We are in a lifelong battle against spiritual forces that would more subtly than not, move us away from the path and way of the Lord. God speaks to us, but the devil, or those spiritual entities speak to us as well. We need ongoing discernment to detect so we can reject the devil's lies.
We need to be in the word regularly. Something there can hit us and help us just get a quick view of what is going on. As soon as we get that view, we need to prayerfully keep it in focus and in faith act on it. And then we need to seek to gather that insight from God to incorporate into our lives as part of our daily walk, or way of life.
We always need God to uncover these lies, and this is evident when we are down. Too often voices come to us with the authority of God which are accusatory, rather than helpful as in an advocate to show us the way. God's way in grace lifts us up to where we are in Jesus, and what we are in him by the Spirit. The devil's lies, even through other Christians sometimes- perish the thought!- or maybe its our own ears!- would tear us down and leave us grovelling in the dust. God values humility, but not grovelling as if we aren't his children whom he easily delights in.
Just some thoughts on discerning Satan's lies. What thoughts would you like to add to these?
Showing posts with label spiritual warfare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual warfare. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
The Screwtape Letters
We saw over the weekend a most magnificient rendition of The Screwtape Letters. A good friend of mine and brother in Jesus, Jonathan Schaefer played the role of Screwtape, and he did exceedingly well. I thought everyone did quite well, and that C.S. Lewis himself would have been pleased. Though I wouldn't want to be the one trying to adapt his book, because I'm sure he'd best know how to do it, since he wrote it.
A major challenge in watching it was to hang in there through all the darkness expressed in wanting to twist all that is good so that humans live lives separated from God. As well as the hatred. The lady who played Screwtape's sidekick, Grabslatter, with her flaming red hair, managed to keep on a most devilish, diabolical looking face. And hatred along with seeking to live lives in reverse of God's will, was at the heart of the demonic activity in seeking to destroy the life of one particular man.
While I'm one hundred times glad to have seen the play, there's no substiute for simply reading the book. This is one of the favorites from C.S. Lewis, for good reason. And it's more than just interesting, entertaining material. It speaks of life, and what is going on in our lives, especially undercover, and unknown to us, which we do well to become aware of.
Have any of your read "The Screwtape Letters", and what would you like to add here?
A major challenge in watching it was to hang in there through all the darkness expressed in wanting to twist all that is good so that humans live lives separated from God. As well as the hatred. The lady who played Screwtape's sidekick, Grabslatter, with her flaming red hair, managed to keep on a most devilish, diabolical looking face. And hatred along with seeking to live lives in reverse of God's will, was at the heart of the demonic activity in seeking to destroy the life of one particular man.
While I'm one hundred times glad to have seen the play, there's no substiute for simply reading the book. This is one of the favorites from C.S. Lewis, for good reason. And it's more than just interesting, entertaining material. It speaks of life, and what is going on in our lives, especially undercover, and unknown to us, which we do well to become aware of.
Have any of your read "The Screwtape Letters", and what would you like to add here?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
prayer
An area I want to grow in is prayer. Certainly that includes the prayer we have as we go along throughout each day. And I'm especially thinking about those special prayer concerns we have for others, as well as for ourselves, from time to time.
I think of those regular times when Jesus met with the Father, during his earthly life. And how I want to come to God in prayer for others, and for special situations.
I have found that to do so does seem to take sheer will power and perseverance at times. This is so because I believe faith in prayer involves a time element in God's working. And God's working often involves the one praying themselves, as well as what they are praying for. And we must not forget there is a spiritual battle taking place. One way I see this is simply the difficulty I have sustaining ongoing prayer about any matter. Along with some of the wickedness that can get thrown my way in dreams, and in subtle, and not so subtle ways, which I take as being from the enemy.
But as I persevere in praying, I often arrive at a sense that God is in it somehow, perhaps in the praying, or in what is being prayed about- likely both. Weak though my praying may be.
I do try to pray according to "the Lord's Prayer," along with my understanding of their needs and how I would pray. Bringing in that prayer that Jesus taught us helps us pray God's will into the matter, and not just our own will and concern for that person.
Any thoughts out there related to this that you'd like to share?
I think of those regular times when Jesus met with the Father, during his earthly life. And how I want to come to God in prayer for others, and for special situations.
I have found that to do so does seem to take sheer will power and perseverance at times. This is so because I believe faith in prayer involves a time element in God's working. And God's working often involves the one praying themselves, as well as what they are praying for. And we must not forget there is a spiritual battle taking place. One way I see this is simply the difficulty I have sustaining ongoing prayer about any matter. Along with some of the wickedness that can get thrown my way in dreams, and in subtle, and not so subtle ways, which I take as being from the enemy.
But as I persevere in praying, I often arrive at a sense that God is in it somehow, perhaps in the praying, or in what is being prayed about- likely both. Weak though my praying may be.
I do try to pray according to "the Lord's Prayer," along with my understanding of their needs and how I would pray. Bringing in that prayer that Jesus taught us helps us pray God's will into the matter, and not just our own will and concern for that person.
Any thoughts out there related to this that you'd like to share?
Friday, April 24, 2009
in the low places
In spiritual warfare we're often unaware of the dangers that beset us. The harm to our inner person that can come when we yield to that which is wrong, or fail to follow God's way.
For some reason, yesterday I spent a lot of time in Psalm 31, particularly in these verses. I was thinking of the scene in The Passion of the Christ, of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane, and being tempted by the devil there, and uttering petitions to his Father, probably from the words of this psalm, "Shelter Me, O, Lord. I trust in you. In you I take refuge."
The time was not an easy one for Jesus in the garden. Do we have our times which though they cannot come close to plumbing the depths of Jesus' experience, still are most difficult? I do.
I am thankful that we have that part of Psalm 31 I was dwelling on, all of Psalm 31, the rest of the psalms, and all of Scripture. We need it all, because we can't live in the low places too long. But we need to be open to what God may be trying to do, or teach us in those "places" during that time. We need also to remember that change by its very nature comes often with tremendous difficulty. For a good number of reasons.
What would you like to share on this?
For some reason, yesterday I spent a lot of time in Psalm 31, particularly in these verses. I was thinking of the scene in The Passion of the Christ, of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane, and being tempted by the devil there, and uttering petitions to his Father, probably from the words of this psalm, "Shelter Me, O, Lord. I trust in you. In you I take refuge."
The time was not an easy one for Jesus in the garden. Do we have our times which though they cannot come close to plumbing the depths of Jesus' experience, still are most difficult? I do.
