Category: Uncategorized

Friendship with God

March 21st, 2023

“I am a friend of God” – we sing about, it think about, enjoy the thought of it, but is it reality?

I looked up “friendship” online the famous wikipedia says it is, “a relationship of mutual affection between two people… stronger than an acquaintance or association” (Friendship – Wikipedia) – We tend to say that we have many “friends” in our social media world – but then we have “good friends” and “best friends”. Certainly our age and station in life affects our friendships, but it is even said that our health is affected and can affect our friendships. Wiki says that friendships are based on choice and admiration as well as levels of intimacy. They quote U.S. News talking of how “like gaps” affect the quality of the friendship as well. (i.e. one party doesn’t LIKE at the same level as the other)

Britannica, the historic encyclopedia talks about friendship (Friendship | Britannica) as a “state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between two people”. But as I read I found something interesting in “chasing this rabbit”: they go on to point out 5 defining features of friendship 1) it is dyadic, involving a series of interactions 2) it is recognized by both parties so reciprocated 3) it is not obligatory (like a parenting relationship) but those parties choose to form a friendship… thus no formal duties or legal obligations 4) it is egalitarian… that is each has the same amount of power or authority in the relationship 5) it is characterized by companionship which is one of the primary goals

So – am I a friend of God? Can I even BE a friend of God? And perhaps based on those 5 definitions alone, you might immediately respond, “no” or “I can’t be”, or “I’ll never be equal to God…” And Yet… as I stopped and processed it, there IS a level in all of those things where I can be a friend of God. But there is a transition that needs to take place, from servant to friend.

In Genesis 18 is a story that has had my attention in the interaction between God and Abraham. Three men appear to Abraham, 1) to announce the coming of Isaac to this very “mature” couple; and 2) to see to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Some ask, “is this the Trinity?” I would say, “no” because John tells us “no one has ever seen God” (John 1:18). Paul says he is in “unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, or can see” (1Tim6:16) So, since no one by the First Century HAD seen the Father, and cannot see the Father, then this is not the Trinity. But then also 2 of the 3 in this story in are in Sodom in Genesis 19 and are “angels” – Yet, ONE of these 3 is referred to as YHWH – The LORD – so this is the one often referred to as “The Angel of the Lord – This is the Second Person of the Trinity, this is Jesus in his eternal, pre-incarnation revelation, before he was born to Mary. Here he speaks with Abraham. He is LORD, He is God, and he has a special relationship with Abraham. He has heard of the evil in Sodom and is going to destroy them, and he asks out loud to the angels, v17 “should I hide this from Abraham?” This is what got my attention more than 40 years ago. I’ve said to myself, since I was 15 years old, “I want to be so close to God that if he moves near me, I will see it, know it, be in on it, unless he hides it from me.”

How? Be near him, Believe Him, Join with Him, Know by experience, Talk to, Recognize, Pay attention and know this is God. Used to be when the phone rang we didn’t have caller ID, and if someone said, “Hi, it’s me”, did you recognize them? Maybe sometime you came into a situation and something had happened, been done, and you wonder, do I know, do I recognize this handiwork, the passion, the action, the purpose of a friend? If so, then do you join right in, do you celebrate, do you go to the known source?

In Isaiah 41:8, I notice something interesting. God calls Israel his “servant”, but Abraham “my friend” . That word in Hebrews, aheb = beloved, dearly, love, friend. That’s ebeb = servant, minister, official . Yes, that’s a good thing to be, but very different from friend. And then as I read the words of God that follow v8 I think God is encouraging Israel to not just be a servant but to be a friend. He says “I have chosen you” v9 (but he’s saying “choose me”) and do not fear for I am with you v10 (saying stay with me) and I will strengthen you / help you – and then v13 I am the Lord who holds your right hand (he’s saying walk with me friend) Oh my how beautiful an invitation.

Then I go over to James 2:22-23 in that famous discussion about Faith that’s active in works, and so made complete. And it says that scripture was fulfilled (from Genesis 15:6) when Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend”! Oh we are going somewhere now. Don’t get on a theological tizzy here, but interestingly, in application, could it be that this often discussed connection between Faith and Works is about Salvation and Friendship? We are certainly, clearly from the preponderance of scripture, saved by Grace through Faith, not of works, of which we can boast (Eph2:8-9,10) yet still FOR works already prepared for us to do. But is it that IN the Works, which manifest our Faith, that we become “Friends”? Stay with me theologian, walk with me believer. James then continues in 2:29 in the same way Rahab… receiving … sending… She joined the work of God in Jericho and in Israel by Faith joining God, and she was saved, and became great grandmother to David, no doubt a friend of God. Certianly there is a whole other discussion we could have here, but Back to Abraham…

