The fruit of the Spirit (V) kindness

Some of the qualities of a kind person include being warmhearted, compassionate, understanding, generous with their substance and time, considerate, someone who has reigned in, to some extent, in the rampant selfishness that seems to be the default of our fallen human nature. These are qualities that need to be developed, if they exist at all, and I am grateful this morning that it is part of the fruit the Spirit wants to facilitate in our lives. It comes as we stay vitally connected to Him (John 15:5). Certainly we have a part to play, but I don’t see fruit trees striving to produce fruit!

We can compare being kind, with being nice. Though certainly there are similarities between the two, there are also differences. Perhaps a little over simplistically, being nice is said to be about being polite and treating others well, whereas being kind is said to be when you care about people and show it. In fact kindness is part of the cluster of qualities (longsuffering, kindness, goodness - Galatians 5:22) that have more to do with the inner life, than with the external. We can be nice without being kind. I can for example, be a people pleaser out of fear or self interest, trying to manipulate others. And we can also be kind without being thought of as nice.

For me, the prime example of the latter case can be found in the story of the rich your ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). Asking what he needed to do to earn eternal life, and feeling he had kept all the commandments, Jesus told him “If you want to be perfect go and sell all that you have and give to the poor.” We read the young man went away sad because he had great riches. To some Jesus was being very harsh, but the “because” in what Jesus said gives the clue to why He said what He did. It seems that this young man’s riches were what he trusted in. In other words his riches were an idol, and Jesus was in fact being kind, because trust in anything other than Him keeps us from life both in the here and now, and in eternity. It seems worth noting, that we are not told the ultimate decision of this young man, only his initial response!

Father, sometimes some of the things that You require of us seem very hard (Luke 9:23). But there is no-one kinder than You, and I have come to believe that You always have our best interest at heart. I want to thank You for this and also that You always leave us room (as with the parable of the two sons Matthew 21:28-31), to wrestle with the things You require of us. Truly You are a good and kind Father, and I want to be like You. In Jesus Name Amen

The fruit of the Spirit (IV) longsuffering

The fourth aspect of what the Spirit grows within us when we are vitally connected to the Lord, is long-suffering (NKJV), patience (NIV). The word can also mean endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance; especially as shown in bearing troubles and ills. It also has the aspect of slowness in avenging wrongs (Thayer). James tells us, that patience is produced in the furnace of trials and temptations, when we “count it all joy” (James 1:2). And it seems to me, that this patience, long-suffering follows on the heels of the love, joy and peace that the Spirit is producing within us.

Apart from Jesus, the character in Scripture who for me most exemplifies these virtues , is Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly accused and languishing in jail, he at every step wins the favour of those who have influence over him. Then at the end when the tables are turned, and he could easily have taken revenge on his brothers, he tells them “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good,” and he forgives them (Genesis 37- 50).

I suspect that most of us would be more than happy to receive the love, joy and peace that the Spirit produces. But in order for us to receive patience, to become long-suffering, that part of us that wants to get even needs to die (Galatians 5:24). And part of the change of mind that needs to come with repentance, is to start to see the beauty of this aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. In particular while the world says “Don’t get mad, get even,” a follower of Jesus needs to say “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34), even when we know jolly well that they know what they are doing!

Father, Your word tells us, that while we were still sinners, shaking our fist in your face and defying You in every way, You died for us (Romans 5:8). And as they drove cruel spikes through Your hands and Your feet Lord Jesus, You forgave them. We need Your help this morning Lord, I do, to come to the place where we are offence-proof. And in this way more and more, we will reflects the beauty of the Lord as the fruit of Your Spirit grows in us. Thank You Lord that You are more than willing to give us this, as we surrender to You Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

The fruit of the Spirit (III) Peace

Into the pain, chaos and trauma of life Jesus offers “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). And as with love and joy, peace is given as a gift, but is also something we need to war over to keep. The basic principle is that is that God will not do for us, what we can do for ourselves. So often, in the pain chaos and trauma we are helpless, and at such points He invites us “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Note in this passage that we have a part to play. Well first of all we have to come to Him, but then in order to stay in rest, we need to take His yoke upon us, and we need to learn. I had experienced His rest and peace at the time of my conversion. It was very real, but I still had my old sinful appetites, and I was in danger of yielding to the temptation to go back to my old life. As I started to walk away it was if He was saying “You can go there Phil, but you cannot stay in rest and peace if you do.” And as I continued to walk away, the pain, chaos and trauma would start to return, and I would run back into His peace and rest being willing to do anything to stay there. I was learning to take His yoke upon me and to learn of Him!

And part of what I learnt is that when I am in danger of losing my peace, I usually work the passage in Philippians 4:4- 7. This starts with the command to rejoice and ends with the promise that the peace that passes all understanding will guard and keep my heart in Christ Jesus. By working the passage I mean that I may need to repent for not obeying the command to rejoice, or for not being thankful, or because of my prayerlessness (verse 6) and/or lack of trust. When things are particularly bad, I may need to work this passage several times in the process of riding my heart of the things that hinder.

Father, as I think about these things this morning, I am realizing once again that it's all about relationship with You. The point in asking me to take Your yoke upon me and to learn of You, is all about You, as a loving Father, having my very best interest at heart. If all else fails, read the instructions! Thank You for Your Word that instructs me and brings me closer day by day, to life in all its fullness. And I give You honour and glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen

The fruit of the Spirit (II) Joy

I remember years ago in the aftermath of the breakup of my first marriage and before I came to the Lord, dating an insightful young woman. I was presenting a brave and jovial face to her and the world, embodying the proverb “Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful” (Proverbs 14:13). She saw beyond my mask, and when she commented “Some people who seem really happy are actually really quite sad,” I broke off the relationship! It was just too close to home! And having been there, I see this all over the place. Truly “joy is withered away from the sons of men” (Joel 1:12). We have so much in the West, we are more connected (in one sense) than we have ever been, but the overarching sense I have is of loneliness, shallow relationships and joyless mirth!

I am not sure our culture has a clue of what joy really is, it is not the same as happiness. When I googled this, the very first thing I got was “Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience, but are very different. ... It (joy) comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events.” I fully agree, and I need to admit that for the first twenty years of my Christian walk, I did not know who I was. I am talking about Biblical knowing. I could have spouted the true doctrine that I am a child of God. I knew this in my head, but not in my heart. I was driven to find my significance, and I tried to find it in what I did for the Lord. It was not working, and I see now that this drivenness was a major contributor to the breakdown of my second marriage!

In the furnace of the rejection, isolation, dishonour and blame (everybody “knew” it was all my fault) that followed, I eventually “found” a deeper relationship with the Lord. But actually, He was seeking that deeper relationship from the start. And I found it, not in spite of it all I was going through, but rather because of it. First and foremost I needed to slow down and smell the roses. Gradually with His constant wooing I allowed Him into my pain and distress, and in doing so knowing that I am His beloved child moved from my head, to my heart. And I am learning to do my part (see James 1:2ff) in facilitating receiving His joy as part of the fruit of a vital Spirit connection with the lover of my soul.

