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.

In a joyful place…

Yesterday brought great joy. Someone needed a sewing machine. God led me to ask a friend who had the very make and model he needed. We delivered it. Another person asked for prayer about a job interview. God gave him the job almost on the spot. The joy of seeing answers to prayer is faith-building. Often prayers that seem to be unanswered need a boost so these helped  me remember that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Actually, what we can see may not be a true reality. Someone told me of cult members and atheists who are “such nice people” yet God describes them differently: 

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord? There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous. You would shame the plans of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge. (Psalm 14:1–6)

How easily sight can override faith or make the Word of the Lord seem false. Yet even answers to prayer for sewing machines and job interviews verify the declaration of the psalmist:

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. (Psalm 17:6)

Answered prayer is special because it encourages me during the times I cannot see what God is doing. Now and then, He reveals Himself dramatically. This psalm is how David experienced faith becoming visible:

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry. Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him. He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, thick clouds dark with water. Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds. The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire. And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them. Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. (Psalm 18:6–18)

The rest of this psalm reminded me again the importance of keeping short accounts with God and being obedient. David claimed that God rescued him because He delighted in him according to the cleanness of his hands. Can I claim that? If not, my spiritual well-being takes priority over answering my prayers. It isn’t that obedience earns answers but that God wants those who ‘play His music’ to be in tune with His will so our prayers fit with what He intends to do.

I had no idea where to find a Juki 9010 nor did I know anything about the job offer, but God pointed me to a friend who had that machine and wanted him to have it. He prompted me to  pray that if this was the right job, my friend would be hired. Being in a “prayer-place” is not about me, but about Jesus Christ and how He has changes lives. As David said…

For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?— the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. (Psalm 18:31–36)

PRAY: You, Jesus, are my rock and You show me how to pray and teach me what to say. Without You, I would not be able to claim righteousness nor know the words to say when asked to pray. You are also my rock and my God. 

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.

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.

Who rules my heart?

 

Today’s devotional begins with this statement: “Someday Christ will return to earth to reign in His Kingdom. In the meantime, He rules in the hearts of those who love Him.”

Really? What about those days when I don’t feel like praying? Or having devotions? Or in dismay see my Christian friends living as if they did not believe in Jesus? Or see that in myself?

We are supposed to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) and live for the will of God, like Jesus said, “Not my will but thine be done.” Yet we often pray asking God to help us with what we want to do. How few the days when I bow before God and ask His leading, looking to Him to plot my day, rather than making my plan and asking Him to endorse it, to give me what I need to make my plan happen.

Yet He gives clues that this black and white separation of my will and His is more fuzzy than I think. One of them is this OT verse: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) God gave me an example yesterday. After church, I didn’t feel like going home other than to change and be outside. We wound up looking at something our son is hoping to purchase, a whim on our part. Then we were surprised when he and his fiancée showed up. They were surprised too, especially when it turned out that what he needed to do could only go ahead because we happened to be there. Coincidence? Or was ‘my plan’ actually God directing my steps? Not much doubt that He was involved.

MacArthur puts emphasis on human choices in the matter of conversion to Christ and on following Him. He points to God’s invitation but also the importance of our repentance and commitment. However, I remember the day Jesus ‘invited’ me into His kingdom and would describe it more as Him opening the door and ushering me through it. I don’t recall considering whether to walk in or not, nor do I remember any sense of repentance and commitment. Walking through that door seemed the most natural thing to do, as if it were my will to do it without any fuss or sense of turning from ‘sin and self’ to God.

Others may be more aware of making a ‘decision for Christ’ but this was not my experience. For me, this was as normal as taking the next breath. He reached out His hand and I took it without thinking, much like a child would when walking with daddy and coming to a place in a path that required his help. Making choices to take His hand often happens, but that came later.

Could this be a way to present the good news? For me, it was my own sin that messed up my plans. I needed help to get past it, beyond it, somehow away from sin’s ability to mess with me. This is often how I see sin in the lives of others. It is like a third party, ruining their lives and convincing them that they can fix their problems if they just ‘smarten up’ or ‘try harder’ when the problem can only be solved by taking the hand of Jesus and letting Him lead them. He may not remove all the obstacles, but He will make it possible to stop listening to the sin that so easily causes all the missteps.

What is my responsibility in this? Every day Jesus holds out His hand and I merely need to take hold of it. Sometimes the path will be clear, or not, but with Him leading, it has a purpose and a destination and I can trust Him to make sense of it. Faith is not always black and white. Nor is it walking that path by sight, by seeing where He is taking me. It is simply walking in trust that the One who holds my hand knows where we are going.

Jesus, Your Word is filled with commands that seem like choices I’m to make, yet I’m seeing them more as signals that tell me I’m trusting You and on the path. If things like repentance, commitment, and obedience are not there, then I’d better grab Your hand and let You put me where I need to be. I cannot do that myself and every time I try, I wind up focused on my will instead of Yours, on trying to make it happen without holding tight to You. The reality is that You are the Savior; I cannot do this without You.

THINK: Is there a difference between telling others to repent from their sin and telling them to put their hand in Jesus’ hand letting Him lead them through life? Does my gospel message come across as ‘turn or burn’ or as ‘trust and follow’?