I want to be a Friend of God. I believe in Jesus and So, remember that list from Britannica? 1) I had a series of interactions that caused me to hear, and know, and believe, and place my faith in Jesus becoming a Child of God 2) and now he recognized me and I recognize Him. and 3) But there is a choice in the friendship side. He chose me first (praise God) but I also chose him and choose to walk him, not FOR the relationship, but because of the relationship to extend and deepen it. And 4) the idea of an egalitarian relationship is a stretch at first to consider because he IS Lord and IS God, but we still do have a choice to daily walk with him to join him, to love him in action – so 5) the entire “friendship” is out of a desire by Him as well as by me to walk together, to know him, to join him, a Friend of God.

Well… consider these things…
Asking Questions

February 28th, 2023
Asking questions is always good especially if we want answers. John 4 tells a story I often call “Soul Winning 201” – I always called John 1:29-51 “Soul Winning 101” – Point out Jesus, Invite to “Come and See” … but I digress. 201 is here in John 4 – Be intentional, be engaging, be listening, be inviting, be revealing.

John 4:11 – Jesus has just “coincidentally” met a Samaritan woman at a well. So, nothing Jesus does is an accident. In v4 he had to go through Samaria. Most Jews going from Judea to Galilee went AROUND Samaria, but Jesus had an appointment. He sent his disciples to the convenience store, and Jesus waits by Jacob’s well till this woman shows up and he asks for a drink. But it’s more of a directive, he gently says “give me a drink”. That word is in an imperative tense. That was a bit radical. And the woman responds rather shocked, “how is it that YOU (JEW) ask me (Samaritan Woman) for a drink?” – Sort of an “excuse me?”.

That’s question 1 – good question. Jews called Samaritans, “dogs”. So, she wants to know, “hey, you Jew, why are you talking to me? Why are you telling me to give you a drink?” And let me read between the lines here, Jesus’ response is sort of that “this was just an ice breaker, but I have something better for you, for you than I’m asking from you. Living Water“.

Then that prompts question #2 – “Sir…” Oh ok now, we have gone from “you Jew” to “Sir” that word is kyrios = Lord – A shift is happening. She liked the sound of Living Water, but then says, “you don’t have a bucket, and the well is deep…” But the next word is unexpected – I would expect how – but there seems to be a shift in her question – “Where do you get Living Water?” Very interesting, she doesn’t ask “how” but “where?” Why? Because even if he HAD a bucket, she knows this well, it’s good, but it’s not LIVING WATER.

Then if you read her question #3 because so, “who ARE You?” – She says, “you aren’t greater than Jacob. He dug this well himself, and he gave it to us, so who are you and where is this water?”

Good questions

And Jesus basically says… “I have a different source, a different product, and it ALSO is FROM ME and FOR You. And Jesus says, “Drink THIS water, and a) your thirst will be quenched b) the source will spring up within you, and c) give you eternal life!

Wow, and so she begins to open her heart, mind, soul to the “Well Provider”, and the questions stop, and confession begins.
- I don’t have a husband
- I see you are a prophet
- we worship God here
- I am waiting for the Messiah
- I am looking
- I am seeking
And Jesus says, “I Am He” – Oh my my the answer is in front of you. Then v28 says “the woman left her water jar and went to town and told the people”. She got a big drink didn’t she? She wasn’t thirsty any longer. She wanted others to know. She invited others to know – and she immediately is involved in Soul Winning 101 – “Come and See a man who told me everything… could this be the Messiah (decide for yourself but I believe)…” And then v39 many from that town believed

Questions are good when looking for answers. So, a question for those of us who know Jesus and interact with those who do not:
1. Do you recognize seekers?
2. Do you argue or engage the real issues?
3. Do you welcome or judge, invite or reject, condemn or seek to rescue?
4. Sometimes people don’t respond. Sometimes they need some time to process, sometimes they will reject – but do we keep the lines open?
Interestingly, Jesus knew his disciples wouldn’t be open to this so he sent them to the STORE before this appointment commenced. Does Jesus include us or exclude us because we won’t believe he can do it?

