Precious Thoughts

While driving last night I had a fun and enlightening conversation with God.  In a relationship with God we have the freedom to have some very unorthodox thoughts.  My thoughts were something like this:  "God, if you were confined within time and I was the only person in the entire world, would you be bored?  Would you go for hours without hearing from me?  Would your life consist of a fair amount of thumb twiddling because I was off doing my own thing?"

Thought immediately flooded into my mind that went something like this.  "You have it all wrong.  Even if you were the only person in the world, my thoughts would be continuously focused on you even if you didn't regard me at all."  Then a scripture came to mind.  The truth of Psalm 139:17-18 hit home:  "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! ¹⁸ If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You."  God's loving thoughts toward me do not depend on me at all.  He is not waiting around for me to involve Him with my life because He is proactive in exhibiting genuine love for me.  God is God, and therefore He is able to be personally involved with everyone on the planet simultaneously.  We all have all His attention at all times, and this my friends should be a great source of awe and overwhelming joy.

God delights in people, and has a special place for those who trust and include Him as a response to His love.  We are limited by time and our attention span is finite.  Some of us struggle to do two things at once!  But God does not "multitask" like people do.  His thoughts are good toward us, even when we wander, forget about Him, or even rebel.  We see this illustrated with the children of Israel, His chosen people.  Jeremiah 29:10-14 says, "For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. ¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive."  When God says "I will," we can know for certain He will.

God loves me and you.  His thoughts of us are more than the grains of sand in all the seas on this planet.  If only we realised how precious we are in God's sight!  Praise Him for His goodness and love He lavishes freely on us!

Humble Yourselves

Have you ever listened to your own prayers to God?  It is important our prayers reflect faith in God's revealed truth in His Word.  Sometimes our prayers do not demonstrate we trust the Bible.  We can beg God to "be with us" when He has promised never to leave or forsake us!  We can also pray for God to do things we are primarily responsible to do.  Through God's Spirit we are enabled respond supernaturally to God's grace and love as His adopted children, even as a flower turns toward the sun.

I was singing along with a familiar worship song which went, "Oh Spirit come make us humble."  It occurred to me it is true that only God can truly humble a man.  This is demonstrated in the scriptures when God humbled His people (Deut. 8:3; 16).  As I sang the words in church, it dawned on me this request for humbling by the Spirit is not a term of phrase found in scripture.  There are many times, however, where men are told to humble themselves.  Man has a responsibility to cooperate with God, to willingly humble himself before God who has freed us from pride and bondage to sin.  The biblical evidence overwhelmingly emphasises the need for man to humble himself before God.  Jesus said in Matthew 23:12, "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."  James 4:10 states, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."  1 Peter 5:6-7 reads, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

We are called to humble ourselves, knowing it is God who enables us to do so by His grace.  If we do not humble ourselves, it is not because God lacks power or ability:  it is that we have refused to submit ourselves to Him in obedience and lowliness of mind.  We begin to walk in humility when we recognise God is awesome, and we are unworthy of God's goodness, love, forgiveness, and grace.  It is not attained through self-loathing or preoccupation with self at all, but a heart set on lifting up the glorious name of God in praise, worship, and obedience.  The LORD said through the prophet in Isaiah 57:15:  "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  When we humble ourselves before God, He will revive us, draw us to Himself, and lift us up.  Praise the LORD it is He who enables us to do this!

Is Justice Fair?

One of the recurring themes throughout the book of Judges and has been observed among people in the world ever since is, "every man did what was right in his own eyes."  The Proverbs say most men will proclaim their own goodness, but there is not a good man among them (Prov. 20:6).  The way of a man seems right to him, but the inevitable end is death (Prov. 14:12).  Only God is good, and His righteous standard proclaimed in scripture is absolute.

A reality of this corrupted world is all things degrade.  Our bodies break down, grow old and decay.  Biblical morality, principles once firmly established in the fabric of society, over time are easily cast aside.  As generations overtake generations, even the meaning of words can be dumbed-down into sloppy generalisations.  Take justice, for instance.  The 1828 Webster's Dictionary defines justice like this:  "1) the virtue which consists in giving to everyone what is his due; practical conformity to the laws and to principles of rectitude in the dealings of men with each other, honesty, integrity; 2) impartiality, equal distribution of right in expressing opinions, fair representation of facts respecting merit or demerit, it is a duty to do justice to every man, whether friend or foe; 3) equity, agreeableness to right; 4) vindictive retribution, merited punishment; 5) right, application of equity.”  Compare this definition with the first like of the American Heritage Dictionary:  "the quality of being just; fairness."  In the very first line, the modern dictionary uses a word not found in the definition over a hundred and eighty or so years ago:  "fairness."  It may seem trite, but it represents a significant shift in the way many view justice today.

When the word "fair" is used today, it means something which is pleasant or appealing to our eyes.  It can be commonly used as a synonym for justice.  But justice has nothing to do with being fair.  Justice is righteousness.  Justice is an absolute standard established by God's righteousness, for only God is Just.  To say God is "fair" is an adulteration of the language, for God never claims to be fair:  He does not always do what is pleasing to man's eyes.  Justice is the upholding of God's righteousness.  Fairness is largely subjective, based upon what way seems right in the eyes of man.  I am not suggesting that fairness and justice cannot intersect.  What I am saying is because of the modern meaning of the word "justice," we apply that subjective standard to God and feel at liberty to stand in judgment of His ways.  This brings us back to how important the scripture is to shape our understanding of what true justice is in Proverbs 16:25:  "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."  Our idea of fair is not always righteous.  Unlike the words we commonly use, God is perfect and does not change!  Turn to the Word of God, and it will be a lamp unto your feet and a light to your path.  It will never lead you wrong!

Righteousness and Relevance

There is a push in many churches today to be more "relevant."  In an attempt to be relevant by allowing culture to dictate belief or emphasis above the Word of God, the church becomes more irrelevant than ever.  A church is only as relevant as it is righteous.  A church pandering to humanism and traditions of men has nothing of eternal value to offer anyone.  The church does not suddenly become relevant because the pastor is a hipster, the media department produces eye-popping videos, services are well-attended, or hosts weekly outreaches in pubs along with Scotch-tasting.  The church is not relevant because of what it does, but because of what it is:  the living Body of Jesus Christ comprised of individuals united in One Spirit.

Some who profess Christ as Saviour seem concerned that if the church does not mirror the culture, it cannot effectively reach people for Christ.  Jesus went into the world, but He did not become like the world.  It is true the church was never meant for isolation, and through Christ we will overcome the world.  But we cannot overcome the world if we deny the teachings of scripture because the world does not agree - and it cannot.  An altered Gospel is stripped of all power to save.  If we lay aside the biblical truths of God's goodness, man's rebellion and sinfulness, the fact all men have sinned and rightly deserve eternal punishment in hell, the love of Jesus demonstrated on Calvary's cross, and only the blood of Jesus can cleanse a sinner by grace through faith, the church becomes a self-glorified social club controlled by the whims of hypocrites and deluded fools.  The church has never been called to acquiesce to culture, but to agree with God according to the truth revealed in the Bible.  Culture changes, but God's righteousness endures forever.  An unrighteous church is an irrelevant church.

