I participated in a Japan seminar in 2001. I struggled greatly trying to grasp religion in Japan. The lack of a “why” clouds the issues in my mind. One of the leaders shared he has a religious practice/tradition without any real personal spiritual implications. I have observed similar things among friends and acquaintances. Large crowds come to church on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, though they may not know why.
But my experience with religion and spirituality diverges from what others have described, and I would like to briefly share it with you.
My faith in Jesus Christ is vibrant and real, and was not inherited from my parents’ practices. They went to churches across the street from one another, and did not agree on doctrinal issues. My childhood was spent in a divided home. Though my parents never divorced, I related strongly to those whose parents were.
In college, when I rebelled against the legalism of one church’s doctrine with loose morality, God got my attention, not in an emotionally charged revival service, but in a theater during a John Travolta movie. I understood my rebellion and immorality separated me from God, and it broke my heart. At that moment, I experienced His forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ. That day, I devoted myself to this God who loved me so much that He would go to such extremes to reveal Himself, His character, and His ways to me.
My faith is not about following a set of rules, laws, creeds, or traditions. It is about a love relationship with God through Jesus Christ that is personal and real. And because I love Him, I try to live to honor God and serve others. Humility is not my forte, but the Spirit of God at work in my life empowers me to be humble, thinking of others first.
God answered me as I cried out over my firstborn in a neo-natal intensive care unit after he had been twice resuscitated. God told me that Jesse was healed. Two years later, in church, God gave my wife the name of our second child, more than two years before he was born. His name was a promise, Josiah, Jehovah heals.
My daughter, Janae Elisabeth, is a precious gift in answer to my wife’s unintended prayers about being outnumbered by the opposite gender and associated body parts.
Years later, God gave me the name of our fourth (and hopefully final) child after six months of my praying in protest of a dream God gave me that I had four kids. I thought three was enough, but God wanted us to have a Joel (Jehovah is God) to bring us joy. This word came almost three years before Joel was born.
This only scratches the surface of all I could tell you about how God has nurtured me, spoken to me, comforted me, and literally put songs in my mouth. But now is not the time.
Thanks for indulging me.
February 2001
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Mistaken identity
Mistaken identity
March 6, 2011
In Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” Aragorn was Strider, a Ranger. Or was he?
Aragorn was the rightful heir to the throne.
The ugly duckling of the children’s story did not know he was a swan.
In the movie, “Princess Diaries,” Mia thought she was a normal teenager, bu she was actually the heir to a throne.
Jesus was thought to be an illegitimate sone of a peasant. Now people think he was a good, moral teacher. The truth that Jesus is God Incarnate (in the flesh) is too much for many too swallow.
We think we are sinners (correctly), but too seldom move beyond that into our inheritance and true identity: Chosen people, royal priesthood, God’s elect, strangers and aliens in the world, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, saints set apart, a dwelling in which God lives, fellow citizens with God’s people, heirs of the promise, ambassadors, ...
Because we are forgetful, we must continually be reminded of our true identity. Before conversion, the Deceiver tells us we’re okay, we’re not that bad, we’ve done nothing to deserve judgment and so don’t need a Savior, we need no atonement or justification.
Once converted, however, the Deceiver changes tactics and becomes the Accuser. The Accuser keeps our sins and faults always before us, questioning our identify, just as he did with Christ in the garden, “If you are the Son of God.” For us, “If you were really a child of God, you would not think, do, say, ... that ...
Condemnation and guilt are his allies, but conviction brings godly sorrow that leads to repentance and freedom from guilt and condemnation.
Draw us into Your presence, Lord.
1 Peter 2:9-12, Ephesians 2:19-22, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 7:10
2 Corinthians 4:4, Proverbs 5:6
Job 4:17-19
Matthew 4:3, 6
March 6, 2011
In Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” Aragorn was Strider, a Ranger. Or was he?
Aragorn was the rightful heir to the throne.
The ugly duckling of the children’s story did not know he was a swan.
In the movie, “Princess Diaries,” Mia thought she was a normal teenager, bu she was actually the heir to a throne.
Jesus was thought to be an illegitimate sone of a peasant. Now people think he was a good, moral teacher. The truth that Jesus is God Incarnate (in the flesh) is too much for many too swallow.
