"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -- he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25
To look intently -- comes from the Greek word parakupto -- and literally means "aside/to bend forward."
In John 20: 5 look at what John does when he gets to Jesus' tomb. "He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in."
And in verse eleven look at what Mary did when she stood outside the tomb crying. "As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb...."
My sisters, re-read this chapter in John sometimes, remembering how eager Mary and John were to find Jesus. Look at all the things they did. Stoop aside, bend forward and look in and he will reveal himself to YOU.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Poets
"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25
The word for "doer" comes from the Greek word "poi-e'-o" from which we get the word poet. It means maker, producer, author, performer -- a poet. We are the so-called authors of our own poem when we do God's will. But a poet who never writes a poem has nothing to prove that he is one.
The word for "doer" comes from the Greek word "poi-e'-o" from which we get the word poet. It means maker, producer, author, performer -- a poet. We are the so-called authors of our own poem when we do God's will. But a poet who never writes a poem has nothing to prove that he is one.
Do it.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:19
Here is the entire paragraph that contains this week's verse. Count the number of times the word "do" or "does" is used.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
Last week I wrote extensively about the need to study the Bible. But knowledge for knowledge' sake is arrogant. According to 1 Corinthians 8:1, "knowledge puffs up but love builds up."
What is the Bible telling you you need to start or stop doing? I'm not leaving this as a rhetorical question; please leave your answer along with the verse that's speaking to you right now.
Here is the entire paragraph that contains this week's verse. Count the number of times the word "do" or "does" is used.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
Last week I wrote extensively about the need to study the Bible. But knowledge for knowledge' sake is arrogant. According to 1 Corinthians 8:1, "knowledge puffs up but love builds up."
What is the Bible telling you you need to start or stop doing? I'm not leaving this as a rhetorical question; please leave your answer along with the verse that's speaking to you right now.
Do you walk by faith?
"for we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthianis 5:7
What is faith? Here's the definition in six translations.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." KJV and NKJV
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." New Living Translation
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." NIV
"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." Amplified Version
"Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see." Contemporary English Version
"Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it." New Century Version
If I were to ask you to prove to me you have faith, could you prove it? I'm not asking if you believe in God; I'm asking for proof of your faith. Think about it and leave me your answer in the comment box.
What is faith? Here's the definition in six translations.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." KJV and NKJV
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." New Living Translation
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." NIV
"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." Amplified Version
"Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see." Contemporary English Version
"Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it." New Century Version
If I were to ask you to prove to me you have faith, could you prove it? I'm not asking if you believe in God; I'm asking for proof of your faith. Think about it and leave me your answer in the comment box.
Believing in Advance
Tonight was my night to have the young mom's class I teach every-other Monday night, so I was going to keep tomorrow's post short and sweet. It is truly amazing how the one line I was going to write, fits so perfectly wtih Merrie Smith's coment about what I wrote yesterday. Merrie, thanks for embellishing what I was going to say. Here is Merrie's quote, and the one line I was going to write regarding faith.
_______________________________
“Pain, physical, moral, and spiritual pain – is the gateway of life every time. The thing that to us is the ugliest blot on the face of creation God makes to be the angel of the revelation of himself.”
I had written this quote by Oswald Chambers in my journal this morning before I read your blog today.
I have found that there is a funny thing about faith. I usually don’t recognize my own “walk of faith” until I’m looking back at the trial. I know that people have gone through much more difficult trials than I have experienced but there was a time in my life when I got so used to trials, that I did not even acknowledge them as trials, they were just life and life was often times ugly. My actions during my “survival” have not always been pretty or in step with all the Lord would have me to do.
But by the grace of God I knew at a very young age that the only way to survive this life is by trusting my Lord with my life.
I used to think that it would have been nice to be “trial free”. But the truth is the trials are very things that have made me so dependent on the Lord. My plan would have been to be pain free, but His presence in those trials is what leads me to trust Him.
“Many are the plans of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Prov. 19:21
_________________________________
Faith is believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.
_______________________________
“Pain, physical, moral, and spiritual pain – is the gateway of life every time. The thing that to us is the ugliest blot on the face of creation God makes to be the angel of the revelation of himself.”
I had written this quote by Oswald Chambers in my journal this morning before I read your blog today.
I have found that there is a funny thing about faith. I usually don’t recognize my own “walk of faith” until I’m looking back at the trial. I know that people have gone through much more difficult trials than I have experienced but there was a time in my life when I got so used to trials, that I did not even acknowledge them as trials, they were just life and life was often times ugly. My actions during my “survival” have not always been pretty or in step with all the Lord would have me to do.
But by the grace of God I knew at a very young age that the only way to survive this life is by trusting my Lord with my life.
I used to think that it would have been nice to be “trial free”. But the truth is the trials are very things that have made me so dependent on the Lord. My plan would have been to be pain free, but His presence in those trials is what leads me to trust Him.
“Many are the plans of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Prov. 19:21
_________________________________
Faith is believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.
We Walk By Faith
We live in the present moment. We forget the past, strain forward, and press on. We live by the Spirit. We keep in step with the Spirit. We are God's workmanship. We are more than conquerors. We are the light of the world. We are the salt of the earth. We are blessed. We walk by faith.
"for we walk by faith, not by sight."
2 Corinthians 5:7
The beatitudes end with Jesus telling the crowds they will be blessed when they are persecuted, which sounds like, to me, how James begins his letter in James 1:2-3. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." If a Christian wants to become a mature Christian, he will have trials that will require faith in order to endure them. I like the Amplified Version of this text because it states more clearly what trials do: "Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." James tell us in verse two that trials prove our faith.
If we as Christians climb the beatitude ladder to its height, we will have many, many trials -- some public, some private, some within ourselves, some with other people, some with believers, some with non-believers, some with family, some with friends, some with acquaintances, some with complete strangers. You can rest assured, you will have trials. And I believe from my own experience, and that scripture substantiates it, that the more mature you want to become, the more trials you will have. Whether we want to believe it or not God and Satan work hand-in-hand to carry us on to maturity. God tests while Satan tempts at the same time, but with God's permission. God knows just how much I can bear, whether I know it or not. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says:"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be temped beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" -- endure it. The word for endure here means "to bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one's shoulders)." I get a visual here of a body-builder lifting weights in order to have stronger muscles. Trials and temptations are God's way of building our spiritual muscles. Will we be faithful? Will we persevere? Will we go onto maturity by enduring the trial?
James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." The test, my sisters, is life, all of it. Yes, there may be many tests along the way; but this passage implies there is only one: the test of life (singular) in this world, this side of heaven. Here is where faith kicks in. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith is the beginning. I must have faith this side of heaven in order to endure 'til heaven.
Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5 to "Add to your faith goodness; etc., etc. It all starts with faith.
"We walk by faith" is the next step in our spiritual journey in 2010.
(part one)
"for we walk by faith, not by sight."
2 Corinthians 5:7
The beatitudes end with Jesus telling the crowds they will be blessed when they are persecuted, which sounds like, to me, how James begins his letter in James 1:2-3. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." If a Christian wants to become a mature Christian, he will have trials that will require faith in order to endure them. I like the Amplified Version of this text because it states more clearly what trials do: "Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." James tell us in verse two that trials prove our faith.
