Sinning away conviction of sin.
In his book, Indwelling Sin in Believers, John Owen writes of the believer who, "sins away his conviction of sin."
I must admit that this was a source of very real conviction for me. I reflected upon how often I catch myself engaged in something that one might consider a "little" sin with less conviction than I should have. Maybe a book or a TV show or a movie. Even the purchase of something that I delude myself into believing will bring some lasting satisfaction and meaning to my life.
I am confronted with the question, "How sensitive to sin and I - really?" I have to admit that like many folks I don;t do well in my answer. As James tells us, my desires create havoc in my soul that unfortunately is common enough to be dismissed unless directly confronted from outside.
This is due to several things not the least of which is an intentional examination of most of my life in the light of the Word and the Spirit. What seems OK is most often not. The law of grace loses it's power to restrain me because my mind is not fixed upon Him, His sovereignty and His calling. I simply find it distressingly easy to let the "little" one's slip by.
Though these "sins" are (according to man;s measure) "little" they have the cumulative effect of numbing my heart to sin in general. The old "everyone does it," or the "it's not a biggy," even "I'm redeemed and forgiven," are poor rationales for my failure in regards to these sins.
I have to make myself remember that if I had only committed the least of these "acceptable" sins Christ would have still had to suffer the horrors of their payment. There only one acceptable payment for any and all sins but I, maybe like may of you, have a tough time keeping this in the front of my mind.
So I grow numb to conviction in an ever increasing way and find myself humiliated by greater lapses. Lapses that would not have been so easy to make had i dealt honestly and directly with the "lesser" sins.
All this is to say that we must (ok, maybe it's just me) must do whatever is needful to become and remain sensitive to all sin in our lives.
This take intentional commitment and discipline. It is hard and tedious work. It looks a lot like legalism but though the law was fulfilled its use in our lives still stands. Somehow I have to move from being a mere fan of Jesus to being a fanatic for His glory.
Sin is spelled S-I-N not O-O-P-S!
It's a scary proposition to consider praying for a level of sensitivity to sin that truly honors God. So much of what is our lives - my life - will have to be examined and re-evaluated. So much will have to change - even what seems like the minutia.
But - gratitude demands it. God expects it. The Word and the Spirit enable it. Who am I to refuse it?
Pray to see to what degree you may had sinned away some of your conviction of sin.
Showing posts with label faithful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faithful. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Uses of Affliction 01 031214
Uses for Afflictions 01 031214
We all at one time or anthor (at least) find ourelves suffering some sort of affliction. It may be transitory, it may be permanent; it may be small, it may be great, but we all will indeed suffer in this world.
So what's the point? Why does God allow us to suffer? Is there a good use of afflictions in which we can find comfort and encouragement and strength.
Thomas Boston in his work, A Crook in the Lot, give us a list of seven ways in which we and God can use afflcitions for good. Submitting to God, trusting in Christ and depending upon the Holy Spirit afflictions can bring blessings.
Below you will find a paraphrased list of the uses Boston suggests. I hope to address each of them in a practicle and personal manner in this new series of blogs.
Uses of Afflictions
I will attempt to expand and illustrate these points in the coming weeks. They are not easy points and certainly they are not comfortable but I believe that we need to work hard at understanding the uses of affliction in order to be betterr able not only to endure but to encourage.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB
No temptation ((trial)) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted ((tried)) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation ((trial)) will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
May God bless my efforts and yours as we look at the uses of afflictions to the glory of God.
Please don;t hesitate to email me questions or comments:
sheepdog.ms@gmail.com
We all at one time or anthor (at least) find ourelves suffering some sort of affliction. It may be transitory, it may be permanent; it may be small, it may be great, but we all will indeed suffer in this world.
So what's the point? Why does God allow us to suffer? Is there a good use of afflictions in which we can find comfort and encouragement and strength.
Thomas Boston in his work, A Crook in the Lot, give us a list of seven ways in which we and God can use afflcitions for good. Submitting to God, trusting in Christ and depending upon the Holy Spirit afflictions can bring blessings.
Below you will find a paraphrased list of the uses Boston suggests. I hope to address each of them in a practicle and personal manner in this new series of blogs.
Uses of Afflictions
- The trial of one's state, whether one is in the state of grace of not.
- Excitation to duty, weaning one from this world, and prompting him to look after the happiness of the other world.
- Conviction of sin.
- Correction and punishment for sin.
- Preventing sin.
- Discovery of latenet corruption whether in saints of sinners.
- The exercise of grace in the chidren of God
I will attempt to expand and illustrate these points in the coming weeks. They are not easy points and certainly they are not comfortable but I believe that we need to work hard at understanding the uses of affliction in order to be betterr able not only to endure but to encourage.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB
No temptation ((trial)) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted ((tried)) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation ((trial)) will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
May God bless my efforts and yours as we look at the uses of afflictions to the glory of God.