We think we are sinners (correctly), but too seldom move beyond that into our inheritance and true identity: Chosen people, royal priesthood, God’s elect, strangers and aliens in the world, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, saints set apart, a dwelling in which God lives, fellow citizens with God’s people, heirs of the promise, ambassadors, ...
Because we are forgetful, we must continually be reminded of our true identity. Before conversion, the Deceiver tells us we’re okay, we’re not that bad, we’ve done nothing to deserve judgment and so don’t need a Savior, we need no atonement or justification.
Once converted, however, the Deceiver changes tactics and becomes the Accuser. The Accuser keeps our sins and faults always before us, questioning our identify, just as he did with Christ in the garden, “If you are the Son of God.” For us, “If you were really a child of God, you would not think, do, say, ... that ...
Condemnation and guilt are his allies, but conviction brings godly sorrow that leads to repentance and freedom from guilt and condemnation.
Draw us into Your presence, Lord.
1 Peter 2:9-12, Ephesians 2:19-22, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 7:10
2 Corinthians 4:4, Proverbs 5:6
Job 4:17-19
Matthew 4:3, 6
Chasing joy
Chasing Joy
March 6, November 6, 2011 (Bible verses references listed below.)
Why chase joy? Because our Creator wants us to know joy, complete and perfect joy!
So many of the pursuits in our culture and society are a vain attempt to fill the void left by a lack of joy in our lives. We pursue popularity, success, family, acceptance, sex, possessions, ... We hope that if we finally accomplish these pursuits we will have happiness, joy. But we always come up short of our goal, our joy tank is empty.
We approach joy as if it is something we can muster or contrive. That is not the nature of true joy. Most Bible references to joy note that God is the source of joy.
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.”(David)
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah)
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”(Jesus)
“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (Jesus)
“... so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” (Jesus)
Joy’s foundation is in God’s nature, character, and provision, in what He has accomplished on our behalf, including forgiveness, redemption, and salvation.
Joy is to be an integral part of the walk with Christ, a fruit of being in step with the Spirit.
Joy is the natural response to recognizing and receiving God’s grace toward us.
Joy is the intentional response to adversity and persecution.
Joy should become a habit, just as love should be a habit that results in walking in obedience.
Joy is the by-product of such a love-walk in faith, an inexpressible and glorious joy.
Joy comes with obedience.
Anxiety, doubt, vain imaginations, and impure thoughts are only a few of the enemies of joy.
Chasing joy requires taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ - and we need His help to do it. Our power is insufficient to gain complete control of our own thoughts.
(See also “Rejoice?”)
Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 4:7; 16:11; 30:5-6; 51:12; 126:3
Isaiah 12:3; 58:14
Habakuk 3:17-18
Zephaniah 3:17
Matthew 5:11-12; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5
Luke 1:46-48; 2:10; 10:20-21
John 15:11; 16:20-24; 17:13
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
Galatians 5:22-23
Philippians 3:1; 4:4-9
I Thessalonians 5:16-18, God’s will? Be joyful, pray, give thanks!
I Peter 1:3-9
Hebrews 12:2, Jesus’ choice
March 6, November 6, 2011 (Bible verses references listed below.)
Why chase joy? Because our Creator wants us to know joy, complete and perfect joy!
So many of the pursuits in our culture and society are a vain attempt to fill the void left by a lack of joy in our lives. We pursue popularity, success, family, acceptance, sex, possessions, ... We hope that if we finally accomplish these pursuits we will have happiness, joy. But we always come up short of our goal, our joy tank is empty.
We approach joy as if it is something we can muster or contrive. That is not the nature of true joy. Most Bible references to joy note that God is the source of joy.
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.”(David)
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah)
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”(Jesus)
“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (Jesus)
“... so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” (Jesus)
Joy’s foundation is in God’s nature, character, and provision, in what He has accomplished on our behalf, including forgiveness, redemption, and salvation.
Joy is to be an integral part of the walk with Christ, a fruit of being in step with the Spirit.
Joy is the natural response to recognizing and receiving God’s grace toward us.
Joy is the intentional response to adversity and persecution.
Joy should become a habit, just as love should be a habit that results in walking in obedience.
Joy is the by-product of such a love-walk in faith, an inexpressible and glorious joy.
Joy comes with obedience.
Anxiety, doubt, vain imaginations, and impure thoughts are only a few of the enemies of joy.
Chasing joy requires taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ - and we need His help to do it. Our power is insufficient to gain complete control of our own thoughts.
