3 Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children. 1 John 3:1 The Voice
It dawned on me this morning, I have been largely replacing My Utmost for His Highest for the Bible. Many mornings I open an electronic version of the Chambers' book on my computer, read the usually abbreviated verse associated with that day's entry, mull over Chambers' take on that verse, then respond using this blog. I enjoy Chambers writings, and it has helped to keep me fairly regular in my entries, but it has stunted my time in the scripture. Chambers should be an appetizer, not the main course. His writings should supplement, not supplant the Holy Writ.
Today's verse was drawn from the Chambers tome, but I am only going to include the verse, not his entire entry.
The translation I chose for today's verse was The Voice. I admit to being ignorant of the translation's origin, reliability, and/or purpose, but at least for this verse, it aligned closely with several other translations.
The reason I selected The Voice's translation was the feeling I got when I read it. There was an excitement and joy present that was lacking in other translations. I felt that John would have written such a verse with feelings of elation and jubilance.
God's love for us is "extravagant". His love for us is over the top! Unrealistic! Pressed down and running over! (Luke 6:38)
He "lavishes" that love on us. His love for us "goes beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount".*
In The Voice the translators have used an exclamation point to punctuate the first part of today's verse. !!!! Excitement! Exuberance! The exclamation point was most likely first used during the Middle Ages, but I envision John's face smiling, his quill emphatically penning today's verse. Nothing but an exclamation point would do.
Finally, The Voice reminds that we are His "beloved" children. After being in education for 29 years, I am all too often aware that just being a child of a parent, does not guarantee being "dearly loved : dear to the heart".** "Beloved" even receives the special recognition of being italicized in The Voice. The translators did not want us to miss it. "Beloved". Dearly loved. Dear to the heart. Deep. Passionate.
God lavishes His extravagant love on His children! That is most certainly deserving of an exclamation mark!
*MW Online
**MW Online
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Ugly Revelations April 28, 2015
I recently went through a short-lived, but intense period of worry. It was a job-related issue, and I, of course, "awfulized" the whole situation. I would have a few minutes of peace, then my human side would take over and allow my mind to create the worst possible scenarios.
I sought Christian counsel. I prayed to God. I did some scripture recall. I rebuked Satan. But this morning I realized most of my prayers were for the wrong thing. The focus of my prayers were for relief from worry. I was focused on me. What I needed from God. Praise was absent from my time of pleading. Thankfulness for past faithfulness missing from the equation. I was focused on the situation that created the worry, not the God who promised me abundant life and the peace of God.
This weekend has been a spiritual revelation for me. Not only about the object of my prayers, which I just discussed, but also about my lack of faith. This last realization grieves me.
I can talk about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. I have even prepared a lesson for the Gathering Tree patrons about how important we are to Christ and that He will watch over us. But when the chips were down, I allowed a largely imagined workplace situation to rob me of joy, sleep, and peace. If I were one of the Three Little Pigs, my faith house would be of straw, maybe sticks, but certainly not bricks.
But therein lies the rub. If I want my faith to grow, if I wish for my trust in Him to mature, many more trying times will need to be allowed into my life. God knows the level to which I have elevated work and financial security in my life, not quite to idolatry, but these two things have always been very important to me. If true, bedrock faith and dependency on Him is to be achieved, then situations will have to arise that attack those worldly things I have deemed "important" and "necessary". This frightens me. It points to a weak faith.
I need to reach the point where "Well done my good and faithful servant" is more important than "Here is your next contract." As Jerry Reed sang, I've "got a long was to go and a short time to get there."
Finally, one question. How does one increase his faith unless that faith is tested? This question frightens me.
I sought Christian counsel. I prayed to God. I did some scripture recall. I rebuked Satan. But this morning I realized most of my prayers were for the wrong thing. The focus of my prayers were for relief from worry. I was focused on me. What I needed from God. Praise was absent from my time of pleading. Thankfulness for past faithfulness missing from the equation. I was focused on the situation that created the worry, not the God who promised me abundant life and the peace of God.
This weekend has been a spiritual revelation for me. Not only about the object of my prayers, which I just discussed, but also about my lack of faith. This last realization grieves me.
I can talk about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. I have even prepared a lesson for the Gathering Tree patrons about how important we are to Christ and that He will watch over us. But when the chips were down, I allowed a largely imagined workplace situation to rob me of joy, sleep, and peace. If I were one of the Three Little Pigs, my faith house would be of straw, maybe sticks, but certainly not bricks.
But therein lies the rub. If I want my faith to grow, if I wish for my trust in Him to mature, many more trying times will need to be allowed into my life. God knows the level to which I have elevated work and financial security in my life, not quite to idolatry, but these two things have always been very important to me. If true, bedrock faith and dependency on Him is to be achieved, then situations will have to arise that attack those worldly things I have deemed "important" and "necessary". This frightens me. It points to a weak faith.
