Psalm 139:2 He understands!!!!!!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 

(Psa 139:2)

Think about it.  I know you know that God knows when we sit don and when we rise up.  But have you considered that He "understands" our thoughts?  That's not just our good thoughts or our thoughts about Him but He understands our less than acceptable thoughts as well.  He understands!!

Consider:

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.   (Heb 2:17-18)

He understands!!

I don't know how to express the depth and breadth of this.  It, for me, is overwhelming and kind of a scary comfort.  He understands!!

Consider - He was made like us- He was tempted Himself.  Yes, unlike us He did not sin but He "gets it."

Now, this can in no way be taken as some sort of an excuse for our way-ward and inappropriate thoughts - sin is still sin and error will always be error - but He understands!!

As Patti and I pass through this time of testing and trial we have "not so good thoughts."  Fearful thoughts, legalistic thoughts, hopeless thoughts, fleshly thoughts and murmuring thoughts.  They just come and when they do they distress us - greatly.  But I keep having some interesting thoughts as well.

I think, "Why me, why this,why now, why so heavy?"  Kind of like Moses I want to say, "Here I am Lord, send Aaron!"   Even, "Let this cup pass from me!"  But I am humbled when

I have the thought, "If not me, then who?"  I struggle to accept that this is His will for us right now.  Not to sound arrogant - but, He picked us for this and this for us for His glory and honor - not to mention our blessing.  This makes us no more "special" than any other believers - it just makes us the ones He is using where we are, in this circumstance.

With no Egypt there would have been no Exodus.  Without a crucifixion there would have been no resurrection.  No, I'm not elevating myself or my situation but I am trying hard to see it within the context of God bringing glory to Himself and strengthening me.

What helps is, He understands my fearful and anxious thought,s and though I know He desires that I overcome them by trusting Him, He is sympathetic to my weakness and frailty (which is part of what He wants me to see and appreciate so I will lean on Him).

Please dear ones hold tight to the truth that He understands all our thoughts!  Yes, He disapproves of many and worries for us over others but none of them come as some cosmic shock to Him.  He knew we'd have them and has provided relief for and from them because He understands!

Father my heart and my mind are weak and rebellious.  Only You can temper and tame them.  Knowing that You understand and that You sympathize and provide is such a comfort.

But Father, do not let me grow lazy or complacent concerning them.  Let me take hold of them and bring them to You for Your ministry and mercy.  Be gentle with me Lord for I am much like a little rabbit - jumpy and anxious.  Care for me by giving me the heart of a child when it comes to You.  Give me stronger trust and firmer assurance as each day passes and my imaginings and fancies prove false though frightening.

Let me know more and more Your lovingkindness and Your understanding and open myself to Your instruction and care.  Make me remember Your past mercies and provision and be deaf to the lies and cries of the deceiver.  Let me look only to You and hear only You as You minister to me through Your Word, Your Spirit and Your people.

Thank You for letting me know - You understand!!

Amen

Peter's Pen 1 Peter 5:1-4a

1st Peter 5:1-4  A

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.   ESV

There's a lot in this passage to think on.  But I want to focus on elders and shepherding.  

"Elders" (presbuteros) are those who preside over the assmbly(ies) of believers.  They are "overseers."  They are also referred to as bishops is some translations.  Regardless of the title used, these are older men, mature in the faith and able to teach - disciple - believers.  They act as the guiding authority for individual assemblies of believers.  

Historically, it has not been a rare thing for elders of one individual assembly to confer or associate with elders of another assembly for the sake of fellowship, unity and consistency.  Though we like to see "denominations" as abominations, they are (or at least should be), in actuality, an association of like-minded and like-believing elders who confer together and draw from the collective experience, wisdom and knowledge to guide multiple assemblies.

For instance, when Paul addresses his missive to the "Church at Ephesus," it is not beyond considering that he was addressing multiple assemblies in that place.  The "church building" and the mega-church being conventions yet to come, it would not be surprising to find several "assemblies" of believers in one locale.  That being a possibility, it would follow that the "elders" in that place over those individual assemblies would work together for the good of all.

BUT - it is the role of the elder as shepherd that most touched my heart.  I was mentored by older pastors back in the day when doctors made house calls and elders did too.  These "shepherds" took seriously their obligation to care for the flock - from the greatest to the least.  They considered it their obligation to stay informed and involved with those under their care.  These men were in no way "professionals."  Even those ordained as "pastors" or "teaching elders" who had received training and education at seminary for that specific ministry did not consider themselves professionals but, rather, merely servants.

Interestingly, shepherds have not really had a good reputation in history.  They have been characterized as sneaky, lazy, shiftless, etc.  So, of course, we have to be amazed that David was a shepherd and that the angels came to the shepherds with the good news of the incarnation.

Let me take a different perspective, one we have unfortunately (and probably intentionally) lost.  The sheep are under the authority and care of the shepherds.  There is an intrinsic obligation laid upon the sheep to submit to the shepherds.  Now for sheep-sheep, there is little question of who is in charge; but for people-sheep or sheeple, it seems we have rejected that aspect of the relationship - much to our harm.

We have made the position of the shepherd (elder) one of status and prestige.  We have little problem letting them "care" for us as long as that care is within our comfort zone.  

What we do have a problem with is the authority of the shepherd - their obligation and right to "rule" over us.

Paul writes to Timothy:

2 Tim. 4:2

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.   ESV

Now, we have little problem with the preaching part - as long as it doesn't get too personal.  We even tolerate the exhortation part as long as it doesn't exhort too much.  

But we have a real problem with the reprove and rebuke part of their role.  This is an all too common disconnect in our assemblies.  We don't mind preaching and exhorting but the other smacks too much of meddling.

Now consider:

Eph. 4:11-14

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.   ESV

How are they to do this if we refuse to accept their reproof or rebukes?  Well, they can’t.

The sad part is that we are not rebelling against men but against God.  "He" gave these roles and responsibilities.  These elders are His means for accomplishing His will for His saints.

Ok - let's get it out there.  There are some really poor and even evil "shepherds" out there.  But it is our obligation to discern the quality and character of those we would follow, those whose authority we would submit to.  So we can't claim to be victims.

Placing one's self and one's family under the care and authority of any man or group of men is never something to be done lightly.  We are not to be spectators or mere consumers.  

When we are considering joining an assembly or fellowship, it is our responsibility to check out the leadership and just as diligently the statement of faith or mission statement.  It is our obligation to ask tough biblical, even theological questions of the leadership before we prayerfully seek to make a decision.

I've been a part of a fellowship whose shepherd(s) were mere position and status holders.  They were shepherds based upon their congeniality and popularity.  There was little hope of sound care or guidance from them.  The fellowship we are now a part of was thoroughly "vetted" by both my wife and myself before we decided to place ourselves under the care and authority of the "session" (elders).  

One "test" was whether the "teaching elder" (most would call him the Pastor or Preacher) was willing to correct, rebuke and/or reprove AND, if the context and content in which he did so was biblical.  Of course, it was kind of a ringer because I had, years ago, mentored and discipled one of the elders of this fellowship, so we went in with a greater level of confidence of being satisfied.

Are you safe in the care and oversight of your shepherds?  Do they actually shepherd the flock according to the biblical model?  Do you submit to their authority with comfort and confidence or do you just ignore that part of the relationship?

When shepherds are not faithful, the wolves eat well and the shepherd ultimately feeds upon the flock.

More on this next time...........................

This and That “wolves-sheep-serpents-doves”

Mat 10:16  Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Sheep vs Wolves

He compares them to "sheep", because they were meek and humble in their spirits, harmless, and inoffensive, in their lives and conversations; were weak, and unable to protect themselves, and were sent out by him unarmed and defenceless; and their oppressors and persecutors to "wolves", because fierce and furious, voracious and ravenous, cruel and hurtful, as these creatures are, especially to sheep; wherefore Christ gives them this wholesome advice . . . . John Gill

Serpents AND Doves

The serpent is a very sharp sighted, cunning creature, and uses various arts and stratagems for its own preservation, and especially of its head; and is so far to be imitated by the followers of Christ, as to make use of all proper methods to preserve themselves from the insults and rage of men, and not expose themselves to unnecessary dangers: and, as much as in them lies, they should be careful to give no just occasion of offence, or irritate, and provoke them to use them ill, and to avoid all snares and traps that are laid for them; and, at the same time, maintain the innocence and harmlessness of the dove, being free from all wicked cunning and craftiness, without rancour, malice, and wrath; not meditating and seeking revenge, but meek and humble in their deportment, leading inoffensive lives, and proceeding in the course of their calling, though liable to many insults, and much oppression. John Gill

Sounds great – but oh, so tough to do.

Wolves eat sheep, serpents eat doves – Oh, I feel better already(?!?!?!?!?)

I deal with wolves everyday.  Motivated by their appetite, they simply seek dinner – that would be us-sheep.  Let me share a few things I know:
Wolves are not your friends – never have been, never will be – in fact, can’t be.
Wolves are by nature predators.  They are hunters.
Wolves hunt in packs – you are never dealing with just one.
Wolves wound and then kill.
Wolves usually kill as a team.
Wolves look for the weak, injured and infirmed.
Wolves are gorgeous animals.
Wolves are sneaky, stealth.
Wolves will turn on their own.
Wolves are NEVER tame.
You are dinner on the hoof – whether the wolves eat you right away or wait until later.
The majority of wolves walk on two legs, drive cars and work, they are human.
They want to kill – they will kill you - you are dinner (or lunch - or breakfast).

Ah….. sheep..

     Meek and mild by nature.
     Utterly defenseless.
     Kind of naïve – maybe dumb.
     Can be frightened to death.
     Are not inclined to sense danger – unless it’s right in their face.
     Can panic one another easily.
     Make great meals.  Wolves love them.
     In wolf attacks most die from fright – few are actually killed by the wolves.
     Can kill themselves running away.
     Can be a little ornery.
     Sheep eat grass, not wolves.

Ok – that is them and us.  Great news right?  Oh, did I forget?  Wolf-men (and women) make the rules in this world –and they grossly outnumber us.

Let’s not forget, in human form, wolves hate sheep (especially the Great Shepherd’s flock).
Oh – joy.  I’m excited, how about you?

Let me make my great political statement of 2012  “Wolves !!!!!!!!” “Go to the poles and vote -vote for the wolf that will kill you quickly and wait till you are dead before eating you – because they will kill you and they will eat you.”  

So what is this snake and dove thing?

We need to be familiar with both:

Eph 4:14  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
and again,
Eph 4:14  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

I wish I could get you all to read William Gurnall’s book, The Christian in Complete Armor.  But it is a long and at times tedious read having been written so long ago.  Yet, it is as critical today and it was when written.

Alas, it is easier to just listen to sermons and go to seminars than to do the hard and tedious work of equipping ourselves and thereby actually taking responsibility for our own growth and fitness for service.

And so, we are ignorant sheep and un-snakely in our wisdom and discernment.  The result is we are captivated by the cotton-candy Gospel and the easily-done duties that pass for instruction and discipline today.  We are easily led to error and hence to compromise and would sooner shade our light than suffer the complaints concerning its brightness.

Another recommendation, is the work of Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.    

I recently saw a post on, I think, Facebook, stating that believers were too interested in the devil.  I agree that one can have a very unhealthy fascination with the devil but ignorance of hisssssss devices is just as unhealthy!

In the life of the believer sin and Satan are the enemy who, through the grace and power of God we are to kill and resist.  In the life of the unbeliever sin and Satan are the means and the source for their attaining their goals – whether they believe in them or not.  One either serves God or Satan – there is no middle ground.

Unfortunately, we all have to work and be around wolves and snakes.  I think that is important to remember.

I’ve shared this before – My step-dad taught me, “Trust no living man and walk carefully around the dead.”  Sounds hard but it’s not bad counsel – think about it – we can only really trust the resurrected man – the Son of God.

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.