Faith and Freedom From Fear

Today I read a troubling article of vulnerable people being deceived by a scam artist posing as a fortune teller in Sydney.  Two of the people interviewed were told they had an evil spirit on them and their children and would die unless they paid money for extensive prayer.  They ended up being conned out of tens of thousands of dollars out of fear for the well-being of their children and family.  Fear is a pervasive, consuming force in the lives of countless people today overcome only by faith in Christ.

One might think the opposite of fear is courage or bravery, but Jesus revealed it is faith in God.  People might be viewed as courageous because of what they have done or do, yet fear could be mixed with what prompted them to do what they did.  After the disciples panicked in fear during a storm on the Sea of Galilee Mark 4:40 reads, "But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"  Faith in Jesus was the antidote to fear that caused them to cry out and wonder if Jesus even cared about them.  When we have faith in God who loves us, our fear is cast out as it says in 1 John 4:18:  "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

Knowing God loves us makes us bold even in the face of judgment.  Believers in Christ do not need to have trepidation about our future on earth or even final judgment, for Jesus has already taken our deserved punishment upon Himself and promised abundant, eternal life.  He has forgiven and expunged us of our sins, He has destroyed every curse and has overcome all spiritual foes to make our hearts His own dwelling place.  For those who do not know and trust Jesus, however, fear is a rational response in light of our inability to save, redeem or deliver ourselves from evil--or even protect ourselves from the lies of deceitful people.  To those who are afraid Jesus speaks words of life and love as the living, almighty God before whom all angels and demons tremble.  In Him alone we find rest for our souls.

For those who worship demons there are millions of other demons as well--millions more reasons to be in fear should you not gain the attention and protection of your limited deity.  The eternal God who created all living things, all spirits, people and animals, has humbled Himself to be revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.  All who  came to Jesus who were possessed or oppressed by evil spirits were delivered free of charge, and Jesus also went to the man who had a legion of spirits no man could tame and freed him without a fight or a fee.  To all people who have been put in fear to pay a fee for your deliverance or protection know Jesus paid the price of your redemption with His own blood.  There is hope for you today, right this minute.  All people by God's grace can receive salvation and freedom from the curse of sin and death by faith in Jesus who loves us.  Have faith in Jesus Christ, and you will have freedom from fear.

The Quiet and Peaceable Life

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

1 Timothy 2:1-2

In his famous Gettysburg address during the Civil War, president Abraham Lincoln spoke of government of the people, by the people and for the people--all prefaced with the statement, "under God."  Due to the democratic forms of government that allow people to vote in elections, the fact God presides over the appointment of those in authority can be dismissed or forgotten.  For all citizens it is wise to look beyond a ruler whether they are revered or despised by men and to the God who moves their hearts like the turning of a river (Proverbs 21:1).

Paul exhorted Timothy and fellow believers in Christ to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks for all men, for kings and all in authority.  These earnest petitions, requests in prayer and giving of thanks were to be faithfully offered to the end all may lead a "quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."  Depending on where you live or the political climate, it might be more common to sign petitions to oust a governor than to make petitions known before God with thanksgiving.  We can be swept up in praying against people rather than giving God thanks for them.  How far short of Paul's exhortation we fall when we hope to gain political sway towards our desired end rather than leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

When it comes to politics, these days it is the antithesis of quiet and peaceable.  News reports are full of people shouting at rallies, protesting, amplifying their frustrations with loudspeakers.  There is nothing wrong with using the voices God has given us to speak forth His truth in love, our lives ought to be attended with all godliness and reverence.  We are to have the humble mind of Jesus Christ and demonstrate reverence and respect for others even if they view us as opponents or enemies.  The Greek word for "reverence" is also translated "dignity."  This is the quality of being worthy of honour and respect, being composed and calm.  If we lack this godly demeanor in our thoughts and conversation we miss the mark even should our views be biblically spot on.

Let us take to heart this exhortation from God's word personally, to give thanks for everyone--whether they are a sovereign by birth, selected by a political party, elected by constituents or a fellow citizen on the other side of the aisle.  We are called to submit to the KING OF KINGS Jesus Christ who has all authority in heaven and on earth.  Jesus IS the authority, and thus we are never at the mercy of democracy or despots.  Our peace can never come from who is on "capital hill" but what Jesus accomplished on Calvary's hill.  Because Jesus is our peace we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence, knowing His reign is eternal and He is good.

God Explains so We Can See

One book Charles Spurgeon wrote that I enjoyed is titled, The Bible and the Newspaper.  The basic premise of the book is God can provide object lessons everywhere--even in the articles found in the newspaper.  Jesus used illustrations in His teaching and parables from ordinary life, and thus it is feasible with His guidance we can employ these wisely as well.  Spurgeon wrote, "The things which we have seen and noted we now give our readers, not merely for their entertainment, but that we may encourage in them the habit of looking for emblems and analogies.  It is a mental exercise as profitable as it is pleasant." (Spurgeon, C. H. The Bible and the Newspaper. Pilgrim Publications, 1973. Page v.)  Being grounded on the unchanging truth of God's word with open eyes and ears, I have found this to be the case.

The things we see and hear can have a profound impact upon us in a positive or negative sense.  An example of this is shown in the oddly named song "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" by the alternative rock band Crash Test Dummies.  The song tells a story of three kids:  one whose hair turned from black to white after a car accident, a girl who had birthmarks all over her body and a boy who went to a church where people "shook and lurched all over the church floor."  These characters all shared something in common, the fact they could not explain these occurrences that made them stand out among other people.  The boy couldn't explain how cars crashing hard changed his hair colour, nor could the girl explain how she was born with birthmarks that led to self-consciousness.

The song says these two were glad because one kid had it worse than them--the one with the strict parents who made him come directly after school, the one who went to a church where people shook on the church floor.  The lyrics say, "He couldn't quite explain it, they'd always just gone there."  Truly this is the saddest case, and I don't fault the boy.  Christians are called to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us as Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."  We are called not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together with fellow Christians having been made one Body by faith in Jesus.  It is also wise to have our corporate worship guided by God's word, understanding what we are doing and why.  There is freedom for diversity in the Body of Christ, and with Jesus as our Head we are all united by the same Holy Spirit.

