dailywalkinthelight

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

The Mystery and Wonder of God’s Grace

Morning Light

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

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

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

Ephesians 1:3-10 Spiritual Blessings in Christ

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

Ephesians 1:3-10 (ESV)

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

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

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

Ephesians 1:15-21 Thanksgiving and Prayer

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

Ephesians 1:15-21 (ESV)

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

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

Reflection

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

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

Ephesians 2:1-10 By Grace Through Faith

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

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

Christ in You

Water and the Word

 

 

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

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

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

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

Colossians 1:15-20 The Preeminence of Christ

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

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

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

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

Colossians 1:21-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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

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

Remember This

The Morning Light

 

This morning I ended up in 2nd

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

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

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

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

2 Peter 1

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

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

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

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

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

2 Peter 1:3-4

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

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

Reflection

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

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

2 Peter 1:5-11

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

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

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

2 Peter 1:12-15

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

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

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

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

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

2 Peter 1:16-18

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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

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

The Day of the Lord Will Come

The Path

You know I often have trouble with focus.  Bright light and a lot of movement will cause me a bit of grief as well.  Both things can make reading difficult and both often contribute to headaches that can be very distracting, but there is one thing that these circumstances will not change; a need to be in God’s Word.  Today that began with 2 Peter.

In very few words Peter spoke of the coming of the Lord.  He warned of what to expect.

2 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV) 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”

Peter also explains that there is a reason for everything in God’s plan.

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

But how can we know this if we do not seek the truth for ourselves.?It is not enough to listen to someone else or even read a book relying on someone else’s interpretation.  We must spend time in the word.

This really hit home for me a week or so ago.  I was having a discussion with my daughter, and Peter reminded me of this in chapter 3 of his second letter today as well.

Communication

A couple weeks ago Caroline and I were discussing something serious, (I cannot remember exactly the topic today, but it was important then), and I replied to something she said.  When I finished I asked her what she thought I said and she answered.  I explained that was not my intent, and tried again with a similar result.  The third time we were successful.

Now Caroline and I got 3 chances to complete the communication.  But think of your favorite preacher on Sunday.  He may repeat important stuff a couple times, but you may get distracted by a cough or a sneeze or a baby and you cannot raise your hand and ask him to clarify his point.  You cannot say “Hey preacher, is this what you meant?” But if you are in the Word you can go home and work it out by yourself or with your spouse or with a friend or two.

If you have a group to get together with you can discuss the things you stumble over in your personal study.  The Word tells us that we are better off with more than ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV) 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

I also like Peter’s example in Chapter 3.

Understand so You are not Deceived

I like, beginning in verse 15 where Peter speaks of Paul’s writings and cautions the importance in growing in the knowledge of God.

2 Peter 3:15-18 (ESV) And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

 

This is the close to his letter.  The last thing he leaves us with. He adds credence to Paul’s equivalent to scriptures of other apostles and the old testament and cautions how important it is to understand these things about God so others cannot deceive you.

How can we serve God if we do not know Him well enough to discern truth from deception?

Do Not be Deceived

As I considered that this morning I got pulled into several passages that gave warning.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (ESV) 18 “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 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.

Jude 1:17-23 (ESV) 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 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.

What awesome power we have in God’s Word.

Closing Thoughts

I am so thankful that despite everything the Holy Spirit gives me a desire to be in the Word.  He fills me with a need to study and to share.  The strange thing that still amazes me is that I often start with one thought and finish in a place that I did not intend.  Today was one of those days.

I am so thankful for all that Christ Jesus did for me.  His love and mercy blows my mind.  Every day I am surprised by something new.  Today I know this.

The Word of God and prayer are like living water and oxygen.  I need both to live.  Take either away for too long and the first thing that sets in is confusion.  The second is a desperation for anything to fill the void left by their absence.  It requires diligence.  I need more than one gallon a week  of water and though I cannot see it I need oxygen every moment of the day.

