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.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Not So Much Today November 7, 2014
Interesting observation this morning. . .
The past two mornings I have awakened long before the alarm unable to return to sleep. Each morning I had a feeling of unease. Not quite anxiety, but enough of an unsettled feeling to drive me a bit deeper into prayer and the Bible. Both days ended up being uneventful.
Today I slept to the alarm and woke completely settled. But what I noticed is this: I got out of bed without the same level of conversation with God and when I fired up the computer for my blog entry, I took 10 minutes to scan the Yahoo headlines before delving into today's scripture reading. For the two previous days, getting to scripture was my first priority.
Here is what I realized: I need to cultivate the same Bible hunger, the same prayer intensity, the same God firstness on those tranquil mornings as I have on the unsettled mornings. Maybe the intensity has a different focus. Perhaps on the halcyon days praise and rejoicing are the centerpiece of my prayer and Bible readings. But my eagerness for time with my Father should remain constant.
As I spent time in prayer today, I felt sheepish admitting this truth to Father. "Hey, Abba, thanks for being there to listen when I was having a bad morning. Don't need you so much today, so you get a Yahoo-shortened visit this a.m."
What is exciting, though, is the fact that God continues to reveal truth and give insight. Every morning is not accompanied by a life-altering revelation, but even the small reminders and reassurances serve to hearten and encourage my spiritual walk with my Heavenly Father.
The past two mornings I have awakened long before the alarm unable to return to sleep. Each morning I had a feeling of unease. Not quite anxiety, but enough of an unsettled feeling to drive me a bit deeper into prayer and the Bible. Both days ended up being uneventful.
Today I slept to the alarm and woke completely settled. But what I noticed is this: I got out of bed without the same level of conversation with God and when I fired up the computer for my blog entry, I took 10 minutes to scan the Yahoo headlines before delving into today's scripture reading. For the two previous days, getting to scripture was my first priority.
Here is what I realized: I need to cultivate the same Bible hunger, the same prayer intensity, the same God firstness on those tranquil mornings as I have on the unsettled mornings. Maybe the intensity has a different focus. Perhaps on the halcyon days praise and rejoicing are the centerpiece of my prayer and Bible readings. But my eagerness for time with my Father should remain constant.
As I spent time in prayer today, I felt sheepish admitting this truth to Father. "Hey, Abba, thanks for being there to listen when I was having a bad morning. Don't need you so much today, so you get a Yahoo-shortened visit this a.m."
What is exciting, though, is the fact that God continues to reveal truth and give insight. Every morning is not accompanied by a life-altering revelation, but even the small reminders and reassurances serve to hearten and encourage my spiritual walk with my Heavenly Father.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Believeth Thou This November 6, 2014
Believest thou this? John 11:26 KJV
"Martha believed in the power at the disposal of Jesus Christ; she believed that if He had been present He could have healed her brother. She also believed that Jesus had a peculiar intimacy with God and that whatever He asked of God, God would do; but she needed a closer personal intimacy with Jesus. Martha’s programme of belief had its fulfilment in the future; Jesus led her on until her belief became a personal possession, and then slowly emerged into a particular inheritance—“Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ. . . .” Is there something like that in the Lord’s dealings with you? Is Jesus educating you into a personal intimacy with Himself? Let Him press home His question to you—“Believest thou this?” What is your ordeal of doubt? Have you come, like Martha, to some overwhelming passage in your circumstances where your programme of belief is about to emerge into a personal belief? This can never be until a personal need arises out of a personal problem."
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 231). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Do Christians (me included) really, really want a closer walk with God? Is a more intimate relationship with Christ a foundational desire of believers? If you took a poll, most would answer "Yes." or "Most certainly." or "Of course.". But ask a follow-up question, and I wonder if the responses would change. "If this closer walk required trials and challenges, would you be as eager?"
Oswald Chambers points out that a person's "programme of belief" cannot transform into a "personal belief" without the introduction of a personal problem into a person's life. Martha is a perfect illustration of this relationship.
