"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by My right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:23–26
Most of us would stop at the gracious grace and abundant mercy of God's salvation, purchased through the blood of the innocent Lamb --the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ. We'd muddle through this life secure in that knowledge that we were destined for a greater place.
We'd sit back on our laurels and wait...wait...wait...
And then move on, forgetting the rest of the progress towards that day, leaving behind the abundance and the assurance that God would provide us, if we would only look to Him. At least, that is what the 'post-modern' intellectual would say. "Hey, been saved. Been baptized. And doing my best to do...."
Despite the fact James tells us works are not enough, even though Paul speaks of an inner change and the wealth of realized impact that comes from our real condemnation found when we approach Christ as open, sorrowed and agrieved sinners, dragging our meager faith with us like a security blanket --realizing we are at the mercy of a God who is a vengeful, righteous and powerful God, fully within His rights to smote us like a knat on the hindparts of a donkey.
God doesn't stop at our conversion. We gain eternal life, the old self (that sinful, worthless person) dies instaneously in the true repentance of a sinner and God transforms us into new creatures; capable of so much more than the corrupted people we were. But, it isn't something we know to use or become instantly knowledgable in its power and authority over the things of this world. Too often, though, like the 'rumors' of men who won't follow the directions to assemble a children's bike we ignore the instruction manual of this new self...and fail to be truly fully converted into the new creature God has given us.
Much like Peter, who Ray Pritchard of Keep Believing Ministries spoke of in his post on Facebook......
(http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=59747202660&h=aFe7u&u=6a2Jk&ref=nf).
Peter is our best character to look to in regards to how human we can be in our belief and totally unprepared (uncoverted, if you will) for the abilities, talents and gifts that God has equipped our new natures with. And, because of that, we fail to achieve what has been set aside for the purposing God has for us in the Kingdom work.
Jesus recognized Peter's humanity in his faith when he spoke the prediction of Peter's denials. "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32) Recognize that Christ doesn't call him by his given spiritual name, Peter, but by his human name of Simon. He is speaking to the human fraility of His disciple, not the strong and powerful spiritual leader that bore the name Peter.
And it is Simon who answers, professing the promise of following the LORD in death before he would utter such denial. The King James version says "Before you are converted" instead of "when you have turned back."
"Peter was saved," Pritchard notes, "but in some deep sense he was not yet fully converted to the Master's use --and that explains his tragic failure." Faith without temptation, suffering or sorrow is a shallow and humanistic faith which often crumbles just like Peter's did with the first accusation and rapidly fails with each successive assault.
Because we stand on our own perceived strengths.
"Why should Satan attack only at the point of your self-perceived weakness?"
Pritchard asks, "If you know you have a weakness, that's the very area you will guard most carefully." Our own sinful, broken humanity demands that we feel 'good', that we are percieved as 'productive and valuable' and that our 'faithful' service to God means that we are never foolish enough to be tempted or struggle in our lives. We are prosperous in wealth, health and happiness.
God has a purpose behind our suffering, as He did Peter's sorrowful and sinful denials. If God's grace was not enough to save us from harm or suffering, what kind of God would He be? If His promise of a 'new creature' was not true, then how can we have confidence in anything else He says, promises or predicts?
Yet there are Christians the world over that are suffering because they chose to accept Christ's salvation, are persecuted because they struggle for the Kingdom and not man and religious movements abound to 'explain' what we are 'lacking' in service, thought or action that causes such human suffering, human pain and human discontentment.
I used to think enviously of 'successful' Christians; you know, the ones who had material possessions, were living a 'happy' life in their pursuits of employment, family and service to God. I would listen with awed jealousy to the 'big-time' preaching of those who have made it 'big' in the Christian community of faith; mega-churches, multi-million dollar ministries. Such things as envy and discontent are man-made illusions that we consider standards; in terms of progression in the faith, of achievement.
