Compelling Evidence
Do you find yourselves needing a conversion chart sometimes: centimetres to inches, litres to gallons, kilometres to miles, etc.? The Greek word "epistrepho" means to turn back or turn around. Paul describes it like this: "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life." (Ephesians 4:22). When a person turns around, changes his-her mind about who Jesus is, and believes God raised Jesus from the dead, that person is "saved" or converted. That's the profound simplicity of The Gospel! Subsequently, there is a conversion indicator to such a change: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17). New patterns of thinking and behavior, new passions and want-to's are outward evidences of the inward change. Mister Bill is usually my source of conversion information, but it is Christ alone Who rules [or not] the Believer's heart and reveals truest conversion. We are spiritually wise to consider how compelling is the evidence of our conversion!
Conviction
We all know, as a manner of justice, a prisoner is one who is confined to prison for a crime. Although we don't hear the term much any more, my parents' and grandparents' generations referred to a prisoner as a "convict." Let me say with great joy and gratitude: because of Jesus, I'm no longer a spiritual prisoner to sin! No longer a spiritual convict! However, I'm quite familiar with spiritual conviction - the power and influence of The Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "The Helper, The Holy Spirit, Whom The Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26). Every Believer receives The Holy Spirit at Salvation, and it is He Who teaches, guides and [yes] convicts or "brings to mind" that which is holy and righteous. When we sin, we are not condemned - those dreadful days are past - but we are convicted of our sins and led by The Holy Spirit to repentance, confession and forgiveness. That is, if we listen and obey! How wonderful to no longer be a convict but a companion to conviction. Thank You, Father, for The Holy Spirit's work in me!
Stay Connected
There was a time - not so long ago - when a hotel got our business because of a free breakfast; these days we look for free WiFi! We live in an age of connectivity, and the thought of being disconnected isn't appealing at all. Nonetheless, Believers choose it every day when we refuse-neglect to read the Bible and pray, among other things God commands. Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in Me and I in them bear much fruit." (John 15:5). The key do-word [here] is "abide." Cleaning up a fence-line, Mister Bill has created quite a pile of dead branches, limbs, trees, vines, etc. The pile is ugly, good for nothing, in the way and will eventually be burned. Jesus continues, "If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." (V.6). To abide in Christ is good for us and it is good for The Father's Great Name. You see, being spiritually connected is the life-blood for the Believer. If you're feeling a bit withered in your spiritual life, there could be a connection problem. Make sure you ... stay connected!
Dwell Securely
Driving Mr. Bill’s truck, in contrast to my car, is quite different: the higher ride gives a sense of safety – a “king of the road” feeling. God had choice words for the Edomites – descendants of Esau – who opposed Israel and fortified themselves in the mountainous region surrounding the Dead Sea: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.” (Obadiah 1:3-4). The heights and clefts of their dwellings gave the Edomites a false and foolish sense of security. Oh, how I see myself often with the Edomite way-of-thinking! In arrogant self-pride, we make our own decrees replacing the decrees of The Creator. Perhaps one of the most notoriously foolish is the idea Believers desire to, can and will live righteously without faithful study-prayer-worship-fellowship-service inside the Body of Christ (The Church). When God says, “I will bring you down,” it is not mere words of warning; it is certainty that comes to those who foolishly think-and-live as the Edomites. Some of the most fateful and terrifying words in Scripture are found in Hebrews 10:31, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Consider if you are living as a cliff-dweller, holding tightly to what is insecure. There’s no cleft so high or so steadfast as Almighty God - Elohim. Be sure Christ is The Cleft in which you dwell.
Start Climbing
Considering how willing he is to climb a tree and sit twenty feet in a deer stand, you’d never know Mister Bill is afraid of heights. It's a likely assumption most Believers fear heights as well since we care little for for the climb - that is, the climb to know The Father. God said to Isaiah, "Get thee up into the high mountain.” (40:9). The distaste for or apathy toward the spiritual discipline to go higher-deeper with God causes many Believers to remain as spiritual infants. God has instructed us otherwise: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2). There's no ease in the climb yet the summit calls. Remember, it was atop a mountain God revealed Himself most faithful to Abraham, and up on a mountain God gave Moses His laws. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The higher we climb the more we discover of His beauties.” The disciplined climb - daily study and prayer and obedience - is worth the sweet rewards. The heights hold the key to intimately knowing The Father. If you're not already, start climbing!
Greatest Hero
Do you have a hero? I must admit, Equipped with his trusty tool belt, Mister Bill most commonly holds that title for me. Aside from David, one of my Bible heroes is Enoch, great-grandfather of Noah. We actually know very little about him but we know all we need to know: "Enoch walked with God." (Genesis 5:24). Four powerful words! Perfect for anyone's epitaph. Oh wait, Enoch needed no tombstone: "Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." (Genesis 5:24). Ah! Enoch never tasted death. As amazing as this sounds, it is no more amazing than what awaits those who believe and rest in Jesus Who died and overcame death for mankind. "O death, where is thy sing? O grave, where is thy victory." (1 Corinthians 15:55). To be fair, even without his tool belt, Mister Bill is a hero to me and our family. Believers do well to know past and present heroes of the faith only because of our Greatest Hero - The Christ.
Live Free
It's pretty scary how our freedoms can easily become our captors! When I was a teenager, smoking was considered cool; years later, the addiction to nicotine gripped smokers like a vise! Our nation seems to be in a freedom crisis; so is the average Believer. Paul wrote to The Church at Galatia: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13). The Triune God's establishment of spiritual freedom is settled and firm: The Father freely gave His Son, The Son freely gave His life, The Holy Spirit freely guides and empowers. When we take-up what the world deems worthy and right, we will certainly lose our spiritual freedom. "Now the Lord is The Spirit, and where The Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17). This is why we are warned to "be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16). True spiritual freedom comes only from walking in The Spirit. Live free, child of God.
A Call to Rebuild
Broken things can bring tears especially when what is broken cannot be mended. The tragic report of Nehemiah's home, Jerusalem, drove him to grief. "They said to me, 'The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.' When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:3-4). For sure, the brokenness of our nation is a tragedy, but its not the brokenness of a nation that grieves God. No, the greatest tragedy (and resulting consequences) is the brokenness of man's heart. Pastor Tim reminded us today - the Body of Christ - we are both equipped and commanded to take up spiritual arms: our weapon is the Word of God, our ammunition is prayer! Nehemiah didn't weep for long; he led Israel to rebuild its wall, Like him, Believers must [also] rebuild what Satan has wrongly claimed for himself. It begins in the heart of me - it begins in the heart of you.
The Established Way
A dairy farm in Bethel, New York became the scene of 400,000+ people living out a "if it feels good, do it" theme. Woodstock was certainly not on the radar for this little girl. Here's one of the most tragic statements in Scripture: "In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25). "Right in his own eyes" is still a popular philosophy for living. "Right in his own eyes" drove Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden - narrowed Ark passengers down to eight people - nailed Jesus to a Roman Cross - keeps many from accepting God's Salvation - will keep many out of heaven. Psalm 37:3 says it's the LORD Who establishes the steps of man, and in those steps is great delight! Are you walking according to your own eyes or by the established way of God? We are wise to consider it.
Open For Business
We all know about "call ahead seating" but "call ahead open?" Never in my lifetime have I found it necessary [on a normal work day] to call ahead to see if a business - established to sell products-services - was open for business! Jesus said to the Church at Ephesus, "But I have this against you, that you have left your first love." (Revelation 2:4). What a striking picture of many Believers who [at one time] professed faith in Jesus yet now have "closed up shop." Yes, they lead civil-moral lives but authentic love for God and things of God are far from their hearts; in essence, they've left He Whom their soul first loved [Jesus Christ]. John continues, "Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first." (V.5) He encourages-urges Believers to re-open themselves to The Business of The Gospel. Matthew Henry says it like this: "Let the ruling throne of Christ be apparent among us." And, Jesus said it best: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16). We know, of course, why many businesses closed; however, let it never be said of Believers we have closed our hearts and lives to living-out The Gospel before others. Be always open for His Business!
Walk Worthy
When Mister Bill retired, he started [back] walking, which he does most mornings. It's roughly an hour trip but he's had some travel tales to tell! For Believers, there's a walk we're all called to do and called to do well. Paul wrote, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of The Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 3:1-3). It's a descriptive walk with purpose: humble, gentle, patient , forbearing, loving and all for the purpose of [eagerly] maintaining Spiritual unity in peace! I'm not real sure how or for what purpose Mister Bill takes his daily jaunt but disciples of Jesus Christ - we have our walking orders. Walk worthy!
Kneel
These old knees don't kneel much any more! Oh, to have those youthful, flexible knees again! Knights of old knelt before their king or queen in respect and humility and devotion and honor. I suggest the problems we face in our nation today are because we all have stopped kneeling where kneeling matters most. Amid great suffering, Apostle Paul testified of God as All Authority in the heavens and on earth; he said, "for this reason I bow my knees." It's no wonder there is chaos and lack of respect for any authority when we have refused to bend the knee to The Uncreated One Who is sovereign over all things. It's true, these knees to do little deep-bending these days but may my heart ever be bowed (kneeled) before The Giver and Sustainer of life. Let us kneel before our God!
Jesus and Now
Many of us have a particular "happy place." Perhaps it's a special place in the mountains or at the beach, or simply a comfy chair. I suggest the place itself is not what brings respite. Rather, it's the peace-tranquility and away-from-ness the place offers. In the craziness of these days, we may find ourselves longing for less of this-or-that; don't be deceived into thinking that less-of is lasting or fulfilling. To the thief on the cross next to Him, Jesus said "TODAY you will be with ME in Paradise." (Luke 23:43). What a great comfort and truth from Jesus' words: He is our rest and the Rest is now! Don't miss-out on God's promise of "I am with you always" as some future day. Live each day in The Truth of ... Jesus and Now.
Look Inward
The use of an euphemism is often met with blank stares. I find the older-me using them fairly often [and yes] a fair share of blank stares! One such expression which certainly applies to every child of God is we cannot "see the forest for the trees." Jesus said, "Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12). The presence of disorder and disregard for laws has pressed me me to look inwardly. No more prevalent place has indifference for law and love occurred than in this heart of mine! Oh, how I need God's rescue from this cold heart! Jeremiah assures us God has not forsaken us even in lawlessness (Jeremiah 51:5). The greatest hope for love and order will always rest completely from an inward look - look inward!
Be Merciful
Facing a jump rope contest against his best friend many years ago, my sweet little Dennis told me he was ready and planned to "kill him with kindness." Perhaps one of the hardest things to do is to extend mercy. The sad reality of these days is violence for violence, injustice for injustice, cruelty for cruelty, hate for hate, etc. It seems this nation has willingly accepted God's gracious blessings, forsaken Him then turned upon one another mercilessly. The wise live within this truth: evil has existed, exists now and will continue to exist until Jesus returns. Nonetheless, true Believers acknowledge the Great Mercy we have received and [in turn] are gracious, kind and merciful to and with one another. "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36). Not always easy, but a short command with long-rich-lasting results. Oh, for more people who choose to ... be merciful!
