dailywalkinthelight

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

The Freedom and Salvation in the Light

I have been caught up, for lack of a better way of describing it, in the thought of salvation in Christ Jesus and how some get it and others don’t.  It just makes my heart ache that so many seem to miss the whole idea of salvation through Jesus Christ.  This morning the thought was almost overwhelming.

I woke and like the past several weeks my head was a thick cloud of almost confusion, but as I worked to wake up there was this light that was burning through the fog.  It was just like the sunrise I photographed this morning.  There was a strange haziness this morning, but there was still this light that could not be contained, and it pushed through all that haze, and I was moved to John 1.  If I have a favorite apostle today, it is the Book of John.  It is the view that John shares that moves me.  To me, he shares the heart of Christ Jesus in a way that just fills my heart and this morning as I ached for those that seem lost I was drawn to John 1.

John 1, (the first five verses)

I read the first 18 verses, and it chipped away at that fog that filled my head.  The first five verses just put me on my knees.  I am filled with a feeling of thanksgiving.

John 1:1-5 (ESV)

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

This passage reminds me who Jesus is and what He has done and how powerful He is.  Through Him, all things were made, and without Him, nothing would be made.  He is a light so powerful that the darkness cannot overcome it.

Have you ever been in absolute darkness?  I went to Mammoth Cave when I was about 11 or 12.  We went on a tour and deep in the cave as part of the tour they turned out all the lights.  It was a dark that still amazes me now.  I remember smoking was still commonplace and a guy up front had a cigarette lit, and this little red dot was so bright, but I could not see my hand.

Just think of that darkness against the light of Jesus.  No matter how dark it might be, it cannot overcome the light of Jesus.

Consider This

As I look at these five verses and apply the circumstances of my life to that image of the darkness of Mammoth Cave, there is no darkness or circumstance that Jesus cannot overcome.  There have been three times in my life that I have come to terms with my mortality and in two of the three times were before I knew Jesus. The third was after I had a relationship with Him.

The first two scared me badly.  I knew who Jesus was, but I did not have a relationship with Him.  I suffered from Pride, Selfishness, and Self Control.  I did not trust in God.  I felt everything was my job.  I had no real understanding of Jesus.  I could see no further than my circumstances.  I was fortunate that I survived both situations.  Now I had to remember I had to be more careful.  But I was an unconscious incompetent; I did not know what I did not know.  Jesus was in the middle of both of these situations.  He saved me both these times and much more I just was too blind to see.

The third was after I came to love and accept and respect Jesus.  It was strokes.  It startled me.  I realized how much worse it could have been, but God used it to draw me closer.  He showed me there was so much more than my circumstances.  Jesus showed me through Paul that this is not my home.

Romans 8:18 (ESV)

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

He reminded me that my goal is to focus my eye past my circumstances.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

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

Reflections

I look at these things that He showed to me, and I ache for those that just cannot seem to see it.  I know that God has a plan and it is beyond my understanding.  I know that everything happens in God’s time.  When I think about these things, I have to remember that I was just like those that do not see it for 52 years and the truth of it is people continued to pray for me and show me Christ through their lives.  God showed me amazing things and now reminds me of every time he intervened in my life, including those two times I nearly did not make it.  He had a plan, and I am thankful.   That brings me to John 1: 14-18

John 1 Continued

As I ponder the power of Jesus and the wonder of His incarnation I cannot go forward without considering verses 14-18.  These verses fill me with joy and thanksgiving.

John 1:9-18 (ESV)

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

What an amazing gift that God gave us.  Jesus, who created the world, became flesh.  He gave His life that we might have eternal life in Him.  What amazing thing it is to know that He loved us that much.  I cannot help but think of chapter 2 in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Philippians 2

I love how Paul speaks of Jesus sacrifice; It is so clear.

 Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

What a gift we have in Jesus.  In human terms this is impossible.  But through God alone it is possible.

Romans 5:6-11 (ESV)

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

What power there is in God’s Word.  No man can do this.  No man alone can say this.  Only God has this power to share these things through man.  Even as I think of these things, I have no memory.  That is a gift from the stroke, but as I ponder the wonders of God’s love HE reminds me of the things that I have seen in His Word.  I am overwhelmed by His grace and mercy.  I am thankful for His gift of repentance through which He forgives my sins as far as the east is from the west.  There is no darkness that can overcome the light of God’s love and grace.

Closing Thoughts

As I ponder all of this I am drawn to my families favorite Psalm.  It is Psalm 121

Psalms 121 (ESV)

My Help Comes from the LORD

A Song of Ascents.

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.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;

he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, he who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is your keeper;

the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

8 The LORD will keep

your going out and your coming in

from this time forth and forevermore.

He is my strength, hope, and understanding.  I have all these things because of the saving grace of Christ Jesus.  I do not know who will or will not hear and believe the promises of Jesus.  I only know that I must continue to share them every day.

I am thankful that my heart aches for the lost.  It assures that I cannot stop sharing this message.  I think again of Paul’s letter to the Philippians as I close.

Philippians 4:12-13 (ESV)

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 know Paul was speaking of the physical, but I see the spiritual in these words as well because I know what it is to be brought low and to abound.  I have also learned to face plenty and hunger for God and His Word.  For I can do all things through Him for I am never really alone.  The Holy Spirit is with me always, and I am filled with thanksgiving.

Prayer

Father, thank you for this joy that you fill my heart with.  Thank you for giving me a desire to share it even when I cannot find the words.  Help me to always hold fast to you, especially when the adversary tries to deceive me with the hint of darkness in your abounding light.

In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!

Is One Verse Enough

God’s Wonder and Glory

This week has been a good week, but they all are.  Sure, there are trials, and some can be challenging, but ultimately God is in control.  I have stood in awe of God this week.

I am always amazed by Him, but this week as I prayed I found it hard to find the words to give Him the praise that He is worthy of receiving.  I just got stuck.  At that moment I was at a loss for any words, but I knew that the Holy Spirit interceded for me.  It is not that He poked me in the heart and said. “I got this.” I know because God told me through His servant Paul

Romans 8

In Romans 8 Paul talks about life in the Spirit and about two-thirds of the way through the chapter he tells of another place where we need not worry.

