles.
Looking at the first mention of this is Matthew's Gospel we find the following story - Matthew 9:35-38 NIV:
[35] Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Jesus then goes on in the very first bit of Chapter 10 (These times are not separate, they are just separated into chapters for readability) to send out the 12 Apostles, to proclaim the Good News as quoted above. His compassion for His people is endless, and at present we are the ones He is sending. We have been given the same authority, for we minister out of the power of the Holy Spirit, just as He did, just as the Apostles did.
Lord, help me to decide today to be ready to actually pray for someone today. Help me to have the Holy Spirit enflamed courage to stop and take time to pray right then. Help me to leave the effectiveness of the Prayer up to you, for I can do nothing on my own, other than join my compassion to Yours. Lord, I surrender my fear of man to You, and I choose to give freely, for I have freely, through Your grace, received so much!
Amen, help me Lord Jesus.
Monday, July 20, 2020
Will We Follow Him?
This morning I was reading from John 10 and 11 and saw something I hadn't seen before, and thought it worth noting. In Chapter 11, which is all about the death and raising of Lazarus, which is both a very painful and glorious bit to read, there is a verse that caught my eye as follows - John 11:16 NIV:
"Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Thomas's statement caught me off-guard, as I had forgot that prior to this that Jesus had been threatened and had moved His base of operations to the wilderness because of the threats. I went back and read the last bit of John 10 to refresh my knowledge of the time before the raising of Lazarus.. It turns out that the threats were more than just a bunch of grumbling guys, saying they need to kill Jesus, they actually had stones ready to stone him! Here is the end of John's tenth chapter, starting with the statement that really got the crowd going.
John 10:30-42 NIV:
[30] "I and the Father are one.”
[31] Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, [32] but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
[33] “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
[34] Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are “gods” ' ? [35] If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came---and Scripture cannot be set aside--- [36] what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? [37] Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. [38] But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
[39] "Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. [40] Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, [41] and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” [42] And in that place many believed in Jesus."
Going back to Thomas's statement, I believe that he was talking about dying along with Lazarus, knowing full well the violence that Jesus had avoided the last time He had been in Jerusalem. Again these weren't empty threats, they actually had tried to stone Jesus, but he had evaded or escaped their grasp. In other words they were actually trying to kill him, but they weren't able to grab him and hold him or bind him. This was very real and Thomas, who apparently was a bit of a pragmatist, recognized the danger. That being said, he didn't shy away from the danger, but instead followed Jesus' lead.
I found this whole bit interesting, for John clearly chose to include this one verse in the midst of the story of Lazarus, for it was important to him, and more importantly, it was important to the Holy Spirit.
In retrospect, looking at the story of the raising of Lazarus, its all glorious and wonderful, and was clearly one the events that absolutely convinced many of His followers that Jesus truly was the Messiah. However, I believe the Holy Spirit wanted it noted that environment in which that great miracle occurred was anything but quiet and peaceful! It was into the midst of that turmoil, into the area where He had been threatened that Jesus, by the direction of the Father, went to minister to Mary, Martha and Lazarus. While His love for them was evident, and clearly a motivating factor, He was aware of the threats, the increasing conflict and the soon to be fulfilled prophesies of His death. Equally interesting was the fact that the Apostles were also aware of the danger, and yet entrusted themselves to the leadership of Jesus, choosing to follow Him, even to their own deaths.
The question this raised in my mind today was whether I would be willing to follow Jesus into a situation that I knew was dangerous? Am I willing to follow Him to my own demise? That is a pretty dark question, and yet it is one that million of our Christian brothers and sisters answer every day, for Christianity is definitely under attack and illegal in many countries, and yet those countries are where the church is growing faster than anywhere else!
We have not really had to contend with this question in most of our western church for many years, and for many of us, the idea of persecution for our faith is a vague idea, and one we don't want to see or experience. However, we are not promised easy lives, and a welcoming attitude by the spirit of the world, rather it is the exact opposite.
Peter wrote the following - 1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV:
[12] "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you."
Paul wrote this in his letter to the Romans 8:35-39 NIV:
[35] "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
They wouldn't have written these things, if this wasn't their present reality, nor the future life of their fellow Christian's. They were looking around them, seeing those things that were coming against them, and speaking of them as something they would be able to conquer, through the power of Christ Jesus in them.
Finally Jesus said the following - John 15:18-21 NIV:
[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. [19] If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. [20] Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. [21] They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me."
Wow, such light and easy promises from Jesus, Peter and Paul! The point is that as times become more difficult, and dark, as societal opinion and voice moves farther from Christianity, those of us who choose to follow Jesus will be given opportunities to choose to continue to follow Him or not. We are already seeing the beginnings of persecution break out in America against Christians, and the forces of this world, identified by Paul, certainly are not going to stop in their effort to silence Christians. The question for myself this morning is whether or not I will continue to follow Him, even if the going gets tough, and my beliefs unpopular or even hated or reviled?