I need to reach the point where "Well done my good and faithful servant" is more important than "Here is your next contract." As Jerry Reed sang, I've "got a long was to go and a short time to get there."
Finally, one question. How does one increase his faith unless that faith is tested? This question frightens me.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Internal v External April 27, 2015
There are many verses in the Bible that admonish Christians to be thankful, even joyful when trials and hardship appear in their lives. But in my limited knowledge and cursory research, most, if not all of those references are when that persecution/hardship is a result of our faith. Yet there are other challenges that arise in life that are a direct result of our own sin.
Are we to be thankful for those times also? Was Sampson to have rejoiced when Deliah cut his hair? Did Moses feel contentment when he struck the rock and was denied entry into the promise land?
Can we learn from our self-wrought trials? Definitely. Are we do go to God for peace during these times of self-created hardship? Certainly. But it is important to differentiate between faith-based trials and self-inflicted hardship.
I think the differentiation is important for one primary reason. If the tribulation is faith-based, then we are sharing in Christ's stripes. We are experiencing a small part of what our Lord and Savior suffered. However, when that trial is a result of our sin, we should look at it as a humbling, growth-oriented situation. Confession and change are required.
Taking our all our cares to God in prayer is constant. Allowing Him to guide us through trials is imperative. But what we learn and how we respond to those trials can be very different depending on the impetus for those hard times.
Are we to be thankful for those times also? Was Sampson to have rejoiced when Deliah cut his hair? Did Moses feel contentment when he struck the rock and was denied entry into the promise land?
Can we learn from our self-wrought trials? Definitely. Are we do go to God for peace during these times of self-created hardship? Certainly. But it is important to differentiate between faith-based trials and self-inflicted hardship.
I think the differentiation is important for one primary reason. If the tribulation is faith-based, then we are sharing in Christ's stripes. We are experiencing a small part of what our Lord and Savior suffered. However, when that trial is a result of our sin, we should look at it as a humbling, growth-oriented situation. Confession and change are required.
Taking our all our cares to God in prayer is constant. Allowing Him to guide us through trials is imperative. But what we learn and how we respond to those trials can be very different depending on the impetus for those hard times.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Friday, April 24, 2015
Deep Thoughts April 24, 2015
The Warning against Wantoning
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you. Luke 10:20
As Christian workers, worldliness is not our snare, sin is not our snare, but spiritual wantoning is, viz.: taking the pattern and print of the religious age we live in, making eyes at spiritual success. Never court anything other than the approval of God, go “without the camp, bearing His reproach.” Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice in successful service, and yet this seems to be the one thing in which most of us do rejoice. We have the commercial view—so many souls saved and sanctified, thank God, now it is all right. Our work begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation; we are not to save souls, but to disciple them. Salvation and sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace; our work as His disciples is to disciple lives until they are wholly yielded to God. One life wholly devoted to God is of more value to God than one hundred lives simply awakened by His Spirit. As workers for God we must reproduce our own kind spiritually, and that will be God’s witness to us as workers. God brings us to a standard of life by His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that standard in others.
Unless the worker lives a life hidden with Christ in God, he is apt to become an irritating dictator instead of an indwelling disciple. Many of us are dictators, we dictate to people and to meetings. Jesus never dictates to us in that way. Whenever Our Lord talked about discipleship, He always prefaced it with an “IF,” never with an emphatic assertion—“You must.” Discipleship carries an option with it.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 82-83). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Yet once again, Chambers has caused me to think, ponder, and consider.
"We have the commercial view--so many souls saved and sanctified." How many times in recent months has the number of baptisms been touted from the pulpit in churches across America? "Halleluiahs!" shouted. "Praise the Lord, " uttered from countless pews. And yes, there should be celebration for souls saved from an eternity of separation from God, an eternity in hell. But salvation has little to nothing to do with our actions. The calling of a soul to Christ is the job of the Spirit. Salvation is through Christ's sacrifice and grace. As Chambers points out, "we are not to save souls (indeed we cannot) but to disciple them."
Are small group leaders sharing with our church leadership the epiphany moments that take place in small group? Are teachers and deacons giving thanks for those spiritual ah-ha moments that take place in our members? Do we even bother to ask about or share our spiritual growth? I realize that we run the risk of becoming arrogant if our focus is on how much we grow, but we can share the growth of those around us. Difficult to measure? Yes. Encouraging to note. Definitely.
