Fighting Fire with Fire?

Have you heard of the term, "Fighting fire with fire?"  To prevent massive fires, small controlled burns are utilised by fire fighters to protect areas potentially at risk.  Burning brush removes the fuel source which could allow a fire to rapidly grow out of control and spread into inhabited areas.  "Back burning" is commonly done in preparation for fire season to reduce risk of damage to property.  Inaccessible areas abound in Australia, and back burning in controlled areas help wildfire prevention and limit resulting devastation.

Fighting fire with fire is one way to prevent massive fires, but it doesn't ensure success.  Sometimes even after starting a back-burn in ideal conditions with professionals and equipment on hand, things can flare out of control.  An intended preventative measure can spiral into a complete disaster.  Today I thought about how Christians can try to fight the flesh with the flesh.  It is common to use external methods in an attempt to control what we say and do.  Facing a sinful temptation?  Ride a bike, go for a jog!  This way of dealing with temptation is sorely limited.  There is no way to possibly remove all the fuel from the fires of sinful passion which threaten to consume our hearts and minds.  Removal of temptation does nothing to change the deceitful condition of our hearts.  The only way to truly overcome the flesh is through walking in the Spirit.

In the movie "The Fellowship of the Ring," Gandalf revealed to Frodo that the ring of power wanted to be discovered by its master:  the wicked lord Sauron.  Frodo throughout the film and the two following films became more and more controlled by the power of the ring.  Though he realised placing the ring on his finger was a great danger, Frodo at times brought the ring from his hiding place close to his heart, stroked the ring and stared at it instead of sleeping, and grew possessive and defensive about his habits.  The ring wanted to be found, and by the end it was the ring that controlled Frodo.  Had not Gollum intervened, the ring would have led to Frodo's certain demise.  The same is true spiritually about the flesh we live in.  Our flesh wants to be dominated by sin.  It wants to be ruled by idols, addictions, vain pursuits, excitement, and fun.  Paul said in his flesh dwelt no good thing.  What that means for us is because of our sinful nature, we have a propensity to take perfectly good things and distort them into great evils which threaten our souls.

Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians in Galatians 5:16:  "I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."  When we have the ability to remove temptations to sin from our lives, we are wise to do this.  Yet even the removal of outward temptation or opportunity does not solve the issue of the sin which resides in our flesh.  There are seasons for back-burning in our hearts and lives, for fuel can accumulate which threatens our spiritual vitality and closeness to God.  We can adopt habits and practices which should be culled.  But the victory over all temptation is found through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, whose shed blood cleanses us from all sin.  The Christian life is not one primarily of sin avoidance or resistance, but a lifestyle of righteousness through the power of the indwelling Spirit.  It is a practical, positive life of intentionally living for the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 15:57-58 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Sold and Sent

"And Joseph said to his brothers, "Please come near to me." So they came near. Then he said: "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. ⁵ But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life."

Genesis 45:4-5

How good it is that God is in control, even when it may seem everything is crashing down around us!  God has the power and ability to redeem and restore, accomplishing His divine purposes no matter how sinister the schemes of our enemies.  After Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, he bore no hatred towards them.  He did not seek revenge, for he understood God was in control.  He did not even mourn being sold into slavery or being thrown into prison.  I would think most people would be grieved or angry to have such things happen to them, yet Joseph begged his brothers - those personally responsible for selling him into slavery - not to be grieved or angry.  He was not grieved or angry!  They meant it for evil, but God meant it for good!

Joseph did not see himself as a victim of a terrible crime, though he was.  Because he recognised God's ultimate control, he viewed himself as purposely sent by God to preserve life.  Through eyes of faith Joseph processed and acknowledged without conflict (perhaps not immediately!) his brothers had sold him into slavery, but God had sent him to Egypt to save lives.  What an unorthodox way to be sent somewhere by God!  When we are angry and grieved over what has happened to us, it can be because we are not convinced God is in control and He remains good - despite terrible circumstances and pains we may experience.  God worked in mysterious ways and revealed His intricate plan years later in a way Joseph understood and used to comfort and encourage others.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 reads, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ."  No matter what tribulation you have endured, there is abundant consolation in Jesus Christ.  The greater our suffering, the greater our comforts.  Joseph received the comfort from God in the midst of a cruel trial, and the result was he was able to offer consolation to others for their guilt.  As a man with supreme power in Egypt Joseph could have taunted his brothers and commanded them, "Get away from me!"  Instead he pleaded with them to draw near and not to be grieved or angry about the things they had done.  This was a man who had forgiven those who had wronged him years before they even saw each other again.  Joseph received God's consolation by grace, and freely offered it to those who had hurt him.

Do you want to be free of anger and grief over prior wrongs done to you?  Recognise that God is on the throne and He is always good.  There is great evil, pain, and horrors in this world filled with sin.  Yet God is able to take even the most dastardly schemes of wicked men and Satan and redeem them for good.  The things which are evil God has the power to redeem and provide comfort and consolation for us so we might offer comfort to others!  Praise God for His redemptive power, love, and grace!  

Think, People!

