Walking the Talk

 

For three days God speaks to me about His supply being for each day, not the next day or next week, but “new every morning” so that I only carry the weight of each day. So what do I do? I spent much of the last two days stewing about a project that I must begin today. No ideas or thoughts of how to do it. Totally in the dark, until this morning.

Grace for the day. Hello. It is bad enough to worry about anything, but to totally ignore the answer to my worries as if the great thoughts God spelled out had nothing to do with them… really? I am totally red in the face. Today’s verses are like a kick in the pants:

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:9)
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Confession is agreeing with God. Confession is admitting guilt. Today, confession feels like a big apology, a DUH in large letters. But the most amazing thing is that before sitting down with my Bible and devotional book, the good Lord flooded my mind with all the ideas I need for the project that must begin today! Is that grace and mercy? I feel His boot, but it is also a big hug.

The Lord does give what I need one day at a time. Instead of trusting Him, instead of ‘walking the talk’ I totally ignored what He said and even prayed for answers, but He gave them when needed, just like His way of doing things.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23)

I’ve twenty minutes to get from this chair to a meeting room. I’d also worried about that, but He woke me up and got me going in time for that too, another new mercy. What can I say? God is good, even to foolish and forgetful people like me.

PRAY: Thank You, Jesus. Fill me up that I might never talk without walking too. Just knowing something is not complete until I also live out what You tell me.


 

Finding Rest. . .

Sunday is supposedly a day of rest. I’m thinking that it isn’t always. Some people must work or lose their job. Pastors and church leaders might be ‘resting on the inside’ but they are not idle. In our church with a massive crowd for brunch each week, the volunteers who prepare the food and those who set up, and those who clean up are busy working. We also have friends that see needs and their mantra is, “I’ve got to do something” regardless of the day.

Some time ago God used a word search to enrich this passage:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

There are two ‘burdens’ in these verses. The first is ‘heavy laden’ and the original Greek word refers to a large cargo that is by no means easy to carry. The second one is translated from a different Greek word and basically refers to the invoice that is attached to the cargo.

The contrast is evident; when Jesus wants me to do something, it will not wear me to the bone but be relatively easy. Why? Because when it is from Him and done in reliance upon Him, the Holy Spirit is involved and while my efforts may require muscle, they will not be wearisome. I will not feel like I’ve been carrying a big load.

Piper quotes Lamentations 3:22–23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Then he adds, “With every day’s measure of pain, he gives new mercies. . . .  God’s mercies are new every morning because each day has enough mercy in it only for that day. This is why we tend to despair when we think that we may have to bear tomorrow’s load on today’s resources. God wants us to know that we won’t. Today’s mercies are for today’s troubles. Tomorrow’s mercies are for tomorrow’s troubles.”

Isn’t that true? Instead of being concerned with today’s invoice, I can get overloaded with tomorrow’s to-do list. I can worry if I don’t know what to expect, or if I think my burden will weigh more than my time or energy can handle. It is easy to forget that Jesus isn’t into letting His people carry more than we can handle — like two day’s problems in one day, or tomorrow’s issues all night, both robbers of energy and forgetting the lessons from manna in the wilderness. (Exodus 16)

Jesus supplies what I need for today. This is not only a day of rest but a day of worship and fellowship with His family. He will fill my heart with joyful worship as long as I kick out plans for the afternoon, or what to have for supper, or what is on my calendar for Monday, or all next week’s responsibilities. He wants me to experience the delight of His faithfulness and new mercies on this day and entrust tomorrow and the future to Him, including the future of what is going on in this world, what is lacking, how many family members we have that have not yet said yes to Him, or anything else that piles a burden on my mind. Focus on Him is incredibly restful.

PRAY: Jesus, I get tired when I take on a burden that is not from You. Or when I try to deal with obligations that are not going to hit me until next week. Planning ahead isn’t wrong, but letting the future become a burden indicates I’m not listening to You and definitely not resting in You. Forgive me. This kind of thinking is fleshy and sinful. Today I come to learn from You and to rest — with just the invoice.

 

Hope in the Lord

We moved the last week of October, about four and a half months ago. I’m still waiting for a day that does not have some chores in it that do not involve “settling in” — not that these are big things. We did move furniture and have purged and carted away a lot of unneeded items. We hung a couple wall quilts yesterday. “Normal” is not in our vocabulary. Yet “grace” is.

We have items on the calendar that call for more than the usual, and surprises that pop up with a frequency that always seem to require more than what we have — more energy, more ideas, more of God’s supply, causing us to rely on Him more often and more deeply than ever. And this is a good thing. It shows the reality of these words:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Last night we prayed with another couple who has concerns for the spiritual life of their large family. This has been happening for about twenty years without seeing answers, but last night they read an email from one son who praised God for His provisions, and his parents for their faithful prayers. God’s timing might seem slow, but His steadfast love and mercy is great and He rewards those who hope in Him.

I only know a few who read these devotions yet realize many could be in the same situation — praying for years and not seeing answers. It is easy to give up, to go on to other things or to think that God is not listening or not ever going to do anything toward the prayed-for changes. My heart is saying ‘don’t give up.’ His timing is not our timing, but He hears our prayers.

This I also read with joy from Charnock’s book, “The Existence and Attributes of God”…

Since God is not only so good that he cannot will anything but what is good; so wise that he cannot err or mistake; but also so able that he cannot be defeated or mated; he hath every way a full ability to govern the world: where those three (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are infinite, the right and fitness resulting from thence is unquestionable and indeed, to deny God this active part of his power, is to render him weak, foolish, cruel, or all three.

