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REFLECTIONS

Reflection of His Son

This morning I woke up and I felt like a blank sheet of paper, or an empty jump drive plugged into a computer.  My head was blank.  It is times like this that I just want to do nothing.  I do not know what to pray or where to start my study.  If my head was a computer It would be the dreaded blue screen unable to even sustain a reflection. But I have learned that regardless how dain bramaged I might feel I MUST pray and study, so I started.

The prayers began somewhat feeble in the beginning but did get better.  I listened to some preachers I respect to fuel the few embers in my mind in hopes of restoking the fire and kind of mingled the prayers with the listening until the light in my eyes did begin to burn again, even if it was a bit faint.  The prayers and the sermons lead to some devotionals and scriptures.

I read two devotionals this morning that led to the scriptures.

My Reflection

The first was a discussion of what we see when we examine our reflection in the water.  If we smile our reflection smiles back if we snarl our reflection snarls back.  If you take that thought just a bit further you can see that the way we treat others will result in them treating us the same way.  The first referenced scripture was in Proverbs.

Proverbs 27:19 (ESV)

19 As in water face reflects face,

so the heart of man reflects the man.

I pondered that verse for quite a while.  I thought about the face and heart I want to reflect and that is the example of Jesus.

Others Reflection

But what happens if I come across someone else that does not share the same sentiment.  He or she comes at me with the face of anger or resentment or some other negative attitude.  How do I face that, and the second referenced scripture told me.

Luke 6:37-38 (ESV)

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

It is pretty clear that my response is not to judge or condemn but forgive the anger or resentment.  My response should be the same as to the person that approaches with a kind demeanor.  I cannot know what has affected that person’s attitude.  But there is no reason that I need to add to it.  Christ even goes on in verses 39-42 to tell the parable of the brothers; one with the log in his eye and the other with a splinter.

Our Reflection

The last passage had to do with sowing and reaping in general.  It came from Galatians 6:7-10

Galatians 6:7-10 (ESV)

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

I read this passage and all I could think was that this is not a game.  It is life and death.  God knows our heart.  We may act a part very convincingly and fool our friends, but God will not be mocked or fooled. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Reflection of Jesus

The last devotional I read was an observation of the current times of how there seemed to be an absence of God in our midst.  We push Him out of everything and steal His glory when miracles occur.  He has been pushed from the public square and our schools and people protest when someone prays in Jesus name.

But as I thought about all these scriptures and the power we have to reflect the example of Jesus Christ I thought of a passage in John 13

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.”

What a wonderful example to reflect; love one another as Jesus loved us.  When we do that, when we walk in the Spirit all the acts of the flesh disappear.

Closing Reflection

I think of all this teaching I gleaned this morning when I did not even want to pray and I am thankful.  God’s Word never comes back empty.  If we will push on, even when we do not want to he is faithful.  The last scripture I thought of this morning is in Galatians.

Galatians 5:19-24 (ESV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

When we allow the world to drag us back into the works of the flesh it shows on our face and our heart.  We must stay connected to the vine so that we may gain spiritual nourishment even when we do not feel hungry.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times when I struggle to study or pray.  Forgive me when my appetite for Your Word seems to not be very strong.  Thank you for bearing with me and showing me always that I need the nourishment, and the effort is always worth it.  Thank you, father and I pray all this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen!

In God’s Time and His Way

Darkness Cannot Overcome the Light

I woke this morning and for the first time in some time, I was a bit overwhelmed by the darkness of the world around me.  It may have been the video I saw of Irma hitting an Island in the Caribbean or the fires out west or Houston, or the anarchist that hate everything, or the word nihilistic I learned this week that is just dark, but whatever it was I had a very heavy heart.  This heavy and dark feeling led me to the Word.

My first stop was the book of Daniel.  I went to His prayer in Chapter 9.  Then John 17 and Jesus prayer.  After the Holy Spirit compelled me to pick up this new book I have, “The Book of Secrets” by Jonathan Cahn, and I closed out my time with a little Tozer.  Let me take you through it.

