Loving God

“And one of the scribes came and...asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is...thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart (emotional), and with all thy soul (spiritual), and with all thy mind (intellectual), and with all thy strength (physical): this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mk. 12:28-31)

I know absolutely nothing about “new math.” I came out of the old school, where two plus two is simply four. And you needed not, so to speak, go around Robin’s Barn to get the same answer. But no matter how advanced one may be in mathematics, I think, most all agree that two can never come before one.

Sometimes the numeral (2) means in order of importance, as in our text. The most important being (1). But at other times it can mean equal with the first mentioned, as in the Godhead. The former is true in speaking of the above text. But in spite of this many today put the second before the first. That is, (2) before (1).

There is much talk in our day among professing Christians how much a particular pastor or person loves people, but there is a deafening silence of how much either loves God! One can love people without loving God; a philanthropist can do this. But you cannot truly love God without loving people.

Today's Church is characterized by pleasing men, without taking God into consideration. They dare not offend the brethren, but give little thought if God is. Jesus did always what pleased God, not men. In some cases loving people and putting them first can be profitable to both pastor and church. I think the word is advantageous.

“IN THE BEGINNING...GOD!”

You Can't Choose Your Cross

All crosses are basically of the same shape but not the same substance. Some are made out of coarse materials, others from more delicate. The one thing they do have in common is that they crucify the occupant thereon. Often, the more rugged character gets the latter cross, while the more sensitive individual is fastened to the former.

We can choose to carry our cross, but we cannot pick the kind and type. Jesus had “His” cross. And speaking to the disciples, He told each to take up “his” cross. Each of us has his or her particular cross to bear in life. It is ready-made just for us; it will fit no one else. They compelled Simon of Cyrene to bear Jesus’ cross, yet when they arrived at the Place of the Skull, Jesus was carrying it (Matt. 27:32 cp. John 19:17). Evidently, Simon could not handle it. It was Jesus’ cross to bear, not his.

Those who seem to have the easier way are crucified by the very fact that it is so, craving a harsher manner. While at the same time those desirous of the good life are always feeling the sharp bark from the tree cutting into them. We need to learn, beloved, once for all, although we choose to bear the cross, the decision of what nature of cross it will be lies completely with Him!

“Jesus, I My cross have taken,

All to leave and follow thee.”

You Can't Lose What You Don't Have

“...of the king's goods...that which they have need of... for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven...That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven.”

(Ezra 6:8-10)

Allow me to give a brief summary of  the context of the above quoted Scripture. The king is commanding that from his goods the elect of God be provided the means they need, so they can acquire those things to help them in their worship and service to God - in this particular instance sacrificial animals.

It is not my intent to take the text out of context, but we are told all the Scripture can be used for instruction in righteousness. I believe there is a deep underlying truth to be found in our story if we will dig for it. And that being, any and all things we buy from our King's provisions should be sacrificed to our God.

That is, it is to be laid on the altar of sacrifice to go up in flames so to speak. Few if any ever tried to foolishly hold on to ashes, other than in the case of cremation. Paul tells us all that does not go up in smoke here, will at the Judgement Seat of Christ (1Cor. 3:13,15). Only those who sit among the ashes (Job 2:8) are given in exchange beauty to replace them (Isa. 61:3).

“Throw everything you hold dear in this life into the fiery furnace and out will come gold.”

(rds)  

Another Generation

“One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh.” So says the wise man about life. This passing off the scene is not abrupt, but gradual. It is a transition period, you might say. The one co-exists with the other for a brief time. There are cases where some stuck around longer. We are told, “Joseph saw...the third generation.” In these latter times, there are dramatic changes from one generation to the other.

One area in which this occurs is seen most vividly among our youth. How often we hear the previous generation use the classic, but well worn line, “What are our young people coming to?” These ancients have forgotten the same was said of them by the elders of their day. Yet they seem to have turned out alright, for the most part. Youth is something we pass through; we do not remain in it. And the end product usually amazes us.

We need to be cautious with our criticism. The younger generation of today is, for all practical purposes, the result of our culture. A culture we helped to create or either sat by passively and did nothing to change it. Generally, the youth of today were virtually brought up knowing nothing of loving discipline, high standards, or healthy morals. “There arose another generation after them which knew not...”