On Tuesdays I teach scripture at a local primary public school to a class of year-six students - that's 6th graders, for those reading from the States.  Over the school term we have grown to have more of a routine.  We usually start with a passage from the Bible and spend the last third of our time in workbooks.  In the workbooks there are crossword puzzles, mazes, fill-in-the-blank questions, and the highly-sought after "find-a-word."  There are days where there seems to be a decent level of understanding, and other days the chore of eliciting reasonable responses is like attempting to pull teeth from a toothless baby!  It is a great consolation to me that God's Word never returns void.  I might be a lousy teacher, but the Holy Spirit isn't! :)

Today I asked a couple of questions to the class before opening the scriptures.  It is imperative to connect real life with the things we speak about from the Bible.  I am not interested in merely a transference of knowledge, but to have these young people apply Biblical truth to their own lives.  Today showed me, however, the kids would rather not think.  After labouring through the second question one girl asked, "Can we get started now?"  She wanted to read the Bible passage.  She knew once we read the Bible passage then she can do the fun workbook.  "We started already," I told the class.  "I am here to help you use your brains."  "What's a brain?" a boy in the back drawled out.  This is going to be a good day, I thought to myself.  And by God's grace, it was.  I witnessed my share of offhand remarks and glazed looks, but I trust God used it to make a difference for eternity.

Kids love to learn, but they don't always like to think.  These kids would love for me to do some storytelling, show them pictures of distant places, entertain them with puppets and drama, and let them spend time in their workbooks. They like finding the correct verse in the Bible and reading it out loud for the group.  They are happy for me to do all the thinking and tell them what to do.  But when it comes to these kids actually thinking about what the passage means, I tend to hear a lot of ridiculous statements or pervasive silence.  It seems to me these students have been trained to hear words, and repeat back when asked verbatim.  They are out of their depth to even hazard a guess what the words mean, much less how the truth applies to their personal lives!  It is so important to encourage critical thinking instead of merely conveying information.  Today reminded me how many children remain unreached in Bible classes and Sunday schools.  Don't get me wrong.  Many of these unreached children know a lot of Bible facts - maybe even more than their teachers.  Because they have never been challenged to think critically about what they are hearing, the truth has not actually been applied to their hearts.  Knowledge about the Bible can pass as a cheap substitute for knowledge of God, and this is a tragedy beyond words.

While adequate preparation and an engaging delivery of a lesson is the aim and responsibility of every teacher, no Bible teacher needs fear their efforts are being wasted.  Is not God a Redeemer?  My confidence must not be in my experience, preparation, visual aids, object lessons, or activities:  it must be in the Spirit of God to open the hearts and minds of kids to consider God's infallible truth and how it demands action on their part.  The Bible is not just facts to know but opens our gaze to our loving Creator, pure and holy.  The Bible introduces us to our Saviour Jesus Christ and how we can be born again through faith in Him.  No matter if we teach children or adults, our best will be useless when we step up confident in self.  Days like today remind me I cannot teach anyone anything.  I need God, and He doesn't need me!  Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth!  Thank you for choosing to use this frail, sorry vessel to pour forth your love and light.  Praise God for His wondrous grace!

Content in God

It's been a long week.  My wife and I have been floored with a virus since last Wednesday.  I can't remember if I have ever had a fever for five straight days, and I hope that is the last time!  We were very thankful to have a doctor home visit and have scripts written for both of us for a course of antibiotics.  This is the first time I have missed teaching on a Sunday morning due to illness in almost nine years, which is quite remarkable.  It is not a testimony to my constitution, but to the grace and sustaining power of God.

As bad as it is to be sick and exhausted, Laura and I talked about how gracious God has been to our family since arriving to Australia concerning illness.  When moving to a new country there are many new strains one can be exposed to.  Despite the differences, I believe God protected us and kept us healthy.  This is where some become quite cynical:  "Does God only answer your prayers?  What about the people who have been sick many times?  How about those with cancers and debilitating illnesses who suffer every single day?"  God did not keep our family from illness because of any goodness in us or because we are more "special" than other people.  God gives people good health who don't even believe in Him!  He gives according to His grace.  We have asked Him for good health and God gave it to us.  We have thanked Him profusely.  And guess what?  This past week He said "No" to good health.  I hate being sick and run-down, but if God sees fit to allow me to be sick, then I am content in Him.

God is only good, in total contrast to this fallen world.  He is trustworthy.  My family and I are sheep of His pasture.  Jesus is our Good Shepherd who watches over us, protects us, binds up our wounds, heals our bodies, and brings rest to our souls even when we are sick.  This world cannot offer true rest, healing, and restoration!  There is no peace in the hearts and minds of the cynics who lash out angrily at God only when things go wrong and credit themselves when things go well.  Some are happy enough to forget about "God" until they feel a need to blame someone.  Job asked his wife, "Should we receive good from God and not evil?"  A fair question.  If God is in control and knows what is best, who are we to doubt Him when He allows discomfort and pain?  Never forget He is a Redeemer.

David wrote in Psalm 120:1 after the priests had been slaughtered in cold blood save one:  "In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He heard me."  When I was in agony during these days I have cried out to God in my distress like I have not for a long time.  It was a good reminder that I need to have that sense of urgency to seek God when it is not my body or comfort on the line.  God uses distress and illness even for good concerning those who love God.  What a wonder, to be heard by God!  To be heard is a greater blessing than to be healed!  When bad things happen, how much greater and good is our God!

Levi and Lot's Wife

"After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." ²⁸ So he left all, rose up, and followed Him."

