FREE INDEED

FREE INDEED

Friday, August 30, 2013

Jesus explained “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. . . . These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (Jn.14:27; 16:33)

  One of this world’s myths is the attainability of men providing true individual, national, or world freedom. History beginning with the first believers of the prince’s promise shows this, but mankind keeps pressing on believing Satan’s lie.

  In history and current events we see fight in name of freedom when actually the battle is for control, or begins with high motive but once battle is over . . . due to man’s sin nature, whether leader or follower, control eroding freedoms cycles yet again after battle is thought to finalize the quest.

  This dynamic is whether “Christian nation” or atheist, Christian real or pseudo, atheist evangelistically active or reserved.

  Adam and Eve lived in freedom until they believed and acted upon Satan’s promise of self-determination beyond God’s Way.

A few examples:

  Christian real and pseudo, atheists also, immigrated to western hemisphere in stated interest of freedom and/or in the hope of bringing freedom religious/political/philosophical to natives and in new setup society (Note “New” is chosen designation then.) . . . and very soon out of desire or need, often mix of the two, did quite the opposite. And the USA battle for and against liberty continues.

  Atheists, with help from Christian pseudo and real, revolted against the oppression of tsars and tsarinas, princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses et al  . . .  and during and ever since harshly control.

  Consider the history of Mohammedism, now called Islam. While alive the founder promised and fought for freedom but granted anything but, rigidly controlling believers and oppressing non-believers. Now in name of freedom they fight for self-determination among themselves with common core of hoping to eventually eliminate Jewish and Christian influence and person.

  God is Omniscient (All-seeing). The Word (Jn.1:1-3) walked among men with complete prior sight and dusty experience of this world’s freedom under Roman, quisling governance, priest and scribe.

  A prime example of quest for freedom is in WWII “Christian nation” USA making effective splendid use of atheist Communist nation USSR to help destroy the Nazis. (With I believe the goal of effectively leaving the USSR weak from its investment. Some Allied leaders here and abroad hoped Nazism and Communism would destroy each other during WWII. USSR was our ally but our enemy you see.)

  Freedom is actually a comparative more or less; the USA, though not as free as once was, being comparatively freer than numerous other nations.

  I see one of the remarkable things about God’s agape love as being that He didn’t restrict Adam and Eve’s freedom. Undeniably, He advised, explained, and warned . . . as He has immutably done since.

  Then is there any hope of or possible true freedom? Yes! But not of or by this world, but indeed provided by the Word: “Then Jesus said to them, When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you shall know that I AM, and that I do nothing of Myself, but as My Father has taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things which please Him. As He spoke these words, many believed upon Him. Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed on Him, If you continue in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered Him, We are Abraham's seed and were never in bondage to anyone. How do you say, You will be made free? Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Whoever practices sin is the slave of sin. And the slave does not abide in the house forever, but the Son abides forever. Therefore if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham's seed, but you seek to kill Me because My Word has no place in you.” (MKJV Jn.8:28-37. Also note James 1:25; 2:12)

EBB4

 

GOD'S WORD

GOD’S WORD

Thursday, August 29, 2013

  The following is a statement that I read this morning:

Only GOD's Penmen’s Writings Can Be Considered to Be Holy Writings.

GOD is perfect and the original hand written scrolls and rolls were perfect.

All other writings about what scriptural meanings must be listed as secondary thoughts of men.

  What do you say in response to this proclamation?  EBB4

BUBBLE, BUBBLE, TROUBLE, TROUBLE

BUBBLE, BUBBLE, TROUBLE, TROUBLE

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

  “… we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[e] so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (NLT 2Cor.5:16-21)

Dear fellows,

  Some have asked why I bothered publishing communications from Hal Toomer as part of DT ministry. A few have expressed irritation at my doing so. Considering life-experience I think I can safely assume that among the silent majority there are others with same question for as with any group of persons other than the Trinity there is diversity of opinion.

  I have done so because Daily Thoughts (DTs) is ministry and as a salty elder I’m not to enable Christian cloistral bubble-ing. In recent conversation a person said I did Hal bit because too many Christians carefully isolate in comfy church bubble. She is correct.