Our pastors aren't broken, sinful-natured human beings but 'godly' and 'righteous' men who would impart their knowledge of 'how to do it' to us for the occassional tithe, the full hearted signing on to the 'vision' and who display their 'humility' weekly upon the stage of our 'progressive, contemporary' church services.
Yet when they fall, and fall hard, we run from them as if they were plague-infested and contagious. It is that surprise and strength of the temptations we all face that is forgotten in the sorrow and shame of the sinful actions they take and our safety from such illusionary temptation is called into doubt.
Just as Peter expressed shock and a bit of self-felt anger at Christ's assurance he would indeed denial Him three times before the crow croaked out its sound. Like Peter learned, we become the most pliable and stronger for the purposes of God when we fall flat and hard upon the face of our own abilities and are faced with the undeniable fact, as Pritchard says, "without the LORD we can do nothing but fail."
We must find our safety in temptations and the victory over them, not in our own 'self-assessed' confidence in our strengths, but only and completely by the gracious presence of God with us and Christ's continued and assured intercession for us.
"A bone that is broken often becomes stronger after it is healed," Pritchard notes, "Something in the healing process actually makes the break point stronger than it was before." And as the breaks occur in our lives; families torn asunder, marriages broken and battered and a 'good' child from a Christian home errs, for all those who come to the realization that God has committed both His word and His Spirit to us for the sake of counsel and for His glory find themselves cleaving to such assurance even under the condemnation of this mortal and sinful body.
And we place the assurance of our eternal new nature to the authority and proven abilities of our God. The believing hopes and prospects of Heavenly protection reconcile us in the dark providences we will journey into.
"Blessed LORD," Matthew Henry says, "who hast graciously promised to become our portion in the next world, prevent us from choosing any other in this [world]'"
If we ascribe our confidence not in our ability to 'weather the storm' but rather in the assurance of increased condemnation the closer we become in relationship with our Creator for the purposes of rooting out our old nature through faith and prayer, we find ourselves converted through spiritual wisdom, capable of dealing with the muck and grim of our falls in the confidence of our 'newly' acquired abillites in the new nature we have. And we find our testimony, our service and our faith strengthened.
Pritchard points out that Peter lost "his vanity, pride, self-confidence, rash impulsivness and unreliability" to gain "humility, new[ly] confidence in God,tested courage, New determiniation to serve Christ and a willingness to use his experience to help others."
A man truly worthy of being the cornerstone of Christ's church.
"The things he lost he didn’t really need; the things he gained couldn’t have come any other way."
And we find the confidence in tested faith to overcome temptations of our old sinful nature that is all too fully human because we hear the counsel and wisdom God speaks to us with, know the confidence and assurance of His ability to overcome and His promise of our 'godliness and righteousness'.
We find ourselves in spiritual progress, as Prtichard expresses as his "first law"; where we find we 'cannot go back, cannot stay here and must move forward' from the sinful ways of our old nature because of the progression towards the realization of our 'new' nature's desire and need of a relationship with our God.
And we become stronger warriors in the battle of this world, fierce and loving in our faithful desire that 'all should not perish, but have eternal life.' We express and shine with God's glory made perfect through our suffering and trials, lighting the darkness with the righteousness of our Savior and the Truthfulness of His word. Speaking the power and authority of God in our lives; even in the midst of the storms that ravage this world.
We find instruction in the darkness of our sinful ignorance, peace in our suffering for Kingdom sake and joy in the brutality of a sinful, broken world that we cannot fully explain or be comfortable with anymore.
We become indestructable in our destruction and happy in our sorrow.
And become more effective, purposed and Christ-like in our Kingdom commission.
Evangelizing to the world about "the GOOD NEWS" by the testimony of our lives.
Thursday, March 19
Tuesday, March 17
Ponderings...
