A God of Order

Quilters have what is called a stash. We buy fabric that we like and it adds up. Not all. Some will get a pattern and only the fabric needed to make it. But even doing that results in scraps and very few quilters can throw them away. I often joke that scraps are like rabbits and multiply in the dark.

Lately I’ve been challenged to re-sort my stash. A couple of quilting books stress the value of it, but the main challenge came from the Bible: 

But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:5)

I don’t know the mind of God about order in a fabric stash, but humans use various means such as the color wheel (by hue), or lights, mediums, darks (by value) or by busyness such as small, medium, and large prints, or even theme such as Asian, animals, and trees. 

However, I do know that the order mentioned in the Bible is not about fabric. In the OT, some family members are sorted by birth order. Sacrifices were laid out in a specified order. At least two people put their house in order before dying. Worship services had a certain order. Some prospered because they ordered their ways before the Lord. Luke wrote an orderly account of Jesus’ life. Churches were put in order regarding their leadership. Much was done in order to tell others about Jesus and to glorify God.
 
I recently read of a well-known writer who didn’t have faith in Christ but he believed there was a God because of the order in the universe. While humans mess it up (sinfulness always resists what God desires), order is a blessing. A tidy desk, a made bed, dishes washed are easy, but not all orderliness comes without much sweat. It looks like this:

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12–17)

In family relationships, it looks like this:

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:18–24)

For me, the main challenge is order in daily attitudes and actions:

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:2–6)

PRAY: So far, my fabric is all over the place. The hues are sorted, but the prints with prominent hues have yet to hit those piles. The values are a puzzle so maybe I should go with pattern sizes? What is a delight is that as You guide me in life, You also help me with this. You are a God of order, of putting things together in relationships that make sense and that glorify You, a God of details who created color and light and dark and shadows and patterns. Thank You for guiding me to be orderly!

Jesus is all I need…

How good to read a Bible book in one sitting. God gives me a big picture look, yet this one is filled with sparkling highlights. I am blessed by the author’s attitude as Paul wrote it from prison. First, he gives great assurance:

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) 

Then he shows me how to think about today’s TV evangelists that are so obviously preaching with personal motives:

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, (1:12–18)

God keeps speaking to me though, about the same thing: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (2:3–4)

He wants me to be like Timothy who is “genuinely concerned” for the welfare of others. He also wants me to “count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” and consider any of it as “rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own.” I’m to be willing to “share His sufferings” knowing that He will rescue me, even from death.(3:7–11)

I can’t ever think I’ve arrived, put must press on (3:12–14) rejoicing in the Lord as I live for Him. He is with me so I need not get anxious about anything, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus." (4:4–7)

He tells me how to think so I’m at peace, and teaches me how to respond when brought low or abound, to face plenty or hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me because my God will supply every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (4:8-19)

PRAY: Lord Jesus, I sit here in worship, filled with joy and peace. “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 You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:25–26)

LATER: Today, our granddaughter was able to get up from her hospital bed and walk around it — first time since her terrible fall two months ago! She still has a cast and a brace on her arms, and her exploded knee is tightly wrapped, but we are elated at God’s blessing on her and the good healing of her other leg.

Affirming God’s will

There is a voice that tells me I must do everything… share the truths God gives me, serve in the church kitchen, teach Bible classes, encourage those who need it, give generously, be a leader, show great compassion, do all that is put in front of me. At my age and stage in life, my energy level questions that voice.

Praying about it, I read, “Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10) and “make the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16), and this one too: 

Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. (Ephesians 5:24)

I remember the woman who argued that her hubby was not treating her as Jesus treats His church and then read this verse: “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). At the time, I thought she didn’t respect her hubby very much, but after years of seeing spousal abuse, even in the church, this is not as simple or straight-forward as it seemed then.

For example, I know a man who recently abandoned his wife and family and ran off with another man’s wife. Jesus isn’t like that, does not do that to His bride, nor would we respect Him if He did. However, the Bible tells women this:

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external. . . . but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 

Sobering too, yet then it adds, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:1–7)

Both spouses have challenges. Neither of us can do what God commands without His strength and patience. I cannot advise the wife of the man who abandoned her, but I can pray for my own perplexities, particularly what God wants me to do (I cannot do everything) but can see that if demands and the will of God are in conflict, no matter where those demands come from, I need to obey God and watch out that my many ideas and ambitions are not overriding His will.

Today’s reading winds up here, and affirms to me all I need to know…

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. . . . fasten on the belt of truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, and the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith. . . . extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. . . . keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. . . .” for boldness in those who proclaim it… (Ephesians 6:10–20)

Ephesians winds up saying to do whatever I do “for the Lord’s sake” and in His grace and wisdom. It isn’t so much about what I do but why I do it. If any activity does not glorify God, it is not from Him.

PRAY: This answers the questions I had this morning and shows me how the enemy attacks what I already know. Satan would rather I worry about being a total failure instead of remembering that You are all I need and that You have already given me all You want me to do: be a godly wife, pray about everything, and listen for any further instructions.

 

Fitting into God’s Puzzle?

