I was arrested this morning by the word devoted in Colossians 4:2, where Paul instructs us to be “devoted to… prayer.” Hmmm… am I following through on this? Am I “fully attached to, set aside for, and constantly attending to” heart-felt petitions to the Lord for my needs and the needs of others, with attendant thanksgiving as well?

Acts 1:14, 2:42 says the early church was.

Acts 6:4 says the Apostles made this a priority.

Rom 12:12 says it is to be true of the “normal Christian.”

Then Paul just flat our commands my devotion here in Col 4:2.

Hmmm… I need to think more about what it practically means for me to be “devoted to prayer.” In the constant effort to bring my life more and more into line with what the Scriptures actually say, I think I have some adjustments to make.

“Oh, while Thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might;
Foes may hate and friends disown me, show Thy face and all is bright”

I just stopped and reflected in amazement how, within the framework of the Gospel, God continuously smiles at me and follows it up with loving actions of devotion to my good. Then I pondered, “Do I return the favor? – continuously smile upon Him and follow it up with loving actions of devotion to His good?” Hmmm…

Lord, let me grow in my consistency to truly bring to You devoted love in action, from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. When it comes down to it, this is what a relationship with the Lord is all about – smiling back.

• Invite a family over or out for Sunday lunch after church
• Plan and organize a cul-de-sac cookout
• Invite a neighbor over for dinner or to watch the Thunder win the playoffs
• Go with your neighbor to his son’s baseball game
• Invite a co-worker and his family to go to the lake with you
• Offer to babysit for a young couple to go out on a date or away for a weekend
• Invite neighbors and friends to your home for a Bible Study in the Gospel of Mark (seehttp://www.thegoodbook.com/outreach/christianity-explored)
• Take your neighbors some cookies, and tell them you will water their plants or feed their dog while they are on vacation
• Help out a friend with an outdoor project, and get to know her better in the process

You get the idea – be a friend, be intentional. Don’t spend it on yourself – invest it in others in the name of Christ!

Long before the day-star knew its place,
long before God had spoken existence out of nothing,
long before angel's wing had stirred the unnavigated ether,
long before a solitary song had disturbed the solemnity of the silence in which God reigned supreme
--the Father had entered into solemn counsel with Himself, with His Son, and with His Spirit--and had in that council decreed, determined, purposed, and predestined the salvation of His people!

On the Father's part--thus ran the covenant. I cannot tell it to you in the glorious celestial tongue in which it was written. I am glad to bring it down to the speech which suits to the ear of flesh, and to the heart of a mortal. Thus, I say, ran the covenant in lines like these:

"I, the Most High Jehovah, do hereby give unto My only begotten and well-beloved Son--a people, countless beyond the number of the stars...
who shall be washed from sin by Him;
who shall be preserved, and kept, and led by Him; and
at last, who shall be presented before My throne without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing by Him.

I covenant by oath, and swear by Myself, because I can swear by no one greater, that these whom I now give to Christ--shall forever be the objects of My eternal love!
These, I will forgive through the merit of my Son's blood.
To these, I will give a perfect righteousness.
These, I will I adopt and make My sons and daughters.
And these shall reign with Me through Christ eternally!"

The Holy Spirit also, as one of the contracting parties of the covenant, gave His declaration, "I hereby covenant, that all whom the Father gives to the Son--

I will in due time quicken them.
I will show them their need of redemption.
I will cut off all their groundless hopes, and destroy their refuges of lies.
I will bring them to the blood of sprinkling.
I will give them faith whereby this blood shall be applied to them.
I will work in them every grace.
I will keep their faith alive.
I will cleanse them and drive out depravity from them.
And they shall be presented at last, spotless and faultless in Heaven!"

This was the one side of the covenant, which is at this very day being fulfilled and scrupulously kept.

