John Flavel and me Keeping the heart. 001

Duties Included in Keeping the Heart
Flavel, John (2010-08-03). Keeping the Heart. Kindle Edition.

"Frequent observation of the frame of the heart.  The heart can never be kept until its case be examined and understood."

Proust wrote, “No man is a mystery, except to himself.”

How many times have you thought, “I can’t believe I did/said that!”  Well, there ya go.  We need to examine our hearts regularly.  But we need help to do it well.  We talk of being able to do all things through Christ who is our strength.  Well, here’s one of the “all things” we avoid. 

Means:  Make a list.
What makes you laugh?  What makes you cry?  What hurts you and provokes anger?  What brings you satisfaction?  What brings you security?  What do you ache for?  What do you fear?
Which of those things are in line with your profession – or not?
Why?

It includes deep humiliation for heart evils and disorders.

OK, “humiliation” is a tough word – but it is also a good intervention word.  Flavel is talking about what you may have just discovered in the above exercise.  These “evils” and “disorders” have to be robbed of their power in your heart and the best way for that to happen is to lay them out before God.

Consider the sacrifice Christ made for those things.  Consider how He did so to enable you to humiliate them – to see and acknowledge their shameful presence in your heart.  BUT – do so ONLY if you are firmly aware of the fact of God’s grace in your life.

This isn’t about beating yourself up.  It is about beating the bugs out of the rug – the evil and disorder out of your heart.  Denial is so easy and so seeing becomes hard.  Denial is so easy and so dealing with evils and disorders is so messy.  The longer the evil and disorder remains denied the longer it works against your growth, stability and comfort.

I knew a man who after a year of literally living on OTC indigestion medicine finally went to the doctor.  To his horror, he had stomach cancer and it was too late to really do anything curative about it.  So it is with the evils and disorders that live in our hearts – though we are alive “in” Christ these things make our hearts dead to Him.  They are like the veil in the Temple were it to be repaired.  We cannot fully know the comfort and security of being His because of these things.
Means:  From the list take the evils and disorders you find to the throne of grace. 

Confess them and confess their hurtfulness to your spiritual health. 

Ask God to help you to begin to remove (humiliate) them. 

Ask Him where to start. 
Perhaps even keep a list in your wallet or purse so that when you pray you can always have a reminder of your deep heart need.

It includes earnest supplication and instant prayer for purifying and rectifying grace when sin has defiled and disordered the heart.  “Whatever thou deny me: give me a heart to fear thee, to love and delight in thee.”

This is praying “for.”  Above we took the load to Him.  Here we ask for what we need, “purifying and rectifying grace.”

Means:  Good old regular and strong, “on your knees” prayer.
Make use of David’s prayers such as we find in Psalm 23 and following.

Make use of the recorded prayers of others as can be found in the book, Puritan Prayers.

Thou hast struck a heavy blow at my pride, at the false god of self, and I lie in pieces before Thee. But Thou hast given me another master and lord, Thy Son, Jesus, and now my heart is turned towards holiness, my life speeds as an arrow from a bow towards complete obedience to Thee. Help me in all my doings to put down sin day. Grant me grace to bear Thy will without repining, and delight to be not only chiselled, squared, or fashioned, but separated from the old rock where I have been embedded so long, and lifted from the quarry to the upper air, where I may be built in Christ for ever.  Anonymous (2010-07-01). Puritan Prayers (Kindle Locations 105-110).  . Kindle Edition.

Write out your prayers.

It includes the imposing of strong engagements upon ourselves to walk more carefully with God, and avoid the occasions whereby the heart may be induced to sin.

This is head work.  How do you avoid those things which encourage, sustain or implant evils and disorders in your mind?  It is not only a matter of what you decide to forego or abstain from, but a matter of what you will take up, engage in and practice.
What will you choose to replace that which you find to your detriment?  How will you fill the minutes, the hours?  What will serve you to your benefit and growth in godliness?

These are not “laws,” but choices.  These do not determine “if” you are His but rather “how” you are His and how you give His Spirit the means and opportunity to heal, restore and strengthen you.  It can be as simple as not watching a TV show to as complex of breaking off an relationship.
Where upon your path do you stumble?  What is it that you stumble over?  Who is it that is a stumbling block to you?  These are the things concerning which you need to make strong resolutions – choices.

Though God can use these things, He cannot bless them.  Their use is limited to His conviction of your heart.  The blessing comes from taking the medicine He prescribes.  Though the medicine taste bitter, even nasty, we know it is all and only for our good and His glory.

Means:  Make a list, pray about where to begin and then begin.  Do so being as gentle and gracious with yourself as is He.
Who
What
When
Where
Choices have two ends: the choice to “not,” and the choice "to.”  As we choose to not we must choose to do.  In that list, make a column of what will replace that which you have marked for elimination.  Prayer, study, fellowship with other believers, worship – all these are good and godly replacements.
Our modern age supplies us with countless opportunities for choosing good things (as it does for evil).  I know that when all else fails I listen to sermons by Alistair Begg or read books written by one of the Puritans.  These choices may not be for you, they are but two options.

It includes a constant and holy jealousy over our own hearts.  He that will keep his heart must eat and drink with fear, rejoice with fear, and pass the whole time of his sojourning here in fear. All this is little enough to keep the heart from sin.