A quote to close –

“The thing that taxes almightiness is the very thing which as disciples of Jesus we ought to believe he will do. We impoverish his ministry to moment we forget He is Almighty.” – O.Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest – 2/27)
Comfort in an Abundance of Thoughts

February 22nd, 2023

I wrote a song about 35 years ago that my mind was drawn to today. The song was titled “Come, let’s sing for Joy”. But my song was just a rendering of songs the Psalmist wrote 3000 years ago. they are in Psalm 94&95. those Psalms numbered in the 90s are great worship feeders. I love the honesty of David’s songwriting and I can’t wait to hear him sing them some day. He is honest and when we read this, and put some of them to our own tunes, we realize that Life is hard, but God is GOOD. God is Present, he is Persistent, He is Patient, He is Prescient, that is he knows before it happens, and He is Prepared.

Psalm 94 begins “O Lord, the god who avenges (NIV). The God of Vengeance (CSB) – Paul wrote in Romans 12:19 “Vengeance belongs to me” and he is referring to Deuteronomy 32:35 Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay… in time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near. Then Moses says, The Lord will indeed vindicate his people. Oh the thoughts flood our mind when things don’t seem right, when people act wrongly, unjustly, those thoughts, “why, when, how, come on people, come on Lord”. And WE want to DO something. But Vengeance is NOT for us. Why? Because Only God is LOVE ENOUGH, only GOD is JUST enough, only God is WISE enough to do vengeance correctly. And So, v2 of Psalm 94 asks God to, RISE UP . The singer says, “Judge the earth, pay back the proud what they deserve” and then comes “How Long?” And if we read through Psalm 94 says “They say the Lord doesn’t see, pays no attention”. Oh my the thoughts that run through our head.

But THEN the songwriter tells us – “pay attention you stupid people!” (CSB). Well alright then, He reminds us that God made ears, and he can hear, and he made eyes and he can see; and he teaches, so he KNOWS, and that he disciplines. All these thoughts are running through our head about right and wrong, and v14 says the lord will not leave his people. But the questions still run through our head. V16 who stands up for me, against the wicked, against the evil doers? But v17 comes back to reality, regardless of how it’s going, if the Lord had not… another translation says unless the Lord… Come on somebody. If it had not been for the Lord… what might have been. The singer says “I’d have died.”

For me 35 years ago, I formed my second verse from vv18-19 of Psalm 94. When I cried my feet are slipping, your love, Oh Lord, supported me… When fear was great deep within me, you brought joy to my soul…

Verse 19, CSB renders it when I am filled with cares. NIV says when anxiety was great within me ESV the cares of my heart are many, KJV in the multitude of my thoughts. You can put it many ways but we can all relate. The Young’s Literal Translation rendered it, in the abundance of my thoughts within me

What do we do when our hearts are full, racing, complex, seeming without any answer… What do we Do? COME to the Lord.

When our thoughts are running all over the place, don’t go the WRONG PLACE. Don’t seek wrong help. Don’t join forces with the forces that are driving the madness you see. the singer takes a turn and asks a hard question, can a corrupt throne be your ally? Listen… God is not allied with evil. And God will not lose to evil. God is still on the throne. Yes there is EVIL in the World and they are working against the people of God, the creation of God, the Love of God… but v22 the Lord is my refuge, my God is the rock of my salvation… v23 he will pay them back… and the song ends… The Lord our God will destroy them.

Oh people, I’ve read the back of the book, God wins! And if you continue Psalm 95 says, Come, let’s shout joyfully to the Lord, shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving, let’s shout triumphantly to him in song. For the Lord is the great King above all gods.

Take some time and keep reading Psalm 95, and praise the Lord.

When your mind races, run to the Lord. Turn your thoughts to him, put your trust in him. Don’t wallow in your thoughts, Come to the Right throne, the right king. The Lord God Almighty is his Name.

Hmm I can’t finish without saying Philippians 4:8 tells us whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy, Dwell on these things. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says take captive every thought and make it obey Christ.

Oh I can’t always control my thoughts, but I CAN control what I DO with my thoughts. Shift your focus, sing for joy, take refuge in the Lord

Just for fun… Here’s a 1988 recording of that song… that’s a young Jim Goforth, in a demo recording – Enjoy

09-jim-goforth-demo-1988-come-sing-for-joy Download
The Lord is here Among

January 24th, 2023

Zephaniah 3:8 “therefore, wait for me… until the day I rise up”

Zephaniah like many of the prophets, I think of Zechariah and Daniel, tells the story of how God responds to sin and rejection of God, while still telling that history is a moment in what is eternal for God. That God judges, but God saves. That this moment might be hard, but for those who trust God there is a day coming. Here in chapter 3 God’s word goes down through what is coming – restoration, faithful service, purity, removal of shame, right living. And God calls them to v14 Sing For Joy – Shout Loudly – Be Glad, Celebrate with all your heart. We need to keep God’s work and his promises always in our minds.

