Go make disciples: Sons of Issachar, seven mountains of influence

I mentioned earlier that if we don’t obey the command to disciple the nations, there is one who will, and that he is making war on  Western culture. We are to be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves, and as part of this,  we need to be like the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to knew what to do (Matthew 10:16; 1 Chronicles 12:3). God has, in fact, been raising up His prophets and speaking to us of the need to contend for the kingdom in “seven mountains” of influence,  the government, the media, Arts and Entertainment, the Education mountains, the Business mountain and the Church and Family mountains. Some Christians have trouble with this, teaching that it's unbiblical. I came across this quote on the internet “We should have an impact on society, but not through domination or forceful change. Rather, we are to share the love of God with others, stand up for truth, and eagerly await Jesus' return when He will make all things new.”

Who could disagree? Certainly we must not use domination or force as a means of changing the culture. This would be to use the enemy's weapons. Unfortunately, these things are far from missing from both our past and present, and are things of which we need to repent, in order to claim the promise of Him healing our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). But how can we be salt and light if we sit in splendid isolation waiting, and doing nothing as the world goes to hell in a hand basket (see 1 Corinthians 5:10)? Surely our interactions with society should imitate the way Jesus interacted with the world (Mark 2:16).  Should we not applaud what God is doing in moving Christians to produce Christian movies? And if we can applaud getting involved in that mountain, why not in others? What about contributing to the legal costs of those opposing legislation that seeks to make illegal, the getting of help for unwanted same sex desires? And should not parents be concerned about the things being taught in schools that are bringing gender confusion to vulnerable children,  encouraging sexual experimentation in the guise of  discovering one's orientation? Should we not  be willing to get involved in PTA's and other areas of influence?

What about teaching Christians good business practices in our disciplship, and encourage Christians to open business that operate with integrity? Is there not a need, for example, for local automotive - repair shops, where there is honesty, integrity and fair pricing? And might this not bring other business into line, which were loosing business because of the competition of honest business practices? Is this not the leaven of the Kingdom? Certainly there are Christians in all of thses mountains, but they are likely very isolated, and in need of support. But how will they find support if we teach that the things are wrong? We need to pray for those in those already in these mountains, and for more Christians to get involved. And would it not make sense to make these things part of discipleship?

 Lord,  the enemy has come in like a flood, but thank You that as we pray You are raising a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). Teach us to be like the sons of Issachar, help us to understand and to know what You would have us do, and then to do it. As always Lord we need Your help, and we're asking for it in Jesus Name Amen

Holistic Biblical discipleship: The inward, upward and outward journeys

The fallout from the fall (Genesis 3:1-7), includes four alienations (four breaches of peace). They are the alienation of man from God, the alienation of man from man, the alienation of man from himself, and the alienation of man from the created order. The alienation of man from God manifested itself in hiding, in Adam’s case he hid among the trees of the garden (verse 8). Silly really, no one can hide himself from God (Jeremiah 23:24). The manifestation of man's alienation from man started with Adam blaming both the woman and God, for his sin (verse 12) and progressed from there. The alienation of man from himself manifests itself in the whole variety of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual problems that, at some level, we all have. The manifestation of the alienation man from the created order is the reality that ground brings forth both thorns and thistles, and in the blood sweat and tears of our struggles (verses 17,18). Salvation history documents the work God has wrought to accomplish reconciliation in all four of these alienations. And what I am calling holistic, Biblical discipleship is about us learning to do our part in cooperating with God in His primary purpose which is redemption in these four areas (Ephesians 1:10; Romans 8:19).

John Arnott describes this as being inward, upward and outward journeys. I think of the inward and upward components as being represented by the vertical beam of the cross. Taken together they comprise our relationship with God and with ourselves. The horizontal cross piece, represents our relationship with others, discipling each other, and the nations, in the stewardship of God. Discipleship of the Christian is most effective when he is abiding at the foot of the cross, in humble appreciation of all that the cross accomplished for us, and in us. Paradoxically when we abide there, we are in a real sense seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). It is from this place of security, that the Lord sends us out to disciple first our individual Jerusalems, then our Judeas, our Samarias and ultimately the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Whether we know it or not, whether we are in Chris or not, one way or another, we are variously seeking these reconciliations. Secular Psychology is essentially seeking to reconcile man with himself, but without the help and healing we get in partnership with God. Much of it, without it being realized is based on Biblical principles given thousands of years earlier! Many twelve step programs speak of a higher power, but if it's not Christ, it will not produce fullness of life (John 19:10). Likewise we expect fullness of life if we do not do the hard work of this reconciliation. It's called inner healing! Much of the church is either ignorant of it, or dismissive of it. What I am saying, is that if this aspect of reconciliation is not incorporated into discipleship, then it's not utilizing the whole council of God (Acts 20:27), and it's not what I am calling holistic discipleship!

Father, only You understand why the church is so resistant to tapping into all that You did in sending sent Jesus to heal the broken hearted, and to set the captives fee (Luke 4:18). But it's hard work Lord, so please help us to enter into it, or to enter more fully. I'm not willing to settle for anything less than the fullness of life You call us to. It's a process Lord, so please continue Your work in us, in Jesus Name Amen

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …. teaching …….

This morning we're starting to look at the great commission “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations ....... teaching them to observe all I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). One author dubbed this the “great omission,” but why? Well for a start, rather than obeying the command to go, we have expected people to come to us. Then for the most part, we have not even discipled the church, let alone the nations. Even when we've preached the gospel and others have responded, we have made converts, not disciples. The word literally means learner, so the command is to make learners, teaching others to teach others to be learners. I have to wonder how many of us are content to rest on our laurels, rather than pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)?  If we are to follow Jesus, we must follow the model of discipling that He demonstrated for us.

I'm not writing to condemn “for there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). I’m in no position to condemn anyone, for I myself am far from guiltless in these matters. But we do need know, that when we don’t obey the command to disciple the nations, there is one who has and does and will. He's making war on Jude-Christain values from the top down and the bottom up. He is discipling our children in schools and  Universities,  and waging war on the family. In accordance with his agenda to kill steal and destroy,  he has not only separated the church from the state, has also isolated it from every avenue of Biblical influence both outside and, too often, inside the church. And we have become more and more conformed to the world.

Separation of church from the state, is very different from separation of church and state, as is freedom of religion and freedom from religion. While being granted the freedom to believe, we are called bigot and homophobes etc., etc., and attacked and shouted down should we dare to open our mouths to advocate our views. Increasingly we hear that fee speech, is hate speech, but only if it disagrees with what is currently politically correct. In the meantime secularists have been preaching unhindered,  the gospel of socialism and secular humanism. This gospel is no good news with its fairy tale vision of utopia, a vision that history has shown to be totally destructive. No Western democracy is not perfect, but if there was anything better, why would hordes of refugees want to come here? And what is our response to it all? Well, the church has been asleep for the past hundred years or so. What shall we do? Well, we need to go, and to make disciples teaching them as He has commanded.

Father, thank Your for Your promise that when we do our part, repent and pray, You will heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Thank You that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God (2 Corinthians 10:4). Thank You Lord that I read the end of the book and that we win. Wake us up Lord, our children and our loved ones are at risk. Grant us repentance, and equip us to be salt and light in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation. Start with me Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

Sit walk stand: His perspective, His guidance, His power

I'm amazed at how many times I need to be reminded of the perspective of Heaven, that this earth is not my home, and that I can rest in the knowledge that my inheritance is reserved in heaven for me. I'm amazed at how many times that I'm either ahead or behind Him in my walk. I'm amazed at how many times I need to be reminded to walk in His dunamos power rather than my own. But perhaps I shouldn't be amazed, I mean our struggle is against the spiritual powers of wickedness, and we're in a war to the death with the enemy of our souls. I suspect that many of us are as I described above, and perhaps this is why we need to be praying always (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I mean prayer is what helps us to stay connected to heaven’s perspective nad heaven’s guidance and to stay tapped into heaven’s strength. The Lord woke me in the night with these thoughts, and a number of Scriptures on my heart, and I simply want to pray them and others this morning.

