"Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience." - 2 Corinthians 5:11 ESV
That word 'persuade' is the Greek word peitho (Strong's G3982) and it simply means 'to win one's favour', pacify or produce trust in someone.
I love that this is linked to God-consciousness in this passage. This reciprocal relationship a person has with God and that God has with a person is somehow on display and seen.
We say, 'That person knows God and somehow I sense God knows them.' when we are persuaded in the way that this passage is describing persuasion.
Sometimes I run across a religious person and think, 'Does that person even know what or who they are talking about?' because what they are saying is alienating in some way.
"For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer." - 2 Corinthians 5:13-16 ESV
I often don't know what to say or how to help. I want to help. God has inserted care into my heart. That care is linked to a 'fear' (or an awe) of God's way of knowing people.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
Thank you God. Give us places to shine. We want people to be persuaded absent from striving, effort and arguing. We want your light to shine in through some small gap into every hardened heart. We want truth to penetrate every lie. We want every drowning soul to be rescued from pain and isolation and brought into fellowship.
It can't be by words alone. It must be by love and by lifting up Jesus and his cross that has impacted every life in some way.
God, Make us people who display the love and impact of the cross.
--
Showing posts with label Edification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edification. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
The Introductions Of John The Baptist
Ethos. Pathos. Logos. Three means of persuasion.
When a speaker is introduced an argument for each is traditionally given in that introduction. 'This person is 'ethical' and you should listen.' There is an emotional appeal of some kind also and lastly logic is given to give reasons why they should have our ear. Degrees are declared. Time served is calculated and presented. It is all done in order for an audience to give a person a chance.
I thought of that this morning while reading the introduction of John the Baptist in the three Gospels where he is mentioned.
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.' ' Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins." - Matthew 3:1-6 ESV
"As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'' John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, 'After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.' " - Mark 1:2-8 ESV
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." - Luke 3:1-3 ESV
Three different introductions that appeal to our minds in slightly different ways. God wants us to believe that John has a place in his order. Later we find out that John is a man just like us and is brought into a season of doubt but here the Spirit seeks to convince us that John had a ministry. A person only has that if God gives it to them and people benefit most if the ministry is recognized on some level.
All who believe today are sent ones. We have a ministry. John had one previous to the cross and he proclaimed a message that pointed people to Jesus. We have a post-cross ministry that proclaims the forgiveness of sins that points people to Christ also.
We can build each other up in our divine identities. Our conversations can leave people persuaded that they are loved and that they have divine credentials.
When I go out with someone to talk about Jesus I really enjoy creatively talking about my partner to the people we are evangelizing and saying how amazing they are. Not only does it build everyone up but it verifies the message of forgiveness. Gospel messengers who happily honor each other as they go are using ethos, pathos and logos in their simple presentations. The results of the Gospel message are on display. Love is manifested. It verifies that God has sent another 'voice crying out in the wilderness' to gather people to Himself and dunk them in His truth.
--
When a speaker is introduced an argument for each is traditionally given in that introduction. 'This person is 'ethical' and you should listen.' There is an emotional appeal of some kind also and lastly logic is given to give reasons why they should have our ear. Degrees are declared. Time served is calculated and presented. It is all done in order for an audience to give a person a chance.
I thought of that this morning while reading the introduction of John the Baptist in the three Gospels where he is mentioned.
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.' ' Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins." - Matthew 3:1-6 ESV
"As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'' John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, 'After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.' " - Mark 1:2-8 ESV
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." - Luke 3:1-3 ESV
Three different introductions that appeal to our minds in slightly different ways. God wants us to believe that John has a place in his order. Later we find out that John is a man just like us and is brought into a season of doubt but here the Spirit seeks to convince us that John had a ministry. A person only has that if God gives it to them and people benefit most if the ministry is recognized on some level.
All who believe today are sent ones. We have a ministry. John had one previous to the cross and he proclaimed a message that pointed people to Jesus. We have a post-cross ministry that proclaims the forgiveness of sins that points people to Christ also.
We can build each other up in our divine identities. Our conversations can leave people persuaded that they are loved and that they have divine credentials.
When I go out with someone to talk about Jesus I really enjoy creatively talking about my partner to the people we are evangelizing and saying how amazing they are. Not only does it build everyone up but it verifies the message of forgiveness. Gospel messengers who happily honor each other as they go are using ethos, pathos and logos in their simple presentations. The results of the Gospel message are on display. Love is manifested. It verifies that God has sent another 'voice crying out in the wilderness' to gather people to Himself and dunk them in His truth.
--
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Prayers For A Edifying Thanksgiving
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." - Ephesians 4:29-30 ESV
Wow. What a great passage. What we say and do can 'build up' but it is grace that really does the building.
I have been praying all week for the coming Thanksgiving holiday. People will be with people and it is an opportunity to build in an unusual setting.
God bless us as we are with people. It is a day to be thankful to you. Bless our interactions. We worship You God. You are the God of all grace. Orient us to your mind. These events can be interesting ones for so many people. Touch those who are grieving and those who are rejoicing and everyone inbetween. Thank You Lord.
--
Wow. What a great passage. What we say and do can 'build up' but it is grace that really does the building.
I have been praying all week for the coming Thanksgiving holiday. People will be with people and it is an opportunity to build in an unusual setting.
God bless us as we are with people. It is a day to be thankful to you. Bless our interactions. We worship You God. You are the God of all grace. Orient us to your mind. These events can be interesting ones for so many people. Touch those who are grieving and those who are rejoicing and everyone inbetween. Thank You Lord.
