OK, SO WHICH WAY?

OK, SO WHICH WAY?

Friday, June 30, 2017

John 14:6, 27; 16:33 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. … 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. [Again, please read and consider all in context.]

  Yesterday I shared my continuing adoption in God’s provision for peace. (1Cor. 10:12-13; 1Pet.5:7) Undeniably the world also provides many ways to peace, all involving some form of to vacate/separate as opposed to assimilate/integrate. Jesus explained this. (Suggest referring back to 6/23/17 DT EVERY WORD about “in Christ”.) Worldly ways to peace are seriously lacking and terribly flawed; seriously lacking in that they are temporal; terribly flawed in that in that they are both apart from and anti-Way.

  Today I share but one of the currently popular ways, mindfulness, it presently being taught in a variety of venues including health clubs, libraries, schools public and private, and even some churches. This morning DT is a long read as I included connected essay on New Age. (All from GotQuestions.org )

EBB4

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Question: "What is mindfulness? Should a Christian be involved in mindfulness?"
  Mindfulness is a term used to describe a meditative state in which people direct their attention inward to become more self-aware. Mindfulness is self-examination of one’s thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and emotions with no judgment of their being right or wrong. The goal of meditative mindfulness is to identify thoughts and feelings about a particular issue, to live in the moment, and to accept oneself completely. When this goal has been reached, the person is said to have entered a state of mindfulness.
  Mindfulness is rooted in Buddhism, as promoters of mindfulness readily admit, although it is often adapted for secular purposes. The ideology behind mindfulness is to achieve stillness and balance of the mind.
  Man’s efforts to calm the mind and rid the life of stressors—through mindfulness or other New Age techniques—are an attempt to manufacture peace. From a biblical perspective, we know that only Jesus gives the peace that can exist in all circumstances (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). No human can control emotions or thoughts on his or her own because we are born slaves to a sinful nature (Romans 6:17–23). Only through the power of the Holy Spirit who sets our minds free to think truthfully can we know true peace. If we want to practice being more aware or insightful, there are much better options than mindfulness techniques, such as Bible study and prayers for insight.
  When Christians think biblically, they see things defined through the lens of Scripture. The word mindful, which means “attentive,” is not describing anything inherently wrong. Christians can be mindful of Christ by taking every thought captive for Christ and renewing their minds with the truth (2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:2). But mindfulness, as promoted in psychology and used as a meditation technique, is not biblical.

Recommended Resource: The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt

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"What is the New Age movement?"
  The expression “New Age” came into existence in the 1970s and 1980s. It was promoted by the circulation of the New Age Journal and a book by Mark Satin called New Age Politics. Marilyn Ferguson’s best-selling Aquarian Conspiracy was a presentation of the social agenda and philosophical vision of the New Age. Ferguson’s writing attained status as the unofficial scripture of the movement. As Russell Chandler, a writer for the Los Angeles Times, wrote in Understanding the New Age, “If Ferguson wrote the New Age ‘Bible,‘ Shirley MacLaine [the actress] is its high priestess.”
  Shirley MacLaine’s book, Out on a Limb, chronicles her reluctant conversion to New Age belief. This book describes her travels and studies, which include science fiction-like dimensions, out-of-body travel, contact with extraterrestrial beings, “trance channeling” (séances), and a “guided tour” of the unseen world. MacLaine’s second book, Dancing in the Light, tells about her reach into the world of yoga, reincarnation, crystal power, Hindu mantras, and past-life recall experiences mediated through acupuncture. Her spirit guides informed her that each individual is God, and she passed along the “wisdom” that the person is unlimited. One only has to realize it. (Chandler, page 6-2).
  New Age thinking has its roots, then, in Eastern mysticism, which attempts to bypass the mind. There is a new organ of perception—the third eye—which gives spiritual light. One needs to get to the “psychic self” by training one’s self to ignore messages from the mind or to see that the mind is actually achieving “cosmic consciousness.” The mind can create reality.
  Neil Anderson in his book, Walking Through the Darkness, writes this: “The New Age movement is not seen as a religion but a new way to think and understand reality. It’s very attractive to the natural man who has become disillusioned with organized religion and Western rationalism. He desires spiritual reality but doesn’t want to give up materialism, deal with his moral problems, or come under authority” (page 22). Anderson goes on to summarize New Age thinking (pages 22–24) as follows:

(1) It is monism. The belief that all is one and one is all. History is not the story of humanity’s fall into sin and its restoration by God’s saving grace. Rather, it is humanity’s fall into ignorance and the gradual ascent into enlightenment.

(2) All is God. If all is one, including God, then one must conclude that all is God. It is pantheism—trees, snails, books, and people are all of one divine essence. A personal God who has revealed Himself in the Bible and in Jesus Christ is completely rejected. Since God is impersonal, the New Ager doesn’t have to serve Him. God is an “it,” not a “He.”

