Monday, February 28, 2011

"No More a Servant"

(A repeat from last year)

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ" (Galatians 4:6-7).
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:1).
The Apostle Paul tells the Galatians that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ birthed them into family relationship with God, as opposed to mere servitude to a master. Nevertheless he refers to himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ."
The Lordship of Jesus must be understood in the context of our being "dear children" as the basis of our service to God (Ephesians 5:1). "Ye serve the Lord Christ" declared Paul, whose servanthood originated and proceeded from family relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Certainly the perception of ourselves as servants is a Biblically valid understanding (Colossians 3:24). However, sonship must be established in our minds if servanthood to God is to be known and experienced according to the loving relationship for which the Lord Jesus suffered and died. Under the law, primarily slaves. Under grace and truth, primarily "no more a servant, but a son." The distinction is vital.
The obedience of the Christian is the obedience of genuine love, as opposed to the mere fulfillment of duty. Our Heavenly Father has no interest whatsoever in a heartless submission that belies the heart-filled reality of the Lord Jesus dwelling in us by His Spirit. Long ago, Israel was severely chastened because "because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart" (Deuteronomy 28:47). How much more must the born again believer, spiritually birthed by the Holy Spirit into being "a habitation of God," serve as a glad, grateful, and affectionate member of "the whole family in heaven and earth" rather than the cold and sterile discipline of a slave? (Ephesians 2:22; 3:15).
This truth, received and nurtured within our hearts and minds, will change our lives. We serve from sonship. We serve from being loved as cherished children who love in joyful response. We serve because there is genuine desire in us for the will of God, wrought in us by the Spirit of His Son dwelling in us. We serve in a devotion and sincerity that can only proceed from the shared interest of family involvement and relationship. And we serve with the understanding that "doing the will of God from the heart" is the only obedience in which our Heavenly Father has any interest (Ephesians 6:6). The Lord Jesus makes such genuine devotion possible, and the more we realize how near He has drawn us to our Father in Heaven, the more we will join Paul in the glad service of dear sons and daughters.
A final thought, and perhaps the most important. The Lord Jesus died in lonely and forsaken agony to birth sons and daughters rather than to merely purchase slaves. Too much was sacrificed on the cross of Calvary to minimize the wondrous effect of the grace that flows from our Savior's tortured death. Recognizing and embracing the glory of kinship to God made possible by the presence of the Spirit of Christ in us leads to a "from the heart" devotion that blesses our Heavenly Father's heart even as it fulfills our own. Nothing else will suffice as the basis of the servanthood that proceeds from the Son who gave so much to draw us into the very family of God.
"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
(John 1:12-13)


Friday, February 25, 2011

"That"

You've probably heard the story.

Two Christian men were talking about a particularly challenging situation one of them faced. "I've tried this. I've tried that" said the fellow with the problem. "I've even tried this and that. Finally, however, I'm at my wit's end. I'm left with nothing it seems but to pray!"

The man's friend grimaced, and responded with a deep and pained sigh of sympathy, "Oh, has it come to that?!"
Life sometimes brings us to that. Certainly it is good and proper to do what we can about problems that arise. God often leads us to act immediately, administering His provision by our own hearts, minds and hands, with no need in the moment to pray (previous prayers of faith and submission having prepared us to act immediately and spontaneously). However, our Heavenly Father both orchestrates and allows situations, circumstances and conditions that stymie us. Our minds can find no answers, our hands no acts to perform, our feet no clear paths to walk. We come to that, and it is a hard, difficult and maybe even heartbreaking venue.
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Sometimes our Lord does the stilling for us. He touches the hollow of our thigh, as it were, and wrestling is reduced to merely hanging on (Genesis 32:22-32). We cannot solve our problem. We cannot fill our emptiness. We cannot make our way. We can do nothing, nothing except that. In such times, the possibility of better knowing that God is God awaits us. Indeed, the pain and paralysis of a thigh bone out of joint may open our eyes more clearly than ever we have known to the great truth of who He is - and who we are not.
The truth of the matter is that we live the entirety of our existence in the realm of that. "Without Me, ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). We will one day discover that even in those times when our own hands and feet were at their busiest, the Lord Jesus Christ was the nevertheless the source, supply and power of every moment. Being still - or being stilled - reveals this truth more clearly to us, namely, that we are utterly and eternally dependent on the God who is utterly and eternally faithful to be everything we need Him to be. Yes, it always comes to that, because whether active or inert, the truth of our being was rightly declared by Moses...
"He is thy life."
(Deuteronomy 30:20)


"That"

You've probably heard the story.

