This morning Pat and I overslept a bit.  Yesterday was a day filled with doctor visits and we were just tired.  I woke singing this hook to a song we sang in Church Sunday I think.  It was just the refrain, “I am the child of God. I am no longer a slave to fear.  I am a child of God”.

The title of the song is  “We are not Shaken” It is performed by Jonathan and Melissa Helser as part of Bethel Music**.  When I came downstairs I did my morning wake up and fired up the web.  I read the K-love verse and I was set back on my heels a bit, (in a good way).  The verse was Psalm 42:11

Psalms 42:11 (ESV) 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

The Lord just touched my heart, and I was compelled to read all the Psalm.

Psalms 42:1-2

I read these two verses and I thought of every time I was tired and worn out and what I really needed to restore my heart, soul, and strength.

Psalms 42:1-2 (ESV) 1 As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.

I read these verses and I thought of the old days when I would ride my motorcycle on hot days; those days when it was near or above my body temp and how I would get so thirsty and dehydrated that my legs would cramp and my head would pound.

I thought of how I feel when I neglect time with God, and find myself distracted by the world, like doctor visits and medication. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”

Psalms 42:3-8

I read this middle section of Psalm 42:3-8 and just kind of soaked up the struggle and thought of those days when I was saddened by the distractions of this world.  The people and things that try to draw me away from my God.

Psalms 42:3-6 (ESV)

3 My tears have been my food

day and night,

while they say to me all the day long,

“Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember,

as I pour out my soul:

how I would go with the throng

and lead them in procession to the house of God

with glad shouts and songs of praise,

a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation 6 and my God.

I read verse 5 and thought of those times when I let the adversary fill my head with worries of the world and doubt in God to handle them and I could see that same struggle in the writer.  Verse 5 shook me this morning.

 5Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation 6 and my God

I know I have done that when I allowed myself to get caught up in struggles.  The words are not as pretty.  They are more like, “what the world are you thinking.” Then the writer goes into verses 6b-10.

Psalms 42:6b-10

Looking at theses verses I realize how we are never alone in our struggles.  The adversary would like us to believe that we are the only ones dealing with difficulties.  He would prefer that all our focus be on those things, but that is not God’s plan.  When I am in the darkest place God is with me.  God is listening.

Psalms 42:6-10 (ESV)

My soul is cast down within me;

therefore I remember you

from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,

from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep

at the roar of your waterfalls;

all your breakers and your waves

have gone over me.

8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,

and at night his song is with me,

a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God, my rock:

“Why have you forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning

because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10 As with a deadly wound in my bones,

my adversaries taunt me,

while they say to me all the day long,

“Where is your God?”

The adversary and his followers taunt me, but I will not be shaken; “I am a child of God.”  That takes me back to verse 11 and I will close with that.

Psalms 42:11

Just taking a moment to think of what the writer of this Psalm is saying gives me comfort.  He is fighting the distractions that the adversary throws at him and I cannot help but think he must be shouting, at least on the inside, as he says theses word.

Psalms 42:11 (ESV) 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God.

I know that as I read them this morning I was shouting them; especially the “Why” part and the “Hope” part.  Because I am a child of God!

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your mighty Word.  Thank you for the allowing me to bring any concern or worry to you and allowing me to leave it at the Cross.

Lord I give thanks and praise to you for your gift of grace and repentance.  Lord, know you did not give me a spirit of fear, but one of strength and faith.   Forgive me for those times when I allow the world to shake that strength.

Thank you for always being within my reach that you may strengthen me.

In the blessed name of your Son Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

**

This morning I woke and there was a cloud covering me.  It is just hard to think clearly some mornings, and this was another one of those mornings.  But I prayed for a clear head and an open mind to read and understand; that I might know and believe. I prayed for help to overcome the doubts that come with these physical struggles.  When I finished, I opened my PC.

I opened up my email and started reading that and getting rid of the junk, and I was struck by two email.  The first was from K – Love and the second was a YouTube sermon by Charles Spurgeon titled “The Sin of Unbelief.” The verse in K – Love was 1John 5:14.  That verse and sermon forced some self-examination, prayer, and repentance.

I do not know about anyone else, but when I am having a tough day it is easy for me to slip into self-pity and this morning I realized that was just another word for doubt.  If I truly know God and believe that He is there for me in all circumstances, I should allow not room for doubt.  This morning 1 John 5:15 threw the first punch to my ego.

