Digging In

The issue of obedience comes down to a single question; "what's more important to me; God's way or my way?" Depending upon how hungry we are for communion with God and fellowship with His people, we make our decision. Our decision is driven by our appetite.

Consider this...

Proverbs 16:26 (NIV)

²⁶ The laborer’s appetite works for him;

his hunger drives him on.

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

If our appetite for God is keen, our hunger drives us to ever greater communion. We study more intently, serve more freely, love more and our every decision is tested against the litmus test of whether it draws us closer to God. If our appetite is more for the comforts and conveniences of the world, then our hunger drives us to greater distraction. We lay aside our studies of God, withdraw from service and fellowship becomes a burden. Every decision is weighed as to whether it serves our purposes or our pleasures.

What are you hungry for?

Peace,

Carl

Digging Out

Years ago when I was first challenged, by my mentor, to begin daily devotions I was pointed towards the concept of reading one chapter of Proverbs per day. There are after all, thirty-one chapters of Proverbs so its and easy introduction to a new discipline.

Last night as I was sharing with my accountability group how I had stopped my daily devotions and that I felt as dry and crusty as week-old bread, they (bless them) challenged me to get back into my discipline by reading a chapter of Proverbs per day. Then they 'made' made me read chapter 14 to them on the spot as a way of getting started.

Thank God for my friends and brothers who have lifted me up in the spirit of Eccles 4:10a "If one falls down, his friend can help him up." They are true friends who challenge me and hold me accountable in this manner. How blessed I am!

So today, I take the next step as I read chapter 15 of Proverbs.

Peace,
Carl

Starving in the Presence of Sustenance

The Word is first...

Psalm 107:5 (NIV)

⁵ They were hungry and thirsty,

and their lives ebbed away.

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

With respect to God's plans and provisions for us it is amazing to me how stupid we can be. Psalm 107 is a treatise to the goodness of God and of how he has delivered the redeemed from their despair. Literally everyone that has any understanding of God can read this passage and see themselves. It is a comprehensive list of all the myriad ways that we can be 'lost' and of how God can overcome all those obstacles, burdens and afflictions to draw us to him. Though the salvation offered by God is the 'end all' of our salvation needs, though it secures our place in his presence for all eternity, it does not stop us from being stupid.

There are those, myself included, who will come to the banquet table of the Lord, eat our fill and then depart for barren lands. There are those who having drank from the cup of eternal life, will leave from the wellspring and strike off into the desert. I speak of those who receive the gift of eternal life, forgiveness of sin, the covering of Christ's blood and the imputation of righteousness yet choose not to live a life of communion with God.

The focus verse today describes the life led by such as these. "They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away."

Contextually, this is a reference to those who are lost, spiritually. But I believe it is also an admonition for those that are lost, practically. Understand that I am not calling into question their salvation but rather the quality of their life and more specifically, their relationship with God.

As humans our hearts are prone to wander, we are inclined to leave the presence of God, to decline the gifts he offers on a daily basis and instead, wander in the meaningless wasteland of everyday life. How sad it is that we choose not to attend the banquet of God's presence and guidance in all the matters of our lives through reading, study, prayer and meditation. How profoundly unwise of us to turn to earthly sources for wisdom, comfort and help. Yet that is exactly what happens.

Do not let your life ebb away, live life to the fullest today by returning to the God's banquet table. Spend time with Him daily, pray to Him in all things and trust in Him. Jesus said "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." I think that means right now, today, not just sometime in the future. An intimate relationship with God that permeates the fabric of our lives is heaven on earth.

Peace,
Carl

It's Not In Me to Change

The Word is first...

Jeremiah 13:23 (NIV)

²³ Can the Ethiopian^a change his skin

or the leopard its spots?

Neither can you do good

who are accustomed to doing evil.

^a Hebrew Cushite (probably a person from the upper Nile region)

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

I've heard the question dozens of times "can a leopard change it's spots?" Its always been a nod to the inevitability of certain behaviors and a capitulation to complacency. Its a way of saying that "you're just the way you are and you're never going to change." Yet I know from personal experience that this saying is both true and not true.

It is true to the extent that of ourselves, we are unable to effect lasting change at our core. Oh we can certainly modify our behavior such that an outward change is apparent but sooner or later, the curtain will come down and our true selves will be revealed.

The saying is not true to the extent that it precludes the power of God to effect real and lasting change in the very center of our being. This change effects not only our inner self but our outer self at all. This change is 'regeneration.'

The leopard cannot change its' spots (its nature) but by the power of God it can be reborn without spots; it can be reborn with a new nature. More specifically, we can be reborn into the family of God and our sin nature left behind.

God's word explains this in...

Titus 3:5-6 (NIV)

⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

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

Through rebirth and renewal, by the death and resurrection of Christ, we can be reborn with a new nature, without spots. It's not in me to change, it's God in me that makes the change.

Peace,
Carl

Here... This if for you, take it!

The Word is first...

Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c198

Since before the fall, God has predestined a plan of salvation to reconcile us to him. The elegance of His plan is beyond comprehension or compare and it is complete to the uttermost. While each of us can grasp some portion of it, none may plumb the depths of it.

God's plan of salvation was designed exclusively and expressly for us. It is not applicable for the animals and it is not available to the angels. It is well beyond the grasp of Satan and it cannot be undone by any amount of demonic intervention. It is designed and intended for us, all of us.

Today's verse discloses two components of God's plan for us as well as a key consideration.

Beginning with the consideration, let's examine the very first word of the verse; "Take." This is an imperative, a command, something to be done without hesitation and so it should be for it is for our own good. But even more important that the tense with which the author presents this is the concept that it is something that cannot be bought, negotiated or traded. It is as though God is saying "Here! This is for you, take it! It's a gift for you and I've been waiting for you to get to this point so I could offer it to you. I made it myself, I know you'll like it."

What then is the nature of this gift that is so forcefully offered to us? The verse continues "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Therein are the two things which we most need.

The helmet of salvation not only protects our head, our mind, from attack but it also anoints the entire body. Salvation is the balm for everything that ails us, it heals us completely. It is this knowledge of salvation that draws us into a more intimate relationship with God which is entirely enabled by salvation itself.

The sword of the Spirit, the very word of God, is offered to us not only as an offensive weapon against whatever would come against us, but as a comfort, a guide and a proof of ownership. We know that we are God's children because he has given us his seal (his spirit) and his sword (his word).

Offering us salvation, redeeming us from sin, is not an after-thought of God but rather the very essence of his divine plan for us. Offering us his spirit is not some ad-hoc, "oh yeah" kind of moment but rather a carefully crafted solution to the problems that vex us on this Earth.

Take up the helmet of salvation today. Place it upon your head to protect your mind and to declare your allegiance to The King of Kings whom you serve. Fix the sword of the Spirit to your belt (of truth) knowing that you have the best weapon to bear against your enemies.

Shalom,
Carl

To Be Presented Righteous

The Word is first...

¹¹ When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here,^a he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. ¹² He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. ¹⁴ How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,^b so that we may serve the living God!

^a Some early manuscripts are to come

^b Or from useless rituals

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Heb 9:11-14

In this passage I see more on the topic of Christ's role as my High Priest which God has been keeping in front of me throughout this week. I find it wholly wonderful how God presents his son to me, through the word and by the Spirit, that I may know him better. The more I know Him, the more I love Him and the more perfectly I may follow Him.

