As You Think, So You Are

There are these shows on television that are quite popular and have been for several years now. Their theme is simple, select some deserving family, send them on a vacation, tear out or tear down their house and give them a new one in the same place. Its the Extreme Makeover mentality and it is wildly popular.

One of the things that make it so popular is the concept that the people benefiting from the makeover, have no responsibility at all. They need only make themselves scarce, get out of the way for a while and when they return, voila! the work is all done. They move into their new digs and resume their life already in progress.

Unfortunately, I believe many Christians come to God with that same mentality. That He is going to do all the work and they can just get on with their lives albeit in a new house. Now certainly there are aspects of our relationship with God that work in just this manner; Salvation is chief among them. But there are numerous other aspects of the abiding relationship that require work from both sides.

Consider the sanctification process, that is, the gradual and relentless bringing your own mind into alignment with God's will and plan for your life. It is this process that drives out sinful behavior and effects a change in this life that is visible and encouraging to others. We know that this process is aided and abetted by the indwelling Holy Spirit, given by God for this very purpose. We know that a central component of the effectiveness of this transformative process is the renewing of your mind.

Now this is not something that is forced upon us but instead requires not only our consent but our willful cooperation, persistent practice and humble obedience. I make this assertion because of what I read in Romans 12:2a which teaches "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Not that the verb is 'be', not allow. This indicates a present active tense and that requires our direct involvement.

I would like to draw your attention to one aspect of why this 'renewing of the mind' is so important. I trust that you accept that our minds, left to our own devices, would invariably become consumed with passion for the world and everything therein. This is the result of our carnal nature against which we are powerless in and of ourselves. My study verse to is

Romans 8:6 (NIV)

⁶ The mind of sinful man^e is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; ^[1]

^e Or mind set on the flesh

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

This verse reminds us that if we allow our minds to dwell upon matters of the flesh, we willingly walk down the path to death and by way of contrast, discord. On the other hand, if we 'be transformed by the renewing of our mind' our mental focus and all our energies will become controlled by the Spirit. When that happens, our path leads to life and peace.

The difference between death and life is as obvious as the difference between Hell and Heaven. And do not be misled into believing that these are places in the future. We are already living in the timeline of eternity. For the carnally minded man, Hell is a reality even on this earth. For the spiritually minded man, Heaven is already a reality even on this earth. Consider Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Not will be one day, but IS as in now. I give testimony to the truth of this concept and offer my own life and experience as proof. When I was focused on 'the world' my life was hell. Now, with my focus upon God's will and his kingdom, my life is heavenly. Circumstances of my life are not much different but my life is.

The difference between discord and peace is likewise as obvious. The carnally minded man knows no peace, no comfort, no joy for the carnal nature knows nothing of these matters. Life is one never-ending pursuit of empty and elusive goals. Achieving fortune, fame or power adds nothing but the fear of losing them to the life of the carnal man. Every relationship is based on consumption or convenience or personal benefit with no sense of truth of love. Happiness is but a function of circumstance and can be snatched away in but a moment.

But for the spiritually minded man, achieving fortune, fame or power adds nothing to the satisfaction of a life lived in communion with the Almighty God. Every relationship is based on selflessness or helpfulness or mutual benefit and is underpined with God-honoring love. Happiness is usurped by joy and cannot be stolen no matter the circumstance.

Thus we are taught by the Apostle Paul that as you think, so you are. Set your mind and your heart upon God's kingdom and His will; the rest of you will follow. Where that leads is to the green pastures and still waters of God's provision and love. There, there is life and you will know the peace that passes all understanding.

Shalom,

Carl

When The Going Gets Tough

Being involved in men's discipleship and accountability, I am often asked about 'dry periods' or the pervasive sense that "I'm not making any progress." Many men remark that when the 'came to the Lord' they seemed to be 'on fire' but over the course of time, the fire has waned. Having tasted the passion of love for Christ, they are eager to recover that passion but often times they are not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to resume or renew their spiritual growth. "It was so easy in the early days to feel and to see the difference that God was making in my life now... it's so hard" is a typical remark. To me, it sounds just like a human marriage!

In the early days of a new relationship, everything is bright and new. Inconveniences and sacrifices are willingly and eagerly overlooked for the sake of keeping the budding relationship alive. But over time, weariness sets in and those habits and proclivities that were once simply ignored now take on a gargantuan life of their own. Instead of seeing the person we love, we see only 'what they do' or 'do not do.'

