Delighting in the LORD

Though God has graciously revealed Himself to people, there is infinitely more to God than we know.  The almighty God who is unapproachable in glory has spoken to us in His word, by voice booming from the heavens, in person by Jesus Christ and to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  God's personal revelation to those who trust Him is as uniquely tailored by God as each person He has created.

Have you noticed when people have an amazing experience they not only desire others to share that experience but to enjoy it as much as they did?  While this can sometimes happen, other times these desires are unfulfilled by both parties.  I had a friend who loved roller coasters, and I wasn't so sure.  As a young teen I would be fine to go on less "extreme" rides on offer, by my friend wasn't having it.  "You're going on every single ride in this park," my friend said.  And I did.  I don't know if I enjoyed them as much as he did from the start, but by the end I was the one saying to the uninitiated, "You have to try this one.  You'll love it."  We do the same with quality restaurants, books and travel destinations.  If we enjoy exceptional customer service, value and results, we are the ones urging others to experience it too.  When our expectations are built up by others, later comparing our experiences with them can lead to feeling let down.

I have observed a similar thing among followers of Jesus Christ.  We have had personal experiences with God Who has changed our lives and perspective, and we want others to also know and receive as we have.  The one who is miraculously healed desires others would miraculously be healed too.  If we have been given a clear directive from God in response to prayer and fasting, we share our testimony of God's faithfulness to exhort others to do the same.  When we have been gifted to teach, speak in tongues and interpret after we asked God, we desire the same for others.  Moses and Paul both said they wished all would prophesy (Num. 11:29; 1 Cor. 13:5), and I can identify with their desire God's people would desire all gifts He has for them.  At the same time, I have come to realise God is not limited or governed by our desires for others, for His plans are greater than my plans and dreams.  He chooses to reveal Himself and gift believers according to His will, and His ways indeed are past finding out.

This fervent desire for others to experience God, His presence and guidance can ironically lead to divisions apart from love and maturity.  The one who heard God speak in an audible voice can be puffed up with pride, and the one who has never heard God speak with an audible voice can feel slighted and left out.  This one might even question the validity of the claim and become suspicious or bitter.  Paul asked rhetorically in 1 Corinthians 12:29-30:  "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"  The answer is clearly no.  The context is the church, the body of Christ, is comprised of different members with various roles with unique gifts and experiences.  Christians are united with Christ as one yet this does not mean we will share the same gifts or personal revelations of our glorious God.

How many have shipwrecked on the rock of differing personal experiences, questioning their own salvation or the experiences of others because they were not identical!  How many believers have sought particular gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit as the badge of their own spiritual authenticity rather than the edification of the church and the glory of the God Who gifts people according to His will!  How often spiritual exercises and ceremony become more about the honour of men than to honour God who has redeemed and reconciled us unto Himself.  Paul wrote we ought to covet the best spiritual gifts and showed how walking in faith, hope and love trumps all these temporal manifestations that will one day fade away.  All God gives is good, and we ought to value the Giver over all gifts.  Seek the LORD instead of an experience; make your requests known to God and rejoice in Him rather than lamenting what is not.

God is most gracious to reveal Himself to us and also reveal our growing need for God to be spiritually fruitful and faithful.  Delight in the experience of knowing God and consider how He has revealed Himself to you in a unique, meaningful way.  Comparing your experiences with others can take the focus off God who we ought to delight in and leads to arrogance and disappointment.  Praise the LORD He is faithful and generous with Himself with all people, and what more can God give than all?

Guided With God's Eye

The Bible is an awesome revelation of the living God so man might know and worship Him.  I was blessed beyond measure to read this passage today where David, in the midst of expressing faith in God, received first-person guidance from God he trusted in Psalm 32:7-10:  "You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah ⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. ⁹ Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you. ¹⁰ Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him."

David found God to be a refuge and help in time of trouble, the God who surrounded him with songs of deliverance.  The Psalms are packed with songs that begin in the midst of conflict and trouble resolved with deliverance and thanksgiving to the God who faithfully preserves His people.  God promised to instruct and teach David (and by extension those who seek the LORD) in the way He should go.  God employed the illustration of a horse and mule that must be fitted with bit and bridle so the rider could direct the animal in battle, for use in transport or as a beast of burden.  In contrast to a rider tugging on reins God promised, "I will guide you with My eye."  This is an amazing promise indeed.  We would be happy with an audible voice from heaven, even with physical restraints to remind and direct us to seek God and walk in His ways.

A rider guides a horse knowing the destination and the way to go; a mule is guided  to labour profitably.  God is able to see what horse, mule and rider cannot see, for He wears no blinders, knows the secret thoughts and motives of man, and has infinitely greater plans and purposes beyond what we can imagine.  The New Testament fleshes out by the Gospel how the child of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, is empowered and led by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.  How wondrous, that the pure Holy Spirit who knows and sees all would take up residence within us and help us be spiritually fruitful, to guide us according to God's love!  Jesus promised His disciples the Holy Spirit in their hour of need would lead them in what to say, for the Holy Spirit would speak through them (Mark 13:11).  It is an interesting thing to be guided by God's eye, for He is able to provide clear signals even without an audible voice to those who look to Him in faith.

In verse 7 David said the one who seeks refuge in God will be surrounded with songs of deliverance, and in verse 10 wrote mercy surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.  When we come to God He does not saddle us with keeping the Law of Moses, nor is the bit and bridle of religious tradition forced between our teeth pulled by the fear of man:  God guides us with His eye.  Like a sheep that responds obediently to come to the shepherd at his call, so we are to heed and obey Jesus Christ who is the Way.  We are called to love one another as Jesus loves us, and the God who knows all guides us with His eye.  Those whom come to Christ in faith will be instructed and taught in the way of righteousness, for Jesus is righteousness for us.

God's Favour Is For Life

"Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. ⁵ For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Psalm 30:4-5

One attribute of God I find comforting is His immutability, the fact He does not change.  This means God is glorious and good now and forever, and He will always stay true to His word.  What security and rest we have by faith in our Creator who always loves us without fail.  His grace, mercy and goodness have no end.  David urged all to sing praise to the LORD and to give thanks, and He is our sole source of joy and life.

Though God is eternal and all His attributes infinite, His "anger is but for a moment."  The God who is infinite in power has set divine limits upon His anger.  The redeemed of the LORD praise God for this!  Those who die in their sins will face His wrath forever and ever, yet for those who trust in Jesus Christ God's anger has an end.  Our lives on earth are compared to a breath or a vapour that quickly disappears, and God's anger is temporal and quickly passes away as well.  No matter how long or dark the night seems, children of God by the power of the Gospel are assured of a joyous day approaching where there shall no longer be death, tears or night:  only light, love and joy in God's presence.

Imagine if God's anger burned forever!  Imagine if His love, forgiveness, life and joy were only for a moment!  If this was the case, it would be good never having been born.  For all who have been born again by faith in Jesus, His anger is but for a moment.  When God judged Israel for their sin when David numbered the people, in a matter of days God said to the angel who destroyed, "It is enough.  Put your sword back in the sheath."  Not once has God said this concerning freely giving His love and grace towards sinful flesh.  Grief and sorrow that accompany this life are temporary, but His favour is for an abundant life through Jesus that goes on and on without intermission.

It is a rare thing to sing songs to someone except on their birthday, yet it is always fitting to direct songs of praise to God who puts new life and joy into our hearts by His everlasting grace and love.  Give thanks at the memory of God's holy name, for He is good and His mercy endures forever.

Enter With Thanksgiving

The best celebrations are ones fit for every day, and Thanksgiving is one of them.  I appreciate how the term "thanksgiving" remains in the present tense because there are always reasons to presently praise and thank God for the wondrous things He does.  Since God is good and always was, is and is to come, all He has done, is doing and will do is absolutely worthy of thanksgiving.

In light of God and His grace to all, Psalm 100:1-5 is a glorious exhortation God's people ought take to heart and practice:  "Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! ² Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. ³ Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. ⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. ⁵ For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."

Nehemiah as cupbearer took care not to be sad in the presence of his king as cupbearer, and we ought to approach God with thanksgiving and praise.  But the Bible also reveals the Messiah to be a man "of sorrows, acquainted with grief."  He is not disgusted by the sorrowing heart nor repulsed by people who are overcome with grief.  All who come to God by faith in Christ He will not cast out, even though we mourn.  It was Jesus who said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)  Even in the depths of pain and grief we can rejoice in the LORD with thanksgiving, for we have the promise of comfort found nowhere else.  Our Saviour Jesus who drank the cup of wrath and death sinners deserved gives us forgiveness, salvation and eternal life we are ever thankful for.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, for Jesus Christ is the Door through whom we enter into the kingdom of God as He said in John 10:9:  "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."  Thanks be to God for the salvation He has given us and the abundant life provided by faith in Jesus.  Come to God with thanksgiving and praise for He has made us His people and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter in and abide with thanksgiving "for the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."

Good Courage and Good Success

After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua and repeatedly encouraged him to "be strong and of good courage" because God would be with him wherever he went.  God said in Joshua 1:6-9, "Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

It is interesting Joshua was exhorted to be of "good" courage.  This suggests there is a sort of courage that is not good, a courage not grounded in faith in the God who alone is good.  There is a courage that comes from a sense of duty and obligation as well as courage that springs from self-confidence.  There is a courage in the heat of the moment in a boost of adrenaline, and courage bold to take risks out of greed, pride and ambition.  The Philistines rallied when they heard the Ark of God had been brought into the camp of Israel, but their victory came because God delivered the Israelites into their hand.  Samson rose up with self-confidence to free himself and overcome his attackers, but courage in his own abilities was misplaced.  Good courage is that which throws itself wholly upon the LORD for strength, guidance and help to accomplish all God has commanded.  The Book of the Law which directed Moses to do God's will would also guide Joshua in his role ordained by God to lead the people into the land God promised to give them.

God revealed "good" courage was the path to prosperity and "good success."  Studying this passage in context reveals "good" success is not what a person fancies or desires but is directly tied to faith in God and doing His will.  Everyone is attracted to promises of prosperity and success because we often have selfish motivation with the primary aim to benefit ourselves.  People imagine prosperity to speak of monetary wealth and success means a favourable outcome for the desires of our hearts--which may have nothing to do with God, His plans, purposes or glory.  When Jesus was addressed as "good teacher," He responded in Mark 10:18:  "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God."  The only way we can have "good" courage and have "good" success is by faith in the Living God who is good.

The sure promises of God quickened Joshua to be strong and of good courage, and all who trust in Jesus Christ have the unshakable foundation provided in God's word.  Hebrews 13:5-6 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." ⁶ So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"  Good success for Joshua was to fearlessly enter the land of Canaan and divide it according to God's direction, and good success for Christians is to live an abundant life of contentment without covetousness or the fear of man.  These strongholds in our hearts can be cast down by those who are strong and of good courage by faith in Jesus the Word of God, for He is good and glorious.  By faith and obedience to Jesus we will find our way prosperous because Jesus is the Way.

What Love Implies

The covenant and commands God gave to His people provided guidance over what to do and explicit instruction what not to do.  It would do little good to avoid what was evil and shirk doing what God commands or to imagine our souls are profited by embracing good and evil together by our practices.

When asked what the greatest commandment was in the Law, Jesus did not quote one of the Ten Commandments.  He instead summed up the Law this way in Luke 10:27:  "So he answered and said, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbour as yourself.'"  The active love we show towards God should be demonstrated by doing what pleases Him, and it is also implied we should not do what is wicked in His sight.  Implied in traditional wedding vows is a promise of faithfulness to your spouse, and this can be demonstrated by pursuing adulterous relationships.

God spelled out to His people the plain implications of what it meant to fear God, that they would not fear other gods.  2 Kings 17:35-39 says concerning the children of Israel "...with whom the LORD had made a covenant and charged them, saying: "You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them; ³⁶ but the LORD, who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear, Him you shall worship, and to Him you shall offer sacrifice. ³⁷ And the statutes, the ordinances, the law, and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall be careful to observe forever; you shall not fear other gods.³⁸ And the covenant that I have made with you, you shall not forget, nor shall you fear other gods. ³⁹ But the LORD your God you shall fear; and He will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies."  Over and over again God repeated His people were to fear Him and not fear other gods.  The historical account in the Bible shows God's people failed on both counts, for their spiritual adultery with idols demonstrated their failure to fear God.

This brings up and important point Christians ought to understand:  having chosen to trust and follow Jesus, we should not fear any other gods.  We should not be in fear over Satan and his demons, deities worshipped by people all over the world, nor of money or lack thereof.  If we are afraid or worried we will not have enough money to live or retire comfortably, it may be money has become the idol we fear not having enough of.  It is not money we need to live but Jesus Christ who is our Life and provides all for life and godliness.  Jesus said in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."  When Joshua urged the people to "choose this day whom you will serve" the idea was to choose the true God of Israel to the exclusion of all others.

How liberating the fear of the living God is, for placing our faith in Him casts out all fear of other gods who are nothing in comparison to Him.  Our God is the one who has made a new covenant of grace with us with His own blood and sealed with the Holy Spirit.  He is the God who has brought us out of a prison of darkness and eternal damnation and delivered us with the great power of our resurrected LORD and Saviour.  We ought not forget our awesome God, and in remembering Him we are filled with praise and thanksgiving.  Loving God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind means we do not fear other gods.

Jesus Knows What to Do

"Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" ⁶ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do."

John 6:5-6

When Jesus asked Philip where they should buy bread for a great multitude of people, it was not because Jesus was ignorant of the situation.  Jesus asked already knowing what He would do.  Because God is all-knowing and the source of all wisdom and understanding, He does not need to rely upon advisors, news reports or messengers.  Jesus revealed Himself to be the Living Bread come down from heaven, the Son of God, when He fed the 5,000 to the full with only five loaves and two fish.  I am amazed and in awe of God who has purposes, plans and foreknowledge of all that will happen for eternity.  No backup plans are needed for the God who knows and does all.

I had a friend in university who was studying to be a landscape architect.  He had impressive knowledge of different plants and their Latin names I had never heard before.  To perform well in his role it was necessary for him to know what varieties of plants would be suitable for different environments, how they grew, and the proper placement of trees with an eye on the future.  It would be silly to put a tree that needs full sun in the shade, or to plant palm trees near a footpath where in a few years it would lift and crack concrete.  An experienced gardener will know where particular plants will thrive:  how to amend the soil, when to feed, the best ways to prevent pests and when a trim is needed.

I remember walking by a little apple tree that must have had 30 apples on it, and it was hardly over a metre tall!  Because the buds had not been pulled off to stimulate growth and the maturity of branches, the poor little thing was struggling under the weight of fruit.  Pieces of wood had been situated under pencil-thin limbs to keep them from breaking off the trunk.  The heavily-laden tree that was not pruned stands in contrast to what Jesus said in John 15:1-2:  "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."  God knows better than any vinedresser on earth what conditions are ideal for fruitfulness, and He prunes, supports and protects branches who abide in Jesus Christ.  The fruitful branches are not neglected but shaped and prepared to be even more fruitful.

We often do not know what to do, but Jesus always knows what He is doing and going to do.  What joy and rest this gives those who abide in Christ, for our fruitfulness is from Him and for Him.  When the fruit of our lips is sweet praise and thanksgiving to God, He is glorified.  When the fruit of the Spirit is revealed through our motives, actions and attitudes, God's grace and power is magnified.  Should our testimony result in more souls being added to the kingdom of God and the church is edified, exalt His holy name!  When we rejoice in trials and persecution to be counted worthy to suffer for His name and faith, hope and love are exhibited in and through our lives, all glory goes to Jesus who has made us fruitful by the Holy Spirit.  Without Jesus we can do nothing, yet when we abide in Him He knows how to make us most fruitful.

The LORD is My Shepherd

Every word of God is pure, and there is great significance in all God has written.  We may not always understand the meaning or personal application of a passage, but we can know the truth conveyed by the word of God is immutable and powerful like He is to transform us and our perspective.

This morning I landed on one of the most familiar passages of the Bible, one often reserved for funerals and memorial services:  Psalm 23.  The beauty of the lyrics to this psalm of praise to God are best appreciated and comprehended by those for whom Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14).  Every word was instructive to me and is packed with significance as I considered the opening sentence which reads, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."  This is solid ground of faith which remains unshakable forever, thus a fitting passage to read in regards to all who placed their trust in God during their pilgrimage on earth.

The:  a definite article that denotes a particular thing that is already known, in this case "refers to things or people when only one exists at any one time."

LORD:  yhwh, the proper name of the God of Israel, the eternal, living, almighty God and Creator of all things.

Is:  a verb the expresses existence or state of being.  It speaks of something that is presently true.

My:  a personal pronoun that indicates possession of something.

Shepherd:  a person who leads, tends, protects and provides for the needs of sheep.  In ancient Israel shepherds guided their sheep to find pasture where they could eat, drink and rest.

I shall:  "shall" is a verb in the future tense that expresses confident intent and expectations.

not want:  to "want" is to lack, decrease or be empty.  David expressed the opposite of being in want, having all needs presently and for all time supplied by God.

In this introduction the psalmist David has all confidence today and into the future because God was his shepherd.  By faith in the almighty God David and all who trust in Jesus Christ have everything we need for an abundant life now and for all eternity.  I encourage you, dear reader, to consider the implications of each word and the awesome truth revealed that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep.  There are many who have been called "lord," "my lord," and those who have worked as shepherds, but there is only one LORD God, the Good Shepherd who provides rest for those who trust in Him today and always.  In Jesus we find provided all things that pertain to life and godliness.

I leave you with the words of Jesus in John 10:11-14:  "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹² But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."  Since there is no one good but God, Jesus is right to identify Himself as the good shepherd being the only begotten Son of God.  By faith in Jesus we have rest for our souls, for He is ours and we are His.

Having Come In

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

Luke 1:26-28

Here is a picture which is both awe-inspiring and slightly humorous:  God sent the angel Gabriel with glad tidings to Mary (a virgin at this stage) that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Messiah.  This obviously was not in the plans of Mary who was betrothed to Joseph, and the possibility had never entered into her mind until she heard the message spoken by Gabriel, having come in.  It is a funny thought to have an angel just walk into your house.  I have heard people talk about "what the cat dragged in" but it is amazing to consider God sending an angel to deliver a message without knocking first.  I imagine the angel did not hesitantly ask, "Hello?" as he peeked around the corner.  Gabriel walked in like he owned the place because he was right where he was supposed to be, for the almighty God had sent him.

God is the LORD and does what He pleases.  Jesus described Himself to the church of Laodicea as standing at the door and knocking, and God who directed Gabriel to enter the house unannounced and without permission of the one living there comes to us exactly as He pleases.  It is a marvelous thing that Gabriel revealed what God would do after "having come in."  This is also true concerning the insight provided by God's grace when a soul is born again through faith in Jesus.  On the night Jesus was betrayed He alluded to this grand entrance in John 14:23:  "Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."  In scripture God sent angelic and human messengers unsolicited by those to whom they spoke, Jesus waits until we willingly open our hearts to receive Him in faith before He comes in and fill us with the Holy Spirit.  With the exceptions of unique cases of John the Baptist who was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb and Jesus who is the only begotten Son of God, God stands outside until we choose to receive Him by faith.

Isn't it wonderful how through the power of the Gospel God comes in, forgives us of sin, transforms our hearts and provides a revelation of Himself in this world and through His word?  See what Paul prayed for followers of Jesus in Ephesians 3:14-19, "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."  Gabriel came in and revealed facts about Mary's future, that she would be with child and would bear a son named JESUS.  Through faith in Jesus God has even revealed more than this to us, for He dwells within us, strengthens us, grounds us in His love, gives us the capacity to know God's love and "be filled with all the fullness of God."  No sire or pregnant woman--even Mary who carried Jesus in her womb--could make such audacious claims that are the birthright graciously given to all Christians.

Praise the LORD forever, who loves those who love Him, comes to us and makes His abode in us according to the riches of His glory!  May we never lose sight of the goodness of God to afford us such an intimate and life-giving relationship we have with Him by faith in Jesus.  The wise will wonder over the love of God now and forever, for it is infinite and eternal.  How great is the LORD, having come into us by grace, who reveals Himself continually as faithful, worthy and wonderful.  An angelic visitation is a very small thing indeed when compared to the revelation of God through Jesus Christ within us.

Risen and Standing

This morning after I heard news of an old friend of mine had passed into eternity, I read Psalm 20:6-8:  "Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. ⁷ Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. ⁸ They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright."  The hearts of believers can be at rest knowing all who trust in Jesus Christ have a Saviour who gives eternal life.  The eyes of a Christian that close due to the death of the body will wake and arise in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD answers the prayer of His anointed with salvation.

At the command of Pharaoh the Hebrews departed Egypt, and later the hard-headed Pharaoh regretted his decision.  He summoned his chariots and horses to pursue his former slaves who walked on foot as they lead their children, flocks and were burdened with household goods.  Pharaoh knew the Hebrews were no match against the speed of his chariots and horses, yet he did not take into account the power of the God of Israel who recently plagued Egypt with mighty signs and wonders.  As the chariots and horses plunged into the Red Sea which was parted by God's power, the wheels came loose from their chariots.  What they trusted to recover their work force became a death-trap:  the walls of water crashed down upon chariots, horses and riders who all perished whilst God's people were saved.

How good it is in times of prosperity, grief and loss to remember the name of the LORD our God who hears the cries of His people and answers from heaven with a mighty hand.  The strong, fit bodies of young men and women fail, and the minds of the elderly grow forgetful and confused.  Some place their trust in their own strength, wisdom, power and wealth, but none of these can save a soul from death.  Jesus said it is of no value for a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul.  It is the one who loses his life for Christ's sake that finds it.  The strongest among us will fall never again to rise, but by faith in God "we have risen and stand upright."  We can have confidence our Saviour can do for us what He demonstrated by His own resurrection, that Jesus grants righteousness by faith in Him and eternal life to all who receive the Gospel.  He enables us to stand by His grace now and forever.

Oh, to be risen and stand upright in the presence of our glorious Saviour!  Abiding in the presence of the LORD is a place full of love, peace and joy without a single regret.  To be caught up from a lifeless body into the nail-pierced hands of a sovereign Saviour will be a satisfying delight for eternity!  Gone are the cares of this life and divine pleasures forevermore are prepared to be discovered by redeemed souls clothed with immortality who know God as they are known.  Drink it in my friend, and enjoy the presence of the LORD whose love you received and in whose presence you delighted while you walked this earth and led others in worship and praise on bass guitar.  Join in with the angels and saints in His worship as voices in heaven and earth unite to sing His adoration.  In the presence of Christ all sadness morphs to joy, for my friend has never been better than he is now and shall always be.  

From Death to Life

God is able to do exceedingly beyond what we can ask or think, and He often operates in ways unexpected by man.  On one such occasion Elisha met with the sons of the prophets during a season of famine.  During their meeting, they filled a large pot with various herbs and wild gourds they found growing on a vine nearby.  Though the variety was unknown to them, the gourds certainly looked edible and good enough to eat.  I'm sure they thanked God for His provision as they cut up the gourds to make a stew.

2 Kings 4:40-41 tells us the miraculous event that followed:  "Then they served it to the men to eat. Now it happened, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, "Man of God, there is death in the pot!" And they could not eat it. ⁴¹ So he said, "Then bring some flour." And he put it into the pot, and said, "Serve it to the people, that they may eat." And there was nothing harmful in the pot."  It turned out the wild gourds were poisonous, that there was death in the pot!  One would think all the contents of the pot were dangerous for human consumption and the poison from the gourds.  Picking them out would not render the pottage safe.  But Elisha did something unexpected:  he told them to bring some flour, pour it into the pot, and miraculously the stew was rendered safe to eat.

There is an element of faith required in these events, to obey Elisha to bring the flour and to eat the stew with the poison still within.  By faith in God and obedience to Him the prophets were preserved and nourished even in the midst of a famine.  This is not the only time something like this happened.  When the Hebrews came to the bitter waters of Mara that were undrinkable, Moses cried out to the LORD who showed him a tree.  He threw the tree into the water and the water was made sweet (Exodus 15:25).  On another occasion after the people murmured against the LORD He sent serpents among them that bit the people and many died.  They confessed their sin and begged for Him to remove the snakes.  Instead God directed Moses to fashion a serpent of brass, to place it on a pole in the midst of the camp, and everyone who looked upon it would be healed (Numbers 21:9).  The men of Jericho must have been shocked when Elisha threw salt into the bitter waters of Jericho that previously caused barrenness and they were healed (2 Kings 2:21).

Instead of removing what was deemed dangerous, in these cases something more was added according to the word of God Who overruled the poisonous contents of a pot, bitter waters and venomous bites.  It was those who believed in God who received the benefits of God's miraculous power to nourish, heal, refresh and save.  It is God who gives life, and His word is living and powerful.  Even when there is a famine of hearing God's word He can direct people to receive eternal life in Himself by faith in Jesus.  Jesus, the Living Bread come from heaven, came into a world full of sin He allowed to remain so people could see their need for forgiveness and salvation found only in He Who gives everlasting rest for our souls.  How wise is God to place the church in this world steeped in sin so we might be the salt of the earth who, by His grace, can share the Gospel with all and make disciples of Jesus.

Sound In Love

As I was studying this week during sermon preparation, I came across this quote by D. L. Moody in the Enduring Word Commentary by pastor David Guzik:  “The church has become very jealous about men being unsound in the faith. If a man becomes unsound in the faith, they draw their ecclesiastical swords and cut at him. But he may be ever so unsound in love, and they don’t say anything.”  In this context jealousy means to be suspicious with fearful unease.  Now I do not know if this is an accurate portrayal of the church as much as people with whom D. L. Moody was aware.  I myself am exceedingly hesitant to suggest the behaviour of some is indicative of all.  But it is a sobering consideration, that anyone in the church would dismiss the need to love one another in an effort to uphold the truth.

In Paul's parting words to the elders of the church of Ephesus he said in Acts 20:28-32, "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. ²⁹ For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.³⁰ Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. ³¹ Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. ³² So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."  Paul realised the church could be undermined from within as well as attacked from outside.  There were two groups identified:  men like savage wolves who would come in among them and also from the group he addressed would men rise up, speak perverse things and attempt to draw disciples away from Christ and to themselves.

It is fitting therefore for elders, pastors and congregants within the church to be aware of the potential they themselves could be one who makes a series of choices to depart from faithfully following Jesus Christ and the word of His grace.  It is love of God and others that is to motivate Christians to address divisive behaviour and heretical doctrine in the church while choosing to walk in wisdom, love and grace towards all.  The one "unsound in the faith" is not beyond hope or help, for the God who saves souls can also restore them.  Jesus told Peter to put his sword back in his sheath when he lopped off the ear of Malchus, and we ought to wield the sword of the Spirit with gentleness with an aim to restore.  Galatians 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."

Being unsound in the faith has devastating consequences, and being unsound in love even more so.  If we cease to walk in love, we turn aside from walking as a disciple of Jesus should.  Jesus said in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."  By the grace of God may we be sound in love and faith as we watchfully shepherd the church of God purchased with His own blood.  In obedience to the Father Jesus shed His blood to purchase us unto Himself, and a church bought out of love can be guarded lovingly too.

Snail Crossing

During an early morning walk it is not uncommon for me to see snails of all sizes crossing the road.  It must take hours for those persistent mollusks to slowly make their way across the bitumen.  People ask why the chicken crossed the road, but I don't have a clever punchline about why snails would cross the road from a green, lush grassland to a construction jobsite filled with bricks, sand and clay, where nothing is able to grow.  It makes no sense to me why a snail would venture across the road towards a location which will only bring certain death.  The saturated clay is covered with puddles that would drown snails that attempted to ford them, and there is no food source for them to eat and survive.

I imagine a snail crossing the road might say something like this:  "Life had become unbearable for me.  My spouse left me and I have nothing but trouble with my annoying brothers and sisters.  I was in an unfulfilling job, an abusive relationship, and had no direction or motivation to do anything.  I was depressed and had no hope of a better life.  It all changed when I decided to do what's best for me and to hit the open road to find adventure.  My life has been completely transformed for the better and I'm excited about my future.  I'm really living now."  I would say, "Mr. Snail, I'm sorry to paint a bleak picture for you, but from my perspective my eyes can see what you cannot from the ground.  You are leaving a lush paradise for a barren wasteland.  You might be excited about your bright future, but I can tell you beyond any doubt there is nothing but death ahead.  I urge you to turn around and head back to a place where you can live life to the full."

Now Mr. Snail, if he could think and talk, would likely trot out reasons to keep on going.  Having thrown off the shackles of his previous life going back was out of the question, yet I could clearly see it would only be a matter of time before the money was gone, the positive feelings wore off, and his hungry belly would start growling like the prodigal in the parable Jesus told.  I wondered:  would he be able to muster up the energy to make the return trip?  Should I just pick the snail up and throw it back to where there was plenty of food, water and others snails in his native environment?  I decided to let the snail be.  You see, it isn't just a chicken or snails that cross the road because of the hope of greener grass, for people do the same.  They choose to venture away from the presence of God Who has provided all their needs all along and go far from Him to explore, experience and pursue what they have not yet found by His side.  Because Jesus Christ is the Life, to leave Him is to cut ties with Him and head to certain ruin.

Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  It is a challenge to describe what "life" is, and it is found in Jesus who gives eternal life.  Like a branch is connected to the vine or a limb is connected to a human body, life is only found through a personal connection with God through faith in Jesus Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life.  The source of all life is in those who believe, and we in Him.  There is no life beyond Him.  People who say they "hate their life" may not realise they can rejoice in Christ who is our Life at all times.  A better life is not on the other side of the road or at the end of a rainbow:  abundant and eternal life is found in Christ now and forever and nowhere else.  Life is more than activity, a beating heart, breathing lungs, brain activity or thoughts.  All of these are physical signs of life, shadows of the real thing that transcends physical, spiritual and the temporal world we live in currently.  Jesus has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel (2 Tim. 1:10), and in Him we live and have our being.

The incident on the road this morning demonstrated the short-sightedness of snails, and it is good we realise we human beings are much the same.  Snails and men alike find ourselves in ridiculous situations where we need assistance from God and others to help us find our way to the green fields and dewy grass where we can thrive under the protective guidance of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.  Except Jesus called our name and came after us, we would have gone to our doom in search of life found only in Him.  While I pondered these things, this is what I saw:

I was faced with a new question:  how did a snail manage to climb onto this car?  And how would he be able to safely crawl down?  There was nothing on this car the snail could eat:  why would the snail climb the tire?  How long did it take to crawl onto the rim, find the axle, somehow climb into the body of the car from the inside, then crawl outside?  A far easier explanation is the snail was placed there.  What this shows me is it does not matter how the snail ended up on the car or how long it took to navigate to the window:  what matters most is the snail be relocated to a place where it can feed, rest and thrive.  People find themselves in all manner of crazy places and have wild ideas about what an abundant life is, but Jesus Christ alone has the words of life because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  He has come to reveal God's love to sinners and save us by His grace.  The hope of finding true life by crossing the road is a mirage as the prodigal son found out for himself and Mr. Snail would in due time.

God Is Sacred

"There is a pestilence upon this land. Nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress at this period in history."

Roger the Shrubber

When I was a kid going to church, we were told to remove our hats and not run in the sanctuary by watchful ushers.  It was viewed by some as a sacred place, the "house of God," a consecrated location to draw near to God in worship, adoration and reverence.  In Webster's 1828 Dictionary the first entries to define sacred are:  "the sense is removed or separated from that which is common, vulgar, polluted, or open, public...holy; pertaining to God or to his worship; separated from common secular uses and consecrated to God and his service; proceeding from God and containing religious precepts."  The concept of a part of a building or hall being considered sacred in Christian circles perhaps comes from the example of the tabernacle or temple.  More likely it is merely a tradition of man borne out of a desire to honour God, albeit with the pitfalls of legalism.

It is good for man to recognise God is holy, and that believers have been made holy by faith in Jesus Christ.  Those wary ushers would do well to examine their own attitudes, words, motives and actions as conscientiously as they wore collared shirts when on duty and aimed to silence exuberant children with stern looks.  We live in a secular day when frankly nothing is viewed as sacred except the freedom of the individual, and the societal norms around dress, hair length, hair colour, tattoos and rock music--which were frequent points of contention between a traditional generation and my less traditional one--have largely disappeared.  In times past much of what was deemed sacred was drawn from tradition without substance, not having been produced by a personal relationship with the living God.  Now many of the traditional views have faded and thus the legalistic mirage of what was sacred has disappeared as well.

"Nothing is sacred," Roger the Shrubber said, and what he says is partially true.  Man has a way of making the sacred profane through idolatry when God is holy.  He is sacred, free from the pollution of sin and the wisdom of fallen man.  His word is sacred, having been divinely inspired and preserved by His power so man could be taught of our glorious Creator, realise our fallen state and place our faith in Jesus for salvation and redemption.  The sacred lies not in a building or in a hallowed place on this planet which will one day perish but in God Himself and the activity of people drawing near to Him in worship and adoration.  When a person bends the knee in prayer, when hands are raised to God in praise, when the word of God is proclaimed, when a heart submits in obedience and rests in God alone, these are sacred moments wherever we are because it is a soul uniting with the holy, sacred God in faith.  It is God Who must remain sacred in our eyes, for when we draw near to Him we stand on holy ground by His grace.

For this reason I believe during times of worship, whether we congregate in person or online, it is important to lead by example before children and adults alike to lay aside distractions.  It is not a time to check emails or record videos to post on social media.  If Jesus came to church I bet people today would ask for a selfie with Him!  How ludicrous when He is God, our Saviour and LORD!  Our aim should not be to occupy children who are capable of watching a favourite show when they too can learn to engage in worship.  Nehemiah 8:2-3 provides a good example of this when all the people gathered as one man to hear the Law of Moses read:  "So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. ³ Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law."  When a child is able to understand the dialogue in a TV show, they can hear the word of God.  This requires wisdom, training and discipline, and praise the LORD He is the master of all these and more.