(See also “Rejoice?”)
Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 4:7; 16:11; 30:5-6; 51:12; 126:3
Isaiah 12:3; 58:14
Habakuk 3:17-18
Zephaniah 3:17
Matthew 5:11-12; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5
Luke 1:46-48; 2:10; 10:20-21
John 15:11; 16:20-24; 17:13
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
Galatians 5:22-23
Philippians 3:1; 4:4-9
I Thessalonians 5:16-18, God’s will? Be joyful, pray, give thanks!
I Peter 1:3-9
Hebrews 12:2, Jesus’ choice
But we see Jesus ...
But we see Jesus ...
June 5, 1998
Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector (Finisher) of our faith ... Hebrews 12:2
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
We live by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
The world is filled with images, temporal things that will pass away. But very appealing things to our eyes. Other images bring sorrow, pain, frustration, anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, and other negative emotions. All these images vie for our attention, occupy our time, our thoughts. Will we be taken in by the whims and fancy of our eyes as we decide about our choices to look, watch, gaze, etc.?
Our experiences are much the same; some bring joy, some pain, some anxiety - the whole gamut of emotions. Often we allow our experiences to dominate our thoughts, our motives, our attitudes, our time, our lives. We have no ability to change our past, but we do have the choice about how we view it.
This morning I was trying to pray, read the Bible, meditate, and my mind continued wandering back to a TV show my wife was watching last night. I sat down and watched with her for a while. For me it was a poor choice. Even as I sit here this afternoon, some of those images try to come back to haunt me. I sought God to cleanse and renew my mind, but I needed a new focus. God brought some of the above Scriptures to my mind.
“I cannot keep a bird from flying over my head, but I can keep it from nesting in my hair.”
Attributed to Martin Luther
My mind is undisciplined, but with the help of the Lord, it can become disciplined, a fit vessel for our Lord. Our thought life is our choice. I am seeking in my life to see Jesus. To fix my gaze on Him is my goal; not on my circumstances, not on the whims of my eyes, not on my past or my future, not on my pain or my joys ... just Jesus Christ. I want to set my heart and mind on things above, to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, ...
Will you join me?
Lord Jesus, forgive my undisciplined mind and heart. Cleanse me. Renew me. Renew my mind in your image. Let me see only you. When I look at my circumstances, other people, my past, my recurring sin, or any other thing, let me see them through your eyes, from your perspective. Then let me bring them to you, relinquish them, and allow you to accomplish the work and growth you desire in my life. Thanks for your faithfulness.
June 5, 1998
Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector (Finisher) of our faith ... Hebrews 12:2
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
We live by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
The world is filled with images, temporal things that will pass away. But very appealing things to our eyes. Other images bring sorrow, pain, frustration, anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, and other negative emotions. All these images vie for our attention, occupy our time, our thoughts. Will we be taken in by the whims and fancy of our eyes as we decide about our choices to look, watch, gaze, etc.?
Our experiences are much the same; some bring joy, some pain, some anxiety - the whole gamut of emotions. Often we allow our experiences to dominate our thoughts, our motives, our attitudes, our time, our lives. We have no ability to change our past, but we do have the choice about how we view it.
This morning I was trying to pray, read the Bible, meditate, and my mind continued wandering back to a TV show my wife was watching last night. I sat down and watched with her for a while. For me it was a poor choice. Even as I sit here this afternoon, some of those images try to come back to haunt me. I sought God to cleanse and renew my mind, but I needed a new focus. God brought some of the above Scriptures to my mind.
“I cannot keep a bird from flying over my head, but I can keep it from nesting in my hair.”
Attributed to Martin Luther
My mind is undisciplined, but with the help of the Lord, it can become disciplined, a fit vessel for our Lord. Our thought life is our choice. I am seeking in my life to see Jesus. To fix my gaze on Him is my goal; not on my circumstances, not on the whims of my eyes, not on my past or my future, not on my pain or my joys ... just Jesus Christ. I want to set my heart and mind on things above, to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, ...
Will you join me?
Lord Jesus, forgive my undisciplined mind and heart. Cleanse me. Renew me. Renew my mind in your image. Let me see only you. When I look at my circumstances, other people, my past, my recurring sin, or any other thing, let me see them through your eyes, from your perspective. Then let me bring them to you, relinquish them, and allow you to accomplish the work and growth you desire in my life. Thanks for your faithfulness.