--
Friday, August 4, 2017
Two Things That The Gospel Of Grace Gives
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again... And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified... You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship." - Acts 20:24-25, 32, 34-38 ESV
Paul is sure that God's grace is able to give us two things. It is able to build us up and it is able to give us a joint inheritance. Now and Later are covered.
Paul knew He wasn't coming back but He also knew that the words He had spoken to these people had been about Christ. The Gospel of Grace had been given. He had explained thoroughly about Jesus in the Hebrew scriptures and about the cross. He had explained the free gift of salvation dozens of ways. He wasn't like other teachers that demanded tribute. He wasn't securing a following for himself for security or financial gain so that if he came back this way as he traveled some scholarly teaching circuit he would have connections in this city. He wasn't networking. He was loving God and working with his hands as he labored in the word.
There may be people who are only in your life for a short season. I feel that way on Saturdays when we talk to people about life, death, Heaven and Hell. I may never see them again but in a moment I (we) can give them something eternal. We don't offer a momentary smile like an entertainer does... smiles are great but they are like flowers that fade. We offer a Savior who saves and sticks closer than a brother long after we leave the scene.
Are people just in our lives so we can get something from them or is it an opportunity to give something eternal away?
Grace is able to build up. Grace is able to give an 'inheritance among all those who are sanctified' and that is precious beyond imagining.
--
Paul is sure that God's grace is able to give us two things. It is able to build us up and it is able to give us a joint inheritance. Now and Later are covered.
Paul knew He wasn't coming back but He also knew that the words He had spoken to these people had been about Christ. The Gospel of Grace had been given. He had explained thoroughly about Jesus in the Hebrew scriptures and about the cross. He had explained the free gift of salvation dozens of ways. He wasn't like other teachers that demanded tribute. He wasn't securing a following for himself for security or financial gain so that if he came back this way as he traveled some scholarly teaching circuit he would have connections in this city. He wasn't networking. He was loving God and working with his hands as he labored in the word.
There may be people who are only in your life for a short season. I feel that way on Saturdays when we talk to people about life, death, Heaven and Hell. I may never see them again but in a moment I (we) can give them something eternal. We don't offer a momentary smile like an entertainer does... smiles are great but they are like flowers that fade. We offer a Savior who saves and sticks closer than a brother long after we leave the scene.
Are people just in our lives so we can get something from them or is it an opportunity to give something eternal away?
Grace is able to build up. Grace is able to give an 'inheritance among all those who are sanctified' and that is precious beyond imagining.
--
Friday, January 20, 2017
Holy Discretion
The last few days have been interesting ones. I usually live a very transparent existence. I say what is on my mind and share what I am studying freely.
It is my conviction to have a purposeful life. If something is put down it is there for a reason. Words should have weight. If something is said it should be said with purpose. If it is withheld it also has a purpose.
Purposefully transparency is a great way to live but every season demands some variation and I have been convicted these last few days to withhold some of what I am thinking and not share all that I am studying because edification and growth is my ultimate purpose.
I hope that makes sense. This isn't a comfortable way to live but at times it is a necessary one that we don't speak about. Liars withhold until they are infected by their own lie and even begin to believe them. Many people withhold for the wrong reasons but there is also a right kind of withholding.
"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." - Psalm 86:15 KJV
God endures in longsuffering.
"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." - Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV
He has secrets that He doesn't share.
I find myself asking the question, 'Why do I feel compelled to withhold this or that?' because not sharing sometimes feels like a burden.
Embarrassment isn't a good reason to withhold nor is shame. Those are not spiritual motivations.
I think God shows us some things purely for our prayer life. We don't say anything about them to anyone but God and that is right and true because those 'spoken words' would not do anyone else any good.
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 KJV
This is an amazing verse. Perhaps in the context of this topic we can look at others and realize that people carry things they can not or will not talk about and we can be prayerful for them knowing that we also have things we don't say or do because the timing just isn't right.
"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away." - Luke 8:16-18 ESV
Yes.
Can God trust us? All will eventually be revealed but can we live in a holy confidentiality because we have a redemptive purpose?
God help us. Give us transparency in what might be embarrassing about ourselves but give us discretion in matters of edification. We are Yours and all that we do (or don't do) is Yours also. Keep us from false burdens. Help us to know when to be quiet and when to speak. Teach us Lord. Thank You God.
--
It is my conviction to have a purposeful life. If something is put down it is there for a reason. Words should have weight. If something is said it should be said with purpose. If it is withheld it also has a purpose.
Purposefully transparency is a great way to live but every season demands some variation and I have been convicted these last few days to withhold some of what I am thinking and not share all that I am studying because edification and growth is my ultimate purpose.
I hope that makes sense. This isn't a comfortable way to live but at times it is a necessary one that we don't speak about. Liars withhold until they are infected by their own lie and even begin to believe them. Many people withhold for the wrong reasons but there is also a right kind of withholding.
"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." - Psalm 86:15 KJV
God endures in longsuffering.
"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." - Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV
He has secrets that He doesn't share.
I find myself asking the question, 'Why do I feel compelled to withhold this or that?' because not sharing sometimes feels like a burden.
Embarrassment isn't a good reason to withhold nor is shame. Those are not spiritual motivations.
I think God shows us some things purely for our prayer life. We don't say anything about them to anyone but God and that is right and true because those 'spoken words' would not do anyone else any good.