Friends, do you see God as sacred?  Or has the grace of God or our familiarity with Him brought Him down to the level of what is common, worldly and exists for our benefit or enjoyment?  There are many warnings in scripture against profaning the name of God or His temple, and Ezekiel 44 speaks of how the role of the priests and Levites was to teach the people the difference between what is holy and profane, and their responsibility before God to observe this themselves.  It is no longer the Law of Moses which governs these distinctions under the New Covenant but the love and fear of God through faith in Jesus Christ.  We have been made holy by the power of the Gospel, and thus we are in Christ and He in us.  God is holy, and thus our worship, service and praise is sacred unto Him.

God Deals Bountifully

"I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me."

Psalm 13:6

Moses sang to God because He triumphed gloriously over his enemies, and David sung because God dealt bountifully with him.  God had heard David and delivered him out of His boundless mercy, and for this David rejoiced in the LORD.  I like how David said God "dealt bountifully" with him.  This "dealing" is not by chance like when cards are dealt in a game but speaks of God's merciful, purposeful and faithful dealings with those who trust in Him.  In baseball when a pitcher is dominant and mowing down hitters with ease, commentators, coaches and players alike say, "The pitcher was dealing today."  It is more than doling out what is expected or required but a generous demonstration of power and control without holding anything back.

God's dealings with mankind are bountiful according to His infinite and everlasting mercy and grace.  Psalm 103:8-12 reads, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. ⁹ He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. ¹⁰ He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; ¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."  The LORD has not dealt with us according to what our sin deserves but has expunged our sin and rendered believers righteous through the Gospel.  The stain and guilt of our sin is gone, having been washed clean by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Peter began his second epistle in 2 Peter 1:2-4 by speaking of how generous God's dealings are with those who are born again by faith in Jesus:  "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, ³ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."  God has extended the offer of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life to all people.  Even as we must receive a gift before we can appropriate it for our personal use, so only those who humble themselves before God in faith are enabled by His grace to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness.  God does not exclude anyone from humbling themselves before Him or surrendering their will before His:  man excludes himself from the presence and gifts of God by his unbelief, pride and self-righteousness.

Many people go through life lamenting the "bad hand" they have been dealt, but God's grace is sufficient for us.  Jesus expressed God's intent for those who trust and love Him in Luke 12:32, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  According to God's divine power we have been given all in Christ, and we can sing with David how God has dealt bountifully with us.  What do we have we have not been given by God?  What can separate us from His endless love?  Praise the LORD He has dealt with us according to His mercy and grace and not according to our iniquity.

Victory Through Death

A few years back I had the privilege of visiting the historical location of the Alamo in Texas, a place where out-gunned and under-manned Americans took a brave stand in the face of Santa Anna during Texas' war for independence.  Davy Crockett and James Bowie were numbered among the men who held their ground with Colonel William Travis, a God-fearing man whose name I share.  During the siege  in 1836 Colonel Travis wrote a famous letter in which he signed off, "Victory or death."  In the post script he said, "The LORD is on our side," a testimony that he fixed his eyes on God beyond the reach of troops or cannon fire.  It sounds like Colonel Travis trusted God to provide for he and his men in this life and for his soul in the next should the fort fall, which it ultimately did.

In the battle to hold the Alamo there were only two options:  victory over the attackers, or death of the men who valiantly aimed to hold it.  What is remarkable is how a third option rose out of the ashes of defeat, for the courage and bravery those displayed to hold the Alamo became a rallying cry taken up by Texans in the fight for independence from Mexico:  "Remember the Alamo!"  A place marked by defeat and death became a symbol of courage to fight the good fight and to demonstrate the fortitude of those brave souls who gave their all for a worthy cause.

When Jesus went to Calvary, He demonstrated the miraculous ability to secure victory through death.  He did not fight to save His life but laid it down as a atoning sacrifice for sinners so all who trust in Him can have eternal life.  In dying and rising from the grave Jesus defeated death as Paul affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:55-58, "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ 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 labour is not in vain in the Lord."  Observing the LORD's Supper is a fitting way to remember the price Jesus paid, the victory accomplished and to proclaim His death until He comes as a Saviour, Judge and King.

"Remember the Alamo!" was a rallying cry to fight courageously, and remembering Christ's victory through death fills us with gratitude and thanksgiving as we rest in the victory afforded us by Jesus.  Looking to Jesus keeps us from being weary and discouraged in our souls.  Let us thank God as we are steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing our labour and sacrifices will not be in vain because Jesus has already secured victory through death.

Proclaiming Jesus

I am enjoying reading through the Gospel of Mark with the family after dinner.  Yesterday we read chapter 5 of Mark when Jesus cast out a legion of demons from a possessed man.  The demons begged Jesus would not send them out of the country, and He permitted them to go into a herd of swine feeding nearby.  When the people of the town heard what Jesus had done, saw the man sitting with Jesus in His right mind, they begged Jesus to leave the region.  Ironic, right?

As Jesus boarded the ship to leave, the man who previously was demon possessed begged Jesus to go with Him.  It might be surprising to the reader Jesus declined his request.  Mark 5:19-20 says, "However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." ²⁰ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled."  What Jesus did is an amazing, thought-provoking act in sending the man away with a clear directive:  to go home and tell his friends what great things the LORD Jesus had done for him.  This man was obedient to what Jesus told him, and through his witness all marveled at the power and compassion of Jesus Christ.

The transformation in the mind, body and soul of the previously demonised man was obvious, and it also speaks to the power of Jesus to protect people from what they have been delivered from.  This man did not need to read up on demonology or be versed in particular phrases to wield spiritual authority to return to the place and speak with people where he had previously been in spiritual bondage.  He was not put through a course of study or months of intensive discipleship classes before he was sent out as a harmless dove among wolves.  The power of God that delivered him from a legion of unclean spirits was the same power that kept him safe and gave eternal life, and Jesus had no trepidation in sending him out to declare the great things He had done for him.  He was alone but not alone, for God was with him.