How does a Ridgecrest grow disciples? How can we celebrate Believer growth- not in numbers, but in depth, intensity, and consistency? Perhaps this is between the individual and God, but for a church to increase the depth and breadth of its influence on the world, each member must grow in Christ as an individual. God saves. We grow.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Mission Trip April 23, 2015
The Worship of the Work
9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV
Beware of any work for God which enables you to evade concentration on Him. A great many Christian workers worship their work. The one concern of a worker should be concentration on God, and this will mean that all the other margins of life, mental, moral and spiritual, are free with the freedom of a child—a worshipping child, not a wayward child. A worker without this solemn, dominant note of concentration on God is apt to get his work on his neck; there is no margin of body, mind or spirit free, consequently he becomes spent out and crushed. There is no freedom, no delight in life; nerves, mind and heart are so crushingly burdened that God’s blessing cannot rest. But the other side is just as true—when once the concentration is on God, all the margins of life are free and under the dominance of God alone. There is no responsibility on you for the work; the only responsibility you have is to keep in living, constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your co-operation with Him. The freedom after sanctification is the freedom of a child, the things that used to keep the life pinned down are gone. But be careful to remember that you are freed for one thing only—to be absolutely devoted to your co-Worker.
We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for. God engineers everything; wherever He puts us our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him in that particular work. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 82). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
As the summer approaches, there are calls from churches across America for people to get involved with mission opportunities. Trips to Mexico. Teaching Vacation Bible School. But Chambers' reminded me that each day I embark on a mission trip.
Sunshine Elementary is my main mission field. Do the teachers, staff, students, and parents see Christ in me? Do my daily interactions reflect Jesus' love in my life?
"The one concern of a worker should be concentration on God." Whether that work be in a church, school, or office complex, as Christians exhibiting Christ-like care, concern, and love for each co-worker is vital. Every report, every email, every presentation should be done in a way that our Heavenly Father would be pleased. Before hitting "send" on that uncomfortable email, take it to God in prayer. Prior to returning that phone call to the disgruntled vendor, ask for a spirit of calm and wisdom. Let God's love drive that meeting that goes awry.
Each child of God is a missionary. Their mission field is their classroom, their office, their employee lounge. Worship God at work, but worship work.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Now April 21, 2015
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? John 14:9 ESV
How often could Jesus say the exact thing to us? After his protection time and again, we still worry. He demonstrates His grace day-in and day-out, yet we are still concerned we are not good enough for heaven. We say we trust Jesus, but then we worry ourselves into insomnia, depression, and eating disorders.
Jesus' response to Philip was because Philip made the following request of Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father." He was wanting something more from Jesus. Give us a sign. Make God manifest.
Jesus is that sign. He is God. There is nothing more. When we doubt, we hurt Jesus. When we worry, we grieve Him. When we lack faith, we injure His heart.
Salvation is not a future event in heaven. Peace is not something to be revealed at a later date. Guidance is not an upcoming happening. Jesus is now. He has been revealed. Chambers writes, "Realise that the Lord is here now, and the emancipation is immediate." (Utmost for His Highest, April 21)
How often could Jesus say the exact thing to us? After his protection time and again, we still worry. He demonstrates His grace day-in and day-out, yet we are still concerned we are not good enough for heaven. We say we trust Jesus, but then we worry ourselves into insomnia, depression, and eating disorders.
Jesus' response to Philip was because Philip made the following request of Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father." He was wanting something more from Jesus. Give us a sign. Make God manifest.
Jesus is that sign. He is God. There is nothing more. When we doubt, we hurt Jesus. When we worry, we grieve Him. When we lack faith, we injure His heart.
Salvation is not a future event in heaven. Peace is not something to be revealed at a later date. Guidance is not an upcoming happening. Jesus is now. He has been revealed. Chambers writes, "Realise that the Lord is here now, and the emancipation is immediate." (Utmost for His Highest, April 21)
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Bright Memory April 19, 2015
Is It Not in the Least Likely?
For Joab had supported Adonijah although he had not supported Absalom. 1 Kings 2:28 ESV
Joab stood the big test, he remained absolutely loyal and true to David and did not turn after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom, but yet towards the end of his life he turned after the craven Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where any one may go back (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). You have gone through the big crisis, now be alert over the least things; take into calculation the “retired sphere of the leasts.”
We are apt to say—“It is not in the least likely that having been through the supreme crisis, I shall turn now to the things of the world.” Do not forecast where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the peril. In the aftermath of a great spiritual transaction the “retired sphere of the leasts” begins to tell; it is not dominant, but remember it is there, and if you are not warned, it will trip you up. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials, now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be morbidly introspective, looking forward with dread, but keep alert; keep your memory bright before God. Unguarded strength is double weakness, because that is where the “retired sphere of the leasts” saps. The Bible characters fell on their strong points, never on their weak ones.
“Kept by the power of God”—that is the only safety.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 79). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
"Keep your memory bright before God." I love that line. Bright memory. Recollections of His protection, guidance, steadfastness. It is by recalling those times we have failed, we can be more alert to similar situations in the future. When we remember God's hand of protection in this situation we can have a greater feeling of assurance in this situation. Can't recall a time when God failed you? They why would He start now?
From personal experience, I know that we can dwell too much on our past slips, slides, and sins. Chambers cautions about being "morbidly introspective". But as Paul wrote, "everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment." Romans 12:3 ESV Be realistic. Be alert. Be aware. But don't be morose.
