Sweet Memories

The Word is first...

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

³ We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

I sometimes think it odd the way that my memory works, or doesn't. For whatever reason I don't remember details of events. Dates, times, places, words, appearances all seem to slip elusively from my grasp. What I do remember are feelings and emotions and the people associated with them. So rather than being able to recall what someone did, I remember how it made me feel. Good or bad, I associate and remember people and feelings.

The difficulty with this comes when trying to express thanks to someone. How do I say "thank you so much for making me feel so good?" It seems strange to thank someone for my feelings when they really have no control over how I feel! Nevertheless, I believe the best way to show my appreciation for what others do in my life is to remember them before the Lord. My study verse today speaks of a time when Paul specifically mentioned to the church at Thessolonica how he did that very thing and remembers before God the work of their hands and hearts.

In consideration of this verse, there are five points for me to ponder.

"We continually remember..." speaks to the fondness of heart that is directed towards others. To continually remember means that the memory is so strong as to demand frequent attention and recollection. Now, simply recalling a person, place or thing with fond remembrances alone is a selfish indulgence. But in this context, the continually remembering is translated into prayer. Knowing that God uses others in our lives to accomplish His purposes and that we are to go before the Lord with a heart of thanksgiving, what better way to pray than to repeatedly give thanks for those who have touched our lives?

We do this by bringing this memory and the thanks associated with it "before God and Father." I know that there is a place for a heartfelt face-to-face thank you. I know that there is a place for reciprocation or 'paying it forward.' Each of these has its time and place or season. However, there is no better or more beneficial treatment than to take it before God in prayer and to convert it to praise for our sovereign God.

I note also that Paul specifically mentions three aspects for which he is thankful. He begins with 'work.' We all know people for whom we are thankful for their labors. Whether they are cooking, cleaning, mending, fixing, teaching or otherwise laboring, we realize the immediate benefits of their efforts and feel a sense of gratitude. But I don't think this is necessarily what Paul is speaking of. You see, he mentioned "your work produced by faith." To me, this speaks of a different type of labor, one that is not rewarded by revenue; one that is not necessarily enjoyable; one that is motivated by a higher calling that can only be heard through the filter of faith.

He continues with 'labor' but not just casual labor but rather 'your labor prompted by love.' For me, this speaks of some undertaking which requires a great deal of time, attention and effort that is not necessarily evident in the finished product. I don't want to cheapen this concept but what comes to my mind is spaghetti sauce. Making spaghetti sauce, from scratch, is a labor of love that typically involves a full day in the kitchen with lots of messy ingredients. There's lots of chopping, dicing, boiling, stirring and cleaning involved. In the end, there's a plate of spaghetti. The labor of the day is consumed in fifteen minutes. Now were it not for the motivation of love, it would be far easier to just open a jar, reheat the contents and serve. Fifteen minutes prep, fifteen minutes eating, you're done. But love... that requires effort, forethought and sacrifice. It is only by love that I would undertake the day-long process of sauce-making. I think this is the type of labor that Paul is speaking of; labor that is undertaken by choice rather than pursuing the route of convenience.

He goes further and mentions the 'endurance' demonstrated by the recipients of this letter. The work produced by faith was not fleeting. Their labor prompted by love was not easy nor quick. It required tenacity, perseverance and endurance. I know from experience that endurance is developed purposefully over time by practice, repetition and sacrifice. Running a 26 mile marathon doesn't just happen overnight, it is a long and arduous process of preparation. The endurance required to sustain the preparation and the race itself is all predicated upon something else. The runner races for the prize. Were there no hope for victory, it would all seem as pointless as tilting with windmills. But Paul speaks of the basis for their endurance as being rooted in the most fervent hope imaginable; our Lord Jesus Christ. The Thessalonians did whatever it is they did because of the hope they shared in Jesus.

When I consider the people who serve me or serve alongside me, I wonder if their motivations, I wonder if MY motivations are the same as the church at Thessalonica. Faith, love and hope are the inspiration for great things. As we see in this passage, faith begets works; love begets labor and hope begets endurance. For these things then we must ever be in prayerful remembrance.

Shalom,
Carl

My Heart's Desire

The Word is first...

Song of Solomon 1:7 (NIV)

⁷ Tell me, you whom I love, where you graze your flock

and where you rest your sheep at midday.

Why should I be like a veiled woman

beside the flocks of your friends?

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

I hear it at weddings all the time "where you go, I'll go." It is such a sweet sentiment that is built upon the foundation of love that we are willing to go wherever our loved goes, just to be with them. So it is with the believer, we so love the Lord that we are willing to go wherever he goes, just so that we can be with him, that we may enjoy the consolations of his presence.

In today's passage, I see six important aspects that I wish to draw out for your consideration.

Point of view. "Tell me,..." This is a quotation of a petition from the spouse to her beloved; from the shepherdess to the shepherd; from the church and every believer to Christ. The form of address is one of intimacy and great affection. The metaphor of the marriage as a means to teach us of the covenant relationship we should aspire to have with God is plainly presented through-out Scripture. We, the church, are the bride and Jesus the Christ, the bridegroom. We are also familiar with the concept of Jesus being 'the good shepherd.' But the concept of the church and of believers being a 'shepherdess' is a little less obvious but no less applicable. Just consider that Christ the Good Shepherd is in charge of his entire fold (the church) of flocks (congregations). Each church serves an important shepherding role with respect to its own flock (the members). Thus it is a natural representation to portray the church as a shepherdess. The point here is that for each one of us, we should address our own shepherd from a posture of intimacy and great affection.

Object of affection. The love of the shepherdess/bride is directed towards the shepherd/bride-groom; "you whom I love..." For me, this brings to mind the many pet names I have for those I love. Whether it's "punkin" or "little bit" or "darling" these are the terms of endearment I use when addressing my closest family members. In this passage, it is 'you', not just any 'you' but 'you whom I love' and for us it speaks of the deep longing we have when we consider our Savior. Our normal means of address "Lord", "Savior", "Immanuel", "Christ" do not speak of our affection, they speak of fact. Truly he is all these things but he is these things whether we love him or not. I don't mean to imply that the redeemed may not love the redeemer but rather that the aforementioned terms are based on fact and not on affection. I do however submit that the tears that flow so freely when I address my Lord Jesus are rooted in the affection I feel when confronted with the fact of his reality in my life.

