'SHIP 003

'SHIP  003

Obedience is our duty.  We have both a commission to fulfill and an obligation to grow.

Are you?  Obedience?

It takes work - hard work.

It takes sacrifice - tough sacrifice.

It take your commitment - which of course is meaningless without the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Peter tells us that we have been given everything we need for life and godliness.  Now that's not some certificate or diploma.  It's the means we have everything needed to begin and continue in the fulfillment of our obligtion and the fulfilling of our commission.

So, how're we doing?  Are we "lukewarm" like our brothers and sisters in Laodicia?  

Revelation 3:15-22 ESV
"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! [16] So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. [17] For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. [18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. [19] Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. [21] The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. [22] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"

What's "lukewarmness?"

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 

Ouch!  Also, note verse 20!  Contrary to how we have heard this verse used, Jesus is talking to the Church (collectively and individually).  Hellooooo!  Anybody home?

How can Christ be "outside" the Church knocking on the door to come in?  I have no idea but obviously it's possible.

No look closely at verse 20b.  "If anyone," "in to him," "eat with him," "grant him."

Him (and of course Her as well - duhh) - singular.  That means we do not wait on everybody else!  We don't need to!  Indeed, we can not afford to!

You are a sheep - part of a flock -BUT whether the flock follows the Shepherd (or not), you can, you must.  What does "following" the shepherd look like?  Simple, trusting obedience to the one trusted.

But, when sheep get fat they tend to get sassy.  They're full, they have no sense of danger so they just do their own thing.  They don't sense the NEED anything.

Oh, wait, could this be something?  Do we tend to forget our need?  Not our need for food, for material provision but our NEED for Him.  Let me ask two questions.  First, "When was the last time you were convicted of sin?"  Second, "When was the last time you sinned?"  Any disconnect there?   Any loss of sensitivity?  Any (and oh this is scary) absense of sensitivity?

Uhhhhhhh --- 1 John 1:8-10 ESV
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Oh, we'll cop to sins - when they're in our faces.  But do we live insensitive to them?  Do we minimize, ignore, prevaricate?  Are we able to dodge conviction?  Are we shown our sin and then comparing it to what we call BIGGIES do we just walk past it?  The eating of a piece of fruit threw the whole of creation into the corruption and devastation of sin.  So how serious is any sin?

Do you hate sin as sin or do you just hate the consequences?  

Consider:
"...the choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought yet to make it their business all their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin...Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work; be always at it whilst you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you. Your being dead with Christ virtually, your being quickened with him, will not excuse you from this work."                                From Mortification of Sin, by John Owen.

Disobedience is sin.  Right" Or have I missed something?

KingSHIP 001

"KingSHIP"  001 
010113

Gloom and Doom - Doom and Gloom

They're really nothing new and other than the fact they make everything very uncomfortable, they're not out of God's sight or withdrawn from His concern and attention.  But Satan loves to scare the children of God and get their eyes off the Master and on to the Mess.  Well, let's not be tricked by that - OK?

As you begin your new 365 consider:

  Luke 12:22-31 ESV
And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. [24] Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! [25] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [26] If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? [27] Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [28] But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! [29] And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. [30] For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Consider verse 26 especially:  "If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?"

The key here for me is, "why are you anxious about the rest?"  My response to God is a resounding, "Becaue of three reasons:  First, I'm a weenie.  Second, I still think I can and need to make it all work.  Third, it's not that my faith is weak - it's more like I don't use it first but wait until I've tried all my ideas first."

Instead of anxiety (not the neurochemical kind ;-}) He calls us to: "Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you."

Remember the song, "Don't worry be happy"?  Well, he seems to be saying, "Don't worry get busy (specifically busy!)"

"Seek His Kingdom!"  Proposed:  There is no real difference between God's Kingdom and His Kingship - so we can legitimately use either term - Ok?

So, the alternative (and perhaps the remedy) for anxiousness is Kingdom/ship seeking.  Mmmmmm - that's a pretty big seekiing.

But let me suggest that you consider that it all begins with "ship" and you.  What I suggest is that we first seek to live out His King SHIIP over us - individualy and uniquely before we run off trying to do the King DOM thing.  

So, we begin a series on SHIP KingSHIP which, on the other end of the stick, is submission as vassals to the King.

I'll try to keep these brief - just hints and suggstions from scripture and my own turbulent seeking.

First step:
James 4:7 ESV
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Second step:
James 4:8 ESV
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Just consider and pray about these imperatives and NEVER forget -----

2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [4] by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Peter's pen 1 Peter 5:12-14

1 Peter 5: 12-14

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.   ESV

In closing, two points:

1.  This is the true grace of God.
2.  Stand firm in it.

As I have throughout this series, I highly recommend the works of John Flavel, John Owen, William Gurnal, Thomas Watson and other great Puritan preachers.

I'll also take a chance on a book just published that I haven't read (I am waiting for the digital edition).  It is titled A Puritan Theology; Doctrine for Life.  Right now it is available at a really big discount (print version) at:

http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/8650?utm_source=A_Puritan_Theology&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cover_image&utm_campaign=A_Puritan_Theology

NOTE:  I finished reading  A Puritan Theology and I highly recommend it.  I also recommend The Marrow of Theology William Ames as a primer in Refomed eoloy, docine and pracice.

God bless and keep you all -- Next series???  Don't know yet.   Any suggestions?

Hate One Love the Other

I've been reading a lot in the old Puritans about dealing with sin.  Last night we rather sleepless because I couldn't get it out of my mind.  No, I wasn't obsessing but I was struggling with the issue.

We are to hate sin and to mortify (kill) is - battle it throughout our lives here.  It is a battle that will not end until we are with Him were He is.  So we need to be about that works so we can honor and glorify Him - right?  It's all part of conforming us to His likeness - Rom. 12.

But I was struck with a concern over focusing on sin as opposed to focusing on Him.  Would it not be true that if I learn to love Him and work on loving Him more I will indeed still mortify sin?  Do I have to operate from a position of animosity and hatred toward sin or may I not operate from a desire to love Him.

OK - maybe it's not and either/or but as I consider hating sin I find that I am more prone to operate in my own strength - trying to please Him by "not" sinning - more of a "work" orientation.  When I consider loving Him more in thought and deed I have a greater comfort and enthusiasm - a greater strength other than my own.

No, I don't for a moment suggest we ignore sin but rather that we replace it with that which is done, thought, considered, etc. for the purpose of living out a love for Him.

I guess I'm trying to get my head and heart around the difference between addressing sin our of hate for sin and addressing sin out of love for Him.  We are told that we should draw near to Him and flee temptation/sin.  It's a no brainer that we should flee from temptation and sin in His direction.

We must battle sin but we must battle it in and with His provision.  to do this well we need to get obnoxiously close to Him.  Loving Him has to remove tolerating sin - right?  Drawing closer to Him in our knowledge, understanding and  practice would have to decrease our weakness and vulnerability - right?

I would suggest that we (I) begin by making use of three disciplines of the faith.  the first is prayer.  to be constant (consistent) in prayer is critical for our well being and our intimacy with Him.  In prayer we are actually conversing with Him, relating to Him and acknowledging His sovereignty.  That's something we can't really do too much.

The second discipline is to be in His Word.  In the Word he exposes - reveals all we need to know about Him and His plan for us.  The Word is the source of both our understanding and appreciation of His sovereignty and love - not to mention all His other attributes.  We need to be careful however that we read with intention and purpose.  that being that we grow in our knowledge and understanding which will have a powerful effect on our trust in and faithfulness to Him.

The third disciple is giving.  OK - we need to give $ to support His work that demands $ but not all His work demands $.  So, give the $s you can.  But giving is sooooo much broader.  Giving for us is always about using His provision to us for His purposes.  he provides for us so our needs can be met - but He also gives to us so we might be meeting the needs of others as well.  This is bigger than $s.  This is time, patience, compassion, admonition, correction, comfort, encouragement, etc.

Money is "coined life."  it represents a period of our time and effort for which we are compensated.  So - giving of our time and effort is just as acceptable as giving our money.  Money is just time and effort in coin or paper.  We need to be giving what $ we can but even more so (to me) we need to be giving of our lives (time and effort) to Him.  Not an either/or but a both/and.

Why these three?  Well they are fundamentals - basics - a good starting point upon which all other duties depend.  They are the fundamental acknowledgment of the grace and mercy He has for us.  Each of them in their own way shapes and molds our minds and affections (feelings) toward Him.

As we grow in our regularity in these disciplines we will find two things.  First I believe we will find a greater discontent in sin and a greater sensitivity to temptations.  What we "do" will become more precious than serving our own desires.  Secondly, we will find a new sense of His use of us - a greater sense of our ministry - a greater confidence in doing what He puts in our hands to do.

Yes, we are to hate sin - but not to the detriment of loving God.  I believe that the more we love Him intentionally and actively the more the light of His countenance will obscure the deceitful appeal of temptation.  I believe that loving Him more and more - actively - will naturally result in a a "hating" of sin in the Spirit instead of the flesh.

Think about it -

Michael "sheepdog" Sanders
ms@tc2v1.com

This and That: Just on my mind. 091912

Psa 42:11  Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Here’s the conundrum:  How do we know it is our soul and not our flesh that is “cast down?”

We all get bummed out, anxious, sad and even find ourselves in turmoil.  But is it because of some factor related to our walk or is it because our flesh is not satisfied?

I know, it all related to our faith but it is critical that we examine our turmoil as to its source.

Ok – me – my favorite bad example.  I have a situation which can end in something good, something bad or just remain the same.  It’s a situation on which I have labored hard, told the truth (even though they didn’t want to hear it) and been faithful to Him.  In anticipation of the meeting I have today I am cast down.  Why?

Well, my flesh wants the kudos and rewards that we espect to come from having done a task  well and with ingrity.  My flesh thinks that I ought to get “goodies,” for having done this task with such diligence.  Anticipating a bad outcome my flesh gets angry and bitter.  Anticipating things staying the same my flesh is disgruntled but OK.  Anticipating the bad result my pride and fleshly expectations want to argue with god for the better result – and the meeting isn’t for seven hours.

My flesh operates according to the “myths” the world offers.  Work hard, do good and good things will result.  Always tell the truth and good things will result.  Yeah, tell it to Paul!

My flesh is always looking for its own advantage and benefit.  It carries a sense of being “owed” something.  It believes it deserves good stuff and when it does not get it – the pity party starts.

There are two factors at work here.  When I was growing up  and even into my adult years I was part of a family but not.  I was once asked to describe my role in my family and I replied, “Invisible.”  I spent a lot of my life asking, “When is it my turn to get the attention and care?”  “When is it my turn to be the center of attention?”  The reasons are a long story--------

That flesh-wound has stayed with me and plagued me for all my years.  So when I find myself in turmoil, when I have a sense of my soul being cast down that’s the first place I go.  Typically I find that that flesh-wound is the source of my discontent.

We all have flesh-wounds we carry that affect our affections (feelings and perceptions).  What we need to do is to identify them well enough to be able to discern when they are at the root of our turmoil or discontent.

Now, you may ask why this flesh wound has not been healed.  I have no idea.  It has grown less effective but it is still there.  Perhaps it is a left-handed blessing.  Perhaps it serves His purpose in my life or the lives of those I serve. 

The cousin to my question is, “Why is this happening to me?”  both questions are worth examining for our God is sovereign and nothing happens by chance.  There is a purpose for every trial, every temptation.  Of that we can be sure

But the bottom line is, “Is it a question or a complaint?”  Am I seeking God’s will and purpose or am I  grousing because either don’t have what I want or have something I don’t want?

How much of the energy behind my turmoil comes from the spirit and how much from the flesh?  How much is about Him and how much is about me?  am I disquieted or dissatisfied?

If I am disquieted I feel pretty good about it being from my spirit.  If I am dissatisfied I am pretty sure it’s my flesh.

Why nit-pick?  The solution of both is of course to draw near to Him. But my spirit needs to grow and my flesh needs to, as the Puritans said, “be mortified,” or die.

So discerning which of the two has the most energy and influence is important.  It will guide my prayer and other duties.  It will make me alert to temptation and sin as well as the blessings of discipline and training.

You may respond, “Why worry about it, trust God and move on.”  Well, that’s all well and good but it does matter – it matters whether the mass in one’s abdomen is a cyst, tumor or a mass due to diverticulitis.  The first two need surgery the other needs medication.   My spirit needs communion with God in prayer, study, fellowship and worship.  The other, just needs to die.

So, as I prepare for my meeting I have to examine my spirit qand the source of its turmoil.  In this case the flesh wins.  Regardless of the “news” I get I was faithful to Him and hopefully I honored Him in the work I did.  How can I be uneasy because of that?  What I am uneasy about is how “they” reacted to my work and how that will affect my future provision.  But, my future provision was never in their hands anyway so whatever the result the One who has always been in charge is still in charge.

So my prayers are directed more to the killing of the flesh than to the preferred results.  God knows quite well what I want – but – more comforting – God well knows what I need.

Any questions?

3 hours 'till the meeting - everybody pray!!  ;-}}}}}

1Pe 3:8  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Finally, all of US-together-in Him (need to) HAVE:

• unity of mind: be in harmony (what we know, believe, hold to, profess)
• sympathy: suffering, misfortune - together or with (all things – especially the tough stuff)
• brotherly love:  loving as brothers (you are FAMILY)
• a tender heart:  compassionate (feel it in the gut with others)
• a humble mind:  a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness  (think worminess)

He has given us His Son – and He has given us each other – This is about us – all of us, each one of us, together.

Any questions? 

My first tract: Duties Included in Keeping the Heart

I've written a tract based upon Flavel's work, Keeping the Heart; Duties Included in Keeping the Heart
It can be found at:
http://www.tc2v1.com/page4.php

I have several others in the works and will post them on that website as they are completed.

In Him,
Michael

This and That 090612 Can’t means can’t.

It is well you have a heart to discharge every duty; yet if God disable you by providence, it is no discredit to your profession that you do not that which you cannot do, so long as it is your desire and endeavor to do what you can and ought to do; and in this case God’s will is, that lenity and forbearance be toward you. 

Flavel, John (2010-08-03). Keeping the Heart

(Kindle Locations 777-779).  . Kindle Edition.

If you cannot, it ceases to be your duty, and God accepts the drawing out of your soul to the hungry in compassion and desire to help them, though you cannot draw forth a full purse to relieve and supply them. 

Flavel, John (2010-08-03). Keeping the Heart

(Kindle Locations 780-782).  . Kindle Edition.

Ever noticed of heard of a need that just touched your heart?  Ever been tempted to rush to assist?  Ever wanted to perform some work of ministry but not been able to?  Ever been prevented from performing some spiritual duty by want or circumstance?

Contrary to the stereo-type the Puritans understood that sometimes the desire of our heart outstrips our ability and/or availability.  “Want to,” and “can’t” brings you no fault before God.  At times He even works His providence so that we “can’t” follow or fulfill the honorable stirrings of our hearts.  He is please when we ache to do good and yet wisely know we are not able.

“If only,” is not always a work/thought that comes from our flesh.  Often God prompts our hearts and hinders our ability to root the desire and compassion in our hearts.  Often He does this to make us more sensitive or show us our former lack of sensitivity.  Often he does this to show us what we might have done had we been better stewards of previous blessings.

Now that last one I know – up close and personal.  It has taught me, better than anything else that what He provides to me isn’t always for me.  Whether it’s blessings of buffetings I have learned that they must be held close in the heart and lifted up in prayer so we might wisely make use of them.  Formalism, even in giving and meeting needs may indicate a narrow heart and a need for spiritual insight.

When we are moved to act but find we “can’t,” God may be telling us “No,” or “Not yet.”  But we need to rejoice in the fact that He has acted in our lives to enliven our compassions and commitment.  A “can’t” may just be a “can,” delayed.

A friend once shared his method of stewardship with me.  His view was that everything God gave him was his (my friend’s).  It was a gift.  But not everything God gave him was for him.  So he felt his obligations was to use only what he needed for his care and all the rest was for him to use for God’s work.  He also believed that he needed to not be miserly but to operate with a prayerful frugality when it came to meeting the needs of his family.

The blessing of this wasn’t really his ability to provide for God’s work.  The blessing was that every penny provoked prayer.  Every purchase was examined prayerfully.  Another blessing of this was that his (and his family’s) “giving” was exciting and encouraging to them, not to mention how it increased their prayer lives.

“Can’t” isn’t a dirty word, it’s just a fact.  “Should,” when it results in mere formality in any aspect of our walk is a dirty work.  Formalism is the result of a narrow mind and a narrow heart.  (Sorry for the bunny trail here).

Pray about this:

“yet if God disable you by providence, it is no discredit to your profession that you do not that which you cannot do, so long as it is your desire and endeavor to do what you can and ought to do;”  Flavel

We love to quote:

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  Php 4:13

First, please go and read the CONTEXT of that statement.

Second, do not be so presumptuous as to assume He desires you to do “all things.”

Yet,

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”   Col 3:17 

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 2:1-3

1Pe 2:1-3  So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.  (2)  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-(3)  if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Peter has repeatedly affirmed our assurance in Christ and is now moving us into some practical and surprising areas of living out our faith.  He has already called us to love one another earnestly based upon our union with the Lord.  Now he moves on.

“put away”

No, this is not “work” but it is part of our growth in Christ.  We are never called to do what we cannot – but we cannot without His power. 

When we read a command or an admonishment, we are often tempted to put it on “the” list and dig into the “doing.”  Though the high motivation is a good thing springing from a pure heart, the rushing into the “doing” might not be so wise.

Commands or directives are not challenges thrown out for us to “prove” our love for Him.  Rather, they are intended to draw us closer to Him first seeking His direction and power to obey.  If commands and directives are intended to “prove” anything, it is to prove that we need Him and that He is faithful to provide what we need from Him to follow.

In Romans 1:5 Paul writes about, “obedience of faith.”  Many a late night has been spent where the meaning of this is debated and analyzed.  But if we can just accept the simple fact that faith (trust) changes our actions, we will be a lot closer to understanding what Paul is saying.

Jesus calls us to “trust” His faithfulness and His power and His love for us.  He calls us to “do” so we might be in a better position to see His trustworthiness.  The more we act, trusting Him, the broader and deeper our trust grows.  I have trusted Him (not always well) for over 30 years and He has never failed me.  Where the bumps in the road come for me is in not paying attention and acknowledging that in every circumstance and situation He has been the source of any and every ability to obey.  

Just this morning I was mulling over our present circumstances and wondering whether we had provision for the future.  I had to laugh at myself because we have much more provision for today than we could ever need.  All our needs are met in Him today – I can rest in Him – today.  But friends, today is all we ever have.  Tomorrow is just impending today – when it gets here, it will be today.

I’d love to write about our souls longing for eternity – an eternal “today.”  But I’ll save that thought.

Peter calls us to, “put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”  Now we might – possibly – be able to put away these things on occasion, but Peter nails all of us when he says we are to put them ALL away.  That ALL is the clincher – the crusher. 

I don’t even see these things all the time – I engage in them and then later remember.  If I don’t notice them ALL, it’s not likely I’ll put them all away.  Here comes faith/trust!  He can enable me to notice and stop.  He can make me sensitive to their potential in every situation.  He can shut my mouth and ears. 

Peter tells us how to embark on this “putting away.”

V 2:  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-

“Like” new born infants!!!!!!!  How dependent is a new born?  That’s how dependent we are to be upon Him.  But, what’s  great is that what we need is provided – we need to desire it!  It is, “the pure spiritual milk,” that we grow by.  Milk – “Got Milk?”   What in the world is Peter talking about?

1Co 3:2  I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,

Heb 5:12-14  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,  (13)  for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.  (14)  But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Ahh – perhaps this is why Peter ends this reference to milk with, “that by it you may grow up into salvation.”

Jesus is a gentle teacher and a loving friend.  He knows we are weak and frightful.  He knows everything about us – and He provides us with what we specifically need when we specifically need it.  In this instance, we need “milk” to grow us as we “put away” these sinful things. 

Remember, the picture here is of infants not big strong strapping adults.  Remember, too, that this is not just about our bodies but about our hearts and minds as well.  It’s called humility and it’s a tough thing.  We have to learn that we can’t – He can.  We need to pray that we will humble our hearts and accept our infantile needs in Him and allow Him to feed us that “milk” which we must have to grow.

Milk first and fundamental - as He shows you what and how and enables you to do so.

I suspect that the toughest part of this whole passage is:

“Like newborn infants”

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 1:22-25

1Pe 1:22-25  Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,  (23)  since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;  (24)  for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,  (25)  but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Peter continues with an application for all he has written prior to this:

“love one another earnestly from a pure heart”

But notice, this is placed right in the middle of “how” we are even able to hope to do it.

It is not some feeling or affection we take on or put on, but rather something that can only be done because of what He has done.  It is smack dab in the middle of “purified your souls,” and “born again.”  There is no place else we can ever hope to follow Peter’s admonition.  It is only “in Him” that we can have a sincere love for one another.

This love, this sincere love is a love without pretense.  It is unfeigned, not an act, soundly based, real.  It is based upon His love for His redeemed. 

1Jn 4:10  In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

This is the foundation and power of our loving.  If God so loved our brothers and sisters, can we ever be satisfied with loving them less?

Joh 17:20-21  "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,  (21)  that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

This love we are called to is His; He has poured it out into our hearts and we are to recognize it in and give it to one another.  Oh, our flesh makes it so hard at times.  We are all struggling with our “me-ness.”  But this love can and will over-ride that [“selfness”], if we will diligently seek His grace and mercy for that to happen.  This love is absolutely impossible if it is not sought and received from the throne of grace, from the scarred hand of the Savior.

Pray, pray and pray again that He will take from you anything that prohibits you from loving your brothers and sisters in the same way and with the same love as He always loves you .

Peter's Pen 1st Peter 1:13-16 A

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."

“THEREFORE” – what’s it there for?

Peter goes on telling us that because of what he has just written there is something he admonishes us to do.

“Prepare your minds for action!”  “On your mark, get ready ……..”

OK – what’s that mean?  How about this:

Php 4:8  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.

That’s a good platform to launch from.  We prepare our minds by reading the Word, by listening to solid sermons, by going to Bible studies, by sharing with other believers and, of course, by reading good books and commentaries.

BUT – I have to warn you – or encourage you – one size does not fit all.  Or, we don’t all prepare our minds the same way.  There is no formula or recipe for this.  You are you – utterly unique.  How you can best use the resources and means is something you need discover.  Try different things (above) and see what really works for you.  It may be Mp3s, DVD’s, books – whatever.  The one thing we all should have in common is reading the Word.  Remember, all the Mp3s, DVDs and books are about the Word – they’re not the Word.  So when you use one of these methods – have your Bible out and a pad and pencil.  

That’s a good way to start.

Now – prayer is important.  Jesus didn’t say, “If you pray,” he said, “when you pray.”  So, we can assume prayer is a normal part of our life in Him.  BUT – again, one size does not fit all.

Some folks pray early in the morning, some late at night, some a couple of times a day others grab it when they can.  But, we need to be praying. 

Look – it really isn’t hard.  Just take the model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.  Yes, it’s just a model but praying the model can help you grow in developing your own prayers.  

Remember:

Heb 4:16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Note the, “with confidence”!!!!!  Certainly, we approach respectfully and humbly but we don’t need to cower and snivel – we are welcome there – invited there.

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.

Peace - Be still.

My heart looks back to the time when I was under a sense of sin, and sought with all my soul to find peace, but could not discover it, high or low, in any place beneath the sky; yet when "I saw one hanging on a tree," as the Substitute for sin, then my heart sat down under His shadow with great delight.  My heart reasoned thus with herself,--Did Jesus suffer in my stead? Then I shall not suffer. Did He bear my sin? Then I do not bear it. Did God accept His Son as my Substitute? Then He will never smite me. Was Jesus acceptable with God as my Sacrifice? Then what contents the Lord may well enough content me, and so I will go no farther, but: "sit down under His shadow," and enjoy a delightful rest.”  Till He Come, C.H. Spurgeon

As I read that I wanted to curl up in a ball and get as small as I could.  Oh to grow into such a state!  Oh to have my affections so informed by His love and sacrifice.  But self- pity is such a low thing – such a toxic thing. It will only consume – it will never heal or help.

Oh how I long to love Him as I see here – to know Him and have that strength in Him.  My first impulse is to run about “doing” for Him as though (1) He needed my help and (2) my works to win Him would ever work.  Such is the battle with what the Word tells us is the “flesh.”  It seeks desperately to solve the problem to fix whatever seems to need fixing. 

It also refuses to sit down and shut up.  I balk at the very idea of “not doing.”  I want the plan, laid out plain and clear so we might know and not need to trust.  And yet – trust is exactly what we need.  The flesh stacks up our smallness and weakness and unworthiness and then pushes it over crushing us – or at least seeming to.

Do you, with me, long to rest in Him?  To release your hold on it all – and to trust His grace?  Does His grace seem distant and dark?  Do you have the sense that you are being punished, that there is no place for you at the table?  Or perhaps you sit on the floor at the far end of the table thinking, “If He sees me, He will throw me out”? 

That is the flesh – my flesh, your flesh – the flesh.  Satan, when he can do nothing else, uses the providences of God to stimulate our flesh and bring us to be afraid of our Lord and friend, Jesus.  Oh, that like a tumor God would excise it from me and you.  Oh, that we would not flinch at the sight of the savior surgeon’s knife.

I have learned, from Him, that when one stays in a dark and dismal place and thinks they can survive there, one is resistant to all attempts at rescue.  Oh, how painful and joyful it is to even begin to sit still for our Savior’s attentions. 

I have learned that my doubt is truly idolatry for I look to my doubt and not that little grain of faith He has planted in me.  I know the darkness, I know the rejection and though it presses cruelly, I find I fight to let it go. 

Having put (and fighting doing it more) my faith in me and others and my ideas and schemes, I am cast down – but the voice of the flesh still bellows.  Oh, for the blessed silence of being in His arms, hearing the beat of His resurrected heart.  Oh, to feel the warmth of His embrace, to see the light of His radiance and be at rest under His hand.

I pray that He will overwhelm my resistance, my self - my flesh that fights His love and care -  that seeks to “show Him I am worthy,” of his blessing.   Oh, that He would quiet - silence that voice that so deceives enticingly.   Oh, that I could hear none but Him – that I would be silent and the world inaudible.

UIH 3

What a blessing it is to have a brother or sister in Christ to come along side you and “restore” you gently and kindly.  Paull writes:

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.   (2Co 13:11)

I am particularly focused on, “aim for restoration.”

Restoration:  καταρτίζω, katartizō

Thayer Definition:

1) to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete

1a) to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair

1a1) to complete

1b) to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust

1b1) to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare

1c) ethically: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be

UIH is a place where we pray that will happen.  We all get “down” either through circumstances or sin (ours or that of others) and we need to be, “restored.”  We find that same word in:

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  (Gal 6:1-2)

This is one of the most wonderful things the fellowship of believers can do for one another.  But it can be a tough thing to be willing to have done to one’s self.  Admitting a need, a lack of understanding, being caught in a transgression is a very uncomfortable thing to do.  The promise of meeting, “a spirit of gentleness,” goes a long way to easing our way into reaching out.

Us in Him, through the study, counseling and fellowship  seeks to do this.  We pray that He will hold us and keep us in that “spirit of gentleness,”  as we seek, all of us, to be restored – together.   James makes it clear:

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.  (Jas 3:2)

Note, “we all,” stumble and we do it in, “many ways.”  So we need helping hearts and hands to lift us up and steady us as we gain our feet.

Just this week I had several in my circle of believers comfort and restore me.  It was hard to admit I needed restoring but once I was willing to let go of my pride and the ickiness of it God blessed me gently and greatly through others.  As we are admonished to do this we need to be willing to have it done to us.  

It’s scarier out there when you feel all alone.

Us In Him 1

What is "Us In Him?”

UIH is a ministry dedicated to helping believers new and old grow in their knowledge, understanding and living out of the faith and to equipping them to use their gift for the works of service He has prepared for them.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  (Mar 10:14)

and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.   (Mat 18:3)

The two verses above are at the heart of UIH.  Call it: Basic Christianity, Christianity 101 or Christianity ReBoot. 

Two things parents have taught me.  Children want to know “Why?” and children upon learning the word love, “No!”  Of course they are curious, creative, inventive and persistent. 

Children are fascinating.  Though it’s sometimes hard for grownups, listening to children is amazing.  Art Linkletter had a section on his old TV show called, “Kids say the darndest things.”  I don’t think I’ve ver had such wonderful bouts of laughter in my life. 

Without filters, with few social strictures and boundaries kids in their naiveté have a perspective and insight we sadly lose as we grow and mature.  The greatest thing about kids is they ask a lot of questions.  Sometime we think the question is simple only to discover that there is more to it.  Question – answer and then another question. 

The struggle for us comes when we try to give a single definitive answer.  Kids don’t have all the data we have so a single definitive answer is rarely an answer at all to them.  They need patience and attention as they ask and ask and ask.

When Jesus talks about becoming like little children I think part of that is His encouragement to us to keep asking questions and working for that answer that we understand.  There is an element of letting go of our knowledge and presuppositions that we need, to allow us to ask and answer well, so we can out put it all back together based upon the truth, His truth.

I came to Christ in college and brought all my knowledge and stuff with me.  It was hard to ask what felt like dumb questions.  I had a college degree, I ought to be able to figure it out  I can remember so many times when I had a burning question but held it back because I was afraid of looking dumb. 

UIH wants to be a place where there are no dumb questions.  A place where everyone takes on the demeanor of a child and allows themselves to engage in, well, Christ-child talk.  Every question is important – and important for us all no matter where we are in our walk.

I once worked in a music store where they repaired instruments.  The owner decided that he wanted me to learn to re-cork woodwind instrument – mostly clarinets.  As the repair guy taught me I felt really dumb.  He could do it with his eyes closed.  I watched him do about a dozen intruments and it was amazing.  Then one day I went in and he handed me a clarinet and told me to re-cork and re-pad it.  I went to the work station and began.  When I was done I took it to him and showed him my work.  I can’t remember his exact words but what comes to mind was, “That’s the worst repair job you’ll ever do.”

He expected me to make a mess of it.  He wasn’t surprised, he wasn’t angry he was actually pleased.  Why?  Because in showing him my mess I showed him what I could do and what I couldn’t do.  Now he could work from there in guiding me towards where he needed me to be.

This is the “vision” (I really don’t like that word) of UIH.  The assumption is that we all need guidance, encouragement, correction, admonishment – as Paul says:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-17)

And the author of Hebrews writes:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.   (Heb 10:23-25)

UIH is a place where wounded, wandering, wondering and wild followers of the Master are sought, invited and welcomed.  It is meant to serve the church – it is simply where 2 or 3 gather in His name to to grow.

. . . . like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,  (1Pe 2:2)

Fear 01 (A re-tread)

Fear 01

Fear is NOT “bad!”  Fear is not a “sin.”  Fear, like pain is a gift.

Certainly fear (being afraid – not awe) is a result of the Fall and in that way it’s not “good,” but it is a condition we have to deal with (like pain – which is not a “sin” either).

My very first sermon was on the text of 2Tim. 1:7 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

This was the start of my interest in fear as something that had to be dealt with in the life of the believer.  So, I’ll start here.

The word translated “fear” in this verse is the Greek word: δειλία  deilia:  1) timidity, fearfulness, cowardice. 

“Fear” isn’t such a good translation because of how we use fear in our everyday conversation.  Timidity is perhaps much better.  “Faithless” is also implied by the word.  Synonyms of the term are “small souled,” or “fainthearted.”  The idea of “dread,” is also part of the meaning.

CONTEXT !

Paul is addressing a specific circumstance in his letter to Timothy.  Timothy is a preacher, a believer of Jewish descent and one of the few whom Paul consented to have circumcised.  Timothy may well have been a magnet for criticism, especially from those seeking the Judaize the Church. 

Paul precedes his proclamation concerning fear with:

2Tim. 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

Had the “flame” begun to die?  Was it perhaps being smothered by opposition?  It appears that Timothy was growing timid in his use of the “gift of God.” 

It does appear that there were two issues which would have pressured Timothy.  The first is perhaps criticism of Paul since Paul follows these verses with a defense of his ministry.  Paul, being a lightning rod for Jewish antagonism and persecution would have been a natural part of any argument put up by the Judaizes. 

Just look at this Paul, pursued, punished, on the run.  How could he be a man of God with all the bad things that happen to him?  How could he be speaking the truth when all men oppose him?  He makes trouble everywhere he goes!

Paul follows verse 8 with almost an apologetic concerning his ministry.  In short he tells Timothy that it is not about him (Paul), it is about the Gospel.

The second issue facing Timothy are false teachers who seek (in whatever direction) to twist the gospel to their own lusts and affections.  It appears Timothy is working a new group of believers, a group yet without structure or leadership and in the midst of this it is under attack internally and externally.

Paul is admonishing Timothy to no longer hold back in his preaching and pastoring.  He is there under Paul’s commission to serve the Christ and not man.  He is not to allow the circumstances to quench the flame!

Fear, in this case is probably a timidity concerning the way, the truth and the life.  A natural tendency to soft-peddle things when there is resistance or opposition.  The temptation to schmooze, cajole and even compromise.

The opposite of this “fear” is boldness based on God’s faithfulness.  It is not an obnoxious, insensitive, blind or deaf boldness but rather a tender loving boldness that understands and appreciates the pain of conviction and confession as well as the joy of repentance.  It is a boldness that is not drawn from one’s self but rather from the giver of all ministry gifts.

It is the boldness of Jesus cleansing the temple and the tenderness of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well.  It is the boldness of Jesus’s rebuke of Peter and the tenderness of His restoration of Peter.  It is indeed a boldness that asks,  “What can man do to me?” and accepts the answer knowing all the time, “the Lord is my helper.”  (Heb. 13:6)

It is not the boldness of the warrior but of the shepherd who knows what the dangers are and where they may be and yet leads his sheep into the pasture.  It is not the boldness of an attack but the boldness to take a stand and not be moved.

It is not a boldness to criticize and vilify but boldness that compassionately reaches out no matter how many times the hand is slapped away.  It is a boldness that welcomes rejection as an opportunity to try again, perhaps in a different way.

Fear in this passage is subtle and can gain control for a whole host of nice reasons.  It is the fear that brings the toleration of sin, slothfulness, compromise and ultimately capitulation.  This fear is like a slow drip on the flame.  Seemingly having no effect until suddenly the fire is out and we’re left in the cold and the dark.

This “timidity” is normal, especially in the early days of our walk.  But Paul makes it plain that it is not from God and if it is not from God the only other sources are the world, the flesh and the devil.  Which one is it from?  The answer is, “YES.”  It is fed by all three – but God’s answer is His power, His love and His mind.  The power of the Gospel, the love of God and the mind of Christ (just to kind of give you an idea). 

Walk with P & Me -03 More about me than us

Husbands, love your wives,

as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

so that he might present the church to himself in splendor,

without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,

that she might be holy and without blemish.

(Eph 5:25-27)

Pretty much an old “Yeah duhhh,” verse – right?  Well somehow it grew teeth for me.

As Patti and I walk together through our “next steps” I thought of this verse and several things bit me.

The first was, “and gave himself up for her.”  Boy that was a punch in the gut.  We, husbands, tend to feel we “give up” a lot for our families – and we do.  But here we see that we are to give up our self for our wives.  OK maybe Sunday night football or a round of golf – but myself?  Ouch.

It’s interesting how that got twisted over time.  We talk about a wife’s sacrifice for her husband – her making a home, raising the kids.  Yeah, I know, that’s biblical.  But just like that’s gotten all out of whack in our culture so has the sacrifice we husbands are to make.

It’s a specific sacrifice – it is “for her.”  Not security, not things but for her.  Which makes me wonder what Patti needs for me to sacrifice about me; and how do I give up me?

Reading or shooting is one thing – me is another.

This has made it to my “Huh?” prayer list.  That’s the list of things I need to pray about that I don’t quite “get” what I need to pray about.  I know that if I asked her she’d say, “Nothing,” with that sweet Irish smile but also that raised Jewish eyebrow. 

This is, at least to me, a bit beyond, “Honey what can I do to help.”  It’s also beyond, “What’s one thing about me you’d like me to change?”  This my fellow husbands looks and feels like, well, the Word and the Spirit stuff.

No, not some airy-fairy, incense and weirdness thing but a search my soul thing.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that this looks and feels like something bigger than either of us could discern – especially in our flesh.  This is – ginormous!

So – do you have a “Huh?” prayer list?  You might want to start one and put this down first.  So far my mind wants to go to all the worldly happy things that I could do for or provide for her.  But I think that would miss the mark.  I want Patti to enjoy the full assurance of her redemption and the full joy of serving Him.

Read the verse paying particular attention to what follows:

Loves….her

that he might….her

so that he might….her

that she might….

Oh, that we might that our wives might.  We can, but only in His might.

I am grateful in a new way for His forgiveness and for His instruction.

No, I don’t know how to give up me for her – I’ve got some ideas but I don’t want to let my flesh feed my function – soooo  it’s prayer time.