Father, I don’t know if there is any other way for the fruit of Your Spirit to manifest in our lives, than the way of the cross. But it is true Lord Jesus, that as I follow Your example seeking to despise my cross and to push through the pain, I find I am entering into Your joy (Hebrews 12:2). Lord there are so many that I know and love who need Your joy, and I pray for them this morning that they too may find not only joy, but also Your love and Your peace as they pursue a deeper relationship with You. I pray these things in Your precious Name Amen

The fruit of the Spirit (I) is Love

Last day, I was talking about the conditions for growth, for a tree (well us actually) to produce fruit. The next few days I will be talking about the fruit of the Spirit, what it is, and what is our part in making sure the conditions are right for it to grow. In particular since love is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), then it is both something the Spirit does. But it is also something that is commanded. For example Jesus tells us “Love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12).

When I was 16, and while I still did not belong to the Lord, I heard Him, not audibly of course, but clearly, and for the first time. And what He said was “Why are you running away from me Phil, all I want you to do is to love for me?” I knew it was Him, I have no idea how I knew it was Him, but I did know! And what I said to Him was “Well I don’t need you for that!” In my naivety, I had no idea how wrong I was. For me at that time, love was nothing but a feeling, and I felt a lot of love. What I did not realize, was how easily my “love” could turn to hate when things went wrong. I had not read “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5).

Not that long ago, someone and I know and love told me “I didn’t realize how selfish I was until I got married.” The dream that most of us have in our naïveté, that we will live happily ever after, too easily turns into a nightmare. And in particular in order for a marriage to survive, our selfishness needs to die. Paul talks about this in the very same contexts as this morning’s verse. What he says is “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). In particular we cannot be full of the love that the Spirit provides, when we are full of self!

Father, I am reminded again this morning that You are the source of love (1 John 4:19), and our lack of love, my lack of love, is there to remind us how very much we need to stay vitally connected to You by Your Spirit. But there is no condemnation here Lord, even though in many things I fail (Romans 8:1; James 3:2). And I feel no condemnation this morning Lord, only joy as I once again commit and surrender to You. Thank You for Your love Lord, and that in You, and in You alone, there is life and health and peace in Jesus Name Amen

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit

As a boy, I used to think that Jesus was so clever to be able to use things in nature to teach spiritual truths. Then later I discovered that He is far more clever than I though, because it struck me that He created the World in such a way that the physical would in fact be living parables of the spiritual. So in relation to this instruction to abide in John 15:5, I googled conditions for a tree to bear fruit. I learned that there are four things that are essential for plant growth light, water, temperature and nutrients. And I wanted to apply this to help us understand what it means to abide.

So first of all then we are told if we walk in the light as He is in the light we will have fellowship (abide) with one another and with Him (1 John 1:3,7). It’s about becoming holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:6), and then letting our light manifest itself in doing good (Matthew 5:16). In terms of water, we are to be washed by the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26). And in fact the Word teaches us about the light, it shows us when we are walking in darkness, it shows us how to get back into the light, and it shows us how to abide in the light (2 Timothy 3:16).

Newfoundland is not known for it’s hot summers, and I have not has a lot of success with my strawberry plants. Part of this is that there are too many trees in my garden (not enough light), but it can be cold here too. Jesus tells us that He would rather we were hot or cold, because when we are lukewarm He wants to spit us our of His mouth (Revelation 3:16). It is so inappropriate to be anything less than passionate for Him. Then lastly the nutrients. Well we are nourished in fellowship. Paul could say “We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nourishing her children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7), and in fact Christ Himself nourishes and cherishes us, the church (Ephesians 5:29).

Father, more and more I see You everywhere, in nature and in each other. We are image bearers and even in the most corrupt, we remain bearers of that image. I want to see others Lord as You see them. In fact Paul states boldly “From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective” (2 Corinthians 5:16). So help us Lord, help me, and to see others as You see them, and You see us all as amazing in Jesus Name Amen

The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1)

Ruth Fazal tells of being on a beach in England gazing up in awe at the night sky, when she sensed the Lord’s presence, and Him saying to her “Do you like it?” I also remember being in awe over a sunset years ago in Toronto. It filled the sky from horizon to horizon with dazzling reds and purples and oranges. And as I stood there transfixed by the glory of it, a man came out of the same building, glanced up casually at the night sky, shrugged and went on as if nothing spectacular was happening. And I was caused to wonder then, and again this morning, at how easily we seem to lose our sense of wonder, our sense awe.

As a young child, and into my early teens I knew God existed. He was with me with what I would only later recognizes a difficult childhood. But as I “matured” I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and my certainty of God’s existence somehow faded. The Bible puts it this way, we suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). It was as if the existence of a righteous God was somehow inconvenient, and I went my merry way. Well not so merry actually, we eventually reap what we sow, and it was the inability of my being unable to deal with the consequences of my poor choices that eventually lead me back to Him!

In the same Chapter as above, Paul tells us that the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, so that we are without excuse (Romans 1:20). And it struck me this morning, how very much we lose (I lost), when we seek to excuse and a rationalize away the existence of an inconvenient God. I lost not only my sense of awe, but I also lost my joy and peace, and I discovered the shallowness what I at one time thought was a lot of love. In fact it was all about me, I had turned inward and become but a pale image of what He created me to be. And I thank God this morning that with Him we have second, third and fourth chances!

Father, I want to thank You this morning for the perhaps overused image of salvation as the new birth. In particular I want to thank You that with You, we can always start over, so that old things are passed away and all things are becoming new (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am not yet what I want to be, but I thank You this morning that I am not what I once was. All the glory for the change belongs to You, and it is my desire Lord that it not just be the heavens that declare Your glory, but that my life declare Your glory too. Let it be Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

When you pass through the waters they will not overwhelm you

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? I was feeling a tad this way this morning. And as usual I asked the Lord to give me something relevant to my life to share. There have been many occasions when the feeling of being overwhelmed was far greater than what I am feeling this morning, but, in the strange way of humanity, it is not always under the greatest trials or temptation that we fall. Still, however great or small the “overwhelm, ” I know what to do, and part of this is in fact what I am doing, as I journal my thoughts and feelings.

And “coincidentally” the Lord had recently brought the above quote from Isaiah 43:2 to my attention through a friend. In the context (verse 1) He says ““Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” It does not say that I will not feel overwhelmed, but what it does in the context is to remind me that He loves me; that I am His and that He always has my best interest at heart; that He is with me (see verses 2 and 4). So He is not adverse to my being stretched, but what He promises is that as I experiences what feels like fire and flood, I will come out the other end (go through), and when I put my trust in Him though it may get difficult, yet I will not be permanently scarred by the experience (“when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you” verse 2).