Daniel 9

Daniel was pondering all that lied ahead of Israel.  The time that they had left of the desolation of Israel and all that the Jewish people had done and he just turned his face to the Lord seeking Him by prayer.  When I read this prayer, I can feel the ache in his heart.

Daniel 9:3-6 (ESV)

3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

Daniel prayed a prayer of repentance defining the differences between God and rebellious men.  In the end of his prayer he pleaded for God’s forgiveness not because the people deserved it but because of His great Mercy.

Daniel 9:18-19 (ESV)

18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”

I think of this prayer and I cannot help but look around at all the calamity in our nation.  There is so much division and so many religions trying to push Christianity out using the lie of fairness.  This prayer took me to John 17; The High Priestly Prayer.

John 17:8-10

Jesus opens that prayer defining His destiny.  Then He asks for the Father to be with those believers he will leave behind.

John 17:8-10 (ESV)

8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

Jesus speaks of their need in verses 12-19

John 17:12-19

Jesus speaks of the disciples need for protection and growth.  He does not want to take them out of the world but He asks that they are

protected from the evil one.

John 17:12-19 (ESV)

12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

But his request does not stop there He prays for those to come, that might be saved by the teaching of the disciples.

 

John 17:20-26

Christ Jesus is about to be arrested and He is including me in a prayer to protect me against the evil one.

John 17:20-26 (ESV)

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

He prayed for the salvation of all who might believe in God’s Word as taught by the Apostles. And as I pondered these two prayers the darkness was still there but it could no longer invade the light that the Word of God had filled me with.  It was about now that I felt compelled to pick up Jonathan Cahn’s book.

The Serpent’s Blood

The secret for today was the Serpents Blood and it kind of gave me goose bumps because of Jesus’ prayer asking for protection for us against the evil one, who is often depicted by a serpent. But as I begin reading it the author speaks of the how cold-blooded creatures have no lasting power.  They run out of steam.  But warm-blooded creators can outlast them. I liked this passage.

“Evil is cold-blooded.  What that means is this:  Though evil may have its day, its victories, it time to move and strike – it remains cold-blooded… All evil is cold-blood.  And so the power of evil is only of the short-term and the momentary.  Its days are always numbered. And in the long run, it always fails”… “So, in the end, the good will always outlast the evil.  Therefore persevere in the good, keep going in what is true, keep standing for what is right and you will overcome and prevail in the end.” “The Serpents Blood” from “Book of Secrets” by Jonathan Cahn.  

I read that and thought about the circumstances we face and how we have a choice in dealing with them.

Reflections

With all the darkness that we see, and the hardship that we and others face We really must decide what we will do.  Do we stop and let the serpent regain his strength or we can continue to cling to Christ Jesus and “persevere in good”?  It really is our choice.  We can pray like Daniel and hold fast or surrender.

I look at these two prayers and Daniel prayed for Israel despite the evil they had done.  He pleaded with God.  Christ Jesus prayed that we may know Him as He knows the Father and that we may learn this through the Word.  The decision is ours to make.

Closing Thoughts

My decision is to hold fast to the Lord and persevere in doing good.  My hope and salvation rests in Him.  God promises that if we will endure with Him and believe we will be saved.  I am thankful and I trust in His Word.

Matthew 24:13 (ESV) 1

3 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

 

John 1:5 (ESV)

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Why would I not trust in Him.? He has shown me so many times that I can and I will continue in that trust and love even in the smallest things, and I will pray and respond in obedience to what he leads me to do.

Prayer

Father, thank you for reminding me of your mercy and grace this morning.  Thank you for shining your light in my heart when I had allowed the darkness of the world circumstances to envelope me.  Father thank you for calling me again to prayer and showing me the path.  Thank you for your wisdom and love in all things.  This I pray in Jesus name.  Amen!