If we as Christians climb the beatitude ladder to its height, we will have many, many trials -- some public, some private, some within ourselves, some with other people, some with believers, some with non-believers, some with family, some with friends, some with acquaintances, some with complete strangers. You can rest assured, you will have trials. And I believe from my own experience, and that scripture substantiates it, that the more mature you want to become, the more trials you will have. Whether we want to believe it or not God and Satan work hand-in-hand to carry us on to maturity. God tests while Satan tempts at the same time, but with God's permission. God knows just how much I can bear, whether I know it or not. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says:"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be temped beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" -- endure it. The word for endure here means "to bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one's shoulders)." I get a visual here of a body-builder lifting weights in order to have stronger muscles. Trials and temptations are God's way of building our spiritual muscles. Will we be faithful? Will we persevere? Will we go onto maturity by enduring the trial?
James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." The test, my sisters, is life, all of it. Yes, there may be many tests along the way; but this passage implies there is only one: the test of life (singular) in this world, this side of heaven. Here is where faith kicks in. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith is the beginning. I must have faith this side of heaven in order to endure 'til heaven.
Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5 to "Add to your faith goodness; etc., etc. It all starts with faith.
"We walk by faith" is the next step in our spiritual journey in 2010.
(part one)
The Refiner's Fire
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
I remember driving by Kohl’s after Phil had had his surgery, on my way home from the hospital, thinking how insignificant and trivial shopping was after I had placed so much emphasis on it prior to Phil’s heart attack. Sickness just has a way of waking us up out of our sleep, I guess. It has a way of melting away the layers that obscure our vision of what’s really important. Maybe, other than I had prayed for it to happen, that’s why I put so little emphasis on shopping now; it just doesn’t seem to matter anymore.
One definition of pure in heart is “free from the admixture or adhesion of anything that soils, adulterates, and corrupts.” Another is “purified by fire.” Please let me remind you of the analogy of the refiner’s fire.
“It is his job to melt down raw gold and turn it into a marketable product. The refiner would endure severe heat as he would painstakingly stir the melted ore. Well, every so often he would scrape off a dirty-looking film that had collected at the top. Upon the removal of that film, a beautiful golden glow would appear, seemingly perfect. But the refiner was not satisfied. He turned up the heat and kept stirring and skimming, stirring and skimming. When asked by an impatient bystander when the gold would be refined enough, he said, ‘It will only be ready when I can see my face reflecting back in the gold. Then the work will be complete.'" [http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Adversity.html]
Even though Phil’s surgery had been painful for him, it was God’s way of refining us both in the fiery furnace of affliction – a pain that was worth it for both of us. The day before his heart attack I had prayed for God to slow him down and get his attention. And he did.
Yesterday my daughter and I crossed paths at Wal Mart while she was renting the movie The Hurt Locker and I was buying the ingredients for zucchini bread. I asked her if she wanted to come over and watch me eat my salad I had just bought at Panera Bread and then watch me make the zucchini bread while we talked. So she did. After she had already asked me if I wanted to see the movie and I had said “no,” I told her to go ahead and watch it by herself in the den while I made the zucchini bread in the kitchen which are basically one and the same room. I paid very little attention to what was going on until almost the very end of the movie when I finally had a chance to sit down. This was the quietest part of the movie and the part I was meant to hear. Here is Staff Sergeant William James exact quote to his baby son:
“You love playing with that.”
“You love playing with all your stuffed animals.”
“You love your Mommy, your Daddy.”
“You love your nature pajamas."
“You love everything, don’t you? Yeah.”
“But you know what, buddy?”
“As you get older…some of the things you love might not seem so special anymore."
“Like your Jack-in-a-box."
“Maybe you’ll realize it’s just a piece of tin and a stuffed animal.”
“And the older you get, the fewer things you really love.”
“And by the time you get to my age, maybe it’s only one or two things.”
“With me, I think it’s one.”
And in the next scene we hear the words, “Welcome to Delta Company, Sergeant.”
“God’s work of refining and purifying the soul must go on until his servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that when called into active service, they may have an eye single to the glory of God. Then they will not move rashly from impulse, and imperil the Lord’s cause because they are slaves to temptation and passion, because they follow their carnal desires; but they will move from principle and in view of the glory of God.” [Refiner’s Fire – Sermon Notes by Pastor John Grosball]
Job replied to the Lord after years of the Lord’s tests and Satan’s temptations: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
What happened to Job and what happened to me after Phil’s heart attack was a part of the purification process God controlled the entire time. Just like the man in The Hurt Locker God intends me to come through adversity with one goal in mind – to be a better soldier – to glorify Him.
“See I have refined you, though not as silver. I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake I do this.” Isaiah tells us; for his sake he refines us. Purification is painful, so painful, but a necessary ingredient in the Christian’s life. It’s the method whereby God says “I love you. I choose you to cast my reflection upon others.” For HIS sake he allows the purification process and blesses the pure in heart who see HIM through it.
I remember driving by Kohl’s after Phil had had his surgery, on my way home from the hospital, thinking how insignificant and trivial shopping was after I had placed so much emphasis on it prior to Phil’s heart attack. Sickness just has a way of waking us up out of our sleep, I guess. It has a way of melting away the layers that obscure our vision of what’s really important. Maybe, other than I had prayed for it to happen, that’s why I put so little emphasis on shopping now; it just doesn’t seem to matter anymore.
One definition of pure in heart is “free from the admixture or adhesion of anything that soils, adulterates, and corrupts.” Another is “purified by fire.” Please let me remind you of the analogy of the refiner’s fire.
“It is his job to melt down raw gold and turn it into a marketable product. The refiner would endure severe heat as he would painstakingly stir the melted ore. Well, every so often he would scrape off a dirty-looking film that had collected at the top. Upon the removal of that film, a beautiful golden glow would appear, seemingly perfect. But the refiner was not satisfied. He turned up the heat and kept stirring and skimming, stirring and skimming. When asked by an impatient bystander when the gold would be refined enough, he said, ‘It will only be ready when I can see my face reflecting back in the gold. Then the work will be complete.'" [http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Adversity.html]
Even though Phil’s surgery had been painful for him, it was God’s way of refining us both in the fiery furnace of affliction – a pain that was worth it for both of us. The day before his heart attack I had prayed for God to slow him down and get his attention. And he did.
Yesterday my daughter and I crossed paths at Wal Mart while she was renting the movie The Hurt Locker and I was buying the ingredients for zucchini bread. I asked her if she wanted to come over and watch me eat my salad I had just bought at Panera Bread and then watch me make the zucchini bread while we talked. So she did. After she had already asked me if I wanted to see the movie and I had said “no,” I told her to go ahead and watch it by herself in the den while I made the zucchini bread in the kitchen which are basically one and the same room. I paid very little attention to what was going on until almost the very end of the movie when I finally had a chance to sit down. This was the quietest part of the movie and the part I was meant to hear. Here is Staff Sergeant William James exact quote to his baby son:
“You love playing with that.”
“You love playing with all your stuffed animals.”
“You love your Mommy, your Daddy.”
“You love your nature pajamas."
“You love everything, don’t you? Yeah.”
“But you know what, buddy?”
“As you get older…some of the things you love might not seem so special anymore."
“Like your Jack-in-a-box."
“Maybe you’ll realize it’s just a piece of tin and a stuffed animal.”
“And the older you get, the fewer things you really love.”