There are many people like the last boy and his family, going to church, doing religious activities because they always have or feel obligated to.  The faith of a Christian ought to be according to knowledge of God as revealed in scripture, the God who does things beyond explanation because He is almighty.  While I cannot explain all that God has done and is doing, it is possible to know and rely upon all God has revealed of Himself.  He is not the author of confusion but of peace.  In relation to the exercising of spiritual gifts in the church assembly (what the song alludes to), all things ought to be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40).  It is by God's unchanging word we can know what is orderly and out of order, what is decent or unbecoming for believers.  Our practices ought to be brought in line with the sound teaching of God's word.  This is how "Mmm" can turn into "Ah, I see!"

Do You Get It?

In candid videos that catch amusing or amazing moments it is common to hear the one handling the camera say something like, "I got that on video!"  We've all seen some crazy and bizarre things during our lives, and it is a rare thing to have a camera at the ready and capture the footage well.  Perhaps I'm dating myself a bit, for it seems these days everyone has their phones whipped out and already recording and the thought never crossed my mind.  I also have been guilty of going for the camera to memorialise a hilarious event rather than immediately helping a good friend.  As he pushed the boat from the dock he dunked himself into the freezing water of Lake Cuyamaca and it was the funniest thing.  The intense look on his face peering over the stern of the rowboat on that brisk morning I will never forget--even though I didn't get it on film.

The loving thing to do would have been to do unto others as Jesus has done for me:  to not think about myself or "getting" that footage but to help a struggling friend.  Do you know heeding the "Golden Rule" is not natural to us?  I would appreciate someone casually pointing out the greens in my teeth during a meal or that I have a toilet-paper tail upon exiting the bathroom.  I may not pull out a camera to shame the person, but I have not always taken immediate action to help others when a kind word was called for.  I ask myself:  why do I allow feelings of embarrassment to speak up to help others avoid potential embarrassment?  Why do I prefer ignoring or distancing myself from the situation?  There are many reasons and not one is justifiable or righteous.  As a start it is because I am selfish, proud, disobedient and outright refuse to walk in love demonstrated by Jesus.  In the moment when I choose to follow my feelings I tend to cater to innumerable fears, unwarranted though they be.  Living in love puts God and others in our sights rather than thinking of ourselves, knowing He sees and remembers all.

Praise the LORD He desires we would learn to live life skillfully and wisely as Jesus does.  Paul wrote in Philippians 2:1-4, "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."  Jesus humbled Himself for our salvation, and thus we ought to humble ourselves for the sake of others.  Paul continued in Philippians 2:12-13:  "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

God is faithful to discipline and correct us as a father a son in whom he delights.  God reveals our refusal to love, harshness and ungrace.  Having freely received consolation, love, fellowship of the Spirit, affection and mercy, we are called to lowliness of mind that values all others over self.  We tend to connect with people over shared interests, and if their interests are one of our major concerns our perspective will radically change.  This is what God is calling us to do, and let us be obedient to God like Jesus is to His heavenly Father.  It is God's work to change us "both to will and do for His good pleasure."  Instead of seeking to please ourselves, may we yield to God's will to love one another as He loves us.  It is infinitely more important for us to "get this" than saving funny clips on our phones.

Confession, Prayer and Healing

Recently news broke that a major telecommunications company had been hacked and millions of account details had been stolen.  The company has primarily come under fire, not only for alleged "human error" that allowed the breach to occur, but for not promptly notifying their customers the theft had occurred.  News agencies reported millions of phone numbers and details up for sale on the dark web before the company alerted affected former and current customers.

When these sorts of things happen that have the potential for bad press, whether in companies or personally, one common response is to keep quiet for damage control.  Instead of voluntarily telling the truth to protect the interests of others, it withholds details to protect itself.  This approach aims to maintain the the outward appearance of professionalism while an internal investigation is underway.  This provides means to pin the blame on a person or group to avoid soiling the brand as a whole.  Should these tactics fail, another approach is that of spin.  It seeks to justify self as actually having done the right thing in response to criticism leveled:  it was not a mistake when customers were not immediately notified because it was all in the grand plan of communicating through media first.

Everyone makes mistakes, people and corporations comprised of people included, but we don't enjoy admitting when we make mistakes ourselves.  From articles I have read, there is very broad support for telecommunication companies to be required to notify their customers of known breaches as soon as possible--even though this would be potentially embarrassing and does not foster confidence in a brand.  I would feel more comfortable with a company that is willing to say there could be a possible breach as well as known breaches if every time it happened there was improved oversight and steps taken to mitigate future mistakes.  I would rather a company admit their fault and take prompt action to revamp their security rather than pretending to be perpetually perfect when no one is.  Companies comprised of people ought to be accountable to the law of the land, consumers, and care for their fellow employees.  If this is reasonable, isn't it also reasonable the church and members of it are accountable to God and one another in love?

James 5:16 affirms this:  "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  "Confess" means to "to agree," that our words we say would be consistent with truth and in agreement with our conscience.  If we are angry and offended on the inside because we have refused to forgive someone, we should not pretend or act like we are faultless.  We aren't to spread a report of how badly we have been wronged but to confess our trespasses to one another.  Sin always breeds in bunches.  The things that have offended us have merely scratched away the self-righteous, proud varnish to reveal our hearts in truth.  It is loving when someone else points out our errors, painful to our pride as it might be, but we are called to tell on ourselves to the end we would be healed as we pray together.  Let us be quick to admit our faults without damage control, blaming others or spin, for the God who holds us responsible to obey Him desires our healing and restoration.

The KING Who Saves

Today in New South Wales has been deemed a public holiday to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth, the longest serving monarch in British history.  During a recent drive I heard an ABC radio presenter ask a British guest and royal expert if there was a special place in heaven for those who reigned as kings and queens on earth.  After a brief explanation from a general Christian worldview, the guest replied there was not a special place for royals in heaven.  He hinted the only recognised king in heaven is the LORD Jesus Christ, the KING OF KINGS, whom Queen Elizabeth worshipped as His loyal subject.  Those who are faithful in service and honour God in their duties as Queen Elizabeth did embrace virtues intrinsic to Jesus Christ Himself.

