24 Correct me, O Lord, but in justice;
not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.
Jeremiah 10:24 ESV
How much trust must a man have to request the Lord of the Universe correct him? What level of faith in the Creator's goodness, love, and mercy must be present to entreat Him to invoke discipline.
As I was typing this entry, I closed my eyes, bowed my head and attempted to pray Jeremiah's prayer. "Correct me, O LORD." I could not do it. I found my mind inserting the following phrases:
"Reveal my sin to me." "Show my errors to me." "Disclose my shortcomings." But to ask God for correction? You have to be crazy!
The scripture is clear that whatever we ask in God's name will be granted. If we pray in God's will, we shall receive. God desires we live a sinless life. His plan for our lives is to be transformed into Christ's image. Therefore if we ask for correction in order to be transformed to better represent Jesus, that is a prayer God will answer.
Does my hesitancy expose a lack of trust in God's wisdom? Do I doubt His love? Or am not really ready to give up all the Adamness necessary to become more like Christ?
I dare you. No, I double-dog dare you. Close your eyes and with a earnest heart pray that God will do WHATEVER is necessary to bring you into perfect harmony with His will for your life. Pray that He will make whatever corrections to your lifestyle that are needed to sanctify you.
Did you hesitate? Did you search for words that might give Him a loophole? If so, why?
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
In Not Around December 29, 2014
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. John 16:33 ESV
Christianity does not guarantee inner peace. Tranquility is not a given for Believers. It is possible, even promised, but we must place ourselves in a right standing with God to receive that peace.
Jesus tells us that the peace we seek is IN him. Not because of him. Not because we have accepted him as Lord and Savior. Not because we pray and mediate.
We must be IN his word. We must be IN daily communication with him. We must be IN a right relationship with him. One of Webster's definition for "in" is, "in one's presence, possession, or control". Peace is found in Jesus, not around him.
Christianity does not guarantee inner peace. Tranquility is not a given for Believers. It is possible, even promised, but we must place ourselves in a right standing with God to receive that peace.
Jesus tells us that the peace we seek is IN him. Not because of him. Not because we have accepted him as Lord and Savior. Not because we pray and mediate.
We must be IN his word. We must be IN daily communication with him. We must be IN a right relationship with him. One of Webster's definition for "in" is, "in one's presence, possession, or control". Peace is found in Jesus, not around him.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
It Never Ends December 28, 2014
Continuous Conversion
3 “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children. . ." Matthew 18:3 ESV
These words of Our Lord are true of our initial conversion, but we have to be continuously converted all the days of our lives, continually to turn to God as children. If we trust to our wits instead of to God, we produce consequences for which God will hold us responsible. Immediately our bodies are brought into new conditions by the providence of God, we have to see our natural life obeys the dictates of the Spirit of God. Because we have done it once is no proof that we shall do it again. The relation of the natural to the spiritual is one of continuous conversion, and it is the one thing we object to. In every setting in which we are put, the Spirit of God remains unchanged and His salvation unaltered but we have to “put on the new man.” God holds us responsible every time we refuse to convert ourselves, our reason for refusing is wilful obstinacy. Our natural life must not rule, God must rule in us.
The hindrance in our spiritual life is that we will not be continually converted, there are “wadges” of obstinacy where our pride spits at the throne of God and says—“I won’t.” We deify independence and wilfulness and call them by the wrong name. What God looks on as obstinate weakness, we call strength. There are whole tracts of our lives which have not yet been brought into subjection, and it can only be done by this continuous conversion. Slowly but surely we can claim the whole territory for the Spirit of God.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 269-270). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Continuous conversion is a concept I had not considered before today's reading. Conversion was an experience. A one-time happening. Paul was converted on the road to Damascus. The Ethiopian eunuch was converted on the road to Gaza. Because of the work of missionaries around the globe, people convert to Christianity.
But Chambers tells us that after our initial conversion, we "have to be continually converted all the days of our lives." Christianity is not a one-and-done conversion experience. All to often our "natural lives do not obey the dictates of the Spirit of God." Almost without fail, these times of self-direction end in a less than prefect outcome.
So that begs the question, "How do we allow/enable this continual conversion." I believe the answer to that lies in what conditions were present at our initial conversion.
The Bible tells us that no one can come to God unless he has been prompted by the Holy Spirit. (John 6:44) Therefore for our conversion to be on-going we must be sensitive to and obedient to the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives. Much the same way the Holy Spirit convicts the lost person of the sinful state of his life (John 16:8-11), the Holy Spirit convicts the Believer of transgressions.
At our initial conversion, we were aware of our separation from God and cried out for reconciliation. Do we have that same desire for closeness after the joy of the salvation experience? Do we yearn for that restoration five years after that alter call? If not, make that an object of prayer. Ask God to rekindle the love and passion and desire for Him.
Finally there was a thankfulness, joy, and relief when we realized we were listed in the Lamb's Book of Life. A weight was lifted. A spark ignited. We should feel that same joy, thankfulness and relief when the evidence of God's continual conversion is present. Because of the Spirit's prompting, we refuse to repeat that juicy piece of gossip. Give God thanks. We pay the extra income tax that might have gone unnoticed. Give God praise for the strength He gave us to do the right thing. If we recognize and celebrate the ongoing conversion in our lives, we will become eager for more and more evidence of this continual conversion. Success breeds success.
Let's not allow conversion to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our natural self must be converted time and time again. As Chambers reminds us, "There are whole tracts of our lives which have not yet been brought into subjection, and it can only be done by this continuous conversion. Slowly but surely we can claim the whole territory for the Spirit of God."
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Fringe Benefits December 27, 2014
[ Bless the Lord, O My Soul ] [ Of David. ] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
Psalm 103:1-2 ESV
"Forget not all his benefits, "
All too often the world knows of only the eternal-life benefit of Christianity. The whole heaven or hell thing. While that is the most permanent benefit of becoming a believer, the life of a child of God is filled with numerous benefits this side of heaven.
Peace. Guidance. Joy. Discernment. Fellowship. Understanding. Patience. Contentment.
I wonder if that part of salvation were preached more Christianity would have an increased desirability to a lost and dying world.
Psalm 103:1-2 ESV
"Forget not all his benefits, "
All too often the world knows of only the eternal-life benefit of Christianity. The whole heaven or hell thing. While that is the most permanent benefit of becoming a believer, the life of a child of God is filled with numerous benefits this side of heaven.
Peace. Guidance. Joy. Discernment. Fellowship. Understanding. Patience. Contentment.
I wonder if that part of salvation were preached more Christianity would have an increased desirability to a lost and dying world.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Follow the Shepherds December 24, 2014
20 And
the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:20 ESV
The shepherds had entered into the presence of the Christ child. God incarnate. The Savior of the world. Sure they had cause to glorify and praise God. A multitude of the heavenly host and baby Jesus would leave even the most hardened person's heart full of joy, wonderment, and adoration.
Each Sunday morning in our small group, our leader asks if we have any verbal prayer requests or praises. The praises center around healings, jobs obtained, or travel safety. What about the fact that each hour of each day we can enter into the presence of the Almighty God? We are adopted sons and daughters of the Creator of the Universe. Our eternal place in heaven is guaranteed.
Let's not confuse thankfulness with praise. Thank to God for health. Praise God for His faithfulness. Thank God for the relatives arriving (or leaving) safely. Praise God for the plan of salvation.
The shepherds had entered into the presence of the Christ child. God incarnate. The Savior of the world. Sure they had cause to glorify and praise God. A multitude of the heavenly host and baby Jesus would leave even the most hardened person's heart full of joy, wonderment, and adoration.
Each Sunday morning in our small group, our leader asks if we have any verbal prayer requests or praises. The praises center around healings, jobs obtained, or travel safety. What about the fact that each hour of each day we can enter into the presence of the Almighty God? We are adopted sons and daughters of the Creator of the Universe. Our eternal place in heaven is guaranteed.
Let's not confuse thankfulness with praise. Thank to God for health. Praise God for His faithfulness. Thank God for the relatives arriving (or leaving) safely. Praise God for the plan of salvation.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Salvation and Obedience December 22, 2014
The Drawing of the Father
No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him. John 6:44 KJV
When God draws me, the issue of my will comes in at once—will I react on the revelation which God gives; will I come to Him? Discussion on spiritual matters is an impertinence. Never discuss with anyone when God speaks. Belief is not an intellectual act; belief is a moral act whereby I deliberately commit myself. Will I dump myself down absolutely on God and transact on what He says? If I will, I shall find I am based on Reality that is as sure as God’s throne.
In preaching the gospel, always push an issue of will. Belief must be the will to believe. There must be a surrender of the will, not a surrender to persuasive power; a deliberate launching forth on God and on what He says until I am no longer confident in what I have done, I am confident only in God. The hindrance is that I will not trust God, but only my mental understanding. As far as feelings go, I must stake all blindly: I must will to believe, and this can never be done without a violent effort on my part to dissociate myself from my old ways of looking at things, and by putting myself right over on to Him.
