Category: Scripture Devotion

Enlightened Hearts – Ephesians 1:18-20

May 16th, 2023

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope… the wealth… the immeasurable greatness…

Often when we would refer to our “hearts”, scripture actually, culturally, refer to bowels, but this prayer from Paul, as he begins this letter talks about eyes of the heart – kardia – the heart, as seat of mind, will, emotions, metaphorically speaking of course. He writes from confinement in Rome and prays for enlightenment, Photizo – what a beautiful word picture – pun intended – To be or become understanding, having light cast upon.

It’s interesting to me, “theologians” focus on several things here early in this letter: predestination, in vv4-5, his glory in v6, the cross securing redemption and grace in vv7-8. But Paul doesn’t focus on these, he makes it clear in v12 that they are already partakers of those things. He explains his/their confidence in vv13-14 is that salvation comes when they heart and believed the gospel, and then they received the Spirit as a deposit on greater glory to come.

Then v15 – This is why… – All of that “theological stuff” for us is NOT what he’s worried about, it’s just reality. This Is Why… I never stop giving thanks… remember you in my prayers… Paul has greater concerns for them than whether they wrestle with how God does God stuff, and man is responsible for man stuff and the synergy of it. His greater concern is that the Spirit of wisdom, revelation, knowledge would be given to them. And here’s the thing – they ALREADY had that in vv13-14 – they just needed to surrender, lay down their own understanding, and surrender to the Spirit that now lives within them. Isaiah 11:1 promises the coming Messiah as a shoot from Jesse’s root and then v2 says The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him… of wisdom… understanding… counsel… strength… knowledge… fear of the Lord – yep that’s the fullness, 7-fold, of the Spirit of God – the Holy Spirit and then 11:3 says of the Messiah, He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes… hears with his ears… but righteously… (with) justice … So IF the Spirit of God lives in us, will we let him be at home? If we let him be who he is in us, then Ephesians 1:18 says that as already blood-bought, redeemed, chosen by God, born-again, indwelt by the Spirit; Paul prays for us that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened – that is that we will get the right Photizo (picture), of 3 things that too often get distorted – HOPE, WEALTH, and GREATNESS.

Well… we could spend a minute here, right?

HOPE – elpis is NOT just wishful thinking, but EXPECTATION. The Hope of his calling – When Jesus calls – ALL who come TO him will never be turned away. Jesus said that he would not cast off any who come to him. So, the expectation, the hope is Love. The expectation is Life. The expectation is sonship. When there is an authoritative summons (klesis) then there is an expectation that is certain. Open the eyes of your heart to see the HOPE.

WEALTH – ploutos = wealth, riches, to flow, abound – Oh yeah! The full on abundant flow of riches for the saints is the Inheritance of Christ. Paul tells the Galatian believers in their letter that we are ALL adult sons. Not male or female, slave or free, Jew or Greek, we are ALL Adult Sons. Only adult sons could receive inheritance, and IN CHRIST we are all joint heirs with Jesus. It’s already secured. We aren’t working on it. Certainly there ARE rewards we earn, but this is already set aside for us, and if our eyes would see it, if we would just know it. Wealth is our

The wealth is in the sphere of the saints. Look back at v11 in him we have received an inheritance – it’s already received, though we haven’t taken possession yet, it is according to the Plan of the One who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will.

All of these things, God’s purpose, our faith, the grace available because of the cross, all of these work together to enable us to experience the wealth of the inheritance. And IF my heart’s eyes can get a picture of the glory, then I can let go of the things I THINK are “wealth” in the here and now, but are really not.

Hope, Wealth… and GREATNESS

Boy this is the message we need today isn’t it? Hope, Wealth, and Greatness – sounds like I’m running for office.

I grew up in the ALI era. I used to see and hear that great boxer say, “I am the greatest” We talk a lot about greatness, who is, what is, where is, greatness. That word here is megathos – sounds like a cartoon character. I guess these Ephesians must have been having that conversation about Greatness… because Paul needed to differentiate, Immeasurable Greatness. That word is hyperballo – Greatness is about size and extent, great, sovereign, mighty, magnificent, but he says hyperballo. That word means to throw over, go beyond a mark, to run past. Whatever you think is greatness, Paul says I pray you will get a picture of SURPASSING Greatness. I had a high school friend once say “watch this” to the track coach who was a safe distance as he was throwing the discus. He said “I’m feeling good today”. And then he threw the discus Way Over the Coach’s head further then coach had ever seen. Coach was excited until he realized this High School Senior had picture up a much smaller Jr High discuss and thrown it. It only looked great, but it wasn’t. But Paul says, I pray you will see the Immeasurable Greatness of the Power that is toward us, for us, usward for those who believe. Again the definer is our faith in him. The same in v11, in v13 – and here. Hope points us in expectation, understanding, the wealth of our inheritance, and we see this far beyond greatness, it’s all according to the working of his strength – the SAME STRENGTH which raised Christ from the dead – you see that in v20? It says that the power that brought Jesus back to life on the 3rd day is FOR US who believe.