Then v16 – do not fear – don’t let your hands grow weak

Why? And here is the verse that started my thoughts today, Zephaniah 3:17 ” The Lord your God is AMONG you, a Warrior who Saves. He WILL rejoice over you with gladness. He WILL quiet you in his love. He will DELIGHT in you with singing” – Oh that is beautiful.

Don’t fear – do not let your hands grow weak. Fear is a powerful force against us. yare = dismay, distress. Fear manifested is often NOT fright, but DISTRESS, feeling like I can’t control my world, I can’ t make a difference. Jeremiah 6:24 says “We have heard, and our hands have become weak. Distress has seized us like a woman in labor.” And interesting comparison that Jeremiah makes also in chapter 50 of his prophesy. Like a woman in labor – sometimes we know good is coming, but we are afraid we can’t do what it takes to get there and when it comes, we won’t be equal to the task.

But the encouragement is … The Lord is here AMONG you – qereb = in, at, among, in the middle of, entrails” Entrails? Well the Lord is the GUTS we Need! Come on somebody. Let go of your flowing robe image of Jesus …

He is a WARRIOR who SAVES – gibbor = manly, vigorous, hero, champion, strong, mighty – See Jesus standing before you, the Warrior Hero. I think about Joshua on the road to Jericho and seeing a man before him with Sword Drawn, blocking the road. He asks, “are you for us or against us.” And the Angel of the Lord – Jesus – stands before him and says “neither, I’m the Commander of the Armies of Heaven”. Yes, Jesus is our Warrior, that SAVES – yasha = delivers, avenges, is victorious – He is not just an encourager, a spectator, he is our Victorious Champion.

He will rejoice OVER you – al=over, in front, before, above – Deuteronomy 30:9 The Lord will make you prosper abundantly in all the works of your hands… Again, this is the Lord at work for us, in us, through us.

He will be quiet in his love – I like that rendering. Elsewhere it is rendered renew you. But that word, as I looked, charash carries the idea of a farmer plowing – That doesn’t mean he is silent, but more like he is quietly plowing the field, preparing for planting, preparing for harvest, the desire, the victory. – stop a minute and think about the Lord when he seems silent, seems quiet, he is just preparing for what he is bringing.

He will DELIGHT in you with SINGING – This is such a beautiful simple picture. Oh, have you ever just spontaneously sung praises to your children, your spouse, your team? “You are great, You can do it, yes you can yes you can. We got this, good is coming.” That is our Warrior, Savior, Farmer, Celebrating what he is doing, what is coming.

Know, Feel, Follow, Win, Reap the Harvest
Sanctified By the God of Peace

January 11th, 2023

“Now may the God of Peace himself, sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Paul is finishing this letter, probably his first letter written. There is such a full understanding and hope for his people here. This is a “blessing” and he is closing this letter with a communique – “may the God of peace…” he starts this blessing with the nature and work of God in us, “the God of peace”. that means “freedom from disturbances”. We come to faith in Jesus and we are free in Christ with God. We are then at peace, positionally, we have been justified, but we are still struggling with our sinful nature, there is still a battle.

It’s always good to read verses in context, so you go back to v12 here and he tells them to give respect and recognition to their leaders, given by God to lead them toward soundness and blamelessness in lifestyle. He tells them to be at peace with one another. Don’t just watch the struggle someone is having, but warn those who aren’t active, to comfort those who are discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone and pursue what is good for one another. (not just good for you, but good for you together) He says “rejoice always”(not just when you like it) He tells them to pray at mealtime? No Constantly. Give Thanks IN, not FOR, but IN everything – and then says “this IS God’s Will”. Then comes the instruction’s purpose, don’t stifle the Spirit or despise the prophesies. (often we hinder the Spirit as we won’t live and love God’s Word, read, preached, and taught) Then the simple instruction, “stay away from evil… and HOLD ON to what is Good” (simple but often not followed)

And in that context we get to v23 – “may the God of peace…” All of vv12-22 are talking about us fighting with our old nature and our new nature in Christ. May the God of peace – that is the God who MADE peace FOR us, may he then DO PEACE IN us. vv12-22 are our daily struggles to live as citizens of heaven while we are foreign residents of earth. As we release ourselves TO God, Himself, he then does things IN us in every area of life. Go back and look at the completeness of this list in vv12-22 and see how it fits into our Spirit, Soul, and Mind categories. As we fight the battle, we don’t fight alone, God himself is our lead warrior. As I release myself piece by piece, I realize he is doing an eternal work in me – NOW. As I release to him, Paul prays that we be kept blameless, sound AT the Coming – NOT AFTER – Paul is praying for steps of sanctifications NOW, don’t wait for THEN. Every moment of release, victory, and peace, is a foretaste of Glory Days in Eternity.

