I have long looked at the disciples and their lives and been utterly amazed at the peace that reigned in their hearts amid persecution and great difficulty. But not only did they have peace, but they also had purpose in continuing to spread the gospel. It's not like they just hunkered down and hid themselves away in the shelter of Jesus' peace. They fought, for the Kingdom, for the sake of souls, for Jesus. I've been envious of that peace and drive and have greatly desired both.
The book of Joel provides such a beautiful picture of the gift of peace and purpose. (Joel 3:15, 16)
The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine. The Lord's voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake.
But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.
There is it. Amidst darkness and all manner of holy judgement and the world falling apart... the Lord is present for his people.
He's a refuge.
A refuge is a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger or trouble. How beautiful. In the middle of this world's greatest battles, we are nestled safely under His wing.
But not only are we safe, we are also invited to participate within the safety of His fortress. A fortress is a military stronghold, where soldiers are protected from the invasion of the enemy but can also fight from strategically-placed lookouts.
It doesn't mean the enemy is not attacking and trying to pound down the doors of the fortress. It just means that it's unpenetrable and we just aren't wounded by the attacks.
How wonderful to be protected from assault but also available to fight next to our Lord. What other God, from what other religion, has ever provided such an opportunity for peace alongside victory?
Friday, May 29, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Pet snake
We got a pet snake the other day. We've been wanting one for a few months so it wasn't totally a rush decision or anything. We went to the pet store to pick out some parakeets but got distracted when we saw a sweet, little snake curled up around a pet store worker's hand. She was just going about her business with a snake hanging out. Apparently the snake was exceptionally friendly and loved being held. I fell in love with him the minute I held him, as did my teenager. She begged, "Pleeeese, can we get the snake?" I really wanted him but couldn't justify the cost. But it turned out that his tank set-up was 50% off that day, so we took it as a good sign, since that was the greatest cost. We brought him home and named him Tarzan (named by the teenager, because he loves hanging out in his tree.)
My kids were so excited about Tarzan and couldn't get enough of him. Now, I know that many people are terrified and grossed out by snakes. (I apologize for anyone reading this post that might have hurled or fainted upon seeing the picture of Tarzan in my hand). But I don't want my children growing up with disgust for God's creatures, no matter what creatures they are.
Although a few people have admired our new pet, most have been disgusted by him and some have even tried to convince me that they're evil animals, implying, I'm sure, that I should never desire to own a snake. Some have even said they will not visit my home anymore if the snake is there. Wow.
At first, I thought that the idea that the snake was evil was some sort of joke but they were totally serious. They claimed that since Genesis 3 states that God cursed the snake, then it was done. It's cursed, it's evil, and should probably be dead.
Well, I'd like to offer those individuals something to consider: If being cursed by God makes you evil for the rest of eternity, then we should probably stay away from the ground since God also cursed the ground we walk on. Maybe we shouldn't eat the food that comes from accursed grounds.
And if the snake was, indeed, evil, why would God choose to raise up a bronze snake in the desert to save all those that were bitten by snakes? Seems like He should have made a bronze lamb or dove or some other animal that represents Jesus. John 3:14 says Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.
If God considered snakes to be evil, why would He choose to use the serpent for the first miracle performed by Moses before Pharaoh? And why would he invite Moses to handle the snake? I thought snakes were supposed to be evil? I can't believe God would use that symbol as an example of His miraculous power.
Ridiculous, yeah?
I actually love the Moses/staff snake story because it gives me a glimpse into what I feel God is saying about snakes. A deadly snake, is of course, to be respectfully feared and avoided. So when Moses laid down his staff and God turned it into a snake, I'm sure everyone wanted to run. But God invited Moses to pick up the snake by his tail, which is the most deadly method since he can turn around easily and bite. But instead of being bitten, God granted Moses authority over the power of the snake.
Isn't that an amazing testimony? Although seen as one of the earth's most evil creatures (in many cases, representing the devil), God grants those, who rely on Him, authority over evil.
Mark 16:18 says they will pick up snakes with their hands and it will not hurt them at all.
Luke 10:19 adds to it with, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Wow. That Luke verse is so beautiful. The authority we have over the snake (the enemy) is something praise-worthy, and something worthy of being remembered and acknowledged. That's reason enough to want to pet a snake, in my opinion. What an awesome reminder God has offered, using one of His own created creatures to remind us.
One of my favorite Paul-stories was when he was sitting around the fire on the island of Malta after the shipwreck. A viper jumped out and attached itself to his arm and he just flicked it off, like it was no big deal. The natives saw this as a bad sign and concluded that he must be a murder because the snake was trying to take him out. Well, he was a murderer. And I'm sure the devil tried to remind him of that, over and over. But through Christ's strength, Paul didn't even give it another thought. It was like the devil's power to label Paul as the murderer he was, was no longer effective.