(3) There is a change in consciousness. If we are God, we need to know we are God. We must become cosmically conscious, enlightened, or attuned to the cosmic consciousness. Some who reach this enlightened status will claim to be “born again”—a counterfeit of biblical conversion. The essential is not whether we believe or meditate, but whom we believe in and what we meditate upon. Christ is the true, personal, objective reality, as He said that He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

(4) A cosmic evolutionary optimism is taught. There is a New Age coming. There will be a new world order, a new world government. New Age thinkers believe that there will eventually be a progressive unification of world consciousness. This, according to the Bible, is a counterfeit kingdom led by Satan himself. Christ has the true kingdom, and He will one day rule on earth with peace for all who accept Him as Savior and King (Revelation 5:13).

(5) New Agers create their own reality. They believe they can create reality by what they believe, and, by changing what they believe, they can change reality. All moral boundaries have been erased. There are no absolutes because there is no distinction between good and evil. Nothing has reality until one says that it is reality or says that it is truth. If finite man can create truth, we are in desperate trouble in our society. Unless there are eternal absolutes from the eternal God, man will eventually be his own destruction.

(6) New Agers make contact with the kingdom of darkness. Calling a medium a “channeler” and a demon a “spirit guide” has not changed the reality of what they are. This is the kingdom of darkness of which Satan is the head. Those involved in this kind of activity are in contact with a world that is totally opposed to the biblical God revealed to us in Jesus Christ, who defeated Satan (Matthew 4:1–11; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14–18).

  The New Age movement is a counterfeit philosophy that appeals to the feelings of individuals, leading them to think that that they are God and can enhance their lives through their own person. The reality is that we are born, grow up, live a while on planet Earth, and die. Humans are finite. We can never be God. We need someone greater than we who can provide us forgiveness and life eternal. Praise the Lord for the God-man, Jesus Christ. Through His death and bodily resurrection, He has won for us what we desperately need: forgiveness from God, a life of purpose and meaning in this life, and eternal life beyond the grave. Don’t miss out on who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for you. Read John chapter 3. Ask Christ to be your Savior. Your life will be transformed, and you will know who you are, why you are here, and where you are going.

Recommended Resource: Jesus Among Other gods by Ravi Zacharias

GOD'S WAY OF ESCAPE

GOD’S WAY OF ESCAPE

Thursday, June 29, 2017

1Corinthians [NLT] 10:12-13 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. [As always, please read in context in the translation of your preference.

1Peter chapter 5 … “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [Prov.3:34-35] So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you….

  I awoke this morning with the topic of temptation and “a way to escape” (KJV) and 4 connecting points turning over in mind.

  I am not an overt grumbler. I have however been a worrier. For me worrying, anxiety, and the accompanying passive-aggressive anger, though silently done is a form of murmuring - not trusting God’s direction. Deliverance for me came through trusting God with concerns that I could not foresee solutions for. Most concerns never came to pass or passed by without damage. Some He gave solutions for or direction in while trusting Him. Most resulted in lessons recognized upon later reflection. Yet other situations I anticipate clarity to arrive here or beyond death.

  Trusting God with my worries was and continues to be centered in His Word, in particular 1Peter 5:6-7. Initialing I dumped on God, but then as I repeatedly pondered I gained increase in strengthening insight; insight that I here present in 4 points realized:

1.       Capability, God’s: There is nothing He does not see, know, or can do as it pleases Him. (Ex.3:14)

2.       Provision, God’s: His merciful love. God alone supplies peace beyond any form this world provides. (Jn.14:27; 16:33)

3.       Capability, ours: We’re initially equipped with further furnishing completely available. (2Tim.3:16-17)

4.       Responsibility, ours: God created us with free will. He doesn’t do it for us. Indeed He shows the way, but He never pushes us onto it. We alone decide to live a distracted life or one of empowered purpose exercised within His provision of personal peace. (Beginning with Adam & Eve a constant truth illustrated throughout God’s Word.)

    As an elder that too often has learned these things the hard way, I pray you, if not already so will this day benefit from my education.

EBB4

PS. I haven’t worried for a long time. I’m accepting this morning’s thoughts as a Holy Spirit caution. For though unrecognized by me, I may be in or approaching the borderland of worry and unease. (Jn.14:26-27) And as you know, my life verses are Ps.32:8-9, which means there are times I don’t see the elephant in my room.

THE SWORD OF THE LORD UNRECOGNIZED

THE SWORD OF THE LORD UNRECOGNIZED

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Philippians chapter 3 … I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 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 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. 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, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! 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. 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, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 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. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example …

Hebrews chapter 4 … For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. …

  One of the interesting, for me entertaining, is hearing individuals speak what they consider on their own part an original or learned bit of life wisdom. This is particularly humorous when psychologists discover what God said without knowing or crediting that He said it first. I was aware of this again last evening when I heard someone say that after much stressful trial and error they have concluded “The past is where people without purpose live.” This definitely is a platitude to take note of and keep in mind. But it is not new revelation.