1 John 5:13-15

I opened my Bible and read the verse, and it woke me up and left me humbled.

1 John 5:15 (ESV) ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

I looked at the page and read the heading that the ESV translation chose for this section.  It was titled “That You May Know” and I read the first paragraph of the section – verses 13-15.

1 John 5:13-15 (ESV) ¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

What a powerful reminder that was for me this morning.  I will never stop being amazed at how God works in my life.  He knew my struggle, and He reminded me that He was there with me this morning and it did not end there.  I read on in chapter five and came to verse 20-21

1 John 5:20-21

This passage served as a further reminder that God’s Word is full of the answer to all my needs.

1 John 5:20-21 (ESV) ²⁰ And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. ²¹ Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

I read verse 20, and I could feel this ache in my heart.  I could feel the exasperation that God must feel when I have these struggles…  like, don’t you know?

2 Corinthians 12:9

As I meditated on that verse, I received this understanding on verse 21.  I had always struggled with why John closed this letter with this verse.  But this morning, at least for me, I understood the idol God wanted me to see was my circumstances.  My person.  It is so easy to allow a struggle to take the place of God instead of realizing that our eyes should be on Him rather than any issue that may come.

I think about Paul and Jesus response to his plea for relief.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

What powerful reminder of what should be important to me.  But I was not done with 1 John this morning.  I went to chapter 3 where I got another “gentle” reminder of who I was.

1 John 3:1-3

I am not one that should struggle with my infirmities.  They are temporary.  I have a gift that is beyond measure.

1 John 3:1-3 (ESV) ¹ See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ² Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. ³ And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

That passage adjusted my attitude.  Yes, some mornings are tough.  Some days headaches and all the rest can bring me down, but I am not alone, and I was reminded of 2Corrinthians 4:17-18

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV) ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Reflection

I considered all that the Lord had shared with me through His Word by the gentle prodding of the Holy Spirit.  And all I could see was His love and patience with me.  I thought of my Dad and how he might let me go struggling with something until I all but gave up and asked for his help and he would help me solve the issue.

It is so easy for the pride of self-reliance to get in my way.  When I let go of that pride, God blesses me with understanding and hope.  He reminds me He does not desire for me to struggle on my own but trust in Him for all things.

Closing

When I started this, I mentioned a sermon by  Charles Spurgeon that also helped me correct my focus.  As I listened to this sermon this morning, I thought of the truth of God’s Love and Lordship.

Spurgeon spoke of unbelief.  He spoke of doubt, and he reminded me of a passage in  Mark 9.  Jesus was talking to a father about his son and the demon that possessed him.

Mark 9:21-24 (ESV) ²¹ And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. ²² And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” ²³ And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

The part that jarred me as I read it was “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”  I could hear the frustration in Jesus’ voice, and I loved the father’s response:  ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

I cannot tell you how many times I have prayed the father’s words and How thankful I am that God does just that; He helps me with my unbelief and every other doubt or fear.

Prayer

Father thank you so much for your patience with me.  Thank you for opening my heart and mind to hear the things that you must say to me.  Lord, I can hardly fathom your love and patience, but I am filled with thanksgiving.

Thank you, Lord, for always being with me even when my stubbornness might try to ignore you.  I am filled with joy at the kindness you show me.  Blessed that you love me enough to correct and discipline me when my pride tries to take hold, and thankful for all the ways you help me know you.

I give thanks for my wife whom you paired with me to strengthen and encourage me in the difficult days, and that I might do the same for her

To you, Lord be the glory.  Thanks, be to you in Jesus name, Amen!

This morning I woke in a cloud.  I think much of this is due to some new medication for my headaches, but none the less it is annoying and takes a while to clear.  I pray for clarity and an open mind and I surf Facebook and some other photography sites just to help the fog dissipate.  This morning’s surf took me to a passage in Titus on kindness and self-control.

Initially, I blew by it with only passing interest, but it kept nagging at my spirit until I had to look at it more closely.  I could not remember the chapter or verse, only that it was in Titus.  Knowing that Titus is a short book I just started reading.

Titus 1

I love the way Paul opens his letters to people.  He includes the exact words they need to hear, and in Titus, he spells out who he is and what his role is in spreading God’s Word.  He also defines that he brings this message to God’s elect.

Titus 1:1-3 (ESV) ¹ Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, ² in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began ³ and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

Now I am not Paul, but I am a child of God, and as I read this passage I realize that I may not be called to preach, but I am called to serve, and I need to do those things God places before me.

