Is Jesus coming soon?

Many Christian friends have said that the situations in the world indicate that Jesus will soon return. They point to wars and earthquakes as signs of that event. However, in reading Luke’s gospel this morning, there are some signs that have not yet happened, convincing me that we really have no idea when our Lord will return. Speculation and signs aside, it seems to me that my concentration should be on what I do know. For instance, Jesus pointed to the religious people of His day and their arrogant pride:

And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Luke 20:45–47)

By this, I recognize an ego problem that can pop up in my own heart. I like to be honored. It happened all day yesterday at a quilter’s retreat where I was put on a pedestal and treated like the ‘star of the show.’ It felt good, partly because of great fatigue and concern for our granddaughter (who is having two more surgeries today) but also that constant attack from Satan and the flesh that tells me I am worthless. Thinking about and being what Jesus wants is more important than trying to predict when He will show up, especially since He said no one will know.

The next verses emphasize another attitude related to humility, rather than arrogance and pride:

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1–4)

She gave out of her poverty, not out of her skills, talents, or popularity. Feeling like the ‘star of the show’ had nothing to do with her generosity. It was there, regardless of what the other people thought of her. This tells me to watch my attitude when people try to put me in a place of honor for what I do, rather than Jesus being pleased with me for loving obedience even when I have very little to give.

After this, Jesus tells of when He will return. The sequence includes what many think are signs, but He includes something that is not happening yet, at least not in our part of the world: 

He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness…  You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake." (Luke 21:10–19)
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. (Luke 21:20)
And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:25–28)

Mixed in with this outline, Jesus tells me how to think. This suggests I’ve time to practice and to deepen my faith. He says:

Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict… But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.

PRAY: Jesus, I realize how often I think about “what should I say” ahead of time, and how easily my endurance is more like impatience, or how quickly I fall apart with life hands me severities, like this past week of nearly losing a beloved family member. Being ready for Your return requires much more than trying to ascertain when that will happen. I’m trusting You to work in my heart so I am truly what You want me to be when You arrive! 


 

My country is. . . .

A friend here from another country is seeking permanent resident status. National laws and red tape make the process slow and cumbersome. A few urge her to be aggressive and put more pressure on various agencies to get her citizenship status changed, but she is not going to do that. As a Christian, she knows that no matter what happens here, her true citizenship is not on this earth. 

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:18–21)

Many biblical passages affirm that those who are in the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus Christ are not of this world. However, this does not mean we can ignore the responsibility of living here. Our friend has a job. She takes serious the work she is given even though her abilities are not used to the full. She would not dream of abusing the privileges or freedoms she has. 

While those born in this country might resent those who come here a refugees, most of the refugees we know are hard-working and thankful people. They are doing what God charged His people to do when they were exiled to Babylon. In that OT narrative, and contrary to what they might have expected, God told them:

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. (Jeremiah 29:4–7)

For those who realize their true citizenship is in heaven, and even though we will inherit the earth when it is made new in the kingdom (Revelation 21:1), nevertheless in a profound sense this world is not our home. The Bible says that when we are away from our bodies we will be “at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). For that reason, we are not to be conformed to this world in our attitudes and lifestyle. Our lives “are hid with Christ in God” and we have been “rescued … from the domain of darkness and transferred … to the kingdom of his beloved Son” and have “passed out of death and into life.” Clearly, we are exiles and strangers here, and here to bring glory to the God who has adopted us as His people.

Reading the Bible shows me what that means. I’m to love God and my neighbor, do to others in the way I want to be treated, honor the Lord, respect those in authority over me, and obey all that the Lord says. Being “in this world, but not of this world” is not always easy for the ways of God are not the same as human or worldly ways. This is why our friend is not fighting for any “human rights” — she knows the privilege of being a citizen of a far greater realm than this one.

PRAY: Lord, I am thankful that my status is not mere ‘pie in the sky’ but being an ambassador in this foreign land as a citizen of Your kingdom. I represent heaven on earth, an amazing status and a great responsibility. How I need Your grace and enabling to be what You have called me to be, and serve You instead of bowing to all that this world offers. 

Assurance of Being God’s child

The first thing I read after opening my online Bible was, ‘How can I know I’m a Christian?” My first thought was, “If you don’t know, you likely aren’t.”

Most people know what they believe. Yes, there are worry warts, and Satan lies to us with whispered thoughts such as, “Look what you did. How can you be a Christian?” And others will point to our weaknesses with the same question, but God says this:

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, (John 1:12)

The Word of God says it. Those who know what it says either believe it or not. However, if a Christian is not reading the Word, assurance will likely go missing. This indicates a better question could be, “If I am a Christian, why am I not reading this book from God?”

He does tell His people to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22) This indicates another question: Am I convinced of sin and confessing those things that bother my conscience? If not, then true faith could be missing.

Being a Christian involves putting my faith in Jesus Christ. What then is faith? God says:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith is that inner ‘I just know’ that this Word of God is true. I was not at Calvary, but I know that Jesus died. I did not see the empty tomb, but I just know that it is empty and that Jesus is alive. I also have assurance, based on the promises of God, that Jesus died for my sin and all are forgiven. It is an inner thing, not based on present performance or the swarm of doubts that come when the God who is good allows me to suffer. It is based on what Jesus did, not what I do.

Perhaps that is the biggest test: what do I base ‘being a Christian’ on? What I do, or what God has done?

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)

Am I His workmanship (verse 10) or am I looking at my lack of works and thinking I am not good enough? No one is ‘good enough’ otherwise Jesus would not have needed to die.

One more question: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:14–15) If that fear of death is overwhelming, it may be that way because there is no assurance that Jesus conquered it.