  We are ambassadors for Christ. Ambassadors work in foreign countries! Christ-like ambassadors are meant to serve and are provide equipping to do so. As with the Ambassador as He walked among men, this at times will involve the uncomfortable and require thinking and even deed beyond quiet prayers and delightful hymning.

  I’ve known many atheists, agnostics, universalists, and anti-religionists through my decades. Though always open to their question and dialogue, they have been non-aggressive. This is changing. There is a growing intolerant number that is no longer satisfied to live and let live. They are organized, have clearly stated mission statements and set of goals.

  Hal is aggressively dedicated representative of this change. I think of Hal as a fervently evangelistic atheistic agnostic.

  Your exposure has been sufficient. The DT FORUM conversation has become circular. I believe your education, whether prep or advanced, has been ample.

  It is now time to move to a different phase: I’ll no longer be publishing Hal’s atheistic communications. However, for those that would like to continue discussion with Hal, please let me know asap and I’ll set up a separate forum for your use. This is assuming Hal would want to continue after reading today’s DT. He may just unsubscribe from DTs after his years as a reader . . . which would be his decision not mine.

Sincerely,

Ed Bullock (EBB4)

 

 

AMBASSADORS

AMBASSADORS

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Psalm [MKJV] 30:4; 149:1 Sing praises to Jehovah, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the memory of His holiness. . . . Praise Jehovah! Sing to Jehovah a new song, His praise in the congregation of saints.

Ephesians [MKJV] 2:19-22 Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, 20 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom every building having been fitly framed together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

  Yesterday as Michael was leaving he quoted Romans 3:23 to me.

  When we agree with God about sin and salvation, we instantaneously become sons and daughters in His eternal family. (Rom.3:21-26; Jn.1:12; 3:3) This is not however the only instantaneous event inclusive to His redemption; regardless of our prior position in life we instantly become saints with a new overarching vocation. (Believers are clarified as being saints in 61 NT verses.) We are ambassadors for Christ; messengers of God’s redemptive grace, His good news!

  “… we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[e] so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (NLT 2Cor.5:16-21)

  Hmmm … but this leaves me with examination question “I know I personally cannot redeem anyone, but just how saintly and reconciling is my manner?”

  Thank you Michael.  EBB4

I SEE

I SEE

Monday, August 26, 2013

John [MKJV] 3:1 And there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles which you do unless God is with him. 3 Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [2Cor.5:17]

  The other day Diane and I were talking about tabulating repeated quirks, phrases, idiom by teachers or speakers. Our conversation results from a mutual acquaintance that when he learns a new word uses it constantly in every way he can. Of course this at times results in Leo Gorcey like malapropism. (For you uneducated youngsters, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bowery_Boys )

  Lest you think the tabulation practice counterproductive, it is not. It’s doodler’s attentive punctuation.

  Friend Ron is a splendid conversationalist, always wanting to gain knowledge of person, facts, attitudes and opinions.  Early on I noted his repeated “I see.” then began listening to conversation ours or with others as Ron marked and bracketed points with his “I see”. It changed how I saw at times.

  Thinking about this reminds me of one of my required employee classes. It involved stressing us with tough decisions. Exercises went for 1-2 hours. One session began with printed handout brief about a group of people trapped in flooding cave. Only you could save, but your equipment only allowed for saving half of the group. Within minutes we had to write down list of our choices of who lived, who died. As the clock ticked on with the cave filling, the instructors ordered individuals to groups of 3-4 and then every few minutes handed out pages with additional bio info about every individual in the flooding cave.

  The above experience was harsh life & death training. Here’s milder one to think about: First page received on Helen Keller was in elementary school. Second page - Then in much later education the rest of the story; once able to communicate well she lived out her life as an outspoken radical socialist, birth control supporter, a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union, and on the FBI watch list with file. Do I hear any second page “I see.” or two?

  None of the above is focused on judgementalism, but is about critical thing with ultimately decision making. (Though class students were explained this, some couldn’t get past their emotions. A few men and women were overwhelmed by anger, guilt, tears.)

