The Ministry Of John

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

John 1:6-9

God uses witnesses to testify so that people might believe in Him. John was such a witness, sent from God, so that through him all men might believe. Amazing! John wasn’t the source of salvation, but he was the vehicle through which salvation came to people.

As a follower of Christ, I have been sent as a witness. I am not the Savior, but I give testimony about Him. I do not save, but I am the vessel God uses to bring salvation. This is my role as a witness. Every believer is to take on this same ministry that John had. We are not the light of the world. We are conduits through which the light shines. We are not the Savior, but we testify concerning the Savior so that all men might believe. As we do this same ministry as John had, there will be people in heaven for all eternity.

Father, I live for this greater purpose. I live with my ears attune to Your Spirit – to be led by You – and with a heart that testifies about Your love and grace. Bring people my way today who need salvation… and save them, Father, through me. For Your glory and Your purpose I live this day.

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The Way Of Escape

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4

The way to escape the corruption of this world is to participate in the divine nature. If you don’t actively involve yourself in the life Jesus offers you will be enslaved to the sinful patterns of this world. There’s no 3rd option. This is salvation! Jesus came to set the captives free and to provide abundant life.

Participating in the divine nature does not come through rule-keeping or harsh treatment of the body. Participating in the divine nature comes through the “very great and precious promises” of God. These promises are discovered through our knowledge of Him and His glory and goodness. Knowing God and embracing His promises for me is how I participate in the divine and escape the corruption of this world.

Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me on magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You

To know and follow hard after You
To be known as Your disciple in the truth
This world is empty, pale and poor compared to knowing You, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after You

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The Crown Of Glory

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Peter 5:1-4

Peter appeals to the elders as a fellow elder. He speaks to the leaders as a fellow leader. He has the same responsibility, the same hazards, the same joys and the same rewards as others who serve as elders, overseers or shepherds of God’s people. He mentions the reward of serving and uses the glory that will one day be ours as bookends to his encouragement. Peter is “one who also will share in the glory to be revealed” (vs 1). There are glorious days coming when those who serve Jesus with the right heart and in the right way will be rewarded. “… you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (vs. 4). The reward is an eternal one. This is one place where eternal rewards are used as motivation – and it is right. There’s no manipulation here. Most everyone benefits from external motivation. We’d like to think that elders/overseers would serve forever and a day without the need for such reward. That they would be altruistic in their service for Christ – and most days they are! I have yet to meet a person serving Christ whose first question is “What’s in it for me? What’s the reward?” Servants serve out of love for Christ and His people and with a huge sense of privilege and gratitude. They are altruistic, which makes Peter’s mention of reward an encouraging message. The promise of glory becomes a source for more gratitude and worship as hearts continue to serve and lead in humility.

It is encouraging to know that God knows and sees all things. He is not unaware with the leadership struggles I face. He will lead me in these days; encourage me for what He’s called me to and He will reward faithful service. Reward is not why I serve, but it is encouraging! It is motivating to keep on even during difficult times.

Father, thank You for the hope of Heaven and the glory that will be revealed when I see Jesus face to face. Thank You for encouraging me and supplying all I need for life and ministry.

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There Is No Other

5 I am the LORD, and there is no other;
apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
though you have not acknowledged me,

6 so that from the rising of the sun
to the place of its setting
men may know there is none besides me.
I am the LORD, and there is no other.

7 I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster;
I, the LORD, do all these things.

Isaiah 45:5-7

These words were to Cyrus when God summoned him, a pagan king, to do His bidding. He is the Lord and there is no other! He can do whatever He wants. Who else can form light and create darkness? Amazing! He brings prosperity and creates disaster. He can easily move the heart of a king who has never acknowledged Him as God.

A significant part of faith is believing that God is in control of all things. I believe He exists, but faith also believes that He has my best interest at heart. I trust Him.

“Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’” (vs. 9)

He is the Lord and there is no other.

Heavenly Father, You alone are God. You alone are good. You alone are Savior. You are the only one I need; I bow all of me at Your feet. I worship You alone. You have given me more than I could ever have wanted and I want to give you my heart and my soul. There is none like You! I worship You today.

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To This You Were Called

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3:8-12

To this you were called. To what? To this. To this kind of living. Living marked by love and peace, harmony, humility and compassion. A life that returns blessing for insults and speaks the truth. To this kind of life you were called.

