God blesses — even in sleep…

 

If anyone thinks we must choose faith I’d like them to explain only one experience. I went to bed last night filled with worry about someone and unable to dispense with my fears. But I did fall asleep. An hour or more later I woke up, filled with joy and glad that God was in charge of that person and would take care of her. I went back to sleep. Morning came and faith was right there with it. I didn’t do anything, only felt a deep sense of gratitude.

John Piper’s devotional for today is a tribute to John Owen and his understanding of our communion with God. Instead of quoting these writers, I’m thinking about the levels of God speaking in the life of young Samuel. He’d been given to the Lord as a child: 

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. (1 Samuel 3:1–7)

However, God had spoken to his mother and she listened. This is why Samuel was in this place. My husband and I have both seen how God spoke to our lives long before we knew Him and put us in situations where He wanted us to be. As self-governing sinners, it seems so unlikely we were listening, yet somehow God made things happen that fit with His plan.

And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:8–10)

There came a day when we heard God speak too, knew it was Him, and we were compelled to believe by the amazing gift of faith. How do I know it was a gift? Ephesians 2:8-9 says so, agreeing with my experience but also in light of Romans 3:9ff, knowing that I did not do this myself. Not capable or even willing. 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. (John 15:16)

As much as I’d like to take credit for at least hearing Him, I cannot. He knocked at the door of my heart and saying NO never entered my mind.

Up to a point, most of my communion with God is one-sided. He talks; I listen. Yet the more I listen and respond to Him, the more I hear and understand. Owen points out that I can talk to the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, yet these distinctions are not always distinct to me. I have no idea who came to me in the night and changed my fears into joyful faith. Was it the effect of sleep? I think not. I slept only a bit more than an hour before wakening in joy. Yet somehow God chased away my fears, and very likely the author of fear was ordered out, showing me again that my salvation from sin is not up to me to renounce it. Nor is rebuking Satan always up to me. If need be, my Savior does it, even when I’m asleep!

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

PRAY: In the fatigue of a very busy week, and the pressures of so many needs about us, prayer has been vital and so has sleep. I feel weak and helpless, but You are with me and taking care of all things. I am so very thankful.

Who can figure out this mystery?

When confronted by “why God saves some and not others” often the answer given is that God saves those He knows will say yes to Him. In other words, people are saved by their receptivity. This cannot be true because: 

It is written: “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. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10–18)

The Bible is clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9) Those who say “I am saved because I accepted Christ” also forget that Jesus 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. . . .” (John 15:16)

The human desire to rule our own lives pops up even here. So we can boast? Rather than trust this God who is sovereign and does what pleases Him, even many times that have no logical reasons?

Charnock outlines how often the sovereignty of God means He does what He pleases and we have no clue why. Here are some examples from His Word and from history:

He sometimes conquers thousands, sometimes with a few laborers. Other times the harvest is small with many laborers. Evangelists may reach hundreds, or labor long and catch nothing. In Corinth, the gospel triumphed over many people, yet in Athens it is mocked, and gathers but a few. 

Miracles were not allowed or God uses them in unexpected ways. Sinners rise out of their graves of sin and beds of sluggishness at the first hearing of this good news while others lie snoring longer. We share, but are frustrated by the outcomes we expect and sometimes shocked by outcomes we thought impossible. 

Sometimes hearers leap at the appearance of Christ, but others lie upon a lazy bed when He knocks from heaven. Sometimes the fleece is dry, and sometimes wet. God can shine light into dark hearts, yet hearts remain dark with light shining all around them. 

Sometimes the strongest arguments and clearest promises cannot prevail over black and despairing resistance, then an unexpected word that seems to have no virtue in it itself opens that heart to Christ. Sometimes a spontaneous word not thought of before gives light where all other efforts were empty. 

A thought comes into my mind like a sunbeam, making a Scripture truth visible in a moment, yet before I never noticed or gave consideration. This, called rhema, is from God’s pleasure. For me, the mystery is why He has persisted for more than fifty years when I am so stubborn to obey?