Lord Jesus You told us that You are the vine and we are the branches. He who abides in You, and You in him, bears much fruit; for without You we can do nothing (John 15:5). Our part is to abide Lord, but we can’t even do that without You. Thank You Lord for Your invitation to come to You for soul rest when we feel beat up by the world. Thank You that when we take Your yoke upon us, we don’t need to strive, but rather we can learn to operate out of rest (Matthew 11:27). Help us to do our part Lord in staying vitally connected to You.

Thank You Holy Spirit that when we walk guided and directed moment by moment by You, we will not fulfill the desires of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:16). Thank You Lord that when we walk in the light as the Lord Jesus is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ keeps on cleansing us from sin (1 John 1:7). Thank You Holy Spirit for Your sweet presence last night in the step study, as we came together to start our fearless moral inventory. Thank You that as we confessed our sins one to another, and prayed for one another there was the start of real healing from real, and deep, hurts (James 5:16). Thank You for this fellowship at the foot of the cross where we are equal, for there is no difference since we have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory (Romans 3:23). Thank You that there is now no condemnation either from You, or each other (Romans 8:1). We did not want to leave!

Thank You Father, that we can stand in Your strength, power and might, in the very same dunamos power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1 prayer). Thank You Lord for the reminder that we need to be careful that when we think we stand, we need to take care we don't fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). Thank You Lord that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness, so when circumstances remind us again of how weak we are, we can simply turn to You who did, and does, and will deliver us from the various deaths in which we find ourselves (2 Corinthians 1:8-10). You do all things well Lord in Jesus Name Amen

The whole armour of God (IX) Praying always with all kinds of prayer and supplication in Spirit

The word “praying,” in this morning's quote from (Ephesians 1:18),  continues Paul’s long rambling sentence, which starts in verse 14 with “stand having girded... .” It continues the description of the parts of the armour in which we are called to stand. It is therefore part of the armour. “Always” emphasizes the ongoing nature of the injunction to pray. Supplication is about seeking, asking and making requests to God. All kinds of prayer would, of course, include supplication, but is not restricted to it. It includes worship, thanksgiving, intercession, praying in tongues (see below). It also includes the 24/7 prayer and worship movement the Lord is raising up at this time all over the globe. In the States there are over a thousand prayer rooms and houses of prayer with a vision for continual prayer and worship. Each has its own expression and part to play. There are four different 24/7 houses of prayer in Jerusalem alone. 





In fact it was prophesied that in the last days God would “raise up David’s fallen tabernacle” (Amos 9:11). David’s tabernacle had four thousand singers and musicians who were exclusively employed for “day and night” worship and praise” (1 Chronicles 23:5; 9:33). Sometimes know as harp and bowl. it  combines prayer (the bowl of Revelation 8:4), and worship (the harp). I'm most familiar with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOPK). I visited there in 2007 after I had heard that 24/7 prayer had been already been going continuously for already eight years at that time. I was fascinated because up until then prayer had been boring for me. It was inspiring and motivating! I am not saying I’ve arrived but since then have experienced a new intimacy with God in prayer. I know that not everyone has the resources to do this sort of thing. But rather than ask God to bless what we are doing, I am a strong advocate of finding out what God is blessing, and with His leading get on board with it. The resulting manifestations of such things are usually unique in some way.




If “all kinds of prayer” is part of the armour, then so is praying in tongues. To see praying in tongues is Biblical, note that Paul prayed (and sang) in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:14). Of course when he did so, his understanding was unfruitful (verse 15). To me this clearly links tongues to “many times we do understand what we should pray ... but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings we cannot express in words (Romans 8:26 see Thayer on “cannot be uttered”). I know in my own journey, tongues has given me relief when I either didn’t know what to pray, or I am tied in knots emotionally. But I'm not saying tongues is the only way that the Spirit intercedes for us in groanings. I have been in prayer meetings where someone had an almost unbearable burden, that manifested itself in groaning and/or weeping. All of this and more is likely, in my opinion, tied up in the phrase “groanings that we cannot express in words.”




Father, it is such a difficult, yet exciting time to be alive and a Christian. I never cease to be amazed at what You are doing in the earth in these days, and I want to thank You, that You call each and every one of us to partner with You, as You increasingly cover the earth with the Glory of God. I praise and bless Your this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen




The whole armour of God (VIII) Take the Spirit’s sword, the Word of God

The sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), is for both offense  and defense.  Thinking of it in terms of armour is primarily defensive. We will need to come back to the offensive aspect. This verse tells us the Spirit’s sword is the Word of God. In fact, the Spirit was active in the inspiration of the Word, and  is active in its illumination. Concerning  inspiration, Peter talks about the prophecy of Scripture coming as holy men of God were moved by Holy Spirit (2 peter 1:20, 21). We also read “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Greek word for inspiration here is a compound theo- pneustos. Theo is of course God (as in Theology), pneustos is variously translated as breath or spirit. So “God Spirited” is a  literal translation,  but  so also is “God -breathed.” It's interesting that in both Hebrew and Greek there is a single word for both spirit and breath.

With respect to illumination, the meaning in English is the light that is given. Jesus tells us that "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all I said to you”(John 14:26). Paul tells us that the words he speaks are not words of man’s wisdom “but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13). In particular, the Scriptures know no division between the Word and the Spirit, and his teaching, the Spirit will not contradict the Word of God rightly divided.  "Rightly divided" refers to  “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker .... rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It  speaks of making a straight cut, teaching the truth correctly (Thayer). The Word of God needs to be analyzed cut apart,  and put together correctly by “comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” We do not take verses out of context, nor give interpretations that contradict other parts of the Scripture. Thus we must be diligent (study KJV) to know  and understand the Scriptures, so that Holy Spirit has His Words at hand,  to instruct us.

It’s not hard to see, through the Spirit’s sword, how the armour of God is interlocking. The Belt of truth requires that we know the Word, and this is also part of the preparation of the gospel of peace. Knowing that part of our sword that pertains to justification, enables us to put on the helmet of salvation so we can stand against the doubts the evil one throws at us about our adoption,  our identity in Christ. Since faith comes by hearing by the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit enables us to quench and counter every fiery dart, every lie of the enemy. The sword is profitable and useful for showing us the path we should take, showing us where we got off the path when we do, showing how to get back on the path, and how to stay on it, putting on the breastplate of righteousness. In other words, the Spirit’s sword enables us not only to stand, but to be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Father, prayer comes next  Lord, enabling us to put on the whole armour of God  one piece at a time. It’s not static Lord, nor is it independent of a vital relationship with You. Help us to draw ever closer Lord so that You may draw close to us in Jesus Name Amen

The whole armour of God (VII) Put on the helmet of salvation

Putting on the spiritual helmet of salvation is about guarding the mind. We are to take every thought captive into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). In a parallel passage (to Ephesians 6:10-29), Peter tells us to put on “as a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). In September we were concentrating on here and now aspect “the hope to which He has called us” (1:18). This verse (17) has more to do with the settled nature of the justification aspect of salvation (see 5 January). John tells us that he writes to believers so “that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). Indeed in order to stand, and having done all to stand, we need to have the sure hope of salvation settled in our minds, and actually in our hearts too.

In an illustration I gave in the January posts, I shared the story of Captain Hornblower’s hot tempered surgeon who, in a duel, had shot the Filipino diver - the key to Hornblower’s mission. Hornblower told the surgeon that if the diver died, so would the surgeon. This is like Old Testament Law - justice. In the end Hornblower released the surgeon from the threat, realizing that under such pressure, he could not likely do his best in removing the bullet.  This is like New Testament Grace, we are forgiven, and set free from fear of punishment in order, out of gratitude, to do our best.  Paul tells us such a response to the tender mercies of God in justification salvation is the only reasonable one (Romans 12:1 NKJV).