I am encouraged by the story of the raising of Lazarus, that it is into those very times of darkness and threats that the Glory of God will be seen in its Greatest Expression! I am encouraged that the light shines brightest in the darkness (Is. 60:1-3). I am encouraged because Jesus has all power and all authority and He has called us to walk in the same ministry, doing the same and even greater works (John 14:12)! One should note that Jesus made that statement (John 14:12) after He had raised Lazarus from the dead! Wow!
So this morning, my prayer is that the Lord would help me and encourage me! My prayer is that He would help and encourage the church world-wide. My prayer is that we might put our trust in Him, following Him into darkening days, knowing the danger, but expecting Him to be Glorified! May the Name of Jesus be lifted High!
Amen!
"Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Thomas's statement caught me off-guard, as I had forgot that prior to this that Jesus had been threatened and had moved His base of operations to the wilderness because of the threats. I went back and read the last bit of John 10 to refresh my knowledge of the time before the raising of Lazarus.. It turns out that the threats were more than just a bunch of grumbling guys, saying they need to kill Jesus, they actually had stones ready to stone him! Here is the end of John's tenth chapter, starting with the statement that really got the crowd going.
John 10:30-42 NIV:
[30] "I and the Father are one.”
[31] Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, [32] but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
[33] “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
[34] Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are “gods” ' ? [35] If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came---and Scripture cannot be set aside--- [36] what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? [37] Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. [38] But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
[39] "Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. [40] Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, [41] and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” [42] And in that place many believed in Jesus."
Going back to Thomas's statement, I believe that he was talking about dying along with Lazarus, knowing full well the violence that Jesus had avoided the last time He had been in Jerusalem. Again these weren't empty threats, they actually had tried to stone Jesus, but he had evaded or escaped their grasp. In other words they were actually trying to kill him, but they weren't able to grab him and hold him or bind him. This was very real and Thomas, who apparently was a bit of a pragmatist, recognized the danger. That being said, he didn't shy away from the danger, but instead followed Jesus' lead.
I found this whole bit interesting, for John clearly chose to include this one verse in the midst of the story of Lazarus, for it was important to him, and more importantly, it was important to the Holy Spirit.
In retrospect, looking at the story of the raising of Lazarus, its all glorious and wonderful, and was clearly one the events that absolutely convinced many of His followers that Jesus truly was the Messiah. However, I believe the Holy Spirit wanted it noted that environment in which that great miracle occurred was anything but quiet and peaceful! It was into the midst of that turmoil, into the area where He had been threatened that Jesus, by the direction of the Father, went to minister to Mary, Martha and Lazarus. While His love for them was evident, and clearly a motivating factor, He was aware of the threats, the increasing conflict and the soon to be fulfilled prophesies of His death. Equally interesting was the fact that the Apostles were also aware of the danger, and yet entrusted themselves to the leadership of Jesus, choosing to follow Him, even to their own deaths.
The question this raised in my mind today was whether I would be willing to follow Jesus into a situation that I knew was dangerous? Am I willing to follow Him to my own demise? That is a pretty dark question, and yet it is one that million of our Christian brothers and sisters answer every day, for Christianity is definitely under attack and illegal in many countries, and yet those countries are where the church is growing faster than anywhere else!
We have not really had to contend with this question in most of our western church for many years, and for many of us, the idea of persecution for our faith is a vague idea, and one we don't want to see or experience. However, we are not promised easy lives, and a welcoming attitude by the spirit of the world, rather it is the exact opposite.
Peter wrote the following - 1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV:
[12] "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you."
Paul wrote this in his letter to the Romans 8:35-39 NIV:
[35] "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
They wouldn't have written these things, if this wasn't their present reality, nor the future life of their fellow Christian's. They were looking around them, seeing those things that were coming against them, and speaking of them as something they would be able to conquer, through the power of Christ Jesus in them.
Finally Jesus said the following - John 15:18-21 NIV:
[18] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. [19] If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. [20] Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. [21] They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me."
Wow, such light and easy promises from Jesus, Peter and Paul! The point is that as times become more difficult, and dark, as societal opinion and voice moves farther from Christianity, those of us who choose to follow Jesus will be given opportunities to choose to continue to follow Him or not. We are already seeing the beginnings of persecution break out in America against Christians, and the forces of this world, identified by Paul, certainly are not going to stop in their effort to silence Christians. The question for myself this morning is whether or not I will continue to follow Him, even if the going gets tough, and my beliefs unpopular or even hated or reviled?
