Sin Control

Here, in our area of the county, we are battling an invasive species of spiders; they are everywhere! Once or twice a day, Mister Bill does [what we call] "spider patrol" to eliminate them from the exterior of the house. Believers must be attentive and persistent in the battle against sin that troubles our walk with God. To the Redeemed (born-again), Romans 8:1-2 pronounces us no longer condemned but freed by Christ from the bondage of slavery to sin and death. Spiritual freedom - what joy! The danger, however, is how sin invades our hearts through what we read, listen to, watch as well as the [spiritually] healthy disciplines we neglect; it's much like damage caused by a slow water leak - often unnoticed until the damage becomes apparent. So, how is this battle of invasive sin won? "For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by The Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13). The King James translation reads, "mortify" [the deeds of the body]; love that word "mortify" - kill 'em dead! Believers cannot do this on their own - it's tiring and ultimately ineffective. Live or walk, however, according to The Spirit of God: "The Spirit helps our weakness." (V.26). Much like Mister Bill regularly patrols to annihilate our pests, so must every Believer be persistent in disciplined obedience to Christ against sin. We can have perfect confidence in Christ as The Defender against the invasion and control of sin in our lives. He is our ... Sin Control.

Eternal Shepherd

The word "shepherd" warms my soul. He is one who leads, cares for and tends to the needs of ... yes, usually sheep. From all I've learned about sheep, they really-really need leading, caring for and tending to! Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:14); the writer of Hebrews called Jesus the "Great Shepherd" (Hebrews 13:20); Peter wrote of Jesus as the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). All Believers should find this heart-warming! Jesus assures us He knows the sheep which belong to Him and those same sheep know their Shepherd (John 10:14). Interestingly, the word "shepherd" is both a noun (person, place, thing) and a verb (action word). God has given His Church pastors to "shepherd" Believers in study, worship, fellowship and service. Through the years, I've had to say "goodbye" to pastors as they have moved into other areas of ministry or retired; saying goodbye was tough. I anticipate the glorious day when I'm in the presence of The Shepherd of all shepherds: no more goodbyes - only hello to  my ... Eternal Shepherd.

Priceless Waters

I've always loved the water! The older-younger me enjoyed riding the waves on a boogie board alongside the boys. That was, however, the wildest water-sport for me. God issues this invitation: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters.” (Isaiah 55:1).  This welcome-to-the-waters is matchless in treasure!  “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4). Are you not amazed that The Creator of everything is mindful of us! So mindful, so thoughtful, He THEN invites us to spend time in His Presence: Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near (V.6) … Incline your ear, and come to Him; hear, that your soul may live (V.3) … That He may have compassion on you (V.7) … So that you can go out in Joy and be led forth in Peace (V.12).  Like I said, the invitation is matchless and the rewards immeasurable!  I never knew what joy the water brought until I took the first dip – God still invites us into His Presence: “Come to the waters …” (V.1). Do not ignore His invitation: get in a quiet place, open His Word, and delight in the Joy of His waters! His Waters are priceless!

Know Things

Perhaps one reason we’ve lost our sense of wonder today is because answers no longer elude us: if you have an electronic device, you have an answer!  Then, of course, there’s Mister Bill who responds to my how-do-you-know question with a confident, “I know things.”  Psalm 23 begins with a statement of five words that should be enough: “The LORD is my shepherd.” Although gentle and fluffy, sheep aren’t known for their intelligence. Nonetheless, they know things about their shepherd. They knowingly trust him to care for their every need. A shepherd himself, David knew the characteristics of God as Shepherd! He understood by following (being led by) The Shepherd, he would be completely cared for: rest, peace, restoration, righteousness, protection, courage, preservation, provision, healing, joy, goodness and mercy - all these were his “all the days” of his life (V.1-6). David knew things! Do you confidently know these things? Know The Shepherd and … know things.

Follow The Leader

Remember the game "Follow the Leader?" One of my favorite ways we played it was off the diving board. Mimicking some of those moves wasn't for the timid! I suggest neither is following Jesus in holy living! Mister Bill and I have a friend who, along with his family, fled Burma some 25+ years ago to escape religious persecution. In 2019 he risked his life to return to his homeland with The Gospel. Real-life accounts such as this remind me how timid most we Believers really are. As we prayed for our friend the night before he left for his homeland, he boldly told us he was well aware he may never see his wife and children again, but "The Gospel is worth it." How many of us can pray with absolute confidence, "Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me." (Psalm 5:8)? What about the direct path across the street to that foul and ungodly neighbor or an unforgiving relative or to a back-biting co-worker? "God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7). The Holy Spirit [of Power and Love and Discipline] isWho enables us to boldly go where and as commanded. It's a legitimate question every Believer must consider: just how willing am I to ... follow The Leader?

Let Grace Rule

Most of us would like to be described as gracious - characterized as kind and warmly courteous. How about when someone cuts you off in traffic or breaks into the check-out line or returns your smile with a frown? Hmm. In his book, My Heart Cries Out, Paul David Tripp describes "spiritual schizophrenia" as something that "lurks inside" of Believers. Instead of a genuine embrace of the ever enthralling principle of God's Grace toward us (Ephesians 2:8 - for by God's remarkable compassion and favor [Grace] we are delivered [Saved] from judgment), we double-down and refuse the same compassion and favor (grace) to others. Tripp writes, "It is a massive contradiction that I look condemningly at others while I constantly appeal to You (God) for grace." Perhaps one of Satan's most notorious weapons is making us forget the eternal settlement of our sin-debt; this is, God's wrath against our rebellion completely satisfied through The Sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. By and through Him, we are commanded to be instruments of His Compassion (Grace) to others. God's command to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" begins with hearts that are divinely-supernaturally kind, tender and forgiving. That's when our grace toward others, isn't mandated by a set of rules - no, grace IS the rule! Yes, grace is the rule so ... let Grace rule.

Blessed Adventure

Some of the most adventuresome of people [I think] are those who will taste new foods. Not me; I'm quite content to leave that "adventure" to the bold and brave! I suggest some conclude God's commands are too difficult and restrictive. The simple of it is this: God's Best is our truest happiness. The psalmist wrote, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!" (Psalm 119:1). Set forth in this verse is the truth that a life of integrity and uprightness is a happy and favored life, and such a life comes when we are guided by the principles of God. We do not have to "choose" between adventure and mundane, fun and boredom, happiness and holiness. No! The psalmist continues, "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart." (V.2). Admittedly, my reluctance to try new foods is much like those who refuse to "taste and see that The LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8). Let me personally testify: I have tasted - I have seen - The LORD is indeed Good; His Goodness is more than I imagined. I have learned as I choose holiness that happiness is my reward. What a blessed adventure!

Don't Dance

Like many families, our clan includes a few furry members. Through the years, however, they have taken back-seat to some non-furry members who say the sweetest things - like MomC & PopC! Lest we forget -- sin is a deadly beast!  An avid outdoors guy, Timothy Treadwell lived among, studied, and videotaped Alaskan grizzlies. He often gave them names and even got close enough to touch them on occasion. He even described the bears as “mostly harmless.”  In October 2003, the bodies of Treadwell and his girlfriend were found fatally mauled in a bear attack.  This tragedy reveals a profound lesson: wild animals are ... wild animals. No matter how trusting of them we become, sooner or later they do what wild animals do, act according to their nature. Why then do we assume, we can waltz with sin and survive?  Perhaps we have forgotten what sin is: “to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (james 4:17); “everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). We like to think of ourselves as kind, respectful, law-abiding people, but let us never forget our truest nature: “all have sinned and fall short” (Romans 3:23).  It is the fallen and depraved reality of man’s heart and its nature that requires a Savior, one to rescue and deliver from sin and death - that's exactly what Jesus did, making available to us forgiveness and salvation “in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). At times our furry family members have acted quite naturally, getting them into trouble!  Believers do not have to act naturally, behaving according to our sinful nature.  Don’t be foolish, but wise – sin is a terrible dance-partner.  Just don’t do that dance!

Blog Break

 

 

 

MWB will resume 08-23-2021

Stay in The Word

Miles of Smiles, Beverly 

Pay Attention!

It may not have been a course in school but there are certain listening protocols. For example, giving the one speaking your undivided attention. The psalmist wrote, "I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116:1-2). As Mister Bill brought boxes down from our attic, I discovered books 30-40 years old filled with all kinds of advice on parenting, finances, relationships, etc. There was a time when those "experts" had my attention; interestingly, many of the authors [as well as their "expert" counsel] are gone - no longer relevant nor valid. Joyfully and with tremendous gratitude, Jehovah God is relevant at all times - always has been and always will be. The God about Whom the psalmist wrote is The Same One Who both listens and counsels those who call upon Him. "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me." (V.5-6). Actually, the protocol of paying attention to the one speaking is common courtesy; surrendering our attention to The Father is an act of faith and preservation! What a lesson for God's people ... pay attention!

The Good

There are magnets in our lives - things that draw us to them. Persons, places or things - we are are drawn, attracted, pulled to them much like metal to a magnet.The Puritan prayed, "This is my magnet, my attraction ... Thou art all my good ... my One Sufficiency ... Thou bottomless Fountain of All Good." Oh my, at the things this world promotes as "good" when, in truth, good describes only One. Let's face it, what was "good" for us many years ago we're now told is no longer "good" for us. The good-ometer seems to change with the passing of time. What great delight and complete satisfaction, however, to know there is one both steadfast and sure. When drawn exclusively to The One Good ... The Ever-Good ... The All-Good, all is unchangeably well. He's The Good we can trust eternally!

Holy and Happy Habits

Quite possibly the habits we have reveal something profound about us: that to which we devote time, effort and resources are evidence of what we genuinely believe to be important. For me, it is most disheartening when members of The Body (Christ's Church) don't embrace the habits Christ commanded - it is crippling both personally and corporately. How it must sadden The Father when we are hit-or-miss in our devotion to God and things of God. Paul wrote, "As it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of the them ... if all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body." (1 Corinthians 12:18-20). As the old song goes ... the foot bone's connected to the leg bone, the leg bone's connected to the knee bone, the knee bone's connected to the thigh bone ... "the Body [of Christ] is one and has many members ... so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12). All said, Believers are to embrace habits that are good for the one and for the whole. The simple of it, however, is it begins with me and with you - a personal commitment to be the best Body member we can be; embracing habits of study, prayer, worship, fellowship, service ... both personally and corporately. Let us consider our habits and make sure they are ... holy and happy habits!

Tell Jesus

There are times of good news when it feels as if we will burst if we don't share it. I suggest there are also times when hurt and sadness cause us to feel the need to simply talk it out with someone. During his pastorate in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Elisha A. Hoffman tells of a visit to a woman greatly discouraged; he said to her, "You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus." Thoughtfully, the woman said, "Yes, I must tell Jesus." Hoffman recalled the "joyful illumination" on her face, which led him to write this beloved hymn (one of my favorites): "I must tell Jesus all of my trials - I cannot bear these burdens alone - I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus - Jesus can help me, Jesus alone." Paul encouraged young Timothy with these words of assurance: "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me." (2 Timothy 4:17). Sometimes there are hurts so deep, so tender, so private, we cannot share them with the closest of friends. We can be sure there is no greater friend than Jesus. Because He is All-Knowing, Kind and Compassionate, truly there is no other with whom we must share and trust in times of sorrow. Do you truly believe this? If so ... tell Jesus.

Speak Life

If a certified speech instructor could help master the full scope of the human tongue, I’d certainly sign up!  The Wisdom of God through King Solomon: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21).  Author and humorist Barbara Johnson wrote, “Lord, let my words be sweet for tomorrow I may have to eat them.”  We’re told women speak substantially more words in a day than men. Nonetheless, whatever amount of words we speak, mouth-management is a challenge!  The flaw in speaking is that no one has yet tamed the tongue. It seems we are prone to speak when we should not and not speak when we should. As I see it, the only hope we have is the continuous prayer of the righteous: ”Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Proverbs 19:14). Let us pray for grace when we speak and that we speak only life!

What Bestowment!

In a few days, I will have had Mister Bill’s last name for 46 years!  Actually, I liked my former last name but was [and am] happy to now be known by another.  Believers and Followers of Jesus Christ should understand the immeasurable love that’s been poured upon them because of their faith in Jesus Christ.  “See how great a love The Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are!” (1 John 3:1a).  It’s no small or insignificant thing that we belong to Christ.  The word “bestow” isn’t a common-everyday sorta word; its Greek meaning is "to give someone something to his advantage." None of us have earned the right to bear the Name of Christ but it is altogether God’s nature – Loving, Merciful, Compassionate, Gracious, Kind – to call us His own when we surrender to Him our heart by grace through faith in His Son. And, don’t you just love those words “and such we are!”  Through the years, I’ve come to love my new last name; as Children of God, so should we love the name The Father has given us!  Oh, what a bestowment is ours!

Good For You

What do you do each day that is good for you?  For several years, as part of our morning routine, Mister Bill and I have taken vitamins and supplements including a dose of homemade elderberry. The Apostle John encouraged his friend, "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul." (3 John 1:2). While healthy practices are certainly good for the physical body, they do nothing for what matters most: "For while bodily training is of some value, Godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8). Interestingly, however, I fear the good practice toward Godliness is greatly neglected by Believers! I suggest we will never overdose on Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship and service. If properly examined, I suspect too many would be spiritually malnourished. The wise will consider the time and effort committed to Godly health each day. As obedient children, we must set our minds on "things that are above, not on things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2). Make today count - do what is really ... good for you!

His Good Work

Although a good principle, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going," I prefer "when the going gets tough, take a nap." Unfortunately, many Believers also prefer the latter when it comes to allowing God to perfect His work in us. At the well outside the city of Nahor, Rebekah exhibited a woman devoted to hard work, generosity, purity and kindness; she went well beyond the call of duty - offering water to a thirsty traveler; she also watered his ten camels! Specifically chosen by God to be part of The Messiah's lineage, Rebekah's future couldn't have been more promising. Somewhere along the way, however, her trust in The God Who chose her faltered; she plotted and schemed to bring about what God had already promised and purposed would be concerning her two sons [Esau and Jacob]: "the older shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23) - Jacob would receive Isaac's blessing, the birthright that customarily would have been Esau's. Now, plotting and scheming may not be what we call it, but how do we rationalize our impatience with God? Do we really believe "Faithful is He Who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass" (1 Thessalonians 5:24)? Is it a casual thing to us that "He Who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6)? I suggest genuine trust in God [Who is faithful in His calling us to obedience] will be evidenced by our patience as He brings to pass His Perfect Plan and Purpose in our lives. Are you struggling or growing impatient to see God's Good Work in your life? Don't get ahead of God; be obediently patient and watch ... His Good Work.

Certain Rest

Sometimes when we say "I will" or "I do" or "I can," we aren't sure we will, do or can. Ironically, those are the very people and attitudes that delight God! It's quite the opposite of our way of doing things: we choose services that can, will and do. When it became clear Rebekah was the chosen wife for Isaac, she was asked to leave her home for an unknown land to marry a man she'd never met nor seen. She said, "I will go." (Genesis 24:58). Here is a present truth that cannot be eluded: uncertainty is certain. There is no calculation nor plan in which we can put 100% trust; that is, except The Everlasting God. He said, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is The Everlasting God, The Creator of the ends of the earth." (Isaiah 40:28). It is God Who said, "I am The Alpha and The Omega, The First and The Last, The Beginning and The End" (Revelation 22:13) to Whom Abraham (Rebekah's father-in-law) also left certainty for uncertainty and called upon The Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33). In these uncertain days, there IS Certainty. In Christ, find complete and ... certain rest.

Steer On

Have you ever taken your hand(s) off the steering wheel? I suspect we all have if just for a moment. Sure seems much of our world has lost its steering altogether! The winds of change, fear and cynicism are blusterous. Believers should never be rattled by such things: "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." (Romans 8:28). There seems to be two words in this promise that stump Believers - "know" and "good." We say we know it but fail to put the belief into practice, which becomes a reflection of what we really believe about God Himself. Then we fail to apply "good" to God's perfect plan and purpose; instead, we base "good" on what the world considers to be so. Spurgeon writes, "wherever providence may drift, Jehovah steers it ... that reassuring knowledge prepares him [the Believer] for everything." When things seem out-of-control, there is One Who is supremely over all. "Say not my soul, 'From whence can God relieve my care?' - Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere - His method is sublime, His heart profoundly kind - God never is before His time, and never is He behind." Trust Him as He ... steers on.

People of God

It's kinda sweet to know someone ... not know "about" them but really know them. Mister Bill and I can usually predict each other's responses and reactions because we've spent a lot of time together. Referring to God's People as Christ's return approaches, Daniel prophesied: "The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." (Daniel 11:32). We can't really know a person by a simple handshake or a casual "hello." No, we drill-down to really know a person through regular conversations and shared life-experiences; this is how friendships and substantial relationships are forged. It's the same with "knowing" God. Charles H. Spurgeon stated it like this: "We cannot love a Christ Whom we do not know ... If we know but little of the excellences of Jesus, what He has done for us, and what He is doing now, we cannot love Him much." I fear many Believers know OF God but know Him only a little. Knowing God comes only through an active and personally intimate relationship with His Son, Jesus Who said, "I and The Father am One." (John 10:30) and "If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well.” (John 14:7). Perhaps we should consider Spurgeon's words a warning: if we don't love God enough, we know little of Him. Let us be those "People of God" Daniel wrote about; those who "stand firm and take action" because we know well The God of The Ages because we know Jesus!

The Lamb's Light

Lack of light is a bummer! Where once it mostly meant I was in danger of stubbing my toe or stepping on a Matchbox car (ouch), now light's absence makes me stumble over words on the page. Mister Bill is the master of light bulbs here: you name the wattage, soft or warm light and you got it! What marvelous information is found about Heaven in Revelation 21:23 - "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is The Lamb." Thankful as I am for light here, it often plays tricks on me and casts shadows. Not there! For sure, deeds of wickedness here spread clouds of darkness here. Not there! Certainly, the prince of darkness (Satan) disguises himself as light here to draw us into times and valleys of despair. Not there! Jesus said "I am the Light of the world" and in Him there is no darkness. By grace, Believers "walk in The Light" with full assured that one day darkness will no longer hinder! Oh yes, I'm grateful for Mister Bill and his light bulbs. There is no compare, however, for The Lamb's Light!

Speak Truth

It should not surprise you to hear [from me] that words matter! They matter so much, in fact, there are certain words I'm teaching myself not to use. One such word is the word "chance" (aka luck), which [by definition] is "a force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled." Oh goodness, how often do we say "good luck" without thinking about what it really means: "Hey, I'm hoping that some force causes you to be blessed even though I don't know what will happen nor can it be controlled." Mm, yeah. Actually, it defies what we know to be true: life is designed "according to the purpose of Him [God] Who works all things according to the counsel of His [God's] will." (Ephesians 1:11). Did you know: not one sparrow (the smallest of birds) falls to the ground apart from God (Matthew 10:29? Or, that every hair on your head is numbered (Luke 12:7)? Chance or luck is a non-game for those who genuinely believe The Bible and trust in The Creator of heaven and earth; that He is not far from, separated, dis-interested, irrelevant to His creation, which includes you and me. "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." (Psalm 145:18). Sure, old habits are hard to break but I'm seriously working at speaking only His Truth. Help me, Lord, that my words may be holy and accurate ... yes, help me speak Truth!

Claim a Promise

It's tough some days to just get-going! Although sluggish, all moving parts seem to be responding ... somewhat. This often describes not just the physical but the spiritual part of me! The psalmist asks, "Why are you so downcast, o my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" (Psalm 43:5). What a profound question for Believers when there's such a profoundly confident answer! A "promise" is a declaration of assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. Within the 66 books of The Bible, there are 8,810 promises made. Our confidence in these declarations of assurance is certain: "For as many as the promises of God are, in Him they are Yes; therefore through Him also is our Amen to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20). Our Yes and Amen (so be it, Lord) are certain and sure in Christ! That's why the writer concludes, "My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember You ... Hope in God ... my Salvation and my God." (V.6, 11). While you may experience physical brain fog, never forget the sure promises that belong to you. What promise will you claim today?