Luke 5:27-28

Jesus called people to follow Him from many walks of life:  fishermen, a zealot, doctor, and a tax collector.  It is most instructive that in many cases Jesus called people to follow Him when they already had careers and even called them during their work day!  Jesus knew His disciples before He called them, and He no doubt knew their daily routine and working hours.  But He did not wait for a convenient time.  This is always the case when it comes to following Jesus.  Following Jesus means leaving other things behind, and Levi illustrates this well.

What I find most interesting in this passage is the order of verse 28.  Before Levi stood to his feet, he already left all.  His heart was no longer yoked to his career, money, or even his responsibilities before the Roman authorities who had employed him.  Jesus simply said, "Follow me."  A decision was made in Levi's mind in union with his heart that he was going to answer that call immediately.  No discussion, no contract, guarantees, or promises of success or prosperity.  Levi did not wait to answer Christ's invitation after providing a two week notice for his employer, after he asked permission from his boss or family, no half days, no weaning period to build financial support, no training up of a new tax man.  Levi walked away from financial security and his pay for work already performed.  Levi was willing to place his whole life in the hands of Jesus.  He left all, rose up, and followed Jesus.

Now some might wrongly use this passage to accommodate and justify impulsive, fleshly decisions when it comes to life or ministry.  Moved by pride or ambition and not the Holy Spirit, there are some who might be cavalier and flippant because they expect God's approval and nurse a sense of entitlement of subsequent blessings due to their efforts, sacrifice, or service.  The problem is, when our steps are not ordered by faith in God confirmed by His Word, we can be presumptuous and exhibit folly.  Levi had no doubt it was Jesus who called him and was certain the open invitation had been leveled specifically to him.  I have heard it said "The need is the call," but frankly "need" does not necessarily constitute calling.  There is no shortage of need in this fallen world, just like there is no shortage of telemarketers who call my residence asking for help or money.  Jesus says His sheep know His voice and follow Him.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the scriptures we can discern God's voice and take the appropriate steps of faith for His glory.  God does not need us, but the wise recognise their need to entrust our lives to Him alone.

One final point concerning verse 28:  the heart departs and the mind agrees before the body moves.  Every single Christian at times and in varying degrees during their walk with Christ will choose to accommodate the flesh rather than walk in faith.  We can make the error of thinking the problem with our wandering feet is constant temptation, the ferocity of Satan's assault on our minds, our past, or weakness.  The problem primarily every time is one of the heart.  James tells us in chapter 1 that when temptation and the lusts of our own heart combine in agreement sin is conceived.  Jesus explained the desire for divorce is primarily indicative of hardness of heart, not irreconcilable differences between you and another person.  Our hearts must be reconciled before God first, and then we are able to deal with conflict biblically, flee from temptation, and resist the devil.

Have you decided to follow Jesus, even when you are on the job, at home, watching TV, or reading the Bible?  Are you willing to leave all so you might rise up and follow Him?  Too many try to rise up and follow Jesus before our hearts and minds and left all.  The result?  We never follow Christ in absolute surrender, joy, victory, and power as He intends - if we ever follow Him at all.  It is hard to keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus when our heart's desire is to remain in Sodom.  Jesus said in Luke 17:32, "Remember Lot's wife."  When it came time for her to flee Sodom's destruction, she left her home and treasured things behind - with a little bit of her heart.  She cast longing eyes towards Sodom and became a pillar of salt, a memorial of death for all who love the things of this world.  To whom Jesus has revealed Himself, the same must be willing to leave all, rise up, and follow Him.  We can't take any part of this world with us, but Christ deserves and desires to be our all in all.  If we seek to save our lives we will lose them, but if we lose all for Christ's sake our lives will be preserved.

Levi chose life.  Are you willing to leave all, rise up, and follow Jesus?  He's calling you right now!

Redeeming the Moments

"Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." ¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil." 

Ephesians 5:14-16

Sleeping is a necessary aspect of life for human beings.  Though some need more sleep than others, physically we all require a regular amount of sleep to function at our best.  Spiritually speaking, those who have been born again through the Gospel need not sleep.  Our bodies need sleep and rest, but we are called to awake to righteousness and sin not (1 Cor. 15:34).  A biblical definition of a fool is one who does not believe God exists or lives in a way that does not acknowledge Him or His wisdom.  A wise man is the one who has heard God's Word and obediently applies it to his life.  A fool - being spiritually insensible and asleep - does not walk with this knowledge of God or His wisdom.  There is a sense of urgency in Paul's words, that Christians not become complacent, careless, or sleepy.  He goes on to say we should not be unwise, but understand what the will of God is (Eph. 5:17).  The implication is knowing God's will should profoundly affect the way we live.

A characteristic of the wise man is one who walks circumspectly and "redeeming the time."  What does it mean, to be redeeming the time?  It is God's will we would be continually redeeming the time He has granted us for His glory.  Our time on earth is limited, and no man knows precisely the time or manner of his own death.  Therefore we are to live earnestly, purposefully, and intentionally according to the wisdom and will of God.  We only have so many years, months, days, hours, and minutes left on this planet to glorify God.  A wise man recognises the brevity of his existence and seeks to make every minute count for eternal purposes.  God has been showing me lately that it is not only the minutes or seconds we must continue to redeem, but the moments.  There are countless moments throughout the day we can be redeeming to glorify God we can easily miss.