The Lord Jesus also, as one of the contracting parties of the covenant, gave His declaration, "My Father, on My part, I covenant that in the fullness of time, I will become man. I will live in their wretched world--and for My people, I keep the law perfectly. I will work out a spotless righteousness for them, which shall be acceptable to the demands of Your just and holy law. In due time, I will bear the sins of all My people. You shall exact all their debts upon Me. By My stripes--they shall be healed. My Father, I covenant and promise that I will be obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. I will magnify Your law, and make it honorable. I will suffer all that My people ought to have suffered. I will endure the curse of Your law--and all the vials of Your wrath shall be emptied and spent upon My head! I will then rise again, and ascend into Heaven. I will intercede for them at Your right hand. I will make Myself responsible for every one of them--that not one of those whom You have given me, shall ever be lost! I will bring all My sheep of whom, by My blood, you have constituted Me the Shepherd--I will bring every one safe to You at last!"

Christ can say of what He promised to do, "It is finished!" He has paid the debts of all the elect. He has, for His people and for their redemption--suffered the whole of wrath divine. Nothing remains now, except that He shall continue to intercede for them--that He may safely bring all His redeemed to glory. All for whom Christ died, shall be pardoned--all justified--all adopted.

The Spirit shall quicken them all, shall give them all faith, shall bring them all to Heaven. And they shall, every one of them, without hindrance, stand accepted in the Beloved.

What is your response to God in light of this wonderful truth? Are you one of the elect of God? Linger over these truths until God, the triune God, says to your soul "I am your salvation." If you are not sure you are one of the elect, contact us. We want to help you know the God who calls and saves by grace.

I know why God chooses losers. Because there are ONLY losers in the world. We were all losers. Paul said there is none righteous; no, not one. God chooses "losers" and then makes them "winners" by giving them the gifts of repentance from sin and faith in Jesus. Jesus said "Apart from Me you can do nothing". But now, by faith in Him, we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Jesus is the one who makes us a winner. I want to give Him all the glory, because He deserves all the glory, and will get all the glory, because He is the one restoring us to the glory God intended for mankind. Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Further, it is true that God sees us for what we can become. Even better news is this: He guarantees that we WILL become what He wants us to be, beginning in this life and fully completed as He calls us home. We will become all that because He is the source and the energy for those changes. Here is the reason and the way God gives us that confidence: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (Rom 8:28-30)

Those are words of hope when times are difficult. God is at work in every circumstance for our ultimate good. God defines the ultimate good, becoming a "winner", as becoming like Jesus. God is going to see us through all hard times because those times are meant for our sanctification. So, with Paul, we are learning to exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom 5:3-5).

God calls us to remember and believe and rest in His truth that trials and difficulties are meant to teach us perseverance (the way Jesus did), work in us proven character (Jesus' character), and to give us even more hope in God (the way that Jesus always hoped in God), and all of that because God is still communicating His love to us through Jesus. God makes it clear and wants us to know that we are safe, and that we can be encouraged by His purpose in all things. He sees us for what we can become because He has already planned for what we will become: like Jesus. What a future!!

To God be the glory, great things He has done… and is doing! Taking losers like us and making us winners like Jesus!

Jesus Superiority to Angels in Hebrews 1-2

Angels are not the heir of all things – Jesus is
Angels did not make the world – Jesus did
Angels are not upholding all things – but Jesus can and is
Angels are not radiance of God's glory, nor the exact representation of His nature – but Jesus is
Angels cannot make purification of sins – only Jesus can…and did
Angels are not seated as king at the right hand of the majesty on high – but Jesus is
Angels are not to be worshiped – instead, all the angels worship Jesus
Angels will not rule in the world to come – but Jesus will
Angels cannot die as a substitute for sinners – Only Jesus could
Angels cannot restore us to our original glory of ruling over the creation – only Jesus can
Angels cannot be the author of our salvation – only Jesus can be
Angels cannot sanctify us to God – only Jesus can
Angels cannot defeat death and Satan – only Jesus can
Angels cannot serve as High Priest – only Jesus can and did (and as we will see later, still does)
Angels cannot satisfy the wrath of God for sin – only Jesus can

Is it any wonder the author of Hebrews would write: “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” (Heb: 2:1)

We need more Christians who will lead lives of repentance, for repentance always challenges pride.

If you're coming to God daily to confess to him how much you have sinned, you will find it hard to pretend that you are holier than everybody else. You'll find it hard to put on airs, to pose as the perfect Christian.