Titus 1:4

I read on as Paul started directing Titus to his tasks.

Titus 1:4-5 (ESV) ⁴ To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.          ⁵ This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you

I can imagine the letter that Titus might have sent Paul that prompted this reply.   I have struggled with things in prayer struggling with a task that just seems beyond me.  There was likely some complaining about how hard it was for him when I read verse 5.  The task he gave  Titus was clear.  He was there to finish getting things in order’

Titus 1:10-16

I read the attributes of an Elder that Paul outlined and hit versus 10-16.  Paul speaks of those “insubordinate empty talkers.”  He speaks of this group that spreads false doctrine and points out those in the “circumcision party” in particular.

Titus 1:10-16 (ESV) ¹⁰ For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. ¹¹ They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. ¹² One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

You know I see stuff on television, even “Christian” programming that I cannot find support for in God’s Word and this passage reminds me that I must be diligent testing everything against God’s Word. I have this Book, the living Word of God, that I can trust.  It is the only source of absolute truth.  It is the definition of sound doctrine that Paul speaks of in this chapter.

 Build Your House on the Rock

As I pondered the Titus 1, I was reminded of a passage in Matthew about building a house.

Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)²⁴ “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶ And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

I read this passage and got this sense of warm reassurance.  I am building my house on the rock.  That rock is the Holy Word of God.  Regardless what storms or trials might come He is my strength and sound foundation.  Without Him, I would be lost in the world.

Titus 2

As I read through chapter two, I found comfort in what Paul taught.  He outlined our roles in life and the things on which we needed to focus.  Verses 10-14 struck me.

Titus 2:10-14 (ESV) ¹⁰ not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹² training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³ waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

We are to live and be good examples, putting on the wonder of God’s Word in all we do.  Giving up those things Jesus saved us from and being zealous for good works.

Titus 3

I read Titus 3 his teachings in the rest of Paul’s letter.  This whole letter to Titus was a vital teaching and enough so that Paul emphasized over and over proper behavior of the children of God.  It is not enough to simply teach sound doctrine but remind them of our place in the world.

Titus 3:1-11 (ESV) ¹ Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸ The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. ⁹ But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

The part that strikes me in this passage is that before Jesus saved us from ourselves, we too were lost and driven by our human passions.  Paul reminds me that I am to be “to be gentle and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray.” (Titus 3: 2b-3a). 

It is easy to forget that, and it is a very short walk to self-righteousness.

Closing – Loving Kindness

You know every day I am faced with one challenge or another; one distraction or another.  It is easy for me to get frustrated and caught up in myself and my problems.  It is easy to become angry with the way I feel I have been mistreated.  But God gives me a choice every day.  Today it was Paul’s letter to Titus.  He reminded me that I am above no one nor am I a door mat.  I am a child of the one true God.  That does not give me authority over anyone but charges me to be kind and subordinate.  He reminds me to treat all people with kindness.  I am also reminded of a passage in 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:12-14 (ESV) ¹² Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you

I thank God for all He is!  I am thankful for His sound council.

Prayer

Father thank you for the foundation of your Holy Word.  Thank you, Father, for the strength you give me when I listen to you and keep my focus in Your Word.

Help me, Lord, to be a gentle man patient and kind that I might not speak ill of anyone but live a life of kindness.

Lord, I know I fall short here.  But my strength is in you and I hold fast to you in all things, and am thankful for the gift of repentance and grace when I fall short.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

 

This morning I woke with this thing on my mind.  It had been part of the discussion I had with some friends the night before near the end of our discussion.  It dealt with praying for all our brothers and sisters in Christ at all times.

You know we get prayer requests for the sick and those in need, but one thing God has laid on my heart is a need to pray for everyone, regardless of their perceived circumstances.

This morning when I woke I prayed and then read the K – Love email I get every morning.  I followed that with Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers and that set today’s blog post.

Ephesians 6: 18

The verse in K – Loves Encouraging Word is Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV) ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

I went to my Bible to read the verse to help me get some context to the command to pray.  I was convicted by its placement in Paul’s letter.  It was near the end of his passage on ‘The Whole Armor of God’

Take the Initiative

I need to take a quick step back before I proceed, and mention Oswald Chambers devotion for today, May 10, in Utmost for His Highest This devotional dealt with taking action.

The part that touched me was the close, and it linked back to this whole concept of prayer for me.

