dailywalkinthelight

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

You are here: Home / Blog

Thankful for God’s Word

So, in yesterday’s sermon, my preacher Terry was teaching out of the book of Acts; specifically, chapter sixteen.  It was a wonderful sermon that I will not try to cover here.  You can always go to the Ninevah Christian Church Website and watch the sermon “Whatever It Takes” (preached November 18, 2018).  It should be published by November 21, 2018, and it is well worth the time.  The part that struck me, and prompted this post, came just a few minutes into the sermon.  Terry referenced two passages out of 2 Timothy.

The first passage was 2 Timothy 1:5 and the second was 2 Timothy 3:14-15.  These two passages touched me, and I knew that I needed to look further into both, so I marked my sermon notes on my bulletin to make sure that I did not forget to go over them in this morning’s study.

2 Timothy 1:5

The first passage from chapter one touched my heart.  Paul began the letter telling Timothy of his thankfulness for him and the prayers that he prayed for him daily and the joy he had in Timothy’s faith, but then he remembers Timothy’s Grandmother and Mother.

2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV Strong’s)

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

As I heard these words I am reminded of my childhood.  I am reminded of the times my parents drug me to church when I did not get it.  I remember summers when my Grandma Dunnum “practiced my reading” by having me read from the King James Bible and tell me how she did the same with my father and his brothers.

These things did not stop my rebellion when I turned about 15 or 16, but I do believe that these things along with prayers from my family, friends and my wife influenced my return at 52.  But that is just the first step of the blessing that God showed me this morning.  The second passage was 2 Timothy 3:14-15

2 Timothy 3:14-15 All Scripture Breathed Out by God

In this passage, Paul spoke to Timothy and his knowledge of the scriptures.  He reminded Timothy that he was blessed by his knowledge of the Word.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV Strong’s)

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The part of this passage that strikes me is that Paul notes that Timothy was acquainted with the scriptures from childhood, but he should “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it.”

Reading this passage, I am impacted by the importance of all scripture.  Even that which Timothy learned as a child would, “ make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

I could not stop there.  I continued through verses 16 and 17.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture Breathed Out by God Continued

After Paul talks about the importance of scripture making you, “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus”, he goes on to further define the value of God’s Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV Strong’s)

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

He explains that ALL scripture is “profitable.”  He does not say some of it or only this part of it, he says ALL of scripture is “profitable.” That “ALL” reminds me that I need to be immersed in all of God’s Word, but now for two reasons.

  • One is that this knowledge can make me wise for salvation through faith in Jesus.
  • Two is that all scripture is God-breathed and suitable for teaching and that I may be equipped for every good work.

These two points generated some significant reflection.

Reflections

I had read these passages many times, but I am not sure that I ever really got these specific points wisdom for salvation or equipped for every good work.  I understood that every word of the scripture was God-breathed and it was suitable for teaching, but that was as far as I remembered in the book in 2 Timothy.

But as I mull over these points, I could not help but wonder what else I was missing in this letter, so I went forward and backward in the text to get more context of what Paul was saying.  I first went to 2 Timothy 2:22-26

2 Timothy 2:22-26 A Worker Approved by God

In chapter two Paul reminds Timothy to be “strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2Tim 2:1b).”  He talks about being a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  He also speaks of being a worker approved by God.  One of the things that stick out to me is near the end of chapter two.  Paul explains the type of teacher to be.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 (ESV Strong’s)

22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Verses 14-26 speak to the futility of arguing.  Paul uses some graphic analogies to make his point.

2 Timothy 2:14-17 (ESV Strong’s)

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene.

That is a powerful charge that precedes verses 22-26.   Paul is serious about not being quarrelsome.  Just look again at 2:24-26.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (ESV Strong’s)

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

These verses are a very powerful teaching.

Further Reflection

Just think about what Paul is saying in Chapter two.  Paul reminds him to be strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus.  He tells him that it will not be easy, but he explains the most effective way to communicate the Word of God.  It is an issue of unity and peace.  It is not a battle between believers.  Verse 14 was one of the verses that forced me to pause and take inventory.

2 Timothy 2:14 (ESV Strong’s)

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

I cannot help but think about my own discussion and wonder if I might have “ruined hears.”  How often do I get caught up quarrels over words?  I am sure it has happened, but now seeing this passage now it is one more thing that I must strive not to do so that I might be a worker approved by God.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 Preach the Word

Now I went back to the beginning in 2 Timothy to get a grasp on the whys for chapter three and once that was done, I needed to move forward and that took me to chapter four.  Chapter three ended with a man “equipped for every good work.”  But what was that good work?  To preach the Word.  I love how the chapter begins.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 (ESV Strong’s)

1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Paul pulls no punches.  He tells Timothy and US to be ready to “preach the word” and he does not leave us any time when we can take a break.  We must be ready “in season and out of season.”

Paul also reminds us that we do it with “complete patience.”

He adds that things are not getting any easier as the time grows short.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 (ESV Strong’s)

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

What a powerful charge but it is not without foundation and I do not think it is limited to those that preach from a pulpit.

Closing Thoughts

I am not a preacher.  Part of the remnants of my strokes is poor speech under pressure, but that does not leave me with an excuse.  I can write, and I can talk in smaller less stressful circumstances.  And besides, Jesus listed no exceptions in Matthew 28:18-20.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV Strong’s)

“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.”

We all have the task to make disciples.  If that is not enough, Moses complained about his speech and it did nothing to get him out of his task.

Exodus 4:10-14 (ESV Strong’s)

10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.

Moses got a little help from his brother.  He already had all the help he needed from God.  We already have our help in God’s Word and through the help of the Holy Spirit.  All we need do is to step out in faith.

I do not get out as much as I once did, but if you are a tradesman that is going to work on my home or do anything around our home you will hear my testimony.  I pray that others might find encouragement in these writings as well.

Prayer

Father, Thank you for this day.  Thank you for my church and your Word that every day I might grow closer to you.  Lord, I pray that these words might help another find confidence in you and help them share your Word.  I pray all these things in the name of your blessed Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The Gift…The Mystery

I have been participating in a small group study at my church on Wednesday nights the past several weeks.  The study covers two of Paul’s letters.  The first half was Galatians and the second half is Ephesians.  We have been in Ephesians the past two weeks.

