Jesus, Prince of Peace

Jesus, Prince of Peace A Christmas Poem for All Seasons Mild, He arrives, surveying the scene, With glory, not grandeur or even a shout, It isn't pretty what His watching eye sees, Conflicts multiplied within and without. People playing God without any shame, From West to North to South to East, Fingers pointing while people proclaim, 'Peace, peace' when there is no peace. Slaughtering innocents without a care, Unrest preceding from bad to worse, Weeping while knowing that life isnt fair, Expected from those still under the Curse. The floodgates of heaven open once more, We must remember who tend to forget, He gave a blessing to counteract sin, He died to pay another man's debt. Peace so elusive and hard to attain, Fully floods the souls of all who recieve, The Truth that sets all captives free, The Way of Life that you must believe. The only Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Most awesome Father of Eternity, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Fully functioning Prince of Peace. Written by Michael W. Sciarra, 12/18/2012. Note: This peace from God through our Lord Jesus Christ isn't automatic. It is very rare. It is a gift from God. It only comes to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; those who are only saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God's glory alone. "Believe in The Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). We who believe can say we confident assurance that He Himself is our Peace.

Clothed with Power

God clothes with power those He calls to Himself. It's what He does, for His glory and other's good. He promised Mary that she would experience His power (Luke 1:35). Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power (Acts 1:8). Paul often spoke of God's power at work in believers (Eph. 3:16; Col. 1:29; Phil. 2:13). We need power to live. We who believe acknowledge and experience God's power. And we also see humans taking power for granted. Not until we do not have it do we realize how important it is. I experienced three notable power outages in the past few months. The first was in Washington, D.C. Brought on by a storm, it affected millions throughout the area and across the state of Virginia. The second was in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. My in-laws' home had the power knocked out for three long days. We were refugees in a familiar place. The third was a few days after Thanksgiving while traveling in central California. Our hotel had a power outage and no backup generator. Needless to say, in all three instances we lacked power and could do little to help ourselves. Powerlessness is an unsettling proposition. One we want to get out of. No sane person wants to be without power. We might experience it relationally, economically, or socially; but no matter the realm it is a weak position to be in. In the spiritual realm probably more than any other we feel our lack of power keenly. We need another. We need Almigty God. Which is why Jesus being called Mighty God is such a comforting thing. He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or think. And He is at work in believers to will and do His good pleasure. He will clothe you who come to Him by grace alone, through fsith alone, in Christ alone, with power from on high. I encourage you to not shrink back in powerless defeat, but move forward in triumphant resurrection power, knowing the Powerful One is with you. He brings order out of chaos.

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor

Jesus is the answer to all our problems. One of our number one problems? Confusion (ie not knowing what to do, a lack of wisdom). In addition to the general chaos/conundrums brought on by sin, the complexities/conspiracies real and imagined, and the various conflicts we engage in, we are generally confused people. Many live in a state of constant confusion. Not knowing what they should do, how they should respond, like a deer in the headlights, like a mouse in a maze, like guys with instruction manuals written only in French and German, they think they know what to do, but eventually realize, they just don't know what to do. Enter Jesus, the Savior. Who's been there all a long if we would just open our eyes. Like clouds parting, fog lifting to reveal a majestic mountain peak. Like a clear, cool spring of water to a parched soul, Jesus answers our need. Jesus the Wonderful Counselor reveals truth we need. We are often confused, but Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, who tells us not what we want to hear, but what we need to hear, so that we might follow Him fully.

A Word of Encouragement

Everyone loves encouragement. Everyone needs it too. I want to commend the people of Grace Orange for the many things I see them doing right, the things the Holy Spirit is doing in and through us. I get to serve such an Awesome God and pastor such an awesome group of people. So, Grace Orange, this is for you. You care for each other. You willingly sacrifice. You go out of your way to help others. You give your time, talents and treasure to serve the Lord and bless those you know and don't know. You welcome strangers. You refresh the saints. You forgive. You give stuff away. You cook. You clean. You build. You watch people's kids. You love. You preach the gospel to yourself and others. You weep with the weeping and rejoice with the rejoicing. You empathize. You trust Jesus. You love God's Word. It is such a joy and blessing to see Christ's Church "walking in the truth" (3 John 4).  That is what you are doing. I've seen real life examples of all these and more. Praise God. All praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone, for God's glory alone. Jesus loves you!

Eclipsed by Sin

Some people's relationship with God, and I need to be careful here, because I know people who fit this description, some people's growing and winsome relationship with God that was probably once filled with wonder and amazement at God 's grace and goodness, seems to have been eclipsed, replaced, by all outward indication, by negativity, pointing out other's flaws, and shortcomings, pickiness, having to be right, lack of humility, arrogance parading as concern for the purity of Christ's Church. The joy is gone. And the witness has dried up. They may even be serving in the church. Exerting some kind of power and influence. Like flies in perfume, like leaven, like rust, like cancer, they eat away at the vitality of Christ's body. They might even cover it with seemingly righteous indignation over what they think needs to be happening in the world or the church, or their own household, but nonetheless the joy seems to be gone and they would lead you to believe its someone else's fault. I think maybe they have the wrong clothes on. Maybe it's not permanent, maybe it's just a temporary costume, but for Christ's sake and for the good of the church, let me just say what everyone might be afraid to say...stop it, put something appropriate on. Col. 3 says it biblically. Put off, put on. Imitate Christ. I know these things because I know how low road my heart can go. I know how prone I am to wander. To not give others the benefit of the doubt. To see the cup half empty instead of half full. To focus on what's best for me instead of what best for my brothers and sisters. Lord have mercy on us all. He calls, He chooses. He's really in charge. I'm so glad. All praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone, for God's glory alone. Jesus loves you!

Christ's Authority is Unrivaled

Here's how twisted the world's value system is: the One with all authority was not recognized officially as having authority by the so-called authorities of His day! So on His Day (2 Peter 3:1-18) He will bring to nothing all so-called authorities by the word of His power! Praise to the One wielding all authority and the sword of Truth that lays low in the dust all who would exalt themselves above His kingly rule. God's authority is absolutely right and it is His absolute right. His is a forgiving authority, one of all-powerful, absolute power. Christ's authority is unrivaled.

What Really Matters

Some things we are really wrapped up in just won't matter in five years or five days. It's not that we are way off base, just mildly myopic. We dial in on things like a pit bull with a tennis ball. We have got to ease up, relax, let go, and listen to God's words in Psalm 46: "be still and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). What really matters? The three P's: People, Preaching and Prayer. We seek the salvation and flourishing of all people, we preach the gospel of the grace of God in Christ, and we dependently pray, seeking God's strength, wisdom and blessing; all for the glory of God. God's Word and people last forever. We are to "devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word" (Acts 6:4). The "grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever" (Is. 40:8). Paul told the Thessalonian beleivers: "Being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us" (1 Thess. 2:8). Focus some time today, on what really matters.