  Moving on to the most critical decision I’ve ever made and continue in: Though from non-church family, I had read the Bible completely during my youth. A good book I was sure. At age 27 coworker Bud Bond discussed the Bible during 6 weeks of lunches together. Finally I told him “Enough.” When Bud asked “Why?” I told him “Because I can’t accept your basic premise that the Bible is God’s Word, He is Sovereign, and we can personally know Him.”

  Bud asked “Will you accept one last challenge?” (Keep in mind I was 27 brought up in “Double-dare ya!” world.) The next day Bud handed me a copy of Dr. Orr’s Ten Reasons Why I Believe the Bible is THE WORD OF GOD; resulting in the greatest “I see.” in my life.  EBB4

APPLICATION QUESTION

APPLICATION QUESTION

Sunday, August 25, 2013

James [MKJV] 1:21-25 … putting aside all filthiness and overflowing of evil, receive in meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man studying his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he studied himself and went his way, and immediately he forgot what he was like. 25 But whoever looks into the perfect Law of liberty and continues in it, he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. This one shall be blessed in his doing.

  As you readers know, we just completed 3 week study on God’s provision for strength. It is my 3^rd, possibly 4^th, time of considering and rewriting the series. For me it was a time not just as penman, but serious contemplation and examining my relationship with Lord Jesus Christ and all others.

  Central to said pondering and consideration is the question of application; Now that I know or have been reminded of, what am I supposed to do with the knowledge?

  Fortunately God’s Word doesn’t leave us with “Just do it!” but gives considerable How To direction.

1Corinthians 12:31b thru 13:1-13 came to mind first of all, and I ask “Am I doing things the more excellent way that He has and continues to show me? Or am I no different than the forgetful man described by James?”

  A reflection that I cannot escape is that apart from personally applying His Word, strength is no more than word typed on my PC.  EBB4

QUOTING EINSTEIN

Dear Ed,

 

Hal and other atheists make a mistake by quoting Einstein to support their position.  Their doing so helped me remember that Einstein said, “atheists are slaves to their idolatry of not believing in God”… 

 

  According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Einstein was more inclined to denigrate disbelievers than the faithful.^[21] Einstein said in correspondence, "[T]he fanatical atheists...are like slaves who are still feeling the weight of their chains which they have thrown off after hard struggle. They are creatures who—in their grudge against the traditional 'opium of the people'—cannot bear the music of the spheres."^[21][22] Although he did not believe in a personal God, he indicated that he would never seek to combat such belief because "such a belief seems to me preferable to the lack of any transcendental outlook."^[23]   From:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_views_of_Albert_Einstein

 

IMO Einstein struggled with the facts and one of them was that he could NOT have a “personal God”.  However, he still believed there was a God!  Probably because he was raised in a typical Jewish family, which would mean intense religious training, early in life… resulting in him not having the many lusts that the majority of unchurched humanity has that drives men to their knees.  Einstein had only his pride to contend with… one sin which Jesus actively dealt with in His Earthly ministry with the Jewish Pharisees. 

 

I too was born with a rational mind, a high I.Q, and considerable ongoing education.  However, there are many things I do not understand in electronics.  I have a BS degree in electronics, have done much hands-on working, and taught it in military schools and here in non-military settings.  As of yet… scientists still don’t know exactly how electricity and charge(s) work and how it flows.  We can only teach theory of how we think it works.  Same way with my husband’s degree in meteorological science or “The Science of Weather”.  It is seriously funny when the forecasters, using highly advanced computer models get it ALL wrong.  LOL!   

 

There are many things we do NOT understand and we have to just accept as a truths in order to function in the systems or become fanatical…worse yet become double minded with delusional thinking that we can operate in both worlds successfully.  What comes to my mind is the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, who ends up eating grass (see the book of Daniel) until God restores him.  Or the 2001 movie, A Beautiful Mind.  So in order to keep my mind intact… I must believe what the Bible tells me.  And it tells me that this World belongs to Satan and we (as Christians) belong to God.

 

Can adult “rational mind” accept truths?  ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Luke 18:16-17  Read John 20:29  story of doubting Thomas.  ²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 

Dear God… Thank you for sending us your Son, Jesus!  Please keep me humble to Your ways which guide me.  In Jesus Name… Amen.