Every man is made to reach out beyond his grasp. It is God Who draws me, and my relationship with Him in the first place is a personal one, not an intellectual one. I am introduced into the relationship by the miracle of God and my own will to believe, then I begin to get an intelligent appreciation and understanding of the wonder of the transaction.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 265-266). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
While today's entry from My Utmost for His Highest may have been written with preaching the of the Gospel message in mind, several phrases are very applicable to the already adopted sons and daughters of God the Father.
If one replaces "belief" which is necessary for salvation, with "obedience" which is what believers are commanded to do, the passage becomes guidance for the Christian.
When God directs me, the issue of my will comes in at once. Obedience is not an intellectual act: obedience is a moral act where by I commit myself.
Obedience must be the will to obey.
I must will to obey, and this can never be done without a violent effort on my part to dissociate myself from my old ways. . .
Both the initial acceptance of God a Lord and Savior and continued obedience are both only possible through the workings of the Holy Spirit, but both are also a product of one's individual will. We choose to accept Christ, and we choose to obey Him.
No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him. John 6:44 KJV
When God draws me, the issue of my will comes in at once—will I react on the revelation which God gives; will I come to Him? Discussion on spiritual matters is an impertinence. Never discuss with anyone when God speaks. Belief is not an intellectual act; belief is a moral act whereby I deliberately commit myself. Will I dump myself down absolutely on God and transact on what He says? If I will, I shall find I am based on Reality that is as sure as God’s throne.
In preaching the gospel, always push an issue of will. Belief must be the will to believe. There must be a surrender of the will, not a surrender to persuasive power; a deliberate launching forth on God and on what He says until I am no longer confident in what I have done, I am confident only in God. The hindrance is that I will not trust God, but only my mental understanding. As far as feelings go, I must stake all blindly: I must will to believe, and this can never be done without a violent effort on my part to dissociate myself from my old ways of looking at things, and by putting myself right over on to Him.
Every man is made to reach out beyond his grasp. It is God Who draws me, and my relationship with Him in the first place is a personal one, not an intellectual one. I am introduced into the relationship by the miracle of God and my own will to believe, then I begin to get an intelligent appreciation and understanding of the wonder of the transaction.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 265-266). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
While today's entry from My Utmost for His Highest may have been written with preaching the of the Gospel message in mind, several phrases are very applicable to the already adopted sons and daughters of God the Father.
If one replaces "belief" which is necessary for salvation, with "obedience" which is what believers are commanded to do, the passage becomes guidance for the Christian.
When God directs me, the issue of my will comes in at once. Obedience is not an intellectual act: obedience is a moral act where by I commit myself.
Obedience must be the will to obey.
I must will to obey, and this can never be done without a violent effort on my part to dissociate myself from my old ways. . .
Both the initial acceptance of God a Lord and Savior and continued obedience are both only possible through the workings of the Holy Spirit, but both are also a product of one's individual will. We choose to accept Christ, and we choose to obey Him.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
The Words Will Come December 20, 2014
19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. Matthew 10:19 ESV
You have a disagreeable duty to do at twelve o'clock. Do not blacken nine,
and ten, and eleven, and all between, with the color of twelve. Do the work
of each, and reap your reward in peace. So when the dreaded moment in the
future becomes the present, you shall meet it walking in the light, and
that light will overcome its darkness. The best preparation is the present
well seen to, the last duty done. For this will keep the eye so clear and
the body so full of light that the right action will be perceived at once,
the right words will rush from the heart to the lips, and the man, full of
the Spirit of God because he cares for nothing but the will of God, will
trample on the evil thing in love, and be sent, it may be, in a chariot
of fire to the presence of his Father, or stand unmoved amid the cruel
mockings of the men he loves.
My Utmost for His Highest. Mary Tileston, December 20.
Oh, how many times have I "blackened nine, and ten, and eleven"?
Three days from now I have to (fill in the blank).
Tomorrow I have to talk to (fill in the blank) about (fill in the blank).
(Fill in the blank) has to be done, and I am not looking forward to it.
Jesus reminds her listeners that God will provide His children with the right words at the right time. Allowing that future challenge to become today's focus will not only strip today of its joy, but might also have a negative effect on today's productivity.
Does this mean we should not prepare for or pray about that unpleasant future task? By all means, "No". Jesus spent many hours in the temple in study, discussion, debate. There are numerous times in the New Testament when Christ went off alone to pray. However, He did not allow the future to destroy the present.
Pray. Prepare. Plan. But then allow today's focus to be today's tasks. This hour's assignment should be this hour's concern. Do today the best we can. He will equip us for tomorrow.
It is interesting how this blog entry supports the lesson I am teaching tomorrow in small group. Much of tomorrow's lesson will be spent on Joseph's response to God's direction prior to and following Jesus' birth.
Marry Mary who is pregnant, but the baby is not yours. Joseph did.
Take your family to Egypt. Joseph did.
He did not know each step of the future. The journey was not laid out from start to finish. Joseph was obedient one day at a time. His "Yes, Lord" was not dependent on knowing every jot and tittle of the future. "Today God said (fill in the blank). So today I did (fill in the blank)." That is obedience. That is faith.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Peace December 14, 2014
The Great Life Peace
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV
Let not your heart be troubled. John 14:1 Whenever a thing becomes difficult in personal experience, we are in danger of blaming God, but it is we who are in the wrong, not God, there is some perversity somewhere that we will not let go. Immediately we do, everything becomes as clear as daylight. As long as we try to serve two ends, ourselves and God, there is perplexity. The attitude must be one of complete reliance on God. When once we get there, there is nothing easier than living the saintly life; difficulty comes in when we want to usurp the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own ends.
Whenever you obey God, His seal is always that of peace, the witness of an unfathomable peace, which is not natural, but the peace of Jesus. Whenever peace does not come, tarry till it does or find out the reason why it does not. If you are acting on an impulse, or from a sense of the heroic, the peace of Jesus will not witness; there is no simplicity or confidence in God, because the spirit of simplicity is born of the Holy Ghost, not of your decisions. Every decision brings a reaction of simplicity.
My questions come whenever I cease to obey. When I have obeyed God, the problems never come between me and God, they come as probes to keep the mind awake and amazed at the revelation of God. Any problem that comes between God and myself springs out of disobedience; any problem, and there are many, that is alongside me while I obey God, increases my ecstatic delight, because I know that my Father knows, and I am going to watch and see how He unravels this thing.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 259-260). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
John 14:27 is one of those verses that brings me close to tears each time slow down and meditate on it. Jesus is speaking to his disciples near the end of his life, possibly within just days of his impending crucifixion. He is aware of what his immediate future holds- pain, humiliation, rejection. Yet he is speaking a word of peace to his disciples.
His focus is concern, not the cross. He wishes to comfort, not be comforted. He wants to protect, not be protected. At the point in his life where by all logical thinking he should be withdrawing, retreating, trembling, he is continuing to minister to the needs of others.
Remember that Christ was 100% man and only his "complete reliance on God" made this possible. As Christ obediently moved toward the cross, he was assured of His father's approval and salvation brought about by the "witness of unfathomable peace".
Friday, December 12, 2014
The Choice is Yours December 12, 2014
8 I delight to do your will, O my God; Psalm 40:8 ESV
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart! Psalm 119:32 ESV
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it. Psalm 119:35 ESV
I enjoy taking photographs. I look forward to game night with family and friends. I have a fondness for travel. But do I delight in doing God's will? Do I run to be obedient to God?
I would like to answer those questions in the affirmative, but all to often, while perhaps not negative, I am neutral. Too many times my obedience is out of a sense of duty and obligation. On rare occasion I am obedient because I want to avoid possible heavenly reprecussions.
Would God prefer a grousing, but obedient child over a joyful reprobate? Me thinks so. But what He truly desires is a joyful path follower.
Why is a positive attitude of obedience so important?
1. It is what God prefers and pleases Him. Think of this in terms of your parenting. If a child complies, but lets you know he really would rather not, it does not lift your heart as a parent. It does not strengthen the relationship. There is "no joy in Mudville".
2. It affects those around us. We are ambassadors of Christ. We are the Jesus this world sees. If our countenance is dour and our attitude sour, we will not a winsome witness for our Lord and Savior. Who would want to know more about a Father whose children are unhappy all the time?
3. If our attitude of obedience is one of joy, future obedience becomes easier. We repeat the things we enjoy and avoid those which we do not.
At the end of the day we have three options: disobedience, grumpy obedience, or joyful obedience. Since disobedience is not a choice most of us would consciously make, that leaves surly obedience or cheerful obedience. The choice seems like a no-brainer to me.
