This and That – Suffering 083112

Eph 3:14-19  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  (15)  from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,  (16)  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  (17)  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  (18)  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,  (19)  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ok, read this verse s l o w l y.  Read it again.

Now, “for this reason.”      Now read Eph. 3:3-13.    Wow!

Eph 3:13  So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

I subscribe to a Christian Professional’s Prayer page on LinkedIn.  To tell you the truth, it’s a hard link to handle. There are so many brothers and sisters all over who are suffering and struggling in, at least what to me, are horrible circumstances. 

Now email sand posts are really poor ways to “communicate,” but in reading these posts I can feel the pain and anxiety.  Maybe it’s a misspelled word, a letter missing or confusing grammar but there are signs of the struggle they are in.

Now – looking at this passage – especially verse 13 I have to wonder if part of God’s providence in our hard times is for the benefit of others.  I really feel it must be or why else does He so intimately record the struggles of the motley crew that went before us.  If David, a king and God’s anointed can lay on His bed in utter anxiety – why not me?  If Paul can suffer as he did, why not me?  If Job can be subjected to all he went through, why not me?

Ok – I’m taking this kind of out its context but I really believe that: 

these things took place as examples for us,

that we might not desire evil as they did.  1Co 10:6

I am also drawn to that part of Hebrew 11 we rarely really consider:

Heb 11:36-40  Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.  (37)  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated--  (38)  of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.  (39)  And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,  (40)  since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

NO !!!!  I am not saying, “It could be worse,” no way.  But what I am saying is that if God was faithful to them through all of this – He will not fail us!

There is no “upside,” to being stoned, sawn in two, or killed with the sword – unless we really hold on the hope of heaven! 

In Triumphing Over sinful Fear, John Flavel addresses our attempt to “reason” our way through troubles – even life threatening ones:

“This carnal reason is the thing that puts us into such confusion of mind. (1) It quarrels with the promises and shakes our confidence in them (Ex. 5:22–23). (2) It limits God’s power and assigns boundaries to it (Ps. 78:20, 41). (3) It draws desperate conclusions from providential appearances (1 Sam. 27:1). (4) It sets us upon sinful courses in an attempt to save ourselves from danger (Isa. 30:15–16). (5) It divides our thoughts and flows into our hearts (Ps. 94:16).”

Flavel, John (2011-12-27). Triumphing Over Sinful Fear (Puritan Treasures for Today) (Kindle Locations 1293-1296). Reformation Heritage Books. Kindle Edition.

This is one tough book written at a time when believers had suffered so many agonies and privations.  No, not by Rome in ancient days but in the 17^th century.

“The matter is debated between faith and fear. Oh, what endless work does their fear impose upon their faith—to solve all the “buts” and “ifs” it raises!”    

Flavel, John (2011-12-27). Triumphing Over Sinful Fear (Puritan Treasures for Today) (Kindle Locations 1325-1326). Reformation Heritage Books. Kindle Edition.

“Who enabled Christians in the past to endure such things? They loved their lives. They sensed pain just like you. They had the same thoughts and fears. Yet God carried them through it all. He can do the same for you.”

Flavel, John (2011-12-27). Triumphing Over Sinful Fear (Puritan Treasures for Today) (Kindle Locations 1468-1469). Reformation Heritage Books. Kindle Edition.

I recommend this book as a challenge to that fear which God would have us refuse.

Paul wrote:

Eph 3:13  So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

And I ask, “For whose glory (referring to other believers as Paul does) is my present suffering?” Who shall be encouraged, strengthen perhaps even led to the Lord through the Spirit by the suffering I now endues for His sake?

We all want to read or hear about a Job, but few of us (me included) ever want to be one!

In case things get nutZZZZZ

I'm going to be trying to use my Android tablet to do my blogs.  The resources are a little limited for Android and I am not sure how the copy and paste will work out - so if the posts look a little strange for a while - please bear with me.  ALSO - any suggestions about Android apps or other resources would be greatly appreciated!!!!! 

God bless you all and thanks for reading!!!!

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 1:20-21

1Pe 1:20-21  He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you  (21)  who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

It’s easy to read a verse like this and kind of say, “Yeah, duh,” but we do really need to read it slowly and carefully.

Breaking it down can help (as with many other verses).