I give thanks to God for all His provision including this desire to know Him and draw near to Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Word.  Father thank you for filling my heart with a desire to be near you and providing the path to achieve that.  Father I pray that that those who struggle or are being deceived might call on you today that they too might be lead out of darkness into the light.  In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Jars Of Clay

The Start of the Day

This morning I was praying and the power of the Word of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit were in my thoughts I was thinking about how God fills us with His Spirit and Word and I thought of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana turning water into wine, (John 2:1-11).  But what I focused on was the jars of clay and the process Jesus went through to make that wine.

He filled these clay jars that held 20-30 gallons each with water, all the way to the brim.  Then he asked one of the servants to take it to the master of the wedding who tasted it and took it to the bride groom.  The master of the wedding told the bride groom that most served the best wine first, but he had chosen to “save the best until now.”

I read this miracle and all I saw was the coming of the new covenant promised in Jeremiah.  Christ Jesus filling our jars of clay with the living water of this new covenant.

Turning from God – Jeremiah 2

I went to Jeremiah and read two passages.  First where God declared that Israel had turned from Him in Jeremiah 2

Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV) 13 for my people have committed two evils:

they have forsaken me,

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed out cisterns for themselves,

broken cisterns that can hold no water.

They had turned from God and built these leaky cisterns to hold things of the world that could never be filled and turned from the fountains of living water that would never leave them thirsting for anything.

Trusting in the Flesh or the Living Water of God – Jeremiah 17

Then I went to Jeremiah 17 and Jeremiah contrasted the sin of Judah to the man who trusted in the Lord.

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (ESV) 5 Thus says the Lord:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man

and makes flesh his strength,

whose heart turns away from the Lord.

6 He is like a shrub in the desert,

and shall not see any good come.

He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,

in an uninhabited salt land.

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose trust is the Lord.

8 He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

What a contrast there is when we cling to the life-giving water of God.  Then I went to Jeremiah 31 where I saw this miracle most clearly.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

I thought of the first thing Jesus said when His mother asked Him to solve the problem of the wine.  ” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” But he did as she asked. He honored her and he gave a foreshadowing of what was prophesied by through Jeremiah in chapter 31.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (ESV) The New Covenant

31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

For me the water He filled these clay jars with was His living water; His law, written on my heart.  From it came the sweetest wine; the promise of eternal life.

Reflections

When I read this miracle in John 2, I see the great work that Jesus does with the water being turned to wine in these clay jars.  He fills us with this living water and changes us from the inside out.  In a moment, we are transformed from the people Jeremiah speaks of in Jeremiah 17:5-6   “5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.” To the people of the new covenant that he speaks of in Jeremiah 31:31-34 in the section above.

John 7:37-39

I cannot help but turn to John 7:37-39 and reread what Jesus said about living water and the Holy Spirit and think of the water to wine

John 7:37-39 (ESV) 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

What a glorious gift we have if we believe in Jesus, the Son of God.  He will change us from the inside out and the Holy Spirit will dwell in our hearts.

Closing Thoughts

There are so many places in the Word where God speaks of the work being done in us.  I know when I was saved the change was instant.  The growth has been slow and steady but I see Jesus and the Holy Spirits work in God’s Word everywhere, and me, I am a simple jar of clay being molded into shape by the potter’s hands.

I think about Jesus changing that water to wine, and you know I had always passed over it and given it only passing weight.  But think about it. How many folks do you know that can do that?  And as quickly as He changed that water in that clay jar to wine he can change a heart of stone to one of flesh and make it a throne room for the Holy Spirit!  It takes only the faith of a child and a willing heart to believe in Jesus.  Repentance and Baptism come out of an overpowering desire to obey.  But that water to wine thing is something that I cannot grasp.  I simply trust in my God, the Creator of all things.

Prayer

Oh, Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word.  Thank you, the nourishment it brings to my spirit, like “fountains of living water.”  Lord, thank you for letting me see Your wonder on every page.  Thank You for letting me see Your love and Your glory.