Here is where we can have this wrong.  We put great emphasis on believers reading the word, being in fellowship at a local church, growing spiritually by learning as we follow Jesus in obedience--rightly so, all good things.  Instead of the typical "following up" to make sure a believer isn't falling back into old habits and being held accountable (perhaps even pestered!) to connect with fellow believers on a regular basis, Jesus gave this man the task of sharing with others the great things Jesus had done for him.  I suspect many people who make a "commitment" to follow Jesus or pray to receive Jesus in a church setting today do not know or cannot say exactly what Jesus has done for them.  They know facts about His death and resurrection, but do they know Him by spiritual regeneration?  Have they understood the great things Jesus has done for us and how He has had compassion on us?  Disciples of Jesus ought to look at their life and say to their family and friends, "This is how Jesus has shown compassion on me" and make a practice of sharing this reality as God opens our eyes to see His work in us day by day.

The bold proclamation by this man of what Jesus had done turned out to be more fruitful than the troubled townspeople who were shocked to see the once possessed man sitting by Jesus in his right mind.  The incident with the Samaritan woman in John 4 is illustrative here, for it was the testimony of the woman who alerted the men to come to Jesus to listen to Him.  John 4:41-42 reads, "And many more believed because of His own word. ⁴² Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."  Our testimony of Jesus leads people to see and hear Him for themselves, and true believers become proclaimers.  There is no better way for a baby to learn to walk by trying to do it, and the way to live the Christian life is to believe and obey Jesus and to proclaim what He has done for us.  Having received Jesus by faith we are protected and empowered to share Him with others.  In doing so we are strengthened, our faith grows, the church is edified and Jesus is glorified.

Let's trust Jesus to prepare the hearts of those to whom we speak about Him.  Let's believe in the power of the Gospel to transform people from demon possessed to being sent out as a missionary in one day.  Let's have all confidence that God who saves us can also protect us, lead us, and provide all we need to grow and be spiritually fruitful.  Let's be those who tell others what great things Jesus has done for us and how He has shown compassion on us.

Exceedingly and Abundantly Above All

The use of alliteration has the power to transform a mundane observation into a profound maxim.  Just because words rhyme, however, does not mean they are necessarily true.  One such statement I heard years ago is, "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, you can achieve it."  While there can be correlation between committed drive to meet a goal and ultimate success, effort alone is no guarantee of a positive result.  Many people have dreamt big and invested their all, yet they failed to achieve all they hoped.

This prescriptive formula does not account for the many people who achieved and accomplished exploits beyond their wildest expectations.  Looking back they plainly admitted not conceiving in their minds nor holding  belief in their hearts for all that later eventuated.  It can be satisfying to work towards goals and the achieve them, but the believer is called to realise all our ability and fruitfulness for our efforts is by the grace of God.  As it is written in Deuteronomy 8:18, "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."  Joshua was able to say at the end of his days not one word failed from God's good promises, for all God said had come to pass.   It isn't the visionary or humanist that actually accomplishes anything, for whether man realises it what we may call success is all by God's grace.

Do you know your wildest dreams cannot compare to what God Who exceeds all expectations knows and plans?  We ought to pray for the desires of our hearts God has placed there, but know He is not in any way hindered by our short-sighted vision and plans.  Paul says God is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think in reference to heavenly, enduring riches that are beyond price.  He wrote in Ephesians 3:14-21:  "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

How many things Paul lists here we would not have considered to ask for a birthday or Christmas present:  strength through His Spirit, to have Christ dwell in our hearts by faith, to be rooted and grounded in God's love, that we could understand with all believers the fullness of God's love beyond reckoning, and to be filled with the fullness of God.  By the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit Paul prayed for these things, and God would be faithful to do more still.  That is the power of God that is at work in the mind and heart of every believer, and the work God has begun He will be faithful to complete.  Isn't it wonderful to know to God will "be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever?"  It is also written in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10:  "...Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." ¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."

We are called to believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, not to conceive or achieve.  Even if we conceive the most awesome things imaginable God and His plans are infinitely greater; and should we achieve anything it is not our plans coming to pass which are worthy of notice because God can do everything.  Our ability to think, the measure of faith we possess and all achievements we might receive credit for are accomplished by God and He is worthy of all glory.  He reveals, strengthens, indwells, instructs and does in and through us "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think."  Praise the LORD!

Someone Loves Ned

Early this morning during a walk I happened upon an unexpected sight.  It wasn't the sliver of a moon hanging overhead or the mist which couched in the low lying fields that surprised me:  it was repeated declarations of love emblazoned in white and blue chalk all across the bitumen road that read, "I love Ned."

I was amused as I walked over the writing of someone who clearly was smitten by "Ned."  It made me wonder who this "Ned" was, if it was a person, dog, cat or skink.  Was "Ned" aware of this love written so boldly with elaborate lettering, or were these affections still a secret to him?  I considered what Ned must have done to have such devoted persistence to declare this love so willingly and passionately.  The last proclamation was even more personal:  "I love my Ned."  Let's just say these messages made me curious about Ned and his chalky admirer.

As I finished the walk, my thoughts went back to the chalk messages proclaiming to all a love of "Ned."  It gave me pause to consider if my words and deeds are such a bold declaration of love for Jesus.  Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing for lives of Christians to provoke such curiosity about Jesus Christ who loves us, who demonstrated His love for all people on the cross?  His declaration of love was far greater and enduring than messages written in chalk, for Jesus shed His own blood to save us sinners.  As wonderful and worthy as Ned might be to be loved, Jesus Christ is the most worthy of all.

I might never know who Ned is or meet him myself, but the glorious truth is everyone can know Jesus by faith in Him.  We do not need to see Jesus face-to-face, shake His nail-scarred hand or embrace Him to know He is real because He has revealed Himself to all in the word of God and through the love of His disciples.  Because Jesus gives all who trust Him eternal life, we will one day meet and all be together forever.  May people say of us believers, "Boy, they sure do love Jesus."  Oh, how I love Jesus, and I pray you would love Him too.