I believe that our spiritual growth is similar but I think it also is subject to the 80/20 rule. Basically, 80% of our spiritual growth is accomplished with 20% of the effort. Let's face it, God is doing the work! All we have to do is believe, accept and love and our entire lives get turned around. But then, then we come to the remaining 20% of our spiritual maturation. Suddenly, it gets tough and that last 20% of development requires 80% of the effort. It's not that God has stopped doing His part, it's that He has done the majority of His part and the burden is now on us.

It is true that we still have to believe, accept and love but in addition to those easy things we also have to OBEY. In order to OBEY, we need to STUDY and PRACTICE. This might mean laying aside some habits that are hard to break. It might mean getting up early or staying up late. It might mean giving up a sports night for an accountability group or any number of other things that are 'hard' to us.

It has been my experience in spiritual development that God rolls away the 'big boulders' of sin to reveal 'big rocks' of sins. As the 'big rocks' are rolled away, stones are revealed. As I bend over to remove the stones, underneath I find pebbles. As I crawl on my hands and knees to collect pebbles I discover there is sand. Now I need a broom. I call this the ever-increasing granularity of understanding. Others think of this as layers of an onion. Either way, it illustrates the point that the path of sanctification, which is evidence of spiritual maturation, is neither easy nor quick.

I take comfort in knowing that this is not unique to me or to the men I serve. We need only to look at the writings of Paul to see that he too encountered such complaints and problems. My verse today is

Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)

¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

In this passage, Paul is exhorting the reader to persevere. He is challenging us to continue the struggle, to redouble our efforts, to withstand the desires of our flesh to rest and to not BE LAZY.

Instead, he admonishes us to imitate the examples before us. He speaks of course of all the 'characters' that are shown to us in scripture. He speaks of the 'hall of fame' that is recorded in Hebrews 11. And he reminds us that it is through faith and patience (endurance, perseverance, struggle and persistance) that we may claim the prize that has been shown to us, promised to us.

When a man tells me that he 'wants to feel the passion again' then I tell him to get serious about his devotional time. When a man tells me that he 'wants to see the presence of God in his life again' I tell him to get busy in service. When a man tells me that he 'wants to hear from God again' I tell him to get on his knees and pray. With almost no exception, the man who tells me these things has no devotional or study time, serves only the needs of himself and prays over his meals alone, if even that.

So, the adage is 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going.' Sure, it's a military recruiting slogan and sure it might be corny. But, it is no less true. If you think that being a Christian is not in many ways like serving in the military, then you aren't reading the same book as me. There's a war going on! It's raging in the heavenly realm, it rages in the world around us and it rages in our own heart. That battle is hard and fraught with danger. But our commander, our General, has already won the battle for us. All we need do is to finish the fight.

Salute,

Carl

A Form of Compassion

When reading of the crucifixion of Christ in Mark in terse terms, there is a passage (Mark 15:23) that is so benign as to be neglected. It reads "Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it." There is no explanation as to why they would do this but I think that most people view it as a form of compassion showed by the Roman guard to Jesus. After my study this morning, I am convinced it is so.

My study verse today is

Proverbs 31:6 (NIV)

⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing,

wine to those who are in anguish;

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I find it interesting that in the 'book of wisdom' we find instructions from a mother to her kingly son as to the appropriate use of alcohol. In this same book we find numerous admonitions against drunkenness and indeed against "the king's" use of alcohol. And here near the end of the book we find instruction as to how a king should use alcohol, not for himself but as a form of compassion for those who are suffering.

The first phrase "give beer (or strong drink) to those who are perishing..." speaks to the manner in which the king or the compassionate may mitigate the suffering of one who is headed down to destruction. In modern terms, we refer to this as 'making them comfortable' and it is often accomplished through the use of narcotic drugs. For the person who is dying one could argue that there is nothing to be learned by enduring the pain and that allowing that person to die 'pain free' preserves their dignity and is a form of compassion. It is a noble sentiment and one that has existed long before the advent of modern society and narcotic drugs.

So too is the second phrase "{give} wine to those who are in anguish.." Whereas in the first phrase the concept is to ease the transition into death, this phrase speaks to the concept of easing back into life. The purpose of wine in this instance is to provide endurance and to temporarily relieve the burden of an over-burdened mind so that the person may be re-established. It is as though it is a 'reset button' of sorts. It interrupts the 'run away' anguish and anxiety that our minds so easily engage in and allows a moment of relief after which a new perspective may be gained. Neither this passage nor I indicate that drinking to drunkenness is the order but rather to the point of dulling the pain so as to be better able to handle it. It is a form of compassion for the king, or for us, to bear the burdens of others in this manner.