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart! Psalm 119:32 ESV
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it. Psalm 119:35 ESV
I enjoy taking photographs. I look forward to game night with family and friends. I have a fondness for travel. But do I delight in doing God's will? Do I run to be obedient to God?
I would like to answer those questions in the affirmative, but all to often, while perhaps not negative, I am neutral. Too many times my obedience is out of a sense of duty and obligation. On rare occasion I am obedient because I want to avoid possible heavenly reprecussions.
Would God prefer a grousing, but obedient child over a joyful reprobate? Me thinks so. But what He truly desires is a joyful path follower.
Why is a positive attitude of obedience so important?
1. It is what God prefers and pleases Him. Think of this in terms of your parenting. If a child complies, but lets you know he really would rather not, it does not lift your heart as a parent. It does not strengthen the relationship. There is "no joy in Mudville".
2. It affects those around us. We are ambassadors of Christ. We are the Jesus this world sees. If our countenance is dour and our attitude sour, we will not a winsome witness for our Lord and Savior. Who would want to know more about a Father whose children are unhappy all the time?
3. If our attitude of obedience is one of joy, future obedience becomes easier. We repeat the things we enjoy and avoid those which we do not.
At the end of the day we have three options: disobedience, grumpy obedience, or joyful obedience. Since disobedience is not a choice most of us would consciously make, that leaves surly obedience or cheerful obedience. The choice seems like a no-brainer to me.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Dough and H2O December 11, 2014
25 You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water
Exodus 23:25 ESV
Prayer List: President of the United States and Congress, missionaries abroad, pastor, relative with cancer, job search for friend, that situation at work, fun, enjoyment, WAIT!!
Fun, enjoyment? With all the heavy duty stuff going on in our personal lives and the world at large, does God really have time for our little prayers? The verse from Exodus reminds His children He is involved in all aspects of our lives. God will even bless our "bread and your water".
Bread and water. Basic. Bare. Ordinary. Yet because God is the Lord of big and small, He promises to bless even that for His children.
So often prayer lists are chock full of consequential issues and grave illnesses. Those things most certainly need our fervent and effectual prayer, but don't forget God is also aware of and involved with our bread and water, the little stuff of life.
Exodus 23:25 ESV
Prayer List: President of the United States and Congress, missionaries abroad, pastor, relative with cancer, job search for friend, that situation at work, fun, enjoyment, WAIT!!
Fun, enjoyment? With all the heavy duty stuff going on in our personal lives and the world at large, does God really have time for our little prayers? The verse from Exodus reminds His children He is involved in all aspects of our lives. God will even bless our "bread and your water".
Bread and water. Basic. Bare. Ordinary. Yet because God is the Lord of big and small, He promises to bless even that for His children.
So often prayer lists are chock full of consequential issues and grave illnesses. Those things most certainly need our fervent and effectual prayer, but don't forget God is also aware of and involved with our bread and water, the little stuff of life.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
December 9, 2014
The Offence of the Natural
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24 ESV
The natural life is not sinful; we must be apostatised from sin, have nothing to do with sin in any shape or form. Sin belongs to hell and the devil; I, as a child of God, belong to heaven and God. It is not a question of giving up sin, but of giving up my right to myself, my natural independence and self-assertiveness, and this is where the battle has to be fought. It is the things that are right and noble and good from the natural standpoint that keep us back from God’s best. To discern that natural virtues antagonise surrender to God, is to bring our soul into the centre of its greatest battle. Very few of us debate with the sordid and evil and wrong, but we do debate with the good. It is the good that hates the best, and the higher up you get in the scale of the natural virtues, the more intense is the opposition to Jesus Christ. “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh”—it is going to cost the natural in you everything, not something. Jesus said—If any man will be My disciple, “let him deny himself” i.e., his right to himself, and a man has to realise Who Jesus Christ is before he will do it. Beware of refusing to go to the funeral of your own independence.
The natural life is not spiritual, and it can only be made spiritual by sacrifice. If we do not resolutely sacrifice the natural, the supernatural can never become natural in us. There is no royal road there; each of us has it entirely in his own hands. It is not a question of praying, but of performing.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 256). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Sushi? Yuck! December 8, 2014
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3 ESV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Editors Note: If I am committing some spiritual heresay by equating "spiritual blessing" with "fruit of the Spirit" please don't report me to the seminary police.
Note the tense of the verb in the second half of Ephesians 1:3. "Has" is present perfect tense. What?! PPT describes an action that began in the past, continues in the present, and may continue into the future.
God, through the atoning work of His son, Jesus Christ, blessed us in the past, continues to bless, and will bless us in the future with EVERY spiritual blessing.
When Seth, Kristi, and I go to a sushi restaurant, I feel like the narrator in the beloved children's book, Green Eggs and Ham. I will not eat it in a box. I will not eat it with a fox. I will not eat it here. I will not eat it any where. When presented with a choice of raw sea creatures my eyes wander to the "sides" portion of the menu. I end up getting a side of teriyaki chicken, a side of rice, and a side of noodles. While not as daring or metropolitan as kelp-wrapped eel or lightly sauteed cephalopod limb, I do enjoy the more pedestrian repast.
In the past I have been guilty of looking at the fruit of the spirit as an ala carte menu. Today I will need some self-control, with a side of gentleness, and a couple of helpings of peace. I will pass on the faithfulness today and go light on the joy. But according to Paul in Ephesians, as God's children we have already been blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing.
Our plate is brim full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no need to pray a portion of any of the items listed in the fruit of the spirit. God has and continues to bestow them on Christians.
What practical application does this have? When we fail to exhibit the fruit of the spirit, it is not because we are lacking that attribute, but because we have not allowed God to manifest it in our lives. We have allowed the old nature to trump the new nature that has been bestowed on us at the point of salvation.
Jesus Christ saved not just from an eternity of separation from Him, but He also saved us from a broken relationship with God the Father. Jesus' death and resurrection made restoration of that relationship possible. And with that we have the power through Jesus to exhibit the fruit of the spirit on a daily, hourly basis. It won't always be easy, and we will most likely fail multiple times a day, but it is not because we lack the spiritual blessings, our old nature just keeps rearing its ugly head.
Pray each day that today more of the fruit will be apparent to those around you than was present yesterday. Anticipate those situations or people who make it difficult to be patient, kind, or peaceful. Get prayed up. The fruit is within. Allow God to help apply that fruit each day to each situation.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Editors Note: If I am committing some spiritual heresay by equating "spiritual blessing" with "fruit of the Spirit" please don't report me to the seminary police.
Note the tense of the verb in the second half of Ephesians 1:3. "Has" is present perfect tense. What?! PPT describes an action that began in the past, continues in the present, and may continue into the future.
God, through the atoning work of His son, Jesus Christ, blessed us in the past, continues to bless, and will bless us in the future with EVERY spiritual blessing.
When Seth, Kristi, and I go to a sushi restaurant, I feel like the narrator in the beloved children's book, Green Eggs and Ham. I will not eat it in a box. I will not eat it with a fox. I will not eat it here. I will not eat it any where. When presented with a choice of raw sea creatures my eyes wander to the "sides" portion of the menu. I end up getting a side of teriyaki chicken, a side of rice, and a side of noodles. While not as daring or metropolitan as kelp-wrapped eel or lightly sauteed cephalopod limb, I do enjoy the more pedestrian repast.
In the past I have been guilty of looking at the fruit of the spirit as an ala carte menu. Today I will need some self-control, with a side of gentleness, and a couple of helpings of peace. I will pass on the faithfulness today and go light on the joy. But according to Paul in Ephesians, as God's children we have already been blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing.
Our plate is brim full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no need to pray a portion of any of the items listed in the fruit of the spirit. God has and continues to bestow them on Christians.
What practical application does this have? When we fail to exhibit the fruit of the spirit, it is not because we are lacking that attribute, but because we have not allowed God to manifest it in our lives. We have allowed the old nature to trump the new nature that has been bestowed on us at the point of salvation.
Jesus Christ saved not just from an eternity of separation from Him, but He also saved us from a broken relationship with God the Father. Jesus' death and resurrection made restoration of that relationship possible. And with that we have the power through Jesus to exhibit the fruit of the spirit on a daily, hourly basis. It won't always be easy, and we will most likely fail multiple times a day, but it is not because we lack the spiritual blessings, our old nature just keeps rearing its ugly head.