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 KJV
This is an amazing verse. Perhaps in the context of this topic we can look at others and realize that people carry things they can not or will not talk about and we can be prayerful for them knowing that we also have things we don't say or do because the timing just isn't right.
"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away." - Luke 8:16-18 ESV
Yes.
Can God trust us? All will eventually be revealed but can we live in a holy confidentiality because we have a redemptive purpose?
God help us. Give us transparency in what might be embarrassing about ourselves but give us discretion in matters of edification. We are Yours and all that we do (or don't do) is Yours also. Keep us from false burdens. Help us to know when to be quiet and when to speak. Teach us Lord. Thank You God.
--
Monday, August 8, 2016
The God Of Endurance And Encouragement
Let's not underestimate the power of encouragement. The right words at the right time mean so much when they are personal and wise.
I think if God appeared to us this morning and spoke to us like we speak to each other He would encourage us and build us up.
"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 15:5-6 ESV
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
If you started something with the intention of glorifying God then please don't quit. If you love some wholesome thing then don't stop. Don't let years go by and then say later, 'Why did I stop?' don't live with regrets that you didn't do what was set before you to do.
"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 ESV
It is my conviction that when we delight in God He puts desires in our heart and then gives those things to us... but none of these things happen in a vacuum. God uses people in His process.
I have a goal this week.
I am going to look for ways to encourage people. I am going to pray that God would open my eyes to who needs a word of encouragement and how to say it creatively so it will be received. My goal is to do that to as many people as possible. I want to use all the tools in my tool belt. Humor, wisdom, inquisitiveness, simplicity... whatever it takes.
I'm also going to keep putting one step in front of the other in the things I love. How can I tell others not to quit if I have quit on what I love?
"...And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20b ESV
God is with us. He isn't leaving. He is for us.
Even if it is just one little thing scheduled everyday.
Don't quit.
--
I think if God appeared to us this morning and spoke to us like we speak to each other He would encourage us and build us up.
"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 15:5-6 ESV
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
If you started something with the intention of glorifying God then please don't quit. If you love some wholesome thing then don't stop. Don't let years go by and then say later, 'Why did I stop?' don't live with regrets that you didn't do what was set before you to do.
"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 ESV
It is my conviction that when we delight in God He puts desires in our heart and then gives those things to us... but none of these things happen in a vacuum. God uses people in His process.
I have a goal this week.
I am going to look for ways to encourage people. I am going to pray that God would open my eyes to who needs a word of encouragement and how to say it creatively so it will be received. My goal is to do that to as many people as possible. I want to use all the tools in my tool belt. Humor, wisdom, inquisitiveness, simplicity... whatever it takes.
I'm also going to keep putting one step in front of the other in the things I love. How can I tell others not to quit if I have quit on what I love?
"...And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20b ESV
God is with us. He isn't leaving. He is for us.
Even if it is just one little thing scheduled everyday.
Don't quit.
--
Friday, April 8, 2016
Dreaming Dreams Of Redemption
Eidetic visualization is the ability to construct internal visual images of something using details described or only briefly experienced by the senses. It involves imagination and is much more prominent in children than in adults. It is akin to reading a book or a series of books and constructing what you are reading in your mind as an image. You have never seen the characters but because they are described to the reader and the reader has seen other things that meet that description so they construct a mental image. The Greeks explored this concept and wondered about the reality of these mentally constructed images thinking that perhaps if many people 'saw' something in their minds that perhaps what they were seeing was a higher plane of existence... a realm of the Gods. Modern authors like Neil Gaiman use a variant of this idea creating stories where fairy tale characters have a reality (or life) based on the number of people that believe in them.
The Apostles spent time with Jesus as disciples and because they did they knew what it was like to be loved. God supplied them with materials that would be used later when Jesus was gone. They had revival muscle memory. When we have been loved we know what it is like to be loved. If we have been in a culture of love we long for it when we have to be in a another kind of culture for any period of time.
The Bible is a very black and white book. It makes the claim that what God thinks is real. He imagined us and we became real. The atheist wants to believe it is the other way around.
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth." - Psalm 139:14-15 ESV
Jesus said,
"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." - Luke 11:20 KJV
Which is interesting because He is God's finger. He Is the manifestation of the eternal that God placed in time and space so that we could experience divine reality. Humanity was cut off so God reached into time so that we could experience Him again.
"The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:7-10 ESV
Our belief in God doesn't make Him real. His belief in us makes us real. If we taste and see the goodness of God then we are blessed and a capacity is built in us for blessing.
In Romans 4:17 God made promises to Abraham and declared things that had not happened yet in this man's experience. He said that Abraham would be a father and Abraham mixed faith with that promise. Abraham had the beginnings of a mental structure that matched God's structure because Abraham mixed faith with God's promise. Today we see that Abraham is the father of many. God was faithful.
We have been given the ability to bind and loose.
"Assuredly, I am saying to you, Whatever you forbid on earth, shall have already been forbidden in heaven. And whatever you permit on earth, shall have already been permitted in heaven." - Matthew 18:18 (Wuest Expanded Translation)
We have that ability because of exposure to God's kingdom. The Bible gives us objective exposure and the people of God manifest the life of God in degrees so that we experience Him in other ways. One on one relationships contribute to that and corporate ones do also.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV
Revival muscle memory give us the ability to cast down mental structures that are lifted up as accusations. Exercise in love can make us mighty in warfare also if we discern the warfare.