 

My prayer for Hal is the song, I can Only Imagine:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII

 

God’s blessings IN Christ,

Diane (NE)

REJOICING IN MATURATION

REJOICING IN MATURITY

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Philippians [NLT] 3:1-15 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Dear fellows,

  I’m writing to encourage you when examining yourselves to consider and rejoice in your maturation.

  It was grandson Michael that got me to thinking about this. Being 5 years old he of course didn’t articulate on the need to do so . . . it had to do with a container of chocolate milk.

  As his Mom and Dad work late hours some days, I’m privileged to pick Michael up from school. Then we do something we both enjoy, go to one of the many area playgrounds, watching sailors and wildlife at Lake Manawa, run errands, go to some store including Sherbondy’s nursery, and then always dine together.

  Yesterday we went to a favorite place, TSC (Tractor Supply) across the street from his school. While doing our usual educational question/answer testing-how-stuff-works how-was-it -made, Michael found some cool replica farm equipment and animal minatures he said he’d like to have for Christmas. With his knowing they would be closeted until then I purchased them. (An exercise by which he has learned patience.)

  Then off to Olive Garden we went: Chicken parmesan with salad for me and spaghetti with meatballs and chocolate milk for Michael.

  Always conversant with the wait people, we kept up a running conversation with the waitresses when they weren’t busy. As we were about to leave, one of the waitresses (Iowa native, just graduated from Creighton w/Political Science degree, no brothers, 2 younger sisters, all raised to take care of themselves, not married, presently w/o serious relationship, wants to go into PS research.) presented Michael with a second chocolate milk to take home with his leftovers.

  As I was about to pick up the chocolate milk Michael, in normal conversational tone, said “I’ll carry it Popop. You have tremors and could have one and the chocolate milk would fly all over the place.”

  This set me to thinking of my maturation; there was a time when, though saying nothing in response, I would have been huffy at hearing such truth. This in turn led me to thinking about how I no longer beat dead horses … which led me to further rejoicing in God’s maturing me in numerous areas of life.

  So, if you’re not doing so already, please do keep your eyes open for chocolate milk highlights in your life, and thank Him for them.  EBB4

OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH?

OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

2Corinthians [MKJV 5:14-21 [The Apostle Paul wrote to the congregation at Corinth] Clearly, Christ's love guides us. We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. 15 He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them. 16 So from now on we don't think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don't anymore. 17 Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. 18 God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. 19 In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. 20 Therefore, we are Christ's representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God. 21 God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God's approval through him. 

  Unless my Lord gives me some sort of further revelation on the topic tomorrow, the DT STRENGTH series ends today. The ink and paper part that is, for godly reliance exercise should continue dynamically lest we become stagnant . . . or for some to return to apathy waiting to die. (1Tim.4:8; 6:6; 2Tim.3:5; 2Pet.1:3; 3:11)

  Waiting to die for most people doesn’t involve moroseness. It is treadmill activity, motion without progress pleasing the Lord. Some, more energetic at waiting to die will tilt the treadmill and/or leap from treadmill to treadmill, but still go nowhere with God.

  There have been, presently are, and will be individuals and groups of people with great personal strength.

  Saul of Tarsus was such a man of great personal strength: Energetic, well-educated, positioned and active in authority with exercising great force of character and personality.

  After his road to Damascus encounter with Omnipotent Sovereign God, Saul did not have just a name change. (Act9:1-16) Nor did he experience renewal as presented and offered in some denominations. The new person Paul understood and accepted the truth that his, man’s, strength is insufficient for present and eternal life.

  Paul explained this in his letter to the troubled congregation at Corinth: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life [Gr. Vitality/vitalizes]. . . . And [the Lord] said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’” (2Cor.3:5-6; 12:9a)

  For some reading the above, it is new news. For others like me, it is yet again reminder. Whichever way matters little. The important life question is: For strength, am I running on treadmills or exercising on The One Way? (Jn.14:6)  EBB4

GODLY STRENGTH IS NOT BY SELF-ESTEEM

GODLY STRENGTH IS NOT BY SELF-ESTEEM

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Philippians [NLT] 2:1-11 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

  Self-esteem is based in pride of identity, position, accomplishments real or supposed, recognition, ownership, IQ real or supposed, looks, dress code, attention received et al. Drop hyphen, reverse words, and what do you get? Esteem of self.