Beseeching of knowledge. In this passage, the bride turns to her beloved to beseech knowledge. "Tell me, you whom I love, where you graze your flock and where you rest your sheep at midday." She is saying "just tell me where you'll be so I can be there too." I think that all too often, we say "Jesus, come to me, where I am" and not "Jesus, tell me where you are and I'll come to you." It's a subtle distinction that profoundly changes the object of affection. In the former, it is 'I' or 'me' that is the center. In the latter, it is Christ that is rightly at the center. Too there is a concept here of not interrupting the normal course of matters of life but rather finding a way to experience intimacy in the usual flow of life. It's a lesson that we all can learn that when beseeching knowledge from Christ it is helpful to go where he is, where he is busy tending his sheep. There we may come alongside the Messiah, lift our hands to his work and shoulder to shoulder enjoy his company and teaching.

Assumption of character. There is an implied understanding in this verse that the shepherd is properly tending to his sheep. The shepherdess knows the importance of the proper feeding and resting of sheep and she does not try to interfere with this. Her request for an audience is predicated upon his being a good shepherd. The good shepherd leads his flock to where the grass is; green pastures that they may be properly and safely fed. When the sun is high in the sky, the good shepherd leads his flock into the shade beside still waters that they may rest and not perish in the heat of the day. So it is with Christ that he leads his flocks to where they be fed and strengthened. During the times of heat, whether literal or the figurative heat of life's challenges, the good shepherd offers rest and refuge. The shepherdess knows the character of her beloved and her address reflects this assumption; that he will be where he belongs, doing what he is supposed to be doing. We can count on this in Christ.

Confirmation of allegiance. "why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your friends?" I believe that this passage speaks of whether we appear to belong to Christ or whether we are followers of other little-g gods. The shepherdess rightly desires to be associated with and in the presence of her beloved shepherd. If she is seen in the company of another she may be mistaken as vulnerable or available. Her being in His presence is assurance of her allegiance and a statement of her commitment. If we as believers are not in the presence of God, we are certainly vulnerable. Perhaps we disguise ourselves in some way, a veil of sorts, and engage in behavior that we know is wrong. Perhaps we choose to place ourselves into the company of pagans and to engage in pagan revelry or debauchery. Mardi Gras comes immediately to mind. Does our every-minute behavior confirm our allegiance to Christ or does it indicate that we have turned aside from him to entertain the affections of another?

Heart's desire. The heart's desire of the shepherdess is to be in the presence of her beloved. So too should the desire of the believer's heart rise and set for the presence of Christ. I know that I do the things that I believe will draw me ever nearer. Whether through prayer, study, journaling, teaching, serving, worshipping or waiting, my heart's desire is to see Jesus, to sit with him, to dine with him, to rest in him.

In His Grip,

Carl

Juxtaposition

The Word is first...

2 Corinthians 6:10 (NIV)
¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

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

The new life of the believer is one of juxtaposition. There is always a dynamic of placing things side by side for purposes of comparison such as; values, actions, habits, character and purposes. The new believer is keenly aware of how their old values determined their actions, developed into habits, defined their character and allowed them to pursue the purpose which they ascribed unto themselves. It is an important exercise that brings understanding and awareness of the certainty of the new life into which they have been born. By juxtaposing the darkness of their former lives, they provide greater contrast of the new life.

In today's study verse, we see the Apostle Paul employing just such a device. He is speaking of the manner in which he has conducted himself as he went about spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Beginning in 2 COR 6:3 he lays out a veritable litany of the hardships he had endured in the name of Christ. Yet this was not to curry sympathy for himself but rather to illustrate the fervent dedication and the spirit of perseverance with which he lived his life. Nor was this intended as for his credit. Rather, it is used as a teaching tool to exhort the Corinthians to open not just their minds to Christ but their hearts as well.

In V10 we see three contrasting conditions which set apart the believer from all others. We begin with "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing". Indeed, the believer spends a great deal of time in the condition of sorrow. The broken heart of the believer is at all times aware of his own state of sinfulness and the extremes to which Jesus went to overcome our sin. Concerned for the state of salvation of our loved ones, family members, business associates, neighbors and friends, we grieve those who turn away from God's truth. When we consider the plight of the unredeemed, we are moved to tears and great sorrow. But by contrast, our sorrow is the pathway by which joy arrives that we may enter into rejoicing. In the worldly heart there is no room for spiritual joy. In the unrepentant heart there is neither capacity for joy. That is not to say there is no passing happiness but it is just that, passing. Whereas the joy of the believer is not subject to the changing dynamics of living in this world. It is based on faith in the certainty of the things to come. With our sorrows comes consolation and is followed by joy. This is as certain as the night following the day, sorrow and joy are inextricably linked together.

The second comparison is "poor, yet making many rich". I laugh out loud at the truthful absurdity of this statement! It flies in the face of worldly wisdom which espouses that the rich beget richness. For the believer, it is the very process of losing everything that opens the storehouses of Heaven from which God's bounteous blessings tumble and flow into our lives. It is the surrender of the slavery to the coin of the realm which frees us into a life of joyful servitude for the currency of God's kingdom. If we have not coin, how then do we make many rich? It is certainly not a matter of money. For what we give away is not divided by the giving, it is multiplied. The manner in which we make many rich is by the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ! In this way, in our perceived poverty we are able to make many truly rich as they are added to the kingdom.

Third is "having nothing, and yet possessing everything." There is an elegant beauty in this statement. As believers we accept that God is the creator and possessor of all things. We willingly take on the mantle of stewardship that we may faithfully handle all those things which belong to our master. In this we give over any ownership to which we may cling so that we may have nothing. Having nothing, we are slaves to nothing. Yet we cannot forget that our master is our heavenly father, the King. As his children we are heirs to the kingdom and in that, we possess everything. But at the same time, we eschew ownership, give it back to Him and continue in our roll of stewardship. The more we give to Him, the more He blesses us and a virtuous cycle is enjoined.

So rejoice and again I say rejoice for The Lord is good! His love endures forever. If you are a believer who struggles with sorrow, rejoice! For joy is coming. If you are a non-believer who struggles with sorrow, repent! For forgiveness is yours for the asking and a joy which you cannot yet comprehend awaits you.

If you are a believer who has neither gold nor silver then rejoice! You may give away an endless supply of God's love and in so doing, make many rich. If you are a non-believer who is impoverished, then repent! There is a banquet table set for you and a great celebration awaits you.

If you are a believer who has nothing, rejoice! For the faithful steward will be rewarded. If you are a non-believer who lusts after worldly gain, repent! Receive the keys to the kingdom of God that your needs may be met and you may take hold of your portion of an inheritance from God himself.