As I viewed clips of the royals singing hymns and the national anthem "God Save the King," it struck me members of the British royal family sing these songs to God and these words are not a petition to themselves.  In the simple act of singing, whether or not a royal actually believes in the existence or anointing of God, it demonstrates the king, queen, princes and princesses are all under God whose reign is everlasting and sovereignty absolute.  On earth people make requests of their rulers, and those who rule best are those who submit themselves under the almighty God.  The history of Israel makes this plain, as the kings who feared God gained the respect and adoration of the people.  The outpouring of mourning for the passing of Queen Elizabeth into eternity is a testimony of God's favour upon her and her people.

I imagine since Queen Elizabeth had faith in Christ, her view would align with king David who said he would be content to be a doorkeeper in the house of the LORD than be anywhere else.  The apostle Paul said he preferred to be in the presence of God in heaven rather than remain on earth in his body.  By the power of the Gospel every believer is on the same footing as adopted children of God and look forward to our eternal habitation with Jesus in glory.  In the kingdom of God both royals and common folk, Jews and Gentiles are united in the body of Jesus Christ the church, having been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  In a biblical sense those who are born again are royalty, having been accepted into the beloved.  As royalty, we are privileged to serve God in a unique capacity.  On earth kings and queens are worthy of honour, having been appointed by God, and it is our honour to serve the KING OF KINGS Jesus Christ because He is worthy in Himself.  Jesus is the God who saves, the LORD to whom British royals and commoners alike sing:

God save our gracious King!

Long live our noble King!

God save the King!

Send him victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us,

God save the King.

Thy choicest gifts in store

On him be pleased to pour,

Long may he reign.

May he defend our laws,

And ever give us cause,

To sing with heart and voice,

God save the King.

The God of Life

Recently images were released that were captured by the James Webb Space Telescope which cost about 10 billion dollars over two decades.  Superior to the Hubble telescope, the hope of scientists is images it collects from deep in space will lead to new insights and discoveries.  The NASA website puts it this way:  "Webb will solve mysteries in our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it."  On an ABC radio program yesterday during a news segment a reader said the telescope will provide the "explanation for life itself."  These sound like grand ambitions indeed.  I'm no astronomer or astrophysicist, but I have the sneaking suspicion the more we discover the more unanswered questions we will have.  And how many scientific discoveries were the means of overturning what we previously thought we knew to be true?

Wouldn't it be ironic if answers and revelations people invest decades and billions of dollars hope to discover beyond unseen reaches of the galaxy have already been provided?  There is no doubt value to what scientists will observe with the Webb telescope, but God has already revealed Himself as the Creator of all living things.  Many have heard this report yet do not agree with it; they do not like it and thus look for other explanations.  God has spoken in the quiet of our conscience and we will tune our frequencies to decipher static from space in a search for "intelligent life."  We will look beyond the miraculous abundance of life on earth to the distant galaxies, thinking there is something way out there to teach us when God's word we can hold in our hands and read in our own languages holds the key to everlasting life.

Before we who believe in the existence of God begin to foolishly feel smug over our knowledge of God who created the universe, the reality is God's people are notorious for not listening to Him.  Those who know God do not necessarily trust Him, and those who know God speaks truth do not always listen to or obey Him.  God has drawn near to us yet we drift from Him in ignorance.  Isaiah 48:16-19 says, "Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, I was there. and now the Lord GOD and His Spirit Have sent Me." ¹⁷ Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. ¹⁸ Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. ¹⁹ Your descendants also would have been like the sand, and the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; his name would not have been cut off nor destroyed from before Me."

We desire unbelieving people who do not know God to come to faith in Him, to acknowledge and trust in Him:  in this passage God expresses fervent desire for His people to draw near to Him, walk in His ways and experience His perfect peace.  Anyone can be guilty of admiring creation over the Creator, ascribing greatness to what was made rather than the Maker.  We can make our questions an idol even God must bow down before rather than receiving His revelation we can only know in part--and we can ask the wrong questions anyway.  It is remarkable:  one person sees the amazing pictures taken from the Webb telescope and marvels over how they are seeing "the place where a lot of the atoms inside your body were formed," and others marvel over the glory of God who made the heavens, earth and us.

The answers to life are not in distant galaxies only discernible through time-lapse photography:  God has spoken to us and provided us life by His grace because He loves us.  We ought to come near to God and hear Him, for He is our Redeemer and the LORD our God.  He is the living God and thus speaks today.  God is not a impossible puzzle to be deciphered but the almighty Creator who reveals Himself to us as all-knowing, all-powerful and perfectly good.  James 4:8 exhorts us, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."  Let us not be as the children who do not like the answer Dad gave us so we seek out an answer from Mum, turning from God in the hope science or anything else will give us the answer we are looking for or are more comfortable with.  God is the God of all comfort, and if you want to know anything about life it is found in Him.  The observable universe has much to consider and marvel over, and in our glorying let us glory in our Saviour who IS our life.

Now God Will be Exalted

During our lives there is much that can throw us for a loop.  In addition to our own feelings and circumstances we can receive news that grieves our hearts.  This is my personal experience as I hear and see reports of the United States are as divided as ever.  It looks like the greatest threat to the prosperity and peace of the U.S. are the citizens of the States themselves.  Some people say election results are not trustworthy, and other say decisions of the Supreme Court are illegitimate.  People rejoice over increased gun control to reduce violence while others feel their rights are being infringed.  Lately people have celebrated abortion is no longer a federal mandate to save the lives of unborn whilst the other side believes their constitutional rights are being stripped away.  The strife, discord, threats and hatred of one another is palpable, and any outlook for peaceable, humble unity is grim.