If I had to pick a favorite letter of Paul’s it most likely would be Ephesians, (at least 8 times out of 10) because it is filled with passion and practical instruction.

Today I want to talk about the passion that I find as I studied chapters two and three.

First Thoughts

In these two chapters, I hear Paul preaching the Gospel to a group of believers.  It is clear to me from the way he begins the letter he is confident that they do believe.  There does not appear to be any ill words, but instead encouragement and reinforcement of the Gospel.  I like how he reminds them of the promise in Ephesians 1:13-14

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

For this reason, Paul prayed for Ephesus always giving thanks for them, and as he ended the prayer for them, he took the time to remind them where they came from.

By Grace Through Faith

He reminded all the readers that before the good news they had no hope.  They had nothing.  Their lives were lost following the adversary.

Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

When I read this passage… this reminder of my past… I am conflicted.  There is this fleeting moment when my heart aches when I consider the person that I was, but then I am reminded that I am no longer that person, and that is not because of things I did but because of God.

Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

That wonderful reminder of God’s “rich mercy” washes away that sadness and fills my heart with this love that comes from knowing that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave His life to pay my debt even when I was covered in the filth of my sins.  But Paul does not stop there!

One in Christ Jesus

We had no hope as sinners lost in this lost world, and we were not part of the promise.  Before Jesus, we had nothing.

Ephesians 2:11-12 (ESV Strong’s)

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

But Paul reminds us that we are no longer “children of wrath,” but children of God, adopted into His family.

Ephesians 2:13-19 (ESV Strong’s)

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

What an amazing gift this is to the world, but especially to those of us that are gentiles because without Jesus we were without hope.  But think about this for a moment.

For thousands of years God’s chosen people were set apart, and now Paul was telling them that the Gentiles were entitled to the same promises.  That had to be difficult to grasp. I think that might be part of why Paul emphasized these things to the Ephesians, and now to us.

The Mystery Revealed

In verses nineteen through twenty-two of chapter two he clearly defines who we are as followers of Jesus.

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV Strong’s)


19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

 

Paul wants to make sure that we all understand that the Gospel is for the Jew and the Gentile.  He wants us to understand that Christ Jesus is our hope.  He also wanted us to know that this was new teaching that had not been taught before.  It was a mystery, and the first-century church was the first to receive it, and Paul was charged with delivering it to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 3:1-6 (ESV Strong’s)

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.*

What an amazing gift we have in Jesus.  What a wonderful message Paul shares with us in his letter to the Ephesians.

Closing Thoughts

When I read these first three chapters of Ephesians, I see in them the message of the Gospel.  Paul is speaking to fellow believers.   At the beginning of this text, he reminds them of who they once were, but only briefly, and then reminds them of all that God did for them through Christ Jesus on the cross.

Every word of this letter is the living Word of God.  What Paul wrote to the Ephesians applies to us. Every word that we read gives us the gospel to share.  It is impossible to grasp in human terms, but all things are possible with God, and for that I am thankful.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your promises and for your faithfulness in all that you do.  Thank You, Lord, for the gift of hope and salvation that comes to us through Jesus Christ, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Father, it is in Jesus name that I pray, Amen.

*Emphasis added

Testing Your Faith

The past few weeks things have been very quiet.  I am uncertain as to the cause; I am only certain that my prayers and my studies were not as fruitful as they had been or should be.  I will not deny that it has been difficult.  At times I did not even feel like prayer or study, but I continued, even when I did not “feel” like it.

My prayers became ones solely of thanksgiving and repentance.  Sometimes my heart just would ache, uncertain as to why it was so quiet.

As I plodded along the darkness and sadness of the world began to seep in as well.  The wickedness was hard to fathom.

Promises

As this situation continued I made some promises to God and myself.  I knew that I needed to continue to study, pray and participate in things with other believers.  I promised these things, but I did struggle to keep the promises.

The first commitment was to a men’s small group I am involved in on Tuesday nights.  I promised that no matter how I felt I would always be there and be prepared.  That turned out to be the easiest to keep even when like this week when only two of us showed up.  We had some great fellowship.

The next was study.  I started pushing to study more again, but I was still having trouble.  I started listening on bible gateway as I read.  That seemed to help me keep my focus.  But even that was difficult.  So, in all this mostly I prayed.  Writing, something I loved, seemed elusive and at best sporadic.

The Rising Son

As dark and quiet as it has been this week the Son has risen again.  I cannot explain it. I can only say that it is brighter again.  The darkness in the world has not changed.  The challenges are still out there and will be, but the perspective has changed.

I did nothing different this week.  I think it can best be said that I got my appetite back.  The distractions did not seem as alluring, and the Lord opened the Word to me again fresh and new.  As I sit here reflecting I am reminded the first verse that caused this transition was in Matthew.

Matthew 11

I was talking to a friend.  A young man doing some work for me, and we were discussing life’s challenges and the importance of faith, (he is a young Christian), and I thought Matthew and the yoke of Jesus.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV Strong’s)

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.”

We talked over several days that they were working and discussed the challenges of a business and a young family and God.  We talked about how finding balance is difficult.  But God wants us to lean on him.  We are not alone.  The Holy Spirit is with us always.

Ephesians 2

Somewhere in this mix, I was getting my hair cut and started talking to the young woman cutting my hair about God.  She explained she had two teenage sons and she would like to get them in church.  We talked, and I gave my testimony and talked about how Jesus saved me at 52 years of age, and I brought up one of my favorite passages from Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

One through three describes how filthy we were in our sins.  We were sons of disobedience in full rebellion against God.  Our only desire was the world and the flesh. But then in verses, three through seven Paul speaks of God’s rich mercy.

Ephesians 2:3-7 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

I read these seven verses and I am filled with thanks and praise.  There is nothing that I can add to this.  It is such an immeasurable gift.  My God is so Large, and I am so small, yet his arm is not so short that he cannot reach out to me… Praise God!

Yes, I am overwhelmed, but it does not stop there.  In the past few days, God has reminded me of so many things.