These are lofty ideas but they have day to day application. When we let God love us and when we love people in the same way that we have been loved God builds capacity in people and us at the same time. God builds things using eternal building blocks. We function as ambassadors for a kingdom. The more details that are given to people the more complete the image is. Teaching and speaking about the Bible is so vital. It explains the love. It gives a context for suffering. Deception is recognized and resisted. Reality begins to make sense. Hope is born in the heart.
God helps us today. We love because You first loved us. Let Your love be manifested as a culture of love in new places today. Bring light into darkness. We trust You for this as we dream dreams of redemption.
--
The Apostles spent time with Jesus as disciples and because they did they knew what it was like to be loved. God supplied them with materials that would be used later when Jesus was gone. They had revival muscle memory. When we have been loved we know what it is like to be loved. If we have been in a culture of love we long for it when we have to be in a another kind of culture for any period of time.
The Bible is a very black and white book. It makes the claim that what God thinks is real. He imagined us and we became real. The atheist wants to believe it is the other way around.
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth." - Psalm 139:14-15 ESV
Jesus said,
"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." - Luke 11:20 KJV
Which is interesting because He is God's finger. He Is the manifestation of the eternal that God placed in time and space so that we could experience divine reality. Humanity was cut off so God reached into time so that we could experience Him again.
"The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." - Psalm 34:7-10 ESV
Our belief in God doesn't make Him real. His belief in us makes us real. If we taste and see the goodness of God then we are blessed and a capacity is built in us for blessing.
In Romans 4:17 God made promises to Abraham and declared things that had not happened yet in this man's experience. He said that Abraham would be a father and Abraham mixed faith with that promise. Abraham had the beginnings of a mental structure that matched God's structure because Abraham mixed faith with God's promise. Today we see that Abraham is the father of many. God was faithful.
We have been given the ability to bind and loose.
"Assuredly, I am saying to you, Whatever you forbid on earth, shall have already been forbidden in heaven. And whatever you permit on earth, shall have already been permitted in heaven." - Matthew 18:18 (Wuest Expanded Translation)
We have that ability because of exposure to God's kingdom. The Bible gives us objective exposure and the people of God manifest the life of God in degrees so that we experience Him in other ways. One on one relationships contribute to that and corporate ones do also.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV
Revival muscle memory give us the ability to cast down mental structures that are lifted up as accusations. Exercise in love can make us mighty in warfare also if we discern the warfare.
These are lofty ideas but they have day to day application. When we let God love us and when we love people in the same way that we have been loved God builds capacity in people and us at the same time. God builds things using eternal building blocks. We function as ambassadors for a kingdom. The more details that are given to people the more complete the image is. Teaching and speaking about the Bible is so vital. It explains the love. It gives a context for suffering. Deception is recognized and resisted. Reality begins to make sense. Hope is born in the heart.
God helps us today. We love because You first loved us. Let Your love be manifested as a culture of love in new places today. Bring light into darkness. We trust You for this as we dream dreams of redemption.
--
Thursday, February 4, 2016
What Knits Us Together?
I woke up with parts of this verse in my mind.
"Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God." - Colossians 2:18-19 ESV
Being knit together.
This verse says that being knit is more important than having a spiritual experience. Spiritual experiences can set us apart at times because one person has it but the others do not.
"And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them." - Mark 9:2 KJV
Jesus brought these three men up on the mountain together to see something that would knit them together. I am wary of spiritual experiences that set people apart because God gives them (in part) to bring people together.
Have you ever done a 'word study'? It is when you take a word and look up every occurrence of that word in the scriptures. Often more than one word in Greek and Hebrew are translated into the word you are studying so then you look up the Hebrew and Greek words and see where they are used.
The Hebrew word Chaber (Strong's H2270) is translated 'knit' here...
"So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man." - Judges 20:11 KJV
In most other cases it is translated 'companion'.
Qashar (Strong's H7194) is also translated as 'knit', 'bind' or 'conspire.'
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes." - Deuteronomy 6:6-8 KJV
What a great passage! As you bind your mind to the word of God it is knitting your family together. We meditate and then we share what God gives us with our children as we drive them to school or put a meal in front of them.
This isn't a 'I saw an angel.' experience. It is a shared experience where intimacy is created.
The Greek word used in the passage that opened up this devotional is Symbibazo (Strong's G4822). A it is translated as 'held together' in the following passage...
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." - Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
Yes. A word study can be edifying. It's not hard to do once you learn how.
It takes us down surprising roads. We can find hidden treasures in those places. Then we can share those treasures with people. God begins to knit different parts of the Bible into our experience and then uses those words to knit people together in understanding.
'I had a dream' is a subjective experience. Subjective experience are wonderful because they are personal. But the word gives us an objective experience and objectivity is so needed. When we have that a group is edified and a group that is edified is a powerful force.
--
"Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God." - Colossians 2:18-19 ESV
Being knit together.
This verse says that being knit is more important than having a spiritual experience. Spiritual experiences can set us apart at times because one person has it but the others do not.
"And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them." - Mark 9:2 KJV
Jesus brought these three men up on the mountain together to see something that would knit them together. I am wary of spiritual experiences that set people apart because God gives them (in part) to bring people together.
Have you ever done a 'word study'? It is when you take a word and look up every occurrence of that word in the scriptures. Often more than one word in Greek and Hebrew are translated into the word you are studying so then you look up the Hebrew and Greek words and see where they are used.
The Hebrew word Chaber (Strong's H2270) is translated 'knit' here...