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

What comfort there is in this passage; what peace.  Sometimes I have no words that can express the burning of my heart.  I get lost or overwhelmed especially when it comes to the majesty of God.  I just struggle to find the words to describe Him and to praise Him, but the Holy Spirit knows my heart.  God has given me that comfort and confidence in His Word.  It is there for me to learn.

John

I look at the word and am amazed at all that God gives us in it if we will prayerfully study it with an open heart and mind.  Jesus promised that He would not leave His disciples as orphans.  He promised to send a helper

John 14:15-17 (ESV)

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

What a wonderful promise we have in this passage, and unlike us, God keeps His promises, and He did in Acts 2

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Reflections

What comfort we have in the Holy Word.  I am humbled when I read it.  It is a living document that I learn something new every time I open it.  God gives me the understanding that I need every day.  There is a promise in Isaiah that is so powerful.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)

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

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

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

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

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

If you take just a moment to think about this, it will blow your mind.  This Word of God that we hold in our hand describes the creation of the universe and everything that has happened, but there is still more to come, and God promises His Word, “it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.“, And I believe in His promises. They give me comfort, joy, and contentment that I cannot find in the world.

Proverbs 3

I think about this peace and contentment, and I think of Proverbs 3:5-8.  This passage is one of those that just strengthens me and reminds me to focus on God, not myself.

Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

7 Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

He provides for me in all ways if I will truly trust in Him.  But this passage reminds me of another that reminds me even more strongly not to rely on myself but deny myself.

Luke 9

In Luke 9 Jesus speaks of dying to myself.  Placing all my faith and trust in him.

Luke 9:23-27 (ESV)

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

Jesus is more direct than Proverbs.  He explains that we must lose our lives for His sake.  If we do not surrender to Him completely, we will lose our lives.  But that should not scare us but fill us with hope, and a desire to give our all to Jesus,”7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV).  Our strength may not be sufficient, but John explains that we are not alone.

1 John 4:4 (ESV)

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

What amazing comfort I find in that certainty.  My God is an awesome God!!

Closing Thoughts

These passages from God’s Word fill my heart and lift my confidence always.  I may have disappointments and challenges, but those circumstances will not take the joy that God has filled me with the Holy Spirit and His Word.  It is more than I can put into words.  So rather than fretting over how to describe that joy I like Paul’s advice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (ESV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Praise God!!

Prayer

Father, thank you for all your promises.  Thank you for sharing each with us in Your Word in your time.  I pray Father that every day my wisdom may grow, and I might grow closer to You through your Word and prayer so that my testimony and faith may grow stronger and you may shine through me to bring glory to you.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

God’s Word ETC.

The Light and Promise

 

This morning was an interesting morning of prayer and study.  I always start with prayer, but from there it is up in the air.  Today I fired up a sermon by Doctor Martin Lloyd-Jones on the pride of man.  While that was starting, I read a devotional regarding God’s Word.  The referenced verse was in Proverbs 30.

 

Proverbs 30:5-6 (ESV)

5 Every word of God proves true;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

6 Do not add to his words,

lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

I looked at this passage and just pondered the power of verse five.  “Every word of God proves true.” This passage is burned into my heart.  I do not question its validity.  I do not question any of God’s Word from the first word of Genesis to the last word of Revelation.  So, what does that mean about verse six?

It means I believe it as well.  “Do not add to his words.” 

Proverbs 30 is not the only place these two things are stated.  Looking at the links in my Bible I found verse five restated twice and verse six three times.

Every Word of God Proves True

This passage is restated twice in Psalms.

Psalms 12:6 (ESV)

6 The words of the LORD are pure words,

like silver refined in a furnace on the ground,

purified seven times.

Psalms 18:30 (ESV)

30 This God—his way is perfect;

the word of the LORD proves true;

he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

If we doubt this how can we be certain about any of God’s Word?  How can we accept any teaching without questioning its veracity?  I thought about that for a long time meditating on verse six and listening to Doctor Lloyd-Jones discuss the same topic things started to come together for me.

Do Not Add to His Words

I read verse six several times.  I also looked at the linked verses:

Deuteronomy 4:2 (ESV)

2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

Deuteronomy 12:32 (ESV)

32 “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.

Revelation 22:18 (ESV)

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,

I have read these verses many times, and though I had not memorized these words I knew them and honestly, I tended to overlook them or take them for granted.  It one of those phrases that I knew to be true and subconsciously I did not need to focus on it, but God showed me this morning that I was wrong.

As I was pondering this verse and looking at the linked verse, I heard Doctor Lloyd-Jones begin specific discussion of pride and how it prevented faith, and that got my attention.

The Barrier of Pride and Selfishness

He first spoke of Jesus and how he never took credit for the things He did.  He gave all the Glory to God.  I thought a passage in Philippians 2 where Paul explained Jesus’ example of humility.

Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Then Paul defines the mind we should have in verses 3-5, and in verse 6-8 he explains what the willingness of Jesus.

Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

This is not always an easy step.  Christ’s example is hard for me to fathom. Paul cautions us to simply not be selfish and put others interests before our own, but sometimes that selfishness just kicks in.  I will hit a point where I want to be first.  Jesus never did that except to be the first to live without sin and to die for me.  That is humbling when I think of times I let selfishness or pride put myself first.

You Can’t Handle the Truth

The sermon took another turn as I listened.  Doctor Lloyd-Jones spoke of truth and pride and in came God and his pruning knife to convict me once again.  The good doctor brought up arguing over a point; it could be anything.  He posed the question asking are we searching for the truth or allowing our pride to prove our side of the argument is the correct side.

As I listened I just began to see all the times I had fought not for the truth, but to be right.  Even if the point I began with is true and right once I surrender to pride the truth no longer matters, and even if I “win” the argument the truth is lost.  No one wins, one simply relents, and decides it is not worth fighting over.

Selflessness

I listened a bit more to the sermon and paused it to read the Word several times.  I kept thinking of Paul’s passage above – Philippians 2: 1-8.  As I pondered that John 17 came to mind.  It is Jesus’ prayer.  He speaks of His mission to fulfill God’s plan for salvation and asks God for a blessing to protect his disciples.  But even in this prayer He never takes anything from God.  All Glory goes to Him.  I love this chapter.  I especially like how it begins.

