Well, it almost snuck up on me - the "silly season!" But, hoorah - I caught it in time.
No rant this year on the historical weirdness of the season - No rant on materialistic nature of the whole thing.
What I want to say is that I encourage all of you to ficus on what we are celebrating.
Make Thanksgiving a time of thanks. Sure, it's not one of "our" holidays but it is a good time to really stop and make a list of what we do have to be thankful for - beginning with God's grace.
Yeah, many of us are struggling and well, we are worried about the things we see happening in our country and the world. but I think most of us are just a wee bit anxious about things like food and clothing and shelter...... work, income and stability.
But we can not let these concerns overshadow the plain and main things of our faith. We do have things to be thankful for - maybe not what we used to have - maybe less than we used to have - but still, our God is faithful to provide.
Christmas----Mmmmmmm - the great gift giving Olympics. Maybe this year we can find better things to give. Maybe we can get together with other struggling believers and have a pot-luck (stone-soup). Maybe we can visit folks and give them our prayers. Maybe we can look around at what we do have and don't use or need and find someone who can use it or does need it.
You know the minority at the birth of Jesus were the rich guys. Everyone else were just folks - imposed upon by the Roman government - forced into a census for tax purposes and having to deal with a big interruption to their daily struggle by a whole other struggle.
Sound familiar?
I encourage you all to focus on the greatest gift - that we have chosen to celebrate this time of year. Find new ways to celebrate, commemorate and acknowledge Him and His coming into the world - to die - for us.
Don't make this time about things or even family - make it about Him.
There's a chorus that I think that we need to sing to ourselves much more than we do:
Turn you eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light
of His glory and grace
Look to the One who is the only source of our provision. Humbly and thankfully remember why He came and what he accomplished - and what He sustains for us and in us.
Redefine the silly season in terms of it's true meaning and flee from the imposition of the world on "our" celebration/remembrance. Say "No!" to the world and "Yes!" to Him.
Or - do like I do and just let it pass -
For you parents - I pray for you. this is a special time for children - even though it's been twisted by materialism. I pray for you that you will be free of the condemnation of the world that creeps into our hearts and minds when we can't "do" for the kids like everyone else does. But perhaps this is a time to change and begin to teach them how "wrong" the world is in its manner of celebration and that what we celebrate is not the same thing.
It's is a tough time and in tough times like these is seems even - well - tougher.
It is past time for us all to draw closer to Him and to flee the world, the flesh and the devil - maybe that's what we can give those we love.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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
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
Monday, November 12, 2012
This and That - Worth reading
As a Biblical Counselor and Teacher I have the the wonderful opportunity of working with men and women who struggle with what we call "mental-illness." I really don't like that designation because - fundamentally they either have a neuro-chemical imbalance (a physical condition) or an emotional wound (a "soulish" condition). Apart from their physical or soulish dis-ease (not disease) they are just like us, struggling saints seeking to live their lives to the glory of God.
It's tough to find good solid biblical perspectives on the conditions faced by these brothers and sisters. Too much of the contemporary material is shallow or judgmental (not all, just most). There seems to be a supposition that these folks deserve a special and on the fringes place n the Kingdom which, as well as being sad, is sinful. In relegating these saints to the fringes the Kingdom does itself a grave harm and makes itself poorer by not having the gifts and insights of these believers available for the whole Body.
Yes, my experience has been that these brothers and sisters have a great deal to contribute to their faith family but because it comes packaged in an unusual wrapping they never get the opportunity to serve. Yes, it can be difficult and it can, at times be disruptive - but so????
One work I have found to be a real blessing is Richard Baxter,s work, The Cure of Melacholy and Overmuch Sorrow by Faith. Though the reader must keep in mind the time in which it was written and the limited understanding of these issues it is a wonderful work. The tenderness and depth of understanding that Baxter brings to the table is well worth the effort of getting through a 17th century work.
In particular I was blessed by his treatment of those who suffer depression (of various types). There is an implicit demand in the work that we seek to understand and minister to these brothers and sisters.
When he is dealing with those whom we would see as "clinically" or "chronically" depressed there is not condemnation nor even judgement. He basically says that they are as they are and that although none of us is free from the effects of sin we must not simply ascribe their condition to their sin or lack of faith. Actually, he pretty much rejects that whole idea.
What he does do is give us insights that enhance our understanding and appreciation of what they struggle with and what that struggle looks like. Their condition is not a "spiritual" problem but rather a problem that adversely affects their spirits. They do not have some "lack of faith' but rather a condition that obscures or weakens their ability to recognized the faith they have.
He tells us that though we may feel that we, in a depression, are condemned by God he states;
"nor will He condemn you for those ill effects which are unavoidable from the power of a bodily disease."
He also writes:
"But so far as reason yet hath power, and the will can govern passions, it is your fault if you use not the power, though the difficulty make the less."
This is something all of us who struggle with psychiatric/psychological dis-eases (not diseases) need to take to heart. Baxter is telling us that whatever our condition, it is not what we can not do that we are accountable for but rather what we can do that we do not do. This should encourage all of us!
God does not expect a lame man to run or a deaf man to enjoy opera but He does require that they do - for Him and His - what they CAN.
We can listen to or read the Word. We can attend worship (some of us have to sit on the back row ready to bolt - but that's OK). We can listen to and sing praises. We can pray - there is no one acceptable method - but there is a model. We can all give - something.
That which, as a consequence of our condition/issue, we can not do we are not held accountable in. But, and it's only right, that which we can do is acceptable to Him regardless of how "well" (whatever that means) we do it. He wants you to serve Him right where you are. For some of us the hard part is finding a place where we will be allowed to serve Him. - Ouch!
I encourage you, whether you struggle with these issues, know someone who does or are just moved with compassion by the Spirit - to get a copy of Baxter's work and read it slowly. He does chide those who engage in overmuch sorrow out of ignorance and sin - but those he sees are only two of the categories of people who struggle with overmuch sorrow.
It is my hope that in this work you will find understanding, sympathy and compassion with all of those in our faith family who so struggle.
It's tough to find good solid biblical perspectives on the conditions faced by these brothers and sisters. Too much of the contemporary material is shallow or judgmental (not all, just most). There seems to be a supposition that these folks deserve a special and on the fringes place n the Kingdom which, as well as being sad, is sinful. In relegating these saints to the fringes the Kingdom does itself a grave harm and makes itself poorer by not having the gifts and insights of these believers available for the whole Body.
Yes, my experience has been that these brothers and sisters have a great deal to contribute to their faith family but because it comes packaged in an unusual wrapping they never get the opportunity to serve. Yes, it can be difficult and it can, at times be disruptive - but so????
One work I have found to be a real blessing is Richard Baxter,s work, The Cure of Melacholy and Overmuch Sorrow by Faith. Though the reader must keep in mind the time in which it was written and the limited understanding of these issues it is a wonderful work. The tenderness and depth of understanding that Baxter brings to the table is well worth the effort of getting through a 17th century work.
In particular I was blessed by his treatment of those who suffer depression (of various types). There is an implicit demand in the work that we seek to understand and minister to these brothers and sisters.
When he is dealing with those whom we would see as "clinically" or "chronically" depressed there is not condemnation nor even judgement. He basically says that they are as they are and that although none of us is free from the effects of sin we must not simply ascribe their condition to their sin or lack of faith. Actually, he pretty much rejects that whole idea.
What he does do is give us insights that enhance our understanding and appreciation of what they struggle with and what that struggle looks like. Their condition is not a "spiritual" problem but rather a problem that adversely affects their spirits. They do not have some "lack of faith' but rather a condition that obscures or weakens their ability to recognized the faith they have.
He tells us that though we may feel that we, in a depression, are condemned by God he states;
"nor will He condemn you for those ill effects which are unavoidable from the power of a bodily disease."
He also writes:
"But so far as reason yet hath power, and the will can govern passions, it is your fault if you use not the power, though the difficulty make the less."
This is something all of us who struggle with psychiatric/psychological dis-eases (not diseases) need to take to heart. Baxter is telling us that whatever our condition, it is not what we can not do that we are accountable for but rather what we can do that we do not do. This should encourage all of us!
God does not expect a lame man to run or a deaf man to enjoy opera but He does require that they do - for Him and His - what they CAN.
We can listen to or read the Word. We can attend worship (some of us have to sit on the back row ready to bolt - but that's OK). We can listen to and sing praises. We can pray - there is no one acceptable method - but there is a model. We can all give - something.
That which, as a consequence of our condition/issue, we can not do we are not held accountable in. But, and it's only right, that which we can do is acceptable to Him regardless of how "well" (whatever that means) we do it. He wants you to serve Him right where you are. For some of us the hard part is finding a place where we will be allowed to serve Him. - Ouch!
I encourage you, whether you struggle with these issues, know someone who does or are just moved with compassion by the Spirit - to get a copy of Baxter's work and read it slowly. He does chide those who engage in overmuch sorrow out of ignorance and sin - but those he sees are only two of the categories of people who struggle with overmuch sorrow.
It is my hope that in this work you will find understanding, sympathy and compassion with all of those in our faith family who so struggle.
Friday, November 9, 2012
This and That 110912
"Preserve my understanding from subtilty of error, my affections from love of idols, my character from stain of vice, my profession from every form of evil. May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore Thy blessing, and in which I cannot invite Thy inspection. Prosper me in all lawful undertakings, or prepare me for disappointments. give me neither poverty not riches. Feed me food convenient for me lest I be full and deny Thee and say, Who is my Lord? or be poor, and steal. and take Thy name in vain." Puritan Prayers
My heart aches to carve this prayer upon it. Oh, how I desire to make it mine and to slowly and deliberately let it, with the help of the Spirit, so alter my mind that I care for nothing but Him and His.
How far have I come that such a prayer seems alien to me? How far have I to go until such thoughts come to my mind and such words to my lips. My failure in this overwhelms me and troubles my soul. I may pray it or the like - but words are words - it is the Spirit in and of this prayer I crave.
Michael "sheepdog" Sanders
ms@tc2v1.com
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Peter's Pen 1 Peter 5:8-9
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ESV
"Be sober-minded; be watchful" = be watchingly watchful with watchfulness.
Or -- PAY ATTENTION !!!!!!!! Think it through - don't react – respond, even if the response is to do nothing!!
We have an adversary - note please that Peter makes it clear that the devil is "our" adversary - OURS.
"Adversary" here refers to an opponent in a law suit. A persecutor or at least an accuser.
What does he accuse us of? Being sinfully unworthy of any of God's attention of providence.
Well, ya know, he is absolutely right. Except for one minor point.
That would be Jesus and His redemption of us.
We are worms - worthless slimy worms - until God calls us and makes us His own. Then, our worminess is changed in God' sight to wonderfulness.
Satan tells us we fail God. We need to respond, “Duhhhhh, what's your point? Talk to Jesus about that!"
Oh, but we don’t do that - do we? Nooooooo. We try to prove the devil wrong. We read more Bible and pray more prayers and do more nice stuff - which isn't bad but it proves nothing. The only proof we have is the blood shed for our redemption. Just point out the cross to the devil - it really makes him mad.
The death AND resurrection of our redeemer and savior is all the value we have. The devil wants us to think and/or feel that this is not sufficient. And he's very, very good at it.
But Peter knows his lions. Here's what I understand. Lions are basically lazy. They rarely hunt. They leave that to the lionesses (go girls!). But the lion is king of the beasts (note the comparison - the devil is like a beast). So, I am told, the lion will go to the north side of a herd of whatever and roar like crazy. The herd, not wanting to be dinner, will flee south. Guess who is to the south. There ya go, the lionesses. So fearing the lion’s roaring the herd runs right into the real danger. Of course, once the prey is taken, the lion shows up and takes the most and best pieces parts.
So, we need to watch watchfully and thoughtfully and prayerfully. We cannot let the devil spook us into a trap.
Now, who are the lionesses? I'd put my cookies on the world and the flesh. We flee either to the world or to the flesh to escape and then we're in a real mess - pretty much of our own making. If I've done it once, I've done it a hundred times. Fight or flight - without thoughtful watchful watchfulness, we'll default to one or the other in a heartbeat. Not good - not healthy - gotta give that up -!!!
Peter tells us to resist the devil. No knee jerking!
James 4:7-10
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. ESV
Oh, looky here, confirmation and advice!! Submit to God - resist the devil - and the devil will flee. Get that?????
What is resisting the devil? That would be verses 8-10 - duhhhhhhhhh!
Let me put it this way. Follow Jesus! Plant your nose right between His shoulder blades and stay in step with Him! Get His view of reality, His view of truth - interpret everything according to that. Get in the Word. Fellowship and worship with other believers. Become a fanatic for the preached Word. Pray like mad.
Never knew how critical humility (acknowledging our moral littleness) was, did we? It is only as we humble ourselves before Him that He can lift us up. Get it?
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Just a question. A follow-up to the previous post.
John 19:2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.
I may really catch some flack for this but - well - it's on my mind and heart.
What's the difference between what the soldiers did and arraying Him in the red, white an blue?
Is this not just as mocking?
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews.
What part of that do we find distasteful? What part of that do we refuse to understand?
Guns sales and ammunition sales are UP. Who are we going to shoot and why?
Under one of the cruelest and most oppressive governments ever known to man - indeed the very government that would kill Him and countless other believers Paul wrote:
Romans 13
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
I must be "subject" to the governing authorities - it is instituted by God. To resist is to resist God. Noooooooooo we can not, we must not deny our Lord for any reason - but short of that---?
We are to "do" good. Where in this do we see rebellion and vilification?
Our government has and will continue to allow that which we believers may not do. It is only when the government demands we violate our faith that we can and may not submit. This is a matter of knowledge, wisdom and conscience.
There is only one government "of" God and we must obey it first and always. Hear me clearly - there never has been and there never will be a human government that is "christian."
I could go on and on about the Christian "myths" about our country but - well - just read Romans 13 again and thin of the War of Independence - seems to be a problem here....
We may benefit from His mercy and common grace but we may not claim any special place in His world -
Please, please, please don't wrap my Lord in any robe or flag - He has His own Kingdom -
Michael "sheepdog" Sanders
ms@tc2v1.com
I may really catch some flack for this but - well - it's on my mind and heart.
What's the difference between what the soldiers did and arraying Him in the red, white an blue?
Is this not just as mocking?
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews.
What part of that do we find distasteful? What part of that do we refuse to understand?
Guns sales and ammunition sales are UP. Who are we going to shoot and why?
Under one of the cruelest and most oppressive governments ever known to man - indeed the very government that would kill Him and countless other believers Paul wrote:
Romans 13
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
I must be "subject" to the governing authorities - it is instituted by God. To resist is to resist God. Noooooooooo we can not, we must not deny our Lord for any reason - but short of that---?
We are to "do" good. Where in this do we see rebellion and vilification?
Our government has and will continue to allow that which we believers may not do. It is only when the government demands we violate our faith that we can and may not submit. This is a matter of knowledge, wisdom and conscience.
There is only one government "of" God and we must obey it first and always. Hear me clearly - there never has been and there never will be a human government that is "christian."
I could go on and on about the Christian "myths" about our country but - well - just read Romans 13 again and thin of the War of Independence - seems to be a problem here....
We may benefit from His mercy and common grace but we may not claim any special place in His world -
Please, please, please don't wrap my Lord in any robe or flag - He has His own Kingdom -
Michael "sheepdog" Sanders
ms@tc2v1.com
There was only ever one hope!
Dear brothers and sisters,
I want to wear a button that says, "Repent, the end is here!!!!"
I am hardly fit company today after the results of the election. That my "soul is cast down within me," is an understatement.
Of this, I am forced to repent and seek forgiveness.
I never realized how much hope I had placed in this election. I am ashamed of how much I had looked to man and away from God.
I do know and I hope you do - that God is still sovereign - He still rules His creation, nothing is out of His control.
I am ashamed of the fear I have (surprise?) of the inevitable loss we will now suffer in terms of our material security. I am ashamed of the thoughts that run through my mind. I am ashamed at my lack of faith at God's answer to my payers.
I am ashamed at the thoughts that America, as we know it and love it is done. I am ashamed of a desire to leave - either the country or civilization. I am ashamed of my strong desire to drop off the grid and become one of the "invisibles."
I am ashamed of my lack of faith directed at the whole purpose of faith - His glory and honor.
I am haunted by one and only one statement made by Mr. Obama. "Vote, it's the best revenge." Though perhaps a slip of the tongue, for me it reveals the very heart of what we will now have to trust God in. Revenge - the fundamental purpose behind what will not come to pass.
I don't know of anywhere else to go to live. I don't know how to "get off the grid." I do not know how to disappear. Perhaps that's a good thing for I fear it would be an act of faithlessness.
Like many of you, I have been sorely distracted by all the political tension and hope. My mind has been distracted and my heart wounded by taking my eye and mind off the call of God.
Gun sales and ammunition sales are sky-rocketing. Self-protection? From who? I sense it is not from the "bad-guys" but from the guys who now have the bigger guns.
I have only two consolations. the first is that my God is sovereign and His will is good. The second is - well - the prophets, John the Baptist, the Apostles all lived under the cruelest of political powers and yet remained faithful and fruitful. They stood for God against warped and insidious powers of their day - yet without sin.
We too must stand. Not primarily for our "liberties," nor our "rights," for, as a nation of laws we are subject to the changing of the laws.
We must stand for Him. perhaps this is why we find ourselves where we are. For generations we have have stood for all sorts of social and cultural - even moral "issues," but we have not stood for Him. I believe that He has been and is disciplining us and calling us back to His purpose for us.
Our fight is against the flesh. Yes, the world and the devil are involved BUT at the very core of it all is - well - us, our flesh. It is the flesh that battles against the spirit. It is the flesh - this body of death - that is our primary enemy. We must repent - in weeping and even gnashing of teeth at the faithlessness we have shown.
I am "in" the world by His will - certainly not my choice. We are not to be "of" the world - we are not to fight as it fights - but we have and we must repent.
I am encouraging all of you to examine your hearts. Look to see what matter most in your life and living. If God, His glory and His will - your being conformed to the likeness of His Son, is not at the center, repent - please, repent.
I am praying to find brothers and sisters who will join with me in a commitment - a singular commitment -to turn back to the call of God to His prime directive -.
Jesus came to redeem - that is not our job. Our calling is to call men and women to repentance through the preaching of the Gospel. We are NOT called to change the world - we never could - we never can.
A subtle persecution has long existed - there is no need for subtlety any more. There is also no excuse for "stealth" or "compromised" Christianity. It is time to rebuild the wall between the Body of Christ and the world. For too long we have allowed them to be dismantled for the sake of acceptance and congeniality. The wall must rise again. The distinction between believers, imposters, posers and unbelievers must be made clear.
I am ashamed of my lack of faith and faithfulness. I never knew its depth until today and now I feel it deeply and painfully.
We must rebuild the wall around God's gate, God's door. This must begin with each of us. We must repent of claiming to not be "of" the world and yet craving all it's goodies and making use of all its ways.
The Puritans are our best examples of men and women who forsook the world - perhaps we would do well to follow their lead.
It is now - to what ever responsible degree we can and in God's truth and wisdom - that we must, "Come out from among them," Do we have the faith to do that? Do we trust God enough to seek and follow His path in this?
The world hates Him - the world hates us - what part of that do we not want to understand?
Michael "sheepdog" Sanders
ms@tc2v1.com
336-549-2081
I want to wear a button that says, "Repent, the end is here!!!!"
I am hardly fit company today after the results of the election. That my "soul is cast down within me," is an understatement.
Of this, I am forced to repent and seek forgiveness.
I never realized how much hope I had placed in this election. I am ashamed of how much I had looked to man and away from God.
I do know and I hope you do - that God is still sovereign - He still rules His creation, nothing is out of His control.
I am ashamed of the fear I have (surprise?) of the inevitable loss we will now suffer in terms of our material security. I am ashamed of the thoughts that run through my mind. I am ashamed at my lack of faith at God's answer to my payers.
I am ashamed at the thoughts that America, as we know it and love it is done. I am ashamed of a desire to leave - either the country or civilization. I am ashamed of my strong desire to drop off the grid and become one of the "invisibles."
I am ashamed of my lack of faith directed at the whole purpose of faith - His glory and honor.
I am haunted by one and only one statement made by Mr. Obama. "Vote, it's the best revenge." Though perhaps a slip of the tongue, for me it reveals the very heart of what we will now have to trust God in. Revenge - the fundamental purpose behind what will not come to pass.
I don't know of anywhere else to go to live. I don't know how to "get off the grid." I do not know how to disappear. Perhaps that's a good thing for I fear it would be an act of faithlessness.
Like many of you, I have been sorely distracted by all the political tension and hope. My mind has been distracted and my heart wounded by taking my eye and mind off the call of God.
Gun sales and ammunition sales are sky-rocketing. Self-protection? From who? I sense it is not from the "bad-guys" but from the guys who now have the bigger guns.
I have only two consolations. the first is that my God is sovereign and His will is good. The second is - well - the prophets, John the Baptist, the Apostles all lived under the cruelest of political powers and yet remained faithful and fruitful. They stood for God against warped and insidious powers of their day - yet without sin.
We too must stand. Not primarily for our "liberties," nor our "rights," for, as a nation of laws we are subject to the changing of the laws.
We must stand for Him. perhaps this is why we find ourselves where we are. For generations we have have stood for all sorts of social and cultural - even moral "issues," but we have not stood for Him. I believe that He has been and is disciplining us and calling us back to His purpose for us.
Our fight is against the flesh. Yes, the world and the devil are involved BUT at the very core of it all is - well - us, our flesh. It is the flesh that battles against the spirit. It is the flesh - this body of death - that is our primary enemy. We must repent - in weeping and even gnashing of teeth at the faithlessness we have shown.
I am "in" the world by His will - certainly not my choice. We are not to be "of" the world - we are not to fight as it fights - but we have and we must repent.
I am encouraging all of you to examine your hearts. Look to see what matter most in your life and living. If God, His glory and His will - your being conformed to the likeness of His Son, is not at the center, repent - please, repent.
I am praying to find brothers and sisters who will join with me in a commitment - a singular commitment -to turn back to the call of God to His prime directive -.
Jesus came to redeem - that is not our job. Our calling is to call men and women to repentance through the preaching of the Gospel. We are NOT called to change the world - we never could - we never can.
A subtle persecution has long existed - there is no need for subtlety any more. There is also no excuse for "stealth" or "compromised" Christianity. It is time to rebuild the wall between the Body of Christ and the world. For too long we have allowed them to be dismantled for the sake of acceptance and congeniality. The wall must rise again. The distinction between believers, imposters, posers and unbelievers must be made clear.
I am ashamed of my lack of faith and faithfulness. I never knew its depth until today and now I feel it deeply and painfully.
We must rebuild the wall around God's gate, God's door. This must begin with each of us. We must repent of claiming to not be "of" the world and yet craving all it's goodies and making use of all its ways.
The Puritans are our best examples of men and women who forsook the world - perhaps we would do well to follow their lead.
It is now - to what ever responsible degree we can and in God's truth and wisdom - that we must, "Come out from among them," Do we have the faith to do that? Do we trust God enough to seek and follow His path in this?
The world hates Him - the world hates us - what part of that do we not want to understand?
Michael "sheepdog" Sanders
ms@tc2v1.com
336-549-2081
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Peter's Pen 1 Peter 5:6
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ESV
Redundant? Perhaps but don't we all need t be reminded - often and loudly?
It is God's hand under which we humble ourselves. It is a mighty hand. Because it is a mighty hand it will provide all we need.
We can and should cast all our anxieties on Him. This word anxieties carries the important idea of "distractions." That is the cares that distract us from serving Him. That is a big and long list.
This also points us to what should be our main focus, "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." (WCF) It is enough (as we will see) for Satan to distract us from our duties and obligations, from our service to Him and one another. That's all Satan needs to do - that is to get our attention focused on our lack, our need, even our desires and off of Him, His grace, His promises, His power and His provision.
"Keep your eye on the ball," is not a bad admonition (I prefer it to keep your eye on the prize). If our desire is to "put it our of the park," for Him then all Satan had to do is distract us from the pitch and we'll swing and miss.
It is not just tough times that Satan uses and it is not just good times either. There are those middle of the road times when we are neither in great need nor great prosperity. For many of us, these are the times we grow slack and perhaps a little cocky. We tend to prefer to have things on cruise control. That way we can attend to other things. They may be Ok things, they may be good things- but if they are not focus on Him they are just distractions. And oh the multiplicity of distractions the world, the flesh and the Devil proved.
It is important that we keep our hearts under His scrutiny. John Flavel in his book, Keeping the Heart, goes into great detail concerning the difficulty and imperative of this duty. Our heart are easily distracted even mis-directed. Though they are His they are prone to wander towards things necessary. The bright and shiny things are as distracting as the dark and gloomy ones.
That is where remembering our moral littleness needs to be tattooed on our hearts. This is a constant duty, keeping the heart. We need to keep it for Him and from sin. the idea of "keeping" is related to the old "keeps" that castles had. The "keep" was the last bastion of safety when the castle was attacked. Once the walls or gates were breached everyone fled to the keep.
Typically the keep was a rounded tower several stories high. It was entered via a stairway made of wood. Once everyone was inside the stairs were burned or otherwise dismantled denying access to the attackers. The "keep" was well supplied with food and water and often had some secret passage for those inside to use for escape.
Such is the keeping of the heart. It assumes the walls and gates are or will be breached and provides us with protection. We live in hostile territory. We are, whether we admit and accept it or not, surrounded by barbarians who are bent on conquering us. Though we know they can never separate us from the love of God they are content to separate us from a sense of the love of God. They are content with tipping the scales in favor of fearing them and away from trusting God. They desire to destroy our effectiveness by distraction and distress. hence, we must work to keep our hearts safe and protected in Him.
Now a "keep" is a small and confining place. But it is a safe place. Such is our life in Him. It is small and confined. There are many places we can not go and many things we can not do because we are in His "keep." But outside the "keep" our enemies wait. Though were ever we go He is with us and we are in His care we also know that there are places of great danger and things to do that carry great hazard. Why dear brothers and sisters would we desire to venture beyond the "keep?"
Humility - casting all our cares on Him - keeps us in His "keep." Pride makes us think we can venture forth into the enemies camp and not be harmed. Foolish, foolish pride convinces us that we have reached a point where our need for Him is somehow diminished, that we can handle somethings on our own. Foolish, foolish pride.
Yes, we might be thrown into a lion's den. We might be thrown into a fiery furnace. But we are never told to go looking for a den to invade or a furnace to fling ourselves into.
Only foolish, vain pride could ever move us to that. There is a story of a believer who during English Civil War cried out, "Forward. God is on our side!" He mounted the barricades behind which he had been safe. After only a few paces he was cut down by a cannon ball.
Pride, even in a believer, is still pride.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Peter's Pen 1 Peter 5:5
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ESV
There's the kicker, "be subject to the elders."
How?
"Clothe yourselves, ALL OF YOU (elders and young ones) with humility toward one another."
"Humility" = In this case I prefer the definition: a deep sense of one's moral littleness.
Remember, we are saved graciously so that no man may boast. We are kept graciously as well and hence no man may boast any moral superiority over another. In Christ we are all in the same state. Our gifts and callings may and do vary, our responsibilities and authority will and does vary. Our knowledge, understanding and maturity varies. In Christ we are all utterly powerless and utterly dependent upon Him - all the time.
We are all utterly morally dependent. There is no good in any of us save that which He provides. Humility should not be hard - but it is. Which is probably why Peter finished that admonition with the warning that God opposes the proud.
The proud man or woman does not acknowledge all their inability and neediness. The proud man or women does not yield to or depend upon God.
Note that God "opposes" the proud. The sense here is that God engages the proud in battle. it is not some passive disapproval but rather the active providence of God to humble the proud under His hand. It is needful that we consistently examine our heart for traces of pride. I have been His for over 40 years and yet I can not say I have won that battle. Paul's pride was of such great potential that God gave him a constant reminder it the "thorn." If God will do such for Paul will He do less for us if needed?
I like the phrase, "gives grace." It's kind of redundant because grace implies a gift. Perhaps God gives and gives to the humble because they know their need and battle pretentious pride. We can not - we will not receive (accept) what we don't believe we need. So it may be that pride keeps us from opening our hands in admission of our neediness and hence we do not take what it offered - that is just silly - unfortunately it is also too common.
Note however - we do not submit to "man" in submitting to the elder/shepherds. Our submission is to God who has called these men to serve us in a ministry of care and oversight. We are trusting God to work through His elders/shepherds. They may and will at times fail us - but He will never do so. And, if they are indeed his humble servants they will accept His rebuke and take the appropriate action to correct their error and restore the relationship.
But we must all accept our moral littleness - we must all allow Him to make us and keep us humble - before Him and toward one another.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Peter's Pen 1 Peter 5:1-4b
1st Peter 5:1-4 B
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ESV
1 Tim. 3:1
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. ESV
"Aspires" = to stretch ones self out to grast or aquire something.
This word forces me to consider that being and elder/shepherd requires first that the individual understands that the position/role is way beyond his ability to fulfill. He has to stretch himself towards it. Of course - he has to be submitted and dependent upon the Lord for it and in it as well.
In 1 Timothy Paul lays out the "qualifications" of the elder/shepherd. Thay are not arduous but they are utterly dependent upon the candidate's relationship to and with the Lord. The criteria must not be watered down - not can it be taken on face value.
Of all the criteria, verse 7 is the most fascinating and perhaps misapplied.
1 Tim. 3:7
Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. ESV
Note - "outsiders" need to think well of him. Now - this has to be seen in direct association with the prospective elder's confession of faith. He is well thought of as a believer by outsiders. Not just popular or powerful nor merely moral - but rather it is the standing of his confession (or profession if you prefer) that is in sight here. Is he known as a believer - a faithful believer - a consistent believer?
Imagine - a man desires to be an elder/shepherd and lets the session know. The session interviews him and members of the fellowship and then asks him for the names of three unbelievers whom they might interview concerning his fitness for the role. OUCH!!!! But - that is a requirement and how does one confirm that he meets it?
One other consideration.
Peter says that and elder/shepherd should not serve, "for shameful gain." Now the key here isn't "gain" it's "shameful gain." There is no reason that the expenses of an elder/shepherd should not be borne by those he serves. If he serves to the degree that he is unable to pursue employment then he should be well supported and provided for by those he serves.
The prohibition goes to motive. No man is qualified to serve as an elder/shepherd if his motives are shameful gain. That would be a a motivation to fleece the flock not serve it.
Ezek. 34:2-6
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. 6 My sheep were scattered; they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them. ESV
Any questions?
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Peter's Pen 1 Peter 5:1-4a
1st Peter 5:1-4 A
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ESV
There's a lot in this passage to think on. But I want to focus on elders and shepherding.
"Elders" (presbuteros) are those who preside over the assmbly(ies) of believers. They are "overseers." They are also referred to as bishops is some translations. Regardless of the title used, these are older men, mature in the faith and able to teach - disciple - believers. They act as the guiding authority for individual assemblies of believers.
Historically, it has not been a rare thing for elders of one individual assembly to confer or associate with elders of another assembly for the sake of fellowship, unity and consistency. Though we like to see "denominations" as abominations, they are (or at least should be), in actuality, an association of like-minded and like-believing elders who confer together and draw from the collective experience, wisdom and knowledge to guide multiple assemblies.
For instance, when Paul addresses his missive to the "Church at Ephesus," it is not beyond considering that he was addressing multiple assemblies in that place. The "church building" and the mega-church being conventions yet to come, it would not be surprising to find several "assemblies" of believers in one locale. That being a possibility, it would follow that the "elders" in that place over those individual assemblies would work together for the good of all.
BUT - it is the role of the elder as shepherd that most touched my heart. I was mentored by older pastors back in the day when doctors made house calls and elders did too. These "shepherds" took seriously their obligation to care for the flock - from the greatest to the least. They considered it their obligation to stay informed and involved with those under their care. These men were in no way "professionals." Even those ordained as "pastors" or "teaching elders" who had received training and education at seminary for that specific ministry did not consider themselves professionals but, rather, merely servants.
Interestingly, shepherds have not really had a good reputation in history. They have been characterized as sneaky, lazy, shiftless, etc. So, of course, we have to be amazed that David was a shepherd and that the angels came to the shepherds with the good news of the incarnation.
Let me take a different perspective, one we have unfortunately (and probably intentionally) lost. The sheep are under the authority and care of the shepherds. There is an intrinsic obligation laid upon the sheep to submit to the shepherds. Now for sheep-sheep, there is little question of who is in charge; but for people-sheep or sheeple, it seems we have rejected that aspect of the relationship - much to our harm.
We have made the position of the shepherd (elder) one of status and prestige. We have little problem letting them "care" for us as long as that care is within our comfort zone.
What we do have a problem with is the authority of the shepherd - their obligation and right to "rule" over us.
Paul writes to Timothy:
2 Tim. 4:2
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ESV
Now, we have little problem with the preaching part - as long as it doesn't get too personal. We even tolerate the exhortation part as long as it doesn't exhort too much.
But we have a real problem with the reprove and rebuke part of their role. This is an all too common disconnect in our assemblies. We don't mind preaching and exhorting but the other smacks too much of meddling.
Now consider:
Eph. 4:11-14
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ESV
How are they to do this if we refuse to accept their reproof or rebukes? Well, they can’t.
The sad part is that we are not rebelling against men but against God. "He" gave these roles and responsibilities. These elders are His means for accomplishing His will for His saints.
Ok - let's get it out there. There are some really poor and even evil "shepherds" out there. But it is our obligation to discern the quality and character of those we would follow, those whose authority we would submit to. So we can't claim to be victims.
Placing one's self and one's family under the care and authority of any man or group of men is never something to be done lightly. We are not to be spectators or mere consumers.
When we are considering joining an assembly or fellowship, it is our responsibility to check out the leadership and just as diligently the statement of faith or mission statement. It is our obligation to ask tough biblical, even theological questions of the leadership before we prayerfully seek to make a decision.
I've been a part of a fellowship whose shepherd(s) were mere position and status holders. They were shepherds based upon their congeniality and popularity. There was little hope of sound care or guidance from them. The fellowship we are now a part of was thoroughly "vetted" by both my wife and myself before we decided to place ourselves under the care and authority of the "session" (elders).
One "test" was whether the "teaching elder" (most would call him the Pastor or Preacher) was willing to correct, rebuke and/or reprove AND, if the context and content in which he did so was biblical. Of course, it was kind of a ringer because I had, years ago, mentored and discipled one of the elders of this fellowship, so we went in with a greater level of confidence of being satisfied.
Are you safe in the care and oversight of your shepherds? Do they actually shepherd the flock according to the biblical model? Do you submit to their authority with comfort and confidence or do you just ignore that part of the relationship?
When shepherds are not faithful, the wolves eat well and the shepherd ultimately feeds upon the flock.
More on this next time...........................
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