God speaks to us in ways we may not expect. When we think of God speaking, perhaps we think of dreams, visions, or perhaps an audible voice from heaven. While God can certainly use any means to speak, a primary way which He speaks to us is through His Word, the Bible. Closely connected with the scripture is the presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells inside every Christian. Jesus says His sheep hear His voice, He knows His sheep, and we follow Him. The Holy Spirit enables us to understand what Jesus says and apply it personally to our lives. Instead of a booming, amplified voice from the sky, most often God speaks in His still, small voice.
God did not place the Holy Spirit in every believer for the sake of convenience. Instead of spelling out the future to us or speaking with an audible voice to satisfy our fleshly curiosity, God has wisely linked faith with the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ we have a firmer foundation than the fact we heard audible words or saw a heavenly vision. God is speaking: the question is, are we seeking Him and listening? God speaks to us way more than we credit Him for. Often we can know when God is speaking when it is something we do not expect. While we value directives, much of what He says is corrective. We ought to rejoice that God speaks to us, whether it is to call us, speak of future events, or correct us. What joy is ours even when God speaks to correct us!
The other day I enjoyed a conversation while driving with a mate. We both enjoyed the short, delightful discussion as we caught up with current events in our lives. After we parted ways, immediately a thought popped into my mind - and it was completely unrelated to my current line of thinking. "Your words in a part of that conversation were rude and unkind. Pull this car over, apologise, and ask for forgiveness." Thinking it over, I had to agree. There had been no offense, but I knew I had offended God by my words. I was trying to be funny, but God has shown me many times how humour can a masking agent which disguises sin's bitterness. Because this impression placed upon my heart was fully in line with God's Word, pointed out my sin, bid me repent, confess my faults, and ask for forgiveness, I knew it was God speaking directly to my heart. Through the Holy Spirit, the still, small voice of God speared my heart. After I pulled over and sent a text message admitting my sin and asking for forgiveness, what joy filled my soul! I rejoiced, for God had clearly spoken to me!
When God speaks to you, rejoice! Whether His words are predictive, instructive, comforting, corrective, a rebuke, or thought provoking question, choose to delight in heeding and obeying His voice in faith. Thank God that He is the God who sees and speaks!
04 November 2014
03 November 2014
A Dignified Death
Lately it seems there has been an uptick in talk over assisted suicide, deemed by some as "death with dignity." To me, there is nothing "dignified" about death, nor is there dignity in the foreknowledge of it. Whether someone dies of old age, in an accident, by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, or through drugs ingested or injected, the spectre of death remains hideous. The Bible teaches death entered the world through sin. The fact our bodies die shows we are indeed infected with sin in a fallen world. The soul that sins shall surely die and face eternal torment and separation from the God who loves all. God will someday kill Death forever by casting it into a lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).
"Dignity" is defined in The American Heritage Dictionary as, "1) The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect; 2) to raise the status of something unworthy or lowly, make honourable." Planning your death secretly or publicly does nothing to make death itself more worthy, nor does a lack of physical pain afford person honour. Many honourable men and women have died, and in many cases the circumstances of their deaths are noteworthy as they provided proof of their character, love, and sacrifice for others. Years ago I learned the story of Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean. His extraordinary valour, bravery, and sacrifice deserves remembrance. At the cost of his own life, he fought to his end to save his fellow soldiers. When our lives are used to the end for the glory of God and the good of others, it is a dignified expense. Yet our greatest sacrifices are a mere shadow of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us sinners.
Romans 5:6-8 says, "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus died on the cross in a dignified manner because He sacrificed Himself for the salvation of others. His entire life was and continues to be a testimony of everlasting love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Jesus died the most humiliating, excruciating, and horrific death imaginable for the sake of sinners - most of whom have mocked and slandered Him to this day. He did not avoid pain or suffering, but embraced it so He might redeem us, become one with us, and hold us in His arms in heaven. He paid a price no one could ever pay for themselves, and He rejoiced to do it.
No one dies on their own terms. They die because they must, even if they willingly choose to expedite the process. The immortal, righteous God laid down His life so all who repent and trust in Him can live. He defeated death, rose from the grave, and bids all to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Apart from Christ all face the second death, far more sinister than our minds can fathom - unspeakable pain, suffering, and torment forever without intermission. But Jesus has made a way to overcome the power of sin and death through faith in Him. John 11:25-26 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Our answer to this question will be revealed not by words alone, but by our lives.