Two Christian men were talking about a particularly challenging situation one of them faced. "I've tried this. I've tried that" said the fellow with the problem. "I've even tried this and that. Finally, however, I'm at my wit's end. I'm left with nothing it seems but to pray!"
The man's friend grimaced, and responded with a deep and pained sigh of sympathy, "Oh, has it come to that?!"
Life sometimes brings us to that. Certainly it is good and proper to do what we can about problems that arise. God often leads us to act immediately, administering His provision by our own hearts, minds and hands, with no need in the moment to pray (previous prayers of faith and submission having prepared us to act immediately and spontaneously). However, our Heavenly Father both orchestrates and allows situations, circumstances and conditions that stymie us. Our minds can find no answers, our hands no acts to perform, our feet no clear paths to walk. We come to that, and it is a hard, difficult and maybe even heartbreaking venue.
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Sometimes our Lord does the stilling for us. He touches the hollow of our thigh, as it were, and wrestling is reduced to merely hanging on (Genesis 32:22-32). We cannot solve our problem. We cannot fill our emptiness. We cannot make our way. We can do nothing, nothing except that. In such times, the possibility of better knowing that God is God awaits us. Indeed, the pain and paralysis of a thigh bone out of joint may open our eyes more clearly than ever we have known to the great truth of who He is - and who we are not.
The truth of the matter is that we live the entirety of our existence in the realm of that. "Without Me, ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). We will one day discover that even in those times when our own hands and feet were at their busiest, the Lord Jesus Christ was the nevertheless the source, supply and power of every moment. Being still - or being stilled - reveals this truth more clearly to us, namely, that we are utterly and eternally dependent on the God who is utterly and eternally faithful to be everything we need Him to be. Yes, it always comes to that, because whether active or inert, the truth of our being was rightly declared by Moses...
"He is thy life."
(Deuteronomy 30:20)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

"Search Me"

 
     "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24).
     "Cleanse Thou me from secret faults" (Psalm 19:12).
 
     The Psalmist knew the potential and actuality of error within himself.  God's truth and David's personal experience of sin and error had well taught him how wrong he could be in matters of the heart, the mind, and the way.
 
     In a world that "lieth in wickedness," born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ do well to join David in the awareness of our ongoing need for "doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (I John 5:19: II Timothy 3:16).  Things precious to us are sometimes actually poisonous.  Attitudes that seem justifiable often do not align with the love of Christ.  Ways that beckon us with seemingly bright and shining light on the horizon may guide us into grave darkness.  And "secret faults" may ultimately lead to open failure and shame if left unexposed and uncorrected.
 
     David well knew that he could not lead himself out of darkness, nor could he cleanse his own heart, mind and way.  He therefore entrusted the matter to the One whose eyes are "as a flame of fire," and who "seeth all" (Revelation 1:14; Job 34:21).  Rather than excessive and futile introspection, the Psalmist sought his Lord's confirming and/or correcting viewpoint.  In essence, David prayed, "Lord, tell me what You see.  And then lead me by Your light to continue and grow in Truth, while also being led out and away from darkness."
 
    Fewer prayers are more important, and few more reveal genuine knowledge of God, ourselves, and the present environment in which we live.  The humility of Christ leads and enables such selfless devotion to our Heavenly Father, preparing us to honor Him and bless others.  Today is a good day to join David in his humble request.  Tomorrow will be also, and then every subsequent day of our lives.  We can be sure our Father will be pleased, and even more, that He will answer by leading us in the way and by cleansing secret faults.
 
"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of His correction: For whom the LORD loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom He delighteth."
(Proverbs 3:11-12)
 

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

"There"

"In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).
 
    David's exultant affirmation of the heart-thrilling joy of proximity to God was doubtless real, wonderful and fulfilling.  The Psalmist's heart was a trusting and often faithful place that his Lord found great pleasure in blessing, and in which He also found great blessing.
 
    Could we speak with David now, however, or could he add an addendum to his description of joy and pleasure in God, he would quickly tell us that the glory he knew during his earthly life was as nothing in comparison to his present experience in the heavenlies.  David was an Old Testament saint delivered into God's direct presence by the Lord Jesus Christ after He made atonement for sin (Ephesians 4:8).  One can only imagine the holy moment when the Psalmist first saw the Messiah of whom he so often prophesied, and then when the Lord Jesus escorted David into Heaven where "fullness of joy" and "pleasures forevermore" fill the spiritual atmosphere with the wonder that is God.
 
    We who live on the other side, as it were, of the cross, the resurrection and the indwelling Holy Spirit see glories during our earthly sojourn that David did not know.  Still, it is "through a glass darkly" that we view our Lord's ineffable glory (I Corinthians 13:12).  Sights and scenes and sensibilities await us that would cause our hearts to burst if revealed to us now, in our unglorified state.  As I told my son last night, "The first milli-moment we are There will make us wonder how we could have ever been hesitant about passing from earth to Heaven."  The living, infinite and eternal God awaits us there.  His direct presence, where "fullness of joy" abides, awaits us there.  The "pleasures forevermore" of His right hand await us there, that is, the pleasures of the Lord Jesus, who is Himself "on the right hand of God" (I Peter 3:22).
 
    There are great days ahead, great days in this life as our Lord is known, loved, trusted and obeyed in both blessing and challenge.  Even more, however - infinitely more - a great eternity is ahead.  God Himself is the greatness of that forever.  He is the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore purchased for us by the sorrow and agony of Calvary's suffering, forsakenness and death.  Our hearts were made and redeemed for Him, and only when His presence fills our both our internal and external environment will the true meaning of joy and pleasure be known.  Yes, David would tell us this just now, if he could.  Thankfully, the Word of God can and does...
 
"The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
(Romans 8:18)
 
"Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world."
(John 17:24)
 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Jackson Chronicles - Part 4

 
    (Another episode in our grandson Jackson's ongoing capacity to say and do things that both entertain and illuminate.  Jackson's 4 now, by the way.)
 
    Jackson and his sister Emma (a character in her own right) spent the night with us this past weekend.  As they were leaving, I walked out to the car to say goodbye.  Frances had already done so in the house, and didn't walk out with us.  As I leaned over to give Jack a goodbye kiss, he looked at me and said, "Tell Grannie Frannie she loves us!"
 
    Jackson immediately knew he had crossed up his words.  He had meant to say, "Tell Grannie Frannie we love her!"  His face immediately broke into a smile, and I also found it really funny.  "I'll tell her, Jackson," I responded, laughing, "I'll tell Grannie Frannie that she loves you!" 
 
    As has been the case with Jackson on other occasions, his comment was fraught with a wonderful spiritual implication.  Indeed, in our relationship with God, it is a fine and Biblical thing to often affirm to Him, "Heavenly Father, You love us!"
 
     "We love Him because He first loved us" (I John 4:19).
 
     Our love for God is eternally the response of our hearts to His heart.  First, He loved us by creating and sustaining our being, providing for us before we even knew Him (Acts 17:25).  Then He loved us by convicting and convincing us that the Lord Jesus Christ is a Savior, and a Savior we need because of our sins (John 12:32).  When we believed, He poured out His love into our hearts through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).  Finally, He continues to work in us to motivate and enable reciprocal response to the continual overtures of lovingkindness that proceed from His devotion to us (Philippians 2:13).
 
     Born again believers live far more from God than for God.  The Lord Jesus is "before all things," including and especially the fruit of the Spirit produced in us by God's ongoing cultivating of spiritual maturity (Colossians 1:17).  The dynamic of "we love Him because He first loved us" must form and inform our understanding not only of birth into relationship with God, but also growth into resembling Him in character, disposition and way.
 
    If it were possible to quantify godliness, and if we could somehow find the most godly believer presently living in the world, we might raise the question, "What does it feel like to love God so much?"  The instantaneous response would surely involve a recoiling from the notion.  "Oh, I've barely even begun to love Him!" the devout one would reply in genuine sincerity.  "But I am more and more overwhelmed by the wonder of how much He loves me, how much He loves you, and how much He loves all!"  Yes, the focus of true godliness sees clearly the fount of all love - "God is love" - and the fact that in both time and eternity those who truly love Him are enraptured and fixed on their Lord's devotion rather than their own (I John 4:16).
 
    Frances' response to "Tell Grannie Frannie that she loves us!" was every bit as joyful as you might expect.  Doubtless the same rejoicing will fill our Heavenly Father's heart as we affirm to Him and each other the wonder of His love that "passeth knowledge" (Ephesians 3:19).  We may tell Him that He loves us with confidence that we are faithfully expressing the Word, the reality of His heart, and the truth whereby genuine love for Him fills and fulfills us.
 
"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God."
(II Thessalonians 3:5)
 

 
   
 
 

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Choice To Rejoice

 
    We referenced last week the prophet's determination to rejoice in God regardless of circumstance, condition or situation.
 
    "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
 
     Habbbakuk made a choice to rejoice, a choice of devotion.  First, he knew his Lord's devotion to his best interest, and the interest of Israel.  Then he followed in the Divine wake of love by determining to trust God despite the loss of every earthly basis of joy. The prophet knew the Lord's heart well enough to be deeply convinced that "His way is perfect" (II Samuel 22:31).  Thus, if God had suspended provision to Israel, Habakkuk knew that love had to be the reason, the love of chastening perhaps, but love nonetheless.  He therefore chose to rejoice upon the basis of God's loving care for His people, and the desire to love Him in devoted response.
 
    When we trust the Lord Jesus Christ, we are loving Him no less than if we were giving our body to be burned for His glory.  "Faith... worketh by love" (Galatians 5:6).  True faith is the fruit of love, God's love leading and enabling us.  It is also an act of love for Him.  Especially when everything in our humanity screams or whispers that we should doubt, fear, resent and disbelieve, the choice to rejoice involves self sacrificial devotion received by our Heavenly Father as a cherished gift of love from our hearts to His.  Again, "faith... worketh by love."  He receives all the glory for such expression because apart from His indwelling Spirit, we cannot truly love Him (Romans 5:5).  Nevertheless, deep in the hearts of born again believers is a freedom of determination whereby our love for God is a self sacrificial act of personal liberty rather than the programmed mindlessness of an automaton.  "I will love Thee, o Lord my strength!" declared the Psalmist who well knew both his utter dependence on God, and his privileged freedom and capacity to love God (Psalm 18:1).
 
     Our Lord is present enough, powerful enough, wise enough and loving enough to enable joy where there should seemingly be no joy.  Thus He commands, "Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).  Implicit in the command is the promise of our Lord's transcendent ability to enable the choice to rejoice not only on the highest summit of blessing, but in the lowest valley of loss.  We must believe that such capacity is possible, and we must understand that true faith is a primary means of loving God.  Indeed, when we join Habakkuk - "I will joy in the God of my salvation" - when the fields are barren and the flocks are cut off, the love of God and love for God bless His heart and our own with a rejoicing beyond words...
 
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory."
(I Peter 1:6-8)

Saturday, February 19, 2011

"A Greater Pleasure"

 
         When the true nature of a world that "passeth away" becomes more realized, and when we feel the inherent weakness of our humanity, we find ourselves in a good place (I John 2:7; Psalm 144:4).
 
    "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Corinthians 12:9-10).
 
    Of course, it doesn't feel good to experience the challenges and weaknesses of which the Apostle Paul wrote.  Our brother of old did not write that he felt pleasure, but that "I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake."  Paul knew the truth of sufficient grace, and of strength made perfect in weakness.  God had revealed such glory to him, and upon the basis of his Lord's promise, the Apostle chose to view difficulty from a heavenly rather than an earthly perspective.
 
    Our Heavenly Father calls us to the same reorientation of pleasure taken by faith rather than felt by sensation.  At the outset of our challenges, happy emotions will rarely originate our response.  Our humanity rather feels the reality of the fallen world in which we live, leading to the sense of dissatisfaction, irritation, anger, fear, sorrow and perhaps even grief.  We do not feel pleasure.  However, if we know the Truth and have submitted ourselves to the glory of God, a foundation for a greater pleasure awaits.  We determine to trust Him, thereby bringing pleasure to His heart.  Deep within, our own hearts are blessed as well in a sensibility far beyond mere emotion.  We know that "God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26).  And we know that such faith honors him.  For the trusting believer, no greater joy exists.
 
    Such grace known and "taken" subsequently leads to emotional happiness.  It may take time, and we do not concern ourselves with when and how good feelings will come to us.  It is enough to know that we are doing the will of God, and the deep spiritual joy of such assurance so transcends feeling that we are "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (II Corinthians 6:10).  Rather than seeking happiness in circumstance, situation and condition, we affirm with David the glory of a greater pleasure...
 
"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy."
(Psalm 43:4)
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stall: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
(Habbakuk 3:17-18).

Thursday, February 17, 2011

"By Christ Jesus"


         While God bestows unto His trusting children countless gifts of grace during our lifetime, there is a sense in which He actually gives us only one.

    "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

      Paul declares that God supplies all your need through the living Person of His Son.  He comes to us in countless packages, as it were, but when our earthly days are over, we will see that our Savior filled every breath and every thing given by the Father who loves Him and us so very much.

     As the Holy Spirit leads us, our hearts will be captured, fascinated, enamored and completely devoted to the Person and work of the Lord Jesus.  We will search for Him on every page of Scripture, think of Him often, seek to trust Him always, speak of Him with great affection and admiration, and long to be conformed more and more to His image in everything in our lives.  He will be the foundation and the goal of our lives, and the dynamic power by which we begin and end our long journey upon the path of righteousness.  "To live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21

      The Bible declares that the population of Heaven is continually occupied with the Christ whose glory causes golden streets to gleam and gates of pearl to radiate with beauty: "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing" (Revelation 5:12).  We will join them perhaps sooner than we think, and the Spirit of God beckons us even now to prepare ourselves for our eternal and joyful occupation...

"He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence."
(Hebrews 13:12-15)

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Quick and the Delayed

 
    Sometimes God seems so real it almost feels as if you are looking into His face.  Other times we must peer into deep darkness to "see" that Light that shines only to the eyes of faith.
 
    Last week, the retirement community where we do 3 services a week laid off a number of their staff.  Included was a dear lady named Robin, an aide who has helped us since we began our ministry at the facility.  We were deeply grieved and disappointed, and have prayed for her throughout the week that the Lord would provide for her needs and lead her to a new place of employment.
 
     He did.  Today when we arrived for our Tuesday services, Robin greeted us with a big smile and hug.  She had been recalled to duty, and reassigned from the nursing home segment of the facility to the assisted living unit.   She will therefore be with us in services at the latter rather than the former.  We are overjoyed for her, and for ourselves because Robin is such a blessing to us.  More importantly, she is a gift to the residents of the community, and as I told her today, "a living, walking answer to prayer."
 
    Certainly not all prayers are answered so quickly and obviously.  Most require patience and the walk of faith whereby we must fulfill the Biblical mandate to "wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart" (Psalm 27:14).  Indeed, the Psalmist's encouragement reveals the reason God chooses most of our requests to require a lag time, as it were, between asking and receiving.  The "good courage" required leads to the strengthening of our hearts.  That is, we bravely wait on the Lord in accordance with our confidence in His goodness.  Thereby we grow "strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).  Trusting God in the context of waiting on His answers to prayer requires conscious relationship with Him whereby we more and more know Him, and are thus more and more "changed into His image" (II Corinthians 3:18).
 
    We need both quick and delayed answers to prayer as we walk with our Lord.  The former amaze and thrill us, as did our blessed experience with Robin today, for which we give joyful thanks.  The latter strengthen and mature us in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ as His living presence encourages and enables us to wait on His perfect wisdom and timing.  Either way, the faithfulness of God envelops us with the assurance that He can be trusted when His manifested glory almost blinds our eyes, or when in darkness we "endure, as seeing Him who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27).
 
"Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee."
(Psalm 139:12)
 

 

Monday, February 14, 2011

"Grace... Faith... Love"

 
    "The grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 1:14).
 
    Note the sequence in Paul's affirmation of God's redemptive work in his heart and life.  Grace... faith... love.  The order must never be reversed in our understanding of our Lord's ongoing work in us whereby we genuinely and devotedly love Him and others.  The grace of God must be received by faith, with the love of God ensuing as the fruit of the Holy Spirit's revelation of Christ in us.
 
    "By grace are ye saved through faith" declared the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 2:8).  That is, the Lord Jesus Christ lived, died, rose again and sent forth His Spirit to make possible relationship with God as a "free gift" (Romans 5:15-18).  We receive such beneficence by trusting that the Lord Jesus died for our sin and rose again (Romans 10:9-10).  The Holy Spirit then inhabits our redeemed hearts, and "the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).  Again, grace... faith... love.
 
    "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him" (Colossians 2:6). 
 
    Paul states that the "grace... faith... love" dynamic that began our relationship with God must perpetuate it.  God faithfully administers His loving favor of acceptance by the ongoing work of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Our calling is to increasingly know and believe the truth of this promised work of grace.  As we do, the love of God more and more thrills, motivates, and changes us into the image of the Lord Jesus.  We thus love God and others as the expression of growing awareness of how beloved we are to God, and the growing devotion in us of affection, commitment and willingness for self sacrifice that results.  "We love Him because first He loved us" (I John 4:19).
 
    Our spiritual enemies continually seek to reverse the order and sequence in our hearts and minds.  They tempt us to neglect, ignore, misunderstand or disbelieve the wonder of grace in Christ that precedes all true faith and devotion.  Faith and love are either directly or indirectly portrayed as human acts of dedication and discipline rather than fruits of the Holy Spirit.  If we succumb to the temptation by installing our actions at the forefront of spirituality rather than strongly affirming that "we are His workmanship," fleshly fruits always result.  We become either frustrated or proud, and genuine faith and love crash on the rocks of carnality (Ephesians 2:10).
 
    We will either "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," trusting and loving God as the blessed result, or we will stagnate and ultimately find ourselves mired in a status-quo Christianity that bears little resemblance to "the faith which was once delivered to the saints" (II Peter 3:18; Jude 1:3).  Wherever we may be along the path of trusting and loving God, the grace of the Lord Jesus beckons us to continue even as we began.  Or as the writer of Hebrews so aptly commanded...
 
"Let us have grace, that we may serve God with reverence and godly fear."
(Hebrews 12:28)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Proportional: Justice and Justification

"Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:24-26).
An outside observer viewing the relationship between God and man before the advent of the Lord Jesus Christ would surely come to the conclusion that "never the twain shall meet."
"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2).
The Lord Jesus made possible the justice of God to be served, while concurrently making possible the justification of those who believe. God's wrath upon sin was fully exhausted upon the smitten Lamb of God on the cross of Calvary. "He is the propitiation not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world" (I John 2:2). God can therefore offer pardon, redemption and even birth into "the whole family of Heaven and earth" without violating the propriety of His character, nature and way. Indeed, "the wages of sin is death," and a death sentence was served - "Christ died for our sins" (Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 15:3).
Upon this basis, "all that believe are justified from all things" (Acts 15:39). Indeed, to the degree the Lord Jesus was forsaken on the cross of Calvary, we are "accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6). To the degree He bore the wrath of God, we receive the loving favor of God - "Brethren, beloved of the Lord" (II Thessalonians 2:13). To the degree darkness descended upon and into the depths of our Savior's spirit, the light of God shines upon and within us - "Now are ye light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8). And to the degree He died, we are "alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11).
Justice and justification are proportional, as it were. Biblical understanding of how perfectly the Lord's suffering and death atoned for our sins results in our apprehending and accessing just how redeemed we are. This produces in the heart and mind of the born again believer genuine love, devotion and desire to trust and obey God. Conversely, failure to realize the effectiveness of Christ's atoning work on the cross results in a creeping spiritual paralysis and discouragement as the bright sunlight of our Father's grace-bestowed favor is hidden by clouds of ignorance and unbelief. Again, to the degree Divine justice was served on the sinless One who was nevertheless "made to be sin for us," Divine justification envelops the trusting heart with acceptance in the Beloved (II Corinthians 5:21). Growing knowledge of such wonder bears a growing harvest of genuine and impassioned love for so great and so glorious a Savior, resulting in growing expression of "the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:11).
"Ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
(I Corinthians 6:11)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

"The Godly Man"

The first Psalm contains a beautiful description of the godly man, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:1-3).


Only the Lord Jesus perfectly fulfilled the characteristics of David's declaration of human godliness. He walked not, stood not, and sat not in fleshly and devilish ways during His earthly life. He loved doing His Father's will, and His heart and mind were passionately devoted to the law of God. He was "the true Vine," and although uprooted by death, He was replanted by resurrection to bring forth the fruit of life to multitudes of others who believe in Him (John 15:1). After making Himself of "no reputation," He now merits all glory (Philippians 2:7-10). And the prosperous success of God's "eternal purpose in Christ Jesus" is assured because our Savior has "overcome the world" (Ephesians 3:11; John 16:33).


The Spirit of this godly Man now lives in all who believe. "God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts" (Galatians 4:6). God undertakes to conform us to the image of the Lord Jesus when we believe (Romans 8:29). While perfect likeness to Christ will not occur during our earthly lifetime, increasingly consistent godliness is to be expected and fulfilled as we "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" (I John 1:6; II Peter 3:18). Anything less than this expectation of advancing faith and obedience belies a low view of God, and a weak understanding of the Gospel whereby God works in believers "both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). Provision has been made for sin and failure, and no guarantee of growth into maturity is made (I John 1:9; I Corinthians 3:1). Nevertheless, we should expect and devote ourselves unto the Christlikeness that increasingly results in Psalm 1 describing not only the Lord Jesus, but ourselves as led and enabled by His indwelling Spirit.


The first Psalm first instills in our hearts awe, admiration and adoration for our blessed Lord. Then it beckons us to "walk even as He walked" upon the basis of the wondrous reality that Christ now walks in us (I John 2:6; II Corinthians 6:16). Or, as the Apostle Paul so blessedly assured,


"Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

(II Corinthians 3:18)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

"The Root Of the Fruit"

We do not come to Christ through prayer. We come to prayer through Christ. "Having, therefore brethren, boldness therefore to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19).
We do not come to Christ through righteousness. We come to righteousness through Christ. "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us... righteousness" (I Corinthians 1:30).
We do not come to Christ through holiness. We come to holiness through Christ. "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:25-27).
We do not come to Christ through godliness. We come to godliness through Christ. "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (II Peter 1:3).
We do not come to Christ through love. We come to love through Christ. "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).
The list could go on and on of spiritual graces that are the fruit of the Root, that is, of the person and work of the Lord Jesus. The order must never be reversed in our understanding and application because our Savior is "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). He is "the power of God" (I Corinthians 1:24). He is our "sanctification and redemption" (I Corinthians 1:30). Without Him, we can "do nothing," but through Him, we can "do all things" (John 15:5; Philippians 4:13). The Lord Jesus is our life, and we are spiritually inanimate apart from His vital and dynamic presence within us. "I am... the life; To live is Christ" (John 14:6; Philippians 1:21).
When, in our reading of the New Testament, we encounter the commands of God to trust and obey, our first response must be to rejoice in Lord Jesus as the indwelling motivator and enabler of obedience. We "live through Him," that is, we do everything of eternal substance and worth by "the power of His might" (I John 4:9; Ephesians 6:10). In this blessed light, the New Testament commands become pure joy in our hearts and minds because they offer opportunity to know and trust our Savior. Christ is the root, the true Vine, and the everflowing life whereby we are the branches upon which the fruit of Spirit hangs in bountiful harvest as we look to "the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Colossians 2:7; John 15:1).
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
(Ephesians 2:10)



Tuesday, February 8, 2011

"The Garb of Grace"

In recent times, I have been blessed by the reverent determination of President Reagan and Presidents Bush (41 and 43) to never enter the Oval Office wearing anything other than a suit and tie. The respect shown reveals regard for the history, heritage and sanctity not only of the White House and the Presidency, but the nation as well.
This reminds me of the garb required for entrance into an infinitely greater "office" of authority and power, namely, Heaven itself.
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10).
The salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ freely enrobes born again believers with the righteousness of our Savior. "Christ Jesus... is made unto us righteousness" (I Corinthians 1:30). We therefore may "come boldly unto the throne of grace" because our approach is based not on our person, merits, or works, but rather those of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 4:16). Indeed, so long as we come by Him, we can always come. In times of sin and unfaithfulness, we can come no less than in times of obedience and faithfulness. The garb of grace ensures our approach, that is, the Blood-stained robe that was savagely torn from our Great and Good Shepherd in order that it would one day be draped upon us in tender lovingkindness.
"Clothed with the garments of salvation... covered with the robe of righteousness." Little wonder that Isaiah greatly rejoiced in his Lord, even through his understanding of such grace was far more limited than we know. Indeed, we who live on the other side of the cross and the resurrection look back upon a sacrificial loss in direct proportion to the Gift it purchased. Yes, the degree to which our Lord Jesus was smitten and forsaken on the cross of Calvary is the degree to which God's trusting sons and daughters in Christ are assured of eternal access to the royal seat of Divinity so appropriately entitled "the throne of grace." We are clothed and covered, even as the hymn writer so beautifully proclaimed...
"And lest the shadow of a spot should on my soul be found,
He took the robe the Savior wrought
and cast it all around!"
(Isaac Watts, from "Awake My Heart, Arise My Tongue").
"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved."
(Ephesians 1:6)

Monday, February 7, 2011

Less Prayer, Better Prayer

"When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking" (Matthew 6:7).
God is no more interested in rote and mindless verbal expressions from us than we are from each other. As the Lord Jesus Christ declared, it is a "heathen" notion that supposes our Heavenly Father hears our prayers because of their length and duration.
Regarding prayer, many believers sadly admit, "I don't pray enough." This may be true, but I grow more and more convinced as I consider Scriptural teaching on the matter that the truer confession should be "I don't pray well enough." The matter is not one of quantity, but of quality. Furthermore, our emphasis must never focus on our praying, but rather upon the Author, Empowerer and Answerer of our prayers. Genuine prayer is prayed from God far more than it is prayed to God. "Without Me, ye can do nothing" said the Lord Jesus (John 15:5). Few practices are more among the Savior's declaration of our inherent human weakness than the marvelous gift of communion with the infinite and almighty God.
True prayer is always a response to the moving of the Holy Spirit upon and within us. "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father" (Galatians 4:6). As such, we should expect a deep sense of reverence to pervade our praying, a respect that precludes "vain repetition" and "much speaking." Just as would never approach a human authority figure with such disrespectful mindlessness, we "come boldly to the throne of grace" through Christ, but nevertheless with a sense of restraint that reveals awareness of God's magnificence and our frailty (Hebrews 4:16).
We shall not come to the end of our earthly journey overly concerned about how much we prayed, but rather how well we prayed. Indeed, the Apostle Paul's command to "pray without ceasing" will only be fulfilled as we emphasize the quality of our praying rather than its quantity (I Thessalonians 5:17). Few among us are capable of avoiding the discouragement and lack of interest that must inevitably accompany the emptiness of praying just to be praying, as it were. When, however, we pray as the expression of the Holy Spirit's leading and enabling fostered by better Biblical understanding of God and ourselves, prayer becomes the living and vibrant reality our Heavenly Father intends it to be. We will pray well, and we may well find ourselves praying more as "praying more" loses its deceptive place in our hearts and minds.
"Be ye therefore sober (of a sound mind), and watch unto prayer."
(I Peter 4:7)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

"Bart Starr"

(I think I've shared this story with you before.
If so, thanks for allowing me to share it again.)

When I was growing up, I loved professional football, I loved the Green Bay Packers, and I loved Bart Starr (as an adult, I've lost interest in everything but Mr. Starr, whom I still greatly admire as a person far more than I did as a football player. I must say, however, that with the Packers playing in the Super Bowl tomorrow, well...).
Mr. Starr is legendary here in his home state of Alabama. Certainly his on the field exploits in a football-crazy state are part of the reason for his notoriety. Even more, however, he is known for the life he has lived and the things he has done as the expression of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I recall hearing the story told by a gentleman whose car broke down on the highway. Many drivers passed by without a thought of stopping to help. Finally, a car pulled over to the side of the road behind the stalled vehicle. The driver of car who got out and offered help was Bart Starr. Again, this is one of many stories told by Alabamians about a man honored as the 1960s Player of the Decade in the NFL. Far more, Mr. Starr has been a man who quietly honors his Lord with a life of self sacrificial devotion to God and people.
I have a personal Bart Starr story. A few years ago our family stopped at a fruit stand in central Alabama as we returned home from vacation. The stand was known for its peach ice cream, and we went in to enjoy a treat. As I stood in line, a man passed by, leaving the store. I only glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, but later, through the plate glass windows of the building, I realized that it was Bart Starr whose path had crossed with mine. I could see him getting into his car where his wife waited, and rather than leave, they sat there enjoying the same peach ice cream we had stopped to buy.
I was faced with a dilemma. A strong inclination gripped me to go out to the car and tell Mr. Starr what a blessing he had been to me, both as a football player and as a Christian gentleman. For nearly a half century, he had held such a special place in my heart, and now I finally had an opportunity to tell him so. However, another thought came to mind, which eventually guided my actions. People of prominence such as Bart Starr are constantly barraged with admirers, and anything I could say to him, he's doubtless heard a thousand times. More importantly, he was sharing a moment with his wife that I did not want to interrupt. So I decided to thank the Lord for a nice blessing, and allow Mr. and Mrs. Starr their privacy.
I've always been glad I did that. It would have been nice to actually meet Bart Starr. It was far nicer, however, to exercise the same respect that I think he would have shown, given the same situation. In fact, I think my actions in that moment were guided to some degree by the things I knew to be true of Mr. Starr. He is and has long been a Christian gentleman. I want to be the same. It says much about Bart Starr that he could inspire such a determination, and it says even more about the Lord Jesus who so lives in God's trusting children that they can have such profound influence on each other. Indeed, I am sure that Mr. Starr would give all glory to His Savior for the life he has lived. And wonderfully, those who of us who have been blessed by Bart Starr are also inspired to give glory to the Savior for the life he has lived...
"As it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
(I Corinthians 1:31)

Friday, February 4, 2011

"The Journey's Just Begun"



There is no end to the quest we know,
forever beckons on.
For we soar in skies so bright and blue,
above all clouds of storm.

Yes, we fly into the heart of God,
as in His Son we trust.
And earth will soon be nothing more
than long forgotten dust.

So spread your wings and catch the wind,
o journeyman of hope.
And race toward hozizons blessed
with those who also know,

That the quest of hearts is Jesus,
He is our shining sun.
It matters not how far we've come...
the journey's just begun.
"God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever."
(Psalm 73:26)




Thursday, February 3, 2011

"Better Than Sacrifice"

We rightly rejoice in the merciful pardon promised by I John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
An even greater joy, however, is the mighty power promised in I Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Our Heavenly Father would have us avail ourselves of His forgiveness and cleansing in Christ when and as necessary. "He delighteth in mercy," and He is "ready to forgive" (Micah 7:18; Psalm 86:5). Born again believers in the Lord Jesus therefore live in great expectation that the blood of Christ is an always effective restorative in times of sin. We do God, ourselves and those to whom we are called to minister no favors by wallowing in our failure according to the devilish and humanistic notion that self-flagellation can somehow atone for sins. Only the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus suffices for genuine pardon, even as the hymnwriter affirmed, "Nothing can for sin atone; nothing but the blood of Jesus."
Again, however, the greater gift of the Gospel is the ever-present power whereby visits to I John 1:9 are meant by God to become less necessary. We are to live in great expectation that the Spirit of Christ inhabits us in order to provide effective overcoming in times of temptation. It is surely true that forgiven sin greatly glorifies our Lord. Faithful submission, however, even more reveals who He is, testifying to the grace that bestows not only necessary pardon, but a new person. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new" (II Corinthians 5:17).
Our Father is ready to forgive. He is even more ready to enable the faith and obedience that makes forgiveness less necessary in time of temptation. Let us therefore rejoice in the expectation of restoration provided by I John 1:9. But even more, let us rejoice in expectation of the "way to escape" provided by I Corinthians 10:13. Both altars of hope comprise the salvation in Christ that glorifies God and enables a life of consistent and joyful faithfulness.
"To obey is better than sacrifice."
(I Samuel 15:22)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

"A Little Lower"

Before His incarnation, the Lord Jesus Christ was greater than the angels because He was the Creator of the angels. "All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3).
During His earthly life as a man, our Savior was "made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death" (Hebrews 2:9).
By His resurrection and ascension unto glory, the Lord Jesus is "made better than the angels" (Hebrews 1:4).
The former and the latter truths are understandable. We expect the Maker to be greater than any and every aspect of His creation. That He could be "made a little lower" than a part of His creation, however, presents a reality beyond our understanding. More literally, it presents a humility beyond our understanding. "Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8).
The fear of God begins both our wisdom and knowledge, according to Solomon (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Our Lord is beyond every high and lofty concept of greatness we can imagine. Seeing the loving humility of God, on the other hand, begins the eternal journey of fulfilling our wisdom and knowledge. The new birth ushers us into such glory as we believe in a Servant/Savior who "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus involves ever-increasing awareness of the Divine heart of humility whereby we "walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and given Himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor" (Ephesians 5:2).
Biblical understanding of God involves both a high view and a low view. The former drives us to our faces in awe, reverence and the creaturely fear that acknowledges a Creator of breath-taking and heart-stilling magnitude. Interestingly, the latter view, the low view that sees God's humility, may drive us even more deeply into the depths of worship and awareness of how glorious He is. Indeed, "a little lower" reveals a Heart so wonderful that it transforms, at the highest cost to itself, former rebels into loving sons and daughters. No depth of bowed adoration, awe and amazement will be low enough for the redeemed to adequately acknowledge so great - and so humble - a Lord.
"I am meek and lowly in heart."
(Matthew 11:29)

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

"Silent Wonder"

(a repeat from last year)

In 1996 (and again in 2004, with improved technology), the Hubble Telescope was pointed at a seemingly blank dot of space where conventional telescopes revealed no galaxies, stars, or planetary systems.
Ten thousand galaxies were discovered in the apparent nothingness, each likely possessing hundreds of billions of stars.
Allow the enormity of those numbers to bewilder you (remembering that the area of space viewed by the Hubble is no bigger than a dot when viewed through a normal telescope). Then think of God, and be far more stunned, amazed, awed, enraptured, and filled with wonder. Because vast and multitudinous as creation may be, the greater truth is that the Creator simply spoke to make all things.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:1-3).
The power of our Lord's word in making all things proclaims how much greater He is than His stunningly immense creation. He also maintains the universe by "the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3). Thus, to think of the God of the Bible, or to utter a word about Him, or to consider His person and truth, is a consideration we can never make lightly. Little wonder that Israel of old wouldn't even attempt to utter His name. Little wonder that Isaiah and John fell down before Him "undone," and "as dead" (Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 1:17). Little wonder that hundreds of millions of angels throng the throne of God to incessantly proclaim His greatness (Revelation 5:11). And little wonder that every born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ experiences times when it becomes all too much for us, causing us to bow our heads, knees, and hearts in a silent wonder of rapture.
All this being true, I nevertheless find that another aspect of God's truth causes me to even more experience "silent wonder."
"Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger... His name shall be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us" (Luke 2:12; Matthew 1:23).
Perhaps if I were wiser, I wouldn't write another word, allowing your heart to be thrilled by the thought that creation's Creator took upon Himself the relatively infinitesimal form of a human baby. I will therefore simply add that that in eternity to come, we will doubtless be able to explore its vast reaches to discover the infinite glory of God that will shine from every galaxy, solar system, world, and atom. Far more wonderfully, however, the sons and daughters of God in Christ will be escorted by the Holy Spirit on an eternal exploration of the heart, mind, and being of the glorious Creator who simply spoke, and a universe beyond our capacity to measure came into being. He is also the One who entered into that creation as a tiny baby, and who died for it as a humble man. Yes, let us join our hearts in silent wonder...
"Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable."
(Psalm 145:3)
"Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart."
(Matthew 11:29)