The four of us who have been praying for this son and other family members agree that in those many years, God has definitely changed us. This is His goodness. We now pray for different things, less for the comfort and well-being of our family members and more that God will use all things to draw them into a deep relationship with Himself. We first prayed for things that would give us comfort and joy, but now pray more for God’s glory — because when He is glorified, the joy we receive is much greater than having any answers that suit our wishes.

PRAY: Lord, after sleeping in and looking at the demands of the day, how good of You to remind me again that Your love never ends and is new every morning. It does not depend on my performance, nor having check marks on my to-do list. It does not depend on answered prayer even though You do that more often than ever before. The joy You give is in You, in Your faithfulness and mercy. When it comes to that, none of Your goodness is earned or deserved, but by grace we are saved. . . .  and blessed. . . .  and blessed. . . .  and blessed. My heart overflows with praise and thanksgiving for all that You do, therefore I continue to hope in You.

Jesus is enough for each day. . . .

Piper starts today’s reading with two verses from a song:

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

I’m amazed at how often thoughts from devotional readings are preceded by an event that illustrates the truth or point that God makes. The theme of Piper’s reading is an explanation of how the “Father’s wise bestowment” is the amount of trouble that we can bear each day — and no more.

Last night I worked until midnight on a project that I’ve been asked to teach to a group of quilters. This part was almost mindless but planning the session loomed large in my mind. Normally, when I go to bed thinking about a challenge ahead of me, I cannot sleep. My mind is too busy trying to solve the thing. However, I went to sleep instantly and then dreamed how I could do that session. Amazing! The dream made perfect sense and not only that, I remembered all of it when waking up, feeling totally rested and refreshed. Then Piper’s devotional reading reminds me of this truth:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23)

I tend to think I will have to bear tomorrow’s burdens on today’s resources, but today’s mercies are for today. God will give me the wisdom and whatever I need for tomorrow’s challenges — and He did that in my sleep! How amazing!

Piper reminds me of the manna in the wilderness. His people were told to gather only enough for each day, with twice only on the day before their sabbath, a day of rest. In that vein, He gives strength for today’s challenges today, and gives what I need for the next day is given the next day, when I need it. “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Another issue bothering many is the future. North American politicians seem to be using our fears about tomorrow to mess with our minds and our sense of security. God gives me Psalm 2 and other passages to reassure me that He will give His people what they need, and He will also deal with unjust and ungodly rulers. Even so, this points to the future. It is good to focus on today’s needs rather than be like the pundits and media who speculate and try to fix such things that haven’t yet happened. I don’t know the future, not even the next hour, so being in a stew or a snit robs me of the energy God gave me for today.

PRAY: Jesus, trusting You means living in the right now. I need Your mercy and grace to handle today’s chore list and decisions — and You give me that and Your promise for renewal every morning. Thank You for Your great faithfulness. In a world where very little is certain, You are my anchor and all that I need will be supplied.

Eating to glorify God

Loving creativity has me on the Internet often looking for amazing ideas that others post in art, decor, quilts, and photography. With those searches, food menus and ideas for dieting also pop up. Many of them forbid certain foods saying they are not healthy. While this is true of what could be called ‘man-made junk’ it is not true of what is often called ‘real food’ because what might come from my garden is even held suspect by some ‘experts’ in the industry.

I never connected these no-no’s in food with false teachers until this morning when I read this:

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:1–5)

Actually, I have wondered about fish on Friday, and now wonder about no meat at all, or no dairy, or no whatever, and who gives that advice and where did those ideas come from. Allergies may be a factor, but doing some research is always a good idea.

For instance, the OT tells of Daniel being captured by Israel’s enemies and his refusal to eat the rich food and wine as the Babylonian king ate. His captors decided to test him with only vegetables and water for ten days. After that time, he was “better in appearance and fatter in flesh” than those who ate the king’s food. Some use this as reason to be vegetarians, however it seems more about the quality of the food than its type. A walk through a grocery store picking up only what would be available back then for Daniel would mean skipping canned, frozen and processed food, and eating fresh only.

Is that even possible? Here in the north, many fresh items are trucked from the south or not available. However, locally grown greenhouse veggies are becoming more available. I want to eat real food and also appreciate this promise from Jesus:

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:31–33)

The key to eating right has a spiritual component. Besides wanting to eat right, Jesus wants me to first seek how to live a righteous life. Then He will make sure that good food, created by Him, will always be available — and I will have enough clothing to wear. It is about making Him the priority of life and not worrying about the basics.

I know people who refuse to eat any vegetables. One calls them ‘rabbit food.’ Another will not eat anything that is ‘mushy’ but fills up on salty and sugary snacks. Obesity, diabetes, and other food-related problems are on the increase. While some think this stems from ignorance about food, or other reasons, who would point a finger at a failure to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness combined with the impetus to run our own lives? Or even connect this problem with a propensity to believe everything we hear that fits our ‘I wants’ — even diet plans that forbid much of the food we didn’t like anyway? Or didn’t want to prepare or cook? One commercial even tells me to take a pill instead of eating broccoli!

PRAY: Jesus, I can crave cookies and chips and all sorts of stuff that are not good for me. You care about my health and I am well aware that I need Your Spirit to enable me to pay attention to, and obey, what You say about all things, even food. So, whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, may I do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) You created me and You know what is best for me!

What about dreams?

My dream was about a grandchild and a decision she was making about her future. It woke me, sort of, and my mind seemed to make up the rest of the dream. The story line was perfect and her decision was wise. It was almost like praying rather than dreaming. When fully awake, I prayed for her spiritual life and growth.