  Reading, studying, and pondering God’s Word we recognize such wisdom as of and from Omniscient Jehovah God presented in His story (history) thematically and/or overtly spelled out. The apostle Paul exemplifies both aspects.

  Whether glorious or gloomy, living in the past is naught but weighty baggage that hinders the present and future. And regardless of which human discovered authentic truth, in the beginning it is of and from God. (Eccl.1:9-10)

EBB4

THE QUESTION OF SUCCESSFUL LIVING

THE QUESTION OF SUCCESSFUL LIVING

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Exodus [KJV] 3:14… God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM …

Mark [GW] 8:31-38 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man would have to suffer a lot. He taught them that he would be rejected by the leaders, the chief priests, and the scribes. He would be killed, but after three days he would come back to life. He told them very clearly what he meant. Peter took him aside and objected to this. Jesus turned, looked at his disciples, and objected to what Peter said. Jesus said, "Get out of my way, Satan! You aren't thinking the way God thinks but the way humans think." [Note Rom.12:1-3] Then Jesus called the crowd to himself along with his disciples. He said to them, "Those who want to follow me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me. Those who want to save their lives will lose them. But those who lose their lives for me and for the Good News will save them. What good does it do for people to win the whole world yet lose their lives? Or what should a person give in exchange for life? If people are ashamed of me and what I say in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of those people when he comes with the holy angels in his Father's glory."

  Would we like to live successfully in 2017, and even for the rest of our life? Do we want our loved ones to be live successfully? And what of our nation? Of course we do!

  Success is measured by profit. But what definition of profit would that be?

  Success by God’s measure is precept contrary to unregenerate mankind’s concept of success; there’s constant tension between His wisdom and man’s philosophy of being an accomplished person. And it is a conflict common to all Biblically conscientious people.

  Paul, in writing to conflicted believers at Rome and Corinth, explained that our faith is not to be based on human wisdom, but on God’s; wisdom that is not held, adhered to, taught, or demonstrated by world rulers and/or philosophers. (Example – Acts 26:28) Their being here today, soon gone, replaced with changing measure, whereas Jehovah God is forever constant Eternal King. (Ex.3:14; Rom.12:1-3; 1Cor.2:5-6; 1Tim.1:17; Heb.13:8)

  Reading God’s Word we see many that lived successfully in and by God’s measure, pleasing Him in both pleasance and suffering, and profiting exceedingly; beginning with Abel some faithful disciples living in conflict with mankind’s standard of success paid dearly by man’s determination. (Gen.4:1-8; Heb.11:4)

  Here today in the USA is no exception. Each and every individual, follower of Christ or not, is confronted with the two opposing measures of success: Principle versus welfare. Throughout our history those living successfully by God’s measure were respected, howbeit grudgingly at times.

  This has been altered and continues to change. Those of us living success the King’s Way (Jn.14:6) are increasingly seen as hindrance to otherwise accomplishment. According to those that are anti-Word we present archaic narrow-minded ignorant thinking that is an obstacle to progressiveness; a ‘Live and let live in the pursuit of happiness.” A mantra of open-minded liberal tolerance promoting a non-judgmental attitude allowing wholesale permissiveness moving then to justification of manner.

  As followers of Christ we have been moved gradually from respected to being humored for market dollar and vote, from regard to increased ridicule, and now experiencing cases of persecution and prosecution. More than ever before in our nation we are individually and corporately faced with the question of correct and proper successful living.

  What if conditions worsen? What if life in the USA does come to commonplace cruel mockings and scourgings, imprisonment, torture, living destitute . . . will we then live by God’s measure of success? (Heb.11:36-40)  

EBB4

NAMES OF ANGELS

NAMES  OF ANGELS

Monday, June 26, 2017

GotQuestions.org: "What are the names of angels in the Bible?"