In fact, this can be taken even further:  I suggest the ways we handle our "moments" is indicative of the true condition of our hearts before God.  We may have to spend hours in front of the TV before we experience guilt or acknowledge we have "wasted" time.  Yet it is not necessarily the big blocks of time where the real waste happens.  It can be when we are waiting for the kettle to boil, when we are sitting on the toilet, or waiting at a traffic signal.  In those moments, where do you turn to occupy your mind?  Are you redeeming those moments for God, or are you using them for yourself?  During those moments wouldn't it be more profitable rather to be praying, thanking and praising God, reading the Bible, or memorising scripture?  God is challenging me not only to be redeeming hours or minutes but even the moments.  God help me!  When we commit to redeeming our moments before God, the minutes, hours, and days will be redeemed for God's glory.  It reminds me of a maxim attributed to an uncle of mine:  "Take care of those pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."  If we are careless with our pennies, it will affect the ways our dollars are spent or if we have them at all!

Here is an illustration of the necessity to guard against the little wasters.  Song of Songs 2:15 reads, "Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes."  During the night whilst the farmers slept, foxes would squeeze their way through fences and access grape vines.  Foxes are a relatively small animal and only need a tiny hole to weasel their way in.  Once inside a vineyard, when they fed on the grapes they would also ruin the vines.  When foxes or other animals find a source of good, easily obtained food, one can be certain they will return.  It would be folly for a farmer to shrug his shoulders when he saw evidence of vine damage, ignore the hole in the fence (It's just a small one!), or hope vainly the foxes would not return the next night.  The fact is this:  if we are sleeping during moments we should be redeeming through the day, more and more foxes will be emboldened to come.  It will be only a matter of time before the whole vineyard is spoiled because the little foxes were not trapped and the holes in the fence not repaired.  Life is filled with little foxes - sneaky, subtle, destructive thoughts, motives, activities, and affections - which work to spoil our spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.

So what should we do?  Romans 13:10-14 states, "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. ¹¹ And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. ¹² The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. ¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."  Instead of making provision for the flesh, we are to put on the LORD Jesus Christ.  It is high time for us to awake out of sleep, for we only have a short time left.  Round up the little foxes without compromise and decide to walk wisely, redeeming even the moments.  In this God will be pleased!

The Hedge of Thorns

"The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway."

Proverbs 15:19

During the WORD Bible study on Friday night at Calvary Chapel Sydney, we discussed this verse.  Passages like this can reveal our tendency to filter biblical claims through our experience or current understanding rather than believing the text at face value.  It is very common for us to read an objective statement and accept it because it confirms previously held views.  If we will read honestly, openly, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, God's truth will confront and dash the presumptuous assumptions of the flesh.  A man of understanding seeks knowledge with the intent to apply it to his own life.  Those who are faithful to heed the truth of God's Word will grow, be fruitful, and richly blessed.

This verse paints a compelling contrast between the way of the lazy man and the upright.  Proverbs 20:6 says, "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?"  Laziness is not a particularly desirable quality, nor is it a characteristic to strive for.  A lazy man will not strive for much except his own comfort and ease!  Solomon compares the way of a lazy man like a hedge of thorns.  Picture a man trapped in a thorny hedge.  Remarkably, through a series of decisions and procrastinations (for no decision IS a decision), he found himself wedged in with thorns in front and behind with no clear view to escape.  Should he move forward, thorns jab into his brow.  Scooting backwards seems not to work either, for the thorns press into his legs!  Seemingly painful obstacles encircle the lazy man, so he stays in his uncomfortable situation, paralysed.  "There's no way out for me," he cries aloud.  "Whether I move forward or try to move back, I am surrounded by painful obstructions.  Who wants to pluck thorns from their socks or perhaps suffer injury?  If I am to do anything, I will do nothing."

There are several characteristics of a slothful, indolent man.  He demands a guarantee of success before he will pay a price, risk effort without reward, or make a sacrifice.  Difficulty and unknowns surround every possibility, so in his distorted, short-sighted view it seems advantageous to do nothing - except perhaps to complain about his unique predicament!  Unless there is a certainty of being brought toward his preferred, ideal end immediately, he is unwilling to take the first step towards the goal.  Being lazy, his goals all centre around himself.  There may be one or more ways out of the hedge of thorns, but he will wish and wait for a comfortable option he prefers - even if it kills him.  Notice how the Psalmist contrasted the lazy with the upright man, the man who trusts in God and walks faithfully in obedience.  The upright man does not wait for wishes to be miraculously fulfilled without effort or intentional steps, but has placed his hope in God.  The lazy man is preoccupied with self, yet the upright man has God in His view.  The highway he walks is well-marked, for even a fool could stick to the path (Is. 35:8).  He knows where he is going, and he is willing to continually put one foot in front of another though the path is long, hilly, and potentially hazardous at times.  The upright man cannot tell what might happen to him on the road, but he has determined to stay on the path and persevere to the end.

Motive is key in both the lives of a lazy and upright man.  A spiritually upright man might at times exhibit laziness, but a lazy man is never upright.  It is true there are people who know not God but have a strong, desirable work-ethic.  Their motive may be self-serving, yet they are willing to pay the price to achieve their ends.  The same may be indolent and willfully ignorant concerning spiritual responsibilities.  The existence of the lazy man provides no reasonable justification for Christians to embrace laziness.  Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and give Himself as a ransom for many.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He is no hedge of thorns but a highway of holiness that leads us to salvation.  Thorns are a result of sin, and a crown of thorns was pressed into the scalp of Christ the Saviour when He was crucified.  He died on the cross so we might be dead to sin and enter into the good works He has prepared beforehand for us to enter into (Eph. 2:8-10).