This is a choice as well.  You must choose to save your heart for God and godly things and resent that which works against it. 

You who are fathers – would you have less concern for your heart as you would for the safety and purity of your children – your daughter?  You mothers, would you feed your newborn from a dirty bottle?  Young people, would you allow harm and evil to come to your dearest friends?  So, as you would wish yourself to be in regards to these who are so dear to you – be so to your own heart.

Pray to live knowing that it is not only your heart, but it is His as well.  Think of the price He has paid so you might walk after Him in security and confidence.  Would you cheat on one who was so dedicated to you, who had given so much for you?  Consider those times when someone you considered close shunned or betrayed you – what was that pain like?

Or think of something in which or of which you place great meaning.  Would you allow someone to damage or destroy it?  Are you cautious about who uses it – perhaps even who sees it?  What greater meaning can any “thing” have than the redemption of your heart and His promise of His provision?
It is not sin to be selfish with your heart which He has redeemed.  It is sin to allow it to be used and abused, tarnished or torn by sin and the agents of sin.  We may give our hearts to others through Him but for no other reason than His service.

Means:  Who or what would draw your heart from you – from Him?  They have no such right, no such authority.
Keep your heart from their influence and certainly from their grasp.
It includes the realizing of God’s presence with us, and setting the Lord always before us.
This well could have been the first on the list for it is certainly the most important.  The old quip that “character is what a man is when no one is watching,” is not off the mark.
God is always watching – and He knows our suffering and difficulties.  He knows our grief.  He knows our needs.  He knows our weakness.
He wants His highest good for our lives here as well as in heaven. 
It is hard to really understand, but true that God is our truest friend.  He will never forsake or abandon us.  He is always at work for our betterment in His grace and glory.
He is the one who can not only search our hearts, but heal them and strengthen them as well

Urged by my need, invited by Thy promises, called by Thy Spirit, I enter Thy presence, worshipping Thee with godly fear, awed by Thy majesty, greatness, glory, but encouraged by Thy love.  Anonymous (2010-07-01). Puritan Prayers (Kindle Locations 121-122).  . Kindle Edition.

Bless me by revealing to me more of His saving merits, by causing Thy goodness to pass before me, by speaking peace to my contrite heart; strengthen me to give Thee no rest untiI Christ shall reign supreme within me in every thought, word, and deed, in a faith that purifies the heart, overcomes the world, works by love, fastens me to Thee, and ever clings to the cross.  Anonymous (2010-07-01). Puritan Prayers (Kindle Locations 125-128).  . Kindle Edition.

This and That The "flats?" 101012

This and That  The Flats?  101012

Weariness?  Dole-drums?  Numbness?

Ever have one of those days - weeks maybe even months when though you know the know the joy of the Lord, you just don't feel it?  It's like being at Disneyworld with a bad cold.  You know it's wonderful and you ought to have a good time but it's just out of reach.  I call this, "the flats."

It's not a "valley," and certainly not a "mountaintop," it's just flat.  You are unmotivated and seemingly unaffected concerning anything related to he faith.  Everything you thing about doing seem artificial and manipulative.  OK - maybe depressed is a good word but I know depression and this is not it.  It's just, "the flats."

So, that's where I am today and where I was yesterday.  I've tossed it up to the throne room and given it consideration and attention and even reviewed all my highlights in my reading to try and find out where this is coming from.

I'd almost say that I don't care - but I do.  I'd almost say I was failing in faithfulness but my practices are still important to me.  I'd say I was under oppression but that's a little strong.  I'm just in the "flats."

But in looking for the source of the flatishness I am hard pressed to discover it.   God is providing well and faithfully for us.  He even blessed us with the means to replace Patti's, computer so she can work on her photography.  Folks are reading my blog - or at least visiting it.  The Bible Study and care group are going well.  So I am not able to discover anything that would be the source of the flats.

So, I wonder if what I am experiencing is, well, contentment.  Oh, according to the "world's" measure and the fleshes expectations, thing are pretty awful.  But apart from that everying is AOk - even good.

I wonder if, because we allow the world and the flesh to have such impact on our hearts, we get used to living in a crisis state which becomes our norm.  I wonder if, becasue we are so prone to be faithful when times are tough and lax when things are good that we actually (somehow) create crisis for ourselves so we can go to and feel close to God.

Let me give you an example.  We went to shop for Patti's computer.  Now usually I go nuts in a store with lots of gadgets and gizmos.  So, while Patti was looking and considering and wearing down the salesguy I went to peruse all the latest and geatest goodies on offer.  I actually got bored.  As I looked at the goodies I kept asking, "What does this do that what God has alrady provided doesn't do?  Well, there were a goodly number of things the new goodies do.  But, they are things I don't do - or don't need to do.  That's when I first notices the flats.
I realized that i didn't "need" anything and that I really had no "wants."  Sickly, that bummed me out.  It was a shock - and a shock I'm still getting over.  I was content?

OK, let's suppose what I am experienceing is contentment.  I have to say that if it is, I have never experienced it before.  Ever.  What used to be a big deal - isn't.  What used to seem important, isn't.  The allure of the latest gizmo and gadget isn't.

Let's see:
I'm not worried about having our need met.
I'm not bummed because I can't get new goodies.
I'm not even impressed with the new goodies.
I'm beginning to not be able to understand wants.
I'm not into much TV if any.
I'm not fretting the election.
The work I have to do (all of it) is sufficient and honorable and satifying.