With regards to this passage, I sense the purpose with which Christ entered the world and in the opening fragment of this verse (v11) "When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here..." there are three thoughts that immediately captivate me. First is the certainty that Christ did come as expressed "when Christ came." As a believer, I operate with that certainty at the very core of my being. Here it is presented as a presumptive fact and I find that confidence comforting. Second is that he 'came as high priest.' He did not come as a mere man to experience life as a man but to fulfill a particular role. He did not grow into this role or 'happen' into this role as many of us do with respect to our various parts played in life. Rather, this was a central purpose and a core motivation. Third, is the description of mankind being 'the good things that are already here.' This harkens back to Genesis where God saw all that he had created and declared that 'it was very good.' In this we can derive that Jesus came as the high priest of all creation, he is in front of everything even as the high priest is in front of the 'congregation' before God.

The second half of this verse "he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation" speaks if how Christ functions at a supernatural level far beyond what a human priest is capable of. According to my understanding, the high priests of old, having cleansed themself (ceremonially) and having offered atonement for the sins of the people would then enter into the Holy of Holies; that portion of the man-made tabernacle in which God dwelt. They would come into the very presence of God albeit imperfectly and yet separated by the construction of the tabernacle. Not so with Christ. Christ did not come before God by way of the man-made tabernacle but by the 'greater and more perfect tabernacle.' My understanding on this matter is imperfect and as yet unclear. At once I see both the concept of the man-made tabernacle being inextricably linked to the Old Covenant and the 'greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made' representing the New Covenant as well as the concept of the man-made tabernacle (physical) and the 'more perfect' tabernacle as being spiritual or super-natural. With either understanding I realize that the distinction is that what came before Christ was insufficient and that Christ is sufficient.

Moving on to v12 we see clear reference to the cost of admission (sacrifice) to God's presence and the explicit understanding that Christ did not enter by the normal (imperfect and temporary) means of animal sacrifice. "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves." His entrance into the Holy Place was by means of the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice (perfect and eternal); his own blood. "but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption." The permanence of the sufficiency of the sacrifice secures eternal presence with God and He need never leave it again. With this picture in mind it is easy to overlook the fact that he 'obtained eternal redemption' and it is upon this point that our hope and joy is hung. We rightfully celebrate our redemption and I believe we should equally rejoice in Christ's entrance as our High Priest into the presence of God (the ascension). For in a picture of things yet to come, Christ is bodily in the presence of God as we too shall be.

V13 "The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death," is a mouthful. Whereas animal sacrifice was sufficient to temporarily cleanse the outside for the purposes of ceremony, the inside is far more important (and difficult to cleanse). The fact that Christ's blood is sufficient for the uttermost cleansing of the innermost being speaks of the power or efficacy of the blood. "How much more" will the blood cleanse indeed!

I close with the last fragment which speaks of the purpose for which all this occurred. "so that we may serve the living God!" We have been reconciled to God through Christ our Lord not for our own benefit, though we receive benefit, but that we may serve God! I believe that anyone who truly understands the depravity of their own sinfulness and comprehends the depth of Christ's love as evidenced by his sacrifice on our behalf, will not long sit in the pew. Instead, they will rise up with hearts of joy and enter into service to God by meeting the needs of his people.

How wonderful is our God! How wonderful is His Son! How wonderful is The Spirit that has been given us by God to lead, teach and convict us! Let us stream into the streets and paths, let us beat the bushes and look behind every hedgerow and bring others to the feast of reconciliation to God.

Shalom,
Carl

I'm With Him

The Word is first...

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

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

When Christ ascended into Heaven, he was enthroned at the right-hand of God. Now my natural inclination is to consider him in a state of repose, looking out over the kingdom and commenting to God now and then about something interesting that piques his interest. But I know that nothing could be farther from the truth.

Recently, I had the good fortune to learn just a little bit about what it is Jesus is doing in Heaven right now. Now, there wasn't anything really new but it was presented to me as a list and being a list-maker myself, it seemed particularly real to me and I want to share it with you. So, here's Jesus's "to-do" list;

1. Be your Savior
2. Be your Intercessor
3. Be your High Priest
4. Be your Mediator
5. Be your Advocate (Lawyer)

I'm sure that I could extract a 12 week sermon series on this concept and on the verses underlying this little list but today, I am struck by the fact that God presented me with Hebrews 4:15 to study and therein we see a reference to the role of Jesus as my High Priest.

Many may not even realize they have a High Priest (by name) but indeed we do in Jesus Christ. He has fulfilled his chief obligation associated with this role in that he has made atonement for my sin according to God's laws. In the course of this great task, he has presented me with a path to God for it is 'through the Son' that I must go in order to be reconciled to God.

Now, as today's study verse reveals, our High Priest is no high-minded, elitist, out-of-touch functionary. The verse teaches that "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses." This means that Jesus, our High Priest, is not detached from our suffering or our human condition.

Thank about the implications of that truth. In the hour of our need, we cannot rationalize bad behavior or decisions becauce "you don't know what it's like..." The fact of the matter is that Jesus does know what it's like; exactly what it's like. Consider the second half of the verse "but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin."

In order to make the connection with us, Jesus was born just as you and I were born. He grew up enduring all the trials and tribulations of childhood and walked the Earth as a man, same as us. Along the way, he faced all the same temptations that we face. Do you think that Jesus was never hungry? angry? lonely? tired? His friends betrayed and abandoned him. The general population mobbed him. Religious leaders despised him and ultimately murdered him. Yet through it all, he did not sin.

I submit that Jesus knows far more about temptation than you and I ever will. Consider this thought... I have given into temptation. It's true. More than once. By giving in, I cut off the temptation because once you're in the middle of sin, the temptation is gone. That means that I never experienced the full force of the temptation. Somewhere between slightly tempted and overwhelmingly tempted, I would capitulate to stop the temptation. Jesus never did that. That means, to me, that the temptation he experienced was as intense as it could possibly be. In that he experienced more temptation than I have ever known.

To be sure, things are different for me now in that temptation no longer holds dominion over me. But it's not because of anything I've done. Rather, it is the power of The Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that cuts off the temptation before capitulation. So even today, it is Jesus that deals with the temptation that is more than I can bear.

As a result, Jesus can relate to me, to us. When he goes before the Father as our High Priest, he does so with a fervor that is rooted in his own visceral experience. He has sympathy for us as well as empathy and this adds to his motivation that is rooted in God's will that we be reconciled.

There is no other high priest with His qualifications. And I for one am ecstatic that I have Jesus preparing a way for me.

Shalom,
Carl

Sustaining Production

The Word is first...

John 15:4 (NIV)

⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

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

The concept of 'remaining' in Christ is a difficult thought for many people yet as this verse reveals, it is critical. I believe there are two challenges we face with respect to 'remaining' in Christ.

The first challenge is one of perception. Unless we perceive a connection, our weaknesses lead us to believe the connection is lost and that we have been detached from the tree of life. Yet we know that we will all go through various 'cycles' where we feel close and connected as well as when we feel distant and disconnected. These are nothing more than passing 'feelings' and we need only continue in the disciplines of the faith till such time as the 'feeling' passes.

The second challenge is one of reality. Isaiah 59:2 teaches us that "your iniquities have separated you from your God, your sin has hidden his face from you..." So the reality is that when we sin, we drive a wedge between the branch (us) and the vine (Christ). 1 John 1:9 teaches us that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness." In this manner, the wedge is removed, the wound is healed and the connection is restored. But if we harbor unconfessed sin in our life, the wedge remains, the wound festers and the connection is compromised. I don't mean to imply that salvation is lost but our ability to 'perceive' the connection is impaired and our ability to produce fruit in His name is sacrificed.