There are a number of pictures of the justification aspect of our salvation,  one of which is adoption. For example “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:14,15). We need to know this settled adoption, because our identity as sons and daughters of God will be challenged. The very first temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, was about His identity “If You be the Son of God …” (Matthew 4:3). The servant is not greater than his master and if He was tempted in this way,  so will we. So often we don't feel worthy, we fail, and the World attacks us, causing us to doubt. But He has promised to forgive us when we confess our failures (1 John1:9). And when we know who we are, and whose we are in Christ, we can rest in what God thinks about us (we are amazing),  dismissing as far less important, what others think about us. In a passage where Peter exhorts us to give Him our all,  even in the face of suffering, we read that He has “begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you? (1 Peter 1:3-16).

Father I want to thank You this morning for Your wisdom and tender mercies that give us such assurance of our eternal acceptance, and which, by Your Spirit, enables us to stand and having done all to stand. Thank You too for the multifaceted nature of Your grace that gives us, not only justification salvation, but the Grace and the wherewithal to stand (Romans 5:2) in Jesus Name Amen

The whole armour of God (VI) Stand taking the shield of faith

This morning’s verse is “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16).   “Above all” indicates the primary importance of this shield. It is as though the fiery darts can pierce the other parts of the armour.  The verb quench has to do with extinguishing something on fire, and  in the analogy of the Roman soldiers armour it is the water soaked shield that would extinguishing the flaming arrows, in our case  of the wicked one,  Satan.  Scripture talks about the water of the Word (5:26), and that  faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). So then in order for our faith (our shield) to be effective, it needs to be saturated with the Word.   This is best done apart from  the battle, in our quiet times.

But what are the fiery darts?  The enemy of course knows us, knows our weaknesses, and there is a real sense in which these fiery darts are individual darts aimed at our individual weaknesses.  But there are also general things, areas in which we would do well to know the scripture. The one that comes to mind immediacy is the area of our sexuality.  Speaking of the allurement of beauty and the enticement of seduction,   Scripture asks “Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned”  (Proverbs 6:27)? In particular, but not restricted to it,  some would claim that pornography is harmless,  but is it?  I personally know of examples where it has destroyed marriages and relationships (yes plural).  And if you are a Christian,  and it turns you on, it’s adultery (Matthew 5:28).   For many it’s their go to drug of choice, and it needs to be dealt with for what it is,  an idolatrous addiction, and it needs to be dealt with radically and with no half measures.

With respect to our individual fiery darts,  I find it helpful to think of them in terms of our triggers.  A trigger is anything that sets you off wrestling or struggling in any or all of the ways we struggle.  It can be a memory,  an unkind word,  a graphic description of something you struggle with, a seductive look from another, a put down triggering  feelings of rejection etc., etc.  It can  anything that provokes our  pride,  or envy,  or jealousy, or greed or lust, anything that draws us away from Him and His presence. And in the end, all of  these fiery darts,  darts that threaten to pierce the breastplate of our righteousness,  can be quenched by the water of the Word, and by taking up the whole of the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). In particular it is important to know who we are, and whose we are in Christ. We will look at this more closely next day when we discuss the  helmet of salvation.

Father,  the tense of the verb "taking" in this instruction is important. It is on going and has to do with taking the shield as the occasion requires it.  When tempted I need to be reminded to take the breastplate of righteousness, when the dart of doubt comes,  I need to return to the belt of truth. Thank You Lord that I don’t have to do this alone, for You have promised to never leave me nor forsake me. Continue to teach me to be the overcomer You call me to be,  in Jesus Name I pray Amen

The whole armour of God (V) Stand having feet shod in preparation of the gospel of peace

The connection between the gospel (the good news) and feet goes back to the idea of the runner who would run to take news of peace or victory back to the home base. Thus Isaiah could declare “How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming peace” (Isaiah 52:7). Concerning the Roman sandal, they had hobnails that enabled them to dig in and to stand their ground against the onslaughts of the enemy. Preparation echos “always be ready to give an answer of the hope that is within you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).  But this is so much more than memorizing the four spiritual laws! Preparation requires us, like the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel  (and so we) ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32). So first and foremost we need to understand the times.

The gospel of course is eternal, and must not be changed (Galatians 1:8). The way we present it however, does needs to change with the times. What I see, is that many Christians today are answering questions that  nobody is asking. In particular, since Satan has convinced many that there is no such thing as truth, so direct confrontation with error can be totally ineffective. But what people do pay attention to, is relevance. People are hurting, relationships are disintegrating everywhere, and there is very little,  or no peace.  What I am saying, is that  the good news that peace is available,  is so very, very relevant. But how are we to present it when nobody is listening? The saying “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words” is popularly attributed to Francis of Assisi. And at the very least, it contains this truth, if our lives do not match our words, if our walk does not match our talk (Ephesians 4:1), we can talk truth til Kingdom come, but will not be heard. In terms of what to do, we need to earn the right to be heard.

In particular, if we do not exhibit the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7),  in three different areas, why would a World desperately needing peace want what we have? At the fall there was alienation (loss of peace) between man and God, between man and man, and between man with himself. And accordingly the gospel of peace is about reconciliation in these three areas, peace between God and man, between man and man, and man with himself. One of the major thrusts of this blog can be phrased in terms of this last reconciliation. It’s call inner healing.  Jesus came to heal the broken hearted, and to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). We don’t have to be perfect for others to notice, I keep saying that it's more about being changed from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18), than about perfection. And we will not be being changed unless we are dealing with our issues. The Church needs  to be a hospital for the sin sick!

Father, the phrase “ready to give an answer” presumes somebody is asking. Help us Lord, to do our part in growing in these three reconciliations, so that others will notice and ask “What is it about you?” And then Lord when we have earned the right to be heard in this way, open their ears and give us wisdom to know how and what to answer in Jesus Name Amen

The whole armour of God (V) Stand having put on the breastplate of righteousness

Scriptures calls Christians saints (i.e. Ephesians 1:1), literally “holy ones.” Once we have responded to His invitation, God sees us as holy, because He sees us in Christ. So  first and foremost then, the Christian does not stand in his  own righteousness, but stands by faith, in the righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:9). This righteousness was purchased for us at incredible cost, at the cross. And when we respond, it is the Lord Himself who cloths us with His righteousness (Isaiah 60:10). This is sometimes known as positional righteousness, we are justified by faith, declared innocent before the bar of God, and  set free from penalty of sin (Romans 6:23). But here in Ephesians 6:12, we are the ones who are commanded to put on the breastplate of righteousness. I see this as being called to live righteous lives,  called to live up to how God sees us as the righteous of  Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30). We are to walk worthy of this calling (4:1ff),  to  practical righteousness, and to live up to our designation as His holy saints.

It is the Lord who justifies us freely, frees us from the penalty of sin, but then calls us to work out our sanctification with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12, 13). This sanctification is about working out with all our might, our deliverance from the power and pollution of sin. Some , knowing that justification is a free gift, ignore this command. They see correctly, that there is nothing we can do to earn the justification aspect of salvation (Ephesians 2:8,9), but then in presumption live unchanged lives. But Scripture knows nothing of a salvation that leaves us unchanged, for faith without works is dead (James 2:26). To fail to respond to the tender mercies of Christ with anything less than presenting our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), is to make a mockery of Christ's sacrifice. And Scripture tells to not to deceived that God in this way, for God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7).

I have talked much in these blogs about how this verse continues, about how bad choices, have bad consequences. But it's so much more. First of all God will discipline us at times, and that's no fun (Hebrews 12:6, 11). But secondly, and main point of this post, is that unrighteousness is a significant chink in our armour that lets the enemy in. In particular, if an unclean spirit is cast out of a man, and comes back later to find the house swept and clean but empty, he goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. In fact this is how it is with any such a generation (Matthew 12:43-45). Related to this is Paul's command to hand one person over to Satan for a season, for the destruction of the sinful nature, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5).