Would Christ leave heaven, be born among us, live and die for nothing? NO. The Cross is an immeasurable sacrifice but it was FOR Immeasurable SOMETHING. Look at the Empty Tomb and see, let your heart’s eyes be opened and see Expectantly, full of riches, exceedingly great something FOR Us Who Believe.

Hope, Wealth, Greatness

Oh Lord – Set my Heart on the Right Images today!
Tents vs Buildings

May 3rd, 2023

Tents, Camps, Vocation vs Buildings, Cities, and Kingdoms. It’s all about timing, perspective, location, and calling isn’t it?

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As I looked at scripture this morning, my mind broadened a bit. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” But then continues… “we would prefer to be… at home with the Lord”. The context of 2 Corinthians 5 is about tents and buildings. v1 says If our earthly tent is destroyed… we have a building… eternal dwelling in the heavens not made with hands. Indeed, we groan in this tent desiring to put on the heavenly. Oh, I can relate. I like the idea of camping – but I don’t like sleeping on the ground, and I like plumbing, and so much more – but I can’t build a house at every place I want to go, so sometimes a tent is the only way. And yet we groan – stenazo = sigh — Can you relate? I can. v4 indeed we groan while in this tent, burdened… v5 now the one who prepared us for this purpose is God. There is a purpose for the tent and its about the place where we are.

We know Abraham left home and went to the place of promise, and he lived in tents, his entire life. Hebrews 11:8 says he was called, obeyed, and set out for a place – (how?) by Faith. v9 by faith he stayed as a foreigner… living in tents – He was a camp dweller who knew that a city was coming, but NOT for him to build. No, it would have God as architect and builder.

So, Paul says in our 2 Corinthians text that we have tents but a building is for later, and the writer of Hebrews says we have camps, but cities are coming. Then in Hebrews 13:14 it broadens the understanding to us “city dwellers” and says we do not have an enduring city here, but one is to come. Hmmm I see a pattern developing in my thought process driven by these parallel scriptures.

Then Peter writes in 2 Peter 1 – that God’s divine power has given us all that we need for life and godliness and that we must let him grow us from faith to goodness… knowledge… self-control… endurance… godliness… brotherly affection… and love – Why? Because we are camping in tents, living away from home, on a purpose driven mission. Then 2 Peter 1:9 says the one who lacks these things is short sighted v10 therefore… confirm your calling and election – v11 … entry into an eternal Kingdom is provided … and Peter says in v13 I Think it is RIGHT, as long as I am in this bodily TENT to WAKE YOU UP with a reminder ….

WOW – there is a reminder here folks. And if I could gently say for some of our brothers and sisters who long for “prosperity and perfection” in THIS life, you need to spend a weekend TENT CAMPING – cause this is NOT Heaven. We are on a purposeful mission – be as comfortable as you can be, but

Tents here – Buildings there > Camps here – City there > Vocation here – Kingdom there –

Tents, Camps, Vocation

Yes, there will be some sighing and groaning here, but that’s just part of camping. And there will be hard work, but that’s just tent-dwelling. Of course there will be some beautiful vistas, sunrises, sunsets, and some nice fish caught, but we’re just camping.

So then back in 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul says the love of Christ compels us. One died for all v15 so that those who live should not longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them. So v16 we don’t know them from a worldly perspective… We are participating in New Creation business 5:17. The Ministry of Reconciliation is our business.

Tent dwellers, looking for a city, Kingdom citizens – 2 Peter 1:19 says, Pay attention as a lamp shining in a dark place – until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts
Open The Gates

April 4th, 2023

Psalm 27:1 says The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, whom should I dread? I’ve always loved this beginning to Psalm 27 because I have the Lord to illuminate my circumstance. I will not then be afraid of the unknown, unseen, unexplainable. HE is my explanation. It’s not that I run FROM the fearful things, but that I run TO the Lord – He is my mountain stronghold. That means 1) I go UP to Him and that 2) he give me a better perspective over what I am facing. Then v2 says that when evildoers come, or v3 armies deploy, My heart will not be afraid. If all out war breaks out, I will be confident because v4 one thing I have asked, one thing I desire… what is YOUR One Thing? not riches or position or fame, but to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life – that word yashab = abide, to sit down. In the “House” that word bayith = house armory, beneath, between, facing, inward, family. When I’m under attack, the place to be is WITH the Lord – focused on the Lord – Facing the Lord, in the Family of God – Gazing on the beauty of the Lord, Seeking… baqar = to, toward, concerned, inquire, meditate – Oh I need to shift my focus – and v5 says then he will conceal me IN his shelter, hide me under the tent – set me high – That’s where the attack can’t get me. And as the Psalm continues, David says in v8, my heart says this, ‘seek his face’ and I will seek your face. Oh my how often we KNOW what to do, we just need to listen to what’s in our heart from the Lord. v11 show me your way Lord, lead me on a level path v13 I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living….