When others accuse you of sin, you won't immediately jump to defend yourself, as if of course you could never do wrong and any accusation must be a misunderstanding. Rather, when someone accuses you of sin, you'll respond by thinking there is a high probability that the accusation is true, and you won't be embarrassed to say, "Oh, yes, I did do that. And I am terribly sorry. Will  you forgive me?"

If we are able to humble ourselves before God, we will be humble before men as well. And the church will be far better if there are more of us who are like that.

Salvation Belongs to the Lord, (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2006), 199, paragraphing added.

1. The compassion of Christ is “the internal movement of pity"which is emphasized when our Lord is said to be ‘moved with compassion.’
2. The compassion of Christ flows from genuine concern for others. It is “aroused…by the sight of individual distress” (Mk 1:41; Matt 20:34; Lk 7:13, and others).
3. The compassion of Christ is pity that goes beyond feeling sorry for those with physical disability. Jesus demonstrated great compassion toward those with physical disabilities; however, “It was not merely the physical ills of life…want and disease and death—which called out our Lord’s compassion. These ills were rather looked upon by him as themselves rooted in spiritual destitution. And it was this spiritual destitution which most deeply moved his pity.” Warfield then links Mark 6:34 with Matthew 14:14 and declares, “We must put the two passages together to get a complete account: their fatal ignorance of spiritual things, their evil case under the dominion of Satan in all the effects of his terrible tyranny, are alike the object of our Lord’s compassion.”
4. To say the same thing another way, the compassion of Christ sees the deepest human need - the need of the soul - and that “awakens our Lord’s pity and moved him to provide the remedy.”
5. The compassion of Christ commonly produced tears. Jesus was truly sympathetic. He was not afraid of compassion’s “manifestation in tears and sighs. The tears… wet his cheeks.” In reference to John 11:35 (Jesus’ weeping at the tomb of Lazarus), Warfield explains that these were “tears of sympathy. Even more clearly, his own unrestrained wailing over Jerusalem and its stubborn unbelief was the expression of the most poignant pity” (Luke 19:41). “The sight of suffering drew tears from his eyes; obstinate unbelief convulsed him with uncontrollable grief.

Here is a helpful way for us to examine whether we have a heart of compassion for family members, church members, neighbors, and unbelievers. When we see the physical needs of others, are we moved with compassion? When we see the spiritual destitution of others are we moved with compassion to meet that need? Can you see why relationships are necessary in order to cultivate Christlike character traits such as compassion?

May Jesus Himself, by His Spirit, help you and me to put on a heart of compassion.

Links: 

• Paul Tautges' summary
• The complete article by Warfield

But as I read through this chapter, what captured my attention this morning, was what happens when the Jewish nation when their Messiah finally rescues them from all their enemies and blesses their lives with every good thing an agrarian people could want - grain, new wine, oil, fields full of lambs and calves - their lives will be like a watered garden, never dry again (v. 10-14). And they respond! They shout for joy; they beam with gladness; the young women dance, and the young men and elderly join in; the soul's of the priests are filled with abundance, and all the people are satisfied with God's goodness.

I greatly anticipate that day in the Kingdom when I myself will experience with them that kind of physical blessing. However, the passage made me ask myself, as one who is already experiencing the great spiritual bounties of the New Covenant, "am I responding like that to my spiritual blessings in Christ?"

In 12:1 & 2 - we are called to make our bodies a "living sacrifice" in two ways.  First, we are to not be conformed to the world - we have to make concrete choices to separate ourselves from the sinful world around us as we can.  Second, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  That can only happen if we immerse ourselves in God's Word - reading - studying - memorizing - and meditating upon it.

This two-fold attack is critical - you can't leave one our - it requires full effort on both fronts.  It is only then that can we exercise our giftedness (verses 3 - 8) as  we seek to obey God's commands in the rest of the chapter (verses 9 - 21).

I personally have made some concrete decisions to change some things in my life that will result in less "conformation to the world" and more "transformation by the renewing of my mind."  I would encourage you to do so as well.  Doing nothing results in no change.  If you are serious about your walk with the Lord make some plans and change some things today.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/09/06/the-most-transformational-word/

Grace turns us away from self and attaches us to the excellency and power of the gospel to change lives. As you read, ask whether you are being transformed by the grace of Christ. If it is, give thankful praise to God. If not, thank Him for His faithful care to remind us of our need of grace, and ask Him to make this the reality of your life so that you can become strong in the grace that is in Christ. May God be pleased to magnify His name displayed by His grace.