The night before, my dream was about a family in trouble who shared with us their severe issues and asked for prayer. I woke and prayed about that too, but felt distress about both dreams. Is this me being anxious or is it God reminding me to pray? I’d not thought about either situation until after the dreams and after becoming fully awake.
Today’s reading began with:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34)

Then Piper writes this reminder: “Part of saving faith is the assurance that you will have faith tomorrow. Trusting Christ today includes trusting him to give you tomorrow’s trust when tomorrow comes. Often we feel today like our reservoir of strength is not going to last for another day. The fact is, it won’t. Today’s resources are for today, and part of those resources is the confidence that new resources will be given tomorrow.”

He goes on to say that each day God does not pile anything on His children that we cannot bear. This gives me assurance that He is in charge of even my dreams. The day before, I’d had enough to be concerned about and to pray for, so He put these two things in my mind during the night so I could pray about them before the next day started? Could be, yet Piper also quotes this:

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. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

I would only call the dreams a temptation if they put me in a mind to take matters into my own hands and not pray about them but try to ‘fix’ the problems myself. Writing that dream ending might fall into that category. When I prayed later, I confessed my desire to have my way and prayed instead that God's will be done. I’d like that grandchild to move closer — a selfish desire in that dream, and selfishness was reflected even in the other dream. At the same time, prayers for the people in the dreams, according to the will of God, was not neglected after I was awake.

A blessing came in the reminder that God gives provision of endurance each day. His Word says: “Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be.” (Deuteronomy 33:25) Those dreams assured me of one thing — I do not need to be anxious about today or tomorrow either. God will provide all needs.

Apart from the content, dreaming things that produce prayer helps me realize that anxieties can be hiding and I need to pray — rather than having them invade my sleep:

… The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5–7)

PRAY: Lord, Your promises to finish what You start apply to all Christians. Your perfect will is being done in their lives. If You want me to do anything toward their well-being, You will make that clear. Praying for them is already on that list. Giving them time, attention or whatever else comes to mind, is important. Guide me with Your clear Word and the Holy Spirit, and give me wisdom concerning dreams. In one verse You say that in the last days, Your people will dream dreams, but in another verse You warn about those who rely on their dreams. Don’t allow me to be side-tracked from hearing and doing Your will by anything, including dreams. Amen.

Wisdom from a child

 
My young 11-year old friend (emphasis on the old), says that God brings trials into our lives to teach us something. I marvel at the wisdom God gives this girl. I often find her statements coming to mind during life’s fearful events.

For instance, for the past couple of days, my hubby has not felt well. He has a chronic case of CLL, but current symptoms were not related to that. His temperature was up above normal and he complained about his digestive system. For a man who never complains, and because of our ages, this made me think about losing my spouse. It also had me thinking about the purpose of this trial. I knew that it could turn my heart to my own needs and have me selfishly anxious for what would happen to me if he slipped away.

God brought my buddy’s wisdom to mind and prompted me to trust Him and His will. Period. No matter what the future held. No matter what happened to this usually very healthy man. That was what He was teaching me — total trust. At that, the Lord’s peace came. Also, the fever went down, and hubby is feeling better.

Today’s reading is again about finding satisfaction in the Lord. Of course all of us who trust Him enjoy times of prosperity, health, and other blessings, but it is as John Piper writes: “None of us has arrived at perfect satisfaction in God.”

I can be concerned when trials come, but I also “grieve often over the murmuring of my heart at the loss of worldly comforts.” It is in tasting the Lord’s goodness during trials that brings a greater satisfaction. It is in being able to trust Him no matter what. It is being able to say, “Thy will be done” and mean it, even if His will involves loss, pain, and discomfort.

Job comes to mind. After the enemy was allowed to take from him all he had, including his children. . . .  

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. (Job 1:20–22)

This response is rare. In today’s world, even the most devout will cry out “WHY” when such things happen even to others, never mind themselves. However, many Christians know that “It is Well with my Soul” was written by a man who lost everything after the great fire in Chicago in 1871 then lost his daughters when the ship they were on sank. How could he even think all was well? Only by totally trusting the Lord.

Piper writes, “I have tasted that the Lord is good. By God’s grace I now know the fountain of everlasting joy, and so I love to spend my days luring people into joy…” because he wants them to be able to say with him:

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

And the psalmist adds the reason, for he (David) has also tasted and seen God’s goodness. . . . 

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. (Psalm 27:4–6)

PRAY: Jesus, You have shown me that even a child can understand the reason for trials — and how we need to seek You and welcome Your will to be done, in total trust that Your love is behind everything that happens to us, no matter what. I am a slow learner yet also very thankful that You said that one day the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord” and “a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6-9)

… without ceasing…

One question in our small group Bible study was, “What makes you feel most loved: when someone says they love you, or when they do actions that show love?” Most in the group said both. A few cited one of the love languages from a book on that topic.

I’ve since thought about it and notice that one way I feel loved is when I’m standing alone in a crowd and someone spots me, their eyes light up and they hurry over to talk.

Today’s reading is about being delighted in God and how nearness to Him is “the only all-satisfying experience of the universe.” In other words, when I see or sense Him, my eyes light up and I rush to talk with Him. “Pray without ceasing” is a reality with constant conversation about everything with Jesus. This is not to make God feel loved but has the reverse effect; it makes me feel loved!

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. (Psalm 63:1–2)

David prayed this way while he was in the wilderness. He was called a man after God’s own heart and that indicates the way we were created to be. I am at my created best when I am longing for God and seeking Him. This can include obeying all His commands, believing all His Word, thanking Him for all His gifts, yet the essence of loving God is enjoying all that He is, delighting in Him, especially when desolation surrounds and life is not comfortable.