And what enables me to do this, is coming back to the perspective that He personally called me, that He redeemed me for ever, and that I am His and He is mine (verse 1). And as I come back to this perspective, I remember other promises He has give me, promises that assure me He has provided the way of escape, and that with His help I can stand and having done all, to stand (1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:13). They say that what does not kill you makes you stronger. And I want to say this morning, that I find this to be true when I hide myself in Him.

Father, it is not enough for me to know intellectually that You are with me. I need to know, feel and experience Your presence. Sometimes Lord the things that threaten to sink me feel so strong, and yes overwhelming. But Lord this morning I give these feelings to You, and I take all my concerns, and I cast them onto You, for You to sort out. Yes there are things You might need me to do, but I trust that You will show me the what, the when and the how in Your time. In the meantime Lord I choose to hide myself in You. In Jesus Name Amen

It may be necessary for us to fall before we land on our feet

I have heard the phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” more than once over the past couple of days, and my response was “I don’t believe it!” I don’t mean I don’t believe it literally, what I mean is I don’t believe the application to us humans not being able to learn new things. I do not deny it is often very hard! But for the Christian there are many aids and advantages.

I can look back on my relatively long life and see a number of major turning points, as well as many, many smaller ones. I can see that the major ones occurred after having the rug was pulled out from under my feet multiple times, and I seem to have needed that in order to make the choice to move on! And as I look back, I can see or think of these things as the softening up process. There is a recovery saying that we will not change until the pain of being stuck become greater than the pain and fear of change. And this softening up process and being tired of being sick and tired, can be the start of the struggle to change and to “learn new tricks” no matter how old a dog we are!

And as I was thinking about these things this morning, I came across the verse “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:24). The softening up process referred to above has often been for me a crossroads. We can be offended (seems to be the default), or we can turn to the Lord. And it is my experience that when I took the latter rout, He came along side in a very practical way, lifted me up and set my feet on a rock. But I see so many this morning who choose by default to go the other way, and it breaks my heart.

Father, I have often wished that I could make choices for others, but that would short-circuit your work in their lives. And once again I come to the conclusion that most of the time the very best thing I can do to help others is to get well, to become whole, and to seek to live the abundant life. And I do this in the hope that my life will point the way to the freedom You give. Forgive me and cleanse me Lord, for the times I have fallen short of this. But this too is likely necessary, in order that I may fall on my feet. In Jesus name Amen

One thing I have desired … That I may behold the beauty of the LORD (Psalm 27:4)

The line “I think you’re amazing” of the song “Do you believe what I believe about you” keeps coming to me over and over. It is sung prophetically as if God were singing this over us, telling each and every one of us that He us is amazing. And my response to being told that I am amazing is to sing back to Him over and over, that He is amazing. And it struck me this morning that this says something about the nature of relationship, namely that there is a tendency to respond in like kind, to what is given.

And this works both positively and negatively. I mean if we get angry with someone they too easily get angry back, if we respect someone they tend to respect us too. What I am describing here is the natural sate of affairs when there is little or no history that colours our response. But in the nature of things, if love has been killed by deep hurts, abuse or betrayal, then it takes a whole lot more love to overcome the hurt, to bring us to the place where we can love again. And because this is so widespread, if you think about it, it is wonder there is any love at all in this wicked and hurting world. But I have an explanation for the existence of love.

And the explanation is that “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Actually many translations have that we love Him because He first loved us, but “Him” is not in the Greek. And what it is saying is that the existence of any love at all, be it acknowledged or not, has His extravagant healing love as the original source. And because He is also the source of all hope and joy and peace, then He is stronger than all the negative forces in the world. And the reason He is jealous for us, is that when we learn to live life His way, then our natural response is for us to exhibit the fruit of His spirit, the love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23).

Father, it would be tempting for me to regret the length of time it took for me to learn the hard way that Your ways are best. I seem to need to learn things the hard way, but thank You Lord that at least be it the hard way or not, I did learn and I am learning. Lord You are beautiful and truly amazing, and I praise and worship You this morning in Jesus Name Amen

You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You

As far as I can tell, the World is divided in two, those who think they are good, and those who know they are not. And perhaps a little over simplistically those who are not are also divided in two. Firstly there are those who beat themselves up (the vast majority), and then there are those who like David in this Psalm (16:2) know they are loved unconditionally by Almighty God, and because of this have a realistic view of themselves without being devastated by it.

I remember years ago having a debate about the possibility of someone making a truly selfless gesture. We came up with all sorts of scenarios for example, someone giving lots and lots of money to charity, or setting fire to themselves for a cause. But we all felt that we need to take motive into account. Jesus talked about those who do good deeds to be seen, already have their reward (Matthew 6:1ff). And “If we give our body to be burned, but have no love, in God’s eyes we are nothing but a noisy clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1,3).

I suspect that some will find this offensive, and perhaps I might have at one time, but at such times it is likely that I was getting my identity from what I did for the Lord. And thankfully I came to see that this was Christian workaholism! And I am convinced this morning, that any good that I do is first and foremost inspired by God, and so He receives the glory. But like Paul, in order to avoid false humility, I need to say “I, yet not I, but Christ who dwells in me” (Galatians 2:20). And I have learned to say “Thank you” when I receive a complement. And in accordance to this morning's verse, to give God the glory in my heart.

Father, I don’t pretend to fully understand this verse, but it somehow resonates with me this morning. I want to thank You Lord for my unconditional acceptance, and like a child beloved of his father, I am content to abide in Your presence as You continue the work of transforming me into Your likeness. In Jesus Name Amen

Why don’t they forge $3 bills?

Silly question really, but a friend once told me that a neighbour had invited his wife to church, and she said “Thank you, but I don’t really want to go.” The neighbour got mad and now won’t speak to my friend’s wife. And while trying not to be offended for my friend, I have to say that this is not what I would call authentic Christianity. Or to put it another way the Pharisee is alive and well (well alive anyway) and living on planet earth.

But to come to my question, there are two reasons. The first is that you don’t try to counterfeit something that is not real. Some would say that the existence of the counterfeit points to the existence of something genuine behind it. Jesus said “I am the true vine” (John 15:1), and we are invited to “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). I became desperate enough taste, and I found Him to be the genuine article!

The second reason that they don’t forge $3 bills is that there is little point in forging something with so little value. Only something worth forging is worth forging! Duh! But like pearls before swine, even that which is valuable can be treated as being without value. To the unbeliever Jesus is the stone that the builders rejected, but to we who believe He is precious, and He is the chief corner stone (1 Peter 2:7; 1 Corinthians 3:11). And there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Lord, as the songwriter wrote, You are more precious than silver, more costly than gold. It must grieve you Lord that there are so many that name Your name who bring You dishonour. But there are those who are genuine, there are! Lord please give me what I need to be one of them. In Your precious Name Amen

If you seek Him, He will be found by you (1 Chronicles 28:9)

Have you ever thought that it would be so much easier if God would simply show Himself? But He is invisible for a reason! The Scripture says that no man can see God and live (Exodus 33:20). This does not mean that we cannot experience Him, indeed the essence of Christianity is relationship with Him. In His high priestly prayer Jesus says “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the One true God and Jesus Christ whom You sent” (John 17:3).