1. Embrace the Gospel with faith and repentance.
2. Personal Worship (Bible reading, prayer, reflection, application).
3. Holy Living (Forsaking sin & obeying Christ as I go about fulfilling the basic responsibilities of life in a Christ honoring way – work, rest, parenting, citizenship, etc).
4. Corporate Worship (Singing Praise, Receiving Teaching/Preaching, Giving, Baptism/Lord's Supper).
5. Fellowship within the Body (Encouraging, Caring for needs, Accountability, Church Discipline, Serving according to each individual's giftedness in the work of the ministry).
6. Evangelism of the Lost (speaking effectively the gospel truths to those who don’t yet believe).
7. Discipleship of fellow believers (helping others to do #1-6, and all the more as we ourselves mature in Christ).

We as disciples of Jesus must engage ourselves in all seven of these things to one degree or another. To the degree that we lag behind in any area, we are out of balance with Jesus’ call on our lives. All of these, of course, involve quite a bit of work, energy, commitment, and dependence on the Lord. And yet, as I look back over the list, it appears to me to be very simple and clarifying way to order the priorities of my life. As I give myself to these things, I will truly be living life as a "Christian." May God give us the courage & faith to “walk in a manner worthy of the gospel by which we have been called.”

I believe the following blog post answers many of the issues raised, and will serve as a general introduction to the pros and cons of both sides. In general we as leadership at BCO would agree with the perspective given by the author (given that we understand that his title is a bit of a personal jest, and that our pastor lacks “superstar” persona). I would highly recommend you take the time to read through this blog, and the answers to some of the comments made... All for Christ and His Church!

Read more here: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2011/09/27/multi-site-churches-are-from-the-devil/

Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.

Selah.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the LORD.

In verse four many versions say - "Be angry" and do not sin - but the NASB has the right idea. In the Hebrew the idea relates to fearing God. In essence we are called to have such an awesome view of our Lord that the very thought of sinning makes us tremble in fear and repulse us. Hence "tremble" is followed by "and do not sin." The writer then instructs the reader to "meditate in your heart upon your bed and be still." The idea being that as you spend time in active meditation of God's Word you should develop a high view of God - a humble view of yourself - and a desire to flee from any possibility of sinning - in fear of the Lord. Verse five gives our response - choose righteousness and not sin and trust in the Lord.

I would encourage everyone who struggles with that indwelling sin which finds a place in our flesh (that is, everyone) never to neglect serious time in God's Word. You have absolutely no chance of gaining victory over sin - not appearing hypocritical to the world - and glorifying your Lord unless you cultivate the mindset of the Psalmist. Remember - when one becomes a believer they are positionally holy - but practically we are not "magically transformed" into the perfect believer. Even though we know from the Apostle Paul in Romans 6,7, & 8 that we will never reach sinless perfection on this side of heaven - God calls us to pursue that holiness with all of our hearts. Remember, a "fear of the Lord" is evidenced by obedience,and that "fear" can only be cultivated by immersing yourself in meditation upon God's Word.

· John Stott says that “all true worship is a response to the self-revelation of God in Christ and Scripture, and arises from our reflection on who He is and what He has done…”
· Bob Kauflin echoes, “Worship is always a response to God’s revelation of Himself in His Word.”
· Milton Vincent says that God’s glory is “so powerful that it transforms those who merely gaze upon it (2 Cor 3:18)… and outside of heaven, the glory of God in its thickest density dwells inside the gospel.”

This makes me realize that my own personal meditation on the truths of God’s word through the lens of the gospel will in fact work to transform me into the image of Christ. What is needful though is that I discipline myself to carve out the time to go beyond reading or study or intellectual pursuit of knowledge, and allow myself an unhurried, thoughtful consideration of the truths contained in what I am reading, to lovingly and actively correlate Scripture truth with Scripture truth and filter it through the experience of my current life and thought, and see how God’s gracious, righteous, fatherly character is working out what is best for me and His glory, and allow myself to become lost in love and adoration for Him.

This transforms me by the response of “personal worship” it evokes in me by the Spirit. Sometimes the response is a broad smile and a simple praise expressed, other times a tearful penitence, a desperate plea for holiness, a song of thanksgiving, a commitment to change, or a sense of fortitude toward Christlike action. All of these responses serve to “transform” me from the weak, lazy, self-centered, self-worshipping man of flesh into a Spirit-filled servant of Christ in the day ahead of me… The result is ultimately glory to Christ – my chief aim.

So here is my question… How can I, as both a man who desires this kind of change, and a man whom the Lord has put in a position of leadership in His church… how can I go a day or even days on end and neglect so transformational of an activity? I can tell you at least part of the reason.
· Deep within, it must be that I don’t believe I need this kind of change in me. I must think I have arrived at a place of sufficient spirituality, and I am able to be used by God in just the state I am in.
· It also must be that I perceive that my given “works” of service to God (preaching, fathering, leading, etc), are all that Christ wants from me. It must be that I am thinking, as James says, “that the Scriptures speak to no purpose that ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in me’). Forgetting that above all Jesus desires my heart above my works.
· Or, it could be that I am simply lazy and undisciplined, distracted and worldly in mind, failing to wake each morning with my mind “set on the things above.”

Whatever the real cause(s), curses upon them and on my flesh which deceives me! Lord Jesus, please help me. Though I long to be home with You, do not call me home yet, so that I might progress in my love and pursuit of you, so that I might be to You and Your Kingdom, both now and in the Millennium, not only a vessel for honor, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work, but also that You might receive from me the true worship that befits one who is a partaker of the mystery of the gospel into which angels long to look.

But are not there many things in life that besiege us personally? Whether it is a chronic illness, an unfair boss, an unfaithful spouse, an increasingly rebellious child, or the incessant stream of bills that can’t be paid, or even a persistent sin. These things weigh heavy on our hearts, and have a tendency to sink our spirits and make us walk around under a cloud.

David, in Psalm 31, compares his life to being in a besieged city, with the experience of constant betrayal, lies, persecutions. He says in v. 9 because of it, “my eye is wasted away from grief, my soul, and my body also.”

BUT, he makes a curious statement in v. 21. “Blessed be the Lord, for He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city.” Look, to those inside the walls of a besieged city, nothing looks “marvelous”. Yet, David, while besieged, considered the magnitude of the Lord’s goodness and lovingkindness to him personally. He cried out to the Lord in his alarmed state, and the Lord heard him (v. 22). How good is that! He has promises to hear those who fear Him when we call, and v. 19, has a secret stash of abundant goodness stored up just for us, and v. 20, has a secret place to hide us “in His presence.”

Read Ps. 31, and be reminded with David, that no matter what “besieges” you, how great is the Lord’s goodness to those who take refuge in Him. Let His offer to envelope you in His personal presence be “marvelous” in your eyes.

The humble soul will bless God under misery as well as under mercy, when God frowns as when he smiles, when he takes as when he gives, under crosses and losses as under blessings and mercies. The humble believer looks through all secondary causes, and sees the hand of God. He lays his hand upon his heart and sweetly sings "Blessed be the name of the Lord." The language of the humble soul is: "if it is your will that I should be in darkness, I will bless you; and if it is your will that I should be again in light, I will bless you; if you comfort me, I will bless; and if you afflict, I will bless; if you make me poor, I will bless; if you make me rich, I will bless." The humble soul sees the rod in his father's hand; but also the honey on the top of every twig. He sees sugar at the bottom of the bitterest cup, and knows that God's house of correction is a school of instruction. The humble soul knows that the design of God in all things is his instruction, reformation, and salvation. The humble knows that to bless God in prosperity is the way to increase it; and to bless God in adversity is the way to remove it. If he blesses God under mercies, he has paid his debt, and if he blesses God under crosses, he has made God a debtor. There are many humble professors while the sun shines, while God gives, smiles, and strokes. But when he frowns, and strikes, oh the murmurings of proud souls! They kick when God strikes. But the humble soul wisely and patiently bears reproof. The proud scorns the reprover and his reproofs too. Pride and passion go armed; touch them ever so gently, yet, like the nettle, they will sting you; deal roughly with them and they will become violently hostile.

May God give us that kind of understanding of Himself so that we will humble ourselves under the mighty, wise and good hand of God.

As is typical, the confusion rests only in a failure to rely on the Scriptures alone for our answers to tough questions.
Here are the pertinent truths by which we ought to respond...

God does not desire the death of the wicked, but rather the repentance of every man (Ezek 18:23, 32). We as Christians must be willing to adopt our Father's heart to forgive and unashamedly declare that we would have rejoiced to call Usama Bin Laden our brother in Christ had he turned from his wickedness and embraced Christ as His Savior and Lord (Ezek 18:27, Acts 3:19). This is the glorious truth of the Gospel - believe it or not... And we do!

Yet, God equally and unreservedly desires to pour out appropriate justice on those who will not turn from their wickedness (Ezek 18:24,26; Rom 2:5-6). Since the Bible clearly upholds both God's mercy and His justice, we as Christians must do the same, and unequivocally so. 

Finally, the Scriptures teach us that God has given authority into the hands of human government, and the responsibility to preserve and enact justice on His behalf in the affairs of men (Gen 9:5-6, Rom 13:1-4). We as Christians do not take our own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God (Rom 12:19), even when enacted by human government in this life. 

So, putting these truths together, we as Christians acknowledge that Bin Laden, being personally responsible for the death of thousands in a brutal act of premeditated murder, deserves to die. Therefore we rejoice that human justice has been served. At the same time, we unashamedly admit that though we are pleased to see God's own heart for justice being maintained in the world, our desire for any individual would be his own reconciliation with God.  

So, as we interact with others around this international event, we acknowledge and even rejoice in the fact that Bin Laden got what he deserved, even as we rejoice in the gospel truth, that being recipients of God's mercy, Jesus Christ got what we deserved. And we winsomely, but soberly repeat the words of Jesus in Luke 13:3 - "unless you repent, you will all likewise perish..."

Psalm 119:90-91 states a profound truth that should have bearing on every believer’s life. God established the earth and it stands. It stands because God has commanded it to stand. His ordinances govern it all. The sun comes up every morning because God’s word declared it should. We can breathe the air because God has ordained it to be so. Imagine what chaos would result if God did not ordain the order of the universe. Where the psalmist is pointing us in this statement is in the direction of what we are to think about God’s word as the guide for our life. If the word of God is sufficient to provide the stability that gives order to all creation, just think of the stability it can provide to the life that is ordered by it. How sad it is when God’s own children reject His word and seek to order their lives by some other standard. The results can only be grief, pain, suffering, and confusion. “Those who love Thy law have great peace and nothing causes them to stumble" (Psalm 119:165).

"It seems to me, that no one person can adjust the standard, and draw the line exactly for another. There are so many particulars in every situation, of which a stranger cannot be a competent judge; and the best human advices and models are mixed with such defects - that it is not right to expect others to be absolutely guided by our rules. Nor is it safe for us - to implicitly adopt the decisions or practices of others.
But the Scripture undoubtedly furnishes sufficient and infallible rules for every person, however circumstanced; and the throne of grace is appointed for us to wait upon the Lord for the best exposition of His precepts. Thus David often prays to be led in the right way.
By frequent prayer, and close acquaintance with the Scripture, and a habitual attention to the frame of our hearts--there is a certain delicacy of spiritual taste and discernment to be acquired. Yet love is the clearest and most persuasive indicator: and when our love to the Lord is in lively exercise, and the rule of His Word is in our eye - we seldom make great mistakes."

We must help each other work out their own salvation with fear and trembling in loving obedience to God, not me. And it's what we should be able to confidently ask others to help us do, too. The goal of godly relationships is to point each other toward loving obedience to God based on His Word. By this practice many relational difficulties will be avoided; they will be made stronger instead; and God will be glorified.

Eliab, King David’s older brother, became cynical as the Philistines constantly threatened the Israelites. He “knew” what was in David’s heart as David came to see the battle. The only problem: he didn’t know (1 Sam 17:28-29). Cynicism makes us think we can “see through” the thoughts and motives of others. Tragically, such attitudes quench or prevent truth-based, edifying relationships with others. 

A root of bitterness will eventually defile those around us. Hebrews 12:15 says “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” The reason for bitterness (and all these responses) is clear from this verse: falling short of the grace of God.

God is superintending the events of this world. He hates evil; He promises to avenge all evil. The grace of God is such that He can promise a good outcome to His people though this evil is occurring. It is not that the evil done to us is good; rather, God is producing a good effect in us. That effect is Christlikeness (Rom 8:28-29). What could be a better result than Christlikeness? Isn’t that our greatest need and God’s highest goal?

The pain of life, all of it, is meant to remind us of God and our need of His grace. God is going to right all wrongs. But the pain of life also reminds us of our need of God’s grace for changing us into His likeness today. It comes by trusting God, putting off wrong responses and putting on Christ (Tit 2:11-14). Don’t internalize your grief and pain; rely on the grace of God to learn what He is doing in you through that pain.

Job 39:13-18 "The ostriches' wings flap joyously With the pinion and plumage of love, For she abandons her eggs to the earth And warms them in the dust, And she forgets that a foot may crush them, Or that a wild beast may trample them. "She treats her young cruelly, as if they were not hers; Though her labor be in vain, she is unconcerned; Because God has made her forget wisdom, And has not given her a share of understanding. When she lifts herself on high, She laughs at the horse and his rider.

The ostrich is a very interesting creature. Here is a bird that flaps her wings, but cannot fly. Though she cannot fly, she is faster than a horse and rider! And this bird is stupid. God says He made her forget wisdom. Unlike other birds, she doesn’t care if the eggs of her young are destroyed. Job, can you explain why I would create such a bird? It doesn’t make sense to you, does it? Yet, as your perfect and wise God, I made her to display my glory.

God used this incident to teach Job (and us) a principle God would later communicate through Isaiah. “…As the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” God taught Job that he could trust God in the trials that didn’t make sense to him. God does some things that we just can’t understand. But we must trust the One whose way and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours.

Most people I know are rich. Not because they drive luxury cars or live in gated communities, but because they have roofs over their heads and clothes on their back, and still have the ability to stop by the QT for a drink when the whim strikes them. I guess I must be rich too.

Preparing to teach later this month on biblical generosity has made me sensitive to Scripture passages addressed to the rich. I was reminded of one today – 1 Tim 6:17-19. Several good points in there, but what caught my eye was the instruction in v. 18 that Timothy was to give the rich – “be rich in good works…” & the rationale in v. 19 – “so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed…”

The lie of the American dream is that by having more discretionary income to spend on yourself, you are living the good life, or in the motto of Dodge trucks, “taking life by the horns”. Too many Christians have bought the lie, and think they will be happy via trucks, trips, trinkets, and trendy cloths. But living this way causes us to look up at the end of the day feeling cold and dry, having been robbed of “life indeed.”

Paul tells us here that in order for the Christian to “take hold of life indeed," we are to “be rich in good works.” Part of these good works for the rich involves using our discretionary income, not on ourselves, but on “being generous and ready to share.” Lord, grant me the courage and faith to work this out in my life...

The Direction of Drift
By D. A. Carson

"People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated."

Drift, as Carson described, will happen in our lives unless we are choosing not to drift.  Paul wrote these words in Colossians 3:1-2 to teach us how to avoid drift:  "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

Verse one starts with a premise of truth - "Truly (Hebrew: Surely - no doubt) God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart." The Psalmist relates in verse two & three how he almost came to the wrong conclusions about the wicked - "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

Don't we have those thoughts at times?

In verses 4 - 16 the Psalmist relates all of the ways the wicked seem to prosper, how they boast against God, how they have no needs - and the Godly seem to suffer. If you read through those verses there is "nothing new under the sun" - the wicked and Godless are the same today - and indeed the Godly seem to lack and suffer at times.

Verse 17 is the turning point of the Psalm - "Until I went into the sanctuary of God, then I understood their end." As the Psalmist spent time in worship and learning God's Word the light came on! Our life on this earth is just a blip on the radar screen - eternity is a much more important issue. A proper doctrinal perspective gives great comfort in any situation.

In verses 18 - 20 we see how the wicked will end - an eternity of destruction in hell.

The Psalmists repents of his wrong thoughts about God in verses 21 - 22.