Now returning to the passage in Mark with the understanding that the offering of wine mixed with myrrh was intended to ease the transition from life to death for Jesus, we must take note that he declined. I believe he did this that he might fulfill his duties in full conscience and in the full embrace of his sorrow.

Having addressed the practical and obvious considerations of today's study passage, I feel that I must offer an alternative interpretation based on the new convenant of Christ's blood. Specifically, that for those who are perishing, and by that I mean perishing in the world by way of sinfulness, we must offer the strong drink of Godly repentance. For many, it may be perceived as a 'bitter pill' but having consumed this strong drink ourselves we are full aware of the soothing effect upon our soul. We know too that the 'elixir' of repentance leads to the reversal of perishing. Thus, to strongly rebuke the sinner and to offer the 'strong drink' of the message of repentance is too a form of compassion.

For all people who are vexed by the problems of life, those who are oppressed by anxiety and anguish, we must offer the sweet wine of Christ's love. I do not speak of mere words and platitudes but rather the loving embrace of a real disciple. Words of encouragement, sincere prayers, loving patience, warm presence and yes, casseroles offer the opportunity for the vexed to gain a new perspective, to be re-oriented and to right themselves anew that they may bear their burden with dignity. In every way, we are to help to bear their burden, this is the wine of Christ's love and it is the very essence of compassion.

Christ filled my glass in this manner and I will seek today to fill someone's glass from my own.

Cheers,

Carl

Not Quite Dead

For those who walk in the ways of the world, immersed in sin and self, there comes a time when it is too late to turn back. Their fate is sealed and their path leads only to the grave and eternal suffering. That time of course is when their life on earth is over, the deathbed. It may come as slow and stealthily as a long, healthy life. It may come as quick as the blink of an eye by accident or circumstance. But however it comes it seals the fate of the unbeliever and removes any chance for redemption.

We know from Scripture that there comes a day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. I believe that will include everyone in Heaven, in Hell and everywhere in between. The difference though will be whether it is an exclamation of praise or a forlorn lament. For the faithful in Heaven, it will be the former. For those in Hell, the latter.

But before that moment of no return, there is ample opportunity for the unbeliever to repent, to turn back from the abyss and to join the ranks of the believers. My study verse today is

Psalm 88:10 (NIV)

¹⁰ Do you show your wonders to the dead?

Do those who are dead rise up and praise you? Selah

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I submit that there are two perspectives with which to frame this passage. The first is obvious and that is with reference to physical death. I believe the dead are aware of God's 'wonders' as illustrated by the story in Luke 16. Yet the physically dead do not rise up and praise God.

The second perspective is with reference to spiritual death. I do not mean that the soul is snuffed out but rather whether a person, while living, is receptive to the Word of God. I believe that God will continue to draw and offers glimpses of His 'wonders' to those who are not quite dead.

This belief is grounded in my own personal experience and my observations that God reveals himself to anyone whose spirit struggles against their carnal nature. To the person who, though a sinner seeks something more, God does not give up on them. To a staunch Christian, this person might be considered spiritually dead but to God, they are not quite dead.

If their spirit struggles against their flesh, if that which is in them that is of God pushes and groans against the oppressive weight of their carnal selves, there is yet hope that they may climb up out of the grave they are in and walk again.

In this manner, I would say that God does show his wonders to the dead and that one considered dead may rise up and praise Him.

That's why that moment of no return is so critical. There is a hard point in time where someone considered dead is actually dead and the opportunity lost. There is nothing I can do for those that have passed that point. But for those still on this side of that point, I can jump and shout and point. I can scream to them that "you're not quite dead... yet."

Zombie for Jesus,

Carl

High and Lifted Up

During that period in my life when I came to know The Lord Jesus as my Lord and Savior, there was a praise song that was popular. In that song were the words "To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory, pour out your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy." In my minds eye I always envisioned a bright and shining Jesus in flowing robes very clean and orderly, with his hands reaching out welcoming me to him. Naturally he was backlit with an aura about him.

I suppose that's a common perception but I now contend that it is naive and unrealistic. I'm not saying that it isn't a lovely thought, for it surely is, I'm just not sure that it is scripturally accurate. Hear me out and feel free to offer your objections.