Peace,
Carl

Seriously, Nothing

In the beginning is the Word,

John 6:63 (NIV)
⁶³ The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

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

Last night I was engaged in a conversation with some friends concerning certain conditions with which people are born. Someone used the term "wrong with them" and a bell went off in my brain. I realized that we often determine the difference between 'right' and 'wrong' based on our own understanding, prejudices and preconceived notions. I offered to the group that if we believe in a sovereign God then we must accept that conditions at birth are not accidental. Though we may be unable to perceive God's purpose in this, we can rest assured that it is nevertheless purposeful. I went on to suggest that we place too much emphasis on 'this life' which inhibits our ability to understand God's purposes for the trials and travails people experience as preparation for the next life. That was a very effective conversation killer as everyone withdrew into themselves ostensibly to digest what was said. Imagine my surprise this morning when I received my study verse!

Though we may live in perfect health, enjoy financial success, prestige and power, if we do not have the Spirit within us, we have not life. My friend Jesus spoke to this specifically in

Matthew 16:26 (NIV)
²⁶ What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

It was not God's intention for us to be zombies or to simply go through the motions of life. He intends for us to have life and The Spirit is the seal of this intention. Having been a zombie myself for the better (worse) part of my life, I personally attest to the resurrecting power of Christ and The Spirit.

In today's study passage, Jesus reminds us that what we experience before The Spirit is not life. Real life, that is living in God's will and according to His purposes is only accomplished by The Spirit. By way of contrast, the flesh counts for nothing. By 'the flesh' I understand that he means 'living according to my desires, appetites, lusts and fleshy pleasures.' Worldly success in the absence of faith is necessarily included. Living 'in the flesh' is the means by which we forfeit our very soul.

Jesus came to give us life and that abundantly. This was accomplished not only by the remission of our sins and the fulfillment of God's promise to send 'The Spirit' but also by every word he spoke. Jesus said that we don't live by bread alone but by every word of God. As much as I like warm bread, straight from the oven I'll take the bread of God's word that is still warm from the oven of our intimacy with God. Returning to my study passage, Jesus confirms that his words are spirit and they are life.

My response to this passage today is to issue a challenge to you. Consider for yourself these question; What if Jesus meant everything he said? Do you lead your life in the Spirit or in the flesh? Do you sup on the word of God or is it just an occasional snack? Do you have life?

In His Grip,

Carl

It's No Accident

The Word is first...

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)
³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

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

I'm a curious fellow, not that I'm interesting or worth further investigation but rather I am interested in knowing the why's and wherefore's of many things. One such thing concerns how I came to be adopted by God. I have no question about the factual certainty of that adoption but knowing me, where I've been, what I've done, who I was, I am sometimes incredulous at my good fortune that I am counted among the friends of God. It's just so unlikely as to be unbelievable. Yet, it is so.

Anytime that I find myself re-examining this situation, I inevitably come to the conclusion that its' just a "God thing." Don't you just love that phrase? To explain the inexplicable, we say its' just a "God thing." :) How else can I explain it? Its' certainly not a ME thing!

My study passage today very simply explains, in very simple terms that I can understand, how it is that I came to be the man I am today; a child of God and a man that pursues a relationship with God with faltering steps and steadfast determination.

"It is because of him that [I am] in Christ Jesus." It IS a "God thing." Its' no accident, its' not luck, there's no chance involved at all. It has been divinely planned and elegantly executed. God intends for me to be His. God intends for you to be His. Though the path by which I arrived was twisty and strewn with obstacles of my own device, He drew me to Him with loving kindness and everlasting love. He drew me. He draws me still. The knowledge of this fact simply breaks me and causes my eyes to leak.

What He has drawn me to is a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus the Christ. He has placed me in Christ, covered me with Christ, enveloped me with Christ. When God looks my direction He doesn't see my foolishness, my weakness, my sinfulness. What He sees is the covering of His Son. My unrighteousness is overcome by Jesus and I am justified. My unholiness is defeated by Jesus and I am sanctified. My sin, the stain of my sin is washed away by the flood of the blood of Jesus and I am glorified. By Him and through Him I am perfected. This is the perfect wisdom of Almighty God that became flesh that my spirit be redeemed.

My response to this fact, aside from the incredulous smile on my face and my leaky eyes, is to offer back to Him everything He has given me; my heart, my mind, my soul, my body, my very life, my all. And to reach out to you to share what has been given me, to place your hand upon the latch of the gate that leads to the garden of God's love. So today, now, here, I offer to you the love of God, the wisdom of God that is Christ Jesus. Brother, sister, sojourner, sufferer, take it, take the gift from God that defies logic and reason. Accept your own sinfulness. Believe that Christ has paid your penalty in full. Confess your heart before God and be redeemed, reborn and adopted into the family of God.

Peace and Grace to You,

Carl

A Wise Investment (Hot Tip)

The Word is first...

Psalm 130:7 (NIV)
⁷ O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

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

In general, people seem to have no problem sharing hot stock tips or recipes but they are more reticent when it comes to sharing things of greater or eternal importance. For instance, I've never gotten an e-mail or a phone call telling me "you've got to try this with your wife, it saved my marriage" or "you won't believe how "this listening technique allowed my friendships to move to a higher level." I get plenty of jokes, recipes and shopping tips in my e-mail all of which are summarily deleted but very seldom do I get anything that is truly useful.

The same cannot be said for what is revealed to me in God's word. It is amazing to me that each day that I turn to God's word, there is something useful and timely before me. Admittedly there have been day when I would read the appointed verse and go "huh?" But after prayerful consideration and contextualization, God has always delivered just what I need. I think of this as proof of the 'living word of God' and the efforts of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Nevertheless, today is not one of those 'huh?' days, it's one of those "I need to call my friends and tell them about this great investment tip" days.

Consider the passage at the top of this post and allow me to share my thoughts with you.

First, the passage is addressed to the nation of Israel. I am of the mind that I have been adopted into the family of Abraham and therefore any advice to that nation is equally applicable to me. Consequently we I read this passage I mentally substitute my name for 'Israel' so that in this case it reads "O Carl."

Secondly, the nature of this passage is advice. When my earthly father is ready to offer advice, it begins with "what you need to do is..." Often, due to my own weaknesses, when I hear that phrase I immediately erect mental walls and brace myself for what follows. I suspect that there are a great many who respond the same way to advice offered from God. Of course, knowing this, I should be careful to tear down my walls and to listen eagerly to the advice before me.

The nature of the advice is essentially an eternal investment strategy. We are to 'put our hope in the Lord.' To liken this to earthly advice like "buy Google" is to cheapen it and I only offer that comparison as a means of understanding, not comparison. It is our choice where to place our hope. I myself have placed my hope in a variety of worldly things such as; money, people, power, prestige, luck, skill and cleverness. By experience I have learned that to hope in these things is to throw my hope away. The better place to invest my hope is, as this passage teaches, in the Lord.