Pray each day that today more of the fruit will be apparent to those around you than was present yesterday. Anticipate those situations or people who make it difficult to be patient, kind, or peaceful. Get prayed up. The fruit is within. Allow God to help apply that fruit each day to each situation.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Rainbow December 6, 2014
The Bow in the Cloud
"I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth." Genesis 9:13 KJV
Waiting for God is incarnate unbelief, it means that I have no faith in Him; I wait for Him to do something in me that I may trust in that. God will not do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man has to go out of himself in his covenant with God as God goes out of Himself in His covenant with man. It is a question of faith in God—the rarest thing; we have faith only in our feelings. I do not believe God unless He will give me something in my hand whereby I may know I have it, then I say—“Now I believe.” There is no faith there. “Look unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isaiah 45:22 KJV
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 254). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
I worry. I fret. I fuss. I stew. Several years ago, the cotton industry ran a series of ads touting cotton as the "Fabric of Our Lives". Ever since I can remember worry has been the "fabric of my life". And for years I have attacked worry from the negative. Please help me not to worry. Please help me get back to sleep. Please help me to think of something else. I found verses that combated worry.
My focus was on worry when all along it should have been on God. He has promised an abundant life. He has vowed to provide peace beyond all understanding. He placed a rainbow in the sky.
His promises of salvation are not exclusive to eternal salvation. That salvation is a daily salvation from anxiety, confusion, anger, depression. A positive outcome of the situation that is the object of worry is a foregone conclusion for the child of God.
As Chambers points out, if we wait for God to show us that outcome or create that internal feeling, it is "incarnate unbelief". Where is the faith if it depends on the tangible. Faith is trusting the ladder before stepping on the rung. Faith is boarding the plan before it is airborne. Faith is knowing cancer serves a greater purpose. Faith is committing to a ministry when you really don't have the time, but have been called.
Focus on God, not worry. Ask for a stronger faith, not the cessation of disquietude. It is our lack of faith that creates worry, not the machinations of this world.
"I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth." Genesis 9:13 KJV
Waiting for God is incarnate unbelief, it means that I have no faith in Him; I wait for Him to do something in me that I may trust in that. God will not do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man has to go out of himself in his covenant with God as God goes out of Himself in His covenant with man. It is a question of faith in God—the rarest thing; we have faith only in our feelings. I do not believe God unless He will give me something in my hand whereby I may know I have it, then I say—“Now I believe.” There is no faith there. “Look unto Me, and be ye saved.” Isaiah 45:22 KJV
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 254). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
I worry. I fret. I fuss. I stew. Several years ago, the cotton industry ran a series of ads touting cotton as the "Fabric of Our Lives". Ever since I can remember worry has been the "fabric of my life". And for years I have attacked worry from the negative. Please help me not to worry. Please help me get back to sleep. Please help me to think of something else. I found verses that combated worry.
My focus was on worry when all along it should have been on God. He has promised an abundant life. He has vowed to provide peace beyond all understanding. He placed a rainbow in the sky.
His promises of salvation are not exclusive to eternal salvation. That salvation is a daily salvation from anxiety, confusion, anger, depression. A positive outcome of the situation that is the object of worry is a foregone conclusion for the child of God.
As Chambers points out, if we wait for God to show us that outcome or create that internal feeling, it is "incarnate unbelief". Where is the faith if it depends on the tangible. Faith is trusting the ladder before stepping on the rung. Faith is boarding the plan before it is airborne. Faith is knowing cancer serves a greater purpose. Faith is committing to a ministry when you really don't have the time, but have been called.
Focus on God, not worry. Ask for a stronger faith, not the cessation of disquietude. It is our lack of faith that creates worry, not the machinations of this world.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
It's About Focus December 4, 2014
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. 1 Timothy 6:12 ESV
7 To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 ESV
The verses above are from the three readings I access each morning for my Bible study. The verse from John is the "Verse of the Day" sent out via the Internet by Bible Gateway. The Timothy and Revelation verses are from books written many decades ago: My Utmost for His Highest and Daily Strength for Daily Needs.
As I have considered these three sources this morning, I realized that the two older sources focus a lot on trials, struggles, and overcoming. While that is certainly an aspect of the Christian life (both spiritually and physically) there is the other side of the Christian coin--light, joy, praise. The verse from John is a shining (pun intended) example of the lighter side of Salvation.
Praise is not easy for me. Thanksgiving gives way to supplication too quickly. Joy is outstripped by toil.
I have a tendency to turn my Christian life into a series of battles and lose that balance between struggle and celebration.
Some of that is my nature; however, it is being aided by my choice of reading materials. I would welcome any devotionals that may lean more toward celebration and thanksgiving.
Christians are conquerors, victors, winners, not JOE BTFSPLK.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. 1 Timothy 6:12 ESV
7 To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 ESV
The verses above are from the three readings I access each morning for my Bible study. The verse from John is the "Verse of the Day" sent out via the Internet by Bible Gateway. The Timothy and Revelation verses are from books written many decades ago: My Utmost for His Highest and Daily Strength for Daily Needs.
As I have considered these three sources this morning, I realized that the two older sources focus a lot on trials, struggles, and overcoming. While that is certainly an aspect of the Christian life (both spiritually and physically) there is the other side of the Christian coin--light, joy, praise. The verse from John is a shining (pun intended) example of the lighter side of Salvation.
Praise is not easy for me. Thanksgiving gives way to supplication too quickly. Joy is outstripped by toil.
I have a tendency to turn my Christian life into a series of battles and lose that balance between struggle and celebration.
Some of that is my nature; however, it is being aided by my choice of reading materials. I would welcome any devotionals that may lean more toward celebration and thanksgiving.
Christians are conquerors, victors, winners, not JOE BTFSPLK.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
To Thirst or Not To Thirst December 3, 2014
35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35 ESV
1As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Psalm 42:1-2 ESV
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 ESV
I am not trying to pick a bone with Jesus. That would be foolhardy and perhaps disastrous. But I would welcome any insight into John 6:35.
Jesus is not referring to physical hunger and thirst. There have been, still are, and always will be Christians who suffer from physical hunger and thirst. One of the last words Christ spoke on the cross were, "I thirst", referring to a physical need. John 19:28 ESV
So Christ must have been referring to a spiritual hunger and thirst. Yet as shown in the verses from Psalm and Matthew, a spiritual thirst and hunger are desirable.
If Christ is not referring to the physical and other verses seem to point to the value of a spiritual hunger and thirst, what is His reference in John 6:35?
Me thinks that perhaps the reason today's verse struck me so hard is the spiritual thirst and hunger I am currently feeling. The ministry in which I have been involved for the past three/four years has been shut down, two other ministry openings at church have been filled, and I am struggling to discern God's will for my involvement in a specific ministry. There is a certain restlessness in my soul.
1As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Psalm 42:1-2 ESV
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 ESV
I am not trying to pick a bone with Jesus. That would be foolhardy and perhaps disastrous. But I would welcome any insight into John 6:35.
Jesus is not referring to physical hunger and thirst. There have been, still are, and always will be Christians who suffer from physical hunger and thirst. One of the last words Christ spoke on the cross were, "I thirst", referring to a physical need. John 19:28 ESV
So Christ must have been referring to a spiritual hunger and thirst. Yet as shown in the verses from Psalm and Matthew, a spiritual thirst and hunger are desirable.
If Christ is not referring to the physical and other verses seem to point to the value of a spiritual hunger and thirst, what is His reference in John 6:35?
Me thinks that perhaps the reason today's verse struck me so hard is the spiritual thirst and hunger I am currently feeling. The ministry in which I have been involved for the past three/four years has been shut down, two other ministry openings at church have been filled, and I am struggling to discern God's will for my involvement in a specific ministry. There is a certain restlessness in my soul.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
The Altruistic Atheist December 2, 2014
Christian Perfection
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Philippians 3:12 ESV
It is a snare to imagine that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do; God’s purpose is to make us one with Himself. The emphasis of holiness movements is apt to be that God is producing specimens of holiness to put in His museum. If you go off on this idea of personal holiness, the dead-set of your life will not be for God, but for what you call the manifestation of God in your life. “It can never be God’s will that I should be sick,” you say. If it was God’s will to bruise His own Son, why should He not bruise you? The thing that tells for God is not your relevant consistency to an idea of what a saint should be, but your real vital relation to Jesus Christ, and your abandonment to Him whether you are well or ill.
Christian perfection is not, and never can be, human perfection. Christian perfection is the perfection of a relationship to God which shows itself amid the irrelevancies of human life. When you obey the call of Jesus Christ, the first thing that strikes you is the irrelevancy of the things you have to do, and the next thing that strikes you is the fact that other people seem to be living perfectly consistent lives. Such lives are apt to leave you with the idea that God is unnecessary, by human effort and devotion we can reach the standard God wants. In a fallen world this can never be done. I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in other lives, not admiration for myself. Thoughts about myself hinder my usefulness to God. God is not after perfecting me to be a specimen in His show-room; He is getting me to the place where He can use me. Let Him do what He likes.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 250-251). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
In today's reading, Chambers addresses one of the issues I find disconcerting. . . The munificent Muslim. The benevolent Buddhist. The humanitarian Hindu. People and organizations who are devoid of Christ but are still affecting the world for good. Many of whom seem to espouse "Christian" values at a greater rate than many of our churches.