  The Bible describes angels as powerful spiritual beings whom God created to perform specific jobs both in heaven and on earth. And although the Bible often mentions a “host” of angels, it only names a few.
  Gabriel is the most well-known named angel to appear in Scripture. Each time He is mentioned, we see him act as a messenger to impart wisdom or a special announcement from God. In the book of Daniel, Gabriel appeared to the prophet Daniel in order to explain some visions God gave Daniel about the end times (Daniel 8:15–27; 9:20–27). While Daniel still had trouble understanding the visions, Gabriel’s explanations, along with other biblical information about the end times, have allowed us to come to some conclusions about how the end times will play out.
  Gabriel also appears in the New Testament. He appears to Zacharias in the temple to herald the news that Zacharias’s wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to John. Gabriel also approaches Mary with the announcement of the birth of Christ. Later, Joseph receives guidance in a couple visits from Gabriel. Because of the monumental importance of these history-shaping announcements, it seems likely that Gabriel is one of God’s chief messengers.
  The second angel the Bible calls by name is Michael, who functions very differently from the angel Gabriel. Michael is an archangel, which means “chief angel”; this title indicates that Michael holds a high rank in heaven. Although it is not certain that Michael is the only archangel, the possibility exists, according to Jude 9, where Michael is referred to in definite terms as “the archangel Michael.” If other archangels exist, it is likely that Michael leads them.
  When Michael appears in the Bible, it is usually in a battle of some type. He wars with the fallen angels (those who sinned against God and became demons) and Satan on behalf of God and His people. Michael appears several times in the book of Daniel as a warrior (see Daniel 10:21 and 12:1). In one instance, the angel Gabriel describes Michael as fighting against the demonic “prince of the Persian kingdom,” enabling Gabriel to reach Daniel and explain the visions to him (Daniel 10:13).
  Michael is also seen in the Book of Revelation, when he battles the great dragon—Satan—during the end times (Revelation 12:7–9). The fact that Michael is leading an army of angels against Satan himself testifies to Michael’s high rank and power.
  If fallen angels are included in the list of angels who are named in the Bible, two more names should be mentioned: Lucifer/Satan and Apollyon/Abaddon. Lucifer rebelled against God and was thrown down from heaven along with the angels who followed him. Before his rebellion, Lucifer was a beautiful and powerful being; but he coveted equality with the Most High God and therefore became unholy and cursed (Isaiah 14:12–18; Luke 10:18). He is now known as Satan and is God’s chief enemy who seeks to deceive and destroy all of mankind (John 10:10). Apollyon/Abaddon is another fallen angel, mentioned in Revelation 9:11, who leads an end-times demonic army.

Recommended Resource: Angels: Elect & Evil by C. Fred Dickason

DISTANCE

DISTANCE

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Mark 8:33-38 But when He had turned around and looked on His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Go behind Me, Satan! For you do not mind the things of God, but of the things of men. And calling near the crowd with His disciples, He said to them, Whoever will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it; but whoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, he shall save it. For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Therefore whoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man shall also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

John 3:3 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.

John 4:31-38 In the meantime His disciples were asking Him, saying, Master, eat. But He said to them, I have food to eat which you do not know. Therefore the disciples said to one another, No one brought Him anything to eat? Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. Do you not say, It is yet four months, and the harvest comes? Behold, I say to you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white to harvest already. And he who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to life eternal, so that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. And in this is the saying true, One sows and another reaps. I sent you to reap that on which you bestowed no labor. Other men labored, and you have entered into their labor.

2Corinthians 5:16-17 [Paul explained] So as we now know no one according to flesh, but even if we have known Christ according to flesh, yet now we no longer know Him so. So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

  For travelers questions of distance are commonplace. This is so geographically and spiritually.

  Geographical distance questions today are easily answered in terms of miles and time.

  Spiritual questions on distance cannot however be answered by Mapquest, cresting a hill and seeing the TV towers at 72 & Crown Point, et al. Spiritual travel requires radical change in our sight. Jesus explained there’s vista beyond man’s normal vision; renewal of heart and mind in and by God’s Word. (John 1:1 leading to, connected with, John 3:3)

  With renewed eyes I continue to see people, life, purpose and more quite differently. Much of what I see from and by God is comforting. Much of what I see from and by people, self included, would be angst were it not for the peace of God. Apart from God’s peace I would be bound by the confusion of cupidity and by far clueless as to the motivational higher life-questions such as God posed before Job.

·         Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

·         Have the gates of death been revealed to you?

·         Where is the way to the dwelling of light?

·         Or any of the other questions recorded in Job chapter 38.

  Considering Sovereign God Almighty can we see the opportunity and responsibility of Romans 12:1-3?

EBB4

EVERY WORD

EVERY WORD

Friday, June 23, 2017

Matthew [ESV]4:4  But he [Jesus] answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 12:36-37  I [Jesus] tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

  What we say is of present and eternal significance. Presently, in holding forth the Truth, crediting, honoring and glorifying the author by testifying with “God’s Word says …” instead referencing “The Bible says …” This I wrote of yesterday.

  I’ve discovered another point of our speech. God’s Word rarely refers to the followers of Christ as Christians, whereas we refer to ourselves in this manner commonly. God’s Word refers to the followers of Christ as “in Christ” scores of times, whereas we seldom if ever identify ourselves verbally in this manner. (“in Christ” is in original texts over 120 times.)

  This is an important vocabulary distinction, it being even more so in this era of “Christian” used generically and incorrectly.

  Suggesting a little test: There are people with whom we conversationally commonly use “Christian”. Some are believers, some not, but few or none of them offended or perturbed by the word. Let’s try using “in Christ” in place of Christian and see how they react.