“And by the time you get to my age, maybe it’s only one or two things.”
“With me, I think it’s one.”
And in the next scene we hear the words, “Welcome to Delta Company, Sergeant.”
“God’s work of refining and purifying the soul must go on until his servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that when called into active service, they may have an eye single to the glory of God. Then they will not move rashly from impulse, and imperil the Lord’s cause because they are slaves to temptation and passion, because they follow their carnal desires; but they will move from principle and in view of the glory of God.” [Refiner’s Fire – Sermon Notes by Pastor John Grosball]
Job replied to the Lord after years of the Lord’s tests and Satan’s temptations: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
What happened to Job and what happened to me after Phil’s heart attack was a part of the purification process God controlled the entire time. Just like the man in The Hurt Locker God intends me to come through adversity with one goal in mind – to be a better soldier – to glorify Him.
“See I have refined you, though not as silver. I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake I do this.” Isaiah tells us; for his sake he refines us. Purification is painful, so painful, but a necessary ingredient in the Christian’s life. It’s the method whereby God says “I love you. I choose you to cast my reflection upon others.” For HIS sake he allows the purification process and blesses the pure in heart who see HIM through it.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10
Recently I was in my chiropractor’s office using the word “miserable” over and over again to describe how I felt, when he had asked me how I was. He noted to me that I had said the word “miserable” at least X amount of times and that I needed to be more positive – if I was ever going to be well I was going to have to speak it into existence. I replied, I completely agree; I’ve even taught we're a product of our own words and I have a book called Hung by the Tongue that states the same thing.
And then he noted a well known preacher, stating that even though he was criticized for preaching a feel-good religion, he’s right when he preaches that God wants us to be healthy, physically, and rich financially. Hmm I thought. So I went home and googled some of his well-known quotes. Here is one of the twelve that came up.
“God wants us to prosper financially, to have plenty of money, to fulfill the destiny He has laid out for us.”
Having been studying the beatitudes during the months of March and April, I just had to ask myself, “What’s wrong with this picture?” Does God really desire for me to be healthy and rich when according to the beatitudes this is what the blessed look like?
Blessed are the poor in spirit (spiritually empty; beggars) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, (over sin) for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek (submissive, gentle) for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (hungry) for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful (compassionate) for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart (morally upright, undivided) for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers (for God and with God) for they will be called sons of God.
And finally,
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (harrassed, injured, tortured) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
All of these, if put into practice, will result in us being persecuted because of righteousness – the top rung of the ladder where the blessed are headed -– where every Christian should be headed. Persecution was not something that just happened to the first century Christian nor only happens today to the missionary abroad. The result of fleshing out the beatitudes, will be persecution; it’s a promise – the opposite of what many preachers preach today – certainly what the well-known preacher who’s mentioned above preaches.
How can we think that a comfort-seeking Christian can follow the cross-bearing Christ? Look at the following scripture.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 What a difference there is in “not lacking anything” from this perspective to “not lacking anything” in the physical and financial perspective suggested above. The two are nowhere near the same.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,” Philippians 1:29 And then in this same passage Paul goes on to say,
“since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have,” indicating that struggles never go away for the Christian; they only get worse. (According to tradition Peter was crucified upside-down and Paul was beheaded by Nero.) When Paul wrote these words he was in prison, writing the book that's now become known as the book of joy -- joy, i.e. happy, blessed.
And then finally the last verse I want to call attention to:
“For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:19-21 Let me reiterate what Peter says here -- this man who was persecuted for being a follower of Christ and was ultimately crucified upside-down: “But if you suffer for doing good (persecuted because of righteousness) and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called…….”
Was Peter healthy and rich according to the minister's standards above? No. But he was according to Jesus'. He was healthy in that he hungered and thirst for righteousness and he was rich in that he inherited the kingdom of heaven. Praise God for persecution; it's the "highest" calling for a Christian.
Recently I was in my chiropractor’s office using the word “miserable” over and over again to describe how I felt, when he had asked me how I was. He noted to me that I had said the word “miserable” at least X amount of times and that I needed to be more positive – if I was ever going to be well I was going to have to speak it into existence. I replied, I completely agree; I’ve even taught we're a product of our own words and I have a book called Hung by the Tongue that states the same thing.
And then he noted a well known preacher, stating that even though he was criticized for preaching a feel-good religion, he’s right when he preaches that God wants us to be healthy, physically, and rich financially. Hmm I thought. So I went home and googled some of his well-known quotes. Here is one of the twelve that came up.
“God wants us to prosper financially, to have plenty of money, to fulfill the destiny He has laid out for us.”
Having been studying the beatitudes during the months of March and April, I just had to ask myself, “What’s wrong with this picture?” Does God really desire for me to be healthy and rich when according to the beatitudes this is what the blessed look like?
Blessed are the poor in spirit (spiritually empty; beggars) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, (over sin) for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek (submissive, gentle) for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (hungry) for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful (compassionate) for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart (morally upright, undivided) for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers (for God and with God) for they will be called sons of God.
And finally,
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (harrassed, injured, tortured) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
All of these, if put into practice, will result in us being persecuted because of righteousness – the top rung of the ladder where the blessed are headed -– where every Christian should be headed. Persecution was not something that just happened to the first century Christian nor only happens today to the missionary abroad. The result of fleshing out the beatitudes, will be persecution; it’s a promise – the opposite of what many preachers preach today – certainly what the well-known preacher who’s mentioned above preaches.
How can we think that a comfort-seeking Christian can follow the cross-bearing Christ? Look at the following scripture.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 What a difference there is in “not lacking anything” from this perspective to “not lacking anything” in the physical and financial perspective suggested above. The two are nowhere near the same.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,” Philippians 1:29 And then in this same passage Paul goes on to say,
“since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have,” indicating that struggles never go away for the Christian; they only get worse. (According to tradition Peter was crucified upside-down and Paul was beheaded by Nero.) When Paul wrote these words he was in prison, writing the book that's now become known as the book of joy -- joy, i.e. happy, blessed.
And then finally the last verse I want to call attention to:
“For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:19-21 Let me reiterate what Peter says here -- this man who was persecuted for being a follower of Christ and was ultimately crucified upside-down: “But if you suffer for doing good (persecuted because of righteousness) and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called…….”
Was Peter healthy and rich according to the minister's standards above? No. But he was according to Jesus'. He was healthy in that he hungered and thirst for righteousness and he was rich in that he inherited the kingdom of heaven. Praise God for persecution; it's the "highest" calling for a Christian.
Blessed are the peacemakers -- the Christmas gift
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9
Earlier in the week Molly Geralds reminded me of a blog I posted on December 14 called Every Good and Perfect Gift. Since peace is a "gift" of the Holy Spirit, we both thought it appropriate to post it again because it goes so well with this week's verse. Peace is something God gives us; it is not something to be worked for or bought. It is a gift from God. Consider "blessed are the peacemakers" when you think about peace being a gift you give away.
______________________________________
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
With Christmas only eleven days away, I thought James 1:17 would be an appropriate verse to meditate on this week, since James uses the word gift. And if you’re like me, what gift to give someone is on your mind right now. And if you’re not like me, you’ve probably already made that decision, wrapped it and put it under the tree. :)
Anyway, James tells us not only does God give us gifts, He gives us good and perfect gifts which is the only part of the verse I want us to meditate on this week; please feel free to meditate on the rest.