Following Jesus is more than a decision. It’s more than an option out of many. This life is a calling. I am called to live for Jesus and reflect His character through my life. During those times when I am not like Jesus – I am not living up to my calling. This calling is more than an invitation… it’s a life-altering event. God has spoken and has allowed me the privilege of becoming like Jesus and representing Him in this world. This calling is not a ‘sometimes’ event or a ‘when I feel like it’ endeavor. This is a calling from God that may be most clearly seen when I don’t feel like it! In my lesser moments is when the power of Christ in me is on display.

Lord Jesus, thank You for this calling to come and follow You. I want to be like You today.

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1 Peter 2:21-25

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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Leadership at FirstB

Last night I was able to take in the "Summer Leadership Series" with Wayne Cordeiro. Here are my notes... it was very good!

“When the Music Fades”
Dealing with Discontent
Wayne Cordeiro – July 18, 2007

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7

Just as you received Christ at first... remember those days?

As leaders we all have moments of discontent.

At first our “Sense of Privilege” canister is at 100% full. We are grateful; thankful. Over time there is an “erosion of privilege” in serving. As your sense of privilege in serving Christ declines, the “Capacity for Discontent” canister increases. Things that you expect to happen in the church don’t. Discontent.

What we must do to enjoy life is to push the levels of discontent down. There are unhealthy ways to lessen our levels of, or feelings of, discontent.
• Grumbling and complaining to others decreases the feeling of discontent, temporarily.
• Get mad; fight; bail. These are not socially acceptable for the Christian, so we grumble.

And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

1 Corinthians 10:10

Grumbling masks our discontent and opens a door to the devil. He wants to get a foothold in the life of the church and he often does through grumbling.

ILLUSTRATION: The Great Wall of China
4000 miles of impenetrable wall to keep the Mongols out.
The Mongols got in. HOW? They bribed one of the gatekeepers.

As a leader you must learn to manage discontent in ministry. Discontent will happen to you. Betrayals happen. People will hurt you. By the way, the “Capacity for Discontent” canister is a sealed canister. Nobody can pour discontent into your life. You increase of decrease the levels.

There are REAL problems in ministry and there are PERCEIVED problems in ministry. You cannot emotionally tell the difference between real and perceived problems.

Another thing we do is stuff our discontent underground. Two levels: offense; bitterness. Discontent stuffed will cause an offense and if continued to be stuffed will allow bitterness to grow in your life.

We also have a “Capacity for Joy” canister.

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10

To decrease discontent the healthy way is to increase our joy. We do this by keeping our sense of privilege in serving the Lord. We also need to do these three things:

1. Pray – thinking deeply about things in the Presence of God. We need to respect His principles and respect His Presence at all times.

2. Daily Devotions – the Word of God will guide us, leading us to joy as we walk in obedience to the Lord.

3. Find a Mentor – somebody that you’ve given permission to to speak into your life. The “higher” you go in leadership the more you need accountability. You need someone who loves Jesus and loves you – in that order! Somebody who can serve as a “lightning rod” and will ground your negative processing. This person will help you process unto resolution.

A danger in complaining to a friend or spouse is that they will shoulder your offense.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

Psalm 51:10-13

“Restore unto to me the joy…”
The devil has no authority to steal your salvation (it’s wrapped up securely in the blood of Christ). He has no authority to steal your marriage. He has no authority to steal your ministry. So what the devil does it go after the JOY of your salvation, marriage or ministry. If he can strip you of the joy, you’ll forfeit it on your own because you DO have the authority to bail if you so choose.

When discontent rises, remember when you first came to Christ and privilege it was to serve Him AND pray Psalm 51:10-13.

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The Life Of A Teacher

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

James 3:1-2

The third chapter in James is well known for it’s teaching on the tongue. Things are set on fire with the tongue! Verse one seems brief and out of place. “Not many of you should presume to be teachers…” But what if this is not out of place. What if what follows next about the tongue is most readily applied to teachers? Teachers will be judged more strictly, James writes. Maybe that has everything to do with their speech. What we say as teachers is important. How we say what we say is important! If we have influence at all; if there are students listening to us, we must be careful with what we say and how we say it.