John 17:1-5 (ESV)

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

Jesus assumes nothing.  He asks God.  He asked him to allow these things.  He only told God of His obedience and asked for his blessing.  What a powerful example.  He did not argue.  He did not doubt, and he did not question God.  He made only requests of Him.

Ask or Question

As I typed the words from verse 17 above the Holy Spirit hit me with this thought;  I suddenly saw this great divide between the word “ask” and “question.”  I know that as verbs both have different meanings, but I had not considered it before this moment. It is one of those things we know but do not think about.  But today the difference became clear with a verse from Matthew 18.

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV)

3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus asked knowing God would not deny Him.  Neither does a little child when they make a request of their parents.  When they ask they know that it will be answered.  Little children do not question their parents they know who they are, and they trust them not for what they do but for who they are.  That is what God wants from us.

Trust

God’s only desire is to be united with us and it was so strong that He was willing to give His Son’s life to pay for our sins.  He desires to knock down this wall of pride, doubt, and fear cultivated by the adversary and our rebellion and restore the love and trust that we had with God in the beginning.

In the beginning, the adversary has been filling our minds with doubts and fears.  Posing questions to us that cause doubt or fear.  Just read Genesis 3:1-7 and you can see the beginning of that process.

Holding on to Our Joy

As I worked through all these things this morning, I could not stop thinking about how blessed we are to have the Word of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit to bring us understanding.

The world is a place filled with darkness, but we have the light of risen Lord, Jesus Christ!  Yes, there are people in this world that hate the light and hate us for sharing it, but how can we hide the light of Jesus.  If we truly believe it cannot be contained.

As I think of all that Jesus endured for me how can I turn from it.  How can I be silent?  He suffered in a way that I cannot fathom and did not protest.  With a word, he could have stopped it all, but His love for me was so great that He was willing to pay that price.  He paid it all for us.  Just look at Isaiah 53

Isaiah 53:4-6 (ESV)

4 Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

The whole chapter just blows me away.  Isaiah foretells of Jesus sacrifice hundreds of years before it happens, and Jesus would not disobey.

Closing Thoughts

I look at all this, and the promise of Jesus and I am humbled.  God asked His Son to give His life as a sacrifice to pay for my sins because the debt had to be paid for us to be reunited.  Jesus knew this and did so willingly and was glorified and He gave us one final command and a means to accomplish it.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

“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.”

He asked us to tell others what he has given us in His word.  It is the promise of eternal life.  Why would we not share it?  I like how Paul puts it in Romans.

Romans 10:8-10 (ESV)

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

But then comes the question that we need to answer.

Romans 10:14-17 (ESV)

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Now I am not a preacher, but the Lord is telling us all to share the gospel.  It is the good news of salvation.  It is the path to peace and rest.  The only effective way for it to grow is to be shared.  If there were another way, God would have told us.

Sometimes we freeze up.  Sometimes we keep silent.  That is not what Jesus asked us to do.  He asked us to speak because, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Rom 10:17).

Prayer

Father, please help me to always be bold in my faith and speak the Gospel to others without allowing my pride or fear to get in the way.  Lord, you are my strength and if you are with me who can stand against me. Thank you, father, for Your Word and the Gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen!

 

Encourage a Preacher of the Word

In the past few days, I have been pondering all the places that I come to know and grow closer to God.  Of course, it begins with prayer and study of His Word. But there are other places as well.  One is my preacher, another devotionals and commentaries, and more prayer.  Today I wanted to mention the preacher of the Word.

I have wrestled with this topic for a couple of days now (maybe three), but it is very important to me.  I love the men that preach at my church.  They all strive to be godly men, and their focus is to preach God’s Word.

As I think of these guys, I realize it is a very easy thing to put them as the head of the church rather than Christ Jesus and not even realize it our Preachers need our encouragement, but not our worship.

1 Corinthians 2

There are at least a couple letters where Paul talks about His preaching and his example of humility and an explanation of sorts of how he preaches.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV)

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

Now I am not proclaiming that my preachers are Paul, but they do not use fancy words or express words of human wisdom.  Their sermons and teachings come from God’s Word guided by the Holy Spirit.  When you consider the audience that meets every Sunday, how could it be anything else?  The congregation is such a mix of people from first-time visitors to seasoned followers, and our preacher must walk a fine line to keep everyone engaged.

1 Corinthians 1

I looked back to chapter one in the book and beginning in the chapter and saw one thing that is dangerous with a great preacher.  It is when people start following the Preacher more than the word.

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (ESV)

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

This passage is a pretty profound caution in my mind.  Paul is telling us not to get wrapped up in the messenger but the message.  I love verse 17 of this warning.  “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”  Just let that soak in for a moment.  I can think of half-dozen TV preachers where the cross seems to have been emptied because it is more about the preacher than Jesus.  Paul never claimed any authority.  He remained humble in all his dealings.

1 Corinthians 4

I like how Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 4:1-7

1 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)

1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Paul speaks of their role as “servants of Christ and Stewards of the mysteries of God.” Then he speaks of judgment by men and God and how he has applied these things to both himself and Apollos for the Corinthians benefit, “that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.”

Paul reminds us all that all that we have we received and nothing we have is worthy of boasting about.

Reflections

I read all this and thought and prayed over what I had read.  I also read a good part of Philippians two through four which speaks to me the example of Christ Jesus humility and Paul’s humility as examples for us to follow.  As I pondered all this, I could not help but consider how much pressure the adversary must apply to my preachers to puff up his ego and at the same time knock him around for not reaching everyone in the congregation.