First, let’s look at the verse in four different translations.
Young’s Literal Translation--
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above,
Complete Jewish Bible—
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above,
New American Standard Bible—
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above,
New King James Version—
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
Do you see a pattern of words here that is not carried over into the New International Version, which is the one I most frequently use? Clearly these four versions show a difference between a “good and perfect” gift and “every good gift and every perfect gift.” Young’s literal translation, which obviously is a LITERAL translation and the New American Standard Bible, which is the most literal translation today, both say “Every good thing given and every perfect gift,” which, as I have read today, are the most accurate translations.
“Every good thing given” is different from “every perfect gift” in that “every good thing given” emphasizes the “giver” while “every perfect gift” emphasizes the “gift.” I never knew this before STUDYING this verse today. And I love this new insight. Whereas before, I had only seen this passage with respect to every good and perfect gift, I now see it as two gifts. That God is giving the gifts to me, is as great a gift as the gift itself.
I literally thank God every day for "every good and perfect gift" he gives me. Yet, even as I thank him, I wonder what "every good and perfect gift" really means. Today, I think I more fully understand.
If we look back in James at James 1:5 James tells us “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” NKJ So, from James, himself, we see that one of the “good gifts” God gives us is wisdom. Here are more—many more.
Matt. 13:11-12 The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. Did you ever think of these words in the context of knowledge? And did you ever think of knowledge as being a gift?
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
John 3:27 To this John replied, A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.
Acts 5:31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 11:30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience.
Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve….
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captive in his train and gave gifts to men.
Ephesians 4:11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers….
Titus 3:5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Knowledge. Wisdom. Holy Spirit. Forgiveness. Eternal life. Mercy. Spiritual gifts. Grace. Kindness. Salvation. Mercy. His Son. Atoning sacrifice. Life. And love, love, and more love.
Only God can give these gifts--perfect gifts; we cannot. How pitiful we are, if he has all these perfect gifts He wants to GIVE us, yet can’t, because no one wants to receive them. We must receive them first, but when we receive them we must give them away, lest they become a possession. A gift that is only received but never given away becomes a possession. And we do not possess these gifts -- any of these gifts—God does. A gift is only a gift when it is given away. I, literally, looked up the word possess or possession today to see if I possessed anything and what I thought was substantiated. Every time the word possession was used, other than in terms of demon possession, it was used as something to be given away – not kept. Therefore, that which I receive from God I do not possess; He gives it to me to be given away. And I give it to you and you give it to her, so she, too, can receive His gifts, that are to be given away again.
A few years ago I gave my dad a shirt and tie for Christmas. The next Christmas I went into “the junk room” and found his gift still folded neatly, in the same box I had wrapped the year before. I was saddened that he didn’t appreciate my gift enough to wear it -- like God must feel if I don't desire his gifts, i.e., to wear his name and clothe myself with Christ.
Here we are with all these gifts, perfect gifts, given to us by the Creator, the one true and living God who’s qualified to give the gifts—the ONLY one qualified. And yet we want other gifts. We want the other “worldy” gifts we fix our eyes on that are temporal. How do others know about the “gift” of eternal life, the “gift” of mercy, the “gift” of Jesus Christ, etc. unless we share our gifts with them?
Have we, like my dad, put God in a box, along with his gifts and never shared them with others? Have we ever experienced the gifts he so lavishes upon us?
This holiday season please remember that God gives “every good thing given” and “every perfect gift.” Remember to give them to others, lest they just become a possession -- not a gift at all.
Earlier in the week Molly Geralds reminded me of a blog I posted on December 14 called Every Good and Perfect Gift. Since peace is a "gift" of the Holy Spirit, we both thought it appropriate to post it again because it goes so well with this week's verse. Peace is something God gives us; it is not something to be worked for or bought. It is a gift from God. Consider "blessed are the peacemakers" when you think about peace being a gift you give away.
______________________________________
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
With Christmas only eleven days away, I thought James 1:17 would be an appropriate verse to meditate on this week, since James uses the word gift. And if you’re like me, what gift to give someone is on your mind right now. And if you’re not like me, you’ve probably already made that decision, wrapped it and put it under the tree. :)
Anyway, James tells us not only does God give us gifts, He gives us good and perfect gifts which is the only part of the verse I want us to meditate on this week; please feel free to meditate on the rest.
First, let’s look at the verse in four different translations.
Young’s Literal Translation--
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above,
Complete Jewish Bible—
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above,
New American Standard Bible—
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above,
New King James Version—
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
Do you see a pattern of words here that is not carried over into the New International Version, which is the one I most frequently use? Clearly these four versions show a difference between a “good and perfect” gift and “every good gift and every perfect gift.” Young’s literal translation, which obviously is a LITERAL translation and the New American Standard Bible, which is the most literal translation today, both say “Every good thing given and every perfect gift,” which, as I have read today, are the most accurate translations.
“Every good thing given” is different from “every perfect gift” in that “every good thing given” emphasizes the “giver” while “every perfect gift” emphasizes the “gift.” I never knew this before STUDYING this verse today. And I love this new insight. Whereas before, I had only seen this passage with respect to every good and perfect gift, I now see it as two gifts. That God is giving the gifts to me, is as great a gift as the gift itself.
I literally thank God every day for "every good and perfect gift" he gives me. Yet, even as I thank him, I wonder what "every good and perfect gift" really means. Today, I think I more fully understand.
If we look back in James at James 1:5 James tells us “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” NKJ So, from James, himself, we see that one of the “good gifts” God gives us is wisdom. Here are more—many more.
Matt. 13:11-12 The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. Did you ever think of these words in the context of knowledge? And did you ever think of knowledge as being a gift?
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
John 3:27 To this John replied, A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.
Acts 5:31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 11:30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience.
Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve….
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captive in his train and gave gifts to men.
Ephesians 4:11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers….
Titus 3:5 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Knowledge. Wisdom. Holy Spirit. Forgiveness. Eternal life. Mercy. Spiritual gifts. Grace. Kindness. Salvation. Mercy. His Son. Atoning sacrifice. Life. And love, love, and more love.
Only God can give these gifts--perfect gifts; we cannot. How pitiful we are, if he has all these perfect gifts He wants to GIVE us, yet can’t, because no one wants to receive them. We must receive them first, but when we receive them we must give them away, lest they become a possession. A gift that is only received but never given away becomes a possession. And we do not possess these gifts -- any of these gifts—God does. A gift is only a gift when it is given away. I, literally, looked up the word possess or possession today to see if I possessed anything and what I thought was substantiated. Every time the word possession was used, other than in terms of demon possession, it was used as something to be given away – not kept. Therefore, that which I receive from God I do not possess; He gives it to me to be given away. And I give it to you and you give it to her, so she, too, can receive His gifts, that are to be given away again.
A few years ago I gave my dad a shirt and tie for Christmas. The next Christmas I went into “the junk room” and found his gift still folded neatly, in the same box I had wrapped the year before. I was saddened that he didn’t appreciate my gift enough to wear it -- like God must feel if I don't desire his gifts, i.e., to wear his name and clothe myself with Christ.