The church will always be relevant because it is the living Body of Jesus Christ, regardless of the world's opinions.  Jesus has what the entire world needs - not cures for illnesses, money for those in poverty, support for homeless or widows, influence through politics or social reforms, or life enhancement - but the way of eternal life through His righteousness by faith.  The life and love of Jesus Christ is what should be attractive about the church.  It is a light in the darkness of this confused, divided, lost, hopeless world in which we live.  It is not about providing a healthier alternative:  the everlasting Gospel is the only way anyone can be saved.  People are dead in their sins and going to hell!  They don't need the church to change its stance on scripture to find common ground.  People need a church who will hold fast in faith and lovingly, compassionately preach the Word - without apology.  The pressures of society to conform the church as a product of the culture are seemingly stronger than ever.  But God and His Word are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Instead of dismissing parts of the Bible we don't agree with, how much better and stronger our witness is when we hold unwaveringly to God's truth!  Our faith is one that works.  Good works for God's glory in the world ought to mark Christ's Body.  Do you believe that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness?  God is a righteous God, and righteousness is what we need to be saved from our sins and to pass from death to life.  There is not a good or righteous person who walks on this earth today according to God's standard.  Should we reduce God's Word to our unrighteous concepts of fairness or relevance, picking and choosing what we will believe or throw out?  Then we have foolishly chosen to adopt a flawed, powerless, irrelevant belief system incapable of saving or changing people at all.  Our righteousness is not our own, but Christ's received by faith.  Should we foolishly adopt the views of this world and culture under Satan's sway to try to impact the world for God?  There is no life in this world!  Trying to be like the world to reach the world is like a surgeon cutting out the heart of one dead cadaver and placing it in another dead corpse:  activity without life, profit, or purpose.

People need righteousness.  They need forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation.  They need Jesus Christ and the power of the resurrection through the Holy Spirit within them.  There is absolutely no hope in this world apart from faith in Christ.  Jesus is always relevant, for He knows our deepest needs and is able to meet them all.  You do not need a building, programs, or ordination certificates on your wall to make an impact in this world for God.  You do not need a new sound system, a bank of TVs, or rock-concert lighting to worship God and bring glory to His name.  Take to heart this exhortation found in Titus 2:11-15:  "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. ¹⁵ Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."  We live in an ungodly world which seeks to distract, distort the truth, and destroy the foundations of our faith by undermining scripture.  Refuse to fall for the lie that to be relevant the church must adopt worldly views or practices.  Christians are to be different because we have been born again by the Holy Spirit who lives in us.  Our aim must be to follow Jesus and live righteously as we abide in His light and love.  In doing so we will be relevant because we know and love the One the whole world needs:  Jesus Christ.

Dangerous Gifts

Recently there has been a small spike in Australian news concerning former NSW premiere Barry O'Farrell.  He resigned last year when it was discovered he received a $3,000 bottle of wine and did not claim it as a gift from a donor.  A news report claims Mr. O'Farrell has denied fresh allegations he also received an expensive fountain pen whilst in office from a construction company that later won a large contract.  Whether or not Barry is innocent or guilty of wrongdoing in this case, receiving bribes or gifts is nothing new.  Those with money are drawn to people in influential government positions, knowing it doesn't take much luxury to "grease the skids" for their benefit.  A $1,000 pen is nothing compared to a 1 billion dollar contract!

Perhaps there are some people who become a public servant for the perks or retirement package, but I would suspect a vast majority of those who aspire to such a role do so to make a positive difference in government, community, and to individuals.  Maybe they have perceived injustice and want to ensure those who are poor and struggling have adequate representation in government.  They want to go to battle for the battlers, the ones doing it tough.  Their aspiration is to be a man or a woman of their community, faithfully serving their fellow citizens and residents.  In the beautiful and blessed country I now call home, there are thousands of people every day who champion the causes of immigrants, the aged, single, children in foster care, and those with failing health both in a professional and volunteer basis.  But starting well, firmly holding to ideals and principles, does not mean your grip on them tightens.  There are many people who have epitomised the term "public servant" in their role in government.  Yet history reveals many who started well as champions of the people who ended up accepting gifts, bribes, embezzling, living lavishly whilst people suffer poverty, or even becoming the totalitarian leaders of deadly regimes.  Starting well does not ensure a strong finish.

The fall of leaders through accepting gifts or succumbing to greed is not limited to government employees.  Every single person on the planet is susceptible to the lure of wealth or gifts - even in the church.  This morning I read Isaiah 1:23, a rebuke from God directed at His own people.  "Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them."  The princes who were called to uphold justice according to God's Word had been corrupted by bribes and rewards.  There was rebellion in their hearts and they ceased defending the fatherless and shrugged off the complaints of the widows.  Their circle of "friends" increasingly detached them from functioning in their God-ordained role.  Maybe these princes were idealistic in their zeal to make a difference, only to find people presented an ever-growing litany of problems.  The role made the public servant feel entitled to a little rest, leisure, and luxury.  Flattered by associating with the wealthy and influential, the princes began to even drift from obedience to God.

I wonder:  is it possible Christians can allow spiritual gifts or calling to a role in the body of Christ to distract them from their necessity of purity, righteousness, and holiness?  No one is impervious to the snare of pride.  The life of David reveals even a great victory over a giant by faith in God does not translate into a victory over a beautiful woman.  No matter how we have been used by God, no matter how divinely gifted, the hearts of men have a way of drifting from allegiance to Christ and denying self.  It is very dangerous to think because we can operate in a spiritual gift everything is fine between us and God!  Over time we may be deceived to think our strength is our own.  It is a sobering reality that we can be called and gifted by God and cease to be absolutely loyal to Him.  Look at the kings in Judah and Israel.  Consider pastors, teachers, and servants in the church.  No one goes into ministry looking to drag God's name through the mud by embezzlement or fornication, but it happens.  When our hearts are lifted up and we place our confidence in self, a spiritual fall and great injury will be the result - unless we repent.

Let me leave you with a prophecy spoken by Oded in 2 Chronicles 15:1-7:  "Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. ² And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. ³ For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law; ⁴ but when in their trouble they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. ⁵ And in those times there was no peace to the one who went out, nor to the one who came in, but great turmoil was on all the inhabitants of the lands. ⁶ So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. ⁷ But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"  When we trust in our own strength, we are powerless.  If God is our strength, we are fit to run with endurance the race set before us as we look to Christ alone!  If we turn to the LORD and seek Him, He will be found by us.  What a blessing and privilege, to know and speak to the LORD of all!

Problems Are Opportunities

In our discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney, one of the materials we use is the Self-Confrontation Manual developed by John C. Broger.  One of the major points of emphasis is how Christians must choose between man's way and God's way in our daily lives.  In Lesson 2 page 4, a profound statement is made concerning how walking with Christ should affect our perspective.  The top of page 33 states concerning a Holy Spirit-filled believer:  "You are now enabled to see that God uses trials and problems as opportunities for spiritual growth."  Only God can grant man such spiritual insight.  We see problems as obstacles and hindrances, yet every one provides an opportunity for us to grow.

What the world  may see as a "setback" is actually the means God employs to cause us to progress in faith and maturity.  Our failures and faults can be redeemed for our good and growth.  Only God can use our mistakes and troubles of this life to accomplish ultimate will.   Romans 5:1-5 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Peace with God does not depend on our circumstances, but on His unwavering character and unrelenting love.  For those who are born again through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ, He has become our peace.  He is our peace regardless if the world seems to be crashing down all around us.  Through Him we have access "into this grace in which we stand" and can rejoice with assurance He will be glorified.  We can rejoice even in trials and difficulties, knowing God will redeem them to bolster our growth and refine our character.  Not even our mistakes can separate us from the love of God graciously given us though faith in Jesus and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

When I notice a "problem," my instinctive response is to think, "I need to do something!"  Instead of seeing problems as a hindrance, through the lens of faith we can say with confidence God is doing something - something profound, good, and glorious.  The assurance of our hope is solid as Christ's love.  Nobody wants problems, but when we recognise God will redeem them we can rejoice in His faithfulness to redeem.  When we commit our problems to the LORD in obedience, recognising He is LORD of all and in control, we lay hold of an invaluable opportunity to grow and glorify God!

