Living in the Dark?

Both the houses we have rented in Australia have shared at least one thing in common:  the lighting has been ordinary.  For non-Aussies out there, "ordinary" means very poor!  There is not nearly enough lights for our liking, and the light fixtures are a hodgepodge of different styles and bases.  The renters before us in both homes used all kinds of different globes:  frosted, clear, and florescent.  Nearly half of the globes of both houses were spent when we moved in, and the others didn't last for long!  Some of the globes demanded too many watts, and others were so dim they were virtually worthless.  Over time we have achieved consistency with the lighting, though in most rooms the light is poor for reading.

Last night I noticed our bathroom was much more dim than usual.  The light fixture has three spots for globes, and one has been missing since we moved in.  The globe over the sink went out, which left the bathroom ridiculously dark.  So I went to the closet and grabbed a couple of compact florescent globes as replacements.  After installing the globes I was amazed with the difference.  It occurred to me that all along we had been living in darkness!  With two of the three lights working, it was not nearly as bright as when all three were operational.  For all that time we had been in relative darkness, and didn't even know it.

It made me think about the Bible - God's Word - that is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105, Prov. 6:23).  After we are born again through repentance from sin and faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us.  For the first time, we are able to see spiritually.  The reality is, however, even after we begin following Jesus we can remain in relative darkness.  We continue living in the same body with the same mind and in many ways is like taking over a house from a previous renter.  We are new renters, but in the same old house.  Christ is now our new owner, but the evidence of neglect and distance from God in daily living is still evident.  As we read the Word, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, light is shed upon our lives and we realise we have had light, but to a degree we have been living in the dark.  We begin to walk in the light when we confess we have erred, we agree with God concerning His correction, and take necessary steps to obey.

When the light shown brighter in my bathroom, it had an immediate effect of making me want to clean.  Increased illumination opened my eyes to neglected tasks I did not notice before.  As we walk with Jesus, embracing our own sanctification is part of our calling.  We cannot content ourselves in the old ways of thinking and living when the Light of the World has illuminated our hearts.  Ephesians 4:22-24 exhorts "...that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, ²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."  What a difference light makes in a house, and how much more pronounced should the transformation be in a heart enlightened by Jesus!  I am convinced we must shine the light of God's Word upon our hearts, actions, and embrace obedience as led by the Spirit before we can shine extraordinarily in this world for Jesus.

God Hears and Yields

I have been blown away of late by this simple fact:  God listens to people.  The prayer of one person has changed the course of nations.  We may think because God is sovereign over all and already knows His complete, ultimate plan, everything is fairly set.  Though God does have a plan, many times we observe in scripture God in heaven listens and heeds the prayers of people who simply pray.  This really is an amazing thing, that lowly man can have an audience with God - and God listens to us when we speak to Him!

Think about the powerful and influential men and women in the world today.  No man easily gains a personal audience with them.  You might write a letter to a politician, but it may never even reach their desk.  They have layer upon layer of attendants and handlers to deal with the requests, calls, e-mails, and ideas of people.  Even if you were able have a phone conversation or a face-to-face meeting with a prime-minister or president of a company, it is utterly unlikely your suggestions would impact the plans which have already been set in motion!  The fact is, to offer suggestions to the Prime Minister on policies from the position of a "man on the street" cannot take into account all the politicking taking place behind closed doors.  We see only a fraction of the big picture.  Since this is the case, what wisdom or insights could a Prime Minister hope to gain from a United States transplant like me, who has only been in country for four years?  From his perspective, I can't see any upside for him agreeing to such a meeting!