“We have to get into the habit of carefully listening to God about everything, forming the habit of finding out what He says and heeding it. If, when a crisis comes, we instinctively turn to God, we will know that the habit has been formed in us. We have to take the initiative where we are, not where we have not yet been.”

So this morning that is where I am.  I have seen something that I had not noticed before, and I need to share it.

Praying – Ephesians 6:16-18a

For years, I had known that I need to pray for everyone; not just the sick or at risk members of the body, but everyone.  Verse 18 in this passage is one of those that I have burned on my heart.  But the thing is I had overlooked the context.

It is only a part of a sentence, so I looked at the whole sentence and saw how powerful that phrase was, and I was taken aback.

¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Praying – Ephesians 6:18b-20

What a powerful sentence.  I realized that prayer is not a separate thought, but an integral piece

of the Full Armor of God.  Paul says to put on all the pieces of the armor, but the thing he points out as part of the armor is getting my mind right in prayer.  “praying in the Spirit.”   Then in the next sentence in this passage, Paul reminds me who to pray for, and as I read that all I could think was, I am responsible for praying for everyone.  My prayers are part of God’s armor for those for whom I pray.

^18bTo that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Taking Initiative Part 2

Verses 18b through 20 are asking for specific prayers for Paul, that he may speak boldly the mystery of the gospel.  He says keep alert and persevere.  As I meditate on these passages, I am blown away but what I heard him asking me.

The thing is I am supposed to share the gospel; we all are.  I need to keep alert and persevere and make supplication for all.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Paul says the same thing to Timothy.  He reminds him in 1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV) ¹ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ³ This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

God desires that our prayers for all people; “This is good and pleasing to God our Savior”(1Tim 2:3).  What a simple task we can do that is good and pleasing to God.  It brings my heart joy and peace.

Reflection

As I consider all this, and especially the tie to the ‘Full Armor of God’ I was forced to pause and consider the importance of my prayer life.  It is as integral a part of the armor as any other piece, and Paul reminds us why we need every piece.

¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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.

There was something else I notice in verses 14-18a

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

Christ Jesus in Me

I have come to realize that prayer is not just a defensive weapon that I resort to in the midst of struggles.  It is a weapon of offense, used to open my mind to the Word of God and to discuss all my issues with my heavenly father.  It ties back into verse 11, ‘Put on the whole armor of God, which you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”  Prayer is my anchor point.  It strengthens my understanding, and it firms up my resolve in God’s truth.  It is the key that connects me to God, and through the Holy Spirit, the prayer and study gives me understanding.

We so need this gift of prayer.  Christ died that I might have access through Him.  The veil tore from top to bottom.  I am reminded of a passage in Hebrews 4

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV) ¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

What power there is in this passage. Prayer is my access to God, through Jesus; my great high priest.

Conclusion

I put all these thoughts together, and I see what Jesus did to provide my path to God.  I look at all that He did to satisfy my debt.  And that grace He shows me I must show others, and for me, one of the most powerful ways is to pray.  Pray always for all people and though I do not know all peoples needs the Holy Spirit does, and He will fill in where I lack understanding.

Prayer

Father, I pray for strength that I might stand against all the plans of the adversary.  Lord help me that I might always put on all Your armor.  Please soften my heart that I pray for all people Lord regardless of their circumstance.  Help me trust you in all things and know that I am never alone.

Praise be to you, Lord.  To you be the Glory, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

 

My Home Church, Ninevah Christian Church, beginning Sunday, April 30, 2017, and ending Wednesday, May 3, 2017, read God’s Word cover to cover.  Members of the congregation signed up for 1/2 hour slots around the clock to participate.  My wife Pat and I signed up for Wednesday night at 6:30-7:30 PM.

I went first because I cannot always read the full half hour.  I made it about 15 minutes.  This is such a powerful experience and it is difficult to explain the emotion that you experience reading God’s Word out loud.  And to double the blessing I got to read in Ephesians, one of my favorite letters from Paul. I read from chapter 2:11 to the beginning of chapter 5.

Letters

Pat and I have talked about the experience as we left the Church Wednesday night.  She reminded me that we tend to skip over the salutation to get to the meat of the letter.  I had not really thought about that before, but she is right.  I know I will read those few verses almost skimming over them.  So this morning I read it carefully, and something stood out.

Ephesians 1:1-2 (ESV) ¹ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is very specific in who he is addressing and that shook me a bit.  I have always understood the letters were to the Church, but Paul selected a very specific subset.  He singled out, “the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Saints

That is specific.  It was not just a letter to the Church of Ephesus, but the saints that are faithful in Christ.