He closes the Psalm affirming the truth about God's goodness to His children in verses 23 - 28. Verses 25 & 26 are two of my favorite verses in the Bible - "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Remember, the wicked my seem to prosper and have it all on this earth - in this life - but as believers we must keep that eternal perspective - trust that God will meet our needs - never envy the wicked - constantly put off the things of this earth that so easily entangle us and keep our eyes focused on Christ - out eternity in heaven with Him - always seek to glorify God in every circumstance no matter how difficult it may be.

There is the pride of achievement. We perform well; we gain some recognition; we get a promotion. We can easily boast of our achievements to others. This kind of pride is easily recognizable.

But there is another demonstration of pride that seems more “respectable”. Let’s call it the pride of suffering. How do we display that? When we complain of our circumstances to others, or grumble to others when we are misunderstood, we are displaying self-pity. A display of self-pity is a display of the pride of suffering. You should take note of my suffering: I will display it to you by complaining or grumbling about how I am being treated.

Pride of Achievement displayed by boasting; pride of suffering, displayed by self-pity. Both are displays of pride because both achievement and suffering are granted by God. We have no right to boast; we have no right to display self-pity. Pride in any form is abominable to God.

Think about these and then seek God for help to do battle against this enemy of pride, since the battle is the Lord’s.

The Apostle Paul was very clear in Romans 6. He had just finished explaining the glorious gospel of salvation by grace through faith and sought to address those that would say – “If the gospel you preach is true, Paul, then man will simply claim salvation and then live like the devil! His detractors felt that it was critical to inject the law into the salvation act to insure that saved mankind would toe the line and not live an antinomian (against the law) lifestyle. But what did Paul answer?

Romans 6:1 – “What shall we say then, shall we continue in sin that grace might abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

Paul goes on to argue in Romans 6 & 7 that a true understanding of salvation by grace through faith is the answer. He knew that regeneration by and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in believer’s lives was God’s way of producing believers who would never need to be shackled with a legalistic system of rules because it would be unthinkable for them to abuse grace and live a life of sin after salvation.

Paul would never abandon grace to accommodate the legalist or restrict the libertine. Paul understood that you could never force true holiness by an external set of rules – that legalism was never the remedy for license. You simply cannot restrict grace to control people who might abuse it!

On the other hand, Paul also knew that true salvation would never produce an individual that embraced the libertine philosophy of antinomianism. He will show that a holy life is necessarily linked to true salvation. You don’t have to control the truly redeemed because their new nature is controlled by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. In short, holiness is as much a gift of God as salvation in the redemptive act. Our salvation is not just a transaction in heaven but an actual transformation of our lives. It is not just legal, but real. We aren’t just declared righteous, but we are given the ability and desire to pursue that righteousness. In the salvation experience we are not just given a new nature in the sense of addition – but the old sin nature is gone – we are a new creation with an entirely different operating system on board. We must understand that a holy life is absolutely linked to true salvation.

Many verses in God’s Word bring out this expectation of the redeemed:

• 2 Corinthians 5:14 & 15 – “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus; that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”
• Romans 6:4 – “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

I would encourage each of you to consider strongly the seriousness of sin in God’s eyes. What we simply live with is often abhorred by Him. As you read God’s Word ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of those areas in your life in which sin abounds and take concrete steps to “hack it to death” as was the wicked King Agag.

Thomas Watson reminds us how God views an unredeemed sinner – should we live in any way like the pagans we were before we were graciously called to salvation? “Sinners are looked upon by God with a despicable eye… they are vile... filthy… dross… chaff... a pot boiling with scum… a dog… unclean… a cursed creature… a serpent. A sinner is well-conceited of himself while he dresses himself by the flattering glass of presumption. But if he knew how loathsome and disfigured he was in God’s eye, he would abhor himself in the dust.”

May we recognize the seriousness of sin in the eyes of our Lord and do all that we can to purge it from our lives.

The error has many detrimental effects to the life of the believer. It makes God small in our minds so that we do not trust Him as we should. It allows us to take lightly His commands and instructions. It makes us poor testimonies for Christ as other thoughts have a greater influence on our thinking than the thoughts of God. Packer speaks of the majesty of God as His greatness. We would do well to meditate on the word that points us to the greatness of God. It will be glory to Him and blessing to us.