Philippians 1

First in Philippians he reminded me to pray always and not stop.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV Strong’s)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Then he reminded me about our struggles and the short time they will last.

A Brief Time of Struggle

The Holy Spirit, through God’s Word, reminded me that I must count struggles as joy… three times.

James 1:2-4 (ESV Strong’s)

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV Strong’s)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Romans 5:2-5 (ESV Strong’s)

2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

All these passages remind me that regardless of my circumstances God is with me, and as difficult, puzzling frustrating, or even painful He is with me, and I know He will bring me through it, for I know this to be true.

Romans 8:28 (ESV Strong’s)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

There is nothing too large or too small that God cannot overcome.

Closing Thoughts

You know sometimes it is difficult to define struggles that affect us.  It can be so many things.  Sometimes it will cut us to the bone.  Other times it will twist us into knots.  Some of the time it will be a single event.  Sometimes it will be a culmination of events that suddenly just become too heavy, and sometime the reason will not seem clear at all.  But there is only one answer to all of these and that is seeking after God.

Seek Him in the silence. Seek Him in the darkness.  Seek him in the confusion.  Seek Him in the heartache.  He never leaves us He is always there, but sometimes it takes us a while to open our eyes or adjust to the light when we come out of that dark spot that we have found ourselves.

Prayer

As I close this post, I am listening to Big Daddy Weave “I am Redeemed,” and I am reminded that I am Redeemed.  I am just thankful that God is always there even when I might lose my focus.  That trial in that quiet place was difficult.  It was a lonely place.  It seemed longer than it was, and it was never as quiet as it seemed, but it was quieter than I wanted, and I am thankful for the reminder of how that quiet feels, even if it is not as quiet as it used to be.

Father, thank you, Lord for always knowing what I need to grow and draw closer to you.  Father, I pray a prayer of thanksgiving for your love, grace, and mercy.  Please Lord let me always be near to you.  Search my heart Lord and show me where I fall short so that I might repent and leave nothing between you and me.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

 

No King No Truth “Judges 21:25”

Today’s post may be a bit of a walk around the barn, but I hope you will indulge me a bit and stick with me on this walk because it is an issue that breaks my heart.  The issue is how we have come to use the word “truth.”

There has been an ever so subtle change in the way the word “truth” is used in the world today, and for me, it just really sank in these past couple weeks. Before then I stuck with the definition that I had grown up with

What is Truth Supposed to be In the World

My folks taught me the truth had only one meaning and I could find that in the dictionary.  It is very specific and based on known parameters.  The definition is pretty clear.

Truth noun

\ˈtrüth  \

plural truths\ ˈtrüt͟hz ,  ˈtrüths \

Definition of truth 

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1): the body of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY

(2): the state of being the case : FACT

(3)often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality

b: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true: “truths of thermodynamics”

c: the body of true statements and propositions

2a: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality

b: chiefly British : TRUE sense 2

c: fidelity to an original or to a standard

3a: sincerity in action, character, and utterance

b: archaic : FIDELITY, CONSTANCY

4: capitalized, Christian Science : GOD

in truth

: in accordance with fact : ACTUALLY

I find it interesting that the definition is very clear.  There is not really any wiggle room for opinion.  Truth is based on fact.

God’s Truth

God’s truth is the same but a bit more specific about the truth.  I think the first thing to consider is what he said in Genesis 1:1-2

Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV Strong’s)

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then again in Exodus 3 when He spoke to Moses.

Exodus 3:14 (ESV Strong’s)

14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

First, in Genesis, he reminds us that He was, in the beginning, before there was anything.  He created the Heavens and the Earth.  When I read Genesis 1:1-2 I cannot fathom how awesome my God is.  He is greater than anything and brought out EVERYTHING from NOTHING.  Then to remind Moses, He tells him again.  He tells him that he is I AM.  When I think of that phrase and realize I can put any wonderful thing after that and it is God…  including truth, and If I was not sure of that in the Old Testament.  Jesus reminds me in the New Testament.

 John 14:6 (ESV Strong’s)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Now there is only one concession I must make… maybe two.

The Truth of God’s Word

We have to believe that the Word of God is absolute truth.  We have to believe that the Bible is, in fact, the inspired Word of God and is inerrant and infallible and the only source of absolute truth in this fallen world.

I do believe that to be true, and I do so by faith.  I do believe every word of the Bible is absolute truth.  There is only one reason.  It is Jesus.  I like how Peter puts it in his first letter.

1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV Strong’s)

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

In all this is the truth; the one and only absolute truth, but that is not what the world wants today.

What the World is Calling Truth Today

This last week I was watching some TV, and throughout a week, I heard something that was kind of shocking.  People in the shows kept talking about “their truth” or “his truth” instead of “the truth.”  I know I have heard it before, but this week it was different.  The Holy Spirit just hit me with this thought that there is only one truth and that is “God’s Truth.”  A flood of scriptures came through my head, including those above, but the one that had the most impact came Judges 21.

Judges 21:25 (ESV Strong’s)

25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

It came while I was watching a hospital show with good-hearted doctors striving to save lives.  They all went the extra mile, and you had to cheer for them as they fought for every life.

The scene that was playing out was a Doctor talking to a reporter about a young man who was dealing with a brutal loss of his brother.  The doctor told the reporter that he needed to understand the young man’s “truth” to understand his struggle with this loss, and when he said that I stopped and thought of that passage in Judges.

The young man was not experiencing some different kind of truth.  He was hurt and broken.  He was “feeling” a loss.  The definition of feeling is much different than the truth.  Those feelings were valid and difficult and to help him a person had to try and look at these things from his point of view, but it did not change the truth or facts of this loss.  He had a hard life living in a battle zone of a neighborhood that changed how he reacted to things, but it did not change the truth of his loss or the pain of it.  It changed how he processed his feelings

The definition of feeling is much different than the truth.  Just look below.

feel·ing

/ˈfēliNG/Submit

noun

noun: feeling; plural noun: feelings

1.

an emotional state or reaction.

“a feeling of joy”

synonyms:    love, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, warmness, emotion, sentiment; More

the emotional side of someone’s character; emotional responses or tendencies to respond.