I had to stop and pray a prayer of thanks to God for my preachers.  A prayer that the Lord be with them to stay in the Word and remain humble “not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. ” (1Cor4:6b)

Closing Thoughts

I love my preachers, and I am thankful that every Sunday through them the Holy Spirit reveals something new to me.  I am thankful that these men are willing servants who trust in the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as the only source of truth.  I am thankful that they do not want blind followers that can only manage one meal a week but push us each Sunday to study and to test everything that they teach against the scriptures.  I am thankful that they have no desire to boast in anything but Christ Jesus, “so that our faith may not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”(1 Cor 2:5)

Prayer

Father, thank you for your bride the Church.  Thank you, Lord, for the Preachers you have placed in positions of authority, in my home Church.  Lord, I know that they, like all of us, are fallible men, but I know that they seek after you and trust in you and your Holy Word.  I pray that you will bless them with humility and courage to lead our church and bless them with a heart for your Word and Prayer every day.  Lord, I thank you in Jesus name, Amen!

 

Slow to Speak

Morning Light

 

Have you ever read something that someone posted on the web, maybe Facebook or Twitter, and known that they were wrong and just generated this long response explaining how they were wrong and here is why?  Probably none of you have done that, but this morning I came SOOO close.

I read a post, and I read some replies, and both the post and all the replies were in alignment with what I thought to be true.  Then came that one guy and he disagreed.

First Reaction

The discussion was a Biblical, and it was on Facebook, and my first reaction was, that this joker was wrong.  He did not have his facts straight.  So, without praying or doing any study to confirm my opinion, I simply let my fingers do the walking across the keyboard.  But as I typed this dissertation at about line 15 my fingers started to slow.  My mind also shifted, and I found myself praying about this issue.

It was not a long prayer, but the Holy Spirit jabbed me in the rib cage with his pruning knife and reminded me how I am always saying, “test everything against God’s Word.”

Yes, it is humbling when the Holy Spirit reminds me using words that He had imprinted on my heart to get my attention.

Testing All Things Against God’s Word.

In the prayers that followed was repentance and thanksgiving and praise, as well as a request for help on the best way to proceed with this topic and the Lord, was gracious and set me on a path.  I opened a digital Bible and did a Word Search that yielded several passages.  I looked at Strongs and got a definition of the word that was being discussed in the phrase.

Result

As it turned out I was wrong.  The topic we were discussing and the word that came up was being used incorrectly.  Now neither the topic or the word is important to this discussion, but what is important is that God chooses his words carefully.  As I researched this topic, I found that the one word had a very specific use and all the other things that I had tried to lump in with it were handled individually throughout the scriptures.

Observation

Now had I published my initial response would it have been salvation threatening.  I do not think so, but Only God would know for sure.  The one thing I do know is that He got my attention and stopped me.  Had I not been listening or if I had allowed my worldly passions to control my heart, I would have published the reply and provided misleading information.  But thankfully I felt the Holy Spirit poking me to get my attention.  Once I stopped to listen He guided me through the Word to find the answer I had overlooked.

Closing Thought

The one glaring scripture that nagged at me as I did the research and put together the reply with the Holy Spirits help was in James.  I had been so eager to speak out that my ears had closed, and my mouth was in control.  But this scripture nagged at me, and I could not remember where it was, so I did another search.

James 1:19 (ESV)

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

I was so sure that I wanted to spit out the info I KNEW was right, but I would have been challenged by someone that took the time to listen to this passage and I well could have succumb to anger, and there is no value in that.

As believers that trust in God, we are so blessed to have the Word of God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  I am thankful that every day my hearing and control of my tongue improves.  Sometimes it is like walking up a snowy hill, and I slip and slide a bit, but the Lord has my back.

Prayer

Father, thank you for all your provision.  Thank you for always helping me focus on moving forward toward the prize.  What an awesome God you are, and I am thankful beyond measure.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen!

 

Reflections

The Narrow Gate

This morning I woke with the hook to an old hymn running through my head.  The words were “What a friend I have in Jesus, take it to the Lord in prayer.”  It just kept rolling through my head to the point that serval times I just sang it out loud.  As these lyrics meandered through my brain.  I began to think of what that really meant and found myself in a state of prayer and reflection as I tried to clear the cobwebs of sleep.

At some point, I had started a sermon by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones where he discussed Ephesians 2:4-7.  I also read a post by a friend whose wife is struggling with cancer and the anxiety that comes with it both for his wife and himself.

As I pondered these things, my thoughts seemed to get very jumbled.  There is so much in this world that is disheartening while if we just believe in Jesus, these burdens can be lifted.

Ephesians 2

I thought about the sermon as it played and the referenced verses in Ephesians.  As I thought of them that song was keeping time although now it was a bit less smooth.  It seemed to seek out blank spots in my thoughts to fill to make certain that I did not lose focus.

I looked up the referenced verses.

Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV)

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.

Just think about that gift God gave us and the cost, and we were not even interested in being friends with Him, but He paid the ultimate price to open our hearts to Him.  I think of Philippians 2 as I ponder this sacrifice.

Philippians 2

God endured every humiliation to save us.  Even death on the cross.

Philippians 2:6-8 (ESV)

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

What greater friend could we have than in Him.

Philippians 4

I thought of my friend and his wife and my own family struggling with health issues and the anxiety that comes with not knowing and fearing the worst.  I remembered my Dad and his fears and the prayers I prayed when I could not persuade him to relax.  It was in Philippians.

Philippians 4:5-7 (ESV)

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.

This prayer gets me through a lot of things.  It reminds me of where my hope lies.  It does not rest with a man or his implements, but how God might use them for the fulfillment of His plan.

By Faith

I am reminded through the Word of God and these lyrics that I have a true friend in Jesus.  Someone in whom I can have faith and place my trust in no matter how dark the circumstance may seem.  The light of Christ Jesus cannot be overcome.

Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

I place my hope and faith in Christ Jesus.

What a Friend I Have in Jesus

That lyric continues as I write and pray and this passage from John came to mind to kind of wrap things up for me.

John 15:15-17 (ESV)

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Jesus says it so well.  God goes on later to remind us that we are adopted into the family.  What joy and wonder there is in knowing that.

Closing Thoughts

That song and all the thoughts and posts that laid on my heart as I prayed and meditated this morning were such a comfort.  The circumstances of this fallen world can be dark and bring sadness to us all.  I can no longer fathom how you can make it in this world without Christ Jesus.  I am reminded of one last passage.  It is a family Psalm that goes back at least to my Dad’s father.  It is Psalm 121.