  Then, if wanting more exercise, take your concordance and look up “my name” in the New Testament.

EBB4

THE BOOK SAYS

THE BOOK SAYS

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Mat 23:24  Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

  Does anyone know when people in general, Christians in particular including a number of preachers, teachers, and writers began saying “The Bible says…”? I began thinking about this after seeing a midsummer ad for early order Christmas items which led me to thinking about gnats and camels in church cultures; demonstrated in USA brouhaha about “holidays” versus saying “Christmas”. (I say the latter.)

  God’s scribe, in passing the Word to the Hebrews and us, did not say the Bible is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb.4:12)

  Fact is that in the 66 books using multiple penman God never once refers to His Word as Bible. The word is nowhere found in God’s Word!

  Admittedly, in the ears of believers, “Bible” refers to God’s Truth. But what of unbelievers, those lost? (Jn.3:1-18) Comparatively the size of “Merry Christmas” is a gnat to the camel of “the Bible says”. And for those far from the Word not hearing capitals it is an even larger camel that we stuff in their ears.

EBB4

SERVING AS AN INTERRUPTER

SERVING AS AN INTERRUPTER

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Romans [GW] 12:1-3 Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers.

  “Ed, I have really enjoyed this series and the main concept - don't search for God's will, do God's will - was a very strong ah ha moment for me. I never thought of it that way!! Your illustrative examples are great and were saved to my "Ed" folder for more study. Thank you for continuing to teach every day. I'm sure every DT provides an ah ha moment for at least one reader. Cheri [NV]”

  Why do people commonly think of interruptions as impolite? Could it be largely because of the rethink factor? The about note from Cheri in response to DT SEEKING GOD’S WILL series set me to thinking: God interrupted my life using Bud Bond and others. I’ve been interrupting peoples’ thinking ever since, for nearly 55 years. Cheri is case in point as she was interrupted, thought, still digesting, and responded with indicative supportive note. It possibly a timely interruption I didn’t know I needed?

  I shall continue interrupting with the sword of the Lord, His Word. (Heb.4:11-13) I encourage you to do the same for it is the will of God for all followers of Christ. (Mt.28:18-20; Act.1:8; 2Tim.4:1-4)

EBB4

SAMANTHA INTERRUPTED

SAMANTHA INTERRUPTED

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

   Let it be known that God’s interruptions are blessed events from Him . . . and to us depending on our reaction. Samantha’s experience is quite different from Moses’, Gideon’s, Paul’s, or Peter’s. Unlike theirs involving startling surprise, hers is a case of what I think of as James 4:17a gradualism; God forthright calling for the hearer to lead as His did the 4 other examples I chose to write about. Instead He presented opportunity that presented another opportunity that presented another …

  Samantha was living a life well-planned. She is a whiz of a student, completed high school and university bachelor degree at a young age. The plan was to return to school in the fall to begin work toward a master degree. Then she was invited on a short term mission trip to Zambia.

  Within days of arrival she volunteered to teach additional children that could not attend the established school. This led to another surprise – the large number of children that came eager to learn in the provided outdoor setting. Then came a surprising reversal of permission. Then came parental and community support wanting Samantha to continue.

 Short mission trip over, Samantha arrived home in the USA knowing she must return. Incrementally opportunities with considerable challenges involved were accepted. Walking in faith step by step Samantha was required to often move outside of what the average person considers required qualifications. (Youth, no teaching or administrative degrees, ChickaFila et al work history, etc.) Moving continually quickly forward required a incredibly radical learning curve. After a very short time buildings, staff (all older than Samantha I think), ongoing support and sponsorship are in place and operational.

  Please pray for Kwathu Free Haven Community School, Livingston, Zambia (http://www.kwathu.org/about/ ), Samantha, staff, students, and supporters.

  I’ve left out many of the details. I continue to, if ever a break in pace, urge Samantha to begin writing her life story. Hopefully she someday will.

  I close this DT SEEKING GOD’S WILL series with a lifelong personal observation: Most followers of Christ will serve in the general talents/gifts population. Some will be called out in a startling manner. But most called for higher service will do so accepting an opportunity that leads to another that leads to another ….

  Either way is a matter of living in and by faith.

EBB4

PETER INTERRUPTED

PETER INTERRUPTED

Monday, June 19, 2017

Psalm 32:8-9 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

  Peter’s story is different than Moses, Gideon, or Paul. Another interrupted life, yes, but often so. Two of the times in particular stir my attention.

  First the unexpected sudden invitation: From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Mt.4:17-20)   

  Then later one of a number of interruptions to his mindset: ”… Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.” (Acts 10; Mt.16:3-26; Jn.13:54-9 and others)

  The first interruption he responded to without resistant argument. My second attention getter being but one of many of afterward Peter’s will versus God’s will.

  Peter’s life was a dramatic roller coaster of emotions. It took time before understanding unto the final exchanging of Peter’s preferred yoke for His yoke. Pondering Peter’s story prods me to think “What of my shoulders this day?”

EBB4

A SINFUL GARDEN ENCOUNTER

A SINFUL GARDEN ENCOUNTER

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Philippians [MKJV] 2:5-8  For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  One day while gardening I met a great man.

  How do I know he is a great man? Without my asking, he bombastically told me so himself. Smarter and wealthier than the whole bunch, plus sharing a few more marks of greatness, said he.

  I had heard his loud exhaust as he roared about the neighborhood, especially so as he drew near and called out to me. I wasn’t surprised to see the noisy muffler was beneath an aged large Chevrolet SUV that looked like it had barely survived a destruction derby. When he noted my eying his vehicle that looked like some recycling center employee had shouted “Wait! Stop the crusher. We have a buyer!!” he informed me he has a new pristine model in his garage.

  Then he asked me if I was wealthy.

  Dirty and sweaty, raising tool in hand I responded “I do my own gardening.”

  Pausing, then grinning, looking at me as though a sly old fox, he said “You’re wealthy.” (Wickedly enjoying the encounter, I sinfully made no correction.)

   Later that evening I read the free “COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICE” 18 page 11.5 x 15 newsprint paper he left for us, having distributed it in our area.

  I noted his Mission statement on page 2. In particular the last half: “From the beginning management determined to make God the Senior Member. In a crisis, the problem is turned over to Him, and He hasn’t failed to help us with the answer. Each edition of the newspaper must reflect the integrity of the management. If sometimes we fail on our end, because we are human, we find it imperative to do our utmost to make it right. The Management”

  I thought how very true is “All have sinned and come short of God’s glory”; Like weeds in the garden, one man brashly boasting of his greatness, with the other, though in subtle manner, so easily slipping into impishly responding egotistically in kind.

  I pray for consistent Christ-like behavior.

EBB4 (2016)

PS. Have you met this man anytime recently?

SAUL INTERRUPTED

SAUL INTERRUPTED

Friday, June 16, 2017

Acts [ESV] 9:1-28 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?" But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

  As we saw earlier, Moses or Gideon was not seeking God’s will beyond how they were already living. Their life was one of survival mode, Moses on the lam living out his life as a back country shepherd, Gideon circumventing Midianite law in order to live.

  Neither was Saul of Tarsus seeking God’s intervention. But his story is quite different in that he thought he fully comprehended and was passionately dedicated in doing God’s will until God dramatically publically interrupted his misguided path while traveling the road to Damascus.

  For those among interested in what God’s exceptional will may involve I suggest studying the life and death of Paul. To aid you in doing so, for your convenience I’ve provided from Nave’s Topical Bible the outline with Bible references.

  Study on. Ponder much. Examine if and as needed.

EBB4

 

Paul

[originally] Called Saul

Act_8:1; Act_9:1; Act_13:9

Of the tribe of Benjamin

Rom_11:1; Phi_3:5

Personal appearance of

2Co_10:1; 2Co_10:10; 2Co_11:6

Born in Tarsus

Act_9:11; Act_21:39; Act_22:3

Educated at Jerusalem in the school of Gamaliel

Act_22:3; Act_26:4

A zealous Pharisee

Act_22:3; Act_23:6; Act_26:5; 2Co_11:22; Gal_1:14; Phi_3:5

A Roman

Act_16:37; Act_22:25-28

Persecutes the Christians; present at, and gives consent to, the stoning of Stephen

Act_7:58; Act_8:1; Act_8:3; Act_9:1; Act_22:4

Sent to Damascus with letters for the arrest and return to Jerusalem of Christians

Act_9:1-2

His vision and conversion

Acts 9:3-22; Acts 22:4-19; Act_26:9-15; 1Co_9:1; 1Co_15:8; Gal_1:13; 1Ti_1:12-13

Is baptized

Act_9:18; Act_22:16

Called to be an apostle

Act_22:14-21; Act_26:16-18; Rom_1:1; 1Co_1:1; 1Co_9:1-2; 1Co_15:9; Gal_1:1; Gal_1:15-16; Eph_1:1; Col_1:1; 1Ti_1:1; 1Ti_2:7; 2Ti_1:1; 2Ti_1:11; Tit_1:1; Tit_1:3