My study verse for today is

John 12:32 (NIV)

³² But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” ^[1]

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Upon first reading this passage, my mind immediately runs to the vision of Christ rising up to the clouds as he ascends to heaven. But then, I study the passage intently looking past the euphoric feelings and paying close attention to the context of Christ's words.

We must remember that these words were said by Christ as the prelude to his crucifixion. In the verse (31) that precedes this one, Christ said "now is the time for judgment on this world, now the prince of this world will be driven out." It was at this point that Christ declared that the purpose for which he had come was about to be realized. Therefore, what was on his mind was not choir-lofts full of angels but a cross full of anguish. He was not envisioning robes of glory but rather the casting of lots for his robes. This was not a moment of beauty but of pain.

Turning our attention to what He said "when I am lifted up..." This speaks of something that is inevitable, 'when' as opposed to 'if'. Some versions do read 'if' but it does not imply that there is any sense of a different outcome but rather a condition that precedes a result. Nevertheless, 'when I am lifted up...' does not convey the ultimate ascension but rather the crucifixion.

Upon examination of how the words 'lifted up' or 'lift up' are used throughout Scripture I discover that it is used primarily in three different manners. First, it is used to indicate an offering. This includes lifting your hands, lifting your hearts, lifting your praise and lifting your sacrifice. Secondly, it is used to indicate a preparation for an attack or to strike down. Thirdly, it is used to indicate a form or protection or deliverance.

If we examine how Christ himself used the term 'lifted up' elsewhere in scripture, we find that in John 3:14 Christ made a reference to that time when Moses lifted up the snake in the desert and the certainty that so too must the Son of Man be lifted up. You may remember this story when the nation of Israel was plagued by snakes and many were bitten and died. The deliverance from their affliction was a bronze snake mounted on a pole. All who were bitten by the vipers could look upon this bronze snake and be healed. This of course was an early prediction of the crucifixion of Christ to which we shall return in a few moments.

Another example of how Christ used this term is found in John 8:28 when Jesus said "when you have lifted up the Son of Man..." which alludes to the fact that the lifting up of Jesus was to be accomplished by man. I can only conclude from this research that Jesus is referring to his own crucifixion.

Here's why... if indeed it is a reference to the crucifixion, it is;

1) Consistent with the use of 'lifting up' as a form of offering or sacrifice. Christ is the sacrifice.

2) Consistent with the use of 'lifting up' as a form of attack. Satan is defeated.

3) Consistent with the use of 'lifting up' of a form of protection of deliverance. We are delivered.

4) Consistent with the 'type' from the Old Testament as illustrated by the snake on a pole offering healing to all who looked upon it. (In this case, we are all bitten by the snake (Lucifer) and afflicted with a fatal condition (sin). When we cast our eyes upon the cross, accepting the sacrifice of Christ, we are healed. We were not healed by the ascension.)

5) Consistent with the concept that the lifting up would be accomplished by men. The ascension was accomplished by God.

With this in mind then, the concept of high and lifted up takes on a much more somber note.

Returning to the study of our passage today, Christ further predicts that as a result of his being 'lifted up from the earth' he 'will draw all men to myself.' A couple of thoughts on this. First, this is not an allusion to the unconditional salvation of all men but rather a revelation that his atoning sacrifice was not only for the Jews but also for the Greeks, the Romans and all Gentiles. Secondly, the drawing of all men is not a vision of one giant huddle. It is rather the explanation that by His sacrifice, people of every nation, tribe and tongue would love Him.

Consider your love for Christ in the light of these questions;
1) Do you love Him for stepping down from heaven?
2) Do you love Him for his lowly birth?
3) Do you love Him for his simple life?
4) Do you love Him for the miracles he performed?
5) Do you love Him for his resurrection?
6) Do you love Him for his descension into hell?
7) Do you love Him for his ascension into heaven?
8) Do you love Him for his imminent return?

Or do you, like me, love him for his sacrifice? Isn't it his selflessness and sacrifice, his crucifixion that draws you to him as the object of your affection? This is what Christ was talking about when he said "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."

With this understanding in my mind, the words of that song take on a totally new and deeper meaning. To see you high and lifted up (on the cross) shining in the light of your glory (selfless sacrifice and total obedience to God the Father) pour out your power (by coming to earth) and love (by pouring out your blood) as we sing holy, holy, holy. In my mind's eye I see the beaten, battered and bloody Christ. It's a very messy image as He dies upon the cross, racked with pain, alone and in the dark. His hands are spread wide, wide as can be, open for the entire world across all time. For me. For you. Forever.