I am encouraged by the story of the raising of Lazarus, that it is into those very times of darkness and threats that the Glory of God will be seen in its Greatest Expression! I am encouraged that the light shines brightest in the darkness (Is. 60:1-3). I am encouraged because Jesus has all power and all authority and He has called us to walk in the same ministry, doing the same and even greater works (John 14:12)! One should note that Jesus made that statement (John 14:12) after He had raised Lazarus from the dead! Wow!
So this morning, my prayer is that the Lord would help me and encourage me! My prayer is that He would help and encourage the church world-wide. My prayer is that we might put our trust in Him, following Him into darkening days, knowing the danger, but expecting Him to be Glorified! May the Name of Jesus be lifted High!
Amen!
Thursday, July 2, 2020
A Heart Health Assessment
This morning I woke up thinking about Paul's statement in Philippians 3, where he is talking about how he considers everything else so much garbage compared to Christ Jesus, and how he essentially left all that behind.
Here are the verses - Philippians 3:7-16 NIV:
[7] "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
[12] "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
[15] "All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained."
The reason this has been bouncing around in my mind and heart lately, is that the Lord asked the question as to whether or not I would be willing to leave everything for the sake of Him? The question actually is meant to be considered on many levels. Where I have been focused lately is around things that I have come to enjoy, things that I prefer, things that I consider part of who I am. The question is whether there is anything I don't want to release or lose, given the invitation from the Lord to do so? If there is, then I have a case of idolatry in my heart, for I am worshipping that thing, that idea or way of being more than I am worshipping Christ Jesus.
I don't have a strong sense that the Lord is going to ask me to lose all things, but that He is asking me to conduct a heart health assessment. What is in my heart? What do I treasure? Have those treasures become a sort of idol?
Good questions, and deep questions.
I know my desire, deep down, is to be able to say what Paul said, but I think the reality is that I can't, at this point. I am living out verse 15 at present, where I think the Lord is making clear to me things that need to change. Notice, its always an invitation to greater intimacy, to deeper relationship, to greater participation in the things of God. My deep heart says yes! My flesh, not so much!
Lord, I pray that You will help me to see those things that are limiting my hearts response to you. Help me to put things in their proper place, that You might the only exalted and worshipped person in my life! I pray that one day I will be able to say that which Paul said in these few encouraging verses, that I might live up to what I have already attained in Christ Jesus.
Amen!
Here are the verses - Philippians 3:7-16 NIV:
[7] "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
[12] "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
[15] "All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained."
The reason this has been bouncing around in my mind and heart lately, is that the Lord asked the question as to whether or not I would be willing to leave everything for the sake of Him? The question actually is meant to be considered on many levels. Where I have been focused lately is around things that I have come to enjoy, things that I prefer, things that I consider part of who I am. The question is whether there is anything I don't want to release or lose, given the invitation from the Lord to do so? If there is, then I have a case of idolatry in my heart, for I am worshipping that thing, that idea or way of being more than I am worshipping Christ Jesus.
I don't have a strong sense that the Lord is going to ask me to lose all things, but that He is asking me to conduct a heart health assessment. What is in my heart? What do I treasure? Have those treasures become a sort of idol?
Good questions, and deep questions.
I know my desire, deep down, is to be able to say what Paul said, but I think the reality is that I can't, at this point. I am living out verse 15 at present, where I think the Lord is making clear to me things that need to change. Notice, its always an invitation to greater intimacy, to deeper relationship, to greater participation in the things of God. My deep heart says yes! My flesh, not so much!
Lord, I pray that You will help me to see those things that are limiting my hearts response to you. Help me to put things in their proper place, that You might the only exalted and worshipped person in my life! I pray that one day I will be able to say that which Paul said in these few encouraging verses, that I might live up to what I have already attained in Christ Jesus.
Amen!
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Constant Change and God's Plans
This morning I had a dream where it seemed like every few minutes the floor plan or city plan in which I was trying to make my way changed. I was reflecting on that dream and it seemed to me that this is a good picture of the constantly changing world we find ourselves in. Especially this year, it seems like so much of what we knew, so much of how things worked has been changed.
I was praying for the Lord's help and reflecting on some of the verses that I was reading yesterday, and realized that they should give me hope, for there have been many times that everything changed and yet the Lord actually used the change to move forward. The following verses represent a massive change in the life of the church, and the lives of the members of the early church.
Acts 11:19-26 NIV:
[19] "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. [20] Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. [21] The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
[22] News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. [23] When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. [24] He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
[25] Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, [26] and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
If we think for a moment about the impact of these few verses, it is actually quite spectacular the amount of change that occurred in the life of the church. They went from being a Jerusalem based and focused church to being spread wide throughout the region. They went from being Jewish focused to being open to Gentiles, specifically the Greeks. The people who left Jerusalem under the persecution, likely left everything behind, homes, jobs, etc. and had to start new in these new locations. Granted there were some that went back to where they were originally from, but starting over is never easy.
In spite of all of that change, it is clearly evident that the Hand of the Lord was guiding them, and they were seeing new opportunities for evangelism, for sharing their love of God, for spreading the Gospel. Again, as I mentioned yesterday, these people were generally not the leaders in the church, and we see God does not limit Himself to only working through established leadership to bring change. Oftentimes, it seems to me, that the leadership is having to see what the Lord is doing in the midst of the body, and then blessing and encouraging God's work as it is evolving and being revealed.
We see a good example of that here in verses 22 and 23. The church leaders hear about the move of God in Antioch, and they sent Barnabas to bless and aid the already established work of God. Again, going back to my earlier thoughts, those who started the work in Antioch were people whose whole lives were upended by the persecution.
In summary, in these ever and rapidly changing times, there is one who knows what will happen, and when it will happen, and He has a plan. He is our God and He will direct us and guide us, as His sons and daughters, in such a way that the Body of Christ on earth will be increased and His will accomplished. We don't need to fear change, we just need to ask Him to direct us in the midst of the change! Every one of us needs to keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities to advance the Gospel, to expand the Kingdom, for God has no favorites and doesn't rely on earthly leadership to introduce change, new ideas and new movements. We are all His favorites, and we are all equally His sons and daughters, and He loves and values each of us, so why wouldn't he use every one of us?
Going back to my dream this morning, in the midst of the constant change, I never lost my head, never panicked, never gave into fear. We need to take the same approach now, allowing God's word to speak peace to our lives, and confidence to our steps. He is fully capable of bringing great Glory to His name and blessing to us in the midst of this all. He is good, loving, merciful, compassionate, faithful and for us! Let us encourage one another, come alongside one another, and press forward into the glorious future He has planned for us! There may well be struggle and difficulty, there will certainly be change, but He is in charge, and we know He is capable and good.
Amen!
May the Lord bless you with peace, give you direction and guidance, and help you make sense of all the change we are seeing!
Sam
I was praying for the Lord's help and reflecting on some of the verses that I was reading yesterday, and realized that they should give me hope, for there have been many times that everything changed and yet the Lord actually used the change to move forward. The following verses represent a massive change in the life of the church, and the lives of the members of the early church.
Acts 11:19-26 NIV:
[19] "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. [20] Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. [21] The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
[22] News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. [23] When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. [24] He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
[25] Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, [26] and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
If we think for a moment about the impact of these few verses, it is actually quite spectacular the amount of change that occurred in the life of the church. They went from being a Jerusalem based and focused church to being spread wide throughout the region. They went from being Jewish focused to being open to Gentiles, specifically the Greeks. The people who left Jerusalem under the persecution, likely left everything behind, homes, jobs, etc. and had to start new in these new locations. Granted there were some that went back to where they were originally from, but starting over is never easy.
In spite of all of that change, it is clearly evident that the Hand of the Lord was guiding them, and they were seeing new opportunities for evangelism, for sharing their love of God, for spreading the Gospel. Again, as I mentioned yesterday, these people were generally not the leaders in the church, and we see God does not limit Himself to only working through established leadership to bring change. Oftentimes, it seems to me, that the leadership is having to see what the Lord is doing in the midst of the body, and then blessing and encouraging God's work as it is evolving and being revealed.
We see a good example of that here in verses 22 and 23. The church leaders hear about the move of God in Antioch, and they sent Barnabas to bless and aid the already established work of God. Again, going back to my earlier thoughts, those who started the work in Antioch were people whose whole lives were upended by the persecution.
In summary, in these ever and rapidly changing times, there is one who knows what will happen, and when it will happen, and He has a plan. He is our God and He will direct us and guide us, as His sons and daughters, in such a way that the Body of Christ on earth will be increased and His will accomplished. We don't need to fear change, we just need to ask Him to direct us in the midst of the change! Every one of us needs to keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities to advance the Gospel, to expand the Kingdom, for God has no favorites and doesn't rely on earthly leadership to introduce change, new ideas and new movements. We are all His favorites, and we are all equally His sons and daughters, and He loves and values each of us, so why wouldn't he use every one of us?
Going back to my dream this morning, in the midst of the constant change, I never lost my head, never panicked, never gave into fear. We need to take the same approach now, allowing God's word to speak peace to our lives, and confidence to our steps. He is fully capable of bringing great Glory to His name and blessing to us in the midst of this all. He is good, loving, merciful, compassionate, faithful and for us! Let us encourage one another, come alongside one another, and press forward into the glorious future He has planned for us! There may well be struggle and difficulty, there will certainly be change, but He is in charge, and we know He is capable and good.
Amen!
May the Lord bless you with peace, give you direction and guidance, and help you make sense of all the change we are seeing!
Sam
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