Progress Brings Opposition

The book of Nehemiah has many great spiritual parallels for the Christian.  Jerusalem was the place God had chosen to place His name, and the enemies of God's people were mobilised when they perceived progress was being made in the restoration of the city.  I believe the same rings true of the enemy of our souls when we come to Christ in faith - not only at conversion, but when we take steps to progress in sanctification.  Job's uprightness had not gone unnoticed by Satan who schemed for his destruction.  Jesus revealed Satan desired to "sift Peter as wheat," knowing God had a plan to use him to advance God's kingdom.  Leonard Ravenhill said that Paul was "known in hell" based upon the words of the demon when the sons of Sceva tried to drive him out:  "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"  We are in a spiritual battle, and we are called to be vigilant and courageous, knowing Jesus Christ has granted us the ultimate victory.

It is a great privilege to read the word of God, and a useful practice to read through it regularly.  In this way we receive the whole counsel of God, being reminded of truths we already know, learn new things, and receive fresh personal application as well.  Satan does not need to expend much effort or resources on tripping up the nominal Christian, one who is a Christian in word but not in deed - especially one who is not in the Word or regular fellowship.  But when there is renewed resolve and obedience in following Jesus Christ, it no doubt grabs his attention.  Nehemiah 4:7-9 shows us how the enemies of God's children responded when they saw progress being made in Jerusalem:  "Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, ⁸ and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. ⁹ Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night."  Nehemiah knew people were plotting to attack and confuse them.  Did that cause Nehemiah to reconsider building the walls?  Nope.  He took his concerns to God in prayer, and set a watch against the enemy.  The order is important.  He didn't fix his eyes upon the enemy and lift reactionary prayers to God.  He fixed his eyes primarily upon God, and then set a watch over the affairs of his life.

Should we be afraid, seeing Satan is compared to a roaring lion seeking to devour us as prey?  Yes, but we should never fear Satan:  we must fear God, the King who has overcome!  Solomon says at the end of Ecclesiastes we are to fear God and keep His commandments.  We love God because He first loved us.  God who indwells us is greater than any enemy we could ever face in this world.  1 John 4:14-15 says, "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God."  No weapon fashioned against us shall prosper, for God fights for those whose hearts are loyal to Him.  What boldness, confidence, assurance, and strength is found through faith in God!  It is His work, and He will be faithful to bring it to completion despite any opposition.

Sorry, Not Enough

Have you ever done wrong and felt sorry about it?  When it comes to setting things right, feeling sorry is often the first step in repentance.  The pricking of our conscience should lead to a changed mind which admits we have done wrong.  Merely admitting guilt still stops short of repentance, a necessary step to be forgiven by God.  Repentance begins with a changed mind and a renewed heart according to God's Word, resulting in intentional lifestyle changes which agree with God.

There is a practical example seen in the book of Ezra.  Ezra the priest was astonished when he heard a report from the princes that many of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from captivity in the Babylon had transgressed God's command in marrying foreign wives.  The rulers, ones who were called to lead righteously in obeying the Word, were primarily to blame.  Ezra 10:1 says, "Now while Ezra was praying, and while he was confessing, weeping, and bowing down before the house of God, a very large assembly of men, women, and children gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept very bitterly."  The people guilty of disobedience were remorseful, sorry for what they had done.  Ezra 10:2-4 continues:  "And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, spoke up and said to Ezra, "We have trespassed against our God, and have taken pagan wives from the peoples of the land; yet now there is hope in Israel in spite of this. ³ Now therefore, let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and those who have been born to them, according to the advice of my master and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. ⁴ Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it."

The people were sorrowful over their sin, but they remained hopeless to be forgiven without repentance.  As long as they remained in their sinful lifestyle, they remained condemned.  No amount of sacrifices could make them acceptable before God if they merely stayed sorry.  Yet Shechaniah had words of hope for the people who had sinned.  In spite of their willful disobedience, they had an opportunity set before them to be forgiven and restored to a righteous standing before God.  The issue of intermarriage was not a racial problem, but a spiritual one.  Marriage to foreign people was permitted under the Law as long as they converted to Judaism.  Those who refused to enter into God's covenant with His people needed to be released from their marriages so the nation could be united before God in obedience and submission.  It would be brutally difficult and horrendous to have to put them away, even as Abraham sent away Hagar and his beloved Ishmael.  The point which stands out from this passage is being sorry, even admitting our guilt before God with many tears, is not enough to warrant restoration before our Father in heaven.  We must repent, choose to reject sinful practices at any cost, and do what is right.

God's people are responsible to obey Him, and when He brings to our attention we are in sin we must take appropriate steps to forsake it.  Allowing sinful practices to remain in our lives perpetuates a cycle of guilt without true repentance.  As followers of Jesus Christ we are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, but this does not mean we should continue in sin.  Sorrow over sin is a good start, but stopping short of repentance only increases damage.  Romans 6:1-4 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? ² Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? ³ Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ⁴ Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."  Sin is a merciless killer, and sinful practices in our lives must be dealt with severely without mercy.  Our loyalty must be to God, not to idols or worldly loves.

No matter what we have done, there is hope for us through Jesus Christ if we will confess our sin, repent, and receive forgiveness according to His grace.  It is not by our efforts to clean up our lives which avails anything, but the shed blood of Christ which through faith cleanses us of sin.  Through Christ we can experience newness of life today if we will put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new man through faith in Jesus.  We should be sorry when we sin, but we must go further and repent fully by removing the source of sin from our lifestyle.  Praise the LORD for His redemptive, restoring work enabled in each who believe through the Holy Spirit!

Suffer No Hunger

Some view God as an overbearing ruler, seeking at every turn to deprive people of fun and enjoyment.  This view of God is like an ignorant child who turns up his nose at unfamiliar food.  It is ironic a picky eater who refuses good food at the table may poison himself later that day by drinking household chemicals found under the kitchen sink!  Idolatry is more dangerous and deadly than poison.  Even as a child who must trust their parents to obey their encouragement to "try" the food placed before them, so all people are called to trust God.  God does not deprive people of anything.  You can drink the poison supplied by this world if you like.  God has warned us, and if we are intent on self-destruction God will not force us to adopt His ways.  But if we desire what is good, we must choose to trust God and do what pleases Him.  Thankfully the atoning blood of Christ atones for our sins as the only antidote to save our souls.

Throughout God's history with His people, there was a recurring theme they did not listen to God.  They chose to reject God's way and He allowed them to go their own way with disastrous results.  Isn't it ironic God's own people chose to reject God's commands given to them?  Psalm 81:8-14 says, "Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! ⁹ There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god. ¹⁰ I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. ¹¹ "But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. ¹² So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. ¹³ "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! ¹⁴ I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries."  God longs greatly that people would listen to Him and obey.  He has been faithful to deliver His people from bondage, sin, and death.  How sad it is when we who have experienced His deliverance would so quickly turn from Him and follow after idols which cannot save or satisfy.  He says, "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it."  Like a chef supplying gourmet delicacies we have never seen or tasted before, God has good things to fill us with and satisfy our souls.

Looking at food stops far short of tasting it for ourselves.  Eating involves all our major senses.  The flavour is enhanced with delicious aromas.  Quality food doesn't just look tasty, but has the correct texture:  chewy, crunchy, fluffy, or smooth.  Tasting food yourself is a personal experience, and trusting and obeying Christ is also a series of personal choices.  David was a man who had experienced God's deliverance and salvation.  David once made the mistake of seeking aid from his enemy, and when he realised his error he was struck with fear.  He pretended to be crazy before the king, scratching on the walls and allowed saliva to run down his beard.  After he was saved from that sticky and embarrassing situation, David proclaimed the goodness of God.  He wrote following the incident in Psalm 34:1-10:  "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. ² My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. ³ Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. ⁴ I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. ⁵ They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. ⁶ This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. ⁷ The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. ⁸ Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! ⁹ Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. ¹⁰ The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. "

There is nothing better than being loved by God and loving Him back, trusting and obeying His Word.  Have you tasted and seen for yourself that the LORD is good?  With David I can say truly, "Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!  There is no want to those who fear Him."  Shut the door on the equivalent of corrosive chemical cleaners you've been eyeing under the sink - those idols and sinful practices which can only destroy - and feed on God's faithfulness instead.  Open your mouth wide in faith, and God will fill it.  Those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

Don't Hold Out!