It is possible that James is still thinking about teachers when he writes verse 13:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

This applies to teachers more assuredly than anyone else. Living the life well must precede teaching others about the life of following Jesus.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:17-18

Father, do Your work in me so that Your work can be done through me. This day I live for You. Make Yourself known through me.

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Not Faith Alone?

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

James 2:24

“Saved by grace through faith alone” has been a mantra in Christendom since the Reformation of the 1500s. What Martin Luther and others did back then was extremely important. The church was brought out of the dark ages. That movement was based largely out of Paul’s writings about grace and faith.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

Romans 3:21-24, 28

We are justified freely by God’s grace apart from the law. This focus on grace is vital. Salvation comes, not through following the law, but because God decided to forgive sinners who place their faith in the redemptive work of Jesus. From this comes the mantra: “Salvation by grace through faith alone.” As far as I know (I’ll have to check) Paul never said “faith alone.” The context of Paul’s writing was comparing the new covenant to the old. In the Law of the OT people were justified by keeping it… and through the blood of lamb, rams and goats salvation came. If you did the Law perfectly, you could be saved. Nobody did it perfectly. So God enters with the grace found in Jesus!

James writes to those who have acknowledged Jesus as God’s Son and His death as the provision of grace, but whose lives were not reflecting the redemptive nature of that grace. They were not living according to their faith. Their deeds were not good. James says, ‘your faith is dead! You’re all talk.’ Apparently people that early in the history of the church were taking God’s grace for granted. It was cheapened by their application of it to their lives. Just believe and you’ll be saved. What’s striking about James 2:24 is that James connects deeds to faith to justification. You need to have a faith that works (and not just belief only) in order to be considered right before God.

People get nervous about this. ‘Salvation cannot be earned!’ This is absolutely true. Nothing you could do can earn your salvation. Jesus paid the cost and salvation is offered to you by His grace. If you trust Him… if you believe… if you have faith… if you embrace the free gift of salvation… if you embrace the expression of that salvation through a new redeemed life… you will be justified before God. You’ll be saved. The natural occurrence of being redeemed is a life filled with good works.

If you say in your heart ‘I believe’ but your life is not redeemed from a sinful life (which is seen in how you live your life), that mental assent will not save you because that is not faith. Faith brings redemption which will be seen throughout your life. ‘You’re saying that works or deeds save you!’ No, I’m saying that Jesus saves you… and if He does save you, you’ll be saved. He will redeem your life and His work will be seen in how you live.

Our problem is that sin still resides in our hearts, doesn’t it? It is sinful to live a life that ‘believes’ in God but does not live for God. Sin wants to take root in our hearts, and it will unless we yield to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. Lordship is not another mental assent, ‘Yep, Jesus is Lord.’ No, Lordship is the rubber hitting the road in the Christian life. The Lordship of Jesus will be seen in what I do because I have taken my life and my actions and have brought them to the Lord and said, ‘What would you have me do?’ By His Spirit and through His Word Jesus gives direction. When I listen and obey what He wants… when I yield to Him my faith is made perfect through what I do – just like Abraham’s (James 2:21-22).

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace which saves me. Redeem my life… redeem this day through my words and actions. May they be a blessing to You and others is my prayer.

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Joy During Trials

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

The Christian faith provides the ability to look beyond the current set of circumstances to the good that will be. Jesus did this.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Jesus endured the cross because His life was focused on the joy beyond it. The joy of doing His Father’s will and, I think, the joy of providing salvation for all of us who believe.

Life is hard. There are difficulties and various kinds of trials. It is so counter-intuitive… and counter-cultural to consider these trials as good. To have joy because of them… this is uniquely a God thing. The joy comes not in the difficulty itself – Christians are not masochistic. The joy comes in knowing that perseverance is being developed in me. Maturity is being banged out like an ironsmith bangs out an object on his anvil. Wisdom and completeness comes through the experiences of life.

Clearly, Father, You want to change my thinking and my spirit more than my circumstances. You are concerned more for my maturity as a disciple than for my temporary ease and comfort. And so You redeem all things for Your own purpose. No trial is wasted. You use it in my life. Thank You. Help me to consider these difficulties as pure joy! I yield to You, the King of heaven and the King of my heart, today.

