This and That - Every ready to stand. 091812

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

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

I have to start at the beginning:

We DO know what to expect!

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

Tribulation:  oppression, affliction, distress, obstacles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, how do we prepare?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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? 

This and That Discontent’s Downfall 091712

No: a mourner in Zion you may and ought to be, but a self-tormentor you must not be; complain to God you may, but complain of God (though but by the language of your actions) you must not.  Flavel, John (2010-08-03). Keeping the Heart (Kindle Locations 465-466).  . Kindle Edition.

“If God is sovereign, why did He let this happen?”  The answer is, “Yes, God is sovereign.”

I once thought I was the sun and all the planets – everything revolved around me.  I believed that I should have what I wanted, when I wanted it and how I wanted it.  I really believed I knew what was best for me.

Then the Spirit healed my blindness and I saw the depth of my sin and the greatness of my need.  I also saw the glory of the grace which God was pouring out to me in His Son.

And then, in Christ:

I thought, “in Christ,” I was the sun and all the planets – everything revolved around me.  I believed that I should have what I wanted, when I wanted it and how I wanted it.  I really believed I knew what was best for me.

It is a long journey from “Jesus saved ME,” to “God is sovereign. “ It is a long journey from “I am His,” to “He is sovereign.”  It is a long journey from, “My way,” to “His will.”  It is a long journey from “Yeah me,” to “such worm as I.”

Along the way there was a period of self-judgment and self-condemnation, a period of puffed-upends, a period of apathy, a period of great but meaningless activity, and of course trials and tests and tribulations.

I was grateful to be saved but not grateful enough to submit.  I wanted to be a better “me,” and did not even consider being a better, “His.” 

As you may well imagine, when “my” fancies and imaginations where not met I doubted Him.  When tough times came I blamed Him.  When I was thwarted he was the enemy.

Then it became a matter of thinking that I was not doing enough.  Though my salvation was free everything else came with a price.  He was making it too hard, He was demanding too much.  He was unfair.

If there is a “hell on earth,” both of the above conditions were it.

So I know what it are to be a “self-tormenter,” and a “complainer of God.”  Trust me – you don’t want to go either place and if you find you are there, you need to leave.

So what changed?  I don’t know if I can pin-point it exactly.  Perhaps it was a series of things but two verses are now important to me.

1Pe 2:12  Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

And

1Pe 4:16  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Also the Reformation motto, “Soli Deo Gloria,” “To God only be glory,” have helped me reorient my mind and heart.

Oh, I still struggle with complaining and self-condemnation but I take it to Him and confess it and ask for His power to relieve and reject it.

I also changed a lot of what I let into my mind and heart.  I used to read a lot of fiction which only served to incite my “me-ness.”  I used to watch a lot of action movies but they just made me want to be my own hero.  I used to listen to a lot of conservative radio but that just took my focus off of Him.  I used to have a lot of, “I wish I was……….,” but that just made me discontented.

Now I read a lot of the classic works by the Puritan, now I study the Word and sometimes I just wander through it for fun.  I don’t watch many movies and TV is not much of a draw for me. 

In moving into and through these changes I’ve found a new dis-content.  I am dis-content with the world and the flesh and the devil.  Many of their offerings that I once thought insignificant are now absolute dangers.  Many of their offerings now leave me flat.  I find it hard to get “fired-up,” about many of the things about which I used to get, “fired up.”

Instead of becoming self-tormenting I am self-examining.  Instead of being a complainer of God, I am a complainer to God. 

Yes, it is a struggle.  The “old man” still wants his say and his way.  But the questions, “Does this glorify God?” and “Would this lead a “gentile” (unbeliever) to glorify God on the day?” play a greater role in my thinking, feeling and choosing.

Also, knowing that I am for God alone but not alone for God is a great blessing.  I have brothers and sister throughout the world who have greater cause to struggle even complain and question than I ever will.  Focusing my heart, mind and prayers on them does much to get my mind and heart and prayers off of me.

As Patti and I pass through our current speed-bump we are learning more about Him, more about His providence and most of all more about ourselves.  We are learning how to not torment ourselves for our sins but to rely upon His grace to forgive and His power to overcome.  We are learning to complain to God is  a humble and submissive way seeking first an appreciation for all He has done and then patience to wait upon what he is doing.

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 3:7

1Pe 3:7  Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Yeah, I know, six verses to wives and one for husbands.  And the verse to husbands doesn’t give any great detail.