To remain in Christ means that we must continually confess our sins, continually receive His forgiveness and continually remain in a state of renewal or sanctification. This process is enabled by our studying, learning and applying his commands in our daily life. We remain in Christ by loving him. We love Christ by keeping his commandments. In this manner, the connection of the branch to the vine is made apparent in the spirit of John 14:21 which teaches "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Our awareness of our connection to Christ is a function of His response to the love we have for Him.

If I were to walk through the orchard of your life, would I have to step carefully over all the fruit that has fallen to the ground? Would I have to duck repeatedly so as not to run into the abundant fruit hanging from the branches? Or would I have to look at the leaves of the tree to even know what type of tree it is since there is no fruit?

My challenge to you today then is to measure your harvest for Christ. If your bushel baskets overflow, sing praise. If your baskets are empty then examine the connection between the branch and the vine. Give attention to nurturing the grafting site so that the rich nutrients of Christ may flow into your branch and you may produce fruit in His name.

Peace,
Carl

From Whence We Came

The Word is first...

Psalm 107:10-16 (NIV)

¹⁰ Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom,

prisoners suffering in iron chains,

¹¹ for they had rebelled against the words of God

and despised the counsel of the Most High.

¹² So he subjected them to bitter labor;

they stumbled, and there was no one to help.

¹³ Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,

and he saved them from their distress.

¹⁴ He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom

and broke away their chains.

¹⁵ Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for men,

¹⁶ for he breaks down gates of bronze

and cuts through bars of iron.

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

The body of believers is a great amalgamation of people. Long before the United States of America laid claim to the title 'melting pot' God defined that concept. The redemption offered by God through Jesus cuts across all boundaries, real or imagined and knows no geographical, political or physical boundaries. Neither the hue of skin nor the different melodies of speech offer any restriction. By the grace of God and the blood of Christ, all (that is ALL) may be adopted into the family of God. Praise Him!

Today's passage is an exploration of the circumstances in which some of the lost find themselves. In fact this Psalm (107) illustrates the variety of places and situations from which the lost may be redeemed and brought into the family and favor of God.

This particular section (v10-16) speaks of the situation in which those who have defied and ignored God find themselves. These few verses speak to me in a profound way for in them I see and understand myself a little bit better.

The essence of this section is that those who rebel against God, those that hear his counsel yet choose their own path will suffer. "Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains," is the description. In fact, anyone that does not walk in the light of God not only sits in darkness but walks, sleeps and works in it as well. Though they may stand in the center of the brightest lights known to man, the darkness of their sin and hopelessness prevails. In fact, within them, in their hearts and their minds may be found the 'deepest gloom' for such a person is without hope. Even if they walk the Earth as a 'free' man, still they are prisoners and suffer. To borrow a line from a popular song "we are all just prisoners here of our own device." And so it is.

This passage reveals to us that as a result of our rebellion and folly there are consequences. "So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help." Ack! The fool lives in darkness, is oppressed by the deepest gloom, suffers in iron chains AND leads a life of hard labor. What a sentence "life in hard labor." We're talking in terms of the 'chain-gang', a most unpleasant thought. Even beyond that, is the profound loneliness and vulnerability "they stumbled and there was no one to help." Ecclesiastes 4:10 speaks to this "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" What a terrible and terrifying situation in which to live!

And yet, this passage speaks of the hope in God as it continues "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress," Like me, there are many that must reach a deep, dark place before they 'come to their senses.' And what I see here is that great hope that whenever someone reaches the end of them self, when they have suffered enough to burn through the hardness of their own heart, then they cry out to God. And GOD IS LISTENING FOR THEIR CALL. Our merciful God grieves over their suffering and is mighty to save them. In this too we can see that our own works have no role in this exchange. All that is required is to call out to God.

Once we reach the end of our self and cry out to God, "He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains." To me this speaks to the fact that the delivery offered by God, the salvation and reconciliation to Him is total and complete. The darkness gives way to light, the gloom yields to hope and the chains are broken. There is nothing left to do, there is no aspect left undone.

Our response, as the redeemed is then portrayed "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men." Our only right response to the thought of, the knowledge of, the arrival of, the presence of and the passing of the Lord is worship. Driven by a heart of thankfulness let our lips not be still and instead rejoice! Rejoice!

Closing this passage is a testimony to the power of God; "for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron." Simply, He is the strongest of strong and there is nothing, not one thing, that He cannot overcome.

Whatever bondage you find yourself in, no matter what your chains are made of, no matter how deep you may be in the dungeons of sin, these are of no consequence to God. Cry out to Him! He will hear your cry and he will deliver you. He is the ONLY ONE that can and will do this.

In His Grip,
Carl

Only One To Reconcile Us

The Word is first...

1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)

⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

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

A few decades ago there was this movie that I really liked and watched over and over. This movie had a really cool line in it that I've quoted hundreds of times; "There can be only one!" This of course was always in reference to myself and some aspect of victory or superiority that I would hold over someone. Wow, seeing that typed out reminds me of what a fool I was!

Nevertheless, that was then and this is now and though it's been a very, very long time since I've declared "There can be only one" I am happy to proclaim today that "THERE IS ONLY ONE!" Fortunately, this has nothing to do with my own prowess or ability and speaks only of the nature of Jesus Christ.

My study verse today states it plainly and without obfuscation; "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus..." Within this passage there are two ONE'S which are of course still one.

In the first fragment of this passage, Paul declares that 'there is one God'. This is an important and life-changing truth; one that came as quite a shock to me. Before everything there was God and from the nothingness, God spoke and created everything. His action didn't stop there and he has persisted across the ages, persists today and will persist forever yet. But like many, I balked at the concept of 'one God' and moved from altar to altar worshiping may gods. All had one thing in common; they were false. So when finally, I came to understand the truth that 'there is one God' it was a real eye-opener for me.

The second fragment of this passage declares by implication that there is some need for men to be reconciled to God and that there is only one way person capable of that task. "and one mediator between God and men" is the song that this passage sings. Not only is there one God, we have been separated from him by our sin (Isaiah 59:2 / Romans 3:23) but there is only one road that we may travel that brings back into fellowship with God and that is revealed in the third fragment of this passage.

"the man Christ Jesus" is revealed to be the only ONE that is capable of reconciling us to God. It never occurred to me till just this moment that Jesus is the original mediator. Neither works nor piety nor service nor anything else will reconcile us to God. Only Jesus THE Christ has the power to reconcile us to God. And the lengths to which he went to accomplish the task simply boggle the mind.

For those of you who may be searching, ever searching and not finding, let me help you out. There is only one God and there is only one path to Him and that is by and through Jesus Christ. To know Jesus is to know God. There is only one to reconcile us.

Peace,

Carl

His Way or Death

The Word is first...

Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

¹² There is a way that seems right to a man,

but in the end it leads to death.

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

I get paid to help people find better ways to do things. Of course, the things they want help with all involve business; productivity, profits, procedures, projects and processes. My ability in these matters is a gift or perhaps more accurately the product of the gifts that God has given me. In many ways, when I analyze a particular project or process I can 'see' or 'sense' a way that is better or right. It makes perfect sense to me and it's difficult for me to see how it could have ever gotten into the state it is in that requires my help. In the grand scheme of things, they don't matter and by the metaphorical morrow they will all be gone.