As for gifts, why are they given? Why am I strong in some and not in others? Because, “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11) 

It is the same for His wisdom concerning the gospel. Why was it given to the poor Galileans and not the Pharisees? He granted some “to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” and not others (Matthew 13:11). Again, this is a mystery, one not revealed except that God does as He wishes and His acts of sovereignty please Him.

PRAY: Lord God, You have shown me enough of Yourself that I can trust You with what You keep hidden. My sinful, human and fleshy nature is disappointed because I want to know, solve the puzzle, discover the bottom line, be in on this secret. Yet my proud heart is humbled and even glad that You are God and I am not. Worship happens and that is one more mystery — that a proud and self-serving sinner is enabled to bow in surrender to a God that I cannot always understand what You are doing or why. I will be still and know that You are God, and that You will be exalted among the nations, and exalted in the earth. You, the Lord of hosts, are with me and You are my fortress. (Psalm 46:10–11) Amen!

Chosen for a reason?

Yesterday I thought about being chosen by God — for no reason, at least not in me. But He does have a reason. He told His disciples:

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. (John 15:16)

There are three reasons in this verse. One is that I will bear fruit. All through the NT, fruit-bearing is defined as a changed life produced by the Holy Spirit and often through discipline. This implies that the person chosen has much that needs changing. That is one reason He picked me. I did and still do need changing.

Second, this fruit abides, continues, endures. It is not incidental but a lasting habit. Habits of any kind are a challenge and take much repetition to form — even with the power of the Holy Spirit behind them. They require learning and relearning. With my selfishness plus attention-deficit, this is the second reason He picked me.

The third reason is so He would be glorified in answered prayer. This does not mean that I am a strong prayer person. Instead, it implies that there is no other reliable virtue or skill in me so I must pray to accomplish anything, not just the fruit of being His child, but all things. I cannot eat or drink to the glory of God, never mind speak His will or fathom His ways without prayer. More and more I realize my helplessness and that helplessness is the third reason He picked me.

Sometimes the Bible seems to put the onus on God’s sheep to do the doing, the fruit producing, making it a habit, and do the praying. Realizing my impotence changes my view. To me, passages like this one are descriptive of those who have been blessed because we are chosen, and are not or have not done anything to become chosen:

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. (John 10:1–5)

Jesus explains that He is the door and we listen to Him. He came to give us life so we could live like His sheep.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3–6)

How does this make sense? It is because God knows the ones who are the most qualified to glorify Him; it is the least, not the most likely in our eyes, or His . . . .  

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:25–29)

PRAY: This week is a steep learning curve, yet when You speak to me, dear Jesus, I hear your voice and You change my life. More and more I see my foolishness, weakness, lowliness and lack of wisdom. More and more I see how much I need You and am willing to share with others that anything I accomplish is because of You. Yet I also see, more and more, how much more I must learn.

Read Carefully

When reading the Bible, I’m seeing the importance of word order. For instance, one verse says to yield to God and resist the devil and he will flee from me. It does not say God will flee or that I can resist the devil first and then yield to God. If I’m not yielded to God, I have no power to resist the devil.

Another passage, quoted in today’s devotional, has a sequential order too. Without paying attention to it, I could make a serious error:

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:1–4)

Several versions interpret “turn” as repent or “be converted” which definitely comes first according to the rest of Scripture. Being reborn begins the transformation to child-likeness and that new birth is the entrance to God’s kingdom. After that, the humbling process of spiritual growth makes the new Christian greater than he/she was before that conversion, and more like a humble child. Those who are humbled in that childlike way become great in God’s kingdom.

Unfortunately, some will interpret this passage to say that getting into the kingdom is only for those who first become like little children. One example: “Become a little child, then, by laying aside all your greatness, self-assertion, self-dependence, wisdom, and strength, and consent to die to your own self-life and be born again into the kingdom of God.” This makes salvation a matter of assuming the right attitude, doing the right things, all good works, yet the NT repeatedly affirms that doing the right things is the ‘result’ of salvation. No one is saved by their own efforts.

