Keep away from idols…

There was a man of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah. And he said to his mother, “The 1,100 pieces of silver that were taken from you, about which you uttered a curse, and also spoke it in my ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it.” And his mother said, “Blessed be my son by the Lord.” And he restored the 1,100 pieces of silver to his mother. And his mother said, “I dedicate the silver to the Lord from my hand for my son, to make a carved image and a metal image. Now therefore I will restore it to you.” So when he restored the money to his mother, his mother took 200 pieces of silver and gave it to the silversmith, who made it into a carved image and a metal image. And it was in the house of Micah. And the man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and household gods, and ordained one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:1–6)

This one stumped me until I read the last line and the consequences. So far, most of the “therefore” passages have been consequences that had some virtue in them, but not this one. It reminded me of a radio preacher who told someone that she could choose whatever she wanted but she could not choose the consequences.

Micah later took in a traveller who claimed to be a “Levite” but may not have been. Eventually Micah paid him to be his priest, thinking that the Lord would prosper him because he had is own priest. In the above passage, he also had stolen money from his mother, paid it back, and she used part of it to make idols. He had a shrine and ordained one of his sons to be his priest. The Word of God describes all this as “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Our world still has that happening. We watch leaders making moves that seem right to them and appalling to their people. Or the people go along with it because “it seems right” only to later moan because of the results.

This OT book is describing modern times, both politically and spiritually. There are hundreds, even thousands of belief systems and according to the Word of God, all but one of them is “doing what is right in their own eyes.” Even those who claim to be Christian think that salvation is a matter of doing “good works” and even having their own priests.” I talked with a cult member this week who boasts of numbers and having the right heart, yet his Savior is his organization and not Jesus. Did he ever hear Jesus say, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”? (John 14:6)

The world is full of idols, not always carved or made of metal. Some show up in what motivates life:

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)

John ended this letter with warnings to test the spirits and finished with these words: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)

Jesus, we got up early to watch a sporting event involving our country, but I’ve no intention of making an idol out of this or anything but You. I may miss the first part of the game, but spending time with You means being an overcomer, a winner. I shudder at stealing money from a family member, or giving it back so they could make idols, or considering anyone my priest but You. Yet I know these dangers and thank You for the saving power to say no to such worship. Thank You for loving me into Your kingdom.

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.


 

Visit them. . . .

Today’s reading distresses me so much that writing about it is almost impossible. Piper’s book was written more than thirty years ago. Are these stats better now? Or worse? He says:

There are an estimated twelve million homeless children on the streets of Brazil. Their parents lost them in the crowds, put them out, died. However they got there, they are there. They beg, they steal, they sell their bodies. They eat garbage. Some policemen and others moonlight by contracting to kill street children so that they will not menace the city. In 1992 an average of four hundred of these children were killed monthly in Brazil. It’s the same in other big cities. The Philippine government estimates that there are fifteen thousand child prostitutes in Manila between the ages of nine and twelve. One estimate suggests that in Thailand there are eight hundred thousand girls between twelve and sixteen years old involved in prostitution.

Google AI says the numbers in Brazil are about 7 million homeless children, 250,000 to 1 million others in Manila, and at least 20,000 without hope and enslaved in Thailand’s major cities. Even if these numbers are exaggerated, what are God’s people doing about it? The Bible says:

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27)

Physically visit them? I cannot do that for these shunned and hunted orphans. We have widows in our large complex that I can visit, yet my heart hurts to think of so many children in such dire straits. Our church points to organizations that target rescuing these kids. They include: Chain of Love and International Justice Mission, yet the most an average person can do is pray and send money. Prayer puts the burden in God's hands and money provides the resources needed. Both are better than nothing, yet the implication in the Word of God is to doing something more personal. Jesus would and can.

Unstained from the world seems not connected to visiting needy people. However, the world is defined in another passage:

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)

Summed up, loving the world is being so involved in what I can gain from life that I have no desire and no time nor reason for helping others have a life that matters. And isn’t that what God wills for me? For those kids?

PRAY: Father, my heart hurts. I can send money. I can visit a few widows. I try to keep worldly desires out of my motivations and actions. It seems so little compared to the size of this problem. I know You are powerful and merciful. What do you want from me in regard to this incredible need?

Purpose of Life. . .

Several pages in Stephen Charnock’s book, “The Existence and Attributes of God” put me in tears this morning. He describes all the ways that even God’s people not only doubt the power of God, but also deny it. He gives examples from the OT then points to the opposite in many passages from both OT and NT. His point is that the Lord is omnipotent and totally worthy of being called Almighty God, yet so many live as if God is powerless.

