Opposition and Proposition

Friends,

In a report on wnd.com by Michael Carl from September 17th, 2012, two U.S.-based religious freedom groups say that anti-Christian persecution is on the rise in America.  The joint report by Texas-based Liberty Institute and Washington-based Family Research Council says government agencies around the U.S. are trying to push Christian expression out the door.  “It is dramatic,” says Liberty Institute Founder Kelly Shackleford, of the recent hike in reported incidents of persecution.  “There are children being prohibited from writing Merry Christmas to the soldiers, senior citizens being banned from praying over their meals in the Senior Center, the VA banning the mention of God in military funerals, numerous attempts to have veterans memorials torn down if they have any religious symbols such as a cross, and I could go on and on,” Shackleford said.  Christian civil rights organization senior counsel David French says many of the new cases come from colleges.  “Our knowledge of incidents is only as good as the reporting,” French says.  “However, it’s clear that – particularly on college and university campuses – we have seen a significant rise in attempts to silence Christian organizations by the misapplication of nondiscrimination laws.”  French adds that many public facilities are also covering over Christianity.  “One of the most strident examples: the misuse of the Establishment Clause to attempt to ban any mention of God from historical markers, monuments or even museum exhibits,” French says.  “This represents an effort to whitewash God from American history and change our national identity.”  And this has not all occurred since 2008…“the seeds for these attacks were dropped in Supreme Court opinions in the ’40s, and it really began to take off in the 1960s.  The thing that is shocking now, and different, is that the attacks have dramatically picked up speed,” Shackleford says. “There can be as many as 100 new attacks per month.   While Liberty Institute has the highest win rate of any group in the country (at over 99 percent), we just can’t currently cover all these with our current resources.”  This is the world that we live in today, a pluralistic world of religion, and much of it is no longer friendly toward Christianity.  But, jumping to end of the “story”, we can put on our rose-colored glasses, for in this section, Jesus provides this important message -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NIV)

There are two important themes that run together in this section of John (15:18-27) – the opposition of the world against Christianity and the ministry of the Holy Spirit to and through God’s people.  Jesus has been talking about love, but now He discusses hatred.  The contrast between the way Christians are to treat one another and the way the world reacts to Christians could not be more evident.  Jesus has already mentioned that persecution will come…back in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:10-12), and in His commissioning message (Matthew 10:16-23).  Throughout John is it evident that as Jesus ministers for three years, the religious establishment not only opposes Jesus, but seeks to kill Him…there is a tide of open resentment, hatred and then open opposition against Him.  We must clarify what “the world” is, because it is really a three-fold concept -- it can mean the created world, (John 1:10), the world of humanity, (John 3:16) or society apart from God and opposed to God.  Sometimes, we call this this third aspect “the world system”.  This is what I have typically called it in order to differentiate.  From a Christian perspective, it involves all of the people, plans, organizations, activities, philosophies, values that belong to a society without God.  Some of these matters are cultural…but all have their origins in the heart and mind of sinful man and promote what sinful man wants to enjoy and accomplish, and so are corrupt.  What may seem right to the flesh is so wrong to the Spirit and to the spirit.  Christians must not love the world system (1 John 2:15-17) or be conformed to the world (Romans 12:1-2).  Jesus tells His disciples that their situation in the world will be serious and even dangerous.  If worldly people hated Jesus, they will also hate those who are identified with Him. (15:20)

When we trusted in Christ, we moved (or at least we were supposed to move) into a new spiritual position…we are now “in Christ” and “out of the world (system).”  We do live in the world physically, but are not to be of it spiritually.  This does not mean that “we are so heavenly-minded that we are not any earthly good,” but it means that we consider the things of this world from a different point of view.  The world system functions on the basis of conformity, and as long as a person follows the fads and fashions and accepts the values of the world, he or she will “get along.”  But, the Christian refuses to conform to the world. The believer is a “new creation” and no longer wants to live “the old life.”  It is apparent that we must live in a world of persecution and opposition, but how do we do it? What is the secret to success?  It is through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Jesus sends God’s personal power, the Holy Spirit, to indwell His people (Acts 2:38-39).  If we did not have the Holy Spirit within, we would not be able to serve the Lord in this present evil world.  We are to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16), “worship in the Spirit” (Philippians 3:3, and “witness in the Spirit” (Acts 1:8). Believers can stand and withstand in the midst of the world’s hatred because of the special ministries of the Holy Spirit.  We will pursue this in the next section of John’s message.

Steve Goodier shares this -- when Henry Ward Beecher was a young boy in school, he learned a lesson in self-confidence, which he never forgot. He was called upon to recite in front of the class. He had hardly begun when the teacher interrupted with an emphatic, "No!" He started over and again the teacher thundered, "No!" Humiliated, Henry sat down.  The next boy rose to recite and had just begun when the teacher shouted, "No!" This student, however, kept on with the recitation until he completed it. As he sat down, the teacher responded, "Very good!"  Henry was irritated. "I recited just as he did," he complained to the teacher.  But the instructor replied, "It is not enough to know your lesson, you must be sure. When you allowed me to stop you, it meant that you were uncertain. If the entire world says, 'No!' it is your business to say, 'Yes!' and prove it."  The world says, "No!" in a thousand ways:  "No! You can't do that."  "No! You are wrong."  "No! You are too old."  "No! You are too young."  "No! You are too weak."  "No! It will never work."  "No! You don't have the education."  "No! You don't have the background."  "No! You don't have the money."  "No! It can't be done."  And each "No!" you hear has the potential to erode your confidence bit by bit until you quit altogether. Though the world says, "No!" to you today, will you determine to say, "Yes!" and prove it?

The world says “no” to the way we want to live for God…but the Holy Spirit empowers us to say “yes” to God and “no” to the world system.  Many believers want to have their cake and eat it too, as it relates to the fundamental spiritual battle that we face, but as Word of God reveals – if you willingly live compromised with the world system, then you are not Jesus’ friend…and furthermore, you quench the Holy Spirit’s power in your life.  I have seen the warning signs in people's eyes and heard it in their speech on numerous occasions (unfortunately).  The evil one is always looking to cause individuals to stumble by sowing seeds of discontentment, discouragement and distraction.  We must guard our hearts and minds, keeping sensitive to the heart and the will of the Lord by doing some regular self-examination, telling ourselves the truth with honest self-talk, standing firm in our commitment to spiritual disciplines and in our relationship with Him and our spiritual family.  We have a choice to make…and sometimes it occurs even on a daily basis…will we trust in the power of God through His Spirit in order that we will live like Jesus, or will we compromise our witness?  Be salt and light.

Blessings, Don

World View

Friends,

Here is some food for thought as it relates to interpretation.  As I read different articles and posts, I am amazed at how so many people can read the same book, particularly the Bible, and come up with so many different interpretations of it. What we call our "world view," "philosophy" or, our personal setting in life (including the sum total of our experiences, our personality and our culture) affects how we view things and it has a profound influence upon how we view all matters pertaining to life and godliness. For some people, the Bible is a set of laws and rules -- truth is the highest priority, whereas for others, the message is about grace and love -- spirit is the focus. It is amazing how closely connected these two concepts really are (see John 4:24) and yet, how they can be so far apart...but only from a human perspective.

 

As I have shared in other places that going to extremes is what gets us into trouble as it pertains to our interpretation of the Bible and concerning life itself. It almost seems like our human nature cannot help itself...that if one person offers "one side" of an issue or "perspective", that there is also "the other side" or "other perspective(s)" that has to come to be expressed. Everyone has a world view and it is personal...it is subjective. Most people fully believe with all their hearts that, "my world view is 'right to me' and no matter what anyone says, nothing external is going to change my mind!" And this is true. Change can only come from the heart and it has to come from yielding, submitting ot the Lord, whatever your perspective might be. Some will say, "I will never change!" This is a choice. Others are very adaptable and are willing to change and to grow. But, it is all a revelation of our world view.

 

I will say that I believe that some individual's and group's world views are in a better place than others. This is because some people's world views are more open to insight, which I believe is a good thing. I have known both open-minded and closed-minded individuals who are truly good people. Sometimes those who are more "open-minded" are right, and sometimes they are wrong...sometimes the more "closed-minded" are right, and sometimes wrong. As for me and my house, we choose to be open.  I believe that there is a genuine spiritual (and eternal) benefit from being more open-minded in relationship to spiritual concerns, and I will continue to challenge people to adopt such a mindset...while all at the same time seeking to do our best to love and respect individuals' regardless of their particular world views. Blessings...

Don

Are We Defined By Fear or Faith?

Friends,

I admire the spirit of some of my friends who desire to engage in good and spiritual dialogue with brethren of a different persuation...only to find closed-mindedness and fear.  I am grateful that the Lord and His Spirit helped to break me out of such religion.  There should be no fear in being open to Bible study and discussion...only opportunity for growth.  I have heard all of the "slippery slope" and "your brains will fall out" (foolish) arguments, and the bottom line is still...faith and love cast out fear, and also bring a good perspective and understanding of godliness and spiritual life.  If we are growing in a trusting, revealing relationship with the Lord, there should be no (personal) fear or control...only being under the influence of the Spirit's control. 

The following is an article I wrote a few years ago, but am sharing here, because I think it is appropriate, "To Know Fear Means No Fear."  We live in a culture enamored, or in some cases, engulfed in fear. There is hardly a week that goes by but that I see someone on facebook talking about the need to "live by faith rather than fear." Why? It is because they see "fear" everywhere, as well. We hear about companies who are canning CEO's and employees, colleges that are punting coaches, and churches that are running off elders and preachers. We have all manner of movies, books and other cultural phenomena, including the "horror genre," that promote fear in some form or another. Some are engrossed in these things out of curiosity, while others have more sinister agendas.

We humans are certainly easy targets, as our fleshly, human nature is so easily swayed by fear and other negative emotions. Fear is the tool of the enemy...it is precisely what Satan desires for all of us. I have seen more "fear" in churches than "faith" in some respects. This ought not be the case. People who are under the influence of fear say things like..."I don't know where this will lead," "we've never done it this way before," "let's go back to the way it was" or "I don't like change"... these are all effective "fear" statements. But, the irony is that, for those who live by faith, this is exactly right. Looking at it from a faith perspective -- we don't know where many things will lead, but this is why we trust the Lord, or...we know that change is inevitable, what can we do to make it work for us instead of against us. A good faith statement to counter-balance "fear" statements might be, "nothing ventured, nothing gained." It is not the cowardly and fearful in society that are remembered for their great acts, but it is those who step out with courage and boldness -- those who choose to live according to faith.

When we are focused on things that are going to bring fear, then that is what we will receive. Fear has, what I would say is, its "not-so-little" friends, such as worry, anxiety, cynicism, pride and perhaps, greatest of all...anger, which, when out of control, can lead to bitterness and hate. Once we give in to one negative emotion, it is easy for one or more of the others to step in for support, and even take over, as they tend to do. I have known people in my life, particularly younger ones...physically or spiritually...discouraged and distraught, because they are held captive by some who are bound by fear. And this all leads to another important partner of fear...and this is "control." When people are fearful, they are insecure...the two work with, or rather, against each other. The irrational thinking is -- if I can somehow control my surroundings, then I will be able to have peace, happiness. But, this is not going to happen. There is a vicious cycle to this that has no good or happy ending, because control leads to even more insecurity, because if something even threatens "control"...even a little...then control has to tighten its grip, which in turn, turns loose even more anxiety, worry, pride and anger, etc.

There is a good solution -- let go! We have to be able to trust the Lord...trust spiritual leadership...and see what good can be done. We need to see the glass half full...not empty. We must adopt the attitude of David, who when he was threatened by Saul and had opportunity to take "control" of his situation by killing Saul, said, "Why would I strike down the Lord's anointed?" He trusted the Lord, and the Lord not only rescued him, but prospered him. David did not choose to give in to fear...being afraid, but chose to live by the other fear...love, submission and respect. It is faithful to exercise "caution," in doing such...that is, to be wise and prudent about taking reasonable steps of faith, but we must not give in to an attitude of cynicism, which paralyzes. We can choose to live faithfully, and this brings about a positive cycle...as trust leads to greater grace, love, joy and genuine peace (all the fruit of the Spirit, in fact) -- a much more productive place to be and a better way to live.

Blessings, Don

If

Friends,

If I could, I would make sure you never lost at anything. But what would you learn from winning all the time? Losing keeps you humble.

If I could, I would catch you when you fall. But then you'd never know the power of rising up again.

If I could, I would take you directly to your life's destination. But then, you'd never know the thrill of getting lost along the way.

If I could, I would find the love you long for, the love of your life. But then you'd never know that the joy of true love is in the journey it takes to find it.

If I could, I'd make your days all sunny. But then you'd never know the cleansing of the rain.

If I could, I'd surround you with the treasures of the world you live in. But then you'd never appreciate the value of the treasures of the world within you.

If I could, I'd put happiness within your reach. But then you'd never learn that real growth only comes from reaching for things beyond your grasp.

If I could, and I will...I'll love you until my last breath of life and through eternity.  Bob Perks

“If” is one of the shortest and yet most interesting words in the English language.  We certainly get our fill of it in English class where we learn that it is combined with “then” in order to make conditional statements.  What we do understand concerning “if” is that…debating over what might have happened had Germany won WW2 or should Napoleon have won at Waterloo is an exercise in futility.  But, when the “ifs” are left out of these last chapters of Leviticus, then we miss the meaning.  The word is used 32 times.  The history of Israel cannot be fully understood apart from the “ifs” in God’s covenant.  For the Israelites were to be responsible for fulfilling God’s covenant.  For example, 26:3 says, “If you walk in my statutes, then you will have blessings…”  The conditions are laid out by God, and His people must make a decision concerning Him.