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Four Years Ago

It was 4 years ago today that I met Wayne Cordeiro at the Starbucks on Coburg Road. What reminded me was our Life Journal reading this morning. The phrase “Go To Him” from Hebrews 13 is what I journaled that morning when Wayne gave me my first Life Journal and explained the SOAP process to me. What a tool… what a blessing in my life! I pray that you are learning to daily meet with the Lord as well.

I mention Wayne because he is in town! On Thursday you have the opportunity to hear from him and some others from his church in Honolulu at The Shedd downtown. You can read more in Saturday’s Register Guard’s article. The event is at 6pm and 8pm and admission is free.

I agree with the comment in the article that Wayne’s “the real deal.” I’ve had devotions with him probably a dozen times, attended his “Doing Church As A Team” conference in Portland (Sept. 2005), and been encouraged by his friendship towards me. His life and ministry flow out of his relationship with the Lord. If you are able to attend on Thursday night, please do! You’ll be encouraged.

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Strengthened By Grace

It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace.

Hebrews 13:9b

Grace strengthens. To be given what I don’t deserve and could never earn encourages the heart. It allows one to take a deep breath… and exhale… relax for a moment… enjoy the peace that grace brings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace.

I grow weary of constant producing, deadlines, investments made. Continual exertion (or so it seems) wears me out. God’s grace strengthens. It renews me. I am replenished by God’s abundant supply.

Father, teach me what it means to be strengthened by grace. My heart needs You this day. Thank You for leading me and for providing the strength and courage needed to serve You today.

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Hebrews 10

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:26-31

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Salvation

See, the day of the LORD is coming
—a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger—
to make the land desolate
and destroy the sinners within it.

The stars of heaven and their constellations
will not show their light.
The rising sun will be darkened
and the moon will not give its light.

I will punish the world for its evil,
the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty
and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

I will make man scarcer than pure gold,
more rare than the gold of Ophir.

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble;
and the earth will shake from its place
at the wrath of the LORD Almighty,
in the day of his burning anger.

Isaiah 13:9-13

In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."

With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.

Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.

Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

Isaiah 12:1-6

The Lord is the source of judgment and wrath… and the source of salvation. He is going to punish the world for its sin, evil will be done away with and people will be destroyed. People will also be saved! His anger will be turned away – He has become our salvation.

How is God the source of wrath and salvation both? His position opposed to sin is consistent and never changes because of His holiness. Salvation comes because He sent Jesus who willingly died an undeserved death for the sins for all who would call on His Name.

…but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Hebrews 9:12b, 14, 26b-28

Jesus brings salvation (past, present and future). He brought me salvation in the past when He died on the cross, saying ‘it is finished!’ I was saved back in 1977 when I accepted His gift to me and was baptized into Him.

I am being saved in the present. The life of Christ lived out through me this day is saving me from the sin and corruption of the world. The ways of this world are opposed to the very nature of God and are bringing about God’s judgment (Romans 1).

I will be saved ultimately when Jesus comes again – not to bear sin (He did that the first time), but to bring salvation for all who are waiting for Him.

Holy God, You are my salvation. I will sing for joy for what You have done. Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save. Holy Spirit, thank You for saving me this day. I yield to Your will for my life and will follow hard after You. Jesus, thank You for one day coming back for me! I am waiting for You.

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This Is Worship!

With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:6-8

Micah had prophesied against Israel, noting their sin against God. He had spoken for God. The question in verse 6 is appropriate. What do I do? How do I approach God and with what do I bring to make things right? Burnt offerings? Year old calves? Will God be pleased with that? How about 1000 rams or 10,000 rivers of oil? What would appease and please God Almighty? What does He want from me to atone for my sin? How do I repent? How do I worship? Do I offer my firstborn child as an act of repentance and sacrifice? “The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” What does the Lord require of me?

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

To act justly… to love mercy… to walk humbly with my God. This is what God wants from me. THIS is worship!

Father, I am humbled by You… in awe and speechless by Your grace. I want to do right, to love what you love, to be like Jesus by extending His great love and mercy to others and to define my success by the vibrancy and intimacy of my walk with You. Help me this day to ‘Micah 6:8.’

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Solid Food

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

“Milk” is for infants in Christ. It is the elementary teachings of following Jesus: faith, repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. “Solid food” is for those maturing in Jesus Christ, those who are older in the faith… who have walked a few seasons with the Lord. Solid food is the teaching about righteousness. By it disciples have “train themselves” to distinguish good from evil. Just as biologically we cannot remain as infants, so spiritually God’s intention is for us to grow. “And God permitting, we will do so!”

Some want to say that salvation is by grace through faith alone, and Scripture certainly supports that (Ephesians 2:8-10), except the ‘alone’ part. The New Testament has close to 20 different ‘things’ that ‘save you.’ “The blood of Christ saves you… baptism now saves you… you are saved by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” These are easily all expressions of God’s grace. What’s striking about the text in Hebrews is that those things are all the elementary teachings of Christ. Those things are MILK! We are to move on from these things into maturity. Not that we forget or throw away those things, but we don’t remain transfixed on them day after day. They are the foundation. The Gospel that brings salvation is to be built upon, leading us into maturity in Christ. Leading us to ‘look’ like Him.

The ‘grace alone’ camp wants to (and does) say that there’s nothing that we do in this salvation… which is true, except when you apply it to spiritual maturity. There are all kinds of things that WE are to DO in the training of righteousness in our lives. The text said that through solid food the mature ones ‘by contant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil’ (5:14). Trained themselves?? Apparently.

It might be helpful to use, or at least think about, those two really big theological words: Justification and Sanctification.

Justification happens in an instant when the blood of Christ is applied to a person’s life. By grace they are saved… right then! It is ‘just as if’ they had never sinned.

Sanctification is the growing process of becoming like Jesus. This happens over a life time. This is maturing in Christ. This is a huge expectation here in Hebrews and throughout the New Testament. The grace of God is so life-changing, remaining the same is unthinkable… it’s impossible! We grow into this righteousness that Christ has already provided for us.

In my reading of the New Testament, the sanctification process has salvation implications. “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father” (Matthew 7:21). Read Hebrews 6:4-6.

Solid food is for the mature and by constant use are training themselves… everyday I need to be in God’s Word, constantly using it… growing in the faith and in righteousness.

Father, I pursue You today. Make me more like Jesus is my prayer.

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This Would Be A Great Day...

07/07/07

Today would be a great day for Jesus to return! But, then again, so would every day!

7-7-7

Sounds perfect to me. :)

Here's the 'problem:' God doesn't base HIS calendar on our calendar. I think I'll wait on HIS perfect timing (do I have a choice?). Today may seem like the 'perfect' day, but if Jesus doesn't return on this day that means there is another day that is truly perfect in the Father's timing.

Still, this is the day that He has made. We can rejoice and be glad in it. Let's take off! 777!

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Eternal Eyes

21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73:21-28

There is a practical and noticeable change that worship brings. Earlier in Psalm 73 Asaph was moaning and bemoaning the wealth and success of the wicked. Then he says, “When I tried to understand all this it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (vs. 16-17). Worship gives our earthly experience eternal eyes. Worship allows us to see what and how the God of heaven sees.

My heart has been grieved… my spirit embittered. I was senseless and ignorant… like a brute beast before God. I need more worship, not less! I need those eternal perspectives that only God can bring. My heart and flesh may fail – but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Forever!

Father, there is nothing on earth I desire more than You! Thank You for being my strength and for leading me by my right hand… for giving me Your perspective and counsel and for leading me into Your eternal Presence in glory. While here, I will make You my refuge. I will rest in You and will tell of all Your deeds. You are good and Your mercies endure forever. I worship You this day.

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BIG Brother

Both the One who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Hebrews 2:11

The perfect Lord who has provided the way of salvation for us is also our brother. He became like us in our humanity and is not ashamed to call us brothers! Your brother is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You respect Him for who He is and for His authority on earth and in heaven, but you relate to Him as family. This is not easily achieved, but it is reality. The LORD is our brother! Who can call Jesus “brother?” Those who are under the covenant… those who are under the Lordship of Jesus… Those who are covered by the blood that He shed – those are the ones who can relate to Jesus as brother.