I looked up saints in my Strongs and read the definition.  It gave me the Greek words that I will spare you.  The definition is intense.

Saint – sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

So, this letter was to the church in Ephesus but Paul singled out the most serious believers, who were following Jesus, as his audience.  That is humbling.  As I pondered these words I was struck by the emphasis.  It was clear to me that Paul wanted to make certain that no one in the Church felt the council of this letter was beneath them.  At the same time it had to be a little bit of a punch in the gut to those that felt they were falling short.

Realization

This letter was for the WHOLE Church, and everyone needed to pay it heed.  The more I thought about it the more I realized how desperately I need the Word of God. I was struck this morning by a passage in Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1:11-14 (ESV) ¹¹ In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. ¹³ In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

I read that passage and realized how easy it could be to take things for granted and get caught up in the work instead of the Word.  But this letter was addressed to the ones who, “when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

Paul’s audience was not a subset that might not be living in accordance to the example of Jesus.  It was to every member of the Church.

Conclusion

This morning I was so sure what I was going to write about.  But the Holy Spirit reminded me of something very basic.  The Lord says so much through Paul in this letter.  Powerful and all-inclusive guidance; He reveals the mysteries that had not been told before.  But what the Holy Spirit reminded me of this morning is that there is no room for complacency.

He showed me that the Word of God is a living manuscript that I must stay engaged in.  It is not a book you read a time or two and set aside.  It is a living text that shows me something every time I open it.  But that is not the amazing thing.

The amazing thing is that as certain as I might be about what I want to gain from it or share God may have another plan and His is always the best plan… always.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me that I might never take Your Word for granted or become complacent in my study.  Thank you Lord for this living Word that is always fresh and new every day.

I am so thankful for Your grace and mercy.  Thank you for Your Word.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

 

Sometimes I can be so easily distracted.  Things of no real value will distract me.  I get caught up in the things around me more than I should.  This morning was one of those mornings.  This song from the old days was the distraction; an old song by George Thorogood.

The hook kept ringing in my ears as I prayed.  But I had fired up the 76 hours of God’s Word being live streamed by my home church, and as I prayed a passage with the phrase “You of little faith” kicked the hook from the song out, and a battle ensued between God’s Word and the George Thorogood song.

The reader was in Matthew. The passage came from that part of Matthew that spoke of Jesus walking on water.  It begins in Matthew 14:22. I paused and listened and reflected on the passage. I turned the volume down so that it was just audible, and meditated on the passages.

Matthew 14:22-24 (ESV) Jesus Walks on the Water

This passage is one of my favorites examples of faith and struggles we have in the Gospels.  It gives me such comfort and humility.  Christ feeds five thousand, and he sends the Apostles ahead in a boat, and He goes to pray alone.

Matthew 14:22-24 (ESV) ²² Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³ And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴ but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.

The Apostles too were alone in the boat a long distance from shore.  They were “beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.”  Alone, they struggled to move forward, but on the fourth watch they saw something on the water that they did not understand.

Matthew 14:25-27 (ESV) The Apostles are Frightened

²⁵ And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶ But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.

You know when I am distracted and feel alone it is easy to allow the challenges of this world to distract me and fear is never far away.  I think fear is one of those tools the adversary uses to try and steal our joy, but we have the Holy Spirit.  If we listen we can hear.

Matthew 14:27-28 (ESV) Jesus Reassured

During their fear, Jesus cried out to them.

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

They heard him, but it seems to me they were still uncertain and Peter asked for a sign, and that question was convicting.  How many times does Jesus tell me not to be afraid and I ask Him for a sign?  They are not always as dramatic as Peter’s request, but none the less I cannot help but be humbled.  What must that feel like to Jesus?

He tells me not to be afraid and does not leap forward I ask Jesus to convince me.  Peter’s request is a dramatic one.

²⁸ And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

As I read this, I could imagine Jesus rolling his eyes and granting the request with a bit of disappointment.  It is not enough that He told them who He was Peter wanted Him to prove it.

Matthew 14:29-32 (ESV) Peter Steps Out of the Boat

Jesus granted Peters request, and Peter stepped out of the boat.  He began walking toward Jesus.

²⁹ He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

But Peter’s faith faltered as he turned his gaze from Jesus to the circumstances around him.