If the divide between men can be great, how much more of a infinite chasm stretches between the Creator God and shortsighted man!  Yet God has granted all who trust in Him an audience in His throne room of grace to find mercy and help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).  He does not squeeze us into a 10 minute time slot because He is too busy or important to spare more time.  And wonder of wonders, we can directly impact His decisions.  Does this blow your mind?  Many times in scripture we see God make a statement, only to willingly adjust it according to a direct request from one of His servants.  God does not only hear prayers, but He answers them.  There are many recorded instances in scripture when God was willing to alter His "plan" because of supplications from His children.  It's true that sometimes says "No," but that does not change the fact He also says "Yes" to requests!  Here are several examples:

• God revealed to Abraham He was going to destroy Sodom and the surrounding cities due to their great wickedness.  The text says Abraham "drew near" and asked if God, being a righteous Judge, would destroy the righteous with the wicked.  Genesis 18:23-33 contains the dialogue of the interaction, and Abraham reasoned with the LORD.  Instead of a wholesale destruction, Abraham received God's promise Sodom would be spared completely if there were only 10 righteous people within the city.  God heeded the voice of Abraham.
• When the children of Israel worshiped the golden calf Aaron made during the absence of Moses as he met with God to receive the Law on Mt. Sinai, God told Moses He was going to destroy all the people of Israel and make of Moses a great nation instead.  Moses protested and pleaded with God on behalf of the people, and God listened.  Exodus 32:13-14 reads:  "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.'" ¹⁴ So the LORD relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people."
• Elijah was a man like the rest of us, but God shut the heavens at his earnest request.  It says in James 5:17-18:  "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit."  When Elijah prayed for rain again, God heard and caused torrential rain to fall the same day.
• Nineveh was a city God sent Jonah the prophet to warn of impending destruction:  "Yet 40 days and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"  When the people heard of their imminent overthrow, from the least to the greatest they mourned, fasted, and wore sackcloth and ashes.  Though they were Gentiles, they believed God.  God responded and repented from the evil He was planned to bring upon them (Jonah 3:5-10).

God responds to more than mere words:  He is looking for faith demonstrated by works.  God invites whosoever will to repent of sin and come and reason with Him.  Would you refuse the opportunity to converse with your Maker?  Isaiah 1:16-20 says, "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, ¹⁷ learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. ¹⁸ "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. ¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; ²⁰ but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword"; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."  God has spoken, and His Word shall come to pass.  However, this does not mean He will not heed the voice of those who cry out to Him in faith.  David the shepherd wrote in Psalm 34:6, "This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."

We need not be rich or influential in this world to have an audience with God.  God has invited us to reason with Him, and it is not a token "meet and greet" with a handshake and signed photo:  by God's grace we have the freedom to converse with God, to praise and thank Him, and make our requests known to God.  Who knows?  In the meekness of His wisdom, God is willing to yield at the voice of a man.  This mind-blowing fact rejoices the heart!

Time for Temple Inspection!

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

When I visited the Temple Institute in Jerusalem this year, it was exciting the see the many preparations undertaken for the rebuilding of the Temple.  Our tour was led through a maze of rooms displaying artwork, models, the ephod and breastplate which will be worn by the high priest, the table of showbread, the altar of incense, and silver trumpets.  As the guide presented the articles and talked of the future temple, there was a sense of awe and excitement.  With all the expense and effort being expended in preparation for the building of the third temple, one might think the temple was always reverenced, being the dwelling place of God.  A brief examination of biblical Jewish history proves otherwise!  Though the Jews were the people God chose as His own, committed to them His Laws, and dwelt among them, the condition of the temple varied greatly.  When we realise that under the New Covenant of Christ's blood born-again Christians are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, looking back at the conditions which existed is instructive in self-examination.

So what are some of the negative conditions we find in the tabernacle or temple historically?  Here is a brief and hardly exhaustive list:

• The priests did not know the LORD, robbed God of sacrifices brought by the people, and fornicated with women in the tabernacle - 1 Samuel 2:12-24
• The light was allowed by the priests to burn out at night - 1 Samuel 3:1-4
• In the days of Joash there were leaks and gaps, the Levites were slack to organise repairs, and Athaliah's son's had broken into the temple and presented the holy things to idols - 2 Chronicles 24:2-7
• King Ahaz took the holy vessels and cut them into scrap, polluted the holy place, and sealed the doors of the temple - 2 Chronicles 28:24
• Hezekiah commanded the unsanctified Levites to sanctify themselves and cleanse the holy place.  The doors had been shut, lamps extinguished, and no incense or burnt sacrifices had been offered - 2 Chronicles 29:4-7
• The holy place was polluted with so much filth it took 8 days to cleanse it - 2 Chronicles 29:16-17
•  The book of the Law was lost in the temple, and therefore it had not been read, heard, or obeyed - 2 Chronicles 34:15-21
• The high priest Eliashib allied himself with the Ammonite Tobiah, an enemy of Israel.  He prepared a large room for Tobiah to live in which should have been reserved as a storeroom for tithes and offerings - Nehemiah 13:4-5
• On two occasions Jesus cleansed the temple of moneychangers, animals, and kept merchants from using the temple as a thoroughfare - Mark 11:15-17, John 2:13-18