Carl

What's That Up Ahead? A Signpost...

As I have written here before and am reminded on numerous occasions, the purpose of Christ's sacrifice is to reconcile or to bring mankind to God. We can read this in 1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit." (emphasis mine).

My testimony, though dear and personal to me, is of no significant difference from the testimony of any other wandering sinner who has turned their back on God, pursued the ways of this world and then returned to God. I read my story in numerous places in scripture and know that I am not alone in this experience.

My study verse today is

Jeremiah 31:21 (NIV)

²¹ “Set up road signs;

put up guideposts.

Take note of the highway,

the road that you take.

Return, O Virgin Israel,

return to your towns.

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

This bit of prophecy was delivered as the people of Israel were being led into captivity in Babylon. In that historical context it was meant to encourage the Israelites to remember well from whence they came, take note of the roads and leave markers behind (a trail of breadcrumbs if you will) for they would soon be returning by that same path to their homeland. It would be a faithful, hopeful and God-fearing Israelite that would pause along that road to leave such markers, even as they marched into captivity.

To me, this verse speaks of the need for people such as myself to point out the guideposts and road-signs to those who are wandering away. To offer the map of God's love to all those weary travellers who are lost in the desert and looking for the way home. To offer water, compassion and guidance to any who seek to slip the bonds of slavery to this world but having exited the dungeon, have no idea where to go.

As an individual, we are to continually turn towards God, take the road He has laid before us and return home. This is the path marked by repentance and sanctification.

As a church, we are to shine bright lights on the road-signs and guideposts that we may direct the lost to a new home and a new hope in God.

As a nation, we are to recall with fond remembrances how we came to be in the place where we are and with that remembrance we are to yearn for and look forward to a restoration with God.

Keep your eyes on the horizon and keep a careful watch for the sign-posts.

Carl

A New Day

This marks the first post of the new year 2009. Where I am it happens to be a beautiful, glorious day. From my study window I see a clear sky and bright sunshine. I hear birds chirping merrily. Though the ground is covered in leaves, it is very much alive with the flitting of birds and the scurrying of squirrels. It is a new day, full of promise, potential and possibilities.

This morning during our breakfast prayer, my family and I prayed for God's help in realizing the potential He has placed before us this year. Each of us has our own goals with respect to improving ourselves and realizing our possibilities in God. For my family, this year will be about stewardship. We will be intentional about how we utilize all the resources with which God has blessed us. This includes our time, talent, treasure and the temples of our bodies. Next week, as a family, we will establish budgets for all these things and together we will hold each other accountable. It seems a bit strange to think about budgeting calories but that's what I'm going to do. We're going to budget our time so that we accomplish the great things God intends and not settle for the good things.

Nevertheless, in and of ourselves we are incapable of any success in this regard. But we do not engage in these efforts alone. We have God to give us strength. We have The Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and we have Jesus Christ to give us hope for through Him, all things are possible. Thus we do not enter into this effort without forethought and preparation. Nor do we undertake these tasks with the misconception that we have an unlimited amount of time in which to accomplish them.

I am reminded of this by my study verse today;

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

¹² Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

^[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

It is fitting and appropriate that on this day, January 1, 2009 we start the counter of days at one. For now, this is a new day and it will not be until this day is done that we will know whether we have used it wisely. Tomorrow too will be a new day and so it will continue throughout the year.

We establish our plans and goals for the year and then work to accomplish them each day, one step at a teim. God directs our steps and offers strength and correction. In this way, we are ever mindful of what day it is and that helps us to "number them aright." And as today's verse alludes, the right numbering of our days yields a heart of wisdom.

As a practical matter, I may have as a goal to lose 24 pounds this year. Each day, I pray to lose just a little bit, not enough to even be perceptible until all those little bits are piled together. But that will not work with my goal to love others more fully. That goal is a daily battle and is won or lost with each personal encounter. There will be no lumping together, no cumulative effect and no time to make careless mistakes. Wisdom tells me to lose weight gradually but to love fully immediately. Wisdom tells me too that in order to love others more fully, I must be mindful that 'the day' fast approaches and that I must not delay in offering the knowledge of Jesus Christ to those I offer my love. After all, there is no greater love that I can offer than the saving grace of Jesus.

So then I am off now to spend the day with my family, to enjoy the beauty of this moment. To savor this new day which has been offered to me.

Shalom,
Carl