“I don’t want to hurt her feelings”

synonyms:    sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, pride

“he had hurt her feelings”

strong emotion.

““God bless you!” she said with feeling”

2.

a belief, especially a vague or irrational one.

“he had the feeling that he was being watched”

synonyms:    suspicion, sneaking suspicion, notion, inkling, hunch, funny feeling, feeling in one’s bones, fancy, idea; More

an opinion, typically one shared by several people.

“a feeling grew that justice had not been done”

synonyms:    opinion, belief, view, impression, intuition, instinct, hunch, estimation, guess

“my feeling is that it is true”

3.

the capacity to experience the sense of touch.

“a loss of feeling in the hands”

synonyms:    sensation, sense, consciousness

“a feeling of nausea”

the sensation of touching or being touched by a particular thing.

“the feeling of water against your skin”

synonyms:    (sense of) touch, feel, tactile sense, using one’s hands

“assess the fabric by feeling”

4.

a sensitivity to or intuitive understanding of.

“he seems to have little feeling for art”

adjective

adjective: feeling

1.

showing emotion or sensitivity.

“he had a warm and feeling heart”

synonyms:    sensitive, warm, warmhearted, tender, tenderhearted, caring, sympathetic, kind, compassionate, understanding, thoughtful

“a feeling man”

 

The feelings were just as real and to understand how someone responds to the truth emotionally is critical, but that does not mean there are different truths, but different feelings about that truth.  In school, my teachers often had true and false tests.  I never considered improving my grade by arguing with my teacher that my answer may not have been her truth, but it was MY truth.  I may have felt I was right, but the facts were on the teacher’s side.

 

What’s the Big Deal?

So, what is the big deal if we call it a different truth or a different feeling.  Well, when we start saying there is no absolute to the truth than we give people the right to decide for themselves, and that sounds great, but it cannot be sustained.  People stop looking at issues objectively and begin to view everything emotionally and allow those feelings or emotions to define “their” own truth.

I consider all the things that are happening in the world today, and I see the Israel of Judges 21.

Judges 21:25 (ESV Strong’s)

25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

We have allowed the adversary to subtly manipulate our own language against us.

Closing Thoughts

I just look around everywhere and see a world that no longer accepts the fact that there might be absolutes.  They ignore the reality of it every day.  Physical laws exist; we have gravity, the sun, daylight and dark, but that is it.  There are no absolute truths related to people unless enough loud people agree that it is true.

The frightening thing about this is that it does not only affect people that do not believe in God or Jesus.  Believers lay themselves open to attack if they are not diligent.  God reminds us throughout His Word.

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians warns us in chapter six to put on the full armor of God because we are in a battle.  Peter in the fifth chapter of his first letter warns us that the devil prowls about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  All warn about false teachers, and this latest cunning manipulation of the word “truth” is yet another example.

Prayer

Lord, help me to hold fast to your truth.  Let me cling to your word and equip myself with your full armor.  I know Lord that I do not always see the reason for things, but I pray for strength and wisdom to always place my hope and trust in you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

 

Wives and Husbands

Several weeks ago, in a men’s small group that I participate in we were studying 1 Peter chapter three.  Verses 1-7 pretty much consumed the whole hour.  In there Peter discusses the family order established by God.

It led to some interesting discussion on the topic.  For me, I think this issue is misused and abused by both men and women.  If we would look at it prayerfully, you can see that there is tremendous responsibility imposed on Husbands, Wives, and Children.

Each member has different responsibilities, and none are insignificant.

1 Peter 3:1-7

In First Peter chapter 3 begins with, “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands.”  As soon as that verse is read some men chuckle and some women scowl.  Neither remembers the verses that ended chapter two and often as they read the verses that follow their focus is hindered by those first eight words.

Some men use these words to impose unjust authority.  Some women use these words create doubt in their own heart.  But when I read 1 Peter 3:1-7.  I do not see oppression, I see the power a Godly woman can have on the heart of a man, and because the verses begin with the word “Likewise” I know that the Lord preceded these verses with additional foundational wisdom.  But lets just look at chapter 3:1-7 first.

1 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV Strong’s)

1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Now when I read this I am humbled.  Peter wrote this letter to a group of people living under persecution and there seems to have been some divided households.  In verse one he tells women to be subject to their husbands.  He knows that not all believe, but he also knows that these wives can help turn their husbands to the Lord, by living a holy life.  I know this is true.

He tells the husband to be understanding and show honor to the women.  He calls them the weaker vessel, but they are not inferior to men they too are heirs.  Treating them as anything less will hinder our prayer life.

Reflections

I think about that passage in 1 Peter, and there is a great deal of responsibility that goes with it.  If you look back at chapter two in 1 Peter, beginning at verse 13 through the end of the chapter Peter outlines how we are to live in the world.  He uses the example of Christ Jesus, but he does not lump the family into this same group; he is very specific about the family.

This relationship was established by God.  It is not a relationship created by men, like governments, labor agreements, government institutions or laws.  God established it in Genesis even before the fall.

Genesis 2:24 (ESV Strong’s)

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Jesus restated it when he answered the Pharisees question about divorce in Matthew 19

Matthew 19:4-6 (ESV Strong’s)

4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

In this family, there is an order of responsibility and relationship.  Ephesians 5 spells it out as well.

Ephesians 5:22-33

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he defines an order of things in the family as well.  It amazes me how clear and simple it is from verse twenty-two to thirty-three.

Ephesians 5:22-33 (ESV)

Wives and Husbands

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

As I read this passage, one thing stuck me out of the gate.  It was in verse twenty-two. ” Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”  The word that struck me was own.  As I read it, I had to go back to Peter’s letter, and sure enough “own” was there as well.  God was not asking women to submit to all men, but he was asking them to submit to their own husbands.  But in Ephesians Paul adds more detail.

The Holy Spirit through Paul explains the relationship between husband and wife as one of love and respect.  Nowhere in this passage is there any malice or oppression.  The husband has final responsibility as the head of the home, but he can achieve nothing without his wife.  In this passage, Paul refers to Genesis as well in verse 31.   “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  He goes on in this passage to reveal this great mystery.  The fact that marriage is the model of Christ and the Church.