Following Jesus and Learning Humility

We are to obey God when human authority clearly instructs us contrary to God's Word. We must obey God rather than men. Bless when we want to curse. But our pride gets in the way. We know what we are supposed to do. We just don't want to do it. Everything in us fights against the right. We desire to curse. To pay back. Retaliate. It's just further proof of our depravity. We want to make someone hurt; make someone pay. Fueled by seething pride we nurse our wounds and feed our anger. And we scheme. We plan revenge. We wage war. An all-out frontal assault on a perceived and feared enemy. How can we who are accustomed to getting our way learn the Jesus-loving humble gospel truth? We have something to learn from the Medgar Evers South. We have humility to learn from Jesus and the hidden people in every city who labor in obscurity and absorb blow after hateful blow of unfounded prejudice. We must entrust our souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right (1 Peter 4:19). We have Jesus to learn and miles to go before we sleep. (Read 1 Peter 3:13-17)

How Should We Respond to Ungodly Authority?

"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." Romans 13:1 (ESV) It is one thing to acknowledge Jesus' good, right, appropriate and just authority and align ourselves with Him. We were dead in sin (Eph. 2:1), committed to evil, and unable to help ourselves. Once we take the leap of faith it is our joyful privilege to now in obedience to the Good King. We struggle with 'authority issues', even with our perfect Lord Jesus. We want to be in charge. Life in Christ is a process of learning we are not the boss. But what about the valid struggle we have with submitting to self-seeking authority, authority that only cares about itself and not about God's glory and our good? What if you sincerely want to please God but the human authority over you is unjust, ungodly, uncaring, unloving or self-proclaimed? What then? How are we to respond, what are we to do? We are instructed in Scripture to resist evil, even flee from it. We are told to rebuke the unruly and correct a factious man. This is a very real "where the rubber meets the road" issue for many. Think of those impacted by unjust rulers, or husbands who wield authority like a club, or parents who run roughshod over their kids? Basically, what should we do with those who abuse their authority?  Can a person submit, with reverence for God and respect for man, to government, a boss, a spouse, even a parent, that does not share our faith or our values? What should we do when faced with similar challenges? We must "entrust our souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right" (1 Peter 4:12-19).

UNRIVALED: Christ's Authority in a Rebel World

An unsettling by-product of our fallen human nature is our tendency to have issues with authority figures (aka ‘authority issues’). We often find ourselves resisting, rejecting and recoiling at the thought of listening to someone else!  So we can understand the religious leaders of Jesus’ day sinfully challenging His authority, can’t we? We get it because we are so similar it isn’t even funny. But by the grace of God change is possible. When God gets a hold of us, the gospel changes us from the inside out and Jesus transforms us into people who love to obey His Word. Sin still rears its ugly head but God’s grace conquers our sin. Victory is assured in Christ.

Don't be a Hypocrite, Be Real

I just can't shake the false-advertising indictment of fig tree by a hungry Jesus. I love the faith-focused answer to His men. Indictment: Don't claim to be something you're not. Don't give false impressions of fruitfulness. Answer: Honestly and humbly lay hold of the power that is yours in Christ. Professed faith must have fruitful proof. Power comes through Christ-honoring dependent prayer.  Seems that Christ is teaching two related lessons in Matthew 21:18-22: one aimed at our low road tendency to fake it and one pointing to the high road of faith in Him. Lesson 1: Don't be a hypocrite. Don't, like the false-advertising fig tree, pretend there is fruit in your life when you are bone dry. Don't wear the 'everything's fine' facade. Don't put on the 'I'm a good growing Christian' mask if it isn't true. You may deceive others and you will surely deceive yourself, but you will never fool God. Lesson 2: Be real. Genuinely trust God and obey His will. Tell people you are hurting. Declare your dependence and need. Set your pride aside and cling dependently to Christ. Believe God can do the humanly impossible. Believe He can pull you out of the pit and set your feet on higher ground. Don't doubt His ability or desire to help you. Those who come to Christ dependently obedient experience His blessing and power. Professed faith must have fruitful proof. Power comes through Christ-honoring prayer. 

The Number One Thing You can do about the Current Political Situation

To hear some Christians talk you'd think their eternal salvation hinges on whether their candidate or pet issue is voted in. To hear some speak (depending on which side of the aisle, or which section of the arena they are) you'd think that being a Jesus-loving, Bible-believing Christian equals whatever political party with which they are affiliated or whichever point of view they hold. I have never put much stock in a candidate or an issue defining my personhood so much that it majorly affects the way I interact with others or how I view the world. Why is that so? Because by the grace of God I seek to hold to a Biblical worldview and let that drive my thoughts and actions. I am an American and proud of it but I am a citizen of heaven first, foremost and eternally. So the answer is easy when I am asked what we can do about the coming elections. The number one thing we should do regarding the elections is really, really clear. Just do what 1 Timothy 2:1-6 says to do. "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayer, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, whichis the testimony given at the proper time." This is the cause I want to be about: Pray that God would move in the hearts of man. Pray that people would bow before Christ's throne. Salvation is found in no one but Jesus. Testify to that fact. The gospel must be our first concern, above politics, policies and preferences. My life calling is simple and I am very thankful for it's beautiful simplicity: Love Jesus and people, preach the Word and engage in prayer, uphold biblical truth and shepherd people, all the while trusting our Sovereign God and Savior in all things. Pray people!

Hearing the Voice of God

I heard God's voice today. It was clear. It was powerful. It was Genesis chapters 20-25, Psalm 32 and Hebrews 4:7-12. I have a lot of issues but praise God He speaks to me every day through His Word and He is changing me daily into conformity to Christ. I seek His guidance and will. But I have noticed an error of scary proportions among Christians who want a personal experience of God "more" than daily fellowship with God by His Spirit through His Word and prayer. They seek an emotional feeling, an experience that makes them feel closer to God. Many are sincerely seeking and sincerely wrong. What they seek is a special 'word' just for them. I understand, I want that too. They want to 'hear' His voice. Me too. But sometimes I find that we don't mean the same thing. We all want to be led by God (Ps. 32:8) and we seek His direction. But what if the 'word' they receive contradicts Scripture? What comes forth can sound a bit gnostic at times - "I have secret knowledge from God that you don't have, therefore I must be really walking in the Spirit". I praise God they seek a word from Him but grieve over teaching that contradicts Scripture or causes beleivers to feel "less than". God absolutely leads us. He does so by His Spirit, through His Word. But people bypass the Word in search of an emotion-driven experience. God works in mysterious ways and we cannot put Him in a box. He enables our trust and obedience. His provision is sufficient, not deficient. So why seek something 'more' than what His gracious, overflowing grace has already provides? Here is what I have found: Some people are so fixated on 'hearing the voice of God' that they get bizarrely wierded-out in mystical imaginings, all the while missing the true voice of God. They begin to hear things that God isn't saying. Maybe it's their mind playing tricks on them. Maybe it is the world infiltrating their thoughts. Or worse, maybe it is the devil decieving them. Test it: does it jive with, walk in lockstep with, line up with, the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God? If not, reject it and run to the true source. God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, including His Word. Don't be so fixated on hearing a voice that you look in the wrong place and miss the living and abiding Word of God - His true voice. By the way, I have not run into this error recently. Nothing specific set me off. I was just reminded again today that the Word of God is totally sufficient. Our only rule for faith and practice. As the Grace Brethren say, "the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible" (the God and Savior it reveals, the teachings it contains)is what our faith and hope should be built on. Our rule for faith and practice. Jesus Christ is our adequacy. His Word will stand forever. See the following Scriptures: Isaiah 40:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16. Then take a long look at Hebrews 4:7-12. Do you see the tie in between verses 7 and 12?

Mercy Seekers Unite!

In Matthew 20:29-34, two blind men humbly cry for mercy. 

1 Peter 2:10 once you had not recieved mercy but now you have received mercy. 

Mercy seekers cannot be proud. Jesus gives sight to the Messiah-seeking humble blind. Jesus restores the Christ-dependent needy who ignore the crowd's rebukes and continue to call on Him, stopping the traffic with their persistent cries. 

Mercy seekers are so desperate for mercy that they humbly seek Jesus, and His message of hope then spreads to more and more people, bringing more and more praise to God. 

Ransomed

Most of us in Christ are humbled by life. Like cowering puppies. Oliver Twists. We mourn the weight of our sin. Guilty liars. Captured thieves. Broken hearts. Sometimes we prop ourselves up with false exaltation. Trying hard to mask our insecurity. Or we deem ourselves unworthy of any good. We stay in jail when a pardon has been granted. But the ransom was paid. Freedom granted. Released. Set free. A death occurred. Brutal. Bloody. Christ in our place. Substituted. For us. Mercy extended. Grace offered. Life received.  All praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone, for God's glory alone. Jesus loves you!

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

We always want to go and DO something. What did Jesus want His disciples to go and do with what He said in Matthew 20:17-19? Nothing really. He wanted them to receive it and wait. Don't run out and change the world just yet. Marinate in the truth first for a little while. Wait. Just like after the cross and resurrection. Go to Jerusalem and wait. That doesn't work with adrenaline junkies. Extreme sports enthusiasts can't relate. We want to act now. Get it done. Bang it out. Check it off the list. We take pride in knowing AND doing. But we run into a brick wall with waiting. We don't do waiting. We hate waiting. We were promised a burrito in two minutes or less and we will time them. We expect results right away and are offended when anyone else is late. It's my money and I need it now! Somebody take initiative and just do something. We get it. But sometimes that something is to wait. It burns us up. Kills us. We choke on time. We have a stopwatch. "The sands of time are sinking" and all that. There comes a time to act. Decisively. Boldly. Confidently. But it follows a period of waiting. You mix the ingredients, put them in a pan, close the oven, and wait. Then you eat your cake. The best things involve waiting. Sex in marriage. A beautifully prepared meal. A hand-sewn dress. A painting. Coffee. Sunset. Sunrise. Fruit. Sometimes days, weeks, years. I left a melon plant on June 24 and came back to a growing melon on July 14. In the Lord my soul does wait. From Him comes your fruit. Wait on the Lord. Cultivate faithfulness. The temptation is always to leap and look later. To barge in, jump the gun, false start, take it by force. The way of peace is to wait. Jesus wanted them, and wants us, to stockpile the truth. Tuck it away for safekeeping. Keep it in mind. Hide it in your heart. So that they, and we, would know the truth, prepare and in time (after letting it take root in the heart) proceed with cautious confidence.

Christ is Stronger

It doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that life is hard and without Divine intervention, can be unbearable. Pain will kill you. Adversity will beat you down. Conflict will break you. Ask anyone who has trusted in their own resources and they will tell you the well ran dry. Atheists, agnostics, even professing believers will say otherwise but quicksand is their foundation. Because Jesus is God He endured. Because He endured we can really live. But flesh and blood cannot reveal this to us. We must be born of (and led by) the Spirit of God. We must be changed by God and thereby want Him to rule over us. Jesus is the Righteous One. The Beginning and the End. Thereat Creation and coming again. The Lion and the Lamb. Vengeance and salvation is assured. Nothing else matters, really, in light of that fact. So what will you do with your brokenness? Offer it to Jesus. The pain won't kill you, but make you stronger. Adversity will spur you on to godliness. Conflict will drive you to the Fountain of Living Waters. Trust God's unlimited resources rather than your puny offerings. Jesus never runs out of juice. He is all-powerful. All things are possible with Him. You can do everything God wants you to do through Christ who strengthens you. He is stronger.

The Truth about Sovereign Grace

People cheapen grace or put it out of reach. The truth about sovereign grace is that it is undeservedly given, unilaterally free, and universally just. Those who say 'it's not fair' that some aren't saved don't know God's grace.

Some E-Hudy Exhortation

Men, you are called to lead. Your leadership is not just called for, it is expected. If you do not lead people go hungry. Children are not fed. How are you to lead? Humbly, boldly and as a servant. What are you to do? Deliver the Word. Let it do it's work. God can use you. You are to lead. By delivering God's Word. To whoever you are called to lead. So that they get God message. So that they would be changed. So that God is glorified. But you may say 'none of my friends, acquaintances, peers do that.' Are you a leader or a follower? Be a leader. Take a risk. Courageously act. Follow through. Have you noticed how our competitive nature is appealed to so often. Like Be the first to like this. Be the first of your friends to like this. Be the trailblazer, be the first of your friends to take God seriously, do what He says, don't just succomb to peer pressure, be a leader. The Word of God, applied by the Spirit of God, works in the people of God for His glory and their good.

E-Who? The Obvious Observations

What obvious observations can be seen in Judges 3:12-30? 1. God will do anything He wants with anyone He chooses. If He can use a donkey to speak to a man, make an axehead float 2. God promises and provides deliverance for His people. The pattern in Judges is clear to see: over and over the people rebel, God sends oppressors, the people devote themselves to God anew, God sends a deliverer. 3. God's Word is living and life-changing. It carries a strong message. Piercing, pointed, powerful. Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." 4. God expects and enables humble-bold leadership. Christian men, sit up and take notice. You are called to lead, to initiate. your God-given calling is to shepherd your family in the ways of the Lord. We must take Ehud-like action - calculated, courageous and designed to benefit the community of faith.

More Ehud

The Obvious, The Not-So-Obvious, & The Totally Hidden & Obscure (like those little peanut butter cups in Moose Tracks ice cream) What observations can we make about what this story teach? 1. God does whatever He wants with anyone He chooses. Expect God to bring about the unexpected. God did this. And it is marvelous in our sight. 2. God promises and provides deliverance. Rejoice in God providing rescue. 3. God's Word is living and life-changing. It is essential and powerful. Useful and needed. Crave the life-altering Word. 4. God expects and enables humble-bold servant leadership. Lead by following the Master. Ehud took a risk. Calculated...thought it through, planned it out, if you can dream it you can try it. Courageous...he took action, put himself on the line. Community... It benefitted the people he was called to lead. God provided a deliverer. That deliverer creatively and courageously carried out a plan to deliver God's Word. God's pointed message of judgment on Eglon and Moabites; and redemption for Ehud and Israelites. God wants to use you to deliver His Word to whomever you lead (a church, a family, a company, a group of five year olds) so that they get His message. He will do the work of changing hearts.

E-Who? What we learn from Ehud

Ehud shows up, alongside Eglon, in Judges 3. It's a wild tale of a judge killing a evil king, resulting in eighty years of peace for Israel. The details are brief and to the point. Eglon got the sharp end of the two-edged sword Ehud had hidden, first under his robe, then Eglon's belly. What can we learn from this? That's a good question! One I am considering this week. I'll start with the obvious, move to the not-so-obvious, then the totally obscure and hidden. See you tomorrow.

The Promised Rewards of Discipleship

"The Promised Rewards of Discipleship" Read Matthew 19:27-30. In context of humble childlike faith in Christ vs. The error of self-righteous self-sufficiency... We see... Peter realizing they have done what Jesus asked - what the Rich Young Ruler was unwilling to do - and needing assurance of the benefits of following Christ. We see... 1. Jesus, our Glorious Lord (19:28) on His throne 2. Jesus promises to grant glorious privileges to His apostles (19:28 twelve thrones) 3. Jesus promises gracious gifts to all disciples (19:29 who for His sake left much, will receive much much more) -We have family of God relationships in the Church -We have eternal possessions in heaven Etc Contrasts God's grace for childlike trusters vs God's judgment on the self-Righteous. Jesus assures His disciples of their present and future rewards so that they would guard against self-righteous deception and engage in fruitful service. Here are some applications for "living now in light of present and future rewards": (how to guard against self-righteous deception) 1. Maintain a humble heart through confession and repentance. (what RYR didn't have but true Ds do) 2. Be gentle with all (note Jesus' gentle answers to RYR and Peter). 3. Count and communicate the cost and benefits of following for Christ's sake. 19:16-26; 28-29. 4. Realize everything will one day get its true price tag. (idea: People over inflate themselves and discount true disciples but God's Eternal Valuation will stand). 19:30. Jesus loves you!

No Provisions for the Journey

A 22-year-old deaf man from Indianapolis took an 11 mile trail down from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon midmorning one day this summer. He took no food or water. His idstrught family was enlisting the aid of any hikers going into the Canyon. A group of bikers passed him and he refused to take the water they offered him. I am not sure what became of him. I am hoping he made his way back up safely. Jesus sent out His disciples and told them not to overpack or trust in their own resources. He would provide for their needs. They needed to trust Him. He is the one who brought water from a rock and sent ravens to feed prophets. Don't wander. Don't drift. Jesus says "trust Me". A bold proclamation for prepared living and realistic hope. "We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard lest we drift away from it." (Heb. 2:1)

What Marriage Pictures

Marriage imperfectly points to something perfect. Ephesians 5:22-33 is life altering stuff. Marriage is a picture of something bigger: Christ and the Church.  Jesus is known as the Bridegroom and the Church the Bride of Christ.  For a marriage to work and please God  the husband must be like Christ and the wife must be like the church.  Different roles under God. What did Christ do? What did the Church do? The husband must lovingly initiate sacrifice and the wife must humbly receive as then enter in to a life of mutual submission to Christ. The relationship is permanent. The bond is not to be broken. It is like Christ and the Church. This is why there is no marriage in heaven. Earthly marriage will one day give way to what it pointed to all along. Jesus loves you and have Himself for you.

Choosing Things Over God

Matthew 19:16-26 is a study in contrasts. King Jesus is approached by a brash, spiritually needy young man. The man has questions for Christ. Jesus has answers, but not ones the wealthy man wants. He ends up leaving and grieving, unwilling to follow and grieved in his heart. He owned a lot and it owned him. Whatever rules your heart rules your life. Only in Christ is there eternal life. No amount of self-effort will work.

Bringing Children to Jesus, and the Blessing of Childlike Faith

Matthew 19:13-15 records a scene that had to be frustrating and beautiful. Christ's disciples turn away humble parents in an unloving way. Jesus disagrees with their actions and grants the desires of those who come to Him. This passage of Scripture has been used to justify any number of "I know it's not in the Bible but I have a strong opinion about it" things affecting children and families, running the gamut from infant baptism to various approaches to children's ministry. What does it actually, clearly teach us? 1. Jesus expects, enables and encourages childlike faith in Him. He already made the 'humble like a child' point in Matt. 18:1-4, and here strengthens it. It's a big emphasis we do well to latch on to in our evangelism and discipleship. 2. Jesus loves children. It is clear that Jesus values children and doesn't consider them intrusions or non-viable members of the community. 3. Jesus blesses the childlike faith of parents who bring their children to Him.  While Jesus does not stipulate here exactly how you are to do it, the message is quite clear: He wants you to bring your children to Him. Other places in Scripture show us how. A daily process, in community with other believers, of teaching your children to worship God and love Jesus through God's Word, prayer, fellowship. Acts 2:42; Eph. 6:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:14-16 and others. God bless you as you follow Jesus today. Be Christ-like!

Jesus is King

People deceptively try to play God. They exalt themselves above the One True God. They try to be king. They lead others to ruin in their folly. We read the news and it is everywhere. Pervasive sin perverts God's design. We see it in marriage, family, church, marketplace and community. Look in the mirror and try not to be too shocked. Sin has done a number on you too. We can blast away at others all we want, but at the end of the day we must deal with the enemy within us all: sin. It is a ruthless evil full of deadly poison. It attacks like a flesh eating bacteria. No mercy. It eats away like a cancer. Rust. And the cure is not to be found earthbound but in the heavenly realms. Jesus Christ defeated sin and death once for all at the cross. The cure must be applied by faith. No one is without sin. Grieve when you see people try to exalt themselves above God and His Word. Repent of your own sin and pray for their repentance. Call everyone to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our only hope. The only true King.

Once Again, the Truth Stands

The world in which we live celebrates godless, self-centered, worship of ourselves. Paraded in front of us is an endless array of false views and twisted truths. The world says: "Are you a man and want to marry a man? Go for it. In a marriage that doesn't make you happy? Walk away from it. Use your child to meet your needs? We encourage it." God says the exact opposite.  It is a sad state of affairs when right is now wrong and wrong is right and no one seems to be able to tell the difference. Beg to differ and you'll be called every name in the book. We live in a time where to open The Book and proclaim "Thus says the Lord" is seen as outdated and obsolete. But there is no greater Reality than God's Word handled accurately.  No matter what depraved mankind says, the Truth stands. Authoritative. Binding. Eternal. Our hope in Christ is an anchor for the soul, God's lifeline to us - by His Spirit, through His Word, and in His Church. God is greater than our greatest enemy. He reigns supreme. Jesus Christ is Lord over all.  Jesus loves you!

A Truly Great Parent

Do you feel like you need to be super-Mom (or dad), trying to be your version, or the world's version, or your neighborhood's version?  So much pressure to conform. So much confusion. So many frustrated people. God's version is always best. What does a truly great parent look like? Jesus. :)  But before you give yourself another guilt trip...either by figuring you have to walk on water, multiply loaves and fishes or some other attesting miracle to qualify as a super-mom; just relax, sit back, and calm down. Let's see what God has to say. 

Matt. 19:13-15 and Matt. 18.

It is not your performing that matters, but how conformed you are to God's design. Sure, we are not to be conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2) but rather transformed by the renewing of your mind. Being conformed to the world is enslaving, restricting, and legalistic. Let God renew your mind by His Spirit, through His Word, for His glory and your good.  There is a conforming that is freeing and pleases God. It is God's work, if conforming us to the image of Christ (Rom. 8). As God does that work and you cooperate, you will find a freedom you never knew before.  According to Jesus....A Truly Great Parent...is...before God and man...

1. Humble...therefore teachable.  Like a child. Willing to learn. Doesn't know it all. Knows they need Jesus. 

2. Dependent...therefore dependable.  Can be trusted. Trustworthy. Appropriately trusting. Walks by faith.  Commits. Stays committed. Trusts Jesus. 

3. Focused...therefore...enduring.  Eph. 6:1-4. Diligent. Stays the course. Fixes eyes on Jesus. Abide in Christ (John 15:5).

4. Repentant...therefore approachable. Aware of their sin and not afraid to admit it. Lots and lots of good stuff. Confesses sin. Gentle yet firm with those who sin. Understanding heart. Not jugemental.   Rests in Jesus. 

5. Courageous...therefore followable.  Takes risks for the Kingdom of God. Gutsy yet giving. Generous. Freely gives because everything is from God. Walks by faith not by sight. Prays expectantly and believes God's promises; then acts upon them with childlike faith.  There is one Truly Great Parent with a capital T: our heavenly Father, who knows what you need even before you do. He knows your greatest need is an eternal one that only He can meet. Believe in the Lord Jesus. Trust the Lord and be yourself. 

Jesus loves you!
Soli Deo Gloria

Hope in Christ for those hurt by Divorce

Divorce is never God's desire. But it is not the unpardonable sin. Sometimes not a sin. Always a by-product of someone's sin. Never without consequence. No one's choice however big or small ever is. God is bigger than anyone's sin. His grace sufficient. His mercy more than adequate to cover the sin of all who humbly bow before His throne penitent, trusting in Christ's righteousness and trading in their filthy rags. Grace, truth, peace and life for the humble. The Sovereign Savior's kindness overcomes all obstacles and heals all wounds.  Jesus loves you!

Thoughts about Divorce

We have all been touched, impacted and influenced by divorce. We have all been hurt by it.  We have all been shocked by it. Surprised. We are all working through the damage divorce has done.   Sometimes it seems the pain won't end. Sometimes as if the memories will never fade. Arguments. Division. Contention.  Jesus arrived on the scene at a time when people Had given up on their hope of true righteousness. .  Why is it important to know what God wants?  Because He has a timeless story, answers to our deepest problems and needs.  He created a system that fits.  Male and female. He made them for Himself and for each other. Corresponding to each other. They fit. Physically. Emotionally. Intellectually. Spiritually. To glorify God in their union.  But...the glory of God was marred by sin. The Fall.  You need love.  You need companionship.  You need someone to team with.  Someone to share your life with.  Your deepest pains. Joys. Dreams. Aspirations.  If God grants in grace, He leads you to each other. In His time. You cherish her. You can't believe He brought him to your life.  Then one day you realize things have eroded. Deteriorated. Rusted. Stuck. Love isn't evident. Animosity is present. And you see their many sins and faults as much greater than yours.  You know, I have never had a couple who ate considering divorce, hurtling towards a crash, be broken and contrite over their sinfulness. They are too fixated on pointing the finger at their spouse.

Marriage and Divorce

Is it a sin to be divorced? It is the result of someone's sin.  There are hardly if ever 100% innocent parties.  Divorce is not God's plan.  Divorce is not God-pleasing.  Divorce separates what God puts together.  Marriage is God's design. From beginning.  Marriage is God's desire. For His glory.  Marriage is meant to be lifelong.  Jesus loves you!

Don't Sever What God Unites

You hear it at the end of most weddings, the familiar words: "Those whom God has joined together, let no one separate." When I was much younger I thought that meant that a third party was not to come in and divide a marriage. I came to realize later that those words are directed to the husband and wife first. They are not to break their covenant and dissolve their union.

Amazing Love: The Church of Christ

I have come to love Matthew chapter 18 more than ever recently. It is now so much more than the chapter church discipline is found.
It is a picture, in questions, answers and parables of God's amazing love in Christ at work in and through Christ's covenant community.

The gist of Matthew is that God wants Christians to humbly trust Jesus, joyfully care for others, and mercifully forgive offenses; so that Christ's Church will grow.

As God's elect do this, God is glorified, believers are built up, and people see Jesus. The Kingdom of God grows like a weed the world can't pull up. And in its leaves is healing for the nations. Gospel truth lived out in the midst of pagan lies; overcoming every enemy and obstacle. Christ's Church prevails when Christ's people yield to Him; and the rulership of Christ spreads like a wildfire that will not be put out; goes viral and infects the world with good grace.

And all believers need to do is trust Jesus to live His life in and through them, yielded children, surrendered to His desires and plan, laying aside every encumbrance and sin and fixing their believing eyes on Jesus, the Captain of their souls and Master of their fate.

Even More Amazing Live

Romans 5 says Christ died for us while we were still sinners. We made no move. We held no stock. We were owed no favors. Simply grace motivating God.

We also read that if we were saved by Christ's death, much more shall we be saved by His life.

Amazing Love, Part 1

Romans 5:8 says that God demonstrates His own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. That is some crazy amazing love. Dying for sinners while totally righteous. Doesn't get more deep, mysterious or simple than that.

How shall we then live? No longer for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again on our behalf. We needed a Champion, God provided one. We needed forgiveness, God gave it. We needed a rescue, God sent His Son to redeem us from the curse by becoming a curse for us.

That is some super amazing love.

Forgiveness is the Anti-Revenge

Forgiveness looks backwards and heals the past. Trust looks to the future. It takes time to rebuild. Forgiveness is the amazing restorer. Revenge is anti-forgiveness. Revenge is gouging out their eyes. Revenge is gouging your tires or keying your car. Forgiveness is like a magic eraser. Forgiveness is buying someone a new car. Revenge is like putting salt in a wound. Forgiveness is like a bandaid with Neosporin. Restore-a-finish is an all-in-one product containing several helpful things. Forgiveness is an all-in-one that contains mercy, grace and love. Forgive from the bottom of your heart. It is the Anti-Revenge. Forgiveness does everyone good.

Idolatry always Leads to Dishonor

Idolatry is anti-Jesus. We are to guard ourselves from the idol of idolatry. We must resolve to stay away with ever fiber of our being or we get sucked in to the trap. Fools gold glitters and then takes down it's victims. Idolatry is deceptive. Jesus frees the seeking heart from the web of arrogant boasts. Take ever thought, desire and motive captive to obedience to Christ.

Fake it til you Make it...Imitating Christ

No one likes a fake. Cheap imitations parade as the real thing. Imitation cheese is especially distasteful and repugnant to me. But we are to imitate Christ. A far different calling. A noble endeavor. Copy Christ. He is the real deal.

How Shall We Escape?

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Heb. 2:3)

Who is the Greatest

Matthew 18 begins with a question. The disciples ask "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Interestingly Jeaus doesn't exactly tell them. Instead He sets a child before them and tells them they need to change. They must be changed or else. Conversion saves the soul focused on Christ. Jesus is the greatest in His kingdom.

Unlimited Forgiveness

Jesus really expects a lot. He gives all, He asks all. His forgiveness of believers is unlimited, so their forgiveness must be as well.

It's a high calling. It is impossible outside of Christ. In Christ all things are possible. We who have had our penalty removed in mercy and forgiveness granted by grace are enabled and empowered to show mercy and be gracious. We love because He first loved us. We can forgive because He first forgave, and continues to forgive, us.

When we came to faith in Christ an immeasurably great debt was released in our favor for God's glory. It is our privilege to now mirror that same glory as we forgive far lesser offenses.

Choose your Poison

It has been said that the human heart is an idol factory. We can take anything, anyone, anytime, and make it or them the object of our affections rather than fix our minds on the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh to have my heart fixed on Christ!

Always in Search of a Scapegoat

Everyone wants someone to blame. We always seem to be looking for a scapegoat. Jesus took our blame. The perfect scapegoat.

Find Your Deepest Joy

Find your deepest joy in something or someone other than Jesus and you will have your heart broken by false suitors that pretend to have your best interests at heart but really want to destroy you. Stand your ground against all attacks of the enemy of your soul. Let the fool's gold wash down the drain with the other refuse of a thousand idolatries. Love Jesus and cling to Him. Find your deepest joy in Jesus and live.

Church Discipline

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Church Discipline”? Angry Christians throwing stones or loving friends rescuing the wandering?

I wish “Church Discipline” was known by another name, like “Normal Everyday Christianity” or “Believers behaving biblically” or “the restoration process”.
It is humbling to think that if Christians behaved biblically, steps 2-4 of the process as outlined in Matthew 18 would seldom be needed.

There is a step before step one though. I call it Spirit-led loving forbearance. It is the most self-forgetting step; choosing to endure the pain and forgive the offense, leaving things completely in God's hands.

The Glory of God

The key of God is who He is and what He has independent of all things. God's glory is who He is. He is full of glory. He has, in Himdrlf, all glory.

Jesus Cares for His Sheep

The Scriptures tell us Jesus is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. As our Shepherd how does Jesus care for us? How interested and intimately acquainted is He with our lives? Does He care about more than our salvation and eternal destiny? Is He interested in the 'little things' too? To explore "The Shepherd's Care" see Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23, John 10, 1 Peter 5 and Matthew 18:12-14.

Jesus Cares for You

"Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Maybe you haven't given it too much thought. God cares for you. He cares about what happens to you. He cares about where you will spend eternity and who you will have lunch with tomorrow. His eye is on the sparrow and His eye is on you. Simple truth that comforts the soul. 

We live in a world that is confused and over-complicated by humans trying their best to keep things together. The best news ever is that Jesus holds all things together and will "reconcile all things to Himself, making peace through the blood of His cross" (Col. 1:20).

At the end of the day, what really makes life full is knowing our sovereign God cares and Jesus loves you!

Stumbling Blocks

It is easy to stumble and fall. As a child I collided with my sister once trying to run out the same patio door. We stumbled and went flying, she into a tree, my nose into the corner edge of a redwood picnic table.

It is easy to trip and fall in sin as well. Whether you trip alone or with the help of another, the results are never pretty. Jesus says don't be the one to lead a child of God into sin. There are consequences and the stakes are high.

What is a stumbling block? Why do we trip over them? How can we guard against them? A few of the questions we should want to explore as we look for the answers in God's Word. I suggest taking a close look at Matthew 18:7-11 and Romans 14.

What is the Kingdom of God?

Q: Off the top of your head, what is your definition of the Kingdom of God?

A: Kingdom of God. Well I just preached sermon #112 in Matthew on Sunday (18:1-6), so if I have no clue I'm in big trouble.

That said, my off the top of my head response hopefully matches what I preach. The K of G in its broadest app is the realm of God's sovereign rule, period. Some acknowledge it (all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, Acts 16:31. We call those who profess faith in Christ to faith and obedience to God, by the Spirit's enabling); and some do not (They remain in their sinful rebellion against God. We call them to faith and repentance towards God, as and if He draws them to Himself.).

We then must address man's response to the objective fact. For those who believe, there are 'now' (already) and 'then' (not yet) aspects. We are now experiencing some of the spiritual benefits of the Kingdom of God (justification, sanctification); we will someday enjoy the full spiritual and physical benefits (glorification, new heaven and new earth) of the Kingdom. All who come to God by grace through faith in Christ presently experience His 'king'-dom now as He rules in their hearts. One day these redeemed, elect, born-again believers will be with Christ in His 'consummated' kingdom forever. 

For all people there are present and future ramifications to yielding to or rejecting the fact of Christ's preeminence (His 'king'-dom kingship). For those who believe, suffering joyfully with Him now and reigning joyfully with Him forever. For those who do not believe, living as they please now and consciously suffering the consequences of rejecting Christ forever. 

One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess (admit and agree) that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

(See 2 Cor. 5:14-19; Col. 1:13-20; Phil. 2:9-11)

Jesus loves you!

Random Thoughts on True Greatness

True believers recognize their neediness and admit their self-focus. Instead of seeking prominent position they come back to Jesus. 

Change your mind, check your attitude, so that Christ can refocus you on the priority of humble service. 

True believers focus on Christ's opinion so that they can serve Him appropriately. 

Forget about your definition of greatness and adopt Christ's true view so that you will not remain discouraged but rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

Stop trying so hard to get the praise of man; focus on Christ and His opinion. 

Admit you are bankrupt without Christ and declare your complete dependence on Him. 

Focusing on rank and reputation festers comparison and rivalry;  clinging to Him who went to the cross fosters true humility. 

Eyes on self, earthly fight. 
Eyes on Christ, eternal perspective. 

Jesus loves you!

The beloved hymn “Rock of Ages” has a line that reads: “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked come to Thee for dress, helpless come to Thee for grace.” It is the humble cry of a dependent heart that knows its condition and the depths of its need. It is the Matt. 5:3 cry of the “poor in spirit”. It reminds me of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in Matthew 18:1-6 that they must become like children and humble themselves. They must recognize their dependent status and take a humble posture. The only problem was that the disciples were in the middle of a “who’s the greatest” argument. They were mired in rivalry and comparison when God wanted them confessing sin and repenting. And it wouldn’t be the last time. They would constantly battle the urge to put themselves first and fight for position, when God wanted them humble and trusting His provision. We struggle with the same tendency. How do we overcome it? Look to Jesus as your only hope. Trust Him to mold you into the person He intends you to be.

The Greatness of the Humble

What does it take to be truly great? We live in an era that is obsessed with greatness. Nothing new, Jesus' disciples were fixated on it. Matthew 18:1-6 records the diaicples coming to Jesus with a question. From parallel passages (Mark 9:33-37 and Luke 9:46-48) we know they were arguing about who among them was the greatest. They wanted prominence, preeminence. Jesus wanted them humble. Like a child. And how is a child humble? Not in the way you may think. It is common to say things that don't fit reality because of sentiment. I have heard, and been heard to say, that children are humble, but the reasons are not for inherent goodness, or innocence, or openess to being taught. We'd like to think so but our firsthand knowledge of ingrained human sinfulness tells us otherwise. Young children are by position (not by nature) humble - even in our advanced culture they are totally dependent on parents, relatively powerless, consistently immature, and almost completely without standing socially or economically. They are not unimportant, just not adults. And so Jesus uses them to teach some immature adults what it means to really be great.

Basically, you want to be great? Come clean with God. Agree with Him about yourself. Honestly admit to God that you are completely dependent on Him, without power to change yourself, unable to bring yourself to God, not sufficient in and of yourself, completely inadequate spiritually. You following Jesus is only because Jesus wanted it to be so and willed it to be. If you are saved it is only because of Jesus, nothing about you. It seems that every time we think we bring something to thetable we are reminded, humbled, to remember that everything we have is from Him. Jesus is telling them that without Him they can do nothing. John 15:5. How they, and we, are completely unable through human ingenuity or wisdom. It is only by the Spirit and power of God that we live, move, have our being, and are able to serve the Lord in any way. Praise God from Whom all blesings flow!

A Coin in a Fish's Mouth

In Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus provides for Peter a coin in a fish's mouth. This ranks up there with axe heads floating and donkeys talking to prophets.  

What was going on? A lot. More than meets the eye at first glance it turns out. 

Was Jesus teaching that His followers don't need to pay taxes? No. A little understanding of the situation irons out that crooked teaching. V. 24 deals with the temple tax, an annual voluntary payment used for upkeep and maintenance. It was a religious tax. V. 25 refers to civil taxes, which He Himself said His followers were to pay, rendering the things belonging to Caesar to Caesar. Who was exempt? Jesus was, as sons of Kings were. He is the King, the Son of God, whose temple it was. He ought not be required to pay what worshipers paid. 

What's with the coin in the fish's mouth?

Jesus was providing authoritatively for His people in a most dramatic and demonstrative way.  Instead of handing people a stater He had him get a hook, go fishing and wait for a bite. Jesus specifies the situation. He is to take the first fish he catches and do oral surgery, extracting the exact amount needed to pay the tax for Jesus the exempt one and Simon the non-exempt. Why? So as not to cause them offense. Amazing. The One who is the stone of stumbling and rock of offense doesn't want this to be the reason they stumble over Him. There would be ample, much bigger fish to fry in the coming days when He would go to the Cross. 

What does this teach us of Jesus?
He is all-knowing. 
He is all-powerful. 
He provides exactly what is needed in every situation. 
He is sovereign. 
He can and should be trusted and obeyed. 
He is humble and gentle in heart.
What other things can you think of?

How ought this to affect the way will live and serve God? 
Kindness and humility are to flavor our interactions. 
We need to simply trust His provision. 
We need to obey His commands and submit to His authority. 

Jesus loves you!

Lord I believe! Help my Unbelief!

It was faith in Christ that drove the father to bring his only child. For he cried out Lord I believe! Help my unbelief. Help me keep trusting you. When I am tempted to put my faith inertial man, let my heart remain fixed on you. For you alone can truly satisfy the thirsting, despairing, needy soul. With the psalmist we sing, 'My soul find rest in God alone. My Rock and my salvation. My fortress him amidst my foes and all the world's temptations.' 

Jesus loves you!

So Jesus is saying if you have faith nothing (that God wants for you) with be impossible. 

What it doesn't say is 'just have faith that things will work out favorably for you, or you will get your way, or you will realize your hearts desire.' 

That is treating God like a vending machine. As long as you put the requirement in then God is required to give you what you asked for. What you want. That is a warped view of God.

Mercy for the Soul in Despair

Sometimes life gets the best of us, problems become more than we can handle, and difficulties overwhelm us. There is a crucial moment when a decision is made, whether we will sink or swim, will we dive deep into God's abundant mercies or drown in a sea of despair. 

Pain makes us wonder whether God is good or not. Pain drives us to Jesus or despair. In Matthew 17:14-23, we hear of a soul in despair who comes to Jesus. We see a man seeking mercy, a son held captive, a group of people unable to help, and a King so great He can change the soul and bind up every brokenness. Christ alone can truly change and comfort the soul. 

Job 6:26
2 Cor. 1:3-5
Jesus loves you!

Holy High Beams

If anyone has ever flashed their high beams at you while driving at night you know how annoying that can be. If anyone has kept them on, you know how blinding that can be. In the spiritual realm those who would twist God's truths are like that: annoying and blinding. But God has a better way. The Holy Spirit uses the high beam of the Word of God in the lives of the people of God for the glory of God. He uses His servants in the process.

Gospel truths refresh, remind and revive the soul. God shines the spotlight of the Spirit on His holy Word, to illuminate our hearts to His presence and power. He flashes His holy high beams not to blind us but to remind us. Therefore, Christian, fix your eyes on Jesus without shame or fear, knowing you are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and are being kept by the power of God. You are, and remain, in Christ, by His doing. 

My hope and aim is to trust God to use me, and every born-again believer, as His instruments of grace, wielding the Sword of the Spirit, to highlight gospel truth that transforms.

Inspired by the Word of God: Matthew 17:1-13; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Cor. 1-2; 2 Tim. 1-2; Romans 15-16.

"Walking Barefoot in My Yard" (a poem)

Walking Barefoot in My Yard

Waves rolling and I'm turning in
Glad to be back on this side of sanity
Wondering what might have been
Had I walked on and on and on and on...

Blessed to have new life
Praising the One who died for me
Best to know the love, the grace, the mercy
Journeying on over mountains and sea

Unforgettable fire put out by blood
Covered by the magnificent flood
Indebted to the One who paid the cost
Else I would be dead and lost

Far away so close and always running
Gunning for eternity opened wide for us
None but the listening can hear
Brings us hope and sends us cheer

Mountains crumbling and swallowed by
Seeds of faith sprinkled openly
Water washing the most filthy
Blood cleansing the most needy

I'm home in my backyard walking barefoot
A thousand miles from my former sins
Turned from them when He touched my soul
Refreshed I enter the joy of my Master.

Praise God. Jesus is Lord. MWS. 1/24/12.

"Morph" (a poem)

Morph
(based on Matt. 17:1-13)

Changed into something never seen with human eyes
Before our eyes changed, bright light
Blinding light, right, sight, amazingly brilliant

Undone, falling, facedown, face first, worth it
Adoring the revelation of the Revealer
Spoken word, listening for the word

It is good for us to be here, I know
I'll make a monument to protect us from the flash
It'll be my gift to us and You

Listen to Him, listen up, quit talking so you can hear
Let me finish, then say what you speechless 
Will be unable to speak...silence

Tell no one until the time is right???
That's right. But then, when you get the green light,
Go everywhere and tell everyone.

---
Praise God. Jesus is Lord. MWS. 1/24/12.

Denying Yourself

Jesus said "if anyone wishes to come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24)

Deny means to reject, repudiate, say no to something. Taking up your cross means dying to self. So, what does it mean (and not mean) to say no to yourself (aka die to self)?

What it does not mean to deny yourself:

1. Squelching your personality. God wants to use you as He made you.
2. Denying your giftedness. It should not lead to a diminishing of your gifts.
3. Deferring appropriate action. It should not be used as an excuse to be lazy. Don't use it as excuse to not do what you are called to do.

What it does mean to deny yourself:

1. Saying no to every selfish inclination and desire. The world, flesh and devil.
2. Saying no to non-biblical reasoning. Every thought captive.
3. Distrusting your natural, fleshly desires. Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.

Saying yea to self leads to loss, damage, ruin, shame.

Saying no to self (and yes to Jesus) leads to assurance, security, freedom and joy.

Jesus loves you!

The Cross, the Gospel and Sanctification

I have found, that due to my propensity to want comfort and avoid pain, I am inclined towards misidentifying crosses, persecutions and thorns in the flesh. I think them all cruel messengers of Satan when many are God's tools to sanctify. The Gospel first must kill me, then I can really live by faith in Jesus who died in my place. It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me. (See Gal. 2:20)

The Folly of Rebuking the Matchless Christ

It is folly to rebuke the Matchless Christ. We see Peter do it in Matthew 16:21-23. So easy to indict him but we let ourselves skate. We excuse a lot of sin in ourselves that we can easily see in others. Rom. 2 says we are without excuse.

"But how do I do that?" both the humble and hard hearted ask. Whenever we take the reigns and dictate the destination. It's like flying on an airplane and high jacking the plane. It's treating God like a taxi driver. It's making Him serve you. As if we could. Such arrogance. I want to repent of all such foolishness. It's like some inward switch gets flipped and we go from being rational Jesus worshippers to raving self-willed maniacs. Like the 1950 Disney cartoon "Motor Mania", a six-minute exposé of Goofy as a Jeckyl and Hyde character, a mild-mannered citizen who becomes a absolute lunatic once he gets behind the wheel.

We most often rebuke God in the privacy of our own hearts, hidden to our neighbors but open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to reckon. His reckoning counts. We answer to Him. So when we go independent, even in the Name of Christ, we are saying no to God. We are saying our knowledge exceeds His. News flash: you don't know more than He does. He understands our hearts. He is greater than our hearts and knows all things. And He, unlike us, deals mercifully with us. He could take Peter's rebuke and firmly, lovingly and decisively deal with him as He corrected and redirected him. Jesus truly is our only hope.

Fighting with Yourself

I have had so many people tell me how they have little to no desire for God's Word. Many are burdened by guilt. A common piece of advice many recieve is, "pray and ask God to give you the desire". A good thing to pray but working it out can be a highly subjective thing. Many tell me about how bad they feel when they don't feel the desire for God and His Word, even after praying. I have another solution: fight with yourself. That's right, duke it out with yourself. Not literally of course. Let me explain.

Life in Christ is a battle here on earth. We battle sin, the flesh and the devil. Our propensity is to set our minds on the things of man rather than the things of God. We are weak. In God's strength we are strong, able, adequate and sufficient because Christ is our adequacy, life and sufficiency. When we walk by the Spirit we do not carry out the desires of the flesh. But when we willfully choose our own way things go haywire. It can happen multiple times an hour. It is then we must allow objective truth and not subjective feelings to dictate. We must win the battle for the mind or we suffer defeat. See Matthew 16:21-23 for what happened to Peter. Taking every thought captive to obedience to Christ is the answer. And that takes disciplining ourselves for the purpose of godliness. Sometimes we need to literally fight with ourselves and the tendency to take the easy way out. Tell yourself the truth and do what you know is right, even if you don't feel like it.

What about you? Not feeling it? No desire for God's Word? That is real life for many. Our frozen hearts need the Spirit of God to defrost us by His Word.  We have this mistaken idea that we must have the emotional desire to make progress in Christ. I rebel against that notion. Facts must drive feelings. Fight with yourself if you must. Force feed yourself the Word of God until it breaks through your hardened, bitter, brittle soul. Keep setting the Word before you. There is power in it. God's Word will change you. Give it time. Transformation will come. 

Suggested reading: Psalm 19 and 119; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy chapters 1-4; or just open the Book and read anything!

Jesus loves you!

Jesus really is THE Answer

The Test of Discipleship

The most basic test of our discipleship is whether we say yes or no to Jesus and His mission. In Matthew 16 Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God and receives Christ's blessing and commendation. He was walking closely to Jesus. Just as quickly though, Peter turns away and rebukes Christ. You could say he was just being honest, but isn't the nature of sin the self-will that leads us away from Christ and not nearer?

What does it take to grow in Christ? A simple "yes". A "no" answer sinks us. What's the cure? Adore Jesus more than sin. Desire the Spirit over the flesh. How to do this? Only by God's empowering and enabling. It is only accomplishable by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for God's glory alone.

No Condemnation in Christ

The words of Romans 8:1 continue to be an immense comfort to those sin-weary humans whom God has caused to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sin is vanquished and victory is assured, so we can live, protected by the power of God and empowered by His Spirit. We are able then, to live to the fullest every moment of life. Even if our hearts condemn us, because God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. He knows our hearts and the forgiveness He has given to free us. It is because of Christ and for His glory that He acts and grants us new life. Since our eternity is assured the present is meaningful, since it is lived in light of eternity.

Praise the Father who purposed our redemption; praise the Son Jesus Christ who purchased it; and praise the Spirit who works it out.

New Opportunities

A new day, a new year, new opportunities to confess Christ and Him crucified, risen and coming again.