Father, I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for the man Paul was talking about. Thank You Lord that it seems to have worked, for Paul later commands the Corinthians to welcome him back into fellowship (2 Corinthians 2:7). Concerning discipline Lord we really don't want that, because even though You are merciful, You are a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Teach us Lord live in righteousness the fear of the Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

Put on the whole armour of God (IV) Stand with your waist girded with truth

The belt in Roman’s armour is said to give the soldier stability. Since ultimately it's knowing the truth that sets us free (John 8:32), then putting on this piece of God’s armour, is about being grounded (stabilized)  in Truth. His Word is Truth (John 17:17). We need to be careful that we're not robbed through the seduction of human wisdom that operates out of the principles of the world, and not according to Christ (Colossians 2:8). As we were saying yesterday,  in the principles of the world evil is being called good, and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). It's very seductive, because a big part of this is said to be motivated by compassion. But compassion without wisdom can be toxic.

It's true that none of the societies based on Judeo-Christian values are perfect. There is oppression and there is corruption at both the highest and the lowest level. And wrongs need to be righted and justice needs to be done, but we can go too far, and with the best (or the worst) of intentions our actions can have unwanted and even devastating consequences. Democracy is not perfect, but history has clearly demonstrated that all other forms of government  are worse. And yes, corruption is everywhere, and though not all, certainly some use these things for political gain  (all sides). The truth of the matter is that the problem is in the heart of man (MARK 7:21), and you cannot legislate a right  heart. Christians rightly say we need to change hearts, and the gospel of Christ is the one true and tried way. Evangelical and Charismatic churches have been operating our of this correct paradigm. But if that is all it is, it's out of balance. The Lord requires us “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). Both the world and the church have largely got mercy and justice out of balance. The church has largely abdicated its role of being salt and light, and so not changing society for the good. And while the world may love mercy (compassion), it tends to turn the oppressed into oppressors.

We see it all over in our fallen nature. Those who are abused become the abusers. In government, punitive legislation is put in place which, rather than seeking justice, is more about revenge. The tyranny of political correctness heavily  targets those who were once deceived, but seeing the consequences of their ways change their minds (Galatians 6:7). The lie that free speech is always hate speech is used as an excuse, especially in the Universities, to physically shout down, and to even use violence,  to silence any voice that advocates traditional values that have worked for a very long time. We all want better, but zeal without knowledge is always toxic at some level. So what then, does the faith community need to do? We need to humble ourselves and pray, turn and repent from our wicked, often self righteous, isolationist, apathetic and uninvolved ways, and pray for wisdom, for Grace, for courage to do justice, and for revival (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Holy Father, we have sinned, done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts (Daniel 9), doubting the truths of Your Word, exchanging truth for lies. We have been apathetic, abdicating our role in society. We have been self righteous and judgemental, and we repent. Help us to stand in truth, to do justly and to love mercy. Please hear from Heaven Lord, and heal our land in Jesus Name Amen

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but we do wrestle: Conspiracy theory?

I jokingly say Philip's translation of Ephesians 6:12 is “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but we do wrestle!” Ephesians 6:12 reads “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this present darkness, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” This is not conspiracy theory, it’s the plain teaching of Scripture. But that's not to say the hosts of spiritual wickedness do not use humanity. Indeed the devil “has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). So what does this look like? The Scripture speaks of Satan coming with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception. And in the end, God sends strong delusion to those who are perishing, so that they believe the lie (2 Thessalonians 2:9- 11). Since “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), is it any wonder that those who are deceived “call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20)?

The promise that the truth will set us free if we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, and obey its teachings (John 8:31, 32) has the added advantage, that we will not be ignorant of the devil's wiles (6:11). They say if you don't believe the truth, you'll believe anything, and the way that reality works, is that truth is suppressed by unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). But we must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), even if we are accused of being conspiracy theorists. In particular, it's well documented that since the early sixties, there has been multi billion dollar funded Maddison avenue strategies designed to change the West’s mind about traditional values. In his book “The marketing of evil, ” David Kupelian outlines this well documented strategy. It consisted of three stages desensitization, jamming and conversion. Hitler knew well that if you kept telling even the biggest lie over and over and over, people will sooner or later start to believe it. Desensitization, is about flooding the “market” with the lie, until people are sick of hearing about it. Jamming, has to do with disallowing or shouting down any view that is contrary to the one you wish to espouse. Conversion has to do exactly with what Isaiah was talking about above reversing good and bad, truth and error. Check it all out for yourself.

But how are we to respond? We need to realize people are deceived, and they believe what they believe. I'm not saying that those all who are deceived have pure motives, clearly not but some are simply deceived. But in any case, since flesh and blood is not the enemy, and Satan has taken them captive, we are to “conduct ourselves with gentleness and humility, correcting those in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so they may know the truth, come to their senses, and escape the devil’s snare” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Jesus puts it this way “Love your (flesh and blood) enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Matthew 5:44- words in brackets mine).

Father, this is so hard Lord, especially when we see our loved ones being sucked into it all. We need a double portion of Your Grace (Hebrews 12:15), so we don't respond with the enemy's weapons, becoming like them in the process. And so I am asking for this Grace, this morning Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

Put on the whole armour of God (III) to stand against the devil’s wiles

The title is essentially this morning’s verse “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). This command assumes we have already put off of the works of darkness (4:22-24; Romans 13:12). The Scriptures tell us that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1Peter 5:8). The lion of course,  roars to frighten his pray into running. So here Paul is speaking about the need to simply stand, and having done all to stand against the onslaught of the devil’s wiles. His “wiles” have to do with his cunning arts, his deceit, his trickery, his disarming and seductive ways. We must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). His wiles seem to consist of two primary and often alternating strategies, firstly to get us to either fear or be fascinated with him and his power, and secondly to convince us he does not exist.

I regard it as no coincidence, that as I have been meditating on these things, I have been wrestling not only with an old addiction, but also with the discovery of the return of cancer in a loved one. Both of these things were dormant for a very long time, but now suddenly as I seek to blog on this important subject, they are threatening to distract me. The devil knows both our weaknesses, and  how to distract us. He also knows how to deceive us. He is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44), and can even transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). In recovery circles we talk about ungodly beliefs (UGBs). There are UGBs about ourselves personally (i.e. “I’m a looser, I am unworthy”), UGB’s about the nature of mankind (i.e. “we are basically good,” or “you can’t trust anyone”), UGBs about the devil (he either doesn’t exist, or is equal to  God - the yin and yang of life). Then there are UBGs about God.  “He took your child, because He wanted another angel in heaven,” or “This cancer is His punishment!” If I as a father wouldn't do that, neither would God. It  would be (His) child abuse!

One of the reasons I talk a lot about recovery in these blogs, is that it's likely only in recovery that we can unmask many of these UGBs. In particular we are all in denial at some level.  One UGB that comes up over and over, is that victims of abuse believe they are to blame for the abuse. The problem is compounded by the fact that the abuse tends to be accompanied with toxic shame. Shame hides (Genesis 2:25; 3:10), and keeps us silent. And as we keep saying, we are only as sick as our secrets! Another common UGB is that if we forgive a perpetrator for the wrong done, we will be letting him off the hook. But unforgiveness hooks us into rehearsing the wrong over and over and keeps us stuck. Unforgiveness is toxic in and of itself.