Studying the Bible has taught me to think in big picture terms more than my normal way of getting caught up in details. One definition says that big-picture thinkers focus on overarching goals, vision, and strategy (the "what" and "why"), often being creative and visionary but potentially missing details while detail-oriented individuals focus on specifics, accuracy, and tasks (the "how"), excelling at execution but risking tunnel vision. 

Both are crucial for success, with big-picture people setting direction and detail-oriented people ensuring flawless implementation. I’m noticing that seeing the big picture is helpful. I’ve a tendency to think that knowing truth is enough (without applying it) yet seeing the will of God that goes with that truth makes application a stronger focus.

Paul’s NT books are written with the big picture first, then the details of applying it. Ephesians  is a good example. It begins with God’s major plan:

In (Christ) 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. (Ephesians 1:7–10)

In planning to unite all things in Christ, God saves sinners with the purpose of revealing His glory:

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 1:11–14)

Then He tells how sinners giving Him glory will happen. He will give His people the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation to know Him, and to know what will happen to us. He wants us to realize the riches of our glorious inheritance, and the greatness of His power, which is revealed by raising Christ from the dead, by seating Him in heavenly places, and putting all things under his feet as He made Him head over all things including the church which is His body, a group who were dead in sin but made alive in Christ. We are saved by grace and fitted to do His will — which will reveal His power and glory.

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 2:8–10)

This vast plan includes details. One is that all who believe will have access in one Spirit to the Father. We will be united as members of His household and built on the truth He reveals using us as a dwelling place for Himself so that His wisdom is made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:9–10)

This is awesome. Church is not a social club nor a moral hideaway, but God’s way of making Himself known to a dark world. He does it by loving us so we can love others. He tells us to walk in a manner worthy of this calling with humility, gentleness, patience, and love — so we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He wants us to live in that oneness, yet also recognize our diversity as our differences give us varying tasks toward revealing His glory.
 
Unity is vital. God is not a mess of parts with opposition happening. As His Body, we are to work in harmony and do it by putting off our old self, which belongs to our former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed by putting on the new self, which is according to His likeness. That means we behave to fit the plan, refusing to allow bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander or malice be part of our lives. Instead, He says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:30–32) In attending to these details, we fit the big picture plan of God. 

PRAY: Jesus, getting too caught up in details can mean excusing the “oops” that I make as not vital, but the vision of a puzzle with pieces missing just popped into my head. You are a God of order and detail, yet You also have a magnificent plan for this world You made and everything I say or do either fits that plan or not. Enable me to think of Your goals and not let my plans or my interest in details distract me and become pieces that do not fit.

God is not finished with me yet…

 

Our group Bible study is in Romans, but we often bring in thoughts from other parts of the NT, particularly the conflict we have between that old nature of sin and the new nature God gave us of Christ and His righteousness. 

This morning’s reading describes how the freedom we have in Christ must not be interpreted as freedom to do whatever we want — because that “I want” is often an old nature thing. As one of our group said, learning to walk in the Spirit means learning to listen to God. My ‘good’ ideas are not always His ideas.

Part of the problem is that the Bible often describes sin in extremes and the desires of the flesh as a list of gross activities that most Christians try to avoid. I know I want to serve God but the ideas I have can be motivated by a desire for self-glory, but even that desire is fleshy and can injure the faith of others.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:13–18)

The law of God is helpful to discern the bad stuff that creeps in, but because some of that is more subtle than the lists, I can miss it as being fleshy. I’m prompted to look at the list of spiritual fruit and let it help me pinpoint some of the opposites.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23)

Love’s opposite is usually hate, but it could be ignoring needs that love would otherwise supply. Joy’s opposite can be anxiety and worry. Peace can easily be replaced by being over-burdened for others, which could be interpreted as a godly thing even though it can also be lack of trust in God. Patience easily gets replaced by “I must do something” when God is not asking me to do anything but trust Him. Again, listening to His voice is really important!

Kindness is an action. Doing nothing could be the opposite, or being mean, or gossiping about the needy person. Goodness has similar fleshy counterparts including ignoring those who could use my help, or a call, or even a hug or a smile. The opposite of faithfulness could sound like, “Oh, I forgot” or other forms of apology about ignoring responsibilities. Gentleness and harshness seem obvious, but just the lack of it says much. 

One dictionary says this: Gentleness refers to a virtue that characterizes one’s internal disposition or spirit. This term is  exclusive to Christians and never used to describe a person outside of Christ. It is accompanied by “love” and precedes “self-control.” James 3:13 relates it to the quality of being “wise” and Ephesians 4:2 puts it alongside “humility.” It is the opposite of being hostile or pugnacious — looking for a fight. Gentleness is required of the Lord’s servants to instruct “opponents with gentleness.” From this, I can see that gentleness is about being humble rather than assertive or pushy.

Self-control is often considered something ‘self’ does, but this is a fruit of the Spirit so it’s opposite sounds like “I couldn’t help it” — or any excuse of the flesh for doing something that is selfish and sinful. The passage goes on to add this: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”(Galatians 5:25–26) The flesh opposes this too — with pride, or with trying to get a rise out of others, or being discontent from a longing to have what others have.