This past week was filled with stresses. Strokes and heart attacks in folks too young for such unexpected events. Friends needing financial help, one because of an injury, another because of an accident and unexpected insurance problems, and several who needed help with expenses. Two families were moving, one involving a very pregnant mom who is having her baby today, and the other a young father with many responsibilities besides moving. He was remodeling the house with only a few days to make it livable. We could not physically chip in but everyone involved requested prayer support. My hubby visited a friend dying in hospice care in another city. We had a family pet in surgery and not too happy about it, plus two major celebration events. Add to that some decisions with actions involving our own home.

Each event in itself was bearable, but all happening in a few days felt like too much for people our age! However, the presence of our loving God gave us the attitude and stamina needed, and of course He talked with us.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

PRAY: Jesus, Your presence made the difference in all events and the choices we made. Naps became extremely appealing this week, yet somehow You kept helping us with stamina and choices to do otherwise — move now and nap later. Truly You renew the strength of those who wait upon You — and a huge part of that is also delighting in You and that marvel of constant conversation. My gratitude.

Faith in what I cannot see…

 

Every now and then God shows answers to prayer. Friends who were ill and we prayed for healing and it happened. Or a prayer for finances worked out. Or prayers for changed lives happened. Even my prayers for parking places have put me in a busy lot right in front of the store door. But these are exceptions not the norm.

Faith is the assurance of things not seen. When I pray for an unnamed pastor in a unnamed country using an app that receives such requests, I have no idea what God does in answer to that prayer. It could be yes, no, or wait. When I pray for politicians, or leaders in other realms, I may see things happen, but not be certain that is the answer to my prayer. God’s ways are mysterious.

Last week, I had a whim to look at a show home in another part of the city, wound up having lunch in a place we’d never visited, read a news story in that restaurant, looked it up on YouTube when we got home, sent the link to a young friend and he later emailed me to say that changed the direction of his life. When I told a Christian friend about this chain of events, she replied how often she longed to see the results of her actions, and her prayers.

However, we agree that faith is about trusting the Lord, whether we can see what He is doing or not. Today’s reading says our desire is not about seeing what the Lord does but about seeing Him.

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:1–2)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

Piper writes, “Nearness to God himself is the only all-satisfying experience of the universe” and that the psalmist wants to see the power and glory of God. Can that happen without seeing answers to all my prayers? Yes, it can. There are days when I am overwhelmed by simply reading His Word and realizing afresh the wonder of who He is and the nearness of His presence.

PRAY: Jesus, I desire that my mind is on You whenever it is free from the necessities of thought, that my emotions are elevated as I sense Your nearness and Your love, and that my will is fixed on Your will being done — whether I can see it happening or not. Based on the reality of faith, I can know that You are at work concerning all things that concern me because You say that You are in my life whether I can see it or not. Maybe eternity will reveal what is unseen or not, yet it will let me see You face to face, and that will be enough.

Loving the Giver

I became a Christian as an adult, yet am beginning to see how God used pre-faith events as lessons for the Christian life. My mom read the Bible every morning. I copied her and that carried over after Jesus changed my heart. She also trusted that whatever happened we “must need it” and that laid a foundation for trust. She also did one thing that was annoying at the time; she bought clothes for me that I didn’t like at all. They were not my style, not the colors that looked well on me, but I see now how that mirrors a biblical command. I’m told to love the Giver rather than make idols of the gifts. I loved my mom, even when she gave me that bright orange silk thing!

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

As today’s reading says, these are commands. While I am also told to “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2) it would be idolatry to call the gladness I get from them, my love for God. I could love my mom even if I didn’t care for the gifts. He showed me the distinction before He saved me.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:25–26)

Because I have a heart problem from childhood, this passage speaks also. The Lord is indeed the strength of my heart. I do appreciate pacemakers and cardiac specialists, but they are not my strength — the Lord is, and He taught me that before I knew this verse existed.

The Word of God teaches me that His gifts of health, wealth, and prosperity do not satisfy. I learned that before learning that only God satisfies. While I thank Him for all He does, I cannot call those gifts or the feelings they bring with more delight than my love for Him. As David said, “In your presence is fullness of joy, in your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11), I know that nearness to God is the only totally satisfying experience in my life.

PRAY: A friend just had a heart-attack and another friend’s son just had a stroke. They need prayer. Our day is filled with family plans needing prayer. My to-do list is still too long and I yearn for a day that does not involve “settling in” to this new house, a day that is just ‘normal’ and without a host of interruptions. All are needing prayer. But You, Jesus make such a difference. I can chat with You through all of it and enjoy the strength of heart that You provide, and the joy of knowing that no matter what happens, You have reasons for it. Thank You for showing me that I can love You as Giver even when the gifts are not ideal or comfortable. You hear and answer, and You are my portion forever!

The see-saw of pride and humility. . . .

  

Writers are taught to write what we know. Christians are taught to share in the same way. I cannot share a doctrinal truth if it is unknown to my heart or not practiced in my life. In other words, I must walk the talk. Today’s reading says my goal is to share with others in such a way that the glory of God has satisfied the longings of my own heart. If what I tell others betrays that God has not met my needs, my words would be dishonest, even deceitful. If I want people to believe me, Christ must be real to me when I tell them about Him.

Last week a group of my quilting friends became upset with political shenanigans. I suggested that when they went home, to get a Bible and read Psalm 2. If reading this did not bless and calm my heart concerning the current political scene, then I would have no right to tell them to read it and be calmed in their hearts. I must ‘practice what I preach’ and avoid saying, “I know we are supposed to do” such and such but not be doing it.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:1–12)

Telling others to do what I don’t do myself reveals fleshy and sinful motives. In the case of these religious leaders, they wanted to be seen, exalted by others, put on pedestals as if better than anyone else. Purely pride. But pride in me is not the way to glorify God. I know. I’ve been there, breaking my arm as I pat myself on the back.

What makes me sad is that others are sometimes reluctant to recognize human weakness that enables godly people to rely on Him. My sister once admitted her inability to a group of other Christians and they said to her, “Oh no, not you, Janet.” She didn’t know how to respond to that reaction to her admission of being unable and her desire to glorify the Lord. They saw her strengths but refused to recognize where they came from.

PRAY: Jesus, I know You were often in this awkward place. You equaled yourself with God yet also said You did only what He told You to do. That enraged those who merely talked but did not do what they told everyone else to do — and they eventually crucified You. I’m not nearly so solidly like You. Help me to not only be gracious to those who have a problem with honest admissions of weakness, but to always remember the truth of it — You are my everything and apart from You I can do nothing.

Delight in the Lord. . . .

 

Some years I’ve begun with a devotional guide that seemed promising but didn’t work for me. I have certain traits that are either addressed or encouraged by the author’s perspective. The one I picked for this year tends to encourage my tendency to be harsh about the sins of others instead of drawing me closer to Jesus. It required a lot of thought and rewriting to avoid that finger-pointing at others — instead of being convicted by the Holy Spirit and loving Jesus more and more. I don’t want to encourage any sinful attitudes.

So I switched today to “A Godward Life: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life” by John Piper. This book is not a calendar devotional but written in 120 chapters. This means reading parts of a chapter for 2-3 days and hopefully the Lord will use it to speak to my heart and deepen my relationship with Him.

Piper begins with saying, “God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him.” This is a wonderful spark of light, so true and such a great way to begin a day. I can read a good book, eat a sumptuous meal, make a prize-winning quilt, entertain a group of guests, enjoy a concert, and be satisfied in a great many other activities, but glorify God as much as being satisfied with Him.

For one thing, He always does His part. He listens, guides, answers prayer. My part is to talk to Him, listen and do what He says, and glorify Him in all things — for He is the one who makes it happen. I cannot boast when I pray and He surprises me with His responses. He does it all: prompts the prayer and then does the work — and gives the joy.

It is so easy to boast, but pride in my part does nothing to give Him glory nor satisfies me the same as the glory of who He is and what He is doing. He wants me to do my part, and even in the most ordinary things, I can glorify Him. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) all for His glory, not mine.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)

 The bread of life satisfies. No hunger. The water of life quenches thirst. No parched anything. He gives abundant life, even in trials that He uses for my good and His glory:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

Only the Lord can bring good out of what seems not good. Knowing that and remaining joyful in trials gives Him glory. Think of it: the most evil deed of putting the sinless Christ to death produced the greatest good offered to humanity! What could be a greater satisfaction than knowing the One who died that I might escape the penalty and power of sin? There is no greater glory for Jesus than being totally delighted in Him in a deep, love-filled relationship.

PRAY: Lord Jesus, I rejoice in You this day. Yes, there are black places, sorrows, and great challenges, but You are here with me, holding me close, and making me smile. You are my greatest joy!

Spiritual Blindness. . . .

 

In the early days of being a Christian, God showed me the reality of spiritual blindness. Someone told me that people are saved by doing good works. I had her read these verses aloud:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Then I asked her, “What do those verse say about how we are saved?” She replied, “By doing good works.” I did not expect that. It seemed so plain to me.

As the years went by, God showed me that unless the Holy Spirit reveals the truth about Him, sin keeps our minds from seeing it, never mind being interested in it or wanting to know it. The Christian life can be faked or imitated to some degree, but there is no change of heart and life without a genuine encounter with the living Lord Jesus Christ and enlightenment from His Spirit.

This morning I notice again the difference in the disciples when Jesus came to them, and when He gave them the Holy Spirit. Whether they saw it for themselves or believed without that physical encounter, they were never the same. They now understood Him and were empowered to serve Him:

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:19–31)

The last few lines tell readers that this message was to bring them to faith and new life in Christ. John knew that the Word of God-written would be powerful in bringing people to the Word of God-living. Some may need to see Jesus but even if they did, the Holy Spirit made the difference.

The person who read those two verses from Ephesians was blind to them because the Holy Spirit did not give her eyes to see, at least not then. She went away and I don’t know what happened to her after that. Perhaps the Spirit brought back the truth to her later. But I do know that without the Spirit’s power to open hearts, I would not believe either and be stuck in working for my salvation and even boasting about my efforts.
  
PRAY: Oh Jesus, sin has been the source of so many foolish choices and actions in my life. Anything good that I could ever do comes from You; Your ideas, Your heart, Your enablement. You give faith and light so I can trust You and so I can see Your ways and know who You are and what You do. Thank You for changing my heart and opening my eyes. You are an amazing Savior and my beloved Lord God.

A subtle lie. . . .

One person that I know well seems to believe in Jesus Christ and certainly tells everyone that he does. However, he does not believe that Jesus is God or that the Holy Spirit is a person. In not believing the trinity, he manages to live a moral life and strives to do all that Christians are supposed to do. However, there are some factors that do not fit.

For instance, he believes that Jesus died to give him the right and the power to earn his salvation. If totally obedient, he well survive the last judgment. He also believes that Jesus is ‘a god’ and that belonging to the ‘congregation’ that he belongs to is imperative. Only that group has any chance of eternal life with God.

There is more, but just this reveals another version of salvation by works which the gospel totally denies. However, the flesh likes this idea because our sinful nature does not want to admit total spiritual helplessness. The teaching of this group claims that they now have overcome that helplessness but without realizing that redemption is not and never will be a DIY project apart from faith in what God says about Christ and about our sinfulness.

They have also added things to the Bible and created their own version to fit what they believe. This is forbidden:

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32)
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5–6)
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, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18–19)

One glaring addition speaks of who Jesus is. The Bible calls Him the ‘logos’ or word of God:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

Their changed version says, “… the Word was a God” without realizing the original Greek language does not have an “a” in it. Also, to say Jesus was God made flesh (John 1:14) would deny their teaching and make them liars subject to judgment rather than witnesses of the truth.

Today’s reading points to the reality of what this amazing trinity does to save sinners:

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, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3–14)

PRAY: Lord Jesus, You are full of grace and truth, and Your identity is clear — yet revealed and not even clearly understood even by those who believe it. Even so, faith says and believes what You say even if we do not fully understand. I cannot deny or change the words You use to describe who You are, only trust You and know that I could never do what You have done for me and for all who have new life because of who You are and Your great grace toward us. Amen.

Grace undeserved

 

One of our friends struggles with the sovereignty of God when it comes to the evil in the world. He might say that God ‘allows evil’ but does not cause it to happen. He would also say that we are not puppets and what we do requires us to make decisions and act on them. It is sinful man that causes evil, not God.

Logically speaking, that could make humans sovereign over God, which makes mockery of His power. Several verses quote the Lord saying things like this: “I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7) What if God, like a parent, allows His children to go their own way to teach us the folly of it? Caution is also needed here for the Bible also says:

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:13–17)

“Calamity” is about an unfortunate event or a period of ruin. It points to the deserved punishment of wicked people but the righteous can also suffer such events. The prophets continually warned apostate Israel that calamity would happen to them because of their disobedience.

The last time our friend brought this up, he asked how God could be blamed for the evils done in the holocaust. He was almost in tears at the thought that the God he loves would do such a thing. At the time, I had nothing to say, but later thought about this and wondered what would happen if all of us got what we deserve? I’m not judging those who died, only saying that all fall short and do not deserve mercy.

Apart from grace, there is no leniency for sin. Apart from Jesus taking my punishment, I would have to suffer the consequences myself. In this life, the consequences could be shame, losses of many kinds, and calamities as the result of my own foolish choices. But because of Jesus, and because of grace and faith in Him, God spares me from eternal damnation (not necessarily from calamities). . . .  

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17–21)

Could anything be more gracious? Instead of a shameful death, Jesus took that on Himself and suffered that I could be reconciled to God. I didn’t do anything to earn or deserve that, but shudder to think that many in this world say no to Jesus Christ and thus will bear whatever their sin warrants.

All this tells me that Jesus Christ is Lord over all people upon this earth. He is Lord over the righteous and the wicked, the living and the dead, the believing and the unbelieving Believers recognize, acknowledge and surrender to His lordship. Unbelievers deny it and rebel against it. But He is nonetheless Lord and His purposed will be accomplished.always and in all things.

PRAY: Lord, sometimes we ask the wrong questions. Instead of “Why did You save me?” It ought to be “Why do You save anyone?” Instead of “why did such calamity happen to them” it should be “What if we all got what we deserve?” You are God and You make those decisions. The ‘why’ of them is beyond my understanding. I do not deserve your grace, only wrath and certainly  calamity. It is only because of You that I’ve been allowed the grace of an abundant life and the incredible certainty of eternal life.

God laughs, sometimes at what makes us cry. . . .

Yesterday an amazing thing happened. I meet once a month with six other women who share my interest in quilting. Our conversation is almost all about creativity sprinkled with personal events and stories. Three of us are Christians but rarely is anything ever said about God. For that reason, I prayed on the way to our meeting place that the Holy Spirit would give me something to say that would honor Him.

The usual conversation was about creativity. No whispers from the Holy Spirit and toward the time to go home, I was feeling a bit disappointed. However, the latest news threw politics into the conversation. Some of the women were becoming emotional.

At that, I told them about a comedy routine someone sent to me about Silent Letter Day. One of them loaded it on her phone and we were all laughing so much that we couldn’t hear all of it.

Then the conversation on politics lingered. I told them that when the news bothered me, I read Psalm 2 and urged them to dig out a Bible and read it when then went home. At that, the hostess got up and came back with a Bible and read it — aloud! This is what it says:

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:1–12)

The group relaxed. I was astonished. God answered my prayer way beyond my expectations. All I could say was that God is the only one that can take bad events and use them for good, mentioning one good thing coming as a result of what seems like a foolish and dangerous political decision. The now relaxed women began talking about their hope for good things in the future.

Later in the day, it came to my attention that the worst of that bad news was just that — a political folly planned to prevent an even worse event. True or not remains to be seen, but I can glorify God for the way He introduced a different way to think to a group of people upset over the nonsense they hear about on the news. God has a plan and He laughs at the plans of so-called world leaders.

PRAY: You are on the throne, Jesus. Thank You for making that clear. Thank You that You know how to best present Yourself to those who seldom think of Your power and ability to bring justice to a world that seems to be invincible. You are Lord of all!

Loving One Another

Today is a Bible study more than a devotion because God wants sme to read the “one another” Bible passages. This is a summary of most verses without references, only the major ones. God speaks to my heart. . . . 

NO ARROGANT JUDGING or COMPETITION. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight… Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand… Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother… learn not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another... do not classify or compare ourselves with some who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding… Don’t boast of work already done in another’s area of influence… Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another… 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… Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged… See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone… that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. (Romans 2:1)

LOVING ATTITUDE/ACTIONS. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor… Owe no one anything, except to love each other… Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats… Greet one another with a holy kiss… To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?… when you come together to eat, wait for one another… you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another… greet one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart… purify your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart… Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins… Show hospitality to one another without grumbling… As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace… Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11)

UNITY. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus… Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you… Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Romans 12:5)

TEACH/EXHORT. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom… exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin… let us consider how to 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… Therefore encourage one another with these words.

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)

FORGIVENESS/PATIENCE. With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love… submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ… Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices… 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… confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

PRAY: You want me to love others like You do and drop any God-playing judgment of others in Your family. You have loved them as You love me. Fill my heart to do the same. Amen.

Why me? Why anyone?

 

God saves sinners by grace through the merits of a Substitute, but why? As a friend says, we are saved in a moment, then spend the rest of our lives trying to figure out what happened — or why it happened.

God had no mercy upon the angels that fell. Many of His chosen were destroyed in the holocaust. Not everyone we share Christ with accepts Him. Why is God gracious to me? I did nothing nor have anything in myself that deserves it, only that the Bible says “He has mercy on whom he will have mercy.” Otherwise we would die in our sin.

He saved and changed me so I would bless Him. Some say that word can mean “be well spoken of” so to bless God is about praise. I cannot add anything to His majesty but I can speak well of Him and totally trust Him, believing all that He says. I can also make the wonder of who He is known to others. Yet this does not answer the question “why me?”

Scripture gives no reason. The OT says this of His choice for Israel:

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:8)
It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. . . . (Deuteronomy 7:7–10)

The Nt tells of His blessings in Ephesians 1:3–14, but is silent about the ‘why’ of His choices only this:

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:26–29)

God only says His reasoning is not about my merit, but about His will — and He does not explain that!

What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?”
But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory — even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? (Romans 9:14–24)

PRAY: I cannot answer my question, but I can say with the psalmist, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes. . . .” (Psalm 8:1–9) I can praise You, knowing that Your way is gracious and Your choices fit the wonder of who You are — much more than mere mortals can fully understand. For that, I can repeat, O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Being in listening mode. . . .

We took my dad for a hearing test. Mom said to the doctor, “Sometimes I say something and he seems to not have heard what I said.” Dad turned to the doctor with a twinkle in his eye and said, “Don’t you do that to your wife too?”

We chuckle at that, but there are times when spouses want to use a brick to the head when ignored, especially if the communication is vital.

It works concerning the voice of God as well. He says, “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:18) and “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) But the question is if hearing the Word produces faith, how come not everyone who hears it is saved?

John Piper and many others would say that God’s ‘brick to the head’ is the gift of faith given through grace. He imparts new life and in that instant the ability to hear is also given.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 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— 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. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:1–10)

While these verses only imply the way grace provides both faith and the saving knowledge of Christ, this idea of both being given at the same time explains why many theologians say that the gospel message given to us from God is irresistible. We not only hear it but are given ears to hear at the same time.

The downside is like my dad’s joking remark to the doctor — that those to whom God speaks can be in a ‘I’m not listening’ mode. Pharaoh prior to the Exodus was like that. The Bible says he hardened his heart, a very similar description of someone who refuses to listen. I do it when someone says something I don’t want to hear. It could be bad language, a coarse joke, or even a request that I’ve no intention of answering. It might go around inside my head, but without a response, whoever spoke might as well not have said it.

If I do that with God, my spiritual life takes a nosedive into deafness and even darkness. Because Jesus promised to save me from sin, He will take measures to turn on the lights and turn up the volume. He has ways of communicating that do not involve words, such as circumstances or the actions of others. As He ‘speaks’ through whatever communication method He chooses, He makes me realize that my bad attitude is no joke. If I don’t listen to Him, I will listen to my own ideas, or the world’s ways, or the devil’s lies. It does not take long to experience the folly of being deaf to God.

Faith does come by hearing. The more I listen, the more my response to life and its quirks and foibles is trusting God with everything. Besides, unlike the noisy chatter that might be happening all around me, God never says anything useless or inane. His words are life-giving, inspiring, helpful, and a great blessing.

Some families play “I spy God” and share what they see Him doing. Another interesting activity is “I hear God” and sharing what He is saying to us, including what He is asking us to do!

PRAY: Jesus, as I meet with prayer partners today, remind me to share with them the answers to both questions and ask them to do the same. We are learning to be better listeners and also excited to hear You speak to us. Thank You.

God Communicates

When we moved into this new home, one large piece of furniture would not fit. Where we put it was functional but awkward. I began praying for a solution. Then, last week while visiting our son, he was excited about a small addition to his new home. It didn’t register then, but a day or so later, I woke up praying again about my dilemma and the Lord put two and two together. I was awake and saying “Yes, that’s it!” This woke my hubby and we spent yesterday moving furniture. The dramatic change was celebrated with apple pie and ice cream.

We knew this idea was an answer to prayer. Our son’s actions were part of it, but he had no idea that he was so helpful. What happened is another example of the power of God to communicate answers to prayer in surprising ways.

This is a small example. A bigger one is how He is working in parts of the world where Christianity is a crime and becoming one leads to severe persecution, even death. Those who are free to do so are praying for salvation for those people groups. But how can they be saved if they cannot hear the gospel? Some verses seem to say this is not possible. . . .  

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; (1 Peter 1:22–23)
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

Skeptics often ask the same question; what about those who never hear or who cannot read a Bible? God blessed me and my hubby with a clue. We talked with a woman who came from one of those ‘closed’ countries. She told about her family being in the living area of their home one morning. Her father was upstairs. She said when he came down, they knew something had happened. He was glowing, his face shining in great peace. He had experienced an encounter with Jesus Christ, prior unknown to him, and he was transformed. Now a Christian, he took his family out of their home. They fled to a safer country, all becoming believers in Jesus — without a Bible or a sermon.

Since then, we have heard many stories like that. It gives no excuse not to preach or share the gospel, but it does assure us that God is able to reach anyone with truth about Jesus and redemption, with or without us. Some might argue that this cannot be a ‘real salvation’ yet changed lives and a deep love for Jesus say otherwise.

Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit saying, “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8) In my first encounter with Jesus, I did not physically see Him, yet I knew He was with me. Others testify to seeing Him, even being hugged by Him. Dare we limit God to what He can do to reach sinners?

Not only that, the NT church did not have the NT! They eventually had Paul’s letters, but none of them were written declaring the gospel until later.

Faith came by hearing — and anyone who knows Christ knows that the Holy Spirit is capable of speaking to the human heart. He convicts of sin, speaks of righteousness, and warns us when we forget or err in what we do. God even speaks of sending His Word to do His will:

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. (Isaiah 55:11)

Again, this is not license to sit back silent and merely pray for the lost, but it is assurance that no one who is chosen by Jesus will be lost. Another truth is also illustrated: when the Spirit speaks to me, I must listen. I have the Word to make sure what I am hearing is written by God also, yet Isaiah tells me that obedience is part of His success in His will being accomplished by those who hear Him.

PRAY: Jesus, Your great power to make Yourself heard makes my ability to listen and obey a partnership with what You are doing. I’m deeply humbled yet must never be speechless. You are the Savior and this is what You want me to say, loudly and joyfully, and deeply in awe. Yet I know that You have the power to speak in other ways besides using my mouth.

 

Testing what I hear

 

Someone I know is so in tune with spiritual matters that she senses the spiritual status of people around her. For her, this is so distressing that she avoids crowds because those who reject Christ have a strong effect on her emotions. She is also discerning with all media, so their television set is often turned off. I’m uncertain how this happens but know that God calls all His people to be discerning. He says:

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 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 4:1–3)

Normally these verses are applied to sects that try to imitate Christianity. They will not acknowledge that Jesus is the Lord who came in the flesh to die for our sin, nor will they fully acknowledge their sin and need of His grace. However, this sort of deception also creeps into churches. Some may attend yet err in their understanding of His identity and of the way of salvation. They may claim to follow Christ but cannot spot errors. Christians are told to test all spirits and be wary of what they teach because some are religious but actually not for Christ but are anti-Christ. 

This attitude is described as one person in the following long passage. It also describes the power behind the subtle lies that can deceive even genuine believers for a little while:

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.
But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:1–17)

Not everyone is gifted in discernment, but our protection from false teaching is secured in the Lord Jesus Christ. He works through His Word to help His people stand firm and recognize lies. The key is to read the Bible and keep short accounts with God so we can hear Him clearly. This long passage is a warning but also an assurance. I was chosen to glorify Christ, not to make up anything that suits what appeals to my flesh. Not only that, the One who called me also promises to keep me.

PRAY: While some of this seems complicated, Jesus I know that You are quick to impress my heart when someone teaches a lie that is against You. I might not have an immediate answer for them, but know that I can find truth in Your Word. I’m so glad to have the Bible and access to it, and to have the Holy Spirit who helps me recognize solid Christian teaching. I’m also thankful that You persist in feeding me truth to keep me trusting You — rather than anyone or anything else. Thank You, Jesus.

A clear focus

 

A former pastor impressed me with this: Some Christians become so focused on one truth about God and Christianity that their understanding becomes like looking at something with a magnifying glass, everything else around the edges becomes distorted and blurry.

I’ve noticed this with those who have strong spiritual gifts. A gifted server thinks everyone should be doing practical things. A person with a generous heart stresses sacrificial giving. An evangelist thinks all Christians should focus on soul-winning.

As for the latter, Jesus did say, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15–16) He also said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

Paul was focused too. Even though his particular concern was winning souls, he added instruction about how to do it:

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:30–2:5)

Paul also explained that other things needed to be done. The body consists of various gifted people who do various different things. For instance:

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:4–8)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 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, 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. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 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. (Ephesians 4:11–16)

I’m not behind a pulpit or in a social position that offers many opportunities to ‘preach’ or share the gospel. God gave me a computer and told me to share His truths with others, truths that He teaches me every day. Part of His desire for my life is to gather from Him and share with others, and another focus is prayer, particularly for His truth to be lived out in the people on my prayer list.

Others share Him in varying ways, including (but not limited to) full-time missionary work. This goal of winning souls is important, but also I’m to be growing in love for God and for others in ways that glorify Jesus Christ. The work of the Body of Christ is not limited to telling. We are to take care of the needy, be peacemakers, love our enemies and “let our light shine so others will see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

While it is not wrong to focus, it is not biblical to tell others they must post their devotions in a daily blog, or be a missionary and go to Africa, or feed the homeless, or “be like me.” Instead, we are called to be like Jesus — who took His orders from His Father through the Holy Spirit.

PRAY: Jesus, it is such a delight watching You bring great unity from great diversity. Our hearts are united in wanting souls saved, but also in loving You. More and more You work in us to love one another and listen to Your voice as You guide our lives. To focus only on one part of what it means to be a Christian would side-track me from hearing You and knowing what to do when challenged by things that so easily become blurry around the edges.