Charnock also says that the fact that God is able to do whatever His will desires to do cannot  absolve me from obedience. As He showed me yesterday, He serves us and enables us to live godly lives. Some will say they are serving God as if God requires help, but that is a denial of His power; Almighty God does not need anyone or anything. He simply uses us and the power of the Holy Spirit enables us. One analogy is that He is the hand and we are the glove. As Jesus said:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4–5)

Jesus also said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:16–17) So what is the fruit?

From His words, I get the impression that fruit is related to what God puts on my heart and in my prayer list. This begs the question: what motivates me? It must be God, but before I can have godly motivation, I must drop all worldly motivation. . . .  

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)

This covers all personal desires and anything that makes me look good, feel good, and gain glory. Remember the way Jesus criticized the Pharisees for praying and parading to look good before others? Worldliness is about personal I-wants, not the will of God. I’m noticing that many cannot discern the difference. However, God gives a remedy. . . .  

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 12:2)

The NT tells me to put on the new self and that old self is dead (separated from God) and useless. This is a faith issue for it does not seem dead in the sense of no longer a problem, but very much alive and trying to run things ‘my way’ rather than the way of Jesus.

So the fruit of the Spirit is not about me, my wants, what makes me feel good, etc. apart from what the Spirit gives — which usually feels good, but as soon as the fruit is my goal, I’ve turned my heart from glorifying Jesus to doing what I want — so I will feel good. Obeying Jesus isn’t about glorying in what He gives, but about glorifying Him.

For this, a very mature apostle wrote that he was not there yet, “But Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” (Philippians 3:13–15)

PRAY: Lord, my enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil with all three wanting to keep me involved in sinful living rather than being like You and glorifying You. Salvation is freedom from that sin-filled stuff to obey You in whatever You tell me to do. This is why I’m here — to bear that fruit. It’s not about me. You must increase, but I must decrease.

Pray as Jesus prayed

 

The Lord has brought so much to my attention concerning prayer that I’ve been emotional as well as uncertain when I talk to Him. At times, just knowing His presence seems enough. He is sovereignly working out His purposes in this world, even using the evil for good (How can that be?) And hearing every thought, not just those spoken. He has shown me that He reaches people according to each one’s situation and nature, that He knows their hearts and where they are on their spiritual journey. I’m ignorant of all that, unless He reveals it to me. How then do I pray for others?

This morning, God directs me to how Jesus prayed. His prayer is longer, but these verses tell me more about communication with Him:

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:14–23)

His Word alone is filled with prayer instruction, not only the outline given in what we call “The Lord’s prayer” but the cry of His people is recorded from Genesis to Revelation. My prayer life is not always following those examples or using what the saints of old said to help me with what to say.

Because the world hates Christians, that also is instruction for prayer, not to ask that unsaved people love me, but ask that my life is so filled with the Spirit of God that I fall into that category. I must not let the ideas of the world stop me from prayer or influence the way I pray either.

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)

 Fleshy desires could include prayers asking for personal comfort, for a new car, for that dress in the store window, for recognition, all sorts of ego boosters. With Jesus in my heart and oneness with Him, I recognize selfish I-wants when they pop up. Godly praying confesses such desires rather than asking God for them.

Sanctified by truth means reading it and praying it. Praying that I be set apart to serve Jesus and tell others about Him is also part of what Jesus asked for me. If I am one with Him, then my priorities in prayer need to fit with His priorities. He wanted the world to believe that God the Father sent God the Son to love them and to die for them. That is a high priority on His prayer list and should be on mine.

He prayed about giving me the glory that God gave Him — so people would know the truth. Praying that I live out that glory and not hide it out of fear because those who see it hate it. I don’t want them to hate me also but it can happen. So I need to pray for boldness and a deep desire to glorify Jesus and not myself.

PRAY: This prayer You prayed is filled with instruction on how to pray. I am not You, but am one with You and what better way to show it than praying for myself and for others as You prayed for us… so I will. Amen.

The value of spiritual disciplines

 

Most Christians know what spiritual disciplines are: Bible reading and study, prayer, worship, fellowship, silence, and others. Some might suppose these make us more spiritual, but it is God that does that. The disciplines merely put us in places where we can experience His transforming power. On the other hand, if I do them all but refuse to obey, these disciplines have little value.