Anyway, our snake is, and will remain, completely harmless as it is a Ball Python that only grows to about 3-4 feet in length. Currently, he's 2 feet. Pythons can be deadly but must be at least 10 feet long in order to kill a human. We obviously do not have that kind of pet. He's not even a risk to our cat but we'd never let him investigate that anyway since I'm sure our cat would tear him to shreds.
I think the snake is worthy of our admiration because in spite of the curse that removed his glory, he still remains an integral part of our ecosystem and without him, our environment would suffer. Regardless of what the enemy used him for, he can, and will, be redeemed by the Creator and placed in his rightful place as one of God's creations. What a testimony that snake bears for all of us who have found ourselves in places where we were used by the devil and cursed to suffer the consequences of our subjugation. Only God can restore us and only He does.
There are so many lessons we can glean from this animal and I thank Jesus for him.
Thank you, Lord, for the snake and everything he represents. Help us to acknowledge his downfall and to recognize the intent of the enemy to bring us into a curse to keep us down. But I praise you for your plan of restoration and endless love and look forward to full restoration of all your people and all your creation someday very soon.
Isn't he just adorable? Tiny little thing.
Monday, May 25, 2015
The Book of Love
In the 1950's the Monotones came out with a song called "The Book of Love." I used to listen to it cause I was an "oldies" music fan; still am. Catchy melody and lyrics.
I wonder wonder who, oouu who
Who wrote the book of love
Tell me, tell me, tell me
Oh who wrote the book of love
I've got to know the answer
Was it someone from above
I wonder wonder who, be-do-do who
Who wrote the book of love
Chapter one says to love her
You love her with all your heart
Chapter two you tell her
You never, never, never, never, ever wanna part
In chapter three remember
The meaning of romance
In chapter four you break up
But you give her just one more chance
Wow, do the Monotones have any idea that they've just outlined the love story between God and His created?
Chapter 1: God creates the love bond between Him and His created beings.
Chapter 2: they mess up but He assures them of His promise that He will never, never, never, never ever part from them. (Plus He has a plan to restore that relationship).
Chapter 3: He romances the Israelites after they're out of slavery, sending food and water and cloud cover for those sunny days, warmth at night, all the gifts he can send them even though they're so far away.
Chapter 4: they're firmly established as His, but they go ahead and prostitute themselves to other Gods and God divorces the children of Israel but then offers them a second chance...
And that story gets repeated throughout the ages, in the life of every follower of Jesus. Over and over and over. So, yes, Monotones, The Book of Love was written by Someone from above.
Cool.
Just thought it was neat. That's all.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
No Excuse
Huh. Well, look what I found. All this time I was feeling badly for those whose eyes and ears are closed (please read previous posts to understand what I'm saying before continuing:)
I was actually kind of feeling like it's not entirely fair, because if God closes people's hearts and minds and ears, but opens other people's, then that's not an equal playing field. Yes, I know that some people choose darkness and evil and whatnot, but not everyone is choosing it, right? Some people are seeking God so it's not fair that they're sitting in darkness. I was actually feeling like it wasn't those people's faults, like God was allowing them to remain in darkness for His greater purpose. I actually made excuses for some of the people in the situations I'm dealing with. I excused their behavior, thinking, They didn't know better. God's purpose will be revealed in the darkening of their hearts and then everything will be set right again.
But here's something I found in my Bible yesterday morning. The weird thing was that I highlighted it in my Bible just a few weeks ago and yet when I reread it yesterday, I had no applicable memory of having read it before.
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of people, who SUPPRESS the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been CLEARLY SEEN, being understood from what has been made, SO THAT PEOPLE ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, bur their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were DARKENED. Romans 1:18-21
So there you have it. No excuse for anyone who suppresses truth by wickedness. That would include all of us since we all have wickedness inside of us that overpowers truth, otherwise we'd be saints and we know that we're not. God's "invisible qualities" have been "clearly seen" so that no one could have excuse.
Why should this be such a big deal for me if I choose to walk in the Light? Isn't it okay to go ahead and make excuses for others so I can be more sympathetic and loving to them, since it's not their fault?
But here's the problem, if I make excuses for them, I can make excuses for myself as well. I can look back on a situation and say, "Well I didn't know any better; I did my best with what I knew. I'm just glad that God allowed me to see truth at the right time." But that won't fly. Because if I make excuses for myself then where is repentance? What prompts me to fall at Jesus' feet and admit wrong and ask Him for His grace to cover me?
If I'm constantly making excuses for my lack of knowledge, how will I wear Christ's robe of righteousness? And if I'm not wearing it, how will I stand in His presence?
Well, I won't. That's all there is to it. I won't stand in His presence if I don't wear His robe of righteousness that is given to me to cover my sins. If I don't recognize my sins... I think you get the picture. It's a hamster wheel without end if I just "make excuses."