My abilities in matters of true importance are not so good. I've discovered, painfully, that my heart is deceptive and will easily lead me in the wrong direction. In the matters of life that really count, my track record is pretty poor. At least, it was till I started consulting the instruction manual and relying on The Holy Spirit to show me the right way.

My study verse today speaks of this phenomena as it teaches "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." When you combine the temptations of this world in the light of our sinful and selfish desires we see a dangerous opportunity for deception. We often mistake 'the way' that fulfills our desires or feelings for the 'right way.' We allow our happiness and sense of fairness to govern our decisions which often leads to terrible results, even death.

Consider those who believe there are many paths to God. That whole concept "seems right", it "seems fair" and it plays into our selfish nature in that it gives us license to live a life according to our rules. It's an easy palliative to the bitter pill of doing what's right in the sight of God. No matter how it "seems" it is nevertheless a lie and in the end, the pain, agony and death that will be suffered as a result of such a choice will be eternal.

I challenge you to examine your life, your habits, your relationships and your walk with Christ today. Ask The Holy Spirit to reveal to you those 'ways' in your life that 'seem right' but in fact are not. Ask God to forgive you for those choices. Ask The Holy Spirit to lead you in the 'right way', the Way that is Jesus.

I know it 'seems right' to let this be a long and thorough process. But I want to urge you to do this immediately. Tomorrow may never come and after lunch may be too late. Get right with God starting right now.

Shalom,
Carl

The Sound of Silence

The Word is first...

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

² But your iniquities have separated

you from your God;

your sins have hidden his face from you,

so that he will not hear.

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

There are times when God is tremendously silent, when our prayers seem to fall to the floor instead of rising towards Heaven and when we lift our voice in praise it is awkward and unnatural. These times or seasons seem to slip over us like a blanket, gently, quietly and without any pretense. There comes a moment when we are profoundly aware of a tomb-like quality of such silence. It is in those moments that we have choices to make whether to lie quietly in our coffin of self or to start kicking, screaming and clawing our way out of that box.

These times or seasons are very real and they come for numerous reasons. Today's study verse speaks of one such reason; sin. As a created being it was sin that separated us from God in the garden and sin separates us still.

Isaiah 59:2 teaches us "But your iniquities have separated you from your God." Iniquities are defined by Webster as "gross injustice" or "a wicked act or thing." When can think of them as those sins we commit knowingly and willfully. Consider James 4:17 which speaks "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." Whether by omission or commission, sin is sin and our God cannot tolerate sin in his presence. Whenever we choose to sin, knowing full well what God has said about our actions, we elevate the sin to a position ahead of God. We state that our will reigns in our lives not God's will. The isolation from God that we feel when we are in a state of sinfulness is real. It is because our sin, our iniquity, has separated us from our God. It is not as though God has left us, it is as though we have driven a wedge between us. In the same way that you use a wedge to split a piece of wood, the wedge of sin splits us apart from God.

The study verse continues; "your sins have hidden his face from you." You may recall that when "The Law" was all we had, we were separated from God by a great curtain in the temple. We were prevented from seeing God or coming into his presence by this veil. Though that particular veil has been torn asunder by the shed blood of Jesus, there is yet another veil that works in the same manner. This veil however, is not made of fabric but is constructed of our sin. God can be standing right in front of us, facing us and we are unable to see him if we are in a state of sinfulness. It's not because he is invisible or has 'left the building' but our sight is hampered by our sin; "your sins have hidden his face from you..." The same sin that has forcefully separated us from the presence of God covers our eyes like scales so that we are blind to Him.

The last fragment of this verse "so that he will not hear" reveals why we perceive that God is silent and brings us into the full realization of why we feel that we are alone. The wedge of sin acts as a stopper or plug in the 'ears' of God. I think it is important to note that the phrase is "will not hear" instead of "can not hear." This indicates that God is ignoring the prayers of the unrepentant sinner. Our iniquities isolate us from God, blind us to God and renders our prayers ineffective.

What a dire situation this is! Yet all is not lost! That wedge of sin can be easily removed, fellowship restored, sight returned and prayers rendered powerful and effective! All that is required is confession and repentance.

When we submit ourselves before The Lord and confess our sins He hears. 1 John 1:9 teaches us
^"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." The contrite heart gets God's attention above the noise and chaos of sin. And as he forgives us and cleanses us, we are returned to his fellowship and the veil that hid Him from us is once again dissolved.

Let us not forget though that confession is but one step in the process. Having a contrite heart, being in full realization of our sinfulness and our helplessness, we confess and fellowship is restored. But it is the repentance that secures us in that fellowship. Jesus said "go and sin no more" and that is the very basis of repentance. To turn away from sin and go in the opposite direction is the order of the day and in so doing, we leave the wedge of sin that would divide us, lying the mud forgotten.

So if you are in such a season of isolation and separation, examine yourself carefully to be certain that there is no unconfessed sin contributing to your situation. If during your examination you discover there to be sin, repent, confess and be restored. If you find no sin to explain your situation then praise God for His faithfulness and be resolved to finish the current test in a manner that glorifies God.

Peace,
Carl

How Do You Feel About Payday?

The Word is first...

Romans 6:23 (NIV)

²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^a Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

Few of us would look forward to a payday where we received what we deserved. However, most would be ecstatic to have a payday where we received what we think we are worth. The reality is that in our jobs, our compensation is somewhere between what we deserve and what we think we are worth. Our compensation is most likely associated with what our boss thinks we are worth. That same principle is at work with respect to spiritual matters.

Today's focus verse speaks to what we deserve. "For the wages of sin is death..." Whether we like it or not, we have all toiled under the taskmaster of sin. Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That's all as in well, all, everyone. This means that as 'sinners' our just compensation, our wages, is death. That's harsh but it's reality. God himself set the standard by which we are to be judged, he established the rules and made them known. Our ancestor, Adam, chose to be disobedient and brought all of mankind under the wrath of God. As sinners, we deserve death. To receive what we deserve is the very essence of justice.

But God, being exceedingly just, is not without mercy and He established that though we deserve death we could have this sentence served by someone on our behalf. God himself selected our proxy, appointed him to the task and empowered him to accomplish the feat; which he did to the uttermost. By his sacrifice, by Jesus' sacrifice, all mankind may slip the noose of justice (death) and fall into the embrace of God's mercy. To be spared what we deserve is the very essence of mercy.

Yet God, perfectly just and overflowing with mercy, was not satisfied with this act of mercy and decided to go much further and thereby defines grace. The second half of today's verse gives testimony to the extreme measure of God's grace. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Though we have done absolutely nothing to deserve this wondrous gift from God, nevertheless, he gives it to us. To receive that which we do not deserve is the very essence of grace.

So the only conclusion that I can draw from this thought is that we are not compensated according to our worth. We are gifted according to the worth of Jesus Christ but only to the extent to which we depend on and willingly choose to follow the Son of God. The absolute truth of this matter can be found in 1 John 5:12 where we are taught that "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

When payday rolls around and we all queue up with our palms open, you can have my place in the 'get what you think you are worth' line. I'm falling in behind Jesus in the 'get what Jesus is worth' line. I'm going to hold a spot for you though so that you can step out of the queue you're in and into the queue with Jesus. He's already done all the work, all that remains is your decision to accept him as your proxy, your Lord and Savior. It's your choice, life or death; choose wisely.

Loving Him,
Carl

At What Cost Peace

The Word is first...