One detour to spiritual growth is thinking I cannot grow in less than perfect surroundings. However, that is often the situation for flourishing if I remain faithful to the disciplines and remember the truths God has taught me and still teaches, truth like:

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)

This is an important “place of grace’ in that it puts the flesh where it belongs and centers life in Christ, where it actually is — even if the world, the flesh, and the Liar keep telling me otherwise. Jesus is the source of my life and I need to remain in that thinking, abide in it. This means all my thoughts, words, and actions spring from His Spirit, not from anything else.

I’ve used the illustration of a cup. Upright it is filled, but if I sin, I ‘tip over’ and the Holy Spirit is no longer filling me because I’ve let in something else, either the ideas and love of the world, the desires of the flesh, or the lies of Satan.

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)

The flesh is given many descriptions. Some are at the lower end of our human sin scale:

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19–21)

However others are not so blatant: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) This verse describes anything I do apart from the will of God. My own way might be ambitions that serve my ego, and other self-centered and selfish motivations.

The lies of the enemy are designed to knock out faith with suggestions like: “God does not want the best for you. God’s love should be making you comfortable. God does not control everything” and a host of thoughts contrary to Scripture and truth about Him. 

Again, spiritual disciplines offer a variety of reminders, clues, rebukes, and helpful reasons to keep my source on Jesus instead of getting knocked over or off track by spiritual enemies, including my own pride and foolishness. It keeps this “glove” on the “hand” that moves it, not stuck in some useless place without any power.

The most common knockout punch is disobedience. This enemy is rooted in lack of faith in the Lord and putting faith is something other than Him. It keeps sinners from salvation and Christians from living fruitful lives that prove our faith, ensure answered prayer, fill us with joy, and enable us to love one another:

If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:6–12)

PRAY: Jesus, I’m so thankful that You give me a love for Your Word and a desire to go to those “places of grace” that help me focus on You and on truth. They also rebuke my sinfulness and hold me accountable. The only ‘cure’ for disobedience is confession and Your forgiveness and cleansing — certainly not “trying harder” for I cannot save myself or fix my sin. You are truly my Savior, not even the disciplines and not my will. You love me and keep all Your promises to forgive, cleanse, and transform my life and will take me home to live with You forever.

What holiness looks like…

 
Since ‘holy’ is about purity and about being set apart and unlike or ‘other than’ this means the people of God are not like what we were once like. Our life “hid with Christ in God” is a hidden life as to its source, at least to those who do not focus on Jesus, but that life with Jesus must not be hidden as to its outward results. People ought to see that I walk as Christ walked. Even in challenges, my life will be different. It should prove that I possess what I profess. This means turning my back on everything that is contrary to the perfect will of God and being what some translations call “peculiar people” in the eyes of the people around me.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11–14)

Wherever I go, this “other than” ought to be seen in my habits, state of mind, values, interests, conversations, and activities. For instance, because I am a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, I must  no longer look on my money as mine, but as belonging to the Lord to be used in His service. I must not use my energies in the pursuit of worldly means, but “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” knowing that God will take care of my needs. (Matthew 6:33)

God does not ask me to seek prominence or worldly advantages. I’m not to make myself the center of my thoughts and goals. My days are not to be spent serving me or my I-wants but in serving the Lord. He calls me to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. All my daily duties are to have His attitude, “not as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord” (Ephesians 6:5–8) The will of God is not only different but perfect, yet it does require something from me:

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)

First, I must yield to Him, not with eye-service as to impress others by looking good, but from the heart. This is “spiritual worship” and therefore from the spirit, the deepest part that is made alive in redemption and is my connection with the Spirit of God. My worship cannot be outward actions, or merely intellectual or emotional in nature. I can choose to worship but true worship is from the heart and all of my being, yielded totally to the Lord.

Also, I’m to say no to the world and its values, motivations, and the ways of expressing them:

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)

All this means being different, ‘other than’ and often mocked by those who cannot fathom why anyone would live this way. It makes no sense to them. In our culture, our Christian ways are ignored, sometimes ridiculed or even opposed. In many parts of the world, this way is persecuted and many Christians die at the hands of those who see this ‘other than’ way of life as a threat to their own.

PRAY: Jesus, thank You for new life with its great challenge to be holy because You are holy. Keep my focus on You during these days of confusion and so many needs in others who ask for prayer and in those who deny that You even exist. Grant me the strength to persevere, not only in prayer but in being what You want me to be — holy and set apart for You.