And that assurance is not an outward thing but comes from the Holy Spirit. If He lives in me, He tells me who I am:

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:15–17)

Personal sin, Satan’s lies, and suffering can take eyes and hearts off what God has done and rob His children of their assurance of being His children, but the salvation of God is more powerful than all three of those negative S’s. If the human  heart is not responding to His Spirit, then it is vital to get down on those knees and talk to the Lord.

PRAY: Jesus, I’ve no idea how many are duped into thinking they are believers but are not, or how many are believers but without assurance. You know how to right all errors and bring doubters to the truth. Today I pray for those whose assurance or lack of it is messing with their minds. May they hear and know truth and be set free from crippling doubts.

Update: Our granddaughter is home. She is cheerful and clear-headed, but looks like a train hit her. Black eyes, bruises all over, a smashed foot, broken arm and broken kneecap that looks terrible, but she is joyful and thankful to be alive, spared, and in many prayers.

Heavy Burdens?

 

Tuesday — a day of fatigue. I can blame staying up too late last night but hoped a Blue Jay win would perk me up. Finally, I went to bed long before the tie-breaking home run by the Dodgers. 

This morning, God reminded me that weariness happens because of the energy it takes to stay connected to needy people. Our granddaughter made it to Canada, was not allowed to fly to our city and sent to a nearby hospital on the west coast. Today, she is released to fly and trying to get a ticket, last we knew. This five days of long-distance care has drained my emotional resources, was lifted on Sunday by the music and message, and two surprising and wonderful answers to prayer. But I am still tired. 

Relationships are complex and I long for the day when all brokenness, whether hearts or bones, gives way to perfection. I also look forward to an eternity of no more grudges or complaining, hard-heartedness or fragile-hearts, hurt feelings or bullying, broken communication, innuendo or bravado or anything that hides the beauty of Jesus, the One who calls the weary and heavy laden to come to Him for rest:

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)

I note this says “souls” and not “bodies” and know that watching sports doesn’t give that physical rest either. Instead, this is rest for the weariness of trying to carry the things that burden me, rest that only Jesus can give — for He isn’t into giving me a load too heavy and that I have to carry myself.
These days of deep concern for our GD bring words like, “God bless you” yet we Christians tend to interpret that to mean comfort and no problems. The Lord’s definition of blessing is not always about the perks of living…

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1–2)
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. (Romans 4:7–8)

One writer says he is blessed: “whether I live in a penthouse or an outhouse, drive a BMW or pedal a bicycle, feast on caviar or munch on a crust of bread, have a retirement fund or live from paycheck to paycheck, wear updated fashion or hand-me-downs…” There is no greater state of blessedness than simply to be in Christ, and to know that He is looking out for me. 

That said, I’m not to use what I have been blessed with for my own glory. It is not wrong to be on the comfortable side of things, but to fix my trust and reliance on them is to rob God of His due. He is my Creator, Lord of all, supreme over all things, even the discomforts and trials of life. To make personal comfort my sole goal is idolatry. Complaining is evidence of that sinful goal, also evidence that I think my ideas and desires are more worthy than His. Shame on me. He sends me to bed when I’m tired, but I still try to run my own life. This can show up in prayer by my impatience, and my telling Him what to do rather than surrendering to His will. If I limit Him that way, I would miss all His awesome surprises.

PRAY: I notice that fatigue can easily send me away from You and also into self-pity, which is another way of mocking Your goodness, as if You do not care. The gospel is always the answer to this and other foolishness. You died for me that I might live. Whatever else happens is part of Your good plan to transform me into Your image. All my complaining only slows the process and robs You of glory. So I come to You for rest from my anxieties and ask clarification concerning “light burdens” because You do ask me to be yoked with You.

Love in action?

 

This morning I’m thinking to purge some of the extra stuff we have but don’t use. Jesus makes me wonder why we keep such things? Will we need it in the future and regret getting rid of it now? Who do I trust to supply all my needs? And certainly there are others who need what we have and don’t use. These passages are what Jesus says to me on this matter of possessions:

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. . . . But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. . . .  Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Luke 12:13-56)

Since the line, “be on your guard against all covetousness” jumped out at me, I checked the meaning of covetousness. One Bible definition says, “a strong desire after the possession of worldly things and it assumes sometimes the more aggravated form of avarice, which is the mark of cold-hearted worldliness.”

AI says it this way: Covetousness is a sin of desiring what belongs to another, which is forbidden in the Ten Commandments and equated with idolatry and root sin. It stems from a lack of contentment and can lead to other sins like theft, lust, and violence. To overcome covetousness, the Bible encourages gratitude, patience, contentment with one's possessions, and a focus on spiritual wealth over material wealth.” 

Not wishing to beat up on myself, I still want to take this to heart. If I don’t need what I have, that could very well mean that God wants someone else to have it. In oblivious ignorance, those books, or dishes, or clothes in my closet belong to someone else and I’m hanging on to them without consideration for their need. It is not that I am discontent and want more stuff, but that I am too content to deal with the stuff someone else might need. 

Caring for others means being willing to give what I can. One of the issues is not caring enough to take the time to do it. Sometimes a mediator helps, like the Salvation Army, or thrift stores, and a place in our city called FIND that is near the university and a big blessing to loan-poor students. Yet I still need to get it to them.

Another definition says that no one can be covetous and thankful at the same time, as this sin kills contentment, joy, and peace. With that, I can say I don’t want what others have and my problem is not that, yet at the same time, God says not to be so content that I forget about those who struggle to even keep warm or have enough to eat.

PRAY: Jesus, our granddaughter is flying home and will be in a wheelchair for some time. She needs our care and time. A widow next door is struggling to downsize and move into a smaller home. Our city has a large homeless population. I have stuff that others might need. Give me wisdom and the generosity of heart to get at it. And forgive my excuse-making and lack of action. 