So - either I am terribly depressed or I am content.

I'm betting on content.  Why?
Well it's kind of a weird point.

James 1:14-16 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.  ESV

2 Peter 2:14b They have hearts trained in greed.  ESV

Maybe, just maybe, my desires have changed.  Maybe, just maybe, my heart is being retrained.

I'm on my second read of John Flavel's book, Keeping the Heart.  Maybe it's having an effect of which I was not aware.  Maybe it's true - good stuff in - good stuff out.  Maybe, as I "renew" my mind, my heart is affected more than I thought.

But I want to lay my money (haha) on contentment.  Not pridefully and certainly not due to anything I did but because God is working His promise in me as I work to fill my mind with wisdom and understanding.  All I can say is that I read a book - am reading it again and I'm seeing changes that I didn't choose or decide upon.

Maybe contentment is more a work of the Spirit than we think.  Maybe a lot of our attempts at being content are superfluous or at least minor elements.  Oh, I want to learn to be content and have prayed to learn but to be honest I was clueless as to how you got it.

Maybe (haha) there is really something to:

Phil 4:8&9  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.   ESV

This and That - Every ready to stand. 091812

We are never as scared of those things for which our minds are prepared.Flavel, John (2011-12-27). Triumphing Over Sinful Fear (Puritan Treasures for Today) (Kindle Location 962). Reformation Heritage Books. Kindle Edition.

In his work, Triumphing Over Sinful Fear, Flavel makes the above statement.  But I respond, “How can we be prepared for things our minds do not know”?  “How do I prepare for ?????? ?”

I have to start at the beginning:

We DO know what to expect!

Joh 16:33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Tribulation:  oppression, affliction, distress, obstacles.

This is a given, as well as:Luk 6:22  "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  (emphasis added).
I see two things here.  The first is the consequence of living in the world as His.  This is a general thing.  We all, as His, must fight the battle:

1Jn 2:15-16  Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.

The world wants - no, demands – us to conform to it.  It demands that we live according to its pattern.  The world and the devil wish to so impose themselves on our flesh that we live contrary to the faith we hold.

I do not really think the world or the devil have any hope of stealing us from Christ (Rom. 9:38&39).  But, they work diligently to confuse and confound us into compromise.  They wish to ingest just enough leaven into our hearts to hinder us.

And so, we fight a battle for non-conformity.  We fight a battle of inches not miles.  But, even though the battle is over little ground, it is still a battle that can hamper our growth, our faithfulness and cast our hearts down.  Satan and the world love nothing so much as a desperate believer.

The second thing I see is the direct assault on who and whose we are.  It is an attack because of Christ – because we are Christ’s.  The goal here is, again, not to steal us from Him but to get us to camouflage our faith – to dim the light. 

Now please heed what I say.  It is not the preaching of sin and redemption that so worries our enemies as it is the proclamation of God’s glory that they oppose.  It is the glory of God that we are to declare, and it is that they wish to silence.  I wonder sometimes if they have us so busy trying to “prove” there is a God that we get distracted from proclaiming His glory.

So we will have tribulation because we march to the beat of the Master Drummer and we will be hated, opposed, etc. because of Him.   

A Victoria Secret ad is a general assault.  A lawsuit to stop a home Bible study or a rule prohibiting your display of a Christian symbol is a direct assault.

So, how do we prepare?

Duhhhhh -  We all know: Eph 6:10-20  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  (13)  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  (14)  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  (15)  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  (16)  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  (17)  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  (18)  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  (19)  and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,  (20)  for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ok, I may get in trouble – but this passage has been so over quoted, poorly explained and little studied and certainly poorly followed as a discipline, that I cringe when I hear it.  This passage must be studied if we hope to be prepared for that which we will suffer!

For brevity, I’ll just break it down.  I encourage you to really study it in the light of the whole counsel of God.  I encourage you to take it to Him in prayer.  I encourage you to let it soak into your mind and heart.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might-       Not “be strong,” but “be strong IN THE LORD” – in the strength of HIS might.

How?Put on the whole armor of God,-       Do it, put it on and KEEP it on! – Remembering it is HIS armor – not yours.

Why?that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. -       What part of “stand” don’t we understand?

How, What and Why?Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 

The details!(14)  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  (15)  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  (16)  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  (17)  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  (18)  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.   (emphasis added)  There is no mystery here.  There is no lack of clarity.  Because of what we are and whose we are, these things are ours.  Whether you formulate a strict process by which you CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY do these things or you don’t – we must do these things CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY.

It is not about having your plan but rather of working His plan.

Small tract on Keeping the Heart

Greetings, I have written a small tract based upon a section of John Flavel's book, Keeping the Heart.  It's a little long to post here so I've posted it at the tc2v1 website -
http://www.tc2v1.com/page4.php
Praying it is a blessing!
Michael

This and That 090212 Trusting more?

There was a discussion this morning during sharing time about learning to trust God more.  Of course, being left-handed I was provoked by this idea.

What came to mind was that maybe it’s not so much a matter of trusting God more but of trusting other things less. 

There is nothing greater for which we can trust God than our redemption.  Everything after that should be a cake walk.  But it isn’t, is it?  Isn’t that, well, weird?