A personal testimony is a powerful tool which can bring much glory to God.  Whilst it is true making our past lifestyle or sins the focus is an improper emphasis, it would be wrong to ignore them.  After his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite, David wrote in Psalm 51:3, "For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me."  David's acknowledgement of his sin produced a humility in him before God and men.  Our story ought to always point to God's deliverance, grace, and faithfulness despite our faults.

There is a flavour people can give to their testimony of God saving them which suggests they had a license to sin in their "BC" days - before Christ.  The implication is they were far worse sinners in those days than now.  There's no way they could ever sin like that again!  This is not necessarily true.  To think we will never sin after Christ to the degree we sinned before is inconsistent in the life of David and likely our own.  In the matter of David's sin, he transgressed decades after he committed to trust, obey, and worship God alone.  In Christian circles, people can be very free to share with others how they used to live before Christ.  On the other hand, to admit they have struggled or stumbled into sin since is quietly kept under wraps.  This produces a false front, a facade of spiritual strength to hide faults we know all too well a "good Christian" could or should have overcome.

And the result?  Christians are reluctant to admit they are struggling, and this lack of transparency leads other believers to do the same.  Openness concerning personal matters and frank honesty concerning sin promotes the same.  Why is it that when we choose to follow Christ we assume we ought to be perfect and refuse to admit our hurts and struggles?  Perhaps people are afraid their "salvation" will be doubted as genuine.  No one wants to be judged by others or seen as weak failures.  Pride has a lot to do with concealment of our faults, and God requires us to walk humbly with Him.  When we were purchased with the blood of Christ by grace through faith, He purchased us as His own.  Ours is a story of God's redemption and grace - not only before our conversion, but after as well.  Our lives are a tapestry woven through with threads of God's deliverance, forgiveness, acceptance, and love.  If we are His and He is ours, when we choose to keep our struggles and God's deliverance private after our conversion, we hold out on God.  In doing so we refuse God glory to save face before men.

When we share the testimony of God's salvation and deliverance of our souls, let's not keep referring back to our days before we came to Christ in faith.  It is fitting to talk about how God initially opened your eyes to your sin and need for salvation and forgiveness, but speak freely and frankly about how He has delivered you since.  Like David, we too can testify God is a living God who has delivered us out of all distress, affliction, and sin.  Transparency with others in the Body of Christ leads to true accountability.  Our story is God's story, and we ought not keep the light of His deliverance hidden from those who have also tasted and seen God is good.  Instead of painting ourselves in a soft, fuzzy light to improve our image, how much better to accurately describe the wondrous things God has done in delivering us from sin and ourselves.  To God be the glory, both now and forever!

The Holy War

I read an interesting article written by Thomas Madden reprinted in "Christianity Today" in 2005 concerning the Crusades.  One of his main points is how the Crusades were a response to the stop the spread of Islam in the world about one thousand years ago.  I have not studied the history of the Crusades to know how accurate the article is, or what bias has affected the conclusions.  But the last sentence caught my attention.  Quoting professor Madden, "Whether we admire the Crusaders or not, it is a fact that the world we know today would not exist without their efforts. The ancient faith of Christianity, with its respect for women and antipathy toward slavery, not only survived but flourished. Without the Crusades, it might well have followed Zoroastrianism, another of Islam's rivals, into extinction."

Perhaps I am a sleepy reader, but the last sentence shocked me awake in disbelief.  What?  Is this guy serious?  Could he really say or believe such a thing?  Without the Crusades Christianity might well have been made extinct?  Never!  To say Christianity could possibly ever be extinct is to suggest Jesus is not alive or has never existed.  As a follower of Jesus, I am absolutely convinced Jesus Christ is alive.  The scripture says He is at the right hand of the Father, making intercession on behalf of people loyal to God.  He has gone to prepare a place for those who believe and follow Him.  Someday He will return, establish His kingdom, and rule with a rod of iron.  Christianity is the genuine, true, exclusive way to God.  This claim has made it wildly unpopular, even offensive.  But there it is.  I do not apologise for the words spoken by my Saviour Jesus Christ in John 14:6:  "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  Everyone has placed before them the choice to believe Jesus and entrust Him with your everlasting soul, and I have without regret.

There is a consistent spiritual principle held forth in 1 Corinthians 15:46 which is foundational to what I am going to say.  It reads, "However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual."  The natural comes first and then the spiritual.  Hearkening back in Jewish history, God chose the Jews to be His special people.  He gave them a land flowing with milk and honey, and they with His aid were to drive out the inhabitants of the land.  Though they did not do this fully, God established them in the land of Israel.  They set up a tabernacle according to God's specifications to worship God, and ultimately Solomon built a temple for this purpose.  God gave all the tribes an inheritance of land.  To the tribe of Levi God gave no inheritance of land, for He was their inheritance (Numbers 18:20).

Fast forward to Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah sent by God to seek and save the lost.  Jesus came to the lost sheep of Israel, but having been rejected by them, a Way through faith in Christ was opened for Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) to be born again and be adopted as sons into God's kingdom.  The physical temple has not remained standing to this day, and even if it is rebuilt there will be no need for the blood of animal sacrifices to atone for sins because Jesus has already done so with His own blood.  The physical temple has preceded the spiritual temple.  1 Corinthians 6:19 affirms every Christian is now the temple of the Holy Spirit because He lives within us!  The fight was a physical one when the Hebrews drove out the inhabitants of the land, but now for Christians it is a spiritual one.  The promises God made to the Jews concerning their land remain true.  Yet for believers our battle is not against flesh and blood over physical regions, but is waged against spiritual forces of wickedness in the spiritual realms (Eph. 6:12).  The weapons of our warfare are not carnal - guns, knives, fists, or political influence - but mighty in God for pulling down spiritual strongholds and everything which vaunts itself against Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4), bringing every thought into captivity to obedience to Christ.  The battle is largely an internal one, dealing with my own heart first.

In the New Testament, not once did Jesus encourage His disciples to physically fight against the oppressive Romans, Muslims, or self-righteous Pharisees.  He did not fight like any man before Him fought.  He did not leverage political power, manipulate by threats, or gather an army to crush dissidents.  He demonstrated the love of God through self-sacrifice according to the leading of His heavenly Father.  Religious and militaristic groups may use physical force to accomplish their ends through intimidation and murder, but Christians should never be numbered among them.  Do you know how Jesus gained the victory and spread His Gospel throughout the world for eternity?  By dying at the hands of His enemies without resisting evil according to His command during the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:39).  This approach is repulsive to conventional wisdom because it is a revelation of God's true wisdom.  Jesus committed Himself completely into the hands of the Father, knowing He would be raised from the dead.  He committed Himself fully to God, knowing He would be vindicated for His righteousness and death would be overcome.  He prayed.  Oh, how He prayed!  Jesus loved, prayed, and obeyed God, and every single professing Christian in the world ought follow His example.