For a believer it is not healthy or beneficial to be preoccupied or distressed by these developments, nor is it wise to place our faith in political sway or legislation.  I find it impossible to rejoice when these recent reports reveal a hardness of heart towards God and one another, devoid of the fear of God, of love for God and fellow man.  The argument was increased gun control doesn't keep criminals from breaking laws by stealing, buying or 3D-printing firearms; another argument was the restriction of abortion will not keep people from risking their health with "back alley" abortions.  Both of these arguments agree legislation cannot change the hearts and minds of people.  When we dig in our heels and refuse to budge for anyone--even God--the best and most equitable laws will not improve society at all.  Man will find a way to rebel and reject God to follow his own heart to destruction.  Recent conflicts reveal the schisms that already existed under the surface, and it seems there is no healing balm for them.

When David was overwhelmed he looked to the LORD with faith who rules and reigns on high, and this is an excellent example all ought to follow.  This morning I read Isaiah 33:5-6:  "The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. ⁶ Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure."  God is exalted, and blessed are those who exalt Him, who trust in His wisdom, knowledge and strength.  God's goodness and power will be the "stability of your times," and this is timeless truth we can rely upon.  No matter what happens in the world, who wins or loses an elections, regardless of the changing of legislation or a government, the one who fears the LORD is treasured by Him.  We protect what we treasure, and the LORD protects and provides for those who fear and love Him by His grace.

How the grieving and troubled hearts of God's people are lifted by the word of the LORD in Isaiah 33:10:  "Now I will rise," says the LORD; "now I will be exalted, now I will lift Myself up."  No one appointed or elected God who is alive and rises when He pleases to do His perfect will.  The drunkard and fearful person stumbles in the dark, but God rises and stands with power to save and deliver.  It does not matter if the enemy is from without or within, for He is our advocate and Saviour who gives eternal life, perfect peace and fullness of joy that is ours by faith in Jesus.  Those who hear the words of Jesus and do them He likens to a wise man who builds his house upon the rock that will endure the storm and flood.  He has made us upright by the power of the Holy Spirit, and so let us walk in the fear of the LORD and His timeless wisdom.  We cannot fix the broken world we live in, nor are we called to:  we are called to unite our hearts to fear His name, as much as depends on us to walk peaceably with one another, and to walk humbly with our God who is risen and is exalted on high.

Born Again to Be

The viewer's introduction to Aragon in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is in the shadows of the Prancing Pony tavern, his face and piercing eyes illuminated by the glowing embers of a pipe.  The travelling hobbits asked the bartender and host of the establishment about the menacing man who sat alone, and they were told he was a Ranger of the North named "Strider."  Little did they know this man would be their faithful guide, fierce protector and more still: he would be revealed to be the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, one able to wield Anduril, the sword forged from the shards of Narsil.

It is clear in the films Aragon carried shame of his forbear's unwillingness to destroy Sauron's ring of power when he had the chance.  Instead of ridding the world of that great evil, he carried it close to his heart.  Aragon knew the same weakness found in kings and all men also marked him, and so he kept his true identity secret.  He fought for the side of good, yet for decades he shied away from the burden of rule because of his sense of unworthiness.  When the hope of men was almost lost, Elrond king of the Elves forged the sword Anduril.  Knowing the fate of Middle Earth and the life of his daughter Arwen was at stake, Elrond forcefully said: "Put aside the ranger. Become who you were born to be.”  In picking up the sword Aragon needed to put aside the ranger.  Desperate times moved a man to embrace his purpose.

Now the Lord of the Rings trilogy does not acknowledge or  speak of God, but there are clear parallels between Aragon and followers of Jesus.  We must lose our lives for Christ's sake in order to find them; we must decide to put away the ambitions of our flesh and be born again by faith in Jesus to submit to the plans and purposes God has in creating and redeeming us.  While we are sanctified, set apart by God for God when we are justified, we are also being sanctified.  There is a positional aspect of sanctification as well as a progressive one.  As we are convicted of sin we never noticed before we are to confess and repent, choosing instead to do the things that please God.  We are called to take up the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, and learn to rightly divide it.  God holds us responsible and accountable to be who we were born again to be.

The church of God is the body of Christ comprised of many members, and it cannot be more healthy, well or fit than each individual person.  To lament the ills of society without realising you are part of society is foolish as grieving over the problems "in the church" without realising it is the body of Jesus Christ (and also our own body!) we criticise.  The call of Christ is an individual call, for each servant of the LORD Jesus to obey, honour and glorify Him.  It is for each Christian to cast aside every weight and the sin that easily weighs us down and to run with endurance the race set before us as we look to Jesus together.  There is a corporate aspect of this, but the corporate will not happen unless we do this ourselves first.  It is our reasonable service to present ourselves as living sacrifices acceptable to Christ, not being conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds to the end we may prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

Where the analogy breaks down is no man can become who he is born to be by courage, willpower or strength.  It is God who knits people together in the wombs of their mother and has plans and purposes He intends we fulfill by His grace.  It is God who brings us together as part of a local fellowship of believers who serve the LORD and one another in the ministry of His word.  Every child of God is called to take up the sword of the Spirit and to be strong in the LORD and the power of His might in the service of our King Jesus.  It is God who makes us fruitful in His service.  It is not by our might, nor by our power we will prevail but by His Spirit as we surrender in obedience to Him.  By faith in Jesus Christ marked by obedience to Him we are becoming who we were born again to be.

God Is Blessing

These days it seems one cannot speak or breathe without offending someone, and public figures are held to the highest scrutiny.  The Australian prime minister recently said something that drew the ire of recent Australians of the year and others when in conversation he said, "Jenny and I have been blessed, we've got two children that don't — that haven't had to go through that...And so, for parents with children who are disabled, I can only try and understand your aspirations for those children."  When Scott Morrison realised how his comments were offensive to many, he promptly apologised--and rightly so.

We cannot help how others interpret what we say and what we mean.  I do not believe the Australian Prime Minister meant in the slightest what people took him as meaning, that by saying he was blessed to have children without disabilities people who have them are cursed.  As a believer I am sure Mr. Morrison was saying he was blessed to have children whether they had disabilities or not.  Even if he had no children, our Prime Minister could rightly say he was blessed to be childless, for we are fully and most blessed in God alone.  It is on this point those who do not know God find themselves in the dark.  They have not tasted and seen that God is good and how His greatest blessings can take forms we never imagined they could.  It is faith in our good God that completely transforms the human perspective and sees blessing everywhere.