Paul sums it up: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:7–9) Fleshy living yields more of the same. Spirit-filled living reveals that I have eternal life.

PRAY: Lord, this exercise in words and their opposites convicts me. Doing good involves my whole being. Sometimes I think I’m dedicated wholly to You, but again realize You still have much to expose and cleanse out of my life.

Ruled or Released?

Some mornings I wake up carrying the heavy load of knowing what God wants from His people, wants from me, and knowing how far short we fall. I related to Paul’s words to the church in Galatia. They were believers, but instead of living by faith they had fallen back into living by law or rules.

These days we call it legalism. One pastor jokes, “I don’t smoke, and I don’t chew, and I don’t run with girls that do.” Joking aside, many are turned off by any so-called rules for being a Christian.

Paul’s first concern is the distortion of the gospel. Turning life in Christ into a system of rules is not only going backwards into old thinking, it is sinful.

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. (Galatians 2:15–21)

The words are blunt and the contrast is sharply defined. Those who fall into legalism or a list of rules are foolish. They saw Jesus die. They suffered for their faith. Was living by rules going to make things easier?

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? (Galatians 3:1–6)

No doubt these words caught their attention. Then he switches to a logical appeal:

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:21–29)

My load slips off as God makes it His load and not mine. Those who burden me with rules and laws for life are the ones who are burdened. I am free in Christ. I am His child, and the things that bother me now will vanish in the glory that is to come:

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 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. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:14–18)

PRAY: Jesus, lead me through this day in the freedom I have in You. Amen.

Bigger, better, more?

 
Someone close to us belongs to a large cult. Yesterday he called and boasted of an upcoming international gathering that would be a huge bonus to the city he lives in. Several times he mentioned that thousands of people would attend. I didn’t know what to say, but the Apostle Paul did. 

He wrote to the church at Corinth that were inundated with false teachers. He first urged them to keep the promise they made in giving, and to do it without expecting any payback. However, he also told them that, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. . . . (because) He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:6–12)

Then he addressed the boasting of the false teachers by reluctantly doing the same thing, but not boasting about his power but his hardships and weaknesses…

To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands. (2 Corinthians 11:21–33)

Thinking of this, I could have told the cult member who boasted of the size of their gathering that I’ve seen God do amazing things through one person or just a few. What about the boy who offered five loaves and two fish? What about Paul? What about Martin Luther, or Billy Graham? God isn’t interested in the efforts of many and their boastings. 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)

He offers redemption and eternal life through the efforts of One, and through the weakness of His death. He uses ordinary men and women who are weak in themselves and relying on His grace and power to do whatever He asks. Paul learned this:

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)

With that description, Paul challenges his readers to make certain they have faith and that Christ lives in them. It isn’t about their numbers or power, it is about Jesus and their love for Him. 

PRAY: I understand Paul’s thinking. He was glad when he was weak because You could then use him to reach and strengthen others. Again, this is not about boasting or trying to make an impression with numbers or statistics. You use weakness, and while I don’t like it, I do know that when I am weak, others can be blessed.

God’s blessed brat…

Putting up Christmas decorations is putting my focus on the birth of Jesus Christ and on all that He has done. This babe in a manger overwhelms me. He knew His life would be taken from Him on a cross. He knew He would suffer for the sins of the world, an enormous assignment that overwhelms my mind and as I gaze at the manger scene, all this brings both angst and joy to my heart. The joy part is expressed here:

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)

The deep trepidation that comes personally is because new life means more than joy. Paul expressed how serving Jesus, this babe who grew and died for his sin, would lead him and all who follow Him with our whole hearts. There would be joy and goodness, but also trials:

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. (2 Corinthians 6:2–13)

This year is about my 56th year of being a child of God, five decades of new life. I cannot help but reflect. My hardships were not like Paul’s; he suffered for serving Jesus. I suffered to learn lessons about my sinfulness and God's faithfulness. Paul experienced the joyful and comfortable blessings to keep him from giving up. I have experienced blessings perhaps for the same reason and not because of persecution or the resistance of others to what I do. Satan buffets me to keep me from praying and loving God, but I’ve not experienced those other hardships. Not that I want to, yet His grace does make me often feel like God’s spoiled brat.

Either way, trials from others or trials of ordinary life, God has blessed me by using them as He promises:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28–29)

And then I read the prayer of another who said, “Not relief from pain, not relief from the weariness that follows, not anything of that sort at all, is my chief need. Thou, O Lord my God, art my need—Thy courage, Thy patience, Thy fortitude. And very much I need a quickened gratitude for the countless helps given every day.” (Source)

PRAY: Lord, every decoration and gift under the tree is my reminder of what Paul says, “Since I have these promises, may I be cleansed from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) This is the wonder of the babe in the manger. Such a task — for all who sin, for all time, in every place — all who hear Him speak,  and who say YES — including this spoiled brat. 

Being transformed?

A current chorus begins with, “When all I see is the battle, You see my victory. When all I see is the mountain, You see a mountain moved.” How easily I can focus on the battle, the problem, and forget that God uses all things, even afflictions, for good — the good being to transform my life into the image of His Son.