Note: Airline gets GD into Canada from SE Asia, but stopped her at the coast deciding she is not fit to travel farther. She was taken by ambulance to a hospital nearby and is being assessed there. Prayer please.

 

Sitting at His Feet

Yesterday was a tough day with my mind so distracted from all else but the situation with our granddaughter. Today, she will be on her way home in an airline happy to lend her a wheelchair. She will be alone — except the Lord who is always with those who suffer. For His care and presence I am so grateful. This morning He takes me to this truth, adding to my reasons to be thankful for Him:

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Luke 10:21–24)

I’ve been feeling like a little child, helpless and having difficulty with the most simple of chores, yet Jesus says I am among His privileged people. He opened my eyes to know who He is and who the Father is, and that makes me blessed. Earlier His disciples were excited about their ability to cast out demons, and Jesus said to them this authority was His doing, yet, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) 

This adds to the ‘being blessed’ list and reminds me that being a child of God is far more important than any powerful gifts or other privileges that I might have. Sometimes I feel that my service to God is very minimal but again He reminds me of the most important thing:

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42)

Sitting at Jesus feet and listening to Him is the “good” portion? We humans get so focused on visible service, even notches in our belt, yet Jesus says the most important thing is seeking His will, hearing His thoughts. The sandwiches may need to be made, but not before hearing His voice, even if it is just to know whether they should be egg salad or roast beef. He will guide me into excellence in every detail of life.

PRAY: Lord, I have been anxious to the point of feeling sick, but one thing is clear; whatever else jumps into my to-do list, first is spending time with You to make sure I know what You want before I go to the kitchen, or even before pushing a wheelchair. The needs around me, including this family crisis, are more than I can handle. I’m not asking for a few Marthas to help me, but for You to fill my heart with Your will and Your guidance, and the ability to rejoice in what You have already done — especially to include me in Your family.

Freedom from distractions…

Yesterday and today are best described by the word distractions. A distraction is anything that diverts my attention. Sometimes it is offering recreation or entertainment, like one evening this week I watched old comedy clips from Carol Burnett because laughter felt very good. 

But diversion is not always fun. It can be an agitated mental state from bad news. Before I got up yesterday my hubby told me an email arrived from our granddaughter who has been teaching in another country. She fell and broke her ankle and kneecap, has had surgery on the ankle with pins, and is searching for tickets to come home.

I cannot think of much else. Praying, yes, but distracted by more email and more information and knowing she will arrive in a couple days and need more medical attention and lots of time to heal.

This word is used only once in the NT but distraction is an extension of other words that mean a state of concern, anxiety, burden, daily pressure, troubled. . . .  

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42)

In my situation, the distraction could be like the straw that broke the camel’s back — just another stress in an already too busy life. But not so. I’m feeling her pain, wanting to encourage her and help, etc. The distraction is not concern for me but for her. She lived with us, promised one day to push my wheelchair to repay me, and now we will likely be pushing hers, or at least involved in getting her to where she needs to go. 

As for the stress, Jesus offered Martha the solution to her distraction. “Sit with me. Listen to me. Don’t be troubled by all that needs to happen…” He is right and I need to do what He says.

This next passage is about anxiety with principles when I’m anxious for others:

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life. . . . For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?. . . .  Do not be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. (Luke 12:22–31)

As well as taking care of physical needs, God cares about spiritual well-being, and I know that He can use this for good in her life. He knows what she needs in her heart and attitude, more than pins and plaster and 24/7 care for a short while, but a long-term trust in Him for all things. He is able to meet physical needs and encourage her to keep her thoughts on His promises as she mends. 

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)

This is for me and for her. God is with us. We can ask for what is needed, but also be thankful and experience peace — and for both of us, a focused mind.

PRAY: Jesus, this burden is Your burden too. You ask us to cast all our cares onto You — which shows Your willingness to carry them for us. Yet to do that, we need to let You distract both of us from all anxieties, my concerns and our dear granddaughter from her pain and worries. Enable us to just sit at Your feet and hear You speak.

What if God’s will is the short stick?

This morning I’m reading about the sin of envy and how envying others who enjoy their blessings is actually determining that God has no right to dispose of His own goods in whatever way He wishes. The writer says envy is a “mental theft” of God's decisions that makes personal desires more important than His will. This implies the opposite of what Jesus did:

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped… (Philippians 2:5–6)

Envy says that God is not ruling His goods the way I think He should and I should have as much right to His favors as anyone else. This denies that all creation belongs to Him and suggests He is unjust or unwise in His decisions. But God says, 

I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them. And I will make myself known among them, when I judge you. And you shall know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 35:11–12)

Satan’s sin was this attitude to be better than God. The sin of envy in the first man was an envy of God’s prerogative in knowledge and wanting more than what God had given. Cain envied Abel’s sacrifice before his, denying God his right to choose what was acceptable. Then he denied God’s right of propriety and usurped His power over the life and being of his brother, which solely belonged to God. Envy is rooted in not accepting God’s choices.

But what if I am the object of envy rather than the one who envies? What if others see God's blessing in my life and envy it, then treat me as unworthy of such blessing (which is true)? 

In the NT, the disciples were selected by divine wisdom, not anything they earned or deserved. Most of them were persecuted by some who envied their position and activities. Jesus was also envied by the religious leaders of His day. 

So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.” (John 12:19)
For (Pilate) perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.(Mark 15:10) 

Pilate figured it out and did what the angry leaders wanted. He had Jesus put to death.