If your way resembles a hedge of thorns, take the first step in admitting laziness and repent.  God has a miraculous way of clearing the thorns when we ask Him for help in ordering our lives for His glory.  Taking the first step of faith will lead to more!  Gideon taught the reluctant elders in Succoth a lesson with thorns and briers, and God is willing to use the discomfort of a hedge of thorns to prick our consciences and bring us to our senses as well.  Jesus said in John 9:4-5, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. ⁵ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."  Jesus is the most upright man this world has ever seen, and we do well to heed Him and follow His example.

The Demon Destroyer

One of my sons was doing a school assignment which involved making "trading cards" with challenging words.  He chose "colloquial" for one of the words.  For whatever reason, I find the word does not roll simply off the tongue!  Easier for me to define than pronounce, a "colloquialism" is an informal, commonly used word or term of phrase.  Colloquialisms can be slang, and they are often understood by local people yet sound completely foreign to others who speak the same language.  Australia is rife with colloquial terms which remain relatively unknown by other Australians.  Being an American, it's always strange when I use a colloquial term I have picked up over the years and a true-blue Aussie looks at me funny, totally unaware of what the septic just said.  There, I had to say it. :)

I find it interesting when a colloquialism has what I will call "crossover."  This is when a person uses a colloquialism which carried no special significance to them, but means something to someone else.  People use the expression "Oh my g.." without any belief in a literal God.  If they did believe in the God to which they refer, they certainly should think twice before uttering blasphemy because they know He is a holy, just God!  Another phrase I have heard much of late is when a struggling person is "battling his demons."  Many people who say this do not actually believe demons are malevolent spirit beings, but for me this is a colloquialism that has crossover.  I believe in the existence of demons as strongly as I do in the existence of human beings or God!  Someone who believes in the existence of demons may agree literally with the statement, whilst the one who says it only is speaking figuratively - "demons" being no more than negative self-talk or a catch-all which suggests inexplicable power apart from personal control.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard of celebrities, musicians, or depressed people "battling their demons" by people who do not believe in the existence of them.  The Bible reveals God created all things both in the spirit and natural world.  He created human beings distinct from all other animals and living things because He breathed into man a living soul - an immaterial, eternal aspect of a each person.  You are not your body, for your body is simply a vessel your soul inhabits for a season.  The spirits who have remained God's loyal servants are often referred to as angels, and those who have rebelled under the authority of Satan (once an angel himself) are called demons.  Since demons are unclean spirits who operate in a spiritual realm yet have the power to cross over into the natural realm we see, they cannot be battled through external means or effort.  How does one battle a demon he cannot see, touch, or perceive?  Unfortunately so many fight a losing battle with actual demons they do not believe in because they are going about the fight the wrong way.

Jesus amazed people through His power demonstrated when He cast unclean spirits out of people with a word.  The people of that day had pagan rituals and techniques of silencing and appeasing evil spirits who took possession of people's minds and bodies.  To this day in places the Word of God has had little exposure, demonic oppression and possession is a real part of life for many people.  In the west we have written off demonic power as "superstitious," and do not even address the potential spiritual aspects of mental illness or physical sickness.  In the east the pendulum is at the other extreme, with nearly every illnesses or accident being blamed on evil spirits.  Jesus did not need to recite incantations, splash holy water, or take a cross and press it into the face of the afflicted to deliver from demonic power:  He merely said the word, and the ones in bondage brought to Him were set free.

Jesus gave His followers power over unclean spirits, and the authority to cast out demons in His name is an attribute possessed by every genuine Christian.  We need not fear, for greater is the Holy Spirit within us than the devil or demons who are in this world.  Jesus said in Matthew 12:43-45:  "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. ⁴⁴ Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. ⁴⁵ Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."  Jesus compared the body of a person to a house.  Demons are like squatters who shack up in derelict, abandoned houses with all their filthy buddies.  Jesus cast out many demons, yet it was imperative those who had been swept clean in faith invited Jesus into their lives.  When the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the hearts of believers through the Gospel, not even Satan himself can evict Him.  Through God born-again Christians have spiritual power and authority that has spiritual "crossover" through Christ and provides victory in the physical realm as well as spiritual.  There is no demonic horde too strong for God to overpower, bind, and throw out for good.  The power and victory is the LORD's, and He will make more than overcomers all who trust in Him.

We need not fear, though the mountains be removed and thrown into the sea:  God is the One who fights for His people.  Jesus Christ is the only hope we have to be forgiven from sins and saved from the power of wicked spirits.  The lasting image in my mind is one of Jesus Christ in Revelation 19:11-16, the One who will ultimately throw Satan and all demons into the lake of fire for eternity:  "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³ He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

The People Whose God is the LORD

On United States money it is written, "In God we trust."  There is a truth to be gleaned here:  whatever you trust is your god.  There is One God (capital G), but there are many lesser gods in this world.  There are many idols people look to in place of God but are powerless to hear, speak, or save.  It is ironic that atheists reject a belief in the existence of God to the end they might be god themselves.  People want to claim absolute "control" of their lives and deem themselves masters of their own destiny.  But how much control do we really have?  We cannot keep the sun from rising, and a day will come when we cannot keep our hearts beating or our lungs breathing.  Will laws stop lawbreakers?  Will political discussions ensure peace?  Will signing a treaty remove hatred from a man's heart?  We are not masters but servants, and every day we must decide who or what we will serve..