Christians tend to ask God to remove the problem so we will be comfortable. However, if He does give comfort, it has another purpose. Instead of making me feel better, He wants me to use the comfort He gives to comfort others…

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. (2 Corinthians 1:8–11)

That being His will, living it out follows the pattern of the gospel. I cannot save myself, and I cannot endure suffering like Jesus does, unless the Holy Spirit is doing it through me. And one way that I learn how that works is by keeping my eyes on Him. Thinking I can do anything He asks apart from the Spirit is futile.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17–18)

Not everyone sees this. Only God’s people, and only those who deny self to serve Him:

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:3–6)

Reading these verses helps me avoid the common response to suffering — asking God to remove the problem so I will be comfortable. However, having a switch in the reason I want comfort means the lesson of suffering has been learned, at least some of it. It makes me think about the reason Jesus died. It certainly was about the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12), but it was the foundation needed to set us free from our suffering in sin’s bondage and in the fear of dying. As Paul wrote, we do “have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh…” (2 Corinthians 4:7–12)

When life hands me discomfort, it helps to realize that even in suffering, my inner self is being renewed and prepared for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. That requires looking to what I cannot see — God’s eternal promises, fulfilled and demonstrated in the One who battles for me. (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

PRAY: Yesterday’s thoughts on Your suffering for the sins of all humanity for all time put two great extremes in my heart. The obvious is great sorrow for Your pain. The other is great joy for the love that motivated such selflessness. I need to gaze at Your glory and allow You to use affliction, great or small, to transform me yet at the same time realize that goal is so incredible that even thinking it is beyond me. Oh Jesus, I do love You. 

God’s Indescribable Patience

Mysteries are my favorite genre, both in books and film, but even in real life. I love challenging puzzles that take time and patience to solve. I also particularly enjoy watching God resolve problems that seemed totally without solutions. 

However, the negative side of this even in fiction is seeing the sinful condition of humanity. Last night, one television show was the solving of a cold-case murder that depicted the mental and physical damage suffered by the perpetrator in the years before he was finally discovered and brought to justice by some extremely patient police officers.

This morning I read about the patience of God. The sin of the world is an ugly puzzle at times. Charnock lists some: blasphemies, oaths, thefts, adulteries, murders, oppressions, contempt of religion, the open idolatries of heathens, the more spiritual and refined idolatries of others, the ingratitude of those that profess His name, our pride, earthliness, carelessness, sluggishness to Divine duties, and in every one of those a multitude of provocations; the whole person engaged in every sin, the understanding contriving it, the will embracing it, the affections complying with it, and all the members of the body instruments in the acting the unrighteousness of it. Even the offenses all receive from our fellow-creatures is like dust compared to the injuries God receives from humanity. 

Add to that the days of each lifetime and the numbers of people who have ever lived. Who can count all the foul-mouthed oaths, the beastly excess, the uncleanness, committed in the space of a day, year, twenty years in this city, much less in the whole nation, least of all, in the whole world? 

They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (Romans 1:29–31)

Yet “millions of such haters of Him” breathe every day in His air, and are maintained by His goodness, have their tables spread, and their cups filled to the brim, and that in the midst of even boasting of their rejection of Him — even as God puts a stop to the devils who wish to destroy all of them.
Those who know Jesus sometimes want His fury to be poured out: But the people did not receive (Jesus), because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:53–55)

Such is His patience and nothing but patience stands in the gap to keep off judgment from sinners. And even the fiction I read or see on the screen awakens in me the desire to be patient. I don’t want those who sin to be patted on the head and given no rebuke, but I do want the goads of God to open their hearts in conviction of their guilt, but not just that. I also want sinners to know that Jesus Christ bore their sin and will rescue them from all slavery to it. As overwhelming as this is, it is the only way to peace with God and life eternal.

Paul wrote this:

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:12–17)

PRAY: Grant strength to me, to all who trust You, that we leave behind our sin and allow Your goodness and mercy to overflow in our lives. Thank You for Your incredible patience toward us and that this same patience is available to us through Your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Going Deeper in Body Parts, Gifting, and Silence

 

These days some of my body parts interfere with the performance of others. For example, I have one ear that occasional has an unnatural movement of inner parts and it makes my feet have trouble walking. Easy to fix but annoying because it happens without warning. I can easily see why the Bible compares the Christian church to the human a body: 

As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:20–25)

Sometimes I notice how important it is to give special treatment to the less honorable parts than is needed by those who are more presentable. That is, some believers are not naturally attractive to others, but because we love one another, that kind of attitude makes those less honorable parts more attractive. God does this in gifting all, including them.

I think of those who are physically and mentally gifted and how easily they can be treated differently than those who are not. Yet the few who are not gifted in those ways are often more friendly, kinder, more thankful, even quicker to serve, even to do the tasks others find less appealing. This is one of the beauties of belonging to the family of God; He puts us in positions that work together, like a body in which all parts are needed.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:27–31)

Of course that more excellent way is the love that God gives so we can care about each other no matter our function and no matter if we are naturally appealing in appearance or personality. Love overrides abilities, prophetic or theological knowledge, even faith and extreme generosity. 1 Corinthians 13 is almost as familiar as John 3:16 — and the love of God is so vital.