I do not know the day, means, or circumstances of my future death (I am a sinner and deserving of death) - but I know the One who kills and makes alive. He has given all the opportunity to live a worthy, honourable, dignified life every day for His glory and in service to others. The death of my body will be a fleeting moment in eternity, and it is not my focal point to "die well." In Christ we are called to die daily as a sacrifice for others, and in this God is glorified. There is nothing more honourable than honouring the worthy God and bowing our hearts before our exalted Saviour. That is a truly diginfied death.
"Dignity" is defined in The American Heritage Dictionary as, "1) The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect; 2) to raise the status of something unworthy or lowly, make honourable." Planning your death secretly or publicly does nothing to make death itself more worthy, nor does a lack of physical pain afford person honour. Many honourable men and women have died, and in many cases the circumstances of their deaths are noteworthy as they provided proof of their character, love, and sacrifice for others. Years ago I learned the story of Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean. His extraordinary valour, bravery, and sacrifice deserves remembrance. At the cost of his own life, he fought to his end to save his fellow soldiers. When our lives are used to the end for the glory of God and the good of others, it is a dignified expense. Yet our greatest sacrifices are a mere shadow of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us sinners.
Romans 5:6-8 says, "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus died on the cross in a dignified manner because He sacrificed Himself for the salvation of others. His entire life was and continues to be a testimony of everlasting love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Jesus died the most humiliating, excruciating, and horrific death imaginable for the sake of sinners - most of whom have mocked and slandered Him to this day. He did not avoid pain or suffering, but embraced it so He might redeem us, become one with us, and hold us in His arms in heaven. He paid a price no one could ever pay for themselves, and He rejoiced to do it.
No one dies on their own terms. They die because they must, even if they willingly choose to expedite the process. The immortal, righteous God laid down His life so all who repent and trust in Him can live. He defeated death, rose from the grave, and bids all to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Apart from Christ all face the second death, far more sinister than our minds can fathom - unspeakable pain, suffering, and torment forever without intermission. But Jesus has made a way to overcome the power of sin and death through faith in Him. John 11:25-26 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Our answer to this question will be revealed not by words alone, but by our lives.
I do not know the day, means, or circumstances of my future death (I am a sinner and deserving of death) - but I know the One who kills and makes alive. He has given all the opportunity to live a worthy, honourable, dignified life every day for His glory and in service to others. The death of my body will be a fleeting moment in eternity, and it is not my focal point to "die well." In Christ we are called to die daily as a sacrifice for others, and in this God is glorified. There is nothing more honourable than honouring the worthy God and bowing our hearts before our exalted Saviour. That is a truly diginfied death.
31 October 2014
Hold Your Peace
At Bible study last night we read Proverbs 17:28 which says, "Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." As we discussed the meaning and personal application, it dawned on me yet again the common tendency to make Christianity more about behaviour than the condition of our hearts. A superficial application of this passage would be, "I want to be wise, or at least appear wise to others. Speaking less is the key to other perceiving me as wise!"
The meaning of the phrase "holds his peace" basically means to remain silent. But there is a deeper meaning revealed in scripture. Ephesians 2:13-14 says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation..." Understanding that Jesus IS our peace puts a completely different spin on this verse. Because Jesus is our peace, "holding our peace" is more than the discipline of keeping our mouths closed. Having been born again through faith in Him, the Holy Spirit has provided self-control we rejoice to walk in. Holding Jesus as our dearest treasure, clinging to His promises, even in silence Christians can take a conscious step of faith.
What do you treasure most in life? What do you hold dear? Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and when we hold Him close we can hear clearly the small, still voice of the Spirit. Whether we speak or are silent, we can faithfully do so for God's glory. Forever we are to hold our Peace, the One who upholds us and with a word calms the storms we face. Our tongues ought to confess Jesus as LORD, and even our silence can proclaim the same! No matter what occurs, let us hold our Peace!
The meaning of the phrase "holds his peace" basically means to remain silent. But there is a deeper meaning revealed in scripture. Ephesians 2:13-14 says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation..." Understanding that Jesus IS our peace puts a completely different spin on this verse. Because Jesus is our peace, "holding our peace" is more than the discipline of keeping our mouths closed. Having been born again through faith in Him, the Holy Spirit has provided self-control we rejoice to walk in. Holding Jesus as our dearest treasure, clinging to His promises, even in silence Christians can take a conscious step of faith.
