dailywalkinthelight

A Daily a Walk in the Light of God's Word

Archives for August 2017

Prayer Includes Listening

The Light

My study is always about trying to grow closer to God.  To seek after Him that I might better understand Him.  A big part of that study is beginning the day with prayer but there are times when I hit a wall after praising God and giving thanks and praying for others that I do not know where to go or what to pray.  The past week or so has been that way for me, and it is not the first time, but I have learned that I need to listen and keep moving and God will reveal what He wants me to see.

You see it is in my nature to find a way around a road block: traffic jam – find a different route, something broken – fix it or replace it.  I have a nature that says I need to do something to fix this prayer jam too.  But Henry Blackaby taught something in his study, “Experiencing God”, that over time stuck.  He said, “Don’t just do something, stand there.” Pure insanity to a person like me, but once I let the Holy Spirit show me the value of it a few times, (yes, sometimes it takes more than once), I realized the wisdom of it.

When I am stuck I have come to realize God is showing me something and he is patient and willing to wait until I see it.  This week it was me trying to insert my will in place of His.  Though I had the best of intentions I was getting in the way of really listening to the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes that happens when I really want something specific to happen and I am too impatient to wait and listen or simply trust in God.  Then I become anxious and worrisome and I am inwardly focused rather than trusting in the Lord.  But today my ears cleared.   It came in Proverbs 4.

A Fathers Wise Instruction

It began with verse 1 and 2

Proverbs 4:1-2 (ESV)

1 Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,

and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

2 for I give you good precepts;

do not forsake my teaching.

As I read this passage the Holy Spirit pierced my heart with every word.  It was a cautionary opening.  “Here me for what I give you is wise and of value; do not ignore it or make light of it.”

As I read these two verses all I could think is, “Yes Lord.”  Every word of Your scriptures is true and every passage You share with me are “good precepts.” I continued down through the chapter 4.  Every verse shows the preciousness of God’s Word against the darkness of the world.   Finally, I came to verse 20 – 27 and the pray jam broke free.

Proverbs 4:20-27

I read these words and my heart softened and my eyes opened and I could see my errors and I was overjoyed.

Proverbs 4:20-27 (ESV)

20 My son, be attentive to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Let them not escape from your sight;

keep them within your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them,

and healing to all their flesh.

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,

for from it flow the springs of life.

24 Put away from you crooked speech,

and put devious talk far from you.

25 Let your eyes look directly forward,

and your gaze be straight before you.

26 Ponder the path of your feet;

then all your ways will be sure.

27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;

turn your foot away from evil.

I read this passage and was reminded that I need to keep my focus on the things of heaven.  Trust in God and be attentive to His Holy Word and listen to what it teaches.  Listening takes more than a quick read like through a novel, it takes prayerful consideration.

How often do we let them escape our sight by letting our desires come first and not spending time in the Word?  He warns us to not let them escape our sight but keep them in our heart, and for good reason; they are life to those who find them.

Let Your Eyes Look Directly Forward

I found that I had been losing focus and getting caught up in fix it mode rather than leave my requests with the Lord and it was truly foolish.  I had no more control over these situations than shedding 100 pounds over night or suddenly playing guitar like Eric Clapton.

I had done my part I had prayed and offered encouragement and extended a hand of friendship.  What I could continue to do was called out in 1 Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (ESV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing

It took me a while to remember that God has these circumstances under control.  I do not always know how they will unfold, but I do trust Him and love my Heavenly Father.  There is this gift he gave all of us that believe in His Son Jesus.  He is the Helper; the indwelling Holy Spirit.  He guides us and opens our hearts if we will listen as well.

Closing Thoughts

I think of this mighty gift of the Holy Spirit and how easy it is to not listen when he is teaching.  But he too is patient and I am thankful.  It brings me in mind of a passage in Galatians.

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV) 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

If we will simply walk in the Spirit and keep the Word of God in our heart and in our mind, He will keep us from doing the things of the flesh and settle our spirit.  He brings with Him contentment in a world that prefers chaos over contentment and strife over peace.

Prayer

Lord God, I pray a prayer of thanks today for your correction setting me once again on the right path.  Lord, I know that I can be stubborn and I am thankful for your grace and gift of repentance.  Father, I love you and am grateful for your forgiveness.  I ask that you strengthen me to cling to you and not be distracted.  In Jesus name, I pray! Amen!

 

Filling the Jar

The Wonder all Around Us

So yesterday morning, just before Church, I started a new book that my preacher Terry Cooper told me about.  It is “The Book of Mysteries” by Jonathan Cahn.  I had read one of his other books, “The Harbinger” and it was good but this one is a bit different.  I think I like it better.  It is a daily book of mysteries and the first one discussed Open vessels versus closed vessels.  The title was “Eternity in a Jar”.

I read the passage a couple of times and the accompanying verses.  He spoke of these clay jars and asked the question; could they contain something bigger than themselves.  He went on to explain that the only way they could was if they remained open.  A closed jar could not contain anything more than what was in it.