On the other hand, like I said, I thought that making excuses for others (still in obvious darkness) would cause me to be more understanding and loving, so I figured that was good. But it's not. Being understanding and truly loving others (even if I disagree with them) is a result of spending time in the presence of my Savior, not a result of making excuses for their sins. So although my sin -- of excusing people's sins -- was producing some good fruit (periodic love, acceptance, etc), the overall aim of that process would have been defeated by Truth. Plus, you won't believe how many times I have fluctuated between being understanding and loving and just downright hating what some people have done to my life, to the life in my church, and to the life of my family and friends. That's not a true fruit of the Spirit. I don't recall a roller coaster ride being mentioned in the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Gal 5:22-23
So, I will no longer make excuses for those that are in darkness and will no longer make excuses for myself. I stand in the Truth that God is visible and those that choose to defy His sovereignty will suffer the consequences of their rejection of Him. No excuse.
I will continue to seek God's presence so that I can be more like Him and love people like He loves them because of who they are in Him, not because of pity for their darkened situation. Because I know, for a fact, that being angry and unloving of these people is not a reflection of God abiding in my spirit, it's outright sin. And I'm not going to make an excuse for it because I can't stand in God's presence with such darkness in my heart.
I once spoke with some friends about a painful situation and how I found myself hating the person who had done so much damage in my life. I felt I had valid reason for my hatred. And my friend responded with something like this, "Yes, you do have good reason and no one would blame you. These kinds of emotions are acceptable for people in your situation. But not for you. Because you know this is sin." I can't remember the exact words, but the gist of the response was that I can't allow the world's standards to guide my responses towards people because I am not part of this world; I live in God's Kingdom. God's Kingdom has always had a different view of revenge and anger and everything. As the world encourages us to find it within ourselves to go on in spite of abuse or to exact our revenge in order to heal, God's world invites us to surrender the pain to Him so that He can bring healing to our hurting hearts and replace the pain with love and acceptance.
That's the path I choose. And so I invite prayers from anyone reading this blog to allow God's angels to bring healing to my heart so that I do not live in sin and hate others while professing to love Jesus. There is darkness in my heart on this matter and I have made excuses for it long enough. It's time to stand in the Truth of my sin against those that have hurt me, and bring it to Jesus for a cleansing and a filling of His Love.
No more excuses.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Just to Clarify...
In an earlier post, titled, They're Just Drunk, I made the claim that God purposely closed the minds of some of the unbelievers in that story. And then again, in a later post, Deaf and Dumb, I made the bold statement that God binds even the believers into disobedience in order to save us by His grace. If you're unclear about what I'm talking about please consider going back to read the blogs by clicking on the titles above.
But I think perhaps I should add just a smidgen more: God does not CAUSE us to sin. We're experts at that all by ourselves. In fact, it's what we do best because we were born into sin and raised in this sinful world.
God does, however, use the choices we make for our own growth because He's awesome like that and the most amazing artist, creating masterpieces from garbage. (Like these cool artists, only better Masterpiece Garbage and Tree Hugger).
The Bible says, When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. (James 1:13) So that seems pretty clear; no detective work needed to understand that verse.
So what I am saying is that God will "bind" us to disobedience, not "cause" it. That is such a bold thing to say and yet evidence that we are bound to our sin, and blinded by it, is ALL over the Bible. Is God "binding" us or allowing us to be bound? Same thing, as far as I'm concerned since He has the ability to break us from this life of sin if we submit to His will.
But seriously, check out how many times this is mentioned:
He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts. (John 12:40)
They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand. (Is 44:18)
For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. (Rom 11:32)
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to their hardening of their hearts. (Eph 4:18)
Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. (Is 6:10)
For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn. (Matt 13:15)
Hmm. It sounds like we're getting down to who is making the choice to be deaf and blind...
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Cor 4:4)
The "god" of the age, is the enemy who is really leading everyone into that blindness so they can't see the obvious love and character of God. But it is God that allows it.
But to this day, the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear. (Deut 29:4)
God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear to this very day. (Rom 11:8)
The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep; He has sealed your eyes; he has covered your heads. (Is 29:10)
And relying on God is the ONLY thing that will save us. Not our amazing goodness, or our ability to refrain from sinning or our perfection of character. Only God. Dying to self is the only ticket out of this world and into God's Kingdom.
So no matter when God chooses to act, He does it for our sake and the glory of Heaven, which is the home He's preparing for us, by the way. So really, He's honoring His creation with His care. We are so not worthy of any of that. We are even lower than the ants since the ants haven't sinned. (Yes, I know they don't have free will, but whatever, you get what I'm saying.) He deems us worthy and He works tirelessly to preserve us and bring us into understanding so that He might experience oneness with us for eternity. There is no other God that would ever do such a thing!