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

I’ve met those who attend church, serve in various ways, and speak often of “I decided to follow…” or “I did…” They seem to mean well yet their salvation is about their choice to follow Jesus. However, Jesus 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. (John 15:16)

This topic of genuine salvation seems to come up often. It reminds me repeatedly how Jesus came into my life and surprised me. I don’t remember the date but vividly recall the day. He changed my life. I’ve nothing to boast about. Since then, He keeps dealing with my stubborn pride, showing me how helpless I am without His Spirit, and that being like a child is impossible as a decision or an action. As my King and my Savior, He must do this in me. Those who speak of laying aside self don’t seem to realize that that kind of statement comes across as a do-it-yourself project and is in total contradiction to:

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. (Galatians 2:20)

How did I get to this understanding? It was not by choice. The Holy Spirit and circumstances of life, the thorns in my flesh, the trials and failures, the love of God — all teach me that I am nothing and Jesus is everything. He is wisdom and grace and goodness. Without Him, I can do nothing and am merely a blip in the passage of time.

PRAY: Jesus, these claims of being able to choose and to turn our lives around make me incredibly sad. As long as a person thinks that way, the humility of a child cannot describe them. Isn’t childlikeness being aware of my limitations, not that ‘I can do it myself’ attitude? Isn’t trusting You about leaning on You for everything, even the ability to lean on You? Oh Lord, enable me to pray rightly for those who twist Your Word to justify their self-effort, but also never to fall into that same misunderstanding. If pride in self shows up, deal with it quickly — that You are glorified and never me.

Imputed Righteousness - a gift!

 

The author of today’s devotional reading says that few Christians really understand the meaning of Christ being our righteousness. Is that true? Or are there many people who call themselves Christians and simply have not had any revelation from the Holy Spirit about this and are trying to live the Christian life without the rebirth and imputed righteousness that comes as a gift from God?

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)

These verses describes what happens when a person is truly saved. Their life is changed because Jesus takes our sin and gives us His righteousness. As the Bible says,

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 1:28–31)

I have heard boasting. Proud voices say, “When I chose Jesus” yet Jesus says, “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.” (John 15:16)

Salvation is a work of God. A genuine believer cannot repeat words like justified or made righteous as part of some religious vocabulary nor have a vague idea of what this means. These are truths God reveals. We can forget them at times (when flesh takes over), but because of the Holy Spirit, we know that His new life has even given to us.

The devotional writer rightly says “I cannot explain it theologically” yet speaks of righteousness as a supply we can draw from God when needed, as if behavior is the only meaning of righteousness. New life does change a person’s way of doing things, but it is first a statement of who we are in Christ. His righteousness is not a mere commodity to draw on in fresh supply as if it were a jug of milk or a head of lettuce. It is a declaration of how God now sees me because of this great trade made by Jesus Christ when He bore my sin and died for it.

The Bible essentially tells me who I am in Christ and how to live as who I am. It does not list the character traits of Jesus as something to draw on when I feel like it, but this is my new nature and He has given it to me. Because of Jesus, I am righteous, holy, set apart for Him. It was His choice to grant this, not anything I did or can boast about. Faith believes it, and faith glorifies the One who gives it.

PRAY: Jesus, if nothing else I am reviewing Your admonition to “defend the faith” as I read and try to understand ideas that put the onus on people for the work that You alone can and will do. To say I can draw a fresh supply of goodness when I need it is a sad understanding that makes some if not all of Your saving work my responsibility rather than Yours. Perhaps those who think this way have trouble with the “low and despised” part of salvation’s description and need something to boost their ego. I don’t know. All I know is that You saved me — for no other reason than it was Your choice to grant me forgiveness and new life. How can I express my gratitude other than glorifying You for what You have done?!

Pride and worth…

 

Not too long ago, a professing Christian said to me, “I feel so unworthy…” and I replied, “That is exactly how God wants us to think.”

No one is worthy of salvation. There is no distinction for “all have for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24) The gospel is not for ‘worthy’ people for there are none. As it is written:

“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.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10–18)

Those who say they are not worthy often say this as a complaint, as a “I wish I were a better person” and are trying to make the gospel about them and their worth. It is a pride thing to want to earn my salvation, to be able to say I am worthy of such an incredible gift.

Pride shows up in so many ways. It focuses on the failures of others, is fault-finding, independent, wants to prove I am right, wants self-advancement, is confident, or self-conscious, quick to blame others, quick to cover up sin or excuse it, and so on. I have a list and try not to read it too often for it is very convicting. Nevertheless, the Lord knows how to humble a proud heart and the only way to avoid the pain of that is to say yes to it.