Father, help me that I might not turn either to the left or right but keep my eyes firmly focused on you, in the name of your precious Son Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

Triumph in Christ

Triumph in the Light of the Son!

I think this morning I could go on and on about the Lord and the triumph that we have in Jesus Christ.    Pat is not feeling well, and that has concerned me and made it a bit tough to focus, but I have been praying for her while she is resting on the couch and looking at His Word in old Journal entries.

How wonderful is the truth in God’s Word?  What wonderful peace is found simply letting go and putting focus into seeking him. Pat encouraged me just to let her rest and focus on my normal routine, so that is what I have done.

I continue to pray for Pat this morning and also for guidance and focus; turning from worry to trust in Jesus.   I went through some old journal entries and stopped on one that I had done a year or so ago.

This entry was almost all in 2 Corinthians.  It covers chapters 2:15-5:9, but as I read I also thought of K-Love’s verses for today from Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)

13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

What comfort there is in these words.  What peace I find in them.  In Christ are my peace and comfort.  In Him rests my hope.

2 Corinthians 2:15-3:3

Let me start with Chapter 2 verse 15 through Chapter 3 verse 3.  Paul defines who we are in Jesus, and it is great comfort this morning.

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. 

Ministers of the New Covenant

​1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Self-Examination

I read this passage over and over again.  And I thought about it and meditated on it.  As I reflected on what Paul was saying and I thought;  is my life a letter from Christ written with the Spirit, for those who testified to me.  The ones who prayed for me and delivered the Gospel to me.  Do I show that I am “a letter of Christ” delivered them?  Am I sharing the message of Christ with others as they did for me in confident hope?

I continued with verses 4-6, and I remember that what Paul is saying has nothing to do with pride but with hope and love and confidence in Jesus.  Do I dare to be this bold?  Do I have that same confidence in Christ Jesus?

4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

I know that I am not sufficient in myself.  I know that my strength comes from the Lord.  Paul is writing this to the entire Church at Corinth, not just the leaders; not just the “preachers,” but everyone.  As I reflect on this, I am convicted.

He goes on to discuss the Hope we have in Christ and the boldness we have because of that and the difference in who we are.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

I get caught up in thinking how much God has changed me from the inside out.  How He has begun this great work in Pat and me and the freedom it has brought.  My trust is in the Lord, and I am filled with thanksgiving.

And that sets up the “Therefore” in Chapter 4:1-6

The, “Therefore” –  2 Corinthians 4:1-6

1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

And my favorite part…

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

That is my desire.  I do not want to be a preacher like Paul.  What I want is to carry in my heart the wonderful message Paul shares.  I want to carry the truth of Christ Jesus in my heart inside this fragile “Jar of Clay.”

To never forget the gifts given us regardless of our circumstances and remember the words of verse 7.

“7But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”

And Paul closes the chapter with these words that are my testimony.   They lift me up on the darkest days. 4:16-18

Fragile Jars of Clay

16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 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.

I cannot put into words what comfort this passage brings to me… other than to say how I know it’s truth is unwavering.  For every time I have a challenge God reminds me that it is fleeting.  That does not mean it does not hurt.  Sometimes the pain is intense;  it can be physical or emotional, but I am never alone.  God is there to see me through.  He uses the people around me, especially my wonderful wife, Pat.

The thing is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ fills us with a freedom that exists nowhere else.  I look at Paul’s example of humility, and I pray that when I share the Gospel with others, it may be in like spirit, filled with love and patience.  The Gospel is not a burden that we carry.  It is a gift that the Holy Spirit shares with us if we are willing and through us, He shares it with others.

Closing Thoughts

I will close with this last passage out of chapter 5 verses 6-10

 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

I give thanks to God for His Holy Word.  I praise Jesus for His willingness to pay my debt and the Holy Spirit to guide my heart.  What a plan God laid out for us.  How awesome is He?

Prayer

Heavenly Father thank you for your Holy Word and the comfort that comes with it in all circumstances.  Help me that I might share your Word with boldness and confidence, not in my strength, but in the strength, that you give through your Holy Spirit.  

Father, I pray for healing for my wife Pat and all those that are struggling with illness or loss.  I pray that you restore them and comfort them.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

 

Paul’s Example

Beauty in All Circumstances

 

This morning I had a tough time setting my mind on a study.  I prayed and asked for guidance and I opened my electronic bible and my notes from my electronic journal and when I looked at the list of notes February 3, 2016, was at the top and I looked it over.  In it, I found my encouragement.  I was not sure where to start, but as I read it I saw the example of Paul and his faith, joy, and contentment.

 

 

These notes set my sites on Philippians 3 and 4 as well as Acts 28 and in addition to the notes I had John 3:16 on my mind since that was the date yesterday.  I began with John 3:16

John 3:16-21

I looked at John 3:16 but could not stop there.  I read John 3:16-21 (ESV).  It is such a powerful passage.

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. 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. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

How amazing this is.  All of us remember verse 16… some may also know 17 by heart.  But what got me this morning was 18-20 and what is in the hearts of those that do not believe.

18 … but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

How sad this is…  but not just sad…  angry.  For those that hate the light, it is not enough to ignore it.  They are compelled to try and destroy it… Why? “lest his works should be exposed” (verse 20b).

The Light

When I look at that explanation of how people have and will respond to Jesus and His plan for salvation and I am filled with a mix of emotions…  First I am saddened that so many refuse to hear it.  So many are angered to the point of hatred.  But then I am filled with joy at the thought for those who believed enough to face all that and not share a message of doom and gloom nor threat or fear, but a message of Love and Joy.  This, despite their circumstances.

Acts 28

I went to Acts 28 when Paul was imprisoned in Rome.  Basically, he hits the town and he reaches out to the Jews there and tells them of his plight and they agree that they would like to hear “with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” Acts 28:22 (ESV).  So, they arrange a time to meet with Paul.

Paul conveys his experience in Acts 28: 24-28

24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

It had to be heartbreaking for him to see the responses…  Certainly, he was thankful for the ones that received it.  But so many did not.

We get bummed out when one person does not like what we must say.  Paul stood on the Word regardless… strength by his faith and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 3:17-4:1

I then went to Philippians 4.  Now I love this book as well as all the prison epistles that Paul wrote.  Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were written while Paul was in prison.  All the letters are filled with guidance and encouragement, love and concern for the churches.  I love this transition from chapter 3 to 4

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

  1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

It is a plea to those who believe but struggle against all who hate the light.  Paul is saddened to tears for the lost but he holds fast to Jesus and encourages those who believe not to give up.  I love how Paul does not dwell on the challenges but pushes through to his foundation in Christ.

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

Verses 4-7 in Philippians 4 remind me of what my focus should be.

Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.

Paul reminds me that I am not alone.  God answers my prayers and with his answers comes peace that surpasses understanding and that will guard my heart and mind in Jesus…

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

He goes on to offer more encouragement and directs our focus to those things that will keep us focused on Christ and bring us peace.

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV) 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

It requires focus and attention…  especially in difficult times.  Paul then speaks of contentment and peace.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

He speaks of how many had helped him.  But he wants us to know that he is not in need… but contentment.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV) 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

I pray that I might always hold onto this secret of contentment.  I am not ever alone but always with Christ Jesus, my strength.

Closing

I look at all these passages and reflect on Paul’s stand on the Word of God and I pray that I too might follow his example.  My circumstances are different than his, but none the less they sometimes can be difficult…  But If I keep these words in my heart and remember all that God reveals in His Word, I too can stand.

It is like Paul said in Philippians 4:9

“9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

What Joy there is in that knowledge.

Prayer

Heavenly Father strengthen me through Your Word, Guided by the Holy Spirit.
Help me to follow the example of Paul, who faced all circumstances trusting in Jesus.
Let me not lose hope and patience.
Let me not forget…

“9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me(Paul)—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Thank you, Lord,
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

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