 

The New Life in Christ Jesus

The Son Breaks Thru the Fog

It seems these days I wake a lot like a late summer sky.  There is a lot or a little bit of fog and only the slightest glimpse of sun light most mornings and seems to take just a bit longer for the fog to clear.  This morning is one of those mornings, but part of my prayers was for clarity when I came to God’s Word.  I asked just to be able to see what was there for me today.

Some mornings I think I have a plan, or at least an idea, of what I want to study.  Some days I am clueless.  But regardless I know that the Lord will provide what I need for the day ahead, whether I fully understand it or not.  This morning I had a bit of an Idea, but I was wrong.  It became clear how wrong as I read my devotionals; I have several I enjoy.

Each devotional put me in Colossians 3, a bit of Ephesians 4 and Philippians 4.  They all lined up pretty much in this order as well; Colossians being the biggest influence.

I prayed for direction today because things just were a bit of a blur for me.  Friends in the hospital, other friends struggling, and even others arguing, and during it all I, wanted to do some fixin’.  I was not sure how, but I still wanted to do some fixin’.  But I got to Colossians 3:1 and it forced me to pause.

Colossians 3:1-4

See I had been focusing on fixin’ things.  Putting an end to the arguing, helping my friends get their mind right and get better.  But then I read this passage.

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

You see, I had reverted to my old self.  The fixer.  The engineer.  The guy that felt he needed to do something for his friends.  In a second I had allowed myself to pick up the attributes of the old man that I had been before Christ Jesus saved me and I was driving with my own plan wanting God to approve it.  Then I went just a bit further in Colossians.

Colossians 3:5-11

I was rolling through the first four verses and I came to verse five.  It was like hitting a deep pot hole in the road.  One of those that is so deep your foot gets knocked off the accelerator.  One minute I was reading about appearing in glory with Jesus and the next I was reminded I must put to death my old self.

Colossians 3:5-11 (ESV)

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

I read 5-11 and realized I was not dealing with these, but the passion I had for my friends was putting me out in front of God.  I was forgetting who was really in control, and I had become my own idol.  I stopped trusting God and was making my own plans, and that realization is humbling, because I know that no plan I could come up with could match what God has for these situations.

Reflections

I thought about how easily I had allowed this to happen.  How simple it was for a cloudy head to fall in to a deception of the adversary.  I know better yet I allowed it to occur.  But as Paul said in 1 Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

God did just that for me.  He took me to His Word.  He leads me through the passages I need to correct my behavior and remember who was in control. He not only reminded me once again to let the old man go but to pick up the new man I was in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:12-17

The Holy Spirit reminded me that my strength was not in my own limbs or my own wisdom, but in Christ Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:12-17 (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. 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.

My strength comes from them and my actions come from His guidance and wisdom.  When I have no answer, He does.  When I am confused or bewildered He will calm my spirit and set me in the right path.  Sometimes that takes longer than I would like, but it is always worth the wait.

Closing Thoughts

Paul gives the same council in Ephesians 4 that we must put away our old selves “24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24 ).  That adversary is always lingering around trying to stir up those old emotions.  Those old false needs of being in charge, and it is done so subtly it can slip in un-noticed.  That is why we need the full armor of God, and His Word which is “the Sword of the Spirt”(Eph 6:17).

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Peter warns us as well about the adversary, and he adds a short phrase that struck me this morning.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Did you catch it?  It was being sober-minded.  I never really gave it much weight until just now.  As I said I was struggling this morning to clear my head.  No, I had not been drinking.  Those days have long since passed but I still was not thinking clearly.  I was tired and I was thinking about my friend’s trouble while I was still in the fog.  I should have waited.  I should have fueled up on the Word FIRST and there would have been less chance of being deceived this morning.  But that is the lesson learned.

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)

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 am thankful for God’s Word and his gift of repentance and grace.

Prayer

Father, thank you for being patient with me this morning though I was not patient with you.  Forgive me Lord for being in such a rush to fix things beyond my control.  Lord thank you for your Holy Word and the guidance or your Holy Spirit to help me see my error and your grace to give the opportunity to repent and correct my path.  Thank you, father.  I pray all this in Jesus name.  Amen!

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.

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