Psalm 33:12 reads, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance."  It is a happy and blessed nation who places their trust in God.  More important still, after trusting God we must make Him our LORD.  God chose the Jewish people not because they were strong, but because they were few and weak.  Through their weakness God's strength, power, and grace would be made evident to the entire world.  God has also chosen the foolish things to confound the wise, and He has called the Gentiles (non-Jews) through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be born again and adopted into His family as His own inheritance.  By grace through faith all can be grafted into the Vine, Jesus Christ, and be recipients of God's love, forgiveness, and salvation.

I visited Israel this year and am concerned with the reports I hear of the terror and bloodshed.  I am saddened to hear of the rocket attacks back and forth between the Israelis and Palestinians and the loss of life.  Where are the days of Jehoshaphat when the people were overwhelmed by their enemies and sought the LORD their God?  These days Israel has grown strong with their nuclear arsenal, Iron dome, highly trained and specialised soldiers, vast resources, technologically advanced weapons, intelligence, and loyal allies.  If they are attacked it seems they must strike back or appear weak.  Is God not able to fight for them any longer?  How long has it been since Israel was overwhelmed by their enemies and rejoiced to put their singers in front as they marched towards their enemies because God had promised to fight for them?  Israel won a miraculous victory in the "6 Day War," and it was truly miraculous - God helped His people triumph despite impossible odds.  I am convinced, however, that unless God's people turn to Him, trusting only in Him for salvation, all their gains can be lost in a moment, all their military might will crumble, and all their resources will pass into the hands of their enemies - that is, until they turn to God as their LORD who will fight for them and grant them the victory in His time and way.

I wonder:  is Israel willing to stand still and see the salvation of the LORD who fights for them?  2 Chronicles 20:20-22 reads, "So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper." ²¹ And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever." ²² Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated."  This is not only a historical narrative, but instructive concerning the future faced by all God's people.  We need to believe in God and obey Him as LORD.  Only then will we be truly blessed.  It is not the aggressive nor those who retaliate violently who are blessed, but the people whose God is the LORD.  It is not good policy in a fallen world to make God your defense, yet the people and nations who do will be blessed and prosper.  We do not need to fight when God fights for us!

The Life Worth Living

As I drove home from the discipleship course at CC Sydney last night, for some reason the idea popped into my head of the heroin addict who decided he was finally going to quit for good - he just wanted to get loaded one more time.  No sense in letting those drugs already purchased go to waste!  But it would turn out to be the last time shooting up, because it caused an overdose which led to death.  In light of the ultimate result we might see that decision to use drugs "just once more" as pathetic and foolish.  The fact is, that is the picture of the natural condition of every person in the world when it comes to sin.  We are all born sinners, and completely addicted to it.  We are born into this world like drug babies, hooked on sin.  We are rebellious degenerates who simply can't say no.  For us it's always, "Just once more."  Even when we say, "Never again!" it's not long before we are back at it like we never quit.

When our eyes are opened to our helpless condition and we come to Christ in repentance and faith, He is the one who sets us captives free.  We can go beyond just saying "no" because we don't have to be enslaved to bondage to sin any more.  Every person in the world knows the relentless power of addiction.  We know how impossible it is not to worry, and how controlling our temper is beyond our power.  Standing in judgment of others is as thoughtless for us as drawing breath, and wicked motives and intentions seep from our minds with every pump of our deceitful hearts.  It is a view of a holy God according to the scripture which sheds light on our condition:  lost, depraved, and damned.  Thanks be to God, for He is a sure hope of salvation, forgiveness, help, comfort, and everlasting for all who trust in Him.  He alone gives us a life worth living, and it's a life we can enjoy forever because He is in us, and we in Him.

This morning I heard shocking news of the death of comic Robin Williams, and from initial reports suicide was suspected.  It is always surprising when we hear of celebrated musicians, actors, athletes, a pastor, or a friend intentionally ending their own lives.  The public is often presented the glamorous side of celebrities, them posing for pictures on a red carpet wearing gowns and stylish suits.  We read of their large salaries and because they are famous we assume they must be among the world's happiest people.  The characters they portray on the screen or skills they possess on the field colour our view of them as people.  "Oh, I loved him in that movie" some say - expressing a conditional love that can feel good at times but also bites like a tiger.  Since celebrities have a public level of fame and success few people will ever experience, we figure there must be a level of satisfaction and rest in their private lives.  But this is not always the case.  It is folly to think more money, fame, or an arbitrary level of success brings peace in your world.  It speaks to me of sheer desperation when death seems a better option than living.  Live long enough on this world and the day may come when you think you are better off dead.  For me I can truly say a relationship with Jesus Christ makes this life worth living, regardless of the amount of outward success or notoriety (or lack thereof!).