Father, most of us are in survivor mode, just getting through, and the evil one is happy for us to stay there. But we're meant to be overcomers, Your leading is always in truimphant procession (2 Corinthians 2:14). We're made in Your image and You tell us that those who truly know You will do great exploits (Daniel 11:32). Help us not to settle for anything less than all You have for us Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

The whole armour of God (II) Stand empowered in Christ in the dynamite of His might

I tweaked  “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10 NKJV). The Greek verb to be strong is a  compound  “en-dunamai.”   We get the word dynamite from the second part. And the sense of the Greek, is that we are to cloth ourselves with His dunamos power. There are in fact three different Greek words in this single sentence,  that have to do with His strength, His power and His might. It points to the superlative,   echoing Paul’s description of dunamos   as that   "which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (1:20, 21). And it is this very same power with which we are to cloth ourselves.   Lastly, in terms of the exposition of the verse, there is  no “the” in the Greek before kurios (Lord). I translated this as Christ,  because He  used it for Himself in Luke 6:46, for example. The point I am wanting to make, is that our empowerment with His dynamite power, is only found as we stand rooted and grounded “in Christ.”

There are two prayers Paul prays for us, concerning these things. Firstly he prays that we might have a revelation of the exceeding greatness of His mighty, dynamite power towards us. Secondly, that according to the riches of His glory, we be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 1:19; 3:16). No doubt Paul prayed this for himself, and as the saying goes, we need to be careful what we pray for. Speaking of his troubles in Asia he says “We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.” He continues “We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8,9). Related to what I am wanting to say here is the Lord’s statement to Paul in “My strength is made perfect in weakness,” and Paul’s statement “When I am weak then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10).

The point then, is that it seem the dynamite power of Christ will come to rest on us, only when we have gone through circumstances where we find ourselves in weaknesses and infirmities (verse 9). The phrase “the sentence of death” that Paul uses here, is reminiscent of the sayings of Jesus “He who will loose his life for my sake will gain it,” and “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 17:33; 9:23). We are called to die, to die to self. But again with Paul, we need to count all things loss in order that we might gain Christ and the dynamite power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:8-10). We can't have one without the other!

Father, Yours is the kingdom, the (dynamite) power and the glory. Thank You that You made it possible for us to be clothed with Your power. But we cannot experience this unless we are willing to share in the fellowship of Your sufferings. I surrender again this morning Lord, and I commit again, with Your help to never say “no” to You, nor to be offended , in Jesus Name Amen

In the coming days we will be discussing the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-29). This is the “stand” part of Watchman Nee's “sit, walk, stand” summary of Ephesians. I don't believe we can fully understand it outside of the context of the whole epistle. “Sit” is Nee’s summary of the theology of chapters 1-3. We Christians are seated with Christ in heavenly places (1:20; 2:6). “Walk” is about conduct, we are to “walk worthy of our calling” (4:1). The “stand” section can be thought of the admonition to hold the “sit” and  “walk” sections together. And when we hold these things together the one re-enforces the other. It is the truth that sets us free to walk the walk (John 8:32). On the other hand put negatively, we suppress the truth in unrighteous (Romans 1:18). We also need to see that our works and our good deeds are intended to be the fruit of our salvation, not means by which we attain it (6:12; 2:8-10).

We are to sit, rest in the language of yesterday's post, in the settled assurance that we are accepted in the Beloved (1:6 NKJV), that we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world (2:10), and that we are sealed with Holy Spirit (1:13). God's primary goal in sending Jesus, was to unite all things in Him, with Him, and with each other (1:10). And in fact He has broken down all these dividing walls, thus making peace (2:14, 15). Further connecting our walk and theology, the reason He chose us before the foundation of the world, is that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love. He saved us to be His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (1:4, 2:10). But we are to know that our works and our good deeds are to be the fruit of our salvation, not means by which we attain it (2:8-10). Since these things can take a while to sink in Paul prays for us that we might have wisdom and revelation knowledge of these things, together with a revelation of the resources He has made available (1:17-19). He also prays that we might get a revelation of the multidimensional love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, in order that we might be filled with all the fullness of God (3:17-19).

In terms of our “walk,” we should conduct ourselves in a way that is worthy of the Lord (4:1). This is the “only reasonable response” to all that He has done for us (Romans 12:1 NKJV). The walk section gives a comprehensive outline of what this means. We are to be eager to preserve the peace, we are to grow in grace, and speak the truth in love (4:15). We are to put off the things of the pre-Christian nature (4:22, 25, 31). But since nature abhors vacuum, we are to put on, among other thing, kindness, tenderheartedness and to forgive as we are forgiven (4:24, 32). We are to be filled with the Sprit, to love one another and submit to one another (5:21). In all our relationships at work, home and at play we should with all humility gentleness, and longsuffering, bearing with one another in love (4:2; 5:21- 6:9).

Father, please give us a fuller revelation of all that You have done, and all You have made available. And please give us the grace to walk worthy of You, and please full us with all Your fullness in Jesus Name Amen

They could not enter (My rest) because of unbelief

Just like  us, Jesus had the full range of human emotions, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He could get angry (Mark 3:5), and sin not (Ephesians 2:26). What this means, is that He was fully in control of His anger, and when He was angry and acted, what He did was totally appropriate. I am saying these things up front,  because in some Christian circles it’s considered wrong to get emotional, or to express things in strong terms, or even to raise you voice at injustice. So when I am talking about operating out of rest this morning, I am not talking about operating out of an emotionless state. I am talking about living life out of a settled assurance that God is in control of everything that He does, and everything He allows. The Lord is not taken by surprise by happens with us, the good, the bad and the ugly. And operating out of rest is about living life fully in the trust and the reality that He has our backs,  and that is actively working all things for good for those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Now we are told that those who did not enter His rest, were those who did not obey, and that  they could not enter in because of unbelief (Hebrews 3:18,19). These verses make it clear that unbelief and disobedience are inextricably linked, and that they are what prevent us today from entering into His rest. When the Scripture talks about His rest, it is talking about both the hereafter, and the here and now. In the here and now, it’s about taking His yoke upon us (Matthew 11:28-30). It's about living in the peace that He gives (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). Peter tells us, that when we have armed ourselves with the same mind as Christ, responding to our suffering the same way that He did, we have actually ceased from sin (1 Peter 4:1). Most of us are not there yet, but as I keep saying, these are things to aim for, as we receive more of His Grace to press into them.

But the writer to the Hebrews gives us no quarter. He talks about an evil heart of unbelief (verse 12) which, as we said above,  is also about disobedience. He is talking primarily to Christians, to those who have tasted the Heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit (6:4). Paul puts it this way “He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them” (2 Corinthians 5:15). Elsewhere he asks “Shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound?” It is unthinkable, and in the words of the writer to the Hebrews it's evil. Indeed the only reasonable response to the tender mercies of God is to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1 NKJV). 

Father, the world is watching, often just waiting for us to mess up so that they can dismiss what we say about You. After all You've done for us Lord, it's so very very wrong not to give You our all.  Thank You for Your Mercy Lord for the multiple times we mess up.  Please give us Grace Lord to enter Your rest Lord, in order that like Jesus, for the joy set before us, we can endured the cross You call us to bear (Hebrews 12:2) in Jesus Name Amen

Take My yoke upon You. My yoke is easy, My burden light

Have you ever see a little child take a broken toy to his father, and then as the father started to fix it, the child, in his impatience,  snatched the toy back out of his fathers hand,  and made it worse? Have you ever been that child with our Heavenly father? Have I? Well, I refuse to answer on the grounds that I refuse to answer! What is true, is that too often, I want what I want, and I want it ….. (fill in the blank)! But when I get ahead of Him I finish up with this bone weariness, and when I lag behind Him it’s somehow worse. The rugged individualism of our culture does not work, and neither does the apathy, or  isolationism. You know, like Jonah running away from it all, hiding while the world is going to hell in a hand basket! We tended to land on one or the other of these extremes, that ,  or swing violently from one to the other.

Into all of this, I hear Jesus this morning inviting me, inviting us to “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 souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). I don’t know where you are at this morning, either dog tired from striving, or having given up from discouragement, or beaten up by the world, or by your own self. But whatever, if you or I need soul rest this morning, it is freely available. And we obtain it by simply coming to Him, and replacing whatever yoke we are wearing with His yoke.

