Delight*Abide*Love For People in Pursuit of God
Potential to Detonate Toilet Humor What are you Wearing Now? You Better Like Being Hungry And much more… December 2012
Dear Reader: I came so close to getting this published and out there on the proper date! UGH! Sadly, I missed the mark again. My husband has reminded me that I should be working on it all month instead of procrastinating as I frequently do. Perhaps you are like me and you understand the concept of working best under pressure. Unfortunately, since I am my own pressure I allow myself to slide past deadlines. This is indeed a problem. Well, it’s the Christmas season and no doubt there are various views on methods in which to celebrate (or not). I’d share the points of contention in my own home but it’s probably not that relevant or up-building so I’ll refrain. Regardless of your position on the subject the truth is, we should live every month with thankful hearts and awe-struck admiration toward the One who humbled Himself to save us. It really doesn’t matter when he was born or how old He was when the wise-men found Him. What matters is that He came here to die for us. There is certainly no greater gift than that! I pray, my friends that this month will be one full of His presence in your life and the lives of those you adore. I ask the Father to place His hand on you, to provide for and protect you. I also ask that He open up doors for you to serve Him and to join a tight knit group of believers who can lift you up on a regular basis. There is no greater Faith-grower than seeing prayers answered; so becoming part of a prayer group is essential. Thusly, I ask, with all my being, that He enable you to join one or start one. We need to be praying for revival in our churches and in this country. Please join me in that endeavor. Merry Christmas! Peace and blessings, Ginny Mink www.delightabidelove.com
More Attractive than I am “and everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 (ESV) This verse offers me so much encouragement, especially since I’ve frequently told you the depth of my vile atrocities and the intensity of the filth in which I’ve wallowed. Yet, John reassures me that if I’ll put my hope in my Savior I’ll be purified, and not just to the point of a muddy gray, but to the level of His purity. Perfect, blemishless beauty will be mine simply because my hope is in Him. Wow! Verse two gives us a glimpse of the awesomeness John’s talking about. First of all, I’m always awe-struck by verses that proclaim I’m a child of God. I don’t think we ever really take the time to let the magnitude of that proclamation sink in – do you realize that the King of eternity, the Father of breath, has willingly called you His? You’re an heir of the riches of the One who holds the whole world in His hands! You’re a child of the Most High God! I know some of that might seem a bit redundant, but I really want you to embrace the unbelievable gift and label you’ve been given as a child of God. I still shake my head because it seems so unfathomable to me. Anyway, that’s not all verse two tells us, in fact it reveals to God’s offspring (aka: us) that we are not yet visibly who He’s designed us to be. But, when He comes back, it assures us, we’ll be like Him! Maybe it would be interesting to study the ways in which Christ is described, particularly in prophetic visions, as those gifted men had the joy of seeing Him as He is and as we will be. Oh man, I can’t wait to look like Jesus; everything about Him is more attractive than I am.
Masquerading “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV) I love Paul’s brutal honesty, not just in his directives to the churches and people he writes to, but more so that caustic verbiage he applies to himself. Maybe you’ve read this verse in the KJV which uses the word chief instead of foremost. I like that translation a lot because Paul’s basically saying, “Hey, I know Jesus came to save sinners because I was the head-honcho in that arena and He saved me.” I have great respect for people who recognize and admit their own unworthiness. I think that if more of us were honest to that degree the world would have a harder time labeling us holier-thanthou. It’s this perception of church-goers and Christ-claimers being perfect and exceptionally Godly that allows the label, hypocrite, to permeate all manner of Faith discussions with unchurched or disbelieving people. Jesus tells us He didn’t come to save the righteous, He came for the sinner, bottom-line and until we’re ready to admit that we fall into that category we have little to do with Him. I think you’d be surprised by the number of people masquerading as believers who personify Christ’s descriptions of the Pharisees; they’re whitewashed tombs, pretty on the outside, shunning curse words and I’mblessed-speaking, but inside they’re full of dead men’s bones, judgments, hatred and materialistic idolatries. Listen, we’ve got to cleanse ourselves of this world and its vile behaviors and thoughtprocesses. However, that can only be accomplished by the Grace of God when we admit we too are the foremost and chiefs of sinners.
You Better Like Being Hungry “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (ESV) I’m not sure what your initial reaction to this verse is, but I’m very aware of what came to my attention the moment I read this and there’s no doubt in my mind that some people will find my contemplations offensive but the truth is, I instantly thought of welfare (not the politically correct terminology I know, but you get the point). Don’t get me wrong, I can support the concept as a handup but not as a hand-out and unfortunately it appears to me that a large percentage of people utilizing the system do it with no intentions of moving forward. Paul is adamant in this chapter about working to provide for yourself, he’s absolutely against idle behavior to the point that he tells the Thessalonians to avoid any, “brother who is walking in idleness,” (v. 6). Have you ever noticed that it’s infinitely easier to be lazy when you spend time with lazy people? What about how different your work ethic is when you’re around someone who’s diligently motivated to get things accomplished. For instance, while I might be perfectly content to sit on the couch, if my husband comes in and starts cleaning and readjusting things I feel compelled to get up and work too, not necessarily because I want to, truth be told I’m guilty of idleness, but because I can’t let him work alone, I’d look bad! Paul understood how the company we keep affects the way we live and so he warned them to stay away from lazy people. Anyway, I think that, in returning to the political issue at hand, endeavors to better oneself should be attached to any hope of public assistance. If you’re not willing to work you better like being hungry.
