perspective and the importance of a sweater

Each day I begin class by reading Scripture and saying a prayer. Usually the Scripture is a selection of a few verses that I find encouraging or instructive-- most of the time, these are "old favorites" that many of us Christians are accustomed to hearing: Romans 12: 1-3, selections from Philippians 2, Psalm 1... you get the idea.

 But, I felt a challenge to go beyond that because of the once-monthly women's Bible study I attend, in which we are studying II Timothy, and for which the first assignment was to read read II Timothy in its entirety several times-- to get the main idea, recognize themes, etc. In doing so, it occurred to me that when I read a short passage to my students, many of whom do not read the Scripture on their own, these passages are in fact lacking context. For example Romans 12: 1-3 makes much more sense and is even more powerful (at least _I_ think so) in light of the 'doxology' of Romans 11. While I think that reading those 'selected' passages to my students is beneficial, maybe it conveys to them (or even perpetuates, in the minds of others) that Holy Scripture is merely a collection of pithy sayings; or worse, maybe it conveys that Scriptures contains a lot of 'nuggets' of truth buried in a lot of 'hard to understand', ancient (read: irrelevant) writing. Yikes! (Am I being a bit harsh or hard on myself? Maybe... but bear with me and keep reading.)

So what was my response to this new-found awareness? I decided to read II Timothy to my students. All of it. Not skipping any verses. Not all at once, of course. I read sections 8-10 verses long until, after about two weeks, we worked our way through the four chapters of II Timothy. Obviously this raises a couple concerns, namely-- could the students remember enough of the passages from day to day that this read-through/fly-over would have any real value? Another concern, is... why should they care? Do they? Are they listening when I read? Are they thinking about the words? About the message? I did try to 'recap' the previous day's reading to the students, so that might have helped out a bit. I guess the next step is to ask the kids what they thought-- takes a bit of courage, but it ought to be done.

All that aside... Here is how *I* benefited from reading II Timothy aloud to my students: I became (almost painfully) aware of just how *personal* this letter is. Seemingly out-of-place asides like "Bring me my cloak" toward the end of chapter 4, and especially cautions about the deviousness or hurtful behavior of certain acquaintances of Paul's, are jarring-- why do I need to know that Paul wanted his sweater? Is Paul gossiping by letting Timothy know about the 'snakes in the grass' in his town? I won't attempt to answer those questions now; it isn't the point of what I'm writing and I'm not qualified to answer that anyway. Here is my point: Do you ever set out to read through one of the Epistles and, as you go, gloss over those parts that seem like 'personal business that can't possibly be relevant to me'? I certainly have! I do it *all the time*! Especially in some of those familiar epistles, I may even skim from passage to passage and focus only on my favorite parts-- those 'pithy sayings' that the Bible is so full of. But the Bible ISN'T a collection of pithy sayings; it's every-day life, the recording of which was ordained by the Holy Spirit. It's everyday life, but it's the everyday lives of people whose lives were molded by the Gospel. The Epistles really ARE letters-- sometimes even personal letters. Why is this important? Why should I care? (Why should my students care?)  because being a Christian IS *personal*. And it is REAL. Why else would Paul ask Timothy to send him a sweater?

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11: 33-35

God is love. God is God.

"That God is love impels us to be sure that the truth gets to all people, and that God is God impels us to be sure that what gets to all people is truth."
................................... John Piper

We can complete the following sentence in many ways: "God is ______." If we at once consider that God is God and that God is love, we are faced with probably the most difficult to grasp juxtaposition of ideas about God. However since both are true, what does this truth mean for us in our everyday lives? It means exactly what Piper so eloquently states above. We must spread the truth of Jesus to everyone, and we must be sure that what we share IS the truth.


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Let all mortal flesh keep silence

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six wingèd seraph,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the presence,
As with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Lord Most High!

"Of what value is an idol since man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, 'Come to life!' Or to lifeless stone, 'Wake up!' Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver, there is no breath in it. But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him"

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Confidence

"If we believe in the God of Romans 8:28, we will always remember that by the time we know a problem exists, God has already been working on it and his solution is on the way"
........................................................ John Piper

Isaiah 64:4
Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

Romans 8:28
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.