We have enough faith/trust to be saved and yet we struggle trusting God for the minutia (minutia compared to eternity). 

I know that I am learning that I put trust in a lot of things other than God.  It’s not fun to learn this – at times it’s nauseating but it’s important learning.   I find it awkward that it feels so bad to quit trusting things other than God.  It feels, well, kind of scary. 

How many times have we said or heard, “Put your trust in……” or “I’m trust ……..?”  Even more powerful is,  “I have faith in……….”  or “Have a little faith………”

I was very convicted when I was doing a study of traditional Jewish prayers.  I discovered one that is giving praise and thanks to God for the various “orifices” He has put in the human body, “which if any one of them is closed off, we cannot live.”

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Imagine, praising God and thanking Him for our “orifices.”    I know that must seem strange BUT it does show how intensely the writers of that prayer recognized their dependence upon – need to trust in God.

Now, this isn’t a, “go beat-up on yourself,” thing.  But it is a compassionately and gently examine what you trust kind of thing.  It is something we all need to do, not as an exception but as a norm. 

I know I’ve discovered a lot of “little idols,” in my life that I never realized I had. 

People, things, places, opportunities, even wishes and dreams have drawn away trust that would have been better invested in Him.  It is a “deal” but let’s not make it a soul crushing “BIG deal.”  Just withdraw your trust from “it” or “them” and give it Him. 

Yes, trusting something or someone other than Him is a sin – but it’s a forgiven one – right?  Accept His forgiveness and ask for the strength and insight to withdraw from and keep those “little idols” out of your life. 

This and That – Flavel & Fear - 082712

I just finished J. Flavel’s classic, The Mystery of Providence, and then I found his work, Triumphing Over Sinful Fear.  Had to take my Pastor to task for that – he told me about the work on Providence but not the one on Fear.  I have to wonder what other treasures he’s hiding (laugh-out-loud –hahaha).

Anyway – this version of the book I am reading is a well “modernized” edition – so the 17^th century language hurdle isn’t there.

Fear is “gooba”- that’s good and bad.  Flavel presents us with three kinds of fear.

Natural fear “It is the trouble or agitation of mind that arises when we perceive approaching evil or impending danger. It is not always sinful, but it is always the fruit and consequence of sin.  Natural fear is a pure and simple passion of the soul.”

Religious fear:  “There is a holy and laudable fear, which is our treasure, not our torment.  But the awful, filial fear of God is the natural passion sanctified—changed and baptized into the name and nature of a spiritual grace.”

Sinful fear:  “Arises from unbelief—an unworthy distrust of God.  Sinful fear is the disordered and corrupt passion of the soul.”

Flavel, John (2011-12-27). Triumphing Over Sinful Fear (Puritan Treasures for Today) Reformation Heritage Books. Kindle Edition.

I’m really excites about getting into this book.  Fear is a biggy for a lot of us especially in these terrible times.  There are so many things we all face and they loom so very BIG in our minds and hearts.  A focused study concerning fear can only help us grow and be strengthened.

I was reflecting on God’s provision yesterday and I was getting a little anxious about our needs when it hit me.  Yesterday – we had everything we needed!  We didn’t lack for anything. 

Then the little voices in my head started to go to work.  Sins of the past, stupid moves, unfaithfulness – all of that began to squeeze my heart.  Realizing where this came from (the dark one) I began to respond with all the grace and mercy God has and is pouring out on Patti and me. 

Oh, I agreed with those voices about each and every accusation.  However I responded with, “But Jesus…………”  What a powerful moment!  No heavenly chorus, no feeling of warmth or light just a quietness and sense of comfort.  Sure – every sin that was brought to my mind was tight on the money.  But when the voices started to tell me that because of them God was punishing me I refused to buy it – by the blood of the Redeemer.  I made it plain that God is disciplining us but that there was no punishment!

Fear can cripple.  Fear can tear down.  Fear can distract us from grace and mercy.  Fear can make us question God’s might and love.  But only if we do not remember whose we are and what he has done, is doing and can do.

When fear assaults us it is good to remember all He has done.  At the end of Flavel’s book on Providence he strongly recommends keeping a journal or some sort of record of Gods provisions, past and present.  OK – I am a writer but I’ve always felt a little dumb doing a journal thing.  But, in faith, I started. 

I carry a little notebook in my back pocket and my trusty “space-pen” in another pocket and I make a simple not of His provision(s).  It’s not a “Dear diary” thing.  I just make a short note; a name, a time, whatever.  Just enough for me to remember.  I also mark my notes.  I use a “!” for praise/thanksgiving, a “?” for concerns, a (-) for needs and a (+) for good stuff (I have a lot of “!+” in my notebook.

This has made a powerful difference for me as I go through the day.  And at night as Patti and I kneel for prayer I am ready to offer both praise and petition from a knowing place. 

I’m probably going to add some mark like ($) to record the fears that come to mind as well.  I picked the $ sign because that seems to be a real sharp stick for me. 

I can’t give a glowing recommendation for Flavel’s book on Fear since I haven’t read all of it – but if it is anything like his work on Providence – WOW!

I’ve created me a little “thing” I will use when I am afraid.  I’ve based it upon a scripture text.

Jesus said:

Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  Mat 10:31

So, when fear comes I will “Fear” and examine the cause of the fear – if it is natural or religious fear – then I will prayerfully deal with it.   If it is sinful fear then I will “not.”  Fear----Not!

I’m also trying to think like a sparrow - ;-}}}}}}}

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 1:13-16 (C)

1Pe 1:13-16  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  (14)  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,  (15)  but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  (16)  since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 

V14

Note please the “as.”  It’s not easy to obey – especially as we grow up considering ourselves to be savvy and smart, thinking we can figure it out. 

But we are not asked to obey as grown-ups but as children.  This word translated “children” carries the idea of dependent, student, disciple.  Thayer, in his definition, writes this:

. . . the name transferred to that intimate and reciprocal relationship

formed between men by the bonds of love, friendship, trust,

just as between parents and children, . . .

This is not the same word that Jesus uses in the gospels when He says to allow the “little children” to come to Him.  Is the difference really important?  In a way, yes.

When we “come” to Him, we come as little children – as infants.  We come utterly dependent upon Him (which we always are).  As we grow in Him, we learn to make use of all the graces and mercies He has given us.  We learn to read the Word, to pray, even to do works of ministry.  Though we look to Him as infants, He grows and matures us so that we are of wider use.

So, Peter is recognizing that we are growing-up in Him and Peter enjoins us to obey Him in the maturing relationship we have.  And, Peter has a particular aim for this obedience –

do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, v. 14

Now here is a Peter/Paul moment -  Paul writes in Romans:

Rom 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Let’s take a look at this “conformed” thing.  Both men use the same word:

συσχηματίζω    suschēmatizō

Zodhiates writes in reference to the Romans passage:

An expanded rendering might read, ‘Stop being molded by the external and fleeting fashions of this age, but undergo a deep inner change by the qualitative renewing of your mind.’ Such a transformation can be wrought only by the Holy Spirit.

Of the 1^st Peter passage, John Gill writes:

. . . to be fashioned (conformed) to the lusts of it is to indulge them, to make provision for them, to obey them, to live and walk in them; which should not be done by the children of God, . . .

So we have a “don’t” here in 1^st Peter and a clearer “but” that fits with it in Romans.  The “but” here in 1^st Peter, at least for me, is overwhelming.

Now I’ve heard and read a lot of things that dance around this and try to weaken it, but it says what it says!  “Be holy as He is holy.”

OK – REMEMBER >

Gal 3:11  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."

Rom 4:5  And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Rom 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Eph 4:24  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Peter has been laying the foundation for your assurance in Christ – I think the Spirit did this because this verse is a whopper.  For me it highlights my sinfulness and unless I see my sinfulness through the blood of the Savior, I will have no hope.

Faith – no matter how weak is sufficient to be His. 

Eph 2:8  For by grace you have been saved through faith.

And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Peter calls us to “holy conduct.”  That means in your mode of living. 

I’ll do one more on this passage - 

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 1:13-16 (B)

1Pe 1:13-16  Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  (14)  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,  (15)  but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  (16)  since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Now, “and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Sober-minded can well apply to physical drunkenness but here, not so much.  Here it has the meaning of being watchful or circumspect. 

John Gill writes about this:

being inebriated with the cares of this life, which choke the word, and make it unfruitful, and lead men into temptation, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, and from the faith of Christ; and likewise to a being intoxicated with errors, and false doctrine, which lull men asleep, and render them incapable of serving Christ, and his church;

Ok – been there, done that and may be again.  The cares we have for those around us, the circumstance we are in, our needs and our fears as well as our hopes and dreams can easily “inebriate” us.  Peter is Not telling us to just blow them off, rather he’s telling us to keep them in their proper perspective – under God’s sovereignty.  It isn’t easy – we all know that – but we can work on it. 

How can we work on “sober mindedness”?  Peter answers that.

“set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Notice, it’s about where we put our hope.  Our hope is in His grace and in His return.  The words here are directing our gaze to Him and His return.  That’s the biggy.  He will come.

Peter wants us to hang on to the very Words of Jesus, Himself:

Joh 14:1-3  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

This is a great verse to commit to memory.  It is the all encompassing promise, the fulfillment of all God labors for us.  It can and will help us, “set our hope,” and be “sober-minded.”

Oops – did I say commit to memory?  Yes, I did – but not all of us are really good at that, so jot it down on a card and stick it in your wallet – God bless you and keep you all!

Mind - Set

It is the trouble of troubles to have two inhabitants so near in one soul, and these to strive one against another, in every action, and at all times in every part and power in us: the one carrying us upward, higher and higher still, till we come to God; the other pulling us lower and lower, further from him.   Sibbes, Richard (2012-04-24). The Soul's Conflict With Itself: And Victory Over Itself By Faith. (p. 293). A Puritan At Heart Press. Kindle Edition.

What a great trouble that needs great attention!  The flesh and the Spirit battle it out.  But there is comfort and remedy for the distress this brings.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.   Rom 8:6-7 

We’ve covered this before.  I don’t know about you, but for me it’s a place I run to more often than ever before. 

I am growing more and more convinced that there is comfort and remedy in what Paul says here.

but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace

Ah, to set my mind.  Huh?  Well, the Greek word carries the idea of our: frame of thought, will, aspirations.

If you want to be picky the literal translation would be, “but the mind of the Spirit.” 

No, this isn’t the “Spirit’s” mind rather it is our mind in or on the Spirit.  So????

I’ve been reading Richard Sibbes’ book: The Soul’s Conflict With Itself: And Victory Over Itself By Faith.  It was written in 1635 and the language is “chewy” at best but well worth the work.  I do recommend it for there is much in it that will bless and strengthen you.

But my point is that keeping my nose in it (as well as the Word and other good books) goes a long way in keeping my mind “set.”  Even when I have to read a passage a couple of times to get past the old style of speaking it is a blessing.  Filled with solid biblical insights it keeps my mind set, it stimulates questions, it beings conviction, it brings relief, comfort and peace.

Reading the Word as well as good trustworthy books by very real believers is a consolation and encouragement.  You don’t have to be a “great” reader just a reader.  If reading is not your thing then there are Mp3’s and other tools to help you set your mind.  I’m biased because he’s a Scott but the sermons of Alistair Begg (Truth For Life) are excellent and very useful (and they are free!!!).  Buying a cheap Mp3 player or expanding your use of your smart-phone can be a powerful means of setting your mind.

Feed your mind with healthy food and the Spirit’s voice will grow louder, clearer and more comforting.

Not junk - art!

A creating power can, not only bring something out of nothing, but contrary out of contrary.   Sibbes, Richard (2012-04-24). The Soul's Conflict With Itself: And Victory Over Itself By Faith. (p. 296). A Puritan At Heart Press. Kindle Edition.

If of nothing, God created everything, then out of coal He can create a diamond. 

In our struggle – nay battle against the flesh we do not always win.  Indeed we fail often.  In those times I am threatened with a sense of futility and frustration.  Will I ever, “Get it right?” is just one of the hopelessness inducing thoughts.  When my attention is forced upon my utter unworthiness either by my being prompted to look of my nose being stuck in I default to everything that ever made me feel, “not good enough.”

I don’t know about you but I do know that I don’t like seeing my sins.  But see them I must for if I do not see them what value does His sacrifice have in my heart.  If I am folled into thinking I’m “Ok,” I am fooled indeed and I lose sight and sense of the great grace He has called me with and to.

Out of utter nothing He brought His creation.  Out of my corruption and sin He brings a saint.  Nothing can stop Him.  His intention is never to be thwarted.  We may think we can resist but we can’t.  We may think “we” fail but we must know He cannot.

We are, as much as DNA and the cosmos, His workmanship. 

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

As a friend of mine says, “God doesn’t make junk!”  I have a friend who works at a place where they forge metal.  There’s lots of scrap and “junk.”  This friend of mine takes these objects and created really fascinating and beautiful work of art with them.  I a human can do that, imagine what the God of all can do!

Oh if only we would accept the truth – all the truth of the Gospel and not pick and choose.   Yes, we sin, that is our battle – our battle against the flesh – the “body of death.”  Oh how I pray for you and I that we might come to the place where Paul found himself where he was able to proclaim with great sincerity and much joy:

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then,

I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.   Rom 7:24-25

1Pe 1:10-12  Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,  (11)  inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.  (12)  It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

I look at this passage and think, “Well if we believers now are nuts, we’re in good company!”

Have you ever read the Prophets?  If you haven’t, I suggest you get something like the ESV Bible Atlas.  It can get pretty hard to understand the material without a guide.  This will help you understand what’s going on – and there’s a lot going on!

But the point of this passage is to show us that we are not alone in our faith (like Hebrews 11).  There was faith in Christ on the other side of the cross.  The Prophets searched as diligently concerning Christ as you and I can re-search about Him.

They wanted to know the who and when concerning His first coming as we do about His second coming.  They “looked forward” to Him just as we do. 

That’s one of the uses we can make of the Prophets.  We can see their journey and the events and circumstances they passed through as they looked for Him.  We can also draw comfort from their struggles and perseverance.

Peter tells us that they knew, “they were serving not themselves,” but rather they were serving you and me.  How?  Through their words we see the promises, the identifiers of Jesus.  The greatest thing we see is the consistent hope in God’s plan for redeeming His people – those who had faith in God’s promises – especially redemption.

We also see their struggle with the world around them and how God’s providence was always working for their care.  We see His protection and provision through some of the strangest people and means we could imagine (or not imagine).  So, we can take strength and comfort and encouragement from their testimony.  From God’s actions through them and for them, we can be strengthened and secured.

The line of revelation flows from the Prophets to the Apostles:

Eph 2:19-20  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  (20)  built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

Heb 1:1-2  God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,  (2)  in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

2Pe 3:1-2  This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,  (2)  that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,

Ending this passage Peter tells us that we have access to, “things into which angels long to look.”  That is quite an encouragement for you and me.

Puritan Prayers - recommended

Give me a deeper trust, that I may lose myself to find myself in Thee, the ground of my rest, the spring of my being. Give me a deeper knowledge of Thyself as saviour, master, lord, and king. Give me deeper power in private prayer, more sweetness in Thy Word, more steadfast grip on its truth. Give me deeper holiness in speech, thought, action, and let me not seek moral virtue apart from Thee.  Anonymous (2010-07-01). Puritan Prayers (Kindle Locations 37-39).  . Kindle Edition.

How blessed we are to have recorded for our benefit the honest searching prayers of those who have walked with Him before us!  How clear and deep are these pools of grace.  How sweet the waters held within.  How simple and yet mighty are these petitions.

If we but borrow these might not our prayers be altered, made higher from a lower place?  Might we not find in them that for which our hearts yearn to express?  Might we not more readily seek the Holy Spirit of God with a greater hunder and yearning?  Might we not be blessed beyond measure?

I believe these prayers are ours not by divine inspiration but by His providential preservation.  From Him to them and down to us they come to raise us up and join us to the saints now in His presence.  In them we are joined with the hearts of our forefathers in the faith and in them we find the depth of our need expressed.

They need to be prayed not merely read.  They might be prayed slowly, reflectively seeking how they might call from our hidden or murky needs. 

Who knows from what specific circumstance they were prayered?  And yet, who cares?  I do not need to know the writers need but rather to find his expressed need my own.

What assurance we find here:  that we are not alone in our struggles; we are not alone in our need.  That we are not alone and never have been in seeking to be more faithful servants, submitted to the King.  Indeed there is nothing new under the sun, not even our weakenesses and fears as His servants. 

We are told to be bold and of good courage and yet we shrink and cower.  It is in prayers like these that we see the remedy for this.  We see that we need only seek Him, to pound upon the door insistently while we await His providence.   He will find us, He will answer the pounding for so He has promised.

Borrowed prayers are not some spiritual form of plagiarism.  Not when we ask Him to make them our own.  Not when we ask Him to use them to dig deeply into our hearts and minds and where we find a lack of one thing asked for we cry out louder for its provision.

Often I do not know the “what” or “how “of my prayers.  I am confounded by the cacophony of the flesh.  Yet in borrowing these prayers I find the cacophony stilled and silent and I hear my need expressed. 

I recommend this little book to you all.  To keep by your bedside or bettr yet to keep with you at all times.  Some of the prayers will instantly lift your spirit and heal your wounds, while others at first may not touch your heart, they will as He makes you ready. 

Puritan Prayers

Ministered to in ministering to......

There are giants in these days, though the times are not such as to allow them room to display their gigantic strength; in many a humble cot, in many a crowded workshop, in many a village manse there are to be found men of the house of David, men after God’s own heart, anointed with the holy oil.   Spurgeon, Charles Haddon (2010-08-03). Till He Come - Enhanced Version (Kindle Locations 962-963). Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Kindle Edition.

I have found and am still finding that though the men and women of known faith – of public faith – are worthy counselors,  it is the guiet and humble believer whose voice is little heard from whom I receive my greatest blessings.  It is from their walks and especially their prayer that God richly blesses me.

They think themselves poor and weak and in need for all things and in doing so they keep their eyes, minds and hearts focused on the Lord who has promised them His friendship and care.  It is their clear awareness and humble acceptance of their deep and broad need for Him to be strong in every aspect of their lives that is a much needed and kindly given reproach to me.

They have a special sense of things not being Ok and a pervasive hunger to lean solely upon His grace, mercy and power.  They speak of His being the only provisions they trust.  They speak of Him “speaking” to them not in audible voices, though He can, but rather through the guidance of the Word and the Spirit as well as a surrender to listen.

There are two people and one family to who I have been blessed to minister of late.  And I laugh.  In their coming to me for encouragement and counsel it has been I who have been given such.  They have been His ministers in my live, His “come along side” earthly helpers who, utterly unaware of the work He is doing through them,  spread the message of His faithfulness and His deep desire for us to utterly depend upon Him.  They have shown me that it is only when I am distracted by the world, the flesh or perhaps the devil that I am cast down in myself, by myself.

One in particular recommended a book that has greatly impacted his walk.  Perhaps sensing my skepticism he finally bought me a copy of the book.  For weeks it lay by the sofa on my little table.  I couldn’t bring myself to read it but I couldn’t shelve it either.  So it sat.

Finally, a few days ago, out of a sense of obligation to acknowledge the gift, I picked it up and began to read.  I did not put it down until I have read it all.  Today, it is dog-eared and marked and waiting to have the notes transcribed.  It is directly impacting my perspective and especially my heart.

Did I learn something “new.”  Well, only if seeing the Way of faith through someone else’s eyes and heart is “new,”  yes.  No new truths were revealed in the book but the striking difference in the author’s perspective was a real conviction.  The reality of how simply and faithfully God works and moves in the truly dark places in the world was a smack in the back of the head.

I did my “due diligence” on the author and I was shocked at how little I could find.  I looked hard to find evidence to feed my skepticism but I could find none.  My big hurdle came from his claim to have fasted fo 70+ days while in prison and being beaten with great regularity.  My reaction, “Yeah, right, 70+ days??”

In the book he talks about that experience.  He tells us that he was not fasting to grow closer to the Lord or be released from prison.  Rather he was praying to die and to be released from what he was going through.  Does he then talk about how God’s will was for him to live and do a bunch of great things etc, etc, etc???  Nope.  He simply relates that he was wanting to die and be with the Lord and the Lord said, “Not now.”

What was so shocking to me was that I, in my own comfortable western way, have sought the same thing.  I have, in the depths of despondency and pain, lay on my bed and asked the Lord to take me home.  My situation, compared to his, is certainly a paltry and minor thing but I “knew” the feeling, the despair he writes about.  I too had “heard” the Lord’s, “Not now.”