"Do not be turned from the right way by foolish words; for because of these things the punishment of God comes on those who do not put themselves under him." Ephesians 5:6 BBE
No matter what, I have tried to be honorable in the circumstances that exist in this war between my ex and I, quaintly labeled divorce, and to what I believe is right, even when some would question that judgment and some would question that honor. What is right isn't always what feels right and what is truth doesn't always be the easiest to follow. Neither is the constant bombardment of verbal and mental abuse that has been the hallmark of the last two and a half years. But even in the midst of the 'night attacks' and 'sapper harrasments', there has been one thing that I can control and one thing only; my response and reaction to the person involved, who is surely hurting as much as I am.
It is hard to take the eternal view, that the judgment of all things has been and will forever be in the hands of God. No matter what the courts, lawyers or people may say. Even in this situation, where I have gone as a result of someone else's choices and decisions that drew them and everything that connected us into the darkness of this world has been solely upon the faith I have been tested and tried with in the last three years. Knowing God doesn't approve of divorce, knowing that there are biblical grounds for such; allowed through the broken nature of our humanity; I have spent this time working to be honorable...and towards the end of things, it is growing harder and harder to not respond with equal and hurtful actions and words.
I am far from a perfect human being, as far as I understand....so is everyone else. But God convicted me early on in the battle that I would have to be honorable and not respond to wound with wound, vicious word with vicious word....no matter how difficult it would be not to find 'self-justified' reasons to respond equally. There were those who disagreed with such a noble sentiment, considering it foolish not to be equally as forceful (in a loving way) in this prolonged battle.
But I did and I remained.....honorable. By the tips of my fingers and with a desperation known of sweat, blood and tears that make my grip slippery at best.
I had though the time had come where the fruit of honoring God's word and conviction to be honorable was being bore upon the vine; recently the friction and the strife have died down to manageable levels. Conversation has been less hurtful and more towards the redeeming grace of healing.
And when I thought that it was safe to let down my guard, I found myself open for more painful wounding and vicious words. Foolish words, hateful and hurtful....wounding and stabbing my open heart and sending me limping back to shelter. Someone has read MacBeth and wants their pound of flesh.
God has been largely silent in this latest battle, as if He has said enough on the subject (stand firm in faith, be honorable as I would have you be) and will say nothing more.
I have lived on the edge of faith for so long now; disasters and circumstances have lashed at this tiny little row boat cast out upon the vastness of the open seas. As I battle in the storm, brutalized by the fierceness of the gale winds, numbed by the pounding of the cold and strength-sapping waves and exhausted by the constantly steady bailing to keep myself afloat; my faith is foremost and open before my sight.
George Mueller said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends." Is there glory for God in a place where He didn't design us to go? There is no rescue like the one of Elijah of his wayward wife from her return to prostitution, no sudden 'repentance and redemption' born from an awakening from sin. I have borne the responsibility of this failure before the Throne and been called to account for the things that I have sole responsbility for.
But there is no peace in this valley and only the eternal hope of salvation purchased and signed for through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is only through the strength of He who sent His only Son to stand in my stead upon that cross of mankind's sin that has kept me through this constant strife.
Even then....as I grow ever more weary from the struggle, I remember this. Even our enemies, either made or shaped through the struggles of life, are children of God.
And how honorable do I want to be before my brethren, my faith and my God?
George, of www.worthynews.com, sent this story in a devotional today. I thought it appropriate to that question:
A friend sent us this story about a young lady named Sally and her experience in a recent seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. This particular day, Sally walked into the class and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.
Sally's friend drew a picture of girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another guy drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students were throwing their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart and everyone was laughing hysterically.
Finally, Dr. Smith asked all the students to be seated. He came to the front of the class with a less-than-amused look on his face. As he began removing the target from the wall, there appeared underneath, a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture; holes and jagged marks covered Jesus' face, and His eyes were pierced.
Dr. Smith said only these words. "In as much as you have done it unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40.
Even in the midst of life's struggles, God continues to bless, to guide, to teach and to inspire me to the Purpose He calls us all..........
