Trusting God - Even When Things Don't Seem To Be Going Your Way

I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. —Genesis 9:13

 “Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won’t do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God, just as God goes beyond Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God— a very rare thing. We only have faith in our feelings. I don’t believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand, so that I know I have it. Then I say, “Now I believe.” There is no faith exhibited in that. God says, “Look to Me, and be saved…” (Isaiah 45:22). When I have really transacted business with God on the basis of His covenant, letting everything else go, there is no sense of personal achievement— no human ingredient in it at all. Instead, there is a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and my life is transformed and radiates peace and joy.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

You may have heard the saying “Those who can’t do, teach.” Well, that may be true for some, but there are many teachers who are masters at their discipline and have chosen to teach others in that discipline, communicating their skills and knowledge they have gained  in “the real world” in the classroom.  In the same way, I could not write the words that I do, had I not experienced what I write about.  That is the nature of discipleship.  I can study books that tell me about flying, but unless I actually have flown, it’s all hypothetical.  God has called Martie and me to a life that is unfettered from conventional wisdom.  In other words, we do things that don’t make sense to “reasonable-rational” men … for example you wouldn't do what we have done if you want a secure retirement and to live the American dream.  Nothing wrong with those things .. that is unless they are the source of your saying “no” to God.  If that is the case, they are stumbling blocks and should be tossed aside.

The most important question for a Christian to answer is .. “Do I trust God?” The antithesis is “Do I trust something else .. like my 401K, more?”  Right now we are in Texas.  I left a good job … with no guarantee that I would have enough money to pay my bills in a month. We lost our health insurance … with no assurance that Medicare would be sufficient to meet our health needs.  We left our family .. again … with no assurance that we would ever enjoy the family dynamics that all families look forward to.  We  lived in a travel trailer that rocks as the wind whistles around it.  But wait .. there is more!  We came to Texas because God said “Go”.  The people here wondered where the rest of the volunteers were.  As if it was the volunteers that would “save the day”.  They seemed to be waiting for us to get started … and some days .. we were waiting for the same thing … It is in that context that I read Chamber's devotion … and heard the Lord ask me, “Do you trust Me?  We do and God has provided all along the way.

Abraham followed God and did not know where he was going.  He trusted God without seeing.  Life is like that.  We should not presume that we can get ahead of God. Martie and I are in the center of His will for us, of that we are confident.  We are doing what He called us to do.  Worldly consequences are not the measure of the “rightness” of the call.  If things don’t seem to be going the way you thought they would … will you still follow God and walk in obedience to what you “do” know? People asked Noah where the rain was.  God was holding it back. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we must be obedient to what we know today.  And when we are asked … will volunteers come to help us … our answer will be “Bondye Konnen” – God Knows. Si Bondye vle – God willing, they will come – or God will provide in some other way.  But even if the volunteers didn't come, right now, we must rest in our knowledge of God’s faithfulness. 

I often use Proverbs 3:5-6 as an encouragement .. but wanted to share the wisdom that is wrapped around those verses … 

 “…. do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you;  bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:1-8

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Jehovah Jireh - The Lord Will Provide

"Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided." - Genesis 22:13-14

When Abraham took Isaac to Mount Moriah to sacrifice him, Abraham had an attitude of total dedication and dependence on God. There was nothing in Abraham's heart that was withheld from God. When Abraham was about to plunge the knife into his son, God stayed his hand. Abraham had passed the test of faith. In Abraham's heart - his only son was already sacrificed. And Abraham's faith was reconned unto him as righteousness.

We must be careful that we don't approach God half- heartedly. Devoted partly to God and partly to ourselves. Then expect God to bless us for the portion of devotion we are willing to "toss" His way. The Word is clear!

"Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation."- Psalm 24:3-5

Abraham named that altar, "The Lord Will Provide" or Jehovah Jireh. And He will - but be careful lest you forget we have access to the throne of grace on His conditions and the sacrifice of His Son and not on ours. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Going To Church

 "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another" - Hebrews 10:25

I used this verse to start a BLOG post about understanding that the church building is the place where the Church or Body of Christ assembles. The Spirit of God does not reside in the building, but in each and every Believer. What makes the church building special is the assembling of the Church in that building.