  Reading God’s Word (Bible) to us, and looking at how the Word (Jn.1:1) lived and died . . . we see that esteeming self is contrary to the will of God.

  Carefully reread Philippians 2:1-11 and see Jesus example of doing the will of God. Read how we are to identify with and emulate His humbleness. Is this to say as results of doing His will, copying His example, we will be tortured and killed? Though our demise may be required at the hand of man . . . though occurring elsewhere it is not likely to happen as yet in the USA.

  Pride deafens our ears to the voice of God. Emphasizing self-esteem does waxen our ears to hearing the King’s call for self-denial: ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt.16:24; Mk.8:34; 10:21; Lk.9:23)

  Self-esteem has to do with sovereignty in living. Said sovereignty may not involve the seemingly larger confliction of the rich young ruler (Mk.10:21). It can involve Martha-like emphasis on her tasks being of greater importance than sitting down to hear the Word, and even asking God to invoke His authority to support your business. (Lk.10:38-42)

  Among the words He spoke while here, He said “Therefore whoever shall humble himself like this little child, this one is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven. . . . And whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he who shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Mt.18:4; 23:12)

  Being reminded of this truth, I suggest a humbling personal exercise for our day: Take note of every instance of conversation and deed that we say or do in effort toward self-esteem. Also note when we practice self-denial and esteem others above ourselves. At the end of this day then review prayerfully.  EBB4

STRENGTH THROUGH HUMBLENESS

STRENGTH IN HUMBLENESS

Monday, August 19, 2013

Matthew [MKJV] 11:28-30 [Jesus said]Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

John [MKJV] 5:30 [Jesus explained] I can do nothing of My own self. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who has sent Me.

  There are those that say we cannot know God. Oddly, some professing Christians say this.

  A major reason God gave us His Word is so we can know Him. Though early on His “I AM THAT I AM” (Ex.3:14) as Eternal Supreme Sovereign was what the pharaoh of magnificent powerful Egypt needed to hear. As God through the centuries unfolded His Book His followers read and learned far more of Him then pharaoh. (This includes law-man Moses, Jehovah’s chosen representative that dealt with pharaoh. Heb.11:39)

  Early in God’s Book we see exactly what He thinks of pride and that it is not just unacceptable to Him, but to live in self-pride we suffer His resistance.

  This fact about God is plainly explained and illustrated through historical accounts recorded in His Book. Let there be no confusion on the matter. God opposes the proud, but gives grace with strength to the humble. (Pr.3:34; Jam.4:6; 1Pet.5:5-6)

  Jesus, God Incarnate (Jn.1:1, 14), Himself exemplified humbleness and thereby strength. He wore His yoke in humbleness. The privilege of wearing His yoke requires humbleness! (Mt.7:21; 12:50; 11:28-30; Lk.11:2; 22:42)

  The example and philosophy of the “prince of this world” (Eph.2:2) is contrarian; centered in pride. Lucifer and many others fell from heaven because of pride. (Isa.14:12) Many people, including some professing Christians, will never enter heaven because of pride in self. (Mt.7:21; Lk.18:17)

  Pride blinds our eyes to God’s will. Pride in the importance of our agenda keeps us from studying God’s Book. Pride is contrary to humbleness. The cost of pride is not just living in opposition to God’s will. It involves His opposing us. O’ readers, now this we know . . . and how now shall we live?

EBB4

STRENGTH IN HEAVINESS

STRENGTH IN HEAVINESS

Sunday, August 18, 2013

  In 1833 Webster published his English interpretation of Psalm 119:28: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according to thy word.”

  There definitely are emotional times that weigh upon one’s soul, something we are well aware of.   

  Every day carries weight of testing, challenge, and reasons for sorrow. Let it or choose to bear foremost on mind and our life is a crushing affair.

  Grievous trials are suffered, and continue in coming; the world is in constant conflict, all things eventually diminish, loved ones leave us.

  Perfect a style of avoidance and compensation we may, but such exercise will not make the weigh go far away. It will remain near, and come rolling back upon one when struck heavily by yet another of life’s burdens.

