Be As He IS

Until recently, tucked away in my closet was my athletic jacket earned from four years of high school varsity basketball. Oh, the good memories it brought to my mind every time I looked at it. That jacket represented something from my past - a time gone-by. Something that should never be in the past but ever present in the Believer's life is ... spiritual fruit. "Fruit of The [Holy] Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23). These Godly characteristics are evidences (fruit) of a person whose heart has been changed and is now obediently walking in the Power of The Holy Spirit. In contrast, those who are relying on their own pick-me-up and I-got-this umph or spiritual vigor ... well, those Godly traits are short-lived - they come and go. The Puritan prayed for deliverance from the delusions of "being concerned but not converted ... having another heart but not a new one ... having light, zeal, confidence, but not Christ." My personal longing is to be better than that old jacket that just symbolized something I [as Mister Bill would say] I usta-was; I want to my life to resemble Jesus Christ Who WAS and IS and WILL BE forever. Be fruitful - be what He IS.

Enjoy God!

Enjoyment is defined countless ways: some enjoy loud-busy places - others peaceful-quiet places, some enjoy their pizza loaded - others fairly plain, some enjoy wild-thrilling roller coasters - others the merry-go-round. How do Believers "enjoy" God? Perhaps you've never really considered it, however, relationships are made to be enjoyed. Maybe our best lesson in this matter comes by contrast, i.e. those relationships in our lives that are not enjoyable! Consider God's instructions to Believers: "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). I suggest when we embrace and live by what is honorable, pure, loving, approved, excellent and praiseworthy according to God and His Word - well, we're enjoying God! Like in any enjoyable relationship, there is a commonness with Him. When we share the characteristics of The Father, we are consoled (comforted, cheered, soothed, encouraged) in Christ Jesus; the relationship is enjoyed "by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:1-2). Truly, this is enjoyment at its very best! Enjoy God!

Watch Your Step

Our house was built in the 80s and it was particularly trendy to have a sunken living room. I was so excited about it - now, not so much. I find myself telling guests, "watch your step" as Mister Bill and I must also carefully watch our own steps! Paul urges Believers at Ephesus to imitate God - copy Him, follow His example by walking "continually in love [that is, value one another - practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others] just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us." (Ephesians 5:2). To "watch" means to observe intently not just as a spectator but observe intently so you can imitate Christ. Paul isn't calling Believers to a spectator sport; no! we are to walk in the same way Jesus walked. Galatians 5:16 says, we empowered to do so as we "walk by The Spirit," which leads to a self-less lifestyle practicing God's Love toward others. By the way, walking in such a way demands diligence - constant and earnest effort! Mister Bill and I have learned to pay attention to that drop-off into the living room. Believer, carefully watch your step - may it always be in-step with Christ!

Visible of Invisible

H. G. Wells’ 1897 novel, The Invisible Man, proposed an interesting theory that if a person’s refractive index is changed to the same as air AND if his body doesn’t absorb or reflect any light, that person will be invisible.  Hmmm ... who wants to be invisible anyway! God makes Himself visible through His children. We’ve all heard it’s never too soon to be kind, but God’s Word tells us there’s never a time to be unkind.  “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, AMP). Hearts genuinely and freely forgiven will bear a visible distinction!  Why, the very next sentence says, “Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].” (Ephesians 5:1).   I was led to this passage by the lyrics of a song by Mitchel Jon, “I will do something visible for the Invisible One.”  It made me consider the appearance of my own actions, my behavior toward and before others.  In truth, Believers' lives are a revelation of the Godly Reality within them – a reality show [if you will] to the world of the difference Jesus makes.  Let's carefully consider just how visible the invisible Presence is in us!

