A Tale of Four Beliefs

There are degrees of belief, and not all belief translates to saving faith.  Jesus arrived in Cana of Galilee, the place where He previously performed his first public miracle by turning water into wine.  A nobleman came to Him and begged Jesus to come quickly and heal his dying son.  Jesus remarked as a matter of fact in John 4:48, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe."  The man may not have come to Jesus at all unless he heard of the previous miracle Jesus had done.  It meant He believed Jesus could heal His son, not that He followed what the supernatural sign pointed to:  that Jesus was the Christ, the promised Messiah and Son of God.  The words of Jesus would prove prophetic.

John 4:50 says, "Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your son lives." So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way."  The man believed the word Jesus spoke to him, and his belief was evidenced by obedience to leave.  He did not continue begging for Jesus to return to heal his son because Jesus affirmed his son lives.  The burden of worry lifted, the nobleman began to head for home.  John 4:51-53 continues, "And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, "Your son lives!" ⁵² Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." ⁵³ So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." And he himself believed, and his whole household."

After the nobleman was met by his servants with the wonderful news his son lived, as Jesus had said, he asked them precisely when his son began to mend.  They confirmed it was the same hour Jesus had proclaimed, "Your son lives."  This was a sign to the nobleman Jesus indeed was directly responsible for his son's healing, and thus "he himself believed."  The man believed at first Jesus could heal his son, then he believed the word Jesus said, and then "he himself believed, and his whole household."  Having believed that Jesus was the Christ, the man joyfully shared the truth with his son who was healed and his whole house.  They all believed as the man did, having heard his eyewitness testimony and seeing the miraculous healing firsthand.  Genuine faith makes the truth known to others so they might believe themselves.

It was a watershed moment when the man himself believed who Jesus was, for salvation through the Gospel begins here.  It is not enough to believe a man named Jesus lived, spoke the truth and performed miracles if we do not believe ourselves in Him.  Jesus gave the man everything he needed to place his faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour, and He does the same for us.  He has given us the testimony of the word of God and believers who share the truth about Jesus.  No one is without excuse to believe today in Christ, as Paul said in Acts 17:30-31: "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, ³¹ because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."  If the Law, Prophets, and resurrection of Jesus will not convince us, then we will not believe--even the testimony of the Man risen from the dead.

Preaching to the Converted

Today I read a statement that grabbed my attention.  In describing a political speech a reporter mused, "It sounds like he is preaching to the converted."  The ironic thing is as one who preaches I can say with absolute certainty the converted need preaching as much as the unconverted, for this is a way God has designed for people to know God and grow in grace.  While a Gospel presentation may be tailored to an unbelieving audience for salvation, going on with God is important too.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:17-21, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ¹⁸ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. ²⁰ Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ²¹ For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."  Contrary to the views of some, the Gospel is not merely the starting point of our walk with Jesus but guides us in following Jesus faithfully.  Being washed in the water of the word renews our minds, reveals our need for God's grace, skewers selfishness and prompts us to seek our Saviour.  We who are saved ought to work out our salvation, exercising ourselves unto godliness.

The church needs to be under the preaching of God's word, including the choir.  The best preachers are those who sit personally under the preaching of scripture by the Holy Spirit to their own hearts first before they present it themselves.  Preachers do not sit in the place of high and lofty knowledge insulated from the folly of men, for they themselves are mere men numbered among the most foolish and weak.  If a preacher does not realise this about himself, he will be a fraction the preacher he could and ought to be.  God is able to speak divine truth through the weakest instruments even through silent, small creatures like the ant.  These faithful workers caught the attention of king Solomon and taught him lessons, a man filled with the wisdom of God.  Having responded to the word of God we read out of sheer need, we are thus equipped to present it as truth we have tested ourselves as eyewitnesses of God's faithfulness.

The converted need preaching as well as the preacher, for unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Grief and God's Grace

Grief is a complex process, and though we may never have closure with our loved ones we can experience comfort through closeness with God.  It is faith in the goodness, grace and mercy of God where we discover rest.  Paul blessed the LORD in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:  "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."  The God of all comfort has chosen to suffer for our sakes out of love for us, and knowing Him we are sustained.

I've been reading Grieving a Suicide by Albert Y. Hsu and have been blessed with his insights, especially around the grieving process and the elusive feelings of closure:

"Suicides usually leave conversations unfinished, with many loose ends.  But ultimate closure is an unrealistic expectation.  We can close on a house, but we can't close on a person's life.  To put the past behind us and lock it up into a little box dishonors the memory of our loved one; it says that we are trying to pretend that this didn't happen.  No, instead we acknowledge what happened, and that it was tragic; we acknowledge that it has changed our lives forever.  We live on as changed people who look at life and death differently now.

Eventually we come to the point of realizing that though we may always grieve, we no longer do so continually or consciously.  In some ways grief will go on forever.  In other ways it does come to some end points.  After his wife's death, C. S. Lewis wrote A Grief Observed in a series of four notebooks.  He decided that he would not buy any new notebooks after the fourth one.  He said, "I thought I could describe a state, make a map of sorrow.  Sorrow, however, turns out to be not a state but a process.  It needs not a map but a history, and if I don't stop writing that history at some quite arbitrary point, there's no reason why I should ever stop.  There is something new to be chronicled every day..."

Healing doesn't mean that we are ever completely "recovered."  We are never fully "healed."  The human body is never in a state of perfect health; it is constantly in flux, with some cells dying while others are growing.  Every day we experience minuscule injuries and abrasions, and if our bodies are healthy, they are always in the process of healing.  It is better to speak of experiencing healing as an ongoing process than to pretend we have been healed and have arrived at a final destination...We are never completely healed.  After all, we still carry the scars.  But grief that has done its work in us will help us experience God's grace more fully." (Hsu, Albert. Grieving a Suicide: a Loved Ones Search for Comfort, Answers and Hope. Inter-Varsity Press, 2017. pages 157-159.)

To all who have experienced grief and painful loss, may you also experience the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ who will never leave or forsake us.  God knows what it is like to lose what is most precious when He gave His only begotten Son for us on Calvary.  God has suffered for us in the person of Jesus Christ so we could receive comfort, and by faith we can cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us today and always.

Lift Your Eyes to Heaven

When king Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a dream he had, the Hebrew Daniel was summoned to give the interpretation because the Spirit of the living God was in him.  In the dream a great and fruitful tree was cut down and all the beasts and birds which ate of its fruit were scattered.  The king recounted  what he heard in Daniel 4:15-17, "Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth. ¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from that of a man, let him be given the heart of a beast, and let seven times pass over him. ¹⁷ 'This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.'"

After an hour passed, God revealed to Daniel the interpretation of the dream, and it troubled him.  The tree represented king Nebuchadnezzar, and it was he who would be removed from ruling for seven years.  But as the stump was left in the ground, so the king would be in seven years restored to his throne after he learned the Most High rules over all men.  Daniel urged the king in Daniel 4:27, "Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity."  What God had said would certainly come to pass, yet Daniel urged Nebuchadnezzar to humble himself before God and to cast away his sins and show mercy to the poor.  As months passed, the sobering reality of the message from God drifted from memory.

It was a year later when king Nebuchadnezzar strutted proudly in his palace built "by the might of my power and for the honour of his majesty" when the word of the LORD spoken through Daniel came to pass.  Daniel 4:31-32 reads, "While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! ³² And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses."  The purpose of Nebuchadnezzar's reason and throne departing from him was repeated again:  to know the Most High rules and gives power to rule over those He chooses, and that Nebuchadnezzar was NOT most high.  For 7 years Nebuchadnezzar lived as a senseless, unkempt beast, a shocking physical depiction of the spiritual folly he displayed as he paraded proudly through his palace in Babylon in royal attire.

Daniel 4:34-35 shows the 7 years of divine exile accomplished God's good purposes in the words of Nebuchadnezzar: "And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured Him who lives forever: for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. ³⁵ All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?"  The truth expressed by the dream and Daniel was finally understood by Nebuchadnezzar.  It is no surprise that lifting his eyes to heaven preceded Nebuchadnezzar's understanding returning to him since it is a gift of God.  He used his understanding to praise and honour God instead of himself and his kingdom which he also received by God's grace.

I find it fascinating and a bit tragic God-fearing people can be more entranced with the interpretation of dreams than to praise and honour God who gives understanding to all who look to Him.  The dream of Nebuchadnezzar revealed what Daniel already knew because he knew God.  Nebuchadnezzar grew in understanding of God by having his kingdom and reason stripped from him for a season, for in the end he lifted his eyes to God in heaven.  Seeking interpretations of dreams for divine guidance when God has already given us His word and wisdom is just as silly as Nebuchadnezzar taking pride in his kingdom as if it was his own doing.  Micah 6:8 reminds us, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"  Sounds a lot like the advice Daniel gave to king Nebuchadnezzar.

I have one question to ask:  did the correct interpretation enable Nebuchadnezzar to learn the lesson or heed the advice given him?  Obviously not.  The understanding and ability to accomplish God's purposes come from Him alone, and we gain this by lifting our eyes to heaven in faith--not trying to interpret dreams.  Can God speak through dreams?  Sure, but what is the chaff to the wheat?  The only way we can discern the truth is according to God's wisdom revealed in His Word, so lift your eyes to God in humble praise and adoration as Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar did.

The Same Isn't Equal

I was reminded recently of a simple fact:  the same thing is not always equal.  Once I tried on a pair of pants that fit me well so I pull another pair of the same size off the rack.  Like many people I assumed another pair of pants of the same brand and size would fit exactly the same.  Being a rather idealistic and ignorant clothes shopper, I was shocked when they didn't!  This shouldn't have been a surprise, but it was.

How many times have you ordered the "same thing" at a restaurant and found your experience to be very different?  One cut of beef was tender and another time you were a bit disappointed because the same dish did not measure up to the previous one.  It was likely a different chef preparing the food and a different steak (for which we should be very glad), so of course it was different.  Two cars of the same year, make and model can be in very different condition after a few years because of how they were handled by their owners.  Not all brands of tools, paintbrushes, caulking guns and mousetraps perform the same.  The design, purpose and price may be identical, but the quality and durability are without comparison.

If we understand this concerning clothes, food, cars and tools, why is it some lump all churches or Christians together as being the same?  A person who has had a negative experience with one church or pastor can think all others must be the same and thus should be avoided.  Because one church of a particular denomination proved toxic, it would be illogical to conclude all others must be the same--when they are attended by totally different people!  Like a pre-owned vehicle, many miles have been traveled and the people in each church have needs as diverse as the injuries needing treatment by a medic on a field of battle or by doctors in a cancer ward.  Christians are in fellowship in a church precisely because we realise we are wretched sinners:  we need a Saviour!  We reconginse our need to grow, learn and desire to draw near to God in worship, obedience and service, to give and receive according to God's will.

An old saying relevant to this point says, "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater."  I am reminded of the Little House on the Prairie book series and how Laura described how the water was drawn and heated so each family member could bathe one at a time, oldest to youngest.  By the time all had bathed the water was dirty and would be thrown out.  No father or mother who loves their little one would throw out their child along with the dirty bathwater, yet many professing Christians have done just that.  They have written off all churches of a particular group, not due to doctrinal issues, but because of personal offence or perceived ineffectiveness of preaching or ministry.

To write off church fellowship because of a bad experience is like saying "Mousetraps are useless" because the ones you bought caught no mice.  We recently had a mouse in our garage and the first two kinds of traps I bought were picked clean night after night.  I went online and bought traps of a different brand of a similar design and the results were immediate.  The vast difference of the effectiveness of mousetraps reminded me the same things aren't always equal.  I continued to buy different mousetraps because I needed to catch an elusive mouse, and I urge you to press on to be connected with a local church because you are part of the church.  Perhaps you are one who has abandoned all faith in Christ and left the church due to hurt and offence.  You might be one who is not interested to even visit a church because of the hateful or hypocritical Christians you have known.  My experience with churches and mousetraps bring me to a similar conclusion:  the same thing is not always equal.

So you've had a bad experience or been put off from church fellowship because of what others have said:  will you heed the exhortation of God's word in Hebrews 10:23-25:  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."  The assembling of Christians together is more than meeting up in one place:  it is the complete unity of heart and soul as one in joyful obedience and submission to Jesus Christ in faith.  Let us not allow anything to dim the glorious goodness of our Saviour, the Head of the Body the church.  Never justify disobedience to your Saviour to forsake fellowship because of the faults of sinners.

When We Go Wrong

When things go wrong, do you?  Life throws all sorts of things our way and none of them are without the LORD's knowledge--including our perception of them.  Our emotions can warp the impact of little inconveniences and lead to frustration that builds up without vent.  The only lasting and satisfying relief from the troubles of life is found by faith in our good God who loves us.

From appearances it looks like many Christians have their lives in order:  they seem generous, patient, kind and loving.  We imagine they must not struggle with the things we do like selfishness, greed, anxiety,  lust, frustration and violent temper.  The only way our lives can be decent and in order is because of the grace and goodness of God!  The LORD is showing me a focus on all that seems to be going wrong for me is fundamentally sinful focus on myself, which I ought to be repent of.

What is your response when things go wrong?  Do you tend to become angry?  I do.  Lashing out verbally or physically is not a healthy or godly outlet for anger, for what can it do but more harm?  Brooding over our failures or how others have wronged us is not wise because selfishness distorts our perspective away from the reality of God's grace and goodness.  Since God is not the cause of our temptation to sin James 1:19-21 says, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ²¹ Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

If we imagine our circumstances are to blame for our sinful behaviour, the word of God reveals otherwise.  Instead of being angry over bad things that have happened, I ought to receive with meekness the word of God and lay aside "all filthiness and overflow of wickedness" that is produced within my flesh.  It is the trials and tribulations of life God sovereignly allows which provides an opportunity for brokenness for my sin and makes my need to grow in faith and grace in God evident to me.  We were already wrong before anything went wrong, and circumstances are an effective tool God uses to expose hidden areas of selfishness and pride we were blissfully unaware of.

Staying angry about what God has allowed, what others have done or our own failures will "not produce the righteousness of God" which is received only by faith in Christ.  James wrote to beloved brethren who needed to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.  Being slow to wrath provides opportunity for us to seek the LORD and deal with our own personal issues and in meekness receive correction from the Holy Spirit.  God asked Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry?"  Jonah's anger was unjustified when God spared the people of Nineveh, for he ought to have rejoiced in God's grace and salvation he also needed.  While they repented in sackcloth, Jonah seethed with anger because he tried to justify himself.

When things go wrong, brothers and sisters, let us be those who are slow to wrath and lay aside our sin.  Remaining angry over what God has graciously allowed is like adopting a violent dog that was bred and trained to fight into a family with little children.  We cannot justify allowing the dangerous beast of wrath to live and breed in our hearts, minds and bodies, for it will only do harm.  The things big or small that provoke us to anger provide insights into how we need to change for good, and a step towards this happening is when we repent and meekly receive the word of God in faith and obedience.  I really needed to hear this, and I trust you do too.

Together for the Better

Our upbringing and experiences in church life can deeply impact our convictions and expectations.  Those who claim to hold fast to a biblical worldview can have very different preferences when it comes to gathering with other believers in fellowship.  Some churches place a great deal of emphasis on receiving communion, others in singing songs or the preaching of God's word.  Some people do not feel like they have been really ministered to unless they have shed a tear, spoken in tongues, been swept up emotionally in song, gone forward to the altar in repentance or prayed with a pastor.  Some congregations are expressive in worship and others more subdued in the praise of the same glorious God.  By God's grace He has provided freedom for us to draw near to Him in worship and thanksgiving with a congregation and individually.

There is a very real danger for the diverse members of the Body of Christ to be divided because of our personal preferences or convictions and undermine the good purposes God has in bringing us together.  In support of one practice we can become strongly opposed to others.  This was on display at the church in Corinth, and Paul mentioned this in 1 Corinthians 11:17-20:  "Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. ¹⁸ For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. ¹⁹ For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you."  Paul shared his concern about divisions or factions among those in the Corinthian church and how they came together "for the worse."  The answer was not to split into multiple congregations but to hold fast to the essential matters of faith in Jesus Christ according to the oneness they shared in Him.

When the congregation gathered to eat together, the common elements of bread and wine used by Jesus Christ the LORD were on hand and were received in obedience to His command.  An event which was to demonstrate the unity of Christian believers had given rise to divisions between the rich and poor, perhaps of Jew and Gentile, regulars and foreigners, those who arrived early or late, and between fans of Paul and Apollos.  It seems people were interested in being approved and recognised by others when it was Jesus who was to be proclaimed.  Isn't it ironic something Jesus commanded His followers to do in unity gave rise to divisions and factions?  We are all prone to divide what God has joined together and thus faith in God works to keep us united with Him and one another regardless of personal differences.

I have been giving thought to my background and how it has (to a degree) shaped my convictions and conscience rather than the word of God.  My desire is when I gather with brothers and sisters in Christ it it would be for the better.  Imagine doing more harm than good when gathering together!  Part of receiving Communion is to examine yourself--not to stand in judgment of others (1 Cor. 11:28).  We partake of Christ not due to our worthiness but because Jesus is worthy to be remembered, proclaimed and looked to with expectancy in faith.  When our eyes are focused on Him in recognition in all He has done, much that tends to divide us will fade away in the light of His goodness and grace.

Having Entered the Holiest

During the reign of king David for three consecutive years Israel experienced a famine.  David inquired of the LORD to determine the cause and it was revealed the famine was a consequence of "Saul's bloody house," the previous king who wrongly persecuted and slaughtered the Gibeonites who had entered into a covenant with Israel.  David then went to the Gibeonites and asked what could be done to atone for the wrongs against them, and they requested seven of Saul's descendants be hanged before the LORD in Gibeah.  The bodies remained night and day hanging until the rains came and ended the drought and famine.  Sin brought a curse upon the land and the justice meted upon the guilty brought restoration to the land.

2 Samuel 21:12-14 reads, "Then David went and took the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son, from the men of Jabesh Gilead who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them up, after the Philistines had struck down Saul in Gilboa. ¹³ So he brought up the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from there; and they gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. ¹⁴ They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father. So they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God heeded the prayer for the land."  The principle at work here is atonement was needed before God was entreated for the land.  David, priests and the people prayed but the prayers were not heeded and answered until atonement was provided.

Through Jesus Christ a new and living way has been provided to boldly approach God because He has once for all offered Himself as a sacrifice for all sin.  Hebrews 10:18-22 reads, "Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. ¹⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, ²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."  There is no offering or sacrifice man can make to enter into the presence of God boldly in prayer because Jesus has paid it all.  Those born again by faith in Jesus can draw near to God with full assurance of faith we will be heard, not because of our righteousness or good works, but because of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf on Calvary and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

We are undeserving of favour and acceptance from God, yet having received it by God's grace through faith we boldly draw near in agreement with the heavenly reality to entreat Him knowing we will be heard.  Ephesians 2:4-7 tells us, "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."  No penance, no period of probation, no payment required to receive and walk in the grace God has blessed us with.  Jesus our great High Priest sits at the right hand of the Father because He has completed the work, and the spiritual reality is we have been justified and sanctified to sit with Him in glory, members of His own body.  When we abide in Christ by faith the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness towards us is proclaimed to all in heaven and earth.  How glorious and good is our God and Saviour! 

Running Well

An odd situation occurred after Joab slew Absalom on the field of battle.  Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok and fleet of foot, offered to run to King David to tell him the news of the battle.  2 Samuel 18:20-21 reads, "And Joab said to him, "You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king's son is dead." ²¹ Then Joab said to the Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." So the Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran."  Joab said to a Cushite, an Ethiopian who was an eyewitness of what had occurred in the wood, to run and bring the message of the battle to King David at Mahanaim.

Ahimaaz was undeterred, despite lacking a message.  2 Samuel 18:22-23 says, "And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, "But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite." So Joab said, "Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?" ²³ "But whatever happens," he said, "let me run." So he said to him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite."  The burning question is, why was Ahimaaz compelled to run when he had no message ready?  He did not give Joab an answer to his most sensible question.  Joab would have news for Ahimaaz to carry on another day, but he insisted he be permitted to run.  Perhaps the answer to his desire to run was borne out of his great ability shown by overtaking the Cushite.  The running prowess of Ahimaaz, however, served no practical purpose or service to his general or king because he went on his own accord.

I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the church in Galatians 5:7-8:  "You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you."  He complimented their quick start in following Jesus, yet at some point their efforts were misdirected because they were persuaded to run in a way contrary to Jesus Christ.  In their zeal to honour God they left the grace of the Gospel behind and returned to the bondage of the Law.  Their efforts estranged them from fellowship with Christ.  They submitted to circumcision, sought justification by the law and gloried in their flesh rather than faith in Jesus working through love.  Ahimaaz was persuaded by his own desire to run, and the Galatians were persuaded by legalistic believers to return to Law as a means of finding favour with God.  These examples show us we can be persuaded by what hinders us from obeying the truth.  Supposed good intentions are misguided if we will not submit to God.

The one who desires to proclaim good news needs to be an eyewitness and have a message ready.  The one who wants to run their race well must be led by the Holy Spirit and God's word.  Much effort and time is wasted and errors are made when we are persuaded by what hinders us from obedience.  Ahimaaz was a fast runner told by his king to stand aside, and the circumcised Galatians received no commendation for the cutting of their flesh because in doing so they coddled the flesh.   Galatians 5:25-26 exhorts us all, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."  The race we run is to be enjoined at the pace Jesus sets for us, and He will always direct us righteously according to His good purposes.

Email Update!

Hello to all those who are using the automated email to receive updates from the blog!  I have been notified the Feedburner gadget I have been using will be discontinued in June and therefore blog posts will not be sent anymore.  I apologise for this...I have looked into setting up an automated service like Mailchimp but it is simply too much for me to navigate.  The content isn't the issue but figuring how to send out emails without causing confusion.  If you know me and have skill in the area please send me a message...otherwise to receive the content you will have to check the blog itself when Feedburner goes away. :)

The Fruitful Life

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."

Psalm 1:1-3

God who created trees designed them to produce seeds contained in the fruit.  Seeds make the propagation of more trees possible, and in this way seeds are cultivated to grow an entire orchard.  Before a tree can fruit in season it must be well-established in suitable soil.  Time is required for the roots to tap into the moisture and nutrients so trees will grow and bear much fruit.

The man who is blessed is the one who is rooted by faith in God and His word.  The author of this Psalm did not only read the Law but meditated in it day and night.  The revelation of God, His truth and commands, guided David and all who look to God for wisdom, discernment and strength.  It was not like a book that we read occasionally but divine inspiration to immerse ourselves in.  The one who delights in God and His word will be most fruitful by God's gracious design.  The one who treasures God in truth will refuse ungodly counsel, will not stand with sinners, or settle into scornful ways.

Our tendency is to read a book and move on to the next one; we read one verse or chapter and close the book to do something else.  We cannot read perpetually, yet when the book is closed our hearts and minds ought to remain open to the probing, searching word that refines and directs us.  The word of God exposes our errors, points out the dead works from a guilty conscience and guides us what thoughts must be taken captive to the obedience of Christ.  God's word is not something to lay aside on the path to maturity, for without the Living Water applying Gospel truth to our ways all our efforts will be fruitless.

In sport the best players cannot neglect the fundamentals, the rudimentary skills common among every participant.  The star players are those who do the most basic things best with consistency.  A tree, with a desire to be more fruitful, cannot abandon the connection between roots and soil.  A believer, no matter how well-meaning the motives, cannot safely move on from the gospel to seek deeper truth and revelations beyond the word of God.  The men of Israel facing judgment for their sin were keen to know the word of the LORD, but since they would not obey Him in the basics of faith they were cut off and cast away as dead branches fit for the flame.

How good it is for God's people to realise it is our connection to Jesus Christ by faith that makes us fruitful, and wherever He plants us we can be established and grow.  It is not going to another church that will make all the difference for our walk, nor will our role in a fellowship be a hindrance to personal fruitfulness.  When we are born again and abide in Christ by faith marked by obedience to His word, we will bear much fruit.  Based on God's word, like a tree planted by rivers of water the ones who delights in God's law and meditates in it will bring forth fruit in season, our leaf shall not wither, and whatever we do shall prosper.  Believer, do you truly believe this?

Unexpected Refreshment

When King David heard Absalom had declared himself king in Hebron and the conspiracy against him was strong, he voluntarily vacated the palace in Jerusalem to prevent bloodshed.  He directed the high priest Zadok to return the Ark of the Covenant to the proper resting place in the tabernacle in faith of God's sovereignty and goodness.  If the LORD delighted in him He would cause David to one day return.  To make dire matters worse, David was informed his chief advisor Ahithophel was also part of Absalom's mutinous scheme.  David and all the people who crossed the Kidron valley with him and ascended the Mount of Olives wept as they mournfully trudged away from Jerusalem and God's holy habitation.

As David, his household and those loyal to him left the city, they were greeted by a jeering and cursing man named Shimei of Benjamin.  2 Samuel 16:7-8 says, "Also Shimei said thus when he cursed: "Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you rogue! ⁸ The LORD has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. So now you are caught in your own evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!"  David was a humble man who knew well his faults, yet he was not guilty of what Shimei accused him of.  To the contrary:  David had been gracious, merciful and generous to the household of Saul.  Shimei cast stones, kicked up dust and hurled insults at David, and he took comfort in the LORD looking upon his affliction and rewarding him good for extending grace in the face of humiliating circumstances.

Then comes the surprising revelation of 2 Samuel 16:14:  "Now the king and all the people who were with him became weary; so they refreshed themselves there."  Shell-shocked by the betrayal of his own son, grieved with the need to vacate the throne and flee his home, cursed and falsely accused of being a bloodthirsty rogue, the king and all the people with him were refreshed.  I am convinced this refreshment was not one merely of physical rest but of perfect peace that comes only from faith in God.  A man cannot be refreshed when seething with rage, while plotting his revenge or furious over public humiliation.  On the Mount of Olives David and his companions took time to breathe, to recover as they considered God and entrusted themselves to Him afresh--right there as the dust filled their nostrils and the curses rained down.

How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD, who entrust themselves, their reputations and future into His loving hands!  Our God is a Saviour who delivers and redeems those who wait on Him.  The terrible circumstances for David and his people had just begun, yet in resolving to hope in God they found rest and refreshment.  The God who gives us breath is able to provide peace which allows us to breathe the free air of His grace, mercy and goodness.  David vacated the throne of Israel with the realisation God is on the throne over all, and this knowledge ought to refresh us in every season of life.

Seeing Things Clearly

As a kid the only glasses I wore were sunglasses.  At a point it became clear to me my eyesight had degraded when I could not effortlessly read street signs, number plates, or small print on a page.  After I was fitted with corrective lenses reading became easier, but I didn't always wear them.  Now when my glasses are away from the table or chair I will stand up to retrieve them rather than muddle through reading because they make a noticeable difference.

People who already have glasses occasionally have their eyes checked because as the ability of eyes to focus continues to degrade the prescription changes.  There is a two-fold lesson for the child of God here, for we too need correction from God's word concerning our beliefs and the way we live our lives.  Whether we are taking steps of faith or beginning to backslide, lessons from scripture will target areas of our lives where improvement and change is needed.  The second lesson is we need to appropriate God's truth by putting it into practice, just like I need to wear glasses for them to be practically useful.

The realisation I was not seeing clearly prompted me to visit the optometrist to have my eyes checked, and the Holy Spirit uses our conscience to prompt us to personally take to heart the wisdom in God's word that corrects and instructs us.  One thing I often need to do is clean my glasses because I inadvertently smudge them throughout the day.  The glasses which help me see clearly at a point can became a hindrance rather than a help, and the same can be true concerning our conscience.  The Holy Spirit is always perfect and good but our conscience can become weak, defiled and seared.  The scripture rightly wielded by the Spirit is like a clean mircofibre cloth which polishes up the easily smeared lens of our conscience.

Psalm 119:103-105 reads, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! ¹⁰⁴ Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. ¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Honey is sweet to our taste, and God's word is sweet to His children.  Corrective lenses benefit greatly those who wear them yet are worthless in the dark!  Jesus is the Light of the World who enlightens us from within, and the Bible is a lamp to our feet and light to our path.  Knowing we need God's guidance, correction and wisdom is a necessary first step, and the second is to put into practice what God has said.  I would not know honey was sweet except I tasted it, and we will not realise the sweetness of God's word until we believe and follow it.

Joy Is Holy

Yesterday I had the privilege of giving the sermon at a wedding.  I expected to be called up to present the sermon but instead was provided a seat on the platform.  It was the first time I have witnessed a wedding from a perspective where the groom, bride and witnesses could be viewed at once.  Words cannot described adequately the overwhelming scene of joyful love.

As the wedding party walked down the aisle and assumed their places, there is only one way to describe the feeling of excitement in the chapel:  joy.  A simple truth dawned on me like never before:  joy is holy.  Of course it is, right?  Joy is listed among the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.  The joy everyone experience in that moment was made possible only by the gracious gift of God.  It was a small and sublime brush with the divine for all people present as God made two people one flesh by the covenant of marriage.

The holy joy that could be felt in that moment was possible because of God alone.  It was a joy foreign to this world that no ritual, legal contract or great conquest could compare.  The non-believer may have chalked up the happy smiles to a festive family occasion, but the reality is God was there liberally providing joy and love.  People imagine it is marriage that will bring happiness to their lives, yet God supplies joy to the married and unmarried alike out of His goodness.

Jesus said to His disciples in John 15:9-11, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."  The only way Jesus can give His people fullness of joy by faith in Him is because He has more joy to give than we can possibly receive.  Like when He miraculously fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, there is more than enough joy to go around.  How good it is when we realise Jesus is the source of joy that is pure, holy and glorious, and having received the Holy Spirit we rejoice in the Giver.

The Power of Suggestion

In our suburb the council picks up the rubbish bins weekly and the recycle bins biweekly.  Because we do not write a schedule in the diary, it can be easy to forget if this week is recycle week or not.  Typically the amount of recycle stuffed in the bin is a good indication as well as looking outside to see what the neighbours are doing.  When in doubt, put the bin out is what I do.

This week was one of those recycling wondering weeks:  we had a full bin but no one had placed their recycle bins out.  As our bin was wheeled to the kerb I found it amusing that bright yellow bin was a suggestion to others it was recycle week--even if it wasn't.  Because of our prominent house position on a corner, I mused over how many people would put out their bins just in case if it turned out to be at the wrong time.  By evening pretty much everyone on our street had their recycle bins out and it was thought provoking how one person doing something could lead others to follow suit.

The power of suggestion is at work all around us more than we realise.  How many times have you read a book, watched a movie, visited a church or hired a contractor at the suggestion of others?  How often has exposure to an idea encouraged further thought or research of the subject?  Seeing others do something as simple as rolling a yellow bin to the kerb has prompted us to think about and even do it ourselves.  Consider how many things we have thought about, said or done because we saw someone else do it first and planted the idea in our heads.  When it comes to things both good and evil it is likely we have gone beyond where we began.

The aim to influence people by suggestion reeks of manipulation and is a common technique Satan employs.  God does not suggest; He speaks plainly and directly with commands to obey, warnings to consider and promises to believe.  Believers need not remain in doubt of His will regarding sin, for He has given us the scriptures, our conscience and the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth.  Satan was glad to suggest to Eve God was wrong, she would not die, and the fruit would make her wise.  Eve took the bait, yet we are not without help in the face of alluring suggestions because the LORD is with us.  By the grace of God we can repent of our sin, foresee evil before we participate in it and do what we know pleases God.

Paul did not make "suggestions" to believers he addressed in his letters but exhorted them to glorify God.  To "exhort" means "to encourage, to embolden, to cheer, to advise."  The faith of a believer is according to knowledge of divine wisdom and realities, not suggestions we can take or leave.  1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 says, "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. ¹⁵ See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies. ²¹ Test all things; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil."

A suggestion is a hint, whereas an exhortation incites a commendable action.  If we Christians heed these exhortation how my neighbours responded to seeing a yellow bin at the kerb, by God's grace we will do well.

Help in the Battle

A passage I read this morning was a good reminder some battles are too big for us to handle alone.  We often fail to walk in victory because the battle we are fighting is not one He has called us to fight, we lack to exercise faith in God, imagine we can win by our efforts, or we are unwilling to ask others for assistance.  There are countless ways we can fail, and the only surefire way of victory is faith and obedience to Jesus Christ.

After the ambassadors King David sent to Ammon were shamed, the Ammonites hired Syrians as mercenaries for protection because their disgraceful conduct was basically a declaration of war.  In response to the large force assembled against them, David sent general Joab to quash the threat.  Joab found himself in a difficult position to fight on two fronts, with the Ammonites before and the Syrians behind.  It is challenging enough to fight the enemy in front of you, but how can you contend with enemies one cannot see?

2 Samuel 10:9-12 reads, "When Joab saw that the battle line was against him before and behind, he chose some of Israel's best and put them in battle array against the Syrians. ¹⁰ And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon. ¹¹ Then he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. ¹² Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight."  By the grace and power of God Israel won the battle that day, and God used Joab and Abishai to lead his people to victory over their enemies.  The Syrians were beaten so soundly they were afraid to ever help Ammon fight Israel again.

Joab experienced victory because he took courage in God in whom he trusted.  In obedience to his king Joab went to war with his brethren.  He involved his brother Abishai to take the lead to "have his back" because there were enemies on both sides.  Joab did not see himself as a pillar of strength but realised during the battle he or Abishai would need help to prevail.  His plan of attack and dividing the army for mutual benefit was under girded by faith in God and His sovereign goodness.  Joab had an advantage we might not, for we do not always realise we are in a battle or conflict.  There are internal, external and spiritual forces at work that evade our notice.  Regardless of the nature of the battle, realisation of our weakness and need for God and others are keys to experiencing victory God provides by grace.

Our strength comes from abiding in Christ by faith with recognition of our inability to do anything for Him on our own.  Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10-12, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."  We are called to be prepared to fight the LORD's battles, and many of these battles take place in our own minds.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us our weapons are not carnal but mighty in pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments that oppose the knowledge of God, and bring every though into captivity to the obedience of Jesus.  Jesus has overcome, and as we follow Him we are led into victory.

A Divine Demonstration

One of my favourite "I Love Lucy" episodes growing up was titled "Sales Resistance," where Lucy is unable to resist a smooth-talking salesman who throws a lump of dirt on her carpet.  Later in the episode Lucy tries the gimmick herself but things (of course!) do not go as planned.  Demonstrations are a tried and true sales technique to garner interest in products.  Television channels are dedicated to demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative items and results which can be yours for only three low payments of $19.99...but wait, there's more!  The audience gazes in wonder at the new improved towels, cleaning products, adhesives, ladders, knives and kitchen appliances which will revolutionise our lives.  Some say "Seeing is believing," and seeing that dirt lifted from the carpet in under 2 minutes flat meant Lucy was sold on that Handy-Dandy vacuum.  It is also said "A sucker is born every minute," but I digress.

God is not a con-man, a fast-talker whose aim is for us to "sign on the dotted line" with the hope of gain.  He does not promise and fail to deliver; God does not use vague language or hide important details in fine print.  There are no gimmicks with God because He operates out of genuine love and care for us.  We are not potential customers He hopes to take advantage nor is He the brains of a pyramid scheme where He sits at the top and enjoys luxurious benefits from our labours.  Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  God demonstrated His love for sinners by Jesus dying on Calvary, and demonstrated His power over sin and death through the resurrection.  The risen Saviour Jesus showed all who trust in Him will rise to eternal life in glory, and this should be far more compelling than Flex Tape and vacuums.  There are many items sold we do not need, and the atoning blood of Jesus meets our greatest need for forgiveness, salvation and eternal life.

"As Seen on TV" is a selling point for items, yet no item or product devised by man can compare with Jesus Christ, the Creator and Saviour of the world who lives forever!  The Bible is the word of God which is trustworthy and verifiable.  The eye-witness accounts of hundreds of people who saw Jesus in the flesh after He was risen cannot be laid aside as meaningless.  The resurrection life of Jesus Christ is being lived out in the flesh every day in the lives of Christians into whom God has filled with His glory through the Holy Spirit.  The testimony of a transformed mind, heart and life cannot be spoken against when all the credit is given to God who makes us new creations by the Gospel of grace.  Demonstrations are effective when they seem to meet a need we know we have, and the resurrection is the same.  You may not realise your need for love and forgiveness from God and thus shrug off the demonstration of Christ's life, death and resurrection.  If you want to go to heaven, faith in Jesus is the only way to get there as demonstrated by His ascension.

Salvation through faith in Jesus is a limited-time offer during our lives on earth.  Should we die in our sins we will be judged and condemned forever, and all who receive the free gift of salvation and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour will be redeemed forever.  Jesus once for all provided the payment for us to be saved, and the most riveting demonstrations on television cannot compare with God's love for you.  This truth isn't only for the unbeliever but for the lukewarm Christian as well:  Jesus stands at the door and bids you open to Him.  Jesus does not knock because He wants to sell you something, but because He wants to come into you and enjoy fellowship with you because He loves you.  God's not after our money but desires our love and affections because He is worthy.

God's Righteous Judgment

Being on the "right side" of history is a claim made by some due to their acceptance of worldly wisdom.  Since there is an omnipotent, righteous God to whom all must one day give an account, the wise aim to align their conduct and morality with what pleases Him.  There is a lot of call for social justice today, and more important still is the recognision of the almighty God whose ways are righteousness and justice.  The justice of God is a divine attribute we ought to glory in, not shy away from.  By the work Jesus accomplished on Calvary, followers of Jesus are on the right side of God's justice.

Like the tides of the sea billow and swirl, trouble in this life is never far away.  Our own thoughts, emotions and feelings within us can resemble a stormy sea whilst we can experience the force of a tempest that has power to toss us like a cork on the ocean.  Living with the aim to honour and please God can result in additional trouble, but thankfully God provides consolation as an anchor for our souls.  Rather than bemoaning our troubles it is good to renew our minds concerning a godly and biblical perspective of them.  Our endurance through trials and tribulations is evidence of God's grace upon us and the genuine reality of our faith in Him, the comfort available to us by Jesus and our ultimate salvation.  He who glories, let us glory in the LORD who is just and the God of all comfort.

See what Paul wrote to believers in 2 Thessalonians 1:3-8:  "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, ⁴ so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, ⁵ which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; ⁶ since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, ⁷ and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, ⁸ in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Faith in Jesus was the root and the love of believers to all others was the fruit.  Jesus suffered as our Saviour and King, and thus is is fitting believers ought to exhibit patience and faith in tribulation.  Disciples were tempted to avoid trials and to even part with Christ due to troubles they faced for His sake.

Paul explained the patient endurance in faith through tribulation was "manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God."  It was not that believers in themselves were worthy of God's kingdom, but their continuance in faith despite trials revealed the reality of God's sanctifying work in them.  God would be righteous to "repay with tribulation" those who troubled them and also to give Christians who are troubled rest.  Our boasting should not be in smug threats to the wicked, that they will get what's coming to them, but in the God who is just, righteous and in Him we trust.  A day will come when our lives on earth will be concluded and we do not need to wait for the consolation God provides today for all who rest in Christ.

Love, patience and faith are qualities that accompany salvation in the lives of believers.  Great encouragement is provided believers by our just God in Hebrews 6:9-10:  "But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. ¹⁰ For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister."  God is just to allow His people to suffer to reveal to them and others we are counted worthy (by His grace) of the kingdom of God.  The farmer who suffers the cold of the morning in plowing and endures the heat of the day to sow and harvest will also be a partaker of the crops.  Praise the LORD there is rest in Him for the troubled and justice for those made righteous by faith in Christ.