I admit, relating to Jesus as my brother is not as easy for me as worshipping Him as Lord. He is so awesome – God Most High – that humbling myself before Him is not difficult. It’s right! It’s appropriate! Relating to Jesus as my brother adds a significant element – a familial relationship! I can actually relate to Jesus as family (intimate, relaxed) because He is not ashamed to call me His brother. If this were not true, my worship of Him would probably become very detached from relationship. I would honor Him like I do the President – with full respect but without any relationship. I don’t have President Bush’s cell phone number! And yet Jesus has given me His. He invites me to call anytime. To be confident as I approach Him because He is not ashamed to call me His little brother. He loves me.

Thank You, Jesus, for loving me! I love you! I am amazed that You are not ashamed of me. Thank You for wanting to relate to me on this level… as family! And thank You for providing the way. You are the One who has made me holy in the Father’s sight.

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Freedom Fighters

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

Hebrews 1:1-2

With more clarity and more power than ever, God is speaking to us. He spoke through the prophets previously, but now He is speaking through Jesus. What is He saying? The list could go on for pages, but on this 4th of July my mind immediately thinks of freedom. Jesus came to 'set the captives free, to give sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor' (Luke 4:18-19).

Why are people not set free? The problem, as it was in the days of the prophets, is not the message but the ears of those hearing. Ears that do not hear... Yet for those who do listen, there is this message of freedom.

Does my life reflect that I have heard what God is saying through Jesus? The evidence, I think, would be seen in the people in my life. In my family and in my church, is there an abundance of freedom and grace being extended? Do the people in my life feel freed up by me (as I reproduce the life and message of Jesus) or do they feel constrained and judged? It is the year of the Lord's favor! Jesus has come to set us free! Let's be free... and let's be freedom fighters, contending for the freedom of others.

Father! Thank You for speaking through Jesus. Thank You for setting me free from sin and death and for giving abundant life in Your Son. Help me to have eyes to see and ears to hear His message. Help me, God, to speak and live Your truth so that others can live free too.

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Success Brings Danger

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

2 Chronicles 26:3-5, 16

Uzziah was a good king who sought the Lord. God’s Presence and blessing on his life resulted in great success. Great success led to pride… which led to his downfall. He violated the temple and was plagued with leprosy. The mighty whimpered in the final years of his life! His son Jotham never entered the temple! He observed what happened to his father and had some holy fear!

Pride is insidious. It often has room in my life following the blessing and Presence of God that produces some measure of victory in my life. After the victory and success, pride wants to take root. Pride led to a good king’s downfall. It can do the same to me or any follower of Christ. This is where worship is important for me. Regularly attributing value and worth to God for all He has done keeps my head in check. When I praise Him for His blessing and Presence, it keeps me from thinking that I have accomplished something great. Compared to what Christ has done, my accomplishments are minuscule… and would not be possible without Jesus anyway. I love it when big league ballplayers give praise to Jesus.

Lord, You are King of heaven and King of my heart. You have done mighty things! Thank You for living victoriously through me this day. I deflect all glory to You.

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Contending For The Faith

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

Jude 3

Jude urges the believers to ‘contend for the faith’ because the way people are, there is a natural flow away from the truth of God. Jude describes men who are depraved in their thoughts and actions, proclaiming a false gospel and serving their own selfish desires. They are promoting it as normal in the household of faith. They are co-existing with the church, boasting about their sin. Jude says, ‘contend for the faith!’ In a culture (church sub-culture?) that is “sissifiying” the church, Jude’s exhortation is very masculine! It’s a battle we’re in. It’s 15 rounds with someone who wants to take you out! What are you going to do? Lay over and take it?! Stand up and contend for the faith! Engage the battle. Exhort, encourage and rebuke. Paul told Timothy that the Word of God was useful for this very purpose (2 Tim 3:16-17). Rebuking is not culturally correct these days, but it probably never has been. If we’re going to contend for the faith, we’d better suit up and get after it.

Jude describes later what this looks like, I think, when he writes (verses 20-23), But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. He then ends his brief letter in worship.

In the context of so much sin, who Jesus is is reassuring to my heart! God is able to give me all I need. He is able to keep me from falling and, because of His mercy, to present me in His very own Presence without fault and with great joy! God is my resource in contending for the faith. He is the beginning and the end! It is His Gospel and His Kingdom. I must zero in on being His person, worshipping Him for who He is and all that He has done. Then my heart will be right and in tune with His will.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

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