At the age of 14, I was still unbelievably innocent, and there is no eroticism in what I’m about to share. But my fantasy at that time concerned the gorgeous belly dancers that were featured so prominently in the then the current movies. I would be laid back on the couch with my right arm flying back over my head, as this gorgeous creature would drop grapes into my mouth. And I would say to her “You may proceed to smother me with kisses!” In this fantasy I was passive, and as I think about it now, that reality could have been no fun for her, rather like kissing a wet sponge! In other words, I would have been a limp lover, yuck!

I certainly would not be satisfied with a limp lover, and it seems God is not either. Has he not told us that we are to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 12:30)? Likewise if we are to seek Him, then to do this with anything less than full on passion, is not worthy of Him. For too long, my search was searching for knowledge about Him, rather than relationship with Him. Indeed the point of the Scriptures, is that they speak about Him in order that we may come to Him, and to have life in all its fullness (John 5:39; 10:10b).

Father, You have told us that we will search for You and find You when we search for You with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Let us not, let me not, ever be apathetic towards You. You would rather we were either hot or cold, because when we are lukewarm it makes you want to spit us out of your mouth (Revelation 3:16). Forgive us Lord, forgive me, for the times that I have not been fully engaged with You. Reignite the flame this morning Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

For I will pour water on him who is thirsty

The fast food industry has spent millions, if not billions of dollars in research, seeking to find a taste that will bring the consumer back again, and again, and again. One well-known brand of chips for example, put out the challenge “I bet you can’t just eat one.” But the fast food industry does not have our best interests at heart! The widespread obesity, gives testimony to the negative effects of these campaigns.

And in the battle to become healthy, we have to re-train our palates and our appetite. To use a spiritual analogy and apply it to the physical, we read “No one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better’” (Luke 5: 39). And if we want to re-train our palates and our appetites, then we need to push through against the old desires, until the desire for the new takes over. In particular, when we learn to eat healthy, we will not have the old intense craving for junk food.

As in the physical, so in the spiritual. The old, carnal appetites and habits do not die easily, and part of denying ourself and taking up our cross (Matthew 16:24), is learning to push through to the new spiritual disciplines, in order to develop intimacy with the Lover of our souls. In applying this to this morning’s verse form Isaiah 44:3, the Lord is telling us, that He responds to our spiritual thirst, and that He will pour spiritual water (i.e. the Holy Spirit) on we who are thirsty. And unlike the junk food industry, He does have our very, very best interest at heart. And from this side of the fence, I can say that I no longer have the old intense craving for the destructive old.

Father, You have promised that if I come to You in complete surrender day by day, then You will not only change my desires into healthy desires, but that You will make up for those parts that I cannot do without You (Philippians 2:12,13). Thank You for Your promise that I will never thirst again like I did when You brought me to the end of myself (John 4:13). And I can truly say this morning Lord, that the new is better in Jesus Name Amen

Hail mighty Warrior

Gideon had been threshing wheat in the winepress in order to hide from the Midianites who were destroying the land. The Israelites had turned their backs on God and were reaping the consequences. And now in the midst of the turmoil, they cried had out to God. And God was answering their prayers by calling upon Gideon to deliver them from the hand of the Midianites. So God had sent an angel who greets Gideon with the words “The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior!” But this was not the way Gideon saw himself, and he replies “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:1–15).

The Scripture says, that God does not see as man sees, God looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). God sees us as who He calls us to be. He calls us saints, and then calls us up to be saintly. Words have power, and too easily the negative words we speak over ourselves become self-fulfilling prophecies. This is particularly true when others have spoken words of dismissal and condemnation over us “You are no good, you will never be any good, you are just like your father!” When we believe such things about ourselves, our actions tend to follow suit. We need to change our thinking (this is what repentance is all about), we need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2).

As part of this, we are told that we should no longer see ourselves, or others, according to the flesh. In other words we should see ourselves and others as God sees us. And He sees us as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16,17 - see also the prophetic song below that I believe He wants us to hear sung over each one of us). When we see ourselves as God sees us, then our actions will follow suit in this direction too!

Father, I want to repent this morning of thinking and believing anything other then what You think and believe about me. You are a good, good Father, and You always see the best in me. Help me Lord this morning, and every morning, to act in accordance with how You see me, so that I may enter more and more into my destiny in bringing Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven in Jesus Name Amen

“Do you believe what I believe about you” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWxSsl_oByw

God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise

In Isaiah 55:8,9 the Lord tells us “My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” The world tells us, for example, that if you don’t look after number one nobody else will. And in the process, the world does not care who it steps on, or who it hurts in its race to the top. But the world’s top is really the bottom, for in the upside down kingdom, the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

In the kingdom, when I am weak then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10), and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). He who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11). When I think of myself as wise, all I have is the bankruptcy of my own wisdom, but when I know that I lack wisdom, and come humbly to the throne of grace and ask for wisdom, then His wisdom, true wisdom is given. It’s a promise (James 1:5).

The world tells us that we are here by chance, the product of random mutation. The reality however, is that we are here by design, and we are designed to be in intimate union with the One who created us. And the fact of the matter is, that things work best when they are operating according to their design. And the the fact of the matter is that fulfillment that we all seek, is to be found supremely in walking with Him in the destiny that He has determined before the foundation of the world that we should walk in!

Father, it seems to me that so much of your church is still operating according to the wisdom of the world. In the wisdom of the world, the way to please you, if You even exist, is by rules and regulations, by performing, by being good. It’s not that You don’t want us to be good, but what pleases You Lord, is when we come to You in childlike humility and received from You the gift of salvation. And as I soaked in Your presence this morning Lord, I felt Your love empowering me, giving me peace and hope and joy. For too long Lord, I was into performance, and I was driven, miserable and tortured. But now as I realize that there is nothing I can do to make You love me more, and nothing I can do to make You love me less, I am learning to rest in Your presence, to receive Your joy, and I am content in You. Thank You Lord in Your precious Name Amen

Do you believe what He believes about you?

The name of a song by Godfrey Birtill on his album “A chip of the old block,” is entitled “Do you believe what I believe about you?” It is sung prophetically as if God is asking the question. And the song itself came out of an unusual translation of Galatians 3:1 which starts with “Oh you beautiful idiots who has bewitched you?” After embracing the gospel of grace, the Galatians gone back to trying to earn their salvation by keeping the law. And as Godfrey was leading the worship at a recent conference, he pointed out the necessity of this teaching. The point is that much of what many of us do in the church, is performance-based.