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20

What I did not want to make clear was I was not suggesting that it is not necessary to assemble for corporate worship. I recall a story about Chuck Colson. He was an American attorney and political advisor who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1970. Once known as President Nixon's "hatchet man", Colson gained notoriety at the height of the Watergate scandal, for being named as one of the Watergate Seven and also for pleading guilty to obstruction of justice for attempting to defame Pentagon Papers defendant Daniel Ellsberg. Chuck was born again while serving a prison sentence for his offenses. He subsequently started a ministry call Prison Fellowship.

After his release from prison, Chuck met with a man at Chuck's home.  The man was telling Chuck that he didn't need other Christians - just Jesus. Chuck got up from his chair, went to the fireplace and pulled am ember from the fire with tongs. He waled back to his chair and silently stared at the ember until it died out. Then he told his friend, "That is what the Christian life is like for the one who thinks that they don't need other Christians!" 

We come to church to worship the Lord in song and prayer, listen to the Word of God preached, fellowship with other Christians and receive training in the faith. 

"As iron sharpens iron, So a man [one Christian] sharpens the countenance of  his friend [another Christian]." - Proverbs 27:17

Assembling together is important to the health of our faith and spending time alone in the "garden" is also important to the health of our faith. We should not neglect either one of them. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

We Are In A Battle

 “I am a Soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight.” -  George S Patton, Jr.

Does that seem like an odd way to begin a Christian devotion? Perhaps - but I guess you should consider the source. I spent a good bit of my life as a soldier. Being a right minded soldier is about being ready to serve with the proper attitude and devotion. Being a right minded Christian is the same thing. Paul often used the analogy of Christians being like soldiers.

"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." - 2 Timothy 2:3-4

The life we live once we are born again is a constant battle. We are in constant spiritual warfare. It may not feel like it all the time, but is true nonetheless. As children of God we are enemies of the god of this world and at odds with people who are not born again.  It may not feel like it all the time, but is true nonetheless. We are told to "suit up" in preparation for the struggles we will assuredly face.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:11-13

We fight many battles in this new life - we don't win them all - but we have won the war through faith in Jesus Christ over sin and death. 

"So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory?" - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55

We had a saying in the Army - we fight the way we train. If you want to be successful in your new life you must put on the full Armor of God. What are we told to do?

"Stand. Gird our waists with truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Be watchful to this end with all perseverance." - Ephesians 6:4-18

All of those admonishments are deliberate - intentional - actions. They don't just happen on their own. We are not children where someone must dress us, pin a note on our shirt and send us off to school - we are soldiers. Born for battle. Ready to stand our ground. Our eyes fixed on the Lord of Hosts. Our hearts devoted to only One - the Creator God. 

We have no reason to fear. 

"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, Here I am." - Isaiah 58:8-9

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

We Don't Go To Church - We Are The Church

"not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another" - Hebrews 10:25

Martie and I heard a great sermon some time back.  The preacher was from Indonesia.  Christians from other countries, particularly Third World countries have a different perspective on the brand of Christianity from what is prevalent in the United States.  He said that we define Church in one of three ways.  1. As a Gas station.  That is where we go each Sunday to “fill up” spiritually so we can get through another week. 2. As a Cinema.  We go each Sunday to watch a show, maybe have an emotional response to what we see or hear, but take away nothing that might influence how we live. Or 3. As a super-market.  A one stop shop.  We have a need that must be met … we go have that need met. The bottom line in all three, it is all about us and what we get out of it .. for us. And we are never satisfied. Actually, attending the church service is a celebration, not the be all end all.  It is a gathering of His Church.