"So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man." - Judges 20:11 KJV
In most other cases it is translated 'companion'.
Qashar (Strong's H7194) is also translated as 'knit', 'bind' or 'conspire.'
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes." - Deuteronomy 6:6-8 KJV
What a great passage! As you bind your mind to the word of God it is knitting your family together. We meditate and then we share what God gives us with our children as we drive them to school or put a meal in front of them.
This isn't a 'I saw an angel.' experience. It is a shared experience where intimacy is created.
The Greek word used in the passage that opened up this devotional is Symbibazo (Strong's G4822). A it is translated as 'held together' in the following passage...
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." - Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV
Yes. A word study can be edifying. It's not hard to do once you learn how.
It takes us down surprising roads. We can find hidden treasures in those places. Then we can share those treasures with people. God begins to knit different parts of the Bible into our experience and then uses those words to knit people together in understanding.
'I had a dream' is a subjective experience. Subjective experience are wonderful because they are personal. But the word gives us an objective experience and objectivity is so needed. When we have that a group is edified and a group that is edified is a powerful force.
--
Friday, November 13, 2015
The Soul
We had a great conversation last night and the memory of the discussion got me thinking about and looking up verses about the soul.
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." - Genesis 2:7 KJV
"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." - Proverbs 27:9 ESV
The word translated 'soul' in Genesis 2 and the word translated 'earnest' in Proverbs 27 are both the Hebrew word nephesh (Strong's H5315). Our soul has a form or structure but unlike our body which is made and matter our soul is inter-dimensional. It is more like wind. It has substance and that substance is felt more like an odor or like a breeze is felt on your body or when you look out the wind at the trees and see the leaves move.
We are a soul that has a body. The body ages. The soul does not but the soul does have capacities and incapacitates. It has inter-dimensional form and structure.
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV
The word translated 'fainthearted' is the Greek word oligopsychos (G3642) and it can be translated 'small souled'. People can have small souls. There can be damage in the structure of the soul or perhaps it is damage to the connection of the soul to the rest of the person that cuts off the flow. What we see is faintheartedness or as the KJV translates it... feeblemindedness.
A person with no (or little) soul can't cope. Processing reality is diminished or at a low level.
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." - Acts 20:32 KJV
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily," - Colossians 2:6-9 ESV
Words of grace are able to build up. Like nutrition is able to build up our body because it is solid. Grace is able to build up our soul which is timeless.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30 ESV
Yes. In Jesus our soul finds rest.
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." - Psalm 1:1-6 ESV
I want to be concerned about a person's soul. I want to have a holistic approach to people and to myself. The body is important but so is the soul.
God please teach us to be mindful of invisible things.
"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." - Proverbs 27:9 ESV
Thank You for being our sweet friend.
--
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." - Genesis 2:7 KJV
"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." - Proverbs 27:9 ESV
The word translated 'soul' in Genesis 2 and the word translated 'earnest' in Proverbs 27 are both the Hebrew word nephesh (Strong's H5315). Our soul has a form or structure but unlike our body which is made and matter our soul is inter-dimensional. It is more like wind. It has substance and that substance is felt more like an odor or like a breeze is felt on your body or when you look out the wind at the trees and see the leaves move.
We are a soul that has a body. The body ages. The soul does not but the soul does have capacities and incapacitates. It has inter-dimensional form and structure.
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV
The word translated 'fainthearted' is the Greek word oligopsychos (G3642) and it can be translated 'small souled'. People can have small souls. There can be damage in the structure of the soul or perhaps it is damage to the connection of the soul to the rest of the person that cuts off the flow. What we see is faintheartedness or as the KJV translates it... feeblemindedness.
A person with no (or little) soul can't cope. Processing reality is diminished or at a low level.
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." - Acts 20:32 KJV
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily," - Colossians 2:6-9 ESV
Words of grace are able to build up. Like nutrition is able to build up our body because it is solid. Grace is able to build up our soul which is timeless.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30 ESV
Yes. In Jesus our soul finds rest.
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." - Psalm 1:1-6 ESV
I want to be concerned about a person's soul. I want to have a holistic approach to people and to myself. The body is important but so is the soul.
God please teach us to be mindful of invisible things.
"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." - Proverbs 27:9 ESV
Thank You for being our sweet friend.
--
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Dignity Because Of The Foundation
What relationship does a beggar have to the people they are asking money from?
Is my prayer life just me begging from God or is it something more?
"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." - 2 Peter 1:2-4 ESV
God gives us a dignified provision before the need even arises.
If you live in an urban center you see all kinds of hardship and people who have been stripped of their dignity because of their circumstances. They look at you and are hoping for something but they can't look you in the eye.
God doesn't want to just give us things. He Is not our vending machine. We can know Him and have a transfer of life that is dignified because of a foundation that was put down before the world came into existence.
Considering who we are that is amazing. We are not beggars. We are sons and daughters.
People's circumstances are so complex but we can have dignified exchanges with everyone because of the 'all things' flow that we have the great privileged of living in.
God help us to by people who live in dignity and impart dignity.
--
Is my prayer life just me begging from God or is it something more?
"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." - 2 Peter 1:2-4 ESV
God gives us a dignified provision before the need even arises.
If you live in an urban center you see all kinds of hardship and people who have been stripped of their dignity because of their circumstances. They look at you and are hoping for something but they can't look you in the eye.
God doesn't want to just give us things. He Is not our vending machine. We can know Him and have a transfer of life that is dignified because of a foundation that was put down before the world came into existence.