How? How do we see the Lord’s goodness? v14 wait for the Lord – qavah = eagerly expect, hope, look eagerly – it’s the same word that’s in Isaiah 40:31 – those who wait/hope/trust in the Lord will renew their strength… soar…run…walk… We See the Lord as we twist our hope around the Lord. That word comes from a root word that can be translated like a twisted rope, or a spider web. What are you wrapped around? Where is your heart set? Set your HOPE on the Lord and you will SEE him then v14 be strong, and let your heart be courageous, then wait for the Lord

So, I began my study today thinking about the Triumphal Entry as Yesterday was Palm Sunday. And I was remembering Jesus weeping, quietly, prayerfully weeping for Jerusalem. And one link led me to Psalm 118:19 open the gates of righteousness for me. I will enter and give thanks v20 This is the Lord’s gate, the righteous will enter through it v21 (you) have become my salvation v22 the stone the builders rejected as become the cornerstone v24 this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

So then… go back to Luke 19. The People had welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem in Luke 19:38 Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord…” And yet those same people a few days later were saying Crucify Him . Even that entry day immediately the Pharisees are saying v39 Teacher, Rebuke them. The Last time Jesus had been in Jerusalem in Luke 13 He had said 13:34-35 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, How often I wanted to gather you… but you were not willing… your house is abandoned to you… you will not see me until the time when you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’. So then here we are … He has taught, healed, gone from village to village… but they don’t so much want HIM but they want what they think he can give them… freedom from the rule, from Rome, they want “peace”, but not peace with God.

I’ve always pictured this happening IN Jerusalem, but v37 of Luke 19 says this is up at the top of the Mt. of Olives on the path down to Jerusalem. I’ve been there walked that path, and half way down, after this then… is the place where they say he looks over the city… there before him is the Eastern Gate across the Kidron Valley, and he weeps because they don’t see it. They are out of focus, “if you knew… v41 but now it is hidden. Why Hidden? 13:34 because you were not willing. Luke 10:21 says it is hidden from the wise, the intelligent and revealed to the infants. It is ONLY when we come humble, need, willing, longing, asking, that we SEE.

Think about that for a minute.

So, Let me give you a good exercise, if you don’t have time now, come back to it later and do this – Psalm 118:1-9; 19-29

Give thanks to the Lord… for he is good – Let Israel (the people) say, His faithful love endures – Let the House of Aaron (the preachers) say… His faithful love endures – Let those who fear the Lord say… – I called… the Lord answered… the Lord is FOR ME… My helper. It is better to take Refuge v9 in the Lord

Spend a few minutes there saying that, writing that meditating on that… Then… Shift your focus to vv19-29

Open the gates – Give Thanks – This is the Day the Lord has made (understand today is the Lord’s day, the day to celebrate him – Let us rejoice – He who comes in the name of the Lord is Blessed (do you see there is blessing for YOU if you come in the name of the Lord) You are my God; I will exalt – Give thanks to the Lord for he is GOOD, his faithful love endures FOREVER________________

Oh spend some time here – this is the Day of the Lord – Every day is a day to know and experience the blessing of the Lord’s presence. If you are willing…
Vision and Way Stations

March 14th, 2023

March 11 of the famous devotional selections by Oswald Chambers, the namesake passage says “the only way to be obedient to the Heavenly vision is to give our utmost for God’s highest and this can only be done by continually and resolutely recalling the vision… though it tarry, wait for it… we must live in the inspiration of it until it accomplishes itself…” And I would add that if our vision is not “God-sized” and eternal in scope then we will often “attain it” and then stop moving forward. Our vision needs to be large enough that it stays out in front of us and keeps us moving forward.

Yes, we need “way points” that we attain along the way to the vision. At the “way points” we 1) assess our progress, 2) rest from and refuel for the struggle, 3) celebrate the achievements though we are not done, 4) reevaluate our process, and 5) move on toward the vision. “Way points” are part of the mission toward the vision, and they are measurable and attainable. Big Vision, is always “out there”.

Chambers says that sometimes we get so “practical” that we can forget the vision. Or perhaps we lay aside the vision thinking rationally, or “realistically”. We say, “we can’t do that.” So, we settle for less than the vision. Again Chambers says, “waiting for the vision that tarries is the test of our loyalty to God. It is the peril of our soul’s welfare that we get caught up in the practical work and miss the fulfillment of the vision.”

