Our Sinless Life?

Paul, in the ninth chapter of his second letter to the church at Corinth, is reminding the Corinthian churches of a gift they had proposed for the believers in Jerusalem. He ends this reminder with the declaration: "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

His reference to God's grace and the gift of Christ as "indescribable" is a powerful reminder to us of what was done to release us from our weighty sin.

There is much theological debate on original sin and on the subject of whether or not a believer can/should/must live without sin. I don't intend to resolve that debate. If the theologians have been (for centuries!) struggling with the apparent contradictory scripture on this subject, I can only conclude that this debate, like a parable, will serve to cause us to dig deep and examine the matters of our own heart.

If we side with those who say that a sinless life is necessary for salvation, perhaps our hearts demand an accounting of others' actions as we stand in judgment. Clearly, Jesus cautioned against this (Luke 6:37). This could serve to shame us in our own faults or lead us to pride. Many seem to fall (publicly) because of this stance. However, if we favor an acceptance of sin in the life of a believer, we settle for a lower nature. This liberality is dangerous, too.

I bear witness to the writings of one of Jesus' dearest friends, the Apostle John, in his discussion on the matter (1 John 2). He, at once, recognizes the pursuit of holiness as good while acknowledging our Advocate in the case that we fail in the pursuit.

At any rate, our gift to Him of a sinless life (however possible!) can never compare to the "indescribable gift" of His Son to us.

Prayer That Changes Things

Indeed, prayer has a powerful effect on how we carry out our lives. Jesus advised us to, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation" (Matthew 26:41), indicating that there is an effect that prayer has on our ability to stand strong in a contrary world. There is a direct and indirect influence on our conduct that comes through conversing with God on a regular basis.

But this profound influence on ourselves is not the only aim of prayer.

Prayer as a discipline, without the objectives of improving our fellowship with the Father and positioning ourselves to be His instruments in advancing the purposes of His Kingdom, would be a dry and selfish thing.

Praying regularly makes us ready to pray in an instant. The more we pray, in an ongoing way, the more we think to pray and the more we make ourselves available to draw on the spiritual reserve that has been laid up to bring about His will here on Earth ("After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven").

To "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6) is the key. To train ourselves to be in an attitude of prayer at all times means we can invoke the very Presence of God in every situation.

Prayer that we "disappear into", as in a closet, becomes training for prayer that is "without ceasing". And this is relevant, productive prayer that makes us active in the spirit and agents of change in the natural.

On "Not Being Fed Meat"

Recently I heard two teachings from unrelated ministries that, at first glance, had nothing to do with each other. But when considering the picture as a whole, it was like superficially contrary verses that suddenly bring revelation when viewed in a proper Light.

One message had to do with a survey that concluded that the overwhelming number of people leaving a church are leaving because they claimed they were "not being fed enough meat".

The other message had to do with the will of the Father as our "meat".

There are many references to "meat" in the New Testament. Most are referencing meat that is consumed at a meal.

Other times it is a spiritual reference. Several by Paul (1 Corinthians 10:1-4; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2), by the writer of Hebrews (5:12-14), and several times by Jesus (John 4:30-34; 6:26-27).

I want to look at Jesus' use of the word in John 4:34:

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

When we are mature (read Paul's "meat" scriptures) we understand "meat" in the context that Jesus spoke of it. We change our expectation of a church providing a "meal" for us and we turn from wanting more and more in order to be satisfied to looking inward to discover what God is requiring of us. Then we go to work.

We don't leave the church, we leave our excuses.

That is where we are satisfied with mature food, by fulfilling His will for us.

If we want more meat, perhaps we should stop demanding more from a teaching or a Pastor or a conference, and we should commit ourselves to getting fed how Jesus got fed - by doing the will of God.

Samson's Demise - repost

The Philistine's sought to find Samson's strength, but their victory was assured when they exploited his weakness (Judges 16).

It's wonderful to recognize our strengths. But when we begin to think that we are invincible because of them, we enter dangerous territory unless we are wide-awake to our weaknesses.

After we are alert to them, we must then exercise self-control, pursuing righteousness through the Word, Godly counsel, and humble fellowship with our Father.

Lead with your strengths. Grow in them. Let the Lord and the Word mature you in these. He can use you mightily.

But don't neglect dealing with your weaknesses. Seek the Lord with a humble heart and close the door on the Philistines.

Defending One's Self - remix

Jerusalem was rife with drama as the Man (Whom many were proclaiming to be King) was brought before the authorities.

False accusations and lies were thrust at Him, "But Jesus kept silent." (Matthew 26:63).

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Defense of one's self, particularly in our culture, has become somewhat of a right. But the higher way is the way that Jesus showed us.

Much of the time our words are used to create, correct, or restore our own public image. It can be difficult to resist the temptation to defend, to explain, or to return a barb.

In our defense of self, our words, unless spoken from absolutely pure motive can only inflame.

In our silence, God will speak.

How much do we trust God? Will we let Him speak in the silence? Or will we fill it with our words? Jesus showed us the way:

^{1 Peter 2:20} "For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. ²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
²² “ Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth; ²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;"

Sometimes the accusation can even come through a believer. Paul, talking to those "who are loved by God and called to be saints" (Romans 1:7), said:

^{Romans 2:1} "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. ²Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. ³So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? ⁴Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"

Understand that each of us is tragically capable of joining the accuser (Revelation 12:10) in passing judgment on someone else. Even under the most clear circumstances, this is a chancy habit. We're probably best-served by applying the accusation to ourselves to see if there is anything that can be found, first, in us.

Jesus, perfectly fit to "cast the first stone", didn't cast it.

The late Ed Cole, teacher and mentor to men, said, "Knowledge of God's Word is a bulwark against deception, temptation, accusation, even persecution. "

When accused or slandered, know what God says about you and believe it. In this way, He speaks in your silence. To you. And the voice of the accuser is silenced.

Occasionally, you might even find elements of truth in the accusation. The enemy, in his rush to condemn, can bring conviction that can lead to Godly repentance. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). In quiet, allow the Holy Spirit to use the words to speak to your heart about what is true and to nullify what is false. The Holy Spirit is the Great Teacher and Counselor, and will lead you into truth (John 16:13).

What about what others think? God will take care of them. Remember Psalm 62:5-7,

"My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation.
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God."

Christ was accused that we might not be condemned; and if at any time we find ourselves in this same position, we should remember that we cannot expect to manage with our words what He managed with His silence.

The Value of Submission

In considering fellowship, we understand that there are different types of relationships between members of the Body of Christ. My relationships with younger college-age folks are much different than with elders in the Body of Christ.

A specific level of fellowship is submission.

Peter urges Elders to:

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." 1 Peter 5:2-4

Peter goes on to encourage the young to submit to this shepherding oversight.

And to the young, the writer of Hebrews says:

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17

And the community functions as designed - a family atmosphere with loving elders who have experience and wisdom that only comes from time in faithful service to the Lord, and those younger submitting to their care, not out of obligation, but willingly.

It is not a concrete pecking order, but a living expression of life in an ordered Kingdom with God as our King.

In submission we entreat the influence of those who have gone before us who, by reason of experience, are equipped to help us because they've been there.

Mutual submission is the overriding principle (Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3).

Enjoy and value submission. Recognize the worth of this Godly discipline.

Determination - A Time Trial

My family just started work on a really large puzzle. It's an old-fashioned grandfather clock that, when completed, will actually tell time. It has a built-in clock.

It's not an easy puzzle. The size (over 4 feet tall!), shape, and intricate patterns make it especially challenging.

In talking about whether or not we are up to the challenge, we spoke of it being a "hard" puzzle. But "hard" is no reason to quit anything. But this is "REALLY hard!"

At what point do we get to quit?

The writer of Hebrews:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (12:1-2)

He goes on to say, "...you have not yet resisted to bloodshed." (12:4)

The references here have to do with our resisting sin, but the strength of the words is sobering.

This service to Christ is serious business.

We cannot quit. We cannot fall back. We cannot give in.

Serving Him is a great pleasure with joy unspeakable and rewards beyond anything that mere living can offer. We must remember this. No matter how "REALLY hard" it gets.

Availability

My kids seem to be more interested in my availability than my ability. They don't seem to care that I'm not very good at "freeze tag" (the rules are too fluid for me); they just want me to play. I'm not even all that sure that they respect my fluency in "Pig Latin" but Logan wants to speak it with me most of the time anyway.

I think God values our availability, too. We need to make ourselves available to Him for His purposes and, as often as we can, for simple fellowship with Him. That is when our instructions are sealed.

Sometimes this stuff just can't be scheduled. We must be alert to opportunities to "steal away" with Him - while alone or with others - and just be available. That means we have to shut down our outer and inner dialogue and just be with Him.

When it comes down to it, the skills - and even the language - don't really matter. It's the availability that does.

Ave-hay a-yay ice-nay ay-day.

Self-Discipline 2

I've been working with my boys, Luke (10) and Logan (7), on Self-Control and Self-Discipline as part of a character development project we are doing together this summer.

One of their memory verses is Proverbs 25:28:

"Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls."

What a picture of someone lacking self-discipline. They just kinda' flow out everywhere with no real boundaries or sense of order.

And not only that, they are open to whatever influence comes their way. Every idea or thought or activity overruns them and redefines them.

I watched this evening as the tide rolled in and flattened a sand castle at the beach. Without solid walls, it was only a wave or two before the castle was lost, disappearing into the indistinct sands.

Our walls of Christ-inspired self-discipline are not restrictive and out-moded; they define us, hold us together, and serve to keep us from becoming less than we were made to be.

For Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness

2 Timothy is a beautiful letter from a loving "father-type" to his dear son.

Paul penned this at the end of his life, knowing that his time was short. He wanted to leave his loved and close follower with words that would strengthen his timid nature and establish firmly the function of the Word of God in his life and for future believers.

Paul knew that Timothy would encounter opposition, but prepared him for this opposition, reminding him of the gift of "power and of love and of a sound mind (Greek: sofronismos = self-discipline)" (1:7).

From the start, Paul is stressing the presence of power, the necessity of love, and the importance of a disciplined nature. This is a familiar refrain for Paul, who gave us the beautiful love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13.

He revisits this theme by stressing again, "faith and love" (1:13-14). And encourages Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2:1). Faith, love, grace, hope - pillars of Paul's gospel.

Paul's concern stretches to the hearers of the Gospel message, urging Timothy "...not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers" and to "shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness" (2:14,16).

His instruction in handling the Word of God is specific and loving:

^2:22 "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. ²⁴And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. ²⁵Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Even Paul's oft-quoted passage regarding the profitable use of scripture ("...for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 3:16) is directed at Timothy, not at others, ("But YOU...", 3:14) with care that Timothy wouldn't use the scripture to bring offense to others, but maturity to himself.

In the next chapter, Paul does tell Timothy to, "Convince, rebuke, and exhort" others but reinforces this charge by adding the words, "with all long-suffering and teaching" (4:2). A different standard than when applying scripture to self.

In other words, be brutal when applying God's Word to your own life, but exercise love (as in all things), self-control, and sound teaching when applying it to others.

We saw this in Paul's letter to the Romans (2:3-4), too:

"And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴ Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"

I thank God for His goodness! It brought me to repentance.

Self-Discipline

What does it mean to disciple one's self?

It is an interesting relationship.

Few people confess that they need to be brighter or more full of common sense, but there are very few who don't confess a need for greater self-discipline.

David really messed up with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11 - 12:22). But what an example of self-discipline in how he dealt with Saul (1 Samuel 24 and 26)!

This shows us that, even in a man after God's own heart, self-discipline is an issue.

We should practice hearing God's voice in silence and solitude, training ourselves to hear Him clearly in a noisy crowd. But there is another strategy.

Demosthenes (a contemporary of Aristotle) is said to have practiced speaking with pebbles in his mouth and when out-of-breath from exercise in order to overcome his limitations as an orator. His desire alone wasn't enough. He had to discipline himself at a level higher than his desired goal in order to master his craft.

We can learn from this. In our silence, solitude, worship, study, meditation, prayer, and love we can also practice under conditions that are much more challenging than the ideal so that we can achieve our best for God.

We can discipline ourselves to be alone with God no matter what the size of the crowd, and quiet before Him no matter the noise.

In this we are being prepared to be disciplined by The Great Discipler.

Fellowship with God

It is tragic to want what is right, but to lack the courage, discipline, or vision that would stimulate us to take the necessary steps to produce the desired right-ness.

But when we fellowship with God, we understand His Greatness and His investment in us, we realize that our faith can conquer the issue of courage, our love for what He loves can conquer the issue of discipline, and our understanding of His plan for the Kingdom can conquer any lack of vision.

I believe that it is primarily by practiced and regular fellowship with God that we are transformed by His nature; emboldened, centered, and beholding of His purposes.

Pursue Him.

We want to live where we can confidently confess:

"I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons."
Psalm 16:7

Secrets

Now more than twenty years into our marriage my wife and I still begin and end many of our days with a question.

In the morning over breakfast or a cup of coffee one of us will ask the other, "What do you want to do with this day God has given us?".

It's our way of acknowledging His rule over our lives, His gift of life to us, and our responsibility to steward the gift. It keeps us from going "auto-pilot" with our lives, recognizing that that would be easy and is the way of far too many.

It's a form of worship for us, as it invites His Presence and establishes His high place in our thoughts and actions for the day.

At the end of the day, usually before praying together and drifting off to sleep, one of us will ask, "What is the most significant thing you (or we) did today?"

This is an evaluation, of sorts, of our effect on and for the Kingdom and our stewardship of the day. The best answers always have to do with people we spoke with or prayed with or played with, or maybe a particular instruction or sincere conversation with one of our boys.

If the most significant thing had to do with buying a new shirt or car or cell phone or a good profit on a business deal, then we know we need to adjust, re-establishing His place in our day and our commitment to partnering with Him. Nothing wrong with these things. We just don't think they should be the most significant.

It keeps us on track. His track.

Jesus, of course, said it best. Our questions just help remind us.

^{Matthew 6:25} “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
²⁸ “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Delayed Gratification

I have been working with my sons Luke (9 years) and Logan (7 years) on the concept of delayed gratification.

It's an interesting subject. Wikipedia defines delayed gratification as, "the ability to wait in order to obtain something that one wants".

Researchers from Yale University have determined that there is a connection between delayed gratification and intelligence, concluding it has to do with a particular part of the brain, the anterior prefrontal cortex.

It is also related to age and maturity. Young children, for example, find it more difficult to delay gratification than older children. When kindergartners in one study were offered a choice between getting a small candy bar immediately or a larger one later, 72% chose the smaller candy bar.

The boys and I were picking wild blackberries (the fruit, not the phone) yesterday in our yard. Logan decided, on his own, to wait on picking some of the darker red ones until they are purple or black and tastier. A huge step for him, as he was competing with his older brother for who could pick the most.

I was very proud of him.

We could all learn from his example. Sacrificing the immediate on the altar of the preferred takes patience, smarts, and a certain amount of maturity.

Whether it's a relationship, a car, a house, blackberries, or a Blackberry (the phone), sometimes delaying the pursuit is the better option.

So if you want to be smart or mature (or at least look that way!), meditate on these:

^{Psalm 37
7} Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the LORD,
They shall inherit the earth.

^{Ecclesiastes 7
8} The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

^{Lamentations 3
26} It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the LORD.

Demonstrating a Renewed Life

Second of 2 parts.

Where yesterday's "Personal Renewal Imperative" spoke of a commitment to allowing God to change us, today's "Demonstrating a Renewed Life" deals with the responsibility of living a renewed life that is visible.

We must display realistic methods of personal renewal, which means our public life must communicate our personal commitment to renewal.

What is different about us?

Does our renewal only show through our words? Or do we actually do things differently?

A commitment to personal renewal will include living a disciplined life. Words like "Bible student", "servant", "prayerful", "loving","fasted", "celebrating", and "worshipful" should apply to us.

Do we value relationships more and things less? Do we read different books and watch different movies? Do we control our tongue? Do we spend our lives in pursuit of something that has greater value?

What would our calendar, checkbook or library communicate to someone who didn't know us?

These are the things that will not only bring change, but will demonstrate to others our commitment to a renewed life. When friends from work (or church!) ask us over, what if we answered (sincerely), "I'm sorry. I have plans". And those plans were to fellowship with God in the Word or to commit ourselves to prayer for a season - prayer for them!

Surely we can confess renewal - maybe even commit to it - but I believe the real power is in demonstrating how to be renewed in our living.

^{James 1:21} Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴ for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ²⁵ But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

The Personal Renewal Imperative

First of 2 parts.

I've been pondering what we in the Body of Christ need to do better in order to make a bigger splash in the world.

Without a doubt we must tend to the bedrock-core-heart issues that Jesus talked about, like loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and loving your neighbor as your self. Jesus couldn't have been any more clear (Mark 12:29-31).

But I'm thinking about two other things. One I'll address today, the other tomorrow.

Today's imperative:

We must take the need for personal renewal seriously.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new". (2 Corinthians 5:17)

To choose God is to choose renewal, which means CHANGE is inevitable - He will seek to CHANGE you. You embrace it when you embrace Him. Your life after Christ MUST be different than your life before. He has made you new.

I know that the familiar habits of the old man are hard to break. Break them anyway. The attitudes and leanings and thought patterns stick to us like colors to a beachball, but cast them off!

This is do-able...you are in Christ!

Choose a habit or attitude that you have that you know is not meant to be part of the new man and eradicate it. Meditate on scripture that gives you the advantage, spend time in prayer over it, take intentional purposeful strides to correct it and watch the new man come forth!

Then move on to the next one.

This is precisely the type of activity that will change the world. People WANT to be better!

Show them how to be NEW!

Bite-sized and Nutrition-packed

This month we are in the Proverbs as our daily reading, tending to the chapter that corresponds to the date.

This has been an on-again off-again practice of mine for years and never fails to amaze me when I read something that applies to that day or encounter something for which a Proverb has already provided instruction.

This digest of applicable wisdom comes to us in a beautiful format. Parallelisms and comparisons that make our understanding fruitful.

I love the way a complex thought is reduced to just a line or two that is easily understood and easily transferred but, with meditation, unfolds into essential guidance for life.

We should learn to speak so succinctly and powerfully.

Today, for ME, it's...

"In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise" (10:19).

Yowser. Chew on that.

Read through today's chapter (Proverbs 10) and see what it provides as YOUR bite-sized nutrition-packed portion.

The Easy Yoke

The common human weakness is to want what is right but, at the same time, to avoid the discipline that would create rightness.

If we WANT our lives to enrich the Kingdom we must be willing to embrace the discipline and the Way of life to which He calls us. The Good News is, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

What is the secret of the easy yoke? The purposeful, unyielding practice of living as Jesus lived, recognizing the inherent equipping power of a life in sustained, willful fellowship with the Father.

When we ONLY say what we hear Him say and ONLY do what we see Him do, our yoke does become easy and our burden light.

That is why what Christ wanted (our redemption) Christ accomplished. How He lived (in communion with His Father) brought about the resolve to walk in what He knew to be right.

Your life was ransomed. Now your life is a ransom for others.


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