“Oh I can’t, Pastor” – wait read v24 – He who calls you is faithful

HE – Yes HE will do it. We have to ask ourselves in the daily, Is this He or Me? When I do it, it falls short, I fail. But When He does it, there is victory and peace.

Go back and read vv12-22… then release every struggle, get up from every fall, and find out just how ABLE God is. Rejoice, Pray, Give, Hold on, Release, Believe, and See
Now? Not Now

January 4th, 2023

I’ve oft been struck by this conversation between Jesus and Peter in John 13:36-38, and I’ve written about it before in my blog. “Lord, where are you going?” He is asking the wrong question because Jesus already said, “you cannot follow now”. The question should have been, “ok… what should I do NOW?” Let “later” take care of itself and do NOW, well, NOW. But Peter, like the child the IN ME, says, “why? why can’t I follow you now?” He even says, “I will lay down my life for you.” But Jesus says, “Oh that will happen, but not now, that’s for later, truth is you are going to deny me now.”

Interestingly, Jesus has already answered the questions in vv31-35… He’s in essence saying, “NOW – if you want to follow – glorify the Father, glorify ME. My time with you is short… where I am going you cannot come.” And then Jesus gave the pathway for NOW.

vv34 “Love one another, just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.”

This is a command not a suggestion – love

There is a measure not an imagination – as I have loved you

There is a purpose not a gesture – v35 by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another

We often would rather DIE for Jesus than LIVE for Jesus. Rather die for than LOVE LIKE. You don’t necessarily have to go out in a blaze of glory, but love like an expression of God’s glory in love given freely, given to the undeserving, given before returned, given if never returned. Dying for will come in due time, but live like, love like, so that everyone will know we are OF HIM, Following Him.

Death – maybe not now

Love – always for now

Peter needed to take care of first things first
May They Be One… So That

December 13th, 2022

As is my practice, I opened “My Utmost for His Highest” this morning, but on Mondays, staff meeting days, I just read the text, and not the writing from Ozwald Chambers. I always let the text he picks stir me and then I begin writing my staff devotion. O. Chambers today quotes part of John 17, Jesus praying the night before he is crucified.

In many ways Jesus is saying, “Well Father, here we are.” Scripture tells us that Jesus has committed to and anticipated his death as sacrifice for our sin since before the world was created. He created us, and man fell, and now time has passed and “here we are, Father”. John 17:1, “the hour has come.” There is so much in this prayer. O. Chambers focuses on v22, “that they may be one, even as we are one.” And when I read that my mind began racing with that.

“So, I go back and put it in context. “Glorify your son, that the son may glorify you.” then “You gave authority… so that… may give eternal life… glorify me in your presence.” Oh My, we often want our glory… recognition… but at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and for the wrong reasons. “So, I go back and put it in context. “Glorify your son, that the son may glorify you.” then “You gave authority… so that… may give eternal life… glorify me in your presence.” Oh My, we often want our glory… recognition… but at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and for the wrong reasons.

“I revealed your name to the people you gave me…” Oh that’s not just for Jesus, or preachers, but for all of us. Are we revealing his name to all he has given us?

And Jesus prays for all of us. He prays for our protection as we are in this world but not OF this world. We are bound for God’s presence. And again, this is not just for the disciples, but all the way down the line. v20 I pray not only for these (the 12) but also for those who believe in me through this word (that’s all of us) v21 May they be one, as you, Father are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that (say “so that”) the world may believe you sent me v22 I have given them the glory (doxa – brightness / reputation) you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one v23 I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be one, that the world may know you sent me, and have loved them as you have loved me

Now, I am always greatly challenged by verses that say, “so that”. Not “so what?” but “so that” Go back and count all the “so that” statements in this prayer. There are 4 just in these vv21-23 alone.

That they may be one – so many times we want to stop right there and define it for ourselves. “See we need to all like the same stuff, no fighting, just love…” But then Jesus defines “one” “as we are one”. Now, ues, you and I are NOT God. We don’t know all, love all, we aren’t perfect. But still, there is a marker, “you must be THIS tall to ride this ride.” as we are one

Well church, the hour has come, long since come, for us to do what we were born to do. Every church has been born to be the Bride of Christ, a city on a hill, the light of the world, live love, not just proclaim but live good news. I go back to the opening of this prayer and ask, “are we glorifying God?” Are we shining HIS goodness, making his reputation known? How do we do that? By completing the work he gave us to do. Matthew 28:19-20 As you go, make disciples, baptize them, teach them. Acts 1:8 – be witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth. John 13:34-35 – love one another, just as I have loved you… by this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another. You know why the world doesn’t know or believe? It is because we are striving to complete the wrong tasks. God did not send us to fix political policy, or straighten out our neighbors, but to love and make disciples as we go. He has called us, prayed for us to be ONE AS… Father and Son are One.

v17 Sanctify them by the truth – we need to be cleaned, washed, made holy, hallowed by this truth. – Oh but that’s just “Jesus stuff” right pastor? well, v18 as you sent me… I have sent them into the world… that they may sanctify themselves by this truth – Oh… me too huh?

Oh we all love God, and we admire God, but do we really want to bear and live toward his bright glorious reputation? Like it or not, if we are the people of God, servants of God, the church of God, we have a reputation of love, commitment, sacrifice, holiness, purpose – God’s reputation / glory has been given to us. Have you ever had a non-Christian say to you, “but the church should be…” or “aren’t you a Christian and you should be…” And they are actually RIGHT! They may not want but they expect US to do it. And we should be a unified “WE” committed to that glory, that unity, as Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus lived that out, “I only speak what the Father says” “I only do what the Father is doing” “I have completed the tasks you gave me to do” “I reveal your name to those you gave me”.

Do we do this so that we can be famous? NO It is so that HE can be famous. So that THEY may believe.

Let me close with this thought – May we be ONE like a HAND… not like even 5 fingers, but as a HAND. Fingers are there, but they are together a HAND. Fingers operating fully independently can get hurt, or do things the hand didn’t intend. But fingers working together, according to the direction of the head, empowered by the arm, can play a symphony in perfect tune, and that’s beautiful.

We are to be made one SO THAT the world may KNOW – that we have a Sending Lord and God – That we have a Purpose and Power that is not ours. Know that you are SENT and know that you Just as Jesus was loved by the Father, then we also are loved in the same way

Oh, let’s be ONE – Define it, Determine to do it, Depend upon it, be Directed by it.
The Righteousness of God…

November 29th, 2022

Romans 3 is a very well-known passage and verse 23 one of the most quoted in scripture. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Yep, we know it and quote it, and I’m not going to write anything here that most don’t know, but… I’m going to write anyway. Yesterday, I read v22 which begins, The Righteousness of God…

Growing up in the church, in a pastor’s home, doing “right” was drummed into me from the beginning. And when I came up short, it was often drummed in with the drum of discipline, often administered with wood or leather. I know that’s not politically correct, but discipline IS important for good development. I’m not saying that I believe in abuse, but I do believe in correction. Yet, even good correction doesn’t bring about God’s Righteousness.

Scripture is clear that ALL of our righteous acts are comparatively “filthy rags”. (Isaiah 64.6) polluted garments (CSB) and the literal meaning of the word is worse than that, something we wouldn’t want to talk about but a regular reality of life. So, Paul makes it clear v22 the righteousness of God is THROUGH (because of, by) faith IN Jesus Christ – Not just ANY faith, not just sincerity, but by belief IN Jesus – And not just anyone named Jesus, but Jesus, born in Bethlehem, the promised Christ / Messiah, the previously existent, only, Son of God, faith in that Jesus is the vehicle to the righteousness of God

To ALL who believe (verb, present, active tense = believe, entrust, actively now)

Why? Because we all fall short. I said a few minutes ago, I often came up short, and I still do. And discipline was drummed into me. But verse 22 says there is no distinction. Colossians 3:11 says there is no distinction, not Greek or Jew… Barbarian or Scythian slave or free” … WE are the one who make distinctions, well if you come from this family, or are in this position, or are only THIS “bad”. But without distinction, we ALL come up short. “Well, my sin isn’t as bad as theirs.” NO DIFFERENCE, no table of reference – Short is Short = unrighteous. The “bar” of measure is the glory (weight, reputation) of God. ALL SHORT

But v22 also says to all who believe… that is also without distinction. ALL… v24 they… oh here’s the good news – just like there is no distinction / difference in our sin, there is not distinction in the OPPORTUNITY

– SAVE ONE – to all WHO BELIEVE – IF they have faith in Jesus, THEN, they are Justified Freely by his grace.

Now stop and look at that backwards – charis – grace = that’s receiving something good that I do not deserve. It comes freely – dorean = a gift, no charge, not earned. Grace, freely given… they – those who believe – they are justified – dikaioo = declared righteous. A verdict is rendered in the courts of Heaven. This is not earned on the battlefield, it is not earned in a contest, it is not earned by inheritance or family position. This word is in the present tense, is passive, and plural. This isn’t only for ONE, but for ALL WHO, and I can’t DO anything for it, but it is being done, remains done, for all who believe – Our position / standing is changed from the state of short of God’s Glory / righteousness, to being declared righteous!