How many of us beat ourselves up when we do something wrong? The negative self talk where we put ourselves down and berate ourselves for something we have done, is quite destructive. God does not treat is this way, and if He does not treat us this way, then neither should we treat ourselves this way. We do not, or at least we should not, condemn or put little children down when they mess up. And we are His children! We need to learn to deal with ourselves and others the way that Jesus treated the disciples when they messed up. In particular He dealt with them in gentle humility, affording them dignity and respect while teaching and correcting them (i.e. Mark 9:33ff; 2 Timothy 2:24).

This song touched my heart, and one verse in particular “Do you believe what I believe about you? With delight I’m singing over you, like a bridegroom to his bride, like a father to his precious child. And forever we belong together. I think you’re amazing, my love never changes, I say I think you’re amazing!” Words have such power! What we speak over ourselves and others has power. Godfrey tells of how just singing these words over people in prison and in mental institutions has actually set people free. And I can say, and mean as I see God’s heart for you and me this morning, that He thinks you too are amazing!

Father, it’s taken a long time for me to get this from my head into my heart. But it’s not just words anymore, I know in my heart that I am a beloved and precious child even when I mess up. And I know that You think the very same thing about each and everyone who is reading this blog. Let these words go deep into our hearts Lord, because when they do, they are transforming. Forgive us Lord, for the times we have chosen to believe the lies of the enemy, and to believe that You think anything less of us than You do. And I thank You again this morning for Your unconditional love and grace and mercy in Jesus Name Amen

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

I was pleased last night, to hear something of the history of Women Aglow (now Aglow international), to hear of many whose ministry had been largely restricted to teaching Sunday school or being on the social committee, suddenly set free to be powerful warriors for the kingdom. I heard how much of it was a setup. For example, one lady who was timid and suicidal was suddenly thrust into a prayer team, but not having a clue how to pray. The very first person who came for prayer was also timid and suicidal, and suddenly she knew exactly what to pray, because she knew exactly what the lady was feeling. As someone put it, He is Jehovah sneaky!

It struck me this morning, what a difference it makes when it is God who takes a group of people who are marginalized and dismissed and brings them into their true identity. What an example this movement is to the world! Because if a group of people who are marginalized and dismissed had any right to be bitter an revengeful, it was the oppressed women in the church. But there is no bitterness in the leadership of this movement, no victim mentality. And God has used their righteous struggle to mold, refine and empower, and to help many of them to discover who they are in Christ. And who they are in Christ, are precious, valued daughters of the King of kings and of the Lords and lords.

It is a beautiful thing to see this kind of change when it is God who is leading and directing. How very, very different from the way that the world does it. So often in the world, when those who are oppressed rise up, they become the oppressors. The power man seeks is so very different from the power of God (as in the verse this morning from 1 Corinthians 1:18). In the power of God, with the weapons of love and righteousness and peace, we come to know who we truly are, and to come into our destiny. And in the mystery of God, the journey to this place, this struggle to come into our identity, is every bit as important as the end result. This is because He uses the struggle to make us more like Him!

Father, thank You and that the ways that You teach us are not only more loving and gracious and masterful, they are also more powerful and, many times (but not always), more effective (it takes two to reconcile). Buy I want to thank You for the testimony of many in this movement, that their awakening and coming into their identity has resulted in marriages being saved, whole families coming to know You and finding peace and reconciliation. Truly Lord, the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:25). Thank You Lord that when we totally surrender to You, You turn weakness into strength, hate in to love, discord into harmony and morning into gladness. I praise You again this morning Lord in Your precious Name Amen

When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?

This question from Jesus recorded in Luke 18:8, comes at the end of the parable of the unjust judge. This judge gives in to the persistence of the widow rather than because her case is just. So if the unjust judge will do justly, how much more will our heavenly Father answer our persistent (night and day verse 7) prayers? So will He find faith in you and me, or will we loose heart?

I am finding my heart stirred this morning, the morning after attending the first night of an Aglow International meeting here in St John’s. This verse was used there to ask us if we will have faith to believe that He will do what He says He will do. “If you see it you can have it.” How many of us have had individual promises the Holy Spirit has whispered into out hearts through dreams, or pictures on the screen of our minds, or from a word from a friend that the Holy Spirit breathed on? Do we contend for it, or do we put it on the shelf?

And He reminded me again of the promise that because I believe my household will believe too (Acts 16:31). But my vision and my contention needs to be so much greater than just my family and loved ones! It needs to be so much bigger than me, my family, my church, my city, my province, my country. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or imagine according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20)!

Father, Your Word tells us that where there is no vision the people perish. Lord open our eyes to see the plans You have for this city, province and country. Lord I believe that Canada is the leaves You talk about for the healing of the Nations. Thank You that You want us to partner with You in Your amazing plans, and that this makes us so, so significant. Lord please give us fresh vision over and over so that we do not loose heart. I worship You again this morning in Your lovely Name Amen

And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart

In the context of this quote from Galatians 6:9, Paul has been talking about the law of sowing and reaping. And it works both positively and negatively (verse 8). The agrarian (farming) analogy is meant to remind us of a number of things. For example, he is talking here about "due season.” in particular, reaping comes at the end of a process. First of all the ground has to be tilled, the seed sown, it has to be watered and even then there is first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head (Mark 4:28). So the farmer has to be patient, and it would be silly to get frustrated at the time it takes to come to the reaping stage.

In this age of instant gratification, when there is a pill for every ail, patience does not manifest itself as one of the strong sense of our culture! And the Lord is reminding me again this morning, that I cannot expect instant growth from the seeds He plants in the lives of others through what He calls me to do. And I needed this reminder this morning, as three things, one on top of the other have come to my attention within the last 24 hours. And was I tempted to give up? Well I asked the Lord every morning for something that is relevant to my life, and perhaps it is sufficient to say that this morning’s verse is more than relevant!

Using the agrarian analogy again in 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul says “ I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” And further to what the Lord was reminding me above, He is telling me that if I allow myself to get frustrated at the slowness and ups and downs of growth in others, then I am in danger of taking on responsibility that does not rightly belong to me (God gives the increase). So once again I resign my position as keeper of the universe!

Father, thank You for your patience with me, thank You that can be relied on to not give up on me, neither on those I love. I bring my disappointment and my frustration to You again this morning Lord. Thank You for Your consistent, steadfast love and mercy and Your encouragement to stand and having done all to stand. And I bless You again this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

After someone shared an encouraging word about his son at the fellowship last night, we went into a time of prayer for our children and others we are concerned about. Over half of us have children for whom we are, at various levels, concerned. But all of us had someone we were happy to pray for. And just about all of us had had to come to the place where we need to let go and let God. In other word to trust Him with our loved ones. It is not easy, but then nobody said it was!