The Practical Walk

People have varying degrees of skill, aptitude and interest in athletics.  Some people who are fit, healthy specimens have no desire to play ball sports, and others who are not ideal pictures of fitness love to participate often.  We all have limitations when it comes to the fastest we can run, jump, lift and throw.  Even the best professional athletes who push themselves to a maximum far beyond other mortal men can only go so far.  The same is true for intellectual pursuits or physical work.  There are some things we will never understand and building skills we will never master.  No matter how hard we labour even maintaining the skills and fitness we once possessed can prove difficult.

The spiritual, inner man is in contrast to the outer man that is perishing because we are being renewed by faith in Jesus day by day.  Our understanding concerning God and His wisdom can expand after our minds and bodies are well past their prime.  By the power of God we are enabled to do things as we mature in faith in Jesus we could not do in our earlier days.  God does not teach "old dogs new tricks" but He makes old men new.  Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Contentment was something Paul needed to learn, and he did.  Experience coupled with conviction of sin through fellowship with God moved Paul to repentance and rest confidently in God's sovereignty.  This is not something only apostles or Paul could learn, but this is God's will for all believers.  Let us not imagine contentment is a hurdle only Paul could clear because he was a superhuman Jesus-freak, for the God who helped and taught Him is also our Helper and Teacher.

Another aspect of the Christian walk we are to embrace is that of sexual purity.  This purity of mind and body isn't just essential for pastors or those in ministry but for all believers.  Paul wrote this in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7:  "Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; ² for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour, ⁵ not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. ⁷ For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness."  Paul was not given special knowledge no one else could attain, for it is the will of God that all believers know how to abstain from sexual immortality and how to keep our bodies pure in sanctification and honour without falling prey to lust.  This requires faith and agreement with God's definition of sexual immorality, repenting of our sin and walking in union with the Holy Spirit.  Knowing how to control our minds and bodies in sanctification is an ability from God we learn to walk in.  Since the Holy Spirit is holy, He will always lead us to walk in holiness.

The Christian walk of faith is not theoretical but practical and supernatural empowerment from God we are called to labour to choose.  Like that long jump distance which surpassed our natural ability to leap or that maths equation we could never solve, contentment and sexual purity is always beyond our natural man.  But praise be to God Jesus Christ is able to make us new creations and renew our minds to believe He can do what we cannot.  May it sink into our minds and hearts we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, and this includes His will for us to live in purity and contentment.

When It Wasn't God

One of the challenges of our walk with God is knowing when He is speaking to us or not.  Being fallible people with limited understanding and knowledge we do not always discern God's voice clearly or correctly.  We can look for a big-picture answer when the LORD would have us deal with one decision to honour God or to forsake sin which prevents us from taking the first step to enter into His will.  It is a sobering reality many believers have laboured long under a misunderstanding of God's will for them that has hamstrung their perspective and possibly kept them from obedience.  People have believed they received a sign or direction from God which they ultimately decided was misguided, and this ought to be a warning to keep us from leaning on our own understanding.

When someone says they have prayed and believe they have heard and received an answer from God, it typically works to prevent any further discussion of the subject.  They have "felt a peace" with an idea or a decision; it was not their preference and thus it must have been of God--making how we think or feel a primary determination of God's will.  Making our feelings a guide is a snare we do well to avoid.  With a desire to honour and glorify God, those closeted from fellowship and convinced of a spiritual or personal truth can close themselves off of input from people who love God and them.  This desire to follow God at all costs is admirable, yet what may pass for honouring God can at the same time disregard the revelation of the scripture and the wise counsel of other Spirit-led believers.

One major hindrance to hearing the LORD clearly is the presence of besetting sin in our lives we have refused to forsake.  Galatians 5:13-16 reads, "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! ¹⁶ I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."  Paul reminded believers of their freedom from keeping the letter of the Law of Moses and it was fulfilled in their love one for another.  Denial of the lusts of the flesh was borne from walking in the Spirit.  If they walked in the Spirit, they would not fulfill the lust of the flesh because the Spirit of God is pure and holy.  Should the sinful lust of the flesh be evident in their lives, what would this show?  They were not walking in the Spirit or following His leading.  How can those who walk in the flesh be an trustworthy authority of God's wisdom and guidance?

When a person is unrepentant in sin before the LORD, they are made spiritually insensible and deluded because their relationship with God has been severed.  This does not mean their salvation is in doubt, but their sinful posture absolutely hinders their communication with God though they may continue spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading the Bible, fasting and going to church.  Like Samson with his locks shorn, they lack the spiritual power and discernment they possessed even earlier that day.  If we are walking in the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life, how can we claim to be led by the Holy Spirit?  Humble repentance for sin is a necessity for us to return to the LORD in fellowship.  In sin we are in a fog:  confused, bumbling around, circling back to sin, imagining we are making progress by efforts of the flesh to avoid sin when we are blind and miserable.  When God seems silent it is not always due to our sin, but given the foolish human precedent it would be silly to rule it out.

To have a healthy relationship with the LORD we must first respond to His initial call to salvation to repent of sin and trust in Him.  We must also continue walking in humility, repentance and faith after trusting in Jesus, for the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.  If we are walking according to the flesh, leaning on our own understanding, following signs, dreams, feelings or what we think God said, we will be led astray.  There are times people think God has spoken when it wasn't God, and praise God He has given us the Bible so we can be assured of the truth.  Thank the LORD He has placed us in a body of loving believers who truly love God and us, who care enough to walk alongside to encourage, strengthen and edify.  Glory to God for being our Redeemer, for even when we have gone astray He has graciously come to us to reveal He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.