Tag: first baptist ferguson

May They Be One

May 23rd, 2023

John 17 – Jesus is praying in the garden, praying for his 12, perhaps 11. He prays knowing the hatred and vitriol that will come against them. He prays not for removal, but protection, because the task is important. He says, So sanctify them… That is, make them holy (hagiazo) dedicate, anoint, ordain – How? What sets us apart? Truth in the Word. Then he clarifies and expands in v20 NOT ONLY for these, but also for THOSE who believe in me through their word.

– That’s US

He prays for US, may they all be one… may they also be in us… SO THAT the world may believe you sent me…

It’s so simple and yet complex. What’s the defining image of this unity that Jesus prayed for in us? As you, Father, are in me and I am in you. So, we are not imagining that we become gods, nor perfection, but there is something we are striving toward. And I’m immediately mindful of 2 Peter 1:3-4, his divine power has given all we need for life and godliness… so that you may share in / participate in divine nature. How? Peter says, through knowledge of him who called us… he has given us great and precious promises so that through them we may share in divine nature, escaping the corruption in the world.

Hmmm… and Jesus prayed that we would believe in the word and that we are sanctified in the word. Could it be that his Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path that we might not sin against God? (Ps119:105) Hmmm… I seem to remember that verse being conveniently in nearly the middle of the Bible.

So, Jesus says we need to be ONE as he is one with the Father. And Jesus said, he only does what he sees the Father doing (John 5:19). And we know that the Father is glorifying the son and placing all things under his feet. Could UNITY be as “simple” as only doing what the Father is doing, seeking that the Kingdom Come, his will be done on earth as it is in heaven? Could unity be as simple as following the Father’s Will to Glorify the Son and place everything under his feet and NOT under our own thumb? Could it be that when unity escapes us that we are simply out of line with this simple purpose?

Oh don’t get me wrong – there will be assignments for us as individual churches that are different and even divide us in task, but there can be a difference in tasks without disunity being the result. Our human understanding even may separate our tasks – but we don’t have to be disunified from our desire to be ONE in our commitment to the Work of the Father to Glorify the Son and the Son’s commitment to follow the Father, and all happens in the power of The Spirit.

Why? So That the world may believe that Jesus is FROM the Father. v22 says I have given them glory. Doxa – I love that word, it speaks of weight, reputation, heaviness, honor. Any good name we have is for the purpose of unity, being ONE – evhen = alike, alone, common. Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct and yet one, and so can we be one. I am in them and you are in me so that they may be COMPLETELY One. That word should sound familiar – teleioo – perfect, finished That’s a Cross Victory word. Salvation was finished at the cross, and yet he is still finishing, sanctifying us, and as we release self toward this unity, then we are moving toward the Bigger Picture

– v23 that the world may know you sent me AND have loved THEM as you have loved me …

Hmmm… could it be that when we aren’t committed to John 17:21-26 being a reality that it makes it harder for the world to believe John 3:16 is true for them? Praise God it isn’t impossible, but it certainly IS harder – yes.

Lord, let v26 be true of me/us I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known so that the love you have loved me with may be in them
Are Your Names Written?

April 25th, 2023

We need to make sure we rejoice in the right things. Most all of us want to be “known”, but for what? In Luke 10 Jesus sent out 36 pairs of missionaries. Their job was to make preparations, to open doors. They were going ahead of Jesus, “to every town (v1) where he himself was about to go.” He told them, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, pray the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into His Harvest. Now Go,”

It’s important that we know, who is sending; who we work for; that he is coming behind us; and that it’s HIS harvest.

There are plenty of good instructions here that Jesus gave them as they went. Their job was to proclaim peace and proclaim that the Kingdom of God has come near. He told them that if the people didn’t welcome them, STILL proclaim the Kingdom is near.

Now, I said that we all want to be known, but v13 we hear woe to Chorazin and Bethsaida. They were known, they got press, but it was for failing to Repent. And then Capernaum is also named for basically maintaining their destiny to Hades, instead of changing their path and becoming Kingdom Citizens – and Jesus says, whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me. This is the same warning of John 5:23 anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

So the 72 went out, and obviously has an amazing experience though it isn’t recorded here, but in v17 they are coming back feeling like Wow this is amazing. ” they returned with Joy“, and here is where you expect them to talk about all those who responded in faith and expectation of the coming of Jesus. But instead, their testimony is, “even the demons submit to us, in your name”. Well, at least they gave the name of Jesus some credit, but they missed the point. Jesus says, “Look, I have given you authority to trample on snakes… scorpions… and over the power of the enemy, nothing will harm you… HOWEVER… You see – Rejoicing has a point, has a target. Worship, celebration, rejoicing, have a focus – His Name is Jesus! If I am rejoicing on what I DID, then I AM the object of the rejoicing. And Jesus says, “Don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, BUT rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Jeremiah 9:23-24 “This is what the Lord says, the wise should not boast in his wisdom… strength… wealth… boast in this, that he understands and knows me – that I am The LORD, showing faithful love, justice, righteousness on the earth, for I delight in THESE things, This is the Lord’s declaration.”

Rejoice in the Right Things

Then I was reading Malachi 3, oh I have read it before, but these verses never jumped out at me as they did in this context. 3:16 says, “those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before him for those who feared the Lord and had high regard for his name.” Wow! It was common for Kings to have books written, even of daily events. The king in Esther was having trouble sleeping and he had the daily books read to him. And so Malachi says, God has a book written about those who spoke to one another about their fear of and high regard for the Lord.

So, let me finish – There is a book, well, a few books in heaven, I guess in the Lord’s Office Library. There is the Lamb’s Book of Life – My Name is written there because I have received his grace by faith and been reborn, a new creation, a child of God. And then Psalm 56 tells me that there is a book where God records all of my misery, all of my tears, God takes notice, why, because he cares for me. God doesn’t always take away my struggles, but he notices, and he weeps with me, and one day I believe he will show me that book, perhaps when he wipes away every tear from my eyes. But then we see another book in Malachi 3. There is a book that God has caused to be written to record those who fear him, who have a high regard for his name. I want my name to be in that book too, in God’s Library. God notices. Then 3:17 says, “‘They will be mine’, says the Lord of Armies, ‘my own possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. 18 So you again will see the difference… between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.’”

Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? If you don’t know, believe on the name of Jesus, receive him as Lord (John 1:12) and you will be a child of God, your name will be written in the most important book in Eternity. And then one day, in Heaven, I believe we will get a chance to see our names in some other books, and see how much we matter to the LORD.

Rejoice in that – God sees, he knows, he cares
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…
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…
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!
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!
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
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