(20) He was foreknown before the foundation of the world

but was made manifest in the last times

for the sake of you

(21)  who through him

are believers in

God,

 who raised him from the dead

and gave him glory,

so that

your faith and hope

are in God.

This verse sweeps away any confusion about who is in control of our redemption.  It makes it clear what the source of our faith is and nails not only why but how we have faith in God.

We always need to get very tired of laying the responsibility of our redemption on our own shoulders.  When we do, we are crushed.  But when we accept that all of it is of God – not only its beginning but its final result as well - we are free to praise and free to obey.

Oh what wonderful grace and mercy God has bestowed, is bestowing and will still bestow on those and through those for whom He made His Son the manifest Redeemer and Redemption.

As the lyrics to a great song says:

If I stand let me stand on the promise that You will see me through.

And, if I fall let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You.

This and That 083012 Thinking it through.

Mat 7:21-23  "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  (22)  On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?'  (23)  And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

We all know “good” people; people who except for their lack of faith look and act a lot like believers.  They sacrifice, do good works, have kind hearts – we like them and enjoy their company.  We also admire their commitment to others.  But------

Then there’s this passage and we are confronted with His truth.  Uggg, uuuph… it is a hard blow.  It is really heartbreaking.

The tough part is in how to warn them of the judgment to come.

We hesitate to point out that which may well destroy our relationship.  We hesitate to be thought a fanatic.  We hesitate to be accused of “hate speech.”  We hesitate because the flesh is weak although the spirit is troubled and convicted.

We are His people to proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2).  Yet we hesitate.  We think of all the arguments they may have or the offense they may take or even the anger they might express and we hesitate.

However – I wonder if we actually stuck to, “proclaiming His excellencies,” instead of confronting them with their sin (which they don’t recognize) – if  the Spirit would find it more useful.  You know, talk about Him and His work in our lives and the lives of others.  Talk about His goodness and mercy and providence in our lives and the body of Christ.

I think of:

Heb 12:1-2  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  (2)  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

I then read chapter 11 of Hebrews and it is testimony after testimony of how God is true and faithful and merciful and gracious.  I begin to wonder if our “witness” isn’t bigger than the Roman Road, the Acts Tracks or the Bridge illustration.  I wonder if we are starting at the wrong (or at least the less helpful) place when we come with the scent of brimstone instead of the Balm of Gilead.

Bang – it comes to mind –

 Rom 2:3-4  Do you suppose, O man--you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself--that you will escape the judgment of God?  (4)  Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

The kindness of God, His forbearance and patience – meant to lead us (and them??) to repentance?

Do we start with the offense of the cross or do we start with the grace and mercy – yes, the kindness of God as we have seen it made manifest?   

We are called, chosen to proclaim His excellencies – that’s just stuck in my head.  So what’s so hard about that?  Sure, if the Spirit is working in them we will get to the cross but why the rush?  I was once told that at the judgment, no one will get the wrong one. 

We are not here to win a debate or an election – this isn’t the point.  We are here to represent Him and His holiness.  I keep getting stuck on, “proclaiming His excellencies.”

So and I am asking, shouldn’t I start with Him and then me and then others who are His?  Can’t I, like Peter in Acts reach back into that wonderful old testimony about Him and his and proclaim that?  Should I not look for the opportunity to tell of His mercy and kindness in my life – isn’t that what I have to testify about?

As I think this way I am sensing a lightening of a load – with a smidge of anxiety.  I am excited about looking for opportunities to witness to His excellencies and just a little anxious about the cross part.

No, I’m not thinking of sugar-coating the Gospel – I’m trying to discern how to start with the “Good News” – and move the strangely offensive (????) “Best News.”   

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.  Mar 16:15

 

What, if any, are the differences between proclaiming the Gospel and proclaiming His excellencies?  Is not the Gospel the acorn of His excellencies – the nut of the matter, the whole giant oak of His excellencies made compact.

Ahhhhhh, I found it!

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  (6)  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt  [wisdom and prudence ], so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Col 4:5-6 

Amen and amen . . . .

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 1:17 & 19

1Pe 1:17-19  And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,  (18)  knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,  (19)  but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

This can be a chewy passage if we’re not careful.  What Peter writes in verse 17 makes one quiet uncomfortable.

“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”

In vs. 17 we see that, this is our God and this is what He does and we need to always keep this in mind.  How poor we are when we forget where and how we once stood. 

