Can I Get A Witness?

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

There are a few things that I want to share both directly and indirectly relative to this verse.

First - let's talk about "therefore". The pastor of the church we attended in Savannah, GA in the early 80's would say, "When you see the Word "therefore" in a verse in the Bible,  you should see what it is "there" for. So let's see what preceded chapter 12.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.- Hebrews 11:1-3

Those verses precede a list of Old Testaments giants in the faith.  By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death. 

 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 

By faith Noah, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham went to live in the land of promise. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.  By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. For time would fail me to tell of [the faith of] Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.

That is what the "therefore" is there-for. Because the faithfulness of God has been proven through the lives and testimonies of so many before us, we should run the race of faith in God set before us. So often the picture of those mentioned is one of them sitting in the stands cheering us on. In my studies I have understood that those in heaven are looking up to the Father and not down on some race of human kind to cheer them on to not quit to keep running. Rather, it is us still walking on this planet - running the race of faith - looking at those who have already run the race and won the prize which is eternal life and looking up to the Father in faith.

And like them we are also called to be witnesses. 

[Jesus said of the disciples and all who would be disciples] You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. - Acts 1:8

There is this notion that those who have gone to heaven before us are looking down on us - yet there is no Biblical support for that belief. I think it is a misplaced desire to stay connected with those who are now in heaven.  Like telling someone who lost a pet dog that if it makes them happy, God will  make sure the dog is in heaven. Saying that to someone who has lost a loved one who was a Christian though comforting at the moment is not truthful. It may be best, at those times, to remain silent and pray for the person. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

We must be careful that we do not "pluck out" portions of scripture - out of context - thinking that it might bring comfort to their hearts but is really nothing more than wishful thinking. It may make sense to our mortal minds, but it is not consistent with God's revelation to mankind.

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 

Stop Resisting The Spirit Of God

If you…remember that your brother has something against you… —Matthew 5:23

This verse says, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you….” It is not saying, “If you search and find something because of your unbalanced sensitivity,” but, “If you…remember….” In other words, if something is brought to your conscious mind by the Spirit of God— “First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:24). Never object to the intense sensitivity of the Spirit of God in you when He is instructing you down to the smallest detail. Jesus does not mention the other person— He says for you to go. It is not a matter of your rights. The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus. The process of reconciliation is clearly marked. First we have the heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, then the sudden restraint by the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, and then we are stopped at the point of our conviction. This is followed by obedience to the Word of God. - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Has the Spirit of God ever spoken something to you about something that was contrary to what you wanted to do?  If you are born again and therefore have been sealed by the Spirit, He has.  Why? Because we tend to follow the ways of the flesh.  The Spirit convicts of sin, which is to say we are living or doing in a way that is contrary to the nature of God and our new nature.  The question is, “How do you respond when He speaks?”  Do you say “yes Lord”? Or do you “turn the music up to drown out His voice” because you don’t want to do the very thing He is saying – do? 

The Bible calls that quenching the Spirit or putting the fire out.  Oh Saint, this life we live in the flesh we live by faith.  (Galatians 2:20)  God will always prompt you to obedience.  To deal with those things that hinder your unfettered relationship with Him.  You cannot offer anything that is acceptable to God if you do not have “clean hands and a clean heart”.  

If you choose to ignore the prompting of the Spirit you are doing nothing more than practicing vain religion.  Praising God with your lips while your heart is far from Him. (Matthew 15:8) You might as well be watching TV for all of the spiritual good that is being derived!  We are a stubborn lot!  Holding on to attitudes and habits that are clearly contrary to who we are in Christ. 

Listen. you are not alone in this struggle.  But God has given you the power to overcome, and the means to live in victory. But you must pick up your cross daily and yield your life to the leading of the Spirit.  That requires faith and humility and that comes from God.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2

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 

Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. —Luke 10:20 

Every now and again, we all have an opportunity to experience something supernatural.  The movement of the Spirit of God.  Some mighty act of God precipitated through us or through someone else.  We are amazed and perhaps derive a sense of great joy – like the disciples.  But we must be careful – like the disciples.  It is very easy to lose focus on the God who is the source of all spiritual power and focus on the event that is the result of that spiritual power.   And perhaps, even attribute credit to yourself or to someone else and not to the Source.  

A question that is very often asked of volunteer mission teams at the end of their trips is “What did you get out of your time here?”  A simple question, but it focuses on the wrong point of the mission trip.  Maybe a better  question might be, “What did God reveal to you during your time here?” I have people give me credit for my service all the time.  It is easy to begin to think that somehow I am the reason some good happened.  But, in fact, the source of the “good” was God, not my abilities.  God is the source of my abilities as well.  Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice in what they were doing, but in why they were able to do it.  

Listen.  It is OK to feel good about yourself.  But we must be careful that we don’t take credit for something that someone else, namely God, did through us.  Certainly the world does not understand that. And that lack of understanding presents you with an opportunity to give God the glory.  

And about that feeling. I was talking to someone the other day. He was telling me about how he had helped someone in need.  He said “It made me feel good inside.” I told him the feeling he had was not “Good” but “Right”.  When we are obedient to God’s leading and will, we have a sense of “Right”.  That can be easily mistaken for good and that can be easily mis-attributed to our own action and credit.  Like the doing of a good thing somehow vindicates us – making us good.  Right– is what it feels like to be walking in obedience to the will of the Father.  Out of obedience springs the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace …. The result of that, in our flesh, is most often the human emotion of feeling good.  

It’s OK to have that feeling.  What is not Ok is taking credit for it.  Make certain that in all you do for God that you give credit where credit is due.  And you can feel good about that!   

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

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

When A Sacrifice Is Not A Sacrifice

 “But the king [David] replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’” – 2 Samuel 24:24

The back story to this conversation was that David had allowed his pride to get the best of him and wanted to consider what a great and powerful king he was. So he told Joab, his commander, to number the soldiers.  Joab advised David not to do it, but David would not be convinced otherwise. God’s anger rose up against David because David was robbing God of His glory.  God brought a plague on the land as a consequence.  God stayed His hand at the door of Araunah’s threshing floor.  David wanted to buy the threshing floor and build an altar to God to make a sacrifice for his sin. Araunah wanted to give the building, the oven, and the wooden implements to David, but David refused. 

A sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it does not cost you something.  If you give out of your excess – what is that to God – like giving Him scraps after a meal.  After you have satisfied yourself.  God asks for a tithe – not out of what is left  – but out of the whole.  But God asks for much more than that.  He asks for your whole heart – not just part of it.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:1-2

Paul said that we are not to give God 10% of ourselves, but 100%. The world argues that 10% is too much. Indulge yourself in the world and then if you have some spare change – put in God’s cup like He is a beggar standing on the street corner.  You know the one – the one you try not to make eye contact with when you are stopped at a traffic light.

You know about  Black Friday. Our culture promotes the idea that we should buy what is not needed using credit we can’t afford with a promise to pay it off with a tax return that we are not guaranteed.  What if the Spirit spoke to you and said – “Don’t buy anything this Christmas – give the money to those who have nothing to eat.” What reasons would rise up on why that is a bad idea. Do you think that the Spirit of God has bad ideas? What you feel is the tension between the flesh and the spirit. Would you dismiss the idea as too extreme?

We are very willing to sacrifice for others, but not so willing to sacrifice to God if it means it will cost us something.  Some years ago, Martie asked me if I regretted leaving the Army in the midst of a successful career.  The Lord had told me to lay my career in the Army down on the altar.  I told her, “no – I do not regret it – but I do miss it”.  God asked me to sacrifice my career for something greater – my family. A sacrifice is not a sacrifice unless it costs you something.  Even today, I will watch helicopters fly overhead and remember a time when it was me flying it. Making sacrifices of the heart is “true and proper worship”. But if you are not right spiritually, you are not likely to do what is right before God, but will do what is pleasing to the world.

“I [Paul] say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” – Galatians 5:16-17

I am not you not buy gifts for Christmas.  What I am saying is that this might be a good time to examine your heart and then lay your heart, and its devotions, down on the altar as a sacrifice to God for His glory and the good of others.

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 

Why Must I Say The Magic Words When I Pray?

In that day you will ask in My name…for the Father Himself loves you… —John 16:26-27

In that day you will ask in My name…, that is, in My nature. Not “You will use My name as some magic word,” but— “You will be so intimate with Me that you will be one with Me.” “That day” is not a day in the next life, but a day meant for here and now. “…for the Father Himself loves you…”— the Father’s love is evidence that our union with Jesus is complete and absolute. Our Lord does not mean that our lives will be free from external difficulties and uncertainties, but that just as He knew the Father’s heart and mind, we too can be lifted by Him into heavenly places through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that He can reveal the teachings of God to us. “…whatever you ask the Father in My name…” (John 16:23). “That day” is a day of peace and an untroubled relationship between God and His saint. Just as Jesus stood unblemished and pure in the presence of His Father, we too by the mighty power and effectiveness of the baptism of the Holy Spirit can be lifted into that relationship— “…that they may be one just as We are one…” (John 17:22). - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

What is the magic word? Have you ever said that to your children expecting them to respond with “please”?  That is how we very often treat the phrase “in Jesus name.”  Our attitude is not that we ask consistent with the Father’s will, but that if we ask for things and “tack” – in Jesus name – on the end it somehow makes our request irresistible to the Father.  

I’m concerned that we don’t give enough consideration to even our personal, spiritual condition when we ask.  As if it does not matter – hey! I said PLEASE!  When we say “in Jesus name” it should be a reminder to us that the only reason the Father hears us is because of Jesus.  So it more of an acknowledgement then a guarantee of a positive answer to our prayer.  James wrote (James 4:3) that “we have not because we ask not and that for which we do ask, we ask amiss.”  

Much of our time in prayer has to do with physical and relational issues, not spiritual.  What do you imagine that Jesus prayed about?  I think it was about His relationship with His Father.  Intimate conversations. In Philippians 4, Paul makes it clear that we are to “be anxious for nothing but in everything let our requests be made known to God”. Peter wrote that we are to “cast all our cares on Him” (1 Peter 5:7).  But the assumption is that the context is our desire to be one with Jesus even as He is one with the Father.  How about it?

Do you remember Jesus in the Garden before His crucifixion?  

Then He [Jesus] said to them [the disciples], “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. - Matthew 26:38-39

If all we have to do is ask in Jesus name - when it was Jesus - why did he still go to the cross. Because the Father's will is the context for answered prayer. Our goal should be to align ourselves with His will and not insist that He yiel to ours. 

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

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

Do Other People Know That You Are Not Perfect?

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31

Beware of posing as a profound person. We are so nauseatingly serious, so desperately interested in our own character and reputation.  You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Henry David Thoreau said, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”  In general, most people are very aware of what is wrong with them and don’t have any idea of what to do about it.  Moreover, they don’t want others to know that they are flawed. Well two words come to mind .... Too late! 

If you have even a spiritual infant's understanding of the Word, you will know that “all have sinned” …. “There is none righteous” … “all we, like sheep, have gone astray” … “we are jars of clay” … we have no hope, but for Jesus! Our tendency is to try to hide our imperfections .. or at minimum make excuses for them … and, often, condemn those same imperfections in others.  Jesus spoke of the speck and the log.  

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. - Matthew 7:3-5

The Apostle John wrote 

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. - 1 John 2:16-18

It’s your pride or the lack of it that drives you to judgement. That is not to say that you ignore sin. Or that there should not be consequences for sins.  But be careful about judging others.  Only God has the authority to do that.  You who have spiritual understanding should see the struggle of the soul for what it is .. the need for Jesus .. new life in Him.  You were once lost but now your found .. was blind but now you see.  How did Jesus respond to sinners?  He told them to repent .. to have faith in Him. They did not all do that then … and they do not all do that today. 

Just be careful that you don’t sin in your eagerness to find fault in others.  In psychology the term is “projection”.  Where a person projects their shortcomings onto others.  It is easier .. less stressful if you can deal with your problem in someone else’s life. (Speck and Log) In this case, the speck you see is often merely a reflection of the log in your own eye. The bottom line is that our focus is wrongly on ourselves and not on Jesus.  So stop looking at others, even stop looking at yourself, and look to Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. -  Philippians 4:8

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

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

The Difference Between Knowing And Being

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.” Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”  Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? -  John 3:5-12

I am certain that if you asked Nicodemus about anything in the Torah he could answer in detail. Maybe even quote other Rabbis or teachers of the Law. But now talking to Jesus, he was faced with the need to have heart knowledge not just head knowledge.  I suspect that he was troubled - why else would he come to speak to Jesus at night - with no one else to hear?  Well except for the disciples perhaps. 

Isn't that the way spiritual transformation works? There you are minding your own business and then "BAM" an unsettled feeling comes over you. You are no longer content with knowing facts. You sense that there is a greater truth that you are being confronted with. That is God at work.  He is the source of spiritual revelation. Remember Jesus responding to Peter in Matthew 16

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 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 16:13-17

Me were trying to figure out who Jesus was from the natural - what they knew - but the truth was supernatural and required spiritual revelation not searching the scriptures and figuring it out. When you come to a saving knowledge of who Jesus is and what your response must be - that is a spiritual revelation.   And your heart was fertile soil so the Gospel could take root - while others may hear ore read the same many times - but to no spiritual consequence. I don't pretend to understand it. I know, and most likely you do to, know people who have rejected Jesus. Or worse thought they were doing the right things to make it through the gates of heaven.  Going to church - believing spiritual truth as best a lost person can - but falling short of spiritual transformation - being born again spiritually as Jesus point out to Nicodemus. Who immediately turned to the natural saying it is not possible to return to his mother's womb.

 if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9

OK, so not long ago I  had someone tell me that if "that is all ya gotta do ... I'm good! So what is "THAT"? Saying words and agreeing that Jesus was resurrected is a stretch for people, but can be accepted intellectually and not received in the heart where rebirth takes place.  

Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. Matthew 13:5-7

The truth can be received but it does not goes past the head. And Nicodemus, well .....  

Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. - John 19:39-40

The Bible does not speak fully whether he was born again, but those verses offer a ray of hope that if he was willing to join with Jesus' followers, that perhaps we will be seeing Nicodemus in Heaven.

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