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Tough stuff

Often, before bed, I listen to a recorded sermon online. I have various sources that I use, and sometimes I listen to a message from Chuck Swindol. In a message I heard last week, Swindol noted that 2 Peter is a tough one to read-- difficult concepts, and packed with meaning. So tonight I decided to give 2 Peter a quick read since it's been a while since I read that particular book. Swindol was right... Three chapters of some of the toughest stuff you could chew on. So I will have to give it further study in the near future. This book in takes no more than 15 minutes to read, so read it and let Peter's words challenge you.

2 Peter 3:17-18
Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.


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Taste and See

I have been really slack lately in reading for growth; sure I have read a novel here and there, magazines (actually more often than the novels), and the like, but other than reading through CS Lewis's Mere Christianity (with a friend), I have really not been reading as I should. When we joined Cedar Springs Presbyterian back in December we received a free copy of John Piper's Taste and See, 140 meditations; it sat upon a bookshelf until this morning when I grabbed it on my way out the door. Today the 10th graders are taking the PLAN test and I am proctoring since I teach 10th grade. I figured that today would be a good day to get back into some much- needed reading. As it so happens, the first meditation was chock- full of reminders as to exactly why I should be reading for growth... Perfect! so here is a brief reflection on what I read today:

I cannot ever read Zephaniah 3: 17-18 without thinking of my 9th grade science teacher and 10th grade Bible elective teacher, Mrs. Ferguson. She lived every day depending on the Lord for renewal and strength. It was evident from her daily life that she loved the Lord and desired to serve him with her whole life-- not with parts of it, but with all of it, just as we are called to do. I can look back on all of high school and recall a handful of teachers who showed me Christ in everything they did. I hope that when my students look back on high school, they will remember me, not for being a great science teacher, but for showing them the love of Christ.


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forget not…

1Praise the Lord, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits—

3who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

4who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

5who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.

7He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel:

8The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

11For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

12as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

14for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

15As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

17But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children’s children—

18with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

19The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20Praise the Lord, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

21Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

22Praise the Lord, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

PSALM 103

love wins

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 13: 12-13

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12: 9-21


I wrote a song a couple months back, called "Love wins." It is based on Romans 12 and I catch myself singing it quite often as of late. The chorus of the song goes:
"I am a sacrifice; I'm a sacrifice.
Conform me to your will...."

There are three verses:
1. May my life always be: pleasing
May my heart always be: discerning your will....

2. May I never think of me: too highly.
May I always want to be: serving in faith....

3. Love must always be... sincere.
And I pray that good will always (will always). Win out.

theology

“Every Christian is a theologian, not just academically trained Christians, … but every Christian. ... Part of Christian maturity is doctrinal sophistication…”
– William Lane Craig

Ephesians 4: 13-15: “…Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro… by every wind of doctrine…”
Galatians 1:6-9: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel, not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preach to you, let him be accursed …”
Titus 1: 9: “… [the elder] must hold firm to the sure Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to refute those who contradict him.

The above quote and Scripture references are taken from a Sunday school lesson given by William L. Craig. I’ve been listening to Craig and others in online lessons/sermons as a means to broaden my horizons.  I really appreciate the theme of this particular lessons, since it admonishes that we should all be theologians.  Not that I am called to pastor a church, nor do I have any designs on taking over church leadership, but I do feel called to be as knowledgeable as any one of the pastors in my (or any other) church, since that is what God expects from me, from all of us who are Believers.  This is necessary so that I can stand on my faith and trust in the Lord rather than leaning on my own understanding.  I believe that the more I know of Christ, the more He will rule my life.  I do not want to negate prayer as I emphasize the importance of knowing sound doctrine. Prayer is an integral part of the life of a Believer, and I believe I am called to live a life full of prayer and study of the Word.

Romans Doxology

33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?”
36For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
……………………………………….. Romans 11:33-36

I love how, in this doxology, Paul weaves together words from the Old Testament as he closes out one part of his letter and begins another.  (Paul has just been speaking on the grace and mercy of God who has ordained, justified, and sanctified the Saints but who has turned his back on those who will not have him.  Beginning in Romans 12, the message takes a new course—a lesson in living a life of worship and of love.) 

As I was reading chapter 5 of Book I in C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, I was reminded of this passage.  When I looked it up, I read the whole of Romans 11 (for context), and had to stop and read, and re-read verse 32: “For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”  It is with THOSE words ringing in my soul that I must read verses 33-36. It is with THAT verse echoing in my mind that I must read the much-studied, much talked-about Romans 12. 

For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. ….. Romans 11:32

Therefore my brothers, in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.  ….. Romans 12: 1-2

commendation?..

4Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
…………………………………………………………………………. II Corinthians 3: 4-6

Recently, as I have been discussing with friends the work set out for us – the Mission of Jesus, the carrying forth of the gospel—we have been reminding each other of the truth we find in II Corinthians 3 and 4. That is, we are called to boldly, fearlessly, and selflessly spread the love of Christ to those who do not have Christ and to disciple those who call upon His name.  However, in talking about the mission, especially the practical aspects, we find ourselves feeling anxious at the uncertainty of what lies ahead and at the weight of what we are feeling called to do. 

It is in feeling this uncertainty that I find myself searching the Scriptures for words of instruction and even of comfort.  As I was reading tonight through the Scriptures referenced in Sunday’s message, I felt the need to post the passage above.  These feelings of inadequacy or uncertainty are mere reassurance that I am, in fact, woefully inadequate to the task—and how blessed that this is true, that I might put off the old self all the more readily and put on the new self, the redeemed self, the self that has been justified and is now being sanctified unto that for which Christ took hold for me.

life…

5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
…………………………………………………………………… I John 1: 5-10

We were challenged at church on Sunday to read through I John this week, and I have done so a couple times through.  I really love how the words of I John 1: 1-4 echo the words of   John 1: 1-5.  Although those are not the verses I quoted above, I will mention them briefly in order to point out that John sets the tone in both these books: God is the creator; Jesus was with God at creation. Through him, and by him, and for him all things were made that have been made.  As the passage quoted above points out, we are made for one purpose: to love God—to walk in the light.

What does it LOOK LIKE to walk in the light. A friend of mine recently posed a question to a group of men: “What does it look like to live a truly missional life?” In other words, ‘What does it look like to live in the light and love of Christ, since Christ is the Author of the mission?”  While I was not privy to the chain of responses that ensued, the question intrigues me—what should my life look like? Are there things I should give up? Or is it more, what new ways should I adopt? Or is it a combination of both?

heart beat…

I haven’t spent much time downtown since the end of summer—the end of crop growing season means an end to my Saturday mornings at the Community Market.  And by the time Friday rolled around—it had been a lame week at school-- I was raring to get out , stretch my legs, freshen my brain, and explore a little.  I first stopped by the conVergeSpace to check out some donated furniture (love craigslist!—I’m beginning to get a vision!), then stopped into the Kemper St. Flea Market to check out the wares--- ended up ordering a cheeseburger and Pepsi Throwback from the Kemper St. Cafe.  Since the food is cooked upon order, I had about ten minutes to stand and chat with the lady behind the counter.  I was able to share with her some of the ideas we are batting around for conVergeSpace, and it was neat to hear her oh-so-positive response to our church and the possibilities for youth outreach. After the cheeseburger, I toured Riverviews Artspace and despite being only mildly impressed with the exhibits, enjoyed about thirty minutes’ conversation with a local artist whose studio is in the Artspace.  He shared with me some of the art-related activities around Lynchburg, and actually made me want to go sign up for painting class—think of the networking possibilities!  I wrapped up my day browsing the cheap furniture on the third floor of Estate Specialists—oh the possibilities of those ugly $25 couches! 

The theme of my Saturday was, as I alluded: possibilities.  As conVerge has recently moved its main meeting venue downtown, I see the need—and truly desire—to BE downtown, to get to know the people of the city, and to (most importantly) reach out to the people in the downtown communities with the gospel.  How much of my free time will be spent in places outside of my house? I do not yet know, but I hope it is a lot of time, and I pray that the possibilities will make themselves real and evident…

Now the challenge: go downtown this week and meet one person, in any location. Talk for 10 minutes or more. Make sure you give your name, and get his/hers.

may I never boast…..

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
………………………………. Isaac Watts

1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.

6Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but a New Creation

11See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.

17Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
……………  ……………….. ……………. ……………….. Galatians 6

stars…

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature^a God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature^b of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out^c the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me

Philippians 2… requires no commentary.

give…

22“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
…32“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20: 22-35)

Many times, Paul uses the analogy of running a race to describe his journey of evangelism among the early Church (see references below). I have mentioned before that running requires discipline and endurance; it is a difficult task that requires preparation. I leave that thread of discussion to, perhaps, be picked up at another date and time. For now, I want to focus on something else in this passage: Paul’s sacrificial, self-denying life. Paul specifically says that he knows he must go to Jerusalem—he is compelled by the Spirit—despite the persecution and death that he faces. Paul walks in constant (and very REAL) communication with the Holy Spirit, so there is no question in his mind of whether or not he should go to Jerusalem (or anywhere else he feels called, for that matter)—he simply goes, and does, as he is compelled by the understanding that he can do nothing other than give—he will give of himself unto death, just as Christ gave himself unto death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2: 4-7).

I am called to imitate Paul as he imitated Christ—and how does that become a reality?

1. preparation in the Word
2. daily, fervent prayer
3. so that I might see myself as nothing
4. and walk out the understanding that Christ is the maker and redeemer of this world (Colossians 1)

**References in which Paul uses the “race” analogy
Galatians 2:2 & 5:7; Philippians 2:16; I Corinthians 9:24: II Timothy 4:7;
(Also see Hebrews 12:1)

towards holiness…

3Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.^a
5He will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God his Savior.
6Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
………………………………… Psalm 24: 3-6

If I were to suggest a list of Scriptures that absolutely should be studied and committed to memory, I would put the entirely of Psalm 24 near the top of the list.  Above is a selection of three verses that state the requirement that God places upon us.  What is required of me if I am to dwell in the presence of the Most High? I must have clean hands and a pure heart and be free from idolatry.  What a daunting proposition!  What an impossible thing! Fortunately, the blood of Jesus makes it possible for me to enter into communion with God—I have been redeemed. But a large part of that redemption includes that I will walk in righteousness.  God has not called me to walk in this alone, but has commanded that I be in community with fellow Believers. We Believers, then, are commanded to build each other up into faith and in unity in the Truth.  Ephesians 4 states this clearly:

7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it^a says:

“When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men.”^b

… 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. …  16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. … 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin”^d: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
……………………………………………………………………… Ephesians 4: 11- 32

take a walk…

1Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
………………………………………………. Psalm 1 (NIV)

I remember memorizing this as a child, and I never forgot the first three verses, so lately, as we have been going on a journey as a church into “new territory” with our faith and with our lives (and they are really one and the same, are they not?), these three verses have tumbled around in my head.

What does it mean to walk in the counsel of the wicked, or sit in the seat of mockers?  I mean, what is the practical reality of those poetic lines?  I could give all sorts of pat answers, “Sunday school” clichés, and never truly identify whether or not I understand the implications of those lines.

Here is a thought: It is the same thing to “Not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners” as it is to “delight in the Law of the Lord.”  If my heart’s desire and delight is in the Lord, my heart will have no part of wickedness. 

I, being ‘of the flesh,’ sin every day, and fall into the trap of the wicked. I am thankful, then that the blood of the Lamb redeems me so that I might know what it means to delight in the Law of the Lord.

My prayer is that I would desire to meditate on His Law both day and night.

a fish out of water… a fresh look at Jonah

Check out the two-part message entitled “A Fish Out of Water” by Dr. Ravi Zacharias.  For those of you participating in the Old Testament study group, you know Jonah is our first book for study.  I really like the spin of this message—pay attention to the last few lines of Zacharias’s message in part 1—and answer the question: “What is the cure for unrighteousness?”

Fish out of Water, Part 1

Fish out of Water, Part 2

"... Immorality is always preceded by impiety. People are immoral because they are first impious and not the other way around; immorality in our streets is because there is irreverence in our hearts before God, which means that if morality is merely symptomatic.  Then how can we solve it symptomatically by just changing our laws? We have got to change the heart of the individual, and only God is big enough to do that."  (R. Zacharias)

law-abiding citizens

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^c Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
………………………………………………………. Romans 12: 9-21

As a Believer, I am free from the Law, but that is not the same as being given license to act however I please. In fact, we Believers SHOULD uphold the Law, and even go beyond that!  Our concern with “legalism” and “works-based salvation” often gives us an excuse to claim freedom from the Law in such a way that we are not properly convicted of our offensive, sinful behavior; not only that—we have missed the proper ‘spirit’ of the law entirely.  We do not uphold the law for the sake of the Law, but we are called to live lives that lift up the Name of Jesus to all we come in contact with; living in accordance with the law naturally follows from that.  As Romans says, we are to “live at peace with everyone.”  Where does that leave room for lawlessness and recklessness?  It leaves no such room, and should call us to be  vigilant and diligent in our pursuit of God’s truth, so that through his strength and through the discernment that comes from walking in the Spirit, we might be “a living sacrifice.” (Rom. 12: 1)