When the children are small it’s easy to feel that we are in control. We are not! If I had been in any doubt that, it would have gone out the window last year when my then five year old granddaughter had open heart surgery. Of course we have a lot of influence when the children are small, but sooner or later, if they are allowed to grow up, we just have to sit back and shut the heck up, or we should! In the discussion we shared various promises and principles that we hold onto that have allowed us to come to and stay at peace. One enduring one was “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

Household salvations are harder to believe for in the midst of the rugged individualism of the North American mindset. But in fact the Lord is always interested in families, and I was reminded of how the Lord had answered a long term prayer for the father in a family I know. So it’s not just children. But we do need to release our loved ones to Him. In fact we need to think of our children as loaned to us, rather than that they are ours. In this way we give them back to He who in fact is far more concerned about them than we could ever be.

Father, thank You that Your love for our children, and those you have planted in our lives, is also far greater than ours could ever be. Thank You that they are safe with You. Thank You too for the peace that first and foremost You bring us to, and then for the keeping of that peace, as we continue to look to You and to trust (Isaiah 26:3). In Jesus Name Amen

You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good

Years before this exchange, Joseph’s brash, boastful and unwise revelation of dreams God had given him, had set off a chain of character polishing events. Provoked to jealousy, his brothers had sold him into slavery in Egypt where Joseph, falsely accused of raping Potiphar’s wife, was thrown into jail. And he languished there for two full years even after it was clear the Lord had plans to get him out. Finally, being the only one who could interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, and correctly predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, Joseph was put in charge of the entire land of Egypt, second only Pharaoh himself. In this way Joseph’s dreams of dominance were fulfilled when, in the midst of the famine, his brothers came looking for grain. These events enabled the whole family to move to Egypt. It then become clear that this was God’s plan from the beginning, to deliver Jacob’s family from the famine (see Genesis 37-50).

After Jacob’s death, with their father no longer there to protect them, the brothers feared that Joseph would take his revenge on them for what they had done. The words in the title of this post were Joseph’s gracious response to their fears (Genesis 50:20). Missing from the above account of what happened, is the way all through the story, Joseph responded to the abuse. In particular over and over he found favour in the sight of those who, in human terms, had control of his destiny. Joseph, like the Lord who came much later, learnt obedience by the things that he suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

My own response to the trials and injustices of life, have not always been so mature. But after trying the kicking, screaming and fighting option, and discovering that that did not work, I too began to learn obedience through suffering. And sometimes the suffering was a result of my own sinful choices, and sometimes because of the choices of others. And sometimes the choices of others had evil intent, and sometimes not! But in all cases God remained in control! And whether it was intended for evil or not, God intended it for good. And as a result I can now safely say, that I would not be the same man had God not allowed what He allowed. And for this I give Him thanks and praise.

Father, as we see from the story, the very best thing that Joseph did for his family, for those he loved, was to submit to the character portion polishing You accomplish through the trials and tribulations of his life. And in the end it was through it all, that he was able to deliver the entire family. Likewise Lord I have come to the place where I realize the very best thing that I can do for my family and those I love, is for me to get free, to grow in grace, wisdom and knowledge, and in this way point the way to freedom. And while I know that I have not arrived, I am nevertheless grateful that I am not what I once was. And for this, I give You thanks and praise again this morning, in Jesus Name Amen

Though the fig trees do not blossoms …. Yet I will rejoice in the LORD

The NLT version of this extract from Habakuk 3:17ff has “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet will I rejoice in the Lord.” Habakuk is telling us that in spite of the devastation happening all around, still he chooses to rejoice in the Lord. And he goes on to say that the LORD “will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” In other words, when Habakkuk in spite of it all chooses to rejoice, the Lord will lift Habakuk's spirit above the circumstances.

Habakkuk had seen the devastation as God’s discipline on Israel. The Scripture tells us, “Whom the Lord loves he disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6). And whether we see the devastation and chaos in our own culture is direct intervention from God, or the natural consequences of reaping what we sow, we do need to choose to rejoice. In fact it’s a command “Rejoice in the Lord always,” and just in case we didn’t get it “again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)!

I am remembering this morning the opening line from the novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” There is so much in our culture that causes me grief, but I’m not going to go there this morning. Because what I think the Lord is telling me, is that I need to look at what He is doing, not at what I do not see Him doing! But actually, as the scripturally based chorus puts it “He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.” And as I choose to believe this, it helps me to rejoice.

Father, Your words tells me that You always lead us in triumphant procession in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14). Help me this morning Lord, to keep my eyes on You, to thank and praise You for what you are doing even for those things I cannot see! And I trust You again this morning that you have my back, and my best interests at heart. And I thank You for the strength You gave to make my feet like deer's feet so that I can rise and live above the circumstances. And I give you the honour glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen

… those who Love God and are called according to His purpose. All things work together for good (II)

So what is His purpose? Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:9,10, that He has made known to us the mystery of His will, and it is that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. And He calls us to partner with Him in this purpose. The point is that we find fulfillment, satisfaction and direction when we discover our purpose. And in calling us to partner with Him in His purpose, then His purpose becomes our purpose too!

So what has this got to do with God working all things together for our good? Well much in every way, and this is brought out in the next verse, Romans 8:29. In particular, in His calling He determined to work two things in us. Firstly He determines to conform us to “the image of His Son.” In other words He uses the trials, tribulations in temptations to make us more like Jesus. And when we choose to trust and believe in and through it all, then like buddies in a war, we share in the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:10). He never calls us to do what He has not already done, and done in spades, for “though he were a Son, yet He learned obedience through the things that He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).

Secondly He works in us in such a way, that “we would be the firstborn among many brethren.” For those of us who love the Lord, there is surly nothing more fulfilling than knowing that our lives and our words influence others to come to know Him! He is amazing really, He uses our transformed lives, and our words to bring others into the kingdom, and then turns round and rewards us for the work that He does in us.

Father, You are the potter, and we are the clay. And we become mouldable, as we submit to Your character polishing in and through the trials and tribulations of life. And part of this submission, as it was with Your Son, is to learn obedience through our suffering. It’s relatively easy to trust and obey when it costs us nothing! But it is pleasing to You when we submit when it’s hard. We need Your grace for this Lord, I do! In particular Lord, I need your grace to continue to wait on You for the fulfillment of Your promises. But I know that in the end I will see that You have done all things well, in Your precious name I pray Amen

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God (i)

In the context of this partial quote from Romans 8:28, Paul has been talking about the sufferings of this present time (verse 18), and the inner conflict that that causes within us (verse 23). Paul is not here saying that evil is good, rather that for those of us who love God and are called according to his purpose, God uses the evil we encounter to work for our good. The trials and temptations of life are universal, they happen to us all (1 Corinthians 10:13), but the promise that God works through the evil for our good is for those who have responded or will respond to His call.