Romans 5:1 (NIV)

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we^a have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

^a Or let us

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

For me, the war is over. Though I've never served in the military and I've never set foot upon an earthen battlefield, I was once at war. The battles I fought were not with governments or men but with God. I didn't bring any real weaponry, only my will and the freedom of choice which, ironically, God had given me in the first place. As a result of my choices, I put myself into opposition with God and attacked him, though feebly, whenever I had a chance. As the battles raged, the casualties mounted; my self respect, my honor and my dignity all fell. All in all, I successfully snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Yet God did not and does not enjoy winning such battles. His sincere desire is for me to defect from the 'enemy' and join Him. He wants to share victory with me. In fact, God wants peace so badly that he was willing to do whatever it took to obtain it. My study verse today speaks to the extent to which God was willing to go to reconcile me to him.

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith..." The faith to which this verse refers is the sincere, life-changing acceptance of the FACT that the Son of God, Jesus, "was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Rom 4:25)

As a result of our acceptance of this fact, "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This is the ONLY way which peace may be obtained. The only battle that needs to be won for us to enjoy this peace is the battle over our selfishness and pride and ego. It is the acceptance that we cannot win the 'war', we can never achieve peace except that God offers it to us according to his own terms. And as God has ascribed such a value to this peace, I can only believe it is his sincerest wish that I (and you) should enter into it with him through his Son Jesus.

So for me, the war is over and peace prevails. You too can know this peace, you too can lay down your weaponry run up the white flag and surrender your self. By your faith in Jesus, who believed in peace with God at any cost, you too can share in his victory.

Regards,
Carl

If Only...

The Word is first...

John 4:10 (NIV)

¹⁰ Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

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

If, only... those words haunt my decisions and fan the flames of my selfish desires like no others. Of all the bad decisions that I've made in my life, they all have this in common now; if only I had known. If only I had listened. If only I had paid more attention. If only I had given my best effort. If only I had been more concerned with someone other than myself. If... only. They are the ghosts of regret of folly and fear. They are legion.

Though I am no longer that person, though I seldom wallow in the mud of self-recriminations, nevertheless I still struggle with the "if onlies." Only now, instead of being in retrospect, they are forward looking. If only I could break that habit, then I'd be happy. If only my spouse would respect me, then I'd be happy. If only I could make more money, then I'd be happy. If only they would listen to me, things would be better. Even though the perspective has changed, the lie of the "if onlies" holds fast and beckons me to speculation and living in an alternate reality.

There is however, a single "if only" that chases away the demons of self-recrimination and washes away the mist of speculation. In today's study verse, we see an implied "if only". In his conversation with the woman at the well, the woman asked how he (Jesus) could ask her for a drink. (This of course was because it was socially unacceptable for a Jew to associate with a Samaritan, even for the necessity of water.) It is in Jesus' reply that we see the one true 'if only.'

'Jesus answered her, "If [only] you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him [instead] and he would have given you living water."' While there is plenty of material in this one sentence for sermons and lessons, my take-away today is one of conviction and concern.

How many souls across eternity had lamented "if only I had known the truth of Jesus I would not be suffering in Hell now." If only. I myself met the Son of God at the well and he poured living water into my soul indeed. Yet he did not do this to merely satisfy my 'thirst.' He did this that I might turn and pour it into the one I meet 'at the well.' And here is where the conviction sets in. How many people, one day, will declare... "Carl! If only you had told me of Jesus, I would not be suffering in Hell now." If only I would have opened the streams of living water that flow within me, the needs (the real needs) of another may have been met.

I'm a busy guy, a bit of a Martha I am afraid and what I'm learning (slowly and painfully) is that the 'work' I do is of little consequence compared to the love I share. Going forward, I must forget about all the 'if onlies' in the past, set aside my selfish 'if onlies' for the future and focus on the 'if only' of right now. If only I shared Jesus in everything I think, say and do. If only I share Jesus with you.

Shalom,
Carl

Rules of Engagement

The Word is first...

2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)

⁵ Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.

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

When I was very young, I played on a basketball team. The coach had very carefully explained how to dribble, pass and shoot and it was finally my time to get into the game. As fate would have it, the very first thing I had to do was to 'inbound' the ball. This required me to step out of bounds, receive the ball from the referee and put the ball into play. However, nobody had explained to me that I had to PASS the ball to a player who was already inbounds. So as I stepped across that line and started dribbling, the whistle blew and I was guilty of my very first turnover. I had failed to play by the rules and there was a penalty for the infraction.

In my Christian walk, there are rules by which I must compete. Let's be clear though that the concept of 'competition' is only a metaphor for we do not compete against each other to see who will be the 'best Christian.' The concept of competition is a metaphor to explain the work, dedication and devotion that is required of Christians that we might finish 'the race' well. It is the difference between the redeemed who is simply a 'regular attender' at church (who just waits for things to happen) and one who is actively engaged in their sanctification process (helping it to happen).

What then is the 'work, dedication and devotion' that separates the complacent from the dedicated Christian? I think it includes attributes such as;

1. Discipline - the dedicated or 'competing' Christian must willfully and willingly become familiar with and dedicated to the disciplines of the faith. Church attendance is not the objective; Christlikeness is. To that extent, the growing Christian must set aside anything and everything that works contrary to this objective and engage in rigorous and purposeful application of those behaviors that are put forth in God's Word.
   
2. Self-control - the growing Christian must become familiar with and committed to self-control. There are many habits and proclivities that we engage in that are either inconsistent with or contrary to the goal of Christlikeness in our lives. If there is anything in our life that controls us, other than obedience to God, then it literally calls out for self-control. This includes exercising self-control over; our thoughts, our words, our appetites, our lusts, our avarice, our spending, our consumption and our greed.
   
3. Endurance - the growing Christian soon learns that starting out strong is only a first step. After the initial lap (so to speak) the Christian walk through this life becomes one of endurance. Discipline is only hard after the initial commitment has become familiar. Self-control is only meaningful if it is lasting. The Christian life is a marathon not a sprint and if we apply discipline and self-control as God intends, our endurance will be developed.
   
4. Service - the measure of a Christian is not in their discipline, their self-control or their endurance. These things are simply the tools which are used to bring forth the real fruit of Christlikeness, namely love for others. And there is no measure of love for others that is more accurate than that of service. The disciplined, self-controlled and long-suffering Christian will exhibit a love for others that is unmistakable. Their words, their touch, their very thoughts will all reflect a sincere desire for the welfare of others. This manifests itself as service. Whether doing manual labor or teaching a class, the concept is one of ministry and mission.

I know that I want to live my life in a way that brings glory and honor to God. I want to live my life in a way that is worthy of the calling that God has placed upon my life. I want to not only finish 'the race' but I want to compete and I want to complete and to do those things well. So, I will learn from my mistakes (I know now to inbound the ball by PASSING) and I will continue my practice and I will continue listening to my coaches so that I can be the best me for God.

Gripped,
Carl

Can I Get a Witness?

The Word is first...

Romans 8:16 (NIV)

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

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

Having been born into the family of Adam, I am keenly aware of my heritage and inheritance. The Bible lists out some of the details of that inheritance such as;

1. Death. 1 Corinthians 15:22
2. Dead in my transgressions and sins. Ephesians 2:1
3. A propensity to follow the ways of the world, disobedience. Ephesians 2:2
4. Being God's enemy. Romans 5:10
5. Being a slave to sin. Romans 6:17
6. Condemnation. John 3:18
7. Disobedience and lack of love. 1 John 3:10

To be sure, there are many others and my 'rap' sheet had grown to gigantic proportions before it was erased. And there's the heart of the matter. As much as I was a child of Adam in my life before Christ, I am even so a child of God now that I have Christ! My 'rap' sheet has been completely, irrevocably and eternally ERASED by the washing of it with Christ's blood. When I came to proclaim Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I was 'plucked' from the family of Adam and adopted into the family of God.