A yoke is literally and instrument designed to keep a pair of beasts of burden walking together in tandem. It is often a symbol of slavery, and the fact of the matter is, that we are either slaves of sin, or of righteousness (John 8:34; Romans 6:19). So whether we know it or not, we are either wearing Satan’s yoke, or His! We get to choose our Master, and there is a default choice, and it's not Jesus! In particular, notice that  if we are intent on “doing it my way,” even if that way seems right,  it is not Jesus' yoke, and the end thereof is destruction  (Proverbs 14:12).  And the difference with Jesus' yoke, is that it's  easy, and it's burden light.  Taking His yoke upon us is about learning to walk together with Jesus in tandem, neither ahead of Him, nor behind. It’s called radical obedience, it’s called walking in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). We will not exhibit the fruit of the spirit, neither peace, nor  joy,  nor the rest of it (pun intended), if we are walking in darkness.

Father, I am reminded this morning that if we say that we have fellowship with You and walk in darkness, we lie and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:6). So I am asking You Lord to expose any darkness within me, for I do desire and need Your rest,  and fellowship with You. And Lord in any place where I am wearing a yoke that is not of You, please break it off me, in Jesus Name Amen

In trials, count it all joy (VIII) If anyone lacks wisdom …

There are essentially three ways to respond to trials. We can be offended, offended with God or others. We can pretend it doesn't matter, stuffing our feelings, telling ourselves and others we're fine. Or we can practice choosing to count it all joy, as with His help, we move in that direction. And His help is available in a number ways. This morning we are considering the promise at the end of the section “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally, without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (James 1:5,6). In the midst of our trials, we really do need wisdom. Should we remain silent, or should we speak? Should we go the second mile, or would that be enabling behaviour?

Many of the exceedingly great and precious promises (like this one) have a premise, a condition that must be fulfilled before the promise can be claimed. The promise that the truth will set you free, is contingent upon me continuing in, and obeying, His Word (John 8:31, 32). In the James promise, we need to admit we lack wisdom, and we need to ask. I often tell the Lord “I qualify, for this promise, I lack wisdom, and I’m asking! But how does He answer? For me the primary principle is that “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:3). And of course, His sheep are those that follow (verse 4). But how do we hear? Most often, it's a verse from Scripture, that He illuminates in some way. Then there is His rhama Word, something whispered into our hearts by Holy Spirit. But since, in the midst of trials our emotions are likely to be inflamed, we need to “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:1).

One of the ways I have found helpful, is to journal. Here, when I am overwhelmed, I can pour out my complaint to the Lord (Psalm 142:2, 3). I can then allow Him to bring my soul out of prison (verse 7) as, with His help as I quiet my soul before Him (Psalm 131:2). In the beginning, I would write letter after letter, but while I was pouring out my complaint, it was not to the Lord. I was pouring out my complaint in writing, to the one who was blocking communication, wanting to give them a piece of my mind. But you know what, I can't afford to give even part of my mind away! And I learned the hard way to wait and pray before I sent them. There is wisdom in many counsellors (Proverbs 15:22), and even after sleeping on them, and still thinking that I should send them, I have learnt that I should bounce the letter off a trusted friend. Many times a friend can pick up a wrong tone, or something that's likely to be misinterpreted in a way you don't intend. In the end I have probably sent less that one percent of them!  And when I do these things, I can trust that my asking is in faith (James 1:6).

Father, thank You for Your help in dealing with my inflamed passions. The other person is the the enemy, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Help me Lord to pour out my complaint to You, and then turn it into prayer. Thank You fervent prayer of the righteous, are powerful and effective (James 5:16) in Jesus Name Amen

In trials, count it all joy (VII) Blessed is he who is not offended by me

Nobody likes trials, I don't, but as I already said, they're common to humanity. And it's natural to ask why! John the Baptist had done everything right, it had landed him in jail and ultimately it cost him his head. But in the meantime in his suffering, he began to doubt, and sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus “Are You the One who is to come, or shall we look for another” (Matthew 11:3). Perhaps John was expecting to be delivered, but in any case what was happening made no sense to him. Jesus sends the two back to John to tell him of the wonderful works they saw Him doing. He then speaks to both John and to us, saying “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” (verse 6).


We need to get this straight, life in not always fair, nor does life always work the way we want it to. Indeed “the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong”(Ecclesiastes 9:11). It is only in eternity that every wrong will be fully made right. James addresses this in 1:9 where he talks about how the humble brother or sister will be exalted in the hereafter. If this life is all there is, there is no justice. If a mother Teressa ends up in the exact same place as a Hitler, then God is not just. But God is not unjust to forget your work and your labor of love which you have shown toward His name. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 6:10; 11:6). We suffer of course both for our own poor choices, and for what happens to us . In terms of rejoicing in our trials, it's one things to suffer patiently for our faults, quite another when we do good and suffer, to then take it patiently. This we are told is graceworthy before God. In fact we are called to this! The point is, that Christ in His innocence also suffered for us, and in doing so, left us an example, to follow (1 Peter 2:20, 21).


I often think it costs us too little in the West, to come to Christ. I am not saying it does not cost, but compared to those places where you can be put to death if you convert, our persecution is relatively mild. We cannot escape suffering, but He calls us to be overcomers (Romans 12:21), and we can overcome because He is at work in us, and He overcame (John 16:33). When many of the disciples were offended and “walked no more with Him,” Jesus asked the twelve if they too would go away. Peter answered to the effect that they while they did not understand, one thing they knew, and that is that when Jesus spoke, His Words brought life (John 6:53-68).


Lord Jesus, You told us offences must come. Such times are crossroads, will we be offended, many are (Mark 4:17)? I do not pretend to understand all that You allow Lord, but with Peter I know that choosing not to be offended is the way of life. And Lord You never call us to endure anything You yourself have not endured, and You give us the wherewith all to endure it. And then You turn round and reward us for it. What an amazing God You are, and I thank and praise You again this morning Lord, in Your precious Name I pray Amen



In trials, count it all joy (VI) Let perseverance finish its work

I had known for a very long time,  that waiting patiently was to be part of my lot, part of my life long instructions (Psalm 40:1). And when a major disruption came in my life, I knew had to wait for the fulfillment of the promise that came with it. Well I waited, but for the longest time, my waiting was far from patient.  And when the Lord asked me if I had waited patiently, I could only answer that I had waited. Other translations of the phrase we are looking at this morning have “patience” in place of “perseverance,” and I had to practice this. I said earlier counting it all joy is not about pretending, it is however about practicing.  And for me this is what the phrase from James 1:4 is about. The full verse reads “Let perseverance finish its work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed, lacking in nothing.” And it's our faith that is being tested (verse 3), so that as we practice, it's our faith that is being perfected,  and completely developed.


So if it’s about practicing these things,  what are we practicing, and what does practice look like? Well first of all we are practicing what is variously translated as perseverance, patience and endurance. And as to how, the key word is “let,” let endurance/patience/perseverance  have its way. What would happened with me, is  I'd blow it, and in the process get myself all in a twist. I would then come to the Lord,  confess my unbelief, and He would direct me, often through a verse. There are times when He would ask “Why are you praying, get up and act” (Joshua 7:10ff), while also telling  me what to do (James 1:5). Then there are times He might say “In quietness and confidence will be your strength, in returning and rest you will be saved” (Isaiah 30:15). I might have to repent for my lack of confidence,  or my impatience.  But I also need to be patient with myself, I am practicing, and practice makes perfect.