The “And we know” part of this morning’s verse is is key to our responding the way the Lord would have us respond to our trials and tribulations. In particular the settled knowledge that our sovereign Lord is in control, and is somehow or other working behind the scenes , for our good, is designed to help us to face these trials and tribulations with faith. In fact there are times, when the Lord shows us exactly how He’s doing this. But most of the time, at least in my life, I don’t have a clue. But then I tell Him “At this point in time I really don’t know how this could possibly ever work for my good, but I choose to trust You, and with Your help to stop obsessing about it!”

And to be realistic, compared with the persecution and the trials of other brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe, my trials are pretty small. The Lord had shown Paul how much he would suffer for his sake (Acts 9:16), yet Paul could talk about “this light momentary affliction which is not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed in us (verse 18 of this chapter).

Father, thank You that as I bring my trials and tribulations, great and small to You, You remind me over and over of this Your perspective. Thank You that eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what You have prepared for those of us who love You (1 Corinthians 2:9). And thank You for the grace You give not only to carry on, but to rise above the circumstances. There is no one like You Lord, and I thank You this morning that you are actively at work in all things for my good because I love You and You have called me for Your purposes in Jesus Name Amen

For the word of God is living and effectual …. piercing …. and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

If there was something wrong with your body, would you want to know? Some people don’t, especially if it is serious. I know of cases of those who fearing they had cancer, refused to go to the doctor. But what if there was a cure? In some cases, you know there’s a cure, for example if you have an abscessed tooth. Of course the cure may cause you more pain for a little while, but short term pain for long term relief only makes sense! However somehow for many, many people, when it comes to dealing with emotional, mental and spiritual problems, this type of common sense seems to go out the window.

What seems to be at play here, it is our propensity to rationalize, it’s called a denial. The saying seems to be true that if someone wants to do something he or she will find a thousand reasons to do it. On the other hand if that same person does not want to do the very same thing, they will find a thousand reasons not to do it! But if what we want to do, or don’t want to do, is wrong, there are always negative consequences. The Scripture talks about the pleasures for a season (Hebrews 11:25), and the immediate short term pleasure seem to be a huge part of the problem!

This morning’s verse from Hebrews 4:12, gives us the cure. The point is, that the Word of God cuts through the crap, cuts through the rationalization and denial, and exposes our hidden motives and our twisted thinking (the thoughts and intents of the heart). Jesus told us that those who are well do not need a physician (Mark 2:17), that is those who are in denial, those who don’t see the need. And yes it can be painful to have sin exposed. But surely it’s better to do it sooner rather than later. Sin not dealt with leads to more and more destruction (Proverbs 14:12), and in the end we will have to give an account of what we have done or not done (Matthew 12:36). On the other hand as I keep saying, He came that we might have fullness of life!

Father, thank You for the gentle and merciful way that You deal with us. We see this so clearly in Your dealing with the woman caught in the very act of adultery (John 8:1-11). Thank You that there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Thank You that as the great physician, You want take out of our lives those things which are spiritually cancerous. Thank You Lord that I have learned to welcome Your Word, You scalpel, which is designed to cut out such cancer. Thank You that You who have begun a good work in me, will bring it to completion on the day of Christ. In Jesus Name Amen

Jesus is THE life - the way the truth and life (IV)

Proverbs tells us that there is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). In a culture that so prizes individualism, it is far too easy to live a life that is independent of God. But Jesus is telling use here, that life in all its fullness comes to those who in child like dependence on Him, bring every issue, every dispute, every though captive unto the obedience of Christ. It is to swim against the cultural current, but in doing so He is telling us that we will find direction (the way), the Truth that sets us free, and life abundant and eternal.

In this quote from John 14:6 Jesus is telling us that He is not only the way to life, not only is He the Truth that sets us free to live the abundant life (John 8:32; 10:10b), but He is the very essence of life itself. Again He is not saying that He is one of many ways to the abundant life, but with the definite article (the life) He is claiming to be the only way so such a life. To put it another way, what is being claimed here, is that life truly worth living is to be found only in a vital connection with Him who is the way, the truth and the life.

Here is the exclusivity of Christianity again. Again this is not exclusivity of the Church or my little group, but it is Christ Himself who is saying this about Himself. Many would perhaps object that they have a life worth living outside of Christ. I would however ask if it is truly a life of abundance. We are not talking here about material possessions, but rather a life full of rich and satisfying relationships, a life where love is given and received, a life of grace and hope and peace. I am not saying that I have arrived here, because part of this is that the Kingdom is both here and not yet. We are promised this life, but we are to contend for it. And when we do, keeping our eyes on Him who is the way the truth and the life, we enter into life in spite of the circumstance.

Lord Jesus, when Paul tells us that for him to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21), he is not telling that life is not without difficulties. Indeed my troubles compared to Paul’s seem insignificant (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). What Paul seems to be telling us though, is that when we are vitally connected to You, we are able to rise above the circumstances. Indeed Paul’s letter to the Philippians from jail is full of joy. You are reminding me this morning Lord, that my life is hid with You (Colossians 3:3). But this does not mean that I hide from life, rather that in You and with You I am fully engaged in life. And this brings meaning and purpose and hope in the midst of the chaos. Truly you are the life, and I praise You and bless You again this morning in Your precious Name Amen

Jesus is THE Truth - the way the truth and life (III)

Pontius Pilate asked Jesus a question, but it wasn’t really a question, at least he expected no answer. He said “What is truth” (John 18:38), and then walked away. Like many today, Pilate felt that truth was unknowable. We hear “That may be true for you, but it is not true for me.” And certainly there are subjective truths i.e. “My favourite fruit is raspberries.” But there are also objective truths, either the God of the Bible exists, or He does not. It is illogical and unscientific, contradicting the law of non-contradiction, to suppose otherwise.

In yesterday’s prayer, I talked about the mystery and the foolishness (to the World) of faith. And Jesus statement here in John 14:6 not only qualifies for both mystery and the foolishness to the World, but it is also (to the World) offensive. And to further muddy the waters of mystery, we need to see that Jesus is the Word (John 1:14), and the Word is Truth (John 17:17) and as here (to complete the circle) Truth is Jesus.

I can’t help remembering the little boy’s statement that faith is believing what you know is not true! And I am so very aware this morning that all this is complete and utter nonsense to those who do not believe. But with Peter (John 6:68), I have learned not to easily dismiss what He says, and what I know is that when I take His Word into my heart and mind, then I am drinking in life both abundant and eternal. In particular, when I “eat” His Word I am, as in the Lord’s supper, eating and drinking Him. I am sounding very Catholic this morning mmm!

Lord Jesus I am humbled this morning as I come to You. I am remembering the verse “If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2). In particular what do I know? Well I do know that I want as a little child to be, and to stay, teachable by You Lord. I want to be as wise as a serpent, but as harmless as a dove, and I know that the way to get there is by following You, the way and the truth. And I do know (again with Peter) that notwithstanding how little I know, I am finding life and health and peace in You. As I keep jokingly saying “I think I will keep You.” It is of course You who keeps me! In Your precious Name Amen.