Psalms 121:1-2 (ESV)

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.

I love the whole Psalm.  But these two verses seem to fit with my thoughts today.  I thank God for His love and grace and eternal strength.

Prayer

Father, Thank you for everything.  All Your love and provision. All Your peace and joy.  Praise be to You, God.  Let me always take everything to You in prayer… EVERYTHING… In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

The Hypocrite?

The title of today’s blog, “The Hypocrite?” may seem a bit strange, but I hope you will bear with me.   I pray that it will make sense in the end.

This morning when I woke my prayers were prayers filled with repentance because of late they had been so full of requests and that I had lost focus of simply praying to better know God; pray to draw closer to Him.

Yes, I still prayed for my friends, those hurting and in need, the sick and the lost, and my Church.  But I had forgotten to many times to spend time in praise asking God to help me seek His face.

I suddenly realized that my prayers the past few weeks had become transactional events instead of discussions with my Father.  That was humbling, and it caused my heart to ache.  But it did not stop there.

After my prayers, I read Proverbs 2 on the prompting of the K-Love verse of the day.

Proverbs 2

I started with verse 7 and read it.  Then I slipped back to verse 6 and read 6-8.

Proverbs 2:6-8 (ESV)

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

8 guarding the paths of justice

and watching over the way of his saints.

I read the rest of Proverbs 2, and the Lord reminded me of the value of wisdom in those verses.  I thought of how my focus had shifted away from seeking His wisdom and more fixing people or things. I realized how much I was taking that for granted and how much I needed His wisdom.

The heading of chapter three also shook me a bit reminding me further how important it is to seek after God always with all your heart.  That heading was “Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart.” So that is what I did this morning in kind of a less traditional day for me.

What Next

I sat for a moment or more and just thought about what I had read, and I was still a little jumbled.  On autopilot, as I meditated on what I had read I cleaned out my email junk.  It is something I do every morning.  This time of year, it is full of sales links from photography to Christian bookstores, and we must not forget Amazon.

While I was doing this one of subscriptions on YouTube came up with a video title that caused me to pause and shift my thoughts for reflection to the title.  It was “Hypocrisy! – Charles Spurgeon Audio Sermons”

Hypocrisy

Well, I am a Spurgeon fan.  To me, he is a good preacher.  In this sermon, he held back nothing.  He spoke of all the signs of Hypocrisy, but he did it in the form of compare and contrast.  As I listened, the Lord reminded me how vigilant I need to be because there is no one that I can better deceive than myself.

I need to always draw close to God and be sure that I am properly focused if my prayers or council are to be of any value.

Hypocrisy vs. Faithfulness

Spurgeon’s sermon laid out some checks and cures for the condition.

  • The hypocrite is a chameleon with his religion while a true Christian is consistent with his faith.
  • The hypocrite is quick to condemn others. The Christian places all above himself and focuses on his own shortcomings.
  • A true Christian is assured by the Holy Spirit that his sins have been taken While the Hypocrite has no peace. God Dislikes the Hypocrite. 

Cure for the Hypocrite

Spurgeon proclaimed that self-deception is the easiest sin to fall into.  He warned that we need to go to God in prayer and ask, “If I am deceived free me from my deception.”  We need to focus on ourselves on this issue.  God will take care of those around us.

The thing he said that shook me was “Don’t be content to take your Christianity for granted.”  Not that I should doubt my salvation or become worried about it.  The thing that came to mind for me was my wife.

I love Pat, and she knows that I do.  But do I take her for granted?

Sometimes I do and do not realize it, and sometimes I do, and I can see that I have hurt her in her eyes or her voice and that hurts me.

What about taking God for granted.  Well in this circumstance he let me go for a couple of weeks before I realized that I had hurt Him.

What Do I Do Now?

I repent.  I pray for forgiveness and remember the order and priority of things.

I remember nothing can be done in secret.  God sees and knows everything, and a sin of omission is as painful to Him as one of commission.

There is something else that hurt as I thought of it and that was mistreating others.  Getting frustrated with someone at a store or in a restaurant because the service is poor.

We all love grace for ourselves but are sometimes quick to hand out the justice of our own making.  That did not work well for the debtor in the parable who was forgiven by his master but did not reciprocate in kind to those who owed him money.  God will not be deceived.

Further Reflection

As the sermon ended and I paused to reflect on all that Spurgeon had shared a flood of scriptures came to mind.  I tell my daughter Caroline all the time that everything needs to be tested against Gods Word regardless of its origin, so that is what I did.  I went to these passages that came to mind and reviewed what God had to say through His Apostles.

The Book of James

I went to James and read chapter 3 and read 13-18 on wisdom and the truth of its source.

James 3:13-18 (ESV)

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

In these verses, James talks about the difference between the humble and the proud the believer and the hypocrite.  He points out the dangers more profoundly than Spurgeon did in his sermon.

James 4

Then I went to chapter 4 and read the warning against worldliness and settled on verse10-10

James 4:4-12 (ESV)

4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 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.

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

James did the same in 4-12.  He tells us the path to take in Christ Jesus and reminds us in verse 12 there is only one lawgiver.

Galatians

Peter gave an example of the Hypocrite in Galatians and Called Peter to task for it.  In chapter 2;11-14

Galatians 2:11-14 (ESV)

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

I looked at that as confirmation of Spurgeon’s comment that self-deception is the easiest sin to fall into.  Even Peter deceived himself.  When the men from Jerusalem came, he pretended he had not eaten with the Gentiles.  If Peter can mess up like that, I surely know I can.   The last passage I looked at was Hebrews 10 although I know there are more than support this need to guard the heart.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10:19-31 (ESV)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

When I read this, I can feel the plea of the Lord through the words of the writer.  He has shown us so much.  We know the truth.  There is no room for the false believer or hypocrite.  Only the humble and repentant we have so much we should “stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Closing Thoughts

It is so easy to slip into self-deception which can lead to hypocrisy.  When things get busy or distracting or just a bit melancholy because of circumstances that cannot be clearly defined it is easy to slip.  I think Paul’s reminder to the Philippians is one of my favorite.

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)

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, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Peter runs a close second or maybe is tied.

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.