It was through dying on the cross and rising from the dead which shattered the chains of bondage and sin which held men captive in darkness and death.  To the world it appeared He lost the battle as His lifeless body was removed from the cross, but it was His physical death which ushered in new spiritual life for countless souls.  The example and pattern established by Jesus was followed by the Christians in the early church.  They faced great persecution, incarceration, torture, and execution.  Instead of picking up the sword to smite unbelievers or even to defend their own lives, they fled to the safety of other regions.  Some like Paul went willingly where the Spirit revealed he would be arrested in chains.  The Word of God and the Gospel was taken into marketplaces, prisons, palaces, and remote villages.  Yet somewhere down the line, the church or government decided they would abandon the sword of the Spirit - the Word of God - and use the carnal weapons of men or political policies to accomplish God's purposes.  It reverted to a physical battle over land and people using military might rather than seeking God in prayer to fight our battles.  Perhaps people were deceived to think prayer was not enough to triumph in conflicts concerning God.  Instead of dying to self to save souls, men waged war to kill those who opposed them.  And this approach has continued by some to this day.

May Christians be those who have reclaimed all the territory of their own hearts and minds to the obedience of Jesus Christ, choosing to follow the example of Jesus by always doing what pleases the Father and walking in love.  The spectre of conquesting jihadists or controlling governments should not cause us to deviate from Christ's ways.  Instead of stockpiling weapons, we need to draw the Sword of the Spirit - the Word of God - and heed it ourselves!  Even if obedience to God means my head will be sawed from my shoulders, I pledge to love those who draw my blood.  Whether I live or die I entrust my eternal soul to the hands of my Father who loves me and gave His only Son to physically die for me so I might spiritually live through Him.  One day (should God tarry) I will go the way of the earth, and my family name may be wiped from the planet, but there is no one in the universe or beyond who can destroy my Saviour, for He has overcome!  We will not need to fight, for Jesus is already Victor!  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all men!

Time to Work!

"He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. ⁵ As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything. ⁶ In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good."

Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

It is natural for man to trust his limited senses rather than walking in faith.  The flesh contrives countless reasons why it is not a convenient or opportune time to trust God now.  We are always seeking better conditions where obvious fruitfulness of our efforts is instantly apparent.  Solomon held forth the picture of the man filled with excuses.  There are seasons to plant and harvest, yet the man described in verse 4 is focused on the weather.  In the season for sowing he says, "Ah!  Too windy today.  I want more control over where the seed lands."  So the seed remains unused in the shed.  When it is the time to harvest, he turns his furrowed brow towards the heavens:  "Threatening clouds overhead.  Better wait until the risk of a downpour is over."

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: ² a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted..."  It is the season - not wind or clouds - which indicate the right time for labour.  Farming is a practical act of faith.  In Bible times, people planted seeds trusting God would bring the rain, cause the plants to grow and be fruitful, and He would cause the fruit to remain and ripen.  Solomon confronted those who made excuses to justify their inaction by pointing out the severe limitations of their senses and understanding.  "You don't know the way of the wind," Solomon said.  "You don't know how bones grown in the womb of a mother with child.  If you don't know where the wind is coming from or where it is going, it's clear you do not know the works of God who makes everything."

His conclusion?  "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good."  We can never know the impact of our labours in God's field or vineyard for the glory of God and His kingdom.  The words of Solomon are deeper than mere advice on farming.  He offers us sage spiritual advice concerning our efforts to scatter the good seed of God's Word and reap a harvest of souls and good fruit.  Jesus said in John 9:4, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."  As long as we draw breath, as children of the light it is high time to labour for the LORD.  The movement of the Holy Spirit is compared to wind by Jesus in John 3, and no man can predict what He will do.  Who knows how far He will carry the seed and cause it to be fruitful?  For years the seed may remain dormant in the hearts and minds of others, and then suddenly by God's grace it will spring to life!

If we are looking to social trends to find a strategy, if we decided it is an inconvenient time because of modern culture or social pressure, when will the work God has ordained us to do be done?  Instead of observing the wind or the clouds, let us look to the example of Jesus Christ and follow Him as led by the Holy Spirit.  Let us be diligent to put our hands to the plow without looking back, scoffing at our pathetic flesh which pleads to quit and leave work undone.  It is a season for diligence and labour, for humility and doing the hard yards.  Isn't it amazing God has ordained a single seed to bring forth new life?  Whether we move rocks, plow, sow, or reap, it is God who brings the increase.  Psalm 126:5-6 assures us, "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. ⁶ He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."  Instant results will likely not occur, but we can trust God He will bring the increase in His time.

Confession and Healing

Every Christian has a personal story of redemption and deliverance.  Not only have we been saved from death and eternal damnation by God's grace, but God has saved us from troubles and addictions after we were born again.  These are stories which should not be kept to ourselves, but shared freely with others.  Our story should be one which points to God's faithfulness despite our faithlessness.  Transparency and vulnerability are sorely lacking in the lives of many because they are afraid they might be judged or condemned by others.

Recognition of past failure lays a foundation for humility and graciousness within us.  We should not to be proud of our wickedness or how we were more "lost" than most because of our debauchery.  Who we used to be and what we used to do is the minor key:  the grace, love, and salvation of God is to be the major emphasis.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, "For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."  Paul gives us a good example in specifically referencing the sins and folly of his former life, but does not go into vivid detail.  His unworthiness allowed him to magnify God's grace towards him.  This same grace God offers to all who repent and trust in Him.

There are few things worse than a group of Christians who act like they have no problems or struggles with sin whatsoever.  Our identity as Christians is a public proclamation we are sinners who had no hope in this world apart from Christ.  After coming to Christ, do all our problems disappear?  Not hardly.  We live in a fallen world, are targeted by the enemy of our souls, and live in a body of corruptible flesh.  It is true Christ has overcome the world and through Him we are assured of ultimate victory.  But to suggest we do not struggle in this fight not against flesh and blood is to deny the truth of scripture.  Christians must band together as one, revealing our pains and difficulties freely - not for sympathy or pity - but so we might strengthen and encourage one another, praying for one another continually.

In nearly every John Wayne western I can remember, he is injured at some point.  Many times after a gunfight, someone will point out "Hey, you've been shot."  "Aw, this?"  the tough man says, as if he didn't know. "I'm fine."  The most common John Wayne treatment is to wrap a bandana around the bloody wound and ignore it.  In the movies no one needs to worry about lead poisoning, but in real life we do.  God has provided churches comprised of believers to minister to the needs and tend to the wounds of those in the Body itself.  If Christians do the spiritual equivalent of limping around with bandanas tied on our arms and legs, trying to conceal our wounds, how will they ever be healed?  When the fiery darts of the enemy find a gap in our armour, we need to seek the aid of our brothers who are fighting with us in the trenches.  Let us not be ashamed to admit our need for accountability and help when we are hurting.  How silly it would be for you to walk into church with the sharp teeth of a bear trap sunk to the bone on the ankle, smile, and say you are doing well.  Do this long enough and you might actually start believing yourself.

James 5:13-16 says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."  God has made Christians as members of Christ's Body and ordained us as ministers for one another.  Instead of glorying in what God has saved us from, let us rejoice that we know God and have been delivered by His grace.  Our deliverance from sin does not mean we do not struggle.  Let us join as one, united in the grace, love, and mercy of Christ.  By the grace of God we are who we are, and together let us bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

Trials and Consolation

Today I preached at Calvary Chapel Sydney on 2 Corinthians 1:1-7.  I have been richly blessed in preparing and considering the truths of that passage.  God gave me deeper understanding of His grace, mercy, and comfort through His Word.  It dawned on me how God blesses us whether we recognise it or not.  We can have confidence Paul demonstrated, that even in our trials He will certainly accomplish His redemptive work.