I am the way the truth and the life (II) Jesus is THE way

If Jesus is neither a lunatic nor a liar (see last day’s post), then He is who He says He is Lord, the Word (God) in flesh (John 1:1,14), and we need to listen to, and to take heed of what He says. In particular, He did not say He was “a way,” but the unique one and only way (the force of the Greek) to the Father. Indeed in the continuation of this quote from John 14:6, Jesus says “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The point is, that it is only through the substitutionary death of Jesus that it is possible for sinful human beings to come into the presence of a Holy God. Salvation is a gift, received by faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9). And it was God Himself who “was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). The way it works is that He takes our sin, and exchanges it for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is the only way!

I immediately hear the objection “But what about those who do not hear?” It’s a valid question, one the Bible does not explicitly answer, but it does give us some clues. In fact, God did not count either Abraham or King David’s sins against them, and this too was received by faith (Romans 4:3-8). Both Abraham and David were before Christ, and would certainly not have been saying the so-called sinner’s prayer! But since no one comes to the Father but by Jesus and they were accepted, then they must have come through Him. But they came without understanding that it was through what He would do on the cross. I see this as a matter of the heart, a matter of trust, of being reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), not of correct doctrinal truth, though I am not saying that correct doctrine is not important.

Abraham and David, who were separated from Christ by time, were nevertheless saved by Him. And for me it is not too much of a stretch to believe that there are some who have never heard whose hearts are reconciled to Him, and so also saved by His death. My understanding of the unforgivable sin, is that it is rejection of the gift of forgiveness. And I reason, righty or wrongly, that you cannot reject an offer you have not even heard of! This is what I think, and part of why I think this, is that knowing something of the character of the One in whom I have believed, I answer yes to the question Abraham asked “Will not the judge of all the earth do right” (Genesis 18:25)? So I leave such question about those who have not heard, in His loving and merciful hands. But those who have not heard is not us, and the question for us, for you, is what will we, have we, done with Christ’s offer? There is only one way to be reconciled to God, and it is through Jesus!

Lord Jesus, within the mystery and the foolishness (to the World) of faith, since I am in You and You are in me (John 17), then I am a kind of Jesus sandwich with You as the bread, and me as the meat. And since You are the way, then I really can go where You lead. It may not always feel that You are this close Lord, but I choose this morning by faith to believe it, and trust as in the “Footprints in the Sand” poem, that when I do not feel I can go on, nevertheless I am still going the right way because You, who is the way, are carrying me. In Your precious name Amen

I am the way the truth and the life (I) Offenses

There are essentially two reasons the Christian can be persecuted, firstly we can be persecuted simply for believing what is true. Secondly we can be persecuted because we are obnoxious. I want to deal with this second reason first. We need to see our divisions through the eyes of the unbeliever. There are over 10,000 registered Christian denominations, most of whom are essentially saying “We are the way the truth and the life, and if you want to get saved you have to come through our church or our little group!” It is pure arrogance, and it does not adorn the gospel. When we are in this place, we need to hear what Paul says, namely “If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2).

In fact to the unbeliever the gospel itself can be a stumbling block, or foolishness, or both (1 Corinthians 1:23), and we need to make very sure that we do not get in the way! But coming to the second point, the exclusiveness of Christianity can be the source of the offence. It seems so intolerant, so narrow minded and even bigoted. But if truth is truth, it has to say this is right, and that is wrong. Two plus two equals four, it is not equal to five, or seven, or twenty one. This common sense truth however is rejected outright in our “modern” way of thinking. We hear that all truth is relative, but actually this statement is an absolute statement, and self-contradictory. For if it is true, then the statement itself is a relative truth, and this implies that there are exceptions. In particular absolute truth does exist contradicting the statement! This is not to say that all truth is absolute, and it is a different question to ask how we can know.

We should think of this morning’s verse from John 14:6 as a challenge. Let me say that if what Jesus is saying here it is not true, then we should not be making statements such as Jesus is a really good teacher. C.S. Lewis suggests, that Jesus is either a lunatic to be compared with somebody who thinks of himself as a poached egg, or He is a Liar, or He is who he claims to be, He is the Lord of all! If He is not a liar or a lunatic, then He must be Lord! Those of us who follow Him in absolute surrender, have found Him to be everything He claims to be. And I invite you this morning to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), put Him to the test, I challenge you!

Lord Jesus, the more I know, the more I realize how little I know. And I want to confess this morning Lord, that we in Your Church have been arrogant and self righteous at times. Please forgive us and cleanse us. But as this morning’s verse implies, it’s not about knowing propositional truth, it’s about knowing You, it’s about relationship with You the One who is the way the truth and the life, it’s about following You, it’s about proving what is that good in perfect and acceptable will of God (Romans 12:2), it’s about finding life in all its fullness (John 10:10b). I’m not quite there yet Lord, bur I am finding life and health and peace and joy in following You, and with me there is no turning back in Your precious Name Amen Archives in philheathsblog.blogspot.ca

There is no pit so deep God’s love is not deeper still

This is a quote often attributed to Corrie ten Boom, but actually it was her sister Betsie who died in Ravensbrück concentration camp, who first uttered these words. The ten Boom family had been hiding Jews in their home in Holland during the Nazi occupation, were caught and sent to the living hell of Ravensbrück. By the grace of God, the two sisters had shared the love of God to the other inmates. Betsie, with reference to this phrase, told Corrie “They will believe us, because of where we have been.”

Corrie was released by an “accidental” clerical error, and after the war went around preaching a message of forgiveness. She encountered one of the crueler guards who asked her for forgiveness and, not without a struggle, she did. As part of what helped her, she tells that she thought on the ministry she had started for victims of the concentration camps. And what she had observed, was that those who could forgive were healed, and those who could not, were not. It was as simple, and as horrible as that!

So Corrie is one of my heroes, and I have been helped much by her example. The phrase that Betsie spoke has been particularly meaningful to me, because part of my life verses Psalm 40:2,3 speak of Him lifting me out of a desolate pit, setting my feet on a rock and putting a song of praise in my mouth. In fact it is my testimony, and though my desolate pits were nowhere near as deep as Betsie’s and Corrie’s, they were deep to me, and I can certainly testify that God’s love was indeed deeper still.

Father, sometimes being asked to forgive can seem more abusive than the original abuse! But unforgiveness blocks Your love, and we need to forgive for our own sake. I see so many Father, who are stuck in pain and misery because of a combined inability and unwillingness to forgive. Indeed we cannot do it without You, I cannot! But when we totally surrender to You, then all things are possible, and Your ways are always best. Please help those reading this blog this morning Lord who are in a desolate pit, and are in need of your love and grace in order to escape. Thank You that Your grace is enough, and I bless You this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen