Godly and mature leaders required…

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:1–7)

This topic is out of my territory except to say how important to have exemplary leaders. How can I be a sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable person without models? My mentor, a lovely woman, was such a blessing. She modeled all that she taught.

However, I recall reading Christian books as a new believer and felt like the people in those books were fictional characters. Thankfully, my husband’s work took us to many places and we attended many churches where it was easy to drop the “fictional” tag because there were leaders who fit the above description.

Yes, there are failures too. Consider how most of the biblical leaders failed too. The only plus side of that is that confession and forgiveness along with cleansing reveals the  merciful grace of God.

Even with that understanding, how important to rely on the Holy Spirit and live as He directs. This is not legalism or any sort of rule keeping. Godliness excludes all hypocrisy. I am thankful for godly leaders in our current church who rely on the Word of God to put priority on the important things. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

This is an incredible goal that draws me and that I long to reach.

Jesus, thank You that Your life in us makes possible the attitudes and qualities necessary to live in such a way that others are motivated to do the same, but not only that, to glorify You.    

 

When Jesus comes…

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12)

This person is often called the ”Antichrist” yet that term is more about an attitude according to several verses in 1 John For example:

Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. (1 John 2:18)
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:22)
… and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. (1 John 4:3)
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. (2 John 7)
It is as if the attitude of being against Christ makes a person antichrist. So does that practice of lawlessness that goes with that attitude: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)

While Jesus described signs of the times as events, this deception could be a greater indication when He will return. For one thing, lawlessness in the world is a greater threat to His people. Law has protected many, at least in some countries, so that Christians can worship freely. However, “law” is now making illegal the proclamation of some Bible truths. When will lawlessness be preferred over faith in the Lord?

The Christians of Thessalonica thought Jesus had already come. That is a deception of a kind, but worse is the delusion of not being able to believe in Him  because sin is the preferred choice. God can open blind eyes, yet there is no hope for those who love sin. 

Jesus, there are a few people on my prayer list who have mocked You or openly set in a sinful pattern. Yet past history shows that You can show mercy. You died for us while we were still sinners. I pray that those who are locked in to a strong delusion would be miraculously released… for their good and Your glory.

Praising the One who earns it…

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. . . .  when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:3–12)

A few weeks ago a friend praised another Christian and I responded that God is amazing for doing that work in her life. My words were ignored, maybe unexpected, but at the time I was frustrated with people getting credit for what God has done.

When I read the first part of this passage, it surprised me that Paul was boasting about the Christians in Thessalonica, yet as it goes on, he made certain that his readers knew their godly lives gave glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. They would not be steadfast in their faith apart from Him.

Praising people was bothering me because of being aware how I  like having my ego stroked. This not what being a strong Christian is about. Those who received this letter were praised because of the power of God. So was the woman I heard being praised. She has endured much, things that would make the average person likely flee or fall apart. However, she herself knows that her survival is due to Jesus Christ, not her own resources, and she would be the first to say so. 

Actually, I’ve no idea what goes on in the hearts of others when they are given the praise that Jesus deserves. I just know that my focus is diverted from adoring Him and being thankful to the strong sense of pride seeping in, and soon I will have sinful ideas about my own goodness. 
Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9–14)

It is easier to be a Pharisee than to be humble. Could it be that people would rather associate with those who impress them with their lives than those who admit their sinfulness? Perhaps. Other passages come to mind. 

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3)

My spiritual is life is not helped by being told that I am amazing. Praising Jesus builds my faith. Besides…

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Not only that, hanging around people that impress me misses out on helping those who need encouragement, or even learning that exalting Jesus is the way to do it. Jesus even said, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

Jesus, I know what praise for me does to my fleshy heart. Others argue that making people feel good about themselves and about their walk with You is edifying. Perhaps there are times when I need that sort of encouragement, yet when it points to me instead of You, it can feed the flesh and do nothing to build my faith. Help me convey Your greatness to built others up and not shoot them in the foot.

Encouragement about dying…

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:1–11)

With floods, earthquakes, tornados and other natural disasters, plus air and auto accidents, cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and the media repeating bad news continually, little wonder some people are thinking that Jesus will come soon. 

Interesting that this passage says this will happen when people will be saying there is peace and security. Is that the Pollyanna people who never listen to bad news? Or those in spiritual darkness or drunk as this passage suggests? Or those who have no idea that Jesus will return to judge the world, or even do not know who He is?

For those not in such categories, we know that we don’t know when He will come, either in judgement or to take His people home. Those who know Jesus and yet die in accidents or disasters, etc. go to live with Him. We are not destined for wrath and even though such deaths can be a terrible thing, both on the news and for grieving survivors, we will be with Him. 

This week, a group of us prayed for a woman who is 100 years old and not well. Her son asked that she die peacefully in her sleep. Many Christians do. My parents did. This eases those who are left, yet if He takes me home in a fire or flood or crash or whatever, the encouragement should be that I am home, however I get there.

Jesus, most sudden deaths seem more tragic to us than leaving this world in our sleep, but You are in charge of that. I just want those I leave behind to know that I am with You and to know You so they have total confidence that they will see You and even me one day as well.

 

Grief?

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)

More than fifty years ago the Lord taught me something about grief. My dear mentor  experienced the death of her husband. She missed him, but she said that most of her grief was feeling sorry for herself, not him. He was in heaven with Jesus and how could she grieve over that?

It is not the same with the death of a person who rejects Him, yet how can grief change anything? It is too late. Regrets will not bring them back. Nor will inventing a waiting place where that person can be redeemed if the survivors give enough money to their ‘church’ that will pay for it.

Regret is not much of a biblical word. In the OT it is said that God regretted or grieved in His heart that He made man after sin took over the world, and that He regretting making Saul kin over Israel. But the OT also says: “And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.” (1 Samuel 15:29)

The sense of this word can mean “feeling sorry” or wishing something had been done differently. I suppose that God can feel sad about sin, yet is exempt from grief because He can use the foolishness of it to reveal the greatness of His mercy and grace. 

In other words, as my mentor said, genuine grief is not about feeling sorry for yourself. How could Almighty God have that going on when He can use all things for our good? Even the mistakes and sinful stuff he uses to convict me of my need for Him!

All the junk going on in the world and the sad news every day should have the same result — to put me on my knees. And if someone I love goes to be with Jesus, should I not rejoice that they are with Him and no longer suffering nor needing to cope with sin — in the world or in their own life?

We say, “I am sorry for your loss” and can cry with them, yet it seems God wants me to add these words: “yet I am so glad for your loved one’s gain.” Not only that, for us who believe in Jesus, we will join them and forever be with the Lord.

Jesus, it is easy, even normal, to be so earthbound that death seems like an enemy. I thank You that it is not the end of life but the beginning of eternity without sorrow or pain or even regrets. You have made that move a relocation into perfection! Thank You.

 

God's instructions never change…

But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10)

In the days when all devotions were written by hand, I kept them in file folders sorted by the books of the Bible. For some unknown reason, I want to those files today and this is the first one I read. It was written in August 20, 1983, over forty years ago… on this same passage!
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“When I stand before Jesus Christ, what will be my joy, my hope,The thing that I glory in? Will it be the stack of notebooks filled with Bible study? Or the paintings on the wall? Or the garments made, or the sweaters knitted?
No, it will be the Wallaces, and the Dons, and the Ginas. It will be people. It will be (names of my children) maybe my husband (dare I say I influenced him?) and will be perhaps others that for my pride God could not even show me.
So to hang on to the hobbies, to anything too tightly may be to miss the opportunity to grab hold of someone that could stand with me in the presence of the dear Lord Jesus Christ when He comes.
Lord, help me to put people first, and to be ever sensitive to their feelings and their needs. Help me to not miss any opportunities but to always be listening and watching — to You and for them. Just get with it with people.”
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Since 1983, we have moved many times and often found people unwilling to get too close since they knew we would be moving, sometimes in a year, sometimes in a few weeks or months. However, the list of people we have met and spent time with is long. Some names on those older prayer lists are now unknown. Today, I must define faith as God knows who they are and where they are in their spiritual journey. My hubby is solid and spends time with other men, both saved and not there yet, who appreciate his faith and care for them. I’m not as involved as he is but still caring for people, giving time when I can, and praying for those in need when hands-on is not the answer. 

Lord Jesus. I’m still learning how to put people first, especially those who resist all Your goodness and seem upset or angry all the time. I still need wisdom and still need to keep my focus on You so I know what to do, when and how to do it, and how to deal with so many who reject Your grace and wisdom. Sometimes the darkness in this world is overwhelming. Please enable me to keep in Your will and not give up.

 

Pressing On

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (Colossians 2:13–23)

In learning what it means to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh, I’ve found this is not about outward actions as much as inward motivations. Am I listening to God and doing what He commands, or am I doing what I do for personal reasons?

At my age, I’m aware that if I don’t eat right and exercise, my body will suffer. So do I eat right and exercise to avoid suffering? Or to avoid problems that will keep me from serving the Lord?

I make quilts to give to needy people. Does the desire to show off the design skills God gave me motivate my sewing sessions, or am a motivated by a love for those who suffer from various things, including a lack of love?

Am I polite to telemarketers just to be nice, or to show compassion to a caller who may be in a slave situation and making the same calls over and over because they cannot escape?
Closer to home, do I help my hubby with his computer woes because I love him, or to stop his complaining so I can get on with my own work?

The Bible often uses extremes and outward behaviors to identify the flesh:

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Colossians 3:5–10)

Yet I know that all of these begin inside my head if I walk in the flesh. Most of them might never show up in actions, but God wants a pure heart. How much easier to walk in the Spirit who gives these attitudes than to fake it with “right” actions: 

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12–15)

The rest of this reading says I’m to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” for such thinking and the results are from His thoughts, not the selfishness of my flesh.

Lord, sometimes I put on the right behavior, but having it flow from Your Spirit which motivates all parts of me is what You really want. Not that I have arrived, but I’m so thankful that You have shown me the difference as You persist in changing my heart. I will keep pressing on and looking forward to being like You when I see You face to face.