Well guys, hang on to your hats – I’ve got a few things to say.

1.    Our wives, like Eve, are “helpers meet” for us.  OK – that means (as God is sovereign) that she’s our wife His will and we need them.  It was not good for Adam to be alone and it is not good for us either. (No, we’re not going to get into the “call” to singleness.)

2.    Our wives, like Eve, are under our care – our protection and our provision (all of which is under Him).  They are our responsibility – we are their under-shepherd.

3.    Our wives, like Eve, are being assaulted by the snake.  He still wants to deceive and confuse and misdirect.  We cannot be like Adam and just “be there.”  We have to take action – whether it’s direct or through prayer.  Do not be silent like Adam.

4.    Our wives, like Eve, are being told lies.  They are seductive  but perverse lies.  Every day in innumerable ways they are being told they are “not good enough.”  From their weight to their aging to the cereal they pick for the kids – they are being told they are failures.  Our (husbands’) voices have to over-ride the voices of the world the flesh and the devil.  We must sing the Song of Songs to our wives.

5.    Our wives, like Eve, are there to labor alongside us.  They (Adam and Eve) were given the care of the garden.  You may be the “head” of the household, but if you don’t know where the mustard is kept, you’re not a functional member of the household.

Let me comment on the phrase, “as with a weaker vessel (LITV).”

There is no getting around the fact that the word “weaker” carries a moral import.  Of all the possible definitions, I am inclined to the following: “By implication, meaning afflicted, distressed by oppression, calamity, and so forth.”  The reason is both practical and Biblical.  First, as I have listed above, the world, the flesh and the devil are in overdrive when it comes to women.  Second, since we are all under the grace and provision of God and God has demonstrated that He uses women for His glory, I have a hard time even considering that they are somehow less spiritually fit in Christ than men are.

I once thought of this:  “My wife is not a bucket, she’s an alabaster vase.”  The vase is by its nature less hardy than the bucket but it is of greater beauty and value.  Plus, you’d carry compost in a bucket but never in an alabaster vase.”

As husbands, we are commanded to be “showing honor” to this vessel – giving dignity to our wives.  You and I are commanded to live with our wives, “in an understanding way” (moral wisdom, such as is seen in right living).

“Understanding” = Knowledge - gnosis. Present and fragmentary knowledge as contrasted with epígnōsis, clear and exact knowledge which expresses a more thorough participation in the object or knowledge on the part of the knowledgeable subject.

Now, that is never going to just happen.  Our sinful default is selfishness.  We must take the time and make the effort to understand how she lives in the world, what her needs are and how we might bless her.  It has to be done on purpose!

The why is really simple – she’s your wife AND your sister in Christ.

The cost of not making every effort to obey?  Your prayers/worship will be cut off (hindered).

How can we do this?  I have no special words here.  Pray – study and ask her.  Determine in your heart that you want to obey and ask God to show you how to obey for her.  Formulas work in the lab and recipes work in the kitchen – but, your ministry to your wife will be as unique as she is.

Patti is hardly a “weaker” person than I am.  Emotionally and in many ways spiritually she is my better.  As I learned that, I have come to cherish it and cherish her.  I will be honest, I pray that we both go home to God together – one, because I’d miss her terribly and two, because I want to see her face when she gets there.  Silly – maybe – but it has greatly shaped my prayers and actions in regards to this most special gift God has honored me with.

Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

http://tc2v1.blogspot.com/2012/08/walk-with-p-me-03-more-about-me-than-us.html

This and That - Occasional faith-faithfulness?

And it is an argument of very mean attainments, of a low and weak degree in this frame of heart, or in our being spiritually minded, when our thoughts of spiritual things do rise or fall according unto renewed occasional convictions. If when we are under rebukes from God in our persons or relations, in fears of death and the like, and withal have some renewed convictions of sin in commission, for omission of duties, and thereon do endeavor to be more spiritually minded in the constant exercise of our thoughts on spiritual things, which we fail in, and these thoughts decay as our convictions in the causes of them do wear off or are removed, we have attained a very low degree in this grace, if we have any interest in it at all.

Owen, John (2011-09-27). Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded [Illustrated] (Kindle Locations 468-473).  . Kindle Edition.

Does your attention to the duties and disciplines of our faith wax and wane according to the nature of your circumstances?  Mine did – and I pray won’t any longer.

It is a commonly accepted thing that we are never more active in our faith than when it becomes obnoxiously obvious that we are not in control.  When things hit the oscillating blades we are very quick to hit our knees – but where were we before?