Through the years I've used the term 'red-headed step-child' as means of conveying the concept of being treated as a partial son. That is not what I am to God. In the eyes of God, I am a child born into his family. This is the promise found in 2 Cor 5:17 which states that the 'old has gone, the new has come.' As if calling Jesus my brother is not enough, The Bible details the inheritance I have as a child of God such as;

1. Made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22
2. Alive to God. Romans 6:11
3. Reconciled, presented holy without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:22
4. Participation in the divine nature of God and escape from worldly corruption. 2 Peter 1:4
5. I am the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
6. Works of righteousness and love for others. 1 John 3:10

Now, the thing is that you don't have to take my word for it. I've got a witness to my assertion that I am a child of God! The Holy Spirit testifies with (not to) my spirit that I am God's child. So when I come before God in that moment of judgment, not only will Jesus say "I know that one and his debti is paid" but The Spirit will testify that I AM a child of God and that as such, I am entitled to my co-inheritance in Jesus Christ. With Jesus as my advocate and The Spirit as a witness for the defense, I am certain that I will be acquitted of all charges.

I've got a witness, now can I get an Amen?

Peace Out,
Carl

Deep Longing

The Word is first...

Psalm 119:81 (NIV)

ך Kaph

⁸¹ My soul faints with longing for your salvation,

but I have put my hope in your word.

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

At some point in our lives, all of us have been looking for something to fill a void within ourselves. For many, the things offered by this world seem to be the right fit; cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, gluttony, lust, adultery, work, sports, all offer transient satisfaction. For some, they seek satisfaction in things that are other worldly, spirituality, mysticism, asceticism, and a host of other 'isms' promise satisfaction but ultimately fail to fit the bill. For a precious few, they turn to the true source of satisfaction, namely God.

In today's passage, the psalmist expresses the depth of the longing that we all feel. He writes "my soul faints with longing..." This is an emotion and a mental state to which we may all relate. Such a deep and desperate longing at the core of our being, our soul, is actually a manifestation of God's plan. God has 'wired' us to experience this feeling, this hunger, this thirst. Of course, his intention was that he be the source of our longing. But Satan, the prince of this world, has found subtle and subversive ways to bend our longing and deceived us into thinking that things of this world, in fact anything other than God himself, can satisfy this longing.

The psalmist however, has rightly identified the the object of his desire. "My soul faints with longing for your salvation..." That void that is within us, that vacuum, is the result of sin. I've heard it described as a "God-shaped hole" and I believe that is an accurate depiction. The separation from God that was caused by Adam's sin figuratively created that space within us that we try to fill. I interpret 'salvation' to mean not only the avoidance of eternal damnation but more importantly the joy of eternal fellowship with God; it is the elimination of the separation.

Our need to eliminate this separation is so strong that we literally faint from the longing. For those pursuing satisfaction in the world, it is as though they are on an endless and eternal treadmill. At first, it is easy but then it gets progressively more difficult till all our strength is sapped and we literally faint from the exertion. Yet, the longing remains.

But the psalmist continues and explains "but I have put my hope in your word." This is the only response to our longing that offers complete and eternal satisfaction. It is the only 'treatment' that overcomes the fainting of our souls. And in securing our hope to His word, we find security, peace and respite. Our soul finds rest, renewal and regeneration. God's word is the ultimate hope for what was, is and will be.

If your soul is fainting from the pursuit, if your soul is fainting from the longing for the 'something' that fills that 'hole' within you, follow the example of the psalmist and put your hope where it belongs. Then you will find that what belongs in that 'hole' will fill you completely and make you whole.

Shalom,
Carl

Sweat Equity

As I headed out to the gym this morning, I paused briefly to fix the verse for the day in my mind. God, whose sense of humor is as grand as the universe, led me to 1 Tim 4:8. I know you'll laugh with me when you read this...

The Word...

1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

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

So anyway, I'm back from the gym now and my clothing is heavy with the sweat from my workout. It was a hard workout. Not only had I missed all my workouts last week while traveling, but I cranked up the resistance this morning. The reward for my effort was 500 calories burned, 3.7 miles run and 1.25 miles climbed.

This year I've been working out in an effort to lose weight, improve my muscle tone and secure a better future for myself and my family. It's been neither easy nor fun and it requires as much discipline as anything I've even engaged in. The more I do, the more remains to be done! Yet for all it's effort, the effects of my commitment are transient. A few months in the buffet line and I'll be right back where I started, or worse. What I've really done is committed myself to a lifetime of vigilance with respect to my physical well-being and more importantly 'temple stewardship.'

Now, contrast this with the commitment to a daily devotional or my spiritual exercise. I've committed myself to this effort in order to grow closer to God, nourish the fruit of righteousness and to increase wisdom in all matters of importance. These things I do are to secure a better future for myself and my family. It is not easy but it is often fun. It requires more discipline that I have but it is self-perpetuating. The more I do, the more I want to do. Yet the effects of my commitment are not transient! Indeed, they are eternal.

Consider that concept for a minute. Go ahead, I'll wait. It's tough for us to think in terms of eternity because frankly, our watches, calendars, clocks and schedules simply do not reflect that concept. Yet it is for eternity that we labor. Whereas my commitment to physical stewardship is a commitment for a lifetime, my commitment to spiritual stewardship is a commitment for thousands of thousands of thousands of lifetimes.

And unlike physical discipline, spiritual discipline is not about looking good; it's about being and doing good. In today's study verse, Paul uses the term 'godliness' and it is here that we need to pause. In this passage, Paul is contrasting the concept of physical training (and it's temporal nature) to godliness and it's eternal nature.

Whereas the physical aspect is one of training and preparation, the concept of godliness is of action and immediacy. By action, I do not mean to imply only physical action but rather action in your mind, heart and body. By committing yourself to being a 'man of God' and by conducting yourself always in a 'godly' manner you are preparing yourself for the eternity in which you are already living.

Now truth be told, this verse is not meant to imply that physical training (exercise, diet) is to be eschewed for spiritual training. Rather it is an exhortation to keep you priorities straight. For instance, if your daily workout routine is getting in the way of godly living, guess which one has to go? Sit-ups and push-backs are no replacement for prayerful living and loving others. As Paul said, "physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

Sweaty,
Carl

Got Hope?

So this morning I get up and realize that I forgot to set the alarm for the house last night. (Not my house, the one I'm staying in) For a moment, I panicked with the thought that "I slept all night unprotected." Then that thought was swept aside with another one; "God was still protecting me." Thank God that I don't have to remember to punch in a code to enable his watchfulness. Thank God for watching over me through the night and for giving me this day.

The Word...

Ephesians 1:18-20 (NIV)

¹⁸ I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, ²⁰ which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

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

Here again we see the prayer warrior Paul who, on behalf of the Ephesians, goes before the Lord with a petition of purpose. Nowhere is there any of this mamby-pamby "help them have a good day" rather a prayer to bring about hope, revelation and understanding.