“Practical” is important but only as “way points” toward the Vision that is “CRAZY”. Leader, if you aren’t moving toward something “crazy” you probably aren’t attempting something God-sized.

Chamber’s devotion focuses on 1 verse in Acts 26 where Paul is talking to King Agrippa. He testifies about meeting Jesus. Think about this, at Paul’s revelatory encounter on the road to Damascus, he had to embrace Jesus by Faith, but also hear and wrestle with the Vision for his life. Acts 26;15 “I am Jesus” – Ok… wait… what do I do with that? And then Jesus says, “I have appeared for this purpose…” Jesus always appears for a purpose. And he tells Paul it is “to appoint you as a servant… witness… what you have seen… will see… the Gentiles… I am sending you to them to open eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, from the power of satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share… sanctified by faith in me.”

WOW – Paul is being called to embrace Jesus as Lord, Messiah, but also to expand the “family” to Gentiles. And when would this end? Well, I guess when there were no more Gentiles outside the family. “Well, that’s not practical. Let’s settle for a way point.” NO NO NO don’t settle

At our church, we embrace a vision seeking to be a “church like Heaven” as seen in Revelation 7:9 every race, tribe, color, and tongue before the throne.” When or Where does that end? In Heaven, but we are trying to reflect it on earth. What do we see? A Diverse family of Christ followers, Displaying the Glory of God unified by Love, and Telling His Marvelous Story. That story is a story of opportunity for all who believe. So, what are we doing? Loving God, One Another, and our Community. Serving God, One Another, and our Community, and seeing Transformation in our Community, in our Homes, in our Lives. But then we define some way points in the transformation process. Transformation FROM Seekers to Believers, Believers to Worshipers, Worshipers, to Disciples, Disciples to Servants and Missionaries. Well there are a lot of Way Points there, but the whole thing is a vision, a crazy vision, virtually unattainable, but we keep moving. Do we look like Heaven yet? Do we look like our Community yet?

Then is that little verse that Chambers references, v19 “I was not disobedient to the vision” Wow! Yes. Not, well that’s unrealistic. Not, well that’s hard. He didn’t say he was perfect or even whether we thought he’d complete it, but he was pursuing it. And v20 so I preached. Instead of disobeying the vision, I preached… repent… turn… do worthy works. And then he says they seized me, trying to kill me.

Oh fellow traveler, leader, journeyman, Obedience doesn’t mean EAZE. So, in order to be like Heaven, we commit to Act Like Heaven, and we seek to Look Like Heaven, then eventually and from time to time, we Feel Like Heaven, but we keep Acting Like until Faith becomes Sight.

I love / hate Proverbs 29:18 – where there is no vision the people perish – the CSB renders it without revelation, people RUN WILD, but the one who follows divine instruction will BE HAPPY … Yes

Vision Keep Us Moving toward Crazy, Unrealistic, God-sized goals – but they ARE REAL in what matters and for what Lasts. Hit the way points – rest, assess, celebrate, evaluate, and move on, until faith becomes sight!
Recognizing God’s Voice

February 14th, 2023

The voice of the Lord, the Presence of the Lord – that’s where my mind was today. I’m reading 4th Century Church Father, Athanasius, on the Incarnation of Christ, the Word, the Son of God. Athanasius says, “He had by no means hidden himself out of sight of men, nor simply given the knowledge of himself in only one way but unfolded it to them in various ways and through many channels.” This fits with what Paul says in Romans One that God has revealed himself to all and we are without excuse. Athanasius goes further saying that our being made in God’s image is sufficient to know God The Word (Jesus) and through him then to know the Father – BUT – we are weak and careless and sometimes, “Care not to have clear knowledge…” and so creation reveals more of God. But then our failure to receive and know what was plain, God gave us The Law and Prophets so that if we haven’t gotten close enough to know God, then hear from some humans who have. He says that all of the universe is moved by God so that we might know Jesus and he reveal the Father.

All of this comes from this morning seeing 1 Samuel 3, when Samuel heard and met the Lord for the first time. I have always loved this story. I relate to it well, having come to faith in Christ at a very young age, just a young boy. And then called to preach at a young age. And so here is Samuel given to the service of God as just a boy. Chapter three is so much. I could preach a series from this. It talks about how Samuel was serving in God’s presence, and that God’s Word was RARE. It says that Eli’s vision was failing… the Lamp had almost gone out and Samuel was in the Temple, where the ark of the Lord was located… then the Lord called…

How do you respond when calls? Samuel says, “Here I am”, and runs to his master, teacher, the prophet, Eli. Oft times when we first hear God, we don’t even recognize him. We hear the call – but don’t know who or what that is, but at least availability is a good response.