I’m not experiencing this kind of envy but the kind that makes some people put on masks or a layer that shuts me out of their lives with a falseness than ruins true fellowship. Their envy makes me an enemy?

Looking to Jesus, He did three things: One, He called it like He saw it. I cannot because those who envy are hiding it behind a ‘not a real me’ mask. Because of that, they might not see their problem as envy. Besides, I do not hear Jesus telling me to do that.

Two, He spent time with others who really needed Him… “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) He didn’t spend quality time with those who wanted the power and popularity that He had.

Three, He did not let their behavior affect His. Instead, He obeyed the leading of His Father, spending time in prayer seeking His will, not concerned with false reactions to His words or His successes. God blessed Him because Jesus was focused: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34) 

I cannot force people to do what I want. Instead, my focus needs to be on doing what God wants. Blessing or not. Living with this or crucified. I can ignore those who envy me, but also treat them well and pray for their faith in the Lord to grow. 

PRAY: Lord, it is easy to be side-tracked by wanting others to respond to me as You want me to respond to You. But it isn’t a guarantee. Instead of wanting to be well-liked and hearing others bless You because You have blessed us, I need to pray for them and rely on You to remove their masks and bless them in ways that You desire, such as contentment and a deep faith in Your will for themselves and for all of Your people. Help them to be thankful for all that You give them.

Encouraging Repentance

A man tells of losing a small challenge with one member of a class of young students. His loss meant he owed that youngster a can of pop. He had an idea and went to the store and bought a case of cold pop and treated the whole class. They were excited and thankful. He later said that it seldom takes very much to make someone’s day.

Weeks ago, I was in a store with electronic checkout machines that talked. One live human stood behind a till off to the side. I opted to her and said, “I’d rather talk to you than one of those machines.” She nearly cried and said, “That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me all week.” 

I agree… it doesn’t take much. A smile. A kind word. Even a short note or a text with a photo, or some fresh lettuce from the garden, or a loaf of homemade bread, or even a can of soda. Yet I hear the sermons and read the books that tell me to say profound words or do weighty things to have an impact on the lives of others. However, a thoughtful word can warm someone’s heart.

My hubby was in a large airport last week in the USA and thanked one of the government employees for serving even though he was not getting paid that week. The man was profoundly thankful. Hubby often thanks clerks or waiters in the same way. Another man tells us that when he prays before meals in a restaurant, he asks the servers if there are things he can pray for on their behalf. These examples affect me. I watch those who struggle in this messed up and greed-filled world with exorbitant prices, much unkindness, and very little encouragement. Their faces give away their need for kindness. And God says to me: “Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, 14). 

Some assume that being nice to others will have little affect on unconverted sinners, or it might even make them think their lifestyle is acceptable, but at least one person says, “Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.” Kindness is not manipulation though. It is more like opening doors for God to enter. These verses are what He does with our obedience to be kind. . . . 

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
Correct his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25)

Repentance is not about being sorry I was caught, but about turning from sin to God. He forgives that sin and is able to change lives; so much so that what I once thought was my right to do, or was okay, or didn’t hurt anyone, is gone because of God's kindness. I am also glad when others repent . . . .  

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. (2 Corinthians 7:9–10)

And lest I think my indignation at their sin, or my harsh rebukes will have a positive effect, in the end time when God visits the world with plagues and terrible things, these will not change anyone. He says:

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20–21)

They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. (Revelation 16:9–11)

PRAY: Sometimes the sinfulness in the world makes me want to string perps up by the thumbs or worse, but Your kindness is intended to lead people to repentance — and only when that no longer works will they suffer the results of their choices. Instead of expressing how I feel about sin, grant me the grace to be kind, Your kind of being kind, so that they might know that You want the very best for them. Help me also remember that Your ways are far above my ways. Instead of human responses to needy people, may Your will be done in me.

Comforting Others

 
We moved to our current home a year ago. Since then, ‘normal’ days have almost vanished. For someone who likes routine and predictability, this has been a trial. As a friend says, being at home doing regular tasks seems a myth.

Yesterday was planned to be like that, but we got a call from someone who was in shock. She has a super job, but her boss is moving to a new location. He expected she would go too, but it means another hour added to her already long commute. She decided not, but that decision stings and is certainly on our prayer list. 

This morning I read this verse: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted…” (Isaiah 61:1) It points to Jesus, and since I’m to be like Jesus, my heart goes out to those who experience heartbreak. But how? Some are too far away to even hug. 

Then another few words from another source. I’m not to put the focus on me, but they encourage me that God is tenaciously at work in changing me to make me more like Jesus.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

The difference between the wonder of Jesus and my sense of being ignorant and useless can be overwhelming at times. I don’t think like Him or make choices like Him. I could never save myself, nor do I know how to be like Him even to “bind up the brokenhearted” no matter how much I want to help those who suffer.

I noticed just now that my Bible app did an automatic update. If it didn’t spell this out on screen, I would not know it happened; the process is quiet and without any interruptions. It occurs to me that this could resemble what God is doing. His work of change is not like bolts of lightning, but more like the dawn, like light slowly coming on and changing the dark of night to vision and the ability to do what cannot be otherwise done.

That means that my God of peace works to make me what He wants of me even using the interruptions and frustrations of life. This is what suffering is supposed to do. . . .  

For it was fitting that (the Lord), for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10)
For because (Jesus) himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

And with that, He is showing me that trusting Him to use the changes in life to make me more like Himself is my comfort in all the interruptions and changes of each day. Wasn’t His life like that too? 
Heaven is not full of ups and downs, but for Jesus and for all of us, this world is not heaven. We may long for its perfections but in the lack of them, He wants me to learn how to cope so I can be a comfort to others who experience the hurts and surprises of life. Thank You for being the One…

who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

PRAY: Jesus, You are at work to free every part of me from the effects and effects of sin and are not anxious about the process. You just love me and gently use life to move my heart to be like Your heart. My life is hidden in You, not to boast in me, but in You. And when others hear about Your goodness, they feel the same comfort in knowing that You use all things for our good, to make us more like You. (Romans 8:28-29) This answers the cry of my heart too — for now I know what will comfort others.