I remember a rhyme I learned as a child. Folding my hands together and intertwining my fingers I would say "Here is the church and here is the steeple. Open my hands as see all the people." The world should not have to go to a building to see the Church. Many if not most Christians in the United States don’t understand what the Church, that has Christ as the cornerstone, is all about.  The main purpose of the Church is to expand the Kingdom and to bring glory to God.  Not make me comfortable and feel good. The local church building is an equipping center not a haven from a sinful world. The reason Jesus wants you to be a disciple is so you can be a fisher of men (people) like Jesus, not merely to make you a better person, better than your neighbor.  Jesus said “Go!”  Jesus said “Pick up your cross and follow Me.”  Do what Jesus did.  Jesus said “Lay down your life for others.”  Jesus said “Love God with everything you have.”  Jesus said “If you love Me, then do what I say.”  When Joshua wrote that he must obey God's Word and then he would be prosperous and successful, does your mind of material wealth as success? (Joshua 1:8-9) That is your flesh speaking.  The Word says do not love the world or the things of this world.  Love God.  So how does that fit your idea of Christianity and the Church?  The proof of your belief is not in what you say you believe, but in how you live that belief out day by day.  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

How Do You Spell Blessed?

"Why do the wicked live and become old, Yes, become mighty in power? Their descendants are established with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, Neither is the rod of God upon them. Their bull breeds without failure; Their cow calves without miscarriage. They send forth their little ones like a flock, And their children dance. They sing to the tambourine and harp, And rejoice to the sound of the flute. They spend their days in wealth, And in a moment go down to the grave. Yet they say to God, ‘Depart from us, For we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?"- Job 21: 7-15

There was a TV commercial some years ago that asked the question - "How do you spell RELIEF?" The answer was R-O-L-A-I D-S (Rolaids - tastes like a mint, works like a miracle!) Who says that advertising doesn't make an impression on our minds???  Reading in the Book of Job as he grappled with the disasters that had befallen him - trying to reason it all out. He had lived a life that honored God and yet one disaster after another had come upon him and yet when he looked around he could see people who did not honor God with their lives living - essentially - trouble free. 

"for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:45

The fact of the matter is that living a trouble free and financially prosperous life is not proof of righteous living. On the other hand it is not necessarily a sign of unrighteous living either.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15

Having things is not the problem. The things having you is the problem. It is easy to become convinced that the proof being right with God is being financially prosperous and being trouble free physically and relationally. But that reasoning  is what a friend of mine would call "stinkin' thinkin'". Supplanting spiritual truth with the world's definition of success. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was He did not say make sure you invest in a good 401K.

"Teacher [Jesus], which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." - Matthew 22:36-37

When you love God with your whole heart then there is no room for another love. And if you make room - then God will be edged out. You may praise Him with your lips but your heart will be far from Him. (Matthew 15:8)

You will make decisions to secure the things of this world to the detriment of your devotion to God. At the same time, convincing yourself that your prosperity is proof of your right living. Most of the Body of Christ is not rich in the treasures of this world and it is not because they are sinful. 

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:19-21

According to the World Bank, almost half the world’s population is living in poverty, subsisting on less than $6.85 per day. If you are healthy and or wealthy you are more of an exception than the rule. The second greatest commandment is to ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ We have a moral - even Biblical - responsibility to "cross the road" and help those in need. And not just build bigger barns for ourselves. (Luke 12:16-21)

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Walking In Our Calling - A Struggle Of The Heart

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." —Isaiah 6:8

“God did not direct His call to Isaiah— Isaiah overheard God saying, “…who will go for Us?” The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God’s call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude. Remove the thought from your mind of expecting God to come to force you or to plead with you. When our Lord called His disciples, He did it without irresistible pressure from the outside. The quiet, yet passionate, insistence of His “Follow Me” was spoken to men whose every sense was receptive (Matthew 4:19). If we will allow the Holy Spirit to bring us face to face with God, we too will hear what Isaiah heard— “the voice of the Lord.” In perfect freedom we too will say, “Here am I! Send me." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Jesus said (Mark 4:9) “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”  Whoever has the desire to seek God will hear.  Then the next step is to “do”.  We have all been called.  In Romans chapter 1, Paul referred to the Roman (Gentile) church as “the Called of Jesus Christ”.  Our challenge is to live in obedience to that common calling.  Called to leave our devotion to the things of this world and embrace our new life in Christ.

But, as I have shared before, we also all have a specific calling in the Body of Christ. 

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." - Matthew 16:24

It is not an easy road that we walk. But we don’t walk it on our own, but by faith and the power of the Spirit in us.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Sunshine Christians

"These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Thomas Paine was an English American writer and pamphleteer whose "Common Sense" and other writings influenced the American Revolution, and helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Payne wrote a pamphlet - the analogue version of social media in 1776 - called "The Crisis". The goal in the pamphlet was to encourage anyone who might be wavering on their commitment to the Cause.  In the Crisis, he called those whose loyalty faded with the changing seasons "Sunshine Soldiers".  They were "all in" when things were going well when there was little risk. But when times were hard - when things seemed to be turning against them they would make themselves scarce. 

Being a Christian does not shield you from the troubles in this world. But being a Christian does give opportunity to persevere in the face of your afflictions. There are some who are "Sunshine Christians" who want all the "perks" of being a Christian - but fade in their faith in the face of trouble. Rather than draw close to other Christians who might encourage them in their faith, they run to their "cave" like Elijah. 

As Job dealt with his great losses - it is interesting that they covered the gambit - financial loss, death of loved ones, loss of possessions, loss of personal health, even his friends turned against him. The only things he had left was his life and his wife. And she told him to curse God and die. Satan wanted to prove to God that Job was a faithful to God only when times were good. That Job had a Sunshine faith. Job's response to all of that?

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust [or serve] Him."- Job 13:15

Listen, we all struggle with the troubles that living in a sinful world can bring. The question is - "How are we going to respond?" Job was able to respond the way he did because of his devotion to God. That his hope was in the Father and not on the temporary circumstances of this life. Things happen in this life that can emotionally crushing. Wanting us to run to our "cave". And the Lord will ask us - like He did Elijah - "What are you doing in the cave." The litmus test for the strength of our faith is when tragedy comes our way do we look up or do we look around. My encouragement to you is this.

"... up [your] eyes to the hills— From whence comes [your] help? [Your] help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall  preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." - Psalm 121

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

The End Of Time

"So the rich man said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build bigger barns, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘You Fool! This night your soul will be required of you” – Luke 12:18-20

God does not promise tomorrow – not even our next breath. King David wrote that our mortal lives are like a vapor in Psalm 39. A whisp of smoke – visible for only a moment in the span of eternity. And yet how ever many our years are, it is all we know – all we can relate to. So we live and plan like we have all of the tomorrows we want.

My wife and I were just talking about how many people we know who are passing. Seems we get a report every week. It’s not that more people are dying – but more people we know are dying. I am reminded that we are told in Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment”. God does not tell us where, when or how – just that we will all die. That is unless Jesus returns first. And only the Father knows when that will be.

None of us know when our last day will come for us. Nor for those in our families or even for those that we pass in the street. But that last day will come for all of us. Our responsibility as Christians is to be the light – God is the source of the light. When you have the opportunity to share your faith with others, don’t resist the Spirit – speak up. We are to give a defense or explanation for the hope that is in us. Unfortunately our testimony will not always land on fertile soil. But our duty is to go and tell. Salvation - the act of faith - is between the person who hears the Gospel and the Lord. 

One day the time for kneeling and praying will be passed – it will be too late. For those who did not know Jesus yesterday (the day they still had breath) – He will not know them on that day. The day of judgement. Their fate will be sealed for eternity.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

When I Find Myself In Times Of Trouble

"But he said to her [Job's wife], “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips." - Job 2:10

Job had lost everything that mattered and now his health was failing him. Job's wife told him that he should curse God and die. Words of encouragement from your spouse - nothing like it in my humble opinion. Well maybe not.

Job's perspective was that he had praised God when things were going well for him. Since trouble had come knocking he would not reject God - curse Him. Instead, he would accept the hardships and continue to worship the Lord. 

It is a different view of adversity. A view that sees God as sovereign. That attitude brings context to the admonition in Proverbs.

Trust God with all your heart in every circumstance - good or bad and do not put your trust in your own plans and priorities. (paraphrased by me).

Some years ago I used a small fishing boat to fish on small ponds. It was powered by a trolling motor. So long as the winds were favorable - the trolling motor was enough. One day the wind picked up. I was on the far side of the pond and the wind was blowing from the direction I needed to go to get to my car and trailer. Try as I might the wind kept blowing me backwards. I even tried using my paddle with the trolling motor but to no avail. So I had to yield to the wind. Gather up all of my gear, the car battery that powered the motor, the paddle and the motor and walk around the pond. Through brambles. 

That is how life is at times. No matter how hard we try, we fail. James wrote to the Jews who had been scattered.

"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

That was Job's attitude as well. He was not happy because of the bad that had come his way. But he found joy - a fruit of the Spirit - because the temporary affliction that was testing his faith would produce patience - another fruit of the Spirit. That is a spiritual perspective on life - good and bad. 

We should be careful that we don't suggest that the sorrow and loss and pain are not real - because they are. But God is able to carry us through.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

You see how we respond to life depends upon our spiritual perspective. Do we trust fully on God or ourselves? Are we focused on the temporary things or the eternal things?

How you respond to life will depend upon where the devotion of your heart is. There is an adage - No Jesus - No Peace - Know Jesus - Know Peace

Peace is another fruit of the Spirit. All of the fruit is manifested in a Christian in spite of their circumstances - not because of them. While I am typing this I have had a persistent headache (sinuses). So I reached in my desk drawer and got a couple of Tylenol to take. 

The fruit of the Spirit is not like Tylenol - waiting in a desk drawer to be taken like a pill. The fruit is a result of a persistent seeking of the Lord. Spending time in the Word and prayer.  I am reminded of Joshua 1:8-9.

"This Book of the Law [the Word] shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

That prosperity and success does not mean that you will be trouble free. But how you are able to respond to trouble will be marked by peace, joy, and patience. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

As Christians We Are All The Same But Not

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28

In Christ we are all the same. So many differences naturally but in Christ we are all the same spiritually – or are we? As born again believers, we are all the same, but at the same time, are not the same. But before I talk about God’s supernatural creation, I want to briefly review God’s natural creation. 

God created everything that is natural with variation. In biology there are 9 different levels of difference that define what group a created thing falls in to. I will spare you the details. Suffice it to say that natural variation has been well documented. Unfortunately, the natural differences of some groups of creation have caused divisions among mankind – injustice and sometimes even wars. 

Birds of a feather flock together. I am certain that you have heard that old saying. Carried to an extreme mankind’s desire to flock together can become exclusive. Many people associate others being different with being less acceptable. And so, being the same is more acceptable. If you are different then there must be something wrong with you. All of that tension and contention is common in the natural world.  It should have no place in the Body of Christ. But it does. But, as I said, my focus today is on spiritual differences. 

One of my granddaughters recently asked me to text her some verses about the fruit of the Spirit. So I sent her the verses as she asked. Her immediate response was “Thanks but can you put some Poppa-knowledge on that?” In other words – would you elaborate which I, of course, was happy to do.

The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is common among all Christians. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Having been born again we have the same Spirit in us and therefore the same manifestation of that Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit

But while we have the same spirit, we all have a different, specific roles or places in the Body of Christ. We are all equipped in different ways to fulfill the place we are assigned. As you know, those spiritual abilities are referred to as spiritual gifts. The specific spiritual gifts are addressed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 1, 12 and 14, Ephesians 4 and Hebrews 2. Spiritual gifts are something that God, in His wisdom, has ordained and distributed. They are properly exercised by us through Spiritual empowerment – not through human effort or will. 

As an example - Just because you teach in a school and although you may be a gifted teacher does not mean that you have the spiritual gift of teaching and are called to teach other Christians. Just because you are a public speaker does not mean that you should be a preacher or evangelist. On the other hand, it does not mean that you couldn’t be if God ordained it. There is a saying that God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. 

I have known people who coveted a particular role in the body but it was for their personal benefit or aspirations and not for the benefit of the Body. They might even hold that position, but it is not because God has called them there. That is akin to having a dead branch on a living tree. It will bear no spiritual fruit. You get the idea. Our role in the body of Christ is up to God – not us. But no matter what that role might be - we are still all the same – equal before God. 

Being a pastor or evangelist or elder is a calling and is a role in the Body of Christ. Their role carries great responsibility. But the pastor, as a Christian – is the same as you and me – a sinner saved by grace. 

2 Timothy 5:17 says to let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor (by other Christians), especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. (pastors/preachers)

That does not mean that they are better than other Christians – but they have more responsibility in the Body and that should be acknowledged.  