Then once again – praise God he keeps calling. Samuel again responds, “Here I am”, but still he thinks this is Eli who responds, “I didn’t call you.” And we are told, Samuel did not yet know the Lord, because the Word of the Lord had not yet been revealed.” Samuel needed some recognition help, somebody.

v8 once again… and again, “here I am” – THEN – THEN – Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy – Oh listen follower of Jesus. WE – who already know, should pay attention and reveal to the one who does not know, that God is speaking and we should listen. We need to have our spiritual acuity alert. Someone tells us, “well I heard this… and that happened… and I was reading… and I heard a sermon…” and when they all seem to be lining up and saying the same thing, we need to be aware, and say, “I think God is speaking to you.”

THEN – with a little assistance, anticipation, expectation, and excitement Samuel is ready to hear and v10, The Lord came and stood there and called as before. Folks need to know that God still speaks, that he cares, and that when he speaks it is always an invitation to which we should respond, Listening. God’s voice is always TRUE, revelatory, inviting, and is transformative. We always have an opportunity to change from knowing in theory to knowing by experience. Yet we have to stop and listen. Jesus is there. His revelation will always fit with his Word, but it will also always change us.

Let me end with this quote from Oswald Chambers – “A lily, a tree, or a servant of God may convey God’s message to me. What hinders me from hearing is that I am taken up with other things. It’s not that I will not hear God, but that I am not devoted in the right place… God may say what he likes but I do not hear him.”

The voice of the Lord, the presence of the Lord is with us, but are we ready, eager, expecting to hear, listen, and obey?
Marathon Man

February 8th, 2023

1 Thessalonians 5:23 may your whole spirit, soul, and BODY be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…

This verse caught my attention this morning because last week, I did something I thought I would never do – Ran a marathon.

For most people, you don’t just wake up and say “I’m going to run a 26 mile race today.” Yes, one day, I decided I was going to run a marathon, but that was in May of ’22 and the race was in February of ’23. There is a previous decision, a process of preparation. There is an investment, a price to be paid, tickets, training, and so much more. There must be presence at the starting line, persistence toward the finish, power of mind over matter, and a passion to complete, before we ever get to the party of celebration.

And here is Paul, in this first of his letters. he is giving final instructions and tells them much they need to do. I sort of think this is a great set of instructions for potential marathoners. v13 – be at peace among yourselves v14 – warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. v15 – Pursue what’s good (don’t repay evil). v16 – Rejoice always – v17 – Pray constantly – v18 don’t stifle the Spirit….

I actually read and wrote on this passage one month ago on January 9 – but now it speaks fresh and living to me on the other side of this marathon, yet I’m still moving toward the next level. Yes, there is power for my Spirit, and Soul, but some days the Body just doesn’t want to cooperate. How do we get to the Heavenly Finish line? How do we get to completeness? It’s those “P-words”. A Previous decision, a Process of Preparation, Persistence, a Price being paid, Presence at the Start, Perseverance, Passion to finish – THEN comes the Party.

In the day-to-day struggle, sometimes I don’t want to and think I can’t, but I go on. It’s because of all of those “p-words”. I’ve said them twice already. Oh, the pre-race activities were fun, and the crowd at the start, the excitement, there were even fireworks. We had much fun at the beginning, through mile 6, and on to mile 10, even to the 1/2-way spot. But then about mile 16-18 it became WORK. And then it was a challenge of those “p-words” that kept me going. The goal wasn’t to be first; it wasn’t a certain time; it was to FINISH. So, I was doing whatever it took to finish.

But the great news here in Paul’s letter is that v24 says He who calls you is faithful, HE WILL DO IT.”

YES

I wish this was the way it worked for the race, that Jesus just picked me up, but I WILL say that at times, my legs didn’t want to participate. My Achillies tendon argued – wanted to cramp – but I said, “NO, I’m getting there” and so I won out over the parts that weren’t so sure. Even in our spiritual life, it’s not like Jesus just picks us up and we glide down life’s path. But he is still in charge and getting us there.

My spirit, soul, AND body are SOUND – holokleros = sound, complete, perfect in every aspect – and then he says Blameless. Oh, I like this… but WHEN? At the Finish Line – at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It doesn’t say I’ll be FAST, or STRONG, or FIRST – but it does say I’ll be complete – When Jesus Comes, At the Finish line.

If you look at pictures of me during the race: In some I’m happy, some silly, some determined, some struggling, but at the Finish – I’m Satisfied, I’m finished, I’m Complete, I’m Sound – that’s the Goal.

When it comes to the life and race to Glory, it’s all about those “p-words”:

A Previous decision – made by Christ to make a way, and my decision to receive it by faith. A Price paid by Christ at the Cross. There was Perseverance, Persistence, Power, not my doing, but by the work of Christ In Me, to see me through, and my surrender to his work. There was Passion to complete, be complete. And so, before me lays the Party to celebrate. And Faithful is He who Calls me – He will do it. Jesus started it, he continues it, he will see to the finish, and then he will be waiting at the finish line.

See ya At the Finish Line!
Do The Works that I Do – “Ta Da”

October 31st, 2022

From my staff devotion a couple of weeks ago, and it was just a short thought but I never got around to posting, it’s been a busy few weeks. This is not intended to be commentary on this passage, but just some thoughts, reminders

I think some Christian Folks then “Ta Da” should be part of our vocabulary

John 14:12 is often quoted by people with an agenda – Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name I will do it 14 … in my name, I will do it

And you read vv15-17 and he promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. Now, remember first that Jesus is about to die. This is Thursday night. And people often quote v12 to say that we should all be doing WONDERS, Miracles, and they even add the verses that follow and say, “if you have the Holy Spirit you should be able to do the miraculous”, they say. But I believe they are missing the point.

Am I supposed to be a “Worker of Wonders” or a Doer of Wonderful Works?

The word is ergon = action, behavior, deeds, effectual labor. Jesus says that those who believe in him will do the action, behavior, deeds, effectual labor, that he does! And it hit me the other day, that John, writing this as an old man, is very selective on the words he uses, led by the Holy Spirit. When John talks about “miracles” he uses semeion = distinguishing mark, miracle, sign – I believe 17 times John uses this word – John uses this word to show us that Jesus is distinguishing himself as the Messiah with these signs. But that is NOT the word here when Jesus is speaking. Jesus is NOT saying that we must, or will, not to say God can’t in us, because anything IN HIS NAME can be done – but that’s not the instruction here. That is not the prophetic word here. The prophetic word here is that those who believe in his name will do the action, behavior, deeds, that he did. What did he do, what was his normal behavior? Love, Tell, Give himself, Sacrifice Self, Obey the Father, Complete the Task, Welcome, Encourage – oh somebody are you with me? Stay with me now. Jesus is saying, IF you believe me, you will do these normal behavioral things.

And then he takes it up a notch and says “even greater than these“. A.T. Robertson points out that the “greater” is in quantity not quality. And that is because in his “leaving” we received the Holy Spirit – John 16:7.

But the “agenda” folks then love that word “whatever” – Yeah – whatever you ask… Let’s go – Yeah – Wait … Look out definer ahead! IN MY NAME – “well what does that mean?” I’m glad you asked – It’s according to his character, his authority, for his glory, in his context, with his contribution of power, according to his plan and purpose. This is not a blank check promise. This is a purposeful promise. If we ask, and the Holy Spirit confirms that we are “in his name” – then YES he WILL do it. And it will be GREAT!

I’ll stop there – Don’t Focus on “Ta Da” – but “To Do what Jesus Does”
Hidden and Revealed

October 11th, 2022

Matthew 11:25 “… you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to the infants.”

hidden and revealed

Jesus is speaking in towns after being contacted by John the Baptist, who is in prison and seeks clarity before he dies on his mission. v3 “are you the one… or should we expect someone else.” Just a desire for a little clarity. Is it doubt? I don’t know, but never a bad thing to make sure you are dying for the right thing. And John tells those “Baptist disciples” – “go and report what you hear and see… the blind (see)… lame walk… leprosy cleansed… deaf hear… dead raised… and the poor are told the good news.” Sometimes we try and over analyze, over think, just go and report what you have seen and heard… Sometimes we are too smart for our own good.

Jesus asks them… what were you looking for? When you went to the wilderness to hear John, were you looking for a reed that sways in the wind or an oak of truth standing straight in the midst of the raging wind? Were you looking for fancy clothes? Were you looking for a prophet? Well, you got that and more. Sometimes we go looking for what is missing, but when we get it, it isn’t what we thought, and we are too smart, and we want something else. Happens in the church all the time, “we want someone to tell us the truth and lead us… then 6 months later it’s “oh no, not that way.” Jesus says that John IS the promised 2nd Elijah that would come before the Messiah, v15 “if you have ears, LISTEN” (I know you heard, now listen)

So then down in v21 Jesus begins to scold the pretty little Galilean towns where he had done miracles. He talks about where he did his prime ministry, and he says, if Tyre, Sidon, Sodom had seen what you saw, they (those evil historically looked down on cities) they would have repented, wouldn’t have been destroyed.

But we are too smart…

v25 “I praise you Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because you have hidden…

Hidden from the Wise and Intelligent – Ok smart ones don’t over think this. Intelligent ones, don’t try to over analyze this. Jesus is NOT preaching a message of exclusion. The wonderful message of Christ, the gospel, is hidden from those who WILL NOT SEE, and will not HEAR. It is not about CANNOT but WILL NOT.

It is like me writing out the recipe to the greatest meal ever had and “hiding” it on the top of the table, right here, and telling you it is here. But it is “hidden” because 1) you think it isn’t good 2) you think you won’t like it 3) you will not come to the table 4) you won’t cook and eat it. So, the recipe is “hidden” – that Greek word is krypto – oh it’s hidden, it’s cryptic, when one won’t take and apply it. But Jesus says it is “revealed” – Apokalypto to the infants – nepios . literally simple-minded, child. The one who will not overthink it but hear. Earlier in Matthew 11 Jesus addresses some of them as spoiled children who fuss at people for not dancing to their tune. But these are not those children spoiled by entitlement thoughts. No, these are surrendered, humble, grateful, children. They are hungry, needy, willing, wanting, happy to receive, honest, and grateful.

What’s the difference between those from home it is hidden, and those to whom revealed? DISTANCE and DEFERENCE. – When we hear and understand v25 and the context of this chapter’s teaching, THEN we understand the more famous words coming. Jesus says, “no one knows the Father but the Son, and anyone whom the son desires to reveal – “There it is pastor, see it’s exclusionary to a special few” – NO

What makes the difference is Position and Palpability, Distance and Deference – Far or Near – Willing or Unwilling – and so he says to ALL – vv28-30 Come, Give, Takes, Learn, Find, it’s Easy

Come to me, all of you, who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is east and my burden is light

Come, give, take, learn, find, easy rest

Oh I’ll stop here – but go back and read those verses again 28-30… Hear Jesus speaking both to the wise and to the simple… and only the simple childlike find the revelation.

The answer is not hard, but it IS located by Jesus, if you will come and see.
Why Couldn’t We…

October 4th, 2022

Mark 9:28-29 Jesus’ disciples ask Jesus a question we sometimes ask, Why couldn’t we… and Jesus answers in v29 this kind… by nothing but prayer

Now this is an instance where a man came to Jesus, was interrupted along the way by the disciples who tried to do what he was coming to Jesus to have done and they couldn’t. The man had a son who had spirits that caused seizures and other things. The disciples tried unsuccessfully to cast them out.

Now you must back up – Jesus was on the “Mount of Transfiguration” with Peter, James, and John – when they came down, there was an argument going on. Jesus asked “what are you arguing about?” And the Father says, notice, “I brought him to YOU”. Don’t miss that, Jesus had NOT sent the disciples out to do things, but they seem to have interjected themselves into a situation, attempting to do what Jesus does. But couldn’t. When they asked “why couldn’t we“. Jesus says “this kind can come out by nothing but prayer” – Some manuscripts add, “and fasting”. But Robertson suggests this was a “late addition to explain the failure”. The oldest best manuscripts don’t have the addition of “fasting”. But the point seems to be that you can’t just run around and “do what you do”, or operate in your S.O.P. The thought, I’m sure, in adding fasting is that the spiritual practice of fasting changes everything. When we fast, our entire focus is: God, Separation from the normal, Seeking God’s Will and Purpose, Seeking God’s glory, Finding God’s intervention and his way.

But isn’t that the purpose of prayer? Well yes it is, but often we need fasting to cause us to do those things. Prayer is often changed, but us, into a “laundry list”. As I often say, we pray like WE are the VINE and HE is our Branch. “Dear Lord, I need x,y,z and a,b,c and sort of p,d,q, In Jesus’ name Amen.” As if his job is to carry out our desires.

Well, the old acrostic – A.C.T.S. in short or long format, is a good way to get to what God wants. If you don’t know that’s Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, in THAT order.

Just like worship, isn’t worship if it doesn’t cost us something; service isn’t service if we are not certain God wants it, and he is the one who gets the glory, if we don’t need his power, if we don’t have his timing, then we aren’t serving HIM. It’s like going to someone’s house and saying, “I just painted your house, it’s beautiful red, just here to serve you.” And the person says, “well, I just painted it my favorite color blue last week, and besides, it’s plumbing work that I needed done.” That’s NOT service.

Jesus shows up and sees the inability, the lack of faith, and says, v19 you unbelieving generation, How long…?” What are we failing to believe? His Presence, Personhood, Power, and Purpose. That gets in the way of our faith and actions.

How do we become full of faith? It starts on our knees in prayer, spending time, listening, pondering, knowing his purpose, and talking to him.

So go back to that acrostic – you perhaps know it but think with me

Adoration – praise him for Who his. Love him for what he has done. Be amazed at what he can do. Just focus on him.

Confession – If I don’t remove my sin, he doesn’t hear my prayer David say. It hinders him from hearing and seeing me. It hinders my ability to hear and see him.

Thanksgiving – Celebrate what he has done. It puts into perspective what I think I need. If he never does another thing for me, he has done some much and I have so much.

Then

Supplication – NOW, I’m in position to ask, hear, believe, and act. and then v23 says everything is possible for one who believes.

It’s not just about believing that he can, but that he wants to. It seems that the disciples doubted, or it wasn’t God’s plan for them to do, or even they weren’t surrendered to the power and to the glory of God, but something was out of order. The order comes in the prayer room.

Everything is possible, but not everything is profitable

Everything is possible, but not everything is prudent

Everything is possible, but not all things are in God’s will for me now, and Prayer is where I hear, believe, and then act according to the will, power, and pleasure of God.

A.Lincoln at his second inauguration said, fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away, YET, if God wills that it continue…

Lincoln understood that prayer is NOT a magic potion or formula to get what we want – but it is an alignment process of our will with God’s will, of our actions with his, removing all barriers that he may be glorified.

Lincoln continued, “… if God wills that it continue until all wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether”

So, we come to the Lord with A.C.T.S. prayers and we listen, and we respond as he leads. We understand that God always answers, but 3 ways: Sometimes he says “yes” – so move and live in it. Sometimes he says, “NO” – so move on trusting God’s goodness and his loving answer in the negative. Other times, he says, “Not Yet” – so live in the “until” – keep praying, keep being faithful, keep trusting, keep serving, do the last thing he told you to do. Keep your head up, heart loving, hope shining, hold on, UNTIL, knowing that God is Good.

Pray on Saint

Follow on Child

God is able, and you are able to go with him – but the great things only come with prayer
Reconciliation Over Spiritualization

September 27th, 2022
Just a shorter note today, but could be a bit of a hard hit. Seems I’ve been in the Sermon on the Mount a lot lately. In Matthew 5:17 Jesus says he didn’t come to abolish The Law, but to fulfill it. Paul teaches in Galatians that The Law was a tutor designed to lead us to Jesus. The instructions of the Law then are purposeful. Jesus talks early in the sermon about our need to be “salty illumination”. That is we are to be flavorful and preserving in our lifestyle, and that people should see truth and life in the way we live. “You are the salt of the earth … You are the Light of the earth… a city on a hill“

You might think, “I’m not much of a preacher” or “I don’t have a position” or “I’m nobody, just a tiny light.” But a Tiny Light in a very dark place is still seen to point the way. A small city situated on a hill is still visible. A little salt in a very bland meal is appreciated. The Law wasn’t sent to bind, but to free us. It was not to cause death and judgment, but to give light and direction, to show we need God, and turn us away from Judgment and into LIFE. Jesus says in v17, I didn’t come to abolish… but to fulfill… then “whoever does and teaches these commands will be GREAT in the Kingdom”. The Purpose of The Law was to show how estranged we are from God. It’s always then about Reconciliation. That is our hope, that is our message, Reconciliation. v23 then is telling us, if you are in your spiritual activity, worshiping, confessing, praising, and there realize that you are out of relationship with your brother or sister…
- Leave Your Gift There – worship is great, needed, but relationships are what matters. Jesus left heaven because WE were OUT of relationship with God. Jesus became ONE OF us, so that we could become one with God. How many times are you unwilling to go TO someone, become LIKE someone? That is often the only way to restore relationship.
- First Go – that word, hypago – is in the present, active, imperative tense – that word means lead, get, go, go their way, lead on slowly, go back, get back – If we are down the road, but down the road without our brother or sister… we should have stayed and gotten right – if not then get back, get back, get back to where you once belonged – That’s what some preachers used to sing – and they weren’t even preaching JESUS> come on somebody – First Go
- Be Reconciled – well you can’t be reconciled if you are down the road alone! Go their way, go back (present active imperative) Do it, you Must, do it, YOU do it, NOW – It is critical, it is urgent, it doesn’t happen by accident, so be intentional, purposeful. I read about that word, diallassomai – dia = to transition and allasso = to change one’s feelings toward – so, Be Reconciled, transition and change your feelings toward -whether one person is at fault, or both are at fault – Be Reconciled
- With – This is NOT about getting over the hurt, or forgetting it, or even passively forgiving them and moving on – NO – This is about restoring the relationship. That means there WAS a relationship. This is brother or sister – this is someone you were in relationship with… this isn’t a random person. That has its own issues, and we should be kind, just, loving, but THIS is about RESTORATION of a Relationship.
First Go – Be Reconciled – WITH
- Then Come and Offer Your Gift – Worship is not complete without Spiritual AND Personal Reconciliation in place. Without it, I don’t understand or apply what God has done for me. I cannot come to God and celebrate my perceived reconciliation with him if I am knowingly unreconciled with my brother or sister because then I don’t know what I think I know!
Is there work to be done?