Just think on that for a minute.

Reflections

I look at Ephesians and 1 Peter and Colossians, and I am convicted.  Not because I mistreat my wife or do not love her enough.  I do love her more than I can fathom. We argue like any couple, but we work to resolve it in love and not mistreat each other.

I am convicted because of those times that I do not take the leadership role in my family and leave a tough decision for Pat.  I am convicted in those times that I do not take the protective role that I should take defending her as Christ defends the Church.

I am convicted when considering all that Jesus did for the church, (that being you and me), and as much as I love my wife Pat, how my efforts pale in comparison.

Closing Thoughts

As I ponder these things and consider that marriage is an example of Jesus Christ’s relationship with the church, it is humbling when we consider the squabbles that arise out of a few sentences because we do not take the time to consider the context and God’s intent.

Yes, there is an order to the home, just as there is between the church, (that being us again), and Jesus.  Without that order, there would be nothing but confusion and arguing.

But if this order is exemplified by Jesus and the church wouldn’t it also make sense to assume that we all might follow the example of Jesus while He was here on earth.

There is a passage in Matthew that I like.  It is Jesus’ reply to a mother’s request.  I think it well describes the kind of person we are to be in this world.

Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV Strong’s)

25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 We are not to lord over one another.  That is not His plan for us.  So yes, the Word of God defines an order to things.  It also defines a behavior; one of love and service.

I am thankful for God’s plan.  He gives us order and purpose in a world where there is none.  He teaches us to love and respect to fulfill the needs of one another.  I am thankful and praise God.

Prayer

Father, thank you for all your provision.  I praise you for the plans you laid out for us to follow and the example through Your Holy Word.  Father help us to see where we fall short in our responsibilities at home so that we may better serve you there first and glorify you. In Jesus name, I pray! Amen!

 

Love Your Enemies

In the past few weeks, I have had some of my brothers in Christ talk to me about anger issues.  It has been happening so frequently that I am compelled to share this testimony in my blog that I was able to share with most of them one on one.  It is a testimony of how God taught me to deal with my own anger issues.

This message is one that God laid on me when I was struggling with a long time co-worker.  It is also a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness that He showed me when I struggled to believe and obey.

Some Background

I had worked with this individual for years and I knew he had a reputation for trying to trash peoples reputation to the point of impacting their carriers, but I had never been in his sights until I was in his sights.  I am not sure what caused that to happen, but now it does not matter.  All I can say for certain is that it was before I came to know Jesus and it did not go well.  You see I had quite a temper and was not afraid to use it.

The end result was that we steered clear of each other.  We would not even pass each other in the hall if we had a choice.  The anger was not pleasant at all.  I am just thankful that it stayed contained.

The First Step

A year or two later I came to know Jesus and was baptized.  God changed me from the inside out, but this resentment for this person lingered a bit.  It just seemed to fester.  I could not seem to get rid of it.  I knew I needed to forgive him, but at that point in my walk, it was easier said than done.  This guy had made my life very difficult.  Even as I consider it for this post, it brings back unpleasant memories.

In all this God was clear, and I needed to forgive him, and I set out to do that.  Yes, I struggled, but as I studied God’s Word, He showed me a way to overcome this anger and resentment to the point of real forgiveness.

Step 2 – Love Your Enemies

Step two was found in the book of Matthew beginning in the forty-third verse.  The heading of this section was “Love Your Enemies.”  I kind of stumbled when I read the heading.  I remembered it from the bible stories from my youth.  It made me shudder a bit because the first and only guy that came to mind was the person from work.

I had not even read the five verses in the section yet, and I felt certain that this was for my situation, but at the same time, it gave me an uneasy feeling of conviction.  As I start reading this passage I am arguing with God in my head about how could I even manage this, but in the end, (and I cannot remember how long it took to get to the end), I realized how foolish I was being.

Step 3 – Actually Reading Matthew 5:43-48

I finally got past the heading, and I read what Jesus said.

Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV Strong’s)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

I read verse 43 and was realizing I was doing a good job with that verse, but in verse 44 things took a turn on me.  Jesus replaced that law with a new one.  I was not to hate my enemies anymore, but instead, I was to love them and not only love them but pray for them.

Step 4 – Letting it Soak In

As I read these five verses over and over, I realized His desire was for me was to love as he loves.  The part that struck me as I considered this was that Jesus did not tell us to pray for them to straighten up and fly right or be condemned, or step out into traffic, or transferred to somewhere else out of our hair.  Jesus said to pray for them, and that word “love” at the beginning of the passage indicates to me that I should pray for them in the same fashion as I would a family member that I love, praying for blessings and salvation not fixing.

I have to admit that it did take a while to soak in, but when it did, I was fully committed to it.  I began including this person in my daily prayers.

Step 5 – Implementation

When I began praying for this guy, it was not very easy. I found to do it I had to forgive him.  I had to forgive him in action more than words.  As I continued to pray my animosity toward him went away.  My anger toward him also faded.  Those things I had found too horrible about his character no longer mattered.

Over time our interaction changed as well.  First, we could pass each other in the hall.  Next, we could do so without glaring and then with a nod eventually with even a greeting.

Over the period of a year or so we could speak professionally and attend productive meetings together.  Our interactions became cordial.  The most amazing thing was when I was put on short term disability for my strokes I was in the office filling out some papers, and the guy came to my desk and told me to get well soon because I was needed.  That set me back on my heels with a “Praise God” moment.

Closing Thoughts

I cannot say that every situation will end the way mine did.  But what I can say is that if you pray earnestly for someone, it is very difficult to stay mad at them, regardless of what the person has done to you.  Every time of think of this situation I am filled with thanksgiving and the anger I had for the person is gone.

I do not know about you all, but for me, if I felt wronged by someone, it could be very hard to overcome the anger.  The old man in me wanted his pound of flesh, and it could be messy, but through this experience, God showed me a better way.

It is not always an easy path to follow, but He is faithful and true, and I have found consequences are much better.  When I take that anger and turn it into prayers of blessing for my enemies the weight of resentment and stress is slowly lifted, and my heart is softened, and I feel closer to my Lord.  It seems that anger tends to build a wall around my heart.