Preaches in Damascus

Act_9:20; Act_9:22

Is persecuted by the Jews

Act_9:23-24

Escapes by being let down from the wall in a basket; goes to Jerusalem

Act_9:25-26; Gal_1:18-19

Received by the disciples in Jerusalem

Act_9:26-29

Goes to Caesarea

Act_9:30; Act_18:22

Sent unto the Gentiles

Act_13:2-3; Act_13:47-48; Act_22:17-21; Rom_11:13; Rom_15:16; Gal_1:15-24

Has Barnabas as his companion

Act_11:25-26

Teaches at Antioch one year

Act_11:26

Conveys the contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem

Act_11:27-30

Returns with John to Antioch

Act_12:25

Visits Seleucia

Act_13:4

Visits Cyprus

Act_13:4

Preaches at Salamis

Act_13:5

Preaches at Paphos

Act_13:6

Sergius Paulus, deputy of the country, is a convert of

Act_13:7-12

Contends with Elymas the sorcerer

Act_13:6-12

Visits Perga in Pamphylia

Act_13:13

John, a companion of, departs for Jerusalem

Act_13:13

Visits Antioch in Pisidia, and preaches in the synagogue

Acts 13:14-41

His message received gladly by the Gentiles

Act_13:42; Act_13:49

Persecuted and expelled

Act_13:50-51

Visits Iconium, and preaches to the Jews and Greeks; is persecuted; escapes to Lystra; goes to Derbe

Act_14:1-6

Heals an impotent man

Act_14:8-10

The people attempt to worship him

Act_14:11-18

Is persecuted by certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is stoned

Act_14:19; 2Co_11:25; 2Ti_3:11

Escapes to Derbe, where he preaches the gospel, and returns to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, confirms the souls of the disciples, exhorts them to continue in the faith, and ordains elders

Act_14:19-23

Revisits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he abode

Act_14:24-28

Contends with the Judaizing Christians against circumcision

Act_15:1-2

Refers the question as to circumcision to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem

Act_15:2; Act_15:4

He declares to the apostles at Jerusalem the miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them

Act_15:12

Returns to Antioch, accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, with letters to the Gentiles

Act_15:22; Act_15:25

Makes his second tour of the churches

Act_15:36

Chooses Silas as his companion, and passes through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches

Act_15:36-41

Visits Lystra; circumcises Timothy

Act_16:1-5

Goes through Phrygia and Galatia; is forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach in Asia; visits Mysia; essays to go to Bithynia, but is restrained by the Spirit; goes to Troas, where he has a vision of a man saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us;” immediately proceeds to Macedonia

Act_16:6-10

Visits Samothracia and Neopolis; comes to Philippi, the chief city of Macedonia; visits a place of prayer at the river side; preaches the word; the merchant, Lydia, of Thyatira, is converted and baptized

Act_16:11-15

Reproves the soothsayer; causes the evil spirit to come out of the damsel who practices divination

Act_16:16-18

Persecuted, beaten, and cast into prison with Silas; sings songs of praise in the prison; an earthquake shakes the prison; he preaches to the alarmed jailer, who believes, and is baptized with his household

Acts 16:19-34

Is released by the civil authorities on the ground of his being a Roman citizen

Act_16:35-39; 2Co_6:5; 2Co_11:25; 1Th_2:2

Is received at the house of Lydia

Act_16:40

Visits Amphipolis, and Apollonia, and Thessalonica, preaches in the synagogue

Act_17:1-4

Is persecuted

Act_17:5-9; 2Th_1:1-4

Escapes to Berea by night; preaches in the synagogue; many honorable women, and men, not a few, believe

Act_17:10-12

Persecuted by the Jews who come from Thessalonica; is conducted by the brethren to Athens

Act_17:13-15

Disputes on Mars' Hill with Grecians

Acts 17:16-34

Visits Corinth; dwells with Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, who were tentmakers; joins in their handicraft; reasons in the synagogue every Sabbath; is rejected of the Jews; turns to the Gentiles; makes his abode with Justus; continues there one year and six months, teaching the word of God

Act_18:1-11

Persecuted by Jews, drawn before the deputy, charged with wicked lewdness; accusation dismissed; takes his leave after many days, and sails unto Syria, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla

Act_18:12-18

Visits Ephesus, where he leaves Aquila and Priscilla; enters into a synagogue, where he reasons with the Jews; starts on his return journey to Jerusalem; visits Caesarea; goes over the country of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, strengthening the disciples

Act_18:18-23

Returns to Ephesus; baptizes in the name of the Lord Jesus, and lays his hands upon the disciples, who are baptized with the Holy Ghost; preaches in the synagogue; remains in Ephesus for the space of two years; heals the sick

Act_19:1-12

Reproves the exorcists; casts an evil spirit out of a man, and many believe, bringing their books of sorcery to be burned

Act_19:13-20; 1Co_16:8-9

Sends Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, but remains himself in Asia for a season

Act_19:21-22

The spread of the gospel through his preaching interferes with the makers of idols; he is persecuted, and a great uproar of the city is created; the town clerk appeases the people; dismisses the accusation against Paul, and disperses the people

Acts 19:23-41; 2Co_1:8; 2Ti_4:14

Proceeds to Macedonia after confirming the churches in those parts; comes into Greece and abides three months; returns through Macedonia, accompanied by Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus

Act_20:1-6

Visits Troas; preaches until break of day; restores to life the young man who fell from the window

Act_20:6-12

Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium, and Miletus, hastening to Jerusalem, to be there at Pentecost

Act_20:13-16

Sends for the elders of the church of Ephesus; rehearses to them how he had preached in Asia, and his temptations and afflictions testifying repentance toward God; declares he was going bound in spirit to Jerusalem; exhorts them to take heed to themselves and the flock over whom the Holy Ghost had made them overseers; kneels down and prays and takes his departure

Acts 20:17-38

Visits Coos, Rhodes, Patara; takes ship for Tyre; tarries at Tyre seven days; is brought on his way by the disciples to the outskirts of the city; kneels down and prays; takes ship; comes to Ptolemais; salutes the brethren, and abides one day

Act_21:1-7

Departs for Caesarea; enters the house of Philip, the Evangelist; is admonished by Agabus not to go to Jerusalem; proceeds nevertheless to Jerusalem

Act_21:8-15

Is received by the brethren gladly; talks of the things that had been wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry; enters the temple; the people are stirred against him by Jews from Asia; an uproar is created; he is thrust out of the temple; the chief captain of the garrison interposes and arrests him

Acts 21:17-33

His defense

Act_21:33-40; Acts 22:1-21

Is confined in the castle

Act_22:24-30

Is brought before the council; his defense

Act_22:30; Act_23:1-5

Is returned to the castle

Act_23:10

Is cheered by a vision, promising him that he shall bear witness in Rome

Act_23:11

Jews conspire against his life

Act_23:12-15

Thwarted by his nephew

Act_23:16-22

Is escorted to Caesarea by a military guard

Act_23:23-33

Is confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea

Act_23:35

His trial before Felix

Acts 24

Remains in custody for two years

Act_24:27

His trial before Festus

Act_25:1-12

Appeals to Caesar

Act_25:10-12

His examination before Agrippa

Act_25:13-27; Acts 26

Is taken to Rome in custody of Julius, a centurion, and guard of soldiers; takes shipping, accompanied by other prisoners, and sails by way of the coasts of Asia; stops at Sidon, and at Myra

Act_27:1-5

Transferred to a ship of Alexandria; sails by way of Cnidus, Crete, Salamis, and the Fair Havens

Act_27:6-8

Predicts misfortune to the ship; his counsel not heeded, and the voyage resumed

Act_27:9-13

The ship encounters a tempest; Paul encourages and comforts the officers and crew; the soldiers advise putting the prisoners to death; the centurion interferes, and all on board, consisting of two hundred and seventy-six souls, are saved

Acts 27:14-44

The ship is wrecked, and all on board take refuge on the island of Melita

Acts 27:14-44

Kind treatment by the inhabitants of the island

Act_28:1-2

Is bitten by a viper and miraculously preserved

Act_28:3-6

Heals the ruler's father and others

Act_28:7-10

Is delayed in Melita three months; proceeds on the voyage; delays at Syracuse; sails by Rhegium and Puteoli; meets brethren who accompany him to Rome from Appii forum; arrives at Rome; is delivered to the captain of the guard; is permitted to dwell by himself in custody of a soldier

Act_28:11-16

Calls the chief Jews together; states his situation; is kindly received; expounds the gospel; testifies to the kingdom of heaven

Act_28:17-29

Dwells two years in his own hired house, preaching and teaching

Act_28:30-31

Supports himself

Act_18:3; Act_20:33-35

Sickness of, in Asia

2Co_1:8-11

His resolute determination to go to Jerusalem against the repeated admonition of the Holy Ghost

Act_20:22-23; Act_21:4; Act_21:10-14

Caught up to the third heavens

2Co_12:1-4

Has “a thorn in the flesh”

2Co_12:7-9; Gal_4:13-14

His independence of character

1Th_2:9; 2Th_3:8

Persecutions of

1Th_2:2; Heb_10:34

Zeal of

See Zeal, Exemplified by Paul

Persecutions endured by

Act_9:16; Act_9:23-25; Act_9:29; Act_16:19-25; Act_2:24; Act_20:22-24; Act_21:13; Act_21:27-33; Act_22:22-24; Act_23:10; Act_23:12-15; Rom_8:35-37; 1Co_4:9; 1Co_4:11-13; 2Co_1:8-10; 2Co_4:8-12; 2Co_6:4-5; 2Co_6:8-10; 2Co_11:23-27; 2Co_11:32-33; 2Co_12:10; Gal_5:11; Gal_6:17; 1Th_3:4; Phi_1:30; Phi_2:17-18; Col_1:24; 1Th_2:2; 1Th_2:14-15; 2Ti_1:12; 2Ti_2:9-10; 2Ti_3:11-12; 2Ti_4:16-17