Faith may have medicinal benefits but it’s like many medicinal remedies – you have to stick to the regimen for the medicine to be effective.  Or consider physical exercise – if it’s not regularly engaged in then its value and effect is irregular – even useless.

Faith must be exercised or it will atrophy.  Prayer, study, fellowship, worship and good works are all part and parcel of our faith.  At its most basic it is a matter of obedience.  If we believe that Jesus is Lord of lords and that He is our Lord then we have to believe that obeying Him is the only course we may take.

This has been written of and debated to the point of silliness.  A King is a King is a King.  A subject is a subject is a subject.  A subject OWES the King their allegiance, their obedience.  When they withhold it, it is treason, rebellion.  When this happens it is in the King’s authority to have the rebel executed, banished from the Kingdom or at the very least denied the benefits of being a subject of the King.

When our obedience, “do rise or fall according unto renewed occasional convictions,” we are not faithful subjects – we are rebels and justly deserve to be seen and treated as such. 

To deflect the just and rightful response from the King we are prone to engage in hyper-loyal activities and attitudes.  But, when the King restores us we are prone to lay aside the duties and obligations we own our King.

Owen rightly states that, “these [spiritual, obedient, submissive] thoughts decay as our convictions in the causes of them do wear off or are removed, we have attained a very low degree in this grace, if we have any interest in it at all.”

For me it was a painful cycle of hitting a wall – getting all Christianly energized, calling out to my sovereign Lord to intervene and then when I felt I was over the wall I told Him, “Thank you, I’ve got it from here.”  To which I’m sure He must have snickered and thought, “Yeah, right, will you never learn?”

It’s a failure on our part to really work to see, “What God has done for us lately.”  We look for the goodies we want from Him the kudos even worldly kudos and when we don’t see them, we don’t think He’s done anything for us lately.  OK – at least I did.

But, for me, this last wall has been different.  Not worse than any previous wall but different.  The big difference is that I have recognized that since I hit that wall I have not had a single day when He did not provide everything – and I mean everything I needed for that day.

Oh, I have needs I see out ahead of me but He’s there, I’m not, so it must be His problem.  If He shows me what I can do today to prepare of next Thursday then I will do it.  But today at 11:30 am I am simply preparing for 11:31 am.  I might not be alive at 11:31 am but I’m preparing for it.  I am asking Him for all I need for (ok time moves) 11:32 am because I don’t know I will be alive at 11:33 am.

In my work as a consultant and counselor I cringe when people tell me they are really good under pressure.  That usually means they work to keep themselves under pressure so they can be “good.” 

When we get in the rut of doing it on our own and not exercising our faith obediently, regularly and diligently and we get used to falling to our knees in desperation we are in deep trouble.  I’ve had folks say things like, “Every time I outrun God He rescues me,”  “Every time I get in trouble I go to God and He helps me.”  Ultimately I have to ask – “Why don’t you go to Him all the time – regularly and work to live obediently.”  They don’t like that – so I’m a legalist.

Yes, things come our way that are tough but we don’t need to be unprepared.  God does not have to be the last resort when He’s the everyday resort.  We don’t have to run to the throne if we live at the foot of it.  We don’t have to run around seeking God it we keep ourselves continually in His presence.

I used to brag that God had to hit me in the head to get my attention.  A brother who loves me said, “That’s pretty stupid Michael – why do you make Him do that?”  Ouch!  But my brother was absolutely right.  If I pay constant attention to Him, He always has my attention.  If I am dutiful in my duties them I am always ready. 

In his huge but wonderful book The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall makes the point that we are told to put on the whole armor of God but we are never told to take it off.  His point being that we must put it on and keep it on – 24/7/365-.

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 3: 1-6

1Pe 3:1-6  Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,  (2)  when they see your respectful and pure conduct.  (3)  Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear--  (4)  but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.  (5)  For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,  (6)  as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Ok, we could go on multiple bunny trails here.

But, ladies, please remember that since the fall, husbands have been sinful.  Look at Abraham – nice guy – right?  Just lets his wife be thought of as his sister so he can save his own skin – regardless of the cost to her.

But – do remember that God intervened for her.  Trust Him to do so for you. 

Having said that, let me add kind of a caveat.  Abuse is abuse is abuse.  Danger is danger is danger.  God calls us to be His but that does not include being someone’s punching bag.  Sometimes you have to leave – and take the kids and the cat with you!  It is NEVER an easy decision and it is one about which there should be prayer and godly counsel. 

Now – about verses 3 – 4.

Ladies – Victoria’s Secret is – well – sin.  Pretty clothes are nice.  Being attractive is nice, but let me ask you this,  What are you seeking to attract, how are you seeking to attract it and the biggy, why? 

You’re not going to get a lecture here.  You will get an invitation to pray and to join with other godly women and discuss this. 

Just before I sat down to write this I was outside Le’ bou and noticed someone running across the street.  I just turned and looked.  I wish I hadn’t.  It was a young lady in a very short skirt wearing a thong.  Yeah – the skirt was that short. 

First I repented – I’ve made a covenant with my eyes and I incautiously looked.  Then I wondered, “Why would a woman dress that way?”  No, I’m not that stupid.

Patti (my wife) has taught me a lot about what you ladies face.  The onslaught of media telling you that you’re not good enough – in a sickening variety of ways. 

One night a V’s Secret commercial came on and being the fastest man alive on the remote, I changed channels (Patti taught me that).  I then asked Patti why they thought women wanted to see underwear on TV (yeah, dumb me).  It was a rhetorical question but I still got, “the look.”

In my career, working with professionals, I have at times helped them select their clothing.  Yes, I’ve done that with men and women.  What blew my mind was if a male client wanted a white dress shirt, he had 3 maybe 4 choices of collar and cuffs.  For my female clients, there were at least 8 choices and sometimes more.  Many of my female clients actually started buying men’s dress shirts and having them tailored to save money and time.

Let’s just get to the point.  It’s the world, the flesh and the devil who are “selling” you this clap-trap. 

Peter calls you to an inner adorning – but that doesn’t preclude being dressed well or attractively.  It does preclude being dressed seductively – or barely dressed.

Patti and I have had numerous discussions concerning why guys ogle gals.  I know I was taught to.  Yeah – it was “cool” to be crude.  You did it because “that’s what guys do.”  That just makes it a prevalent sin – perhaps an epidemic.

Please be kind to guys.  The redeemed ones are struggling and the unredeemed are dangerous. 

More than that, honor yourself and honor God.  Modesty doesn’t mean high collars and drab colors.  It doesn’t mean floor length skirts.  It doesn’t mean extremes - it just means – well – modesty.

Now verse 4 can be troublesome – but I think the point is for women to not be troublesome (men as well of course).  Patti has a passionate spirit about some things and a gentle and quiet spirit about other things – yeah, she yells at the TV.  But a gentle and quiet spirit shouldn’t mean, “sit down and shut up.” 

But – I’m gonna stop here.  Although I’ve had the honor of counseling many women, I am not one – never been one – and so I don’t understand like one.

Let me say this.  Sisters, get together to pray and talk about this.  All my answers will be “off” by several degrees.  Come together as sisters in Christ and set your own limits and boundaries.  Talk and pray about “how” you can do this – not “how” someone who’s not walked in your high heels would tell you to do this.

I have to say, I’m glad I’m not a female.  Ever since Adam let Eve down, women have gotten the short end of most of the sticks.  But remember:

1Ti 2:14  and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Why remember that?  Because it is clear to me that Adam knew what he was doing and so sin entered the world.  He betrayed not only God but Eve as well.  She was his perfect match and he stood there and allowed her to be deceived – what a jerk.  Hmmmmm maybe men have inherited “being a jerk” along with sin.

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 2:20-25

1Pe 2:20-25  For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.  (21)  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  (22)  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.  (23)  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.  (24)  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  (25)  For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Let me cut to the chase:

(21)  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 

Any questions?

Mat 5:11-12  "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  (12)  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Greetings and prayer requests

Yesterday was a day mostly on the road.  Had to see a client in the "boonies."   Great client - great day - very blessed.
On the long and hinie numbing drive I had time to think about how I credibly blessed Patti and I have been since we kind on had a financial crash and burn.  We have not had a day when we did not have everything we needed.  Focusing on that truth we have changed a lot. 

At night, when we pray, we ask God to be preparing us for tomorrow as He pre pairs tomorrow for us.  We are finding great comfort in that truth.

Just a special request.  W/o insurance some of Patti's medications are a little - no - a lot steeper that our budget.  So pray that with us that 1) she won't need them. 2). We find a way to get them. 3). Her hours and insurance are restored.

Please also pray that her employers will get the fact that with 1/2 the hours they will only get 1/2 the output.  Like a lot of "professionals" they just do not understand the amount of work they pass to their assistants ------ 

In Him
Michael

Peter's Pen 1 Peter 2:18_19

1Pe 2:18-19 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. (19) For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. First, let us note that the word here translated “servants” means a domestic servant and not a slave. We can think of it in terms of an employee although it wasn’t exactly that. But – they were workers for some form of compensation and usually highly trusted. They were considered part of the “household” which was just short of being family members. Peter calls us to be respectful servants – to good or bad bosses. Ooph, that’s a tough one – right? Especially in these tough times where being employed is something we cling to and the demands of the economy require we do more with and for less. But, the Holy Spirit is not unaware and does not want us to be unprepared. We are told quite plainly here that God is aware that we have sorrows and unjust suffering at the hands of good or bad bosses. Good bosses, in this economy, can’t pay more when there is no more but they appreciate us all the more for that. Bad bosses sometimes won’t pay more (even if they can) because they are seeking to buffer themselves. Bad bosses are also at a loss when it comes to appreciating the conditions under which we work. We are called to be “gracious.” To be subject with all respect regardless of the type of boss (master) we have. Notice we are not called to do more than that for which we were hired (even though we may have to at times). But we are called to submit respectfully as much as we are able – it is never respectful to help a boss in a sin. My job requires me to get involved in a lot of employee/boss relationships. I have seen sacrificial bosses and slime bosses. I have seen wise bosses and clueless bosses. And I’ve seen the same on the other side – the employee side. What God is calling us to here is to be Christlike at work regardless of our bosses. Oops – there goes the back-biting and water-cooler attacks. This isn’t just about how we treat or respond to the boss. It is also about how we speak about the boss. When everyone else is griping and plotting and wishing for retribution – we don’t get to play! Sorry, respect is respect is respect whether to the bosses face or behind his/her back. Why? Well, assume you have unredeemed workmates. What are you doing when you join them in their heated complaints and their taking shots at the boss? Aren’t you encouraging their misery? Aren’t you condoning their rebellion? Worse still, are you not giving cause for the name of Christ to be sullied? Are you not acting as if you were not redeemed? And how will the message of sin and redemption seem if you have opportunity to share it? Will they be prone to believe your testimony when you have joined their murmuring? No, we can’t (yeah, I said can’t) be a part of attacks on anyone. Why? Because our God tells us not to – isn’t that reason enough. What would happen if, when asked about some “boss” related matter you responded with grace and respect? What if you simply said something like, “Yes, times are tough and (Mr./Ms.) Boss can be (or is) difficult but my faith does not allow me to tear anyone down. I don’t agree with XXXX but I am none-the-less required by my beliefs to do my job and be respectful.” Yeah, like we’re really gonna do that!! But why not? What have you got to lose? Oh, that’s right, they’ll think you are on the boss’ side. But when did it become a matter of conflict? Where did the war come from? Why is it that we get all self-righteous about loving the sinner except when it is our boss? Why is it ok to snipe at our employer – supervisor – etc.? At the very least, we have to walk away from disrespectful conversations about anyone (even nasty bosses). First, we do not know their hearts. Second, we do not know their real circumstances. Third, we are to be no less a light to them than to any other “gentile.” We are to: 1. Be mindful of God; and 2. Be graciously respectful (gracious when they don’t “deserve” it). Now, I don’t know exactly what it will look like in your circumstances – that needs to be a matter of prayer and study – even seeking counsel. But I do know it needs to be there. For His sake. For your sake. For the sake of your boss. For the sake of those you work with. Those things I know! Michael moms@tc2v1.com

Peter's Pen 1 Peter 2:17

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.   (1Pe 2:17)

Honor?

This is a busy word.  We find it 55 times in the NT.  It is applied to much, from “God”  to “everyone.”

So we may rightly struggle with its meaning.  Fundamentally it means to value, esteem.

I consider it to be a word whose meaning and import is define by what it is applied to.  Much like the word lust.

Certainly, we must see that there is a difference in the value and esteem we place upon God and that which we place upon everyone.

But I think the Holy Spirit is clear here in this verse that we are to honor everyone – even the emperor - yet we are to fear God.  This is a value/esteem far beyond mere honor.  This gives an edge to it.

Notice the distinction:

HONOR – everyone and the emperor
LOVE- fellow believers
FEAR-God

Note also:
Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.   (Rom 13:7)

What we need to do is to pray and work through to whom what is due.  This is not something we regularly (if at all) submit to prayer, the Word or our minds and hearts.  We can’t just read it and assume we will do it – at least not well.

I think that praying over the question, “What is due to who?” is a very important topic for much prayer.  Living in an age where “celebrity” is much more meaningful than it merits it is easy to find our attention and praise directed wrongly and even over energized.  When uneducated “celebrities” (especially unbelieving ones) at paid attention to and their opinions and views are given force just because of their celebrity – Houston, we have a problem!

I encourage you – even challenge you to look closely at those whom you honor – especially why and how you do so.  Pray – please!
I am reminded of that song, We Don’t Need Another Hero.  We never have needed a “hero” and perhaps we are wrong in looking at anyone as a “Hero.”  Certainly people do things we can consider heroic but once it’s done they are once again just people.
What we need, we have, a Redeemer.  He wasn’t a “hero.”  He did nothing out of character, nothing extra ordinary for Him – He simply did what He intended to do since forever.  There is nothing special about the Redeemer redeeming or the Savior saving.  Seeing him as a “hero” somehow diminishes that.
OK – back on point –
Honor, love and fear.  Pray about this verse and it’s meaning and demonstration in your life.  Are they in order?  Properly and biblically applied?

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 2:16

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.   (1Pe 2:16)

Free!

Free?

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.   (Rom 6:22)

This is the whole of our freedom.

Whether Peter is referring to a freedom from the Law is not certain, but we know that Paul references it:

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.   (Gal 5:13)

We are free from the bondage of sin and free from any pretense that we can in and of ourselves resolve the conflict we had with God when we were still unredeemed. 

We are free but it is not a wide-open freedom rather it is a freedom in Christ, by Christ and for Christ.  What we undertake, that we cannot undertake in His name, is never an act of freedom.

Jesus said:

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  (Joh 8:34-36)

Sin and freedom are mutually exclusive.  We are free from the imposed rule of sin but when we sin, we are submitting to that which has no rights over us.  When we sin, we are re-shackling ourselves – binding ourselves to that from which we have been loosed.

We receive our freedom for we have been redeemed, forgiven, saved.  But though the grace of God has no limits for us, to abuse and misuse it, to rebel against His rightful authority over us, is to bring into question the surety of our redemption. 

Consider:

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,   (Heb 12:1)

Forgiven we may be – free of sin’s bondage we may be – but free of Christ, never. 

It is sometimes the way of believers to see themselves so utterly apart from the “world” that they may do or say what they will for they are “saved.”  Yet this is a freedom, a salvation that is defined by the One who provided it, the One into whose hands God has delivered all things.

Many use their freedom to vilify unbelievers.  Many use their freedom as a red cape to a bull.  Many use their freedom as an excuse to disassociate from those to whom they are called to witness.  Many use their freedom to – just go along as they have – only avoiding the grosser types of sins.

But this verse has a catch.  We are free – free servants of God.

But – that word “servants” is troublesome.  The “authorities” I regularly consult in my studies hold that it is more accurately translated slave.

One reason for this is quite simply:

for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.   (1Co 6:20)

and 

For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.   (1Co 7:22-23)

We were bought out of our bondage to sin to be the slaves of Christ.  In this we have great freedom – freedom from sin and freedom to serve God as His.

Though it may irritate some, our freedom in Christ is far beyond any freedom a document written by man can give – anyone.  The tough side of our freedom is that we are free to be oppressed, harassed and even killed because of it. 

In chains, on the rack, in dungeons, on desert islands, and even in the flames we are free.  We have to keep in mind that this freedom is not of man and indeed is often opposed by man.   With this freedom we need to accept:

Luk 21:17  You will be hated by all for my name's sake.

Small tract on Keeping the Heart

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

This and That 090912 Justified – period!

One afternoon I listened to Alistair Begg’s sermon, After Darkness Light.  I am so blessed by his teaching and almost all of his sermons are free at www.truthforlife.com. 

This particular sermon dealt with justification.  I know – big word and one we can get so used to that we cease to really hear it.  But we need to get a grasp on the power in that term and make good use of it in our lives

Paul writes:

Rom 8:30-31  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.  (31)  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Justification is done.  It was done on the cross and proclaimed by the words:

Joh 19:30  . . . . "It is finished," . . . .

In that majestic and horrible moment God,

2Co 5:21  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

As I listened to Alistair I thought, “this was a perfect execution of justice in an unjust execution.”  That is, He who did not deserve this punishment took this punishment and the punishment is done.  So, Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

We must, even if we struggle, to accept that,

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

I like to say that if one is going on a journey, the most important thing they have to know is where they are.  If we have that wrong, then not maps, compasses or anything else will be of use to us.  If we enter the wrong coordinates as our starting point, we will have a much harder time getting to our goal.

Praise God, however, that unlike a journey we make, in Him it is a journey He takes us on.  Praise God, our skills at navigation are not necessary for He intends to get us to our journey’s end and nothing can thwart that.  But the quality of that journey, the security of that journey is something in which He calls us to be a part.

This is the importance of you and me standing firm on His, “It is finished.”  This is the point from which we begin our journey, whether we begin daily, hourly or minute by minute.  To start any place else will only get us diverted and make our journey arduous and painful. 

Paul writes,

Php 1:6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Why can Paul be so sure?  Because the beginning of that good work was our justification. 

No, do not think as some do that it is “just as if I” had died for my sins.  It is not.  The holy and righteous Son of God died for our sins and our dying for them would only have gotten us to hell.  You dying for your sins would be you dying in your sins and what is the consequence of that?  You and I could never, even by our deaths, satisfy the demands of God’s justice.

But the gracious and intentional acceptance by a holy and righteous redeemer could and did. 

And so, it is indeed finished.

And so, it is indeed begun.

Michael Sanders, Chaplain

ms@tc2v1.com

www.tc2v1.com

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 2:15

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.   (1Pe 2:15)

Doing good

silences

the ignorance

of foolish people

this is the will of God

I didn’t include this with verses 13-14 on purpose, though it certainly can be applied there.  However, I think that it is important that we consider this verse apart from or rather in a broader application than just the civil government.

This, “doing good,” is specific to those in whom He lives.  For me, that makes it a good of eternal significance.  It’s not “just” good, it is very good.

But we have to ensure that the good we do is distinctly His good.  Not only do I mean that it is a good thing we are called to in the Word, but that it is a good thing in the Spirit as well.

I can do a lot of good things with unbelievers and that is a good thing.  But I am convicted that when I do these good things, He must be glorified – not obscured as my motive.  I have a problem with “stealth” good works.  Not good works where “I” am anonymous, but works in and for Him where He is anonymous.

I’ve been told that this obvious expression of motive can be offensive to those who are not believers – but – well – uhhhh.  What’s the point if He is not glorified - ?

Our good doings need to be seen as coming from Him – not us – Him.  Are we to put the light under a basket so people won’t have to squint at the light?

No – I’m not saying you obnoxiously push Him in their faces, but you do need to let it be known, somehow, that you are there because you are His.  We are to be known as His and our doings are to be known as His.

On the lite side:

I’m considering a lapel pin or hat that has “4X,” on it – “For Christ.”  I know some folks object to the “X” being used for Christ but it is a valid historical idea.  “X” is the first letter in the Greek Xristos (Christ).  I just think it would be a subtle question raiser.

Remember, it is our good behavior (doing and talking) that will silence those who do not know Him.  

Michael Sanders, Chaplain

ms@tc2v1.com

www.tc2v1.com

Other writings and lessons on tc2v1 site.

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 2:13-14

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.  (1Pe 2:13-14)

Gill writes:

“. . . . because civil government is of God; magistracy is of divine appointment; the powers that he{re} are ordained of God, though this or the other form is of man's prescription: it is the command of God that magistrates should be obeyed; and it makes for his glory, as well as for the good of men, when they are submitted to in things that do not contradict the revealed will of God; for otherwise, not man, but God, is to be obeyed:”

The kicker here is:  “when they are submitted to in things that do not contradict the revealed will of God; for otherwise, not man, but God, is to be obeyed:”

Politics is commonly called the "art of compromise."

Our faith – if we consider it a type of “art,” is the “art of commitment.”

Consider the following:

But there were also very serious objects in the way of people embracing the Christian faith. For Christians of Jewish background it meant breaking with their community of origin – which now regarded them as deserters and traitors. Gentile converts, especially those belonging to the upper classes, encountered similar difficulties: their faith did not allow them take part in a series of traditional pagan-religious practices involving worship of Rome and the emperor, yet these practices were part and parcel of a citizen’s everyday life and they were a conventional sign of loyalty to the empire. Hence the accusations often leveled against the Christians that they were ‘atheists.’ This was a reason why they were threatened with persecution and martyrdom – a threat which hung over them for centuries and meant that to become a Christian involved taking risks; and demanded a high degree of moral courage.

What caused the great confrontation between the pagan empire and Christianity? The Christian religion encouraged people to respect and obey lawful authority. ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s’ (cf. Mt 22:15-21) was the principle given by Christ himself. The Apostles developed this teaching: ‘Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except God.’ (Rom 13:1), wrote St. Paul to the faithful at Rome; and St. Peter exhorted the disciples to ‘Fear God. Honor the emperor’ (1 Pet 2:17). The empire, for its part, was liberal in religious matters and easily tolerated new forms of worship and foreign divinities. The collision and the break occurred because Rome tried to get its Christian subjects to do something they could not do – render it the religious homage of adoration which may be given lawfully to God alone.  

http://www.earlychristians.org/expansion/expansion_3.html

The question for us, as for them, is: At what point do we decide that the civil government is demanding our “religious homage of adoration,” or preventing us from living out the Biblical lives we are called to?”

This is a knotty problem for us – but no less for them.  Our government spends our tax money on things which we, as believers, cannot support or condone.  Abortion is one such issue.  But did you know that in the Roman Empire a father, if he was not pleased with his new born child, would set the child outside the door or gate to die of exposure?  This action Roman law allowed.  So as the early disciples “rendered unto Caesar” they not only funded a regime that allowed infanticide but they actually funded the vehicle of their persecution.

Oh, minor point – After the gospel came to Rome, believers were known to go out and find these children and save them to be raised in believing homes.  Mmmmm – think about that.

Loyalty was a big issue.  Are you “loyal” to God or to government?  To the City of God or the City of Man?  Where is the line in patriotism?

The danger for us is when we consider the Constitution to be a semi-religious document.  Though some (not as many as we think) of our “founding fathers” were believers, many were, for the most part what would have been called “religious.” 

The First amendment reads:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I find it interesting that the amendment leads off with the religion issue.  But are these not all issues that relate to our religious liberty?  Does this not allow for not only the free exercise of our faith, but also, its verbal communication, printing, assemblage and redress?

As I said, this is a knotty verse.  But we must all pray carefully and long over where the line needs to be drawn and where it is being crossed.  Man-made government, even though God ordained, is unholy, impure and unrighteous – I would go so far as to say it is anti-holy, anti-pure and anti-righteous.  It is about power, not service.  It really is about Mammon and not men.

But – God has too much for us to do for us to be distracted by the evil works of evil men aimed at power and oppression.  We must obey and render where we can – determining where we can’t is an issue of the Word, the Spirit and our consciences.

But yes, speeding is a sin.

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 – Us in Him 0908112

Well – tomorrow night is the night, 6 pm is the time and Caribou Coffee is the place.

We are prayerfully offering Him an opportunity for Him to bring folks to a place and time where they can learn of Jesus.  We’ve worked very hard to stay out of His way in this and to only move when we were confident in His leading.

Of course all the typical fleshly stuff has raised its head.  Will anyone come?  Will they come back?  Who will come?  Will it be “successful?”  Who do we think we are?  Where do we get off starting a study?   But – we’re pretty familiar with all these questions and the doubt and fear that come with them.  For the three of us, they are old nasty companions.

What I’m asking of you – is that you pray that we will not forget for a minute that this is an offering to Him, for Him and about Him.  “We,” are just secondary instruments for Him to work His providence.  It ain’t about us – it’s about Him.

Don’t think for a second that your prayers are a requested as some “vote for us” kind of thing.  We know many things we need to be careful about but YOU know some we don’t.  It is those things we ask you to pray about.

Oh, EGO – (whatever that really is :-&).  Pray that our flesh will not interfere with our service !

We all have hopes and dreams concerning the study.  Our imaginations run hot and cold.  Pray that our imaginations will be sanctified by His Spirit and that they do not become, in any way, the controlling factor in this.  This must be His work or it will not work!

Pray that in all ways and all circumstances He will be glorified in what we are doing.  We know He has equipped each of us and us as a team to do works of ministry.  Pray that we do not forget that our gifts are His to be used for His glory and honor.

We have invited, “The wondrous, the wondering, the wandering and the wounded.”  Pray that we are enabled to be with and for them what He needs us to be.

We are keeping in mind:

2Co_4:1  Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

2Co_5:18  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

2Co_9:12  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

And

Heb 13:18  Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.