Here we are with all these gifts, perfect gifts, given to us by the Creator, the one true and living God who’s qualified to give the gifts—the ONLY one qualified. And yet we want other gifts. We want the other “worldy” gifts we fix our eyes on that are temporal. How do others know about the “gift” of eternal life, the “gift” of mercy, the “gift” of Jesus Christ, etc. unless we share our gifts with them?
Have we, like my dad, put God in a box, along with his gifts and never shared them with others? Have we ever experienced the gifts he so lavishes upon us?
This holiday season please remember that God gives “every good thing given” and “every perfect gift.” Remember to give them to others, lest they just become a possession -- not a gift at all.
Blessed are the peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
We have come to God beggars, mourning over our sins. We realize there is nothing too bad that anyone can say about us; we won't be offended; we are under God's control. We hunger and thirst for His righteousness; He fills us. Being filled with his righteousness, we are equipped to extend mercy to others. We live in a very stained world but remain true to God. We have peace that we wish to share.
I must have peace with God before I can have the peace of God to extend to others.
We have come to God beggars, mourning over our sins. We realize there is nothing too bad that anyone can say about us; we won't be offended; we are under God's control. We hunger and thirst for His righteousness; He fills us. Being filled with his righteousness, we are equipped to extend mercy to others. We live in a very stained world but remain true to God. We have peace that we wish to share.
I must have peace with God before I can have the peace of God to extend to others.
The Pure in Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
I remember driving by Kohl’s after Phil had had his surgery, on my way home from the hospital, thinking how insignificant and trivial shopping was after I had placed so much emphasis on it prior to Phil’s heart attack. Sickness just has a way of waking us up out of our sleep, I guess. It has a way of melting away the layers that obscure our vision of what’s really important. Maybe, other than I had prayed for it to happen, that’s why I put so little emphasis on shopping now; it just doesn’t seem to matter anymore.
One definition of pure in heart is “free from the admixture or adhesion of anything that soils, adulterates, and corrupts.” Another is “purified by fire.” Please let me remind you of the analogy of the refiner’s fire.
“It is his job to melt down raw gold and turn it into a marketable product. The refiner would endure severe heat as he would painstakingly stir the melted ore. Well, every so often he would scrape off a dirty-looking film that had collected at the top. Upon the removal of that film, a beautiful golden glow would appear, seemingly perfect. But the refiner was not satisfied. He turned up the heat and kept stirring and skimming, stirring and skimming. When asked by an impatient bystander when the gold would be refined enough, he said, ‘It will only be ready when I can see my face reflecting back in the gold. Then the work will be complete.'" [http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Adversity.html]
Even though Phil’s surgery had been painful for him, it was God’s way of refining us both in the fiery furnace of affliction – a pain that was worth it for both of us. The day before his heart attack I had prayed for God to slow him down and get his attention. And he did.
Yesterday my daughter and I crossed paths at Wal Mart while she was renting the movie The Hurt Locker and I was buying the ingredients for zucchini bread. I asked her if she wanted to come over and watch me eat my salad I had just bought at Panera Bread and then watch me make the zucchini bread while we talked. So she did. After she had already asked me if I wanted to see the movie and I had said “no,” I told her to go ahead and watch it by herself in the den while I made the zucchini bread in the kitchen which are basically one and the same room. I paid very little attention to what was going on until almost the very end of the movie when I finally had a chance to sit down. This was the quietest part of the movie and the part I was meant to hear. Here is Staff Sergeant William James exact quote to his baby son:
“You love playing with that.”
“You love playing with all your stuffed animals.”
“You love your Mommy, your Daddy.”
“You love your nature pajamas."
“You love everything, don’t you? Yeah.”
“But you know what, buddy?”
“As you get older…some of the things you love might not seem so special anymore."
“Like your Jack-in-a-box."
“Maybe you’ll realize it’s just a piece of tin and a stuffed animal.”
“And the older you get, the fewer things you really love.”
“And by the time you get to my age, maybe it’s only one or two things.”
“With me, I think it’s one.”
And in the next scene we hear the words, “Welcome to Delta Company, Sergeant.”
“God’s work of refining and purifying the soul must go on until his servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that when called into active service, they may have an eye single to the glory of God. Then they will not move rashly from impulse, and imperil the Lord’s cause because they are slaves to temptation and passion, because they follow their carnal desires; but they will move from principle and in view of the glory of God.” [Refiner’s Fire – Sermon Notes by Pastor John Grosball]
Job replied to the Lord after years of the Lord’s tests and Satan’s temptations: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
What happened to Job and what happened to me after Phil’s heart attack was a part of the purification process God controlled the entire time. Just like the man in The Hurt Locker God intends me to come through adversity with one goal in mind – to be a better soldier – to glorify Him.
“See I have refined you, though not as silver. I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake I do this.” Isaiah tells us; for his sake he refines us. Purification is painful, so painful, but a necessary ingredient in the Christian’s life. It’s the method whereby God says “I love you. I choose you to cast my reflection upon others.” For HIS sake he allows the purification process and blesses the pure in heart who see HIM through it.
I remember driving by Kohl’s after Phil had had his surgery, on my way home from the hospital, thinking how insignificant and trivial shopping was after I had placed so much emphasis on it prior to Phil’s heart attack. Sickness just has a way of waking us up out of our sleep, I guess. It has a way of melting away the layers that obscure our vision of what’s really important. Maybe, other than I had prayed for it to happen, that’s why I put so little emphasis on shopping now; it just doesn’t seem to matter anymore.
One definition of pure in heart is “free from the admixture or adhesion of anything that soils, adulterates, and corrupts.” Another is “purified by fire.” Please let me remind you of the analogy of the refiner’s fire.
“It is his job to melt down raw gold and turn it into a marketable product. The refiner would endure severe heat as he would painstakingly stir the melted ore. Well, every so often he would scrape off a dirty-looking film that had collected at the top. Upon the removal of that film, a beautiful golden glow would appear, seemingly perfect. But the refiner was not satisfied. He turned up the heat and kept stirring and skimming, stirring and skimming. When asked by an impatient bystander when the gold would be refined enough, he said, ‘It will only be ready when I can see my face reflecting back in the gold. Then the work will be complete.'" [http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Adversity.html]
Even though Phil’s surgery had been painful for him, it was God’s way of refining us both in the fiery furnace of affliction – a pain that was worth it for both of us. The day before his heart attack I had prayed for God to slow him down and get his attention. And he did.
Yesterday my daughter and I crossed paths at Wal Mart while she was renting the movie The Hurt Locker and I was buying the ingredients for zucchini bread. I asked her if she wanted to come over and watch me eat my salad I had just bought at Panera Bread and then watch me make the zucchini bread while we talked. So she did. After she had already asked me if I wanted to see the movie and I had said “no,” I told her to go ahead and watch it by herself in the den while I made the zucchini bread in the kitchen which are basically one and the same room. I paid very little attention to what was going on until almost the very end of the movie when I finally had a chance to sit down. This was the quietest part of the movie and the part I was meant to hear. Here is Staff Sergeant William James exact quote to his baby son:
“You love playing with that.”
“You love playing with all your stuffed animals.”
“You love your Mommy, your Daddy.”
“You love your nature pajamas."
“You love everything, don’t you? Yeah.”
“But you know what, buddy?”
“As you get older…some of the things you love might not seem so special anymore."
“Like your Jack-in-a-box."
“Maybe you’ll realize it’s just a piece of tin and a stuffed animal.”
