OLD FRIENDS!

 

Thursday, March 31, 2022

 

OLD FRIENDS!

 

James 2:23

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

 

John 15:14-17

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

 

          Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “friend” as: one who is not hostile; an acquaintance; one attached to another by respect or affection. This morning I realize that I have friends scattered all over the world. Some are old friends, and some are older. I think there are few things more valuable than old friends.

 

          Modern technology makes it possible to shorten the miles that separate me from my old friends. Instead of a paper and ink letter that may take days to deliver, I can send and receive an electronic message instantly. If I want to see their face tiny cameras make that possible in real time. It is a marvelous age in which we live and yet I marvel at how quickly my friends and especially their children grow older without my observance.

 

          God is my friend. Let that truth sink down into your soul and apply Webster’s definition. God is an acquaintance with whom I share respect and affection. We share secrets and fond memories of bits of life shared together. Because He loves me, He will never lead me astray. Because He respects me, His plans for me are always good plans and His gifts to me are always the best. He is a good friend. He will never side with my enemy against me. Even when we disagree, He remains a true friend. 

 

          As God’s friend I sometimes struggle to fulfill the proper definition of friendship. Though God has always proven himself to be trustworthy I often do not trust him. Sometimes I even side with his enemy against him. I wander away from his companionship. I am not a very good friend, but I love my Friend and He loves me.

 

Dear Lord, thank you that I have many old friends and that you are one of them. AMEN

GOD DELIGHTS IN YOU!

 

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

 

GOD DELIGHTS IN YOU!

 

Prov 3:11-12

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord ; neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the Lord  loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

 

Heb 12:6

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

 

          I once observed a grandmother with an infant grandson. The only way to describe the look on her face was pure delight. She delighted in this grandson. She took note of all his features from his tiny fingers to his little bald spot where the hair had been slept away in the crib. My wife says that the first thing a new mother does is to count fingers and toes. The eye can hardly get enough of the tiny life in her arms.

 

          In the same way, God delights in us. This is in stark contrast to what we generally think when God is trying to teach us a lesson by chastening us. We see him as a stern judge with harsh and unbending rules that are impossible to keep but the opposite is actually true.

 

          The word delight is set in the midst of correction. In fact, it is the reason for correction. We are corrected because he delights in us. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for delight here is ratsah which carries with it the satisfying of a debt. God delighted in us so much that He sent His Son Jesus as the satisfaction for our debt. The debt is paid because He delights in us. The debt is paid so that He can continue delighting in us.

 

Thank you, Lord, for delighting in me. Help me to feel your love even when you are in the process of chastening me. AMEN

THIS GUY

 

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

 

THIS GUY

 

Matt 13:54-56

54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

 

Mark 15:39

39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

 

Matt 27:63-64

63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

 

          The enemies of Jesus thought of no worse slander than to point out the singularity of Jesus. At the age of twelve, He debated theology with them, later He challenged natural and physical laws by turning water into wine. He drew attention to himself by focusing on others which was completely opposite of the program of the religious leaders. Jesus claimed that the power came from God while the priests insinuated that the power resided in them. Jesus highlighted the comfortable lies of culture by presenting the uncomfortable truth.

 

          But it was not those things He did in life that lit the faggots of persecution and martyrdom; it was His resurrection! With authority, he refused to remain dead which, of course, validated every other deed of Jesus and we proclaim along with the soldier who oversaw his crucifixion, THIS GUY is the Son of God.

 

Heb 13:20-21

20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

THE REMEDY FOR GUILT

 

Monday, March 28, 2022

 

THE REMEDY FOR GUILT

 

Rom 3:19

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

 

James 2:10

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

 

          The moment that Adam ate the forbidden fruit his eyes were opened, and he felt, for the first time, that horrible feeling of guilt. He knew right from wrong! More specifically, he knew that he had done wrong. He was guilty and sought for a place to hide. He sewed fig leaves together and made a loin cloth to cover his private parts. In the cool of the evening, he hid from his God.

 

          The biblical idea of guilt has three elements. [1] There is the idea of responsibility. Since Adam had been clearly forewarned about the tree in the midst of the garden he was then responsible to obey the warning. [2] The second idea is that of blameworthiness (Latin reatus culpae) and [3] the obligation to make good through punishment or compensation (Latin reatus poenae; compare Greek opheilema, "debt," Matt 6:12). In other words, in thinking of guilt we ask the questions of cause, motive and consequence, the central idea being that of the personal blameworthiness of the sinner. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

 

But it is the feeling of guilt and not the mechanics of it that requires attention. David said in Psalm 51:3, “my sin is ever before me!” He knew what he had done. He knew it was wrong and even though nobody seemed to know of the deed, yet it plagued him like a burden he carried on his back. He needed to rid himself of this baggage.

 

In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress Christian had just come to the cross and it is at this place we read: “Then CHRISTIAN gave three leaps for joy and went on singing:

 

“Thus far did I come laden with my sin,

Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in,

Till I came hither. What a place is this!

Must here be the beginning of my bliss!

Must here the burden fall from off my back!

Must here the strings that bound it to me crack!

Blest cross! Blest sepulcher! Blest rather be

The Man that was there put to shame for me!”

 

Dear Lord, let me today give three leaps for joy and then go on my way singing. AMEN

BRIGHTEN UP

 

Sunday, March 27, 2022

 

BRIGHTEN UP

 

Ps 122:1

122 A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

KJV

 

          It is Sunday again, and my wife and I could not be more excited! Today we install and welcome our new pastor. Oh, we had more-than-adequate support staff and two wonderful interims but today we celebrate God’s gift to our church. Ephesians 4:11 is clear when it confirms that shepherd-teachers are gifts.

 

          The meaning of the word GLAD, in our text, is “to brighten up; to be blithe [happy or joyous] or gleesome.” Is that what church does to your mood? I am energized by my church fellowship.

 

          In 1914, Rufus H. McDaniel wrote a happy hymn that has, unfortunately, faded into church history. Perhaps we should dust it off and sing it with a smile.

 

Since Jesus Came Into My Heart

 

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought

Since Jesus came into my heart;

I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

 

Refrain:

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

 

Dear Lord, make your praise glorious in your house today. AMEN

 

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

 

Saturday, March 26, 2022

 

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

 

2 Tim 3:1-5

3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, [without self-control] fierce, [savage] despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

KJV

 

          Those who think the Christian life will usher in a utopian kingdom are just not paying attention. Yes, indeed, living the Christian life is far better than the alternative, but Paul wrote his words from prison. He had been beaten, stoned with real stones, and left for dead, shipwrecked and otherwise abused simply for suggesting that Jesus was God-in-the-flesh and that He died and rose again on the third day!

 

          We are now experiencing the culture which is a product of rejecting the values of Christianity. We have traversed from Father-knows-best to “I can’t discern the identity of a woman because I am not a biologist.” The disregard for human life begins with abortion, continues with abuse, and finally ends with the idea of euthanasia. “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God!”  

 

          Yes, I know, these are not the preferred thoughts of a sleepy Saturday morning, but if we are careening headlong toward an uncomfortable meeting with God, perhaps it might be beneficial to prepare for that meeting.

 

          The Ten Commandments, broadly viewed, addresses two relationships. One is our relationship with God and the second is our relationship with all others. This might be a good place to start the renovation of our culture. All sorts of questions find their answer in these ten guide stones.

 

1 Tim 6:11-12

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, [ seize it eagerly] whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

Dear Lord, give those who seek you a lighted path for we have found ourselves in a dark place indeed. AMEN

NO CONDEMNATION!

 

Friday, March 25, 2022

 

NO CONDEMNATION!

 

Rom 8:1-4

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

 

          The words “righteous” and “righteousness” seem to refer to the conformity to some generally acceptable standard of being and doing. Thayer says that righteousness is “the state of him who is such as he ought to be.” Prior to the giving of the law, cultural custom established what was right and the general population either conformed or not. Non-conformists were “unrighteous.”

 

          The Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments, specifically spelled out God’s standard of acceptable behavior. Within the list are both dos and don’ts. “To be sure, in the days of the Pharisees, righteousness came to be so much a matter of externals that the inner intent was often lost sight of altogether (Matt 23:23); but, on the whole and in the main, Christian thought in all ages has recognized as the central element in righteousness the intention to be and do right.” (From International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia.)

 

          Jesus came to change the paradigm of righteousness. Because man had failed in doing, Jesus came to introduce righteousness by being. Now the righteousness without the law is introduced (Romans 3:21). Yet Jesus explained that he did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20). The Law promoted conformity to deeds and creeds while Jesus introduced righteousness through relationship. We who are unrighteous are declared to be righteous through relationship with Christ.

 

          Conformity to God’s standards, obligation to obey and accountability for disobedience has not been removed but Jesus has introduced a new means of reckoning (Ephesians 2:8-10). Salvation is by grace without conformity to the law, but that relationship does not remove responsibility. We are His workmanship unto (epi) good works. So, while good works do not produce salvation, salvation should produce good works. I am unrighteous but I have been infused with the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This new relationship empowers me and enables me to progressively conform to the image of Christ.

 

Dear Jesus, once again I have failed to explain the incomprehensible. This is as it should be. The grace of God that brings salvation is contrary to every standard of man. Because you suffered, I am released. Because you obeyed, my disobedience is forgiven. Thank you for your wonderful salvation. AMEN

HERE IS LOVE

 

Thursday, March 24, 2022

 

HERE IS LOVE

1 John 4:10-11

10 In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another.

AMPLIFIED NEW TESTAMENT

 

          How do we discern God’s love for us? Is it because of all the THINGS we have received at His hand? Wouldn’t that make us materialistic at the least or self-focused at the worst? Maybe you haven’t noticed, but God is shouting His love in discernable ways. Pay attention.

 

          Love is not necessarily an emotion. If it were, God could simply sit enthroned with his chin in His hand cooing over us like a dove. No, love is an ACTION that produces an emotional response. I know, you are probably thinking that love is mysterious and perhaps even chemical, and the Greeks might agree because their language contained MULTIPLE words that were translated LOVE. The Greek language had a word for friendship, romance, and even erotic love.

 

          God’s love is demonstrated by the action taken to remedy our sin situation. He sent His Son to be the one and only satisfying sacrifice for our sin. It appeased the righteous requirements of a Holy God and brought us into a welcoming relationship with a God who hated our sin but desired to love us anyway.

 

John 17:24

24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. KJV

 

Loving Lord, thank you for giving me so many signals of your love. Help me to see and sense those signals and never miss them. AMEN

A SHEPHERD TO THE VERY END!

 

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

 

A SHEPHERD TO THE VERY END!

 

John 18:3-9

3 Judas then, having received [welcomed as expected guests] a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

 

          Jesus showed himself to be the Good Shepherd to the very end by demonstrating great care for his flock. He “knew all things that should come upon him” but he did not panic and flee. He did not hide behind his flock in order to save himself, in fact verse 4 says “he went forth” which means that he thrust himself to the front.

 

Even the restoration of Malchus’ ear was an act of protection for the impetuous Peter. By restoring the ear, he literally removed any reason to accuse Peter of any wrongdoing. Oh, how many times has he had to make right the foolish wrongs I have done?

 

John 10:11-14

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

 

A man after God’s own heart was David in the sheepcotes. Forced by his occupation to spend lonely nights in the cold damps without complaining, when the enemy came, he thrust himself to the front of the fray, grabbed the enemy by the beard and smote him. David the shepherd was well prepared to face giant challenges because of his love for the sheep. Jesus did not learn from David, rather David received his shepherd’s heart from his God.

 

1 Sam 17:34-35

34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

 

          In a final act of caring, Jesus delivered his mother into the care of one of his more faithful followers. In John 19, Jesus looked at John and said, “behold thy mother.” From that time on John assumed the care of Mary. Three verses later Jesus cries “It is finished!”

 

John 13:1

13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

 

Kind Shepherd, you have loved me with an everlasting love – and you love me still. You stand in the way of danger so that I might be safe. You took the blows that were meant for me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life for I am cared for by The Great Shepherd of the sheep. Thank you, Lord. AMEN

THE WONDERFUL PEACE OF GOD

 

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

 

THE WONDERFUL PEACE OF GOD

Phil 4:6-8

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

          How can we find peace when things are in such a mess? Where do we find encouragement in an atmosphere of complaining and negativity? Well, some things need to be turned to “off” and other things need our focus.

 

          Last night a tornado swept through my previous hometown. At least two families I know well lost their entire home. Another family saw the funnel miss their home by mere feet. How, then, can we avoid being “full of care?” I can imagine the eyes rolling as the preacher says: “just pray!” But honestly, this is Paul’s suggestion to those full of care. He adds “supplication” which is a Greek word deesis which is preceded by the definite article ho which makes it THE PRAYER REQUEST. So, tell Jesus exactly what you need.

 

          The resulting peace is a gift and not a wage. In verse 6 we ask and in verse 7 we receive. Some would respond by sighing “surely it can’t be that simple!” Well, even Paul said it was beyond understanding so it is probably beyond explanation as well.

 

          Paul then gives us a list of “things” to think about. We should replace our usual negative thoughts with positive ones. It may be like searching through rubble, but if you search you will find things worthy of virtue and praise.

 

Wonderful Peace

 

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight

Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm.

In celestial strains it unceasingly falls

O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

 

Refrain

 

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above!

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray

In fathomless billows of love!

 

Lord, please give my friends your wonderful peace. AMEN