WORSHIP

 WORSHIP

  Ecclesiastes 12:12-14 … Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.  [TSK cross references: Fear: Ecc_5:7, Ecc_8:12; Gen_22:12; Deu_6:2, Deu_10:12; Psa_111:10, Psa_112:1, Psa_145:19, Psa_147:11; Pro_1:7, Pro_23:17; 1Pe_2:17; Rev_19:5

  John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

  Romans [ESV] 12:1-3 I [the Apostle Paul]appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

  “Worship” is an interesting and unique word. It is a life-word, for our individual interpretation of it determines our life path. Every decision and action, with their results good and bad, flows out of our concept and practice of worship.

  Everyone worships.

  Worship involves attributing worth to person(s) or thing(s), doing so formally, as in church et al, or informally, as in a walk in the woods et al. This includes praise and glory expressed in church, sports events, and entertainment, or even a juice bar or some other such setting.

  Worship can involve diverse expression.

  Worship can be rigid or flexible, by rote or spontaneous, at times product of egocentric determination of needs, situations, star quality, personal emotions, and any capricious manners of man. (Ex.32:23-25)

  True worship is contrary to man’s natural self-centered erratic ways.

  With God worship is delightful and yet at the same time demanding; enjoyed in pleasant church or devotional setting, but most telling when elsewhere; driving along roads, assembling piles of widgets, organizing reams of paperwork, typing mounds of letters, answering scads of phone calls, telemarketing, diapers, mopping, scrubbing; at times plowing seemingly endless fields. (Lk.9:57-62)

  True worship is because of and unto God’s glory and power, love and mercy; Christ-like, flowing thru us to the refreshing or consternation of others. (Jn.7:37-38)

EBB4

THE OPTION OF AN GER

 THE OPTION OF ANGER

Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and sin [miss the mark of godliness and not share the prize] not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.  

  Dear Christian,

  As with all emotions, anger is optional. No one can make us angry without our permission. We’re constantly in the midst of triggers of various magnitude and weightiness, but only we have the authority and power over tripping them.  As with a firearm the trigger only works when the safety is off. This is easily proven by observing groups of people in same situation.

  Though anger can be sinful, it is not fundamentally so in every instance.

  When is anger sinful?

  When it’s prideful egocentric all about me and gives place for Apollyon (Eph.4:27; Rev.9:11 Greek: the Destroyer); thereby destructive to self and others. (This brings to mind the old saying “Unforgiveness with hope for or action toward revenge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.”)

  When is anger not sinful?

  When it is not pride centered with revenge is mind. We can know for certain that our wrath is righteous when it is in concord with what angers God Himself; God in place in our life, not the Destroyer.

  Read of Jesus, our example of liberty, His righteous anger, and the unrighteous anger of others in reaction to His compassion: “… He again entered into the synagogue. And a man was there who had a withered hand. And they watched Him to see if He would heal him on the sabbath day, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, Arise! Come into the middle. And He said to them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill? But they were silent. And looking around on them with anger, being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, Stretch out your hand! And he stretched it out. And his hand was restored whole, like the other. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.” (MKJV Mk.3:1-6)

  Now, if not already in practice, may His peace that passes all natural understanding dominate our life. (Phil.4:7) EBB4

Suggestion: As a Philippians 2:12 exercise in spiritual and thereby emotional maturation, for 7 days when occurring jot down each time and reason for anger. At end of week separate self from all distraction, review list and consider prayerfully.

ARRIVED?

 

ARRIVED?

  2Timothy [MKJV] 3:16-17; 4:1-4 All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work. Therefore I solemnly witness before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is going to judge the living and the dead according to His appearance and His kingdom, preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear. And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths.

  Titus [GW] 2:1 Tell believers to live the kind of life that goes along with accurate teachings.

“I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.”  William Booth

  William Booth died August 20, 1912. He was a British Methodist preacher that founded The Salvation Army (S.A.) in London not long after our USA civil war ended. He was the first S.A. General (1878–1912). Since its founding S.A. has spread to many countries. The movement is quasi-military in structure and appearance.  The S.A. is one of the largest distributors of humanitarian aid.

  Preacher Booth did not claim to be a prophet but he certainly did state terse warnings.

  Does his statement above pertain to us today?

  Let us see. In the local congregation that you or I participate in:

·         If ever, how often is God’s Holy Spirit mentioned?

·         If ever, how often have we been taught about God’s Holy Spirit?

·         If anything, how much do we know about God’s Holy Spirit? Can we intelligently respond to those that inquire about Him?

·         If at all, what influence does God’s Holy Spirit have in our life?

·         If at all, do we hear of Christ or do we primarily hear of a Christianity centered in loving, happy living and social harmony?

·         If at all, is true Christ-centered Bible-based repentance explained, urged, and expected with empathetic shepherding available?  (Jesus first commandment. Mt.4:17 and 6 other mentions.)

·         If at all, is born-again regeneration explained, urged, and expected with empathetic shepherding available?

·         If at all, are political positions and choices explained in the light of God’s Word? (I speak not of endorsements, but of knowing what God says that applies to said choices.)

·         If at all, when have we even heard the word “hell”? If so, how often and with what definition?

·         If at all, when have we been taught from God’s Word about the reality of hell?

·         If at all, when invited to trust Lord Jesus Christ, is any reason(s) given as to why bother?

  Where are we in our particular congregation? Are we taught the sound doctrine of the complete counsel of God or have we arrived at William Booth’s place of “chief dangers”?

EBB4

 

SEEK & GAIN FORGIVENESS

 SEEK & GAIN FORGIVENESS

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly. But when you pray, do not babble vain words, as the nations. For they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard. Therefore do not be like them, for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him. Therefore pray in this way: Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” [MKJV Mt.6:5:15]

  Matthew6:5-15 is the model prayer the Lord gave to His followers. Among its significant points there is the us-compared-to-them, Christ follower versus religious fan, fact.

  God is willing, able and ready to forgive each and every human being, but the forgiveness cannot take place until we are willing to repent, seek His forgiveness, and accept it without any of our conditions or suppositions: God’s forgiveness being conditional upon our forgiveness given; the way to and maintenance of fellowship, there being no other way before God.

Leslie Nivens (12/12/1928-3/1/2020)

SHADES OF ANGER

 SHADES OF ANGER

Be angry, and sin not: … Jesus, perfect example of liberty, exercised righteous anger at the unrighteous anger of others reacting to His compassion; they angry to the point of plotting His murder. (Eph.4:26-27; Mk.3:1-6)

  No one can make us angry. Learning this truth drastically changed my life for the better. (And the lives of others as they accepted this truth.) As with any other emotion, it’s a matter of choice, granting oneself permission. Some go beyond permitting, embracing anger for a variety of beliefs: it’s enjoyable; they feel most alive when in ire, it gives them power they otherwise don’t have, to intimidate and manipulate, it’s the only way to really accomplish goals and manage people – including family, friends, employees, status and personal esteem, and for other or olio of beliefs. Admittedly, familial and/or cultural belief may be involved. Some grow up in blessed peace but decide for anger as their style or lazy knee-jerk reaction or in unforgiveness of traumatic life events.

  When in wrath we then have before us further options.

·         Relief through loving forgiveness.

·         Harness emotions unto constructiveness.

·         Seize opportunity therein to examine self and situation.

·         Hold our breath until we die.

·         Don’t ever again let others slide on our cellar door!

·         Go out to the garden and eat worms.

·         Passive-aggressive JFK “Don’t get mad, get even.”

·         Pouting silent treatment. Glare. Isolation from person/people.

·         Sleep in guest bedroom, garage or vehicle.

·         Eat elsewhere other than with “Them!”

·         Wear an armored girdle to bed for months, even years, or “Til’ death do us part.”

·         Rant and rave.

·         Entertain thoughts of destructive schemes against person(s) or property.

·         Strategically work gossip, malice, setups.

·         Destroy property. Yours. Theirs. Public. Private. (Some resentful Baltimore Works non-transferring employees un-synched machinery gear sets so that when started in Omaha equipment destructed. Some resentful Omaha Works employees punctured tires and broke windshields of transferee’s vehicles on company parking lot.)

·         Harm your body. (Cutters, burners, et al.)

·         Heavily bleach your husband’s undershorts.

·         Vent in operating vehicle or equipment.

·         Entertain schemes of bodily harm to “offender” “perpetrator”.

·         Actually put together plan, equipment, and/or recruit like-minded team to harm.

·         Leave off imagining, act out destruction, commit mayhem and murder against individual or population. If there’s collateral damage, so be it!

·         Other options I haven’t remembered this morning.

  Which of the above have we opted for? Or still choose?

  Which of the above are we capable of? James letter to Christians answers this question thoroughly, especially when we contemplate chapter 4. Please do so as it may do much to aid us in life’s decision making today and the weeks ahead.

EBB4

WELL AGED ANGER

 WELL AGED ANGER

  Psalm [NLT] 90:11-12 [Lord,] Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

  Hebrews 12:11-15 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Dear fellow travelers,

  When I speak of my maturation, please understand I’m not bragging, I just want you to learn from my knowledge and experience gained as I aged in God’s grace. This 2Timothy 2:1-2 vocation was drilled into us years ago in Maryland Bible Institute. One exercise was memorizing and personalizing: “… my dear son Ed, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” (NLT)

  Some have the idea I don’t get angry. I do. I experienced anger this week.

  However, two things are distinctively different between now and my old life BC; The Word living and written: Anger was almost always connected to ego, my pride. I was subjective to the emotion of anger; it distracting me from Biblical objectivity. My life passive-aggressively was contrary to Ephesians 4:26. I festered.

  Let there be no doubt, as God’s John 1:12 children we are but sojourners with mission defined in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. We shouldn’t deny our emotion, but we are not to be sidetracked by prizing and embracing emotion as does so often this world. Let us not lose John 3:3 sight of our present place of serving Him during our days this side of heaven. 

EBB4

ANGER 101

 ANGER 101

  John [GW] 1:9-12 The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him. Yet, the world didn't recognize him. He went to his own people, and his own people didn't accept him. However, he gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him.

  Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:26-27 That is why you are no longer foreigners and outsiders but citizens together with God's people and members of God's family. You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. In him all the parts of the building fit together and grow into a holy temple in the Lord. Through him you, also, are being built in the Spirit together with others into a place where God lives. … Be angry without sinning. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the devil any opportunity to work.

  Philippians 1:27-30 Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I'll hear all about you. I'll hear that you are firmly united in spirit, united in fighting for the faith that the Good News brings. So don't let your opponents intimidate you in any way. This is God's way of showing them that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved. God has given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him. You are involved in the same struggle that you saw me having. Now you hear that I'm still involved in it.

  I’m asked about anger as a personal issue. I’ve previously given the emotion experience much thought, reading time, and written about and taught on a number of times, quite often in inmate classes. I could do a simple pull-and-copy-redact on the emotion but know that responsibly in and toward good health I should not. I will begin without opening binder, then shall review file.

  As a consequence of my boyhood temperament I was called “Sunny” until as an adult I insisted on “Ed”. What the designators didn’t know was that I had developed an anger problem, the passive aggressive kind. And as with many passive aggressive types, I abhorred the overtly violent furious fellows, even in self-pride considering myself superior in intellect and the strikers an ignorant unsophisticated bunch. Then there was the family tradition to uphold; I never once saw a Bullock overtly angry. We were the cool controlled family.

  How to begin addressing the emotional problem? How do I, we, “be angry and sin not”? Lest shame be mine later, by the weight of God’s Word of course! (2Tim.2:15)

  To begin: For my, your, study and serious contemplation I share from ISBE:

Anger: an´gẽr: In the Old Testament, the translation of several Hebrew words, especially of אף, 'aph (lit. “nostril,” “countenance”), which is used some 45 times of human, 177 times of Divine, anger (OHL). The word occurs rarely in the New Testament (Mar_3:5; Eph_4:31; Col_3:8; Rev_14:10), its place being taken by the word “wrath” (see WRATH). As a translation of words denoting God's “anger,” the English word is unfortunate so far as it may seem to imply selfish, malicious or vindictive personal feeling. The anger of God is the response of His holiness to outbreaking sin. Particularly when it culminates in action is it rightly called Has “wrath.” The Old Testament doctrine of God's anger is contained in many passages in the Pentateuch, Psalms and the Prophets. In Proverbs men are dissuaded from anger (Pro_15:1; Pro_27:4), and the “slow to anger” is commended (Pro_15:18; Pro_16:32; Pro_19:11). Christians axe enjoined to put away the feeling of self-regarding, vindictive anger (Eph_4:31; Col_3:8), and to cherish no desire of personal revenge (Eph_4:26).

  In reviewing the Bible references in the above paragraph from ISBE I am again reminded of the clear distinction between sinful and righteous anger.

·         Harmful sinful anger is centered in self-regard, a life-is-all-about-me worldview.

·         Constructive anger is edification centered in seeing life eternally about John 1:12 family and citizenship

  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, my brothers [and sisters], whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things. Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you.” (MKJV Phil.4:6-9)

EBB4