By his words we see that the hope is found in our collective calling to Jesus Christ. I do not consider this a hope for tomorrow or even further in the future. It is far more than a hope for eternity indeed it is hope for this moment. For it is in this moment only, the now, that we may respond to this calling by laying aside our selves and selfishness to become true disciples of Jesus. What a wonderful prayer that we may be enlightened so that we may know the hope that surrounds and permeates us! The lack of this enlightenment is the source of dark depression, depravity and hopelessness. How sad that there are many who live lives literally swimming in the hope represented by our calling to fellowship with Jesus who never know of it's omnipresence. Now then we should be aware of how important a prayer this is for us to pray on behalf of the lost; that they be enlightened.

But Paul's petition is not just for enlightenment to the hope rooted in the calling, it is also for enlightenment to know "the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." We are constantly concerned with OUR inheritance in The Lord. But this verse speaks to GOD'S inheritance in the saints, that's us! Come now, have you ever considered yourself, your very soul, something to be inherited? God considers the legacy of Christ's sacrifice, that is the redeemed, to be "riches" and a 'glorious inheritance'. Oh my gosh! What does God see in me? This is amazing and establishes my value in a manner which cannot be calculated in human terms. I have extreme value to God and he rejoices in receiving me as an inheritance. If we can truly grasp the undertanding of this fact, if we can be enlightened that we may know the hope in this statement, then our self esteem should soar! This makes me want to run out into the streets dancing and shouting! What other response could there be?

If this were not enough, Paul continues to pray for a third understanding. Again, this is a present hope and this one is based on 'his incomparably great power for us who believe.' What is this power? I believe it is The Holy Spirit power! It (dynamis) is a 'spiritually dynamic and LIVING force.' Dynamis? Dynamite anyone? Paul goes on to describe the nature of this power. Consider his description that it may contribute to your enlightenment to its' inherent hope. It is a WORKING power (energeian). It is neither latent nor potential but rather it is in motion and accomplishing its task. It is OF his mighty (kratous) which overcomes all resistance and it is of his mighty STRENGTH (ischyos) which God literally provides to and for us.

The manifestation of this power, the reality that we can see with our eyes and know with our minds and feel in our hearts, is the raising of Christ from the dead and placing him at God's right hand in heaven. It was God's power which overcame death, defeated Satan and raised Jesus to a place of glory and authority. This same power is available to us today, NOW.

This is an incredible truth which defies reason and logic. It is as slippery as a fish and that is why Paul prayed that the Ephesians (and by extension you and I) would be enlightened (another manifestion of the power) that we may be secure in this hope.

Just as I was secure under God's watchfulness last night (serendipity!) so too in every moment am I to be secure in this hope. I am looking forward to this day and what other treasures God has prepared for me and I pray that you too may walk in this hope, NOW.

Gripped!
Carl

The Testimony of Three

This morning as I prayed, I thanked God for all the experiences in my life that have led me to this moment. Even as I prayed that I realized that the sum total of those experiences do not define who I am today. That's because God poured his Holy Spirit into me and that is the ingredient that brought forth good from all those past experiences. So I had to thank God for the Holy Spirit and for the work he is doing in me today.

The Word...

1 John 5:7-8 (NIV)

⁷ For there are three that testify: ⁸ the^a Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

^a Late manuscripts of the Vulgate testify in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth: the (not found in any Greek manuscript before the sixteenth century)

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

I think the immediate thought concerning this verse is that it validates the Holy Trinity. Were we to consider only this verse, it should be easy to use it to prove the truth of the Triune God. But keeping this verse in context, it is apparent to me that this would be a false interpretation. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not implying that the concept of the Trinity is false but rather that this passage is not about the Trinity and is instead about three significant facts concerning Christ that are presented as proof positive of his divinity. To me, this is a far more important point for our entire belief system would be undermined were Christ not the Son of God. Whereas we can argue, pointlessly, about the Trinity for our salvation does not depend on that. Yet all of eternity rests on Christ.

To that extent then, this verse is about God testifying to us (v10) about his own Son. Jesus, being wholly man, according to the customs and the law as pertaining to righteousness was baptised. I believe this is the water that is referenced in this verse. It was this action that confirmed his humanity and revealed his divinity.

It was at this same baptism that the Spirit descended upon him as a dove. This I believe is the same Spirit referenced in this passage and marked the beginning of Jesus' ministry on this Earth. It established the pattern by which we are cleansed and then filled by the Holy Spirit. In this manner his humanity was confirmed yet again. However, God's voice accompanied the filling by the Spirit and declared that Jesus was the very Son of God.

Lastly, this verse speaks of the testimony of the blood. I believe that if the baptism (water) signified the beginning of Jesus' ministry, then it is the shedding of his blood that marks the completion of his ministry on Earth. By his own declaration "it is finished."

In this way, I see that the three 'elements' in this verse (Spirit, water, blood) are all in agreement that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ, Immanuel. They testify to my heart and soul and mind today that this is a truth that is irrefutable. If I am to accept the testimony of a man who has foresworn "so help me God" how much more do I believe the very word of God! My faith rests on this fact and my salvation depends upon it. My life depends on it.

In His Grip,
Carl

Sent From Above

This morning as I started my day in prayer I found myself praying "Lord thank you for the Sun that warms the Earth that I am not freezing in the vacuum of space. And thank you for your presence and the presence of your Son that I am not freezing in the vacuum of my own existence." That phrase really stuck in my mind and reminds me of how empty and meaningless my life was before I gave myself to The Lord. With that said, my blog continues...

The Word....

Psalm 57:3 (NIV)

³ He sends from heaven and saves me,

rebuking those who hotly pursue me; Selah

God sends his love and his faithfulness.

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

Again The Lord has led me into the Psalms to study the writings of David. In this particular Psalm we see David rejoicing in the Lord as he again escapes the clutches of Saul. His joy is almost palpable, his poetry sincere and his confidence in God boundless.

This speaks to me of the common experience of all men who are pursued by Satan and their own sin nature that they may be destroyed and lost forever. And it convicts me that my own joy in deliverance from my oppressors, including my self, is so easily diminished. Where are my songs? Where is my poetry? What is it that distracts me from my own confidence in God and causes me to turn to my self? Why do I have to be so intentional not to take my self out of the warmth of God's providence and into the empty vacuum of self? I believe it is the comforts of life that make it so easy to slip into complacency and to forget the source of all blessings.

But I digress... in all my shortcomings, in all the tests, trials, temptations and tribulations that I might face, it is God that saves me. It is never my own strength, my own intellect, my own will or my own efforts. To think otherwise is to be deceived by my own heart. No, it is from God on high, from heaven, that my deliverance comes.

In considering the second phrase of this passage, I must ask; how often have I been stalked and the predator turned aside by God without my having ever been aware of the danger I was in? Sure, there are plenty of times when God stepped in and swept aside obstacles, dangers and predators in front of my eyes but what of the things beyond my sight? What of the spiritual attacks in the heavenly realms that I am not privy too? What of the stealthy lion lying in wait that is stayed as I pass by? God rebukes those who hotly pursue me today, just as he did for David thousands of years ago. This is something to think about as we go through our days, secure in the Lord and his protection.

Nevertheless, no matter the method by which God saves me or turns aside my attackers, it is the very manifestation of his love and faithfulness. Though I certainly do not deserve his attention, protection or intervention, he loves me and keeps his word. And he loves you the same and will keep his promises to you as well.

Let us all remember, with great joy, our deliverance from self and sin. Let us all rejoice in the Lord who goes before us clearing the way even as he is behind us turning aside predators. Let us rejoice and multiply his love through our daily actions with others. Let us be faithful to God and to one another as a tribute to his great love and faithfulness.