Considering who we are that is amazing. We are not beggars. We are sons and daughters.
People's circumstances are so complex but we can have dignified exchanges with everyone because of the 'all things' flow that we have the great privileged of living in.
God help us to by people who live in dignity and impart dignity.
--
Thursday, June 11, 2015
More Are With Us Than Those Who Are With Them
May our eyes be opened to the power of love and hospitality. Believers are surrounded by power.
There was a time recorded in the scriptures when Israel was in conflict with a warring nation but there was a prophet who spoke for God in their midst...
"But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, 'Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.'
And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.
And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, 'Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?'
And one of his servants said, 'None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.'
And he said, 'Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.' It was told him, 'Behold, he is in Dothan.' So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?'
He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'
Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, 'Please strike this people with blindness.' So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. And Elisha said to them, 'This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.' And he led them to Samaria. As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, 'O LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.' So the LORD opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, 'My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?'
He answered, 'You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.'
So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel." - 2 Kings 6:9-23 ESV
I love how God had these people blinded so they could be led to a feast! What a picture of evangelism. Blinding people to reveal the person of the great prophet and be given grace upon grace.
Edification opens our eyes to the advantage we have. Yes. More are with us than we think. Power is truly on the side of those who stand for God. It is not there to hurt or rip people apart. It is there to love and bless.
--
There was a time recorded in the scriptures when Israel was in conflict with a warring nation but there was a prophet who spoke for God in their midst...
"But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, 'Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.'
And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.
And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, 'Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?'
And one of his servants said, 'None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.'
And he said, 'Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.' It was told him, 'Behold, he is in Dothan.' So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?'
He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'
Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, 'Please strike this people with blindness.' So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. And Elisha said to them, 'This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.' And he led them to Samaria. As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, 'O LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.' So the LORD opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, 'My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?'
He answered, 'You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.'
So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel." - 2 Kings 6:9-23 ESV
I love how God had these people blinded so they could be led to a feast! What a picture of evangelism. Blinding people to reveal the person of the great prophet and be given grace upon grace.
Edification opens our eyes to the advantage we have. Yes. More are with us than we think. Power is truly on the side of those who stand for God. It is not there to hurt or rip people apart. It is there to love and bless.
--
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
What Should I Say?
What will we say when we don't know what to say? How will it be framed.
"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:28-29 ESV
I don't want to steal from the situation. No. I did that for years. How will my words be words that add and not steal? Grace is how. Grace is not corrupt.
Here is the verse in context...
"But that is not the way you learned Christ! - assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:20-32 ESV
"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." - James 3:18 ESV
A harvest of righteousness is reaped by the winner of souls. The peacemaker is making peace by winning the soul with grace.
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." - Romans 12:17-18 ESV
Is it possible to have words that promote peace? Not always. But if there is a way grace wants to find it because God has made His peace with man. The cross was God's answer to sin. That conversation is closed.
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace," - Ephesians 2:13-15 ESV
Yes. We stand close to God and grace goes out of it's way to break down the barrier and have words that draw someone else close to God also.
Oh God... give us words. We need silver tongues. We want to have nourishing words. Those are the words You have for us. That is what we want to have in our outer voice and our inner one as well.
---
"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:28-29 ESV
I don't want to steal from the situation. No. I did that for years. How will my words be words that add and not steal? Grace is how. Grace is not corrupt.
Here is the verse in context...
"But that is not the way you learned Christ! - assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:20-32 ESV
"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." - James 3:18 ESV
A harvest of righteousness is reaped by the winner of souls. The peacemaker is making peace by winning the soul with grace.
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." - Romans 12:17-18 ESV
Is it possible to have words that promote peace? Not always. But if there is a way grace wants to find it because God has made His peace with man. The cross was God's answer to sin. That conversation is closed.
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace," - Ephesians 2:13-15 ESV
Yes. We stand close to God and grace goes out of it's way to break down the barrier and have words that draw someone else close to God also.
Oh God... give us words. We need silver tongues. We want to have nourishing words. Those are the words You have for us. That is what we want to have in our outer voice and our inner one as well.
---
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
New Wine Into New Wineskins
How many of us have been transformed because we were around a group of people that just wouldn't know us after our flesh... people who addressed us with God's mind and gave us God's heart.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 KJV
People don't change naturally. They can refocus their energies but a leopard can't change it's spots. Grace does not address the old. It declares something new. A new energy that works in a new identity.
"Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved." - Matthew 9:17 ESV
Perhaps there is going to be spillage in our relationships and even in our own lives if we try to recycle the old.
We live in newness. We amplify newness. We declare the message that points to newness. We talk to people and pray for them knowing that newness can happen. The old is going to pass away. If the soil is right then newness will take root and produce fruit. We don't trust the soil. We trust the seed.
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Old things are passing away.
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:29-31 ESV
God already see those who believe as 'glorified'. We don't see it by sight but we see it by faith.
I want to be a person that sees people this way and treats them as if they are already justified. I want to water the seed.
Help me God. Open my eyes to see what you see and have words that represent your heart to people.
--
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 KJV
People don't change naturally. They can refocus their energies but a leopard can't change it's spots. Grace does not address the old. It declares something new. A new energy that works in a new identity.
"Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved." - Matthew 9:17 ESV
Perhaps there is going to be spillage in our relationships and even in our own lives if we try to recycle the old.
We live in newness. We amplify newness. We declare the message that points to newness. We talk to people and pray for them knowing that newness can happen. The old is going to pass away. If the soil is right then newness will take root and produce fruit. We don't trust the soil. We trust the seed.