I am so thankful for God’s Word, His patience, grace, and mercy.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for taking my faith for granted the past little while.  Thank you for using the sermon on Hypocrisy to get my attention.  Lord, You are amazing and awesome and so patient with me that I cannot be anything but humbled and repentant.  Help me be the man that you would have me be by remembering You in how I treat every person.  Break my heart for what breaks Yours.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

You know this morning I cannot tell you how my days started.  Sure, I can tell you that I had some coffee and I meditated on some things that I had read and listened to last night but beyond that, I did not move forward with any purpose.  I seemingly was just putting one thought in front of the other until I picked up my Bible, and found that it was open to Acts 2.

Pat and I participate in a small group about every other Sunday night, and we are moving slowly through Acts.  We are still in chapter one but at the end of it.  I picked up the Bible and read from the beginning of Chapter 2 and came to Peter’s Sermon that he delivered on that morning to a vast crowd of onlookers.

Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

I read this sermon this morning and then just thought about it. Meditated on what happened that morning.

As he addressed the crowd, he cautioned them to listen and explained they were not drunk.  He did not begin with his words; he began with those of the prophet Joel.

Acts 2:14-16 (ESV)

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

He did not speak on his own authority.  He went to the power found only in the Word of God, and before he opened he cautioned them to listen; to “give ear to my words.” (vs 14).  Then he began his sermon with those words from the Scriptures.  The words of Joel.

As I read this, all I could think of is Christ’s words in Matthew when He warned of persecution.

Matthew 10

Jesus was preparing to send the 12 Apostles out to speak and proclaim as you go, saying, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Matthew 10:7 (ESV).  He was giving them instruction.  He warned them that there would be persecution and He told them what to do then as well.

Matthew 10:19-20 (ESV)

19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

That passage ran through my head as I read the beginning of verse 15.  These had been ordinary simple men, until that morning.  Now they were no longer simple but filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:14-21

Peter begins verse 14 standing with the 11 and lifting up his voice addressing a crowd gathered around them.  Many had heard the ruckus, and many had been making fun of them as they heard them talking.  Now a rough looking fisherman as refined as a wooden cup carved out of a piece of driftwood stood to address them.  Many of these men had traveled from the far ends of the world, and I can imagine the trip was not inexpensive for them.  I imagine a crowd of wealthier men, and likely some scholars and they are all being called to order by a fisherman, and he is quoting Joel word for word.

As I ponder it a bit, I think it might be like a farmer in Bib Overalls standing on a wall during a break at a global warming symposium calling all these professors to order and quoting some revered righting they all know word for word.  I am thinking they would be set back a bit.

But Peter did that, and he did not do it on his own.  The Lord gave him the words.

 Acts 2:14-16 (ESV)

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

He spoke with boldness.  Not his words, but words given him by the Holy Spirit, and not from his strength or confidence but that given him by God.  The thing is when I read this passage, I can see the crowd hushed, and just the slightest tinge of fear come over them mixed with pride asking, “who is this man to speak to us like that.”  But not enough to overcome the fear.  So, they stand and listen.

Acts 2:16-21

Peter explains to them what they are witnessing.   The men are not drunk, but the prophecy of Joel is being fulfilled.  Think about that.  Can you imagine what is going through the minds of this crowd?  They know they have been hearing the message in their own tongue, but they must be struggling with how that is possible.  Then Peter opens with this passage.

Acts 2:16-21 (ESV)

 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams;

18 even on my male servants and female servants

in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above

and signs on the earth below,

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;

20 the sun shall be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood,

before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

I can hear a faint murmur in the crowd and other hushing them as they try to hear.  So many things must be running through the minds of these folks, as Peter says it.

21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

I must believe that sentence hushed the crowd if only for a moment as Peter took another deep breath, and began with verse 22.

 Acts2:22-24

These verses had to cause those that stayed to shudder.  I am sure some turned to leave.  Some left, but some were drawn back as Peter spoke.

Acts 2:22-24 (ESV)

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

What powerful words Peter speaks.  I imagine the crowd now is stuck unable to turn away.  Like that movie that keeps us on the edge of our seat unable to imagine what might happen next, but this is different because by now they are beginning to understand Peter speaks of life and death, as he turns to the words of David from Psalm 16 in most of the next verses.

Acts 2:25-28

This Jesus that Peter spoke of these men had at least heard of his plight, and some probably had called for His crucifixion.  Peter finishes with Joel by telling them that God raised him from the dead and now he is speaking from the Psalms 16 of David

Acts 2:25-28 (ESV)

25 For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,

for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;

26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

my flesh also will dwell in hope.

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

or let your Holy One see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the paths of life;

you will make me full of gladness with your presence

He went from there to verse 29 through 36.

Acts 2:29-36

In these verses, he makes it plain to them.

Acts 2:29-36 (ESV)

29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

As I read this passage, I imagine now all who are left are silent and listening intently to the words of Peter.  I imagine him no longer using a raised voice but more a firm and direct voice more subdued delivering this serious message as to force people to strain to listen.  Then he stops, and there is this moment of confusion where no one wants to say anything until they know he is finished.  The next verse says it all.

Acts 2:37-41

I imagine these people shaken to their core looking about to be sure that they are all still standing.  Verse 37 is so vivid an image for me as are the rest of the verses through 41.  I can imagine the crowd waiting for that one voice to ask the question of what to do and all praying the answer was one of hope.

Acts 2:37-41 (ESV)

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words, he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

And Peter did not hold back he told them what they must do.  I found it curious that there were not any exclamation points in the text.  They were all level deliveries of what was needed.  It blows me away how the good news does not need the roar of a rushing wind or a great storm.  It simply needs a calm and confident voice.

Closing Thoughts

As I read these 30 or so verses, I found myself in the middle of it imagining how Peter and the 11 felt as they shared this good news and the 1000s listening as they heard it.  Peter started the whole thing by asking these men to listen to what he had to say because it was important.  He said it a couple of times.  I know the Holy Spirit gave Peter the words to speak, I must believe He also grabbed the attention of the crowd as well.

When we study the Word of God, and we pray for guidance it is not enough to speak or read; we too must listen.  That was driven home to me in a daily verse that I read first thing, and I want to include it in the close.  It is in Hebrew 2.

Hebrews 2:1 (ESV)

1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

We surely need to listen to what God reveals to us in His Word, or it is simply letters on a page, and like the seed cast on the hard ground, it will not take root.

Prayer

Father, thank you, Lord, for your Holy Word and the lessons in it.  Thank you for the gift of your indwelling Spirit who guides us and teaches us every moment of the day.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

Consider This

My Focus

The events of the past few weeks have forced me to consider the state of things in my life and my faith, and what I contribute to the body of the church as well as the world around me.   I have looked at a lot of passages and said a lot of prayers and struggled with doubts and fears as well as joy and wonder.

This morning I was reading 1 Thessalonians.  As I read the letter from Paul, I got caught up in how he seemed to feel about the Church at Thessalonica.  He was concerned that they might fall victim to the adversary and he sent Timothy to check on them.  He was elated when he got the good report.  As I consider this first letter, I started thinking of all the letters of the new testament and why they were written.

Each carried a message that the church needed to hear.  The thing that they all share is that the letter was written because the Apostle was elsewhere, and though he wanted to be with the congregation having trouble, he could not, so he wrote a letter instead, and the more I read these letters and other books the more I realize that the answers to all the questions that matter are found here in God’s Word if I will listen.

When I pray and am bewildered by whatever issue might come up, I find in time God will guide me to an answer in His Word.  God’s Word is unchanging.  It is constant, but the Holy Spirit reveals something new to me every time I open the Book.

 Deliverance

The adversary tries to convince us we are alone and that no one has faced the trials that we have faced, and though they may be the most painful we have ever endured, we are not alone.  There are others that have had that same pain and that same trial, and God has or is getting them through it.

How do I know?  I turn to God’s Word for deliverance from my pain and fear.  I read Psalm 18 when God delivered David from the hand of Saul.  I read the 23 Psalm and take comfort in knowing that in all circumstances God is with me.  I read Psalm 121 and remember from where my help comes.  I read Acts two and remembered the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit that guides me and teaches me the Word of God and helps me face trials and temptations.

Temptations

I know that the enemy twist and turns the truth to deceive me into believing a lie for the truth and the truth for a lie.  He tries to keep me focused on myself so that I lose sight of the things of Heaven and my Lord and Savior.  But I have the Word of God to strengthen me.  No temptation is so strong that I cannot overcome it.

How do I know?  First Paul told me in 1 Corinthians.  I think this is my favorite verse about temptation.  But this is not the only place we are warned.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

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

Just in the new testament, the word temptation is used 14 times, and the most striking is the temptations of Christ.  What gets me is what He used in His defense.  What was it?  He used the Word of God, and the devil left Him.

What an amazing testimony to the power of God’s Word.  Jesus did not rely on His strength but the strength of God in His time of temptation and deliverance.

Being Ready

I cannot help but think of all the things that are happening in this world and not think about the importance of being ready.   I instantly am reminded of the master leaving his managers in charge of his home while he was away.  I looked this morning at Luke 12:35-48, Matthew 24:43-51 and Mark 13:32-37.  In all passages, Jesus warned to stay awake.

There is a passage in Deuteronomy 8 that Jesus quoted while he was tempted by the adversary in the wilderness.  It is Deuteronomy 8:3

Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV)

 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Now Jesus only quoted the second half of this verse, but as I looked at this morning, I remembered something a preacher said comparing manna to the Word.

Daily Manna

This preacher talked about how God only provided enough Manna to feed each Israelite what he would need for the day.  In fact, in Exodus 16:4 God was specific as to how to gather it.

  Exodus 16:4-5 (ESV)

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.”

This guy compared the Word, and our need for it, to Manna.  He said you need it every day.  You cannot gather enough for a week on Sunday and expect it to last.  It will spoil.  You need to study it every day.

Now I do not think my preacher’s sermons spoil over time, but they can fade a bit.  For me, it is like the boiler on a steam engine.  There is no way I can fill the fire box with enough coal to keep the train running for a week.  The fire will either go out or get so hot it blows the boiler.  I need to keep the fire steady.  I need to stoke the fire regularly.

For those who have NO idea what I just said.  I need to keep the battery in my phone charged without over charging it…

Closing Thoughts

God gave us this wonderful Bible and revealed Himself in it if we will PRAYFULLY study it daily.  I ask the Holy Spirit every day to help me as I open the Word of God that I might see what I need for the day and He always opens my eyes to see.  I may not grasp it at the moment, but it will be there when I need it.

I also know I am not alone in this study.  I have my wife and my Church family, Preachers and Friends that I can go to if I struggle with something or just do not get it.  But to ask for help, I must be willing to humble myself and ask.  I love Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 because for a long time I was too proud to walk with anyone, let alone ask for help.

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.

God built His Church with people as the body and Christ Jesus as the head.  We need God’s Word that we might know Him and we need each other to walk together toward home.

You know in the cord spoken of in Ecclesiastes one of them is always Jesus.

Matthew 18:20 (ESV)

20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

He gives us the unstoppable strength.

Prayer

Lord, just thank you for this day and the hope that fills my heart.  Father, I pray you might use me as you choose today.  I know that you are our King and Lord and with you all things are possible.

Father, I pray for those in harm’s way whether it be storm or fire or battle and I ask that you be with them.  I pray for those struggling with health issues.  I also lift up those who love you and worship you Lord and pray you give them strength and confidence to face whatever may come and to be a voice for you in this dark world and I pray all this in Jesus name! Amen.

Prayer Includes Listening

The Light

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

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

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

A Fathers Wise Instruction

It began with verse 1 and 2

Proverbs 4:1-2 (ESV)

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

and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

2 for I give you good precepts;

do not forsake my teaching.

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

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

Proverbs 4:20-27

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

Proverbs 4:20-27 (ESV)

20 My son, be attentive to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Let them not escape from your sight;

keep them within your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them,

and healing to all their flesh.

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,

for from it flow the springs of life.

24 Put away from you crooked speech,

and put devious talk far from you.

25 Let your eyes look directly forward,

and your gaze be straight before you.

26 Ponder the path of your feet;

then all your ways will be sure.

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

turn your foot away from evil.

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

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

Let Your Eyes Look Directly Forward

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

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

Prayer

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

 

The Time Is Always Near

Glory

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

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

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

Wait on the Lord

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

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 1 – Preach Christ Crucified

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 2 Proclaiming Christ Crucified

Paul explained his own weakness and frailty.

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

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

Matthew 28 The Great Commission

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

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

I will close with this last passage.

John 14:1-7 (ESV)

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

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

Prayer

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

Walk in Love

Glorious Day

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

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

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

Unity of the Body

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

Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV) 1

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

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

Built on Love

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

Ephesians 4:9-16 (ESV)

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

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

Reflections

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

Galatians 3:23-29 (ESV)

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

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

He is the reason for our existence.

Walk in Love for one Another

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

Ephesians 4:17-24 (ESV)

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

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

Perfect Harmony

I looked at another cross reference from Colossians 3

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

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

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

Reflections

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

Ephesians 4:25-32 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

Prayer

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

 

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.

Let the Peace that Comes from Christ Rule in your Hearts

The Wonder of It All

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

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

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

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

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

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflections

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

The other passage is in Colossians 4

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

 

Remember This

The Morning Light

 

This morning I ended up in 2nd

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

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

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

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

2 Peter 1

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

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

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

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

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

2 Peter 1:3-4

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

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

Reflection

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

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

2 Peter 1:5-11

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

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

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

2 Peter 1:12-15

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

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

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

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

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

2 Peter 1:16-18

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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

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

“Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You”

Precious Treasure

I started this blog post on Monday.   Sometimes it can be a bit of a struggle; not the study or the writing but getting out ahead of God.  I can read a passage and become so excited that I become distracted formulating the blog as I study and miss something important. My biggest concern is to get caught up in my thoughts and miss the main point.  So, I decided to slow down a bit and listen to the Word.  I started in 1 Timothy and thing that caught my eye was talk of a good deposit.

I like the book of 1 Timothy.  I ended up reading through all of it. and coming to a passage that touched my heart at the end of the letter.  It is 1 Timothy 6:20-21. It is a very powerful passage, so powerful that Paul restates it in his second letter to Timothy – 2 Timothy 1:13-14.  Both passages spoke of a deposit entrusted to Timothy; to all that believe.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 (ESV) 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV) 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

I read these passages and I went back to the beginning of 1 Timothy and just read through it again.  There are a lot of great teachings in this book but as I read it that piece about the deposit held my focus.

Warning Against False Teachers

When Paul left he urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus and make sure that no false doctrine was taught to the people.  Paul reaffirmed for Timothy proper teaching and what happened with false teaching.

1 Timothy 1:3-7 (ESV) 3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. 

These false teachers talk about things they do not understand and lead people away from the truth of salvation by heaping tasks upon them rather than teaching faith and living and worshiping in the Spirit. 

You know that there are so many places to get information about our Christian faith if you are not grounded in God’s word you can be deceived.  Just watching television, you can see a person with a ton of letters after their name professing their high education making “confident assertions” about our faith and they are completely incorrect. But the only way to know of their lie is to know to test it against God’s Word.

After that warning, Paul reminds Timothy why Jesus came.

Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

Paul, spoke of His unworthiness and using his example as confirmation that Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  Not cleaned and polished sinners living in accordance with the law.  There were no minimum or maximum conditions to be saved.  He came to save sinners.  All we must do is believe in Jesus for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:12-17 (ESV) 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul is a good example to show us that all of us, regardless of our past have hope in Jesus Christ.  Our list of specific grievances may differ, but ultimately, they are all sin.  And Jesus came to save Sinners.  I read this and went back and read John 3 just because.  I also looked at the cross references in these passages and spent some time in Romans 3.

I read through the chapter but focused on the section with the heading, “The Righteousness of God Through Faith.”

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

This passage contains one of the verses that helps me stay grounded –  “all fall short.”  The passage is lengthy, but it is worthwhile.

Romans 3:19-20 (ESV) 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Through the law comes only knowledge of sin.  None of us can be justified by it.  We only come to realize the depth of our sin. But salvation comes by faith through Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:21-26 (ESV) 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Christ gave up His life for us.  No one could have put Him on that cross had He not been willing to go and obedient to the Father.  He shed His blood as a free gift to pay my debt.  I cannot boast, because it was a gift, not anything I did, except to believe.

Romans 3:27-28 (ESV) 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

I read that passage and I am filled with a feeling of thanksgiving and humility.  Words fail me when I consider all this.  God’s plan required the blood of His Son Jesus to save me.  I am overwhelmed at the price Jesus paid willingly for me.

Reflections

I looked back through these passages and finished reading 1 Timothy again this morning.  Paul gives much instruction for the Church and he warns again about false teachers and the need for Timothy to “Fight the Good Fight.”

As I reflected on all the misconceptions, half-truths and outright lies or deceptions about Jesus all I could do was think of how important knowing His Word is.  We know the deceiver.  Peter defined him well.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

When I think of sober minded I think of a mind led by the Holy Spirit nourished by the Word of God.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

We must fight the good fight of faith.  But to do that we must flee the selfish things of the world and its deceptions and false teachings.  Paul is such a man of passion when he writes.  I like this passage that he uses to close this letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:11-16 (ESV) 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

He warns Timothy to flee from its traps.  Instead, pursue righteousness.   “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses(vs.12).”

Closing Thoughts

Paul tells Timothy and he tells us to fight the good fight of faith.  We must not let false teachers twist the truth of God’s Word.  The only way I know to do that is to prayerfully study God’s Word and discuss it openly with fellow believers.  I am very thankful to belong to a church that believes the Bible is the only source of absolute truth from beginning to end.

And that faith we hold on to we must guard.  I will close with the passage that started this.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 (ESV) 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have given me.  Thank you for this precious gift of faith and hope and the promise of eternal life through your Son Jesus Christ.  I pray Father for wisdom to guard this precious gift and hold it always in my heart.

Thank you, Lord, for Your Holy Word.  The true source of understanding.  In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!

 

 

 

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