It is faith in the unwavering good God that provides understanding and gratitude toward God even in difficulties.  Consider the lyrics of Brenton Brown's song Our God is Mercy: "Our God is mercy, our God is mercy, if your heart is heavy, if your soul is thirsty; there is a refuge, a home for the lonely 'cause our God is near...you're blessed if you've been torn apart, you're blessed if you've a broken heart for hope is waiting at the door. Salvation's near."  No one likes the feelings of a heavy heart or thirsty soul; certainly no one enjoys feeling lonely, being torn apart or having a broken heart.  Surely these painful descriptions seem or feel much more a curse than a blessing!  Those who are God's redeemed have the capacity to continually bless His holy name because He is ever blessing us.

The reality of a good God Who demonstrates His love, is in Himself a refuge for us and is a Redeemer.  We can't understand the pain, sorrow or trials others have faced, and we cannot fully comprehend our own feelings at times.  But the immutable truth remains that God is good and He is a blessing to all who trust in Him.  His goodness, grace and mercy is complete and continual, and it is in realising our need we find an enduring hope and help in Him throughout all seasons of life.  God allows challenges, struggles, disappointments, dashed expectations and difficult conditions so we might rely upon Him more and discover comfort, rest and peace we never imagined possible when all seemed well.  What some people see as a curse can be redeemed as greatest blessing when we look to God in faith.

God's Truth Stands

One consequence of believing the Bible is the word of God who is the Creator of all things is this completely impacts your outlook and perspective.  Because God is true and does not change or make mistakes, His word stands as the ultimate authority by which all other claims are gauged.  Builders use calibrated spirit levels to determine if a beam is level or a wall is plumb, and the tool expresses reality the most skilled workers trust and rely upon.  Our eyes do not always see clearly, but God always speaks truly.  The ideas and saying of men swing from one error to another, yet God's truth stands fast now and forever.

News websites and radio programs are buzzing as a result of the slap seen and heard round the world at the Oscars last night when Will Smith smacked Chris Rock.  One of the quotes I found intriguing was when Smith related a conversation he had with actor Denzel Washington who issued a warning:  "In your highest moments, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”  Highs and lows are part of life as a human being on earth, but the Bible reveals man on his own is vulnerable at all times.  Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd Who guards and protects the flock of God, we never need fear the devil.  Instead of feeling anxious, troubled or threatened by enemies who oppose us we can make our requests known to God with joy and thanksgiving.

1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."  While the devil seeks whom he may devour, it is not our carefulness that deters him but God.  When Daniel was thrust into the lion's den, it was God who sent an angel to shut the mouths of ravenous lions so they could do him no harm.  Interestingly, when King Nebuchadnezzar was at his peak it was not Satan but God who came for Him in judgment and chastening.  Daniel 4:30-32 relates, "The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" ³¹ 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."  Pride came before a fall controlled by the Most High to reveal Himself, not just to Nebuchadnezzar, but to all people today.

The sin of the devil is pride, and he does not deter any who follow his lead.  He encourages people to that end so they might destroy themselves because he is a liar, thief and murderer from the beginning.  Jesus spoke forth a warning to those He loved dearly in Luke 12:4-7:  "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."  No child of God need tremble if Satan attempts to unleash his fury against them, nor should the devil be our deterrent to pride:  it is God we fear, God who kills and throws souls who reject Him into hell forever.  At the same time this is balanced by the care and love God has shown us constantly, for we are infinitely more precious to Him than sparrows.  He is our protector and Peace, and it is most foolish to carelessly cross Him.

When we are sheltered in the presence of the almighty God, let come what may for no one is able to snatch us out of our Saviour's hand.  Nothing shall separated us from the love of God we have received by grace through faith in Christ.  It is true the devil is a living, malevolent being who seeks to destroy, but he has been defeated and disarmed by Jesus the KING OF KINGS who provides salvation, eternal life and perfect peace.  Satan walks about to and fro, but Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father because He accomplished all to redeem and reconcile us to God by His own sacrifice.  We ought to be sober and vigilant; we ought to fear God, remembering not one of us is forgotten by  Him.  We also should extol and praise the almighty God who has purchased us with His own blood, washed us clean and lifts our heads with joy.

Our Miraculous Helper

Genuine faith in God is established in knowing Him and what He has done.  Those who are convinced of God's power displayed in creation and salvation are enabled to rely upon Him presently.  Psalm 121:2-3 says, "My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. ³ He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber."  God's miraculous power demonstrated by making the heaven and earth reveals His timeless wisdom, authority and strength.  He Who made us can help us, and He is our only Hope.

Psalm 121 clearly connects the miraculous deeds God has done to helping us today and for the future because He is eternal.  He made the earth long ago and helps us now; He will not allow our feet to be moved.  God in His wisdom established the earth on nothing, and nothing is hard for a God who can conceive, design and order such things.  Placing our faith in God as revealed in the Bible who created us and helps us is the most intelligent, wise thing a man can do.  It is faith in God that opens our eyes to see our need for Him and how He has ever been faithful to meet those needs even before we thought to ask.

Recently I read an amusing anecdote from G.K. Chesterton:

"It is assumed that the sceptic has no bias; whereas he has a very obvious bias in favour of scepticism.  I remember once arguing with an honest young atheist, who was very much shocked at my disputing some of the assumptions which were absolute sanctities to him (such as the quite unproved proposition of the independence of matter and the quite improbable proposition of its power to originate mind), and he at length fell back upon this question, which he delivered with an honourable heat of defiance and indignation:  "Well, can you tell me any man of intellect, great in science or philosophy, who accepted the miraculous?"  I said, "With pleasure.  Descartes, Dr. Johnson, Newton, Faraday, Newman, Gladstone, Pasteur, Browning, Brunetiere--as many more as you please."  To which that quite admirable and idealistic young man made this astonishing reply - "Oh, but of course they had to say that; they were Christians."  First he challenged me to find a black swan, and then he ruled out all my swans because they were black.  The fact that all these great intellects had come to the Christian view was somehow or other a proof either that they were not great intellects or that they had not really come to that view.  The argument thus stood in a charmingly convenient form:  "All men that count have come to my conclusion; for it they come to your conclusion they do not count." (Chesterton, G. K. All Things Considered. CreateSpace, 2018. page 103)