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Old things are passing away.
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:29-31 ESV
God already see those who believe as 'glorified'. We don't see it by sight but we see it by faith.
I want to be a person that sees people this way and treats them as if they are already justified. I want to water the seed.
Help me God. Open my eyes to see what you see and have words that represent your heart to people.
--
Monday, October 27, 2014
Gathering
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." - Matthew 12:30 ESV
Jesus is a gatherer. A shepherd. A teacher. A healer. A friend.
"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." - Luke 15:8-10 ESV
Don't get me wrong... many gather people for different reasons and under different banners. Jesus gathers us so that we can grow together.
"But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you... The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." - Matthew 12:28, 35 ESV
Good and evil here are not moral judgments. They are kingdom representations.
Grace thaws people out from bondage that comes from natural thinking.
People may say, 'If you are not for me you are against me.' But, Christ's side was and Is the side of the cross. A death that results in freedom. A death to self. A death to a scattering way of life. It is loyalty and lifestyle born of a new life not a better agenda.
I have known many frozen people. I have been one. Stuck at a place in time with a body that grows but with thinking that replay the same themes over and over. Analyzing a situation again and again that can never be reconciled.
Grace breaks the cycle. Gathering with God brings us into a different dynamic.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends... No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:13, 15 ESV
Jesus Is gathering. He Is loving. Any person who Is participating in this activity with Him is growing.
By God's grace we will grow out of our pain and outlive our enemies.
--
Jesus is a gatherer. A shepherd. A teacher. A healer. A friend.
"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." - Luke 15:8-10 ESV
Don't get me wrong... many gather people for different reasons and under different banners. Jesus gathers us so that we can grow together.
"But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you... The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil." - Matthew 12:28, 35 ESV
Good and evil here are not moral judgments. They are kingdom representations.
Grace thaws people out from bondage that comes from natural thinking.
People may say, 'If you are not for me you are against me.' But, Christ's side was and Is the side of the cross. A death that results in freedom. A death to self. A death to a scattering way of life. It is loyalty and lifestyle born of a new life not a better agenda.
I have known many frozen people. I have been one. Stuck at a place in time with a body that grows but with thinking that replay the same themes over and over. Analyzing a situation again and again that can never be reconciled.
Grace breaks the cycle. Gathering with God brings us into a different dynamic.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends... No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:13, 15 ESV
Jesus Is gathering. He Is loving. Any person who Is participating in this activity with Him is growing.
By God's grace we will grow out of our pain and outlive our enemies.
--
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Two Mountains
"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;" - Hebrews 12:15 ESV
Reading this I think of a mother at dinner time with a child who is sick isn't eating gently coaxing their child to eat and gain strength.
Grace is a vital element of life if we see that someone isn't getting it we want them to receive it.
The passage then goes on to talk about two mountains.
"For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, 'If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.' Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 'I tremble with fear.'
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." - Hebrews 12:18-24 ESV
When a person comes to you which mountain do they get? Do they get someone feeding on grace and giving it or do they get an order that can not be endured that will only produce bitterness?
I suppose it depends on where we live doesn't it?
--
Reading this I think of a mother at dinner time with a child who is sick isn't eating gently coaxing their child to eat and gain strength.
Grace is a vital element of life if we see that someone isn't getting it we want them to receive it.
The passage then goes on to talk about two mountains.
"For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, 'If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.' Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 'I tremble with fear.'
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." - Hebrews 12:18-24 ESV
When a person comes to you which mountain do they get? Do they get someone feeding on grace and giving it or do they get an order that can not be endured that will only produce bitterness?
I suppose it depends on where we live doesn't it?
--
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Perception Has Power
Perception is such a powerful thing. How we perceive people and ultimately how we see God shapes so many things.
This is very evident in the work place... often it is not performance but perception of performance. It is not what we think or feel, no one can see that. It is the perception that has impact.
Grace by it's nature puts a monkey wrench in perception because it unveils something eternal. It does not ignore perception it just draws you beyond it.
"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
"We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:12-15 ESV
People will think us mad but love constrains us in as winners of souls.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30 NKJV
I want to understand perception but not function as a man-pleaser. Grace makes us into soul winners who are out of our minds but lovingly work to provide clarity so no 'air' forms in-between. Each relationship has some other soul involved that needs to be won in grace. That goes for edification and evangelism alike.
--
This is very evident in the work place... often it is not performance but perception of performance. It is not what we think or feel, no one can see that. It is the perception that has impact.
Grace by it's nature puts a monkey wrench in perception because it unveils something eternal. It does not ignore perception it just draws you beyond it.
"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
"We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:12-15 ESV
People will think us mad but love constrains us in as winners of souls.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30 NKJV
I want to understand perception but not function as a man-pleaser. Grace makes us into soul winners who are out of our minds but lovingly work to provide clarity so no 'air' forms in-between. Each relationship has some other soul involved that needs to be won in grace. That goes for edification and evangelism alike.
--
Friday, July 19, 2013
Discerning Body Life
Just thinking about the Church this morning... the Church as the Body of Christ...
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:4-5 KJV
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV
This is a great mystery. Really it is. In Christ's Body we find belonging, honor and purpose. It is a dynamic that one person can never see in it's fullness because much of it hidden in interactions that other people are having with one another. Compassion is multiplied. Care is multifaceted. There is individuality in unity. There is no need to 'talk to' our function or another person's function. The Body and each member has a 'Christian Dynamic' or a Christ likeness that give off pure light. The dynamic is only understood in part but experienced in fullness.