I meditated on them yesterday and this morning.  It would come back, this reference to clay vessels, as would the verses.  It would linger a while until some distraction came.  But it would not be long until it came back.  Another verse, not related to the book, came to mind as well.  This verse seemed to fit with the thoughts that were bouncing around in my head.  It was Proverbs 9:10

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV) 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

As I thought of this Jar and what it might contain I thought of my own heart and mind and I did not want to limit it at all, not when it came to knowing God.  My desire was to seek after him.

The Open Jar

As I ponder this one-page document from Jonathan Cahn’s book I think about being an open jar seeking after living water, the Word of God, so that I may grow closer to Him.  Cahn made one other point.  “Which is larger, that which you know or that which you do not know?” And that stopped me in my tracks.  It was blindingly obvious that what I do not know was far larger than what I know, but I do not think I had ever looked at it that way.  I just plodded along not really grasping the difference.  I knew there was much I did not know, but I never considered the scale.

As I thought about that I started thinking about where my open jar was along this river of living water.  Is it just lying on the edge of the stream gathering a little bit here and there or is it immersed in the flow of the river nearly drowning in the influx of knowledge? As I considered it I knew what I wanted, but I was not so sure I was there all the time.

I wanted to be immersed in the river of living water.  I want to be gathering the wisdom that God offers in His Word, but I know that I get distracted.  Sometimes those distractions are petty, sometimes they are more serious, but all those distractions I choose to handle myself I should be giving to God.  I know what to do.  But so often the adversary distracts me and I turn inward instead of leaning on God; even my favorite verse.

Matthew 11:27-30 (ESV) 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

If I will let these distractions go I can immerse my heart and mind in his word, even when I am not studying it because the Holy Spirit takes the nourishment I gained from my study and reminds me of it when I need it.

Filling This Jar

I thought about my hope and salvation that comes through Christ Jesus this morning and then I considered how fortunate I am to have His Word to draw on to fortify myself.  From Genesis to Revelation it is all there for my nourishment and strength.

I looked at Jeremiah 33:3

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV) 3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

I read this and I think of the torn veil and the gift we must approach the Lord God in prayer and ask for His guidance and help in Jesus name and He will answer, and so often those answers come straight from His Word.  What joy there is in that gift.  But I would not know it if I were not connected to the vine through the Holy Word of God and Prayer.

John 15:5-7 (ESV) 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Just thinking of that gives me goose bumps and I am thankful that through Him my Jar is filled.

Filling the Jar with Compassion

I considered Isaiah 55:1-11 which Jonathan Cahn referenced in this process.  And I thought about this Jar and in Isaiah it is not enough to be an open jar, we must thirst and truly desire to be filled with Gods Word.  As people, we always thirst for stuff: a new car, a new boat, a new camera, a skinny body, popularity.  But those are all fleeting and temporary.  The thirst God reveals through Isaiah in chapter 55 is eternal.

Isaiah 55:1-11 (ESV)

The Compassion of the Lord

1 “Come, everyone who thirsts,

come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without price.

2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,

and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,

and delight yourselves in rich food.

3 Incline your ear, and come to me;

hear, that your soul may live;

and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,

my steadfast, sure love for David.

4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,

a leader and commander for the peoples.

5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,

and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,

because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,

for he has glorified you.

6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near;

7 let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

I read this passage and God says it all.  He calls us to Himself and asks us why we seek after things that do not last and he assures us forgiveness.  But how would I know if not for His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide me.  I am so thankful for His love, grace, and mercy.

Closing Thoughts

Filling this Jar with more than I am just really hit me the last couple days.  I was filled with all sorts of thoughts that led to increasing joy.  I remembered this passage in John.

John 14:26 (ESV) 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

What a gift that is; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to teach us all.  I know that He opens my eyes to new things in God’s Word every day.

I think of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.

John 4:10 (ESV) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

I thank God that I do know who Jesus is and through His Word, I have grown closer to Him every day.

Then I think of John 1

John 1:1-5 (ESV) The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

And I realize that my jar is small but it can contain infinitely more than its size would indicate because the Holy Spirit is in me and I am a branch connected to the vine.  And the Holy Spirit knows my needs before I do, and this thirst I have is for the living water – God’s Word!

Prayer

Father God, I thank you for the wisdom that comes from you.  The thirst you give me for Your Word and the answers you offer to my prayers.  Lord I am humbled by Your love, grace and mercy.  Help me that I not squander them on distractions of this world but keep them focused on you always.  In Jesus name, I pray.

PS. I have a friend in the hospital that just had a stroke after an intricate surgery.  Please keep Greg in your prayers. 

What an Awesome God We Serve

God’s Glory

Today I thought a lot about the eclipse yesterday.  It was an amazing sight but I stayed inside and did not try to capture a photo of it.  My concern was messing up.  See part of my issues deal with is staying focused under pressure.  In my mind the window of the eclipse was tight and the consequences were significant.  I did not want to get caught up in the shot and forget and look at the sun without protection, or some other foolish thing.  Besides I knew there would be plenty who would capture photos of it.

I did not want to get caught up in the shot and forget, and look at the sun without protection, or some other foolish thing.  Besides I knew there would be plenty who would capture photos of it.