The preacher says in Ecclesiastes 5:10:  "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity."  The Bible reveals this is the human condition apart from Christ.  Even those who have a relationship with God can be staggered by depression, grief, and personal loss.  There is always a potential that we will seek ways to numb feelings with drugs, alcohol, through work, escapism, games, sport, sex, body image, even comedy.  We must embrace more activity - even Christian service - to lose ourselves so we can cope with our pain, disappointment, worries, or insecurities.  Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."  It is easy to lose ourselves in so many things:  work, addictions, entertainment, chemicals, activities, and the list goes on.  We human beings have been fashioned in God's image and therefore have a need of dependance upon Him, even as an human embryo naturally must grow in the womb of the mother.  It is only through being born again through the Gospel that we experience the life God intended for us on earth and into eternity, a life filled with love, joy, and peace.

When I hear of someone dying, I am confronted with not only my limited life span on earth, but the mortality of everyone on this world who does not know Jesus Christ.  There are also many people who know Jesus and struggle with depression, anxieties, and sins.  As long as we are in this body of flesh, there will be struggles.  But take heart, for Jesus is a Deliverer and Redeemer of all who come to Him in faith.  We are sinners, but He is a Saviour.  He heals broken hearts and lives.  If we are hungry we can partake of Him, and if we are thirsty He will provide Living Water.  It is natural for us to grab all the world can possibly offer to gratify the flesh, but we are insatiable.  There is a part of a man that remains troubled apart from Christ, no matter what he does or what he has.  The Godfather made offers no one could refuse, but Jesus Christ has offered Himself - with the freedom of refusal.  Will you refuse the one who loves you and died for your sins?  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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."

The Faith of the Son of God

I love it when God illuminates a scripture in a fresh way.  Yesterday I was reading the Bible waiting for my number to be called in the Medicare office and read Galatians 2:20 in the King James Version:  "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."  There is a subtle difference from the New King James I found most illuminating.  I point this out not for the purpose of pitting one translation over another, but it shed light on another facet of God's truth I had not yet considered.  The New King James Versions reads, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."  I do not believe one of these is "right" and therefore the other is "wrong," but they both hold forth important God-breathed truth.

Do you see the difference?  The NKJV renders Paul's statement "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God."  Christians realise our life is intended to be one marked by active reliance in Christ, delighting to do His will.  We place our trust in Christ, and as we walk in obedience the life of Christ is lived out through us.  Now compare this with the wording of the KJV:  "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God."  I found this remarkable.  Not only do we live by faith in Christ, but we live by the faith of the Son of God.  The faith we possess is a gift from God.  We cannot muster or manufacture such a response to God in our flesh.  God has dealt to each person a measure of faith, and our faith can be increased as we step out in obedience and see God's faithfulness.

The genuine faith we possess, therefore, is of the exact kind Jesus demonstrated when He went to the cross for the sins of the world in obedience to the Father.  The very fabric of our faith is cut from Christ's faith.  Our spiritual DNA is the same, having been filled with the same Spirit and same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  1 Peter 1:19-23 tells us we were not purchased with corruptible things "...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. ²⁰ He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you ²¹ who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. ²² Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, ²³ having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever."  Our faith and hope is to be in God, and now the life that we live is to be a demonstration of the faith of the Son of God, even as we love one another as He has loved us.

This is just another example of how the living Word of God is powerful, packed with truth, and applicable to our lives.  God's Word will never pass away, and the wisdom and power of it will not be exhausted for eternity.  Of making books there is not end, yet there will never be another book like the Bible that searches hearts, convicts of sin, is a lamp to our path, and will remain relevant and fresh for all time.  You who are hungry dig into God's Word, for a feast awaits!

Reaffirm Your Love

"Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. ⁹ For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. ¹⁰ Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, ¹¹ lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices."

2 Corinthians 2:8-11

In his prior letter to the church in Corinth, Paul had exhorted the church to take seriously their responsibility to discipline a member of their fellowship who was living in sin.  The purpose of church discipline is not to punish or humiliate people, but for their ultimate restoration to a close relationship with God and his people.  The man repented of his sinful lifestyle and was truly penitent.  Paul exhorted them to forgive and comfort the man.  He urged them to "reaffirm your love to him."  This is a lovely benefit of being a part of the Body of Christ, the Church.  People will know we are Christians by our love for one another, even after mistakes have been made.

Paul concluded this section with an interesting observation, that Satan is able to take advantage of those who do not forgive.  Love keeps no record of wrongs, but unforgiveness and bitterness continue to claim wrongs and judge others as perpetually guilty.  Unforgiveness, disobedience, and all manner of sin cultivated in our hearts become tools of the devil, his effective devices to influence and deceive individuals who comprise the Church.  Satan cannot destroy the church, but he can sow discord and divide.  We are not ignorant of Satan's devices because we have all employed his tactics freely and liberally before we became Christians.  Perhaps Satan hoped to use the sinning man or Paul's strong rebuke to drive a wedge between relationships, to splinter and divide the church.  Thankfully his schemes were thwarted:  the church responded obediently, the man repented and was restored, and Paul encouraged them to reaffirm their love to him.