There are sceptics who prefer speculation over established facts, sceptics who are ignorant of something, and sceptics because they want to be.  There are many things in this world of which I am sceptical because I do not trust the source or that it is in my best interest according to what I already know.  When foreign students came to my front door selling "original" artwork I was very sceptical because I know quality paintings command a high price and are not sold door-to-door, and thus could not be bothered to browse their selections.  The thing we are sold on we are no longer sceptical of.  When I was given a shot of penicillin as a kid when I had strep throat, I did not explain medically or scientifically what was happening.  But all scepticism I had before the shot evaporated when within minutes my fever broke and I had a ravenous appetite after days of being sick.  I have come to find that God is greater than any medicine because He is our Maker who miraculously helps us today.  His word is ever true, He remains faithful and He rules over all things.

The man whose heart is established in God according to knowledge shall not be moved.  I can testify of biblical examples of those who hearts were strengthened in God in the midst of trials, and I have been an eyewitness of this as well.  I have seen people rejoice when they naturally would have collapsed in despair and others look to the LORD with hope when all hope seemed lost.  Faith in God has healed hearts, miraculously transformed lives and perspectives.  As one who has been born again the only reasonable explanation is it was God in the person of Jesus Christ who revealed Himself to us who lives, keeps us and is continuing to change us for good.  The supporting evidence of God's miraculous works and help is beyond reckoning, and I am convinced the chief reason people pay God no mind is because they would rather not.

If those who know God is their Creator and help actually live like this was so, it would certainly bring glory to God through the interest which would be fostered.  When everyone else is wringing their hands with anxiety, we can raise our empty hands in praise to God who helps, keeps and saves us.  Who do we have in heaven but Him?

If God's Your Father

Recent news in New South Wales has highlighted political debate around a proposed religious discrimination bill which was intended to protect people of faith.  Others have shared their concerns that by protecting believers it could legalise discrimination towards other people groups, even those who have physical disabilities.  Tennis champ and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott revealed at the age of 16 he was singled out by a "preacher" and called "the spawn of Satan" as he sat in a queue in his wheelchair whilst on a date.  An article expressed his concern "...that some 'more traditional' religions believe people with disabilities are a spawn of Satan and view their disability as a punishment because they or their parents have done something wrong."  It is evident those hurtful, horrendous words wounded Dylan.  I have no idea of the religious beliefs of that preacher, but from a Christian vantage point it was a wicked and sinful thing to say.

Beliefs can be a tricky minefield to navigate:  one person can make a false, hurtful accusation, and the one injured then believes a whole group of people are again them.  It is possible we can make caricatures of those we do not understand or agree with.  In Dylan's case, I do not doubt for a second someone would make such an evil, callous remark because Jesus dealt with such self-righteous judgments of His disciples, and people have not changed.  John 9:1-3 tells us, "Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. ² And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" ³ Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."  Seeing a man who suffered blindness from birth, men who followed Jesus looked for someone to blame.  Someone must have sowed seeds of sin to reap the fruit of blindness.  Jesus showed this view was all wrong and missed God's redemptive plans.

Jesus, being God with all wisdom, knowledge and authority, rejected full stop this man's condition was a result of a particular sin.  All have sinned, yet God's grace was clearly apparent by giving judgmental men sight who were blind to God's redemptive purposes and power.  There is a flawed assumption held by many that God rewards the deserving with good health and prosperity, and that sickness, disability or suffering is always a result of sin--despite the examples of the Book of Job or the blind man.  And what of God's statement in Exodus 4:11:  "So the LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?"  A person who has suffered from a disability, judged disabled or called God-forbid "the spawn of Satan" by fellow human beings can have their eyes opened to realise God has His purposes in creating a person who is mute, deaf, seeing or blind.  This knowledge should not prevent us from loving, showing compassion and standing up for those who are vilified for differences.

Some accuse God of cruelty or unfairness for causing a man to be born blind or to have a tumour wrapped around the spinal cord at birth.  On the authority of Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world we can know God has purposes beyond our imagination.  By faith and obedience to Jesus the man born blind was miraculously made to see.  Though rendered paralysed by an operation, Dylan Alcott went on to compete in tennis and has inspired our nation and the world, even boldly saying he loves his disability--not because it made his childhood easy or makes life more convenient--but because of the countless positives obtained through it.  He has a platform to speak as an advocate of those who have endured disabilities and have been marginalised, having been shaped in part by all he has persevered through.  From a Christian perspective, God is the central part of everyone's story as our Maker.  Since He redeemed the crucifixion of His only begotten Son by providing salvation, forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus, He can also redeem our light afflictions which seem to drag on permanently.

Jesus identified those self-righteous hypocrites as children of Satan who claimed to honour and worship God but rejected Him as the Son of God.  John 8:42-45 reads, "Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. ⁴³ Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. ⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. ⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me."  There are many religions and preachers out there, and anyone who says a disabled person is the "spawn of Satan" had better shut their mouths and take a look in the mirror.  Those who do not listen to Jesus Christ or speak with a loving desire to see people receive salvation through Jesus, braying such vicious accusations reveals your own soul to be in grave danger.

It is most lamentable Dylan, the man born blind and Jesus Himself faced persecution and hatred for basically existing.  I cannot speak to those outside the church but I exhort followers of Jesus, those members of the body of Christ, to do and say according to the example provided us by Jesus Himself:  to love the LORD our God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus by grace through faith in Him.  It is only by being born again we can be enabled to walk in wisdom and exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit exemplified in love.  It is beyond our power to right past wrongs or to take back sinful and ignorant words even we have said, but we can humble ourselves before God and love one another as He loves us.  If the LORD can be glorified through a person being born blind, He can be glorified when we apologise for our foolish pride and humble ourselves to genuinely love others.  Since God is our Father, we ought to hear His word and humbly walk in His ways.

Jesus Christ is Worthy

I remember hearing a prayer that thanked God for "making us worthy," and I felt rehearsing Inigo Montoya's line from the movie The Princess Bride:  "You keep using that word.  I do not think it means what you think it means."  To the credit of the people who have prayed thus, "worthy" is a word that has a range of meaning that has shifted over the years.  A partial definition from the Webster's 1828 Dictionary of "worthy" is:  "1) deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved; 2) possessing worth or excellence of qualities; virtuous; estimable; 3) suitable; having qualities suited to; either in a good or bad sense; equal in value."  Worthy speaks of being meritorious, of being deserving when compared with others.  I do not believe the person who claims they are made "worthy" are suggesting they are equal with God or deserving of His help or grace, for that undermines grace and the Gospel entirely.

The modern Miriam-Webster Dictionary gives this simplified definition:  "having worth or value, estimable; honorable, meritorious; having sufficient worth or importance."  The focus of the modern definition is focused more on having worth or importance.  It is true that God has ascribed value and worth to mankind by sending His only begotten Son to die to save us sinners, but it is not that we are worthy.  He is the only worthy One, and will only ever be worthy:  up to the task of saving lost sinners, able to hear and help people in all troubles, and deserving of all glory, honour and praise.  It is good for us to realise God is worthy regardless whatever struggles or troubles we face, for His merit and excellence is infinite.  He alone is righteous, virtuous and good without a single flaw, and praise Him for His faithfulness and mercy graciously extended to us.

A heavenly vision that affirms God alone is worthy plays out in Revelation 5:1-5:  "And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ² Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" ³ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.⁴ So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. ⁵ But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."  The right hand of God who sat on the throne held a scroll, and no man or even a strong angel was worthy to take it in their hand, loose the seals and open it--much less look at it!  None could measure up to the requirements of doing so.  John ceased weeping when it was revealed there was One worthy, excellent and able to open the scroll, Jesus Christ the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has prevailed.  Jesus is worthy because He is God.

After Jesus Christ took the scroll the 24 elders bowed before Him and proclaimed His worthiness.  The praise and adoration of the God who is worthy continues to swell with the shouts of angelic hosts in the following verses.  Revelation 5:11-12 says, "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"  Jesus is altogether worthy, equal to any amount of praise, honour and glory mankind or angel can proclaim.  God is worthy of all sacrifice, worthy of all adoration and worship forever and ever.  Worthy is the Lamb who was slain because He is risen and a Saviour for all who trust in Him.  Let us praise and thank Him because He is worthy, not just because He has forgiven and helped us.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

There's a saying people use when referring to past events they regret:  "shoulda, woulda, coulda."  It is a way to dismiss what has happened in the past because there is no going back and doing things over.  Lamenting how life could have been better if different choices were made is in itself a pointless exercise that can lead to despair.  When we acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them going forward, that is when feelings of regret can be a personal boon.

It is one thing when a person says something in the past should have been done differently, and how much more accurate is God's judgments in all matters!  God has great plans to deliver and save His people, yet our choices can hinder Him from doing all He should, would and could do.  Consider Psalm 81:13-16 in the KJV (bold emphasis mine):  "Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! ¹⁴ I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. ¹⁵ The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. ¹⁶ He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee."  God had all sorts of plans to deliver and prosper His people.  Because they would not do what they should, God did not do all He would have done had they listened to Him and walked in His ways.

To know what a person should have done is not as important as actually doing it.  Doubt of God's ability to help or provide for His people should never be entertained, for He has all power and only does miraculous things.  Better than lamenting what God should or could have done in the past is to seek the LORD today, heed His word and follow Him in obedience.  He knows the enemies we face and has the power to overcome them.  He also knows when we hinder His plans as a consequence of our disobedience and self-confidence.  I wonder:  how many good things God should, could and would have done but did not because of our refusal to listen, trust or obey Him!

The blessed part of God's lament over His erring people is there is an opportunity for us today by God's grace to positively impact our future by following Jesus Christ in faith.  The things God "should" but has not yet done are things God will do in our future by His grace in His time.  We are greatly comforted, not that our lives will be better or our circumstances shall improve in the future, but we know and serve an awesome, gracious and faithful God today Who leads, delivers, speaks and saves now and always.

Where No Thieves Can Steal

I read an article that detailed a recent 60% increase of theft on construction sites as reported by A Current Affair.  Jessica Nagel wrote, "Supply shortages and price hikes combined with items sitting on site for longer periods of time has created the perfect storm for an increase in theft."  Whilst this on the surface may seem true, this statement is akin to shaming victims of sexual assault for their choice of clothing.

I happen to live in a suburb that has many incomplete new home builds all around.  As I take early morning walks I see building materials piled high on job sites awaiting the break of day:  bricks, sand, steel, timber, tiles and windows are staged behind locked fences with the oversight of security cameras.  And guess what?  People walk by the stuff day after day of "supply shortages and price hikes" and there it sits secure until it is installed or a greedy, selfish thief steals it.

God commanded people in His law, "Thou shalt not steal."  The problem isn't a supply issue or price increases but the wicked hearts of men who justify their sin.  A victim of theft can feel entitled to steal from others.  Better locks, more cameras, stronger deterrents or actually putting teeth in the judicial system doesn't fix what ails us.  Solomon observed in Ecclesiastes 8:11, "Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."  Stealing is a heart problem, not a supply issue.

Because we live in a world rife with sin, it is important for us to be wise and take necessary precautions to deter theft.  Left to his own devices man will lie, steal, make pathetic excuses and justify himself all the way into hell.  I am grateful to Jesus Christ for the way of forgiveness and salvation He has provided through the Gospel, for even the thief being executed beside Him on Calvary was provided an opportunity to believe in Jesus as LORD and Saviour.  Praise the LORD for the new hearts given us by faith in Jesus and the future in heaven where thieves cannot break in and steal.  Our treasure is in heaven since we are in Christ.

2 Peter 3:13-15 says, "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. ¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; ¹⁵ and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation..."  God is longsuffering even towards thieves so they might repent, be forgiven and saved.  As long as thefts continue we can know this world is not all there is, for there are new heavens and a new earth awaiting us where righteousness dwells.  As we look forward to our inheritance provided by Jesus in His presence, we ought to "be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless."  Since we are going where righteousness dwells and no thief can enter, by faith in Christ we can be content, generous and gracious today.

God Reigns Over All

At times I admit I am baffled by the idealistic ways people describe themselves or others.  I read an article recently where an aspiring model was called "independent and strong," and have seen t-shirts emblazoned boasting "Girl Power" and car decals that espouse the "power" of a race or ethnicity.  Apparently some find inspiration in terms like "Mommy Warrior" and from a biblical worldview these titles and aspirations are puzzling, for what is the power of a man or fierceness of a woman compared to God?

It seems to me the aspirations of the world is to be and do what only God can, and this at the core is a satanic notion:  "I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:14)  People may raise their children to be fiercely independent, but the scripture puts forth a completely different view of what is good and right.  God's will is we would be increasingly dependent on Him by faith.  Strength is not achieved by standing up for one's rights, by lifting weights or facing hardships, but by the recognition of our weakness and need for God to deliver us.  People have been called "fighters" for their tenacity and fearlessness, and the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  Knowing the God who fights our battles and that the battle is the LORD's prompts a joyful countenance rather than a hateful sneer.

Towards the end of David's reign 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 says this:  "Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said: "Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. ¹¹ Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all. ¹² Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. ¹³ "Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name."  David blessed the LORD who rules and reigns over all, the One who has all greatness, power, glory, victory and majesty.  He has power, might and gives strength to all.  The glorious God who rules over all is the powerful one, and the nations are a drop in the bucket compared to Him.

A chief problem in the world is not misogyny or feminists who labour to tear down the patriarchy but  any who contemptuously oppose God's sovereignty.  While people in the world follow their own hearts, godless philosophies and idealistic agendas contrary to the God revealed in scripture, God provides wisdom and strength for living by faith in Him.  Jesus taught us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us.  He has taught us when we are weak then we are strong because His grace is sufficient for us.  It is folly to boast in our strength or power when all we have is a gift from the God who has breathed life into us.  The world may deem Christians losers, but in Christ we have obtained victory over sin and death, peace that passes understanding and fullness of joy forever.  No man or woman can hang onto a kingdom or empire on earth, yet God's kingdom will endure forever.

Contrary to the wisdom of the world, the KING OF KINGS Jesus said to His servants in Matthew 23:11-12:  "...he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹² And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."  Jesus Christ, the mightiest man who ever lived humbled Himself, was meek, lowly and the servant of all; His strength was exerted to love others, speak truth, show compassion and mercy.  As a willing slave of the Father God has exalted His name above all others, and we humbly bow the knee before Him in reverence, praise and worship.  How glorious is the LORD, and how good!

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.

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.

His Wonderful Life

In the American classic movie It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey was one who gave up on his dreams of travel to help others in his small town of Bedford Falls.  He and his newlywed wife sacrificed money saved for a honeymoon trip to keep the family-run business afloat.  When dealt a cruel financial blow through the incompetence of a relative who worked for the business, George was overwhelmed with the debt, a house full of energetic kids, had too much to drink and crashed his car.  After being harshly told he was worth more dead than alive, George began to believe the lie.  He despaired of his life as he looked down into the icy water running under the bridge.  All thoughts of ending his life were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a splash and a cry for help which caused George to spring into action to help a drowning man--who turned out to be his guardian angel in a human disguise.

Clarence (the angel) gave George Bailey his wish of never being born.  By doing so the eyes of George were opened to the massive difference the life of one person can make on people and a whole town.  George thought he was going mad when he saw his hometown was no longer Bedford Falls but Pottersville, a grim town filled with calloused debauchery.  Upon visiting his mother, who didn't recognise him at all, George was shocked to discover his younger brother had drowned under the ice during an accident without his help and thus never became a war hero.  The house he and his family previously enjoyed was cold and dark, and his wife led a solitary existence without the joyful smile which he had taken for granted.  Oh, how George prayed to live again, and his prayer was answered.  George raced back to his wrecked car in Bedford Falls with family who loved him and friends who rallied to help him.  Even petals in his pocket were a welcome relief for a man who for a short while saw an unhappy, ugly world where he had never been born.

When I consider the difference one man made in the city of Bedford falls in a Hollywood film, I realise it is nothing compared to the real transformation Jesus Christ makes in the life of a believer.  By extension the life of Jesus in us has made a transformational difference in our households, workplaces, families and society.  It would be a most unhappy thought to consider for any amount of time how different our lives would be without Jesus.  It is a cop-out to simply say we'd be dead (which is accurate) as it does not account for all the alterations God has made and continues to make in our hearts, minds and perspectives.  To be loved!  To have hope!  To belong and have a eternal home prepared for us!  Having experienced the forgiveness, joy and peace that transcends understanding we are forever changed from the inside out.  Apart from the Gospel and the indwelling presence of God we would have settled down into an oppressive hell of our own making, a slow death beset with hopelessness, futility and grasping for the wind.  To see ourselves without Christ is to look upon a stranger we shudder to even associate with.

The difference Jesus makes in the life of a person is so profound it cannot be stated by anything less than being born again.  One of my favourite descriptions by my friend whose wife trusted Jesus as her  Saviour said, "She's a totally different person, better."  Friends, can political or religious beliefs do this?  Can activism, athletics, music or poetry fundamentally make you a better person and change you from within?  It would be a mistake to see following Jesus as something a person does like going to church, reading the Bible or praying:  Jesus brings about divine transformation within all who trust in Him that results in a new perspective, new desires and new satisfaction.  Jesus totally changes us for better and for good.  It is like a blind person seeing clearly for the first time, the lame man leaping to walk, a person deformed by leprosy being cleansed and accepted in society, and the dead being raised up to a new life.  It's a Wonderful Life is a delightful story that hardly scratches the surface of the personal transformation Jesus brings Who is wonderful beyond compare and calls us friends.  Wonder at the new, eternal life Jesus Christ has provided, believer, and rejoice to share His life with others.