English peas are one of my favorite vegetables. Growing up I only avoided them. Even as I began to have an extensive taste for all kinds of food, that was one I could not like! Until one day, I was introduced to "fresh" English peas. These were clearly a world apart, not anything like the canned ones I had tried. The taste of the fresh was a delightful surprise, and I've loved them now for many years. Sometimes I have a hard time finding them and for the last two years, my curb market suppliers have not been able to get them. Last week I found them at our local grocery store, all shelled and bagged in the organic section. I paid the price, brought them home, and enjoyed each bite. It was the first time I had ever bought them shelled. I've always shelled them and it is a very easy task. Sometimes you come across one that is kind of old and when you open it, the peas are tiny and shriveled. But most of the times, the pods are healthy and the peas inside of them are fat, round and yummy.
As I walked this morning, I was praying for a Bible study group. I was considering the closeness of the group and praying for a greater unity. I also prayed for how that is reflected in each life to a world in need. As I prayed, I thought of the peas in the pod. We can become very comfortable in our little pods. We grow, we become secure and protected. And then sometimes, we become fearful to extend outward. But if we only stay "peas in a pod", we become dry, limited and shriveled.
I know these kinds of illustrations break down, but only if the peas are cooked, salted, and tasted are they of any good to others. Trials, the Word and the giving of ourselves are the ways God uses believers in a world hungry for hope. This is why God doesn't take us up once we are saved. We are here to be tasted and provide nourishment for a very sick and needy world. Praise God for His use of us in these things. As we endure the heat of trials and enjoy the nourishment of the Word, may others "taste", notice, holiness as we reflect our Lord in our every day routines of life. May the Holy Spirit be our help moment by moment in this great work.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Devil Run
No, that's not the name of a new, over-the-top, obstacle marathon. It's what believers in Jesus Christ want the enemy of our souls to do. As stated in James 4:7, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
We have a room in our house with a mirror that I've come to avoid at all costs. There is much light, and as I've grown older, it's not a pretty sight I see in that mirror. It shows EVERYTHING! I had no idea how much I'd changed. So, over the last year, when I go to that room to clean, I avoid that mirror at all costs. I want to stay in a good mood so I just do not look at my image in that mirror. Last week, as I took great pains to avoid it, I literally had to look down in order to clean in front of it. It occurred to me, the intense effort I was taking in the name of vanity. And immediately, I thought of sin. How intensely do I stay away from sin? I hope I'm this diligent to avoid every aspect of sinfulness in whatever way it manifests itself.
"It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." (Ephesians 5:12) We must not think about it, look at it, discuss it or even "mention" it. "Resist it", as advised in James, and "the devil will flee from you."
We have a room in our house with a mirror that I've come to avoid at all costs. There is much light, and as I've grown older, it's not a pretty sight I see in that mirror. It shows EVERYTHING! I had no idea how much I'd changed. So, over the last year, when I go to that room to clean, I avoid that mirror at all costs. I want to stay in a good mood so I just do not look at my image in that mirror. Last week, as I took great pains to avoid it, I literally had to look down in order to clean in front of it. It occurred to me, the intense effort I was taking in the name of vanity. And immediately, I thought of sin. How intensely do I stay away from sin? I hope I'm this diligent to avoid every aspect of sinfulness in whatever way it manifests itself.
"It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." (Ephesians 5:12) We must not think about it, look at it, discuss it or even "mention" it. "Resist it", as advised in James, and "the devil will flee from you."
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Thlipis
The Greek word, thlipis, is the word used for tribulation, anguish, affliction, trouble, burden or the like. It's like the squeezing of the olive for oil or the grape for juice. But personally, I prefer not to be squeezed. I don't like it. It doesn't feel good. Such American sentiment! Yes, I'm soft and spoiled. I've come to know that more than ever in my older age. As I look back on the past and see people who went through much tribulation to secure my present freedoms, I am ashamed!
And as a believer in Jesus Christ, seeing what He secured for me at a high cost, gives me more cause for shame. As believers, we should find joy in our tribulations because they contribute to present blessing and ultimate glory. Our joy ultimately comes from the certain hope of the glory of God. And our joy is always, ever in Christ, not circumstances.
When we trust in God's goodness, faithfulness and provision, He fills us with all joy and peace in believing. To live in anguish over the past, anxiety concerning the present or apprehension about the future is to fail to appropriate that peace. God has forgiven the past, provided for the present and guaranteed the future, leaving nothing to legitimately disrupt the believer's peace.
Salvation is anchored in the past because God made peace with God for all those who trust in Him. (Romans 5:1) It is anchored in the present because by Christ's continual intercession, every believer now stands securely in God's grace. (Romans 5:2) And salvation is anchored in the future because God gives all His children the unchangeable promise that one day they will be clothed with the glory of His own Son. (Romans 5:2-5)
How can the believer continue to live in anxiety with that hope? And why would the unbeliever continue on the hopeless path to hell when, while he still breathes the breath of life, he could bow in reverential awe to the God of all Creation and be saved by the power of the Spirit through the blood of Jesus Christ? Let our squeezing be done by God and for His glory, and let us rest in His sovereign plan.
[Most of the above was taken from John MacArthur's book, Saved Without A Doubt and his commentary on the book of John.]
And as a believer in Jesus Christ, seeing what He secured for me at a high cost, gives me more cause for shame. As believers, we should find joy in our tribulations because they contribute to present blessing and ultimate glory. Our joy ultimately comes from the certain hope of the glory of God. And our joy is always, ever in Christ, not circumstances.
When we trust in God's goodness, faithfulness and provision, He fills us with all joy and peace in believing. To live in anguish over the past, anxiety concerning the present or apprehension about the future is to fail to appropriate that peace. God has forgiven the past, provided for the present and guaranteed the future, leaving nothing to legitimately disrupt the believer's peace.
Salvation is anchored in the past because God made peace with God for all those who trust in Him. (Romans 5:1) It is anchored in the present because by Christ's continual intercession, every believer now stands securely in God's grace. (Romans 5:2) And salvation is anchored in the future because God gives all His children the unchangeable promise that one day they will be clothed with the glory of His own Son. (Romans 5:2-5)
How can the believer continue to live in anxiety with that hope? And why would the unbeliever continue on the hopeless path to hell when, while he still breathes the breath of life, he could bow in reverential awe to the God of all Creation and be saved by the power of the Spirit through the blood of Jesus Christ? Let our squeezing be done by God and for His glory, and let us rest in His sovereign plan.
[Most of the above was taken from John MacArthur's book, Saved Without A Doubt and his commentary on the book of John.]
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Straight and Clear Roads
My morning walk is a wonderful jumpstart to each day. It's an exercise for body and spirit. I have a favorite route that I've walked for years. And on that route, I have a favorite section. As I walked this morning and came to that particular section, I felt the energetic excitement as I approached it. I thought, "why do I love this part the most?" In my head I began to formulate the answers. It's about half a mile of straight road. You can see the end of it. It's my half-way point. There are no homes ie. no cars pulling out of driveways, no barking dogs, not as much traffic, no mailboxes to dodge, or other people walking. There is a clear and vast view of the sky that accentuates the bigness of the One True God to whom I am praying. This accelerates my excitement in conversation with Him as to His power.
As I thought about these things, I transferred the picture to the Christian life. We tend to walk more energetically in our spiritual life when we have clear pictures or purpose. But when problems hit, we tend to allow them to affect our walk. We falter when the road becomes winding and we don't know what's around the next turn. We move slower under the pressure because we can't see an end to the problem; it seems to go on forever. There are so many hindrances of every shape and size that affect our responses. Fear, anxiety, busyness, obstacles and the problems of others can obstruct our view of purpose and cause us to lose focus. We forget the power we have because we fail to appropriate the means God has provided.
We must gird up our loins, buckle down, stretch our spiritual muscles and "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith". (Hebrews 12:2) Our walk will have ups and downs, twists and turns but we do not walk alone. He will give us what we need to endure the hard and revel in the easy. We must not lose ground with hardship and must not become prideful with smooth sailing. Either way is a giving in to the enemy. Run with perseverance and beware of the "roaring lion". God gives us the guidance and protection in both instances. May your morning walks be glorious with the Light of the glory of His power. "Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and might things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3) Do not fail to appropriate the means God has provided to us as believers.
As I thought about these things, I transferred the picture to the Christian life. We tend to walk more energetically in our spiritual life when we have clear pictures or purpose. But when problems hit, we tend to allow them to affect our walk. We falter when the road becomes winding and we don't know what's around the next turn. We move slower under the pressure because we can't see an end to the problem; it seems to go on forever. There are so many hindrances of every shape and size that affect our responses. Fear, anxiety, busyness, obstacles and the problems of others can obstruct our view of purpose and cause us to lose focus. We forget the power we have because we fail to appropriate the means God has provided.
We must gird up our loins, buckle down, stretch our spiritual muscles and "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith". (Hebrews 12:2) Our walk will have ups and downs, twists and turns but we do not walk alone. He will give us what we need to endure the hard and revel in the easy. We must not lose ground with hardship and must not become prideful with smooth sailing. Either way is a giving in to the enemy. Run with perseverance and beware of the "roaring lion". God gives us the guidance and protection in both instances. May your morning walks be glorious with the Light of the glory of His power. "Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and might things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3) Do not fail to appropriate the means God has provided to us as believers.
Monday, July 6, 2015
SIN
John MacArthur has excellent commentaries for almost the whole New Testament. These books have been a wonderful tool for me in the study of the scriptures. He has written them in a beautifully simple, yet profound way that not only complements my study but offers the insight of a biblical scholar. The following comes from the commentary on Matthew and refers to a portion from the Lord's Prayer referred by Dr. MacArthur as "The Disciple's Prayer". (Matthew 6:9-13-15)
Sin is that which separates man from God, and is therefore man's greatest enemy and greatest problem. Sin dominates the mind and heart of man. It has contaminated every human being and is the degenerative power that makes man susceptible to disease, illness, and every conceivable form of evil and unhappiness, temporal and eternal. The ultimate effects of sin are death and damnation, and the present effects are misery, dissatisfaction, and guilt. Sin is the common denominator of every crime, every theft, lie, murder, immorality, sickness, pain, and sorrow of mankind. It is also the moral and spiritual disease for which man has no cure.
Because man's greatest problem is sin, his greatest need is forgiveness. Christians have been forgiven the ultimate penalty of sin [but are still in need of] God's constant forgiveness for the sins we continue to commit. We are to pray therefore, "forgive us" (6:12)
Dr. MacArthur quotes the prayer of the following Puritan saint of many generations ago: "Grant me never to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the exceeding righteousness of salvation, the exceeding glory of Christ, the exceeding beauty of holiness, and the exceeding wonder of grace." "I am guilty but pardoned. I am lost but saved. I am wandering but found. I am sinning but cleansed. Give me perpetual broken-heartedness. Keep me always clinging to Thy cross."
Sin is that which separates man from God, and is therefore man's greatest enemy and greatest problem. Sin dominates the mind and heart of man. It has contaminated every human being and is the degenerative power that makes man susceptible to disease, illness, and every conceivable form of evil and unhappiness, temporal and eternal. The ultimate effects of sin are death and damnation, and the present effects are misery, dissatisfaction, and guilt. Sin is the common denominator of every crime, every theft, lie, murder, immorality, sickness, pain, and sorrow of mankind. It is also the moral and spiritual disease for which man has no cure.
Because man's greatest problem is sin, his greatest need is forgiveness. Christians have been forgiven the ultimate penalty of sin [but are still in need of] God's constant forgiveness for the sins we continue to commit. We are to pray therefore, "forgive us" (6:12)
Dr. MacArthur quotes the prayer of the following Puritan saint of many generations ago: "Grant me never to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the exceeding righteousness of salvation, the exceeding glory of Christ, the exceeding beauty of holiness, and the exceeding wonder of grace." "I am guilty but pardoned. I am lost but saved. I am wandering but found. I am sinning but cleansed. Give me perpetual broken-heartedness. Keep me always clinging to Thy cross."
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Diseases
"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." (Romans:12:3-5) As I read this passage, I began to think about how this is lived out in the church. The rest of the passage lists specifics and is a mandatory life checklist for believers to evaluate how we are fleshing out in the body. There are so many evaluations to be made, and it can become overwhelming to reflect. But the believer must continually call to mind that this is the work of the Holy Spirit and He will perform all that is necessary to keep us "fit".
One thought that came to mind as I read today was how completely necessary we are to each other in the body of Christ, the church. As sin affects each of us personally and fighting it is an ongoing process, so our commitment to the church we have become a part. Like a disease, sin can make us useless as believers in a needy world if we aren't personally responsible to our commitment to "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ." As John Owen stated, "We must be killing sin or sin will be killing us." In the same vein, our commitment to our church is one we must take seriously. If we aren't being used in our church, we are useless. And like a disease, we too, can cause much wear and tear on the the "working body".
That part of the church body who "do all the work"can definitely experience burn-out. It has been said that 20% of the members of a church do 80% of the work. This, of course, should not be the case. And if it were a business, there would most certainly be a mass lay-off. As Christians and members of a body of believers, we need to support each other. If not, we can expect a dragging, frazzled, and sick body that is not able to meet the needs a church should be providing. We must not allow ourselves to become diseases that affect the body to poor health. We must keep ourselves strong in our personal walk and thereby, become a part of the health of the body to enable it to perform the best work in life: living to the glory of God and speaking Him into a needy world.
Are we diseases or cures? God enables us to promote the health needed in our churches. Let us be committed to seek Him passionately for that power. The life of the church is dependent on each member. And each member is dependent on Him to keep us healthy Christians. And the "workers", must strive to do the same "not thinking more highly of himself than he ought to think" but to be just as committed to serve as Christ served us giving up Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the disease of sin.
One thought that came to mind as I read today was how completely necessary we are to each other in the body of Christ, the church. As sin affects each of us personally and fighting it is an ongoing process, so our commitment to the church we have become a part. Like a disease, sin can make us useless as believers in a needy world if we aren't personally responsible to our commitment to "take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ." As John Owen stated, "We must be killing sin or sin will be killing us." In the same vein, our commitment to our church is one we must take seriously. If we aren't being used in our church, we are useless. And like a disease, we too, can cause much wear and tear on the the "working body".
That part of the church body who "do all the work"can definitely experience burn-out. It has been said that 20% of the members of a church do 80% of the work. This, of course, should not be the case. And if it were a business, there would most certainly be a mass lay-off. As Christians and members of a body of believers, we need to support each other. If not, we can expect a dragging, frazzled, and sick body that is not able to meet the needs a church should be providing. We must not allow ourselves to become diseases that affect the body to poor health. We must keep ourselves strong in our personal walk and thereby, become a part of the health of the body to enable it to perform the best work in life: living to the glory of God and speaking Him into a needy world.
Are we diseases or cures? God enables us to promote the health needed in our churches. Let us be committed to seek Him passionately for that power. The life of the church is dependent on each member. And each member is dependent on Him to keep us healthy Christians. And the "workers", must strive to do the same "not thinking more highly of himself than he ought to think" but to be just as committed to serve as Christ served us giving up Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the disease of sin.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Blindsided By Regret
Within one week, two family members went out into eternity. Death is so final. No more opportunity to speak or listen. Did I do all I could to honor God with that person? Did I behave in a way that Jesus will say, "Well done!"? Did I make good use of my time with that person to let them know I loved them, respected them, admired them as a creation of the Creator? All these questions and more add to the sadness and loss of a loved one.
Grief is a hard teacher. None of us would choose that "class"; not an elective. Always only a requirement of the lessons of life. Always a stern reminder that this is not home. Clinging to worldly relationships is a futile attempt at happiness. They will never bring peace that lasts. Christ is everything and must be sought, loved and adored with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Only believers in Him understand this. However, even believers struggle with this great void that occurs in all our lives.
That void rates different with the closeness of the person gone. But the loss is still a loss, and one of the aspects of grief is that horrible regret that we should have done this or that better. I should have spent more time with them, called them more, showed more love and as stated above, the list goes on. The verse that popped in my head as I experienced the first loss, was Romans 12:18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."
Bottom line: Treat everyone as created in the image of God and show His love in all situations. Easy? Definitely not! Sometimes we feel justified with our behavior toward those hard to love. However, God has given us a supreme example in the Gospels as Jesus shows us how it's done. We dig down deep and persevere with His power. And when any loss occurs, He gives us the peace and power to walk that path. But those issues of the heart we haven't quite learned, will be a stinging reminder to cry out to Him Who will use it for our good and our growth. Until He takes us home, we must be ever learning what He requires of us and work at it with all our heart as working for Him.
Grief is a hard teacher. None of us would choose that "class"; not an elective. Always only a requirement of the lessons of life. Always a stern reminder that this is not home. Clinging to worldly relationships is a futile attempt at happiness. They will never bring peace that lasts. Christ is everything and must be sought, loved and adored with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Only believers in Him understand this. However, even believers struggle with this great void that occurs in all our lives.
That void rates different with the closeness of the person gone. But the loss is still a loss, and one of the aspects of grief is that horrible regret that we should have done this or that better. I should have spent more time with them, called them more, showed more love and as stated above, the list goes on. The verse that popped in my head as I experienced the first loss, was Romans 12:18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."
Bottom line: Treat everyone as created in the image of God and show His love in all situations. Easy? Definitely not! Sometimes we feel justified with our behavior toward those hard to love. However, God has given us a supreme example in the Gospels as Jesus shows us how it's done. We dig down deep and persevere with His power. And when any loss occurs, He gives us the peace and power to walk that path. But those issues of the heart we haven't quite learned, will be a stinging reminder to cry out to Him Who will use it for our good and our growth. Until He takes us home, we must be ever learning what He requires of us and work at it with all our heart as working for Him.
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