Prayer

Father, thank you for this day.  Thank you for your Word and all that we learn from it when we turn to it rather than to our own devices.  Father, let us never forget to pray for our enemies that they too might find hope in your grace and mercy.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

Draw Near

Every morning is an opportunity to start fresh and new.  We wake and the previous day, with all its issues and challenges is behind us, and we survived them.  That does not mean that the circumstances of life or the consequences of our decisions have changed.  It simply means that we have made it through one day and are ready to face another, and HOW we choose to face that day will define how that day goes.

We can face our challenges alone or with God.

Alone In My Work

For many years after I was saved, I continued to focus much of my energy on work.  I pushed myself, and I did not ask God for any guidance or help in it.

I prayed every day in the early hours, and I studied Gods Word before I left for work, and I often tried to study at work, if I would take the time to take a lunch break, which was rare and short usually eating at my desk.  I pushed myself to be the best, and it was not until much later that I realized what motivated me.

During this time I would pray to help with study and understanding the Word.  I would pray to grow closer to God, but I missed everything about rest and rejuvenation.  I prayed, but I used selective hearing when it came to listening to God’s direction.  I think that it got to the point that He stopped pointing out those passages in His Word that would lead me to better set my priorities and left me to manage that on my own as I seemed to prefer it that way.

Choosing No Rest for the Weary

I had gotten to the point that I was wearing down, but I refused to see it OR show it to those around me.    God, Pat and I were the only ones that knew how tired I was getting, but I refused to let up.  I was convinced that the most important thing was the projects I had going on at work and I could not let my coworkers, manufacturing or field sales down.  So I kept on pushing, and things got worse.

I kept working but end up working from home for 3 out of 5 days, but that did not help, other than to keep me off the road.  Finally, one of the days I went into the office things got weird with another screaming headache and this time I my body had decided for me and I went on disability.

Drawing Near to God

When I ended up at home, it was pretty demoralizing.  I was in pretty bad shape.  But I had ordered this Bible study with videos and everything, and it came in the mail within a few days of me being home.  So I started that study.  I could read, and I could listen to videos.  There were a lot of things I struggled with, but these two things still worked reasonably well if I rested and did not push things to hard.

As I started the study, I could not put it down.  In it I grew closer and closer to God and this passage in James came to mind.  “8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8).  Within the first day of this study, I could see how foolish I had been.

I had thought I was doing pretty well with God, but in truth, I had a pretty large chunk of pride I carried around on my shoulder when it came to my work, and I did not see that pride until I lost my ability to do that job.

Humbled

God allowed me to run myself into the ground and in it, he humbled me.  That period of time was when the last bit of my human armor was being stripped away and being replaced with the Armor of God.  In the days that followed I came to better understand that passage better than I ever imagined, but in addition to that, I learned to draw great joy from the verses before and after James 4:8.

James 4:7-10

These passages are not harsh they are powerful and to the point.  They reminded me of who I was and that Jesus paid my debt that I could be saved and pulled from the grip of sin by Him.

James 4:7-10 (ESV Strong’s)

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

I read that passage and recognize how unworthy I am to receive such a gift from God.  I am overcome with joy that He who spoke the universe into existence loves me and desires to live with me gave his Son to suffer and die for me when I was wicked.  I like how Paul explained it to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

 All I can do is say is “Thank you, Jesus! Glory be to God in the Highest!”

Closing Thoughts

There is very little that I can say in closing.  I guess the best thing I can add is better said by Paul…

“6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Phil 1:6 ESV).  That fills me with such hope and joy.  I know every day that I put into prayer and study makes that day and the next better than the day before, even if the circumstances may be more difficult.

Strokes are not joyful, even on your best day, but with God, they are much easier to face.  With God, it is much easier to accept where you are and how you will continue forward, even if the pace is different.  With God all things are possible.

You see God prepared me with a Wonderful wife and family as well as a great church home so that regardless of all is good.  I am blessed beyond measure.  I walk a bit slower, and I talk a bit slower, and I struggle with crowds and stress of any kind, but I can study, pray and write a bit slower.

Prayer

Father God, Thank you for all your provision.  Father thank you for everything I give you praise In Jesus name! Amen!

 

I Will Give You Rest

Do you ever just seem overrun.  There are so many “things” to draw our attention from the Word and Jesus that it can get the best of us sometimes if we let it.  They do not have to be bad things.  In fact, for the Christian, they can often be very good things.

These distractions can be big or small, heavy or light, many or few, but whatever they are the adversary convinces us that not to do them is bad and he works to make us feel guilty if we turn away from them even to spend time in the Word… especially if it is to spend time in the Word.  This adversary is a liar, and he has had a lot of practice.  He was the one who deceived Eve in Genesis 3.  This thing that we struggle against is more than a simply a part of life; it is a battle of life and death.

Ephesians 6:12

This battle we find ourselves in, these seemingly inconvenient distractions, are not battles of flesh and blood they are far more sinister.  Paul found them to be so serious that he warned the Ephesians in no uncertain terms.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

Paul warns us that the adversary is attacking in ways that we cannot see and if we are not prepared, we cannot defend against these attacks.  But he does not leave us defenseless; he reminds us that we have a weapon and we need to use it.  It is the very tool that the adversary strives to deprive us of.

Ephesians 6:13-18

This weapon is the full armor of God.  This morning as I read through Ephesians 6 I just could not help but be humbled by verses twelve through eighteen.  You see, I write these posts as I am studying a topic that touches my heart on any given morning.  This morning it regarded some physical challenges I had been dealing with for months.  Also, some decisions I had made that resulted in the less consistent study.

This passage reminded me that I had let my guard down because God had given me all I need regardless of my circumstances in this passage and I had allowed myself to be distracted from taking His full council.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (ESV Strong’s)

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 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. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

I was still studying and praying, but not like I should.  I was not taking up the full armor of God every day.  I was not asking for the help I needed to focus as I needed when I studied until this morning.  Actually, until now.

Reflections

As I meditate on this passage in Ephesians, I am filled with a humble heart.  It is easy to let things get in the way of my goal.  The goal that Paul describes so well in Philippians.