The reason for the security of this investment is "for with the Lord is unfailing love." Companies fail and stock becomes worthless. People are unpredictable and guaranteed to disappoint. Prestige is fleeting and ultimately without value. Luck is random and comes in two varieties, good and bad. Skill is personal, individual and subject to decay. Cleverness is a charade and a farce and is ultimately deceiving. But the Lord, he is unfailing, solid and unchanging. To entrust our hope to the Lord is not a sure bet, it is a wise investment.

The returns of such an investment is 'full redemption.' Consider the magnitude of that pay-off. I consulted Merriam-Webster on the word 'redemption' and here is the definition; "the act, process, or an instance of redeeming." So, naturally, I looked up 'redeeming' and discovered that it means "serving to offset or compensate for a defect." Ouch! With this understanding then I am to conclude that in the Lord, my defects are completely overcome. He completes every shortcoming and corrects every defect. How can I even begin to calculate the rate of return for such an investment? I am incapable of that level of divine math. What I do understand is that putting my hope in the Lord is not only a risk-free investment, it is a guaranteed winner.

So, I'm using my blog today to offer you the best advice ever offered to me. This is a HOT TIP and you should pay close attention, do not delay and act immediately. Place your hope in the Lord. Oh, feel free to share this with everyone.

Peace,
Carl

The View from 30,000 Feet

The Word is first...

Romans 8:28 (NIV)
²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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

I had the opportunity for a plane ride this week during which I glanced out the window at the world below. The view from 30,000 feet is considerably different from the view to which I am accustomed. In my normal view, I am surrounded by all manner of things, hemmed in as it were by buildings, fences and features of the terrain. From a higher perspective it is clear that I live in a beautiful and sprawling world. Buildings are of no consequence, fences are invisible and the features of the terrain which I stuggle against are revealed in all their glory.

This of course is a physical representation of a spiritual thought. Consider that from our perspective, we are hemmed in by our circumstances, constrained by opponents and opposed by the landscape of our hearts and minds. But from God's view, 30,000,000 feet (give or take) our circumstances are but fleeting shadows, our opponents insignificant and the landscape of our hearts and minds the result of our own handiwork. Where we see only the mountain, God sees the valley on the other side. Where we see opposition, God sees opportunity and where we see struggles and toil, God sees growth.

My study verse today is an important lesson in perspective and it represents the view from 30,000 feet. In times of adversity and bewilderment, many Christians rightly run to this verse for encouragement. In that God's Word is always a great refuge, this verse bears scrutiny that we may further understand its implications in our lives.

The passage opens with a statement that "we know." I 'know' what the time and temperature is. I 'know' what I need to do today. I 'know' that the room I am in is uncomfortably warm as I write this. I 'know' the score of the basketball game last night and I 'know' how the movie I watched ends. All of these things are facts that are 'known' by anecdotal observation, they are head knowledge. This is not the 'knowing' to which Paul refers in this passage. Instead Paul is referring to a knowledge by faith, an intuition of the truth of the matter based on supporting experience and evidence. This is 'heart knowledge' that we accept as being truth because for it not to be true would introduce a variable of inconsistency that is incompatible with God about whom this knowledge pertains.

This intuitive understanding applies to the purpose of the circumstances which disappoint us, the tests, trials, temptations and tribulations of our every day life. Yet not only the matters of the created world but also the consequences of our decisions and of those around us; the consequences of sin. It is 'all things' not just events but all the powers of the world. I believe that specifically this is in reference to the good things which give us joy and also those things that are intended to undo us. The efforts of Satan, the interference of his minions, the deception of our own hearts and nature, all things big and small; physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. This is a reflection of the fact that all things above and below are within the sovereign control of God and that all things are used by God.

It is important to note that the tense of this passage indicates an active state. "... in all things, God works." Our God was, is and will ever be. In the same way, the word 'works' indicates an ongoing and present effort. Whereas justification was fully accomplished at the cross ("it is done") the process of sanctification is just that, a process. One that has been going on, is going on and will continue till we stand perfected in the presence of God. This is the present work of The Holy Spirit in our life.

The manner in which "all things" are "presently used for the good" is not that we immediately recognize the benefit, though there is an aspect of that. This is more a reference to the 'synergy' with which God harmonizes the ultimate outcome of all things. We must not lose sight of God's goal for us in this respect. God has established as a priority that we be refined for his service in this life and for His eternal presence in the next. It is this process of perfection, our own sanctification, that is the chief aim of His harmonizing all things for the good; it is for the greatest good, not for the lesser good.

Consider the manner in which God prepares us for noble purposes. The ultimate aim is not only sanctification for our heavenly existence but also that we may be ever increased in our ability to serve Him by serving one another. We need look no further than

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)
⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

to understand how this works. God has revealed this to us that we may understand and make best use of the opportunities presented us by adversity and suffering.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge that this 'promise' is not about all people. It is specifically reserved for "those who love him." I contend that there are many who 'love' with only their mouths. This promise is not for them. I base this understanding on the words of Christ as found in

John 14:21 (NIV)
²¹ 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.”

Perhaps this is a hard saying but it nevertheless true. Lip service is not love. Obedience in thought, word and deed is a fundamental requirement that we may receive all the blessings which God has prepared for us.

Lastly, there is the matter of "called according to his purpose." The fact of the matter is that God has invited mankind to a party. It's not just a voice calling from the wilderness "here I am." It is a personal invitation delivered by messenger that a great feast has been laid out. The accommodations are lavish all those who love the Lord will be there. Of course, that means that Jesus will be there! Those who accept the invitation and prepare themselves accordingly are those that have been called according to his purpose. They will be inside with the full realization of how everything in their life was for that moment alone. They understand the view from 30,000 feet.

As his obedient disciples then we may take comfort in knowing, intuitively and experientially that no matter what obstacles, constraints or opposition we face, no matter how evilly intended for our destruction, our God will use those things for our ultimate perfection. In this we may rejoice!

In His Grip,

Carl

The Word is Sufficient

The Word is first..

Psalm 43:3 (NIV)
³ Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

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

I have in me a desire to post a lengthy entry today but unfortunately, I am way behind schedule and cannot invest the time in blogging. Please excuse my brief entry today.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time with God today and the nourishment of his word.

This passage is forward-looking towards the time that God will send forth his light and his truth. It was written during that period in which the entire nation of Israel looked forward with great anticipation to the coming of their Messiah.

God heard this prayer and undoubtedly millions of prayers like it and in his time according to his plan did indeed send forth his light and his truth in the person of Jesus Christ. Consider;

John 14:6 (NIV)
⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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

In the words of Jesus we see the fulfillment of the psalmist's prayer. In the words of Jesus we see the roadmap to the 'holy mountain, to the place where [God] dwells.'

Though Jesus is a 'narrow passage', through him is found eternal abundance.