I am thankful that we have that part of Psalm 31 I was dwelling on, all of Psalm 31, the rest of the psalms, and all of Scripture. We need it all, because we can't live in the low places too long. But we need to be open to what God may be trying to do, or teach us in those "places" during that time. We need also to remember that change by its very nature comes often with tremendous difficulty. For a good number of reasons.
What would you like to share on this?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
David's mighty men
While I am a Christian pacifist I do find the list and activities of David's mighty men in Scripture (also here), inspiring and helpful. We as Christians may not be right in engaging in physical warfare, but we are most certainly in a spiritual battle. Add to that, there are certainly physical dimensions in this warfare (see here, as well).
These men could do great things individually, and in Christ so can we. But they also worked together, and were a mighty army in the Lord. This should be true of us today. Not that we see ourselves primarily as those who are at war, but to deny this aspect of our lives in Christ now, is a mistake. It's most certainly a different kind of warfare, but just as deadly with the stakes even higher in a true sense.
The thought of David's mighty men helps me press through a difficult task that may seem at least somewhat mundane. But all is to be done to the glory of the Lord, and we're to do so out of love for God with our entire being and doing, as well as out of love for others, as we love ourselves.
We are in a battle not against humans, but against spiritual forces and entities. Thank God for the times of rest, but this is an essential part of our lives now, and we'd best arm ourselves with that knowledge as we seek to live out our lives together in Jesus, in love as lights in this world.
These men could do great things individually, and in Christ so can we. But they also worked together, and were a mighty army in the Lord. This should be true of us today. Not that we see ourselves primarily as those who are at war, but to deny this aspect of our lives in Christ now, is a mistake. It's most certainly a different kind of warfare, but just as deadly with the stakes even higher in a true sense.
The thought of David's mighty men helps me press through a difficult task that may seem at least somewhat mundane. But all is to be done to the glory of the Lord, and we're to do so out of love for God with our entire being and doing, as well as out of love for others, as we love ourselves.
We are in a battle not against humans, but against spiritual forces and entities. Thank God for the times of rest, but this is an essential part of our lives now, and we'd best arm ourselves with that knowledge as we seek to live out our lives together in Jesus, in love as lights in this world.
Monday, March 16, 2009
prayer support
I remember a flaming evangelist of a Mennonite denomination who preached at our church when I was a young man some years ago. He stated that he wanted to go to New Mexico to share the gospel with Indians there. But that he did not, because he did not believe he'd have the prayer support he needed. I found that interesting, and one of those words I won't forget.
I have a wife in Deb who regularly gets on her knees beside our bed and prays for me when I have something to do or get done ministry-wise. I find this makes all the difference in the world. It's like the story of the woodpecker, pecking away on the pole. Lightening strikes the pole and it is broken, and the woodpecker takes a bow (something like that). God answers prayer and all we can do is recognize that, and thank him.
I have often gone off to ministry feeling anything but wanting to do what I needed to do, though I've learned long ago not to be moved by my feelings or lack of them. And I've seen what a difference Deb's faithfulness in praying for me has meant. Of course it works the other way as well. I need to be lifting her up in prayers, for God's blessing on and through her.
In the church we are to be praying for each other, and for God's servants in ministry. This is no less than a spiritual effort, but we often want to fight a spiritual battle with "sticks and stones." But ongoing prayer in the Spirit is what's needed.
I'm thankful to God for my wife, for her example, and for her practice. And together hopefully we'll grow in praying. And see God move mountains to impact the lives of others for profound good, by the Spirit through Jesus who himself faithfully intercedes in prayer for us.
What would you like to share on this?
I have a wife in Deb who regularly gets on her knees beside our bed and prays for me when I have something to do or get done ministry-wise. I find this makes all the difference in the world. It's like the story of the woodpecker, pecking away on the pole. Lightening strikes the pole and it is broken, and the woodpecker takes a bow (something like that). God answers prayer and all we can do is recognize that, and thank him.
I have often gone off to ministry feeling anything but wanting to do what I needed to do, though I've learned long ago not to be moved by my feelings or lack of them. And I've seen what a difference Deb's faithfulness in praying for me has meant. Of course it works the other way as well. I need to be lifting her up in prayers, for God's blessing on and through her.
In the church we are to be praying for each other, and for God's servants in ministry. This is no less than a spiritual effort, but we often want to fight a spiritual battle with "sticks and stones." But ongoing prayer in the Spirit is what's needed.
I'm thankful to God for my wife, for her example, and for her practice. And together hopefully we'll grow in praying. And see God move mountains to impact the lives of others for profound good, by the Spirit through Jesus who himself faithfully intercedes in prayer for us.
What would you like to share on this?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
spiritual warfare
In the twentieth century there were a number of Christian theologians who seemed to discount the reality of spiritual warfare in the lives of Christians. They had some valid, good insights into the meaning of principalities and powers in Scripture, but seemed to relegate them to governing authorities and perhaps spiritual powers, or intelligent entities behind them.
While the Bible is not loaded with accounts of people wrestling spiritual powers and entities, it is present. And in Ephesians 6 we in Jesus are warned that we will have to stand firm in God's mighty power and with his full armor on for us in Christ, against the wiles and strategies of the devil and his hosts. While that certainly has application from Scripture to refer to governing authorities resisting those in the faith, it would seem incontrovertible that it refers primarily to the spiritual powers and entities in league with Satan.
C.S. Lewis, in his The Screwtape Letters, has it right when he makes the point that the Christian church errs either in seeing the devil no where, or seeing the devil every where. Of course we must always beware of them, but we're not to be living in fear of them. Our victory over them is in Jesus and in his death, resurrection and ascension, and on that basis by the power of the Spirit. We have to stand our ground against the foe, in resistance, when they attack us. We need to learn the weapons of our warfare and put them into practice. This has made all the difference in the world in the lives of Christian missionaries who have testified of going year after year seeing little or no fruit, to seeing some good fruit come in conversions and Christian growth, over a relatively short period of time.
I was aware of the enemy's likely presence and activity yesterday. Yet I was still thrown for a loop. Hopefully a lesson learned for me. God has been moving in my life in certain ways, and helping me have some breakthroughs over some matters, particularly the same kind (anxiety, though most who know me never knew that) that had plagued me for years. And with Deb's help in prayer and in Christian fellowship, I was beginning to see more opportunities open up, or at least the opportunities I have used more evidently by God.
This is not a popular subject, and in theological circles does carry some controversy. But we need to consider it if we are to live in accordance with the full revealed will of God.
Does anyone have thoughts here, or perhaps a story you would like to tell that would relate to this?
While the Bible is not loaded with accounts of people wrestling spiritual powers and entities, it is present. And in Ephesians 6 we in Jesus are warned that we will have to stand firm in God's mighty power and with his full armor on for us in Christ, against the wiles and strategies of the devil and his hosts. While that certainly has application from Scripture to refer to governing authorities resisting those in the faith, it would seem incontrovertible that it refers primarily to the spiritual powers and entities in league with Satan.
C.S. Lewis, in his The Screwtape Letters, has it right when he makes the point that the Christian church errs either in seeing the devil no where, or seeing the devil every where. Of course we must always beware of them, but we're not to be living in fear of them. Our victory over them is in Jesus and in his death, resurrection and ascension, and on that basis by the power of the Spirit. We have to stand our ground against the foe, in resistance, when they attack us. We need to learn the weapons of our warfare and put them into practice. This has made all the difference in the world in the lives of Christian missionaries who have testified of going year after year seeing little or no fruit, to seeing some good fruit come in conversions and Christian growth, over a relatively short period of time.
I was aware of the enemy's likely presence and activity yesterday. Yet I was still thrown for a loop. Hopefully a lesson learned for me. God has been moving in my life in certain ways, and helping me have some breakthroughs over some matters, particularly the same kind (anxiety, though most who know me never knew that) that had plagued me for years. And with Deb's help in prayer and in Christian fellowship, I was beginning to see more opportunities open up, or at least the opportunities I have used more evidently by God.
This is not a popular subject, and in theological circles does carry some controversy. But we need to consider it if we are to live in accordance with the full revealed will of God.
Does anyone have thoughts here, or perhaps a story you would like to tell that would relate to this?
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
blessing from evil attacks
In Job's story, we see in the end how that even though Job had spoken what was right about God, and his friends had not- and I take it that somehow Satan was behind the words of his friends in their misapplying God's truth and their lack of understanding in it- and in spite of all Job suffered in losing seven children, as well as losing his health, yet through it all God blessed Job, not only temporally (of course he never got back the first seven children), but also spiritually. Job gained new insight as to who God is and thus who Job was, as well. Not merely a head knowledge, but an encounter with God in seeing God through his great works, as well as anew and afresh in his own life.
I want to give a plug for a new blog of a friend of mine at work, Dean Ohlman. He joins Mart DeHaan, who has an equally fine blog, blogs from RBC Ministries. I'm especially excited about Dean's blog, because it addresses a deficiency I have, and a longing. To know God more through his creation. Creation is so wonderful, "the natural world." The older I get, the more I love it. Dean is an amateur naturalist, and a wonderful thinker and writer. Take a good look at his blog and just see the beauty there, both in pics and in words.
Back to Job. God is at work even in Satan's attacks. Yes, Satan was attacking, not God. But God uses all, including Satan's attacks, to work to draw Job closer to himself. Through the encounter, Job sees God and himself in a new way. Though righteous and no one on earth like him before, he is closer to God after this trouble and encounter.
I think this is true for us. It involves both the impact of life itself, which often includes our sin and consequences that follow, be they little or big. And it involves the new way in which we learn to live as a result. Not based on feelings, but based on a relationship with God through Christ in which we seek to live in God's way for us in Jesus. Thankfully grace is there to help us. The goal being that living in the way of Jesus becomes more and more natural to us. That this is more and more who we really are, as we increasingly grow in conformity to the image of our Lord.
Just a few thoughts related to the post yesterday. What would you like to add here?
I want to give a plug for a new blog of a friend of mine at work, Dean Ohlman. He joins Mart DeHaan, who has an equally fine blog, blogs from RBC Ministries. I'm especially excited about Dean's blog, because it addresses a deficiency I have, and a longing. To know God more through his creation. Creation is so wonderful, "the natural world." The older I get, the more I love it. Dean is an amateur naturalist, and a wonderful thinker and writer. Take a good look at his blog and just see the beauty there, both in pics and in words.
Back to Job. God is at work even in Satan's attacks. Yes, Satan was attacking, not God. But God uses all, including Satan's attacks, to work to draw Job closer to himself. Through the encounter, Job sees God and himself in a new way. Though righteous and no one on earth like him before, he is closer to God after this trouble and encounter.
I think this is true for us. It involves both the impact of life itself, which often includes our sin and consequences that follow, be they little or big. And it involves the new way in which we learn to live as a result. Not based on feelings, but based on a relationship with God through Christ in which we seek to live in God's way for us in Jesus. Thankfully grace is there to help us. The goal being that living in the way of Jesus becomes more and more natural to us. That this is more and more who we really are, as we increasingly grow in conformity to the image of our Lord.
Just a few thoughts related to the post yesterday. What would you like to add here?
Monday, October 06, 2008
every evil attack
I recall the words of the Apostle Paul, how in confidence he declared that the Lord would rescue him from every evil attack and bring him safely into his heavenly kingdom.
I think it's true that when God is present and doing a work, that the enemy the devil is sure to attack at some point. Charles Spurgeon once said that the greatest sign of the Lord's presence is the devil's roar (like a lion). Some truth in that. At least we can expect evil attacks in this life, and we must be ready for them.
Jesus himself experienced this when challenged by Peter not to take the way of the cross. Peter was at that moment an opposer, but it's likely the opposer himself, Satan, was in Peter's words. So we have to be ready for attacks both from within- ourselves, and from without- others. Many subtle and others not so subtle.
I've experienced a few of these lately, and hopefully I'll benefit from them. God is at work to use those very attacks for my good and growth in his grace, and of course, for his glory. This is not to say that our lives consist of being attacked, but simply that we must be ready when it does happen.
What might you like to add to this?
I think it's true that when God is present and doing a work, that the enemy the devil is sure to attack at some point. Charles Spurgeon once said that the greatest sign of the Lord's presence is the devil's roar (like a lion). Some truth in that. At least we can expect evil attacks in this life, and we must be ready for them.
Jesus himself experienced this when challenged by Peter not to take the way of the cross. Peter was at that moment an opposer, but it's likely the opposer himself, Satan, was in Peter's words. So we have to be ready for attacks both from within- ourselves, and from without- others. Many subtle and others not so subtle.
I've experienced a few of these lately, and hopefully I'll benefit from them. God is at work to use those very attacks for my good and growth in his grace, and of course, for his glory. This is not to say that our lives consist of being attacked, but simply that we must be ready when it does happen.
What might you like to add to this?
Friday, June 20, 2008
don't go back
I find during those inevitable low points that come, that I'm tempted to give up "good" ground gained when all seemed well in the sense of following on with the Lord. For me the key is whether or not I'm going on with the Lord. The arrows sent my way by the evil one, often challenge the good I see in my following of Jesus, even while at the same time knowing I've not (and never will in this life) arrive.
The point in this post: Don't go back. As Ben Witherington points out in the commentary I'm reading, the posture of the Christian in the spiritual warfare passage of Ephesians 6 is one of resistance and of standing in defending one's ground. This will involve struggle as the passage plainly says, and it certainly is not a kind of push button strategy to take care of the problem. We must be engaged- in the strength and armor of the Lord, with prayers.
So, don't go back. When you are in the darkness, don't abandon what God has revealed to you in the light. Or abandon the freedom God has given you in the light (I heard this said in the past, by Chuck Swindoll). And hang in there in the dark valleys. Hopefully I can learn to negotiate such valleys better, though I think I've come a long way in doing so over the years.
What would you like to share on this that can help us, or any thoughts about this?
The point in this post: Don't go back. As Ben Witherington points out in the commentary I'm reading, the posture of the Christian in the spiritual warfare passage of Ephesians 6 is one of resistance and of standing in defending one's ground. This will involve struggle as the passage plainly says, and it certainly is not a kind of push button strategy to take care of the problem. We must be engaged- in the strength and armor of the Lord, with prayers.
So, don't go back. When you are in the darkness, don't abandon what God has revealed to you in the light. Or abandon the freedom God has given you in the light (I heard this said in the past, by Chuck Swindoll). And hang in there in the dark valleys. Hopefully I can learn to negotiate such valleys better, though I think I've come a long way in doing so over the years.
What would you like to share on this that can help us, or any thoughts about this?
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
"Sword in the Stone: resistance" from L.L. Barkat
The fear factor looms larger than life sometimes, even for us in Jesus. I mean a being afraid out of our wits, or just an uneasy sense of fear- hard to pin down for sure as to its true meaning. I've been there more times than I can count as a Christian, for years constantly in and out of it. And now when it grips me, I can still be unnerved at the time. Though I've learned better how to resist the enemy behind it.
As L.L. continues to share from her journey in Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places, we find her, along with her mother and sister, being tracked down by her stepfather. This time he was hunting them, not the deer he had so commonly shot. And L.L. was sure that if they were found, he would shoot. She was gripped and shaken in fear. Some committed Christians from her little church came to their apartment and prayed for them, and over time those dark and threatening clouds dissipated, and L.L.'s fears were gone. She never heard from her stepfather again.
As those in Jesus, we're called to be strong in the Lord, put on the full armor of God and pray. As we resist the enemy, he is the one who flees because of God's ongoing salvation in Jesus. With a simple decision of faith (like Martin Luther when aware of the enemy's presence) or in prayer over time (like Daniel had to), we can see God take the sword from the stone, so that all the power of the enemy is as nothing. Jesus himself is praying for us (also here), so that even if the enemy's darts do get through to us, we can in faith recover, and stand against the devil's schemes.
L.L. in a memorable way, weaves her story in with the truth of God's word in Jesus, for us. You won't be sorry to get the book and read it for yourself. It is simply a wonderful telling of someone who is as real as you and I in her struggles and life, along with the God who in Jesus is present for us, to put all fear to flight.
What would you like to add to this from your own story, or any thoughts on this you'd like to share with us here?
1. Stepping Stones - conversion
2. Christmas Coal - shame
3. Tossed Treasures - messiness
4. Heron Road - suffering
Next week: chapter 6: "Howe's Cave - baptism"
As L.L. continues to share from her journey in Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places, we find her, along with her mother and sister, being tracked down by her stepfather. This time he was hunting them, not the deer he had so commonly shot. And L.L. was sure that if they were found, he would shoot. She was gripped and shaken in fear. Some committed Christians from her little church came to their apartment and prayed for them, and over time those dark and threatening clouds dissipated, and L.L.'s fears were gone. She never heard from her stepfather again.
As those in Jesus, we're called to be strong in the Lord, put on the full armor of God and pray. As we resist the enemy, he is the one who flees because of God's ongoing salvation in Jesus. With a simple decision of faith (like Martin Luther when aware of the enemy's presence) or in prayer over time (like Daniel had to), we can see God take the sword from the stone, so that all the power of the enemy is as nothing. Jesus himself is praying for us (also here), so that even if the enemy's darts do get through to us, we can in faith recover, and stand against the devil's schemes.
L.L. in a memorable way, weaves her story in with the truth of God's word in Jesus, for us. You won't be sorry to get the book and read it for yourself. It is simply a wonderful telling of someone who is as real as you and I in her struggles and life, along with the God who in Jesus is present for us, to put all fear to flight.
What would you like to add to this from your own story, or any thoughts on this you'd like to share with us here?
1. Stepping Stones - conversion
2. Christmas Coal - shame
3. Tossed Treasures - messiness
4. Heron Road - suffering
Next week: chapter 6: "Howe's Cave - baptism"
Monday, March 24, 2008
don't give up, don't give in
In seeking to live out the faith we have in Jesus, we're often tempted to give up and give in to either that which is plainly contrary to God's revealed will from Scripture and in Jesus, or probably more likely, we're tempted to give in to something less, not really pressing towards the goal in Jesus to which we're called.
The call of God in Scripture is clear, and it's challenging, and it's goal is nothing less than the moving to complete conformity to Christ himself. It's a goal not only of us as individuals, but as those together in Jesus. So that I must not be only concerned about myself, but I must also be concerned about my brother and sister in Jesus.
Sometimes we're just plain overcome in our weakness or sin. This is when we have to stop in our tracks, repent and look to God for his help as we seek to get back into his will and working for us, in Jesus. When we see another brother or sister who may be struggling, then we need to pray for them, and seek to be present for them, primarily in listening, and afterwards, perhaps offering some prayerful words of counsel or instruction along with prayer. And we need to be open to such help ourselves.
What is most important here is just the point, when we're "under it", and we will be at times, then we must not give up and give in. We must instead look to God. Read a book from Scripture (I read Philippians Sunday afternoon from The Message and found it helpful).
What have you found to be true in this that can help us?
The call of God in Scripture is clear, and it's challenging, and it's goal is nothing less than the moving to complete conformity to Christ himself. It's a goal not only of us as individuals, but as those together in Jesus. So that I must not be only concerned about myself, but I must also be concerned about my brother and sister in Jesus.
Sometimes we're just plain overcome in our weakness or sin. This is when we have to stop in our tracks, repent and look to God for his help as we seek to get back into his will and working for us, in Jesus. When we see another brother or sister who may be struggling, then we need to pray for them, and seek to be present for them, primarily in listening, and afterwards, perhaps offering some prayerful words of counsel or instruction along with prayer. And we need to be open to such help ourselves.
What is most important here is just the point, when we're "under it", and we will be at times, then we must not give up and give in. We must instead look to God. Read a book from Scripture (I read Philippians Sunday afternoon from The Message and found it helpful).
What have you found to be true in this that can help us?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
God's light
Here in West Michigan we've had a cloudier Winter than we normally have, I think I heard. We had only 17% of possible sunshine. I'm used to it, and I have to say I admire the strength of the sun, even through the clouds.
There are times in our life of darkness. The enemy can be on the attack. But then, as we wait on the Lord, light begins to move in to dispel that darkness. And that light exposes as well as warms and even facilitates life.
I am so thankful when the light comes back. Usually for me any darkness is so short as to hardly be noticeable, or not much to be concerned about. But recently I think I was under attack from the spiritual enemy, but in such a way that God could use it for good. At the same time I didn't handle it altogether well, and I take that as a growing point for me to do better, next time.
When we don't face God and his will so as to live in that will, we end up in our own darkness. But when we turn, we can receive the healing rays of the Sun of righteousness. I am thankful that in spite of my feelings, and like a bad cold when the virus is gone but the symptoms linger, so I sit here with some joy in my heart, but still a heaviness carried over from the previous days of struggle.
I want to be surrendered to God and his will for me in Christ. I can only do this, in Jesus. I want to face the light, the God who is light and in whom is no darkness at all. And keep walking in the way of the Lord, who has promised us that he will be with us, even in the deepest darkness.
What might you add here to help us?
There are times in our life of darkness. The enemy can be on the attack. But then, as we wait on the Lord, light begins to move in to dispel that darkness. And that light exposes as well as warms and even facilitates life.
I am so thankful when the light comes back. Usually for me any darkness is so short as to hardly be noticeable, or not much to be concerned about. But recently I think I was under attack from the spiritual enemy, but in such a way that God could use it for good. At the same time I didn't handle it altogether well, and I take that as a growing point for me to do better, next time.
When we don't face God and his will so as to live in that will, we end up in our own darkness. But when we turn, we can receive the healing rays of the Sun of righteousness. I am thankful that in spite of my feelings, and like a bad cold when the virus is gone but the symptoms linger, so I sit here with some joy in my heart, but still a heaviness carried over from the previous days of struggle.
I want to be surrendered to God and his will for me in Christ. I can only do this, in Jesus. I want to face the light, the God who is light and in whom is no darkness at all. And keep walking in the way of the Lord, who has promised us that he will be with us, even in the deepest darkness.
What might you add here to help us?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
glorying in weaknesses
2 Corinthians 12 has a most interesting passage in which the apostle Paul tells about a glorious revelation or experience he had of which he was not allowed to share the whole. The apostle Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, no less than a messenger of Satan, to torment him. Why? To keep him from becoming conceited because of the surpassingly great revelations he had received.
Paul then pleaded three times with the Lord, in prayer, that this weakness would be removed. But the Lord's answer came to him:
The lesson for us is obvious and rather in your face. Let's not shrink back from what might seem to be rendering us of no account in life. Or what might hit us at certain times, even with what I alluded to yesterday. The trials or issues may be hitting us to keep us from becoming conceited, or because we are being disciplined in love by the Lord, or they may just be the aftereffects of sin. Yet when we repent we can be assured of God's grace, and we can go on, even when our experience at the time does not follow with us. Knowing that in the weakness we experience, Christ can be made known.
I'm glad I don't experience many times like I did for almost an entire day beginning Monday evening. I don't seem to have to have much of any thorn in my flesh, though I am quite aware of deficiencies, and the Lord has humbled me over the years through my realizations of my own weakness and limitations.
I think we can take home Paul's words, and the word of God to us, both the Lord's words to Paul, and his response- quoted above. It's really not about us either looking or feeling good, but it's all about the Lord's power being made perfect, for the display of his person and glory. That others might see Christ in and among us. That is what counts.
What about you? How do you look at this in your life? Or what might you like to share here?
Paul then pleaded three times with the Lord, in prayer, that this weakness would be removed. But the Lord's answer came to him:
My grace is sufficient for you,Paul could then rest assured that it was okay. And he realized actually that it was more than okay. His response:
for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.When Paul realized that Christ would become more evident through his weaknesses, he not only accepted them, but embraced and even revelled in them.
The lesson for us is obvious and rather in your face. Let's not shrink back from what might seem to be rendering us of no account in life. Or what might hit us at certain times, even with what I alluded to yesterday. The trials or issues may be hitting us to keep us from becoming conceited, or because we are being disciplined in love by the Lord, or they may just be the aftereffects of sin. Yet when we repent we can be assured of God's grace, and we can go on, even when our experience at the time does not follow with us. Knowing that in the weakness we experience, Christ can be made known.
I'm glad I don't experience many times like I did for almost an entire day beginning Monday evening. I don't seem to have to have much of any thorn in my flesh, though I am quite aware of deficiencies, and the Lord has humbled me over the years through my realizations of my own weakness and limitations.
I think we can take home Paul's words, and the word of God to us, both the Lord's words to Paul, and his response- quoted above. It's really not about us either looking or feeling good, but it's all about the Lord's power being made perfect, for the display of his person and glory. That others might see Christ in and among us. That is what counts.
What about you? How do you look at this in your life? Or what might you like to share here?
Friday, February 15, 2008
standing firm
In the spiritual battle we are in, the stance we are to have in the strength of the Lord and with the armor he provides, is simply to be standing firm.
Standing firm involves a good number of things for us in Jesus. We must start with this passage and see what it means in this battle we are in, and which at times seems particularly precarious and difficult.
I am most likely to fail to stand firm when I know I've either failed or made a mistake. But we notice that when the apostle Paul had the sense that all Christians had abandoned him, he stood firm, with the sense and reality that the Lord stood with him. He continued in the will of God for him. And we must do the same, in Jesus. Yes, it's not that we would compare ourselves to such a great man of the faith. But God's word through Paul calls us repeatedly to imitate him and his life.
Standing firm is a posture of faith. Faith is indispensable for this battle, both to accept this fight and God's provision for it, and to be enabled to fight this good fight well. The Christian life I think we can rightfully say, includes the good fight of the faith. And Paul stated at the end of his life that he had fought the good fight. Yes, Israel was called to stand firm, and see the salvation of God. Though at other times Israel was called to exert effort, even as we see in Ephesians 6. But as we do so we can be as confident as Israel of old at the Red Sea was called to be.
This faith means we resist the devil and all that would stop us or detour us, along the Jesus way. It's ongoing, though thankfully we have our seasons of rest, and in that can be good reflection on life and a new, fresh openness to his voice. But we must beware and be ready, for this battle will hit us in little ways, and big.
I think I heard it once said that the Christian life is like a three legged stool, the kind people used to use to hand milk cows the old fashioned way, I believe. The legs might be in this order: 1) sons and daughters of God 2) servants of God 3) soldiers of the faith- all, of course, in Christ. And if any one of those legs is missing, the stool topples over.
We in Jesus are in a battle. And we might as well get used to that. Otherwise we'll be toast. Though God in his grace is ever present to help us always, through Jesus our Lord. Thank the Lord for that, or I would have been out many times, and long ago. But I'm learning, and overall am doing better.
What thought might you add here, about standing firm in Jesus?
Standing firm involves a good number of things for us in Jesus. We must start with this passage and see what it means in this battle we are in, and which at times seems particularly precarious and difficult.
I am most likely to fail to stand firm when I know I've either failed or made a mistake. But we notice that when the apostle Paul had the sense that all Christians had abandoned him, he stood firm, with the sense and reality that the Lord stood with him. He continued in the will of God for him. And we must do the same, in Jesus. Yes, it's not that we would compare ourselves to such a great man of the faith. But God's word through Paul calls us repeatedly to imitate him and his life.
Standing firm is a posture of faith. Faith is indispensable for this battle, both to accept this fight and God's provision for it, and to be enabled to fight this good fight well. The Christian life I think we can rightfully say, includes the good fight of the faith. And Paul stated at the end of his life that he had fought the good fight. Yes, Israel was called to stand firm, and see the salvation of God. Though at other times Israel was called to exert effort, even as we see in Ephesians 6. But as we do so we can be as confident as Israel of old at the Red Sea was called to be.
This faith means we resist the devil and all that would stop us or detour us, along the Jesus way. It's ongoing, though thankfully we have our seasons of rest, and in that can be good reflection on life and a new, fresh openness to his voice. But we must beware and be ready, for this battle will hit us in little ways, and big.
I think I heard it once said that the Christian life is like a three legged stool, the kind people used to use to hand milk cows the old fashioned way, I believe. The legs might be in this order: 1) sons and daughters of God 2) servants of God 3) soldiers of the faith- all, of course, in Christ. And if any one of those legs is missing, the stool topples over.
We in Jesus are in a battle. And we might as well get used to that. Otherwise we'll be toast. Though God in his grace is ever present to help us always, through Jesus our Lord. Thank the Lord for that, or I would have been out many times, and long ago. But I'm learning, and overall am doing better.
What thought might you add here, about standing firm in Jesus?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
praying through
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray....confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
How often when trouble comes do we just throw in the towel and give up. Or we settle for some easy solution, so we can go on with our sleepy lives.
The teaching of praying through is verified time and again in Scripture, from Jacob to David to Esther to Daniel to Jesus himself, and followers of Jesus. Too often we settle for rather sleepy, half-hearted prayer, and while that might be better than no prayer at all, yet it's not the kind of praying God is necessarily going to hear, as in answering.
This takes effort on our part. Effort against the grain of who we are; effort willing to get off our face and deal with any sin issue that needs dealt with. Effort to be there for others, interceding for them, as well as for our own needs.
Praying through also requires time. It takes some serious time. If this was so with Jesus himself, how much more so with us, his followers! Praying through requires faith that is focused on God and on God's promises to us in Christ.
Too often we settle for some substitute that soothes us, or makes us forget our trouble. But God wants us to get serious before him, and get our petition or request out to him. He alone can do what needs to be done, but he uses the prayers of his people to accomplish much of what he does.
For some, this will impinge on the sovereignty of God. But not so. God's sovereignty has a certain sense of mystery. In the mix is our prayers and the acts of faith we do. God's gracious sovereign rule is at work in every aspect of the human side of work, but it remains for us to do it.
I like this rendering of James 5:16b:
And this translation of the verse:The prayer of a person living right with God
is something powerful to be reckoned with.The Message
I also like Eugene Peterson's rendering in the spiritual (I take it, primarily as against spiritual entities) warfare passage of Ephesians 6, concering praying in the Spirit:The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
ESV
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters.
The Message
There is much more to be said in regard to prayer. Here and here are two good places to consider.
What might you like to share with us about praying through?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
politics again- how should we respond?
(sorry about the length; too long!)
Here in Michigan we just had our presidential primary. It's hot now on both major party sides, and interesting, as to which candidates will come to the fore. Though I must say, while I'm paying some attention, I'm not caring alot about which two they are. Though I do want to study where each stands on all the issues, as much as possible.
I try to look at this American political scene, as well as the international scene through the lens of the kingdom of God come in Jesus as well as from what we can tell from Scripture. In doing so, I must say I have a hard time being so personally invested in either my country's government, or for that matter any country's government, as well as the United Nations as a whole. I find my own country, the United States, good for a good number of reasons, while having its fallacies, and even enormously so- as it carries on as the world power of this moment and time- and this, just in comparing it with the rest of the world. In comparing it with Scripture and what I understand about governments and their responsibility before God during this present time, I again find much that is commendable, and some things that seem to me questionable or worse. But in comparing our country with the kingdom of God come in Jesus, I find that it's just another kingdom of this world, destined for the dust bin like all other "kingdoms" and empires.
For me all this means that we must honor our country as God calls us to in Scripture. We ought to honor our president, whether we would vote for him or her, or not- and the same with other elected officials. Here in America, thankfully there are term limits on the presidency (2 terms, 8 years-max) and other elected officials face reelection. There is something to be said for the say we have here, which is seen in other countries as well, though in other countries- not.
But what are we to do as Christians? How should we live, in view of civic activities? What are our responsibilities?
To start, I see us as Christians as the one holy nation of God in Jesus, scattered throughout the earth. We are citizens in many nations, but our allegiance is to one nation under God in Jesus, the holy nation. But it's of a kingdom not of this world, refusing to fight as the world does, but rather taking up the cross in following our Lord Jesus. Consequently I believe we must be careful about what kind of allegiance we give to any governing state on earth. While at the same time, we should seek to exert influence, according to God's revealed will in Scripture and in Jesus, where we can.
Being a part of the one holy nation which is of the kingdom of God come in Jesus, and really, which is the church- we do want to know how we're to live out what we are, as salt and light in Jesus, in this world. Not easy. Some think we need to be completely devoted to the one nation in Jesus in the sense that we give no place to any of the governing authorities of this world. Others seem to advocate the kind of allegiance to their varying countries, so as to obey them rather implicitly, unless clearly called to break one of God's commands. To fight in the wars of each, etc.
I'm not sure from Scripture that either of those options are right for us in Jesus. Scripture indicates that we're to honor the emperor. If we're to encourage the overthrow of any ruling authority in the name of Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not, then this command seems contradictory to that. Scripture also indicates that nations and kingdoms are held accountable by God for the righteousness and justice they administer. To turn a blind eye to what a governing authority does, because it is a "minister of God" (Romans 13) is to miss the point that they are ministers or servants, to carry out God's will in restraining evil. Maybe there is a place to resist evil done by governing authorites. Think of John the Baptizer. But even in considering John, and this, it seems to me there may be another way of looking at, and approaching this.
Yes, we speak, and above all, seek to live out truth in grace in Jesus, in this world. But in a sense, we end up living above the world, yet very much in the world. In the world, but not of it. Contrary to the book, "Colossians Remixed", we don't see Paul advocating, in Colossians, a direct confrontation with "Caesar" (see Scot McKnight's series on "Colossians Remixed" on "Jesus Creed"). Rather, those in Jesus are to live in this world, in every realm, as those of another world and kingdom, destined to take over all. And seek to live out and see, the anti-world, flesh and the devil, and the pro-Christ and the will of God values, lived out individually and together.
Let's not retreat into the wilderness in caves, in evangelical "ghettos." Jesus didn't. But neither let us think that the kingdoms of this world are going to be swayed into becoming bastions for the kingdom of God come in Jesus. Jesus didn't go there, and the book of Colossians doesn't seem to go either route. There is one holy nation, and we in Jesus are all a part of that.
But let's not think that there can't be pockets of resistance against the powers of this age, pockets of doing good in the Jesus way and of thus promoting God's will and kingdom come, in Jesus. There is much good that can, and thus needs to be done, and this could happen, I surmise, even in the White House. As long as we recognize the limitations any earthly kingdom has in the here and now. Remember, we in Jesus, alone, are the one holy nation (1 Peter) and with that, part and parcel of the kingdom of God come in Jesus.
What would you add to this sketch, written rather hurriedly, for me, with plenty of questions remaining, in my own mind?
Here in Michigan we just had our presidential primary. It's hot now on both major party sides, and interesting, as to which candidates will come to the fore. Though I must say, while I'm paying some attention, I'm not caring alot about which two they are. Though I do want to study where each stands on all the issues, as much as possible.
I try to look at this American political scene, as well as the international scene through the lens of the kingdom of God come in Jesus as well as from what we can tell from Scripture. In doing so, I must say I have a hard time being so personally invested in either my country's government, or for that matter any country's government, as well as the United Nations as a whole. I find my own country, the United States, good for a good number of reasons, while having its fallacies, and even enormously so- as it carries on as the world power of this moment and time- and this, just in comparing it with the rest of the world. In comparing it with Scripture and what I understand about governments and their responsibility before God during this present time, I again find much that is commendable, and some things that seem to me questionable or worse. But in comparing our country with the kingdom of God come in Jesus, I find that it's just another kingdom of this world, destined for the dust bin like all other "kingdoms" and empires.
For me all this means that we must honor our country as God calls us to in Scripture. We ought to honor our president, whether we would vote for him or her, or not- and the same with other elected officials. Here in America, thankfully there are term limits on the presidency (2 terms, 8 years-max) and other elected officials face reelection. There is something to be said for the say we have here, which is seen in other countries as well, though in other countries- not.
But what are we to do as Christians? How should we live, in view of civic activities? What are our responsibilities?
To start, I see us as Christians as the one holy nation of God in Jesus, scattered throughout the earth. We are citizens in many nations, but our allegiance is to one nation under God in Jesus, the holy nation. But it's of a kingdom not of this world, refusing to fight as the world does, but rather taking up the cross in following our Lord Jesus. Consequently I believe we must be careful about what kind of allegiance we give to any governing state on earth. While at the same time, we should seek to exert influence, according to God's revealed will in Scripture and in Jesus, where we can.
Being a part of the one holy nation which is of the kingdom of God come in Jesus, and really, which is the church- we do want to know how we're to live out what we are, as salt and light in Jesus, in this world. Not easy. Some think we need to be completely devoted to the one nation in Jesus in the sense that we give no place to any of the governing authorities of this world. Others seem to advocate the kind of allegiance to their varying countries, so as to obey them rather implicitly, unless clearly called to break one of God's commands. To fight in the wars of each, etc.
I'm not sure from Scripture that either of those options are right for us in Jesus. Scripture indicates that we're to honor the emperor. If we're to encourage the overthrow of any ruling authority in the name of Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not, then this command seems contradictory to that. Scripture also indicates that nations and kingdoms are held accountable by God for the righteousness and justice they administer. To turn a blind eye to what a governing authority does, because it is a "minister of God" (Romans 13) is to miss the point that they are ministers or servants, to carry out God's will in restraining evil. Maybe there is a place to resist evil done by governing authorites. Think of John the Baptizer. But even in considering John, and this, it seems to me there may be another way of looking at, and approaching this.
Yes, we speak, and above all, seek to live out truth in grace in Jesus, in this world. But in a sense, we end up living above the world, yet very much in the world. In the world, but not of it. Contrary to the book, "Colossians Remixed", we don't see Paul advocating, in Colossians, a direct confrontation with "Caesar" (see Scot McKnight's series on "Colossians Remixed" on "Jesus Creed"). Rather, those in Jesus are to live in this world, in every realm, as those of another world and kingdom, destined to take over all. And seek to live out and see, the anti-world, flesh and the devil, and the pro-Christ and the will of God values, lived out individually and together.
Let's not retreat into the wilderness in caves, in evangelical "ghettos." Jesus didn't. But neither let us think that the kingdoms of this world are going to be swayed into becoming bastions for the kingdom of God come in Jesus. Jesus didn't go there, and the book of Colossians doesn't seem to go either route. There is one holy nation, and we in Jesus are all a part of that.
But let's not think that there can't be pockets of resistance against the powers of this age, pockets of doing good in the Jesus way and of thus promoting God's will and kingdom come, in Jesus. There is much good that can, and thus needs to be done, and this could happen, I surmise, even in the White House. As long as we recognize the limitations any earthly kingdom has in the here and now. Remember, we in Jesus, alone, are the one holy nation (1 Peter) and with that, part and parcel of the kingdom of God come in Jesus.
What would you add to this sketch, written rather hurriedly, for me, with plenty of questions remaining, in my own mind?
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Advent and clear thinking
Joseph and Mary both had to go through alot before Jesus was born and afterwards, in the path chosen for them by God. In that, for Joseph, he wasn't always sure what to do, though being both a righteous and good man, he wanted to act in a way of both love to God and to his neighbor.
God helped Joseph, of course, to think clearly. I think of thinking clearly as in thinking and then living according to the will of God in any given situation.
There are times in my life where my thinking can be muddled by my sin, or temptation to sin, or less than good thoughts. Or muddled by disparaging, discouraging thoughts. Often less than noble thoughts. Thoughts that don't line up with what we read of here.
What do we need to do? In the midst of it all we need to be in prayer, as Joseph was. We need to be seeking to meditate on God's truth, which again, Joseph was surely doing. Then we can be open to the revelation of God to our hearts and minds of his truth by the Spirit.
Clear thinking in the will of God can come in the midst of a battleground in our thought world, where for awhile the thought that won't last has the upper hand, but is cast down, for the obedience of Christ. Good, clear thinking has ultimately to do with obeying and being in the will of God. Joseph is a good model of this for us, in Scripture.
God helped Joseph, of course, to think clearly. I think of thinking clearly as in thinking and then living according to the will of God in any given situation.
There are times in my life where my thinking can be muddled by my sin, or temptation to sin, or less than good thoughts. Or muddled by disparaging, discouraging thoughts. Often less than noble thoughts. Thoughts that don't line up with what we read of here.
What do we need to do? In the midst of it all we need to be in prayer, as Joseph was. We need to be seeking to meditate on God's truth, which again, Joseph was surely doing. Then we can be open to the revelation of God to our hearts and minds of his truth by the Spirit.
Clear thinking in the will of God can come in the midst of a battleground in our thought world, where for awhile the thought that won't last has the upper hand, but is cast down, for the obedience of Christ. Good, clear thinking has ultimately to do with obeying and being in the will of God. Joseph is a good model of this for us, in Scripture.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
present tense salvation
Yes, what matters about salvation is not so much some commitment we made in the past, what we might call our conversion experience, nor some future hope of "heaven" that we're trusting God for- not to negate either. What matters really is where we are in the present in regard to this. Are we experiencing God's salvation now?
To think we don't need God's salvation now, in Biblical terms is lacking and more precisely is simply a mistake, and a fatal one, potentially, at that. I have those moments and intervals in time, thankfully not often, where I'm at the complete end of my rope, where all in me seems lost and helpless and hopeless. Where without God's saving work I'm sunk. Do you ever feel that way?
That's when we must in faith keep looking to God in prayer. That's when we must ask God for what we can't imagine, for that which seems completely beyond the possibility of our own heart. That's when we seek to pray according to God's will. We seek to pray through God's grace in Jesus, in the Spirit. Or just in our deadness seek to pray to God, at all.
Then God comes by the Spirit for this special need. This will happen if we wait on God, if our hope is really in God. God comes and gives us a new, renewed hope; a new, renewed sense of well-being; a true sense and experience of God's salvation. And from that we do new acts of faith and love.
This all I experienced yesterday.
What might you add about this present tense salvation that I believe is prominent in Scripture, and that we're in need of daily?
To think we don't need God's salvation now, in Biblical terms is lacking and more precisely is simply a mistake, and a fatal one, potentially, at that. I have those moments and intervals in time, thankfully not often, where I'm at the complete end of my rope, where all in me seems lost and helpless and hopeless. Where without God's saving work I'm sunk. Do you ever feel that way?
That's when we must in faith keep looking to God in prayer. That's when we must ask God for what we can't imagine, for that which seems completely beyond the possibility of our own heart. That's when we seek to pray according to God's will. We seek to pray through God's grace in Jesus, in the Spirit. Or just in our deadness seek to pray to God, at all.
Then God comes by the Spirit for this special need. This will happen if we wait on God, if our hope is really in God. God comes and gives us a new, renewed hope; a new, renewed sense of well-being; a true sense and experience of God's salvation. And from that we do new acts of faith and love.
This all I experienced yesterday.
What might you add about this present tense salvation that I believe is prominent in Scripture, and that we're in need of daily?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
don't take the bait
Sometimes in life it's like a bait all the sudden is cast in front of you, and we grab hold of it only to find the hooks with the worm and we're painfully caught. We have to be ready for this at the most unexpected times. It just hits us, often our own thoughts, and we act on it.
Better oftentimes to refuse to act on it. Don't say what we're thinking or make a sudden and maybe rash decision or give in to an impulse. It's not fun to have to apologize or take it back or work out of what might become a compulsion. Though there may be a time where what we did and the tussle that follows can work out for good. But most often all too much of ourselves is in it, and not enough of the Jesus Creed. And that creed includes some difficult items like loving, praying for and doing good to our enemies and blessing those who curse us.
Key for me here is to recognize this as a time to be silent or stop myself and pray. Usually just a short time gets me past this lure, and oftentimes problems avoided can move us towards a solution on the issue, or keeps me from making a new problem as we seek in all things by grace to follow Jesus.
What have you learned about this? Or what might you add?
Better oftentimes to refuse to act on it. Don't say what we're thinking or make a sudden and maybe rash decision or give in to an impulse. It's not fun to have to apologize or take it back or work out of what might become a compulsion. Though there may be a time where what we did and the tussle that follows can work out for good. But most often all too much of ourselves is in it, and not enough of the Jesus Creed. And that creed includes some difficult items like loving, praying for and doing good to our enemies and blessing those who curse us.
Key for me here is to recognize this as a time to be silent or stop myself and pray. Usually just a short time gets me past this lure, and oftentimes problems avoided can move us towards a solution on the issue, or keeps me from making a new problem as we seek in all things by grace to follow Jesus.
What have you learned about this? Or what might you add?
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