We should neither advance nor abase ourselves. It is the ancient Greeks who are credited with the aphorism, "know thyself". We would do well to follow that advice. Know thyself, but know thyself as our Heavenly Father knows us. Fallen, but redeemed. Filthy, but spotless. Separated, but reconciled.
For Joab had supported Adonijah although he had not supported Absalom. 1 Kings 2:28 ESV
Joab stood the big test, he remained absolutely loyal and true to David and did not turn after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom, but yet towards the end of his life he turned after the craven Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where any one may go back (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). You have gone through the big crisis, now be alert over the least things; take into calculation the “retired sphere of the leasts.”
We are apt to say—“It is not in the least likely that having been through the supreme crisis, I shall turn now to the things of the world.” Do not forecast where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the peril. In the aftermath of a great spiritual transaction the “retired sphere of the leasts” begins to tell; it is not dominant, but remember it is there, and if you are not warned, it will trip you up. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials, now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be morbidly introspective, looking forward with dread, but keep alert; keep your memory bright before God. Unguarded strength is double weakness, because that is where the “retired sphere of the leasts” saps. The Bible characters fell on their strong points, never on their weak ones.
“Kept by the power of God”—that is the only safety.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 79). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
"Keep your memory bright before God." I love that line. Bright memory. Recollections of His protection, guidance, steadfastness. It is by recalling those times we have failed, we can be more alert to similar situations in the future. When we remember God's hand of protection in this situation we can have a greater feeling of assurance in this situation. Can't recall a time when God failed you? They why would He start now?
From personal experience, I know that we can dwell too much on our past slips, slides, and sins. Chambers cautions about being "morbidly introspective". But as Paul wrote, "everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment." Romans 12:3 ESV Be realistic. Be alert. Be aware. But don't be morose.
We should neither advance nor abase ourselves. It is the ancient Greeks who are credited with the aphorism, "know thyself". We would do well to follow that advice. Know thyself, but know thyself as our Heavenly Father knows us. Fallen, but redeemed. Filthy, but spotless. Separated, but reconciled.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Splash April 17, 2015
7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment. . ., and threw himself into the sea. John 21:7 ESV
Brash, impetuous, verbose Peter. Chastised by Jesus on more than one occasion. He who vehemently denied even knowing Christ. So often sermons that include Peter speak to his imperfections. His faults are highlighted. If only we were to be as imperfectly in love with Jesus.
Seven men had been out all night fishing to no avail. Nets tossed and retrieved. Tossed and retrieved. Still empty. Hours of failure. As the first rays of sun begin to appear over the tops of the mountains that surround the Sea of Galilee, Jesus, who is on the shore, gives one line of instruction, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some (fish).” For the disciples/fishermen an unmanageable bounty is the result of their obedience. "So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish." John 21:6 ESV
But even as this miracle is happening, John tells the others that is is Jesus who is standing on the shore and gave the them the net-casting advice. Of course they could not wait to pull in their haul, weigh anchor, and get to shore. But Peter's need to be close to Jesus would not wait for nets, anchors, and oars.
A bone-weary, bleary-eyed Peter jumps into the water and swims over to Jesus. Brash. Impetuous. Passionate. Getting close to his Lord and Savior was Peter's only concern. The fish could wait. Here was a chance to embrace Jesus Christ. Here was the opportunity to fall at Jesus' feet. To be close to Him. Nothing else mattered.
All too often I am in the boat taking care of figurative nets, anchors, and oars when I should be in the water swimming excitedly, joyfully toward the Lord. Of course the dailies must be tended to. If all the disciples had jumped out of the boat, that would have been neither wise nor safe. But do I have the "jump out of the boat" heart for my Lord and Savior? Joy, passion, exuberance, reckless abandon.
Father, help me to spend more time in the water than in the boat.
Brash, impetuous, verbose Peter. Chastised by Jesus on more than one occasion. He who vehemently denied even knowing Christ. So often sermons that include Peter speak to his imperfections. His faults are highlighted. If only we were to be as imperfectly in love with Jesus.
Seven men had been out all night fishing to no avail. Nets tossed and retrieved. Tossed and retrieved. Still empty. Hours of failure. As the first rays of sun begin to appear over the tops of the mountains that surround the Sea of Galilee, Jesus, who is on the shore, gives one line of instruction, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some (fish).” For the disciples/fishermen an unmanageable bounty is the result of their obedience. "So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish." John 21:6 ESV
But even as this miracle is happening, John tells the others that is is Jesus who is standing on the shore and gave the them the net-casting advice. Of course they could not wait to pull in their haul, weigh anchor, and get to shore. But Peter's need to be close to Jesus would not wait for nets, anchors, and oars.
A bone-weary, bleary-eyed Peter jumps into the water and swims over to Jesus. Brash. Impetuous. Passionate. Getting close to his Lord and Savior was Peter's only concern. The fish could wait. Here was a chance to embrace Jesus Christ. Here was the opportunity to fall at Jesus' feet. To be close to Him. Nothing else mattered.
All too often I am in the boat taking care of figurative nets, anchors, and oars when I should be in the water swimming excitedly, joyfully toward the Lord. Of course the dailies must be tended to. If all the disciples had jumped out of the boat, that would have been neither wise nor safe. But do I have the "jump out of the boat" heart for my Lord and Savior? Joy, passion, exuberance, reckless abandon.
Father, help me to spend more time in the water than in the boat.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Which Comes First April 11, 2015
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, he was beginning to prepare them for his departure and their persecution. In the verses prior to 16:33, he references their being scattered and desertion of him. He speaks of leaving this world and returning to the Father. It is obvious when Jesus spoke here the "world" to which he refers is the physical world in which we all live.
But I was impressed this morning with a different world that Jesus has also over come and that we man follow suit. That is the world that lies within all of us. The world of our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions. It is within this world many of have our longest running, most reoccurring struggles.
In a recent leadership course I attended, the participants were required to read Change Leader: Learning to do What Matters Most by Michael Fullan. In his book, Fullan devotes some pages to the theory that behaviors change beliefs. When facing change, a person will most often change their actions before they believe in a particular change that may be occurring.
I need to devote more time to study of this thought, because my gut tells me this might be right in the short term, but for any long-term, foundational change to occur, beliefs must preceed action. I think we can incentivize a person to making short-term behavioral changes, but unless they change their belief system, there will be no long term change.
Fullan theory is that the short-term changes in action will create a change in belief system that will in turn facilitate long-term belief change.
With the Christian faith, belief preceeds change. We believe (belief) Christ offers salvation, so we accept Him (action). We trust God to meet our needs (belief), so we tithe beyond the 10% (action). We believe God's plan for our life is best (belief), so we change jobs (action).
If our belief, faith, trust were not present, I postulate we would take little action.
When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, he was beginning to prepare them for his departure and their persecution. In the verses prior to 16:33, he references their being scattered and desertion of him. He speaks of leaving this world and returning to the Father. It is obvious when Jesus spoke here the "world" to which he refers is the physical world in which we all live.
But I was impressed this morning with a different world that Jesus has also over come and that we man follow suit. That is the world that lies within all of us. The world of our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions. It is within this world many of have our longest running, most reoccurring struggles.
In a recent leadership course I attended, the participants were required to read Change Leader: Learning to do What Matters Most by Michael Fullan. In his book, Fullan devotes some pages to the theory that behaviors change beliefs. When facing change, a person will most often change their actions before they believe in a particular change that may be occurring.
I need to devote more time to study of this thought, because my gut tells me this might be right in the short term, but for any long-term, foundational change to occur, beliefs must preceed action. I think we can incentivize a person to making short-term behavioral changes, but unless they change their belief system, there will be no long term change.
Fullan theory is that the short-term changes in action will create a change in belief system that will in turn facilitate long-term belief change.
With the Christian faith, belief preceeds change. We believe (belief) Christ offers salvation, so we accept Him (action). We trust God to meet our needs (belief), so we tithe beyond the 10% (action). We believe God's plan for our life is best (belief), so we change jobs (action).
If our belief, faith, trust were not present, I postulate we would take little action.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Crucify April 10, 2015
Moral Decision about Sin
6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:6 ESV
Co-Crucifixion. Have I made this decision about sin—that it must be killed right out in me? It takes a long time to come to a moral decision about sin, but it is the great moment in my life when I do decide that just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world, so sin must die out in me, not be curbed or suppressed or counteracted, but crucified. No one can bring any one else to this decision. We may be earnestly convinced, and religiously convinced, but what we need to do is to come to the decision which Paul forces here.
Haul yourself up, take a time alone with God, make the moral decision and say—“Lord, identify me with Thy death until I know that sin is dead in me.” Make the moral decision that sin in you must be put to death.
It was not a divine anticipation on the part of Paul, but a very radical and definite experience. Am I prepared to let the Spirit of God search me until I know what the disposition of sin is—the thing that lusts against the Spirit of God in me? Then if so, will I agree with God’s verdict on that disposition of sin—that it should be identified with the death of Jesus? I cannot reckon myself “dead indeed unto sin” unless I have been through this radical issue of will before God.
Have I entered into the glorious privilege of being crucified with Christ until all that is left is the life of Christ in my flesh and blood? “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 73). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Our new pastor at Ridgecrest is a pretty firey little guy on the pulpit. His passion for the Word and Gospel message is evident. I am becoming more and more a fan of his style. He gets particularly passionate when he is preaching about evangelism and saving the lost. Which, at the end of the day, is why Christ came to earth.
However, I wonder if he would preach with the same passion about personal purity and sanctfication. When I read today's entry, I can envision Chambers vociferously, agressively delivering the message. A pulpit was pounded. Sweat poured freely. Congregants squirmed uneasily as they heard his words.
How angry do we get at our personal sin? How aggressively, even violently, do we seek out and destroy those secrete pleasures we know displease God? Do we drive a nail through those thoughts, actions, and words which keep us from a closer comunion with our Lord and Savior?
Sure we know we shouldn't sin. Sin is bad. But at the end of the day, I imagine most of us do not cry out to God with an apology for hurting His reputation, damaging our witness, and grieving His spirit with what we have done. There may be the throw away line about "forgiving us our trespasses" but no conviction. No real skin in the game.
Crucifixion was a violent, bloody death. Each day we should make a conscious effort to crucify our personal, individual sin. Passion and aggression should be used when we deal with the sin that still and will continue to haunt us this side of heaven. The biggest threat to Christianity is not ISIS, SOGI, or who can marry who, but Christians' willingness to allow personal, individual sin to continue to live and thrive in their own lives.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Too Much New Testament? April 9, 2015
Have I Seen Him?
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. Mark 16:12 ESV
Being saved and seeing Jesus are not the same thing. Many are partakers of God’s grace who have never seen Jesus. When once you have seen Jesus, you can never be the same, other things do not appeal as they used to do:
Always distinguish between what you see Jesus to be, and what He has done for you. If you only know what He has done for you, you have not a big enough God; but if you have had a vision of Jesus as He is, experiences can come and go, you will endure, “as seeing Him Who is invisible.” The man blind from his birth did not know Who Jesus was until He appeared and revealed Himself to him.
Jesus appears to those for whom he has done something; but we cannot dictate when He will come. Suddenly at any turn He may come—“Now I see Him!” Jesus must appear to your friend as well as to you; no one can see Jesus with your eyes. Severance takes place where one and not the other has seen Jesus. You cannot bring your friend unless God brings him. Have you seen Jesus? Then you will want others to see Him too. “And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.” You must tell, although they do not believe.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 72). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
As I reflected on today's reading from Chambers, I realized that my prayers tend to focus more on thankfulness for what God has done for me, rather than who Jesus is to me.
"Thank you for guiding me through (fill in the blank)." Rather than giving praise to God for His involvement in my day-to-day life. "Thank you for taking care of my cold." Rather than being thankful that He work all things to the good of them who love Him.
Most of my Bible time is in the New Testament with little time in the OT. In the Old Testament we see the big God. The infinite Alpha and Omega. Jehovah Jireh. In the Psalms the language elevates, the verses connect on an emotional level. Yes, the miracles, the interactions, the sermons of the New Testament are of vital importance to a Christian's life, but we still need the Big God of the Old Testament to elevate and expand our vision of who God is rather than what He has done.
I need more of the Old Testament to allow God to "appear in a another form".
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
April 8, 2015
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10 ESV
Not ever been a father, it is hard for me to empathize with the depth of feeling, connection, and devotion that develops between to who have the same blood in their veins. To know the feeling of have been responsible for bringing another life into this world will always be just beyond my emotional understanding. But I can surmise the connection must be unlike any other.
Over the past 15 years, I have seen many outward actions that intimate the inward connection by observing Kristi. No sacrifice is too great. No amount of worry too much. No time too inconvenient. No problem too big.
As a single mother for many years of Seth's life, Kristi had to sacrifice not just money, but time, social events, sleep, and many other things to be a parent. Seth was the top priority in her life. Every decision made had his welfare in mind. Each action she took affected this little person who depended on her.
It is through this lens that caused Romans 5:10 to make such an impression today. Paul reminds his readers that Jesus died for us, not the collective "us", but each individual person in that "us". When Jesus was beaten, mocked, spat upon, and crucified, we were His enemies. Our sin was responsible for all His suffering. But the depth of His love was great enough He willingly suffered all things in order to create that path for reconciliation.
If Christ was willing to make the supreme sacrifice for his enemies, how much more is He willing to do for His children! He loved His enemies enough to suffer separation from God. Surely He will be even more gracious to His own children.
It is through Jesus' sacrifice for those who hated Him, as we all did before accepting Him as Lord and Savior, do we get a glimpse of how much He loves His children.
Not ever been a father, it is hard for me to empathize with the depth of feeling, connection, and devotion that develops between to who have the same blood in their veins. To know the feeling of have been responsible for bringing another life into this world will always be just beyond my emotional understanding. But I can surmise the connection must be unlike any other.
Over the past 15 years, I have seen many outward actions that intimate the inward connection by observing Kristi. No sacrifice is too great. No amount of worry too much. No time too inconvenient. No problem too big.
As a single mother for many years of Seth's life, Kristi had to sacrifice not just money, but time, social events, sleep, and many other things to be a parent. Seth was the top priority in her life. Every decision made had his welfare in mind. Each action she took affected this little person who depended on her.
It is through this lens that caused Romans 5:10 to make such an impression today. Paul reminds his readers that Jesus died for us, not the collective "us", but each individual person in that "us". When Jesus was beaten, mocked, spat upon, and crucified, we were His enemies. Our sin was responsible for all His suffering. But the depth of His love was great enough He willingly suffered all things in order to create that path for reconciliation.
If Christ was willing to make the supreme sacrifice for his enemies, how much more is He willing to do for His children! He loved His enemies enough to suffer separation from God. Surely He will be even more gracious to His own children.
It is through Jesus' sacrifice for those who hated Him, as we all did before accepting Him as Lord and Savior, do we get a glimpse of how much He loves His children.
Monday, April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015
The Collision of God and Sin
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV
The Cross of Jesus is the revelation of God’s judgement on sin. Never tolerate the idea of martyrdom about the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a superb triumph in which the foundations of hell were shaken. There is nothing more certain in Time or Eternity than what Jesus Christ did on the Cross: He switched the whole of the human race back into a right relationship with God. He made Redemption the basis of human life, that is, He made a way for every son of man to get into communion with God.
The Cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The whole meaning of the Incarnation is the Cross. Beware of separating God manifest in the flesh from the Son becoming sin. The Incarnation was for the purpose of Redemption. God became incarnate for the purpose of putting away sin; not for the purpose of Self-realisation. The Cross is the centre of Time and of Eternity, the answer to the enigmas of both.
The Cross is not the cross of a man but the Cross of God, and the Cross of God can never be realised in human experience. The Cross is the exhibition of the nature of God, the gateway whereby any individual of the human race can enter into union with God. When we get to the Cross, we do not go through it; we abide in the life to which the Cross is the gateway.
The centre of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much. The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way to life is opened—but the crash is on the heart of God.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 70). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24 ESV
The Cross of Jesus is the revelation of God’s judgement on sin. Never tolerate the idea of martyrdom about the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a superb triumph in which the foundations of hell were shaken. There is nothing more certain in Time or Eternity than what Jesus Christ did on the Cross: He switched the whole of the human race back into a right relationship with God. He made Redemption the basis of human life, that is, He made a way for every son of man to get into communion with God.
The Cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The whole meaning of the Incarnation is the Cross. Beware of separating God manifest in the flesh from the Son becoming sin. The Incarnation was for the purpose of Redemption. God became incarnate for the purpose of putting away sin; not for the purpose of Self-realisation. The Cross is the centre of Time and of Eternity, the answer to the enigmas of both.
The Cross is not the cross of a man but the Cross of God, and the Cross of God can never be realised in human experience. The Cross is the exhibition of the nature of God, the gateway whereby any individual of the human race can enter into union with God. When we get to the Cross, we do not go through it; we abide in the life to which the Cross is the gateway.
The centre of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much. The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way to life is opened—but the crash is on the heart of God.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 70). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
April 4, 2015
Those Borders of Distrust
32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, John 16:32 ESV
Jesus is not rebuking the disciples, their faith was real, but it was disturbed; it was not at work in actual things. The disciples were scattered to their own interests, alive to interests that never were in Jesus Christ. After we have been perfectly related to God in sanctification, our faith has to be worked out in actualities. We shall be scattered, not into work, but into inner desolations and made to know what internal death to God’s blessings means. Are we prepared for this? It is not that we choose it, but that God engineers our circumstances so that we are brought there. Until we have been through that experience, our faith is bolstered up by feelings and by blessings. When once we get there, no matter where God places us or what the inner desolations are, we can praise God that all is well. That is faith being worked out in actualities.
“. . . and shall leave Me alone.” Have we left Jesus alone by the scattering of His providence? Because we do not see God in our circumstances? Darkness comes by the sovereignty of God. Are we prepared to let God do as He likes with us—prepared to be separated from conscious blessings? Until Jesus Christ is Lord, we all have ends of our own to serve; our faith is real, but it is not permanent yet. God is never in a hurry; if we wait, we shall see that God is pointing out that we have not been interested in Himself, but only in His blessings. The sense of God’s blessing is elemental.
“Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Spiritual grit is what we need.
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (pp. 68-69). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Two-sided Coin April 2, 2015
17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 20:17-19 ESV
Two weeks ago our small group lesson was from the fourth chapter of Luke. In the story, Jesus and the disciples were headed across the Sea of Galilee when a storm arose. Jesus was asleep in the bow of the boat. The disciples were in a panic and asked Jesus if he was concerned they were about to die. Jesus rebuked the waves then the disciples for their fear. Since he has said they were going to the side, there was no reason to doubt that coming to pass. One of the main focal points of the passage is that if God says, then it will come to pass.
As I read today's passage from Matthew, it occurred to me the same truism was present. For the third time, Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death. This time he is very descriptive. Priests, Gentiles, flogging, crucifixion, and resurrection.
God had spoken. This will take place. Nothing could alter Jesus' path. His future was sealed.
It is comforting to claim the "positive" promises of God. Those verses we have committed to memory that have gotten you through a long night and been your solace on a tear-stained pillow. Promises of comfort, victory, and eternal life.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
But how eager are you to embrace the "negative" promises of God?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33
"For the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23
"The Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6
We live in a society where comfort is king. The alleviation of any negative is the goal of so many. The other day I heard an advertisement on television for a Mercedes that touted a heated steering wheel. Heated steering wheel! When had gloves become obsolete? What about just waiting 3 minutes until the car warmed up.
God promises comfort, guidance, companionship, but He also promises trials, difficulties, and challenges. You can't have one without the other. If you are not experiencing the latter, perhaps you are not living the life God would have you live.
Two weeks ago our small group lesson was from the fourth chapter of Luke. In the story, Jesus and the disciples were headed across the Sea of Galilee when a storm arose. Jesus was asleep in the bow of the boat. The disciples were in a panic and asked Jesus if he was concerned they were about to die. Jesus rebuked the waves then the disciples for their fear. Since he has said they were going to the side, there was no reason to doubt that coming to pass. One of the main focal points of the passage is that if God says, then it will come to pass.
As I read today's passage from Matthew, it occurred to me the same truism was present. For the third time, Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death. This time he is very descriptive. Priests, Gentiles, flogging, crucifixion, and resurrection.
God had spoken. This will take place. Nothing could alter Jesus' path. His future was sealed.
It is comforting to claim the "positive" promises of God. Those verses we have committed to memory that have gotten you through a long night and been your solace on a tear-stained pillow. Promises of comfort, victory, and eternal life.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
But how eager are you to embrace the "negative" promises of God?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33
"For the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23
"The Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6
We live in a society where comfort is king. The alleviation of any negative is the goal of so many. The other day I heard an advertisement on television for a Mercedes that touted a heated steering wheel. Heated steering wheel! When had gloves become obsolete? What about just waiting 3 minutes until the car warmed up.
God promises comfort, guidance, companionship, but He also promises trials, difficulties, and challenges. You can't have one without the other. If you are not experiencing the latter, perhaps you are not living the life God would have you live.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
April 1, 2015
Heartiness v. Heartlessness towards Others
It is Christ . . . who also maketh intercession for us. . . . The Spirit . . . maketh intercession for the saints. Romans 8:34, 27
Do we need any more argument than this to become intercessors—that Christ “ever liveth to make intercession”; that the Holy Spirit “maketh intercession for the saints”? Are we living in such vital relationship to our fellow men that we do the work of intercession as the Spirit-taught children of God? Begin with the circumstances we are in—our homes, our business, our country, the present crisis as it touches us and others—are these things crushing us? Are they badgering us out of the presence of God and leaving us no time for worship? Then let us call a halt, and get into such living relationship with God that our relationship to others may be maintained on the line of intercession whereby God works His marvels.
Beware of outstripping God by your very longing to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, consequently we get so burdened with persons and with difficulties that we do not worship God, we do not intercede. If once the burden and the pressure come upon us and we are not in the worshipping attitude, it will produce not only hardness toward God but despair in our own souls. God continually introduces us to people for whom we have no affinity, and unless we are worshipping God, the most natural thing to do is to treat them heartlessly, to give them a text like the jab of a spear, or leave them with a rapped-out counsel of God and go. A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to Our Lord.
Are we in the direct line of the intercession of our Lord and of the Holy Spirit?
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 66). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
It is Christ . . . who also maketh intercession for us. . . . The Spirit . . . maketh intercession for the saints. Romans 8:34, 27
Do we need any more argument than this to become intercessors—that Christ “ever liveth to make intercession”; that the Holy Spirit “maketh intercession for the saints”? Are we living in such vital relationship to our fellow men that we do the work of intercession as the Spirit-taught children of God? Begin with the circumstances we are in—our homes, our business, our country, the present crisis as it touches us and others—are these things crushing us? Are they badgering us out of the presence of God and leaving us no time for worship? Then let us call a halt, and get into such living relationship with God that our relationship to others may be maintained on the line of intercession whereby God works His marvels.
Beware of outstripping God by your very longing to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, consequently we get so burdened with persons and with difficulties that we do not worship God, we do not intercede. If once the burden and the pressure come upon us and we are not in the worshipping attitude, it will produce not only hardness toward God but despair in our own souls. God continually introduces us to people for whom we have no affinity, and unless we are worshipping God, the most natural thing to do is to treat them heartlessly, to give them a text like the jab of a spear, or leave them with a rapped-out counsel of God and go. A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to Our Lord.
Are we in the direct line of the intercession of our Lord and of the Holy Spirit?
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 66). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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