The people God had tasked to build the temple as a house of prayer did not always maintain the purity and reverence of which God is worthy.  This fact should lead to a critical question for every born-again Christian to consider:  what is the current condition of my temple?  Have I robbed God of sacrifices?  Are there impurities in the holy place?  Have I misplaced and ignored the Word of God?  Since we are called priests unto God, have I been slack to be sanctified and do the work of the ministry?  Have I allied myself with enemies of God and provided them space to live and oppose God's work in my heart?  We observe when the nation of Israel was ruled by a wicked king who promoted idolatry, the temple and worship of God was polluted and neglected.  It is the same for us.  Should we allow ourselves to be ruled by sin, lusts, and pride, our temple falls into spiritual disrepair.

Praise God that in every case mentioned above, there remained sure hope and help when people returned to the LORD in humility, repentance, and obedience.  This means there is hope for those who have not kept their temple in holiness and purity.  Even if the temple has been utterly destroyed, it can be rebuilt.  Twice the temple was destroyed, but the Bible reveals it will be built again.  God is more concerned about the people created in His image than mere buildings fashioned by the hands of men.  Those who destroy the temple God will judge, as it is written in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17:  "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? ¹⁷ If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."  We are to remain pure in a world filled with sin because our God is holy.  2 Corinthians 6:16 reads, "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Allow me to close with an excellent exhortation from 1 Peter 2:5-12:  "...You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." ⁷ Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone," ⁸ and "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. ⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰ who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. ¹¹ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, ¹² having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation."

Keep the Light Shining!

"And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. ²¹ In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel."

Exodus 27:20-21

God commanded the lamp in the tabernacle and later the temple was to burn continually in the Holy Place.  From evening until morning it was to be carefully attended by the priests before the LORD.  Oil was to be added and wicks trimmed through the night to ensure it remained lit throughout the night.  Light was to shine continually in the Holy Place though the sun disappeared and night fell.

In the days of the Judges, we read men did what was right in their eyes.  Though God's Law had been committed to His people and the tabernacle had been erected according to God's design, the days were dark.  The priests had neglected the command of God to keep the light burning, and the implications for Christians today are enormous.  We read in 1 Samuel 3:1-4:  "Then the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. ² And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, ³ and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, ⁴ that the LORD called Samuel. And he answered, "Here I am!" 

There are several telling observations from this text.  The word of the LORD was rare in those days.  There was no widespread revelation.  Eli, the High Priest descended from Aaron's line, was physically blind.  His eyes had grown increasingly dim to the point of blindness.  Whilst Eli laid himself to sleep, the lamp of God was permitted to burn out in the tabernacle of the LORD.  How suggestive is this!  Eli and his sons neglected to tend the lamp of God according to His command, and it was an indicator of their slack approach to God.  1 Samuel describes the sons of Eli as desperately wicked, and though Eli heard all about their debauchery he did nothing to stop them.  There is a clear connection in the passage between allowing the lamp of God to burn out and blindness, lack of vision and divine revelation, and the rarity of the word of the LORD.  The priests had despised the commandment of God and embraced sleep instead.  Darkness in the temple resulted in blindness, ignorance, and distance from God.