When I think of "good works," I think of sacrificing, serving, or obeying God in some area of my life.  I think of things I choose to do because Christ's love has compelled me.  Yet I am learning sometimes a good work can be our response to situations over which we have little or no control.  It is a good work to endure hard times, trusting God has a plan and purpose He will accomplish despite my ignorance.  When Jesus endured the cross He did a good work.  Jesus did not do this for His own benefit, but His sacrifice accomplished deliverance, redemption, salvation, and comfort for me and all who trust in Him.  It is amazing to consider that even as Christ's suffering benefited me with salvation and consolation, whether I suffer or receive comfort from Him it benefits others with salvation and consolation as well.

I cannot think of any time in scripture when God asks us if we are willing to suffer.  In the life of Paul God divinely revealed to Paul he would suffer greatly for His name's sake.  The 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 passage teaches us with every trial and suffering we experience for Christ's sake there is abundant consolation provided for us.  Sometimes it is God's will we suffer, for in times of trial we mature greatly (James 1:2-4).  The trials we endure are not only for us, but bring salvation and comfort to others through the Holy Spirit.  This is mind blowing, and it is a fundamental truth.  It is not our suffering which enables us to comfort others who suffer, but the fact we have received the Holy Spirit and the comfort He provides.  The more we suffer for Christ's sake, the greater the consolation.

I encourage you to meditate on this passage and see how necessary it is for our souls to align with God's perspective on trials for Christ's sake.  We can suffer as unto the LORD, even as we are to do all things as unto the LORD.  It is a good work when we are in the midst of a trial to say as Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:  "...for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."  We maintain an eternal perspective when we focus our eyes on the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity.  Through the prophet in Isaiah 57:15 our gracious Father of mercies and of all comfort said He will dwell in the holy place "with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  If we humble ourselves before God, He will lift us up.  One day our Saviour will present us faultless before the Father with exceeding joy.  It is all God's doing, and it is glorious in my eyes.

Watching the Watchman

The scriptures speak of the necessity of watchfulness in the life of a believer.  Jesus bid His followers to watch for His coming.  We are told many times to be watchful in our prayers, knowing what the will of the LORD is.  Those who are born again have been made spiritually alive, and we ought to remain alert and watchful, not spiritually drowsy and dull.  Good watchmen do more than watch:  they are called to effectively communicate with others.  A watchman on the wall guarding the city is not useful if he does not sound the alarm to warn inhabitants of enemies before their arrival.  A shepherd is careful to observe and know the state of his flocks, and Christians are to watch out for the good of others compelled by the love of Jesus.

Watching is good, but the way we watch and communicate is important too.  It seems there are some watchmen whose concerns are so great they feel their knowledge of facts exclude them from following the order laid forth in scripture.  This often becomes a way of dealing with issues among Christians or with a church.  Personal offenses become public on social media with open letters.  To what end?  What does it accomplish but fuel the fires of gossip and confusion, seeking to sow division and uncertainty?  Is it because we doubt the warning of Moses and the ability of God to deal with sinners who do so secretly:  "Be sure your sin will find you out?"  Pointing out the flaws of others is simple, and it is natural to focus on flaws rather than Jesus who unites us.

In the New Testament, the primary emphasis is not placed on us watching others or warning of all the deceptions in the world.  Our focus is to first deal with the log in our own eye rather than focusing on the speck in someone else's eye.  We are to take heed to ourselves.  More than having the facts on our side, we must to share them motivated with love and seasoned with grace in accordance to God's scriptural order.  The internet has given exponential rise to gossip in countless forms which Christians do well to avoid.  Even if we do not contribute to a thread or discussion, what we read can wrongly skew our view of others or cause suspicion to grow.  Much damage has been done by zealous watchmen who have neglected to examine their methods as carefully as the doctrine and deeds of those whom they criticise.

We are to watch, and let us so examine ourselves how, why, and who we watch.  Our eyes ought to be on Christ, and we should examine ourselves according to His example and holiness.  We are called to take heed, be watchful of ourselves.  The following verses are by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully it conveys the strong emphasis we ought to have in self confrontation through scriptural examination.  Notice how each individual is to watch and take heed to himself as his primary focus - not others.  Feel free to look up and read these passages in context:

• 1 Timothy 4:16 - "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." 
• Hebrews 3:12-13 - "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; ¹³ but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
• Galatians 5:13-16 - "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! ¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
• 1 Corinthians 3:10 - "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it."
• Acts 20:28 - "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
• 1 Corinthians 10:12 - "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."

Here are some exhortations from Jesus that we take heed to ourselves, not others:

• Matthew 18:10 - "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven."
• Luke 17:3-4 - "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. ⁴ And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
• Mark 13:5 - "And Jesus, answering them, began to say: "Take heed that no one deceives you."
• Mark 13:32-33 - "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is."
• Luke 11:35 -  "Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness."
• Luke 21:8 - "And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them."

If you are a Christian, you are called to watch.  I exhort you in the name of Jesus to be watchful in your prayers.  I must watch and pray that I do not enter temptation, and you must watch and pray so you do not fall into temptation.  We should be more vigilant in taking heed and watching our own conduct and motives than labouring to uncover and expose the errors of others.  A day may come when God leads us to warn others of potential pitfalls and dangers even as I do now.  But take heed, watch yourself that you do so in a way pleasing to the LORD.  By His grace He has opened our eyes to see and ears to hear.  Let us use them wisely!

Righteous By Faith in Christ

I read a news story I found most illuminating.  Fox News reported a woman in New Hampshire received more than she expected when she visited Burger King.  After driving through to pick up the food she ordered, she realised she had mistakenly been given money intended for a bank deposit.  The article read, "...the couple briefly considered keeping the money, which they certainly could have used. But he says he and his wife are Jehovah's Witnesses, and that "Jehovah sees everything."  I found this mildly amusing and tragic at the same time.

It is true "Jehovah sees everything," but it appears the fear of retribution or punishment for stealing was more a deterrent than loving to do what is righteous and pleases God.  It is sad many people who "fear" God in a worldly sense know nothing of His love, grace, and forgiveness.  God saw this couple briefly considered keeping the money, and the fact they even needed to have a discussion over the dishonest temptation to steal the money condemns of the condition of their hearts.  You see, God cares not only about our external behaviour, but the thoughts and motives of our hearts.  If it is only the fear of being caught and punished which keeps me from criminal activity, the monstrous power and influence of sin remains on the loose-  though concealed before men in my heart.  God sees the heart, and only by spiritual regeneration, forgiveness, and salvation through faith in Christ can sin within us be put to death.

We cannot earn God's favour through external adherence to the law.  The Law of God only condemns, but has provided life and salvation through Jesus Christ, God-made-flesh.  It is only through faith in Jesus we can be reconciled to the Father, adopted as children of God, and made righteous even as Christ is.  Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-11, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹ if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."

God's Goals and Ours

Some people love the journey, and others are focused more on the destination.  I'm more a destination guy.  The knowledge I will ultimately arrive at my intended destination makes even a long journey tolerable.  As I was cycling for exercise today up and down hills, it occurred to me my goal was not a particular destination on the map, but for the purpose of attaining goals of personal fitness.  I was able to enjoy the journey, knowing I was working towards my goals whether I ever arrive there or not.

We make goals and plans, and often they are desires of our hearts given us by God.  We can be so focused on the destination - like setting foot in a mission field - that we face discouragement when the lack of financial support seems to hold us back.  Some people have in their hearts to plant a church, but for some their goal is never realised.  But such efforts are never wasted.  What the Christian must understand is God is faithful to redeem that time to accomplish His purposes.  Our goals are not God's goals.  We look at the surface, but God looks at the heart.  He uses apparent obstructions, setbacks, and delays to prepare and strengthen us so we will be ready for the next chapter in our lives and ministry.