Shalom,
Carl

Trust Who You Know

The Word is first...

Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

¹⁰ Those who know your name will trust in you,

for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

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

How joyful we are when finally we come to know The Lord! It is as though we are miners working a hard, dry hole when suddenly we come across a river of gold. EUREKA! The gold was there all along waiting for us but we were simply looking in the wrong place.

The verse today was 'penned' by David and is his declaration the the Lord is true and faithful. This of course was the result of God having delivered David from his enemies. God was faithful the entire time but David had struggled with seeing Him amidst the oppression David was suffering. When at last the faithfulness of God was readily apparent to David he had his own EUREKA! moment and his joy was complete.

For those who wander the earth ever seeking satisfaction and happiness in the things of this world, it is as though they are working a hard, dry hole. The 'gold' they seek, God, is always there for them, ever waiting for them to call out to him so that he can reveal his mercy and grace to them. They toil in vain and far too many will die before ever they realize that they are looking in the wrong place. Great will be their grieving when they look up from their torment to see His face.

That is why we, as Christians, having discovered that which was right before us must turn to our brother in the hole and point them towards God. EUREKA! they will shout when at last they find Him and great will be the rejoicing both above and below.



Shalom,
Carl

Prayers with Purpose

The Word is First...

Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)

¹⁷ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit^a of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

^a Or a spirit

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

The Apostle Paul sets many examples for us through descriptions of his actions as conveyed in his letters. There is one behavior though that I note is repeated throughout his writings namely prayer for those to whom he writes. According to his letters he is constantly beseeching God to bless, reveal, strengthen and provide for those to whom he ministered. When I consider the content of Paul's prayers and contrast them to my own, I realize that I'm not paying close enough attention.

In today's study verse we see this pattern of behavior repeated and I am again convicted to 'amp up' my prayer life for my friends. With respect to this verse though, under the overarching theme of constant prayer there are three points which command my attention.

First is the centrality of Jesus Christ. Paul is not praying 'to' Jesus nor is he praying simply to 'God.' Note the ownership implied in his description of to whom he is praying; "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father..." In this manner, Paul is establishing the relationship of Jesus as 'the Son' and is in effect praying 'through' Jesus to God. He is also establishing the authority of Jesus to identify the true God, the one to whom our prayers should be directed, and he is expressing a yieldedness to Christ in that Paul follows Jesus who follows God the Father. I believe that Paul is also firmly reiterating that Jesus is the Son of God and that it is by his authority the Paul may present his requests to God.

Second is the nature of the petition. Paul is praying on behalf of his friends in the church at Ephesus. He is not praying is some nebulous form that they be 'blessed' or 'protected' or 'strengthened' or 'convicted.' Rather he is praying specifically that God grant them 'a spirit of wisdom and revelation.' In this instance, I do not believe Paul is speaking of The Holy Spirit as that Spirit has already been granted unto them. Further, true wisdom and revelation cannot be present without the simultaneous presence of The Holy Spirit. So it is my contention that Paul is praying that in addition to The Holy Spirit that the readers be given 'a spirit' or 'attitude' or 'disposition' of wisdom and revelation. For clarity's sake, I believe that 'wisdom', in this context, implies the ability to discern the true nature of things. 'Revelation' is the 'unveiling' or 'full understanding' of whatever is being discussed which in this case is God himself. This then is a petition of serious import the granting of which would greatly benefit the recipient. What a wonderful example of how we should pray for one another!

Third is the purpose of the prayer. Though the granting of this petition would greatly benefit the recipient, the purpose is not for personal advancement, achievement, comfort or happiness. The real purpose of this prayer is that the person for whom this prayer is prayed is 'so that you may know him [God] better.' Paul is not speaking of any form of abstract knowledge or the accumulation of of objective facts with respect to God. Rather he speaks of a deep, meaningful and intimate awareness of God's character and will. This is the revelation for which we all thirst and hunger. This is the relationship that satisfies the soul and pushes away everything unworthy.

Compared to the glorious riches implied in this petition from Paul, all those requests to 'help with my finances' or 'reveal the job intended for me' or 'give me peace, respite and relief' are but paltry pleas for our own comfort. I believe that I'll pray instead for 'a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better.' When you're in that relationship with God, all the other things will be given unto you.

In His Grip,
Carl

Where Do You Place Your Trust

The Word is First...

Psalm 22:4-5 (NIV)

⁴ In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.

⁵ They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

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

Read the whole Psalm. Go ahead, I'll wait.... Okay, now we can proceed.

My 'verse spinner' pointed me to V4 today and I immediately added V5. Then as I began my study, I read the entire Psalm (it's short) so that I could have the correct context for these two focus verses. But before I write on the focus verses, I just have to mention a couple of points about Psalm 22 in it's entirety.

First, I can't help but notice that the opening words of this Psalm are the very words that Christ cried out as he hung upon the cross. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" That really got my attention! I know from personal experience and from talking with others that everyone (if not everyone, then nearly everyone) has moments when they 'feel' as though they have been abandoned or forsaken by God. More often than not, in those times, I have depended upon my own abilities which got me into the mess from which I needed rescue. Even so, God uses those times, those moments of crisis, to remind me that I need to depend on him and not on my own understanding. My perception of being forsaken is caused by my taking my eyes off him and consequently, I am unable to see him even though he is ever-present.

Second, in the progression of the Psalm, I see concentric circles of threat and a foreshadowing of Christ upon the cross. V6 speaks of the low opinion of others. V7 speaks of the hatred and vitriol that so easily flows from the mouths of men. V12 speaks of 'bulls surrounding' which makes me think of the Jewish leaders whose bull-headedness led them to condemn Jesus. V13 speaks of 'roaring lions' which makes me think of the Roman Empire which in a moment of 'devouring' carried out a false judgment of Jesus. V14 speaks of "pouring out like water" and "my bones are out of joint." Both of these remind me of Jesus' experience upon the cross. From his side flowed blood and water; from the torturous position on the cross, joints would separate as a result of the tremendous stress upon them. V15 speaks of "dried up" strength and how the "tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth." Again, I am reminded of Christ withering upon the cross and how a sponge laden with vinegar and something soothing was offered to slake his thirst and ease his pain by the dulling of his senses. V16 speaks of 'dogs surrounding him' and that too draws my mind to the throngs of onlookers at the cross who came to see the spectacle of a murdered man. There too is a reference to 'a band of evil men' that have 'pierced my hands and my feet.' My mind runs to the Roman soldiers, hammer in hand as they carried out the sentence. V17 speaks of "counting all my bones", "people stare and gloat over me", "they divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." As I envision Jesus upon that cross, all these things are realities.

So as I read this psalm, intellectually I understand that this is David writing of his own experiences. But emotionally, I feel that it is a depiction of things to come, horrible things that though meant for evil, were the very basis for the most wonderful blessing of salvation.

The truth is that David suffered at the hands of men just like I have, perhaps like you have. Christ too experienced those same pains so that it could be said that in specific ways, David, Jesus, me, we are not that different. Yet Jesus endured far worse than either David or us that proves just how different we are from him. We endure these types of trials often of our own making whereas Jesus endured innocently, on our behalf.

Whether it is David suffering the wilderness of the desert or Jesus suffering the cross, neither lost sight of God. That's the core message of this psalm; God is faithful. David called out to God and placed his trust in Him. Jesus called out to God and his faith in God never wavered.

We can trust in God, same as David, same as Jesus. Where DO you place your trust?

Peace Out,
Carl