Chambers makes it clear that our actions are not God's goal. What we do is of little value if it is not borne out of a closer relationship with Him. Our desire should be a more intimate relationship with Him. Out of this intimacy will flow the thoughts and actions that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
6 But we are all like an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;
Isaiah 64:6 KJV
If we give, but grumble, He is displeased. If we feed the poor, but hate our neighbor, He is grieved. If we march in protest, but neglect the Word, He is disappointed.
Actions that are not the result of our relationship with Him are of little value to our Heavenly Father who sees the heart. Before we act, let us pray. Before we march, let us mediate on Him. Before we give, let us deepen our relationship.
If we align ourselves with God, spend time with Him. search for His will, our thoughts, words, and actions will be pleasing to Him and of benefit to a lost and dying world.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Powerless November 29, 2014
The Bounty of the Destitute
The Gospel of the grace of God awakens an intense longing in human souls and an equally intense resentment, because the revelation which it brings is not palatable. There is a certain pride in man that will give and give, but to come and accept is another thing. I will give my life to martyrdom, I will give myself in consecration, I will do anything, but do not humiliate me to the level of the most hell-deserving sinner and tell me that all I have to do is to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
We have to realise that we cannot earn or win anything from God; we must either receive it as a gift or do without it. The greatest blessing spiritually is the knowledge that we are destitute; until we get there Our Lord is powerless. He can do nothing for us if we think we are sufficient of ourselves; we have to enter into His Kingdom through the door of destitution. As long as we are rich, possessed of anything in the way of pride or independence, God cannot do anything for us. It is only when we get hungry spiritually that we receive the Holy Spirit. The gift of the nature of God is made effectual in us by the Holy Spirit; He imparts to us the quickening life of Jesus, which puts “the beyond” within, and immediately the beyond has come within, it rises up to “the above,” and we are lifted into the domain where Jesus lives. (John 3:5)
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 247). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
As I read today's entry from My Utmost for His Highest, I did some research to locate other verses that supported "grace alone". But as happens so often, I got sidetracked. (I would invite you to click on the link below and read the entire article.) What gave me the most cause for pause from the article was the following quote. "It is from Pelagius and not Holy Scripture that we derive the idea that children are born innocent, not sinful, and it is from Pelagius that we learn that sin is simply that which we do, not what we are."
Sin is what we are, not what we do. Man is inherently evil, stained, damned. Try preaching that from the pulpit today! A spike in television ratings would most likely not follow such a sermon.
We are sin. We don't sin, but it is our very fabric. What a sobering thought. It is this very idea that makes a rebirth necessary. “Truly, truly, I (Jesus) say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 ESV A rabbit cannot become a fox. A sparrow cannot become an eagle. A sinner cannot become a saint. It is only through being reborn a new creature can we be sanctified. And that rebirth is only possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. Not through any change we make. Not through any actions we take. Not through any gifts we give.
Our very birth guaranteed our damnation save for the blood of Christ. It is when we realize our natural state, when we fully admit our black, corrupted nature that we can fully appreciate grace. Grace covers. Grace cleanses, Grace forgives. I have nothing whatsoever to do with my salvation. The only hope of salvation comes through Jesus Christ's death on the cross. His sacrifice, His blood. His perfection. His resurrection.
Let's never lessen Christ's death by thinking we have anything to do with our salvation.
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/gracealone.html
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Acceptable Worship November 26, 2014
28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe Hebrews 12:28 ESV
We are to offer God "acceptable worship". Perhaps it is the teacher in me, but my mind tends to need clarification, identification, definition.
What is "acceptable worship". What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like?
Acceptable worship is:
1. Singular in focus.
God and Him alone should be the object of our worship. Not the pastor. Not the worship leader. Not the soloists. While people, processes, and pomp may lead stimulate our intellect or frenzy our emotions, God MUST remain our sole focus. Satan loves to place people above Christ. He cackles with glee when he is able to use the holy to distract from the Holy.
2. Genuine.
God it not impressed with the size of our vocabulary. He is not won over by the amount of time we spend in prayer. 7/24 means nothing to Him if it is not genuine, honest, and raw. Do we trust God with our joy, fear, anger, doubts? Do we sing to God, yell at God, cry with God? He identifies with our insecurities, infirmities, frailties, and fears. He longs to hear our laughter. Don't try to fool God.
3. Spontaneous.
We might need to set aside a time and place, but once we arrive at the appointed location, allow God to lead and guide our worship. Be still and wait for Him to guide and direct our worship.
4. Exclusive.
Emails can wait. Texts don't need an immediate response. Many town in the American west in the 1800's prohibited people from carrying guns in town without special permission from the sheriff. Guns had to be left at the Sherrif's office. Too bad churches don't require cell phones and tablets be checked in at the door. God should not have to compete with emails, texts, Tweets, and Facebook.
5. Location independent.
Not the best word choice, but worship does not require a special location. No alters required. Not prayer benches necessary. No equipment needed. "Acceptable worship" can happen on a walk, in a pew, or during a bike ride.
He desires our company. Open, honest, real. Singular, focused, exclusive. Acceptable worship is about the object our worship, not the position of our body, the expanse of our vocabulary, or the height of our raised hands. He deserves nothing less.
We are to offer God "acceptable worship". Perhaps it is the teacher in me, but my mind tends to need clarification, identification, definition.
What is "acceptable worship". What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like?
Acceptable worship is:
1. Singular in focus.
God and Him alone should be the object of our worship. Not the pastor. Not the worship leader. Not the soloists. While people, processes, and pomp may lead stimulate our intellect or frenzy our emotions, God MUST remain our sole focus. Satan loves to place people above Christ. He cackles with glee when he is able to use the holy to distract from the Holy.
2. Genuine.
God it not impressed with the size of our vocabulary. He is not won over by the amount of time we spend in prayer. 7/24 means nothing to Him if it is not genuine, honest, and raw. Do we trust God with our joy, fear, anger, doubts? Do we sing to God, yell at God, cry with God? He identifies with our insecurities, infirmities, frailties, and fears. He longs to hear our laughter. Don't try to fool God.
3. Spontaneous.
We might need to set aside a time and place, but once we arrive at the appointed location, allow God to lead and guide our worship. Be still and wait for Him to guide and direct our worship.
4. Exclusive.
Emails can wait. Texts don't need an immediate response. Many town in the American west in the 1800's prohibited people from carrying guns in town without special permission from the sheriff. Guns had to be left at the Sherrif's office. Too bad churches don't require cell phones and tablets be checked in at the door. God should not have to compete with emails, texts, Tweets, and Facebook.
5. Location independent.
Not the best word choice, but worship does not require a special location. No alters required. Not prayer benches necessary. No equipment needed. "Acceptable worship" can happen on a walk, in a pew, or during a bike ride.
He desires our company. Open, honest, real. Singular, focused, exclusive. Acceptable worship is about the object our worship, not the position of our body, the expanse of our vocabulary, or the height of our raised hands. He deserves nothing less.
Monday, November 24, 2014
November 24, 2014
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
Colossians 2:6 ESV
Talk in him.
Praise, exhortation, and encouragement.
Let the words of my mouth. . .be acceptable in your sight, Psalm 19:14 ESV
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Interact in him.
Will those we meet, work with, and live with know who our Father is by our actions? Will we reflect Jesus or be just another in a long line of faceless, self-seeking persons?
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:1-2 ESV
31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31 ESV
Think in him.
Thoughts proceed actions. Be careful little mind what you think.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
Work in him.
Employers should be eager to hire every Christian who is qualified for the job.
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23 ESV
Walk in him.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Three Times November 22, 2014
Shallow and Profound
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV
Beware of allowing yourself to think that the shallow concerns of life are not ordained of God; they are as much of God as the profound. It is not your devotion to God that makes you refuse to be shallow, but your wish to impress other people with the fact that you are not shallow, which is a sure sign that you are a spiritual prig. Be careful of the production of contempt in yourself, it always comes along this line, and causes you to go about as a walking rebuke to other people because they are more shallow than you are.
Beware of posing as a profound person; God became a Baby. To be shallow is not a sign of being wicked, nor is shallowness a sign that there are no deeps; the ocean has a shore. The shallow amenities of life, eating and drinking, walking and talking, are all ordained by God. These are the things in which Our Lord lived. He lived in them as the Son of God, and He said that “the disciple is not above his Master.”
Our safeguard is in the shallow things. We have to live the surface commonsense life in a commonsense way; when the deeper things come, God gives them to us apart from the shallow concerns. Never show the deeps to anyone but God. We are so abominably serious, so desperately interested in our own characters, that we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life.