The above passage provides an outline for those who are washed by the gospel:

“You are given the righteousness of Christ and the Holy Spirit has blessed you with an understanding so that you now seek God. Rather than turning from Him, you now turn to Him and have great worth in His sight. You are now able to do good because He lives in you. Your words can tell others of His grace and bring good news to others who are still lost in sin. The goodness of God can now flow out of you as you praise Him in joy. You are quick to bring life to those who are spiritually dead because you now know the way of life and peace with God. Your distain for Him has become reverent love and respect…”

The flesh wants all the credit, even to say “I accepted Christ” even though Jesus 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.” (John 15:16)

Humility admits no worth yet declares the incredible worth of the One who saves, the One who did all the work and declared, “It is finished” at the moment of His death.

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. (Galatians 2:20)

PRAY: Pride is easy to declare. Humility not so much. As soon as I think I have it, i’m reverting back to boasting. Jesus, You know my ups and downs, the things that mess with my mind and the struggle to wait on You without boasting about it. I know I’m set free and that freedom means living without thinking much about myself, but about You and about others. Keep me in the right place and frame of mind that most glorifies You. You are worthy — totally and completely!

My sheep hear My voice…

The song and the Lord say, “My sheep hear my voice” and declare that God’s people do not know or follow the voice of strangers. Reflecting on this, my experience makes a distinction between God’s sheep who listen only to Jesus, and the old nature who definitely knows and follows the voice of the world and even the devil. Each time I do a selfish or sinful thing, it is because I am not listening to the Lord, but to those desires of the flesh… which died with Christ and is separated from communion with God, but nevertheless remains with ears to hear lots of junk.

Today’s reading begins with: “When we have heard the call to surrender and have confessed that the Lord is our God and that we will walk in His ways and keep His commandments, He declares us to be His peculiar people and promises to make us holy.”

I believe this is backwards because “I” cannot hear the call of God until God has given me faith to believe and declared me His child. Only then do I become one of His sheep and am able to hear His voice and yield to His desires.

The reading says, "From that moment He takes full possession of us. What can He do but take possession of the soul that surrenders itself to Him? And of course He sanctifies that which is His own. Everything given to God becomes, by that very act, holy and set apart for His use alone.”
Again, this is backwards. I did not and would not be able to give myself to God until He first called me and made me His child.

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. (John 15:16)

It has to be in this order for the Bible declares over and over that flesh cannot and will not choose or even seek God.

As it is written: “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.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:10–20)

Two ways are viewed: the power of God to change sinners and the free will of man to choose or reject God. The problem, with the second view is that it exalts “I” and the human will instead of Jesus. It also dismisses biblical teaching that everyone will reject God unless God works in our hearts to change the way we think. He is the Savior. Without Him, no one would believe. In our ‘free will’ we pick our own way, not God’s way. (Isaiah 53:6)

The devotional speaks of the danger of an “I” religion without seeming to realize that ‘free will’ is at the root of it. When Jesus said, “Not my will but thine be done” there was no sin in His will, yet He yielded it to the Father. To be like Jesus, I’m to do the same, but without the mind of Christ, I would never say that because, as the Bible says, I would never seek God.

Why cling to the idea of free will? Such is the power of sin. It leads the human heart to want to be in control, the very opposite of what faith in God entails. He exists and is sovereign. I’m basically unable to do anything apart from His mercy and grace.

PRAY: Lord, it is right to exalt You and to give You glory for anything right that happens in my life. I’m helpless and without spiritual life or fruit without You. I acknowledge You as the Author and Finisher of my faith and of my very life and breath. I need You and Your grace every moment and am grateful that You died for my sin, rose again, and give me Your life, even Your mind and Spirit that I might surrender and live as Your sheep who is able to hear Your voice and do what You say.

I’m His because He is mine…

Today’s reading is a prayer of consecration. The author ends each section with, “Help me, oh my God!” Before reading it, I sang several songs with praise to God for the reality that He does help us. I do belong to Him. It was His choice, not mine.