Please don;t hesitate to email me questions or comments:
sheepdog.ms@gmail.com
Monday, April 1, 2013
It is finished - He is risen - but He isn't done!
OK - it's the Monday after. Not an easy day for those disciples. Still amazed, confused and frightened. But, "it is finished," will come to mean more and more as they are empowered and instructed over the following 39 (?) days.
There are two lessons I hope we will take from this.
First, without the empty tomb the cross is just a very very sad event. I understand why we use the cross as the symbol of our faith - it is appropriate. But I wish someone would design an empty tomb that could be worn - either with or I stead of the cross.
No, I don't want to detract from the significance of the cross in any way but I am saddened that we typically only think of the empty tomb once a year.
Second, I hope we realize from what comes after the tomb - that there is still a plan and process that God is working in the lives of believers. Ignorance, misunderstanding, the flesh, - all these things are worked through by the Spirit in the lives of those early believers. We do ourselves and others great harm when we forget that it is so in our lives as well! We also impose a burdensome yoke on new believers when we have unrealistic expectations of them.
The great commission is primarily to teach - to teach as witnesses and to teach as those who are just a little bit further ahead in our walk than others. But, too much of the "teaching" we find in the church is more world and flesh focused that Christ and the faith focused.
Catechism has gonna the way of the Dodo bird and with it the opportunity to firmly ground believers - young and old - new and mature - in the fundamentals of the faith.
"It IS finished!". "He is risen!". But we aren't finished nor is He finished with us. Oh, we will rise on that great day but between we really need to be about the work of growing in maturity, knowledge, understanding and right living.
Just some post Resurrection Sabbath thoughts.
Father - let me not be idle as You complete what You have begun in me. Give me a hunger and a conviction to do all I can to work with You as You conform me to His likeness.
Amen
There are two lessons I hope we will take from this.
First, without the empty tomb the cross is just a very very sad event. I understand why we use the cross as the symbol of our faith - it is appropriate. But I wish someone would design an empty tomb that could be worn - either with or I stead of the cross.
No, I don't want to detract from the significance of the cross in any way but I am saddened that we typically only think of the empty tomb once a year.
Second, I hope we realize from what comes after the tomb - that there is still a plan and process that God is working in the lives of believers. Ignorance, misunderstanding, the flesh, - all these things are worked through by the Spirit in the lives of those early believers. We do ourselves and others great harm when we forget that it is so in our lives as well! We also impose a burdensome yoke on new believers when we have unrealistic expectations of them.
The great commission is primarily to teach - to teach as witnesses and to teach as those who are just a little bit further ahead in our walk than others. But, too much of the "teaching" we find in the church is more world and flesh focused that Christ and the faith focused.
Catechism has gonna the way of the Dodo bird and with it the opportunity to firmly ground believers - young and old - new and mature - in the fundamentals of the faith.
"It IS finished!". "He is risen!". But we aren't finished nor is He finished with us. Oh, we will rise on that great day but between we really need to be about the work of growing in maturity, knowledge, understanding and right living.
Just some post Resurrection Sabbath thoughts.
Father - let me not be idle as You complete what You have begun in me. Give me a hunger and a conviction to do all I can to work with You as You conform me to His likeness.
Amen
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Psalm 5 :11
Psalm 5:11 ESV
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.
Yes !!!!!!
Remember, this is a prayer (also an admonition). This is a prayer we need to be praying for those we know who are in distress and even for those we don't know. We all need to be lifting up the Body - often.
Joy and exultation can be hard for folks who are suffering - especially believers ;-}.
We know God is working, we know He has a purpose for all we experience and yet we still struggle to rejoice and exult.
But maybe, as many of the Puritan writers suggest, we need to focus on our redemption more and our circumstances less.
Oh, I know that's hard to do and the distraction and anxiety of our worldly needs make it almost seem mean. But I have to remember that redemption is the whole point of my relationship with Him. It is the "bottom line."
We so want to be comfortable and healthy and solvent. There's nothing inherently wrong with this unless it (as it does) intrudes upon and diverts us from His great salvation.
I often remember Job's wanting to have never been born because of his afflictions. I am very grateful that God included that in the book. I draw from it a certain comfort and hope in that when I feel that way I know that God understands and appreciates my feeling that way.
The Puritan writers consistently point out that the things of this earth are meaningless and a distraction. But they also understand how difficulties and afflictions get our attention and hold it. As I said the other day, "When I hit my thumb with a hammer it has my undivided attention!"
Somehow we need to call upon Him to give us the focus and discipline we need to rejoice and exult in our pain - I don't think we'll work it up on our own. Nor do I think kindly meant platitudes are any help.
I spoke a very dear brother today and, well, he "got" me. He was sharing his stuggles (and he certainly has some) and he shared how he has found intercessory prayer to be a real means of joy and peace. He "gets out of himself" and his circumstances and he even shared that he is assured of his redemption through calling out to God for others.
I realized that this is so true. Although Paul was upheld by the hand of God I also think that he was joyful and could exult in his trials because he knew he was serving others (even us) in remaining faithful. He prayed and prayed a lot for all the believers he knew, knew about or simply assumed would come in time.
Father, make me aware that my needs are in your keeping and care so I may pray for others. Empower me to "get out of myself" and my needs and anxiety so I may bring my brothers and sisters before Your throne.
Keep me from comparing needs and answers so I may humbly and heart-fully lift up OTHERS more than myself. My pain is my pain but I have entrusted it all to you and others are bringing all of me before You. Please make Your Spirit bold in and to me to get my eyes off of "me" and on to "them."
Make me keep in mind that my needs and pain are in Your hands and that I can most effectively await Your providence by bringing "their" needs and pain to You. Cure my myopia, broaden my reach, expand my heart so that it is so full of care and compassion for others that I can faithfully lift them up.!!
Amen
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.
Yes !!!!!!
Remember, this is a prayer (also an admonition). This is a prayer we need to be praying for those we know who are in distress and even for those we don't know. We all need to be lifting up the Body - often.
Joy and exultation can be hard for folks who are suffering - especially believers ;-}.
We know God is working, we know He has a purpose for all we experience and yet we still struggle to rejoice and exult.
But maybe, as many of the Puritan writers suggest, we need to focus on our redemption more and our circumstances less.
Oh, I know that's hard to do and the distraction and anxiety of our worldly needs make it almost seem mean. But I have to remember that redemption is the whole point of my relationship with Him. It is the "bottom line."
We so want to be comfortable and healthy and solvent. There's nothing inherently wrong with this unless it (as it does) intrudes upon and diverts us from His great salvation.
I often remember Job's wanting to have never been born because of his afflictions. I am very grateful that God included that in the book. I draw from it a certain comfort and hope in that when I feel that way I know that God understands and appreciates my feeling that way.
The Puritan writers consistently point out that the things of this earth are meaningless and a distraction. But they also understand how difficulties and afflictions get our attention and hold it. As I said the other day, "When I hit my thumb with a hammer it has my undivided attention!"
Somehow we need to call upon Him to give us the focus and discipline we need to rejoice and exult in our pain - I don't think we'll work it up on our own. Nor do I think kindly meant platitudes are any help.
I spoke a very dear brother today and, well, he "got" me. He was sharing his stuggles (and he certainly has some) and he shared how he has found intercessory prayer to be a real means of joy and peace. He "gets out of himself" and his circumstances and he even shared that he is assured of his redemption through calling out to God for others.
I realized that this is so true. Although Paul was upheld by the hand of God I also think that he was joyful and could exult in his trials because he knew he was serving others (even us) in remaining faithful. He prayed and prayed a lot for all the believers he knew, knew about or simply assumed would come in time.
Father, make me aware that my needs are in your keeping and care so I may pray for others. Empower me to "get out of myself" and my needs and anxiety so I may bring my brothers and sisters before Your throne.
Keep me from comparing needs and answers so I may humbly and heart-fully lift up OTHERS more than myself. My pain is my pain but I have entrusted it all to you and others are bringing all of me before You. Please make Your Spirit bold in and to me to get my eyes off of "me" and on to "them."
Make me keep in mind that my needs and pain are in Your hands and that I can most effectively await Your providence by bringing "their" needs and pain to You. Cure my myopia, broaden my reach, expand my heart so that it is so full of care and compassion for others that I can faithfully lift them up.!!
Amen
Monday, February 18, 2013
Free slaves?!? Faithful Master!!!!
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1Pe 2:16 )
Free!
Free?
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. (Rom 6:22 )
This is the whole of our freedom.
Whether Peter is referring to a freedom from the Law is not certain, but we know that Paul references it:
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Gal 5:13)
We are free from the bondage of sin and free from any pretense that we can in and of ourselves resolve the conflict we had with God when we were still unredeemed.
We are free but it is not a wide-open freedom rather it is a freedom in Christ, by Christ and for Christ. What we undertake, that we cannot undertake in His name, is never an act of freedom.
Jesus said:
"Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (Joh 8:34-36)
Sin and freedom are mutually exclusive. We are free from the imposed rule of sin but when we sin, we are submitting to that which has no rights over us. When we sin, we are re-shackling ourselves – binding ourselves to that from which we have been loosed.
We receive our freedom for we have been redeemed, forgiven, saved. But though the grace of God has no limits for us, to abuse and misuse it, to rebel against His rightful authority over us, is to bring into question the surety of our redemption.
Consider:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Heb 12:1)
Forgiven we may be – free of sin’s bondage we may be – but free of Christ, never.
It is sometimes the way of believers to see themselves so utterly apart from the “world” that they may do or say what they will for they are “saved.” Yet ours is a freedom that is defined by the One who provided it, the One into whose hands God has delivered all things.
Many use their freedom to vilify unbelievers. Many use their freedom as a red cape to a bull. Many use their freedom as an excuse to disassociate from those to whom they are called to witness. Many use their freedom to – just go along as they have – only avoiding the grosser types of sins.
But this verse has a catch. We are free – free servants of God.
But – that word “servants” is troublesome. The “authorities” I regularly consult in my studies hold that it is more accurately translated slave.
One reason for this is quite simply:
for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1Co 6:20 )
and
For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (1Co 7:22 -23)
We were bought out of our bondage to sin to be the slaves of Christ. In this we have great freedom – freedom from sin and freedom to serve God as His.
Though it may irritate some, our freedom in Christ is far beyond any freedom a document written by man can give – anyone. The tough side of our freedom is that we are free to be oppressed, harassed and even killed because of it.
In chains, on the rack, in dungeons, on desert islands, and even in the flames we are free. We have to keep in mind that this freedom is not of man and indeed is often opposed by man. With this freedom we need to accept:
Luk 21:17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake.
Father, help me understand and appreciate my freedom as well as Your ownership of me. Make me quiet and trusting under Your loving hand. Teach me, patiently, to be a good and faithful servant. Teach me Your faithfulness as my Master.
Calm my heart and still my mind with the assurance of Your sovereignty and grace.
Amen
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Psalm 69:20
Psalm 69:20 ESV
Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.
Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.
Been their? Done that?
I read this and my heart was pierced. I felt the weight of loneliness and abandonment. It was so very painful.
But as I considered the passage I realized that my feeling wan't fact because I indeed knew that we were pitied (not negatively) and that we has many comforters. BUT - I did have to look.
It wasn't pity and comforters I have to look at but rather my sense of having none. I had to confess that my sense of abandonment - of loneliness - of despair we due more to my expectations than any lack of these things. I had to confess that my "feeling" was due to not seeing any hero on the horizon - not hearing the bugle call of the cavalry coming to the rescue. I despaired because of my expectations.
It is not uncommon or necessarily wrong to look to people for help as God does use His people to comfort and care for one another. But I learned that we have to look to Him and not cast about for His means - especially those means we think He should use. We have to keep our desires, our godly longings and needs focused on Him first, foremost and always.
I also realized that our burdens - just by their existence - were burdens to others. There are others who hurt and ache for us. They call out o God for us. They call out to God for more than we know - for us. Family, friends, other believers - even other believers we don't know or know vaguely.
I was doing business with someone I sometimes use for computer fixes. I was in a particularly sensitive place in heart and mind. I guess it showed because shortly after leaving their place of business I got an email from them. They told me they noticed I was troubled and asked me what was wrong. I was overwhelmed with surprise and gratitude.
Here was another believer I didn't know well who was sensitive to my need just through my countenance (and probably the Spirit ;-}). They not only noticed but were willing to take action by inquiring and asking and lifting us up in prayer. God's hand was in this, I have no doubt.
What's the point here? I was looking to friends, family, business associated (all believers) and God threw me a curve ball. He sent someone outside my circle who noticed, asked, pitied (in a good way) and offered comfort. I was amazed and grateful but it took a while for me to see the depth and breadth of this blessing. I am reminded of:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (Psa 121:1-2)
We typically look to "the hills" for help when we should be looking to the Lord. This is common because the flesh is still active and it's a nasty habit. We look everywhere thinking we are looking to Him when we really aren't. We try to "figure out" how He is going to answer our prayers and we do this figuring in the flesh. We think of people, circumstances, fate, coincidence, all kinds of things that He may use - but we fool ourselves that in doing this we are looking to Him.
Like God's people all throughout history we begin to seek provision through or from someone or something other than God. Time and time again we see believers being enticed away from God to sources that offer no hope. It is, unfortunately, a common thing but a bad thing.
Our "hope," our "trust," is only in Him.
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psa 130:5)
Father, may Your Name be glorified by my trust in You. Forgive my casting about, forgive my seeking in the flesh. I believe Father - help me in my unbelief. As a little child I come to You for comfort and correction and like a good Father You have always taken care for me.
Don't let me forget all the past and even the present mercies Oh Lord. Help my mind and heart be focused on Your faithfulness and Your glory.
You alone know my true needs and only Your provision can satisfy. Calm my heart and still the voice of the deceiver - give me good strength and courage to wait upon You and the rejoice that it is You I wait upon. For You can never be unfaithful to Your Word and promise.
Comfort and strengthen us. Let us see Your hand and sense Your love for we are afflicted and we are weak.
Amen
I read this and my heart was pierced. I felt the weight of loneliness and abandonment. It was so very painful.
But as I considered the passage I realized that my feeling wan't fact because I indeed knew that we were pitied (not negatively) and that we has many comforters. BUT - I did have to look.
It wasn't pity and comforters I have to look at but rather my sense of having none. I had to confess that my sense of abandonment - of loneliness - of despair we due more to my expectations than any lack of these things. I had to confess that my "feeling" was due to not seeing any hero on the horizon - not hearing the bugle call of the cavalry coming to the rescue. I despaired because of my expectations.
It is not uncommon or necessarily wrong to look to people for help as God does use His people to comfort and care for one another. But I learned that we have to look to Him and not cast about for His means - especially those means we think He should use. We have to keep our desires, our godly longings and needs focused on Him first, foremost and always.
I also realized that our burdens - just by their existence - were burdens to others. There are others who hurt and ache for us. They call out o God for us. They call out to God for more than we know - for us. Family, friends, other believers - even other believers we don't know or know vaguely.
I was doing business with someone I sometimes use for computer fixes. I was in a particularly sensitive place in heart and mind. I guess it showed because shortly after leaving their place of business I got an email from them. They told me they noticed I was troubled and asked me what was wrong. I was overwhelmed with surprise and gratitude.
Here was another believer I didn't know well who was sensitive to my need just through my countenance (and probably the Spirit ;-}). They not only noticed but were willing to take action by inquiring and asking and lifting us up in prayer. God's hand was in this, I have no doubt.
What's the point here? I was looking to friends, family, business associated (all believers) and God threw me a curve ball. He sent someone outside my circle who noticed, asked, pitied (in a good way) and offered comfort. I was amazed and grateful but it took a while for me to see the depth and breadth of this blessing. I am reminded of:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (Psa 121:1-2)
We typically look to "the hills" for help when we should be looking to the Lord. This is common because the flesh is still active and it's a nasty habit. We look everywhere thinking we are looking to Him when we really aren't. We try to "figure out" how He is going to answer our prayers and we do this figuring in the flesh. We think of people, circumstances, fate, coincidence, all kinds of things that He may use - but we fool ourselves that in doing this we are looking to Him.
Like God's people all throughout history we begin to seek provision through or from someone or something other than God. Time and time again we see believers being enticed away from God to sources that offer no hope. It is, unfortunately, a common thing but a bad thing.
Our "hope," our "trust," is only in Him.
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psa 130:5)
Father, may Your Name be glorified by my trust in You. Forgive my casting about, forgive my seeking in the flesh. I believe Father - help me in my unbelief. As a little child I come to You for comfort and correction and like a good Father You have always taken care for me.
Don't let me forget all the past and even the present mercies Oh Lord. Help my mind and heart be focused on Your faithfulness and Your glory.
You alone know my true needs and only Your provision can satisfy. Calm my heart and still the voice of the deceiver - give me good strength and courage to wait upon You and the rejoice that it is You I wait upon. For You can never be unfaithful to Your Word and promise.
Comfort and strengthen us. Let us see Your hand and sense Your love for we are afflicted and we are weak.
Amen
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Anxious? To be or not!
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
(Mat 6:27) KJV
How "powerful" am I really? Sometimes i find myself thinking I'm pretty powerful. That is a mistake! Not that i have no talents, skills of abilities but I forget who they come from and who makes them effective.
It's hard to keep in mind, when we are doing good stuff, that it is all totally dependent upon Him - totally - utterly - of Him.
I was once advised to; "Pray as though it all depended upon God and to work as though it all depended upon me." Not good advise! I now "Pray because it all depends upon God and I work (or try to) in utter dependence upon Him."
I can't help but think of Saul (later to be known as Paul). He was "the man" (or at least one of them) in the Jewish religious institutions. He knew god, the Law, the traditions and by his own statement he was "the man." All that talent and training and effort--etc. and he still went the wrong way.
I think, that among other issues, Saul depended upon Saul a lot. I think it was something he dealt with through out his life and ministry. This is common to most of us and yet we need to pray for a sensitivity to it or accept the thorn that reminds us of it.
As i consider this passage from Matthew and the issue of anxiety I am mindful of what James wrote:
Now if our lusts can cause such distress among us surely they will cause the same within us. I can't help but consider that this is a great source of anxiety within the individual believers life.
What if, in affliction I struggle with praying for God will to be done and/or my relief/comfort/rescue/etc. I struggle with the fact that God is glorified in my weakness - even in my affliction and yet I want it to be over. This conflict just adds to the anxiety i experience.
It's the, "not my will but thine," conundrum. I get anxious concerning His will and my will being - well - different. It's not easy! Certainly I do not face the same cup Christ faced but our "cups" are always BIG to us.
But, there is one thing I find comfort in even in the cunnundrum!
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
(Luk 22:42-43)
Two things here. First, Jesus did not hesitate to take His concern to His Father. He quite clearly asks for this "cup" to be removed. So I take that to mean I may do the same. It also means I need to be willing to pray the whole prayer with one addition --- that we may have missed.
I will also pray for God's strengthening whether by the appearance of an angel, the presence of an angel, direct from God or through the Word and the Spirit (not to leave out the Body).
Father,
You know my anxiety and fretfulness in the current circumstances. You know I want You to make them go away. You know my weakness - my fleshiness - my self-centeredness. You know much more of my struggle than even I do.
I want to run from the circumstance but I fear that I would be running from You as well. That I do not want to do. I have been there and done that and I know it is not good.
I would ask for Your strengthening and Your comfort. I would also ask You to show me You in all this. The enemies assail my heart and torment my head and I need to hear You more clearly.
I am sadly afraid - but I take comfort in my Savior's prayer and His surrender to You will for us. I want very much to do the same but my feet feel frozen and I grow anxious - very anxious. I want to ask You to "help my unbelief," for I can't pretend there is no unblief in my mind and heart. I believe - help my unbelief!!!
Anxious, to be or not to be. 012413 x
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (Jas 4:1-3)
Now if our lusts can cause such distress among us surely they will cause the same within us. I can't help but consider that this is a great source of anxiety within the individual believers life.
What if, in affliction I struggle with praying for God will to be done and/or my relief/comfort/rescue/etc. I struggle with the fact that God is glorified in my weakness - even in my affliction and yet I want it to be over. This conflict just adds to the anxiety i experience.
It's the, "not my will but thine," conundrum. I get anxious concerning His will and my will being - well - different. It's not easy! Certainly I do not face the same cup Christ faced but our "cups" are always BIG to us.
But, there is one thing I find comfort in even in the cunnundrum!
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
(Luk 22:42-43)
Two things here. First, Jesus did not hesitate to take His concern to His Father. He quite clearly asks for this "cup" to be removed. So I take that to mean I may do the same. It also means I need to be willing to pray the whole prayer with one addition --- that we may have missed.
I will also pray for God's strengthening whether by the appearance of an angel, the presence of an angel, direct from God or through the Word and the Spirit (not to leave out the Body).
Father,
You know my anxiety and fretfulness in the current circumstances. You know I want You to make them go away. You know my weakness - my fleshiness - my self-centeredness. You know much more of my struggle than even I do.
I want to run from the circumstance but I fear that I would be running from You as well. That I do not want to do. I have been there and done that and I know it is not good.
I would ask for Your strengthening and Your comfort. I would also ask You to show me You in all this. The enemies assail my heart and torment my head and I need to hear You more clearly.
I am sadly afraid - but I take comfort in my Savior's prayer and His surrender to You will for us. I want very much to do the same but my feet feel frozen and I grow anxious - very anxious. I want to ask You to "help my unbelief," for I can't pretend there is no unblief in my mind and heart. I believe - help my unbelief!!!
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
(Mat 6:27) KJV
How "powerful" am I really? Sometimes i find myself thinking I'm pretty powerful. That is a mistake! Not that i have no talents, skills of abilities but I forget who they come from and who makes them effective.
It's hard to keep in mind, when we are doing good stuff, that it is all totally dependent upon Him - totally - utterly - of Him.
I was once advised to; "Pray as though it all depended upon God and to work as though it all depended upon me." Not good advise! I now "Pray because it all depends upon God and I work (or try to) in utter dependence upon Him."
I can't help but think of Saul (later to be known as Paul). He was "the man" (or at least one of them) in the Jewish religious institutions. He knew god, the Law, the traditions and by his own statement he was "the man." All that talent and training and effort--etc. and he still went the wrong way.
I think, that among other issues, Saul depended upon Saul a lot. I think it was something he dealt with through out his life and ministry. This is common to most of us and yet we need to pray for a sensitivity to it or accept the thorn that reminds us of it.
As i consider this passage from Matthew and the issue of anxiety I am mindful of what James wrote:
Now if our lusts can cause such distress among us surely they will cause the same within us. I can't help but consider that this is a great source of anxiety within the individual believers life.
What if, in affliction I struggle with praying for God will to be done and/or my relief/comfort/rescue/etc. I struggle with the fact that God is glorified in my weakness - even in my affliction and yet I want it to be over. This conflict just adds to the anxiety i experience.
It's the, "not my will but thine," conundrum. I get anxious concerning His will and my will being - well - different. It's not easy! Certainly I do not face the same cup Christ faced but our "cups" are always BIG to us.
But, there is one thing I find comfort in even in the cunnundrum!
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
(Luk 22:42-43)
Two things here. First, Jesus did not hesitate to take His concern to His Father. He quite clearly asks for this "cup" to be removed. So I take that to mean I may do the same. It also means I need to be willing to pray the whole prayer with one addition --- that we may have missed.
I will also pray for God's strengthening whether by the appearance of an angel, the presence of an angel, direct from God or through the Word and the Spirit (not to leave out the Body).
Father,
You know my anxiety and fretfulness in the current circumstances. You know I want You to make them go away. You know my weakness - my fleshiness - my self-centeredness. You know much more of my struggle than even I do.
I want to run from the circumstance but I fear that I would be running from You as well. That I do not want to do. I have been there and done that and I know it is not good.
I would ask for Your strengthening and Your comfort. I would also ask You to show me You in all this. The enemies assail my heart and torment my head and I need to hear You more clearly.
I am sadly afraid - but I take comfort in my Savior's prayer and His surrender to You will for us. I want very much to do the same but my feet feel frozen and I grow anxious - very anxious. I want to ask You to "help my unbelief," for I can't pretend there is no unblief in my mind and heart. I believe - help my unbelief!!!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Being of more value. 012413b
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Mat 6:26)
Continuing His lesson Jesus gives us an example from nature.
He asks us to consider our "value," to our Father.
Birds can't sow, reap or gather - yet they are provided for.
If you can't sow, reap or gather - does thin not suggest that God will feed (provide for) you?
Is this just about food? I think not! This is about value.
Actually I believe it's about who we look to in order to determine our value.
Birds? I'm of greater value that birds? Actually the idea here is that we are "of so much MORE value" than birds.
Birds have a role in God's creation no less critical to the sustaining of that creation than anything else. God maintains everything they need to fulfill their role in His creation. There are lots of birds - that takes a lot of maintaining. It's not a simple thing nor is it insignificant!
Then there is "us." We were God's viceroys in the Garden. Note:
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
(Gen 1:26)
The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
(Gen 2:15)
God's intention for us was to be His means of maintaining His creation. We were to work and keep the garden which in turn would provide for all the creatures of the creation. Pretty important stuff!
Now, in this fallen world our role has changed. Now we are called to show forth His glory, to be holy as He is. We are his witnesses, living testaments to His glory and goodness. How much value can we put on that?
Consider:
". . . . when He comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed." (2Th 1:10)
Continuing His lesson Jesus gives us an example from nature.
He asks us to consider our "value," to our Father.
Birds can't sow, reap or gather - yet they are provided for.
If you can't sow, reap or gather - does thin not suggest that God will feed (provide for) you?
Is this just about food? I think not! This is about value.
Actually I believe it's about who we look to in order to determine our value.
Birds? I'm of greater value that birds? Actually the idea here is that we are "of so much MORE value" than birds.
Birds have a role in God's creation no less critical to the sustaining of that creation than anything else. God maintains everything they need to fulfill their role in His creation. There are lots of birds - that takes a lot of maintaining. It's not a simple thing nor is it insignificant!
Then there is "us." We were God's viceroys in the Garden. Note:
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
(Gen 1:26)
(Gen 2:15)
God's intention for us was to be His means of maintaining His creation. We were to work and keep the garden which in turn would provide for all the creatures of the creation. Pretty important stuff!
Now, in this fallen world our role has changed. Now we are called to show forth His glory, to be holy as He is. We are his witnesses, living testaments to His glory and goodness. How much value can we put on that?
Consider:
". . . . when He comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed." (2Th 1:10)
Whose "value" do we choose accept? His or the world's? Who do we look to? How do we measure it?
The redemption of the creation - the birds - cost Him His Son. However the price was demanded for our sin not for the birds' sins (birds don't sin they just suffer its effects). So He paid the demanded price - for OUR sin - that He might redeems His creation.
Where in our fleshly spectrum of value do we really put that? Is it first or just a close second? Do we really accept that we are valuable enough for God to give His Son? Are we willing to accept that his love for us was so great that he sent His Son to be a man, to suffer and be tempted as a man and then be killed as a criminal? How valuable does that make us?
Are we willing to accept and live with Jesus as our total net worth? Are we willing to be rejected and scorned and put down by the world so that we might live out His gracious gift for and to us?
Or do we play with the world's criteria for worth and value measuring our lives by their standards? And how well have those standards served Him or His creation? How cruelly have the standards of the world dealt with the world?
Think on what God has done for and in you. Consider what you might be tempted to trade it for. In times of weakness and suffering it is not uncommon for us to fall into "if only," and to see ourselves as worthless failures. It is a struggle to cling to God's love and the value He has given us - He has made us ultimately valuable - He has given us a worth beyond words - Pray and think on that.
Father,
In these tough times I see my sin and my errors. I see how I have been deceived and schemed by the world, the flesh and the devil. Now, in my distress those three cruel enemies taunt me and pour shame upon me. Help me Father, to cling to Your gracious gift as the only thing that matters. Let the cruel accusations and aspersions of those three enemies drop from my mind and heart. Deafen my ears to them, let me be comforted and let by Your Word and Your Spirit as I seek to follow You in whatever circumstance I find myself in.
Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. (Pro 30:7-9)
In the name of Jesus and for His glory, amen.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Flee - run away! 012313
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1Ti 6:10-11)
Two things really stood out for me in these verses. "craving" and "wandered away from the faith."
On the subject of "cravings" or literally "stretching out." I certainly understand the error of this and it's subtlety. It is not hard for any of us to find ourselves so dissatisfied with both what we have and what we don't have that we go beyond God's provision or mis-handle God's provisions so that we are indeed "stretched out."
But don't make the mistake of thinking simply in terms of being financially stretched out. More relationships - especially marriages - suffer greatly from financial "stretching." but it really isn't the money (I am learning) that is the problem. It is the fear and guilt of being on thin financial ice. It is also the conviction of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts and minds and our resistance to it.
Our flesh not only indulges itself in all the recriminations and accusations the unbeliever experiences but it resists the promptings and conviction of the Holy Spirit. For the young or weak believer all these "feelings" can get mixed together and seem to be one. But they are not. We need to take the biblical view that sin is sin and that God has blessed us with the Spirit that we might recognize it and repent.
This can result in that "wandering away from the faith." Huh? Well, when we are in distress and we are sensing a need to be rescued from it our flesh wants us to turn to things of this world in order to solve the problem. But the critical factor is that the flesh wants us to do this instead of turning to God and seeking His correction and solution.
"Wandering away from the faith," may refer more to wandering away from trusting God than in refers to some theological or doctrinal error (however - this is also very possible).
I have had to simply recognize that the provision I have mis-used came from God and that the provision I need must come from Him as well. Certainly He can and will use secondary sources to bring that provision but we have to fight the fight of keeping our eyes on Him.
God does not scheme and His people need to avoid scheming as well. If I had a nickle for every "scheme" I've come up with in our current situation - well, I think I'd be out of this situation. But the cost of doing it according to the world, the flesh and the devil is much to high (trust me, I know). I have to really "keep my eyes and ears on Him," sometimes by force.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Puritans. I love their insight and sensitivity but I struggle with their faithful acceptance of the fact that "here" isn't any kind of priority. What I mean is that they had such a wonderful hope of heaven that they really did count everything as "dung" compared to the riches of God's grace.
I consistently read their admonitions to trivialize earthly needs (in relation to heavenly provision) and I am dumb-struck - and not a little ashamed of myself. They lived in a cycle of earthly need. They were no strangers to suddenly suffering the loss of their "livings" not to mention their incarcerations. And yet they were satisfied that God's will was perfect regardless of the earthly consequences.
That's the part I "hate," because it reveals to me my lack of strength and maturity in the Way. It shows me my weakness and self-centeredness. It shows me my sin. Though this is truly a blessing, it hurts deeply and my flesh hates it (another sign of the battle we must fight).
But Paul admonishes us to "flee" from all of this. If we're not in it we must watch and pray that we might be warned and flee. If we're in it we must trust and pray and flee from within it.
We are to, "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." as well as:
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
(1Ti 6:12)
This is tough to do when the bill collectors are calling or unexpected needs arise. This is difficult as we struggle to pretend to our brothers and sisters that all is well (not a good thing). This is difficult when we live in a culture where we are told we have to "succeed" according to the standards and ways of the world, flesh and devil.
But we must pursue these things regardless of where they lead us here in this temporary residence. We must flee from this evil but we must flee to Him. Just running away from the problem does not sever the tie. We must go to the only one who can free us from all the fleshly pain and sorrow even i it is through godly pain and sorrow.
I'm learning - quite late - a lesson I have not studied and absorbed. It is hard and it is good.
We, Patti and i, are praying for all of you who are where we are and we pray that you will - as we are striving to - break away from the world, the flesh and the devil and flee to Him more faithfully and more whole-heartedly.
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