God’s Value System

Identifying human value systems is not difficult. Almost all television commercials appeal to what people want, whether it be bigger, better, more of money or stuff, or the eating of appealing food (not necessarily healthy), greater popularity, more power, and a deeper sense of importance.

Some of them appeal to our desire to be kind and well-liked — easy to do, just give your chocolate bar to someone else, or our desire to have fun — just serve the right drinks and everyone is happy.

At times, and as I age, I look at those appeals and reflect that most of them will not go to the grave with me. All such perks are temporary and Jesus did say not to lay up treasures on earth but be focused on eternal issues. The Word of God also adds this:

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)

As a Christian, my focus should be heavenward, yet I still live in this world and am bombarded with the appeals to my life here. More and more I’m thankful for the alternatives and the promise of Jesus Christ to grant me an abundant life that revolves around His value system. He gives simple directions about how to deal with the ads:

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:25–33)

Solomon was extremely wealthy yet God says lilies are richer. Birds don’t have bank accounts yet their needs are met. How about people? The OT stories tell how their shoes and clothes did not wear out — and He still does that. I complain that I cannot justify a shopping trip because my stuff never seems to wear out, yet this is a testimony to the care of God.

Today’s reading uses the above passage to remind me that I do not need to strive to grow more like Jesus, that He just does it. It also reminds me that I don’t need to strive to have what I need. I’ve been blessed above and beyond any expectations because the Lord is taking care of what I need by putting my focus on eternal matters more than earthly stuff, and on sharing what He has given me by showing me that no one can out-give God. If I later need it, He simply restocks whatever I lack.

Sometimes I call myself “God’s spoiled brat” and realize not everyone experiences the same blessings, and that makes me feel uncomfortable with the many blessings God gives. At the same time, life has had great hardships, not to balance out the good stuff but to make me realize the value of seeking Him rather than putting my focus on whatever I can gain from this world and the things that have no eternal value.

PRAY: What can I say, Jesus, but Thank You. You have worked in my greedy, selfish heart and by taking away what I once wanted, You have given me far more than I could ever deserve. I truly am Your spoiled brat.

Watch out for worldly motives…

All I did was enter a store looking for something attractive to hang on our front door. The wreaths looked cheap and they didn’t have much else for doors, but the rest of the store had all sorts of nice things. I walked about and looked and touched and began to feel covetous. I could have bought whatever appealed to my eyes but held back and left the store. Now I realize what held me back:

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 was not the nice stuff, but deeper. My motive for wanting what I saw was definitely a worldly ‘desire of the eyes and pride of life’ and the Lord would not let me stay in that place. Today’s devotional addresses this issue and shows me how easily I can be side-tracked. It says (and I personalize it)…

Anything cherished in my heart contrary to the will of God, whether it seems insignificant or deeply hidden, will cause me to fall (or rob me from God’s joy)… any self-seeking… any doubtful habits or surroundings… consciously indulged, will effectually cripple and paralyze my spiritual life… I may wonder and question and despair and pray. Nothing will do any good until the wrong thing is dug up from its hiding place, brought out to the light, and laid before God. The moment, therefore, that I meet with a defeat, I must at once seek for the cause, some hidden want of consecration… Just as a headache is not the disease itself but only a symptom of a disease situated in some other part of the body, so my loss of joy is only the symptom of an sin hidden in… my nature.

I’ve wanted nice things before but not lately. The Spirit shows me that this attempt to a nice door ornament was motivated by a desire to impress our neighbors (long story behind that) and God gave me a sharp rap in my emotions to tell me again that the action may be fine, but if the motivation is not godly, then the actions are not acceptable either.

Besides the loss of joy, all the concerns I’ve been praying about seemed bigger, despite good news concerning several of them. I simply could not see the Lord at work and only gloom and doom.

PRAY: Jesus, I’m thankful You have established in my heart the importance of keeping short accounts with You. This shopping attempt didn’t seem a big deal at the time, and it wasn’t, but being motivated by the desire for all the nice things I could see and satisfying my pride is not from You. I confess this, knowing You forgive and cleanse. Thank You for such amazing grace.

Can I will myself to believe?

 

Today’s devotional presents a theological position that I’m not sure I agree with. Years ago I read many books by Watchman Nee. In part, my take-away was that humans are body, soul, and spirit. Body is the physical, soul is intellect, emotion and volition, and spirit is the inner person that is able to connect with God, know sin, and be aware of spiritual matters — but only if the spirit is made alive by God through faith in Jesus Christ. Otherwise, the spirit is dead to (separated from) God because of sin.

Nee illustrated this in concentric circles with the visible body on the outer ring,  the soul next, and the spirit in the very center. He said we are to live by a renewed spirit that listens to and obeys God, not merely by our reasoning, emotions or will. However, he also taught that the soul when under the influence of a new spirit, is made new also. We just need to learn how to live according to the spirit and not allow the desires of the old nature (body and soul)  take the place of God’s Spirit speaking to our spirit.

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)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5–7)

And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:40–42)

Scripture indicates that I should not be relying on my own ideas, emotions and desires, or even my will when it comes to following Christ. Not that He cannot use these faculties, but that the impetus or motivation comes from His Spirit to my spirit.
This means I should not reverse this order. That is, when I get an idea the Word of God will tell me where it comes from. Jesus said that “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” (John 7:17) The source of what I hear is important. My thinking needs to agree with the will of God, meaning that obedience is not only about choice or volition, but also about study and using my brains to know God’s will so I can recognize where that idea comes from.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12–13)

Sometimes I realize the brain wave is fleshy (from my old nature) by recognizing who will get the glory, but not always. Sin and self-centered or soulish life can subtle. I need the Bible to discern my intentions and to show me whether Jesus is honored by my actions or I just want to be put on a pedestal.

Faith can be influenced by my will, but why I need to be careful about “believing by choosing to believe.” The Bible says faith comes by hearing (Romans 10) and is a gift from God, yet being willing to hear fits in there also. God wants all my “parts” surrendered to Him.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

PRAY: Jesus, I remember the moment when You came to me and opened my heart to know who You are and what You did at Calvary. Hearing You speak was a stupendous revelation to a weary and broken heart whose soul had no answers, no joy, and was unwilling and unable to make things better. But You, in an instant changed all that by choosing me — as You said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16) and then put Your Spirit on the throne of my life.
 

Do I know what’s next?

Today I feel like Abraham must have felt when God called him to go — not knowing where and what awaited him there. God is asking me to change many things. Part of that was a deep desire to simplify my life, to be more efficient, to listen more closely to Him in areas where habit dictated action rather than the Holy Spirit. However, I know that whatever lies ahead, I am clueless yet eager to discover what will happen.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)

MacArthur begins today’s reading with: “The life of faith begins with a willingness to forsake everything that displeases God.” If that is applicable to me, then living by habit is His target rather than any gross sin. Yet I know that sin is sin, whether it is shaking my fist in His face or merely not asking Him how He wants me to spend every minute of each day.

Abraham is the biblical example of the living by faith. He was not perfect, sometimes taking matters into his own hands, but the Bible is clear; not only was this man the father of the Hebrew nation, by example he was the father of all who live by faith in God.

He (Abraham) received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well. (Romans 4:11)

The first-century Jews thought God selected this man because of his righteousness, but Abraham was a sinful man living in the idolatrous society in the Chaldean city of Ur. God’s call to him was like this: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1–3) and his response: “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” (Genesis 12:4)

He listened, trusted and obeyed. His pilgrimage of faith began when he separated himself from the pleasures of a pagan land to pursue God’s plan for his life.

There is a certain pleasure of being in control of life, doing things that are easy for me, keeping habits, living my days with a schedule of events and activities of my own choice. Most people would not consider any of that as sinful or pagan, but the closer God pulls me to Jesus, the more I see that He did not live that way. His prayer in Gethsemane was, “Not my will but thine be done” yet He prayed and lived that way all the time.

MacArthur says, “So it is with you if you’re a man or woman of true faith. You’ve forsaken sinful pleasures to follow Christ. And as your love for Christ increases, there’s a corresponding decrease in worldly desires.” Right now, I know that sinful desires include managing my own life without asking Him about all things. In a sense, this is practical atheism — living by my choices as if God did not exist.

God wants my focus on fulfilling His will for my life when I get up, whenever I eat and drink (see 1 Corinthians 10:31), and do daily chores (or not), finding out what He wants rather than simply living according to my to-do list without asking or listening for His input. He may not take me away from home, but I am already realizing that increased prayer will be part of it. I prayed three rather outrageous requests this week and He answered them. It wasn’t what I prayed that mattered, but He is showing me that I can pray for His will to be done with confidence in the outcome, no matter how impossible the request might seem. He wants me to always know the joy and assurance that come from following Him.

PRAY: Jesus, grant me the grace and spiritual courage to walk by faith today rather than by habit and in my own strength and thinking.

PONDER: How does this passage describe the way that I run my own life?

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)