Lessons from golf…

I tend to see negatives more than positives (pessimistic). I like being by myself, tune out small talk and carry burdens that belong to God. Every now and then, world news or sad news closer to home can become too heavy and I want to escape into humor, or into the marvels of God. 

At the same time, sincere and serious spiritual discussions are enjoyed and helpful. If a prayer warrior prays with me, deep joy comes along with it, particularly if that prayer puts a strong focus on the goodness and power of God. To combat negatives, I occasionally open a devotional written by Phil Callaway, a Christian comedian who uses golf experiences as his illustrations. He is funny but serious, knows Jesus and that the Lord can use anything to instruct him. For instance, he uses this quote to begin today’s reading:

“We learn so many things from golf — how to suffer, for instance.” — Bruce Lansky

Callaway goes on to describe a tough course that is like golfing in a fog. He tells of one hole over a hill where the hole could not be seen from the tee box and his father had to lift him up so he could see the flagstick.

He describes that with humor, then likens it to how the people in the downtown area of New York navigated by the trade towers. One man told him,  “Everything is located in relationship to them. We can’t believe they’re gone. We’re simply disoriented.”

His point is that few things in this life remain constant, certain, unchanging. I can relate. Friends move, or die, or their health declines. Callaway says he sometimes longs for those days when his father would put him on his shoulders and show him the direction to take. 

I can relate to that too, and thankful that we have a Father who lifts us up to see what to do next. I remember having lunch at the same table as author and missionary widow, Elizabeth Elliot. Someone asked how she accomplished so much and how did she structure her life. She replied, “It is easy. I just do the next thing — and I always know what it is.”

I no longer golf and Callaway didn’t say this, but walking with the Lord is like golf. Hit the ball, go where it lands, and hit it again. Persist. Take the next shot. I usually know what it is.

Procrastination is easy though. The hill hides that flagstaff. What iron do I use? How many times will I need to hit this? Yada, yada. But as God says, persistence pays off. The part that is easy to resist is the way endurance is learned:

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:2–5)

Temptation to quit comes often, especially if prayers go unanswered and labor seems to produce no harvest. As for the temptation, the Father lifts me up to see 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)

And another thing, developing persistence is not for me, but for others. When I want to quit, it is usually for selfish reasons. Again, the Father shows me where to aim:

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, (2 Timothy 2:24) 
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10)
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16)

These instructions do not totally forget my needs though. God wants me to “hit the target” stay out of the traps, and be encouraged to keep trying:

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

PRAY: Lord, when I feel like quitting, Your Spirit and promises lift me up. You remind me this is not a game like golf, but it does have objectives. You want me to have the same things that I pray others will have. So I will persist in praying that all Your people will be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of You, fully pleasing to You and bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You, and giving thanks. (Colossians 1:9–10) So be it!


 

Who sits on the throne?

Last night I watched two episodes of an old crime drama that I’d not watched for years. The crimes were senseless and horrible. What interested me was the way the authorities profiled the suspects before discovering who they were by using psychology and probability. At the same time, I wondered if fiction like this was based on actual fact. Do people actually do the awful things portrayed? I do not live in that world. However, as I read the Bible and Charnock’s book, the awareness of sin and it’s power over human hearts, the threat of sin in our world heightens my desire to make known the goodness of God.

God’s authority is challenged by ignoring His laws for life: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4) Lots of that going around.

Sin robs memory — God is forgotten as Lord of all, even by His people. He warned them, reminding them of His goodness but aware of their stubborn hearts: 

Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery… (Deuteronomy 8:11–14)

God is dishonored by sin: “You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.” (Romans 2:23) To obey our own wills rather than the will of God is to prefer ourselves as our own boss, not God. Sin disrespects His authority and His glory. The whole world suffers as sin rules and ruins so many lives.

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:7–8)

Sin wants God to change His will to match ours, a slam against His authority and holiness, if I want to change His sovereignty to suit my I-wants. Such pride. So much like Satan who is described: 

You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ (Isaiah 14:13–14)

And was not this his first temptation to humans as he suggested: “You shall be as gods” and still his chief weapon and lie? He wants us to desire equality with God and independence from Him as our Lord? This attitude was fatal to the devil and it will also ruin us. He promotes the antichrist notion that opposes and exalts self against every so-called god or object of worship. He wanted to take his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4). This is an apt description of sin, something like the prophet described:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way…  (Isaiah 53:6)

Instead of God’s way. 

Sin is also a slippery slope. In one of those shows, it drove a woman to imagine herself as Cinderella who killed every man that she determined was not her prince. In the other, a sinful desire to be famous resulted in many deaths. Both started out with basic human desires to do well but those desires became twisted and spiraled out of control.

PRAY: Jesus, one rebellious thought can lead to another, or a lie, or excuses and denial, and on into much worse. History is real, not too different from a fictional television drama. My prayers are for all who serve You that they remain relying on Your saving power. And for all who do not know You, that You will open their hearts to their need to be forgiven and have Your life in them so they can stay off that slippery slope and instead grow in godliness. I pray for myself too, that I will walk always in Your grace and strength, always able to recognize the tempter’s lies but even more, always aware of who You are and why fitting in with Your will is always the best choice. 


 

God, be merciful. . . .

  

Someone I know belongs to a cult that does not recognize Jesus as God the Son. He recently said, “Jesus has done it all. All we need to do is believe.” While that sounds hopeful that he understands the gospel, Jesus also said:

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21–23)

This person says many right words, yet his focus is on the future. He looks forward to a new earth where all is made well. A little voice inside of me says, “But what about now? What about the promise of a new life and an intimate relationship with the Lord that changes life each day?”

Piper writes about the seriousness of being authentic. He points to the parable of the sower to show that making a decision for Christ may start out with some form of commitment, but living for Christ does not necessarily follow. My friend does not fit this category. He has been faithful to his beliefs for decades.

However, that particular cult holds the idea that Jesus died to give them the right to earn their salvation. They have a strange list of what that means. Not only that, if anyone decides to leave them, they are shunned and lose any hope. In other words, salvation is about adhering to their belief system and if someone says otherwise, they cannot belong or be saved.

The gospel is clear to those who DO have a relationship with Jesus Christ. He says of them:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Much of the NT has words about knowledge of eternal life:

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (1 John 5:13–15)

With this person, there is no talk of answered prayer, only of personal and organizational accomplishments. While he said Jesus has done it all, nothing specific is shared, only his focus on the future with no more problems. 

I cannot judge or hope to know what all this means for him, but I do know what it says to me; don’t take my own profession of faith as reality without the consequences the Bible says will go with it. Some basics: Know Jesus is God in the flesh. He is Lord and gives me the Spirit so I can obey Him. I trust Him alone for eternal life; nothing I do can earn or deserve it. My attitude to sin has changed; I fight it — instead of always giving in to it. New life is from Jesus and God uses all things to transform me to be like Him. 

For all this, the Bible also says: 

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13–14)
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. . . . (Matthew 7:15–20)

PRAY: Jesus, You described a religious Pharisee who prayed boasting in what he had done. The prayer of a tax collector was, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” When talking with my friend, I need to remember that no one has anything to boast about. I also need to do the same when looking in a mirror.

Let God change my mind…

Reading this morning, I’m reminded how quickly the God-blessed understanding He gives to His followers can turns into a self-centered attitude motivated by Satan and rebuked by the voice of the Lord. Main example: Jesus asked His disciples...

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13–19)

God revealed the identity of Jesus to Peter and when he said it, Jesus told Peter that this was  were foundational to the establishment of the church and key to answered prayer. Recognizing the deity of Jesus Christ is vital, but it also makes targets of those who believe it. Peter was Spirit-filled and obedient, but after that, he yielded to sinful thinking: 

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:21–23)

This incident seems shocking until I think of a few examples, some observed and some from my own quickly changing loyalties to Jesus. I can say certain sins are behind me and no longer an issue, but stray off in a dream or imagination myself back into that sin. I can pledge forgiveness to others who have hurt me, then find myself thinking of ways to get even or verbally complaining about what they did. I can vow that prayer is vitally important yet be distracted by my to-do list or some other lesser matter and forget to pray. 

Key to much of this is a mindset. Jesus told Peter his mind was set on the things of man, in this case the idea that good people should not suffer, or that Jesus’ purpose was to conquer the world rather than die for our sins. 

The NT says much about mindset:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5–8)
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15–17)
It also says: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2)

I could blame my lapses on ADHD, or like others say, “I’m only human” but those are only excuses. God tells me to be in His Word and let Him continually renew my mind rather than letting it, or the world, or the devil govern my thinking.

PRAY: Lord, I know this is important. Also, I know that confessing each lapse into fleshy thinking means forgiveness AND cleansing (1 John 1:9). Excuses do not move me into a godly mindset. Only Your Holy Spirit can do that, for which I am humbly and totally thankful. Enable me to guard my heart today and every day. Amen.


 

Life can be Odd

 

Two odd events happened this week. In the first, another person was given credit for something I created. In the second, I was left off an email that told a group of friends that an event was cancelled. I showed up and no one was there.

A twinge of “I don’t matter” took a bite out of me, but I decided that God is my friend and had reasons for allowing me to be ignored. He did whisper in my ear, “I am your best friend.”

Today’s readings give more insight into the sovereign dominion of the Lord. One example that points to the mystery of His will: why does one person who seems not very wise and does only a little work have great success, while another with a greater measure of wisdom and who works diligently winds up with their projects melting into nothing? A wise man wrote this as an answer:

Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

God does not give me power over the events of my life. I can plan, but “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23) 

Some things just happen and seem very odd, yet God’s dominion means that He determines my calling and the events of my life, even the odd ones. The hairs of my head are under His sovereign care. Everything else is of greater concern, yet I can trust Him with all things.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, was called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, (Romans 1:1). God made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, (Acts 17:26) Onesimus, running from his master, is guided by God’s sovereign order into Paul’s company, and thereby into Christ’s arms. This man who went to prison as a fugitive, comes out as a Christian (Philemon 10, 15). Our length of life is also in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15); either cut short or to continue long.

How does this work? Look to the story of Lazarus. Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth.’ Making a command to a dead man seems odd, yet this man who had died came forth. Could it be that the command carries the power to create new life? 

Piper says that obedience to the command means doing what living people do. He says this is extremely important. The command of God, ‘Rise from the dead!’ carries in it the power we need to obey that command. We do not obey it by creating life; but by doing what living people do — so Lazarus came forth. He rose. He walked out to Jesus. The call of God creates life. We respond in the power of what the call created.

To illustrate, if my house was on fire and someone yelled, “Wake up! Save yourself! Get out!” I don’t obey by waking myself up. The loud, powerful command itself wakes me up. I obey by doing what an awake person does in the face of danger — I get up and leave. The call creates the waking. I respond in the power of what the call created.

