The King of All the Earth

 From Psalm 47 we read: "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.  How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!...For God is the King of all the earth...God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His Holy Throne...the kings of the earth belong to God.  He is greatly exalted."  The clapping and the shouting with cries of joy in this passage comes in the middle of sounding trumpets.  And then the passage tells those who "sincerely" love Him, "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises...sing to Him a Psalm of praise."

This passage and so many others should and must keep His people bowing at His throne with the prayer, "How awesome is the LORD Most High!"  We don't really understand how majestically and profoundly God reigns over ALL the earth if we have fear of the future, whether that is a fear that comes from poor health or the health of those we love or the health of our government and great nation.  One nation under God, whether people want to leave out that phrase or not, is true.  And one day, everyone living and dead will know that truth.  

"What is truth?"  Even Pilate asked Jesus that question when He was on trial before him.  By the looks of the leaders, whom supposedly represent the people, their truth is already established.  My five minutes a night of the RNC blared out expressly what they view truth to be.  It made me sad more than made me mad.  The truth, as told us by Jesus, is that "He is the Way, the Truth and the Life".  How can we know more?  By seeking God in the only information book He gave us: The Bible.  Everything for life and godliness is in that Book.  Everything for putting to order the disorder of our time is in that Book.  But man's rebel nature keeps them from wanting to submit to that Truth.  

Pilate also asked Jesus, "So, you are a king?"  Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king.  For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."  Are we listening?  Christians, people who love God and live to represent him through personal holiness, cannot dread, fret or fear.  This is not new.  The next few posts after this come from a man who lived from 1725 to 1807.  He, too, saw what we are seeing in his own nation.  But in conclusion for today, I'll quote from a king who learned lessons the hard way, "there is nothing new under the sun."

Seeds of Light

"Light is sown like seed for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Psalm 97:11 It is so amazing to me how you can read a book of the Bible over and over, and continue to find treasure.  Love this verse!!  As I walked this morning, I reflected on the way this "enlightening" verse shines new rays of understanding to this time of year.

Begin with Genesis.  "God said, 'Let there be light and there was light."  And that's just the first day.  And it's NOT the sun.  It's God's light.  And from that time on, God "sows" His light seeds throughout His Creation and His creatures.  From Adam on, God shines through His people.  While some people are brighter than others, God is still on His throne and is shining through the people. 

 "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them." (Isaiah 9:2)   From the moment Adam disobeyed God in the garden, all humans since have walked in darkness.  "But God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrong doings, made us alive..."(Ephesians 2:4)  God did not leave us in the darkness of that deadness.  The Old Testament is filled with God's light "sown".  And then, amazing upon amazing, in comes Jesus, the true Light.  John, 1:9 says, "...the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man."  And come He did.  He came in the most unlikely place, to a most unlikely young girl.  And even though she did not understand, the Scripture tells us, "she believed".  (Luke 1:45)  And Mary sang praises to God. (Luke 1:46-55)

"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."( John 1:5)  And the darkness continues to misunderstand God, Jesus and His followers.  But we are not to grow weary and fade out.  We must grow strong and shine His glory through His blessed Holy Spirit until the end.   Verse four of John one, says: In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men."  Zacharias, John the Baptist's father, filled with the Holy Spirit after John's birth, rejoices in God's sovereignty!  (Luke 1:67-79)  Read in it's entirety the ecstasy expressed by Zacharias over his special son, but I'll close with a portion that I hope entices you to seek it out for yourself:  "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the LORD to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.  Because of the tender mercy of our God with which the SUNRISE from on high will visit us, to SHINE upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Jesus came and He will come again.  Let us be sowing His Light until that day...

The Black Hole of Pride

What began as a childish chant from my grandchildren, became a meditative black hole for the grandmother.   What is a black hole from the perspective of this non-intellectual woman?  Simply put, it is an unending depth of darkness that doesn't seem to have one slight ray of light.   And meditating (some would say, "thinking too much") on it takes all the energy I have, and I still don't see an end.  

While my grands were only teasing when they called me "Proud", I began to think and see all the ways my thoughts centered on me.  Everything I think is geared to me.  I even go so far as to think (as though I know all things) what other people around me are thinking.  What do I base it on?  Being slighted by looks, tones, words and in general, everything that keeps me insecure.  I had no idea to the depth of what my pride is capable.  And here I am, a Christian, a woman of God, a lover of truth in the Bible and all it seems I have to show for it, is an outside facade that hides a nature of sin that I had not been aware.  I mean I knew we are all prideful, to a degree.  But looking deeper, (or meditating) I realized my whole world IS the world.  And that in itself, is wretched self-centeredness to its core.