The other thing that went through my mind was the fact that this is one event in God’s creation.  Yes, it is cool.  Yes, it points out the precision of His creation.  There is a place for everything and an order to it and I am certain that this event occurring now in this place and it has significance, but I felt certain that I did not want to take a chance and have an issue that could cause me to miss another wonderful sight.

Maybe that is crazy, but I knew what was going on outside.  I did not have to see the eclipse to know that it was true.  I was surrounded by a multitude of witnesses.  I pondered that and chose to let this one go so I could focus on the usual and mundane sights of this world.  If I did not have my limitations I would have been out there too, but I know my limits and I know the juice just was not worth the squeeze, and I was reminded this morning my God’s wake up call that missing the eclipse was just fine.  He shared with me a great sunrise.  Then I prayed and read and K-love gave me another reminder.

Psalms 19

I started in Psalm 66 from K-Love than wandered around in the Psalms until I came to 19.  They reminded me of the love we have for God, the Love God has for us, the beauty of His creation, and all His provision.  I read 19 still thinking of the eclipse.

 

Psalms 19:1-6 (ESV)

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2 Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,

and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,

and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,

and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

 

Through His Word, we gain wisdom and understanding even on a day when we might not turn a page IF on that day we spent some time contemplating the wonder and glory of His work.  It overwhelms me when I look at all he has done and It not only survives it thrives if we take time to simply take it in.

Then I considered His Promise.

John Chapter 13 and 14

I read chapter thirteen and it is the last supper time.  Jesus washes the disciple’s feet and demonstrates his love and service.  He talks of His betrayal and He talks about His leaving.  He also gives them a commandment to love one another so that others may know that they are His disciples.  He even tells Peter he will betray him 3 times.  Then in 14, the disciples are a bit shaken as one might expect and Jesus tells them this truth.

John 14:1-7 (ESV) 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

I love all the book of John.  I could go on and on, but I think I will stop here.  The thing is the love of Jesus Christ is so vast that I cannot fathom its reach.  So powerful I cannot fathom its impact, but so gentle that it comes as a whisper in my heart “let not your hearts be troubled”, and that whisper melts all concerns away and I am overcome with peace and joy.

Closing Thoughts

I am not sure I can tie all this together today, but God can.  I look around me at the wonder of his creation and the gift of His Word and the Church family I know and have yet to meet and I am filled with thanksgiving.  I am reminded today of Galatians 4.

Galatians 4:1-7 (ESV) Sons and Heirs

1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

We were once lost but now we are found, blind but now we see.  Our eyes have been opened to all creation and to the wonder of his Word in so far as we are ready for it or in need of it.  Every day I see something new, no matter how many times I study a passage.  Our God is an awesome God!

Prayer

Father, I pray that my eyes might always seek your face.  My heart pursues you, and I never grow tired of your wisdom or the beauty of your creation or grow tired of sharing your message.  In Jesus name, I pray!  Amen!

The Time Is Always Near

Glory

I woke this morning with every intention of continuing in Ephesians, but I got a bit sidetracked.  I read a message from a friend about Revelation and I read some posts on FB and I saw an uplifting post that surprised me a bit and I decided I needed to change directions this morning about the urgency of Christ’s return. The time of His return is always near.

First off, I am not going to make a predictions or tie anything to any date that can match up to any prophecy, because I believe, Matthew 24:36-37 (ESV) 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. So, I do not spend a lot of time speculating on a specific date.  But I do pay attention to prophecy to be aware of the season.

I do believe Matthew 24:32-35 (ESV) 32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.  So, I do pay attention to the prophecy and wait in eager anticipation, but the key is that I wait, and while I wait I keep doing what God gave me to do.

Wait on the Lord

Even though I know the time is near I still must wait on the Lord.  But it is not a burden to wait for God.  There is much to do while I wait.  We have been in a hurry for His return since the first century.  Peter wrote about it.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (ESV) 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Shouldn’t we do the same? Shouldn’t we study the Word of God with anxiousness and anticipation preparing for His return?  Peter desired for us to grow in understanding.  But he also desired patience.

2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV) 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

He explained God’s view of time was different of ours and it was not slow, but His desire was that all might reach repentance.  But how might they reach repentance if they do not know Jesus.  Paul explained it to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 1 – Preach Christ Crucified

He spoke of the Gospel and our need to share it.  He also reminded the Corinthians that it could not be shared by our power or fancy words but only through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I love this passage where he explains it.

1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (ESV) 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Paul talks about how God chose to deliver the message of salvation and goes on to confirm it by reminding them of how he, Paul, delivered the message.

1 Corinthians 2 Proclaiming Christ Crucified

Paul explained his own weakness and frailty.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV) 1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

As I read this message I am reminded of the Great Commission that Jesus gave us all.  And I look at these words and am filled with an understanding that I do not have to be wise nor do I have to be filled with fancy words to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28 The Great Commission

Christ Jesus told us what to do.  It was called the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Peter reminded us that know Christ’s return is near, 18 “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) Paul explained that we need not fear to share what we know.