Determinedly take no one seriously but God, and the first person you find you have to leave severely alone as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 242-243). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
I have just read Mr. Chambers November 22 entry for the third time and am still astounded at how God orchestrates even the small details of my life such as the perfect excerpt from a decades old book at an exact time in my life.
Just yesterday I was lamenting to dad about the fact there was not vehicle at Ridgecrest to allow for deep, professorial exchange of spiritual truths, Biblical revelations, and God-inspired thinkings. I had envisioned an evening of dog-eared Bibles, spirited discussion, stale coffee in Styrofoam cups littering a table sanctified by the conversation and revelation of the greatest Biblical minds at Ridgecrest. And, of course, I would be right in the thick of things.
Today's reading reminded me it is that type of thinking that creates "prigs". Sunday school is too shallow for me. Pastor Chad does not challenge my thinking. My gifts are far too refined to teach 12-year-old children. How arrogant. How prideful. How incorrect.
God is still working on my shallows. Chambers points out that Christ lived the "shallow amenities of life". His mealtime conversation was kind. His carpentry bids were fair and honest. He paid taxes and attended family functions. Jesus Christ, God incarnate, lived "the surface commonsense life in a commonsense way".
Allowing God to deepen our relationship with and understanding of Him is certainly an admirable goal, perhaps even required, of Christians. However, this cannot outshine and override the importance of behaving "like Christians in the shallow concerns of life".
Friday, November 21, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
November 20, 2014
The Forgiveness of God
In whom we have . . . the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7 KJV
Beware of the pleasant view of the Fatherhood of God—God is so kind and loving that of course He will forgive us. That sentiment has no place whatever in the New Testament. The only ground on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy of the Cross of Christ; to put forgiveness on any other ground is unconscious blasphemy. The only ground on which God can forgive sin and reinstate us in His favour is through the Cross of Christ, and in no other way.
Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony of Calvary. It is possible to take the forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and our sanctification with the simplicity of faith, and to forget at what enormous cost to God it was all made ours. Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace; it cost God the Cross of Jesus Christ before He could forgive sin and remain a holy God. Never accept a view of the Fatherhood of God if it blots out the Atonement. The revelation of God is that He cannot forgive; He would contradict His nature if He did. The only way we can be forgiven is by being brought back to God by the Atonement. God’s forgiveness is only natural in the super-natural domain.
Compared with the miracle of the forgiveness of sin, the experience of sanctification is slight. Sanctification is simply the marvellous expression of the forgiveness of sins in a human life, but the thing that awakens the deepest well of gratitude in a human being is that God has forgiven sin. Paul never got away from this. When once you realise all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vice, constrained by the love of God.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 241-242). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Consider the Cost November 19, 2014
When He Is Come
And He, when He is come, He will convict the world in respect of sin . . . John 16:8 (rv)
Very few of us know anything about conviction of sin; we know the experience of being disturbed because of having done wrong things; but conviction of sin by the Holy Ghost blots out every relationship on earth and leaves one relationship only—“Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned.” When a man is convicted of sin in this way, he knows with every power of his conscience that God dare not forgive him; if God did forgive him, the man would have a stronger sense of justice than God. God does forgive, but it cost the rending of His heart in the death of Christ to enable Him to do so. The great miracle of the grace of God is that He forgives sin, and it is the death of Jesus Christ alone that enables the Divine nature to forgive and to remain true to itself in doing so. It is shallow nonsense to say that God forgives us because He is love. When we have been convicted of sin we will never say this again. The love of God means Calvary, and nothing less; the love of God is spelt on the Cross and nowhere else. The only ground on which God can forgive me is through the Cross of my Lord. There, His conscience is satisfied.
Forgiveness means not merely that I am saved from hell and made right for heaven (no man would accept forgiveness on such a level); forgiveness means that I am forgiven into a recreated relationship, into identification with God in Christ. The miracle of Redemption is that God turns me, the unholy one, into the standard of Himself, the Holy One, by putting into me a new disposition, the disposition of Jesus Christ.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 240-241). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
This past Sunday's small group lesson was on forgiveness. We discussed a variety of things. Why is it hard to forgive? How does our unwillingness to forgive affect us? Stories were shared, opinions offered, verses were quoted. It was a good lesson, but until reading today's excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest I hadn't thought about what it costs us to forgive. Nothing. Not a nickle. No financial sacrifice. No physical pain. For us to forgive, while difficult at times, is a matter of the mind, heart, and spirit.
Contrast that to what it cost God to forgive us--the life of His Son. God sacrificed His "one and only son" "while we were yet sinners" as an offering for our forgiveness.
It cost Jesus Christ his life, offered up freely to an incredibly painful, humiliating, wholly undeserved death on the cross to gift us with a wholly undeserved forgiveness.
Our forgiveness was purchased with the blood of a spotless, perfect Savior. Literal, physical blood. Nothing figurative about the pain and suffering Christ endured so we could be forgiven. The lashes He received were real. The pieces of flesh and muscle torn from his back as he was flogged were not part of some fable. His cuts, his wounds, his incredible pain were all designed for one reason--our forgiveness.
Yet we hesitate to forgive a coworker for an unkind word. We resist forgiving an ex-spouse for treating us poorly. It requires no lashes. No crown of thorns. No nails through our hands and feet. In fact, we benefit both physically and spiritually when we forgive. How dare we not follow Christ's example in forgiveness. He gave his life for our forgiveness- literally, his physical life! Can we not sacrifice our pride, our sense of entitlement, our sense of righteousness to forgive?
Forgiveness may not be easy. Hurts run deep. But if God requires, God enables. Let's follow Christ's example by forgiving others as He has forgiven us.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Can't Means Won't November 18, 2014
Winning into Freedom
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36 KJV
If there is any remnant of individual conceit left, it always says—“I can’t.” Personality never says—“I can’t,” but simply absorbs and absorbs. Personality always wants more and more. It is the way we are built. We are designed with a great capacity for God; and sin and our individuality are the things that keep us from getting at God. God delivers us from sin: we have to deliver ourselves from individuality, i.e., to present our natural life to God and sacrifice it until it is transformed into a spiritual life by obedience.
God does not pay any attention to our natural individuality in the development of our spiritual life. His order runs right across the natural life, and we have to see that we aid and abet God, not stand against Him and say—“I can’t do that.” God will not discipline us, we must discipline ourselves. God will not bring every thought and imagination into captivity; we have to do it. Do not say—“O Lord, I suffer from wandering thoughts.” Don’t suffer from wandering thoughts. Stop listening to the tyranny of your individuality, and get emancipated out into personality.
“If the Son . . . shall make you free . . .” Do not substitute “Saviour” for “Son.” The Saviour set us free from sin; this is the freedom of being set free by the Son. It is what Paul means in Galatians 2:20—“I have been crucified with Christ” (rv), his natural individuality has been broken and his personality united with his Lord, not merged but united; “ye shall be free indeed,” free in essence, free from the inside. We will insist on energy, instead of being energised into identification with Jesus.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 239-240). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
While I don't complete understand all that Chambers has written in today's entry (ie. personality vs individuality, losing one's individuality), the second paragraph hit me right between the eyes. Saying to God, "I can't do that" is an affront to Him. If He has directed you in a area, He will equip you. If His word instructs "do", you will have the resources to do that which He has commanded.
It is interesting to note that Chambers does not list big, glorious obediences in his writing. Starting a ministry for lepers. Traveling to inner-city Chicago to minister to the homeless. Enrolling in seminary to begin a second career. Chambers speaks to the daily "I can'ts". He addresses those challenges we all face every day.
Additions to his list would include, "I just don't have the time for Bible study today." "I just can't forgive him/her right now." "We can't get the family ready for church each Sunday." "I don't have the extra money for a tithe."
It is the height of hubris to think our "can'ts" trump God's "cans". God will call. God will lead. God will convict. But at the end of the day, it is your choice to obey or ignore. Perhaps it is time to put on your big boy pants and quit hiding behind the "I can'ts". Can't means won't.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Between the Ears November 16, 2014
3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
Psalm 119:18 ESV
I currently have three sources for my morning Bible readings. Perhaps that is two too many, but I find that on certain mornings, a particular verse may speak to a particular area of need while the other two do not.
This morning two of the three readings reminded me of an important principle of the Christian life: so much of our success or failure as a son or daughter of God starts and perhaps ends in the mind.
Are our thoughts "stayed on Him"? Do we pray for Him to reveal Himself and His wonders to us?
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 NIV
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. . .
Romans 12:2 ESV
Of course our Christianity cannot end with thoughts, meditations, and introspections. But time, much time, must be given over to getting our attitudes and thoughts aligned with God's will for our lives.
We pray for healing. What about revelation? We pray for family's safety. Do we neglect discernment?
Both actions and attitudes are an important part of the Christian life. But the latter will certainly have a great effect on the former.
Isaiah 26:3 KJV
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
Psalm 119:18 ESV
I currently have three sources for my morning Bible readings. Perhaps that is two too many, but I find that on certain mornings, a particular verse may speak to a particular area of need while the other two do not.
This morning two of the three readings reminded me of an important principle of the Christian life: so much of our success or failure as a son or daughter of God starts and perhaps ends in the mind.
Are our thoughts "stayed on Him"? Do we pray for Him to reveal Himself and His wonders to us?
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 NIV
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. . .
Romans 12:2 ESV
Of course our Christianity cannot end with thoughts, meditations, and introspections. But time, much time, must be given over to getting our attitudes and thoughts aligned with God's will for our lives.
We pray for healing. What about revelation? We pray for family's safety. Do we neglect discernment?
Both actions and attitudes are an important part of the Christian life. But the latter will certainly have a great effect on the former.
Friday, November 14, 2014
It Ain't for Pickles November 14, 2014
Discovering Divine Designs
I being in the way, the Lord led me. . . . Genesis 24:27 KJV
As for me, the Lord has led me in the way. . . . Genesis 24:27 ESV
We have to be so one with God that we do not continually need to ask for guidance. Sanctification means that we are made the children of God, and the natural life of a child is obedience—until he wishes to be disobedient, then instantly there is the intuitive jar. In the spiritual domain the intuitive jar is the monition of the Spirit of God. When He gives the check, we have to stop at once and be renewed in the spirit of our mind in order to make out what God’s will is. If we are born again of the Spirit of God, it is the abortion of piety to ask God to guide us here and there. “The Lord led me,” and on looking back we see the presence of an amazing design, which, if we are born of God, we will credit to God. We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the culture of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never allow that the haphazard is anything less than God’s appointed order, and be ready to discover the Divine designs anywhere. Beware of making a fetish of consistency to your convictions instead of being devoted to God. “I shall never do that”—in all probability you will have to, if you are a saint. There never was a more inconsistent Being on this earth than Our Lord, but He was never inconsistent to His Father. The one consistency of the saint is not to a principle, but to the Divine life. It is the Divine life which continually makes more and more discoveries about the divine mind. It is easier to be a fanatic than a faithful soul, because there is something amazingly humbling, particularly to our religious conceit, in being loyal to God.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 236-237). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
What a powerful paragraph. So many discussions to be had just from these few lines. What jumped out at me were the two words "intuitive jar". At first reading a Mason jar full of homemade pickles came to mind. Then I realized "jar" was synonymous with nudge.
As I pondered the term "intuitive jar" I began to reflect on times when I have ignored that divine nudge. Perhaps I said just a bit too much after being nudged. Other times I may have failed to take action in response to a "intuitive jar".
There are three parts to the intuitive jar. The first is to be "so one with God" that we can recognize that still small voice. Our relationship with God has to be cultivated daily, even hourly, so that the lines of communication are open to nudges, jars, and taps. If we allow layers of disobedience and distance to build up between Jehovah and us, we will not recognize the Holy Spirit's prodding.
However, even if our lives are in a place where we are receptive to the intuitive jar, we must "stop at once and be renewed in the spirit of our mind in order to make out what God’s will is." The bumpy yellow pads at sidewalk intersections come to mind. These "traction pads" are designed for two reasons. First is obvious from the name. The second purpose it to alert people with a vision impairment that they are at an intersection.
The intuitive jar is like a traction pad. It should cause us to stop, become alert, and proceed only after additional consideration. If we hear but don't react, the message has been of no use. James 1:23-24 In fact, hearing without obeying might very well be more of an offense to our Heavenly Father than not hearing at all. It implies intentional disobedience, as opposed to ignorance.
As I reflect on my recent past, I can bring to mind several instances of ignoring the still small voice. And without exception problems have arisen. In some cases there were actual issues that arose, in others I created a season of worry because of what might have happened even though there were no repercussions.
The nudge/jar may not always be a prohibition, but it might allow for the stop-and-think time necessary to reconfigure a remark, rewrite an email, or reconsider a response. Although there may be times the nudge will lead to a season of greater searching and fervent prayer.
At the end of the day we must ask ourselves three questions. First, are we in daily, consistent communication with God so that we will receive and recognize the "intuitive jars"? Second, have we developed the discipline and faith to respond to these divine nudges by stopping to determine God's will in that situation? Third, do we have the faith necessary to be obedient to God when we have determined His will?
Communication. Clarification. Compliance.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Purpose of Delay November 12, 2014
4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4 ESV
By putting off things beyond their proper times, one duty treads upon the heels of another, and all duties are felt as irksome obligations,—a yoke beneath which we fret and lose our peace. In most cases the consequence of this is, that we have no time to do the work as it ought to be done. It is therefore done precipitately, with eagerness, with a greater desire simply to get it done, than to do it well, and with very little thought of God throughout.
Tileston, Mary W. (2012-05-17). Daily Strength for Daily Needs (p. 194). . Kindle Edition.
On November 7 I recorded in my blog that I have had several mornings of feeling unsettled. For a couple of mornings, calm reigned, however, that unease returned. I sought God for an answer and release from these morning anxieties, but they remained.
Today, I received two answers. The first contained in the excerpt from Mary Tileston's book.
There are several small tasks at work I have not completed. Nothing earth shattering, but important enough I will be held accountable for them. Until I get the necessary emails sent and reports completed, it is likely my mornings will remind half a bubble off.
The second revelation is that God has allowed several mornings of unsettledness to give me a greater appreciation of consistent, sustained prayer. Had He revealed the reason for my discomfort the first morning, the lesson learned would have been the secular lesson of getting things done in a timely manner. Which is a good lesson to remember. However, God had something bigger.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 KJV One day, one prayer, problem solved. Wouldn't that be nice if God worked that way. But in many cases days, weeks, months, or even years of prayers may be required.
If God had reminded me of the importance of completed tasks on the first morning I woke unsettled, I would have remained ignorant of the greater lesson. God has a reason for each triumph, each defeat, each season of our lives. His response to each situation, each request, each petition is perfect in it content and timing.
By putting off things beyond their proper times, one duty treads upon the heels of another, and all duties are felt as irksome obligations,—a yoke beneath which we fret and lose our peace. In most cases the consequence of this is, that we have no time to do the work as it ought to be done. It is therefore done precipitately, with eagerness, with a greater desire simply to get it done, than to do it well, and with very little thought of God throughout.
Tileston, Mary W. (2012-05-17). Daily Strength for Daily Needs (p. 194). . Kindle Edition.
On November 7 I recorded in my blog that I have had several mornings of feeling unsettled. For a couple of mornings, calm reigned, however, that unease returned. I sought God for an answer and release from these morning anxieties, but they remained.
Today, I received two answers. The first contained in the excerpt from Mary Tileston's book.
There are several small tasks at work I have not completed. Nothing earth shattering, but important enough I will be held accountable for them. Until I get the necessary emails sent and reports completed, it is likely my mornings will remind half a bubble off.
The second revelation is that God has allowed several mornings of unsettledness to give me a greater appreciation of consistent, sustained prayer. Had He revealed the reason for my discomfort the first morning, the lesson learned would have been the secular lesson of getting things done in a timely manner. Which is a good lesson to remember. However, God had something bigger.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 KJV One day, one prayer, problem solved. Wouldn't that be nice if God worked that way. But in many cases days, weeks, months, or even years of prayers may be required.
If God had reminded me of the importance of completed tasks on the first morning I woke unsettled, I would have remained ignorant of the greater lesson. God has a reason for each triumph, each defeat, each season of our lives. His response to each situation, each request, each petition is perfect in it content and timing.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Nothing to Add November 11, 2014
Today's entry is from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. I would encourage you to read Genesis 22:2,3 and then spend time reading, rereading, and prayerfully reflecting on Mr.Chamber's writing.
God’s command is—Take now, not presently. It is extraordinary how we debate! We know a thing is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it at once. To climb to the height God shows can never be done presently, it must be done now. The sacrifice is gone through in will before it is performed actually. “And Abraham rose up early in the morning, . . . and went unto the place of which God had told him” (v. 3). The wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not confer with flesh and blood. Beware when you want to confer with flesh and blood, i.e., your own sympathies, your own insight, anything that is not based on your personal relationship to God. These are the things that compete with and hinder obedience to God. Abraham did not choose the sacrifice. Always guard against self-chosen service for God; self-sacrifice may be a disease. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential order of God for you is a hard time of difficulty, go through with it, but never choose the scene of your martyrdom. God chose the crucible for Abraham, and Abraham made no demur; he went steadily through. If you are not living in touch with Him, it is easy to pass a crude verdict on God. You must go through the crucible before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because in the crucible you learn to know God better. God is working for His highest ends until His purpose and man’s purpose become one.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 234-235). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
The Supreme Climb
Take now thy son. . . . Genesis 22:2
God’s command is—Take now, not presently. It is extraordinary how we debate! We know a thing is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it at once. To climb to the height God shows can never be done presently, it must be done now. The sacrifice is gone through in will before it is performed actually. “And Abraham rose up early in the morning, . . . and went unto the place of which God had told him” (v. 3). The wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not confer with flesh and blood. Beware when you want to confer with flesh and blood, i.e., your own sympathies, your own insight, anything that is not based on your personal relationship to God. These are the things that compete with and hinder obedience to God. Abraham did not choose the sacrifice. Always guard against self-chosen service for God; self-sacrifice may be a disease. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential order of God for you is a hard time of difficulty, go through with it, but never choose the scene of your martyrdom. God chose the crucible for Abraham, and Abraham made no demur; he went steadily through. If you are not living in touch with Him, it is easy to pass a crude verdict on God. You must go through the crucible before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because in the crucible you learn to know God better. God is working for His highest ends until His purpose and man’s purpose become one.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 234-235). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Double Agent November 10, 2014
28 for“‘In him we live and move and have our being’" Acts 17:28 ESV
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 ESV
Where then is our God? You say, He is everywhere: then show me anywhere that you have met Him. You declare Him everlasting: then tell me any moment that He has been with you. You believe Him ready to succor them that are tempted, and to lift those that are bowed down: then in what passionate hour did you subside into His calm grace? in what sorrow lose yourself in His "more exceeding" joy? These are the testing questions by which we may learn whether we too have raised our altar to an "unknown God" and pay the worship of the blind; or whether we commune with Him "in whom we live, and move, and have our being." J. MARTINEAU.
Tileston, Mary W. (2012-05-17). Daily Strength for Daily Needs (p. 193). . Kindle Edition.
I recently attended a social gathering that included several regular church goers who, I truly believe, were born-again Christians. However in reviewing the evening, there were jokes told, conversations had, and words used that would have refuted that claim. If the evening had been recorded, parts of the DVD would have been rated PG-13 with a few minutes of R thrown in for good measure. I even allowed myself to get caught up on a couple of occasions.
Upon reflection, I wonder how the conversations had, the jokes told, and the expressions used would have changed if the function had been a class Sunday School party. From past experience, I surmise a recording of the class affair would have been rated G or PG at worst.
The two verses for today's reading remind us that God is omnipresent, not just in the all-powerful, watching over us mode, but He is beside, around, within each of His children. He hears every word, every utterance, every joke. His eyes witness each action, each expression, each gesture. We cannot flee His presence. We cannot hide anything from Him.
Do our actions testify to our beliefs? Is our sanctified life apparent to those around us? We owe Him our best whether alone or with a group. Whether with at a Sunday School party or tailgating our actions should be a light to those without Christ and an encouragement to our brothers and sisters. He is our constant audience and companion. Let us remember He sits at the table with us.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 ESV
Where then is our God? You say, He is everywhere: then show me anywhere that you have met Him. You declare Him everlasting: then tell me any moment that He has been with you. You believe Him ready to succor them that are tempted, and to lift those that are bowed down: then in what passionate hour did you subside into His calm grace? in what sorrow lose yourself in His "more exceeding" joy? These are the testing questions by which we may learn whether we too have raised our altar to an "unknown God" and pay the worship of the blind; or whether we commune with Him "in whom we live, and move, and have our being." J. MARTINEAU.
Tileston, Mary W. (2012-05-17). Daily Strength for Daily Needs (p. 193). . Kindle Edition.
I recently attended a social gathering that included several regular church goers who, I truly believe, were born-again Christians. However in reviewing the evening, there were jokes told, conversations had, and words used that would have refuted that claim. If the evening had been recorded, parts of the DVD would have been rated PG-13 with a few minutes of R thrown in for good measure. I even allowed myself to get caught up on a couple of occasions.
Upon reflection, I wonder how the conversations had, the jokes told, and the expressions used would have changed if the function had been a class Sunday School party. From past experience, I surmise a recording of the class affair would have been rated G or PG at worst.
The two verses for today's reading remind us that God is omnipresent, not just in the all-powerful, watching over us mode, but He is beside, around, within each of His children. He hears every word, every utterance, every joke. His eyes witness each action, each expression, each gesture. We cannot flee His presence. We cannot hide anything from Him.
Do our actions testify to our beliefs? Is our sanctified life apparent to those around us? We owe Him our best whether alone or with a group. Whether with at a Sunday School party or tailgating our actions should be a light to those without Christ and an encouragement to our brothers and sisters. He is our constant audience and companion. Let us remember He sits at the table with us.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Are We Students? November 8, 2014
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
Psalm 143:10 ESV
I admit I have been guilty in the past of trying too hard to draw parallels between scripture secular activities/events. I remember one time I tried to create this elaborate connection between football and the Christian life. Bible = playbook. God = Coach. And so forth. Luckily that was before the web, so no permanent record exists.
However, with today's verse, I once again find myself looking at a scriptural truth with a contemporary illustration. Most likely I will look back on this in a few years and sheepishly hit the "delete" button.
David asks God to "teach me to do you will. . ." This prayer is certainly in the will of God. God is uniquely capable of teaching us about Himself. So the barrier to learning about God is the student- us.
For the past 46 years I have been involved in education- either as a student, teacher, or principal. There has not been more than a 3-month period of my life where I have not set foot inside a school building since I was five years old. I know a thing or two about being a student and what it takes to be a good student. (Although I was not always a stellar pupil.)
What is required of a student?
First--Sign up for the class. To learn from God, one has to be a born-again Christian. Those who don't acknowledge the divinity of Christ, believe in the atoning power of His death and resurrection, and claim Him as Savior do not have a seat in the classroom.
Second--Buy the textbook and keep up with the reading. God has revealed Himself and His plans for us in the Bible. Highlight, take notes, use Post-its. Treat the Bible as you would any textbook. It is not meant for the coffee table.
Third--Show up for class. Whether it is a one-on-one tutoring session each morning, getting together with a small study group, or attending lecture each Sunday morning, attendance is a necessary component of spiritual growth.
Fourth--Study groups. In effective classrooms, desks placed in neat rows are a thing of the past. Students are placed in groups where discussion, disagreement, and interaction are encouraged. The lone wolf Christian will likely see little to no growth.
17 Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 ESV
Fifth--Research shows that application of discussion/theory outside the classroom is imperative to high levels of learning. Discussion, flow charts, simulations are designed to enable the learner to apply knowledge in the real world. Are we putting ourselves in situations where God's promises and truths will stand the real-world test?
If, as David did, we wish for God to "teach (us) to do Thy will", we must be a willing student. He is willing to teach. Are we willing to learn?
P.S. Happy birthday, Dad.
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
Psalm 143:10 ESV
I admit I have been guilty in the past of trying too hard to draw parallels between scripture secular activities/events. I remember one time I tried to create this elaborate connection between football and the Christian life. Bible = playbook. God = Coach. And so forth. Luckily that was before the web, so no permanent record exists.
However, with today's verse, I once again find myself looking at a scriptural truth with a contemporary illustration. Most likely I will look back on this in a few years and sheepishly hit the "delete" button.
David asks God to "teach me to do you will. . ." This prayer is certainly in the will of God. God is uniquely capable of teaching us about Himself. So the barrier to learning about God is the student- us.
For the past 46 years I have been involved in education- either as a student, teacher, or principal. There has not been more than a 3-month period of my life where I have not set foot inside a school building since I was five years old. I know a thing or two about being a student and what it takes to be a good student. (Although I was not always a stellar pupil.)
What is required of a student?
First--Sign up for the class. To learn from God, one has to be a born-again Christian. Those who don't acknowledge the divinity of Christ, believe in the atoning power of His death and resurrection, and claim Him as Savior do not have a seat in the classroom.
Second--Buy the textbook and keep up with the reading. God has revealed Himself and His plans for us in the Bible. Highlight, take notes, use Post-its. Treat the Bible as you would any textbook. It is not meant for the coffee table.
Third--Show up for class. Whether it is a one-on-one tutoring session each morning, getting together with a small study group, or attending lecture each Sunday morning, attendance is a necessary component of spiritual growth.
Fourth--Study groups. In effective classrooms, desks placed in neat rows are a thing of the past. Students are placed in groups where discussion, disagreement, and interaction are encouraged. The lone wolf Christian will likely see little to no growth.
17 Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 ESV
Fifth--Research shows that application of discussion/theory outside the classroom is imperative to high levels of learning. Discussion, flow charts, simulations are designed to enable the learner to apply knowledge in the real world. Are we putting ourselves in situations where God's promises and truths will stand the real-world test?
If, as David did, we wish for God to "teach (us) to do Thy will", we must be a willing student. He is willing to teach. Are we willing to learn?
P.S. Happy birthday, Dad.
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