The Almighty God is not some idol that the people manufactured.  He reminds them, “I am the Lord your God.”  In spite of Israel’s promises to obey the Lord, however, the Jews broke the first two commandments by turning to idols.  If they had been true to God by keeping the laws, the feasts, the Sabbath, etc., these matters would have been a reminder to them that they were supposed to be God’s special people.  They should have fully understood that God dwelled among them…in their camp…in the sacred tabernacle (and later in the temple).  How could they think of disobeying Him when He was so near?  The “so-called” gods of the other nations were nowhere “near” to them.  God promises His children many things, but they are just this -- “children” in their faith.  They need to learn and grow as all children must do.  God promises rain, faithful harvests, peace and safety in their land in order to multiply their population…if they will enjoy the tremendous blessing of His presence.  This is the most important thing…and every other blessing depends upon it.  This is something that has not ever changed – right living has always been about God’s presence in our lives.

Israel’s privileged position brought with it the responsibility to obey and glorify God.  Yet, as the privilege is forsaken, the Lord sends chastisement, discipline.  There are six periods of judgment mentioned here for Israel.  The first five punishments are concerning the land…and for the sixth, they are taken out of their land and dispersed among the nations.  As he did with Pharaoh, God was turning them over to the desires of their hearts, and they would feel the “terror” of such. God’s purpose was to break down their stubborn pride.  The rains would cease, the ground would become hard…no crops would grow.  They would put forth great toil, but there would be no harvests.  Still, they would refuse to repent.  Next, there would be invasions of wild beasts that would kill the cattle and the people.  Warfare, famine and plague would follow…and enemies would conquer and destroy them.  As their hearts would remain hardened, ultimately God removes them from the land at the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians to be taken away and disciplined.  By His mercy, He brings back a remnant of Jews, but they are not really ever the same again.

It seems strange that this book should end with a section regarding vows, instead of some demonstration of God’s glory and holiness…but, as with many of these other matters, there is a purpose.  God want his people’s hearts.  There is opportunity for them to show their allegiance to Him and His will.  The promises (vows) of God’s people should be as unbreakable as His covenant with us (Proverbs 20:25).  The vows given to God are strictly voluntary and expressions of the worshipper’s gratitude to God for His blessings.  It begins with the dedication of individuals.  A worshipper might dedicate himself to the Lord or bring a family member or servant to serve the Lord for life at the sanctuary.  Animals dedicated and redeemed are considered holy, or set apart, which means they would belong to the Lord.  Property, likewise, is able to be dedicated and redeemed and would also be considered holy to the Lord, but the owner would have to add twenty percent to the amount when he gave redemption money to the priest.  And there were other things that could be dedicated and redeemable.  Ultimately, this would all change with the completion of the old covenant, some 400 year after the people’s return from exile.  For those of us who live under the second or “new” covenant, God dedicated His Son.  He made that commitment through a covenant of (His) blood in order that our sins would be washed away so that we could live forever.  God still expects His people to make the most of their opportunities to give their hearts to Him…to accept His Son as their personal Savior…and live genuinely spiritually.

An American traveling in Syria became acquainted with a shepherd.  Each morning he noticed the shepherd carrying something to the sheep.  The traveler followed him one morning and found that he was taking food to one particular sheep that had a broken leg.  As the traveler looked at the animal, he said to the shepherd, “How did the sheep break its leg…did it have an accident or was it attacked by a wild animal?”  “No,” said the shepherd, “I broke this sheep’s leg myself.”  “You broke it yourself, but why?”  “You see, this has been a wayward sheep…one that would not stay with the flock, and in fact, would lead other sheep astray.  Then, it would not let me near it.  I could not approach it, but when I finally did connect with it, I broke its leg so that it might allow me, day by day, to feed it.  In doing this, it will come to know me as its shepherd.  It will learn to trust me as its guide and keep with the flock.”

Like Israel and the sheep, we humans tend to go astray from time to time.  If we do not find a way to humble ourselves and bring ourselves back in line, the Lord will provide discipline for us in order that we will come to understand and follow His will.  We need to keep ourselves humble by walking with the Good Shepherd, Jesus, on a daily basis.  When we are able to do this, we avoid most of the same mistakes that prideful Israel made.  In addition to this, we will be a blessing to the Lord and to those around us whom we serve.  We don’t have to settle for a mediocre faith, as most of the Israelites did.  We have every opportunity to make wise choices in our lives under this new covenant that will be to our spiritual and eternal benefit.  God’s faithfulness to His Word and to His covenant should be great assurance to us…He always keeps His promises.  If we give our lives to Jesus Christ and live for Him, one day He will return and take us home with Him…there are no ifs ands or buts about this…simply the fulfillment of promise.

Blessings, Don

I Can See Clearly Now

Friends,

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is speaking primarily to and about two groups of people. Those who are following Him…early disciples and the curious…are one group. The second group is made up of the religious leaders of the day, the Scribes and Pharisees. In the first section of Matthew 7, Jesus’ primary focus is on the latter group, but He shares information that is relevant for everyone. Earlier in His message Jesus talks about the Pharisees’ desire to garner the praise of men. They would do any number of things in order to make themselves appear pious…pray openly on street corners, while wearing big robes with their attachments. Here, Jesus cuts to the center of the issue with these religious leaders, and as the result, He exposes their spiritual heart problems. The Pharisees and Scribes, in their arrogance, were very judgmental of others – it is this attitude that Jesus sets out to confront.

Jesus explains that among the first principles of judgment that we need to consider…is to look at ourselves. This whole concept should be humbling, and it is all too easy for it to escape us…it is not difficult for us to allow Satan to manipulate our feelings so that we become judgmental. The principle that the Lord shares is, if we first judge ourselves then we are preparing for that final judgment when we face God. In essence, when we judge, we are playing God. This is precisely what the Pharisees are doing by regularly condemning others. They do not really consider the concept of facing God at judgment. But, how could they? Even when we get caught up in ourselves…our perspectives…our agendas…our opinions…rarely do we consider God’s opinion in matters. Jesus gives “the law of spiritual returns” -- when it comes to judging, in as much as we may be judging others…we are setting ourselves up for judgment from others. We receive from people whatever it is that we give…if criticism, then criticism…if grace, then grace. In fact, criticism just perpetuates criticism…while grace will beget more grace…

The argument is laid out and to drive home His point that we need to take a look at our own hearts…to do self-examination…Jesus offers a hyperbole. Certainly in his years of wood-working, Jesus probably had dust in His eye more than once. What a great statement that He makes…the image of a man trying to remove a 2x4 or log from his own eye before removing a speck from another’s eye. This is ridiculous…but, according to Jesus, this is how foolish the Pharisees look in their unjust judgments of others. If we are not humble and do not honestly face up to our own sins…and confess them…we become blind to ourselves, and are incapable of helping others. It is important that we use discretion…wise discernment…in our relationships with others. We can observe and examine others’ attitudes and actions, but reserve judgment on their motives, for only God can see their hearts. A wise person once shared – we need to discern the facts…“he did not speak to me at the meeting” from judgment…“he does not care.” The fact that we may not be in a position to speak to someone does not mean that we do not care. The Lord knows our hearts…we must humble ourselves before him and avoid a spirit that is critical or judgmental. If we do find ourselves in a place where we are judging, we need to look by faith to Jesus Christ and ask for forgiveness and allow Him to forgive and to restore us.

We have choices to make and these choices will come from our hearts -- just what will they be?
People generally tend not to put sins like dishonesty, arrogance, gossip, slander, contentiousness, critical spirit on the same level as more visible (what they might consider "greater") sins such as immorality, drunkenness or murder. Yet, these so-called "social sins" are no less deadly. A little leaven from any of these, allowed to ferment in our spirits, will lead to spiritual death just the same as any “more visible” sin. We really need to heed Jesus’ message and guard our hearts. If we have a problem with a brother or sister, we must humble ourselves and go and make amends. We will perpetuate what is in our spirits…if it is criticism, then more will come. Yet, if our hearts are focused on living according to grace and love, then this is what is going to be revealed in our lives. Once we have made an honest judgment of ourselves before God and have allowed Him to remove those things that blind us…then, we are truly in a position to help others.

Blessings, Don

The Price of Genuine Love

Friends,

There are hearts that are hard enough to resist the forces of wrath and the fury of pride. But hard is the heart that can resist the warm flame of Love.  In his own way, Solomon seemed to understand this, as he shares in his love story in Song of Solomon 8:6, 7a.  There is a strong fire-like passion in love.  There are times when we “feel the love”…and at other times, perhaps, “not so much.”  Solomon explains that the strength of commitment is like a seal over the heart and on the arm.  The seal is a symbolic reminder of the commitment of love.  The seal could be likened to steel for any relationship, and should be so…particularly for the marriage relationship.  Our commitment to love another is to be like solid steel.  Even though we may not always “feel” like love is present…it is not about feelings most of the time.  Feelings ebb and flow like the tide, but the solid steel commitment to love should our foundation for life.  These are Jesus’ final hours with His disciples, and so He wants them to understand matters of genuine importance.  So, it should not be a surprise that “love” is at the center of it.

The story of the Bible is about relationship…it is about how God chooses to befriend mankind and bring salvation.  The basis for our loyalty as Christians is founded upon this very principle.  It is because of the love of the Father that He shares with us through His Son, as seen in John 15:12-17, that we are even able to understand genuine love and commitment.  As John tells us in chapter four of his first letter – it is not how much we love God that makes the difference for our lives, but how much we truly understand that God loves us.  He has granted us a multi-faceted special relationship with His Son.  He is Savior because of His sacrifice on the cross on our behalf in order to take away our sins…and because His sacrifice is empowered by the resurrection, we are able to live eternally.  He is Brother, as Jesus shares in Matthew 12:50, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother.”  He is also Lord, which means that He is to be our Master.  As His bond-servants we Christians take our marching orders from Him!  In this passage, Jesus offers yet another form of relationship.  He calls His disciples His friends (v.14).  We who are His disciples, likewise, are His friends.  Jesus’ relationship with His friends is based upon love and respect, as well as knowledge.  This should be the primary concern of Christianity at its most fundamental and important level – it is about a relationship with Jesus.  As His friends, the disciples are able to interact with Jesus and get to know Him, “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled concerning the Word of life…” (1 John 1:1ff)  Jesus let His disciples in on His plans, which included their call to become apostles who would go out and spread the gospel message.  God loves you and me and He wants us to be a part of His family for eternity.

Jesus’ also shares concerning how important it is that His disciples be selfless…to love as He loved.  This is called, agape, or unconditional love.  Commitment to unconditional love seeks to put others first…serving without expecting anything in return.  This is the new commandment as seen in 13:34-35.  Jesus says, “This is my commandment,” which is not necessarily to be taken as an exclusive command (although, I do not necessarily have a problem with it), but it is the primary commandment.  This old commandment has been reshaped in a way that only Christians can understand and assimilate it – “love one another, even as I have loved you.”  “Greater love” indicates the ultimate love for disciples…that they would be willing to lay down their lives for their friends, and perhaps others.  All of this adds a whole new dimension to the commandment -- sacrifice.  Jesus’ love is sacrificial.  He willingly laid down His life as the Sacrificial Lamb for all mankind…including those who were His enemies.  Many of us would lay down our lives for our family and perhaps for some close friends, but we would not do so for all, and certainly not for those who would hate us or mistreat us.  While we may not ever be called upon to literally lay down our lives as the early disciples did, we must be prepared to do so.  And we must be prepared to continually give ourselves in service to our Lord and Savior.  Jesus and His disciples had to learn to live beyond their comfort zones.  Should we be any different?  Sacrificial love has a cost.  This is the commitment of love…this is the “steel” that is supposed to be a part of our lives.  We are to live lives of service, building relationships with one another, and others, to the building up of the Kingdom of God.

We live in a pragmatic world that is governed by many other things than agape.  Loyalties have been divided concerning a principle where loyalty is critical.  Agape is not to be “optional” but “imperative.”  Genuine love is necessary in order that the church may prosper and grow…but it comes at a cost.  It may cost us time, energy, some spirit, but nothing that does not come back to us as a far greater reward.  When we come together, we may see some evidence of agape, but being friendly and shaking hands does not necessarily mean that we are committed to one another, the body of Christ, or to Christ himself.  Jesus paid the price so that we could overcome shallow ups and downs…so that we could survive “the feelings” of love…ultimately, so that we could experience “the commitment” of love -- agape.  Be willing to live a life committed to genuine love…to living life abundantly…and do not settle for something less.  Loyalty to the Savior and His body is the steel that is going to grow and prosper our spiritual lives as well as the Kingdom of God.

Blessings, Don

Jesus to the World

Friends,

Caleb Bell of the Huffington Post reports..."A Lutheran pastor in Newtown, Conn., has apologized after being reprimanded for participating in an interfaith vigil following the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Rev. Rob Morris, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, prayed at the vigil the Sunday following the Dec. 14 shootings alongside other Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Baha'i clergy. Morris...' church and the denomination's constitution prohibits ministers from participating in services with members of different faiths."

I am not picking on his church...it is not the point...because a lot of tribes, including many folks in my own, have the very same attitude. At some point, we are going to have to learn that our sectarian principles, particularly as it relates to the community, only serve to cast a shadow on Christianity and do damage to the cause of Christ. When we display a sense of community it can and will enhance and promote the cause of Christ and the Kingdom of God. We don't have to parse any verbs or discuss any issues in order to be Jesus to others in need and come together in a loving and beneficial way (to help hurting people in the above case). For some, faulty world views, philosophies based on suspect interpretations have led to attitudes and actions that have little do with the spirit of Christ and are more in line with humanistic reasoning. And we cannot make a difference for Christ with the humanists when we reason on their terms.  But, if we are willing to be led by the Holy Spirit, and live according to the spirit of Christ to those around us who are in need, then the Kingdom of God is able to grow and expand.

Blessings, Don

Enabled

Friends,

Years ago, a great European artist sought to portray his concept of Jesus Christ on canvas. Unfortunately, his good friends expressed disappointment with his production.  Later, he made a second attempt and it was met with the same disapproval.  After visiting galleries and examining famous paintings of Christ by other artists, he made a third attempt and was told it was not as good as the first.  Disheartened with His failure, he determined to give up painting altogether, and he retreated to a country resort.  During the second night, he dreamed that Jesus came to him and asked him why he was so disheartened.  After he told of his grief, Jesus said to him, “didn’t you know that you cannot paint me for anyone else? You have to do it for yourself.” 

We humans often fall into this trap…that is, we believe that we have to try to please other people all of the time.  This is, as Solomon says, “chasing after the wind.”  We will only make ourselves miserable.  We cannot live to try to please others, nor can we seek to live other people’s lives for them.  What is our goal?  It is to glorify God and allow Him to enable us to live for Him…and in doing so, to live life to the fullest.  This is my hope and prayer for all of us.  I think we often get caught up living to please a parent, spouse, significant other person…and in so doing…we also may not be pleasing to the Lord.  In 3:14-21, Paul challenges the Ephesians believers to consider these matters when it comes to living according to faith.  There were a lot of other voices vying for their attention, just as there are for us.  We need to hear what Paul has to say…and he says it wonderfully in prayer.

Paul shares and exemplifies for believers some thoughts concerning prayer, just as Jesus does in the Lord’s Prayer.  He speaks of “bowing the knees”…perhaps this where we get the concept of “being on our knees” in prayer.  Although, the Bible does not command any special posture for prayer, there are some examples -- Abraham and Solomon “stood”…David “sat”…and Jesus “fell on His face.”  However, in praying, it is important to understand that what matters most is the posture of the heart.  We must bow our hearts, wills to the Lord in humility.  In his prayer, Paul addresses the Father through the Son (and as part of the usual pattern…in the Spirit vv.14, 16-17…which is also the case here).  So, even though the concept of “trinity” is nowhere mentioned in the Word of God, it is evident here.  This provides a glimpse of the perspective which all men in general, and Christians in particular, should have – we all share the Fatherhood of God.  He is Father and we are family.  All people originate from the Father as children by creation, but only we who are in Christ “through birth” are special sons and daughters.  He can only be “Father” in the fullest, truest sense for those who believe in Him through the Son.

Paul proceeds to pray for strength.  I believe that this is one of the most important things that we can do, as well.  He prays that the Ephesian believers have spiritual strength in their inner person. This, in turn, leads to a deeper experience with Christ.  And strength must run deep…it must be grounded, rooted in Christ, so that it will not grow weak, nor be easily swayed.  This reminds me of a tamarack tree that we saw up at some friends’ property one time…it was 18 feet in circumference and 180 feet high.  That one had some deep roots…it was solidly grounded.  We will be able to comprehend God’s truths through prayer  This means not only to mentally grasp, but also to apprehend the truths, to experience them and hold on to them.  We can understand such truths without making them our own, and this is not a good thing.  God wants us to experience His fullness, and we do so through the Holy Spirit.  He fills us up spiritually when we seek Him.

Nonetheless, it is easy for us to want to use people as our measuring stick.  In fact, it is often an easy excuse when we do not “measure up.”  Satan can easily manipulate us and our pride when our focus is in the wrong place.  All too often, instead of allowing God to enable us to be “better” for Him, we enable others in the wrong way to continue to go down wrong paths.  In fact, it has become a psychological definition.  Paul says elsewhere, “imitate me in as much as I imitate Christ.”  The true measure is – “am I being like Christ”?

After contemplating the wholeness of his spiritual experience, Paul finishes with a powerful doxology…and it is all about the power of Christ.  Some power is dormant…available but unused (like the power stored in a battery).  This is not supposed to be the case with Christ. Jesus’ power is always available to all of us.  We need to have hearts that are filled up with Him…filled up with His Spirit…filled with praise, wonder.  In all of this, we are to give glory to God.  What we do in His power today will glorify Christ forever.  What we do now…how we live our lives today…will have eternal ramifications. 

Rob Chaffart shares this -- what is the devil's biggest weapon? Discouragement! He tried this on Jesus Himself, 2000 years ago, using one of his closest disciples: “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, 'Never, Lord!' He said. 'This shall never happen to you!' Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.'" (Matt 16:21-23 NIV)  Those who gave up quickly never were able to fathom the wonders that God would have performed through them. They could have reached the stars, driven by God Himself!   “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9 NIV)

"Giving up" is music to the ears of the enemy.  However, we serve One who is bigger and more powerful than all the possible obstacles that could face us.  We serve One who is interested in “filling up.”  “Giving up should never be an option in relationship to learning lessons in life when “filling up” is the blessed alternative.  We can learn from the prophet Micah and stand firm, watching attentively where God invites us to join Him in His work and reach out to those who have no hope.  "But me, I'm not giving up. I'm sticking around to see what God will do. I'm waiting for God to make things right. I'm counting on God to listen to me." (Micah 7:7 The Message)  We have the power available to us to live life abundantly (John 10:10).  But, it is up to us…it is our choice as to whether we access it or not.  As Paul says, we must by “enabled” by the Father through the Spirit in order to live like the Son.  Living right and powerfully for Christ is very much about position (of the heart)…about power (recognizing whose matters)…and about praise (the Lord for whom He is).  As Paul exemplified, all of this…in a great way…is comprehended and apprehended through prayer.  Paul reveals to the Ephesians and to us what should be the focus of our prayers.  The ability to be filled to the full, to be enabled to live life abundantly is the greatest and most fulfilling thing that we can do with our lives. 

Blessings, Don

Seeing the Unseen

Friends,

In 2 Kings 6:8-23, we come to understand that Elisha, the servant of the Lord, lived within the presence of God. This is the reason why he was able to live the victorious life. Surrounded by the enemy Syrians, it looked as though his fate was sealed, because they had come for him. But there was no terror in Elisha’s face…there was no panic in his heart. With calmness, courage and confidence he replies, "Don’t be afraid," "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (vs.16). The Apostle Paul echoed those sentiments when he wrote to the Christians at Rome, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Elisha’s servant stands as ample proof that even God’s own people do not always practice the presence of God in times of stress. No doubt he believed in God, but when the time came to put his belief to a practical test, he panicked. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" he asked. Have we ever felt like this? Elisha’s servant represents those today who concentrate so much on their difficulties and obstacles that they cannot and do not see the power of God.  Now before we are too harsh on this servant, we need to ask ourselves how we would fare in regard to faith.  Do we see the chariots of fire when we are facing serious surgery?  Do we confidently trust in God when we’ve been slandered unjustly?  When we are down to our last dollar, how do we react? Do we believe that God will somehow provide for us?  As I see it, Elisha’s servant represents a good deal of humanity. He is so overcome by the magnitude of the problem that he failed to recognize three things -- God’s presence, protection and provision.  We believe that we are children of God, and that He takes care of people, yet perhaps there are times when we become anxious about work, health, financial status, etc. and we allow ourselves to be weighed down by causeless fears. We need to learn to realize God’s presence with us and say with the Psalmist, “My times are in Your hand.”

The servant could see and yet he could not see...like someone who has lost his glasses or contacts. What he really needed were some “spiritual spectacles”. He saw the enemy surrounding the city, but not the greater host of God’s angels who protected the man of God.  Elisha’s servant was gazing so intently at the Syrian army that he couldn’t see the chariots of fire!  He could see the danger, but not the deliverance!  When we feel all alone in our struggles, we need to lift up our eyes…the hosts of God are all about us. The same chariots of fire that whisked Elijah away are back to protect us! This isn’t the only place where we see such a message.

When Jesus was asked by His disciples why He taught the crowds in parables, He answered, “This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ’You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving’” (Matthew 13:13-14).  The greatest and wisest men are those who see further and deeper than others. Jesus saw what blind eyes could not see, and He was calm and joyful, even in the presence of agony and death.  The truest vision is the vision of faith. The world says, “Seeing is believing”…whereas, the Gospel says, “Believing is seeing.” There is a great spiritual world that we’ve never seen with our physical eyes. The clearer sight we have of the power of heaven, the less we shall fear the troubles of earth.

Two missionaries in Malaysia walked to a distant village for some money which had been sent to a bank for them. When they were returning to their station, night overtook them. They prayed and committed themselves to God. Then they lay down to sleep on a lonely hillside. Some weeks later a man came to the mission hospital for treatment.  He looked intently at the missionary doctor. “I have seen you before,” he said. “No, I don’t believe we have ever met,” the doctor replied. “But we have met before,” insisted the man. “You were sleeping one night on a hillside. Several of us saw you withdraw some money from the bank. We followed you, intending to rob you when it was dark. But we could not get near you because of all the soldiers that were surrounding you. “Soldiers!” exclaimed the missionary. “There were no soldiers with us!” The bandit said, “But there were soldiers with you. I saw them and so did my companions...16 of them...so we ran away."  Psalm 34:7 says,“The angel of the Lord encamps round about those that fear him, and delivers them”.

 
Jesus has come to correct our spiritual vision! Luke 4:18: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” So the next time your heart is filled with fear, look up and see the chariots of fire!  If you’re afraid of death and judgment, then look to Jesus as Savior. Don’t be blind to His love and power to forgive you.

Blessings, Don