But the Lord has also given us tools. It's our faith that's being tested, and “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). I keep a file of verses the Lord has drawn my attention to, and in particular of His promises to me. And when I’m feeling discouraged, I go to them and turn the promises into declarations.  I declare for example “All my children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be their peace” (Isaiah 54:11). I might pray into that saying “Lord please use the crises in their lives to draw then closer to You,” or  “Lord You know that I sought to bring them up in the way that they should go, and so I declare that when they are old, they will not depart from it.” In the meantime, I seek to hold them like you would a little yellow bird (see November 9 post).

Father, thank You for Your patience and perseverance with us, with me. I am grateful this morning Lord, that it's not all up to me, and that You have promised to keep right on working in me until that day when  I will know You,  because I will be like You. In Jesus Name I pray Amen

In trials, count it all joy (V) Knowing the testing of your faith produces perseverance

“How are you doing?”  ‘Okay under the circumstances.’ “Under the circumstances, what are you doing under the circumstances, a Christian is  supposed to live above the circumstances, not under them!”  Okay so it’s cheesy,  but it's true, we are supposed to rise above our circumstances.  In writing these blogs, I ask the Lord to give me things that are relevant to my life, knowing that our struggles are common to man, so it is likely relevant to others (1 Corinthians 10:13).  I regard  it as no coincidence therefore, that He had put on my heart to write on James 1:2ff,  a mere couple of days before I received news that the cancer had returned in a loved one.  And what I feel He is showing me (as seen in the posts),  is  that it’s not about pretending and it okay to grieve, that I need to lay my “Isaacs” down,  and that half measures profit me nothing.  In particular it’s not about just getting through, rather with His help, it’s about, rising above it all,   allowing the circumstances to draw me  closer to Him, and counting it all joy.


The  sense of the Greek word translated “perseverance” in the title, is about the ability to stand up under trail. So that in particular,  the testing or our faith is to produce that very ability.  And we are intended to know this abut the trials,  in our innermost being (verse 2).  In the same way that steel is tempered by heat, so we too  are to be tempered by the heat of our trials.  The testing of our faith then,  is to show to Him,  to ourselves,  and to the World,  what sort it is, and to see what is in our hearts. It is  to know whether we will keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 8:2). Are we God’s fair weather friends?  In the midst of trials shall we follow Job’s wife’s advice to curse God and die (Job 2:9)? 


For me to hear again the seemingly impossible command to rejoice in the midst of my trials,  is to remind me that “With men it is  impossible,  but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).   When I am struggling,  I need to come back to the perspective of heaven where,  not only is it possible to rejoice, but also to claim victory, in my case over the cancer. We beat it before, we will beat it again.  But  if not, we will not cease to trust in God who raises the dead,  who did deliver us, does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will deliver us (2 Corinthians 1:9,10).  And as I write, the Lord is fortifying me with many other verse. My way is not hidden from Him,  and with Job  I affirm  this morning that He does indeed know my situation, and that when He has tried me, I will,  with His sustaining help,  come forth like gold (Job 23:10).


Father, in the words of a chorus “I need You more, more than yesterday.” I do Lord!  I know You know the way I take. You know my path, You also know Lord that I am too weak to be away from You at times likes this.  But with Paul I cry out that when I am weak,  then I am strong because I then stand in Your  strength,  which  is made perfect in my weakness. Glorify Yourself through this things Father, in Jesus Name Amen


In all kinds of trials, count it all joy (IV) Lay your Isaac down

Many are puzzled by the story of God telling Abraham “Take your son your only son Isaac, whom you love (the very one who is your heart),  and sacrifice him on Mount Moriah” (Genesis 22:2, words in brackets mine). Since the Lord rescued Issac in the nick of time (vv 10-14), some see this as an early teaching that God does not require child sacrifice. And well,  this is true (see Micah 6:6-8). Others, also rightly,  see it as a foreshadowing the Cross, and of  God not commanding anything that He himself is not willing to do (see John 1:29). But there is another application, and it's the need to let go and let God. It applies to our children, but also to anything we may be holding onto too tightly. I like the illustration of how you hold a little yellow bird. If you hold it too tightly,  you'll crush it, if you hold it too loosely, it will fly away.


It’s not just children we can hold too tightly or too loosely, and  many times we are not aware. But when we are in relationship with the Lord, seeking to give our all, He will gently (or not so gently if we are not good at listening) show us our fault. One of the indicators is that we loose our joy. Again as I mentioned last day,  I'm not talking about not grieving. Rather I'm talking about when our joy has withered away in the normal circumstances of life. Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirt, and when we loose it, it's one of the indicators that something is wrong. And I'm finding myself in this very place this morning, as a prayer partner recently drew to my attention to the fact that I seem to be resenting at some level, being asked to do things that are usually a joy.


In a different  conversation,  I was saying that I understand well how social workers get burnt out, and finish up operating without compassion. In fact I don’t know who those who don’t know the Lord manage to maintain compassion at all. But more generally, life has a way of throwing us curve balls that, far too easily,  suck the life, love,  joy and peace out of us (Galatians 5:22). And when He draws our attention to these things, it’s time to come aside, take His yoke upon us, learn of Him and find His life giving rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). You see when He tells us (as He does), that we are to count it all joy in the midst of all kinds of trails (James 1:2), He is pointing to, or reminding us of, His intention that we be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). And when we are not moving in that direction, there is likely some Issac, some burden we need to surrender  and lay at His feet.


Father,  I lay my Isaacs down again this morning Lord. I don’t know how many times You  will need to show me I'm either taking on too much,  or too little,  responsibility.  But I do know Lord,  that You want me to be patient with myself.  And I come to you this morning,  deeply in need of Your rest. Please restore the joy of my salvation.  Thank You Lord,  that You are far more willing to give these things,  than I am to ask for them  in Jesus Name I pray Amen

In all kinds of trials, count it all joy (III) Half measures profited us nothing

My old boss  used to tell of a struggling student he was helping. On the exam he got a 55, five marks above a pass. He told the student thinking he would be pleased, but got the response “Those five marks represent two hours work I needn't have done!” What was disturbing, is that the student was a teacher, seeking to upgrade his qualifications. The system was partially to blame for giving the same reward an A and  a mere pass. And part of the problem  is that we have largely failed to instill a love of learning. It’s all about the either getting through, or getting an A! Many of us do life the same way, being content to survive, doing the absolute minimum to get through, but it’s joyless. There's much truth in the saying “most men live lives of quiet desperation.” But I’m not content to merely survive, I’m promised life in all its fullness (John 10:10b). And I will not settle for anything less than everything He has for me, this is my birthright, fullness of life is my destiny!

The phrase “half measures profited us nothing” is part of the AA introductory blurb. May of us will not change until the pain of being stuck becomes grater than the pain and fear of change. For myself, I had to come to a series of ever deeper bottoms,  before I became willing to change. There's a sense in which it's an  advantage to come to our deepest bottom, where if we don’t change, we will die. But you don’t have to get there to see that what we get out of life,  is directly proportional to what we put into it. There's a relevant Einstein quote I’ve changed slightly “We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking or effort, that got us into them.” I am currently thrown together with some who have come out of crack cocaine addictions, and I'm challenged  by their zeal,  determination to stay clean,  and to grow in recovery,  and in Christ.