One glorious truth in this tragic passage is though the light was permitted to burn out, God spoke directly to a young boy who did not even know the LORD yet!  It may have seemed a helpless situation with ever-increasing darkness and wickedness, but God graciously revealed Himself to someone who would be faithful to hear and speak forth His truth.  The lamp of God was permitted to burn out, but the light of life shone through little Samuel even as a child, and none of his words fell to the ground.  Jesus said in John 8:12, "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."  Jesus also told His followers in Matthew 5:14:  "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."  Jesus is the Light of the World, and all who repent and are born again through faith in Him have the Holy Spirit living within them.  Oil is a type of the Spirit who sets us aflame, the fuel to empower Christians to comprehend and live out the scriptures in truth.  We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus went on to say in Matthew 5:16:  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

If you are a Christian, consider these questions:  is hearing from God a rarity in your life?  Is fresh understanding and personal application from the scriptures seldom experienced by you?  When you read the Bible is it dry and dull?  Is your vision increasingly dim?  It could very well be due to the neglect of obedience to God's Word.  Perhaps you have never been baptised with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  Maybe the Holy Spirit has been quenched, resisted, and grieved by decisions you have made.  Praise the LORD, there is hope for those born blind as well as those whose eyes have gone dim!  Acts 9:17-18 speaks of when Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and his eyes were opened.  "And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." ¹⁸ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized."

How is your vision, dear Christian?  Have you recognised your desperate need for spiritual sight and light from the Holy Spirit?  If your heart has been darkened by sin, there is hope for you in Jesus Christ.  Jesus will forgive, heal, and restore those who admit they are blind, yet those who believe they see will remain blind.  No matter how dark the world becomes, Jesus remains the Light of the World.  Instead of doing what is right in your own eyes, obey God's commands faithfully night and day.  Keep His light shining bright!

Surrender, Praise, and Enjoy!

There is truly nothing more exciting, humbling, and amazing than being part of God's forever family.  The life God has for us is better and broader than we could ever have dreamed up for ourselves.  God is faithful to lead and guide His people faithfully, providing for our necessities and granting opportunities to serve all over the world.  It is wonderful when we experience the joy and peace of God and are content in our circumstances - only to have God prompt us to go through an open door He has sovereignly placed before us.  God's ways are past finding out, and what a joy to know it is He who will be faithful to lead us every step of the way.

Years ago I served on staff at Calvary Chapel El Cajon with Lynette Lynn.  A time came when God moved her to another local ministry where she has been serving for six years.  She posted a status update that took me back in my mind to the time when I discovered God had called me out of ministering in San Diego and would establish my family and me in Australia.  I was blessed by her honesty, transparency, and obedience to share what God revealed and confirmed to her heart.  And with her permission, I am delighted to share her exhortation to faith in God with you!

In early July I sat on the beach with Lord, journal in hand, asking Him to speak to me. As I stared out at the ocean God reminded me of my love for roller coasters. Just as quickly He reminded me of that love, He reminded me of one ride that I HATE at Magic Mountain called "Viper." The reason I hate Viper is because the beginning of the ride goes VERY slowly, giving me 30 seconds to think about all the possible ways I might die on the ride. I love roller coasters that start out fast and end fast because there is no time for me to think. Naturally, I asked God why He was talking to me about roller coasters. Clearly He impressed on my heart this message "Lynette, you have two choices when it comes to doing what I ask you to do. One choice is to hang on for dear life and white-knuckle this ride. The other choice is to put your hands up in surrender and praise and enjoy the ride. The reality is, the ride is taking the same course no matter how you decide to ride."

As I sat there marinating in that thought, God made it clear that my season at the Rock Church had ended. I sat there shocked...I've been there 6 years and I was convinced I would be there until the day I died. I left the beach and didn't tell anyone, including my husband what God had told me. I spent the longest week of my life wrestling with the Lord. I was anxious all the time. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat (much), was in tears at the drop of a hat. I was irritable, angry and just lacking peace. I finally decided I would tell my husband Bob what God had told me. His response: "Lynette, I would go anywhere God told us to go, even the desert." My response: "Whoa, that's just crazy talk! You know I am a beach girl." Well... as God would have it, one text, and 2 hours later I received an email from a church in Indian Wells, Ca. (IN THE DESERT) looking for a someone to direct their Kids Ministry!

I don't want to make this long post any longer but I will tell you that I have NEVER EVER seen God's hand so clearly in directing my life. I would say there has been a minimum of 20 different ways God has confirmed this is the way we should go. So the bottom line is, I am humbled and honored to say that I have accepted a position at Southwest Community Church. We are packing up our world in San Diego and moving to the DESERT (this must be God) early in the month of November. Everything is moving so fast, last night our house went on the market and today we are having an Open House. As Bob Goff would say "We are living on the edge of YIKES."