Pray for God to open your eyes and your ears. Pray for Him to open my eyes and ears as well. And don't stop praying for it. Because it's a terrible place to be bound to blindness and deafness and Jesus gave up His throne in Heaven so that we wouldn't have to be in darkness anymore. Prayers for open eyes and ears are needed all over our world. Just keep praying.
Eyes will be opened and God's glory and purpose will become visible for more and more people. Just keep praying for it.
But I think perhaps I should add just a smidgen more: God does not CAUSE us to sin. We're experts at that all by ourselves. In fact, it's what we do best because we were born into sin and raised in this sinful world.
God does, however, use the choices we make for our own growth because He's awesome like that and the most amazing artist, creating masterpieces from garbage. (Like these cool artists, only better Masterpiece Garbage and Tree Hugger).
The Bible says, When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. (James 1:13) So that seems pretty clear; no detective work needed to understand that verse.
So what I am saying is that God will "bind" us to disobedience, not "cause" it. That is such a bold thing to say and yet evidence that we are bound to our sin, and blinded by it, is ALL over the Bible. Is God "binding" us or allowing us to be bound? Same thing, as far as I'm concerned since He has the ability to break us from this life of sin if we submit to His will.
But seriously, check out how many times this is mentioned:
He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts. (John 12:40)
They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand. (Is 44:18)
For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. (Rom 11:32)
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to their hardening of their hearts. (Eph 4:18)
Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. (Is 6:10)
For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn. (Matt 13:15)
Hmm. It sounds like we're getting down to who is making the choice to be deaf and blind...
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Cor 4:4)
The "god" of the age, is the enemy who is really leading everyone into that blindness so they can't see the obvious love and character of God. But it is God that allows it.
But to this day, the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear. (Deut 29:4)
God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear to this very day. (Rom 11:8)
The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep; He has sealed your eyes; he has covered your heads. (Is 29:10)
Wow! I'm exhausted just from researching these and writing them out. But it's clear to me. Evidence and truth and signs and wonders are not enough. The mind and heart need to be open to receive the word of God or else we're blind.
I have been blind before. I blamed myself because I chose to distract myself with things that didn't belong to the Lord. They weren't terrible or evil things but distractions, nonetheless. I look back now on some of my experiences and wonder how I could have been so blind in so many situations. But it's not just hindsight that is clearer, the foresight is getting a whole heck of a lot clearer now too. So I praise God for that because it is His will to open my eyes to certain situations at the proper time, in His time.
I know that my eyes are not entirely opened now, of course. There's obviously so much more that I'm missing, otherwise I should just go ahead and be translated into some sort of god, right? But I will say that prioritizing God and His word and His purpose, certainly sheds so much more light on so many more things. So although it is God who determines when eyes are opened and hearts are soft, it is still our choice to seek Him that plays a vital role in all of that.
I have been blind before. I blamed myself because I chose to distract myself with things that didn't belong to the Lord. They weren't terrible or evil things but distractions, nonetheless. I look back now on some of my experiences and wonder how I could have been so blind in so many situations. But it's not just hindsight that is clearer, the foresight is getting a whole heck of a lot clearer now too. So I praise God for that because it is His will to open my eyes to certain situations at the proper time, in His time.
I know that my eyes are not entirely opened now, of course. There's obviously so much more that I'm missing, otherwise I should just go ahead and be translated into some sort of god, right? But I will say that prioritizing God and His word and His purpose, certainly sheds so much more light on so many more things. So although it is God who determines when eyes are opened and hearts are soft, it is still our choice to seek Him that plays a vital role in all of that.
God assuming authority over people's ears and eyes and hearts is not control; it's care.
I like how Charles Stanley (from Jesus.org) says it:
"We have a certain amount of free will - the Lord allows us to step out of His will and pursue our own agenda. He knows that sin reveals the flesh's weakness and arrogance. Once we realize our frailty, He teaches us to die to self and to rely upon Christ's strength."
And relying on God is the ONLY thing that will save us. Not our amazing goodness, or our ability to refrain from sinning or our perfection of character. Only God. Dying to self is the only ticket out of this world and into God's Kingdom.
So no matter when God chooses to act, He does it for our sake and the glory of Heaven, which is the home He's preparing for us, by the way. So really, He's honoring His creation with His care. We are so not worthy of any of that. We are even lower than the ants since the ants haven't sinned. (Yes, I know they don't have free will, but whatever, you get what I'm saying.) He deems us worthy and He works tirelessly to preserve us and bring us into understanding so that He might experience oneness with us for eternity. There is no other God that would ever do such a thing!