Young people are more apt to ask advice from those who keep their opinions to themselves. You may not approve or enjoy what you see or hear, but criticism seldom improves relationships. The fledglings usually migrate to sympathetic and understanding people who are good listeners. I wish I could say I live what I preach, but confess I fail miserably in this area. My loving wife, bless her memory, did not!

I'm Not Going to That Party

“Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him?”

(Job 26:14)

In the context of the Scripture above Job tells a little of God’s great feats, but sadly adds, “...but how little a portion is heard of him.” Is this not true in our age also?

Sixteen years ago when moving to California, I remember a conversation I had with my wife, Salle. We were passing through the state of Wyoming when I mentioned what I believed would be the next big thing to happen on the world scene. And that was to utterly remove the name of Jesus from all society and yes, religion.

Not only is it forbidden for one to pray in His name at the United Nations but in all sorts of institutions it is taboo. I expect this from a Christless world but not from professing Christendom. This morning I noticed the following heading to an article by one of the news organizations. “DC’S huge new Museum of the Bible includes lots of tech--but not a lot of Jesus…”

I was told by an old Irish gentleman once how he had attended a three day prophetic Bible conference. He mentioned in all that time he never heard the name of Jesus. The anti-Christ, a tribulation period, a coming kingdom, etc., BUT NO JESUS!

How Evangelicals and Fundamentalists need to reevaluate their preaching, teaching, testimonies, singing, praying, and writings! Allow me to ask you a personal question, “How much of Jesus is in your life and ministry?

“If Jesus is not invited to your party then take me off your guest list also.”

(rds)

Preaching, Praying, and Just Plain Talking

“...for a shew [they] make long prayers.” (Lk. 20:47)

“...Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep...as Paul was long preaching. (Acts 20:9)

“...a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.” (Eccl. 5:3)

 THE PRETENCE IN WINDY PRAYERS

A.W. Pink says of long prayers, “Wordy prayers are usually windy ones.” He goes on to say about the prayers of the Bible, “Not some, nor even most, but all of them are exceedingly brief. Most of them comprised in but one or two verses. The longest is only seven verses.” Martin Luther said about prayer, “Let thy words be few, but thy thoughts and affections many, and above all let them be profound.”

THE LONG-WINDED PREACHER

Just because Paul did it doesn’t mean we’re to do it. He shaved his head and took a Jewish vow and offered up an O.T. sacrifice, after preaching grace to the Gentiles. I have found in our day and age that the longer one speaks the more apt his audience (one or a thousand) is inclined to cease listening.

THE WINDS OF PARTICULAR CONVERSATIONS

To listen to some people you wonder where they get the breath. They seem to never stop long enough to get one. Admittedly, most of our problems come from our windpipe. The wise man warns, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Prov. 10:19)

We see then whether it be praying, preaching, or conversation, BREVITY IS BEST! This holds true of writing also. And so on that note I close. (1Peter 5:12)

Letting Down Our Guard

Throughout the Scripture God’s people are admonished to “Watch”; that is, to be on guard against the enemy of their souls and those he uses against them. But you would be hard pressed to find where we’re to do so with loved ones and friends. Yet many of us do, this being to our own detriment. Ruined relationships is the tragic result.

In youth to experience betrayal, physical and verbal abuse, sexual molestation, along with other deep wounds of the soul, one is always on guard no matter who they’re around. I remember a third grade teacher slapping us students on the cheek when we misbehaved. Each of us kept our guard up as she passed our desks.

Those among us who have been deeply hurt from childhood, in one way or the other, just can’t help putting up their guard. It comes naturally and unconsciously. The only possible cure for these scarred saints is a loving, trusting, understanding person to enter their lives- like Jesus Christ and saints who dare to emulate Him.

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

(Rom. 15:1)

The Spirit and the Flesh

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

(Matt. 26:41)

When the Spirit of God comes into a believer’s body it does not cancel out the flesh. In fact, you will be more conscious of the latter than you ever were before. Paul tells us these two natures are diametrically opposed to one another, so that at times a saint cannot always do what he or she should do or what they would like to do (Gal. 5:17).

