How To Live The Sanctified Life

May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely… —1 Thessalonians 5:23

When we pray, asking God to sanctify us, are we prepared to measure up to what that really means?  Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification? The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns. Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God’s point of view. It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God’s purpose alone. Are we really prepared for God to perform in us everything for which He separated us? Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God. Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him, just as He is one with the Father (see John 17:21-23). The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him.”  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

There are two parts of sanctification.  The first is at the point of salvation, when you are sanctified – “set apart – declared holy  ”  by the work of the Spirit and your faith in Jesus. Both aspects of sanctification require your submission to God.  The first was the point where you confessed Jesus as Lord and believed in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.  The second is a daily progression of yielding your will to God’s will. Becoming one with Jesus.  

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:2

Choosing obedience to the Father’s will and rejecting the will of your flesh – your old nature.  Satan would have you focus on your failures and not your faith. Convince you that you will never overcome the demons that haunt your life.  That you will never be the person that you know you should be – that you want to be.  The truth of the matter is that you can’t be that person by trying more – but by trying less.  You were first sanctified by faith, not by works.  You are called to live by faith and not by sight (or works). Sanctification is a supernatural phenomenon.  You yield your life and the Spirit does the work.  You could not be righteous through self-effort before you were born again and you cannot be more righteous through self-effort now.  

“Purify My Heart” Maranatha Music

Purify my heart Touch me with Your cleansing fire Take me to the cross Your holiness is my desire

Breathe Your life in me Kindle a love That flows from Your throne Oh purify my heart Purify my heart

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

Don't Let Your Past Hold You Back

You shall not go out with haste,…for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. —Isaiah 52:12

God requires an account of what is past” (Ecclesiastes 3:15). At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise when we remember our yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God’s grace tends to be lessened by the memory of yesterday’s sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ. Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.”  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

The remembering our past failures (sins) has two edges.  On the one hand, they remind us that we have a sin nature, that we live in a sin-sick fallen world and that nature has been a powerful influence in our lives.  We have proven and been confronted with the truth of the Word … that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and there there is none righteous (Romans 3:10) - not even = especially not us.  

Our past failures remind us that we do not deserve God’s favor.  But on the other hand, we also know that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”  (Romans 5:8).  We know that we have been redeemed.  

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law (from the judgement of God) by becoming a curse for us. - Galatians 3:13

 That does not mean ours sins are somehow, “OK”, but it does mean that we are forgiven. By the power and presence of God we can overcome our past - no matter how painful or hurtful it might have been. It does mean that we have hope.  It does mean that we have help.  It does mean that we have a certain future.  Don’t let your past hold you back.  You are a child of the King.  Focus on your future and rejoice!  

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

Have You Ever Told The Lord "Now Is Not A Good Time"?

When you were under the fig tree, I saw you. —John 1:48

 We presume that we would be ready for battle if confronted with a great crisis, but it is not the crisis that builds something within us— it simply reveals what we are made of already. Do you find yourself saying, “If God calls me to battle, of course I will rise to the occasion”? Yet you won’t rise to the occasion unless you have done so on God’s training ground. If you are not doing the task that is closest to you now, which God has engineered into your life, when the crisis comes, instead of being fit for battle, you will be revealed as being unfit. Crises always reveal a person’s true character. Are you saying, “But I can’t be expected to live a sanctified life in my present circumstances; I have no time for prayer or Bible study right now; besides, my opportunity for battle hasn’t come yet, but when it does, of course I will be ready”? No, you will not. If you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions, when you get involved in God’s work, you will not only be useless yourself but also a hindrance to those around you. - Oswald Chambers - My Utmost For His Highest 

I just got off of the phone with a friend and partner in the Gospel discussing this very thing.  Most Christians have a notion of what they would do “if” they heard the call of God to do something beyond themselves. But, when they do, they respond in a different way than they imagined. 

Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” - Matthew 8:19-22

When Jesus called them, the affairs of the world rushed in presenting reasons why “now” was not a good time. Can you imagine?  Telling God that now is not a good time … questioning God’s wisdom.  Oh, wait, that is not something new is it?  Remember the question “Did God really say?”  (Genesis 3:1) When the Spirit speaks, you must expect Satan to make a counter offer. The next best thing to not being a Christian, from Satan’s perspective, is a Christian who is disobedient to the voice of God.

My friend has been called to serve in a very difficult place, in the U.S.  He has been serving there for a number of years with little fruit. But, spiritual fruit is beginning to emerge.  He has asked several organizations and individuals to join him.  Initially they were interested, but, I have surmised, after they counted the personal cost, they said “now is not a good time.”  Not everyone my friend has talked to was motivated by the Spirit, but I am certain some were.  Most of us struggle with living the “normal-natural” life in the context of our faith.  When God wants to stretch us, we are not prepared.  And so we resist the call.  Have you said “no” to God because it was not convenient.  Because it would disrupt your financial plans. Your idea of living the “blessed” life would be turned on its head.  What you had been planning and working for and “sacrificing” for was now at risk because God was speaking.  And so, to the one you thank for salvation, for your life in Christ, you say “now is not a good time, call me back later.”

And He [Jesus] was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”  -  (Luke 9:23) 

Are you ready? Are you really?   

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

A Tribute To A Fallen Friend

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. – or I might add his country. John 15:13

I just had my annual Dermatology visit at the VA. As I left their office, the person at the front desk told me to enjoy my cookout. That got me thinking about the reason behind the 3 day Memorial Day weekend.  Originally the reason was not so we could have a cookout with family and friends, although that is what it has become. Just like the original intent of Christmas was not so people could get presents. 

Memorial day is a day to remember those who have lost their lives in armed conflicts while serving in the US military. It has been many years since there was a substantial loss of life during a war. In the Vietnam War which ended on 1975 there were 58,220 deaths. American service men and women who were serving their country – even to the point of losing their lives. Contrast that with Desert Storm – 1990-1991 where 300 military lost their lives.

But, with Memorial day  approaching , I was reminded of my best friend from Grade school and high school – Donald Lukens.  This is a tribute to him. And perhaps insight into the personal side of Memorial Day.

Don and I knew each other from first grade. We spent hours roaming the woods in the area around our homes in West Peoria, Illinois. I can remember as young boys we has a special call to let the other one know we were on the way.  It was a kind is shrill clicking noise that only we knew. Don’s dad worked for Cummins Diesel. His dad got transferred during Don’s Junior year and they moved to Moline Illinois. I never saw Don again, Back then there were no smart phones, texting, or social media apps to keep up with friends. 

As it turned out, we both joined the Army about the same time. I enlisted as a radio operator and Don enlisted and was “high school to flight school” as we called it. He became a Warrant Officer - helicopter pilot. We were both in Vietnam the same time in 1970. Neither of us knew the other one was there. Don was in the 1st Cavalry and I was with Military Assistance Command (MAC-V) advisors to the South Vietnamese military.

I returned home in November 1970 and mustered out of the Army. It was then that my folks told me that Don had been killed in Vietnam.  Many years later my baby sister got a rubbing off of the “traveling” Vietnam Memorial of Don’s name on the “Wall”. I started doing some research when I received the picture and that is what I want to share in this tribute. I was able to get some information through the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.

I want to share some details – things that civilians would not ever read about someone who fell in battle- so please read on.  I want Don to be more than one number in  a Statistic that won’t be remembered 5 minutes later. He was a hero. 

May 25, 1970

Don was killed In Action from an incident while performing the duty of [Co-Pilot] in a UH-1 Huey.

Don was 20 years old.

He was assigned to Bravo Troop /7th Battalion/1st CAV

His tour in Vietnam started  March 30, 1970. I arrived in country on 15 September 1969 and left 1 November 1970.

This following information is from a pilot who served with Don in Vietnam

He was relatively new [55 days in country the day he died].  Don Lukens was flying right seat in the Dutchmasters C&C aircraft. Captain Sauer was the CO of B Troop and was the Mission Commander and Aircraft commander. Don Lukens was likely on the controls, as Sauer would have been directing the mission and working the radios. The helicopter Don was flying received fire from somewhere on the Mountain they were orbiting over. 

Only one 51 [not a typo] caliber round hit the aircraft but that round hit the sliding armor plate of the right front pilot seat, penetrated the plate and hit Don in the chest cavity. The C&C reported being hit but saw no tracers or source of the fire. The Mountain is 2,300 feet high with heavy vegetation and was well known to be honeycombed with caves used by the Viet Cong. We called in an Air Force air strike in the general area where we believed the fire to have come from. Air Force bombers came in and pounded the position.  I remember Don as a tall quiet fellow. He was rather lanky and we dubbed him "Goose"! The slick (UH-1) platoon seemed to have a nickname for almost everyone.  The person posted the flight duty roster on the board in the TOC [Tactical Operations Center]and then went by Dons' room to tell him he would be flying with Cpt Sauer in C&C. Don had been studying the Bible. It was small and looked like the New Testament that the Gideon's distribute. He seemed a little uneasy about me finding him reading the Bible. I told him not to be concerned as I also read it regularly in my private time. I remember one other thing regarding Donald "Goose" Lukens. He got an Air Medal with V device [for Valor] for flying with Roger Marcum on 18 May 1970. - End of testimony

In a big way – Don is the reason that I went to flight school to become a helicopter pilot years later when I was a lieutenant.

Over the years, I had wondered about Don’s salvation and was encouraged to read about his reading the Bible in the barracks. But that story is for another time.

Please celebrate the Memorial Day weekend for the right reason – and remember Don – Goose – Lukens and so many others for their service and sacrifice. 

Be Careful Where You Walk – Stand – Sit

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. – Psalm 1:1-3

I have a picture hanging right above my computer monitor.  It is a picture of a man having a conversation with Jesus.  Under the picture is the quote from Psalm 1:1.  I want that picture in my view everyday when I begin my day – keeping my focus on God and my faith. It is so easy for us to put the world in front of us – let it occupy our thinking and our doing. Walking – standing – sitting.  That is the progression of embracing the carnal life.  It is possible to be around the ungodly, sinners, the scornful without becoming like them.  The problem is that when we are not strong in our faith – keeping God in full view – we, one step at a time, – find ourselves lingering and eventually finding a seat amongst them.

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. - James 1:14-16

There is a book written by Watchman Nee “Sit, Walk, Stand” based upon Ephesians but reflective of Psalm 1. “The Christian life consists of sitting with Christ, walking by him and standing in him. We begin our spiritual life by resting in the finished work of the Lord Jesus. That rest is the source of our strength or a consistent and unfaltering walk in the world.” (Watchman Nee, Sit Walk Stand, 1957)

Do you love the Word of God? Reading it is like have a conversation with the Lord. 

… do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law [the Bible] 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. – Joshua 1:7-9

Let me emphasize a word used in the verses in Joshua – “Shall.”  The use of the term ‘Shall’ in contracts, [think of God’s covenant with us as being a contract] reflects the seriousness of the obligation or duty in that it is like a command, mandatory or imperative. In contrast to the word – “Will.” Will is used in contracts to refer to a future event or action. It does not impose an obligation or duty. My point is that your devotion to the Word of God is not a suggestion – it is a command – mandatory – Imperative. Why is it so important to the Christian life – your life?  “You shall meditate on the Word.” Versus “I will try to read the Bible more.” The word of God is critical to our spiritual well-being.  I will leave you with two verses to think about and pray about.

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You – Psalm 119:11

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I quoted our pastor's comment on those verses, but they bear repeating.

Doctrine is about what’s [right], Reproof is about what’s [not right], Correction is about how to [get right], Instruction in righteousness is about how to [stay right] - Pastor Charles Redmond

I know that you all are familiar with the Gospels – but the Word of God can be new each time we read it. The question I always ask myself is “What eternal truth does the Lord want me to be reminded of today?”

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

You Were Not Saved To Go To Church – But To Be The Church

On this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.  — Matthew 16:18 

Several years ago, Martie and I were back in Alabama getting our house ready to sell and I saw a neighbor and he was asking me how our ministry in Texas was going.  He is a Christian so our conversation had a spiritual tone. I am always alert to indications that someone is born again because it allows me to speak in a different context with an expectation that they will have spiritual understanding.  I told him that we were selling our house and would be in Texas for the foreseeable future.  Meaning until the Lord moved us on.  

Allow me to pause there. Martie and I are fully committed to following God. When He says "Go" we go. On reflection it is in a way like Jesus not knowing when He will return - only the Father knows - but when the Father tells the Son to return - the Son will Go. Submitting the the will of the Father. We have sold more than one house because the Lord said Go and we are ready to do it again if He speaks. 

After a several minutes of sharing what God has been doing through us and to us, he commented about “going to church” alluding to the fact that we both sensed the presence of God’s Spirit during our conversation.  I told him that we are not saved to got to church but are saved to be the church. That caused me to remember Jesus words about establishing His church. To elaborate on that point I need to share the context of Matthew 16:18

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, andon this rock [the truth that I am the Christ] I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [Because I am the Christ] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. – Matthew 16:15-20

[The brackets indicate that I have inserted clarification to the verse]

The Church and the Body of Christ are synonymous with those who have been born again by the Spirit. The church that you attend on Sunday morning is not the Church – big “C”.  It is a place where the Church gathers for corporate worship and equipping of the Saints.

And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love.– Ephesians 4:11-16

The Church is the Church not because of Peter but because of Jesus, Who is the Christ.  Peter and the other disciples were gifted to do what they did by the Spirit of God in the same what that your pastor is gifted.  The same way that Billy Graham was gifted for his role in the Church as an evangelist and the same way that you have been gifted for your place in the Body of Christ.  The Christian singer and song writer, Keith Green,  said “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger!”

And when you do go to church, and you should not forsake that Biblical mandate of assembling with other Christians, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus to whom the Church belongs and not on the people around you or the music that is used to facilitate worship. Be the Church wherever you go and you will discover another truth.

For where two or three gather in my [Jesus] name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20

You don't have to be in a church building for that to happen but you should when are gathered in the church building.

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

Seeing The World As It Really Is

[I, Paul] … do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. – Ephesians 1:18-23

What I see happening in our country and around the world today is certainly troubling - disconcerting. Pandemics, wars and rumors of wars and social unrest seem to rage.  But then I was reminded of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians. That the Christians would have spiritual eyes to see and with a clarity of vision, a heart to understand.  Paul went on to remind us that …

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. – Ephesians 6:12

The real issue is not COVID 19 or Ebola or the social unrest or a war in Iran or Ukraine or Cuba. It is an awakening to the fact that the God has called us out of, but kept us in, a world that that is driven by sin.  Why would we expect good to reign in a world dominated by the effects of sin.  In recent days, we have been shocked back into reality. God has been saying, shouting even, “OPEN YOUR EYES CHILDREN!”  We have become blind – insensitive to sin. Sin that the fallen world accepts as normal and good, even. And if you disagree, then you are labeled as evil yourself. But why would we care if we are rejected for embracing the Truth, unless we prefer acceptance by the world over embracing the truth and the Father – the Source of all truth. 

Shining a light in someone’s face in a dark room, hurts their eyes. It makes them uncomfortable.  They may even shout, “Turn that light off!” On the one hand the world wants harmony among people, - all we are saying is give peace a chance! But it is not just racial harmony – it is acceptance of all people no matter what their life choices are – nothing to do with gender or race. The world wants to redefine what gender is.  The world wants to redefine when a human becomes a human. The Church is a thorn in the world’s side. Or at least it should be.  The Church should be a reminder to the world that the harmony they seek can be found, but only in the context of God’s truth and salvation through Christ. That is if the Church is indeed being the Church. The problem is that in many respects the Church is indistinguishable from the world it is supposed to be a witness to.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’? – Genesis 3:1

We are tempted to question the Word of God. We know what God said, but did He really mean it? Isn’t it open to interpretation? An interpretation that will accommodate what we want to do. Desires that are born out of our sinful nature. Something we can put a spiritual coat of paint on and argue that it is part of God’s truth and revelation in these advanced times.  The truth is that the times have not changed. Sin has not changed. How we live, how we look, technology all that changes with the generations – but sin does not. And neither does God.  The Church – Christians need to wake up and take a look around. It is sin that is raging. It is the light of Christ that needs to be shining even brighter. Loving God and loving each other. If you ask a Christian to repent of not caring about the plight of other Christians in this country – you may well be told that they do care – but the care is as effective as seeing a starving child on a commercial on TV and feeling sorry for them.  Believing that feeling sorry for them is enough – it’s not.  But believing the lie, you will not speak up for them.

“Bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

That verse applies to more than your circle of friends or the people in your family or local church.  God has given us a bigger group of “one-anothers” than that.  If a person’s heart has been sealed by the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus, then they are your Brother or Sister. It does not matter what color of skin they have, how much money they have, where they live, what language they speak – they are family! Open your eyes – yield your heart.  I know a guy that whenever I see him he says “God loves you and so do I.” I hear the words, but wonder about the sincerity.  We have a lot of “coined phrases” – Christian-speak, that we use when speaking with others – but words don’t go very far – God bless you – I’ll pray for you – I love you.  Well how about adding this one – “I will lay down my life for you!” That one you might not be willing to say so readily. But you should.

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’” – John 21:15

If you really love God, He wants you to show Him – not just talk about it. Talk is cheap. Sacrifice is expensive.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – John 15:13

And if you are wondering – “Who are my friends?”, you have not been paying attention.

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 Words We Say

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

There are very few people, apart from family, that knew me before I was born again.  I was pretty normal in the natural-man sense of the word.  Living life just like everyone else was – well at least anyone who lived life like me. But there was a day in September 1976 that turned my life upside down. The things that seemed to control me – one by one fell away. I was not transfigured – but I was and am still being to this day, transformed. I was not the old Charley. I used alcohol excessively like so many other vets I knew to compensate. PTSD was not the “buzz word” it is today. I could barely speak without using expletives – profanity. But almost it seems in an instant – those things were no longer part of my life.  The things I stopped doing, were what the Word says not to do.  The Spirit in me and the Word of God was, and still is, having its affect. 

I was having a conversation with some other Christians the other day when one of the guys blurted out some profanity.  That always gets my attention.  I suppose because it was so much a part of the “old” me.  I hear it everyday as I live in this world, but I don’t expect to hear it come our of the mouths of Christians. There are certain words that seem to fall in the category of “that is the way men speak” or perhaps – “There is nothing really wrong with those words.”  The thing is, it is my spirit that is checked when I hear them come out of the mouths of other Christians.  Now you may be thinking, “So what is the big deal – they are just words.” Please allow me to give you some Biblical perspective. 

A good man [read Christ follower] out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks  – Luke 6:45

Words matter. We are salt and light – speaking life  - ambassadors for Christ – representatives of the King. Why would we think it is OK to represent the world instead – and encourage others to do it as well? Well the answer to that question is – “No body likes to sin alone!” Ask Adam and Eve about that.

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude [likeness] of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? – James 3:8-11

Does this seem like a trivial thing to you? Well, it may seem that way but looking at a person of the opposite sex lustfully may seem trivial – but Jesus said you are guilt of adultery if the temptation settles into your heart. The Word says “Don’t do it.” The world says, “It’s not so bad – there are a lot worse things than profanity.” This is what James said about it. 

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.  – James 2:10

That does not leave any wiggle room.  Sin is not OK, no matter how trivial it might seem. No matter how acceptable it might be among even your Christian friends. Remember, people don’t like to sin alone – it other professing Christians are doing it, it is easy to feel justified in doing it yourself. Also remember that Jesus died for ALL sin - not just the big ones. I am reminded of the classic “Mom” question in response to me saying “All my friends are doing it”. “If your friends jumped off of a bridge, would you jump off too?”

Well …. Would you?  Have you?

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

To Serve God You Need His Preparation and Power

…when Moses was grown…he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. —Exodus 2:11

 Moses saw the oppression of his people and felt certain that he was the one to deliver them, and in the righteous indignation of his own spirit he started to right their wrongs. After he launched his first strike for God and for what was right, God allowed Moses to be driven into empty discouragement, sending him into the desert to feed sheep for forty years. At the end of that time, God appeared to Moses and said to him, “ ‘…bring My people…out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go…?’ ” (Exodus 3:10-11). In the beginning Moses had realized that he was the one to deliver the people, but he had to be trained and disciplined by God first. He was right in his individual perspective, but he was not the person for the work until he had learned true fellowship and oneness with God. - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

There is a pattern that I have seen on the lives of those God has called. You can see it clearly in the Bible. God calls, He prepares and then He sends.  Many people have the problem of skipping over the preparation part.  They know what God said and they do it.  In Moses' case, on his own, he killed an Egyptian.  That forced him to flee and it was during that time, that God prepared Moses for his mission.  In my own life, near the end of hurricane Katrina work in Mississippi, people were telling us that we needed to go to Haiti, largely because of the earthquake. In fact, some said we should go immediately.  As it turned out, we ended up going back to Alabama where we served with another ministry that worked with orphans.  We did that for almost a year. 

Then God connected us to a ministry in Haiti that proved to be the place that God had been preparing us for.  Not only did we use the gifts and relationships that we developed in Mississippi, but during that year we also developed a heart for orphans which proved to be key to our work in Haiti. 

The point .. don’t get ahead of God. You cannot do something God has called you to do apart from God’s preparation and power.  It is an impossible task.  God never asks you to do anything that you can do on your own.  Any gains you might make will be for your glory and not His.  You must be willing to wait on God.  During that time, you will be challenged in your faith and confidence. But be patient.  God has a purpose and a plan.  

Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” - Isaiah 40:31

Teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait! 

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

What Dims Your Light - Defeating The Distractions Of Life

I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. —Acts 26:19

 If we lose “the heavenly vision” God has given us, we alone are responsible— not God. We lose the vision because of our own lack of spiritual growth. If we do not apply our beliefs about God to the issues of everyday life, the vision God has given us will never be fulfilled. The only way to be obedient to “the heavenly vision” is to give our utmost for His highest— our best for His glory. This can be accomplished only when we make a determination to continually remember God’s vision. But the acid test is obedience to the vision in the details of our everyday life— sixty seconds out of every minute, and sixty minutes out of every hour, not just during times of personal prayer or public meetings. - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Have you noticed how cell phones have captured the attention of almost everyone?  Everywhere you look you can see people staring at their phones.  Texting.  Checking social media.  Apparently oblivious to their surroundings or who they are with.  Sometimes, like when they are driving, it can be hazardous, like the woman that almost collided with me as she attempted to change  lanes while texting.  Other times they are sitting at a table in a restaurant .. not talking to each other … texting .. maybe even to each other.  It’s a problem.  It’s rude.  It’s disruptive.  But, at the same time, its occurrence is on the rise like a digital pandemic.  

That is how it is when we lose our focus on “the heavenly vision”.  The things of this world captivate our attention. Our flesh entices us to focus on other things.  Like the cell phone, drawing our attention away from the true context of our lives.  If you are born again, you are not like the rest of the world.  You should not be living like the rest of the world.  You should not be doing what the rest of the world does. Stop staring at your cell phone!  

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:15-17

The distractions of this world will dim the light of Christ in your life.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3

You can’t run the race if you are wrapped up - entangled - in the things of this world. What is it that is dimming your light?  

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

To Be Absent From The Body

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 5:1-7

A man approached me at church a couple of weeks ago to say hello. I knew him, not well, but we had spoken a few times. He said that he was prompted by the Spirit to say hello. We talked for a few minutes before the service began. Our conversation, though brief, drifted to our wives and their physical ailments. That is when the Spirit brought the Word to my mind.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16

He looked a little surprised when I shared it – but I followed that with the encouragement that even though our bodies will all fail us – our spiritual selves are eternal. I had recently met with my cardiologist after extensive testing just to see where I was cardiac health wise. He looked at me and said, with a smile, “Well – you have another 20 to 25 years” To which I replied – that will make me 100 when I am called to heaven!

The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27

it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

God does not tell us how, when or where just that, unless Jesus returns before that – one day we will all die a mortal death.

When I was in the Army I often said the reason they send young men to war is that they believe death will happen to someone else. So they are willing to take risks. I personally participated in 2 wars and the thought of being injured or killed was not something I ever thought about.

But the older we get the more we become aware of our own mortality. We find that we have more doctors than we have friends. We talk less about our sports alignments and more about our physical ailments.

Everyone reading this post – for that matter, all those whose hearts are beating today may and most probably will die before Jesus comes back – and so we and every generation that follows must be ready. But, one day the Father will say to the Son – Go! My view is that if I die before Jesus returns then that just means I get raptured early.

I read in the on-line news that Catherine O'Hara - the mom in the movie "Home Alone" died of a pulmonary embolism. It got my attention because I had two embolisms at once - one in each lung in 2003. I was 53. The doctor told me that he had never seen someone survive embolisms of the size that passed through my heart. I told him the explanation is that Lord must have something for me yet to do. That was 2 years before Martie and I were called to the mission field which we are still on.

Environmentalists are concerned about preserving the earth for future generations .. actually that is not a bad thing .. but it is not the best thing. This world, like these jars of clay that we know as our earthly bodies, will pass away one day.  We need to be good stewards of God’s creation, certainly. But, the more important thing is that there is an eternity beyond this earthly life … and the bigger question is where will the future generations spend eternity.  Not everyone will be saved .. but some will .. that is because we have been given a free will … free to reject God and His gift of grace through Jesus and His sacrifice. 

Our purpose is to live in obedience to the Word of God by the power of the Spirit AND submission of our will to the Father through faith in Jesus for as long as we live. AND – to share the Good News with those around us.  We do that through both words and deeds.  

My mom shared her faith with more people than I can count. She was a woman of the Word. A shining star of faith.  And yet – when my step dad, who was my spiritual father, passed she struggled. She did not doubt that he was in heaven – but she missed him so. One day, about 6 years after his passing, she asked me if I thought he remembered her. I thought – this woman knows the answer better than I  and then I thought about the father whose son was demon possessed in Mark 9. Jesus said “If you believe” to which the man replied “I believe but help me with my unbelief” That is where my mom was at that moment.

Shortly after that I wrote a poem for her calling it “Eternal Love – in God’s Hands” and shared it with my mom. Some years later I converted the poem to a song.

I am certain that most who read this will have had someone they love pass from this life. Listen, God is saying to all of us, “Have faith and be at peace.”

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 Not Meant To Understand Everything

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. -  Deuteronomy 29:29

Have you ever read something in the Bible that was not clear to you or seemed to be missing information that would be key for you to fully understand? People have been struggling with that for centuries. Like God has hidden the truth in the Word and it is up to us to ferret it out. Or not. But what if there are some things that are not revealed to us by God's intent.

Just because we don't fully understand does not mean that the Bible is not inerrant - without flaw. It's like you have been given an equation but there are certain variables that have been left out. So is it because God does not intend for you to know or because God wants you to figure it out.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is spiritual but written in natural languages. But to understand the spiritual significance of those words requires the presence to the Spirit of God - To have the presence of the Spirit of God you must be born again by the Spirit. Those things in the Bible that are revealed to us are profitable for us to understand, as our pastor says, "Doctrine - about what’s [right], Reproof - about what’s [not right], Correction - about how to [get right], Instruction in righteousness - about how to [stay right]". 

I know that you all are familiar with the Gospels – but the Word of God can seem as if it is new each time I read it. The question I ask myself is “What eternal truth does the Lord want me to be reminded of today?” My problem is not that there are things that I don't understand or want to know - but that I have a hard enough time obeying what I do understand and know already.  

But concerning that day and hour [of Jesus return] no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. - Matthew 24:36

Do you think it bothered Jesus that He did not know when He was coming back for the Church?  I don't. I think He was OK with that. Why? Because He was submitted to the will of the Father. Think about this verse in the context of what I am writing about.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. - Proverbs 3:5-8

Wanting to know what God the Father knows started in the Garden if you will recall. 

And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die. Then the serpent said to the woman, You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. - Genesis 3:2-6

It is a slippery slope you will find yourself on when you begin to think that God is keeping things from you out of spite or selfishness or even meanness.  That maybe He does not love you as much as He says He does. Oh, be careful my friend. As Paul prayed for the church in Ephesus, I pray this for you ...

[I make] mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places - Ephesians 1:16-20

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

Living Our New Life In Christ Is A Battle

“Take up the whole armor of God…praying always…”  —Ephesians 6:13,18

“You must learn to wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God, and wrestle in prayer for other people; but to wrestle with God in prayer is unscriptural. Don’t become a cripple by wrestling with the ways of God, but be someone who wrestles before God with the things of this world, because “we are more than conquerors through Him…” (Romans 8:37). Wrestling before God makes an impact in His kingdom. If you ask me to pray for you, and I am not complete in Christ, my prayer accomplishes nothing. But if I am complete in Christ, my prayer brings victory all the time. Prayer is effective only when there is completeness— “take up the whole armor of God….” –  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Do you brush your teeth in the morning?  Seem like an odd way to start a devotion? Brushing your teeth is a discipline. So is getting up to go to work. If you don’t do either one, there are negative consequences.  You value your teeth … and you value your source of income .. so you make yourself do those things.  After a while, they become more routine, but still …. You must choose to do them. That is the same with prayer and obedience.  We must discipline ourselves to do them.  Our natural selves push back – or wrestle with our spiritual selves.  The message is – you are too busy to brush (pray) this morning … you can do that later … or I will just call in sick today … I don’t feel like going to work (doing the will of God) today.  Something I have noticed as I grow older … the speed at which my body atrophies …. How quickly it loses strength .. stamina … tone … is accelerating.  And the difficulty I have getting back to where I was, ugh!  If I slack off in any way, BOOM!  I am sliding down the steep slope of atrophy. 

It’s the same with our spiritual life.  A life without spiritual discipline is a life of spiritual weakness.  The danger is .. you can become used to that condition and start to think that it is normal. Well, it may be common, but it is far from “normal” if you are a Christian. I want to encourage you to get serious about your spiritual condition … God has called you to so much more than being mediocre in your faith walk.  I can encourage you but the Spirit must convict your heart, if you are in need of conviction.  A dear friend said that my devotions were poignant.  Isn’t that an interesting word! Not used much anymore and frankly, although I have heard it and seen it written, I was never really sure of its meaning.  Some synonyms (another sparsely used word) are; affecting, emotional, impactful, impressive, moving, stirring. If what I write does those things then I know I am on the right track. My goal is to encourage and motivate – not to discourage or condemn. Most often what I write firstly brings conviction to me – all we like sheep!

Consider your new life in Christ.  As Christians, like Jesus, we have two natures.  Your spiritual nature should be dominant. Like Jesus, we should seek to do the Father’s will.  Like Jesus, we must stand against temptation with the Word of God. Like Jesus, we must be disciplined to talk to the Father and look to Him.  Like Jesus our lives should bring Glory to God , the Father, through obedience and devotion.  Like Jesus …. Our desire should be to fulfill the purpose the Father has given us. 

Be like Jesus.

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

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

Singing Your Song In The Midst Of The Storm

Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" —John 20:28

Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink’ ” (John 4:7). How many of us are expecting Jesus Christ to quench our thirst when we should be satisfying Him! We should be pouring out our lives, investing our total beings, not drawing on Him to satisfy us. “You shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8). That means lives of pure, uncompromising, and unrestrained devotion to the Lord Jesus, which will be satisfying to Him wherever He may send us. Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him. The goal of the call of God is His satisfaction, not simply that we should do something for Him. We are not sent to do battle for God, but to be used by God in His battles. Are we more devoted to service than we are to Jesus Christ Himself? - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

As I was walking down the hall after getting a cup of coffee – morning motivation – I had the image of a little bird sitting on a wire calling out in the midst of a hurricane.  To what avail does the bird sing?  How can it possibly stand against the storm.  How can it possibly be heard above the wind and rain and thunder.  It can’t, but God can hear it through its obedience in fulfilling its purpose .. the purpose for which it was created.  

It may seem to you that the “cultural” storm that rages about us is too much.  The light that shines from us .. the song we sing .. is drowned out by the force of the storm – our singing will have no affect.  Not so. When the nation of Israel finally reached the river Jordan the first time,  (Numbers 13-14) 10 of the 12 spies saw the “storm” – Giants in the land and a great fear came over the people.  They refused to continue to follow the spiritual leadership of Moses. They would not cross the river. And so they missed a blessing – the very purpose for leaving Egypt.  They did not fulfill their purpose which required trusting in God and not themselves.  So they died in the desert.  They missed God’s best.  True, they were no longer slaves, but  they missed God all the same.

The second time the nation approached the river … the same storm was raging .. and more .. the river was at flood stage … impossible for men .. but possible for God.  When they stepped into the water by faith … the river backed up and they occupied the land. Fulfilling God’s plan.  I was sharing how Pathfinder became Pathfinder with some friends the other day.  Before Martie and I submitted to God’s leading to start this ministry, we talked with my mom about it.  We told her about what God was leading us to do.  About the problems ahead of us.  Our hesitation.  We had not gone to Mississippi with the intention of staying there and certainly not starting a ministry.  She said “Charley, the river Jordan did not back up until they stepped out into the water.” My response was “Got it Mom!”  We had to step out in and by faith.  Put our trust in God.  She asked, “What are you going to call it?” We had not thought that far ahead .. we were still trying to get our socks and shoes off before we stepped in the water!  She said “What about Pathfinder?”  Pathfinder was the name of the youth ministry that my folks had started in Peoria, Illinois. So we decided to go with it .. Pathfinder on Mission.  Pathfinder Mission.  A work of faith.

Each Christian is called to step into the water.  Walk by faith and not by sight. These are dark times spiritually .. but I suspect they are not the darkest times that have ever been .. just the darkest that we have seen. When I flew helicopters in the Army, I sometimes flew at night in the desert.  It was very, very dark.  No visible horizon, meaning you could not see where the sky and earth met.  Hard to keep oriented.  But then someone would light up a chem-stick.  In all the darkness, I could see that little chem stick from far off. One light in the midst of the darkness. Pointing me to my destination.  My encouragement to you … Be the light! Sing your song in the midst of the storm.

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

Almost All Is Just Not Good Enough!

 Jesus…said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor…and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." —Mark 10:21 

 “The rich young ruler had the controlling passion to be perfect. When he saw Jesus Christ, he wanted to be like Him. Our Lord never places anyone’s personal holiness above everything else when He calls a disciple. Jesus’ primary consideration is my absolute annihilation of my right to myself and my identification with Him, which means having a relationship with Him in which there are no other relationships. Luke 14:26 has nothing to do with salvation or sanctification, but deals solely with unconditional identification with Jesus Christ. Very few of us truly know what is meant by the absolute “go” of unconditional identification with, and abandonment and surrender to, Jesus. “One thing you lack….” From Jesus Christ’s perspective, oneness with Him, with nothing between, is the only good thing. “…sell whatever you have….” I must humble myself until I am merely a living person. I must essentially renounce possessions of all kinds, not for salvation (for only one thing saves a person and that is absolute reliance in faith upon Jesus Christ), but to follow Jesus.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Have you made room for God in your heart?  If your heart was a house, have you given God a room in which to abide, albeit a nice room, or have you given him the whole house.  Each of us has at least a room or two that we have reserved for ourselves. Like the little  girl that put a “no boys allowed” sign on her bedroom door. We put a “God not allowed” on some doors.  Rooms that hold things that we love and do not want to give up.  Perhaps the right to do what we think is right.  Or perhaps some behaviors that are clearly contrary to our new nature, but to which we are emotionally dependent upon and find comfort in.  Emotionally and relationally unhealthy things.  Things that usurp the sovereignty of God, that occupy places that actually belong to God. Like the rich young ruler who loved his wealth and possessions, there are things in our lives that prevent us from experiencing the joy, peace and assurance that comes from total surrender to God.

We were talking to a family member the other day.  They were struggling with an issue, one that finds its genesis in poor choices they made. And now they are under the weight and strain from the consequences of those choices.  When Martie encouraged them to read the Psalms to find comfort, you could hear a change in the tone of voice.  There was a distance that had not been there.  It was clear that they were not interested in a spiritual solution.  

They quickly diverted the subject from themselves to other people. Like the woman at the well trying divert her conversation with Jesus because He was getting too close to the “thing” she was clinging to.  It broke my heart to see them turn away from God in the conversation. There are doors to rooms that we don’t want to give God entrance to.  Jesus said “pick up your cross”, “give up everything that competes with your devotion to God”.  The Psalmist wrote “Trust God with your all” Paul said “offer yourself as a living sacrifice.”  I say “Let the doors in your heart swing wide.” The young man did not lack good deeds, he lacked faith in God and devotion to God. Don’t make the same mistake.

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 Simple Truth - It Is Not By Works

So He [God the Father] humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. - Deuteronomy 8:3

The people lost focus on the fact that it was God who was sustaining them. The old saying is "biting the hand that feeds you".  It is the idea that we are our own provider.  As the song goes - "We work hard for the money" Work is the curse from the Garden.

Then to Adam He [God the Father] said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” - Genesis 3:17-19

So man expects that anything that is worth anything is a result of his work. If a person is going to heaven it is because of their good works. Many religions have that belief at their core. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10

It is by faith in Jesus and His work on the cross that we find salvation and eternal life.  

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. - 1 John 5:11-12

The curse blinds our eyes to the truth that we are saved by grace and not our works. It takes a revelation from God and our willingness to believe for salvation to be ours. Nicodemus was a teacher of the law and believed that obeying all of the laws was the only way to have eternal life - works not faith. Dependence on the natural and not the spiritual. And when he asked Jesus this is what Jesus said.

Jesus answered, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. - John 3:5-8

When we hear the Truth and believe in Jesus we are sealed by the Spirit - born again.

 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. - Ephesians 1:13-14

And that is the simple Truth.

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. - Zechariah 4:6

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 Mistake Of Choosing The Good Over The Best

I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. —Philippians 3:12

Never choose to be a worker for God, but once God has placed His call on you, woe be to you if you “turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32). We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has “laid hold of” us. And once He has done so, we never have this thought, “Well, I’m really not suited for this.” What you are to preach is also determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not simply to convey your testimony but also to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify to the truth of God. There must be unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God, but when you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are— you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

The Bible is pretty clear that God has not called all of us to do the same thing in the kingdom .. in the Body of Christ … some have been given specific responsibilities 

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. - Ephesians 4:7,11-13

For all Christians we have been given spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body and the proclamation of the Gospel.  When I talk to Christians about what Martie and I do, and have done, I always hasten to add that God has not called everyone to lay down their nets (quit their job, sell their house, live in a camper or travel to a 3rd world country to live and minister) but He has called everyone to service.  We are all called to live in such a manner as to bring Glory to God, to lift Jesus up, and to be a light in a dark world.  

Environmentalists are concerned about preserving the earth for future generations .. that is not a bad thing .. but it is not the best thing. This world, like these jars of clay that we know as our earthly bodies, will pass away one day.  We need to be good stewards of God’s creation, certainly. But, the more important thing is that there is an eternity beyond this earthly life … and the bigger question is where will the future generations spend eternity.  Not everyone will be saved .. but some will .. that is because we have been given a free will … free to reject God and His gift of grace through Jesus and His sacrifice. 

Our purpose is to live in obedience to the Word of God by the power of the Spirit and submission of our will to the Father through faith in Jesus. And – to share the Good News with those around us.  We do that through words and deeds.  Jesus said (Matthew 5:13) “Salt that has lost its savor is good for nothing…” If you are a Christian but are living like the lost people around you … you, the salt and light, have lost your savor or ability to do what God purposed.  What is it in your life that you need to cast aside because it is hindering you from fulfilling your God-ordained purpose?  A worldly habit, an earthly pleasure, a friend who encourages the carnal in you, an ungodly preference that your culture is convinced is good, perhaps not reading the Word, not praying, not associating with other Christians?  Listen – the list of obstacles is long. Whatever it is .. today is the day you should repent of it and turn your face toward the Father who is eager to see you return. Life is filled with opportunities to choose what seems good over what God has said is best. Don't make that mistake. As a pastor friend of ours would say - God can hit straight with a crooked stick.

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

Three Things Every Christian Should Keep In Mind

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? …. do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” …. he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. …. do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s..…” — 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

I have told you in the past that when I listen to a sermon – I don’t try to remember all of what was said – I never have – my guess is that you don’t either. But, what I do try to do is grab ahold of one or two Spiritual truths. Many preachers use three points or alliteration (which is starting the preaching points with a words that starts with the same letter) Something to help you remember what they said. People don’t typically remember speeches or sermons. I would remind myself of that whenever I spoke to formations of soldiers. Keep it short and to the point. With respect to sermons, I jot notes down when I hear something that stirs my spirit. Well yesterday I was reminded of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians.  They had been taught the fundamentals of the faith – they lived in a culture – had been active participants in a culture that practiced hedonism (engaging in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent). 

Paul reminded them of three things and the sermon reminded me and so I am reminding you. Paul was not being critical but encouraging – the pastor’s motive  who preached the sermon was the same – and in the same manner – my motive is no different.  We all must be reminded from time to time to keep our focus and not be drawn away by our old nature. So what three things?

First. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Our bodies are members of Christ. We don’t just give our hearts to Jesus, (although that is what Christians very often say) but we give all of who we are. It matters what we do. What we do with our bodies reflects our hearts and faith. They are not independent of each other. As Christians we are one with Jesus and the Father through Jesus. The one-ness is a testimony to the a world that is in desperate need of a Savior.

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” – Matthew 22:37-38

“I [Jesus] do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” – John 17:20-23

Second.  Do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? Sin matters. Participating in what the culture has deemed “OK” when the Word of God is clear that it is not “OK”  is sin. Participating – embracing those things in the culture that are contrary to God’s design and expressed direction makes us one with the culture – the very thing that we were saved from – we once again embrace using some twisted rationale for why it is OK.

Third.  Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?  Where the Spirit was in the Holy of Holies – the Spirit is now in each of us. When we participate with the culture in its version of the truth, we defile the temple. I am ashamed at how flippant I can be about this truth. Like a little bit of sin does not matter.  A little bit of leaven affects the whole loaf. (Galatians 5:9)

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” – Ephesians 1:13-14

This has given me pause to consider my ways. I don’t expect to be sinless in this life but I do expect to sin – less. And I find that I need to be reminded from time to time so I can get back on the Path. How about you?

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

Finding The Answer to Life's Problems

 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10

Fear the Lord - what does that make you think of? A harsh task master perhaps? Sometimes - but it also means to respect. Let's review God's attitude toward us and what our attitude should be towards Him.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

“Teacher, 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

There is no fear [being afraid] in love; but perfect love casts out fear [being afraid], because fear involves torment. But he who fears [is afraid of God] has not been made perfect in love. We love Him [the Father] because He [the Father] first loved us. - 1 John 4:18-19

Dr R.T. Kendall put it this way - To fear the Lord means that you respect God's ways as revealed in God's word so that you choose God's opinion over anyone else.

When faced with life choices the first question should be - What does God think or say about it. People will always have an opinion. And it's OK to seek their opinion. If you are not a Christian- you really have no choice. But as a Christian - seeking people's advice should not be your first "Go-To".

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My 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 - Psalm 121:1-5

As I listened to our pastor speak this past Sunday on seeking wisdom I heard him describe the same principles for hearing God's voice (only using different words) that I learned in the Experiencing God Bible Study. We hear God by His Spirit (Who indwells every born again Christian) through 

the Word of God. 

This Book of the Law [the Word of God] 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.” - Joshua 1:8-9

Prayer to God 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

Life's circumstances,

Seeing life like the Sons of Issachar - the mighty men of David  with divine discernment.

the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do - 1 Chronicles 12:32

other Christians - who have the same Spirit and mature in their faith.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. - Proverbs 12:15

Godly, honest counsel is - what you need to hear - but not necessarily what you want to hear.

If you need wisdom - you should go to the Source of wisdom. First - not last. Don't ask a drowning man to save you from drowning.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean or depend upon your won understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. - Proverbs 3:5-6

And be willing to wait for the answer. 

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31

If you know the song that is based on Isaiah 40:31 it ends with "teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait"

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

Don't Do Something So You Can Be Something - Do Something Because You Are Something

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. —John 13:17

Be determined to know more than others. If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and to send you out to sea. Put everything in your life afloat upon God, going out to sea on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and your eyes will be opened. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbor, full of joy, but always tied to the dock. You have to get out past the harbor into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself— begin to have spiritual discernment. When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself, and your zeal and enthusiasm are mistaken for discernment. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” (1 Samuel 15:22).” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Knowing is not the same as doing. You can memorize scripture all you want or are able, but if you don’t obey the scripture, it was to no avail.  It has not accomplished its purpose.  James wrote 

“Be doers of the Word and not hearers only” - James 1:22

We conjure up all kinds of substitutes for obedience to the Word.  The primary reason is .. well … it’s us.  We do not want to give in or give up … lay down .. turn away … or submit … we prefer to be in control … to not be in control is frightful .. so it is really an issue of trust and faith. The truth is that we don’t really trust God … our faith is not in Him but in ourselves. We have to protect ourselves … for many sad reasons … 

So what is the solution?  I have shared this before .. several times actually.  I can’t draw in this BLOG but if I could, I would show you the Navigator’s Wheel.  The Hub of the wheel is Jesus – at the center.  There are 4 spokes..  The vertical spokes are meditation on the Word and Prayer.  The horizontal spokes are Witnessing to the world and Fellowship with other Christians.  The rim of the wheel, the result of the hub and spokes being in place is the Obedient Christian Life.  

Each of the components of the wheel require us to do something.  Not do something so you can be something … be do something because you are something.  It starts with an intimate relationship with Jesus and goes from there.  Works as a result of faith … not faith as a result of works. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10

The Christian life is supernatural and dependent upon the Spirit of God – faith in Jesus and a willing – submitted heart.   If you are struggling with this .. there is no better time than today to turn the corner. Stop trying to change on the outside and let God change you from the inside.

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

What Does It Mean To Be Like Jesus

Jesus did not commit Himself to them…for He knew what was in man. —John 2:24-25

Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first. He trusted absolutely in what God’s grace could do for others. If I put my trust in human beings first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be— absolutely perfect and right. Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God. Put God’s Will First. The purpose of our Christian training is to get us into the right relationship to the “needs” of God and His will. Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transformed by the indwelling life of the Son of God? God’s ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in me. - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

I was listening to the song by John Lennon - Imagine. In it he described a world with no God - no heaven - no hell - just peace and harmony - just the love of mankind. The fact is that there is a heaven, there is a hell, there is no peace and no harmony. There is strife among and within the nations because of sin. No unity - just alliances based upon common earthly interests. Ever heard the saying, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." That was first expressed in Latin as "Amicus meus, inimicus inimici mei" ("my friend, the enemy of my enemy") and has been around at least since the 1700's.

John Lennon was gunned down on a street in New York - so much for the love of mankind. But God so loved the world the He sent Jesus.

Is it the desire of your heart that your life would be a perfect reflection of Jesus?  It’s a question I had to ask myself.  Oh I want to be a Christian.  I love God. I follow Jesus.  I serve others. But .. do I really want to be like Jesus? 

I think that most every Christian I know would say “yes” if I asked, “Do you want to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength?” (Matthew 22:37) 

Doing that was a problem then and its a problem now. Recall that Jesus asked - rhetorically 

"Why do you call me, 'LORD, LORD,' and do not do what I say?”  - Luke 6:46

The rich young ruler thought that he was good to go until Jesus told him to sell everything he put his trust in and follow Jesus. The true love of his heart was exposed.

God’s intent is that we all become conformed to the image of Jesus.  That means being absolutely like Jesus in our obedience to the Father and His will.  Personally, I still have a long way to go.  We all do, but the question is are you moving toward that goal .. each day … or are you content with being where you are?  

To be like Jesus means to be willing to lay your life down .. to crucify your old nature … nail it to the cross and no longer be subject to it .. attracted by it .. content with it having its way in your life.  Treating others the way Jesus did and not the way your ego, insecurities, and emotions cause you to treat them.  Show the world what grace and mercy look like you have uncompromised faith in and obedience to the Father.  mature 

That requires spiritual maturity which can only come from devotion to God.  Devoting yourself to seeking out the Father’s will – every day.  That is the life that I want but it is also the life that I am prone to neglect if I am not careful.  Take some time to examine yourself today and then spend some time with the Lord. Then let the world see what Jesus looks like in the life of a Believer.  Through your life and fulfill your purpose.

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

Don't Look Behind You

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. - Philippians 3:13-15

I don't know about you, but very often I read scripture - agree with what I read, but don't consider the personal implications. The path that the Lord has set my feet on has been surprising - humbling - and at the same time very satisfying. I have been stretched and challenged on virtually every leg of this journey. Now, I find myself on yet another leg. One that is far different than any of the others. But I find myself yearning for the sights, sounds and  smells of the battles that I have figuratively fought in the past. 

Then I read a familiar verse in Philippians 3 - "forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." Wait! Whatttt! I loved those things that are behind me and was hoping they would also be ahead of me. But it doesn't seem that they are or will be.  

What I have come to understand - is that it is not the "what" or "where" of our serving but the fact that we are serving that is the point. Lot was told to take his family and leave Sodom because God was going to destroy it and everyone in it. So he left with his wife and daughters. Do you remember what happened to Lot's wife?

But his [Lot] wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. - Gen 19:26 

Jesus made mentioned her

Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. - Luke 17:32-33 

As Christians our lives are not our own. We have surrendered them to the Lord. Therefore, I am  determined to press on - forgetting what is behind. Like Paul, I have been casting seed - planting - and some times watering from field to field, - but I am not the owner of the fields. My role in this eternal story is to serve wherever the Lord leads me until that day when I join Him in heaven.  

Some years ago, I remember being asked by a volunteer if I liked being in Mississippi. Martie and I had been there for over 2 years. Destruction from Hurricane Katrina was all around. I thought about the question and then answered, "There is nothing better than being in the center of God's will. Geography or circumstances have nothing to do with. And so, I love being in Mississippi." And now 18 years later I say the same thing. My desire is to be in the center of God's will - not matter what is behind or what is ahead - either way I follow Jesus and obey the still small voice saying, "This is the way, walk in it." - Isaiah 30:21

How about you? Are you listening? Are you willing?

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

You Are Not The Boss Of Me - Part 2

Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?  Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” - Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees wanted to test Jesus' willingness to submit to legitimate earthly authority. Legitimate meaning "Being in compliance with the law; lawful." by someone vested with some authority. You are familiar with the phrase "by the power vested in me". Vested means that you have been officially given the legal authority to perform a specific action, such as officiating a wedding. It indicates that the speaker has the legal right to carry out the task they are performing. Law enforcement is often referred to as "authorities".

So paying taxes was submitting to the authority of the government of Rome. Most laws are ones that we are to submit to that are not in conflict with God's laws. Those laws belong to Caesar and should be complied with. But if there is a conflict, in other words God says you shall or shall not and the government has put laws in place saying the opposite,  contrary to the Word of God then those laws are unlawful and should not be obeyed.

That does not mean that you will not suffer negative consequences for not obeying them.  Do you recall the recent political turmoil that erupted when some Democrats in Washington posted a video telling members of the military that they are not to obey unlawful orders?  That was not a reference to God's laws but man's.  They were saying that if a superior tells you to do something that is contrary to man's laws you have an obligation to refuse them.  That is something that is taught to every member in the military bv the military. It is not a new idea. The politicians were "merely" reminding the military of what they already knew. But they were also "firing a verbal shot" over the heads of their political opponents. Those opponents took offense - and so the turmoil began.

Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) addresses the failure to obey "lawful" orders or regulations. Service members can face serious consequences, including court-martial, for failing to comply with these orders.

Do you remember from history when the Nazi military leaders were tried by an international tribunal for the atrocities they participated in during World War 2?  Their defense was "I was merely following orders".  They were convicted and some were executed. If you obey an unlawful order then you are complicit in the crime. My point is that if you comply with man's order or law that is contrary to the Word of God then you are complicit - guilty of the sin. You can try to excuse yourself but God will not accept that - "Caesar made you do it."

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!  And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:14-15

We are faced with choices every day. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord

How about you?

So who is the Boss of you and me? God is!

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

You Are Not The Boss Of Me - Part 1

 And when he [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” - Matthew 21:23

Another title might be - Recognizing Spiritual Authority.

My slightly older sister, Cindy, who is now with the Lord, used to say on occasion - "Hey! You are not the boss of me!" when I would tell her she needed to do something. It became a standing joke between us. That aside - the point is not so different from what the chief priests and elders were making to Jesus. "Who do you think you are?".  

Reading those verses in Matthew got me thinking about authority - both spiritual and natural. Clearly the source of all spiritual authority is God, the Father. The source of natural authority is man.  

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?  Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” - Matthew 22:15-21

Authority can be delegated - passed down. Jehovah God is the source of all Spiritual authority. Even Jesus's authority came from the Father.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - Matthew 28:18-19

God has also delegated spiritual authority by His Spirit to certain Believers. 

"God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers" - 1 Corinthians 12:28

But, like the Jewish leaders in Jesus' day - it is possible that people can assume the role of leader without the authority granted by God. I have known some people who wanted a certain position in the local church because of the status it would give them. Not because God called them to it, but because they had a lust for recognition by people. They were like the Pharisees that Jesus called - whitewashed tombs filled with dead men's bones (being spiritually dead). When Jesus was speaking about James and John's mother's request in Matthew 20 Jesus told James and John he spoke of those with authority being servants not rulers.

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant." - Matthew 20:25-26

Someone who has been given spiritual authority is marked by humility. 

So how do you recognize spiritual authority?  Well, it is by the Spirit in you discerning that the presence of Spiritual authority is in a person. You know that you know.

Paul prayed for the Church in Ephesus that the eyes of their hearts would be opened (having spiritual insight and understanding) Ephesians 1:18. 

The Roman Centurion in Matthew 8 is an example of spiritual discernment. 

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! - Matthew 8:8-10

The centurion recognized Jesus' authority which required faith on the part of the centurion. Spiritual eyes if you will. Spiritual insight that comes through faith. Do you remember the conversation Jesus had with the disciples about who the people thought He was?

"So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 16:14-17

Jesus said that the spiritual truth was revealed by God. So the point being that to recognize spiritual authority - you must be spiritual sensitive to what is happening around you. To be spiritually sensitive you must be spiritually alive. To be spiritually alive, you must be born again - hello Nicodemus!

OK so what about submission to authority?  - I will save that for tomorrow.

For now .... 

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