Philippians 3:8-14 (ESV Strong’s)

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Like Paul, this must be my goal always, and I need to be sure that it is always my focus.  If I will stay here in tune with God and pursue this path and live my life, pressing “on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  These distractions will no longer get in my way.

It is not always easy, but Jesus promised that He would always be with us.

Hebrews 13:1-6 (ESV Strong’s)

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear;

what can man do to me?”

What comfort there is in the Word of God.  He asks so little of us when He has done so much, and He did not wait for us to get our act together to do it.  He loved us in the midst of our sins.

Ephesians 2

In Ephesians 2 Paul reminds us of how much was done for us

Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV Strong’s)

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.

He did all that for us.  Who does something like that BUT God?  Who could do something like that BUT God!  The is even more amazing when you think for just a second how badly we treated Him in our disbelief.  To say we are not worthy is such an understatement it is hard to fathom.  Likewise, the Love of God is so great that, for me, it too is hard to fathom.

I am simply so small, and He is so great, and yet He loves me… He loves us.

Closing Thoughts

This brings me to two other passages with which I will close.  The first one is in Matthew and the second is in 1John.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV Strong’s)

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.”

1 John 5:3 (ESV Strong’s)

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

Jesus and John both remind us that the path to salvation is not burdensome.  Jesus reminds us that He will be there with us on that journey.  I take such comfort in these passages.  This is not a challenge where God has laid out things to trip us up.  But there will be trials in this fallen world.  There will be suffering.  Jesus warned that both the just and unjust will face trials.  “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”(Matt 5:45b). But the thing is, those that believe in the Son do not face them alone.  I cannot help but be reminded of this Psalm 121.

Psalms 121:1-2 (ESV Strong’s)

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

What joy there is in knowing that Jesus paid my debt so that I might be saved.  There is no greater joy!

Prayer

Father, thank you for all that you are.  That you for Your Word and the reminder that You are our everything.  Give us strength Lord to never let that distraction be so strong that we are kept from our pursuit of You.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

*emphasis added

Some Context Please?

I truly love God’s Word.  It is like the air I breathe or the food and water my body needs to survive, and if you know me you know, I like food.  However, just like a meal I am rarely satisfied with a single bite.  It may taste great and even make me smile, but it is rarely enough to sustain me.

The same is true of a single verse in God’s Word.  It may make me feel good for a moment, but without the context, it does not give my spirit the nourishment it needs to grow closer to God; in fact, it can lead to confusion.  It hit me this morning as I was listening to a sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.  As I listened, the importance of context, in growing my faith, became very clear.

Belief

He began with a discussion of John 3:18. It is one of those verses we seldom get too.  Everyone knows John 3:16 but that is normally where we stop.  Some will recite verse 17 with it, but it is rare that you hear 18.

John 3:16-17 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17 is the wonderful, reassuring part of the Gospel.  It focuses strictly on the salvation.  Verse 18 adds the consequences of unbelief.  He also reminds us that not everyone will believe.

John 3:18 (ESV)

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

I listened to this sermon and pondered these verses and was very moved by these passages.  I went back to chapter 3 and read from the beginning of chapter three to get a better understanding of the context, and remembered that these verses were only part of a discussion that Jesus had with the Pharisee Nicodemus.

Born Again

Nicodemus was a Pharisee that was afraid to meet Jesus in the daylight, so he met him in secret at night, and Jesus told him the good news of salvation.  Nicodemus knew Jesus was from God because of the works and wonders He had performed, but he did not fully understand who he was, so Jesus told him.

In John 3:3-21 Jesus explains the path of salvation to Nicodemus.  He also explains who He is, and why He is here.  I am not sure if Nicodemus gets it or not by how this passage ends, but he does show up to defend Jesus in John 7:50 and he is at Jesus’ burial in John 19:19.

Reflections

I look at this passage in John and hear the words that Jesus shares with Nicodemus and His message is so clear.  What struck me as I read these verses in chapter 3 was the confusion expressed by Nicodemus and Jesus’ response.

John 3:4 (ESV)

4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

John 3:9 (ESV)

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”

The first question Jesus explains the meaning of being “Born Again.”  But the second question He is a bit harsher because Nicodemus should already know this answer.

John 3:10 (ESV)

10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

Jesus goes on to give Nicodemus something to think about and references the old testament.

John 3:11-15 (ESV)

11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

I have to imagine that verse 15 had to rock Nicodemus back on his heels.  It is interesting to me how the discussion ends after that.  I have to believe that he was left dumbfounded and when he got home he pulled out his scriptures and started studying about the serpent and healing and then ponder all that Jesus had said.

John 3:11

This morning one of the most powerful verses for me was verse 11.  In that verse, Jesus Christ declared to Nicodemus who he was and at the same time told him that he did not get it.

John 3:11 (ESV)

11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.

Jesus declares His authority in this verse.  Everything He said before to Nicodemus, and after to him, He declares as true because He is the Son of God.  Jesus declared that the only path to salvation was through Him and he proclaimed that Numbers 21:9 was not only a miracle that occurred during the exodus but a prophecy or our salvation.

Numbers 21:9 (ESV)

9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

Just like the serpent’s  bite that leads to death during the exodus had only one cure so does the death from sin: Christ Jesus, lifted up on a cross, “15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:15)

I can see the look on Nicodemus’ face.  It was not enough that Jesus proclaimed who He was, but he pointed to a passage from the scriptures that Nicodemus knew but had not been able to connect, and if this one connected, what other passages might also confirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy; the Son of God?

Closing Thoughts

I reflect on chapter 3 in John and think of how Jesus spoke to Nicodemus.  It was like he was saying; if you doubt my words test them against the scriptures and I will give you a place to start, and He gave him Numbers 21:9.  And I have to believe that Nicodemus did not stop there.  He had the scriptures memorized.  I have to believe he read every prophecy and I doubt that stopped as Jesus continued His ministry.

I never stop being amazed at how Jesus uses the scriptures to add power to what he preaches.  He did with Nicodemus, and when he was tempted in the wilderness by Satan.  He also used the scriptures to proclaim who He was in his hometown of Nazareth.

If he did that to teach the Gospel to those around Him.  Shouldn’t we do the same?

Just One More Thing…

My wife Pat and I watched a Christian movie the other night, and one of the characters told a story to the villain in the movie.  The story was pretty simple.

The first man in the story had been a heathen.  He was unkind and selfish and had no time for anyone.  He ended up being in a bad accident and nearly died.

During his recovery, one of the therapists spoke to him of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He had no time for it initially, but as he struggled along, and this therapist continued to help him and never gave up on him, he cried out to God and believed.

About a year after recovery the man gave his testimony in a small group, and one of the people in attendance came forward and told of a friend that had been through a similar situation and wondered if he would share his testimony with his friend.

Well, he did share it, and the man was moved, but was unwilling to commit that night and asked them to come back the following evening to discuss it further.  He went back the next day, but the guy had died in his sleep and his sin.

The good guy in the movie told the villain that he loved him in spite of his actions, and he needed to tell him about Jesus.  He held no grudge against him but loved him and wanted nothing but the best for him.

The villain said thanks but no thanks.

Nicodemus was confused, but Jesus did not throw his hands up and walked away. He gave him a path to understanding.  He planted a seed in his heart that grew.  He did not do it for him, and he did not make him accept it.  He laid out the path of salvation for him and gave him the proof that had been there all along so that he could, as Paul said to the Philippians;

Philippians 2:12 (ESV)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

Jesus gave Nicodemus what he needed.  He has done the same for us, and just as Paul declared to the Philippians, we need to use the tools Jesus gave us to do the same.  Those tools include God’s Word, Prayer, Meditation, and the body – the Church.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your Holy Word.  Thank you for your wisdom, grace, and mercy.  Father help us all to be bold and share the Gospel with the world around us, even those that might be hostile to us.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

Do Not be Anxious but Trust in the Lord

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) Jesus Walks on the Water

When I look at the relationship between Peter and Jesus I see a true friendship and brotherly love.  It is not instant; at least not on Peter’s part, but it is one that grows stronger throughout the Gospels.  Like any strong relationship that requires trust and faith shared between people.

For Jesus that is instant, but for Peter, and for us, that is tougher.  We neither love nor trust naturally.  In fact, in many cases, we are far more apt to do the opposite until someone can prove themselves worthy.  It is more common to think to ourselves, “I hear you talking, but I will believe it when I see it.”  We take a wait and see approach with folks, but Jesus was different at least in the initial meeting.

Jesus Calls Peter

Jesus calls Peter and Andrew as his first two disciples.  He simply calls out to them.

Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV)

18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

When Jesus called Peter he agreed immediately.  He and Andrew did not hesitate.  Jesus looked like any other man, yet these two see something special in Christ enough to leave their boat and join Him.  Peter is the most extreme of the two.

Peter demonstrates throughout the three years that he is never lukewarm.  His passion for Christ is just that, a passion that seems to lack any kind of control.  It is either hot or cold.  He wants to believe, and he wants to trust Jesus, but like the rest of the disciples, he allows the distractions of the world to affect his focus and his faith.

Do Not be Anxious

In Matthew 6 Jesus talks about being anxious.  He reminds the disciples not to allow the world to fill them with fear and distraction but to trust in God.

Matthew 6:25 (ESV)

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Then a bit further in the chapter, he emphasizes where our focus should be.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

And how might we do that?

John 14:6-7 (ESV)

“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.”

When I read these verses, I think of Peter’s passion and his volatility.

Peter Believed

When Peter Believed he could not be stopped.  His love and passion for Jesus he wore on his sleeve and sometimes it got in his way.  But when he allowed himself to be distracted by the world, his faith and trust faltered.  One example is after a tremendous amount of teaching in Matthew Chapters 7, and 8 and the disciples get in the boat with Jesus and Jesus goes to sleep.

Matthew 8:23-27 (ESV)

Jesus Calms a Storm

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

All the disciples were filled with fear, the opposite of faith.  But even, filled with fear, they cried out knowing Jesus was their only hope.  They knew that He alone could same them in their parrel.  But that is not the only time something like this happened.  The best example of this for me is Peter walking on water.  It shows the power of his faith even when fear and doubt set in.

Walking on the Water

Immediately after another sermon where Jesus fed 5000 men he made the disciples get on a boat and head out into the water.  Jesus went off to pray alone.  While he was praying a storm had fired up, and the disciples were far from shore battling the storm.  We all know the story.  Jesus walked on water and scared everyone on the boat because they thought He was a ghost.  But Jesus comforted them, and Peter called out to Him.

Matthew 14:28-32 (ESV)

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 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.

Did you see it?  When Peter got out of the boat and kept his eye on Jesus, he walked on water! But as soon as he turned his gaze from Jesus to the storm fear set in and weakened his resolve and he began sinking. But even then, he cried out to Jesus to save him.  He knew his only hope was in Jesus.  He knew that no one else could save him, and in this moment of weakness and fear he cried out to Jesus and was saved.

Reflections

I look back at Peter, and I see a man that struggled with faith as we all do at times, but when he kept his eye on Jesus, his faith was so strong.  He also knew that Jesus was his only hope of salvation.   I like what Paul says about salvation in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)

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 think Peter is a good example of this and he had the benefit of being counseled by the Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  He too is “His workmanship“, counseled by Jesus Christ face to face, and among the first blessed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but still, a human being like all of us, adopted into the family of God.

Closing Thoughts

The story of Peter walking on water is so special.  It does not just show what can be accomplished with a strong relationship with Christ Jesus, but the fact that this relationship is the only way to eternal life.  Peter did not cry out to anyone else as he sank into the water.

Peter knew it that night on the water as he sank toward his own death and he proclaimed it again to the temple leaders in Acts 4.

Acts 4:11-12 (ESV)

11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved*.”

What a gift we have in Jesus.  How wonderfully Peter shows us that one night on the water and the many that followed.  What a blessing it is to have access to Him through His Word and prayer.

Prayer

Heavenly father,

 I do not consider that I have made, (your gift of salvation), my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  (For it is in His name that I pray), Amen, (Prayer comes from Philippians 3:13-14)

*emphasis added

Connect with me

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis