All for Jesus means all…

Christian living is like a train. Facts about God and His will lead me, faith follows those facts and feelings are pulled by faith.

The Holy Spirit is the center of my spirit with intellect, emotions, and volition acting according to that core. This means I do not dump those three things but yield them to the Spirit. Then my actions follow coming out of what the Spirit is telling me rather than from what I want, or feel.  

However the Christian life is described, all parts should be listening to God and doing what He says, willingly, and with emotions and whatever brain power I have. Faith is telling me that the will of God is true, correct and factual in every way.

This mean that “not my will but thine be done” is not about giving up my will but yielding it to God’s will. It also means that…

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)

…does not mean I give up using my brain, but that I yield my ideas and understanding to the engine that pulls the train. In other words, be aware of the lies about God that get presented to me by the world, the flesh, and that old liar, the devil. Instead, use my will to cooperate with God’s truth.

The people of God are not meant to become empty of will power, to be left poor, flabby, nerveless creatures who have no will, and are brainless and governed by our emotions. We are meant to rely on the will of God rather than our own sinfully misdirected will. My will needs to yield to and be obedient to God’s will.

The same is true for intellect and for those with a high IQ. Giving it over to the Lord is just as challenging as giving up our will or anything else that a person might rely on. This is why God says…

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26–31)

Just as the will must be yielded and determined to seek and obey the will of God, so must everything else, not just my thinking and feelings, but any strengths that I may have. There is no shame in weakness for it makes this obedience a little easier. So also do verses like these:

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13–18)

Paul gladly boasted in his weakness because the power of Christ was his strength. This is an important truth to learn and follow rather than wanting to be a big shot without Him.

PRAY: Lord Jesus, You are my strength, sometimes surprising me and yet realizing I cannot boast, only in You. Anything good comes from You, and I am so thankful that You persist in teaching me that my own strengths are useless unless they are totally yielded to 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.
 

Why Fear God?

 

It has required years of hard lessons to finally get it — I don’t know anything about ruling my own life. God’s lessons are mostly about the consequences and while this revelation produces worship and awe of Him, it also produces fear of self-rule and fear of God, not that He is going to hurt me but that He is going to teach me another hard lesson.

Many theologians would say that fear of God is the same as reverence or awe, yet it seems to include a bit of phobia — a small fear of what God could do if He wanted because I need hard lessons to give up my stubborn and sinful pride.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:9)

This fear will endure, partly because it is a pure thing. I’m not to fear the lessons, but rejoice in them because God’s way is true and righteous as opposed to my way of false and foolishness. He wants the best for me and knows that I’m clueless. It will harm me, others, and lead me away from His best.

He gives reasons why I should fear my own way and never fear what others may do for He is sovereign. Nothing will happen to me that He cannot use for good. I can trust Him yet realize if I don’t do what He says, He has every right to let me experience the consequences to use whatever will teach me to obey Him. Even with trust, this respect is a bit scary!

He has things to say about fearing Him and His Word. The OT says this:

Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations . . . . The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield . . . . (Psalm 33:8–22)

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:11–14)

Jesus said: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28) and “His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:50)

Others say this fear is both awe and trembling respect:

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Look carefully then how you walk . . . the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is . . . be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns . . .  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15–21)

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)

This fear is like the little child who realizes she deserves a spanking, but hold tight to the hand of her daddy knowing that he will do the best thing — yet she still fears the correction he lovingly administers.

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Hebrews 12:5–7)

PRAY: Jesus, Your Word and Your way stands forever. Far better that I fear You and yield, “Not my will but your will be done.” Forgive and cleanse my stubborn pride for thinking otherwise.

PONDER: Consider what needs to change in my life because I both trust and fear the Lord. See Proverbs 3:5–7. Every part of life needs to reflect a distrust in my way and both fear and love for my Heavenly Father.

 

 

Victory over evil

 

In August, a study of loving as God loves changed many things about the way I understand how much God loves me, and it changed the way I talk to people. This month’s study on one subject, spiritual warfare, made me more aware of the battle and better equipped to fight it.

Today, MacArthur winds up with things I need to remember for this month of studies. My first thought was “Oh good, a review” but then thought, “Good thing I don’t rely on my memory to keep me on the right path, but on the Holy Spirit whom the Father sent in Jesus’ name to teach me all things and bring to my remembrance all that Jesus said to me.” (John 14:26) My part is reading, praying, and paying attention. He speaks when I need to hear Him. That said, there are principles important for victory when battling the forces of evil.

Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus already beat him so our victory is assured. Losing a skirmish happens but He won so His people will also ultimately win.

 . . . The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14–15)

Christ is the power in my life, not the enemy. Satan can do only what God allows. Consider Job’s story:

Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:9–12)

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

. . . He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Wear that armor at all times. It’s foolish to enter combat without proper protection, yet my memory and easily distracted mind will fail me unless I am in the Word each day and thinking about the wonder and power of God compared to my feeble inability.

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)

Let Christ control. Whatever is on my mind is what I talk about and take action regarding; therefore, I need to “Destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when my obedience is complete.” (2 Corinthians 10:5–6) This is part of what it means to Love God with all my mind — think right and do right.

Pray, pray, pray! Prayer is a mystery — yet it is also like learning to understand and speak the will of God. This comes with practice, trial and error even, but praying about everything, from direct assaults to the need for a parking place is part of what it means to rely on God for everything. These verses are vital in the battle:

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)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16)

Pray without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Resist Satan by yielding to God, this is the bottom line and needs to be done in that order. If there is any sin or rebellion against God in my life and heart, the enemy already has me down. I cannot fight evil when I’ve given in to it. Remember his devices and don’t dabble in the forbidden. Instead . . .

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

PRAY: Jesus, Your love and power are a constant amazement and delight. Battle leaves scars, but it also brings great victory, a victory that is certain because of all that You have done, and all that You promise me. Thank You.

PONDER: and pray through all that God is saying to me today and rejoice in His grace as well as His power.