Whew hands up somebody celebrate

We are, in the declaration of Heaven, moved from one position to another; from short of, to positioned in

By Grace… through the redemption that is IN Christ Jesus

Yes, God IS Love, but he is also JUST. So, forgiveness is available, but is borne by the work of Christ at the cross, and only received as we believe and receive that provision. I owed a debt beyond my ability to pay, and he had paid a debt he did not owe on my behalf. And when I believe and receive, everything CHANGES!

Oh, I know we know this, or do we? do you? Just an important reminder today, and if you have not, you can right now. Stop trying and start trusting, stop wondering and believe, and find the change of God. There is a great chasm between us and God, but faith in the work of Christ, bridges the gap
Just a Cog in a Wheel

November 15th, 2022
Genesis 24 in total is a very interesting event in the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. At the end of verse 27 of chapter 24, the servant of Abraham on task to find a wife for Isaac said, “as for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to…

Abraham finally got the promised son, Isaac, when he was 100. Not the son he had first fathered, trying to “help” God. But the son that God had promised in unprecedented circumstances, unnatural timing, but still in the natural way with his wife, Sarah. Sarah has now died, and Isaac is of marrying age. They are living in tents in Canaan, the land of God’s promise. Abraham wanted him to have a wife from his people back in his homeland. So, he assigns his servant to go “home” and find a suitable wife for Isaac. He made this servant give him a deep oath of promise. That practice was gripping under the thigh. The strongest bone, the strongest muscle, strongest tendon, it was a way to say, I won’t break this or that.

Now, I was thinking about this and that servant
1. Abraham gave the instruction and he would ultimately get descendants, heirs of the promise of God that would carry on the promise of God – Good for Him
2. Isaac would get a wife – Good for Him
3. But the Servant – what’s in it for HIM?
  - The Journey with the Lord
  - the Fulfillment of his task
  - the Joy of just being a Cog in a wheel in something bigger than Him
  - A story to tell in Eternity
What’s a “cog in a wheel”?

American Heritage Dictionary says “someone or something that is small in significance in an operation or organization

Fairlex Partner Idioms says small or mundane, could be underappreciated, or unacknowledged in a large enterprise

Do you ever feel that way? Genesis 24:2 Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his household who managed all he owned… So this IS a guy who is important and does a lot… but we don’t even know his NAME. Yet, the “machine” that would fulfill Genesis 12’s promises to Abraham – name great – family – land – has a “gear” that has a “tooth” “a cog” that is this Servant. Without his work, no wife for Isaac, no children, no Jacob, no Israel, the people that become the birthing nation of the Messiah. Certainly God will do what God will do, but this Cog, keeps them involved. And so this unnamed, insignificant cog, goes, follows, and meets a girl named Rebekah, and in v27 he states the way of the cog in the wheel, “as for me…”. Many of us try and make our own way for fulfillment, make a name… but as for me…
- The Lord has led me on the journey
Wow, there is a sermon here, but this is just a devotion. The Lord is at work. This servant, this cog, asks Abraham and God a series of clarifying questions. A lot of “what if” scenarios are laid out. “What is she won’t come?” “Should I take Isaac there?” NO – Abraham has trust in the God he knows personally because Abraham as been on a journey with the Lord. v7 The LORD – YHWH – any time you see all caps in the scripture it is speaking of God’s covenant name. So when Moses tells us this story, he is talking to God’s people and reminding them that this is the God he met in the burning bush, the I AM. And so Abraham tells this cog in the wheel, the God who took me from… who spoke to me… swore to me… HE… He will send his angel before… if she is unwilling then you are free from this oath. In other words, I trust God, and if I’ve missed God, then you are free, but I Trust God to prepare the way for fulfillment of his promises.
- The Lord has LED me – nachah = bring, brought, lead, guide I’m just a cog in the wheel… there are powers behind this wheel. I’m just a tooth, not the wheel, I’m part of the wheel, but not the machine, I’m part of it, but I’m not the power behind it, I’m just doing my part
In verse 12 this servant prays to the source, the LORD and asks make this happen for me today and show kindness to Abrham…. And he asks for very clear signs so he can be sure and follow and do his part. And it says that before he even finished praying, there was Rebekah. Now, I’m not saying nor expecting that God always does what I want, but God does always answer. And v21 says he silently watched to see whether or not the Lord had made his journey a success.
- As for me, the LORD has led me on the JOURNEY to
the journey – derek = road, distance, journey, manner. A tooth on a machine wheel can’t get anywhere alone. A cog just goes WITH the wheel, in the machine, under the power, for the purpose. The cog is always just on a journey.
- The LORD has led me on THE journey TO
notice two significant cog-like words THE and TO. This is not just ANY journey, but THE journey. And not just ANYWHERE but TO a destination. There is specificity to the journey the Lord leads us on. There is a reason, a destination… we are part of something he is doing. It is not just a decoration, but an instrument for God’s reckoning, we are on a mission.