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. (John 15:16)

Yes, I also must yield myself to Him, not that my willingness makes Him work in my life, but that my resistance slows down the process. One day I will be like Him, whether I fully cooperate or not.

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:2–3)

If I focus on my own I-wants in fleshy selfishness, He will work to change that focus. He may use the reading of His Word, or good sermons, or rebukes from friends, or trials that break my stubborn will, or it might be on that final journey’s end when I see Him face-to-face, but He choose me to be His child and to bear fruit in His name. All resistance is useless and a waste of time and effort.

Could I win a battle with Almighty God and His purposes? Maybe for a time. Maybe on certain occasions, but only to see the futility of my way vs. His eternal purposes for me. Learning this is learning to say “I give you my….” whatever I am withholding. As the reading says, it could be my thoughts, likes, dislikes, the management of my life and plans, what I see, hear, where I go and who I spend time with, what I do with my time, the words that I say, the people I love, how I treat those I know and do not know, including those whose way of life is good and those who are evil.

When Jesus said, “Not my will, but thine be done” He was yielding up His very life. He always offered all He did and said and wanted to do to His heavenly Father. That is consecration.

And because Jesus is my Savior, this is not up to me and my willingness to yield. He said He would do it — whether here in this life or with Him in eternity. I am His. It helps me to think that way and to realize the wonder of being at peace when I stop thinking or acting as if I run my own life.

PRAY: Jesus, what more can be said? I am consecrated to You because You consecrated Yourself to my full salvation. I know You are committed to help me become totally willing. Because of You, it is possible to be totally committed to Your plan for my life and my destiny. Apart from You, I’m useless and unable, like a glove without a hand. With You, this useless glove can move mountains.

Using our spiritual gifts…

Discovering spiritual gifts can happen in ordinary situations. During a church meal, someone spilled their dessert. One person thought it had been too close to the edge of the table. Another ran to get more dessert. A third told someone to fetch a mop and a broom, while another hugged the person who spilled it saying, “It could have happened to anyone.” These and other reactions come from the focus of each heart, the motivation that drives much of what each person cares about.

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6–8)

Some gifts are given for the need of the moment and to build up the church, but the above passage describes motivations that we are born with and that are activated to serve the Lord when we are saved. All of them are present but one or two dominate and affect how a person ministers their place in God’s family.

For instance, the gift of teaching refers to gathering and sharing information. It could be used in a classroom, or as a librarian, or a research assistant, or when a teen spills their dessert. The gift of serving shows up in many professions and is often in the person who says, “I just need to help people.” The prophetic gift is about knowing and sharing the will of God and learning when to pray instead of speaking.

As today’s reading says, when someone is saved, fruit-bearing begins, not by effort but spontaneous growth. All Christians are motivated by their spiritual gifts just as Jesus 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. (John 15:16)

In studying this topic, I’ve discovered that I don’t need to be too concerned about fruit-bearing. God ordained that I would and it would fit with who I am and what God gives me. As the reading says, this is the law of fruit-bearing. I can serve, show compassion when it is needed, and be an encourager, but gathering information is who I am. I cannot stop doing it or sharing it when questions are asked or other opportunities come. For me, this can be household tips, health matters, or other issues, but my focus is on who God is and what He says.

Motivational gifts can show up when I’m ‘tipped over’ and walking in the flesh. A leader can become a bossy tyrant. A compassion person can take on someone’s suffering to the point of stewing about it long after the suffering is resolved. A server can jump in and try to do more than is needed.

Another danger is wanting to spend time only with those I can serve or those that serve me. As a teacher, only teachable people might want to talk to me. I need time with those with the gift of encouragement because people with my gift mix tend to be easily convicted of sin. Without the positive attitude of exhorters, I feel useless. But forming a clique is not the way the Body of Christ is designed to operate. I need others and all those gift traits.

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… 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)

PRAY: Jesus, You are the perfect example of fruit-bearing. You always did what the Spirit gave You to do in relation to the need before You. I do not always spill something, but when I ‘tip over’ You know whether I need a rebuke, instruction, encouragement, or a big hug. May I be more like You in using the gifts You gave me.

 

What is sovereign? God’s will — or my will?

 

It saddens me that some Christians believe that we have the ability to undo what God has done. This is a fist in God’s face and disbelief in His power as well as His promises. The author of the devotional I am reading makes many entries that reveal this idea. Today, the reading says three things that reveal a lack of faith that God is sovereign and that His grace is greater than our sin.

While there is truth in the idea that willing participation plays in the Lord’s saving work, the Bible makes it clear that God is the author of that willingness. Like a hand in a glove, He gives the attitudes and desires that enable me to walk with Him.

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. (John 15:16)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12–13)

He chose me — I did not choose Him. He is the Savior — I cannot save myself. He enables me to want His will, for in myself, I want what I want, which is the essence of sin (Isaiah 53:6). 

Today’s reading says: “Peace and holiness will be the result of God’s recognized presence. His presence will drive out sin just as sunshine drives out darkness, if the heart will but open itself to its shining.”

To be totally honest, my heart would never be open to God unless God opened it. Sin and selfishness rule apart from His grace. He put Himself in my heart so that its selfishness can be ignored and the will of God reigns. Not always, but only confession of my sinful notions and actions are needed because He is Savior and He does the work of saving me.

The fact of His indwelling is the next statement from today’s reading: “To be the temple of God means to be His dwelling place, the habitation of God. It is almost impossible for the heart of man to conceive of anything so amazing, but if we believe the Bible at all, we must believe that our hearts are the home of our God and that He does continually seek to find a dwelling place there.”

This statement and many others say that if we stop believing it, He has left. Sin can result in that sense of abandonment, but He does not go away. Jesus said, “I am with you always” and other verses confirm this. The devotional author continually suggests that that this is undone if we doubt or sin in other ways.
I do see the problem with my “only God” belief — why then does He choose some and not others? One pastor says, “Why does He choose any of us?” This points to His grace but does not help those who pray for people who seem to never respond to the gospel. All I can say is that God cannot be sovereign unless He does the saving, for He declares that no one ever seeks Him (Psalm 53:1-3 and Romans 3:10-18). Apart from His grace to change hearts, I would be lost.

Today’s reading also says, “As the sunlight fills the air all around us and enters wherever there is an opening, the presence of God fills the whole universe and enters every heart that opens to receive Him.” This suggests the opening is up to us. But is it? Not according to the Word of God. If He did not open my heart, it would still be closed.

PRAY: Jesus, You know how to soften hard hearts. It might be a tragedy, or humbling situations. I can also be Your overwhelming goodness that leads us to repentance. Whatever You do, it is because You know every human heart. You reveal yourself in creation, but if anyone says NO to that, what more can You show them? Saving faith must believe that You exist. You reveal the fact of sin. If anyone says NO to that, what can You do? Let them slide down a slippery slope? (See Romans 1:19ff) You know the heart and the importance of our responses, but without Your enlightenment, I’m convinced that darkness stays dark.

Source of Truth?

Reading the work of someone who thinks that our will is key to being saved has been a helpful exercise. This author warns against letting feelings dictate their theology, yet needs a warning also. Christians should not let their experiences dictate their theology either. Nor should we decide that all the warnings in the Bible apply to those who have experienced new life in Christ as a result of His gift of faith.

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)

Faith in Christ is a gift. It is given to those that are chosen by God to bear fruit that glorifies Him. Also, He supplies all we need to do His will — all we need to do is ask.

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. (John 15:16)

However, there are people who hear the gospel and know it is true, but their faith is not the same as saving faith. It is more like the demon’s who believe and tremble, or the seed that falls on non-fertile soil in the parable of the sower. It is a faith that does not last. The OT illustrates it and the NT describes this and warns any who have this temporary or inadequate ‘faith’ by giving examples and describing true, lasting faith and what it looks like:

(Many Israelites) were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. (Romans 11:20–22)

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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. (John 15:2–6)

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26–27)

As the NT says, the test of true faith is what happens when I have it. Fruit is described in Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 13 and throughout the Bible. Without it, any ‘faith’ is not in the saving work of Jesus Christ with this gift that makes it possible. On the other hand, it is possible to think “my faith saves me” by having faith in faith rather than in the Savior. Satan’s lies are abundant and subtle. However, the NT writes to those who fall for them and says this:

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. (Hebrews 10:36–39)

PRAY: Jesus, I know emotions can side-track me, my will is willy-nilly and not like Your will, and my mind comes up with many non-biblical and selfish ideas. Yet in all this, Your Holy Spirit keeps me trusting You and not all that fleshy nonsense. This is because my salvation depends on You, not my will, not my feelings, and certainly not my ability to always think rightly. You are the living Word and Your book is the written Word, saving and keeping me just as You promise. Nothing I think, do, or experience can stop You from this, or even ‘help’ You do what You alone can do and have done. Eternal means eternal.