Being or Doing?
God used the reading for August 3 in "My Utmost for His Highest" and some teachings from "Experiencing God" to prompt the following thoughts.
August 4, 1998
We live in a "do" society. Workers are rewarded for what they do, how well they do their jobs, how many publications they have, etc. In this society, the way to "be" somebody is to "do" something noteworthy or exceptional, something beyond what all the others are doing.
God chooses us and calls us to "be": to be saved, redeemed, and holy, to be His children, but most of all, just to "be" with Him. The things we "do" as Christians are the fruit of our communing with God: bearing fruit, loving others, obedience, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control, ...
As we live in this "do" society we sometimes confuse who we are (identity) with what we do (activity). We think in terms of activity; "to do" lists, projects, responsibilities, jobs, etc. We seldom think about our identity apart from such activities. Even when we ask young people what they want to be when they grow up, their response is usually something they want to do: a career, profession, or other sort of activity.
This is my dilemma. How do I separate doing from being. I want to be with God, to commune with Him, to love, worship, and enjoy Him forever. In my profession I am compelled to do in order to keep job, get promotions, etc. Often, we bring this "do" mentality into the church with us. The body of Christ is about being, not doing. Jesus has already done all that needed to be done. We need only to be in Him. All else pales in comparison. He will do all that needs to be done through us if we are (abiding) in Him. God does not need anything from us. When we sense God's calling, it is to be with Him. Once we are with Him, He may commission us to "be" ambassadors with specific activities, but the calling is to be. When we begin doing apart from
God, our independence threatens our relationship, distance limits our being with Him.
A few selected verses:
Ephesians 1:4-5 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to "be" holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to "be" adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ ...
Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might "be" for the praise of His glory...
I Peter 1:15 But just as He who called yo is holy, so "be" holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I AM Holy."
Matthew 5:48 "Be" perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Obviously, we are called to be more than we can be in our own power, strength, ability, or merit. The only way we can "be all that you can be" is through intimate fellowship with the One who made us, the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Transcendent, Immutable God.
Let us learn to be content in His presence, to be thankful, to be joyful, to be content, and all the other fruit that comes from abiding in the True Vine.
August 4, 1998
We live in a "do" society. Workers are rewarded for what they do, how well they do their jobs, how many publications they have, etc. In this society, the way to "be" somebody is to "do" something noteworthy or exceptional, something beyond what all the others are doing.
God chooses us and calls us to "be": to be saved, redeemed, and holy, to be His children, but most of all, just to "be" with Him. The things we "do" as Christians are the fruit of our communing with God: bearing fruit, loving others, obedience, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control, ...
As we live in this "do" society we sometimes confuse who we are (identity) with what we do (activity). We think in terms of activity; "to do" lists, projects, responsibilities, jobs, etc. We seldom think about our identity apart from such activities. Even when we ask young people what they want to be when they grow up, their response is usually something they want to do: a career, profession, or other sort of activity.
This is my dilemma. How do I separate doing from being. I want to be with God, to commune with Him, to love, worship, and enjoy Him forever. In my profession I am compelled to do in order to keep job, get promotions, etc. Often, we bring this "do" mentality into the church with us. The body of Christ is about being, not doing. Jesus has already done all that needed to be done. We need only to be in Him. All else pales in comparison. He will do all that needs to be done through us if we are (abiding) in Him. God does not need anything from us. When we sense God's calling, it is to be with Him. Once we are with Him, He may commission us to "be" ambassadors with specific activities, but the calling is to be. When we begin doing apart from
God, our independence threatens our relationship, distance limits our being with Him.
A few selected verses:
Ephesians 1:4-5 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to "be" holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to "be" adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ ...
Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might "be" for the praise of His glory...
I Peter 1:15 But just as He who called yo is holy, so "be" holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I AM Holy."
Matthew 5:48 "Be" perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Obviously, we are called to be more than we can be in our own power, strength, ability, or merit. The only way we can "be all that you can be" is through intimate fellowship with the One who made us, the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Transcendent, Immutable God.
Let us learn to be content in His presence, to be thankful, to be joyful, to be content, and all the other fruit that comes from abiding in the True Vine.
I have a dream (with a nod to Dr. M.L. King)
Monday, January 20, 1997
Although this is not the time, I still have a dream. I guess that is an appropriate thing to say on this day when this country takes time out to remember another man who had a dream, Martin Luther King, Jr. I doubt my dream would be as revolutionary to the country, but it might be just as revolutionary to the church. I have a dream where a church does not have thousands and millions of dollars tied up in buildings, utilities, & maintenance that go unused 90% of the week while people can't make bills and payments and others are homeless. A church that does not have "full-time" staff members with large salaries while people need food, clothing, care, ... A dream in which a church does not spend 90+% of its budget on the homefront when a whole world is dying without knowledge of Christ, and fewer missionaries are working on smaller budgets because people "at home" are giving less. I dream of a church that is not run by pastors, elders, deacons, committees and such, but in which Christ is really the Head and the body and bride submits to Him in everything. I dream of a church in which people speak as the Spirit gives them utterance, in order, and for the edification of the body and glorification of the Lord. I dream of a church that is not bound by the tradition of what we have always and only known the church to be. I dream of a church where people sell things to provide for those who lack, a church where people genuinely fellowship with one another; a church in which all suffer with one who suffers or rejoice with the one who rejoices. I have a dream of a church that is not highly structured, but highly faithful and dependent. I have a dream of a church that is not bound by denominations, walls, politics, ethnicity, color, gender, social class, income level, or any other thing, but Christ is all and is in all.
I suspect this "church" would have elders to lead, deacons and deaconesses to serve, and all other gifted folks ministering in faith as the Spirit leads them: serving, giving, prophesying, showing mercy, teaching, encouraging, exhorting, healing, helping, praying, administering, being faithful, . . . There would possibly be a "full-time" administrator/coordinator who might also double as a teacher, worship leader, secretary, or some other role as his giftings allowed. The elders would be primarily responsible for sharing the Word, building up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature. The servants would find ways to meet the needs of the body. Evangelists and others would be involved in bringing people into the body. Without the encumbrance of buildings, more funds would be available for missions and "benevolance," at home and abroad. The world could see the church providing for the needs of its people, rather than for the needs of its building and staff. The church would no longer be "owned" by the things it owns.
I believe this vision is from God, but since all times are now for God, it is difficult for me to sort out the times and circumstances under which this church will become a reality in the sense that we can experience. When the revival that God has promised comes, there will be more people who come to Christ than our buildings can accommodate. We need to follow Him, for He alone is faithful. He is who He said He is, and He is able to do what He said He would do.
He will complete the work He has begun. Let us be faithful.
I, too, have a dream, in which people of all colors, races, ethnicities, and denominations gather side-by-side, hand-in-hand in worship and service before the Lord.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Clay
Although this is not the time, I still have a dream. I guess that is an appropriate thing to say on this day when this country takes time out to remember another man who had a dream, Martin Luther King, Jr. I doubt my dream would be as revolutionary to the country, but it might be just as revolutionary to the church. I have a dream where a church does not have thousands and millions of dollars tied up in buildings, utilities, & maintenance that go unused 90% of the week while people can't make bills and payments and others are homeless. A church that does not have "full-time" staff members with large salaries while people need food, clothing, care, ... A dream in which a church does not spend 90+% of its budget on the homefront when a whole world is dying without knowledge of Christ, and fewer missionaries are working on smaller budgets because people "at home" are giving less. I dream of a church that is not run by pastors, elders, deacons, committees and such, but in which Christ is really the Head and the body and bride submits to Him in everything. I dream of a church in which people speak as the Spirit gives them utterance, in order, and for the edification of the body and glorification of the Lord. I dream of a church that is not bound by the tradition of what we have always and only known the church to be. I dream of a church where people sell things to provide for those who lack, a church where people genuinely fellowship with one another; a church in which all suffer with one who suffers or rejoice with the one who rejoices. I have a dream of a church that is not highly structured, but highly faithful and dependent. I have a dream of a church that is not bound by denominations, walls, politics, ethnicity, color, gender, social class, income level, or any other thing, but Christ is all and is in all.
I suspect this "church" would have elders to lead, deacons and deaconesses to serve, and all other gifted folks ministering in faith as the Spirit leads them: serving, giving, prophesying, showing mercy, teaching, encouraging, exhorting, healing, helping, praying, administering, being faithful, . . . There would possibly be a "full-time" administrator/coordinator who might also double as a teacher, worship leader, secretary, or some other role as his giftings allowed. The elders would be primarily responsible for sharing the Word, building up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature. The servants would find ways to meet the needs of the body. Evangelists and others would be involved in bringing people into the body. Without the encumbrance of buildings, more funds would be available for missions and "benevolance," at home and abroad. The world could see the church providing for the needs of its people, rather than for the needs of its building and staff. The church would no longer be "owned" by the things it owns.
I believe this vision is from God, but since all times are now for God, it is difficult for me to sort out the times and circumstances under which this church will become a reality in the sense that we can experience. When the revival that God has promised comes, there will be more people who come to Christ than our buildings can accommodate. We need to follow Him, for He alone is faithful. He is who He said He is, and He is able to do what He said He would do.
He will complete the work He has begun. Let us be faithful.
I, too, have a dream, in which people of all colors, races, ethnicities, and denominations gather side-by-side, hand-in-hand in worship and service before the Lord.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Clay
Rejoice?
2-12-97
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess. 5:18
Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
A question arose the other day during a Bible study on Php 4, "How does one rejoice in the midst of difficult life circumstances?" Someone responded with a story she heard about a man who had lost his wife and children in a car accident. He said, "I don't praise God that I lost my family. I praise God for who He is." A wonderful discussion followed. How do we praise God when the hard things come.
Paul continued, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:5-9
He included the secret for rejoicing, for contentment, for how to think, pray, and act in all circumstances. In "Experiencing God," Henry Blackaby says that looking through our circumstances distorts our view of God. Rather, we should draw near to God and gain His perspective on our circumstances. Paul includes three beautiful promises that give us our focus in the hard times. 1) The Lord is near. 2) The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 3) The God of peace will be with you. Two of these promises tell us that God is with us, Emmanuel, Christ Jesus. This reminds us that we come to God, looking to Him, regardless of circumstances. We need to take comfort in the nearness and protection of God. Then we need to take all our circumstances and anxieties to God with earnest, deep prayer. And we need to thank God. Not necessarily for the circumstances - that may be too difficult. But we can thank God for all He has done through history, for the ways He has revealed Himself, His purposes, and His ways to us; for Christ, our Sacrifice, our Life; for all He has done for each of us, all His provisions, all His help, His protection, His peace, His comfort, ... We have much to thank God for if we will look to Him rather than the distractions at hand. God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus with His peace - the peace He left with the disciples (John 14:27). Then we need to think about God, for only in Him and His Word do we find things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess. 5:18
Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
A question arose the other day during a Bible study on Php 4, "How does one rejoice in the midst of difficult life circumstances?" Someone responded with a story she heard about a man who had lost his wife and children in a car accident. He said, "I don't praise God that I lost my family. I praise God for who He is." A wonderful discussion followed. How do we praise God when the hard things come.
Paul continued, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:5-9
He included the secret for rejoicing, for contentment, for how to think, pray, and act in all circumstances. In "Experiencing God," Henry Blackaby says that looking through our circumstances distorts our view of God. Rather, we should draw near to God and gain His perspective on our circumstances. Paul includes three beautiful promises that give us our focus in the hard times. 1) The Lord is near. 2) The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 3) The God of peace will be with you. Two of these promises tell us that God is with us, Emmanuel, Christ Jesus. This reminds us that we come to God, looking to Him, regardless of circumstances. We need to take comfort in the nearness and protection of God. Then we need to take all our circumstances and anxieties to God with earnest, deep prayer. And we need to thank God. Not necessarily for the circumstances - that may be too difficult. But we can thank God for all He has done through history, for the ways He has revealed Himself, His purposes, and His ways to us; for Christ, our Sacrifice, our Life; for all He has done for each of us, all His provisions, all His help, His protection, His peace, His comfort, ... We have much to thank God for if we will look to Him rather than the distractions at hand. God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus with His peace - the peace He left with the disciples (John 14:27). Then we need to think about God, for only in Him and His Word do we find things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Progressive revelation, July 21, 2009
Progressive revelation, July 21, 2009
Thanks to Tim Bryant for being a sounding board and instigator for my thoughts.
For ease of reading, most of the referenced verses are listed at the end.
We are incapable of being righteous or even desiring God, but morality provided an insight into God’s character, which could be pursued apart from God or could be the behavioral by-product, the fruit of seeking God. Before Christ, such a pursuit apart from God looked not unlike the rich, young ruler - I’ve obeyed all these since my youth (but something’s missing, I’m still empty), or like the Pharisee Saul – circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel (God’s chosen people), of the tribe of Benjamin (Israel’s first royal tribe, and Saul’s namesake), a Hebrew of Hebrews, in regard to the Law, a Pharisee (most correct in literally adhering to the Law, revering it and following it), zealously persecuting the church, ...
But Jesus changes everything, especially the focus - no longer religious activity, but a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ, by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, no longer putting confidence in the flesh.
Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:19-20
The first six verses represent what Paul expresses in Romans 1 (and the writer of Hebrews): God has revealed his invisible attributes, eternal power and divine nature since creation, in creation. Thus the heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim His handiwork. Their voice and words go out into all the world – God’s manifest witness.
Mark 8:22-26
John Calvin the progressive healing of the blind man to God’s progressive revelation. God’s witness in creation allows us to begin to see God’s nature and character, but our sight is incomplete and dim. Our perspective of God is like the man’s perspective, “I see people, but they look like trees walking around.” Creation does not give us the whole story, just enough to make create in us a desire for more of the story, to find the book and get to know the author. Then Jesus completely healed the man and he could see - the revelation was completed.
Psalm 19:7-11
Then David transitions to the Law – the Pentateuch, a more full revelation of God’s activity. More than just commands, God brought order to chaos, created man in His own image, redeemed and covered Adam’s sin and rebellion, and promised the Seed of the woman would come who would crush the serpent’s head. God revealed His grace to Noah during judgment in the flood, called out Abram and Sarai and changed their names, promising the Blessing that would come through Abraham’s line. God built a people for Himself, developed Jacob’s character and changed his name to Israel, the name for God’s own people. In Joseph’s life, God demonstrated His ability to work out all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God heard His people’s requests, and rescued them from Egypt through Moses, and revealed more of Himself to His people and Moses than to anyone who came before, yet promised a Prophet who would be even more, greater than Moses.
The Law was given to protect a sinful people when they encountered a holy and righteous God. David recognized the righteous requirements of the Law, by their very nature, were too much for man to accomplish. The Law, from its inception, intended to bring conviction and point us to our sinfulness (not righteousness) and need for grace, love, and mercy. Thus, the Law in Psalm 19 is the totality of God’s progressive revelation of His nature and character to His people, a more tangible expression of the witness of creation, and more full revelation than existed apart from the Law.
So, David begins by acknowledging God’s witness and revelation of Himself through creation, and then makes the natural extension to God’s more full revelation of Himself through recorded history in calling and growing a people for Himself and giving them the Testimony, the Covenant we call the Law. It is this full revelation of the Pentateuch that is perfect, trustworthy, radiant, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, and desirable, reviving the soul, bringing wisdom, joy, and enlightenment as it endures.
David shows the conviction brought by the Law to the heart that seeks God, as well as the human inability to know their own heart). David needs personal, Divine intervention. He declares his need for a Redeemer, one to cover his sins.
Yet the promises in the Pentateuch were not yet fulfilled in David’s time, they remained incomplete, still awaiting their fulfillment in Christ, who fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in the Word made flesh, the exact representation of His being, in Whom all the fulness of the Deity lives in bodily form, the Firstborn of all creation, and Firstborn from among the dead, the Truth that frees us from bondage, ...
The revelation of God’s purpose and plan from the beginning was completed in Christ.
Genesis 3; 12:3; 15 (specifically referenced)
Leviticus19:18
Deuteronomy 6:4 ff; 18
Psalm 2, 14, 15:2-5; 19; 21:2; 53, 73:16-17; 139:23-24; 141:3
Jeremiah 17:9-10
Philippians 1:17-18; 2:5-11; 3:2-11
Colossians 1:15-22; 2:20-23; 3:3-5
Matthew 5:17; 19:16 ff (esp. v.21); 22:34 ff; 23:5
Mark 8:22-26
John 1:1-18; 8:31-38; 14:6; 15:18-25; 16:1-11
Romans 1:19-20; 3:9-20; 7:7-20; 10:4
Galatians 3:13-29, esp. 23
Hebrews 1:1-4; 3; 7:19; 8:13; 9:12, et al.
Thanks to Tim Bryant for being a sounding board and instigator for my thoughts.
For ease of reading, most of the referenced verses are listed at the end.
We are incapable of being righteous or even desiring God, but morality provided an insight into God’s character, which could be pursued apart from God or could be the behavioral by-product, the fruit of seeking God. Before Christ, such a pursuit apart from God looked not unlike the rich, young ruler - I’ve obeyed all these since my youth (but something’s missing, I’m still empty), or like the Pharisee Saul – circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel (God’s chosen people), of the tribe of Benjamin (Israel’s first royal tribe, and Saul’s namesake), a Hebrew of Hebrews, in regard to the Law, a Pharisee (most correct in literally adhering to the Law, revering it and following it), zealously persecuting the church, ...
But Jesus changes everything, especially the focus - no longer religious activity, but a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ, by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, no longer putting confidence in the flesh.
Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:19-20
The first six verses represent what Paul expresses in Romans 1 (and the writer of Hebrews): God has revealed his invisible attributes, eternal power and divine nature since creation, in creation. Thus the heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim His handiwork. Their voice and words go out into all the world – God’s manifest witness.
Mark 8:22-26
John Calvin the progressive healing of the blind man to God’s progressive revelation. God’s witness in creation allows us to begin to see God’s nature and character, but our sight is incomplete and dim. Our perspective of God is like the man’s perspective, “I see people, but they look like trees walking around.” Creation does not give us the whole story, just enough to make create in us a desire for more of the story, to find the book and get to know the author. Then Jesus completely healed the man and he could see - the revelation was completed.
Psalm 19:7-11
Then David transitions to the Law – the Pentateuch, a more full revelation of God’s activity. More than just commands, God brought order to chaos, created man in His own image, redeemed and covered Adam’s sin and rebellion, and promised the Seed of the woman would come who would crush the serpent’s head. God revealed His grace to Noah during judgment in the flood, called out Abram and Sarai and changed their names, promising the Blessing that would come through Abraham’s line. God built a people for Himself, developed Jacob’s character and changed his name to Israel, the name for God’s own people. In Joseph’s life, God demonstrated His ability to work out all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God heard His people’s requests, and rescued them from Egypt through Moses, and revealed more of Himself to His people and Moses than to anyone who came before, yet promised a Prophet who would be even more, greater than Moses.
The Law was given to protect a sinful people when they encountered a holy and righteous God. David recognized the righteous requirements of the Law, by their very nature, were too much for man to accomplish. The Law, from its inception, intended to bring conviction and point us to our sinfulness (not righteousness) and need for grace, love, and mercy. Thus, the Law in Psalm 19 is the totality of God’s progressive revelation of His nature and character to His people, a more tangible expression of the witness of creation, and more full revelation than existed apart from the Law.
So, David begins by acknowledging God’s witness and revelation of Himself through creation, and then makes the natural extension to God’s more full revelation of Himself through recorded history in calling and growing a people for Himself and giving them the Testimony, the Covenant we call the Law. It is this full revelation of the Pentateuch that is perfect, trustworthy, radiant, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, and desirable, reviving the soul, bringing wisdom, joy, and enlightenment as it endures.
David shows the conviction brought by the Law to the heart that seeks God, as well as the human inability to know their own heart). David needs personal, Divine intervention. He declares his need for a Redeemer, one to cover his sins.
Yet the promises in the Pentateuch were not yet fulfilled in David’s time, they remained incomplete, still awaiting their fulfillment in Christ, who fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in the Word made flesh, the exact representation of His being, in Whom all the fulness of the Deity lives in bodily form, the Firstborn of all creation, and Firstborn from among the dead, the Truth that frees us from bondage, ...
The revelation of God’s purpose and plan from the beginning was completed in Christ.
Genesis 3; 12:3; 15 (specifically referenced)
Leviticus19:18
Deuteronomy 6:4 ff; 18
Psalm 2, 14, 15:2-5; 19; 21:2; 53, 73:16-17; 139:23-24; 141:3
Jeremiah 17:9-10
Philippians 1:17-18; 2:5-11; 3:2-11
Colossians 1:15-22; 2:20-23; 3:3-5
Matthew 5:17; 19:16 ff (esp. v.21); 22:34 ff; 23:5
Mark 8:22-26
John 1:1-18; 8:31-38; 14:6; 15:18-25; 16:1-11
Romans 1:19-20; 3:9-20; 7:7-20; 10:4
Galatians 3:13-29, esp. 23
Hebrews 1:1-4; 3; 7:19; 8:13; 9:12, et al.
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