  Whereas many years ago I exercised emotional set-aside of weight I could not bear, it is no longer my fashion. I’m clothed differently now: Even though after trusting the Word (Jn.1:1) my vision of life’s weightiness definitively increased in magnitude, Sovereign God’s salvation and gained knowledge of that which is present and future strengthens in way my past practice of compartmentalizing never did or could.  

  The Apostle Paul, a man far from practicing the exercise of deniability, appropriately advised “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” (Rom.13:11-12)

  Jesus, man of many sorrows as He walked among men and in the end of His earth-walk bore the weight of all sin past, present, and future, spoke of relief that any person can appropriate, saying “I thank You, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things [Mt.11:1-24] from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things are delivered to Me by My Father. And no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son will reveal Him. Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (MKJV Mt.11:25-30)

  My heart and mind are clear. Now on to breakfast while reading all the issues listed in the Omaha World-Herald. Then Sunday School and church, after which I’ll enjoy barbecue and events at the Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department, then _______. Will I encounter reason for weight of sorrow? Of course I shall, which is natural to this life. What is unnatural is the strength available for me to handle the weight.  EBB4

FAMILY STRENGTH

FAMILY STRENGTH

Friday, August 16, 2013

John [NLT] 1:6-13 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He [Lord Jesus Christ] came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

John [NLT] 13:31-35 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will soon give glory to the Son. 33 Dear children [Family!], I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Romans [NLT] 8:14-25 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” [Mk.14:36; Gal.4:6] 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

Galatians [NLT] 3:23-29 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. 26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

  Basic, simple and easy to understand: When we agree with God in trusting Lord Jesus Christ we become Christians [followers of Christ] and united with all other believers past, present, and future. Race, gender, social status et al are gone. We are one in The One! As His family our lives are His and thus connected to one another.  As God’s family we are “joint-heirs with Christ” with Christ! In Christ there are no barriers. We are one. Living and dying as His family, we are strong.   Gene Freeman

ABIDING IN AS OPPOSED TO DECIDING FOR STRENGTH

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Joshua [KJV] 24:14-15 Now, then, fear Jehovah, and serve Him in sincerity and truth. And put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt, and serve Jehovah. 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve Jehovah, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served Beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.

2Corinthians [KJV] 13:5 … examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith, prove your own selves. Do you not know your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are reprobates?

  The Boy Scouts of America didn’t come up with the important principle of whenever possible being prepared in advance of time of need. Nor did my family prior to my joining the Scouts. Neither did their ancestors.

  The Word Everlasting did.

  Unfortunately there are Christians that live unprepared. They’re not exercising in God’s Way and when stress comes they are as easily shaken as leaves in the wind.

  Our prime example is Lord Jesus Christ; the Word (Jn.1:1); the Way (Jn.14:6-12). He established early on in His Incarnate ministry that He is Strength . . . asking the crowd what they expected to see, a reed trembling in a breeze? (Mt.11:7)

  I read of this strength in characters in Scripture, especially the list in Hebrews 11.

  I observe this strength in people I know, and have known, my beloved Ann for one.

  I well remember the day we were informed Ann had a fatal incurable disease that is so rare the health industry invests little or no money toward its prevention or cure. Of course I didn’t like the news, but I well remember Ann’s lifelong overarching attitude: We know we die, the difference being having advance notice, and though she loved family and friend, she had always looked forward to what she referred to as “The ultimate healing.” And so we observed her live prior to and during those months and final days.

  There is much in the Word exemplified and written to prepare us with daily and advance strength.

Though there is many more, I here mention two large, one for now and one for eventual leaving this world.

·         2Timothy [GW] 3:16-17 [Paul explained] Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things.

·         John [GW] 14:1-2 [Jesus said]"Don't be troubled. Believe in God, and believe in me. My Father's house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I'm going to prepare a place for you?

  Don’t wait for the gales of life or the winds of death, be prepared!  EBB4 

PS. News on a new opportunity to exercise: GotQuestions has partnered with eBible. You can now read the Bible and ask questions at the same time using this partnership. Sign up at https://ebible.com/signup?gq_promo=1&utm_campaign=gqarticle&utm_source=gotquestions&utm_medium=web&track_ab_column=a

CHOOSING LESSER STRENGTH

CHOOSING LESSER STRENGTH

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

  In ordinary daily life or times of calamity, including implosion, every individual or nation has before them to trust God or own strength.

  The difference for Christian is if relying on own strength we as His John 1:12 child are worse off than non-believer relying on own strength; for isolationist pride doesn’t just leave us vulnerable to further stress, it engages God’s resistance and worsens our situation. (Jam.4:5-6)

  (Said trust is not simply emotional. It includes recognizing and accepting all warfare is ultimately spiritual and for our mind: Requiring prayerfully laboring at seeking applicable wisdom from His Word, the Bible; Jesus as exemplary example; and garnering prudence from other saints with mature knowledge and experience.)  EBB4

BLAME SHIFTING DISCOUNTS STRENGTHENING

BLAMESHIFTING DISCOUNTS STRENGTHENING

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

James (GW) 1:20-27 An angry person doesn't do what God approves of. 21 So get rid of all immoral behavior and all the wicked things you do. Humbly accept the word that God has placed in you. This word can save you. 22 Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. 23  If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, 24 studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say. 26 If a person thinks that he is religious but can't control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person's religion is worthless. 27 Pure, unstained religion [Rom.12:1-3, observance of worship through living. EBB4], according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world.

  Blame shifting is employment of not taking responsibility for our individual exercise of free will, a “Through no fault of mine.” artificial life. This includes blaming God for problems while not examining self.

  This is but yet another lesson emphasized by Grandmother McGee that fell on my cute little ego-centric deaf ears surrounded by curls. I can still hear her sternly asking “If Jim stuck his head in a furnace, would you?!” . . . which at the time I considered a stupid question from an old person.

  Beginning with Grandmother’s words, through the years since ears opened and much hair gone with remainder silver, I’ve added additional beneficial thoughts and questions:

·         When reading or hearing God’s Word think of personal application about my responsibilities.

·         Ask God’s Holy Spirit to fluorescently alert me when it is I that am part, most of, or all of a problem. This must include when absolutely right a smug attitude!

·         Especially listen for thoughts or verbalizing “See now what you’ve made me do!” (One of my favorite questions in jail was “Do you think anyone here is capable of making me angry?” while standing before the meanest most brutish looking man in class. Another question was “Is anyone, including God, capable of making me love you?”)

·         Does/did blame shifting accomplish or circumvent goals?

·         When in silent or verbal blame shifting mode, am I teachable?

·         Emulating the first blame shifter (Gen.:12), is my simplistic knee-jerk reaction to always blame God or someone else?

·         Consider what blame shifting has cost the first two shifters.

·         What has blame shifting cost me in my life?

·         If I think God is at fault and I blame Him does it relieve me of my faulty contributions to this world?

·         Am I learning from wise experienced elders, or am I skating away from personal maturation?

·         If my life is typified by blaming God and/or others . . . am I edifying or otherwise?

·         Is my blame shifting better reasoned Avoidance & Manipulation?

·         And last on my list, but absolutely the most important, Jesus was contrarian; He took all the blame. (1Pet.2:24) 

  Now, lest the above review make for a gloomy day, remember whose day it is (Ps.118:24); family ours (Jn.1:12); and His loving forgiveness (1John 1:9). EBB4

STRENGTH THROUGH EXPOSURE

STRENGTH THROUGH EXPOSURE

(Why does God allow problems?)
Monday, August 12, 2013

 “If the Lord is with us . . . why has all this happened to us? (Judges 6:11-16)

  Gideon’s question to the angel expresses precisely how we feel at times. If God is love as declared in 1John 4:8, 16, why does he allow so many bad things?

  Central to the answer is God’s love. He loves us so much that beginning with Adam and Eve He did not make people puppets with Him manipulating the strings. It’s called free will. Or would you rather be an android or robot remotely controlled?

  Exercising free will I make good and bad decisions and deeds: Decisions and deeds that complicate or even adversely affect the lives of others.

  Others being no different than me in the free will scene . . . some even exercising thoughtful godly love less than I do, we live in chaotic olio.

  To help understand consider parenthood biological or as matter of heart. How protective are you, to the point of fostering a fragile person in adult body? If you truly love, the answer is “No”, you allow reasonable exposure to life as they grow in order that they mature.

  God is love. His love includes freedom. Isolation is not love. Indeed this free will is problematic. True love always is.  EBB4

 

STRENGTH WHEN MEETING MOUNTAINS

STRENGTH WHEN MEETING THE MOUNTAIN

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Zechariah 4:7-14 Who are you, O great mountain? …

  In Zechariah’s time some 2500 years ago Rabbis were sometimes deemed “mountain removers”.

  One not need be a person of leadership title to be a mountain mover. God promises courage to meet life’s mountains.

  My coming from a childhood of making “A mountain out of a molehill.” (Grandmother McGee’s warning words.), trusting God to develop me into a mountain man is quite an experience. One difficult part of which was maturing not largely by mountaintop experiences, but seeing most of my mountains as what they truly were: molehills. The first big step was realizing His vision of life topography eliminating most of the climbing in my life.

  This process was greatly aided by dear Ann, she already possessing godly view. (Another essay that should be added to HOW TO PICK A SPOUSE series?)

  Consider that few of life’s mountains are rock and soil, but constructed of our and others’ life-view; including often standing low looking up molehill as though an alp. But all are not molehill exaggerated, are they? There be mountains! My greatest mountain as yet faced being the loss of my beloved helpmeet.

  A notation in an old file states “Great things happen when godly men and mountains meet. The rest go jostling through the streets. Magnificent things happen when people and mountains meet and trust Christ’s promises.”

  I leave you this morning with a verse for our day, yea for our life. It is from Zechariah to Zerubbabel when he faced range of alps to climb and molehills to stumble over. I encourage carrying it with you, reading often until your view of mountains and molehills becomes level in His manner.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”

EBB4

 

QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENCE OUR STRENGTH

QUIETNESS AND CONFIDENCE OUR STRENGTH

Friday, August 09, 2013

 Isaiah 30:15-18 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. 16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. 17 One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. 18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

  This world has always been a troubled problematic place, at times critically so. As history buff I tell you that even in the calmest political times there has been and continues to be crisis one on top of another: A fragile or even false political peace in the best of times.

  As individuals we have little control or influence of this large ongoing turmoil.

  We do however have available Lord God’s provision of strength with its accompanying courage by and through His provision; evidenced in anxiety displaced by quietness and confidence.

  This provision His is not however automatic, nor is it realized by mantra. It requires our resting in knowledge and acceptance (trust!) of His Sovereignty; Omnipotent; Omniscient; Omnipresent.

  In Old Testament, Job, suffering terrible loss and at the time quite ill, is example of this rest as he declared that though God slay him . . . he would trust Him and be unwavering in maintaining his *integrity. (Job 13:15)

  In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, in wretched circumstance while awaiting certain execution . . . rested confidently in his relationship and fellowship with his Lord, declared contentment. (Phil.4:11-13)

  In our present life, __________, . . . ? 

EBB4

*Biblical “integrity”: http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-integrity.html

THE DYNAMICS OF STRENGTH

THE DYNAMICS OF STRENGTH

Thursday, August 08, 2013

Ephesians [NLT] 3:14-21 When I [Paul] think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

  May God grant you according to the riches of His glory to be mightily strengthened through and by the power of the Word!

  As Paul prayed for the followers of Lord Jesus Christ in Ephesus those many years ago, I pray for you. We should pray in kind for one another . . . for life without inner courage (as opposed to outward bravado) is a terrible business.

  Consider 3 dynamics of the strength God offers:

·         We trust Christ to the point of His abiding in our innermost being; mind, emotion, will . . . never forgetting His is a permanent residency. (2Cor.1:22; Eph.1:13, 30)

·         Understand and accept - allowing facilitation of the flawless purpose of His indwelling power: That we be unshakably rooted and grounded in and by His love. (Jn.17:26)

·         Rejoice in and be amazed by His empowering: The fact that we may be filled with the fullness of God! (Eph.3:19; 1Jn.4:4)

  There is however one that can seriously hinder His blessed provision of strength, self, reliance when lacking “mustard seed” faith. Let us pray for one another in this.  EBB4