Rebekah, meets him, hears him, and runs to tell her mother’s household, and this grateful cog in a wheel begins v27, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld his kindness and faithfulness from my Master – notice the focus again on the work of God FOR those he serves. And As For Me…

If we,who are just a cog in the wheel, will look we CAN find joy. Joy comes from… we already said it, but let’s refocus – the Joy for the Cog in the wheel comes from…
- The Journey with the LORD – even if it seems like we aren’t going anywhere, or doing anything special, we ARE WITH the LORD. That’s Joy
- The Joy of fulfillment of the tasks given. Not the Joy of who knows, or recognition for accomplishment, but of finishing the task… it was FOR the LORD anyway
- The Joy of being even an insignificant cog in the wheel. Each cog is important, so we join in the work, on the wheel, part of the machine, enabled by the power, for the greater purpose.
- And then the Joy of the Story we will tell in Eternity – no one may know here. This guy is unnamed in scripture, and surely never got to see much of the result of his work, but I believe he went into eternity a man who knew and trusted the LORD and he will have a story when I meet him in Heaven one day
On my, that unnamed servant. He believed in the LORD – He believed it was By Him and For Him. He praised the Lord and the Lord’s blessing of others through him. He cultivated and welcomed being a Cog in an Eternal Wheel.

Don’t be discouraged by anything that is unrecognized nor insignificant in your service, trusted servant – God has blessed you and included you in an amazing eternal story
Let Endurance Finish

August 5th, 2022

James 1:4 (CSB) Let endurance have its full effect so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing

(Moffat) Let endurance be a finished product, so that you may be finished and complete, with never a defect

James got a little late start as the brother of Jesus, having grown up around him, yet didn’t believe in him as Savior and Lord until after the resurrection. When he finally believed, resurrection proven, he was all in and his letter is like, “Hi, I’m James…” then he gets right to it.

As an athlete, I relate to this, vv2-3 “consider it a great joy… various trials… the testing of your faith produces endurance.” But they have a purpose… v4 Let Endurance have its full effect… or Moffat says be a finished product. Gaining endurance is important for every athletic endeavor, but not just for the sake of endurance.

So that… you HAVE endurance? NO. So that you have endurance FOR THE TASK, the full effect. The finished product is NOT endurance, but so that you may be mature, be complete, be lacking nothing.

I’ve always been an athlete, but I was never a fan of running. Then a few years ago things happened, I had some surgery, and couldn’t work out or do anything with my shoulder, so I started running on a treadmill. I got into a routine, and it became part of my life. My brother is a marathoner and an ironman, I asked him a few months in, “am I a runner, even though I only run on a treadmill?” He said, “well, you run…” About 10 months later we chatted on Facetime and he said to me, “you look great, you are more fit than ever, and you have ‘runner’s face’”. And I said, “so you are saying, ‘I am a runner.’” He said, “yes, you are a runner.”

My endurance is producing something bigger. So, “let endurance have its full effect.”

Churches are full of people who know a lot and have been through hard struggles, and developed endurance, but is the endurance having its full effect? Is the work moving toward results so that you may be mature, complete, lacking nothing? You may be positionally “perfect” but has it completed something in you? The work has a goal, the endurance has a by-product. What does 2 Corinthians 1:4-7 say? You have affliction and God takes us through it, comforts us in it, “so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction… just as sufferings overflow to us, so also the comfort overflows… affliction is for comfort and salvation… which produces in you patient endurance. Then if you read on Paul says, don’t be unaware that it was more than our strength could handle, and we even thought we might not make it. But we DID… for you, for others, for maturity, Christ has delivered us, and we have hope that he will again! Back to James, he says if you don’t know what to do, ask God and he gives answers.

Brethren, fellow travelers, let this struggle, trials, work, effort, give you endurance… but let the endurance have full effect. Let it reach its end, its purpose, making you what God intended, that you might bring someone along the way with you. God has a finish, and the endurance you have had built in you by what God is taking you through will get you there.

Let God Take You… to the end