“And the older you get, the fewer things you really love.”
“And by the time you get to my age, maybe it’s only one or two things.”
“With me, I think it’s one.”
And in the next scene we hear the words, “Welcome to Delta Company, Sergeant.”
“God’s work of refining and purifying the soul must go on until his servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that when called into active service, they may have an eye single to the glory of God. Then they will not move rashly from impulse, and imperil the Lord’s cause because they are slaves to temptation and passion, because they follow their carnal desires; but they will move from principle and in view of the glory of God.” [Refiner’s Fire – Sermon Notes by Pastor John Grosball]
Job replied to the Lord after years of the Lord’s tests and Satan’s temptations: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
What happened to Job and what happened to me after Phil’s heart attack was a part of the purification process God controlled the entire time. Just like the man in The Hurt Locker God intends me to come through adversity with one goal in mind – to be a better soldier – to glorify Him.
“See I have refined you, though not as silver. I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake I do this.” Isaiah tells us; for his sake he refines us. Purification is painful, so painful, but a necessary ingredient in the Christian’s life. It’s the method whereby God says “I love you. I choose you to cast my reflection upon others.” For HIS sake he allows the purification process and blesses the pure in heart who see HIM through it.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Pure in Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
The heart must be pure, undivided, at peace in order to see God.
Much like Martha as she scurried and hurried around in the kitchen, worried and upset about many things, I suffer from anxiety also. Yes, I know you know that I know anxiety is wrong; it’s sinful. Yet, even knowing it’s wrong, I have it. One doctor who was treating me for it described it as being all over the map. My thoughts race from one thought to another thought to another thought to another thought until my brain is absolutely polluted with mental chatter, exhausted from the mental calisthenics. Martha and I are scattered, while Mary is focused. Mary just sat at Jesus’ feet listening, seeing him because she was free from distraction, i.e., pure in heart.
A distracted heart is what Satan wants. Why? Because the pure in heart will see God and that's not his intention.
Do you want to see God? Then be singular in your focus. Fix your eyes on Jesus and nothing else. Don't let life's worries, riches and pleasures, that keep the soil from being fruitful, take over. Put your hand to the plow and don’t look back. Determine to see God in everything you do today. Start by concentrating on this particular section of St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer and then put it into practice.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The entire prayer can be read here.
The heart must be pure, undivided, at peace in order to see God.
Much like Martha as she scurried and hurried around in the kitchen, worried and upset about many things, I suffer from anxiety also. Yes, I know you know that I know anxiety is wrong; it’s sinful. Yet, even knowing it’s wrong, I have it. One doctor who was treating me for it described it as being all over the map. My thoughts race from one thought to another thought to another thought to another thought until my brain is absolutely polluted with mental chatter, exhausted from the mental calisthenics. Martha and I are scattered, while Mary is focused. Mary just sat at Jesus’ feet listening, seeing him because she was free from distraction, i.e., pure in heart.
A distracted heart is what Satan wants. Why? Because the pure in heart will see God and that's not his intention.
Do you want to see God? Then be singular in your focus. Fix your eyes on Jesus and nothing else. Don't let life's worries, riches and pleasures, that keep the soil from being fruitful, take over. Put your hand to the plow and don’t look back. Determine to see God in everything you do today. Start by concentrating on this particular section of St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer and then put it into practice.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The entire prayer can be read here.
The pure in heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
She’s a very special little girl, considered a gift by both parents and grandparents as well as all who know her. She came along at a very difficult time when mom and dad needed a gift to take the place of the one they had lost. She’s the pride and joy of Pa and Paw Paw – the reason Pa walks the first mile every morning.
Sunday was family day which is usually held on the first Sunday in April, at my home congregation in Edmonton. Family and friends who’ve at one time or another considered South Edmonton their home come back together to get re-acquainted and worship together once again.
Russ, this special little girl’s Paw Paw was there for the first time because she had asked him. “Paw Paw. Don’t you think you need to come to church and learn about Jesus?” she asked. “And you’ll have to fill out one of those cards in the backs of the pews,” she added; and Russ, who hadn’t been to South Edmonton in a long, long time….came….all because his granddaughter loved him, asked him, and wanted him to learn about Jesus. Russ knew about Jesus already, but just like all of us, he just needed to be reminded. And reminded he was by a five year old with a pure, loving heart.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” “Pure in heart” means 1) free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt 2) free from every admixture of what is false, sincere genuine 3) blameless, innocent 4) unstained with the guilt of anything. Even though Paw Paw’s granddaughter lives in a sin-sick world, she perfectly exemplifies the pure in heart. Her heart is “without mixture” -- able to see through the eyes of innocence. Whereas we look at the world and see bad, she looks at the world and sees God and wants us to see Him also. “Let the little children come to me, Jesus said. “For such is the kingdom of heaven.”
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
She’s a very special little girl, considered a gift by both parents and grandparents as well as all who know her. She came along at a very difficult time when mom and dad needed a gift to take the place of the one they had lost. She’s the pride and joy of Pa and Paw Paw – the reason Pa walks the first mile every morning.
Sunday was family day which is usually held on the first Sunday in April, at my home congregation in Edmonton. Family and friends who’ve at one time or another considered South Edmonton their home come back together to get re-acquainted and worship together once again.
Russ, this special little girl’s Paw Paw was there for the first time because she had asked him. “Paw Paw. Don’t you think you need to come to church and learn about Jesus?” she asked. “And you’ll have to fill out one of those cards in the backs of the pews,” she added; and Russ, who hadn’t been to South Edmonton in a long, long time….came….all because his granddaughter loved him, asked him, and wanted him to learn about Jesus. Russ knew about Jesus already, but just like all of us, he just needed to be reminded. And reminded he was by a five year old with a pure, loving heart.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” “Pure in heart” means 1) free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt 2) free from every admixture of what is false, sincere genuine 3) blameless, innocent 4) unstained with the guilt of anything. Even though Paw Paw’s granddaughter lives in a sin-sick world, she perfectly exemplifies the pure in heart. Her heart is “without mixture” -- able to see through the eyes of innocence. Whereas we look at the world and see bad, she looks at the world and sees God and wants us to see Him also. “Let the little children come to me, Jesus said. “For such is the kingdom of heaven.”
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Blessed are the merciful
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7
There are two sentences in the account of the rich young ruler that stand out to me when I think about mercy. "Jesus looked at him and loved him" is what Jesus did after the "rich, young ruler" stated he had not murdered, commited adultery, stolen, given false testimony, or defrauded, and that he had honored his father and mother. Jesus knew what he had done, but Jesus also knew what he had not done. "One thing you lack," [Jesus] said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Jesus knew his heart, yet looked at him and loved him anyway. Jesus was merciful, when he didn't have to be, to the rich young ruler. The other sentence is what was said about the rich young ruler after Jesus asked him to give away his wealth to the poor: "At this the man's face fell."
How completely different the rich young ruler's attitude was from Jesus' -- "Jesus looked at him and loved him" versus "At this the man's face fell."
How pitiful to have it all and give nothing. How merciful it is to have nothing and give it all.