Prior to Lazurs' death, Martha had what Chambers terms a "programme of belief". She had knowledge of Old Testament teachings. She was aware of Jesus' ministry. She even "believe(ed) that Thou (Jesus) art the Christ. . ." But it was not until her brother died and was in the grave did her beliefs transform from head to heart. From theory to reality. From scroll knowledge to application.
It was through the death of her brother that she experienced a real, first-hand outpouring of God's power. It was through the death of a family member that Martha witnessed the reality of Jesus promises.
Faith cannot be strengthened until it is tested. Reliance on God will not be increased until God is all we have.
On the my once-a-year trip to Silver Dollar City, I inevitably stop by the blacksmith's shop. Usually he is at the forge working on an project. He heats the metal to red hot, then beats on it with a heavy hammer. More heat. More pounding. Over and over and over. It is through this process that the proper shape and necessary strength is achieved for whatever purpose he has for the project.
Do we REALLY want an increased faith if it means trials? Are we truly willing to sacrifice comfort for an intimate relationship with God? Before we pray for these things, we must count the cost. Luke 14:28 ESV
"Martha believed in the power at the disposal of Jesus Christ; she believed that if He had been present He could have healed her brother. She also believed that Jesus had a peculiar intimacy with God and that whatever He asked of God, God would do; but she needed a closer personal intimacy with Jesus. Martha’s programme of belief had its fulfilment in the future; Jesus led her on until her belief became a personal possession, and then slowly emerged into a particular inheritance—“Yea, Lord: I believe that Thou art the Christ. . . .” Is there something like that in the Lord’s dealings with you? Is Jesus educating you into a personal intimacy with Himself? Let Him press home His question to you—“Believest thou this?” What is your ordeal of doubt? Have you come, like Martha, to some overwhelming passage in your circumstances where your programme of belief is about to emerge into a personal belief? This can never be until a personal need arises out of a personal problem."
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 231). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Do Christians (me included) really, really want a closer walk with God? Is a more intimate relationship with Christ a foundational desire of believers? If you took a poll, most would answer "Yes." or "Most certainly." or "Of course.". But ask a follow-up question, and I wonder if the responses would change. "If this closer walk required trials and challenges, would you be as eager?"
Oswald Chambers points out that a person's "programme of belief" cannot transform into a "personal belief" without the introduction of a personal problem into a person's life. Martha is a perfect illustration of this relationship.
Prior to Lazurs' death, Martha had what Chambers terms a "programme of belief". She had knowledge of Old Testament teachings. She was aware of Jesus' ministry. She even "believe(ed) that Thou (Jesus) art the Christ. . ." But it was not until her brother died and was in the grave did her beliefs transform from head to heart. From theory to reality. From scroll knowledge to application.
It was through the death of her brother that she experienced a real, first-hand outpouring of God's power. It was through the death of a family member that Martha witnessed the reality of Jesus promises.
Faith cannot be strengthened until it is tested. Reliance on God will not be increased until God is all we have.
On the my once-a-year trip to Silver Dollar City, I inevitably stop by the blacksmith's shop. Usually he is at the forge working on an project. He heats the metal to red hot, then beats on it with a heavy hammer. More heat. More pounding. Over and over and over. It is through this process that the proper shape and necessary strength is achieved for whatever purpose he has for the project.
Do we REALLY want an increased faith if it means trials? Are we truly willing to sacrifice comfort for an intimate relationship with God? Before we pray for these things, we must count the cost. Luke 14:28 ESV
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
It's Not About Me November 5, 2014
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13 ESV
If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a multitude of experiences that are not meant for you at all; they are meant to make you useful in His hands,(italics mine) and to enable you to understand what transpires in other souls so that you will never be surprised at what you come across. “Oh, I can’t deal with that person.” Why not? God gave you ample opportunity to soak before Him on that line, and you “barged off” because it seemed stupid to spend time in that way.
The sufferings of Christ are not those of ordinary men. He suffered “according to the will of God,” not from the point of view we suffer from as individuals. It is only when we are related to Jesus Christ that we can understand what God is after in His dealings with us. It is part of Christian culture to know what God’s aim is. In the history of the Christian Church the tendency has been to evade being identified with the sufferings of Jesus Christ; men have sought to procure the carrying out of God’s order by a short cut of their own. God’s way is always the way of suffering, the way of the “long, long trail.”
Are we partakers of Christ’s sufferings? Are we prepared for God to stamp our personal ambitions right out? Are we prepared for God to destroy by transfiguration our individual determinations? It will not mean that we know exactly why God is taking us that way; that would make us spiritual prigs. We never realise at the time what God is putting us through; we go through it more or less misunderstandingly; then we come to a luminous place and say—“Why, God has girded me, though I did not know it!”
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 230). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Often times I have read verses, heard sermons, and sat through lessons that focus on being thankful for trials, troubles, and tribulations. Life's challenges are allowed by God to strengthen our faith, purify our lives, and increase our witness. However, today's reading from My Utmost for His Highest casts a slightly different light on the topic.
Life's experiences (good, bad, or neutral) are not meant for me at all. Sure I might be spiritually stronger. My witnessing more confident. My faith increased. But the ultimate goal is not about me. It is about making me more useful to God. The desired outcome is about furthering God's kingdom and His plan here on earth.
If my takeaway from trials is how it has strengthened me, I have fallen short. That thinking is inward. It does little to bring others into the saving grace of God. Jesus did not suffer so that His relationship with his Father would be stronger. His lashes were not designed to increase his personal faith. All he suffered, all he lost, all he sacrificed was for one reason. . .to further his Father's plan for the salvation of the world. It was about others.
If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a multitude of experiences that are not meant for you at all; they are meant to make you useful in His hands,(italics mine) and to enable you to understand what transpires in other souls so that you will never be surprised at what you come across. “Oh, I can’t deal with that person.” Why not? God gave you ample opportunity to soak before Him on that line, and you “barged off” because it seemed stupid to spend time in that way.
The sufferings of Christ are not those of ordinary men. He suffered “according to the will of God,” not from the point of view we suffer from as individuals. It is only when we are related to Jesus Christ that we can understand what God is after in His dealings with us. It is part of Christian culture to know what God’s aim is. In the history of the Christian Church the tendency has been to evade being identified with the sufferings of Jesus Christ; men have sought to procure the carrying out of God’s order by a short cut of their own. God’s way is always the way of suffering, the way of the “long, long trail.”
Are we partakers of Christ’s sufferings? Are we prepared for God to stamp our personal ambitions right out? Are we prepared for God to destroy by transfiguration our individual determinations? It will not mean that we know exactly why God is taking us that way; that would make us spiritual prigs. We never realise at the time what God is putting us through; we go through it more or less misunderstandingly; then we come to a luminous place and say—“Why, God has girded me, though I did not know it!”
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 230). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Often times I have read verses, heard sermons, and sat through lessons that focus on being thankful for trials, troubles, and tribulations. Life's challenges are allowed by God to strengthen our faith, purify our lives, and increase our witness. However, today's reading from My Utmost for His Highest casts a slightly different light on the topic.
Life's experiences (good, bad, or neutral) are not meant for me at all. Sure I might be spiritually stronger. My witnessing more confident. My faith increased. But the ultimate goal is not about me. It is about making me more useful to God. The desired outcome is about furthering God's kingdom and His plan here on earth.
If my takeaway from trials is how it has strengthened me, I have fallen short. That thinking is inward. It does little to bring others into the saving grace of God. Jesus did not suffer so that His relationship with his Father would be stronger. His lashes were not designed to increase his personal faith. All he suffered, all he lost, all he sacrificed was for one reason. . .to further his Father's plan for the salvation of the world. It was about others.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
New Thinking November 4, 2014
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8 ESV
Never allow a truth of God that is brought home to your soul to pass without acting on it, not necessarily physically, but in will. Record it, with ink or with blood. The feeblest saint who transacts business with Jesus Christ is emancipated the second he acts; all the almighty power of God is on his behalf. We come up to the truth of God, we confess we are wrong, but go back again; then we come up to it again, and go back; until we learn that we have no business to go back. We have to go clean over on some word of our redeeming Lord and transact business with Him. His word “come” means “transact.”“Come unto Me.” The last thing we do is to come; but everyone who does come knows that that second the supernatural life of God invades him instantly. The dominating power of the world, the flesh and the devil is paralysed, not by your act, but because your act has linked you on to God and His redemptive power. (Italics mine)
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 229-230). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
It is not our action, but the link that forms with God as a result of our action which gives us strength, power, peace, guidance, reassurance, and indeed, salvation.
I had never looked at my obedience quite this way.
My actions, no matter how godly or obedient, have no power at all. My actions don't deter satan. My actions have no inherent power. It is only because my actions draw me closer to God do they have any power at all. It is the nearness to God from which I receive peace, power, and guidance.
The questions of "rightness" or "wrongness" of an action are perhaps the incorrect questions to ask. "Will this action draw me closer to God?" should be the guiding question of all we do.
Never allow a truth of God that is brought home to your soul to pass without acting on it, not necessarily physically, but in will. Record it, with ink or with blood. The feeblest saint who transacts business with Jesus Christ is emancipated the second he acts; all the almighty power of God is on his behalf. We come up to the truth of God, we confess we are wrong, but go back again; then we come up to it again, and go back; until we learn that we have no business to go back. We have to go clean over on some word of our redeeming Lord and transact business with Him. His word “come” means “transact.”“Come unto Me.” The last thing we do is to come; but everyone who does come knows that that second the supernatural life of God invades him instantly. The dominating power of the world, the flesh and the devil is paralysed, not by your act, but because your act has linked you on to God and His redemptive power. (Italics mine)
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 229-230). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
It is not our action, but the link that forms with God as a result of our action which gives us strength, power, peace, guidance, reassurance, and indeed, salvation.
I had never looked at my obedience quite this way.
My actions, no matter how godly or obedient, have no power at all. My actions don't deter satan. My actions have no inherent power. It is only because my actions draw me closer to God do they have any power at all. It is the nearness to God from which I receive peace, power, and guidance.
The questions of "rightness" or "wrongness" of an action are perhaps the incorrect questions to ask. "Will this action draw me closer to God?" should be the guiding question of all we do.
Monday, November 3, 2014
The Cloud November 3, 2014
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 ESV
Abraham- waits 25 years for God's promise of Isaac, a son. Moses- 40 years as outcast to leader of a nation. Joseph- sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, then savior of a nation. Ruth- beggar of wheat to great-grandmother to King David.
These, and many others, are our cloud of witnesses. They withstood the tests of time. They remained faithful through trials. Their faith and obedience to Yahweh when all things appeared hopeless is a motivator and example to us.
What I find interesting is that for Abraham, Moses, and Joseph part of their trials are a result of their own sin. Abraham slept with Hagar. Moses murdered an Egyptian. Joseph lacked humility. Yet God did not forsake them. He did not declare them unfit for service.
Their humaness should encourage us even more. If God can use these extremely flawed individuals to change the course of history, surely He can find a place for us in His plan. If He can forgive adultery and homicide, our daily disobedience and sin are not barrier to a continuing relationship with Him (if accompanied by a contrite and confessing heart).
The cloud of witnesses should serve as an encouragement to us. God is all about forgiveness and second chances.
Abraham- waits 25 years for God's promise of Isaac, a son. Moses- 40 years as outcast to leader of a nation. Joseph- sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, then savior of a nation. Ruth- beggar of wheat to great-grandmother to King David.
These, and many others, are our cloud of witnesses. They withstood the tests of time. They remained faithful through trials. Their faith and obedience to Yahweh when all things appeared hopeless is a motivator and example to us.
What I find interesting is that for Abraham, Moses, and Joseph part of their trials are a result of their own sin. Abraham slept with Hagar. Moses murdered an Egyptian. Joseph lacked humility. Yet God did not forsake them. He did not declare them unfit for service.
Their humaness should encourage us even more. If God can use these extremely flawed individuals to change the course of history, surely He can find a place for us in His plan. If He can forgive adultery and homicide, our daily disobedience and sin are not barrier to a continuing relationship with Him (if accompanied by a contrite and confessing heart).
The cloud of witnesses should serve as an encouragement to us. God is all about forgiveness and second chances.
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