I am convinced confirmation of love is good evidence we have actually forgiven someone.  Sometimes we confuse forgiveness with "renewed agreement of civil toleration."  The words, "I forgive you" may have tumbled out of our mouths, but sometimes our affections towards the offending party cool.  Perhaps we do not feel they have suffered enough or have been let off easily.  We remember their cutting words and evil deeds and the pain remains fresh.  We are Christians, so we will agree to tolerate their presence.  We know if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us.  So we shake their hand and smile, perhaps even sharing light conversation.  If we would be honest, we do not prefer to be around them.  For all we care, they can disappear and take their baggage along with them!  But we cannot blame them for our disobedience in refusing to forgive.  Forgiveness is an act of faith enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is a decision to transfer their sin toward us upon Christ, even as our trespasses have been laid upon Him!  We need to walk in the Spirit to love as well.  Then the joy of the LORD will be our strength, and the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.  We will rejoice to affirm our love in practical ways, and begin to live in the liberty Christ has granted us by grace.

Isn't it great that God forgives our sin, reaffirms His love for us, and speaks comfort to our hearts?  How many practical ways God has demonstrated and confirmed His love for me again and again.  Instead of allowing Satan to take advantage of us through unforgiveness, let us forgive and affirm our love for one another.  The demonstration of God's love compels us to love one another, a tangible testimony to the church and the world of God's love that never fails.

The Intentional Walk

Walking is an activity.  To do it requires intentional movement:  standing up to our feet in an upright position and putting one foot in front of the other.  Walking is a fundamental development of human beings, and most of us learned to walk before speaking!  One of the key contributors to illness later in life is an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.  Through neglect and increasing obesity, even walking can become an unbearable chore.  There is a spiritual parallel for Christians to consider:  walking with Jesus is not a passive choice, but an intentional activity.  It is very possible after a passage of time our walk has been reduced to lounging and reclining upon plush sofas of familiar theology.  Unless we are intentional about walking with Jesus daily, every one of us can become spiritually flabby, senseless, and unhealthy - despite the breadth and depth of our knowledge.

One of the potential dangers for every Christian is we can become dull from much hearing.  When we hear the Word and do not respond in obedience, should we ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we will become increasingly dull to God's voice.  We will pray but will not hear God speak.  We will read the Word without receiving any spiritual nutrition.  We will understand the words and concepts but receive no personal application from the text.  Church attendance will become increasingly burdensome.  We can sing Christian songs without a hint of actual adoration or worship of God, our dry eyes never moistened by the moving wonder of God's love.  Service to God will not provide us joy or satisfaction.  And all the while we are self-deceived, convinced we are actually walking with Christ when our hearts have wandered from Him long ago.  Other lesser, worldly loves will continue crowd out space for God in our life.  We will become increasingly distracted, burdened, and disappointed.  All the while we are feverishly working like Martha, wondering why Mary doesn't give us a hand, when it has been ages since we have taken time to sit and the feet of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

There is a hymn I enjoy that goes, "Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be."  There is within all genuine believers a fervent desire to draw closer to God because of God's indwelling Spirit.  Do you know it is God's will for every person to have a closer walk with Him?  He will not refuse this request, seeing it is Jesus who has sought us out.  If we plead for a closer walk with Jesus and do not take intentional action - to daily walk closer to Jesus - do not expect this prayer to be answered.  Scripture teaches us Jesus will not refuse or cast aside anyone who comes to Him in faith.  It is we who refuse Him.  Let this sink into your soul.  Instead of including God in our activities, thoughts, and service, it is we who exclude Him.  He has brought us into His own forever family, but we are the wanderers, the forgettors, the ones mired in the love of worldly things.  Let us not pine away for what God has already given because we refuse to take baby steps of faith to walk in obedience.

Do you want a closer walk with Jesus?  It is yours if you are willing to walk with Him.  Take intentional steps to seek God and invite Him into your day.  If we truly value time with God, then we will seek Him as a treasure hunter seeks precious gold.  We would continue to pursue Him even as His love pursues us.  Let us not be as married couples who forget the importance of the loving pursuit of their spouse.  Should we put on weight and grow soft because the thrill of the chase is over?  We cannot be content with our current knowledge of God when there are many things He wants to say to us today!  God, keep me from worldly loves and affection which rob us of time together!  Cause me to take intentional steps to follow you daily - no matter the cost - for you are worthy of all honour, glory, and praise.  Thank you for providing strength through the Holy Spirit to accomplish your will, that I and all those in the Body of Christ would daily walk closer with you!

Holy Hands

At church this Sunday we sang the words, "We raise up holy hands to praise the Holy One, who was, and is, and is to come."  As hands rose throughout the congregation, my heart filled with joy.  The act of raising holy hands is one of faith, for not one person can claim personal perfection.  Our holiness is not our own, but the righteousness of Christ imputed to us.  David was right when he wrote in Psalm 24:3-6:  "Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? ⁴ He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. ⁵ He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."  There is no man who can claim sinless perfection but One:  Jesus Christ.  It is by His grace we lift hands now made holy, washed from sin in the pure blood of the Lamb by faith.

Raising hands during prayer and worship is not intended to draw attention to self, but to the Holy One who has forgiven and redeemed us from sin.  It is an interesting fact the scriptures always speak of raising hands - it is never singular but plural.  To me raising both hands speaks of full surrender.  It is an act of faith to raise both hands in adoration and service to the God who fashioned them and cleaned them.  Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:8, "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."  Inward holiness ought to be revealed in outward piety and obedience to God, living in the way that fully pleases Him.  This too is only accomplished through His grace and a willing heart in submission to Him.

Has your heart been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ?  Then lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting, having cleansed your hands from idolatry and deceit.  From Christ we have received redemption and cleansing, and now offer up praise to the One in whom we live, breathe, and have our being!