Living in Awe “To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV) I did a short blurb, verbally, on what I called living in awe (it’s on my radio station which you can access through the website). Anyway, I have to tell you that Paul understood this concept. He got how big God is, he understood His magnitude and had no problem letting other people know his God is King. Unfortunately, it would appear that a good number of us have lost that awe, that amazement that spurs us to share our Savior with the world. I’ve got to tell you this because I’m a proud mom and that’s what we do. My son, who is now nine, came home from school the other day and told me about a girl in his class he was trying to tell about God. Initially it appeared their conversations were going well. However, a week or so later he informed me that she wasn’t his friend. When I asked why, he said, “Because I told her there was only one true God and she told me some crazy named god was going to send me to hell.” Apparently this little girl is a hindu, though I didn’t know they believed in hell (guess I’ll have to look that up). Basically he’d insulted her multi-god, polytheistic, faith by implying that his God was the only TRUE one. All I can say is, “Yay for him!” to boldly proclaim such truth to someone who believes something completely contrary. You’d think her cursing him would have made him withdraw, but he keeps plugging along at her. He’s trying to figure out what she believes so he can counter her with Truth. So, when I informed him that she believes in a god that looks like an elephant, he cracked up. I guess we’ll see where his awe leads and prayerfully request that he be successful with her.
Wal-Mart Clothes “but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:10 (ESV) You should probably go back and read verse 9 as it’s the beginning of the sentence concluded in verse 10. Basically Paul’s telling Timothy that women need to be modest and self-controlled in appearance, not all fancy-shmancy. Some women are “woo-hooing” that idea because they’re not into mall-clothes, jewelry and trendy hair-dos, while others are quickly saying, “we don’t have to live by law but by grace.” I get both responses though I personally am partial to the former. Some people find Paul’s instructions here bothersome, they don’t want to give up Macy’s and keratin, yet there are still others who get (in my opinion) a bit legalistic about it and quit wearing jewelry and make-up and start dressing in lengthy, exceptionally modest skirts and wearing their hair long and styleless. Maybe you know people like this (I definitely do) and while they are free to take the Word to fanatical extremes (if that’s possible) the problem pops up in the last part of this verse – women are to be clothed with good works. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I find a legalistic mentality to be devoid of good works because inevitably it ends in judgmentalism. I’ve a friend who’s hardcore about this directive and any time I see her I am distinctly aware of the judgmental once-over she gives me because my hair’s dyed, there’s a necklace ‘round my neck and I’m in pants. I tell you all this because I think Paul was really trying to tell women that your outward beauty means nothing if you’re wretched inside. Maybe you’ve noticed, as I have, that women who are full of good works boost their attractiveness levels exponentially even in Wal-Mart clothes. Ugly is as ugly does so, let’s start focusing more on inner beauty. I think that’s what Paul was really getting at.
Peter Warned of Such Things “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.” 2 Peter 3:17 (ESV) Upon a first reading, this verse makes complete sense in stand alone fashion. We’re frequently reminded throughout the New Testament that there will be people whose sole purpose is deception; the enemy will try to lead away the elect if possible, we’re told. So, obviously I could talk about how important it is to study to show yourself approved, that every believer should strive to become a Biblical scholar in as much as he/she can. Knowing the Word is, of course, imperative to your ability to discern and test spirits. However, this is not what I want to point out. Perhaps you’re aware of the fact that Peter and Paul didn’t always see eye to eye. In fact, Paul says he called Peter out, to his face, when he found Peter’s actions hypocritical. Thusly, the verses that precede this one have special significance. Peter refers to Paul as a beloved brother (v. 15) and then he explains that though some of Paul’s letters might be intellectually and spiritually challenging, we need to be aware of people who twist Paul’s words (v. 16). That’s when he continues into verse 17, so he’s not just warning about deceptive teachers, but those who distort Paul’s teachings. Maybe that doesn’t mean much to you but I find it especially poignant as I recently came across a supposed Christian site that was slam full of anti-Paul writing accusing him of heresy and insisting that all his letters be pulled from the Bible. Obviously I didn’t read much further therein but you’d be surprised how many similar sites there are and amazingly Peter warned of such things! That’s what really gets me.
Native People “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.” Leviticus 25:23 (NIV) I’ll tell you, I really got a friend of mine from high school, who is now a pastor, massively riled up with my thoughts on verses like this one. Perhaps I’ll get you all stirred up too (have you ever noticed that I kind of enjoy controversial thought processes?). Anyway, let’s venture into political territory…immigration laws. I get the whole patriotic allegiance to this certainly great country, and I get the appreciation of those who gave and give their lives for the preservation of freedom, I’ve veterans in my family too. However, when I read verses like this, I have to question our understanding of His ownership as it pertains to this earth. Yes, He gave the Promised Land to the Israelites and enabled them to protect it. However, He also points out that they’re aliens too, that He’s the landlord, they’re just renters. Obviously this verse is in reference to the year of Jubilee and being able to redeem that which was initially yours or your family’s. I get that contextually, but I also know this isn’t the only time we’re reminded that we’re aliens on this planet, that the dirt beneath us doesn’t belong to us no matter how much our mortgage payment is every month or how big our property tax bill is. Ultimately, the United States, Mexico and Canada, the whole of North America, belongs to our Father. Therefore, if we see it from that perspective, do immigration laws really make sense? Are they worth getting red-faced over? After all, you’re an alien too – there really aren’t any native people… something to think about at least.