The next chapter is not so popular. It says to desire gifts and puts the ability to speak for God over speaking in tongues, mostly because the first is given to built up others, while tongues is said to “built up self” — then adds that interpreters are needed and women are to be silent. This makes for lots of arguments and some Christian women accuse Paul of all sorts of things.

As I read chapters 12-14 in a chunk, it occurred to me that part of that Ephesians passage about marriage should reflect the relationship of Jesus and His bride, it seems to be hinted here too. The bride/body of Christ is to honor her husband like the church should honor the Lord. That includes letting God beautify our less attractive parts (we all have them), loving one another, and giving honor to the men in our lives by appreciating their leadership just as the church respects the leading of Christ. And no one can lead without followers.

In a big picture sense, all things done in order (14:40) has to be initiated and led by the Spirit of God. If God is not telling me to say anything, then I must be silent, including tongues or even asking questions. This illustrates how the church relates to Christ. True that in those days most women were not educated in theology, but rather than make this a cultural issue, I see it more of a “support the one God gave to lead me” and encourage him to do it by obeying what God says. Had Eve done that, we would have such different lives.

PRAY: Jesus, I know that both women and men have this desire to rule, to be the boss of our lives. Letting You lead us may be scary, but the issue is not usually fear but “I think I know better than you do” defiance. Your ways are not my ways and so often my ways resist You. I might even echo Eve with, “Did God say that?” instead of quoting You and letting You speak. Not only that, I cannot hear You if my mouth continually spouts off my own thoughts and ideas. Keep teaching me what obeying You really means. Amen. 

Sharing our struggles

In our home group study last night we looked at Romans 7. We were told that theologians debate whether Paul was talking about his own struggles with sin or he was illustrating the problems others have. We seemed to agree that even a spiritual giant like Paul knew the wisdom of sharing his own battles rather than letting others put him on a pedestal as if he was so mature that he never faced temptation or fell to it. One thing he said was: 

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. (Romans 7:15–19)

This seems more like a personal confession than a general description of Christian struggle with sin, yet it is both. Paul was not always in a sin battle for he had learned to walk in the Spirit and not give into the flesh, but he also knew the battles and how those experiences helped him serve others. I see this in today’s readings:

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19–23)

How could I serve someone who struggles with sin if I never had any, or if I always gave into it myself? I’d have nothing to say with those stuck in legalism if I’d never ‘been there, done that’ myself. I know that battle between flesh and spirit, my old nature and the Holy Spirit, between my I-wants and the will of God. However, I also realize that many Christians do not discern the difference. When we obey God, it I so easy to say, “I did it” instead of “I can do all things through Christ. . . .” 

A pastor spoke of self-control in simple terms. He said, “Start by keeping your desk clean.” All my life, the easily distracted mind of ADHD has made such a simple thing a difficult battle. I’ve the same issue with remembering to take my pills. Every distraction is a lesson and a reminder to pray about everything and realize my weaknesses are opportunities to experience God’s strength. They also prompt spiritual disciplines, particularly prayer and Bible study. 

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:25–27)

What interferes the most? The idea that I can do it without the help of my Savior. 

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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 10:12–13)

The big picture of following Jesus is loving Him and loving others. I can be involved in many activities yet these two are where I find myself on the front lines:

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:23–24)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

PRAY: Jesus, today keep my focus on Your glory and the good of others. Simple? You have shown me that this is the biggest challenge, covering all of life and life’s choices, and how often my pride either wants to do it myself, or select instead words and actions that benefit me and bring me glory. May the battle be won by You. 

Glorify God in marriage…

While this is not a popular teaching nor is it often preached, the Bible says this:

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:22–33)

Rather than stumble over that “submission” word (it does not mean doormat), I see the bigger intent in this passage; the relationship between a husband and wife is supposed to mirror the relationship between Christ and the church. 

Sadly, I remember the Christian woman who said if her hubby acted like Christ, she would be willing to do what he wanted. The other side is that many men will do what their wives want to avoid stress or conflict of any kind, so they do what she says. Both excuses fail to demonstrate what God intended. 

I don’t know the stats, but Christian couples are not immune from fights, separation, splits, divorces, and unfaithfulness. God stresses the seriousness of this, not only because of the emotional damage to families, but the spiritual purpose of love and respect. A divorce and whatever causes it does not reveal how Christ is toward His bride nor does it reflect how the church should respond to our Lord and Savior. 

In reading 1 Corinthians  this morning, I felt deep sorrow. God told to Paul convey this to the church:

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:9–13)

He also wrote about our responsibility to judge any sins, and not take disputes to a court of law. Nor are we to think that someone in the church who is caught in any sin is okay.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9–11)

And this includes cheating on your spouse and calling it severe because, “Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)

PRAY: Father, we know the weakness of many who cannot exercise self-control, and how badly they need to marry rather than let passion rule their behavior. Your Word stresses walking in the Spirit for the Spirit produces the ability to say NO to temptation. Today I pray for those who need to yield to You, both men and women, that each of us is able to reflect Your great love for us and our response of love to You — with the way we live and the way we relate to our marriage partners. And may those who are not married also rely on the Spirit to keep their lives pure so they glorify Your goodness.