What I do want to say is that there is NO GREATER JOY than being in the center of God's will. The past month has been a crazy roller coaster ride and every day I have to CHOOSE to put my hands up in SURRENDER and PRAISE and enjoy this ride!  Friends, if God is calling you to do something, whether big or small JUST DO IT and receive the blessing He has for you!

The Wisdom From Above

In the Matrix film trilogy, there is a character deemed the "Oracle."  Morpheus and Neo sought her advice concerning the future because they believed she had wisdom they needed to be successful in their efforts.  Most things the Oracle said were ambiguous and unclear.  She limited herself and would not say all she knew, but said enough to put her seekers on the right path.  The implication is they would have to discover the truth for themselves - an approach which fits well in our current day of the embrace of relative truth.  Unfortunately this approach to wisdom is not limited to the science fiction but has been accepted as truth.  Relativism by many has been deemed absolute truth in a time when the existence of moral absolutes is flatly rejected.  There is great irony here for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

The wisdom of God is nothing like what often passes for wisdom in this world.  Wisdom is far more than information or even the correct appropriation or personal application of knowledge.  The Bible says the "Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."  True, genuine wisdom comes only from God.  Wisdom is not displayed by knowledge, belief, or mental understanding, but through the fear and reverence of God.  A wise man believes God exists, created all things, and is in control.  He recognises God is not like a man, and men are naturally opposed to God.  This means man, despite his best efforts, cannot know or walk in the wisdom of God.  The scriptures say that when fallen, faithless men see God's wisdom openly displayed, it appears to them foolishness (1 Cor. 2:14)!  Conversely, 1 Corinthians 3:19 says, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness."

The wise of this world flaunt their knowledge, yet the truly wise are revealed in their willingness to receive correction from God.  A wise man realises in his natural state he is not inclined to do God's will and therefore needs to be changed from within.  He must be born again and embrace a life of being changed more into the image of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Christianity is more than hearing God's Word and doing it:  the implication is after being born again we must choose to accept God's way of thinking and live in dependance and obedience to His Word.  Our old life and ways of thinking must be replaced with God's plans for our future.  Jesus told a parable in Matthew 7:24-28:  "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ²⁵ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: ²⁷ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

The foolish man in the parable heard the words of Jesus but chose to build in a place and in a way he saw fit.  He disregarded the instruction and correction of God.  Though he no doubt worked very hard at great expense, because his house was not firmly established on the rock it all fell to pieces when the storm hit.  He put aside God's plans for building his life and decided instead to build his dream home according to his own design and in the location he preferred.  He wanted beachfront property and he temporarily obtained his desire.  Sadly, all those efforts were a tragic waste.  The wise man heard the words of Jesus and chose to throw out his own plans.  He decided God's location and plans for building a life were better than his own.  He embraced all changes to his plans, methods, and future God demanded.  He built on the rock when a house on the beach still  sounded amazing.  Perhaps he would have been happy to build in the exclusive community that built on the sandy bluffs overlooking the sunrise.  I am not suggesting beachfront property cannot have a solid foundation on the rock.  The point is, wisdom is displayed in our willingness to admit our plans need to change, our way of thinking must change, our idea of a dream future on this earth must change, everything about us must change according to God's revealed design in His Word.

There are many smart, knowledgeable people in this world who do not possess wisdom from above.  They may be very wealthy, successful, influential, and powerful, yet they still lack God's wisdom.  James 3:13-18:  "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."  The wisdom is displayed through meekness, not arrogance or pride.  The wisdom of God is revealed in motives of love and humility.  True wisdom is not shown by how much we know or what we believe we have accomplished, but in gentleness and willingness to yield to God's control and commands in daily living.  The righteousness of a Christian is obtained by grace through faith in Christ, and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace.  Wisdom is revealed when we accept chastening from God and even correction from men.