What do you treasure most in life? What do you hold dear? Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and when we hold Him close we can hear clearly the small, still voice of the Spirit. Whether we speak or are silent, we can faithfully do so for God's glory. Forever we are to hold our Peace, the One who upholds us and with a word calms the storms we face. Our tongues ought to confess Jesus as LORD, and even our silence can proclaim the same! No matter what occurs, let us hold our Peace!
28 October 2014
God Has Already Revealed Himself
"Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth."
Proverbs 17:24
The book of Proverbs is packed with verses which compare and contrast wise and foolish. Jesus said a wise man hears His words and puts them into practice, but the foolish man hears His words and ignores them. A fool says in his heart, "There is not God" and lives accordingly - as if he is god. According to the biblical description, a wise man is one who has humbled himself before God and has chosen to adopt His ways. He is circumspect, conscious of God's sovereignty, provision, and love. He seeks, heeds, and obeys God's guidance. A fool may be wise in the wisdom of the world, but it is foundation of shifting sand. Jesus said those who build upon man's "wisdom" embrace certain destruction.
Once a person is born again through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside them. An inner transformation takes place which opens up man's understanding to receive and apply spiritual truth. God's wisdom is revealed in everything He has made. The Bible is a treasury of God's wisdom. Those who are in Christ have had the bonds of sin and unbelief broken, the fog cleared from their minds, and their eyes opened to the reality of God and eternity. Those of understanding do not know everything, but they are convinced God has spoken, is speaking, and is the true source of all wisdom. Our identity as a new creation is in Christ, for the old has passed away and all has become new.
A fool, having rejected the Word of God, is on a never-ending search for truth, purpose, and satisfaction. The eyes of those who know not God look to the ends of the earth seeking greater understanding. Some lift their eyes even higher and monitor sound in space, hoping to discover the secrets of our origins from unknown extra-terrestrial beings when the first sentence of the Bible expressly, objectively states the truth! Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Those who reject that statement must keep looking for alternatives. The unseeing eyes of unbelievers scan distant horizons when God has revealed Himself already! For instance, the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) institute has been “listening,” scanning the far reaches of space for decades with telescopes and high-powered aerials, seeking to receive communication from extra-terrestrial aliens. Foolish man scans the dark void of space hoping to discover intelligent beings out there, whilst the eternal God who created all things has given us His Word, became a man, and spoke to us as a man in Jesus Christ who walked among us. Ironic, isn’t it? The intelligence of God is revealed in the designs in creation right here on earth, even by DNA and complex processes within the cells of our human bodies - yet for most these days that is not admissible evidence of an intelligent Creator. More time is spent by some theorising on how we will deal with aliens we might encounter than how to rightly relate and respond to the God who created all things, loves us and has already revealed Himself to us.
I am in no way suggesting there is not value in scientific exploration, or that such efforts have not been worthwhile. The fact is, men have been listening for "pings" in space since 1959 and have not perceived anything that qualifies as scientific proof of intelligent extra-terrestrial beings. God has already provided us with more than faint unintelligible pings, hissing gibberish, or mechanical whirring. God's Word says in Psalm 19:1-3, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard." Talk about seeing but not perceiving! We can be looking and listening in a vacuum when God has already revealed Himself, has spoken, and is speaking. Both simple folks and those with multiple doctorates marvel over the beauty and order in the cosmos. The well-educated scientific researcher researches because he or she realises there is much still to be learned. Instead of fields of research being exhausted, more and more potential areas of research could be pioneered with exciting new discoveries being made all the time. The more we know the more we discover there is more to know than we ever imagined. Scientific study and research teaches the believing more of the Creator and enlightens us to His phenomenal creativity, power, and beauty.
Jesus Christ has become for us wisdom, and those with eyes to see and ears to hear will believe and understand. Through God common fishermen confounded the doctors of the Law of Moses, and the humble Son of a carpenter put to silence the questions of unbelieving lawyers. Simple plants, animals, and insects defy any naturalistic explanation. Single-celled organisms, more efficient than engines - which are actually crude in comparison even after decades of development by experts - continue to reproduce after their own kind. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31: "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- 31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
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