The First Sinkhole “As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart.” Numbers 16:31 (NIV) Moses is mad at some guys who are opposing his God-given position. They are challenging both he and Aaron and though he uses multiple methods to prove their inaccuracy they keep at him until finally he says, basically, “If I’m wrong, you’ll die natural deaths, but if I’m right, God’s going to create the first sinkhole and swallow you alive,” (v. 30). Then of course we get to verse 31 and discover that this is exactly what God does, justifying Moses and Aaron before the people. I don’t know about you, but if I saw the ground open up and swallow people just as someone was prophesying its ability to do so, I think I’d have some respect for that person. Yet, the Israelites just ranted more against Moses and that ticks off the King. He has every intention of killing them all, in fact He sends a plague among them but Aaron makes atonement for them and stands between the living and the dead so as to stop the plague and though 14,700 people die, the rest are rescued. After all the smack the Israelites talked about Moses and Aaron you have to wonder why they’d be willing to go anywhere near plagued people, why they’d do their best to save them? Perhaps they’re examples of Christ on a minute level because I’ve no doubt Jesus willingly saves and bridges the gap, for atheists and blasphemers. I don’t know about you, but this chapter says two things to me- one, God can do some seriously crazy stuff to prove the validity of His servants and two, that His love for us is supremely illustrated in Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection which is infinitely more powerful than anything Moses or Aaron did for the grumbling Israelites.
Humble Declaration “And he said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36 (ESV) This verse has some pretty strong significance to me. Within it I find support of something I’ve frequently debated. There are preachers, namely those on TV, on the supposed Christian (note my italics) stations who tell people not to add, “If it be Your will,” to their prayers. These evangelists teach that such an addendum is really an admittance of doubt and therefore discounts one’s reception of the request. Basically these people are preaching from a name it and claim it, prosperity gospel, position and so they tell their listeners that adding, if it be Your will, is nullifying their petitions with doubt. As much as my fleshly, worldly self would love to grab onto verses that tell us if we believe we receive, the Spirit within me also recognizes the conditions therein, those that add that we’re to abide in Him, that we’re to pray/worship in Spirit and Truth, etc. You can’t just ask for stuff because you want it and expect that Santa God will give it to you. If you’re praying/worshipping in Spirit and in Truth you’ll be asking for things He already wants you to have. Now obviously, as Jesus experienced there are things our beings desire, and God doesn’t mind the asking, but if we’re ever aware of a moment in which we’re voicing our own desire, then it’s best, as Jesus did, to admit that truly we want nothing more than His will and so we’re willing to let go of whatever request we’ve made because our true heart’s desire is to serve Him. Thusly, adding Your will be done, is not an admission of doubt or uncertainty it is a humble declaration that we want nothing more than what He desires to give us. Amen.
Putrescence becomes Perfume “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:24 (NIV) Moses is warning the Israelites, who are preparing to cross the Jordan, not to create idols or to worship them. He knows he’s not allowed to step foot into the Promised Land, he knows his days are numbered and so he does his best to explain to them the intensity of the character of the God they claim to serve. Truth be told, I love verses like this! Maybe I would have been quite at home in the old school hell-fire and brimstone churches, though not until I returned to Faith. It seems the shock value of it’s all gonna burn is ineffective on prodigals and lost people but for those of us who truly believe, there is power within statements of that sort. I guess the real reason I love verses like these is because we’re constantly inundated with reminders that God is love. Surely He is, but as I’ve told you before, that’s not His only character trait. The God is love verse appeases the sinner. The enemy has tactfully utilized it to allow people to rationalize their sinful behaviors and lifestyles because he pairs it with, “God created you and He knows you.” That’s the great lie, the great and horrific deceit that keeps so many in sexually immoral bondage and in the chains of addiction. They’ve been told that God made them exactly as they are, that He knew who and what they’d be and then whamo their accosted with the God is love verse and somehow putrescence becomes perfume and they remain stagnant in their own refuse. So yes, verses like this are awesome in my mind because they kind of snap you back into the reality that while God is love, He’s also jealous and a consuming fire. Do you really want to do things He disagrees with? Will your justifications and rationalizations save you? I think not!
He’ll Always Take You Back “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV) Let me tell you, it’s the beginning of this verse that just grabs me by the throat and begs consideration. You see, the verses prior explain to the Israelites what’s going to happen to them if they become corrupt, idolatrous evil-doers (v. 25) once they cross over the Jordan. Moses doesn’t play, he tells them that heaven and earth will be witnesses against them and that they’ll quickly perish and be destroyed (v. 26). He lets them know that God will scatter them (v. 27) and ultimately they’ll become even more idolatrous (v. 28). Yet, here’s the great part, “But if from there…” That’s the salvation story, right there, in the Old Testament, crazy cool! Listen, we’re told we are all like sheep who have gone astray, that not one of us is righteous, no, not one, that we’ve all fallen short of the Glory of God. That’s the plight of all humanity. “But if from there…” four beautiful words, they proclaim, “there is still hope!” Don’t you see, Moses was telling the Israelites, “no matter how bad you are, no matter how heinously you rebel against God and no matter how harshly and repeatedly He’s been forced to discipline you, He’ll always take you back, if from there you’ll seek Him.” I know we hear about His unconditional love probably to the point it’s lost any semblance of meaning. Yet, for me, a chief of sinners, one of the foremost, seeing that, “But if from there…” just reminds me from whence I did turn and return to seeking and how much love He must have for me to allow me to do so after all that wretchedness. Oh friends, Spiritual siblings, from there seek Him; He’s waiting for you with open arms!