Pray for God to open your eyes and your ears. Pray for Him to open my eyes and ears as well. And don't stop praying for it. Because it's a terrible place to be bound to blindness and deafness and Jesus gave up His throne in Heaven so that we wouldn't have to be in darkness anymore. Prayers for open eyes and ears are needed all over our world. Just keep praying.
Eyes will be opened and God's glory and purpose will become visible for more and more people. Just keep praying for it.
The Outsiders
The term, "an outsider's perspective" has often been used to identify the fact that many times we are too steeped inside a situation to really see it clearly. I do agree that an outsider's perspective can come in quite handy when a person has become too weak to see reality for what it is.
But there is another angle of an "outsider's perspective" that I'd like to challenge. I call it the "outsider's judgement." Because we all do it. Because there's no way we can't. Because that's just the way life is. And because you can't be personally acquainted with every single person that you come into contact with. Judgements are necessary. The Bible invites us to judge for ourselves.
Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? Luke 12:57
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 1 Cor. 5:12
There are also a lot of verses about NOT judging so it might seem confusing. But I don't believe that the Bible is inviting us to judge others, but only to judge for ourselves. This is a necessary skill as we need it to make good decisions in our life. For example, if something is affecting you or your family, you would need to make a judgement call on whether you want that influence in your life or not. That's fair. Although in many instances, our method of judging, from the outside, is not exactly fair. But in all reality, there is not much we can do about it since we don't have eternity to explore the intimate details of every situation and person. We just have to do the best with what information we have.
At this time in my life, because of the turns my life has taken, many people, from the outside, have made a lot of judgements about my situation. And I'll be honest, from the outside, it doesn't look good. I know that. But it doesn't bother me because I'm on the inside and I know what I know. Those that are intimately connected to my life are invited to learn the details, and those that have, actually seem at peace with my life choices and they have not abandoned our friendship or my family.
Others, who have not spent time in conversation with me, have made some judgements about my life and have determined that I am either some greatly misguided sinner or not worth their time and they have abandoned their friendships with me. I don't worry too much about them because there's nothing I can do about it, short of writing some personal autobiography with every detail in my life and forcing them to read it.
So here's the trouble I'm having, though: Some of those "outsiders" are treasured friends. And so their disassociation is actually hurtful. Am I allowed to "judge" them for their actions? In a way, I think I am. But to judge their character and proclaim my judgment to others would be wrong. That much I know (but have also messed up on). But to judge, for myself, I am allowed to do, because I need to know who I can trust and who I can't. If they have been hurtful to me, I can choose to let them know that their actions or judgements have been unfair.
But what happens if they don't appreciate the expression of my heart and continue to keep a distance from me, never asking me what actually took place in my life, but just making up their mind from a distance? Well ... then I let it go. Nothing to do. I'm not going to force them to listen to my story. It's not that important to me that people "understand" me. I don't need to be redeemed in the eyes and minds of others because I know that I'm redeemed in the eyes and mind of Christ. I know plenty of other followers of Jesus, and even Jesus, Himself, that were misunderstood by others. I'm okay because I know who I am and Who I serve.
But I do want to suggest one perspective for those that are still lingering on the outside: Before you make a decision about a person and then make a statement about their emotional, spiritual or mental health, please speak directly to the person about whom you are passing judgment. Many of those judgements actually make their way back to the person being discussed and then it makes you appear unloving, misguided, and rather foolish.
I have had others doubt my actions over the last year and boldly cast judgement on me, even in my presence. When they're done condemning me, I sometimes let them in on the truths of the last year and then they're embarrassed. Other times, they enter into conversation with me and share their concerns and ask me to consider their perspectives. Either way, conversation is key in maintaining a relationship and preserving unity in the Body of Christ. Without it, we are left to the perspectives of the world and that's actually sad and something to grieve.
I'm not saying we all have to agree. There is no reason why we all need to be at the same place in our spiritual walk. But by opening lines of communication we can be an encouragement to others and they to us. And in that way, we can fulfill the purpose of the body of Christ so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Cor. 12:25-26).
Since disunity is so often caused by lack of communication and misplaced judgments, I would like to pray that God mends those broken relationships and brings us all into unity in Him.
But there is another angle of an "outsider's perspective" that I'd like to challenge. I call it the "outsider's judgement." Because we all do it. Because there's no way we can't. Because that's just the way life is. And because you can't be personally acquainted with every single person that you come into contact with. Judgements are necessary. The Bible invites us to judge for ourselves.
Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? Luke 12:57
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 1 Cor. 5:12
There are also a lot of verses about NOT judging so it might seem confusing. But I don't believe that the Bible is inviting us to judge others, but only to judge for ourselves. This is a necessary skill as we need it to make good decisions in our life. For example, if something is affecting you or your family, you would need to make a judgement call on whether you want that influence in your life or not. That's fair. Although in many instances, our method of judging, from the outside, is not exactly fair. But in all reality, there is not much we can do about it since we don't have eternity to explore the intimate details of every situation and person. We just have to do the best with what information we have.
At this time in my life, because of the turns my life has taken, many people, from the outside, have made a lot of judgements about my situation. And I'll be honest, from the outside, it doesn't look good. I know that. But it doesn't bother me because I'm on the inside and I know what I know. Those that are intimately connected to my life are invited to learn the details, and those that have, actually seem at peace with my life choices and they have not abandoned our friendship or my family.
Others, who have not spent time in conversation with me, have made some judgements about my life and have determined that I am either some greatly misguided sinner or not worth their time and they have abandoned their friendships with me. I don't worry too much about them because there's nothing I can do about it, short of writing some personal autobiography with every detail in my life and forcing them to read it.
So here's the trouble I'm having, though: Some of those "outsiders" are treasured friends. And so their disassociation is actually hurtful. Am I allowed to "judge" them for their actions? In a way, I think I am. But to judge their character and proclaim my judgment to others would be wrong. That much I know (but have also messed up on). But to judge, for myself, I am allowed to do, because I need to know who I can trust and who I can't. If they have been hurtful to me, I can choose to let them know that their actions or judgements have been unfair.
But what happens if they don't appreciate the expression of my heart and continue to keep a distance from me, never asking me what actually took place in my life, but just making up their mind from a distance? Well ... then I let it go. Nothing to do. I'm not going to force them to listen to my story. It's not that important to me that people "understand" me. I don't need to be redeemed in the eyes and minds of others because I know that I'm redeemed in the eyes and mind of Christ. I know plenty of other followers of Jesus, and even Jesus, Himself, that were misunderstood by others. I'm okay because I know who I am and Who I serve.
But I do want to suggest one perspective for those that are still lingering on the outside: Before you make a decision about a person and then make a statement about their emotional, spiritual or mental health, please speak directly to the person about whom you are passing judgment. Many of those judgements actually make their way back to the person being discussed and then it makes you appear unloving, misguided, and rather foolish.
I have had others doubt my actions over the last year and boldly cast judgement on me, even in my presence. When they're done condemning me, I sometimes let them in on the truths of the last year and then they're embarrassed. Other times, they enter into conversation with me and share their concerns and ask me to consider their perspectives. Either way, conversation is key in maintaining a relationship and preserving unity in the Body of Christ. Without it, we are left to the perspectives of the world and that's actually sad and something to grieve.
I'm not saying we all have to agree. There is no reason why we all need to be at the same place in our spiritual walk. But by opening lines of communication we can be an encouragement to others and they to us. And in that way, we can fulfill the purpose of the body of Christ so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Cor. 12:25-26).
Since disunity is so often caused by lack of communication and misplaced judgments, I would like to pray that God mends those broken relationships and brings us all into unity in Him.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Deaf and Dumb
I guess I'm still a little distracted by this whole idea that God actually causes people to harden their hearts. In our homeschool studies, we were reading about the plagues of Egypt and my son asked why God would harden Pharaoh's heart. Why would God be the one to do that if God wanted His people freed. "Um, it's complicated," I answered quickly as I kept reading. He seemed okay with that answer and let me continue.
But I decided to stop and give this explanation an try anyway. I told him that Pharaoh saw himself as a God and that if he should let the people go, he would credit himself with their freedom and God's name would not be honored. God needed Egypt, and especially the Israelites, to accurately comprehend his sovereignty as the only God of the universe. God knew that the Israelites were quick to dismiss God's leading and needed to reinforce His place as Lord. God was waiting for Pharaoh to submit to the true God, the I AM. I also told my son that the Bible does say that God will harden people's hearts because if everyone was so overtaken with miracles and signs, they would all be pouring into God's Kingdom without any respect and honor for the Holy God, but only for signs and wonders. God requires and waits for His people to acknowledge His holiness. Heaven would not be heaven, if we were not there for Jesus. It would just be a place where people are drawn to things that stimulate their excitement and sense of adventure and awe.
My son was very content with that response and asked me to continue my reading of Exodus. But I still wasn't thoroughly submitted to that answer. Okay, I understand how God hardens the hearts of people who don't actually love Him or acknowledge His Kingship. But what about those that do acknowledge Him? Those that do worship Him and do obey His commandments. 'Cause it seems to me, that there are many who profess God and His law but still seem to have their hearts and minds closed beyond comprehension. And when the Lord works, they absolutely can not acknowledge His hand.
I struggled with that for a few days. I didn't need to, though. God placed Romans 11 on my heart days ago and I seriously, purposely, said, "No, not today." I was at Romans 11 in my Bible and I closed it. On purpose. I know what Romans 11 was about and didn't really want to think about it.
Day after day (since last Wednesday) I kept choosing other things to focus on because I was avoiding Romans 11. But today, I finally gave up and read it. And wow! I've read this chapter so many times in the last year and never actually understood this part:
Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God, have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Romans 11:30-32
Whaaaatt?! God binds them to disobedience? On purpose? But Paul was talking to the Gentiles about the Jews who were on the outside because of their rejection of Jesus. And how because of their disobedience to Jesus' message, the Gentile world was allowed to accept it too. It's all a very weird understanding of the whole Jew/Gentile thing but it does make some sense.
Earlier in that passage, Paul talks about how, during the Israelite exile, God chose a remnant by grace. The truth is, during the exile into Babylon, all the Israelites were worshiping other gods. They were not faithful at all. But God chose them by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Rom 11:6).
Well, that's awesome! I totally get it now. These Jews (aka, spiritually upright, law abiding, "perfect" Christians) base so much of their salvation on their own accomplishments and work, whether they recognize it or not. But God is not cool with that. In fact He dislikes it so much that He will purposely bind them to disobedience so that He can save them by HIS grace. I totally get it! It all makes sense now.
Paul says that so too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. (Rom 11:5)
I choose to believe that his statement is applicable to this present time as well. And that God is still doing this kind of thing.
By the way, Paul also uses similar verses that I used in the last post.
God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear to this very day. Romans 11:8.
(That verse is originally found in Deuteronomy 29:4 and Isaiah 29:10. Apparently this concept is throughout the Bible.)
Those that cannot hear the word of God have made choices that have closed their minds. That is true. Because God does not just close people's hearts in a willy-nilly fashion. He closes their minds to give them a better chance of salvation because they cannot be saved if their salvation comes from themselves. It's like the guy at the party without the white garment.
But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, "How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?" The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, "Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 22:11-13
The white garment represents Christ's righteousness, not our own. It's not enough to say that you acknowledge that Christ died on the cross. Lots of Christians accept that. More is needed. A crucifixion of self and all that you have done to earn your salvation. I can be the most righteous person, the most careful individual to keep ALL of God's laws and still miss out on the how to be saved. That is so, so sad. There are so many "very good" Christians out there who honor their own efforts and feel satisfied in how "righteous" they are. Yet in the same day, they offend and disown and successfully hurt people who are seeking Jesus to save them from themselves. So that can't possibly be "righteous." They elevate themselves to an "I'm-better-than-that-sinner-over-there." attitude. And they puff themselves up in the knowledge of how good they are.
Those people take Christ's name in vain, as far as I'm concerned. Because to take on the name of Christ, is to take on His righteousness. So if God needs to break these individuals down and bring them into disobedience so that they FINALLY acknowledge their need for God, then I stand behind that with praise in my heart.
I know what that's all about. Because Jesus did it to me. I was that Christian and my heart was hard and I, too, elevated myself above those that were in obvious need of God because I was so much more righteous than them. I may not have done it openly because I was always kind to "sinners" but in my heart, I knew what they really were. But God did something drastic to me. He brought me into disobedience, on purpose. Don't tell me He didn't because the Bible SAYS that He does it. And when I was there, I saw my need of Him as my Savior and my life has been altered forever. The reliance and acceptance of Jesus as my Savior is the most peaceful, hope-filled, worry-free, Son-shiny place I have EVER been in! My life before was self-righteous but still dark and filled with worry and anxiety and fear. I WAY prefer this life above the last one that I lived.
I love that I'm not perfect and that everyone knows it. Because I am a testimony to Jesus' saving grace and forgiveness. I seriously love it and wouldn't trade it for the world. I have heard others say that they preferred that God would have never exposed their sins but that makes me sad and brings me into serious prayer for them because they're totally missing the point!
I know that the self-righteous Christians reading this will still puff out their chests and be proud of themselves for not having been so "bad" that they needed God to bring them into disobedience. But I wouldn't be so proud if I were them.
They should read their Bible so that they can see what they have coming...
And then rejoice, because the Light at the end of that tunnel is SO glorious that the life we had before would be but a dim shadow of what used to be.
But I decided to stop and give this explanation an try anyway. I told him that Pharaoh saw himself as a God and that if he should let the people go, he would credit himself with their freedom and God's name would not be honored. God needed Egypt, and especially the Israelites, to accurately comprehend his sovereignty as the only God of the universe. God knew that the Israelites were quick to dismiss God's leading and needed to reinforce His place as Lord. God was waiting for Pharaoh to submit to the true God, the I AM. I also told my son that the Bible does say that God will harden people's hearts because if everyone was so overtaken with miracles and signs, they would all be pouring into God's Kingdom without any respect and honor for the Holy God, but only for signs and wonders. God requires and waits for His people to acknowledge His holiness. Heaven would not be heaven, if we were not there for Jesus. It would just be a place where people are drawn to things that stimulate their excitement and sense of adventure and awe.