Yesterday God spoke to me about being in awe of Him and trusting Him. How would I respond if others neglected me? Would I be upset with them? Or would I see this as God's will and not throw a pity-party? His words to me created the response He called for.

PRAY: Dear Father, the verses from yesterday call me to both humility and joy. You are in charge and You want me to be like Jesus… who is far more neglected, ignored, and mistreated than I will ever be. The odd things that happen to me are nothing compared to the grace You shower upon me. 

Not only that, You say: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13) affirming that I can obey You only because You sovereignly work in my heart to make that obedience possible. May I listen well and respond to Your voice according to Your will.

Fear of God means not being afraid…

Defining the fear of God isn’t enough. He is so incredible that being in awe with great respect should be my normal attitude. This should also be expressed and visible in the way I live. John Piper offers a few verses that tell me what fearing God does in my life… 

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14)
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, (Psalm 33:18)
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)
but you shall fear the Lord your God, and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.” (2 Kings 17:39)
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! (Psalm 34:9)
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:13)
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, (Psalm 103:17)
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:11)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! (Psalm 111:10)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs 9:10)
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:27)
The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. (Proverbs 19:23)
But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. (Psalm 130:4)

To simplify this list, having the right attitude towards God means being His friend, knowing the agreement He makes with me, being delivered from threats and enemies, having all that I need, experiencing His compassion and His steadfast love, seeing His righteousness experienced by my family, having His wisdom and understanding available to me, being so sure of eternal life that the threats of death are not a snare, satisfied in His care knowing that even what seems harmful is used for my good, and realizing that I am forgiven and because of that, am not under condemnation.

As Piper says, God calls forth fear by forgiving our sin, not by condemning it. This sounds strange, but it is also comforting. All the above benefits belong to me because of His forgiveness that came to me, an utterly undeserving sinner. And there is one more:

And (her) delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. (She) shall not judge by what (her) eyes see, or decide disputes by what (her) ears hear… (Isaiah 11:3)

This passage goes on to apply fear of the Lord to what I see and how I live, leading to a description of a future in which . . . .  

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:6–9)

PRAY: Oh Lord, while I cannot live in the future, I can live in Your promises. The pundits in the media often predict the outcome of everything from sporting events to elections. But who can know for certain what the future holds? I was certain the Jays would not win the ballgame last night, but they did. However, these verses are not like my human hopes. They are the promises of You, my Almighty God. To firmly believe You changes my thinking, gives certainty — unlike horoscopes and pundits. Your promises do not rely on my decisions or efforts to make them happen, only that I have been forgiven and given a deeper understanding of Your  incredible power. I can live in awe of who You are and what You do. 


 

Fearing God?

 

The last few days have been emotional for me. I’ve been reading Charnock’s incredible descriptions of God’s sovereign power at the same time as the OT prophets. For some reason, my focus has been negative when it should not be. The previous section of Charnock’s book was about the goodness of God and I was reading the Psalms and Proverbs. Today this verse challenged my negativity:

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14)

Fearing God is not about being fearful of the unpleasant things He could do. Instead, it is being so in awe of Him that He is trusted completely. I might not understand His ways, but this verse says that having that kind of fear means He will give me greater understanding of what He is doing, particularly regarding His covenant promises for His people. 

He wants holiness in my life and may use unpleasant circumstances to deal with anything that should not be in my thoughts or actions, yet when He works that way, the results are worth any pain I might experience. I need not fear my heavenly Father with dread, but with anticipation.

That said, one of the minor prophets heard from God that He was going to use Assyria to punish Israel and Babylon to punish Assyria and Judah. Habakkuk’s question was how can God use a wicked nation for His divine purposes? God judges all nations eventually and this didn’t seem to fit His nature. However, this prophet was able to say, “the righteous shall live by his faith” and those words are later quoted several times in the NT.

For me, this fear I’ve been feeling gets a smack on the side of my head. Instead of dreading what God could do, I need to remember His promises and that He uses all things for my good, not to harm me.

One of the other OT prophets also gives me a kindly smack with this:

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord. (Zephaniah 2:3)

The ‘perhaps’ could put more negative fears in my mind, but the promises of God and the words of Habakkuk remind me that God wants my attitude to be in awe of His power but also to be in awe of His desire to protect and keep safe those who humbly rely on Him. In this world it seems those who are evil are being used to wake up the people of God to a deeper trust and obedience. This prophet’s attitude is to be ours, to be mine, rather than letting all the bad news scare me:

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. (Habakkuk 3:17–19)

One more passage speaks to the current attitude of many who claim faith yet are not cooperating with God to build up His church. I am thankful for all that is good in our church, yet see the needs of many who have become complacent. The OT prophets reveal this from God about a need in the lives of His people then, and perhaps even now:

“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. (Haggai 1:4–6)

PRAY: Oh Lord, too often we pray for our comfort level to be preserved and not so much that Your family (also called the household of God) is built up and godly. Jesus, this concerns me, but also applies to me. It is not right to withdraw into a fearful ‘what happens next’ mood rather than share the confidence that You alone give. Even if the world falls apart, You can enable me to walk in high places and have joy in You and Your power to make good out of what seems entirely negative. So I give You my anxieties about a world with so much brokenness, ongoing threats of terror, and increases in illness and drug use. I cannot add one minute to my life through fear but can ruin my life through trying to carry burdens You alone can carry. Change my “what if” thinking into praise that You, my loving God are in control. 

Matching words and life with thoughts

In chatting with one of our sons, I shared the difficulty of selecting who to vote for in a coming civic election. If only I could know the heart of each candidate. 

This morning I’m thinking how important it is to know my own heart, to pay attention to what is important to me, and to make sure what I do and say comes from a pure heart. 