I praise God for sending forth his light and his truth to be my guide that by them I may arrive safely in God's place on holy ground. I pray that you too may see the light and know the truth that we may walk this road together.

Shalom,

Carl

I Think It's About Forgiveness

The Word is first...

Colossians 1:14 (NIV)
¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

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

I must admit that when I read this verse, a song started rattling around in my head. It's not a traditional hymn nor is it a contemporary Christian praise and worship tune. It's actually a song by Don Henley about a man who has lost his love and is titled "Heart of the Matter." In that song there's a line "I think it's about forgiveness... forgiveness.. even if, even if you don't love me anymore." I'm not sure why that particular song surfaced but there it is.

In Paul's letter to the church at Colosse, he begins by rejoicing and encouraging the believers for the reputation of their faith and the love that they express to fellow believers. He had not been there himself but had 'heard' of them, of their fervent love for The Lord and he prays out blessings upon them. Near the end of the introduction he then establishes his oneness with them in V13. "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,..." (emphasis mine)

In so doing, he alludes to the bond which all Christians share. Though each have unique circumstances and each are at a different place on their walk with the risen Lord, before Jesus and in Jesus all are equal. Though the path which led to this place may be vastly different, the redemption is the same for all. And it is this thought, the heart of the matter, that concludes Paul's introduction to the Colossians. I think it's about forgiveness.

In my study verse today, Paul establishes the three "R's" that bind all believers together. "in whom, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" we find relation, redemption and remission.

Relation is established by Paul's thrice-repeated use of the plural "us" and "we." He did not say "in whom you have redemption." He carefully stated that it is "we" that have redemption. We're in this together so to speak. I believe there is at least a two-fold reason for this. First is that the Colossians were gracious towards fellow believers and Paul wanted to firmly establish the shared bond so that the recipients of his letter would graciously receive the contents of his letter. This is helpful because what Paul is sharing is what I'd characterize as 'advanced Christian concepts.' Second, identifying this bond is helpful to us that we may be reminded that we are indeed 'one in the Spirit, one in the Lord' and that unity is the seal of the believer's faith.

Redemption can never be overstated for it is the "heart of the matter" for all of Christ's suffering. Christ came with the prime directive to reconcile men to God. In order to accomplish this supreme task, the price for our sin had to be paid in full before we could be recovered. I'm familiar with pawn shops. In the distant past, I've take some of my prized possessions to a pawn shop and given them over for a pittance. For those that I was able to pay the price of redemption, I recovered. But there were some, which grieves me still, for which I could not pay the full price and they were lost to me. Though I could see them or touch them, they could not be recovered. In our own way (each to his own way) we have given over our souls for a pittance to the pawn broker, Satan. Being children of the Almighty God, we have exchanged our birth-right for fleshy pleasures for a minute fraction of true value. We exchanged righteousness for sin and we could never pay the full price of redemption to recover our souls. Christ paid the price... in full, for all of us. By His blood, he redeemed our eternal lives from the pawn broker of men's souls.

Remission is the forgiveness of our sins by the Redeemer. This means that we have not only been redeemed from the pawn broker but we have been released from the guilt and penalty of our sins. The sin nature inherited from Adam is no longer counted against us. The sins we have accumulated through acts of iniquity and intention (commission) are no longer counted against us. The sins we have accumulated through acts of ignorance and lack of intention (omission) are no longer counted against us. There are no sin stains that can withstand the cleansing flood of Christ's atoning blood so they are all washed away.

And so we, as disciples of the risen Christ, are to live a life worthy of the Lord in an effort to please (not appease) him. We are to bear fruit by and for him in every good work. We are to grow in knowledge, being strengthened by his might and to develop perseverance and patience. In this we give thanks as we go forward now in relation with the Triune God having been redeemed by the Son to the Father by the remission of our sins.

All praise and honor and glory is His alone. May His name be praised for He is good. His love endures forever.

Shalom,

Carl

It's Not About Wetness

The Word is first...

Deuteronomy 32:2 (NIV)
² Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

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

Contextually speaking these words were sung by Moses near the end of his life. They were intended as an important teaching tool and to remind the nation of Israel of the true nature of God, their own depravity and the coming judgment against them if they persist in their evil ways. There's lots of good 'stuff' in Deuteronomy 32 but I shall focus upon the study verse, V2.

It is important to start with a recognition of ownership. These words were spoken by Moses and since we know Moses spoke under the divine inspiration and direction of God, we can presume that the speaker is effectively God. Though that is true for all scripture, I think it deserves particular notice in this context.

Verse 2 advises the listener (Israel and by adoption, us) to 'let my teaching fall like rain.' Thus there is an acknowledgment that the manner in which the listener receives the following words is of great import. We are to 'allow' these teachings to take on the characteristics of something else; in the first fragment it is rain. This indicates that we are to exercise our will and to be intentional about the manner in which these teachings are handled. According to the rights of will accorded us by God we can either choose to protect ourselves against these teachings (as though against a downpour) or to gladly receive and benefit from the lesson.

All four fragments of this verse refer to water; rain, dew, showers, abundant rain. But it's not about wetness. This is no call to focus on the manner of the teaching but rather the effect of what is being taught. Rain is given by God to nourish and replenish the earth. Likewise, dew descends to moisten the ground and to help sustain created life. Showers are important to the development of new grass for not only do they bring the needed water for growth but they provide stimulation and opposition for vigorous growth. Young plants that are in 'growth mode' need much more water than a well-established plant and so 'abundant rain' is important.

So if it's not about wetness then it must be about continued life and growth. If we apply the filter of 2 TIM 3:16-17 wherein we learn that all scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteous for the benefit of the believer, then we may see that these words serve a four-fold purpose. As you read through Deut 32, you will see a natural progression through the four stated benefits or profits of God's Word.

This verse V2 then is an exhortation from God that we open ourselves to his teaching, that we soak up his instruction. That we immerse ourselves (externally) and fill ourselves (internally) with what he is about to say. It's not about wetness, it's about effect and efficacy. Though written in Deut 32 I think it would be prudent for we disciples to consider this exhortation every time we sit down to God's Word. In fact, I encourage you to try it right now. Say this passage exchanging the word "God's" for every occurrence of "my." (Isn't that the very essence of surrender?) Now, recite your life-verse or your favorite verse or whatever verse comes to mind. Do you see it?

For many years, I shut my ears to God's Word. I used an umbrella, a slicker, a hat, galoshes and gloves to protect (ha!) myself from being penetrated by the rain of God's teaching. Like the ground that receives no water, I became hardened, cracked and barren. I thought that was living! But then God plowed my field and took away all my rain gear. He then poured abundant rain onto me, planted seeds in the prepared Earth (my heart) and brought forth life from a barren field. I was redeemed.