"So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Ephesians 4:14-16 ESV
In this place there is a supply. I say place not because the Church is in a geographic location per se but because it is a dynamic we can be present in or removed from. It is more than entering into the front door of a building.
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" 1 Corinthians 10:16 KJV
"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 11:27 KJV
Is communion the wine and the bread alone?
Communion is not linked to my salvation but what do I miss if I miss communion? What supply is cut off?
If I see the Church as only a social place... a supermarket for my needs to be met... a playground to live out my desires... do I then partake of the communion 'unworthily'? If so God can change our minds and restore to us a true perspective and glimpse of His divine presence in the corporate dynamic.
Lord, If we don't have a Church like this lead us to one. If we do have access to one, or many, open our eyes to see if for what it really is not to have mouths open in criticism but eyes open in awe of the edification that happens in honor because You are present.
"Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, 'Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.' And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal... And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it" Revelation 21:9-11, 22-24 ESV
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:4-5 KJV
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV
This is a great mystery. Really it is. In Christ's Body we find belonging, honor and purpose. It is a dynamic that one person can never see in it's fullness because much of it hidden in interactions that other people are having with one another. Compassion is multiplied. Care is multifaceted. There is individuality in unity. There is no need to 'talk to' our function or another person's function. The Body and each member has a 'Christian Dynamic' or a Christ likeness that give off pure light. The dynamic is only understood in part but experienced in fullness.
"So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Ephesians 4:14-16 ESV
In this place there is a supply. I say place not because the Church is in a geographic location per se but because it is a dynamic we can be present in or removed from. It is more than entering into the front door of a building.
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" 1 Corinthians 10:16 KJV
"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 11:27 KJV
Is communion the wine and the bread alone?
Communion is not linked to my salvation but what do I miss if I miss communion? What supply is cut off?
If I see the Church as only a social place... a supermarket for my needs to be met... a playground to live out my desires... do I then partake of the communion 'unworthily'? If so God can change our minds and restore to us a true perspective and glimpse of His divine presence in the corporate dynamic.
Lord, If we don't have a Church like this lead us to one. If we do have access to one, or many, open our eyes to see if for what it really is not to have mouths open in criticism but eyes open in awe of the edification that happens in honor because You are present.
"Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, 'Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.' And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal... And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it" Revelation 21:9-11, 22-24 ESV
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Authority to Build
We can be tempted to use God given authority to be severe or for demolition but the challenge is to use it creatively to build up.
"For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down." 2 Cor 13:10 ESV
The phrase translated as 'in my use of' can also be translated 'borrow'. Paul went out of his way not to borrow the authority given to him. He determined that writing them was better than losing his temper in person. It is not that the gracious person never gets angry... it is just that they don't enter into sin because of it (see Eph 4:26).
The authority given to us is for construction not destruction. Building requires plans even if those plans are as simple as, 'Everyday I am going to find stones and add them to this pile so that when I have enough I will build something with them.' Simple. Like collecting shells on a beach.
Building requires creativity. Christ is right now creatively building His Church... quietly doing it behind the scenes. From the straightforward task of gathering materials to all the other more complex tasks that require artistry and skill because of great complexity. Christ is working it all out. The perfect foundation has already been laid.
Will we let the sawdust on the floor frustrate us into rash action? Is it right that we should borrow God's tools to smash something because is doesn't look the way we think it should yet? Construction creates scraps and dust and seems disorderly at stages. That is how it works. Fortunately most of that construction is underground and hidden like the forming of the stones for the temple (see 1 Kings 6:7).
We will need more creativity to navigate our going in a house under construction... you can't just come in, hang up your coat and plop down on the couch.
The idea is that someday that is what you want to be able to do. Maybe that is what God wants to be able to do that in us? Perhaps our words will assist in that process in the lives of other people.
Grace builds. It saws, digs, gathers, paints, plasters and polishes something that was planned before the world began. God sees the finished product already.
"For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down." 2 Cor 13:10 ESV
The phrase translated as 'in my use of' can also be translated 'borrow'. Paul went out of his way not to borrow the authority given to him. He determined that writing them was better than losing his temper in person. It is not that the gracious person never gets angry... it is just that they don't enter into sin because of it (see Eph 4:26).
The authority given to us is for construction not destruction. Building requires plans even if those plans are as simple as, 'Everyday I am going to find stones and add them to this pile so that when I have enough I will build something with them.' Simple. Like collecting shells on a beach.
Building requires creativity. Christ is right now creatively building His Church... quietly doing it behind the scenes. From the straightforward task of gathering materials to all the other more complex tasks that require artistry and skill because of great complexity. Christ is working it all out. The perfect foundation has already been laid.
Will we let the sawdust on the floor frustrate us into rash action? Is it right that we should borrow God's tools to smash something because is doesn't look the way we think it should yet? Construction creates scraps and dust and seems disorderly at stages. That is how it works. Fortunately most of that construction is underground and hidden like the forming of the stones for the temple (see 1 Kings 6:7).
We will need more creativity to navigate our going in a house under construction... you can't just come in, hang up your coat and plop down on the couch.
The idea is that someday that is what you want to be able to do. Maybe that is what God wants to be able to do that in us? Perhaps our words will assist in that process in the lives of other people.
Grace builds. It saws, digs, gathers, paints, plasters and polishes something that was planned before the world began. God sees the finished product already.
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