TO LIVE LIFE ETERNAL
No matter what, I have tried to be honorable in the circumstances that exist in this war between my ex and I, quaintly labeled divorce, and to what I believe is right, even when some would question that judgment and some would question that honor. What is right isn't always what feels right and what is truth doesn't always be the easiest to follow. Neither is the constant bombardment of verbal and mental abuse that has been the hallmark of the last two and a half years. But even in the midst of the 'night attacks' and 'sapper harrasments', there has been one thing that I can control and one thing only; my response and reaction to the person involved, who is surely hurting as much as I am.
It is hard to take the eternal view, that the judgment of all things has been and will forever be in the hands of God. No matter what the courts, lawyers or people may say. Even in this situation, where I have gone as a result of someone else's choices and decisions that drew them and everything that connected us into the darkness of this world has been solely upon the faith I have been tested and tried with in the last three years. Knowing God doesn't approve of divorce, knowing that there are biblical grounds for such; allowed through the broken nature of our humanity; I have spent this time working to be honorable...and towards the end of things, it is growing harder and harder to not respond with equal and hurtful actions and words.
I am far from a perfect human being, as far as I understand....so is everyone else. But God convicted me early on in the battle that I would have to be honorable and not respond to wound with wound, vicious word with vicious word....no matter how difficult it would be not to find 'self-justified' reasons to respond equally. There were those who disagreed with such a noble sentiment, considering it foolish not to be equally as forceful (in a loving way) in this prolonged battle.
But I did and I remained.....honorable. By the tips of my fingers and with a desperation known of sweat, blood and tears that make my grip slippery at best.
I had though the time had come where the fruit of honoring God's word and conviction to be honorable was being bore upon the vine; recently the friction and the strife have died down to manageable levels. Conversation has been less hurtful and more towards the redeeming grace of healing.
And when I thought that it was safe to let down my guard, I found myself open for more painful wounding and vicious words. Foolish words, hateful and hurtful....wounding and stabbing my open heart and sending me limping back to shelter. Someone has read MacBeth and wants their pound of flesh.
God has been largely silent in this latest battle, as if He has said enough on the subject (stand firm in faith, be honorable as I would have you be) and will say nothing more.
I have lived on the edge of faith for so long now; disasters and circumstances have lashed at this tiny little row boat cast out upon the vastness of the open seas. As I battle in the storm, brutalized by the fierceness of the gale winds, numbed by the pounding of the cold and strength-sapping waves and exhausted by the constantly steady bailing to keep myself afloat; my faith is foremost and open before my sight.
George Mueller said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends." Is there glory for God in a place where He didn't design us to go? There is no rescue like the one of Elijah of his wayward wife from her return to prostitution, no sudden 'repentance and redemption' born from an awakening from sin. I have borne the responsibility of this failure before the Throne and been called to account for the things that I have sole responsbility for.
But there is no peace in this valley and only the eternal hope of salvation purchased and signed for through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is only through the strength of He who sent His only Son to stand in my stead upon that cross of mankind's sin that has kept me through this constant strife.
Even then....as I grow ever more weary from the struggle, I remember this. Even our enemies, either made or shaped through the struggles of life, are children of God.
And how honorable do I want to be before my brethren, my faith and my God?
George, of www.worthynews.com, sent this story in a devotional today. I thought it appropriate to that question:
A friend sent us this story about a young lady named Sally and her experience in a recent seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. This particular day, Sally walked into the class and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.
Sally's friend drew a picture of girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another guy drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students were throwing their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart and everyone was laughing hysterically.
Finally, Dr. Smith asked all the students to be seated. He came to the front of the class with a less-than-amused look on his face. As he began removing the target from the wall, there appeared underneath, a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture; holes and jagged marks covered Jesus' face, and His eyes were pierced.
Dr. Smith said only these words. "In as much as you have done it unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40.
Even in the midst of life's struggles, God continues to bless, to guide, to teach and to inspire me to the Purpose He calls us all..........
TO LIVE LIFE ETERNAL
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