Before Pentecost Peter had a fearful temperament that could be intimidated by his peers. But he still possessed this weak trait after being filled with the Spirit (Gal. 2:11-14). Notice too that Barnabas was involved in this. We are told of him that he was a good man and filled with the Holy Ghost. Also the Holy Spirit played a great part in Samson’s life, but in spite of this the weaknesses of his flesh were manifest from time to time.

What are the lessons we can learn from this? One that I feel important is not to expect more than we should from Spirit-filled believers. I think some of us expect more from them than even God Himself does. We need to remember what God does about such:“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Psa. 103:14) And the second, being equally important, not to get discouraged when we fail to meet the high standard we have set for ourselves as Spirit-filled believers.

“God knows what we would do if we could do it.”

(rds)

Moving on With Your Life

"Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount...Ye have compassed this mountain long enough"

In the fifth book of Moses, in the first few chapters, he recounts and reminds God's elect of their past history. As another has written, "He gives a short account of their long stay in the wilderness." One of the things he brings to memory is the time spent at the holy Mount. "Many days," which added up to just two weeks short of a year. During this time they received the giving of the Law, the Tabernacle and the things pertaining to it were made by them, and both civil and ecclesiastical rulers were appointed. He also calls to their recollection how after these things were accomplished, God had told them, so to speak, to get a move on.

God also has temporary earthly stops as we journey toward our heavenly Mount Zion. But we are in danger of becoming satisfied and overstaying our visits at some of these memorial places. We are to always keep in mind there is something even better up ahead. This is what the book of Hebrews is all about, something better. Is it any wonder then that the writer continually admonishes his readers with, "Let us go on." We, like them, if not careful, are at risk of, "coming short," of our Kadesh-Barnea. The life-giving, life-satisfying, and life-energizing fruit of the Spirit is awaiting each of God's children who move forward in their Christian life, not those who stand still.

“To move on with one's life does not disannul all the good things of the past!”

(rds)

A Paralyzing Possibility

“Our God… is able…and he will…But if not…we will not.” Here is the testimony of three of God’s choicest saints. These men had the courage of their convictions; they stood for the God of Heaven, when all others were kneeling down to the god of this world. You’d think that if anyone would be delivered from the dire situation they were in, they would be. But God preferred to deliver them in it, rather than out of it. They were the “others” of Heb. 11 (verses 35-40). Notice they had the same faith as the rest in the chapter who were delivered.

They believed not only God could, but would, come to their aid. I think the addendum to their statement of faith is one of the greatest confessions in all the Word of God; “But if not…we will not.” This is a paralyzing possibility in all cases of prayer, “But if not.” All prodigals do not return, all illnesses are not healed, and all problems are not resolved. And there are legions of other things that may not come to pass the way we desired or imagined. At such times, we need to be resolute with a “…we will not.” That is, not blame God or quit on Him, or go back to the world.

Christ’s enemies taunted Him on the Cross with, “He saved others; himself he cannot save…let him come down now from the cross” It was not a weak faith that kept Him on the Cross; on the contrary, it was just the opposite. It was not that His faith was too weak for Him to come down from the Cross; it was that His faith was so strong that it kept Him from coming down!

A dear friend of mine, who has been confined to a wheelchair for many years (since the age of eighteen), gives testimony to the fact that if Christ gave her the choice to walk or remain in her condition, she’d choose the latter. For, says she, “I believe this chair is God’s will for my life.” This, my friend, is the victory that overcomes the world!

Enduring to the End

God’s Word emphasizes endurance. The word has a legion of associated meanings, some of which are: perseverance, staying power, determination, sticking it out, stamina, resolve, keeping on, plodders, and grit. The old timers crudely, but correctly, called it guts.

There is much theological debate over the meaning of Jesus’ words, “[H]e that endureth to the end shall be saved.” But there is no question as to what it says. We are told of our Lord that He set His face like a flint. He had Divine determination.

We need a new generation of Christians with what old Dr. Bob Jones Sr. referred to as, intestinal fortitude-backbone, if you please. The Bible speaks of professing Christians who, “…dureth for a while.” In other words, they have an evaporating endurance.