My son was very content with that response and asked me to continue my reading of Exodus. But I still wasn't thoroughly submitted to that answer. Okay, I understand how God hardens the hearts of people who don't actually love Him or acknowledge His Kingship. But what about those that do acknowledge Him? Those that do worship Him and do obey His commandments. 'Cause it seems to me, that there are many who profess God and His law but still seem to have their hearts and minds closed beyond comprehension. And when the Lord works, they absolutely can not acknowledge His hand.
I struggled with that for a few days. I didn't need to, though. God placed Romans 11 on my heart days ago and I seriously, purposely, said, "No, not today." I was at Romans 11 in my Bible and I closed it. On purpose. I know what Romans 11 was about and didn't really want to think about it.
Day after day (since last Wednesday) I kept choosing other things to focus on because I was avoiding Romans 11. But today, I finally gave up and read it. And wow! I've read this chapter so many times in the last year and never actually understood this part:
Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God, have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Romans 11:30-32
Whaaaatt?! God binds them to disobedience? On purpose? But Paul was talking to the Gentiles about the Jews who were on the outside because of their rejection of Jesus. And how because of their disobedience to Jesus' message, the Gentile world was allowed to accept it too. It's all a very weird understanding of the whole Jew/Gentile thing but it does make some sense.
Earlier in that passage, Paul talks about how, during the Israelite exile, God chose a remnant by grace. The truth is, during the exile into Babylon, all the Israelites were worshiping other gods. They were not faithful at all. But God chose them by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Rom 11:6).
Well, that's awesome! I totally get it now. These Jews (aka, spiritually upright, law abiding, "perfect" Christians) base so much of their salvation on their own accomplishments and work, whether they recognize it or not. But God is not cool with that. In fact He dislikes it so much that He will purposely bind them to disobedience so that He can save them by HIS grace. I totally get it! It all makes sense now.
Paul says that so too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. (Rom 11:5)
I choose to believe that his statement is applicable to this present time as well. And that God is still doing this kind of thing.
By the way, Paul also uses similar verses that I used in the last post.
God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear to this very day. Romans 11:8.
(That verse is originally found in Deuteronomy 29:4 and Isaiah 29:10. Apparently this concept is throughout the Bible.)
Those that cannot hear the word of God have made choices that have closed their minds. That is true. Because God does not just close people's hearts in a willy-nilly fashion. He closes their minds to give them a better chance of salvation because they cannot be saved if their salvation comes from themselves. It's like the guy at the party without the white garment.
But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, "How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?" The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, "Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 22:11-13
The white garment represents Christ's righteousness, not our own. It's not enough to say that you acknowledge that Christ died on the cross. Lots of Christians accept that. More is needed. A crucifixion of self and all that you have done to earn your salvation. I can be the most righteous person, the most careful individual to keep ALL of God's laws and still miss out on the how to be saved. That is so, so sad. There are so many "very good" Christians out there who honor their own efforts and feel satisfied in how "righteous" they are. Yet in the same day, they offend and disown and successfully hurt people who are seeking Jesus to save them from themselves. So that can't possibly be "righteous." They elevate themselves to an "I'm-better-than-that-sinner-over-there." attitude. And they puff themselves up in the knowledge of how good they are.
Those people take Christ's name in vain, as far as I'm concerned. Because to take on the name of Christ, is to take on His righteousness. So if God needs to break these individuals down and bring them into disobedience so that they FINALLY acknowledge their need for God, then I stand behind that with praise in my heart.
I know what that's all about. Because Jesus did it to me. I was that Christian and my heart was hard and I, too, elevated myself above those that were in obvious need of God because I was so much more righteous than them. I may not have done it openly because I was always kind to "sinners" but in my heart, I knew what they really were. But God did something drastic to me. He brought me into disobedience, on purpose. Don't tell me He didn't because the Bible SAYS that He does it. And when I was there, I saw my need of Him as my Savior and my life has been altered forever. The reliance and acceptance of Jesus as my Savior is the most peaceful, hope-filled, worry-free, Son-shiny place I have EVER been in! My life before was self-righteous but still dark and filled with worry and anxiety and fear. I WAY prefer this life above the last one that I lived.
I love that I'm not perfect and that everyone knows it. Because I am a testimony to Jesus' saving grace and forgiveness. I seriously love it and wouldn't trade it for the world. I have heard others say that they preferred that God would have never exposed their sins but that makes me sad and brings me into serious prayer for them because they're totally missing the point!
I know that the self-righteous Christians reading this will still puff out their chests and be proud of themselves for not having been so "bad" that they needed God to bring them into disobedience. But I wouldn't be so proud if I were them.
They should read their Bible so that they can see what they have coming...
And then rejoice, because the Light at the end of that tunnel is SO glorious that the life we had before would be but a dim shadow of what used to be.
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