Maybe it’s just me, and I hope so, but the danger of “professional pride,” or “seminary sanctity,” is very real to me.  I was taught that I was to have all the answers – I was the “pro.”  Well I work to make myself remember that I only know the one in whom all the answers are found, I have NO exclusive claim to those answers and He doesn’t always give them through me.

I have also learned that regardless of our western proclivity for order, structure and boxes He does not NEED them.  Not that they are wrong but rather, when they are not possible, He is not hindered in any way, shape or form.

I am learning that the Holy Spirit is much neglected (or hampered) by many of us (me too).  For whatever reason we shrink from Him hence we deprive ourselves of His ministry.  But when we allow aberrant and strange supposed manifestations of the Spirit to make us hesitant for His ministry it is akin to clogging an artery to our hearts.  Yet, Jesus Himself tells us the purpose and we see the might of the Spirit throughout the Word.  It is the Spirit that is the seal the provenance of our citizenship  in the Kingdom and it is the Spirit working in us that conforms us to His likeness.  Oh, we certainly are invited to help – but we must be very careful not to hinder.

Those of us who are called to the role of evangelist, shepherd or teacher must accept the purpose of our calling which is to equip the saints for works of – yep – ministry.  When we do we will find ourselves ministered to in ways we do not expect by the very ones we so equip.

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 1:6 & 7

1Pe 1:6-7  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,  (7)  so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Remember the “exiles” thing?  Well here it is again in another way.

Notice Peter starts by acknowledging the effect what he has just written would have on his readers.  The word rejoice refers to singing, dancing (Oh?), etc.  There’s a subtly here.  It is “in this” – what Peter has just shared – that we find something to rejoice about.  It is “in Jesus” we have the reason to rejoice.

though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

Well, exiles can expect that.  We’re not “home” yet. 

We are grieved both by being here and by not yet being there.  We experience sadness and sorrow.  “Put on a happy face,” is not found in the Bible.  Neither is “Grin and bear it.”  Sorrow and sadness are not inappropriate for the believer!

Paul wrote:

2Co 1:8  For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

Yet he followed it with:

2Co 1:9  Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

Note the end of verse 9.  There was a reason.  Peter expresses the same thing in this passage:

so that the tested genuineness of your faith—

more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—

may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ

The ‘tested genuineness of your faith,” really causes some believers a lot of worry.  They read that and have a sense that they have to prove their faith to God.  First, that’s impossible.  Second, that’s not the point.  Third, that’s exactly what the devil wants us to think.

God knows our faith – mustard seedy as it is.  We don’t need to prove anything to Him.  Remember – He made us His – He guards us.

What Peter is saying to you and I is that through various trials God proves He is faithful.  It’s His trustworthiness that is proven – His faithfulness to us as His children.

The, praise and glory and honor Peter writes of is what we will explode into when that glorious day comes when we are “home” with Him.

Me 081612

I used to think I was grateful to God for all He has done is  doing and will be doing in our lives.  Boy was I wrong!!

On the recommendation of my Pastor I started reading The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel.  Notwit’s an old book written in a very different time but it’s presentation on Providence is powerful.

Here’s the “Aha!”

A one point Flavel talks about the “providence’ of being raised in a Christian home.  Well, I wasn’t – not even close.  But that got me thinking about what was providential in getting to where I am with Him today.  Then I began to see with a new clarity and understanding.

Her name was Grace Hood Sanders.  She was my fraternal grandmother.  She was over 6 feet tall, built like a block-house and had a mustache.  She also loved Jesus like you wouldn’t believe.  She was an avid member of the church next door to her house (interestingly named “Grace Baptist) in Chattanooga, TN.  She was a big fan of Oral Roberts and a real hard core prayer.

She was also reviled and I guess you could say persecuted by her own family.  Her husband ignored her, her daughter and oldest son humored her and my father ridiculed her.  But she held firm in her faith and every summer when we visited off we’d go on Sunday to church with her –  “we” was my sister and I.

But when I was very young she said she’d give me a dollar if I would memorize John 3:16.  OK, in my immediate family a dollar was not such a big deal.  But something made me anxious about memorizing the verse.  Not excited – but anxious – it was strange.  But, memorize it I finally did – and I got my dollar.

My point is that Grace has always been a big part of my memories.  I have lived in awe of her and until the other day, I never knew why.  Now I do.  Among a lot of other ways I see His providence in my early life – from bombings to really bad car wrecks to simple kindnesses, Grace  Sanders looms largest – now.

It was through this big, loving, faithful Christian woman, whom I rarely ever saw, that a seed was planted in my heart.  I like to say that I couldn’t remember a time I didn’t know who Jesus was and what He did for me.  Well now I can – it was before Grace Sanders told me His story and implanted the first little piece of His Word in my mind and heart.

This realization has resulted in a whole new understanding and sense of gratitude in my heart.  When I realized this wonderful providence I began to see His hand working through so many others as he shaped and molded and refined me.  The number of those whom He used is legion.  From a  business executive who mentored me in high school, to Sinclair, to some I have discipled, to some who were not believers, to strangers at Caribou,  to my current Pastor, God has had many hands busy in my life.

It’s overwhelming and wonderful.  I recommend the book but I also encourage you to take time to remember those whom He has used to care for you.  Some will be glaringly obvious but I assure you, there are many many more.  It just takes a little digging to find them.

To all of you whom He has used in my life.  Thank you and God bless you and praise Him for you.