 

Finding a good church…

After moving many times and attending many churches, humanly speaking I liked best the congregations that made me feel welcome. All about me. Yet in deeper reflection, those that increased my knowledge and love for God were those that glorified Him the most. 

Feel good churches can be all about me. Glorifying God is far more important. Reading 1 Corinthians clarifies why this is important. A church that puts the emphasis on God will praise Him for a good message instead of boasting they have a pastor who is a good speaker. They will not compete with one another, nor will they boast.

Paul wrote to this church at Corinth to admonish them for their fleshy behavior. They were gifted by God yet boasted in themselves as if they were the source of these gifts. They argued about who was the best leader and teacher. Their focus was on human qualities rather than the glory of God. His words to them through Paul were sharp, yet given to put their focus where it should be;

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. 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.” (1 Corinthians 1:26–31)

When I hear someone critical of the church they attend, I want to say “Find a better one” because they do exist. Yet I hear of those who quit attending any church thinking they are all the same. How sad. Is it better to leave? Or to do what Paul did and remind them of the One that has given them new life and wants them to live accordingly?

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. . . . Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. . . . And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. . . . The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:1–16)

These words are both humbling and uplifting. They kick my pride and restore my thinking to the One who saved me from wanting to be “the best” to being glad that He is merciful. Our granddaughter, broken from a fall and covered in bruises, said, “I’m the dumbest smart person that I know” and that reflects a biblical truth. The Christians at Corinth had Christ and His mind, but they put the wisdom of God aside to boast about themselves. To this, Paul adds:

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. (1 Corinthians 3:18–23)

PRAY: Just because I figured this out does not make me wise — instead it shows that You are my wisdom. I cannot know truth from You unless You reveal it to me. Pride in myself is a huge barricade to living for You and glorifying You. And it is one thing to know this — but the challenge is doing it — giving You the glory for all that You are and do. Rebuke me whenever I take credit instead of putting it where it belongs.

Don’t Judge?

At times, it is easy to be critical, harder to be gracious. This conflict is compounded by two passages in the NT that seem to contradict one another. The first is something Jesus said:

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1–2)

The other one says: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6:1) 

But how can I do that without discerning that the other person is doing something sinful? After thinking about this, I have to conclude that seeing sin in other people is unavoidable. This isn’t about seeing it, but about what to do about it. And what to do about it has parameters that are usually found in the context of various commands. For instance, the words of Jesus add this:

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:3–5)

Often God shows me my sin by allowing me to see it in someone else. In that case, instead of judging the other person, I’m supposed first deal with my own sin. I cannot help anyone be free of a problem if I have never been free of it myself.

The next passage gives instruction along the same lines: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1–5) 

This time, it is a call to help the person who is entrapped as long as I am not, and aid that person to be set free. It is not only helping them but without as selfish motive.

There are other ways to deal with the sin of others. God asks me to pray for other believers that they are able to say yes to God and no to sin. Prayer is burden-bearing in a quiet form.

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death… All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. (1 John 5:16–17)

God could ask me to warn those who are being tempted as many verses warn about not to give in to temptation: 

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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 10:12–13)

Even noticing sin is from God, but it can happen to those who feel inferior and try to boost their self-esteem by putting down others. Yet Christ died for all because all have sinned, none are worthy, and His grace puts us on a level field. 

Not only that, God is patient. He saw sin in the days of Noah, and Lot, and in Job’s story, and in the days of the kings and the prophets. Yet He did not pour out judgment at first glance. Charnock notes: “He brings lighter smarts sooner, that men might not think him asleep, but he suspends the more terrible judgments that men might be led to repentance.” God holds back His rod, waiting for His people to repent and return to Him. I have no right to be impatient with sin or with God’s way of dealing with it.

One more thought. What I consider sin might not be. The NT says not to pass judgment on others if it will cause them to stumble. He is the Savior; I am not. I need to serve Him and love His people, not get in a huff over such matters. “Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. . . .” (Romans 14:13–23)

PRAY: Jesus, I am raised up and seated with You in heavenly places, that You will show the riches of Your grace in kindness toward me and toward all Your people. Our destiny is not about judgment and wrath, but about kindness and grace, and about being like You. Seeing sin in others is not about making myself a judge but about obedience and patience toward all who struggle with sin.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

For years I have felt guilty about those NT commands to show hospitality. Today I discovered this is a false guilt for I had the wrong idea of what that word meant. To me, it was inviting people into my home for meals and even to stay overnight, etc. The people who were identified as gifted in hospitality always did this and for me, it seemed very difficult. So today I delved into the Greek and discovered this: 

The word hospitality comes from philoxenia, meaning "love of strangers," and involves welcoming all people without prejudice. While meals and a bed could be a way of showing it, this is more about an attitude that reflects the love of God toward people. But it is not just a feeling. In the NT, it includes practical acts of service such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and helping those in need. 

Not only that, this word is not a special gift for a few (good cooks with nice table settings?) but an obligation for all Christians that is done without expecting any payback. Instead it may involve personal cost of money, effort, time and talent. It is not mere entertainment or merely sharing a meal, but sharing the life of Christ with others, including the gospel. It is unconditional love, like God’s love, and again, it is often about strangers with needs like hunger, homelessness, illness, or being in prison. 