A hero is not a hero because their bravery exceeds others. They’re heroes because he or she is braver five minutes longer than anyone else. Of such it is said, “…we count them happy which endure.”  And how does one endure those difficult times in life? Ask Moses, “...he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”

It’s always too early to give in.

Tribulation

“...we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” This is the other side of the coin of Christianity. So many speakers and writers are drawing a happy face on being a Christian in our day. I personally believe we need to get back to presenting the rough side of our Faith. The flip side of joy, peace, and happiness is chastening, attacks from unseen satanic powers, a daily war with the flesh, periodic times of darkness, resisting despondency, and all the other negatives that soft, velvety saints cringe to hear of.

Being a Christian is not a bed of roses; it has its problems. No believer is exempt from the ills of humanity. Suffering, arguments, family squabbles, temptations, bad habits, spurts of anger, and a score of other unpleasantries are our lot in this world. We are not promised a trouble free life. No Christian should think it strange when he or she passes through tribulation. Some spend all their time diagnosing themselves when trouble comes. With morbid introspection, they skin themselves to the raw, thinking they have done something wrong, not realizing God is grooming them for something greater.

“If we were kept from tribulation, then we would miss all God’s benefits in tribulation---glory, comfort, and joy.”

(rds)

What Could Be Better?

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

“To obey is better…” There is no addendum to this; it has no equal. Not even sacrifice will suffice. Offering external, spiritual, temporal, or ceremonial substitutes will not get us off the hook with God. We can’t impress Him with anything we try to replace obedience with. He will not excuse disobedience. Is it any wonder then that Martin Luther said, “I’d rather obey than work miracles”? I believe it was he who also said the three greatest words in the Bible are, "Obey! Obey! Obey!"

If we are to be loyal to Jesus Christ, we must be obedient. Loyalty and obedience are like Siamese twins. If separated, the result, as in this case, can be disastrous. Loyalty to Lordship demands obedience. “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” We need not fear the afterward consequence of obedience. Leave that to God. But know this for certain - He promised to give the power of His Spirit to those who obey Him.

Anytime we have a problem in our relationship with God, it can be traced to our questioning God’s commands to us. To debate them is to disobey. Our intellectual reasoning, like Saul, gets in the way of obedience. To obey one Scripture is better than a knowledge of the whole of it that is not obeyed. Remember the devil knows the Bible. May our testimony be that of Paul: “I was not disobedient…”

"The Christian life flourishes when obedience is preferred before being spiritual. "

(rds)

Making Sense of Suffering

I am no C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, or Bible scholar. Nor do I profess to be on the same plain with even the least of the philosophers of old. I am simply saying I am neither in the major or minor leagues - not even among the little leaguers. But I do confess rubbing shoulders with the common kids in the neighborhood and on my block where I live. We’re just a bunch of unorganized sandlot players. Nevertheless, we have all the joys, hurts, and perplexities the aforementioned have.

One of the confusing issues in the game of life, for all the above parties, is making sense out of suffering. This deeply profound question has baffled mankind both in general and in particular throughout these long ages. “Why do good people suffer and bad people prosper?” David faced the same perplexing problem in Psa. 73. When he attempted to understand it he tells us it was too painful. Then he adds, “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”

God’s Word at times answers our questions fully, at other times only in part, and still at others not at all. We just have to wait. I’m sure Jesus’ mother and loved ones were puzzled watching the Man Christ Jesus suffer the way He did. Especially looking back on His kind, gracious, loving, and exemplary Godly life. But all was made clear later on by His own testimony and the writings of His disciples. IT WAS FOR OTHERS' BENEFIT, not His own, that He tasted the bitter dregs of that cup. And so it is with many of us and our own.

This is my personal opinion of only one facet of why the righteous suffer. It may be of some help in your own sufferings, or that of your loved one. I truly hope so!

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother.”

(Jn. 19:25)

“And Simeon...said unto Mary his mother...(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,)  “

(Lk. 2:34-35)

Did You Forget Something?

I am well aware of how often I call attention to the subheading to our title, The Journal: “Brief, Biblical Essays for Thinking people.” The reason for this is that some years ago I became conscious how God’s people had been sold a bill of goods, buying into it 100%, that real thinkers are to be found only among the educated. Most certainly having both are best, but you can possess the one without the other.

To believe a formal education is necessary to be a thinker one must admit the Lord, who had none, was not a thinker, “And the Jews marvelled, saying, “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” You can include the disciples in this also, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men.” Paul would have been a great thinker had he never set at the feet of Gamaliel.

Recently I saw a plaque that said, “Follow your heart but take your brain with you.” I find far too many Christians forgot to take theirs with them. My wife loved Winnie the Pooh. One of her favorite sayings of his was, “Think, Think, Think.” O, beloved, don’t let someone else do your thinking for you. God gave you a mind, USE IT! Thinking people are threats to tyrants. That is why they try to keep you cowering in a corner, dependent on their brains. Thinkers are always free, even when chained.  

In closing, allow me to give you an illustration of what I believe to be the right balance in what I’ve been discussing. In dealing with my extreme grief, I am reading two books, one to the heart the other dealing with the intellect. Both men lost their wives, and that is what the books are about. The former is by an old country preacher by the name of Vance Havner. It is to the heart and is titled, Though I Walk Through the Valley. The latter by C.S. Lewis, titled A Grief Observed, and it provokes thought. Interestingly the one’s wife was named, Sara, and “Salle" is derived from this name. The second, C.S. Lewis wife, was Joy. You who knew my wife personally are aware she was known as, “Joybell.” I have received great comfort from the one and great insight from the other. I NEED THEM BOTH!

Don’t sacrifice the one for the other, it is not necessary. And it could be dangerous.

On Which Side of the Cross Do You Live?

“This man [Apollos] was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”

(Acts 18:25-26)

Most all televangelist and anemic Christians live on the other side of the Cross. That is, they live their lives and minister pre-Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension. Whereas the media and cults have all set up their camp there. They major on the historical Christ, but know little or nothing of the heavenly Christ. The former has to do with the past whereas the latter with the present. QUESTION-ON WHICH SIDE OF THE CROSS DO YOU LIVE?

Apollos was such a man as mentioned above but, unlike many today, did not choose to stay that way. He was humble minded and did not take offence when two tentmakers, a husband and wife, opened to him a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. He had a zeal (boiling) for God, but not according to knowledge. He used the light he had but there was more to come. “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more…”

There are untold numbers of professing Christians who know absolutely nothing about: being blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places; their union with Christ; being seated in the heavenlies with Him; being accepted in the Beloved; justification; sanctification; and our coming glorification, along with a host of other gems included in our inheritance in Christ. How sad and how unnecessary!

“You’ve crossed the river and are now in your inheritance. Don’t look back and desire the things of Egypt or the wilderness. Let God feed you and satisfy you with the harvest in the inheritance.”

(Warren Wiersbe)

Why So Many Anemic Christians?

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine of office.”

Jesus’ ministry was distinctively Jewish, as were the apostles; the exception being Peter’s initial opening the door to the Gentiles. Church truths are to be found in the Pauline epistles. As it has been said “All the Bible is for us, but not all the Bible is to or about us.” In the Gentile’s classroom, our professor and teacher is Paul, “Whereunto I am appointed ...a teacher of the Gentiles.”

Lift Paul’s fourteen letters (I include Hebrews) from their setting, and you’re left with utter confusion. He is the one person ordained by our Lord to reveal to the Gentiles all the truths Jesus Himself was not able to communicate to His followers while here on earth. The Gospels tells of the earthly historic Christ, but Paul’s epistles reveal the eternal heavenly Christ.

Without Paul’s writings we would know nothing of great doctrines like justification, sanctification, adoption, regeneration, etc. We’d be totally ignorant of such things as the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and our in-depth relationship to the risen Christ. Such as being “in Him” and “raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus.” It is Paul alone who explains all these intricacies, along with a host of other blessings that belong to Gentile believers in the Body of Christ.

O, my friends, I am aware I have written on this theme on several occasions, but know this; I will continue to do so till taken Home. After seeing the Lord, I want to meet this “little Jew” who saved me from so great heartache and anguish on my pilgrim journey. Francis A. Schaeffer has a book entitled, “How Then Shall We Live?" If you want to know the answer to this, begin now to read Paul’s letters. And then, continue to do so!