1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV)

Peter shows the need to study the Word of God for understanding and Paul reminds us that we must not rely on our own strength when sharing the Gospel, but on the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit when we share God’s Word.

Closing Thoughts

No one knows God’s timetable but through God’s Word, we can see the season and Christ Jesus return seems closer that it has been.  There is a passage that rattled me the first time I read it.  I had always been an intellectual Christian.  I knew there was a God.  But I had never truly accepted Him.  The passage is in James

James 2:19 (ESV) 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Today I know that there is so much more.  There is an indwelling Holy Spirit and is my strength and wisdom.  He gives me words when I have none.  He directs my thoughts when I am lost in a sea of confusion.  He showed me that full surrender was a victory not defeat and that the love of Christ Jesus surpasses all understanding.

I will close with this last passage.

John 14:1-7 (ESV)

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

It is a simple message but as I read it my heart beats like thunder!  What an awesome God we serve!

Prayer

Father, give me the strength to simply share the Gospel with those around me.  Father, I trust you to give me the words.  Help me to be obedient and simply share what you have taught me through Your Word.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

Walk in Love

Glorious Day

My son and his family came and spent some time with us the last few days and honestly it took me a couple days to recover.  I love my grandkids and I do not want to miss a minute, but I do not have the stamina I once had.  But I am caught up on my rest and back in Ephesians.  Today I focused on chapter 4 and only a bit of chapter 5.  The part that strikes me in these passages is Paul’s desire for us to walk in love and to put away our old selves and put on our new bodies.

Paul closed chapter 3 with a prayer for spiritual strength.  He prayed to the Father that – “he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV

And Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling.  That calling is where I started today.

Unity of the Body

I began with chapter 4 1-6 and as I read it I could not help but think of the division in this country.  2000 years ago God, thru Paul, encouraged us to unite in the body of Christ and there is still so much division. I read these words and I consider all the ways we find to divide up over color or economic class or talents but nowhere in these passages are any of them mentioned.  Paul is very clear.

Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV) 1

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Nowhere in that passage is there any reference to separation or putting one above another. Nowhere is one called out above another.  In fact, n the Next passage Paul further speaks of unity in verses 9-16

Built on Love

Paul speaks of Jesus’ path and where he went and what assignments he made and why.  

Ephesians 4:9-16 (ESV)

 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

We are one body, when it works together properly it grows and builds itself properly in love.

Reflections

I cannot help but notice one thing in these two passages.  It is the foundation of love and working together.  Paul also councils us to bear with one another in love.  We are not perfect we still have that sin nature that can show itself, but it takes two to battle.  One can fuss and be angry but it takes two to escalate that into an argument, and this isn’t the only time that Paul mentions it.  In my Bible, there was a cross reference to Galatians.

Galatians 3:23-29 (ESV)

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

I read this passage out of Galatians and consider Paul’s Council and look at the violence in the world and can see no reason to add to it.  In Christ Jesus, there are only one people.  We are all united.  God did not divide us by any trait or economic class or click.  We are one people united under one God.

He is the reason for our existence.

Walk in Love for one Another

Look now at Ephesians 4:17-24.  Paul reminds us that if we have received Christ Jesus we no longer can walk as Gentiles, those living in the flesh.  We are no longer the same.  We have been transformed.

Ephesians 4:17-24 (ESV)

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

I shudder a bit when I read that passage.  He minces no words, and the part that gets me is “assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.” I shudder a bit because this letter is to the church and to me it sounds like if you are struggling with these things he speaks of you may not really know Jesus.

Perfect Harmony

I looked at another cross reference from Colossians 3

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

In this passage, it goes even a bit further to say that love binds everything together in perfect harmony.  Again, the Lord does not pick any further than “God’s chosen one.”

Reflections

I read on through the close of Ephesians 4 and the first paragraph of chapter 5 and in that Paul reminded me that I am a child of God.  I should be speaking the truth to my neighbor; why? Because “we are members one of another.” He reminded me to be angry but do not sin and give no opportunity to the devil.

Ephesians 4:25-32 (ESV)

 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

I love the closing sentences of this chapter.  “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  That is our hope.  To be tenderhearted and forging toward one another as God in Christ forgave me.  Paul restates it at the beginning of Chapter 5

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) Walk in Love

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Closing Thoughts

Ephesians 4 is filled with illustrations of the compassion we are to have for one another.  No one person or one group is above another.  We are all children of God.  Our model is Christ Jesus and there was no task and no person that was beneath his love and compassion.  No one that he looked down on.

The world would choose to dictate my morality.  I choose to follow Jesus and His example.  I choose to follow my King and Lord, my Savior and Redeemer.  I choose the absolute truth of His Word.

Prayer

Father, help me that I might simply hold fast to your Holy Word and my hunger for Your wisdom never be satisfied.  Thank you, Lord, for igniting this fire in me and giving me the fuel to keep it burning.  In Jesus name, I pray!  Amen!

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Spiritual Strength

Awakening Sky

Yesterday I was unable to put together a devotional.  It got a bit hectic and I could not get focused enough to put the post together, but I could not stop thinking about Ephesians and the two prayers Paul prayed in the first 3 chapters of Ephesians.  The first was a prayer of thanksgiving and the second was for spiritual strength.  Both were prayed with very specific purpose.

The first was a prayer of thanksgiving and the second was for spiritual strength.  But ultimately both were prayers of purpose focused on the needs of the church.  I read these prayers and I cannot help but think how important it is for me to pray like prayers like this for my church family, and for the ones that I have not met yet.

As I was thinking about theses prayers and writing out my thoughts I remembered when we were building the new worship center and we were putting the chairs in the sanctuary for the first time and we all prayed that these chairs were for people that we had not yet met and God would fill them.  And he did, and we continue to grow, so this first prayer is for my church family and those that I have yet to meet.

Ephesians 3:14-21 Prayer for Spiritual Strength

I meditated on these two prayers.  This morning my first focus was on the prayer in chapter 3.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV) Prayer for Spiritual Strength

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.*

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I looked at this prayer and then considered the prayer he prayed in chapter one and in both he knew that we could not do this on our own.  We needed the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to stand.  I went back to the first prayer and reread it.

Ephesians 1:15-23 Thanksgiving and Prayer

When I began with it I was the same appeal to God on our behalf.  But first, it was for wisdom and knowledge of God.

Ephesians 1:15-23 (ESV) Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.* 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Paul prayed for the indwelling Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.  As I read that this morning I see a specific order to the prayers and even to the things that Paul reveals to the people of Ephesus.

Reflection

As I reread these three chapters again this morning and meditated on them the order became clear. In Chapter 1:3-14 Paul reminds us of the gift we have received in Christ Jesus.  He reminds of all that He did for us and the purpose was to unite us with him.  Then in verses 15-23 he offers a prayer of thanksgiving.

In this prayer Paul asks for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we as believers may be able to see and understand what God has done and will do for us, and that prayer was not only for Ephesians but believers that were to come, and the prayer was to prepare their hearts for the message of chapter 2.

In Chapter 2 he spoke of the wonder of faith through grace and being one in Christ.  Without the Holy spirit, how would we understand such things as these and in the beginning of chapter 3 he reveals the mystery of the Gospel; that it is intended for all people.

Consider This

After these things Paul comes to the prayer for Spiritual strength.  It is as if the strength is a compliment to the wisdom and revelation.  This strength also comes from the Holy Spirit.  Our own strength is not sufficient.

That strength he speaks of in that prayer is not directly for battle, but it does provide God’s armor through understanding.  I love this passage.

Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV)

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

So first we need wisdom and revelation, then strength to comprehend all that we would learn through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as He guides us through God’s Word and the world around us.

Closing Thoughts

When I consider the order that God revealed these things to us through Paul I get goose bumps.  Just thinking about it I am blown away.  As I look ahead in Ephesians these things had to come first to prepare me for the instruction in the coming chapters.

As I consider the prayers alone I am reminded of how important it is to prepare myself for study by praying for these things that Paul prayed for me.  These are not my only prayers, but they should be part of what prepares me to study God’s Word.

Every day I am more and more amazed at the precision of God’s Word.  The order with which He placed each word and paragraph.  What an awesome God He is.

Prayer

Heavenly Father help me always to prepare my mind before study and rely on the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit in me for every thought I consider and every step I take.

Help me Lord always keep me focused on your way and when I fall short please remind me so that I may come to you in repentance that nothing may hinder my relationship with you.

I pray all this Lord in the name of your blessed Son Jesus Christ! Amen!

*emphasis added

The Mystery and Wonder of God’s Grace

Morning Light

Every morning is different from the last in small ways mostly, but still different.  Yes, we have an idea of how the day will unfold; that is our nature to have a plan for the day, but you never really are certain how it is going to go.  It is always a bit of a mystery.

This morning was no different for me.  I got up and staggered down the stairs.  There is the hook of an old Beatles song that is running through my head in those first few minutes.  “Woke up, got outta bed, drag a comb across my head.  Make the trip down stairs and have a cup….” etc. etc.   Then I end up at my desk praying.

This morning as I spent my alone time with God and prayed my prayers the book of Ephesians kept running through my head.  When I finished my prayers, I began reading Ephesians 1 – 3 as Paul revealed the mystery of the Gospel.

Ephesians 1:3-10 Spiritual Blessings in Christ

As I read Paul’s blessing in verses three through ten, my heart leaps with every word of the text.  He first praises God and then reminds us of our blessings and gifts.

Ephesians 1:3-10 (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

He “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places… that we should be holy and blameless before him.”  As I consider this gift how can I squander it with selfish desires?  I am reminded of Matthew 13 and the parables Jesus taught:

What a treasure our God has given us.  How awesome is He and wonderful is His grace and mercy, and Paul goes on to fill my cup in verses 15-21 as he prays for the church at Ephesus.

Ephesians 1:15-21 Thanksgiving and Prayer

He does not pray for the Ephesians because they are ill or weak or struggling in this prayer, although some may be in peril.  The reason for this pray was their strong faith in the Lord Jesus and their love toward all the saints.

Ephesians 1:15-21 (ESV)

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

I read and reread this passage and even as I added it to this blog I had to stop and pray this prayer for all believers.  What a powerful prayer Paul prayed, not only for the Ephesians but for all who believe.  What an important thing I must include in my prayer time.  The thing is, I know this prayer, but I had not read Ephesians in a while, and I had let this slip from my memory.  I am humbled again by God’s Word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection

I took a minute or two to reflect on this first part of the letter that Paul wrote to the Ephesians.  The introduction is so powerful that I believe as the letter was read to the Ephesians there was at least some, if not all the Ephesians, that heard that prayer and realized a significant deficiency in their prayer life as I did.

Now for a long time, I have felt a need to pray for the body of believers.  But I had forgotten the specifics that Paul revealed in this passage.  I prayed for their protection, but I fell short of asking for all the things that Paul asked in verses 17-21.  That gave me a repentant heart, thankful for God’s grace.  It also took me to his next passage that defined grace through faith.

Ephesians 2:1-10 By Grace Through Faith

I think chapter 2 in Ephesians is in my top 100 chapters in the bible if I were to rank them.  I just love reading it.  The mystery revealed in this chapter just blows my mind.  Ephesians 2:1-10 just warm me in peace and comfort.  I do not know if that makes sense, but having been a heathen, I am filled with thanksgiving as I read this passage and reflect on the gift.

Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV) By Grace Through Faith

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

I read this passage and I know I was dead in my sins.  I was on the wrong road, but God in His infinite mercy called me away from that path and showed me a love that I could not have imagined.  A love that was a gift that I could not earn by any means.  “For by grace (I) have been saved through faith. And this is not (my) own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that (I) may boast.”  I am left breathless when I think of this gift.  A gift that is so amazing that I must tell people about it.

Closing Thoughts

You know there is so much to this letter I could keep on going, but I think it is best to stop here today.  As I reflect on the opening passages of this letter to the Ephesians I about want to burst.  Jesus revealed so many mysteries to Paul, and the Holy Spirit lead him to share them with each church or recipient at just the right time.  The Holy Spirit does the same for us if we will listen and obey.

This wonderful Gospel has been given to us to share.  The Holy Spirit guides us through it and reveals each piece as we are ready for it, but not for us to hide in our hearts but to share.  I close with this passage in Luke.

Luke 11:33-36 (ESV) The Light in You

33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”

Prayer

Father, help me to be bold in my prayers.  Let me not forget the believers when I pray and pray for them as Paul did.  Lord, I also ask to take that strength you give us to step out and share your Gospel with the world around us planting seeds of hope, and all this I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Christ in You

Water and the Word

 

 

This morning I am still in Colossians.  This time it is chapter 1 and just a bit of chapter 2.  I read a devotional by Oswald Chambers from his book “Utmost for His Highest,” Prayer in the Father’s Honor, for August 8th and it touched my heart.  It reminded me of the joy and privilege of prayer.

The verse that brought me back to Colossians was Colossians 1:24 that Chambers referenced near the end of his devotional.  It was part of a series of questions posed by Oswald Chambers in the closing paragraph of his devotional.

“Is the Son of God praying in me, bringing honor to the Father, or am I dictating my demands to Him? Is He ministering in me as He did in the time of His manhood here on earth? Is God’s Son in me going through His passion, suffering so that His own purposes might be fulfilled? The more a person knows of the inner life of God’s most mature saints, the more he sees what God’s purpose really is: to “…fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ…” (Colossians 1:24). And when we think of what it takes to “fill up,” there is always something yet to be done.”  From <https://utmost.org/>

I read that, and I had to go back to Colossians.  The things that Chambers was saying.  Who is really in charge in my life?  Have I fully surrendered to the indwelling Holy Spirit? Am I listening or simply dictating a list in my prayers?

Colossians 1:15-20 The Preeminence of Christ

Once back in Colossians I went to chapter 1 verse 15 and read thru 20.  I love this passage.  As I read it, I thought of the opening of the Book of John and Genesis where Jesus and His glory are described.

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV) The Preeminence of Christ

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Paul has already given the Gospel to the Colossians, but because of others trying to deceive them he is reminding them of His wonder and Glory and the gift that they have in him, but he does not stop there.  He goes on to remind them of how far they have come in verses 21-23.

Colossians 1:21-23

He reminds them that they were alienated and hostile to God but were reconciled.

Colossians 1:21-23 (ESV) 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Paul reminds them that his task was to bring them the Gospel and their task is to believe and hold fast to that which they have learned.

Colossians 1:24-29 Paul’s Ministry to the Church

I continued in Colossians 1:24-29 thinking about was Oswald Chambers had said… “there is always more to be done.  I read Paul’s job.  He was to preach.  That was what he proclaimed.

Colossians 1:24-29 (ESV) Paul’s Ministry to the Church

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

It was clear that he was talking about himself, but something kept nagging at me.  It was a passage about imitating Paul, but I could not pull it back, so I googled it.  It was 1 Corinthians 11:1 so I looked it up and read a bit in 1 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:1

The passage that got my attention was 1 Corinthians 10:31-11-1.  It spoke of my role of imitating Paul.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:1 (ESV) 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

The thing that got me about this passage was that Paul did all things to the glory of God. His goal was that they may be saved.   He explained his example was Jesus and ours should be the same through his example.  We all need to share this wonderful news that we have been given.  Now we are not all Paul, but neither were the people of Corinth or Colossi, but all that received the message, in their way, could share it.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 One Body with Many Members

As I read through 1 Corinthians, I could not stop thinking about this charge to be imitators of Paul.  Then I came to chapter 12:12-13 and I paused here for a while.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV) 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

I read this passage over and over.  There is one church and one Holy Spirit and all who believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died for my sins and was raised from the dead, and sits at the right hand of the Father…

3 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

The indwelling Holy Spirit of Jesus, our Helper, will guide and direct us to bring glory to the Father if we listen and obey.

Closing Thoughts

I look at all these scriptures and the questions raised by Oswald Chambers devotional, and it all is very humbling.  Christ promised the Holy Spirit would come and explained it in Acts of the Apostles. But for us to be effective we must listen and obey.  I know there are times when I am unwilling to relinquish control, and I dictate demands more than listening for direction.  This occurs most often when facing a challenge or conflict, but Jesus told us in Luke and elsewhere that we need not worry.

 Luke 12:11-12 (ESV) 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

I know this passage is true.  I know the Holy Spirit had given me words to say when I had no idea what to say.  I need only to listen and obey rather than dictate.  The same is true of sharing the Gospel.  If I listen the Holy Spirit will guide me through what may seem awkward and uncomfortable at first but, He who is in me REALLY is bigger than he who is in the world.  I can trust Him… I MUST trust Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me those times when my pride gets in the way of my prays and my ears closed and my will takes center stage.  Forgive me for assuming that I know what I need Father.

Lord, I thank you for your patience with me and your gift of repentance and grace.  Thank you, Holy Spirit, for guiding me through the Word to reveal what I need each day.

I pray Lord that today my actions and thought might bring glory to Your Name, and it is in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that I pray, Amen!

Let the Peace that Comes from Christ Rule in your Hearts

The Wonder of It All

This week has been a bit hectic, but I have had these thoughts in my head since Thursday out of Colossians. It is Colossians 3:15. The thoughts deal with Christ Jesus ruling my heart.

Colossians 3:15 (ESV) 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Frankly, this thought is with me a lot; not in so many words, but always in concept.  I am often, if not always thinking about the indwelling Spirit.  When I look at this verse, I realize this is the foundation of my new life.

I was called, and I accepted Jesus as my savior and redeemer as well as my ruler and king. I was called to the body of the church, His children, of whom He is the head, and I am thankful.

As I thought about this over the last couple days, I stayed mostly in Colossians but bounced back and forth mostly working through Paul’s letter.  I began with Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV).

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Verses 12 – 14 take my breath away.  They remind me that I am a child of God and I should, as such, operate in love.

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV) 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

I cannot help but be drawn back to John 13:34-35 when I read this.  Christ very succinctly said the same thing.

 John 13:34-35 (ESV) 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

God wanted us to live in harmony with one another; to love one another.  It was not just to make our lives better, which it is certain to do, but to brighten our light to the world.

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)

I went on from to verse 14 – 17 and was lifted by the passage.

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Paul reminds us that all our actions should be done, “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We should consider no other way of doing anything. How are we to do that?  That makes me think of Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 (ESV) 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Holy Spirit through Paul tells us.  I go a bit further in Colossians and Paul defines how our household is to run.

Colossians 3:18 – 4:1 Rules for Christian Households

I read this so many times, and all I thought of was the husband, wife, and children.  I could not relate to the bond servants and the masters, but if you have a job, you have a boss.  You may be a boss.  If you have your own business, your customer is your boss.

As I considered this passage it applies to my life as much today as it did then.  I may no longer work, but I did, and I still go places like restaurants and doctors’ offices where I am served.

Colossians 3:18 – 4:1 (ESV) Rules for Christian Households

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

The family is the same now as it was.  Paul offers great council.  As for the bondservants and others; there are a lot of people that fill service rolls from employees to waiters and everyone in between.  All deserve fair treatment, no matter who is having a bad day.

Reflections

I look back at these verses and this great council, and the first thing I see is all the times I fell short, and all the times that I am sure I will fall short again.  That is why that nourishing that new heart and the new man that we are is so important.  Un-nourished that heart can wither like an unwatered flower.

Closing Thoughts

As I close this writing, there are two passages in Colossians that come to mind.  The first is in chapter 2

Colossians 2:6-10 (ESV) 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

This passage reminds me to hold fast always to the Lord and remember I must take care not to be deceived.  To do this, I must know Gods Word and trust in the guidance of the indwelling Spirit remembering Romans 12:2

The other passage is in Colossians 4

Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV) 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, also pray for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

I love this passage.  Verse two is pray.  Verse 3 and 4 pray for Paul, so he is effective.  I pray for others that they may be effective.  Verse 5 is to walk in wisdom in the world, and 6 let your speech be gracious, seasoned with salt, so you may know how to answer each person.

I am so thankful for God’s Word.  I could not move without it anymore.  I wonder how I ever did.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your sound counsel through your Word by the hand of the Holy Spirit.  Thank you for giving me understanding that I could not have without you.

I pray Lord that today and every day I might remember this council and show it in how I treat others and speak to those I meet that do not know you.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

 

Remember This

The Morning Light

 

This morning I ended up in 2nd

Peter prompted by a K-Love verse.  I guess it was only fitting since I last wrote from 1st Peter.  As I am writing, I cannot remember the specific verse, but as I worked my way through the book this morning, I could not help but notice Peter’s desire for us to remember all things that he and others had taught.

2 Peter 3:1-2 (ESV) 1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles

God knows how easy it is for us to lose focus and once that happens, it is easy for us to forget.  Once we begin to forget the little details it is easier to be deceived and fall victim to the adversary that roams around.  Ok, maybe I shouldn’t speak for everyone.  I will simply say my memory is kind of weak, and I need to stay in the Word and stay focused to be sure I can remember what is important.

But that aside, I started reading chapter one from the introduction.

2 Peter 1

To be honest, in the epistles, the first couple verses in the letter are kind of boiler plate to me.  The writer introduces himself and lists his credentials.  I often skim over them.  But this morning I could not do that.  I would try to move on, and the Holy Spirit would just nudge me a bit to go back and reread that intro.

2 Peter 1:1-2 (ESV) 1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

I had to read it several times, but as thick as I was, I finally got it.  Peter explained who he was but defined his audience very specifically.

“To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

What a powerful comment to make about your audience.  “To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours;” and how did it happen, “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” And after that Peter explains a wonderful gift.

2 Peter 1:3-4

He reminds us of what God gave us through His divine power.  It is a gift that we should always remember, but in this busy world of distractions, we can lose sight.

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV) 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Reflection

Now reading that I thought, “How could I not always remember something like that?” But as I pondered on it a while I realized that it is easy in this world of constant distractions it is easy to get caught up in things that cause our focus to shift.  It does not have to be a bad thing.  It could very well be a good thing where we are in service to God, but so busy we haven’t the time to talk to Him or study His Word.

I know I had gotten there when I was so intent on getting something done for the Lord I took control of the situation rather than asking Him to guide me.  It had happened before I knew it and it was like God just let me go, and the Holy Spirit nudged me gently, then not so gently, and finally with enough force to get my attention at which point I was thankful for both grace and repentance.  I am also thankful for the patience that God has with me, and the wisdom He shares through His Word.

2 Peter 1:5-11

I read a bit further and got to one of my favorite passages and one that I do not practice enough.  Peter gives us a list of things that, because of verses 3 and 4 we need to make every effort to do these.

2 Peter 1:5-11 (ESV) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter gives this list of actions as supplements to our faith.  He lists these, and they are so important that he promises that He will remind us of them as long as he is alive.

2 Peter 1:12-15

I love how he closes this thought.  In verses 12-15.

2 Peter 1:12-15 (ESV) 12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

These actions were so important that Peter put it in his second letter and, knowing his time was short, he promised to remind them and us so that we will be able to recall them.  They are things that we should remember.  If you think about them for just a moment, you can see how important they are for us all.  This passage reminds me of John 13:34-35

John 13:34-35 (ESV) 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

I get cold chills when I think of how the Holy Spirit works in us.  How He reveals that passage just when you need it.  It fills my heart with joy to know the love we are to have for one another as children of God, and it takes me to the last of chapter 1.

2 Peter 1:16-18

After the encouraging and guiding words Peter explains the basis of his faith.  He explains the difference between the Christian faith and other false religions.

2 Peter 1:16-18 (ESV) 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

The Apostles were eyewitnesses.  They saw with their own eyes and heard with their ears all that they spoke of, and they too had the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide and direct them.

Closing Thoughts

I read all this and the rest of the book, but chapter 1 just touched my heart with this need to be diligent in all things to remember what is truly important.  I was taken with Peters emphasis on promising to “stir up” the believers with the actions to supplement their faith, now our faith.

The place to stir that up is in God’s Word, and in the body of the Church.  As I meditated on these things I thought again of two passages; one from 1 Peter and the other from John.  Both had to do with our faith versus the faith of the disciples.

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV) 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

John 20:29 (ESV) 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

I used to think that those guys had an advantage over me because they walked with Jesus, but I do not think so anymore.  Do not get me wrong, I long for the day that I can see Him face to face, but until then I have a relationship that they could not have while Jesus lived.    I am reminded of John 16 when Jesus explains His leaving and the coming of the “Helper, ” and I am thankful.

I remember when Peter wrote this letter he did so with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and he felt we needed to know how important it was to remember these things and encourage each other.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your Holy Word, Holy Spirit thank you for your guidance and insight that opens our eyes to the Holy Word of God.

I am left breathless when I meditate on these words and prayerfully study so that I might remember them always and that they may be engraved on my heart.

Thank You, Father, and it is in the name of your blessed Son Jesus Christ that I pray, Amen!

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