So what place have you been called to? Have you thought about it? Maybe you are already fulfilling it. But is it possible that you never considered that you have a calling. You thought that perhaps having a calling is for other people. Or maybe you think that being used by God for the benefit of the Body of Christ it is beyond you. In my experience, God calls us to do what is beyond us. The result is that the Church is edified and He is glorified.

As Christians we have a common calling which is to be a servant. And as such - we should all have a common aspiration - not to be praised by others but to be a servant of all. Jesus said, 

“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your servant" (Matthew 20:26-27)

So – as Christians we are spiritually all the same yet different.  – Those differences are spiritual and should not divide us but unite us.

God’s intent was not to have you sit in the stands and watch or even sit on the bench or in the pew with no intent to be a player on the team. His intent is that you would be on the field fulfilling your eternal purpose.

I want to encourage you to seek your place in the Body out and then suit up. Then get ready because God will send you in.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Leaving Your Comfort Zone

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" - Proverbs 3:5-6

Everyone likes to be comfortable.  I can remember an occasions when Martie and I got to sit on a soft sofa after months of sitting on hard chairs while we served in Haiti.  Seems like a small thing, but the feeling was exquisite.  We all like to be comfortable. Right now, I get up first. I start the coffee. I do my devotion. Drink my coffee. Martie gets up. I prepare her coffee. It's a simple routine, but we find comfort in following it. We all like routine.  Mainly because we know what to expect.  There is no uncertainty in routine.  Each day is like every other day.  Each day, week, month and year like the other. Routine.  People find comfort in that.  Being around people who look like you, believe like you, talk like you, do what you do … it is a comfortable place to be.  Watching a news report about a war in a different land or the ravages of a natural disaster allows you to remain comfortable in your routine.  You may not be able to empathize – because you have never left your comfort zone – but you can sympathize – at least until the commercial, supper or your favorite program starts.  We like to be comfortable and we don’t like giving that comfort up.  

If you are a Christian – born again by faith in Jesus – even then you are most likely looking for the comfort found in a routine existence.  Going to church – sitting in the same seat or pew – talking to the same people – listening to the same sermons – routine.  We love it – crave it even.  But, like Pastor Rick Warren said in the Purpose Driven Life, “God is more interested in your character, than in your comfort.”   And how does God develop godly character in you? Not through routine.  God calls us out of the routine in this world into the uncertain world of faith.  Not knowing what will happen tomorrow – next week, month or year.  But we can live in confidence, by faith, knowing that God does.  

I have quoted this before but it bears repeating. It is from the C.S. Lewis book “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” Aslan is a type of Jesus. 

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” 

God is not “safe” but He is good.  He has our best in mind.  Oh, He will disrupt your routine, if you allow it. That is correct – He won’t make you abandon what is comfortable – but He will invite you to leave it behind for something much better.  What you see as “dangerous” depends upon the maturity of your walk of faith.  For a child, putting their toes in the water may seem like a great accomplishment.  For an adult, jumping off of the high-dive is a challenge. Both require stepping into the unknown – the uncertain – the “anything but routine”  Jesus said 

“If anyone follows Me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)  

Are you a Jesus follower or Jesus watcher?  It is one thing to marvel at the person jump off of the high-dive and quite another to grip the end of the board with your toes right before you take that leap of faith. 

As a first step, the Bible tells us to abandon our affection for the things of this world and the comfort we find in them.  To turn to God, the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) He may tell you to leave your “nets” and follow Him.  There is a song that comes to mind. Knowing You Jesus – Graham Kendrick 

“All I once held dear, Built my life upon.  All the world reveres and wars to own.  All I once thought gain, I have counted loss.  Spent and worthless now, compared to this.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You. There is no greater thing. You're my all, You're the best. You're my joy, my righteousness. And I love You, Lord

Now my heart's desire is to know You more. To be found in You and known as Yours. To possess by faith what I could not earn. All-surpassing gift of righteousness

Oh to know the power of Your risen life. And to know You in Your sufferings. To become like You in Your death, my Lord. So with You to live and never die”

As a Christian God calls you to leave what is comfortable – what is routine for something greater – something eternal.  So come on – go ahead and take the leap. The water is fine and God is your lifeguard.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone