hope - Dead Man Not Walking

February 6, 2022February 6, 2022

Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7, NASB)

Rejoice? Rejoice always? Doesn’t He know I have ALS? Yes, God is omniscient, knows all and sees all, so apparently He knows that I would rather not be in this situation. Yet despite our circumstances, God expects us to rejoice. He wants us to rejoice in Himself, and to do it always. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Philippi, thought that this point was so important, he repeated it: ” . . . again I will say, rejoice!”

I was reading through Philippians as part of a study on Paul’s letters, and it struck me that the entire epistle is a treasure trove of foundational principles for the church. “Rejoicing always” is just one. Paul was an excellent example of one who displayed an attitude of rejoicing no matter the circumstances. He had been persecuted for his faith, survived stoning, been shipwrecked, and even wrote this letter from a Roman prison. He had sufficient reason to complain, yet his message here is “rejoice always!” Who am I to do otherwise?
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Philippians 4:4 image. Found at DailyVerses.net, https://dailyverses.net/search/Rejoice/niv/nkjv

Paul goes on to say that we should display a “gentle spirit” to everyone, because “the Lord is near.” Since Paul is writing to believers, the Lord is near, all right! The Holy Spirit indwells us, and we are His Tabernacle! A gentle spirit is one way we can make Him feel welcome in His Temple, of not defiling it.

And finally in this paragraph, “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Like “rejoicing always,” being “anxious for nothing” is a tall order for anyone! But the common denominator is God. We’re to “rejoice always in the Lord,” and likewise let our “requests be made known to God.” Those requests must be made “with thanksgiving,” which to me, is also a key element of being able to rejoice always!

What’s the result of all this (“rejoice always,” “your gentle spirit,” and being “anxious for nothing”)? “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I don’t know about you, but I could always use some of that kind of peace–the peace that will guard my heart and my mind “in Christ Jesus”!

The key to rejoicing always is God. We all have difficulties, but the one thing we can rejoice in is the Lord. He sent His Son, and faith in Jesus means everlasting life. God has promised that, and He’s in the business of keeping promises. He never fails. Likewise, the key to being anxious for nothing is also God. With thanksgiving, we’re to make our requests known to Him. I can’t say I always have an attitude of rejoicing. Nor can I say I never get anxious. But with God’s help (He’s not finished with me yet!), and with an attitude of gratitude, I’m working on it, and He’s working on me!

Worship: “Again I Say Rejoice,” by Israel Houghton

January 30, 2022January 30, 2022

Lawless

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25, NASB)

This verse is the last in the book of Judges. It’s also the theme of the book. It’s repeated a couple other times previously. I read Judges recently as I’m walking through the Bible. It hit me that in the United States today we’re seeing much of the same scenario being played out.

Ancient Israel, before they had kings, was trapped in a vicious cycle of lawlessness. God warned Israel, through His servants Moses and Joshua, that He was their God, and that they should not worship the idol gods of the surrounding nations. He warned Israel that should they fail to heed His warnings, they would be subject to occupation by these nations, and eventually, deportation to foreign lands.

The cycle, as described in Judges, was like so: Israel would forget their God, and worship the idols. God would then remove His protection from Israel, and they would be occupied by other nations, such as Philistia. The people would then cry out to God, Who would hear and have mercy on His people. God would then appoint a judge, who would deliver Israel from the bondage of occupation. Eventually the people would forget the Lord their God, and start the cycle again. This happened many times, over and over again.

Judges 21:25 graphic. Found at Slide Player, https://slideplayer.com/slide/15878355/

There’s a problem with our doing “what [is] right in [our] own eyes”: It leads to lawlessness. Whether we’re talking about God’s law or civil law, when people decide to do their own thing, it leads to societal breakdown and chaos. Israel paid for ignoring God’s law by losing her independence, and losing God’s favor. We’re paying for it in our Nation today.

People are doing what is right in their own eyes. We’re fast becoming a lawless society. Our borders are nonexistent. Our lawmakers pass laws, but then enforcement of those laws is deemed “racist.” District attorneys make lists of crimes they will not prosecute. Murder rates are at levels not seen in years. The news programs show brazen acts of shoplifting that will go unpunished. Respect for our police officers goes down while violence against them goes up. Criminals are released from prison years early, then go on to commit other violent crimes.

Over the years we’ve succeeded in removing God from the public square. There can be no good from that! As in ancient Israel, we ignore God at our peril. God eventually removes His blessings and protection from those who don’t want them. He does exactly what we request when we don’t want Him. I pray for revival in our Nation, for a third Great Awakening, where people turn back to God.

Those who are Jesus-followers have dual citizenship. We’re not only citizens of the United States, but the Bible tells us we’re citizens of Heaven. As we’re passing through this life, we’re to seek justice and peace, and pray for those in authority so that we’ll have a tranquil life. As I look forward to the hope of my heavenly home, my prayers are for people to know Jesus. If we follow His teaching (love God, and love people), then we’ll be all right!

Worship: “Blessed,” by Hillsong Worship

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022

Free

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34-36, NASB)

” . . . and the truth will make you free.” Jesus had just finished talking with some Jews about how to find the truth, and that once they had found it, they would be free. (see “Truth” from January 24, 2022) They’re incensed, because as they explain to Jesus, they are descendants of Abraham, and have never been anybody’s slaves. How dare Jesus imply they needed to be freed? That’s where the text above begins.

Jesus explains what they don’t understand: That they are sinners, and because they sin, they are slaves to sin. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners. For us to have a relationship with God, Who is holy, and can’t tolerate sin anywhere near Him, there must be a way for us to repent. A way of reconciliation with Him.

John 8:36 image. Found at Keith McGivern, https://medium.com/@keithmcgivern/if-the-son-therefore-shall-make-you-free-ye-shall-be-free-indeed-john-8-36-1428782a380d

Jesus goes on to further explain: He says that the slave (that’s the people He’s talking with, and US!) doesn’t remain in a household forever, and doesn’t figure in to the master’s inheritance; but the son (that’s Jesus) does. He uses a construct they all understand (a slave vs. the son, and heir to the master’s estate) to differentiate between the sinner and the One Who offers forgiveness of sins.

Jesus concludes by telling them, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus can break the chains of sin. He, and He alone, provides the way for us to be reconciled with the Holy God, and to spend eternity in fellowship with Him. Has Jesus set you free? All you have to do is ask Him.

Worship: “Free to Worship,” Eddie James

January 24, 2022January 24, 2022

Truth

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32, NASB)

As I write, I look out my window and see a fresh blanket of snow from God’s storehouse (Job 38:22). It’s beautiful. Our neighbor’s grandsons shoveled our driveway, so that’s one less thing Sue has to worry about. I thank God for those young men. Shoveling snow is yet another item I’m unable to do for her.

Sue and I used to be involved in party politics in our county. It always amazed me that even though the people on our committee agreed on 99% of the issues, there were still arguments. More than once during these disputes, I heard one party say to the other, “The truth shall set you free.” What that person was really implying was that the other was lying (Another phrase I heard a lot was, “I’ll pray for you.” I knew that person wouldn’t pray for the other, but I always thought I would respond by saying, “Really? And how will you pray for me?” Or give them a list of my prayer requests!).

Once while reading this passage I realized that there is a lot more to this than just an accusation or a retort while arguing. There is a progression that leads one to finding the truth before he is set free. There is also the aspect of truth being found in a Person.

According to the Apostle John’s account, Jesus is speaking with some Jews who believe in what He has been saying. He begins this “If . . . then” progression with “If you continue in My word,” meaning they believe in Jesus, and love Him, and follow His commandments. The result of this condition? ” . . . then you are truly disciples of Mine.”

So in order to become a disciple of Jesus, you must believe in Him, love Him, and listen to His words. Jesus goes on to say that once that condition is met “you will know the truth.” Once one knows the truth, then “the truth will make you free.” So in order to be freed, you must know the truth. To know the truth you have to be a disciple of Jesus. And to be His disciple, you must believe in Him, love Him, and follow His commandments.

Simply put (I’m all for simplicity, as I’m very simple!), in order for the truth to make you free, you have to know Jesus. After all, truth is a person, He has a name, and His name is Jesus.

Worship: “The Truth Will Set You Free” by Dion DiMucci

January 21, 2022January 21, 2022

Control

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. (James 4:13-16, NASB)

ALS is all about control–specifically, LOSING it. Every ALS patient is different as far as how the disease manifests itself, and the order of capability loss. For me, the progression was like so: First went the legs (and running, driving, going upstairs, walking, then standing); then my arms (lifting, pushing, feeding myself, picking up a book, turning the pages); then the ability to breathe on my own (which led to a tracheostomy, and for me, loss of my ability to speak); and loss of the ability to eat. I can’t do anything without someone’s assistance. I have lost total control. And yet the Bible passage from James reminds us that ultimately God is in control of everything that goes on in our lives.

It’s taken me a long time to understand that God is in control. He has and does orchestrate everything that happens in my life. It’s up to me to acknowledge that, and to live my life accordingly. That means He had a hand in my attending the Air Force Academy; in what cadet squadron I was in, and who were the people I was with; the wonderful woman He gave me for my wife; my assignments in the Air Force; who our children would be; and my post-retirement employment. Nothing is an accident or a coincidence. All through life God puts us together with specific people for a reason. These are divine appointments. Each day we are acts that are part of God’s plan.

James was one of the half-brothers of Jesus. The Gospel accounts give evidence that during Jesus’ public ministry, His family may not have understood Who He was, and may have thought He was crazy. James may have gone from that mindset to become one of the leaders of the early Church in Jerusalem, and the author of this book in the New Testament.

James 4:16 image. Found at https://ponderinglife.blog/2020/02/28/if-the-lord-wills-james-416/

The point of this paragraph by James is that when we make plans, we need to remember that God is in control. Instead of deciding we’re going to do this or that, we need to remember that ultimately it’s up to God. “If the Lord wills . . . ” We’ve all heard another form of this expression: “Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.” James goes further when he says that failure to recognize God’s sovereignty in the events of our lives is “arrogance,” and that is “evil.”

God willing, I’ll be around for awhile. But if not, it’s His plan, and that’s fine with me. His will be done!

“You Drive, I’ll Ride,” by FFH

January 18, 2022January 18, 2022

Crucified

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20, NASB)

The verse above is one of my favorites. I “say” it several times each day. It helps me to remember Whose I am, and that love should be the basis of my actions. Do I still mess things up? Oh yes! God is still working on me, and will be until He calls me home. In the meantime, I’m grateful to Him for this verse.

Apostle Paul writes this letter to Christ’s church in Galatia. He gets into a discussion about faith vs. works. His point is that we’re justified (made just before a holy God) by our faith, not by trying to comply with the Law of Moses (which is impossible to do). This verse fits into his argument, in that once we’re saved, we live by faith in Jesus, and that’s what sustains us.

What does it mean to be “crucified with Christ”? To me, it means that I identify with His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. It means my old self is gone and dead. My old sin nature and my sins have been nailed to the cross.

Galatians 2:20 image. Found at Knowing Jesus, https://devotion.knowing-jesus.com/crucified-with-christ

I no longer live, “but Christ lives in me.” The Holy Spirit, Christ in me, dwells in me. I’m a tabernacle, a temple of the living God. He’s here as Helper, as Teacher.
I live my life now by faith in Jesus Christ. It’s what sustains me. I could no longer live without Him.

He “loved me and gave Himself up for me.” I read recently about how much Jesus loves me (paraphrasing): I asked Jesus how much He loves me. With His arms stretched out wide, He answered, “I love you this much!” And then His hands were nailed to the cross.
Jesus went to the cross willingly, and He did it for me and for you. He took the punishment we deserve, not because of anything we did to earn it, but because God loves us so much, He sent Jesus as our Substitute. Do you love Him?

“Lead Me to the Cross,” sung by Francesca Battistelli

January 15, 2022January 15, 2022

Idols

At the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that You, O Lord, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God.” (1 Kings 18:36-39, NASB)

Elijah was a great prophet to the ancient northern kingdom of Israel during the time of wicked King Ahab. One day Elijah encountered Ahab and chastised him for not following the God of Israel, but instead throwing his allegiance to idol gods, the Baals. He then challenged Ahab to gather 450 prophets of Baal and meet him on Mount Carmel for a contest.

Elijah then met with the people, and asked them to choose between the Baals and the one true God. The people didn’t respond, and Elijah told them about the impending contest. The people responded and thought it was a great idea.

The contest would be like so: It would pit Elijah vs. the 450 prophets of Baal. Each team would get an ox, and prepare it for sacrifice. Then they would call on their god/God to send fire to light their respective sacrifice.

The Baal team went first. They cut up the ox and laid it on the wood, then called on their god to light it. They chanted; they raved; they cried out louder and cut themselves. But there was no response from Baal.

Then it was Elijah’s turn. He repaired an altar to the Lord which had been torn down. He prepared his ox for sacrifice, and drenched it with water so much that it filled a trench he had dug around the altar. That’s where the passage above begins.

So Elijah prays to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. He asks God to reveal Himself so that the people would turn their hearts back to Him. God responds with fire that consumes the altar, stones, dust, and even the water in the trench. The people believe: “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.” Afterward, Elijah has the people round up all the prophets of Baal, and he kills them all.

“Elijah Slays the Prophets of Baal,” artist unknown, c. 1873. Found at Wikipedia, en.wikipedia. org

In ancient Israel, there was a problem with idol worship. Men would fashion “gods” of wood, stone, or gold; gods that were deaf, dumb, and blind. They could neither move, nor help the people when they prayed to them. Yet the people worshiped these idols.

We have idols today, too. They may not be inanimate objects, but they may be things that draw too much of our attention away from God or family. Things like hobbies, sports, or work. God wants us to pay attention to Him. The other things are good, and at times necessary, but there has to be balance. The ancient Israelites didn’t pay enough attention to God, and they paid for it by losing their kingdoms. We suffer too when we don’t spend enough time with Him. Have you spent some time with God today? Despite our busy lives, He really wants us to.

The Apostle Paul on idols: ” . . . we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” (1 Corinthians 8:4-6)

Worship: “Lord God of Abraham,” by Paul Wilbur

January 12, 2022January 12, 2022

Spiritually Jewish

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. (Romans 2:28-3:2, NASB)

I love the book of Romans. In it the Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Rome, describes in great detail the human condition; how we are ALL sinners, and as a consequence, fall short of God’s glory; and that the only chance of redemption is through the blood of His Son, Jesus.

Paul was, in his previous life, a pharisee of the Pharisees. He was so convinced of the righteousness of the Jewish cause that he was a chief persecutor of Jesus’ early church: Present at the stoning of Stephen, and seeing to the imprisonment and torture of many other Christians. On a mission to Damascus to round up other followers, he met Jesus, and his life was changed.

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ . . . ” Found at Tony–Antonakis Maritis, https://tonymaritis.medium.com/the-book-of-romans-6b2c414bce0e

In the text above, we see Paul’s heart for his people, the Jews. Elsewhere he writes that he would gladly trade places with them if only they would acknowledge Jesus as Messiah. One of the messages of this text is that the church of Jesus, and the Jewish faith, are one. He says that to be a Jew is to be “one inwardly”; circumcised of the heart by the Holy Spirit; and he seeks his praise from God, not from men. I read this passage once years ago, and I thought, “I’m a spiritual Jew!”

In the next paragraph, Paul writes of the special responsibility of the Jewish people. He says “that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.” God established Israel with the intent that they would spread God’s laws throughout the earth. God spoke this idea to Moses on Mount Sinai just before He gave him the Ten Commandments: “Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:5-6) The Ten Commandments, as well as the 603 other commandments in the Torah, were given specifically for the Jews to send to the rest of the world.

So if you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re also spiritually Jewish. Why not? The Savior was born and raised a Jew. Jesus practiced the Laws of Moses, and observed the feasts and festivals ordained by His Heavenly Father. Christianity is fundamentally a Jewish faith. Gordon Robertson, President and CEO of the Christian Broadcasting Network, recently said on “The 700 Club,” “The longer I’m a Christian, the more Jewish I become.” I couldn’t agree more.

“Gadol Adonai (Great Is the Lord),” from the Praise to our God 5 Concert, ft. Sarah Liberman

January 9, 2022January 9, 2022

Trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8, NASB)

King Solomon, son of King David (so the book of of Proverbs begins) writes here in Chapter 3 about “trust in the Lord.” He says you should do so “with all your heart.” The Hebrew word for “all” there means “all!” There’s no ambiguity in the meaning. I’m to be whole-hearted in my trust in my God. Further I’m not to count on my own confidence in situations. I’ve seen where that goes. “I’ve got this, God.” No, I didn’t! We’re to acknowledge Him in EVERYthing we do. Why? So He “will make your paths straight.” The straight path is used often in the Bible. The shortest distance between two points. The path of least resistance. God wants to be involved in the minute details of our lives. Business decisions, whether to retire, finances, moving the family. He promises He’ll put us on the right path if we consult with Him. Trust Him with all your heart.

I did a Bible devotional just prior to the New Year called “Practicing The Presence Of God: Old Habits For A New Year.” (By Dwell, found at the You Version app, or bible.com) The study focused on the writings of a 15th century monk named Brother Lawrence. He was a soldier before he joined the monastery, where he became a cook. The premise of his life was that everything centered around God. Whether cooking a meal, or cleaning pots, whatever he did, Brother Lawrence talked to the Lord about it. His writings talk about his absolute joy in his relationship with God. Brother Lawrence trusted in the Lord with all his heart, and God made his paths straight. A book compiles Lawrence’s writings, and it’s called “The Practice of the Presence of God.” I’d like to try to get it on Audible.

Image, Proverbs 3:5-6. Found at Keith McGivern, https://medium.com/@keithmcgivern/trust-in-the-lord-with-all-thine-heart-and-lean-not-unto-thine-own-understanding-in-72c2c8ce2df1

King Solomon goes on in the text to caution the reader to be humble; and to “fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” The result will be “healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” In my mind, humility, fear of the Lord, and resisting evil are indeed spiritually healing. Those three are vital to having a personal relationship with the Father. Solomon says that “fear of the Lord” is the prerequisite to wisdom.

I’m still praying for physical healing from my ALS. Since there’s no known cure, that would take a miracle from God. But that’s the business He’s in. Nothing is impossible with Him! Should God decide to heal me in 2022, I have a list of things I’m going to do. Number 2 is binge eating all the foods I’ve been missing, for a week, followed by a diet. But the first thing I’m going to do is make Sue a cup of coffee.

Whether He heals me or not, it all comes to trusting in the Lord. Despite my ALS, I trust Him thoroughly. He has made my paths straight. He gives me hope for whatever is going to happen tomorrow. God can do the same for you.

Worship: “Trust in You,” by Lauren Daigle

January 6, 2022January 6, 2022

Throne of Grace

. . . since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16, NASB)

The author of the book of Hebrews discusses God’s throne of grace. If you’re a believer in His Son, Jesus Christ, you have 24/7 access to the throne, and all the benefits that belong. Among those are “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” I need that! Who wouldn’t want that?

Our writer (many Bible scholars think it’s Apostle Paul, but we don’t know for sure) tells us why we can “draw near with confidence to the throne”: It’s because we have a “great high priest,” in the form of “Jesus the Son of God.”

When Moses led God’s people through the wilderness, he received God’s commandments, including how to construct and operate His Tabernacle. Included were instructions on the duties of the priests. In the Tabernacle, and later in King Solomon’s Temple, the priests were to offer animal sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. The high priest was to enter into the presence of God once a year, into the holy-of-holies, to seek forgiveness for the people’s sins.

The author calls Jesus the “great high priest.” Indeed He is! He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, the unblemished Lamb of God, to atone for our sins. Whereas the high priest had to perform his duties annually, the Great High Priest sacrificed Himself once for all time. This High Priest is acquainted with our trials and tribulations, having been tempted by the same things we are, but knowing no sin during His earthly sojourn. The Bible tells us that Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection, where even now He sits at the right hand of the Father. If you belong to Jesus, He is your Advocate, which is why you have access to the throne of grace.

Do you know Him? Would you accept God’s offer of “mercy and . . . grace to help in time of need”? Jesus is waiting for you.

Worship: “Throne Room,” by Kim Walker-Smith