There are a couple of verses I want to quote whose application is usually in the negative.  But this morning I want to turn it over and give a positive application. They are “You reap what you sow,” and “with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Galatians 6:7; Matthew 7:2). In particular, when we give it our all,  we reap positive rewards,  rewards in both the here and now, and in the hereafter. We will not soar like the eagle if we are content  to live like a turkey! And we are intended to soar (Isaiah 40:31). It involves total trust, and learning to give to the Lord all we need to give Him. And the verse we are considering over these few days (James 1:2), is all about reaching for the stars, not being content to live in mediocrity, but being determined, with his help, to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

Lord Jesus Christ,   I thank You that You have set a path before us that brings meaning and purpose in life,  and fulfillment. Thank You that we can have joy even in the midst of diverse and multicoloured trials. Only in you are these things possible, but we can attain all  these things through You who strengthens us, in Your precious Name I pray these things  Amen

In trials, count it all joy (II) Not saying “Don’t grieve,” or "Pretend"

“How are you doing?” ‘Fine!’ Liar! Not you of course, and not me! Or is it me? How many times have I answered “good” when asked how I am, and when it was not the truth,  the whole truth,  and nothing but the truth? What's true, is that there are times I am “gooder” than at others! Of course many times “how are you” is not a question, it's more like “good morning.” On the other hand at a difficult time in my life I was asked “On a scale of one to ten, how are you?” ‘You’re in danger of getting the truth,' said I! She was, of course, asking for it. Not everybody wants to hear about our problems, but if we are to find fullness of life, we will need to find places where we can be real. I'm not talking about enabling pity parties, but finding community where there is genuine concern, where we are allowed to grieve and to get help. What I'm saying, is we need safe places where we don't feel the need stuff our feelings or pretend everything's fine when it's not, and where we can grieve healthily for our losses.

Even God grieves (Genesis 6:6), and when we have suffered loss, “we do not to grieve as those without hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13), but we do (or should) grieve. I remember the Lord giving me a word for a lady who was deeply grieving the loss of a loved one. I said “You know the depth of our grief is really about how much we loved the person. If we didn't love so much, it wouldn't be quite so painful.” To have told her she should be counting it all joy, would have been a cruel misunderstand of this command from James 1:2, and in my opinion, it would be spiritual abuse. Should Jesus have rejoiced in the garden as he contemplated His choice to go to the cross? It's true that joy was set before Him as the end result of His suffering.  But He had to endure the cross before He could come out to joy on the other side (Hebrews 12:2). In the garden His grief was so intense that He actually sweat blood (Luke 22:44).  We also need to grieve when we have sinned so that we may exhibit true repentance (Jeremiah 5:3; 2 Corinthians 7:9).

Grief is a process we can either move through in a healthy way, or we can get stuck. There are several descriptions of its stages. One of them is denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Not everybody experiences all of them, and those who do, may go through them in a different order. This is not the place to go into these things in any detail. But I do want to say that there is no shame in needing grief counseling. It's perfectly normal to grieve loss, and some of us take longer that others, to come into  life again. I find that every new loss, produce and echo of previous ones, and there's a sense in which, in this life we will not completely heal from our grief. It's kay to be struggling (Ephesians 6:12).

Father, help us to be real, to be patient with ourselves in our struggles, and to give ourselves time to grieve. Thank You there's coming a day when there'll be no more more death, grief, crying or pain, and when You will wipe away every tear in Jesus Name Amen

In all kinds of trials, count it all joy (I) You’re joking right?

Last day we were saying that in the midst of suffering, we can find meaning in life by accepting responsibility for our lives.   I find it  fascinating talking about these things, to the men in prison.  It’s also heart wrenching to hear of some born into biker gangs,  or alcoholism,  or sexual abuse,  or violence. Since most of the guys are white, it makes the  concept of white privilege something of a joke, all be it a bad one.  If anyone has a right to victimhood,  surely  it’s these guys. And there are some advantages to victimhood. Well, what are they, you ask? For a start there is the sympathy and the validation of your victimhood you get from friends, and you don’t have to do the hard work of taking responsibility,  or  the pain of recovery.  Then there's the “sweet taste” of taking  revenge, and the possibility of the judge considering extenuating circumstances,  in sentencing.   Of course, we don’t want to admit that we are no different from the perpetrators,  when we revenge.  And it's astonishing,  in a way,  how often victims become victimizers.

But in another way it is not astonishing at all,  since the default response  seems to be escalation.  This is why we need laws. It's also why the introduction of the ten commandments  was so very, very  revolutionary in a culture where parents needed to be told not to sacrifice their children in Molech’s fire  (Leviticus 18:21; Jeremiah 19:5).  But still we might want to ask “Do we not have a right to not  suffer?” I'm not going to touch that with a ten foot barge pole. But what seems to be a fact,  is that we all suffer (John 16:33). A better question is “How are we to deal with suffering?”  In terms of taking responsibility, we are not responsible for the evil  and suffering perpetrated on us. We are however, responsible for our reaction to it all, that and for reaping the consequences of our own bad choices.  As I have already said, when we respond in the same way as the perpetrators,  we become no different from them.  So the questions become more about the what and the how of our response.

It's simple, but not easy.  “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).  Yes, but how? I needed a higher power, someone bigger and stronger, wiser and more powerful than me, and someone who will ultimately bring justice.  The men who put together the original twelve step program knew these  Bible based  principles would work  at some level, even if the higher power was not Christ. As I have attended some of these twelve step programs I see that there are, those who do get victory over their addictions, many in this sense are conquerors.  But I want to be more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37), and I don't see how that can happen unless I take Jesus as both  my Lord and saviour.  So am I joking? Well no, but even with Jesus, I cannot go from victim to rejoicing in suffering (James 1:2) in a single step. And what I am saying, is that it starts with taking responsibility for my life.

Father, some of the things You  tell us to do seem impossible, but I have learnt that when we totally surrender to You, You give us the resources to  move towards doing them  (Philippians 2:12,13). So I'm asking for  them this morning Lord,  in Jesus Name Amen

Culture wars (XIII) Things that bring meaning, hope, purpose and fulfillment

We can all get stuck in our little bubbles, both the left and the right! This post is inspired by Jordon Peterson, who seems to have captured the attention of many of the younger generation. They testify that by listening to him, and putting his advice into practice, they have found meaning and improved their lives. Meaninglessness comes with the territory of believing we are nothing but a collection of cells that  arrived here by meaningless random process. When we believe this, our suffering is also meaninglessness, and there's a tendency to get resentful, cruel, even homicidal. Peterson claims that we can find meaning in life by accepting responsibility for our lives. As  motivation, rather than mere obligation, he suggests we look to  those we admire, and observe that almost all of them have taken on a heavy burden of responsibility. In this way, they have found something to aim for, something that gives  life meaning and purpose.


 Clearly we can all improve, and be a better versions ourselves. And if taking responsibility for our  situations can bring meaning, then there is a path to follow, a way to find it. And it brings hope! Peterson tells that when, in his lectures, he outlines this route to find meaning, the whole room goes quiet as it absorbs this “revolutionary” truth. I don’t know where Peterson stands with the Lord, but it seems to me that knowingly, or unknowingly he is pointing out Biblical truth. In particular he is demonstrating that embracing traditional (and so Biblical) values, brings meaning and hope to a World that has swallowed the lie that life has no meaning. It’s called Nihilism, the view that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. I have been saying in this blog, that Bible based inner healing moves us towards life in all its fullness.  Since life in all its fullness includes finding meaning and hope,  Peterson is pointing out part of what we need to to to find it.

Even if you have never heard of Nihilism its philosophy of meaningless, together with its underlying assumption that God does not exist, cuts deep into our culture. But because life without meaning is intolerable, people are desperately seeking to find meaning anywhere. One of these ways  is  tearing down Western civilization,  and replacing its structures  with the hierarchy of victimhood. Sure Western democracy is not perfect, but is it only bad when compared to a fairy tale utopia, that has been shown to fail miserably in the genocide of the last centenary. Others seek to bury themselves by self medicating in various ways, becoming addicted in the process. Peterson, while pointing a way out of this downward spiral of Nihilism, is merely scratching the surface of what's possible. The Westminster confession puts it this way “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  Since we also  find purpose and meaning in relationships,  and we find them supremely in relationship with the most beautiful, loving, caring empowering person in the Universe, our Trinitarian God.


Father, I want to thank You this morning for those who, in various stages of their journey, are prepared to engage in open respectful dialogue while at the same time seeking to learn. I thank You for people like Ben Shapiro, Jordon Peterson, Dennis Prager,  Dave Rubin and Candace Owens etc. Help them, and us Lord, to come more and more into a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. In Jesus Name Amen