I know that I am not special in this regard for people of been shielding themselves from God and His Word forever. Adam and Eve hid themselves and we've been doing that ever since. Perhaps you know someone who is hiding still. Perhaps you yourself though not completely hidden nevertheless try to shield yourself from God's nourishing rains. Take off your slicker, fold up your umbrella, hang up your hat, kick off your galoshes and throw down your gloves. Run willingly into the rain and be redeemed by the washing of the Word. Collect a bucketful and take it to that person you know that is hiding still. This entry today is my bucket to you.

Singing in the rain,
Carl

Naked Before The Lord

The Word is first...

Psalm 38:9 (NIV)
⁹ All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.

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

This psalm is one of petition which is 'to bring remembrance' and it recounts a dark moment in the life of the psalmist David. By his own sinfulness, David had brought upon himself the wrath of the Lord and was truly afflicted. Beginning at Psalm 38:1 we read of his being severely rebuked, disciplined to the point of painfulness, the loss of health at a deep level and the accumulation of a burden of guilt. He writes of how his wounds fester and offend him, of humiliation and of grief. His very frame (his back) is filled with pain and he is crushed to the point of groaning in heartfelt anguish.

I have no idea what particular sin David committed to bring this judgment upon himself. Yet in this psalm, as was intended, it brings to mind my own experiences and lays out a framework of contrition that is familiar to all who grievously sin against God. Many of us will recognize this pattern in our own lives for it has been repeated throughout the centuries and it is often at this point that the unrepentant sinner reaches out in desperation to the God whom they have ignored and decried. It is in these lowest moments that we reach the very end of ourselves and realize our needfulness for God. Like David, we are utterly broken and without hope.

No matter how empty, broken, lonely or abandoned we may feel as a result of our sin, we are yet not forsaken. This is the central message of V9, my study verse for the day. David wrote "all my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you."

This is meant both as a recognition of fact and an encouragement to persevere. Whether sinner or saint, God is full aware of our suffering state. If it pleases you to forgive my attribution of human emotion to a divine God I can imagine my God doubled over sobbing, grieving at the suffering of his children. I can imagine the dismay and dread he must feel as he observes the poor decisions and the inexorable progress towards disaster into which so many of us willingly walk.

Before we ourselves realize our neediness and desperation, God knows. Patiently he waits for us to 'come to our senses' and to stretch forth our arms in surrender to Him. All our sins, thoughts, deeds, desires, dreams and longings are well known to God Almighty. In this, we are naked before The Lord.

Not only does he 'know' all these things and more but He hears us. Our quietest whisper, our fleeting sighs, he hears them all. Hearing is not the extent of it though for He listens. He is attentive, engaged and immersed in our lives. There is nothing about us that escapes his attention.

To me, this is a very sobering thought. Everywhere I go, God is already there. Every breath I take, God has provided. Every thought whether holy or hellish is known to God. Even the things I think of saying but hold my tongue are as clearly known to God as if I had shouted them from the rooftops. Knowing the state of my own mind, I am deeply embarrassed, ashamed and humiliated. My heart grieves in anguish for my sinful weakness and I am even now the psalmist David. His petition is my own.

Father God, I confess my sinfulness before you. I admit my wicked deceitfulness and inability to control even my own thoughts. I throw myself before you in humiliation and beg for your forgiveness. Abba, forgive your child and do not abandon the work you have started in me. Call out The Holy Spirit to convict me of every thought that is not pleasing in your sight. Bind me ever closer to your Son Jesus that I may walk in lock-step with him for the remainder of my life. I submit Lord and praise your name for you alone are Holy. Amen.

In His Grip,
Carl

George Of The Jungle

Do you remember that bungling cartoon hero "George of the jungle?" His claim to fame was that he was constantly smashing into trees or tripping over roots. "Watch out for that tree" is the mantra we used to shout at the TV as he invariably wrapped himself around a pole. Well, while that may be funny as a cartoon character, that same behavior in a Christian is not nearly as amusing.

Of course, I'm not talking about Christians smashing into trees, I speak more of those that are constantly 'tripping' and 'falling' into sinful behaviors. You know who they are... you may be one yourself. Chosen by God to receive divine grace, called according to his purposes, drawn down the aisle to give their live to Christ followed by a beautiful though brief 'fireball of enthusiasm' and then SMASH! right into a snare of sin because they weren't looking. They climb out of the pit, resume their journey through the jungle of life and then SMASH! the cycle repeats. Endlessly. Perhaps you (or your friends) are sideline witnesses of this train-wreck and are shouting "WATCH OUT FOR THAT... TREE!" Perhaps you helpfully ask them "didn't you see that coming?" Or perhaps it's more like "dude, you've GOT to stop doing that!"

Regardless of what the sinful behavior is, regardless of how we think they should alter (altar, hehe) their behavior this problem has existed across all time. To make my point, consider my study passage today...

2 Peter 1:5-11 (NIV)
⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, ¹¹ and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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

My emphasis is actually on V10 but in the interest of proper context we must consider at least 5-->11. In this passage, Peter is exhorting the believers to intentionally choose to make every effort to add virtues to their life. And yes, I do believe that we can add virtues to our life through application of intention. Intention alone will not suffice, that's why Peter stresses the concept of 'making every effort.'

Beginning at the common point of all Christians, faith, Peter goes on to encourage us not to stop there! Undeveloped faith is like a blind-fold in life in which case you will wander about aimlessly smashing into trees and falling into pits. Instead, we are to add...

Goodness. Goodness is synonymous with 'virtuous.' This is 'moral excellency' and it is a natural result of our desire to please God. Doing what is right, not what is expedient. Goodness forms the underpinnings of the Breastplate of Righteousness (spiritual armor) that helps to protect us against the attacks of satan. (perhaps it is supposed to be a capital 'S' but I'm feeling antagonistic!)

Knowledge. Knowledge is one of the most important ways in which we develop our faith and grow in Christ. I don't mean the accumulation of meaningless trivia. I mean the focused study of God's Holy Word through which He reveals His will for our lives. This is the by-product of giving our minds to God. As we develop our knowledge of Scripture, we are being armed with a mighty weapon, the Sword of The Spirit and we are fitted with The Belt of Truth. Hiding God's word in our hearts and in our minds prepares us to meet the challenges of everyday life and it is knowledge that enables us to be alert and watchful. It is knowledge that allows us to identify 'trees' in our path and the pits into which the unaware so easily fall.