Awareness is knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.  I see this in three areas that all come together to either change someone for the good or allow a continual cluelessness to what's really true about oneself.  First is the awareness of others.  Is my awareness of people, as a believer in Christ, changing me from me to Him?  Do I love them unconditionally or feel threatened by them?  Or is awareness allowing the perpetual selfishness to ruin me like a bad disease?  The second area is awareness of all the avenues of selfishness that exist in me.  What will I do with this?  Slink into depression, "oh woe is me?"  Or accept this existence and get to work on eradication through the cleansing power of God's Word?  And third, awareness that God knew all along of the depth of my sin; everyone's sin.  But He still died for us and sought us.  He has made that clear from the get-go.  Have I built such a pedestal for me in my spiritual prowess that I've become blind AGAIN to the truth? (This black hole just gets deeper and darker.)

While I could go on with this, as I have now for about a year,  I praise God.  He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.  This is a fact that is just reiterated by my awareness.  The very privilege of being appalled is His gift toward the change that needs to take place.  As He allows us to see, let us not go so deep as to despair, but deep enough to keep us humble and perpetually alert to the danger of secret sin.  I'm so thankful to my Precious Savior Who shepherds me back to the fold, shows me my sin, and brings me to my senses and His security.  He is the Creator.   And He is in control of all "black holes" which can cause us to lose our way for a moment.  But He is only a call away.  And with His presence comes an illumination that eradicates sin and all black holes.  "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

"Fly Off the Handle"

 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Romans 12:18

I could end this post here as that definitely, without explanation, reminds me I have much work to do in this sanctification process.  Thankfully, it doesn't depend on me but on the greater Power, and He has given explicit instructions.

However, I was thinking about a situation this morning and another verse that says something similar: "When a person's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him." Proverbs 16:7  I'm sure there are more jewels from the "living and active" Word of God regarding our attitude toward struggles with other people.  But those two verses alone cause much reflection and gratitude for God's loving discipline.

As I thought through the "situation", I found myself counseling me about my face, my tone, my response, my Biblically conditioned heart and all the shoulda, woulda, couldas of life.  I prayed that God will help me think before I respond.  That starts with the heart, then the face (that needs to be reflecting the joy and gratitude of salvation all the time) and then a slow wise response that has God's glory in view.  Easy words, hard job.

As I prayed and reflected on these issues of life, my thought ran to an old phrase: "fly off the handle".  How many times I've done that, I don't like to think about.  I began wondering what the phrase meant.  My first thought was bicycle handles.  And we all know what happens when you fly off those handles!  I found out it wasn't about bicycles, but the imagery is definitely a deterrent, so I'll stay with it.  In reality, and I'm sad to say, through experience, I have "wrecked" many a relationship by "flying off the handles"!

God's Declaration of The Greatest Man

 Recently, a friend at a bible study I attend announced to the group that "sighing" was a sign of discontent. Ever since he said that, I can't sigh without asking God to forgive me.  Now, while that might sound a bit harsh to some, and maybe it does go too far, it's still a good reminder of the need for us to be so God-minded that we are constantly keeping our every thought in check.  Actually, this is not a new thought; I do know that.  It's called "sanctification".  And the friend is just part of the "iron sharpening iron" beauty of community around the Word of God.

And on a more intense note, I realize more and more that the beauty of holiness is not a nice neat little package in this world.  And while studying the book of Mark, John MacArthur brings out such amazing details about God's Word that excites me and brings me so much closer to understanding how far I am from truly understanding!  More sanctification.

As I studied about the greatest man last week in a chapter in MacArthur's commentary called, "The Murder of the Greatest Prophet", I gained new insight to sighing.  Think about John the Baptist.  His whole life was purposed for one great work: preparing the way for Jesus.  He "lived his entire life in the open expanses of the Judean wilderness, and ended his days in the isolation of an intolerable dungeon.  The fortress was on a high hilltop, offering dramatic views of the country...however, deep in the earth below, the dank dungeon offered no natural light or fresh air."  For about a year, John stayed here.  What was he to think?  Is this it?  Have I missed something?  "His only respite were the visits he received from his disciples. (Luke 7:18)"

"He was a faithful prophet of God and fearless in his willingness to confront sin.  His responses to Herod were characterized by holy boldness, born out of the conviction to speak for God rather than please men." And here he sits his last days in a stinking dungeon.  Yet, we are encouraged by Jesus declaration: "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist!"  (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28)  

I need reminders like this of the reality of Christian living: what it is and what it is not.  I want to get this right.  In order to do that, I "study to show myself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  It is the Truth and I am responsible to know it.