Are you willing to yield when Christ speaks?  Will wisdom from above be displayed in your life when you lay down your precious plans and adopt God's plans for your conduct, life, and thinking through scripture?  Only Christians have the wisdom from above, but do not be deceived to think by virtue of your beliefs by default you are living wisely.  How many times have we built something God condemned because it was not in His plans!  How easy it is to stray from building on the foundation of Christ because we have decided our ideas and plans are best.  Our plans are precious because we've poured our hearts into them, they cost us a fortune, and we are not willing to give them up!  True wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, and willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy.  When you read "partiality and hypocrisy," don't primarily think of how you relate to others, but how we can be partial and hypocritical concerning ourselves.  When it comes to biblical change, Christians are wise to adopt a "Me first!" approach.  Mary told the servants, "Whatever Jesus says, do it!" and we are wise to heed her words!  Wisdom is not something we discover on our own, but something Jesus is for us.  1 Corinthians 1:30-31 says, "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."

Mourners and Mockers

Once a man named Jairus came to Jesus and asked him to heal his sick daughter.  As they made their way to his house, a messenger came bearing bad news:  the twelve-year-old girl had died.  "Do not trouble that Master any more," was the suggestion.  What more could Jesus do now?  Jesus told Jairus, "Fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole."  They continued their trek to the house of Jairus.

When they arrived at the residence, many mourners wailed the passing of the girl.  Luke 8:52-53 says, "Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." ⁵³ And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead."  The KJV says the mourners "laughed Jesus to scorn," knowing she was dead.  They knew a dead body when they saw one!  Who was this man who suggested they should cease mourning?  If she wasn't breathing, how could she be sleeping?  His suggesting was insulting and offensive.  They did not know it yet, but it was the mourners who were the offenders.  They insulted Jesus with their mockery, for they did not believe Jesus had power over death.

The mourners wailed over the girl's death, but Jesus was in the home to restore life.  They believe mourning was a more valid response than to suggest the girl merely slept.  Jesus, being God, was able to discern the truth concerning the girl's condition.  She appeared dead and lifeless, but it was not a time to sorrow for Jesus Christ had come.  Her permanent condition could be reversed because Jesus had the power to do whatever He wants.  After sending out the mourners turned mockers, Jesus took the little girl by the hand and told her to rise.  Her eyes opened and she stood up!  It was a remarkable display of the power of Jesus Christ to save, even when hope seemed an impossible dream.

How many times do we mourn because we do not believe anyone - even God - has the power to redeem or restore the situations we face!  This event proves even death is not a problem when the Resurrection and the Life is in the house.  If Jesus is our Saviour we are more than conquerors through Him.  The mourners and mockers were thrown out and did not see the miracle.  That is true for us as well.  Whether we mourn or mock in disbelief, insulted at the prospect of hope or restoration, we will not experience the power of God working in our lives.  How important it is we believe and trust, knowing that Jesus is able to accomplish what concerns us today according to God's perfect will.

The NFL Fast

Most people who know me also know I am fond of watching and playing sport.  In my adulthood I have been on 10-pin bowling teams, company and church softball teams, and have played baseball during the last few years.  I used to enjoy going down to the park and playing touch and tackle football (gridiron) on weekends and holidays with my brother and friends.  Being from San Diego, I have been a Padres and Chargers fan since the early to mid-80's.  Long before I had a TV in our home, I would carry my little battery-powered radio around and listen to the Padres games.  Every year I would actually write a letter to the Padres office to request the annual schedule.  Every year I rejoiced to receive that envelope in the post, stick my new schedule to a cork board, and listen to as many games as I could.

Even now as I sit at my desk, I can see last year's San Diego Chargers schedule hanging in plain view.  As much as I enjoyed the Padres, the Chargers have been my number one team for my whole life.  The quality of my Sundays as a kid was directly impacted by the Chargers, and let's just say growing up all those 4-12 seasons took their toll.  But I was a true fan.  Whether the Chargers went to the playoffs or won a single game in a season I stuck with them faithfully in good times and bad.  I remember the day when the Chargers drafted LaDainian Tomlinson.  I can say without fail I watched 99% of every play from scrimmage he ever had as a Charger.  When I wasn't watching the Chargers, I listened to talk radio of people discussing the Chargers.  I loved the games, replays, competition, drama, strategy, and the edge-of-your-seat excitement.  I love football, what can I say?