Self-control. The unbelieving are controlled by their own nature. Their passions and appetites control them. Sadly, this is true also of some believers and lack of self-control is one of the primary contributing factors to how easily and frequently we are ensnared by the traps of satan. Without self-control we willingly injure ourselves, damage our testimonies and separate ourselves from relationship with God. This may be one of the hardest things to add to our faith and I believe it is no coincidence that it is at the end of the list of 'the fruits of the Spirit.' Self-control requires sacrifice and discipline, exercise and effort. This may sound silly but I just have to tell you. I was at a retreat this weekend and found myself with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in my hand. I eagerly tore open the wrapper and took the first bite. It's deliciousness washed over me like an ocean wave and the pleasure receptors in my brain started firing on every cylinder. And then I realized... I'm practicing temple stewardship and trying to lose weight. So I turned to my friends and said "I wonder how many calories..." To which someone replied "280." Suddenly I had a choice to make. I could indulge in the luxurious goodness of that candy or I could call out the self-control so that I may luxuriate in the richness of pleasing God. So... with great effort and sadness, I took one small 'mouse nibble' of that temptation and threw the remainder away. Okay, okay, I probably should have foregone the nibble too but... do you get the point? That was HARD! But The Spirit convicts and The Spirit provides the power to resist. And it is from there that self-control is developed.

Perseverance. Oh this list is just getting harder and harder. The willingness to do what is 'right' despite the circumstances and in the face of opposition, that's perseverance. By the dogged determination to do what is right (goodness), to pursue a deep understanding of God's will (knowledge) and to subdue our nature (self-control), from there springs forth perseverance. Look, a long-distance runner doesn't run 26 miles the first time out. The marathon requires practice, patience and endurance. Each day, gains are made in these areas by persistant practice. Over time, the race may be run and even won! But if the athlete stops practicing because it's hard or because he's hungry or because it's raining or for whatever reason, he will most certainly lose the race and there is a high probability he will not finish. Worse yet, dejected, he may not even start. We must each receive with humility the discipline of perseverance. I admit that it's a bit like praying for patience but there it is. To quote my friend Amy... "I'm just saying..."

Godliness. I really don't think this is about being an ascetic, about eschewing all the pleasures of life. I believe this is about a life of piety. It's about giving our hearts to God and pursuing the realization of our divine design. We're made in HIS image. We're HIS creation. That means that we have an obligation of reverence towards God. It is from this realization that a pursuit of Godliness may be enjoined.

Brotherly kindness. Kindness is the Christian behavior that we exhibit towards others. I believe that if we practice brotherly kindness then we live a life of caring concern for the needs of others. Acts of charity and compassion are perfect examples. We set aside our selfishness and reach out to others as though we are the hands of Christ in order that His work may be done in THEIR life.

Love. Ah, love. If kindess is caring concern for the needs of others then love is desiring the highest good for others. God demonstrated his love to us (sinners) through Jesus Christ. As disciples of Christ we are to exhibit the same kind of love towards others that they may see in us HIS FACE and be drawn to their own relationship with God.

Now, having said all of that, we are to do these things to make our election sure. Not that these acts in any way add to our salvation which is already completed by the justifying grace of Jesus Christ. Rather, these 'virtues' are evidence, proof-positive, a warranty if you will of the genuine nature of our calling by God to be his child. Peter says that if we do these things (add these virtues to our faith) then we will never fall. This doesn't mean we will not sin, it means that we will with every fiber of our being resist temptation and choose not to sin. That when we do sin, we will be immediately convicted and presently restored through our right response to such conviction.

I feel like there is much more to be said on this passage but alas, I have to conclude this entry and engage in my earthly responsibilities to my employer.

I pray for you this day that you will be filled with His Spirit, that you will yield to His presence in your life and that you will live out this passage in your life.

WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE!

Shalom,

Carl

The Shadow Is Not The Substance

It is not possible to appreciate the sacrifice of Christ without being made fully aware of sin and sinfulness. It is not possible to be aware of sin and sinfulness without knowledge of The Law. It is not possible to have knowledge of The Law except that God gave it.

So it was that God gave The Law, in the form of the Ten Commandments, to Moses on Mt. Sinai. This was done so that all would be aware of God's glorious standards for His creation. In this awareness, sin was revealed as was the great chasm that separates the created from the Creator. The giving of The Law was an illumination of sorts the byproduct of which was the casting of a shadow over mankind.

My study verse today is ...

John 1:17 (NIV)
¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

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

With the knowledge and understanding of The Law and sin, mankind got onto a treadmill. On a treadmill, no matter how hard you try or how fast you run, you get nowhere. The benefits to the exercise are in the form of increased endurance, perseverance and overall health. But you never arrive. So it is with The Law. Despite our best efforts to observe The Law, we always fail. To be sure there are benefits of the exercise in the form of piety and increased realization of our own needfulness. But you never succeed. Trying to live according to The Law is to try and appease God and it is living in the shadow of God's glory.

But "grace and truth came through Jesus Christ"; this is the substance of God's glory. The Law was fulfilled by Jesus Christ and the shadow has been lifted for believers except what remnants they pull over themselves. When we receive the grace and truth that is Jesus, we step off the treadmill of The Law and onto the Highway of Holiness. Our efforts are no longer centered around The Law but rather around The Living. By this I mean that a disciple lives a life that is pleasing to God. Trying to live according to the grace and truth that is found in Christ is to try and please God and it is living in the blazing light of God's glory.

The Law is necessary to develop our understanding but it is only a shadow, not the substance. Grace and truth through Jesus is the very substance, the essence of life. I don't mind living in the shadow of The Cross but I will not live in the shadow of The Law. I want to live, I want to walk down the Highway of Holiness in the full light of God's glory. I choose the substance not the shadow.

Shalom,

Carl

My Friends' Friends Are My Friends

With respect to my friends, any within their 'circle' are also my friends. I may not yet know them but by virtue of the fact that my friend (who passed my test) accepts them (having passed their test) I count them among my friends. Should one of them come before me with a need and say "I am a friend of and I need , their request would be met with the same sober contemplation as though asked of me by my friend them self. That is to say that "my friends' friends are my friends."

So it should be with any friend of God. God is my friend and I am his. Any who are counted among his friends are then counted among my own and are entitled to the same deference and respect as though they are my own personal friend. This is a hard concept to practice for I find that many times God has friends that I don't particularly like. Yet by treating them as my own friend, in that is the true nature of sacrifice and love. In that way, I am serving God in a way that he finds pleasing.

But wait... it gets harder. Our God, being sovereign in all matters, often uses people that are not his friends, to accomplish his will. He places people in positions of authority as he sees fit in order to accomplish his plan in our lives. Recently, he placed Barrack Obama into the position of President of The United States of America. Knowing his moral leanings which may run contrary to my own, it is a difficult but necessary decision on my part to yield to his authority. First because God has placed him in this position and secondly because the position of President deserves my respect and submission. No matter my judgment of the quality of the man, the position remains.