Considering my own life, I remember clearly when God led me and my family to seek His will for us in Australia.  It was confirmed again and again God was leading us to Australia to serve Him.  My realisation of God's will for our future did not mean it happened instantly.  Years passed, and our goal seemed no closer to culmination.  In those formative years our faith was stretched and our resolve strengthened as we sought the LORD.  God was working in my heart, in the hearts of my wife, children, relatives, and even in hearts of the people where God would establish us.  My goal was to serve God in Australia, but I needed preparation I never thought I did.  God is wise to lengthen our journey and leave our goals unrealised until we have brought to a place of surrender and trust we could never have otherwise.

Isaiah 55:6-9 says, "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. ⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. ⁸ "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. ⁹ "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."  God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, and so are His plans for us.  He has plans far more important than our goals to accomplish in us through His sanctifying works along the way.  Without the journey, we could never be prepared to arrive, thrive, and endure at our destination.  Trust the LORD, and praise Him for His goodness and mercy towards us!

Not Cast Away

Last night I watched an interesting foreign film called "Castaway on the Moon," a Korean twist on the movie "Castaway" starring Tom Hanks.  The basic plot is after a failed suicide attempt, a floundering businessman ends up on a island in the middle of a metropolitan area.  Unable to swim or successfully call for help, he begins to embrace his simple lifestyle of foraging for food and supplies.  No longer wanting off the island, he wrote "Hello" on a sandy beach.  Unknown to him, his message caught the eye of a solitary woman who lived in the city.  After watching and photographing the "alien" man for a while, the woman decided to contact this man with a simple message in a bottle:  "Hello."  Over the next months they would trade messages back and forth, writing on the beach or sending messages in a bottle.

The discovery of someone who cared enough to write personal messages in a bottle for him to find caused the man to grow increasingly curious.  He wrote on the beach, "Who are you?"  This is a natural response.  When I see the order of the universe and the beauty of this world, when I consider the message of the Bible as a letter introducing all people to the living God who created all and loves us, I am brought to the same point as the solitary man on the beach:  "Who are you?"  God wants to be known, and He has revealed Himself to man in the person of Jesus Christ.  God the Father is an eternal, holy, and unapproachable Spirit who consumes all sin as fire does dry chaff.  By His grace He revealed Himself in the fashion of a man so we might see His love practically demonstrated and love Him back.

Knowing God is a prime purpose in our lives as human beings.  It is only through knowing God we can begin a new life of discovery, comfort, joy, and wisdom.  David knew this.  More critical than serving God is knowing Him.  It is only through knowing God we discover how to please God.  His words are recorded in 1 Chronicles 28:9:  "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever."  Did you see the first phrase?  "Know the God of your father."  We can know God because He has made Himself known by His grace.  Once we know God intimately through receiving the Gospel by faith, we can serve Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind.  All who seek Him will be found by Him, when we seek Him with our whole hearts.  Forsake Him and there will be severe consequences.

God has not left us marooned on some rock without any means to communicate with Him.  God has made a way through faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit who teaches, comforts, and helps us.  There is no great distance for us to span, for the Holy Spirit dwells inside each person who has confessed their sins, repented, and trusted in Jesus as LORD and Saviour.  Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us so where He is we can be also forever.  Jesus will not reject any who seek Him, for He said in John 6:37, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out."  How wondrous this is, that we can know God!  Do you want to know Him?  How far will you go to know Him just a little more today?

The Lamb for the Offering

"But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

Genesis 22:7

The offering itself is an intrinsic part of sacrifice and worship of God.  Isaac knew from experience an altar, fire, and wood was missing the most important part:  the offering.  God is seeking people of faith like Abraham and Isaac, men who worship Him in spirit and in truth.  Hebrews 13:15 says, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."  God is the one who supplies the fire within our hearts to offer a sacrifice of praise which is acceptable in His sight.

Churches all over the world supply the fire and wood in times of corporate worship.  The songs are prayerfully selected and practised so all can with one voice praise God in unity.  The music and words sung are not worship in itself, just like fire and wood is not a sacrifice without an offering.  So what is the offering we are called to give?  Ourselves.  God is to be the central focus of our lives, as we lay aside all idols and weights which clamour for our attention.  An acceptable sacrifice before God needed to be the animal prescribed for the particular offering in the law.  Though the animal might be different, they all shared one thing in common:  they had to be without blemish.

This is why holiness is a key component in worship.  Should we approach God in the filthy garments of self-righteousness or our flesh spotted with the leprosy of sin, our sacrifice of praise will not be acceptable.  We must humble ourselves before God in repentance and be born again.  We then have boldness through the cleaning blood of Christ we have been washed, and through the Gospel have received the imputed righteousness of Christ through faith.  "Nothing in my hands I bring," Spurgeon used to say, and this is the truth.  We have nothing to offer the Creator of the Universe, nor is He in need of anything from us.  But He delights in the sacrifice of praise of people who are overwhelmed with His love and goodness, and offer themselves completely without reservation.

When is the last time you allowed yourself to be overwhelmed with the glorious love and grace of Jesus Christ?  What do you know of holy affections which bring tears to the eyes and singing becomes impossible?  It is not only in the good times we can freely offer ourselves:  it is in the tough times, when we are hurting and depressed and bound in sins.  In a day when Israel was being judged by God for their sins it was spoken through the prophet in Jeremiah 33:10-11:  "Thus says the LORD: 'Again there shall be heard in this place--of which you say, "It is desolate, without man and without beast"--in the cities of Judah, in the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast, ¹¹ the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who will say: "Praise the LORD of hosts, For the LORD is good, For His mercy endures forever"-- and of those who will bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause the captives of the land to return as at the first,' says the LORD."  It is in times of desolation buoyed by faith we can look to the certain future and hope we have through faith in Jesus Christ.  Singing of God's goodness when life isn't good becomes an act of faith in which God is pleased.

As you gather this week at your church fellowship, there no doubt will be wood and fire supplied:  but where is the lamb for the offering?

Making an Impression

First impressions are important, but they are not everything.  Speaking for myself, faithfulness in a friend over the long haul is more desirable over a good first impression.  I cannot count the amount of times my first impression of someone or of a thing was completely incorrect.  We take care to make a good impression upon people.  Have you ever thought of the impression we make on God?  Jesus astonished multitudes which remain to this day, yet scripture reveals He marveled on two occasions:  over the lack of faith of people (Mark 6:6), and over the great faith of a centurion (Matthew 9:10 & Luke 7:9).  Our faith or lack thereof makes an impression on God.

God can be impressed.  For example, Cornelius was a devout Gentile who placed his trust in God, was generous with his money in helping others, and prayed always.  Acts 10:3-4 reads, "About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!" ⁴ And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?" So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God."  Cornelius was a man who feared God and served Him faithfully.  The demonstration of the faith of Cornelius came before God, and God sent an angelic messenger to tell him so.  Cornelius was not just one who made a good impression before men, but one who impressed God through his faith, loyalty, and service.

People will go to great lengths to impress others, yet how many are there who seek to impress God through devotion and service - not that they would be recognised with an angelic visitation - but because they are compelled by faith and the love of Christ?  2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us the eyes of the LORD go to and fro throughout the whole earth because God is seeking to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him.  When His eyes pass to and fro over your life, thoughts, and actions, will it give Him that impression?  To be seen and recognised by men is a little thing indeed when compared to God's perception of us.  Let us labour therefore not to be known by men, but that our prayers and devotion would come before God as a memorial and make a good impression on Him.  

Divine Flashbangs

I love it when God blows my mind through His Word.  Have you ever seen a war movie when flashbangs are thrown into bunkers to disorient the enemy?  It's like I'm down in the dark bunker, and God just drops a single verse which explodes with light that dazzles and amazes.  Instead of displacing dirt or confusing me, God's Word brings clarity as He continues to erode the natural way I think and gives me God's perspective on practical matters.  God's wisdom is so foreign, but my soul cheers to own and live it out myself.  Keep 'em coming, LORD Jesus!