As the new NFL season is about to begin, there is something a bit odd about my schedule:  it is the schedule of last year.  I haven't printed out a schedule of this year because I am not going to watch a single game, even if the Chargers (against all odds, I shouldn't wonder!) reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.  It wasn't my idea to take a season off from watching the National Football League.  It is not because of the rule changes, issues I have with team ownership, the vast revenues and salaries, the prevalent injuries, or the culture of pride.  The reason why I am not going to watch a game this season is because I am convinced God clearly has told me not to, and the way He did it was miraculous.

Have you ever had a time when your heart was unsettled and you knew something wasn't right?  Perhaps you found you were almost arguing with yourself, trying to convince yourself everything was fine - but there was a conflict within.  I have had many such internal battles during my life.  This year, of all things, I had reservations about buying my annual subscription to NFL Game Pass.  I felt conflicted about it, and I couldn't understand why.  One day I am certain God impressed upon my heart, "Admit it.  You LOVE football."  Immediately I denied it.  "I like football, don't be ridiculous."  But then I started thinking.  Before I had a subscription to NFL Game Pass I would set my alarm to wake up at 3am to stream a game from Australia.  I checked the website daily for news and enjoyed reading the articles and watching highlights.  If I wasn't watching football, I enjoyed thinking about it.  I relished the drama of the last second field goals, the amazing kickoff returns, catches, and runs, crazy comebacks, bone-crushing blocks, and talented feats of agility and strength.  "You are right, God," I relented.  "I DO love football.  I have loved it for a long time."

The fact that I would give up virtually anything to keep watching football told me there was something wrong with my love of the game.  Football may be the greatest game ever (and without question my favourite to watch or play), but even things good in themselves can be detrimental.  You may not think my admitting I loved football was a big deal.  So what?  Don't lots of people love football?  It is a big deal because I believe the Bible is the Word of God and therefore loving things of this world is a serious problem.  1 John 2:15 plainly says, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  God used this verse to confront my misplaced affections.  My love of football - which is not an allowable exception to the truth of 1 John 2:15 - revealed my love of football was conflicting with my love of God.  Placing my affections on a game, a thing of this world, robbed God of love He deserved to freely receive from me.  That is why I initially resisted admitting I loved football.  And the implications stood:  it was either football or God.  If football demanded even a fraction of the love God intended me to demonstrate for Him, my priorities and my heart needed to change.

Even after I admitted I loved football, the resistance wasn't finished.  The battle continued as I was conflicted about what to do.  At some moments I thought God wanted me to quit watching football indefinitely, maybe just for a season, or simply to repent and to remain vigilant football was not claiming my affections.  Leading up to the Israel trip this year, I was still coming to grips with the fact I loved football.  Of all places, God clearly spoke to me in the Garden of Gethsemane during that trip.  As I sat quietly in the place where Jesus cried out to His heavenly Father facing crucifixion and death, there I was waffling over watching football or not!  I didn't want to even think or pray about the football issue, but it kept coming back.  I was disgusted.  I said, "LORD, I have the sense you are asking me to not watch football this next season.  Please clearly tell me what you want and I will do it."  Precisely at that moment, I raised my eyes and saw a small round item on the ground.  I wonder what that is, I thought.  I picked it up and began rubbing it between my fingers to clean off the corrosion.  As the face of Abraham Lincoln came into view, I was amazed to be holding a United States penny.

There I was in the Garden of Gethsemane in Israel, and to find a U.S. penny was shocking.  Faintly I could make out the inscription:  "In God We Trust."  Instantly I was reminded when Jesus was being tested by the Pharisees about whether the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar or not.  He said, "Show me a penny."  Since moving to Australia, I have not seen a "penny" for years.  The massive single cent coins in Australia were removed from circulation decades ago, and change is given rounding up or down five cents.  Jesus continued to ask, "Whose face is on the money?"  "Caesar's," they answered.  Jesus said, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."  The latter half of Jesus Christ's answer hit me:  if God asked me to give up watching football for a year, that is His just due.  Since I have been bought with a price I must choose to honour God instead of myself.  In light of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary, was football too precious to give to God after all Christ had given for me?  It was settled then, and the peace of God filled my heart.  My heart rejoiced in God's love, and all doubts fled away.  I would fast from the NFL for a season.  I am not losing anything, for God is more than sufficient to fill my heart and mind in years past occupied with football.