Jesus said much about the heart. Of His own, He described it: “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.” (Matthew 11:29) Of mine He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) 

Speaking to many, a warning to those who reject Him He says:

You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34–37)

When I think about anything, it is apt to show up in words. I know that everyone is not like that. Some say what they think is ‘proper’ or will be accepted or of interest to others, but it may not match what is on the inside. I’ve done this too. Who has not been asked how they look and been told, “Just fine” when the speaker is thinking otherwise?

Jesus says that in the final judgment, people will be judged by their words, yet He also says words come from the heart. That does not exonerate those who speak one thing and think another. Judgment isn’t about ‘correct’ speech but about integrity. If words do not match the heart, that is just as dangerous as those who curse and swear all the time. Jesus also said: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8)

He knows and I know too that “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person…” (Matthew 15:19–20) He gets specific with: “I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)

On the positive side, the Word of God says to those wanting to be a person of integrity, there is peace of mind when our hearts focus on good things:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8–9)
The bottom line is even more desirable than that peace because Jesus also said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

PRAY: In that last line, I’m thinking this is not only about a future vision of You when I cross over to my eternal home. (See 1 John 3:1-3) It seems to hold out a reality that the purer my heart and mind, the more You are in the realm of my inner vision. I cannot see You in a literal sense, yet the sense of Your presence is stronger and more vivid when my heart is not cluttered up with the things of this life, and certainly not with sinful and ‘stinkin’ thinking. Fill me with thoughts of You and give me words that honor You!
 

When God seems silent

There are times when God seems silent. Prayers go unanswered, even those asking for direction in desperate situations. Sometimes this is God testing my faith, or developing patience, but the OT tells of God being silent because the people were not listening to what He has already told them.

In trying to remember how this works, I think of a child who has been told, “no treats before supper” and as the mother stirs the soup for that meal, the child asks for a cookie and she just keeps stirring the soup without saying a word.

That is minor. I met a woman who was living with a man but not married to him. They moved into the community and she said she would start going to church and claimed to be a Christian. She didn’t seem bothered that her life choices did not please God. However, before she could attend church, she was in a head-on collision and died. 

I don’t know the will of God concerning her, but this was a warning to never act as if sin is okay because God says it is not. He kept warning His OT people to obey Him and when they didn’t, He said:

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it. (Amos 8:11–12)

After more than 50 years of hearing God speak in daily devotions (that is more than 18250 days), I sit before my Bible each morning with the wonder of hearing God speak, and a bit of dread that He will remain silent. Not the silence of unanswered prayer, but the silence that comes when His will is being ignored. These verses speak of this happening:

We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is none among us who knows how long. (Psalm 74:9)
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. (Proverbs 29:18)

Another reason for silence is described. It happens when those who say God speaks but have not heard Him at all...

Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths. Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision, and darkness to you, without divination. The sun shall go down on the prophets, and the day shall be black over them; the seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God. But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. (Micah 3:5–8)

If I’m going to share what God says to me, I cannot fake it or repeat things that listeners want to hear rather than tell the truth. If I become a ‘false’ prophet or a fake anything, it belies what God is like. He speaks truth and I cannot make up anything, only say what He says. If I do, either my hearing is bad or my agenda has become more important than His will.

Yet by grace He promises that His silence will not destroy His people. He will use it as a rebuke, or as a form of instruction. Even after many warnings, He still says words like this:

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,” says the Lord your God. (Amos 9:13–15)

PRAY: Lord, You always speak, but I don’t always listen. Keep me turned in, not turned off or worse. Keep me from inventing what You say. If You ever are silent because I’ve not been doing what You already told me, don’t listen to my excuses. I cannot beg for a cookie if You say ‘no cookies’ nor greedily ask for more if I’ve ignored that You have already given enough. May the lessons and warnings of Your prophets remind me always of the importance of Your will and the need for my integrity. Obedience and truth honor Your great name.

Voting with God’s will in mind…

 

We have a civic election coming up in our city so I spent time finding the names of candidates  running for council for our section of the city wanting more information about them as well as the people who are running for mayor and other positions. Lots of names, lots of rhetoric. Voting is difficult for several reasons. I do not know any of the people running for office, hardly anything about their track record, personality or character, nor the reason why they want to be in office.

I do know one thing: God makes it clear that He is sovereign and that He “executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.” (Psalm 75:7) Whoever wins in elections or loses is ultimately up to God. He has a plan for our city that no one really knows, except that His will is done. That means, at least in my thinking, that civic leaders should be people who want to do right, to be righteous in their decisions and actions, and wise and responsible. Maybe some of those listed on the ballot will be, yet maybe none will qualify and only push their personal agendas. Knowing who is who is not likely — unless the Lord speaks to me.

I’ve had specifics given by the Holy Spirit in other ways, like when to get out of the grocery store, or seeing a book that seems to say “buy me” and turns out to be a very wise purchase. In a recent prayer gathering, we were told to pray with another person that God puts on our heart. Immediately a name came to mind and I found her and we had a short discussion and prayed. It was a precious prompt from the Lord.

I could pour over the list of candidates, look at their photos, read their promises and use my own impressions on who to vote for, but this time I will ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5–8)

This means faith. I might let doubt into my head if a candidate’s photo reveals a negative expression, or their background appears to have a bias, or some other information unsettles me. But I know the voice of God. Arguments with Him never turn out well. So for this election, I’m taking Him with me to the polling station and asking for clarity about who gets my vote that fits with His will.

PRAY: Lord, I know that “God told me…” is not always considered a reliable way to make choices, yet You have said “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) May You open my ears to be a good listener and do what You say without doubt or any concerns. You know who You want to be raised up — and I trust You.