From the top of the political, judicial and administrative hierarchies, God has placed people into those positions according to his purpose and his plans. And he has charged me, as a disciple and as a friend, to honor his appointments and to submit to the authority of those he has chosen to place in authority over me.

We see this quite clearly in Romans 13. My study verse today comes from that section...

Romans 13:4 (NIV)
⁴ For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

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

This verse refers to those people whom God has placed in positions of authority within our government. It reminds us that no matter what our opinion is of that person, he has been placed there by God for our own good. That person is functioning as "God's servant" and as such is entitled to our respect and submission.

We all know that so long as we are not "doing anything wrong" we need have no fear of these authorities. But as this verse explains, "if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing." This is a necessary condition within our society for it preserves societal order.

Consider that societal order is established and maintained in three different institutions. There is the family where the 'husband' or 'father' is the authority. Any breakdown in this structure results in a breakdown of the family and this undermines society in general. The second institution is the church where the Pastor is the authority. To diminish this authority is to tread on apostasy and leads to the division and destruction of the flock. The third institution is the government where the meting out of justice, punishment of crimes and the levying of taxes are all necessary to the maintenance of the greater society and the country. Therefore, God has given the authority to exact punishment for criminal behavior to those in authority over us. For that reason, he has been given a sword. "He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."

I do not interpret this verse to mean that we are to suffer tyrants or to permit injustice among those in authority over us. In the face of such realities, we are to prayerfully seek God's will and act accordingly. Short of that, we are to submit to and obey the laws for the sake of society and to honor God.

Peace,

Carl

Raised Expectations

We all know that the Son of God was born as a baby into a life on earth. We all know that Christ died on the cross. We all know he did this as a vicarious sacrifice to offer atonement for our sins. If the story stopped there, Jesus would be just another nice guy who gave up his life for his beliefs. But the story doesn't stop there! Christ got up from the grave, walked among the believers and then ascended into Heaven. His story did not stop with the crucifixion but continues to this day and forever more.

Now, we are all called to be Christ-like in our attitudes, behavior, thoughts and life. This means that we are to 'die' as he did, though not on the cross. Having the requirement for a blood sacrifice satisfied, we need only die to our selfish, carnal natures. Though Christ needed to die but once, we must die continually, daily. In this way, we participate in the crucifixion of Christ, we are crucified with Christ.

For many people, the thought stops there as though that is the end of it. But inasmuch as we have been crucified with Christ so to have we been resurrected! The mourning of our individual deaths must be replaced with the rejoicing of our new life; the life where Christ lives in us. In this way, in leading a new God-purposed life we share in the resurrection. By death to self, we share the crucifixion. By living for Christ, we share the resurrection.

My study verse today speaks to this matter. Consider...

Colossians 3:1 (NIV)
¹ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

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

In this passage, our resurrection in Christ is a foregone conclusion. It teaches that as a result of this 'resurrection' (been raised with Christ), we are to be forever changed. This change is not an involuntary or automatic change and in this passage we learn that we are to intentionally and purposefully redirect our hearts (establish our values) so that they (we) are focused on 'things above.' We are to shun or put to death the patterns of this world and instead live according to raised expectations by living according to the patterns of heaven. The Bible Knowledge Commentary illuminates this thought as "bringing heavenly direction to their earthly duties." What this means practically is that we are 'seek or strive for earnestly' the things of heaven.

By this I do not mean angels, cherubim or any other of the heavenly hosts. I do not speak of golden streets, crystal seas or pearly gates. I mean and I believe that Paul meant that we are to live lives that are pleasing to God. That in every thought and deed we give deference to God's will, setting aside our will that his will may be done on earth as it is in heaven. We do this by placing the ascended, glorified Christ at the center of our universe and then by living a life in orbit around him.

It's easy to envision Christ at the right hand of God, seated in a magnificent throne-room that is distant and unapproachable. In a place where you can look in as you're passing by so that you may take a fading memory with you as you go on about your business. It is altogether different to envision him as always present in your life, always visible and always observing your actions, weighing your thoughts and evaluating your heart. That is the raised expectation that we are to strive towards. That is the realization of setting our hearts on things above.

Shalom,

Carl

Concentrated & Efficacious

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to sing a hymn with a group of people. I don't get very many opportunities to sing hymns any longer for contemporary Christian praise and worship music has all but driven that out of the churches I attend. I think that's sad in a way because there's doctrine, theology, teaching and power in some of those old hymns. The new stuff is good enough with respect to love, relationships, mercy, grace and all the feel-good stuff you could want. But there is precious little with respect to sin and suffering and the blood of Christ.

The hymn we sang is still bouncing around in my head; "Victory in Jesus" was its name. There's one line in particular that resonates with me still... "of his precious blood's atoning." For the full effect, read the lyrics here: http://www.breadsite.org/lyrics/637.htm. Anyway, what came into my mind as a result of all this is the concept of how efficacious the blood of Christ was, is and will ever be. I mean, just think about the fact that 8.8 pints of blood provided atonement for millions of people and covered an eternity of sin. I'm just saying that Christ's blood is so powerful and effective that you need only believe in it to receive its' effect. That is some truly powerful stuff!

In as much as the precious blood of Christ is wholly sufficient for the justification of all those called unto Him so too is the anointing of The Holy Spirit sufficient for the sanctification of all who believe. The atoning nature of the blood is permanent and the sanctifying nature of the Spirit is equally persistent. No one can withdraw the blood of Christ and no one can recall the indwelling Spirit.

Consider today's study passage...

1 John 2:27 (NIV)
²⁷ As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

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

In this passage we are reminded of the efficacious power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Anyone who has received even one mote of The Spirit is forever changed. A single touch of The Spirit upon your soul and you are forever consecrated to the service of The Lord God Almighty.

No one need teach this and even I belabor the point for if The Spirit is present within you, you already know the truth of this saying. You don't need me to teach you the truth of this matter. For it is The Spirit that does the teaching within the deep caverns of your own heart. The Spirit rages against falsehoods and lies. It soars with truth and wisdom and we mere Christians are swept along in the current of its power.

Knowing the truth of The Father, knowing the truth of The Son, knowing the truth of The Spirit we need only listen to God and his servants, shuttering our ears against the noise and storm of the unbelieving. We do not do this so as to be unaware and so guard our understanding and our faith. We do it because we already know the lies from which we have been redeemed and there is no need for us to revisit them lest we be seduced. All that is required is that we be yielded to The Spirit, attentive to its groanings and leadings and remain in Him.

The Word of God is concentrated and efficacious for the edification of men. The Blood of Christ is concentrated and efficacious for the justification of men. The Indwelling Holy Spirit is concentrated and efficacious for the sanctification of men.

Do Not Dilute!

Carl