God does not require us to do more than He asks.  Right now He has asked for me to give Him this NFL season.  He has not yet asked me to stop watching gridiron for the rest of my earthly days, but even if He did it is not too much for God to demand.  The question will come to us all who follow Jesus:  is there anything in your life that you set your affections on in God's place?  Are there things we are unwilling to forsake for the purpose of pursuing God?  We are told, "Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  God may not ask you to lay aside the things you love, but don't forget at times He commands to lay aside even the things we need - like food!  Jesus fasted from food and drink for 40 days in obedience to God by the leading of the Holy Spirit.  The lesson is that man shall not live by bread alone but by every command from the mouth of God.  God is more necessary than food for us, and obedience to God is more important than sacrificing a century of football!  As we go through this life, God desires we forsake all other loves in response to His great love He demonstrated on the cross.  Football never loved me, but Jesus does!

Receiving Correction

The true measure of wisdom is not found in the amount of knowledge you possess, but your willingness to receive correction from God.  Christ has become for us wisdom, and a broken and contrite heart God will not despise.  Proverbs 15:31 says, "The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise."  How we respond to rebuke and chastening of God is one of the most accurate gauges of whether we are walking in wisdom or not.  Both the wise and foolish man hears the words of Christ, but the wise will adopt His ways.  The wise will heed His rebukes and take appropriate action.

This wisest among men realise God is righteous and good.  Even when God's ways appear unreasonable or ridiculous, a wise man humbly affirms that if anyone needs correction it is himself.  Habakkuk was a prophet of God who was dismayed with God's plan to use the Babylonians to judge the people of Israel.  It didn't make sense to Habakkuk God would choose to use a heathen nation which deserved the wrath and judgment of God to judge God's own people!  It seemed a grave injustice and inconsistent with Habakkuk's understanding of God.  It was utterly appalling.  How could God seemingly tolerate such great wickedness and refuse to defend God's people from violent overthrow?  Why would God use a corrupt nation to judge another?  How could such methods be just or righteous at all?

But Habakkuk was a wise man.  He knew no matter how things appeared to him, God was still God and in control.  God remained righteous, just, loving, merciful, and true.  Though confused and without answers, the prophet sought God's answer.  Like a watchman who carefully scanned the horizon, Habakkuk looked to God to correct his faulty perspective.  Habakkuk 2:1-4 reads, "I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. ² Then the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. ³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. ⁴ "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith."  Habakkuk realised it was not God who needed to be corrected, but he needed God to correct him.  God's plan hadn't changed, and God gave Habakkuk a charge to clearly write the vision and make it plain.  God would surely bring it to pass.  "The just shall live by his faith," God said.  Babylon would someday be judged in righteousness, but God would use them as His servants to chasten His people to repentance.

Sometimes God allows situations we cannot understand to accomplish His purposes.  At times we may look back and see the wisdom of God's ways, but other times we are at a loss.  Wisdom is not found in man being able to explain how and why, but in us willingly receiving correction from God and walking in obedience.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, but fools hate correction.  Habakkuk was challenged to walk in faith even as all men are.  Will we trust God despite the apparent injustice?  Will we continue to faithfully follow Christ despite difficulty, pain, and obstacles?  The wise actually seek correction from God and do not despise His chastening.  He disciplines us out of love and compassion for our good and restoration, not our destruction.  Even when Jerusalem was sacked and the temple destroyed, God remained good.  He did not leave or forsake His people, and He will not forsake us either!

Fighting Fire with Fire?

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

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

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

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

Sold and Sent

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

Genesis 45:4-5

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

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

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

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

Think, People!

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

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

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

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

Content in God

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

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

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

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

Levi and Lot's Wife

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

Luke 5:27-28

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

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

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

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

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

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

Redeeming the Moments

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

Ephesians 5:14-16

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

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

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

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

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

The Hedge of Thorns

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

Proverbs 15:19

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

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

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

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

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

The Demon Destroyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

The People Whose God is the LORD

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

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

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

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

The Life Worth Living

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

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

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

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

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