Prodigal’s do Happen “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” 1 John 1:6 (ESV) When I just reread this underlined verse in my Bible, the concept of prodigals immediately came to mind. You see, I believe that people who know Jesus have one of two types of testimony. They’ll have keeping ones, in which they got saved at a young age and remained pretty close to the straight and narrow their whole lives. Obviously we all sin but some of us like to do it bigger and so we’re the ones with returning testimonies, we got saved and then the thorns prevented all fruitfulness; we ran off the road less traveled and traversed the mud pits for a significant amount of time. That all said, I know people who are frequently trying to discern the salvation of others. Undoubtedly we use verses like this to say that anyone living an immoral life is unsaved. I beg to differ. While I’m not going to jump on the carnal Christian bandwagon, I’d like to point something out about this verse. Please note that it doesn’t say anyone claiming to be a Christian while in darkness is lying and failing to practice the truth. Rather, it says if we say we have fellowship with Him…I think there’s a significant difference here. I’d like to submit to you that there are genuine Christians who aren’t in fellowship with Him. In fact, I guess I’ll be so bold as to suggest that most believers, keeping or returning testimony makes no difference, have gone through phases of non-fellowship with Him. If you’ve ever been there then you can attest to the truth that when you’re doing something you know you shouldn’t you’re probably not spending too much time interacting with the King. And, the less interaction there is, the easier it becomes to keep doing bad stuff. So, just because someone’s currently walking in darkness, that’s not the sole indicator of his/her salvation. Prodigals do happen.
Hallelujah for Grace “And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” Deuteronomy 6:25 (NIV) Hallelujah for Grace! I’ve heard preachers discuss how the law only brings righteousness if the whole of it is obeyed. Obviously, I’ve read in the New Testament the verse that tell us that breaking one of the laws is the same as all (James 2:10), or that Abraham was declared righteous due to his Faith not his works. However, I did not recall this blatant proclamation found in Deuteronomy. I have to wonder if the people really thought themselves capable of keeping the whole of the law to thereby attain righteousness? Then I’m forced to wonder if modern day Jews look at this verse and whole-heartedly embrace the concept? If so, wouldn’t the first time they realized they’d messed up prove to them the futility of the effort and make them give up? Yes, I know that my brain asks a lot of questions, but how else can I achieve knowledge without first a desire to know? Anyway, as I said right off, Hallelujah for Grace! I know there are some people who are particularly adept at perfectionism and perhaps a list of rules and regulations leading to righteousness would be right up their alleys. I, however, am hugely opposed to anything that seems restrictive or controlling and so I’d fail instantly. I suppose the truth is, these perfectionists would fail too because keeping every single law and command herein is absolutely impossible (unless of course you’re Jesus). Paul tells us that the law was created to expose sin so it’s kind of a self-defeating concept specifically created for the purpose of illuminating our absolute unrighteousness and desperate need for a Savior. I’ll say it again, Hallelujah for Grace!
You’ll be Alright “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),” Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV) I’m not sure if this verse will grab you like it does me, but when I read, “…you were darkness…” I’m a bit shocked. I think we can readily admit that at one time we lived, or walked, in darkness, but to say, no, you were darkness well, that seems pretty harsh. I looked the verse up in the KJV and found that it was a little nicer saying, “ye were sometimes darkness…” but darkness nonetheless. Obviously that inspired an examination of Strong’s to figure out the implications. Well, the Greek word is skŏtŏs (skot’-os) and it means shadiness or obscurity. Unfortunately, that didn’t really help me so I looked up the word obscurity. Get this, it means: a deficiency or absence of light and the quality or condition of being unknown (thanks American Heritage Dictionary)! So basically what I got was: we were evil and unknown by God. Now, thanks to our Savior we’re, phōs (foce); we shine, manifest (His) rays and are luminous! Pretty vivid and incredible. I’d like to take a moment to look at verse 9. First of all, I’ll have to admit that I don’t generally envision light having fruit. Yet, this verse tells us that its fruit is all that is good, right and true. So, if we’re to walk as children of light, as shining luminousness in the midst of a great darkness the method in which we bring His rays to obscurity is via behaving in ways that are good and right and true. The verses prior to these tell us the things we’re to avoid and then we’re told to try to discern what pleases the King (v. 10). Take heart, though it seems to be quite a complicated task, if you’ll just focus on good, right, true stuff you’ll be alright.
Everyone will Bow “But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained.” 1 Samuel 5:4 (NIV) If you’re not familiar with this story, let me tell you, it’s a great one! Basically the Philistines confiscate the Ark of the Covenant after beating the Israelites who shouldn’t have had it out in battle to begin with. Anyway, they, the Philistines, transport it to Ashdod where they set it up in Dagon’s temple next to Dagon who happens to be their god. The next day they find Dagon face down on the floor in front of the Ark so they set him back up. This is where we arrive at verse four. This time he’s not only on the ground but he’s headless and handless. This cracks me up. The Philistines thought they were something when they captured the Ark of the Covenant but God used their idol to show them that everyone will bow before Him. He also showed them how powerless and mindless their god was by breaking off his hands and head. If you keep reading you’ll find that He sends tumors to afflict them (v. 6) and they figure out real quickly that they don’t want His Ark in their vicinity. They move it to Gath and those people get tumors (v. 9) so they send it on to Ekron. Here’s another funny bit of the story, the people in Ekron think the Ark has been sent to them to kill them so they don’t want anything to do with it and demand that it be sent away (v. 10-11). Ultimately, the Philistines send it back to the Israelites where it belongs. I’m telling you, it’s a great story because it proves that you don’t mess with God, His people, or His stuff and nothing you idolize stands a chance in His presence.
We’re not Fully Ready “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8 (ESV) The surpassing worth of knowing Jesus…wow! How many of us live with that kind of mindset? I wish I had Paul’s vigor, his devotion and willing abandon. Why do we devalue our Savior? Why does getting the PS2 to play a DVD on our 1998 TV surpass the importance of fellowship with the Messiah? Maybe that’s a weird example, but today that’s what my focus was, trying to get a movie to play on this old TV and I invested so much time and energy in trying to conquer that obstacle. I mean I was really striving to make that thing work. Ultimately, I discovered that I needed an additional cable, but the point is, where’s that fervency, that sense of urgent necessity, when it comes to drawing near to the Most High God? How was Paul so enamored by knowing Christ that he could just walk away from everything, that he could count all that he’d accomplished, all that he had, as rubbish? Why is his devotion to the Messiah so massively sacrificial and more importantly, why isn’t ours? I want to gain Christ; I know that fellowship with Him is of infinitely more value than any other thing on this planet. So why then am I so readily pulled away by this world? I have to shake my head at myself because I’m such a huge failure in the Faith arena when I compare my level of dedication to that portrayed by Paul. I suppose I could ask the Father to assist me in attaining that level of abandon, but isn’t a prayer like that a little scary? Isn’t the truth that we kind of like our stuff and we’re not fully ready to count it as loss and rubbish? Well, it’s definitely something to consider now isn’t it?
Ignorant Bystanders in a Sea of Corruption “which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing – as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” Colossians 1:6 (ESV) Paul is talking about the Gospel here. He’s discussing the fact that it’s spreading all over the world, being productive and growing. The next part of the verse is what’s particularly poignant to me, this concept of, “as it also does among you…” Let me tell you, I heard a group of men on the radio discussing America’s need for revival. Apparently they were heading up a group designed to pray for a great revival in this country. I want to say the name of the organization was One Cry. I heard them on the Nancy Leigh Demoss show so I’m sure you can Google it, or her, or something. Anyway, one of the guys was saying that historically, God’s people have screwed up, been punished and eventually they cry out to Him and He comes and heals them. The concept then was that American believers need to unite and cry out, basically that we need to heed 2 Chronicles 7:14 (go ahead, look it up, I’ll wait). Here’s the thing that gets me, this group of people, the church at Colossae, has been on fire, growing and producing the fruit of the Gospel, since they heard and understood the Grace of God. Jesus gives us the parable of the kingdom of God being like a little leaven that leavens the whole pot. Christians and the Faith we claim should spread like a wildfire Smokey can’t put out. Instead, we cower; we’ve become those who shrink back. We hear people calling us to pray for revival and we cheer them on and then we don’t do jack to support the movement. Have we not heard the Gospel? Have we not understood the Grace bestowed upon us? Then, let’s quit playing ignorant bystanders in a sea of corruption, let’s change the world. Oh, Father, bring revival on, and in, this country; we need You! Desperately!
We Put Him There “When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.” 1 Samuel 8:18 (NIV) Ok, so Israel has decided that they want to be like all the pagan, heathen countries and peoples and thusly they demand that Samuel provide them with a king. This doesn’t set well with God, after all, He is the only leader, the only King, they need. Therefore, He tells Samuel to inform them of all the terrible things a king will do to them and their descendants. He tells them that the king will take their sons and make them work for him, fight in his military, work his fields and make weapons (v. 11-12). Then He tells them the king will take their daughters, their fields and vineyards and olive groves and a tenth of their grain and wine, their servants, their best cattle, a tenth of their flocks and ultimately they’ll be his slaves (v. 13-17). I wonder does any of this sound familiar? Uncle Sam, what? Listen, we might feel better calling the leader of the free (notice my italics) world a President instead of a king, but it appears to me, that the control our founding fathers fought against when they separated themselves from England is alive and well today. I suspect that the moment they gave George Washington his title they might as well have said, long live the king. What is it about mankind that desires to place an equally fallible human at the head of decisions? Are we wholly incapable of just getting along without someone telling us what percentage of our paycheck will be confiscated? Anyway, the fact is, no matter who’s in charge, humanity put humanity there after removing the One True King. No wonder He’s ignoring our impeach and fire him cries, we put him there.
What are you Wearing Now? “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (ESV) When I saw this verse this evening in my readings the first three words reminded me of the Armor of God we’re told to put on in Ephesians 6, yet, there’s a significant difference. I get the concept of dressing for battle, getting suited up to take a crack at the enemy. In fact, I kind of like the knight imagery I get when I think about it. But this? Well, this one’s hard. What does it look like to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience? Should I be envisioning Mr. Rogers? There’s something else though, and it’s the implication that if you have to put something on it’s because you’re not consistently clothed in it. I don’t have to put my face on (although I know women who claim that necessity) it’s fastened to my being but apparently (and my husband would no doubt attest to this) kindness is not naturally attached to any of my appendages. I’m hoping you’re getting the drift; these traits mentioned in this verse must be ones that require conscious efforts to attain and maintain. I think you can probably recall situations in which your natural man, your flesh, would have liked to scream at someone’s seeming stupidity, or when you wanted to extend a certain finger in another’s direction – that’s humanity for you. If by the Grace of God you managed to refrain it’s because His Spirit quickly reminded you to put on Christ, the One who is eternally clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. What are you wearing now?
It’s Awesome, Try it! “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 (ESV) Let me suggest to you that you get involved with a group of people who will share your prayer burdens, people who will truly (without lip-service) touch and agree with you and earnestly bring your petitions before the throne. I think believers have lost our mustard seed Faith power because we’ve failed in the prayer arena. If you’ve ever noticed, Jesus was constantly getting alone to pray, that’s because He understood the necessity for time spent at the Father’s feet. The disciples obviously saw that prayer did something powerful in His life because it’s the only thing they asked Him to teach them how to do. I bring up the becoming part of a truly united prayer group because I’ve recently come to understand the power in verses that suggest where two or more agree it will be done. This is obviously the beauty of a praying marriage, but how many of us are slacking in that arena? The thing about praying for other people is that this verse, which tells us to be watchful with thanksgiving, seems to be more readily accomplished. I don’t know about you, but I’ve very little doubt when it comes to asking the Father to do something for someone else and I eagerly await His answer and action on their lives knowing He loves them and desires to bless His children. Praying for other people grows my Faith as I see the King working in their lives and it eradicates some of my self-centeredness. I pray less for myself when I’m trying to keep track of everyone else’s prayer requests. It’s awesome, try it!
Potential to Detonate “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.” Proverbs 18:6 (ESV) I happened upon this verse this morning and though it was underlined it struck me like something I’d never read before. I love the way the Word stands out at moments perfect for your training or edification. Here’s the thing, I hate arguing, I can’t stand raised voices and I rarely yell because of that. Also, I rarely yell because most people can over-power my projection in that arena. Therefore, when I’m involved in a verbal altercation I have a tendency to remain silent or utilize my therapeutic voice (which some have found condescending). I tell you all this because when I read this verse this morning I instantly wondered, “How many times have I played the fool? How many times have I walked into a fight simply because I said something I shouldn’t have?” Then I realized, “Well then, I invited the verbal beating I endured.” Look, it’s really easy to play the victim when you’re fighting with someone you love. If you aren’t a yeller but the other person is, it’s even easier to rationalize your innocence. The truth though needs to be considered, how many times did you instigate the disagreement? How many times did you stoke the already smoldering flame? I can tell you that there’s been plenty of times I knew that what I was about to say had the potential to detonate and fool that I often am, I lit the fuse anyway. The Spirit in us frequently prompts us to bite our tongues; we really need to do a better job listening. I know I do!
Toilet Humor “They demolished the sacred stone of Baal and tore down the temple of Baal, and people used it for a latrine to this day.” 2 Kings 10:27 (NIV) Yep, that verse really says what you think it does! Were you aware of the fact that there’s toilet humor in the Bible? I think too many times we get all tight and serious about the Word. The thing is though, that any human character trait comes from above. What I mean to say is, humanity wouldn’t have a sense of humor if our Father didn’t. Think about it, a baboon’s butt paint, pretty funny, the duck-billed platypus, come on! I learned that the King had a sense of humor at a pretty young age. Here’s the story I share with people. I loved my Aunt Vanessa but she was really short. She had long straight hair, gorgeous tan skin and an infectious laugh. I adored her and wanted to be just like her. However, even as a kid, I knew I wanted to be taller than she was. So, I started praying, probably in early elementary school to be taller than my Aunt Vanessa. I had no idea at the time that God intended to answer my prayer while simultaneously giving me a lesson in vanity. You see, my father is 5’11, my mother is 5’5, my sister is 5’7 and my brother is 6’. My Aunt Vanessa was 5’1 and I’m 5’2. Yep, God said, “here you go, have an inch,” and I’m certain He laughed. There’s not a doubt in my mind that if I’d refrained from such a vain and selfish prayer I would have at least hit 5’5. Listen, there are other stories in the Bible that emanate His humor – like the fat guy who gets stabbed but he’s so fat his gut swallows the knife…yep, that’s in there. If you’d take the time to read the Word, cover to cover, you’d discover that it’s the greatest book ever written, it will run the gamut of your emotions, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be awed, you’ll be scared. Who do you think created the best seller? None other but the Author and Finisher.
Hardcore Devotion “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV) I don’t know if you’ve spent any time reading Paul’s letters, but when you do, you notice that he always seems to have such great affection and compassion for those he’s writing to. He wishes them all grace and peace (though he adds mercy to Timothy’s letters), and he frequently claims to be praying ceaselessly for them. That’s love, that’s hardcore devotion to other people. I can’t help it, but when I read verses like this, that say, essentially, “Man, I love you so much I’m willing to sacrifice who I am and what I want/need for your well-being,” I am convicted, heavily, of my own inaction. We can sit around and discuss the futility of building funds and the necessity for greater outreach programs, but if we’re not willing to share ourselves, our time, our talents, our beings, with others, what good are we? I can rationalize that I share myself with you, my Spiritual siblings, via these writings, but I think I’m often little more than a clanging gong. Do I love my King? Yes! Do I want to build up His church? Of course. Do I invest time and heart and thought in these pieces? That and prayer, yes. But, am I so affectionately desirous of you; are you so very dear to me, that I’d sacrifice my non-writing time for you? That I’d step beyond the comfort of my 1970s sectional and assist you at your true point of need? As much as I’d love to be more like Paul as he imitated Christ, my honest inclination is to shake my head, no. This is a problem. How many of us are truly willing to share ourselves? And we wonder why the church and the Faith in this country is dissolving. What are we, myself included, going to do about it?
Abstinence “Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” 1 Thessalonians 4:8 (ESV) Believe it or not, this verse is in reference to sexual immorality. Paul tells the Thessalonians to abstain from sexual immorality (v. 3) that they need to control their own bodies (v. 4) and not act in the passion of lust like those who don’t know God (v. 5). Then he informs them that behaving this way is wronging your brother and therefore the Lord will avenge (v. 6) because He’s called them to holiness not impurity (v. 7). Finally we arrive at verse 8 which translates to, “If you sleep around, or are promiscuous in any way, you’re giving God the finger.” What I find so interesting here is that most people rationalize their sexually immoral behaviors (which by the way include thoughts and fantasies). I’ll be the first to admit my own sexual immorality, so, having lived it, I’m pretty well versed in the excuses. However, the Word is very clear – the two become one flesh in the confines of marriage because sex and marriage are pretty much hand in hand in the Scriptures. Once people know each other then they’ve become spouses. Don’t answer this aloud, but how many spouses have you had? That makes you an adulterer on top of being sexually immoral. Listen, the world will tell us that if it’s safe then it’s ok, that we should sample the goods first, that everyone does it, that it’s only natural, etc. But, if you’re a born again believer you’re not to give into the natural, the animalistic behaviors that place sex at the top of some recreational list. We’ve got to teach our children abstinence, despite stupid Planned Parenthood’s hell-bent agenda, and we’ve got to let them know that this isn’t some man-made, parental directive and mandate but straight from the mouth of God. Share these verses with them; let them know just how serious He is about sexual purity. Immoral behavior in that arena will only cause regret and heartache later. Trust me, I know.
If They Talk Smack, Let Them “Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (AMP) The KJV says it this way, “Abstain from all appearance of evil,” and that’s the version I heard someone preaching on tonight. I have to admit though, that for this particular verse I like the added explanations included in the Amplified version. Here’s the thing, Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that bad company corrupts good character. Here again he’s trying to warn us to stay away from evil in every form. When I initially read this verse, my inclination was to assume he was saying that we should avoid going anywhere or being seeing in any circumstance that would appear contrary to our Faith. Of course, that would mean not walking through Ybor City on a Friday or Saturday night, or going to any bar, karaoke or not. I’m sure you get my meaning. However, I suspect that such a legalistic view might not be wholly accurate and thusly I’m thankful for the light the preacher shed on this verse for me this night. I guess what I’m trying to say is Jesus met people where they were; I don’t think He’d shun Ybor or the bar even. Instead, I suspect Paul meant that if you’re hanging out with people who choose to behave in evil ways then you need to separate yourself from them. Let me give you an example, you go to lunch with some co-workers who begin to tell very crude jokes, don’t just sit there as if you condone it, and don’t do the holier-than-thou pinched face look, just leave. If they talk smack, let them – whose Spirit and heart and thoughts do you have to answer for?
Only He “May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers.” 1 Kings 8:58 (NIV) Solomon just finished praying for Israel after the completion of the temple. Your Bible probably calls it Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication. Anyway, he’s just gotten up from kneeling, hands spread toward heaven, before the altar in prayer and he is now blessing the people. I guess one of the coolest things here is that we’re talking about Solomon, the wisest man to ever have lived (though Jesus makes it clear that He is greater than Solomon) and his prayer and blessings are incredible. The other thing that gets me, and is indeed the reason I chose this verse, is the very beginning, “May he turn our hearts to him…” It seems that we’ve been so engrained with this free will concept that we think we can turn back to our Faith; that we can walk away from the various sins and evils that plague us. We seem to think that there dwells within us some intrinsic power that enables us to change our lives and directions. Maybe it’s all those positive self-help, self-talk books that have accosted us, or the motivational speakers that masquerade as Christian leaders and writers. I’m not sure, maybe it just really boils down to pride, the instigator of nearly every sin you can think of, regardless, the fact remains, only He can turn our hearts to Him. Recall the Scripture that says you didn’t choose Me, I chose you and no one can come but if he be drawn. We can try ‘til we’re blue in the face to live righteous lives, but unless He turns our hearts toward Him, we’re still lost. Pray that He’d have His way with you.
Then I guess you can apply it… “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Ephesians 4:26 (ESV) Before I expound on this I want to remind you that the very next verse is the one that tells us to give no opportunity to the devil. Ok, that accomplished, I used to put a quote up on the wipe-board in my classroom (my students were required to journal – basically they had to respond to quotes I put on the board), I’m pretty sure it was Phyllis Diller’s. It said, “Never go to bed angry, stay up and fight.” I think too often we interpret this verse to mean something similar or we don’t abide by it at all. There are people who do their utmost to repress and restrain all angry emotions, let me tell you, that won’t work and it’s not healthy anyway. Look, we’re told that we can be angry; we just need to handle it in appropriate ways. So, giant temper tantrums and expletive soaked rants are probably not best practice here. I used to punch things, I’ve dented refrigerators and wipe-boards and busted drywall, not to mention bruised and probably fractured my hands. I can assure you that nothing was accomplished therein either. I’m sure there are a number of righteous ways to deal with anger; I’m not hugely adept at it so I won’t pretend to have answers for you. I have learned not to punch things though. Anyway, it’s the sun going down on anger that I want to bring to your attention. I know everyone thinks it means not to go to bed angry and certainly that’s a big part of it, and if we were able to do that then this other issue, grudge-holding, wouldn’t exist. Yep, I said it, don’t hold grudges and yes they are based on anger no matter how you try to rationalize it. Ask yourself how many of your infractions/sins you want God to hold against you, or ask how long you’d like Him to punish you by not speaking to you or being an active participant in your life. Once you know that answer then I guess you can apply it to whomever you’ve got something against.
He is Worthy “What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention…” Job 7:17 (NIV) Obviously Job is wishing that God would stop focusing on him, he’d be perfectly content to leave the planet and all the absolutely dreadful things he’s currently enduring. I know that the story of Job’s calamity is a point of contention for unbelievers and even for some new ones. There are however, great lessons to be learned herein. First of all, God does make much of us; He is mindful of us and does pay specific attention to the minutia of our lives. The enemy had no right to Job but that the Father gave him access. That’s a rough lesson, but a necessary one nonetheless. You see, people often question why bad things happen and when believers have to admit to them that, “Yes, God lets it happen,” well, some of them just can’t wrap their heads around it. We have to remember though that He truly is working everything together for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose. Job reminds his wife that it’s foolish to accept only the good and not the bad from God. We’ve been taught by many ear-tickling churches that living a life of Faith means being blessed in every arena. Yet, Job and his story make the deceitfulness of that doctrine quite clear. You see, our King does all things to His glory. The enemy wanted to prove that one of the King’s best servants was really just a butt-kisser who’d curse Him as soon as things quit going his way. No doubt Job hated every minute of that torture and having to constantly defend his innocence to his supposed friends, but the one thing he didn’t do, though his wife recommended it, was curse God and die. He held onto God’s holiness and thereby proved through his endurance that the King was worthy to be praised and glorified!
He Can’t Alter Your Outlook “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) Faith…how’s yours? Have you ever asked another believer that question? Given them the “on a scale of one to ten,” choice? I have and I’m usually quite disappointed by the answer. Now, perhaps people are humbly ranking themselves lower than they feel, but honestly, I doubt it. I think most our Faith conversations center around the mustard seed verses or the “oh ye of little faith,” rebukes. In addition, I think when we discuss the armor of God we naturally want to jump to the one offensive element, the sword of the Spirit, because swords are definitely cooler than belts and shoes (unless you’re the accessorizing type). What we miss though, is that even if we know the Word (the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God) if we’ve no Faith in its power then we’re fighting with Nerf or cardboard, not much use there. This concept of Faith protecting us is an interesting one. The enemy shoots his flaming darts at us, financial struggles, marital discord, disobedient children, unforeseen tragedies, all things that instantly create worry and if we’re without Faith, he’ll immobilize us. However, if we believe, if we have Faith that our Father owns everything, money issues won’t bother us. If we believe our Father made the two one flesh, we’ll trust Him to work on, and in, our marriages. If we believe His promise that so long as we train our children in the way they’re supposed to go…then we can trust Him to save our prodigals. And, if our Faith supports the fact that He’s working everything to our good because we love Him and are called according to His purpose, then worry is easily extinguished and our true Faith has wielded the sword of the Spirit quite effectively. The enemy can’t touch you if you have Faith. Yes, he can touch things in your life, but he can’t alter your outlook, your peace and joy, your Faith.
Zeal and Fervor “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (ESV) I think sometimes we need to test this verse. Now, I’m not saying test God, as we’re told not to put Him to the test. Rather, we need to test our hearts and Spirits with regards to the work we label for Him. If you come from a Catholic background no doubt you are probably signing up for every volunteer opportunity your church offers, but is He working in you, is He directing you to sign up for everything? One way to test it is your level of peace and joy in the doing. Are you excited or are you dreading it? I’ve got some great examples. My husband pushed me to volunteer to help in the children’s department. Truth be told, I’ve no desire to do so and once they put me on the calendar I anticipate dreading it. Why? Because I don’t feel led by His Spirit to volunteer therein but rather than ride my husband’s guilt trip I signed up anyway. Here’s another one, I’ve a friend who is absolutely on fire about being a soul-winner; she’s been gifted with the ability to bring people to the King. So, when she was approached about working with the youth she assumed that would be prime-time for her. However, as the time to begin that endeavor draws near, she’s wholly unenthusiastic about it. Listen, my dear Spiritual siblings, He’s the One that works into us the willingness to work for Him which ultimately translates to we need to make sure we’re working with Him not just for Him. He’s got a purpose and a calling for each and every one of us and yes, sometimes we have to sample different facets of ministry to figure it out, but other times we just know. For instance, I’m called to write (and perhaps teach), not deal with children. My friend’s called to work with addicts, not youth. Let Him show you where He wants you and then go there with all zeal and fervor.
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