There are two sentences in the account of the rich young ruler that stand out to me when I think about mercy. "Jesus looked at him and loved him" is what Jesus did after the "rich, young ruler" stated he had not murdered, commited adultery, stolen, given false testimony, or defrauded, and that he had honored his father and mother. Jesus knew what he had done, but Jesus also knew what he had not done. "One thing you lack," [Jesus] said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Jesus knew his heart, yet looked at him and loved him anyway. Jesus was merciful, when he didn't have to be, to the rich young ruler. The other sentence is what was said about the rich young ruler after Jesus asked him to give away his wealth to the poor: "At this the man's face fell."
How completely different the rich young ruler's attitude was from Jesus' -- "Jesus looked at him and loved him" versus "At this the man's face fell."
How pitiful to have it all and give nothing. How merciful it is to have nothing and give it all.
Blessed are the merciful
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7
The beatitudes now shift from the "inward" attitudes to the "outward" attitudes. I go from the first rung of being empty to the fourth rung of being filled. Now I have enough to give away to those who have nothing.
The beatitudes now shift from the "inward" attitudes to the "outward" attitudes. I go from the first rung of being empty to the fourth rung of being filled. Now I have enough to give away to those who have nothing.
for they will be filled.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. “ Matthew 5:6
There is a verse in Luke’s account of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha, where Martha gets upset with Mary for not helping in the kitchen. In the last verse of Luke chapter ten, Jesus says something to Martha I want to conclude with, regarding hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
“…..but only one thing is needed,” Jesus said. “ Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Only one thing is needed, Jesus told Martha – not two or three or four or five, only one. Simplifies things. Doesn’t it? What is the ONE thing that is needed? Sitting at Jesus’ feet. For us that means being a disciple, a learner, a follower of Jesus. I must come to Him to learn from Him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28
Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet – the position of the student – listening to what Jesus said. She was hungry and thirsty for righteousness – food that lasts a lifetime -- while Martha was hungry and thirsty for food that lasts a few hours. Each of them is feasting, but on different food entirely.
“Only one thing is needed,” Jesus says – only one thing. I thought this week when I came to Friday’s meditation I would discuss all the ways we could come to know Jesus. If we are going to seek HIS righteousness, then we’re going to have to know HIM, who HE is, how HE speaks, how HE acts, in order to walk and talk as HE walks and talks, which scripture tells us to do. “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 1:6 But since Jesus boiled down what he said to Martha into one thing, that’s what I’m going to do as well. Come to Jesus, familiarize yourself with Jesus, by listening to his WORD.
Open, read, study, meditate on the Bible. Open, read, study, meditate on the Bible. Open, read, study, meditate on the Bible because that’s where faith comes from. “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 Faith comes from the word of God. I did not come up with this principle, but I have lived the reality of it. I have faith. I believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God. I believe that God created the Heavens and the earth – that God spoke and there was light. I believe he changed the leper’s spots. I believe he shut the lion’s mouths when he saved Daniel. I believe he parted the Red Sea and the Israelites passed. And on and on I could go. I believe because I’ve studied the Bible. I have tried and tested and found it’s true.
I will not be filled with Jesus’ righteousness if I look for it somewhere else. Nothing else can fill me. I can honestly say that what Jesus said when he was tempted, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God,” I understand. Many, many, many times since becoming a “disciple” in the strictest sense of the word, I have studied for eight, ten, even twelve hours without eating, never getting hungry. The word of God sustains me. I don’t know how it happens but it does. There is a life-giving energy in the word of God. I hope you’ve experienced it. I pray if you haven’t, you’ll pray that you will. If you have never studied the word of God, ask yourself if you want to want to. If you don’t, then you won’t. It’s just that simple. Pray for God to give you the desire to want to want to and then open your Bible and start reading. You know what you need to do; do it. Paul told the Corinthian brethren, “Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.” Want to want to; have the desire.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good” and you will keep tasting. Pray this prayer from Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law,” and then open your eyes to see them.
The word water is not wet; you have to experience it to know what it is. Faith is the same way. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness brings you closer to Christ, who is the word that became flesh – the same word that creates faith. Being filled with righteousness, being filled with Christ, being filled with the word of God go hand-in-hand. But you have to experience it to really know it.
God does not demand perfection; he demands faithfulness. If I want to be faith-ful I must be in the word to let Jesus fill my hunger and thirst for righteousness – His righteousness. He is the perfection I could never be.
There is only one thing that’s needed: to sit at Jesus’ feet – the feet that were nailed, the blood that was spilled, that became the bread and the wine that enabled me to have his righteousness. This is what I hunger and thirst for.
There is a verse in Luke’s account of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha, where Martha gets upset with Mary for not helping in the kitchen. In the last verse of Luke chapter ten, Jesus says something to Martha I want to conclude with, regarding hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
“…..but only one thing is needed,” Jesus said. “ Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Only one thing is needed, Jesus told Martha – not two or three or four or five, only one. Simplifies things. Doesn’t it? What is the ONE thing that is needed? Sitting at Jesus’ feet. For us that means being a disciple, a learner, a follower of Jesus. I must come to Him to learn from Him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28
Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet – the position of the student – listening to what Jesus said. She was hungry and thirsty for righteousness – food that lasts a lifetime -- while Martha was hungry and thirsty for food that lasts a few hours. Each of them is feasting, but on different food entirely.
“Only one thing is needed,” Jesus says – only one thing. I thought this week when I came to Friday’s meditation I would discuss all the ways we could come to know Jesus. If we are going to seek HIS righteousness, then we’re going to have to know HIM, who HE is, how HE speaks, how HE acts, in order to walk and talk as HE walks and talks, which scripture tells us to do. “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 1:6 But since Jesus boiled down what he said to Martha into one thing, that’s what I’m going to do as well. Come to Jesus, familiarize yourself with Jesus, by listening to his WORD.
Open, read, study, meditate on the Bible. Open, read, study, meditate on the Bible. Open, read, study, meditate on the Bible because that’s where faith comes from. “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 Faith comes from the word of God. I did not come up with this principle, but I have lived the reality of it. I have faith. I believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God. I believe that God created the Heavens and the earth – that God spoke and there was light. I believe he changed the leper’s spots. I believe he shut the lion’s mouths when he saved Daniel. I believe he parted the Red Sea and the Israelites passed. And on and on I could go. I believe because I’ve studied the Bible. I have tried and tested and found it’s true.
I will not be filled with Jesus’ righteousness if I look for it somewhere else. Nothing else can fill me. I can honestly say that what Jesus said when he was tempted, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God,” I understand. Many, many, many times since becoming a “disciple” in the strictest sense of the word, I have studied for eight, ten, even twelve hours without eating, never getting hungry. The word of God sustains me. I don’t know how it happens but it does. There is a life-giving energy in the word of God. I hope you’ve experienced it. I pray if you haven’t, you’ll pray that you will. If you have never studied the word of God, ask yourself if you want to want to. If you don’t, then you won’t. It’s just that simple. Pray for God to give you the desire to want to want to and then open your Bible and start reading. You know what you need to do; do it. Paul told the Corinthian brethren, “Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.” Want to want to; have the desire.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good” and you will keep tasting. Pray this prayer from Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law,” and then open your eyes to see them.
The word water is not wet; you have to experience it to know what it is. Faith is the same way. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness brings you closer to Christ, who is the word that became flesh – the same word that creates faith. Being filled with righteousness, being filled with Christ, being filled with the word of God go hand-in-hand. But you have to experience it to really know it.