God is Enough

 
This year started with the thought that God is enough. I picked a devotional book with that title thinking it would continually affirm the truth that God indeed is enough. However, like many church services and preachers, this book is beginning to tell me what I must do and sound as if God is not enough. Even when on the topic of faith, the onus is on me to believe rather than affirming that God’s grace comes to me by faith and this is not on me — it is His gift.

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

Then the writer shakes a finger at the reader saying if we don’t receive that gift we cannot be saved, as if salvation is up to the sinner to do something. Yet Jesus says,

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. (John 15:16)

At this, some will even say that I must then be fruitful However, even that is a gift from the Holy Spirit. He produces it; I cannot.

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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:19–24)

Even that last line telling me to crucify the flesh is His doing:

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. (Galatians 2:20)

He died and my old life died with Him. He lives and I live in Him because He gave Himself for me.

At the same time, salvation and the Christian life is not about being passive, just enjoying God at work without any response. Because He lives in me, He will have me busy. One vital activity is that I am supposed to keep short accounts with Him…

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Yet it is He who reveals sin to me, motivates confession, forgives it, and cleanses me. Jesus is involved in every action that He wants me to take. The flesh, even in its deadness, will resist and say NO. The world mocks me. The devil tries to stop me. Jesus is behind every YES, from putting the ideas in my head, challenging the flesh, silencing the devil, and making the world’s ideas foolish and sinful. He is enough. 

I am to declare the good news to others yet Jesus gives the words, the opportunities, even the motivation to not back away but to do it. Paul said, “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.“ (Acts 20:27) Yes, some will shrink back and not obey yet even as we do obey, it is God who is making it happen. He is the One who puts the words on our lips and His love for others in our hearts. Without Jesus, none of that happens.

PRAY: Lord, when You are the focus and Your Spirit fills my heart, doing what you say is as natural as breathing. This is what faith looks like — it is living in the total assurance that You take care of everything, from tough times to supplying all my needs. You are enough.

Look what I did?

 

The Gospel can be confusing to some if it is expressed like this:

“There is such a thing as having one’s soul kept in perfect peace, now and here in this life; and childlike trust in God is the key to its attainment. We cannot earn it; we can do nothing but ask for it and receive it. It is the gift of God in Christ Jesus” then adds this: “God can bestow His gift only on the fully consecrated soul, and it is to be received by faith.”

If the gift cannot be earned, and the Bible says faith is an unearned gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), then how can a person make themselves fully consecrated with the faith to be able to receive it?

Reading the beginning statement and then the ending statement in today’s devotional shows how much we sinners want to take credit for having Jesus in our lives by saying it was our acceptance of the gift that did it, rather than the gift itself that saved us and give us a heart to say yes.

Of course in the realm of ordinary life, if I am offered a gift and say no thanks, it will not be mine. And if I take it, I cannot brag that it was deserved. I must acknowledge a gift is about the generosity of the giver, yet when it comes to the gift of God, how easy to take credit. People say, “I accepted Christ” as if that is the reason we are saved.

In contrast, the Scriptures say that becoming a recipient happens because of the gift, not because we earned it and can brag about it:

For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)

Part of the gift of grace is being made willing to receive the gift. Just as God works in Christians to do His will (Philippians 2:13) He must work in unbelievers because “None is righeous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God…” (Romans 3) No one would say yes if God did not change our thinking and make us willing to respond to His offer and receive the gift. Jesus makes it plain:

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. (John 15:16)

Everything in our salvation is a gift. From beginning to end, God is the giver and we are the receivers; and it is not given to those who do great things or are seeking (none do that), but to those who are called and blessed with the gift of faith, even the gift of seeking.