Last night I read 1 Chronicles 12:16-17 and all I could say was "Wow!"  The verse reads, "Then some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold. ¹⁷ And David went out to meet them, and answered and said to them, "If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look and bring judgment."  Like most people familiar with a language, halfway through a sentence most of the time our brains can complete the rest of the sentence with a fair amount of accuracy.  I am reminded I wrote once of this in a previous post about the danger of finishing God's sentences.  As I read David's words, it was easy for me to know what flesh would want to say.  "If you are my friend, I will be yours.  But if you choose to be my enemy, I..."  You can fill in the blanks.

David, however, didn't finish his sentence the way I expected.  He said, "If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look and bring judgment."  David affirmed he would be united to those who genuinely, peaceably came to him.  Should they betray or seek to hurt him, David looked to God alone to sort that out.  David trusted his God would see any evil and mete out judgment according to His righteousness.  David was a man of faith, and this statement reveals how David committed his hurts and those who hurt Him to God - without feeling the need to retaliate.  This perspective of trust in God is amazingly practical and a key to avoiding bitterness and walking in love towards all.

Today I had the very rare opportunity to play golf.  I am pleased to report my knee held up very well, even having to walk the 18-hole course whilst carrying my clubs.  The only blemish on a fantastic day was that somewhere between holes 9 and 10, I inexplicably lost the cover to my putter.  I was bummed for a couple reasons.  It was the special cover which came with my putter, and it would be hilariously expensive for me to replace it.  As I continued the final holes, I prayed someone would turn in my putter cover to the pro shop where I could reclaim my lost property.  Unfortunately, no one turned it in.  Because there were many golfers following our group, I am certain that bright red cover would contrast nicely with the green grass!  Oh well.

It would be easy for me to be angry someone has claimed my valuable property as their own.  But I was reminded by the scriptures to maintain the God-honouring perspective David demonstrated.  I can commit all my stuff and those who decide to keep it for themselves to God without a shred of anger or frustration.  God knows all about it, and God will sort it out.  I don't need to avenge myself or even beat myself up over my mistake of dropping the cover somewhere.  God has given me an opportunity to trust and honour His Word:  will I follow David's good example with the comfort of the Holy Spirit, or will I become bitter and angry?  Praise the LORD not only for His wisdom, but opportunities to put His wisdom into practice.  Then we can say with David, "As the LORD lives, He has redeemed my soul out of all distress" (1 Kings 1:29).  When we apply God's Word by living it out, it starts becoming a practical and powerful witness of God's undimmed truth.  God gave me that divine flashbang verse yesterday to teach me how to deal with difficulty today.  How glorious is our God!

More Love, More Power

The lyrics of a classic worship song go, "More love, more power, more of You in my life."  Often this is an echo of my own soul to God.  As much as I desire this request to be satisfied, this occurs in a way not addressed in the song.  When a person is born again, the Holy Spirit spiritually regenerates the one dead in sins and begins to reside within.  We do not receive only a fraction of God, but the Holy Spirit in overflowing fullness.  As we mature, we recognise our natural poverty of soul and our God-given supernatural hunger for more of Him grows.

To ask more of God's love, power, or presence insinuates He has not given us all, or He is in some way "holding out" on us.  This is not the case.  The fact is, it is always we who are holding out on Him.  It is useless for us to beg God to dole out more love toward us from His infinite stores.  We must submit more of ourselves to receiving and walking in His love obediently by loving others.  God has not only given us a fraction of His divine power or unction, for the power which raised Jesus from the dead is working in us through the Holy Spirit.  It is we who have refused to trust and commit our lives to Him completely.  God gives the Holy Spirit without measure, and the Spirit pours God's love into us.  It says in Romans 5:5, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."  To ask for God to supply more of Himself is not really the point:  we are the ones who must draw near to Him in faith, for the scripture says if we will draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.

The core issue behind our lack of surrender, disobedience, and waning desire for God is because we busy ourselves seeking satisfaction in anything but God every day.  In Authentic by James MacDonald, a quote from Wilbur Reese's book made an impact upon me:  "I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.  Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine.  I want ecstasy, not transformation.  I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth.  I want a pound of the eternal in a paper sack, please.  I would like to buy $3 worth of God."  (Reese, $3.00 Worth of God, 1971)  We only lack love, power, and presence of God because we are not willing to cultivate it.  We do not want our lives to be disturbed or changed.  We hold onto our sins and are not broken in sorrow and humble repentance.  We want power for living a life we want, and we want it as conveniently and easily as possible.  God is wise to make life hard for it is in the hard, trying times when men and women of faith cry out to God in earnest.

One last thought:  when Jesus sent out the disciples two by two, He told them to bring the clothes on their back, a staff in their hand, and shoes on their feet.  They were not to load themselves with food, money, and supplies.  He was teaching them to live by faith for their day to day necessities.  When it comes to spiritual blessings, we are happy to have feelings of love and power beyond our needs for the day.  We too must learn to trust God for our daily bread and seek Him for a supply of love, power, and grace moment by moment.  Our stores of comfort and joy can be immediately exhausted in this life, and it is only through intentionally seeking God with empty hands and a humble heart in faith that we can be filled again and again.  To have more love, power, and the presence of God, He must have more of us.  He will not demand; He will not force.  Let us draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith, seeking His perfect will by surrendering our own will to His.  We will find it is in Him alone we are satisfied and complete.

Avoiding the Invisible Web

I love how God uses simple things to declare spiritual truth. This morning I saw a small beetle hanging motionless in a spider's web. Seconds after noticing the bug, a spindly spider with a large abdomen slowly climbed down to its prey. I sat spellbound, wondering what was going to happen. Would the spider wrap up the bug? Would it slowly eat the beetle or lay eggs in it? Much to my surprise, after moving around the beetle a few times, the bug fell to the floor. The spider skillfully crept back to its hiding place out of sight.

That was anti-climactic, I thought to myself. How silly it seemed to go through all the trouble of spinning a web only to fumble your food to the ground and forget about it! But then it hit me: cutting loose the dead beetle was deliberate. One of the aspects of a effective web is to make it virtually unseen. A bird will seldomly fly into an obvious trap, nor will a beetle crawl into the mouth of a bird. A spider's web is nearly invisible until a moth or bug flies into it. As long as the beetle was hanging in the middle of the small web, it was much more noticeable. Removing the dead bug from the web reset the stealthy trap for future victims.

It occurred to me the scene was a picture of Satan's tactics. He holds forth the alluring aspects of sin but does not include the whole picture - that sin leads to certain death. He craftily cuts loose the corpses of those fallen into iniquity so the simple run headlong to their destruction. How thankful I am that God warns us of the devastating, destructive consequences of sin. Even as sin brings certain death, repentance and trust in Christ leads to eternal life. A fool looks at the fun or enjoyment laying just out of reach on the other side of sin's invisible web, yet the discerning believer sees the corpses littering the ground under the web as dire warnings to heed.  This depicts the truth spoken in Proverbs 22:3:  "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished." The souls that sins will surely die (Eze. 18:20), and those who repent and trust in Christ have a certain hope of life eternal in the presence of the LORD.

Our responsibility is to fear God and keep His commandments.  With the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, it is not burdensome.  What is a burden is when we try to pursue the tantalizing offering of the world to satisfy our flesh and still walk in the way which fully pleases God.  Micah 6:8 reads, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"  We cannot earn salvation through our efforts, but receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  In light of the grace we have received, our faith can be demonstrated with works by denying the flesh, being renewed in the Spirit of our minds, and walking in obedience to the Spirit.  In this God is well pleased, and we can receive a full reward!