Eph 2:12  remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

The cost of not remembering that truth is beyond measure.  When we forget this prior state, we are going to stumble.  When we do not keep it in mind in our prayers, meditations and conversations, we can all too easily begin to rely upon ourselves and upon other things for our hope and security.  When that begins, it’s a very subtle and slippery slope.

But, even though Peter and Paul call us to keep our dearest and deepest need ever before our eyes and foremost in our hearts, they do not leave us there to squirm and suffer for there is no reason for us to do so.

1Pe 1:18  knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

And what, pray tell, are these futile ways?  Simply put, idolatry and autonomy (which is pretty much self-idolatry).  Our “forefathers” looked to deities they created and/or to their own abilities to live, to have power – for provision.  They rejected God and turned from the creator to the creature.

Isa 57:13  When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain.

Jer 10:2-5  Thus says the LORD: "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,  (3)  for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman.  (4)  They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.  (5)  Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good."

We, followers of the Christ, have been RANSOMED/REDEEMED.

We WERE slaves to sin and self and for that we stood condemned.  A price was demanded, justice had to be served and so it was done.  Not by anything we could or would do.  Not by any riches we might amass and offer not by any power we could gather and hold:

1Pe 1:19  but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1Pe 3:18  For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.

Gal 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1Pe 2:9  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Eph 2:8-13  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  (9)  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  (10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  (11)  Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands--  (12)  remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  (13)  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

In the early days of the church our faith was known as “the Way” (Acts 24:14) and I believe we have lost a lot in losing this name.  When we look at our lives as lives following the Way, we have to remember that where we are is not where we began and hence we remember where we began. 

John Newton, writer of Amazing Grace, wrote:

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.”

And

“Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

Let us pray we REMEMBER~!

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 (D)

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."

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

and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; NASB

Whenever we are convicted of our sin, we need, of course, to repent.  Repentance has been described as doing a 180 degree turn.  That’s not a bad description.  But there’s more to it within that description.  But, we’ll look at repentance later.

If this passage has made you concerned about your walk with Him, it’s supposed to.  It was written to believers just like you and me.  They were no less gobsmacked by this than we are.

I know that when I read passages like this, passages that call me to a holy life – holy living, I’m confronted with all the ways I fail to do so.  How about you?

That’s why planting Eph. 2:8 firmly in your mind and heart is so very important.  It is all about what He has done, is doing and will do for us.

I struggle with what feels like and is a battle between what He says I am and what I do (or don’t do) – my sin.

Dear brother and sister – feel the conviction but keep in mind it is for our good not our harm.  God is gracious and merciful and loving enough to keep us sensitive to our sin.  When we are convicted, we need to rejoice that we are able to be convicted.  Yes, we need to understand that having a conscience that is oh so sensitive is a sure sign that we are indeed His.  It is only in Him that is matters.

In Hebrews we read:

Heb 12:5-6  and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;  (6)  FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

Heb 12:11-13  All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.  (12)  Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,  (13)  and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.

The passage ends with, “but rather be healed.”  This is the goal of our Lord’s discipline, our healing. 

Sin is toxic.  Sin builds barriers between us and our Lord.  Sin hurts!  We need to be healed not only from the sickness of the soul that sin brings but sin itself.  And so God, in His mercy and grace provides, for us a medicine – a disciplining - that we might be healed. 

One thing I would have you note is Vs. 12 of the Hebrews passage.  As I read that I am reminded not only of my desire for my weakness and feebleness to be healed, but that I also have a responsibility in your lives, as I can, to be a part of that strengthening.  WE are to minister to one another as we walk in the Way. 

But, alas, we are so prone to hide our need for strengthening.  We are so prone to hide our weakness.  This is so very heartbreaking.  Yes, we go before the Lord with our needs and seek His kind care.  But we, His people, are called to minister His grace and mercy to one another.  As a young person once said to me, “I need Jesus with skin on.”  That is the ministry we have to one another.  To be His hands, feet, ears, eyes, arms and hands to our brothers and sisters.  But for that to happen we need two things.

First, we need the heart to walk into the messiness of sin in the lives of our brothers (as well as the heart to have them walk in ours).  We need to pray that we will be willing to do what we can – even if it is just being there -  regardless of the circumstances to strengthen our brothers and sisters (and of course to be strengthened by them).

Second, we need to pray that we will cease to hide our weakness, our needs, whatever they are.  We need to trust Him that we might cry out to our brothers and sisters expecting only that He is in control and He will be with them and us. 

I think that if we plant the banner of Eph. 2:8 firmly before us, we will be able to do both. 

Paul writes:

Rom 12:15-16  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  (16)  Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly (those who are cast down, depressed, distressed). Do not be wise in your own estimation.

If what Paul says is true:

Rom 8:38-39  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  (39)  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Then let us pray that we will not allow sin to separate us from the ministry and care of His people.  By His grace, wisdom and power we are able to do His work not only in “the world” but in the church as well.

This and That 082812

I had a great meeting with a local Pastor this morning and was blessed to share our concerns and needs.  I was reminded that even sheep that have a safe sheepfold can be twitchy and obstinate.  In my ministry it’s really the absolute norm but one would hope that in a body, a fellowship it would not be so.  Oh well, we can hope.

I’ve not found any reference in scripture to “bad” sheep.  lost sheep, wandering sheep even rowdy sheep – but not bad ones. 

One thing comes to mind.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.   Joh 10:27

It is soooooo easy in any form of ministry and service to take on more responsibility than is rightfully ours.  If we’re the “leader” we think it’s all on us.  That’s bad – and – that’s good.  It’s good to take responsibility and accept the challenges it brings but it is bad to let ourselves think it’s all on us.  It wasn’t, isn’t and never will be about us.  It’s all about Him.

Sheep, even wild sheep are His sheep.  Oh He lets us serve Him as under shepherds and sheepdogs but they are still His sheep.  He is the Master Shepherd – the “sheep whisperer.”   It is His voice they hear.  Yes, they can hear it through us but we have to be very sure it is His voice they are hearing – and not our own.

Sheep follow Him – If we’re behind Him and ahead of them then I guess you could say they follow us.  But we have to be following Him, depending upon Him – recognizing that He doesn’t really need us but rather has graciously invited us to work under, with and for Him.

As we serve as His under shepherds or sheepdogs we have to continually ask, “What has He said to the flock and what is He saying now?”  It won’t be anything “new” – He’s already made all things “new.”  He is saying what He has always said.  We just need to figure out how to apply it to the present context.

It is His voice they need to hear – so it is His words we need to speak. 

Of course the hard part it “getting us out of the way” of His words.  That good old (err bad old) flesh just doesn’t want us to accept that He is faithful - we are feeble and that it’s all about Him.  Sure, we do what we can do – but when we think we are supposed to or can do His thing, we get into bad trouble. 

When we take on the burden that only the Master Shepherd can carry we are – well – sinning.  I know, I have to consistently work on that.  The results are usually a time of discipline for my well intentioned efforts.  He smacks my hand and says, “That’s mine!!”  It is not pleasant but it is none the less a blessing.  The object is to submit to Him, to rely on Him even for that drive and energy to serve – especially the what and how!

I’ve been reading Flavel’s work, The Mystery of Providence and I cannot tell you how what a great blessing it has been (thanks again David).  Once you get in tune with his 17^th century style of writing I promise you, you will be well blessed.  There are some “ouches” in there but there are a lot of comforting and encouraging things as well.

I pray, for you and me, that we will seek to hear His voice more clearly and to know when the sheep need to hear His voice – or our voice from Him.  I doubt that this side of heaven we’ll ever nail this down.  But through prayer, study and sharing with others who struggle we will get better and better.

Remember too that our battle orders are summed up in one word: 

μαθητευσατε – make disciples

This is the what – we trust Him to show us the how – His how!

I like to say that by His power – the power of the Gospel, “We catch ‘em, the Holy Spirit prepares ‘em and He cooks ‘em till they’re done.”

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 - 

Look to the need!!!

ALAS! AND DID MY SAVIOR BLEED?

Alas! and did my Savior bleed

And did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head

For sinners such as I?

[originally, For such a worm as I?]      

Issac Watts

That line, “for sinners such as I,” stuck in my head this morning. 

I began to wonder if I really knew what it meant in my life.  It’s easy to say, “I’m a sinner” (and we may add “saved by grace”).  We say it somewhat flippantly at times as though it was a “duhhh.”  But if we really take the time to reflect (prayerfully) on what the “such as I” means in our lives things can get really serious really fast.

I know that I have to work to plant my feet on His grace and look at the “such as I.”  It’s just too easy to allow myself to get at least a little smug and lazy about my sin.  When I do that I lose something – I lose the humility and dependency I need to really grow in Him.

I want to develop a mindset that recognizes and appreciates the fact that I need no less of the blood of the Redeemer right now than I did before He called me to Himself.  I will never not need it all.  Jesus will never have suffered less for my overcoming even the most minor seeming infraction.

Notice that the last verse was changed.  From worm – to sinner (see my blog on Worminess).  Though it’s nice to use sinner rather than worm I wonder if the word “sinner” has lost some of its impact on our hearts, especially when we seek to share the good news. 

Do we communicate the Gospel sinner to sinner or “Ok-sinner” to sinner?  Though I am “in” Christ I am no less a sinner than my friend who is not “in” Christ.  Oh, I am redeemed, I have the assurance His promise and sacrifice provides – but I am still a sinner – I haven’t quit sinning.  Do I keep in mind, as I share the Gospel, that in that very moment I am no less in need of His saving grace than the person I am sharing with? 

The Gospel is a n“everybody” thing – everybody needs to hear it and everybody needs to accept it.  It is not a “you” thing.  The only “once for all” was His redeeming death.  He died once for us.  We are saved AND being saved.  We (believers) work out our salvation with fear and trembling – our only confidence is in Him.

It’s tough to discover a good analogy for the “wormy” attitude.  But I really believe that we need to cultivate it in gratitude and hope and assurance of His promises.  What have we to lose if we rekindle the sense of need we had the day He called us. Perhaps all we’ll lose is our comfortable complacency and the projection of an attitude of superiority.  We, in Him, are better off, not better.  We are redeemed sinners but still sinners.

I remember a dog food commercial where a child sings:

My dog’s bigger than your dog

My dog’s bigger than yours

My dog’s bigger ‘cause he gets  XXXXXX

My dog’s bigger than yours

I can almost hear some believer somewhere singing

My life’s better than your life

My life’s better than yours

My life’s better ‘cause, it’s got Jesus in it

My life’s better than yours

Well, my hope is better, my relationship with God is better, the beliefs and teachings that shape my living arebetter – but my “life” here – it’s pretty much like everyone else’s.  As far as sin – I can run with the best of them.  In regards to a need for His provision, especially His redemption, my need is NEVER any less than the worst of the worst of the worst.

Dottie Rambo wrote lyrics which are to be sung to the tune of that great Irish ballad, O’ Danny Boy.  I sing it often (ok, not well but fervently).  The lyrics are:

He Looked Beyond My Fault

Verse

Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise,

for it was grace that brought my liberty;

I do not know just why He came to love me so,

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Chorus

I shall forever life mine eyes to Calvary,

to view the cross where Jesus died for me,

how marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul;

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

As we share the Gospel, I suggest we prayerfully seek to look beyond their faults and focus on their need.  I also suggest that before we share, we prayerfully remember that indeed, He looked beyond our faults and saw OUR need – and He still does.

Thanking Him for You

Greetings in the name of our Redeemer!

Writing a blog is a lot like casting bread upon the water - where it goes and what it does - only He knows.  But although I don't know most of you who read the Sheepdog, I'm trusting Him that it is of benefit to you, a blessing.  I just wanted to say thank you for your interest and I pray for you by city (that's all I know of you).  Never hesitate to drop me a note if you have a question or issue.  I'm not a "theologian" nor would I ever compare myself to the wonderful "Bible-scholars" I studied under.  But I am, like you, a follower and servant of the Master and I will prayerfully attempt to help you.

A friend commented that my blog could get "awfully personal" and they are right.  I have no way of knowing what God is doing in your life - I just hope and pray that what He is doing in Patti's and my life might holds encouragement and blessing for you.

Our prayers - though needfully vague are with you all.

In Him, your servants,
Patti and Michael
ms@tc2v1.com
pattiami@gmail.com

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!

A debtor - high and wide!

COME THOU FONT OF EVERY BLESSING

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

What a  wonderful hymn.  Those oldies are truly goodies.

I was thinking of how great a debt I owe His grace and I began to thnk of the people he has brought into my life who have been consistent sources of His encouragement and strength.  Of course I’ve written about my Grandmother, Grace Sanders, but the other side of the family gets equal time.

My aunt Jean and uncle Marvin (uncle Mama) have been a source of example, encouragement, challenge and hope.  If I was even to attempt to chronicle all the ways they have served Him and the difficulties they have faced it would be much too long for a mere blog.

Suffice it to say that as I look back I see their influence even when we were far apart and in little communication.  When the phone rings and Caller-ID displays their name my heart leaps and I grab the phone.  I know it will be a blessing.

Their “ministry” will probably never be recorded anywhere and platitudes may not come their way but I know in heaven they will know, more than they know now, what a blessing their faith has been to many in many ways.

You know it’s funny how in looking back for blessings the detail I can remember of the ministry in my life.  I was enfolded by Jean and in awe of Marvin.  Their witness in my life is perhaps one of the most consistent and comforting.

They always believed in Him “for” me.  What I mean is that no matter mess I found myself in I KNEW I was always in their prayers – even when I kind of resented it.  I also knew that no matter “how” I was, I always had a home to run to and be cared for.  For a long time as I tried my best to outrun God I kept running into them – they were kind of His angels in my life.

Jean gave me a Bible once (of course at the time I scoffed).  In the fly-leaf of the Bible she wrote:

The inexhaustible supplies of God

Are available

To the man who is available

To the inexhaustible supplies of God

I cannot count the times that quote has come to my mind and refreshed and steadied my heart.  Although at the time it bore little significance to me its hope and promise has come to mean more and more as Patti and I serve Him.  One thing it has done it to make me aware that He knows what of His inexhaustible supply I need – I usually don’t.

So, I thank my God for them.  I praise my God for them.  Though they may not know how very much He has done through them in our lives, we and He do.  Certainly I first thank and praise Him but I am compelled to thank and praise them – for being willing and determined to be part of His inexhaustible supply to Patti and I.

So, as they are a part of His grace in our lives, our debt grows higher and wider.

Thank you Lord for Aunt Jean and Uncle Mama ;-}}}}!!!

Evangelistic Insight ???

Psa 36:11  Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,

nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

The message at worship today had a plethora (cool word) of really great points and insights.  It was a wonderful morning.

Not only was I personally blessed but I had a lot put in my “hopper” to consider and pray over.  One thing in particular ended up on the top.  It was the opposition to the Gospel.

While I was reading this afternoon I came across Psalm 36 which I used in the P & Me blog today.  As I read the rest of the Psalm, verse 11 jumped off the screen.

Here is a good description of the problems we might have while we seek to share the Gospel.  The first problem is us.  If we do not remember from whence He has bought and brought us we will run the danger of an arrogant spirit.  We will fall into the “us” and “them” trap.  We will come, not in the humility of Christ but the arrogance of the flesh.

Ok, maybe – maybe we can see ourselves as better off than the unredeemed sinner but there is nothing we can claim that will ever make us “better.”  If Romans 7 doesn’t convince us of that, nothing will. 

Yes, there is bad news before the good news but the good news is about Him not about us.  Actually the only power in the Gospel is Him.  Our, “How I came to Jesus,” story may be powerful but that’s not the Gospel.  He is the Gospel.

The world thinks we think we are “good” people because we are believers.  The world thinks that because “we’ve” somehow (arrogance??) conveyed that idea.  I am called (don’t want to impose my view on you) not to oppose evil in the world – but rather to proclaim the coming of the Savior.  I am not the overcomer of sin – not even in my own life.  Rather I am the proclaimer of good tidings of great joy.  Maybe if we presented the Gospel with more “I was” than “you are” in it we would avoid any appearance of arrogance.

The second part of this verse is tough.  To be honest, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve held my tongue or stated something “safely,”  I’d be rolling in $.  My sin – my problem – that He can overcome.

But we all know the feeling of discomfort when we are talking about our faith.  Do I say this, do I say that?  We don’t want to offend but folks we have to accept that the cross in all its meaning is, well, offensive.

There is insight in the words of Paul:

1Co 1:21-24  For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.  (22)  For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,  (23)  but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,  (24)  but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

AND

2Co 4:8-10  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  (9)  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  (10)  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

Consider Psalm 36:11, as you pray for the opportunity,  wisdom and call to share the Gospel with others.  These are two biggies that can hinder His work through us as we go about His work,  at least they are for me.