This is not just about being an extrovert either, such as those who draw strength and feel good about being with people and doing things for them. Hospitality is a selfless obedience, not done to make the doer feel good, but to show God's love in sacrificial ways. I am more of an introvert. So how does hospitality jibe with being an introvert, which often adds to my feeling of falling short? 

I researched that also and now understand how poor word definitions can produce false guilt. This is what I found out about introversion: It is about people who primarily draw energy from solitude and inner thoughts, and who feel drained after social interaction with large groups. It is not necessarily being shy or not liking people, but needing alone time to "recharge" after social events, which make me feel exhausted even though I enjoy them. I do like one-on-one interactions or small groups better than large crowds though. Yet even in small groups, many times I’d rather listen than talk. However, I am able to speak up when the Holy Spirit prompts me. I have very little fear of social judgment. but would often rather stay home than go to many events. 

All of this makes me think of this:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. (Psalm 139:1–6)

PRAY: God, You created me as You desired that I would do what You want from me. Thank You for these thoughts today. While focusing on what You do is vital, so is self-awareness — as You see it. I get skewed by my own ignorance. However, truth revealed by You always sets me free and better equipped to live for Your glory.

Making a thankful list…

Today is American Thanksgiving. Interesting that many celebrate it with food, traditionally turkey and pumpkin pie, and lots to eat. While Canadians celebrated this holiday last month, it is a good idea to be thankful every day (without all that food)!

The news is filled with sadness. A fire in Hong Kong with hundreds still missing. Murders. Accidents. Political decisions that harm many. Yet these three chapters in Romans are filled with things for which I am thankful.

I am no longer a condemned sinner. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set me free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in me, as I walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” 

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? It is giving up and saying no to selfish and sinful ‘I-wants’ and doing what God wants. It is setting my mind on the things of God and being filled with His peace, without any hostility toward Him and knowing that if I insist on doing what the old me wants, I cannot please God nor submit to His law. (Romans 8:1–8)

This is not slavery by force but by choice. He has shown me that putting to death all fleshy thoughts and actions, I not only live but live without fear. I can call Him “Abba! Father” and know that I am His child, His heir, even when suffering happens. He helps me in my weakness even when I don’t know what to pray because He intercedes for me according to His will. His prayers are always answered. (Romans 8:12–27)

I don’t know why He has shown mercy to me, but just as He raised up Pharaoh to show His power, He had mercy on me that I might fit into His plans. It makes no sense to resist this merciful God. (Romans 9:15–18)

I want others to be saved, and realize this is God’s desire because I didn’t care about anyone else in that way before Jesus came into my life. I realize many are still ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own through so-called ‘good works’ yet I am certain that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:1–4)

I also know the simplicity of the gospel. My part was to confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead. With faith in my heart, I am justified (God considers me just as I had never sinned) and saying it is really important. I know this is true for all Christians. All who believe in Him are saved and He bestows His riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9–13)

PRAY: Lord, I’ve been blessed in many ways, but my stuff and even all great experiences do not last. Eternal life with You is by far at the top of my thankful list. You have blessed me: peace with God and the peace of God. Trials come and I have days filled with angst and challenges, but You never leave me or fail me. Just thinking of You gives me great joy. Thank You!


 

The purpose of Suffering…

Since Piper’s devotional is copyrighted, I cannot paste today’s reading here, but am tempted — because it is so helpful. I try to tell others the value of suffering and Piper does a better job! He has never heard anyone say, “The really deep lessons of my life have come through times of ease and comfort.” I agree, and I know by experience that any growth I experience comes by learning the depth of His grace and mercy during suffering.

Jesus is the best example. “Although he was a son, (and sinless) he learned obedience through what he suffered.” (Hebrews 4:15; 5:8) This learning is not like mine where I must learn to obey rather than not, but that He experienced the depth of being yielded to His Father by what He suffered. I do too.

Paul is another example. He said:

Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death… (Philippians 3:4–10)

Another example given is Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), a Scottish minister who suffered because he went against tradition and error in the church and given the death penalty for treason. However, he was already facing death with a disease. He said this:

"I have a summons already from a superior Judge and judicatory, and I behoove to answer my first summons; and, ere your day arrives, I will be where few kings and great folks come.”

In prison, he continued to write enduring letters that conveyed his delight in the glory and all-sufficiency of Christ. He said, “I go to my King’s palace at Aberdeen; tongue, pen, and wit cannot express my joy.” Others said this man was “impatient of earth, intolerant of sin, rapt into the continual contemplation of one unseen Face, finding his … happiness in its returning smile.  His glory was his absorption in Christ. He went to sleep with Christ as his pillow; he awoke in Christ.”

Rutherford also said this: 

If God had told me some time ago that He was about to make me as happy as I could be in this world, and then had told me that He should begin by crippling me in all my limbs, and removing me from all my usual sources of enjoyment, I should have thought it a very strange mode of accomplishing His purpose. And yet, how is His wisdom manifest even in this! For if you should see a man shut up in a close room, idolizing a set of lamps and rejoicing in their light, and you wished to make him truly happy, you would begin by blowing out all his lamps; and then throw open the shutters to let in the light of heaven.

My example these days is our granddaughter, also ‘crippled in all her limbs, and removed from all her usual sources of enjoyment’ yet so joyful in her hospital ‘prison’ that being with her in her deeply affects me too.

PRAY: Lord, Piper says “O how I pray that when God, in his mercy, begins to blow out my lamps, I will not curse the wind” and I must pray that too, for Christians I know who suffer, but also for myself. Pity parties are no fun at all. Only the joy You give can overcome the crippling power of feeling sorry for myself when suffering comes my way, and only You can use it for great good and for Your glory.

Facts, Faith, Emotions

This past month has brought out emotions I didn’t know I had. Our granddaughter’s fall and getting her home to more surgeries is a long story and many days filled with anxiety, but also with joy. Other events and news have made it clear that emotions should be at the caboose end of my train, but that is easier said than done. 

This morning takes me into the first three chapters of Romans, and so much of what God says affects my emotions. Sorrow, frustration, pity, anger, and also joy. This passage alone fills my heart with head-shaking sorrow. 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:18–22)

As I read, I know that apart from the grace of God and His goodness to me, I would be among the fools who suppress the truth and reject Him and His Son.

Another emotion hits with that thought, and then swings again with this description of the horror of what I would experience if God had given me up to my sinfulness:

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:28–32)

If that would not be bad enough, add the result of rejecting His goodness:

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? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:4–5)

Even as a Christian, at any point in my life with Christ I could harden my heart because some sin or other is so appealing that I don’t want to give it up. Without the promise of God to finish what He started in my redemption, thoughts of where I would be without Him produce more emotions, both great sorrow yet great joy because Jesus died for my sin.

The Bible is clear: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:9–12) and the human way of trying to solve this is to be a “good person” yet that does not do it:

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. . . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:20-23)

Do all these emotions simply happen because I’m older and losing my stoic self-control? I don’t think so. I am getting older, but also thinking much about the Lord and all that He has done for me. And thinking much less about the non-vital, non-eternal stuff of this life. These chapters in Romans speak of far more serious matters.

Besides all that, I just learned of the death of a friend. She is gone from this life, leaving a legacy but not herself. God’s good news has a range of joyful thoughts, yet her death puts deep valleys among the peaks. Today, I’m thankful for this diagram:

PRAY: Lord, it was good to know and spend time with Lezley, but I don’t know if she is now with you for eternity. That lack of assurance adds another set of emotions. Faith in You helps level me, but grief and other feelings urge me to make sure I listen and obey when You tell me to share You with others. Yet I’m not to let feelings be my taskmaster, just You, the truth that You represent, and the faith that You so graciously have granted me.

Verses for today…

Yesterday was filled with blessing as we worshiped with others, sang praises to God, listened to a challenge to yield our all in serving Jesus, and shared with others what God is doing in our lives. We visited our granddaughter, and even though she had surgery to reset her arm the day before, she was cheerful and thankful. 

I should have woke this morning full of joy, but that was not so. I felt discouraged and useless, without purpose and emotionally drained. Songs of praise didn’t help. Prayer for unsaved family didn’t help. Reading verses and devotional thoughts left me in the same empty place. However, my online Bible opens with an index and includes a daily verse, this time Isaiah 54:11 and God gave me this:

“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles, and all your wall of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:11–17)

This passage is near the end of this prophet’s section on comfort after many chapters about God’s judgment. While I’ve not felt under judgment, daily news and situations in the world feel like the entire planet is on a downward slope. The perks of yesterday were like dropping into God’s living room and escaping the bad news for a short while. But as soon as that was over, so went my peace of mind. I felt the affliction and lack of comfort described in this passage, but not the emotions that might go with being decked out in precious jewels.

But then, verse 13. I have this verse in the middle of a photo of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. This is God's precious promise, that my family will have peace as God teaches them.

And here it adds more promises that God makes to His people, promises that the Scriptures tell me I can claim for myself since I am a child of God, by faith like the faith of Abraham. The first is that God will establish me, take me far from the oppression I often feel, and remove me from fear and terror — taking them away.

Next, any strife will not be from Him and it will fail because He has weapons against such things, even those who are against me. My vindication is from Him and my heritage — as His child. The prophet may be speaking of physical opposition and battles, yet this covers the spiritual wars against His people whose exterior situation is without strife but the enemy strikes against our minds.

Yesterday I was thanked for prayers that God answered, asked for help that God enabled me to give, and was given words to encourage others. The enemy doesn’t like that, yet if I put his name into the above passage as the weapons and negatives Isaiah points out as defeated, my heart is lifted again. The truth is: Jesus wins, and because He says “I will. . . . .” then I win also. 

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:10–11)

PRAY: Jesus, You are my joy and delight. You overcome the negatives that threaten me, whether their source is bad news, worries and concerns, fearful emotions, or the lies whispered by Satan to take my focus away from You. No weapon that is fashioned against me shall succeed. Because of You, this is my heritage and vindication. You are my righteousness and I am an overcomer and also a winner! How wonderful to belong to You and hear You speak.