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:11–13)

Many believe, as do I, that faith in Christ and new life from Christ happen in the same instant and are both gifts of His grace.

The obvious question is then, “Why does God not save everyone?” But that is the wrong question. It should be, “Why does God save anyone?” All sin and fall short. None deserve even the least of His mercies. The great mystery of salvation is that it happens — even to people who will take credit for what Almighty God has done, even those who think they are special or somehow more worthy, even those who know they are not.

I know the importance of receptivity to the will of God and that my efforts to be godly often are motivated by selfish desires to be important or noticed or worthy in some way. It takes a long time to realize that He is not interested in what I do, nor does He reward my self-centered desires or efforts.

Instead, He works in me that I might realize that His goal is that I become like Jesus, totally surrendered to Him. He bears all my burdens, takes care of all my needs. He wants obedience for my sake — because sin only ruins, never nurtures or is good for me. One day, when I see Jesus face to face, I will be like Him. In the meantime, I’m not to rob Him of His glory by claiming, “Look what I did.”

PRAY: Lord, if I have a receptive attitude, it is because of You. If I am trusting You and wanting to live for You, it is because of You. If You were not in my life, I know what I would be thinking and doing. All good gifts are from You and for my good, to change me into what gives You glory and gives me joy and peace. Your salvation is both mystery and incredible blessing — and totally none of my doing. Thank You.

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.
 

Playing on a team . . .

 

Our church has a team in a city-wide slo-pitch league. While scores are kept and players do their best, it is a ‘fun league’ rather than competitive. This week, the other team didn’t show up and registered a forfeit on the website. Our team didn’t see that so everyone was at the ball diamond, enough to add some spectators and make up two teams and play anyway. Most wore the same jerseys so I could not tell them apart. I’m not aware how they decided who played where but this reminded me of school days when team captains took turns and selected players. No one wanted to be the last one picked.

Everyone played, even the girlfriend of one of the regular players who had never picked up a bat before but bravely give it a try. Others were at the opposite extreme with years of experience. Skill wasn’t as important as effort, including delightful banter and some surprising, excellent plays.

This morning’s verse parallels some of that game’s elements with this team effort. First, the players were chosen.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

No one tried to pick me to play ball, but God did choose me to be His child and on His team. Jesus 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.” (John 15:16)

Like these teams, some of us bear more fruit than others, but that is not the point. Because God picked us to ‘play’ on His team, we can do it, not to be in competition but for the joy of doing His will.

Some of the banter illustrates how Christian service works. These teams were led by two of our pastors who were also pitching the ball. At one point, one player at bat was being teased by the pastor who was pitching. Her team leader and another pastor, shouted out, “Hey, listen to him on Sunday mornings, but don’t listen to him out here!” Everyone laughed. On reflection, when serving God, I am to listen to spiritual leaders, yet they are not always with me to guide my actions or take the place of listening to God.

I know this verse is not about a ball game. The devotional writer makes it about the doctrine of election, much debated yet does anyone really understand it? Some make faith in Christ solely the prerogative of God. Others point to human responsibility to jump up to the plate.

As I understand it, God’s will somehow works in my will to motivate me so I will do what He wants me to do, and that includes hitting a homer, bunting the ball, and striking out. He uses all things together to transform me into the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29). This is a mystery, but trusting His sovereign power yields far better results than relying on my ability to make the right choices and do the right things.

For today, I’m hearing God speak to me about teamwork and about joy in playing this game a life of serving Him according to rules yet without making it a competition. Some can hit better or run faster, but we are in this together, bound by our delight in God’s redeeming grace. I rejoice at being selected by the Lord to serve Him.

PRAY: Jesus, this is not the best analogy, yet it reminds me that I am on Your team, challenged to do my best to bring glory to You and to present Your wonderful and powerful good news to others. I’m to love my teammates, love those watching, even love those who fail to show up, and never grumble about the task at hand or the performance of others on our team. I’m not a ball player, but I am chosen by Your amazing grace and so thankful to take part in what You are doing in this world.

PONDER: the grace of God as described in Romans 5. Where would I be if God had not selected me to be on His team?