The Good

"Life is good" is a good slogan, catch-phrase, thought; those who embrace the concept usually have a great attitude, a superior outlook. Paul David Tripp warns us: "God is unwilling to be your means to what you call the 'good life.'" While we may wish some circumstances-relationships take that "slow boat" to elsewhere, Believers must be cautious of the "fast boat" to glory! When Jesus said "I am The Truth, and The Way, and The Life," He truly meant "no one comes to The Father except through Me." (John 14:6). Consider the shallowness of Joseph's prayer had it been: "Lord, just get me out of this prison, if you'll just change my circumstances, I know I'll be happy and content." Instead, Joseph accepted God's sovereign role in his life, sure of God's love for him and plan for his good. Do not be deceived: there is good and there is Good! Believers must acknowledge our Greatest Good is God Himself. God told Abraham "I am your Great Reward!" (Genesis 15:1). Go ahead, embrace "life is good" because life is good - it is Good because God is Good and His Goodness is The Good worth embracing!

Just Ask

My Mama used to say, "nobody likes a know-it-all." The older-me understands that a little better; I like this piece of advice - "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." In Proverbs 1:4, Solomon wrote of knowledge and discretion. Knowledge is a collection of mentally-stored information; discretion is the ability to thoughtfully apply that knowledge. Knowledge + discretion = wisdom. I suppose we all know how difficult it is to apply knowledge rightly ... usually from past mis-application. Solomon's request for wisdom intrigues me: "Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9). We most certainly live in a time of great information and never-ending advice on how best to parent, coach, work, govern, live and be in relationship with others. How do Believers accomplish Romans 12:18 -  "if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all"? How is knowledge and discretion melded into wise application? Yes, it is possible [as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with others] but only when knowledge is firmly rooted in Eternal Truth (God's Word) and The Truth is powered by The Holy Spirit Who guides Believers in all wisdom. Life is tough: not all relationships are easy, not all knowledge is eternal, not all counsel is right. What did God think of Solomon's request? "It was pleasing in the sight of the LORD that Solomon had asked this thing." (V.10). What joy to know The Father takes pleasure in our asking for that which we so desperately need. Why not ... just ask!

 

A Great Day

Perhaps some of the worst decisions I've made in my life have ultimately come not by the choices themselves but rather by the arrogant assumption I was smarter than I really was! The oft overlooked part of God's gift of wisdom to King Solomon is this: Solomon first realized he wasn't as wise as he needed to be. One of the things Solomon desired was to receive instruction in equity - making decisions based on what is equitable. I agree, it isn't always easy or clear to know what is right and fair, however, God has given us His Wisdom through Jesus and His Word; we can know what is fair and just with full assurance! Moreover, once confident of God's Wisdom in how to proceed, we must not be timid or apologetic in Its application; Paul wrote, "Happy is he who has no reason to condemn himself for what he approves." (Romans 14:22). There should be no oh-I-wish-I-hadn't-done-that or second-guessing or regretting what God Himself ordained! Rather, we are to be enthusiastic-joyful-content-excited for what God has counseled and our obedience to it. When we have received and obeyed God's Instruction in what is right-fair-equitable ... well, that's a great day!

UNTANGLED

It’s not uncommon for a Bill-call on Sunday mornings to help untangle necklaces.  I’m so glad patience is one of his greatest virtues!  Oh, how easily Believers are entangled with the heaviness of fear, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of purpose – from such as these, Jesus freed us.  “It was for freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1).  The King James translation says “be not entangled again.” Paul writes of our previous condition (before salvation): weighed down, wrapped up, twisted into emotional and spiritual wrecks! Our Spiritual Freedom came at great cost – Jesus’ death and resurrected victory over death; that continued freedom comes by dying daily to self (the sinful nature, the flesh).  If we choose to live unto ourselves – aka me-myself in-charge – then we’ll be like that wad of necklaces I hand Mr Bill … an entangled mess! Don’t you want to live in complete freedom – free of what threatens to entangle us. Abide and walk in The Spirit of Christ Jesus ... live untangled!

Question of Devotion

Devotion is an honorable thing; that is, if the devotion is pure. For example, I love the water and since swimming is great exercise I will devote myself to swimming. The question is this: do I swim for exercise (that which is good for me) or do I swim because I like the water (that which I like to do)? Jesus questioned Simon Peter, asking him three times "do you love Me?"; and, three times Peter answered "yes." Jesus then challenged Peter to prove his devotion: "Tend [feed, shepherd] My sheep." (John 21:15-17). See, if I swim only because I love the water, like anything else, I will soon tire of it. However, if I swim because I am solely devoted to doing what is good for my health, that is the purest of devotion. The danger for Believers is that we are too often devoted to what we're devoted to rather than purely devoted Christ - The One Who has called us to do His will. While on earth Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, encouraged the weary but He was always first committed to doing the Will of The Father. The Believer who is fixated altogether wholly on Jesus will be in selfless and tireless devotion to The Will of Christ. Furthermore, the Believer will truly love and never tire of loving his-her devotion! Consider then: to what or whom am I devoted? It's a question of devotion.

It Is What It Is

An attitude Mister Bill and I have learned to embrace is "it is what it is." While they are most surely things we can change, there are many we cannot. One who is prudent is careful and wise in how he handles practical matters of life. That person will be morally guided by several things, one of which is "justice," something [we all will agree] is greatly lacking in our world today. Well, the Hebrew word "justice" means "rightness or righteousness," and this is where the justice-train has left the track! The lie embraced by the average man is that right is relative. Since "relative" comes in many shapes-forms-flavors-colors, it's no wonder rightness (justice) is scare-to-none. It is God Who separates light from darkness, makes the sun to come up and go down, Who runs His universe ... and it is He Who declares what is right and what is wrong. Man can't even comprehend what is altogether right: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." (Proverbs 14:12). In order for justice to "roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24), right cannot be relative; it must be fixed-settled-unwavering-absolute. We cannot wisely apply justice in our lives apart from God Who IS the same "yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). So, yes, right "is what it is" and wrong "is what it is" according to He Who IS.

Measure of Wisdom

Have you ever noticed if you tell someone you "don't understand," they just talk louder?!? Well, there's that. Proverbs 1:2 says we are to "know wisdom" and "perceive the words of understanding." Goodness, how do we know which wisdom is real and how do we know it when we hear it? Great question ... so many answers. Well, Scripture always answers Scripture! For our benefit, Paul wrote. "By His doing you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us Wisdom from God, and Righteousness and Sanctification, and Redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30). Aha! Wisdom is Jesus! More than that, when we know Him, the wisdom we possess is Sanctified Wisdom. This is how we know which wisdom and we are able to perceive (know with the mind) words of understanding. Wisdom for the Believer is Jesus - the beginning, the middle, the end! Only in-by-through Him are we able to apply our intelligence to the understanding of wise (words of eternal truth) and unwise words (lies of Satan). So howow wise are you? - How wise am I? The measure is how well we know Christ, our Wisdom.

Good Students

Learning for our three little boys took many forms: yes, a sound paddling worked at times but not always. Sometimes loss of privileges, addition chores or writing Scripture worked best. Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."This isn't really about a good-swift-whack to the pants! We must not miss the principle God is teaching here: we all learn by means of discipline. Yes, of course, there is judgment, punishment and consequences for disobedience and infractions; and, for sure, there is an expectation of reform in behavior. In the same way we use discipline to teach our own children, our Heavenly Father also instructs us [adults] by disciplining us. "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof, for whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:11-12). Like parents who love their children use discipline to teach them so God disciplines His children (young and old) to grow them into His nature. "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11). I suppose the "board" of education will always be an option, but let's not forget God's teaching and growing us often come in His stern yet tender discipline. He is Wisest of teachers and He always choose the best methods. We are wise to be good students!

Fixed and Settled

There are a few products I've bought repeatedly through the years. Sure, I pay attention to new products that claim to be better and improved, but I usually just stay with what I know works. One of the things that makes me nuts today is wishy-washy information. So many opinions, recommendations, guidelines, instructions - it's overwhelming. There is, however, a more threatening problem: the source of all those opinions-recommendations-guidelines-instructions! God says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom in Scripture is the ability to use knowledge rightly; and, right knowledge is rooted in the awe and reverence of, love for and trust in God! Because God is Infinite and All-Knowing, what He says is from infinitely knowing all things, and what He knows never changes. Now, that is The Source I want to be rooted on: no flip-floppin', no hemming and hawing, no kinda-sorta and certainly no wishy-washy. The One Who sees all and knows all then speaks Truth that never changes: "Forever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89). Fixed and settled - that's my pick!

Housekeeping of the Heart

Weekends were housekeeping times at home.  One of my Saturday chores was mopping, and I took that mop for many a spin to the sounds of Soul Train.  I don't know how clean I got the floor, but that mop and I were quite a dancing duo!  The psalmist invites God to a housekeeping of the heart: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24). Such an examination isn't because God doesn't know what is there; oh, no! rather, it is to show the Believer the hidden and hurtful things of the heart - things that hurt and hinder us spiritually. It's highly likely the examination and revelation will be painful but spiritually satisfying. Housekeeping is rarely at the top of anyone's list but housekeeping-of-the-heart is critical to a Believer's relationship with Holy God. Don't put it off ... your heart depends on it!

The Happy Walker

The Greek island of Crete boasts of being a “Walker’s Paradise,” and a website named “The
Happy Walker” offers a taste of the real Crete on foot.  Scripture says the truest of happy
persons is the one who “walks not in the counsel of the wicked.” (Psalm 1:1). It’s not only the
wise but the prudent who honor God and find genuine happiness by embracing His
precepts.  Living by specific instructions in godliness results in a specifically happy person!  The
rest of Verse 1 contrasts the one who walks in righteousnes: the wicked, sinners and
scoffers.  Those I know who walk-for-fitness seem to enjoy it, but the psalmist’s non-walker
does so not for enjoyment but for the joyous life it produces and the glory it gives The
Father.  Let’s be a non-walker and experience the joy of The Happy Walker.

Eternal Answer

Those who know Mister Bill know how he loves to joke and tease. He still has me guessing at times! Perhaps Eve had the all-time toughest question; she knew what God had said but Satan caused her to doubt: "did God really say ..." (Genesis 3:1). In other words, "really? Satan chose his words carefully, questioning God's authority! Oh, the dangerous place we inhabit when we are naive or ignorant of who Satan is and of his intentions. Too often we fail miserably to understand the enemy and respond wisely to his clever and deadly ways. Satan (Lucifer), once the most glorious of angels, has always one primary goal: to reproduce his wicked and rebellious heart in each of us! Now that I've scared us all into shakes and shivers, what are Believers to do against this enemy? First, acknowledge we have no defense; none smart or wise or clever enough! Second, recognize there is Only One Who has soundly and eternally defeated Satan: Jesus Christ. It was foretold in The Garden: Satan will bruise man's heel but Jesus will crush Satan's head (Genesis 3:15). This promise is more than whimsical talk of paper-rock-scissors. That promise was fulfilled just outside of Jerusalem when Jesus surrendered Himself to a Roman execution as Full Payment for all sin, accepting The Father's wrath ... sin-debt satisfied. Three days later The Son left the tomb of death in New Life ... sin, death, Satan defeated forevermore. It is a person's s faith in Christ Alone that empowers us to withstand and defeat the enemy. Don't be teased or deceived into thinking there is another way, a different angle, a better option. No jokin' - Jesus [alone] is The Way, The Truth, The Life. He's the ... Eternal Answer.

Stand on This!

 What is your most vulnerable time of the day? I suggest we are most vulnerable first thing in the morning: sleepy eyes, crazy hair, morning breath, no coffee. We seem to prefer a little time to get our day-feet underneath us! Lest we forget, God sees us "in the raw" - nothing about us is hidden or concealed. Psalm 139 tells us He knows our sitting, rising, thoughts, path, when we lie down, even the words soon-to-be on our tongue; He is "intimately acquainted" with all our ways, and we can't even know all He knows about us (Psalm 139:7-12). Before God, we are as transparent as transparent can possibly be! Oh, to know [about ourselves] what God knows, and to be as authentic-real-genuine as God is. He is who He says He is because He is who He is; after all, He is I AM. With Him "there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17). Also, not one promise He has made has ever been broken or unfulfilled - we confidently say "amen" or "so be it, Lord" because of Jesus in Whom all promises find their "Yes" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Okay, I know ... mornings will be mornings and we may still need a few moments to gather ourselves and find our day-legs; even then, however, we are sure and steadfast because God sees us, knows us and sustains us in Christ Jesus. Stand on this!

Best Goodwill

Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, collected used clothes [and household goods] from the wealthier areas of Boston. He then trained and hired the poor to work, mending and repairing the items which were then sold or given to them. How many of us have cleaned out our own closets and cabinets, donating gently used clothes [and household goods] to Helm's Goodwill Industries! Perhaps one of Satan's most subtle yet effective strategies is his suggestion we're not "good enough." He loves to nag us about those besetting sins - those strongholds or habits constantly harassing, troubling and waylaying us. Over and over, again and again, we fail and fall, finding ourselves yet again at Jesus' feet pleading for mercy and forgiveness. All the while, Satan hovers in the background with his "see, I was right" and "I told you so" blather. Okay, this we know: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6). Nonetheless, "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1) and "if we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9). Better than used goods refurbished and put to use once again are those who have genuinely trusted their sinfulness to the redemptive work of Jesus and Who has turned mourning into gladness: "Anyone who is in Christ ... is a new creation ... the old has passed away ... the new has come" (1 Corinthians 5:17). The stumbling caused by Satan and sin knows its end in the Merciful Redemptive Power of God through Jesus Christ.That is goodwill at its best!

 

Get Real

 The younger me recalls the phrase "get real" used to call someone to look at things realistically. What I see-hear-read today makes me question this culture's sense of reality! Scripture remind Believers there is really only one way to confidently know reality: "A natural man does not accept the things of The Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14). The natural man (non-Believer) is at great disadvantage because he sees and hears without the ability to discern (examine, interpret). There is also great danger, however, for Believers who neglects to acknowledge the spiritual realm with its powerful and threatening forces. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against ... the spiritual forces of evil." (Ephesians 6:12). Ultimately, Believers must be alert and firmly centered in Real Truth: "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12). Yes, I do encourage Believers to "get real," based solely in Real Reality as discovered and discerned according to Real Truth. Get real!

One-Way Journey

 There are several ways to travel to our favorite beach spot. Mister Bill, however, seems to believe there is really only ... one way! God's Word is clear about the only way to Himself.  If you listen to the world, there's enough routes to produce an atlas!  One popular idea is that as long as we're all moving in the same direction God doesn't care which route we take. Jesus didn't dance-around the matter; He said, "I am The Way, and The Truth, and The Life; no one comes to The Father but through Me." (John 14:6). How puzzling His words are misunderstood. The Way is neither lonely nor misguided; no, Jesus promised a Companion and Helper: "I will ask The Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever ... The Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things." (14:16, 26). See, God graciously provided The Way as well as The Companion and Guidance! Literally, Believers have everything needed for living - He planned this One-Way journey perfectly!

Live In Relief!

Oh, how I love our porches - they have brought (and continue to bring) such sweet moments for my family. The front porch, however, has dished-out more than its share of splinters to bare feet! For such a small thing, a splinter can cause a lot of pain and frustration; life is full of splinters. One of my greatest struggles seems to be the non-understandables and the un-explainables. From the God-given wisdom of King Solomon, we read: "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, while our vineyards are in blossom." (Song of Solomon 2:15). The trifling irritants of life may stem from relationship or circumstance, of which I feel the need to fix. In reality, however, they are not mine to fix! I have taken what belongs to God alone into my own hands, and it has become that "little fox" that is hindering my communion and fellowship with Christ. As I watched our sweet Ella hobble with a fresh splinter, I realized how often I limp through life with the weight of burdens never meant for me. Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29). Oh, the freedom and relief I forfeit when I fail to acknowledge [ultimately] there are things that belong to God alone. I am only responsible for His work in me. Like the splinter removed from an tender foot, what relief to trust God with all of life's splinters.