Almost AND Altogether

 "Almost AND Altogether" are the words of Paul to King Agrippa.   As I read Acts 26, I was encouraged and convicted once again by Paul's passion for those who do not know Jesus Christ.  His whole life had been consumed by love for the lost.  Jesus snatched him from darkness by His "brighter than the sun" light that caused a whole group of men to fall on the ground.  But only Paul heard the Voice that was to change his whole identity and give him the passion and power to bring that Voice to the darkness of others.

Paul, through the Divine Providence of Almighty God, was brought with many intricate details (Acts 21-26) to this trial before King Agrippa.  The wisdom of God flowed out of Paul's heart as he spoke each time.  And now before this king, Paul spoke truth that cut through darkness.  In Acts 26, Paul has just given his own testimony of Jesus Christ.  When he finished, he asked Agrippa, "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?  I know that thou believest."  The king responds to Paul with those famous lines, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."  And Paul said, "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds."

I've been going through Spurgeon's Devotional Bible this year.  It was given to me about forty-five years ago after I came to know Jesus as my Savior.  Periodically, I go through this "Bible" as an intro to my morning study of God's Word.  It never ceases to amaze me how "living and active" is God's Word and how it continues to teach me and astonish me.  Spurgeon's Bible uses the 1611 King James version.  And while some may think it too strange a language to read, it's a good translation and provides new insight to scripture that I may have missed reading out of my usual NASB translation.  And I just loved the "almost and altogether" translation of Paul's heart to Agrippa.  Let us learn Paul's passion for the lost from the intricate detail of words from the past.  And we should also be in awe and inspired by our Lord's love for us that must be shared to those who still walk in darkness.  I don't want to be guilty of being ok with those we know that are "almost" persuaded.  Let us run with perseverance, calling on the Spirit of God, to guide us to shout until they are "altogether" Christians.

Mary's Hope

 "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."   This is the beginning of Mary offering her praise to God as He confirms her status as an unwed mother as divine.  "Here is a rich offering of praise from Mary.  It is remarkable for its theology and use of the Old Testament.  She was a young girl, perhaps about thirteen years old who, like all the people of her day, had no personal copy of the Scriptures.  Her familiarity with the Word of God... was settled in her heart and was readily on her mind when she opened her mouth in worshipful praise.  What a benediction it would be for the church today if the young could be so biblically literate and devout."  

What a breath of fresh air are John MacArthur's words in his commentary on Luke.  The beautiful picture he reveals from God's word about Mary far exceed what the Catholic church falsely proclaims about her.  And as I read the chapter from his commentary on Luke 1:46-55, I was filled with excitement and respect for this precious young woman and her faith.  I was also filled with shame for my own continued lack of faith and trust in my Lord.  But thus is the status of the ongoing growth of the Christian life: shame, repentance and revival.  That is the essence of the study of the Word of God.  And while I'm saddened at the slowness of my own progress, I'm thrilled at God's continued patience with me.  And how joyous is the delight of new revelation of the truth of His divine Word.

He goes on to say in this chapter that praise is central to worshiping God.  And that true worship is defined by our Lord to be in "spirit and in truth". (John 4:23-24)  What are the prerequisites to worship?  First, Dr. MacArthur says, a true worshipper must be controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Next, the thoughts must be focused on God.  Next, it requires repentance.  Lastly, it requires humbly accepting His will no matter what the circumstances. 

He says, "Mary is an example to all believers of faith, humility, and submission to Gods' will...Mary's praise is the expression of her faith in God, her love for Him, and her deep understanding of Scripture."  What a great way to begin a new year!  To walk in continued faith in God, not proudly as though we have anything to do with it, but humbly like Mary who found herself in a miraculous and scary position at such a young age.  As I think back on 2020 and all the rhetoric thrown out at every direction ie. conspiracy theories, criticism from Republicans and Democrats and all in between, it's sickening.  And the sickest of all are we as Christians who find ourselves in the midst of these discussions instead of against it all with the Power of the Most High God, whom we say we worship.   

The Word of God is just that!  It is the Word of the Creator and Sustainer of all things.  What in this world should we fear?  And what are we proclaiming to a non-believing world, in the midst of these weird times, about hope.  What should the word "hope" be for believers:  "Helping Others Pursue Eternity".  We have a message to share.  And we must remember "in this world 'we' will have trouble but take heart, 'Jesus' has overcome the world."  "My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."