³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

How many times have I done that? I asked Jesus for something and He answered me but as I moved out in faith the circumstances around me and the distractions of the adversary opened the door for me to doubt and become frightened.  But even in my doubt when I cry out to Jesus and He restores my hope.

Reflection

I look back at this passage and I think of all the times that I have disappointed God with my fears and doubt.  Yet He does not give up on me.  He answers my prayer and when I am struggling He is there with me like he was with the Apostles on the water.  It puts me in mind of a verse from Revelation.

Revelation 3:19 (ESV) ¹⁹ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

I am so thankful that Jesus loves me enough to “reprove and discipline” me.  What an amazing blessing it is to be loved by the Creator of the Universe.  He could crush me for my doubts and fears yet instead He uses my struggles to teach me to hold fast to Him.

He lifts me out of my fear like He lifted Peter out of the water.

Closing

As I reflect on this lesson today I am reminded of two passage.  Both I keep in my Heart.  The first is Mark 9:24, and the second is 2 Timothy 1:6-7.  Both are reminders that I am not alone.  Both remind me that the Holy Spirit is always with me.

The first I often pray when struggling.

Mark 9:24 (ESV) ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

When the adversary tries to introduce doubt and fear into my life I cry this out in fear and then the Holy Spirit replies.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV) ⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, ⁷ for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

What power there is in God’s Word.  Where would I be without it.  I pray a prayer of thanksgiving.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the gift of Your Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to always remind me of your love for me.  Thank you for lifting me out of my fears and circumstances.  Only you can save.

I believe Father.  Thank you for helping me with my unbelief.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Ps.

Oh, by the way…  God won the battle for my thoughts.  He always wins if I will just listen. 😊

This morning I was doing a Bible study on the God’s desire to have a relationship with him.  In that study, there were several references to God’s faithfulness.  I know that God is faithful.  I know that he is always with me, but I realized, as I read the text, that I am not sure of the meaning of faithful.  So I looked it up in Merriam-Webster.

Faithful:
1: steadfast in affection or allegiance
2: firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty
3: given with strong assurance: binding a faithful promise

Then I thought of all the times that I had said or heard the phrase, “God is faithful” and I had to reflect on that phrase and see what the Word said about it.  Was I using it properly?  Did I realize the weight that phrase carried?  So I decided to do some study on the phrase.  I began with 1 Corinthians 1:4-10, with the key point being in verse 9.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Paul began with a prayer of thanksgiving.

⁴ I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, ⁵ that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ⁶ even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— ⁷ so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁸ who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isn’t that an amazing prayer?  They had received Jesus and were enriched in every way, lacking in nothing.  I am so thankful for Jesus and all that the He brings to me through the Holy Spirit.  How can I know it is true?

⁹ God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God is faithful, and He called me into fellowship with His Son!  What an amazing gift He gives to all who believe in Jesus.  How can I not be humbled by His faithfulness?

I went from that passage to see other times that “God is faithful” was used in His Word.  I went first to Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 7:8-9

⁸ but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. ⁹ Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations

I read that passage, and I started seeing a pattern.  I also saw Jesus.  God keeps his covenant; if He says it He will do it.  But I saw more in this passage.  Yes, it was about His delivery of Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt.  But I also saw the promise of salvation.

I saw Jesus who freed me from the bondage of death and sin.  I read verse 9, and there he was.

⁹ Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations

He is my God, and he is faithful.  His plan is always to free us from the bondage of death and sin, and restore our relationship with Him.

I continued to search and found several more passages.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, ² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

I love what Paul says in this passage.  Verse 3 is just cool.

³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

 

Paul reminds us that God is faithful and will protect us.  What peace there is in knowing that God protects me in all circumstances.  But Paul does caution me not to take that for granted and not assume that it is my strength that makes me safe.  He reminded me in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

 ¹² Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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.

My hope rests in Jesus.  He protects me that I might face no temptation that is not common to all men and I will not be tempted beyond my ability; He will leave me a path to escape.  Why; because He says so.

Closing

There were several more passages that spoke of God and His faithfulness, but they all had one thing in common.  They described His faithfulness to His promises to those who love Him.  And that gave me pause.  As I considered this, I went to 2 Timothy 2:11-13.  I know that I struggle.  I know that I falter.  I know that I am fallen.  But I take comfort in what Paul says to Timothy.

11 The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.

Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.  I am so thankful!

Prayer

Father, thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness to your promises.  I thank you for your love and faithfulness. Help me that I may hold fast to you in all circumstance and not forget your promises to me.  In Jesus name, I pray.  Amen