God does not demand perfection; he demands faithfulness. If I want to be faith-ful I must be in the word to let Jesus fill my hunger and thirst for righteousness – His righteousness. He is the perfection I could never be.
There is only one thing that’s needed: to sit at Jesus’ feet – the feet that were nailed, the blood that was spilled, that became the bread and the wine that enabled me to have his righteousness. This is what I hunger and thirst for.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Righteousness -- integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting; the state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God.
You and I CANNOT be righteous separate and apart from Jesus Christ. Regardless of how hard I try I cannot earn, work for, nor be righteous on my own. It’s simply impossible. Regardless of what good friends, well-meaning friends, ministers, elders, deacons, husbands, wives, sisters, relatives or friends of any kind tell you, you cannot nor ever will be righteous on your own. When you strive for your own righteousness you will fail every time.
Look just at these three scriptures out of many that state Jesus is our righteousness.
Galatians 2:21 – “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Philippians 3:9 – “and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Paul hit the nail on the head when he says in Philippians 3:6, “as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.”
Did you see the word Paul used for the type of righteousness man thinks he can work for? He uses the word legalistic. A legalist is so bound by the law that he thinks the harder he works and the more perfect he becomes, the more righteous he will be. And my sisters, this is the gospel of ulcers, guilt, headaches, high blood pressure and depression.
Depression often symbolizes that you are holding on to an unattainable goal. And my sisters, righteousness apart from Christ is an unattainable goal. Before I knew better, I suffered from perfectionism. I thought I had to be perfect and was impatient with anyone who wasn’t, especially my children. And then I LEARNED that perfection is not a goal, it is a disorder. To think that I can be perfect on my own is Satan’s deception. Striving for perfection, separate and apart from Jesus Christ, creates guilt and stagnates true growth in Christ. Instead of walking by faith I am walking by sight and trying to attain the unattainable. And I am miserable and constantly depressed.
We have been REDEEMED – bought back.
We have been SAVED – rescued.
We have been SANCTIFIED -- set apart.
We have been JUSTIFIED – declared righteous.
And all of this because of Jesus.
And we are blessed.
We come before God empty, poor in spirit. We mourn over our sin and gain comfort. We are meek, deserving nothing or demanding anything, yet inherit the earth. Coming to God just as we are, we hunger and thirst for what we do not have -- righteousness. And we find it in Christ. Therefore, he can fill our emptiness with himself.
The righteousness we hunger and thirst for is not our own but Christ’s. He has it all; I have none. And there is a huge difference. One says, “I can do this; I can do this; I can do this” and can’t. The other has faith that Christ can and already has.” His is the righteousness we seek.
part two
Righteousness -- integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting; the state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God.
You and I CANNOT be righteous separate and apart from Jesus Christ. Regardless of how hard I try I cannot earn, work for, nor be righteous on my own. It’s simply impossible. Regardless of what good friends, well-meaning friends, ministers, elders, deacons, husbands, wives, sisters, relatives or friends of any kind tell you, you cannot nor ever will be righteous on your own. When you strive for your own righteousness you will fail every time.
Look just at these three scriptures out of many that state Jesus is our righteousness.
Galatians 2:21 – “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Philippians 3:9 – “and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Paul hit the nail on the head when he says in Philippians 3:6, “as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.”
Did you see the word Paul used for the type of righteousness man thinks he can work for? He uses the word legalistic. A legalist is so bound by the law that he thinks the harder he works and the more perfect he becomes, the more righteous he will be. And my sisters, this is the gospel of ulcers, guilt, headaches, high blood pressure and depression.
Depression often symbolizes that you are holding on to an unattainable goal. And my sisters, righteousness apart from Christ is an unattainable goal. Before I knew better, I suffered from perfectionism. I thought I had to be perfect and was impatient with anyone who wasn’t, especially my children. And then I LEARNED that perfection is not a goal, it is a disorder. To think that I can be perfect on my own is Satan’s deception. Striving for perfection, separate and apart from Jesus Christ, creates guilt and stagnates true growth in Christ. Instead of walking by faith I am walking by sight and trying to attain the unattainable. And I am miserable and constantly depressed.
We have been REDEEMED – bought back.
We have been SAVED – rescued.
We have been SANCTIFIED -- set apart.
We have been JUSTIFIED – declared righteous.
And all of this because of Jesus.
And we are blessed.
We come before God empty, poor in spirit. We mourn over our sin and gain comfort. We are meek, deserving nothing or demanding anything, yet inherit the earth. Coming to God just as we are, we hunger and thirst for what we do not have -- righteousness. And we find it in Christ. Therefore, he can fill our emptiness with himself.
The righteousness we hunger and thirst for is not our own but Christ’s. He has it all; I have none. And there is a huge difference. One says, “I can do this; I can do this; I can do this” and can’t. The other has faith that Christ can and already has.” His is the righteousness we seek.
part two
...who hunger and thirst after righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
A few weeks ago I submitted an article in THE CLASSICS by C. S. Lewis called Giving All to Christ. As the title suggests, this article addresses how much of myself do I give to Christ. Under the sub-title “Listening to That Other Voice” Lewis says:
“…the real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and fretting; coming in out of the wind.”
And then he adds the paragraph that I ended with in THE CLASSICS that contains what I consider to be the most important sentence.
“We can only do it for moments at first. But from those moments the new sort of life will be spreading through our system: because now we are letting Him work at the right part of us. It is the difference between paint, which is merely laid on the surface, and a dye or stain which soaks right through.”
Lewis calls this transformation a “new sort of life…spreading through our system” – “the right part of us.” It’s here that I think the understanding – the real grasping – of the beatitudes takes place. It’s a new sort of life, spreading through our system – the right part of us.
After studying the beatitudes over the past few weeks, I’ve come to the conclusion that the reason many Christians never mature is because they never start out empty. They are so full of themselves there’s no room left for God. Hunger and thirst require emptiness –like “poor in spirit.” Man goes from poverty of spirit, to mourning, to meekness to hungering and thirsting after righteousness; it’s just a natural progression. And the righteousness that fills me is not my own, it’s Jesus’. Why? Because I (big I) am poor in spirit. I am the beggar to whom Christ gave it all. My righteous acts (my very best acts) are but filthy rags. Remember?
When I realize that Jesus’ righteousness fills me, an empty shell, then I am filled with HIS righteousness. His righteousness is not merely laid on the surface like paint, he stains me or soaks me from the inside out. Why? Because that’s where HE lives now, not me.
Poor people hunger and thirst after that which sustains them; we normally call it “bread and water” i.e. the bare necessities; clothes and shelter would be included. This is what man needs to barely exist. It’s what Jesus says “the ones on his right” give, come judgment.
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35, 36
This is a description of someone who knows what it means to hunger and thirst -- who we call poor.
The poor are filled by the righteous who are filled with Christ. The more Christ fills us the more we have to give, which creates more emptiness that Christ can fill again. And the cycle continues.
TO HUNGER: a) to suffer want b) to be needy. Metaphorically, to crave ardently, to seek with eager desire.
TO THIRST: to suffer thirst. a) figuratively, those who are said to thirst who painfully feel their want of, and eagerly long for, those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, strengthened.
I know of few people who hunger and thirst as described above, physically, and even less who hunger and thirst spiritually. But they are the ones Jesus calls blessed.
What does hungering and thirsting after righteousness look like? David in Psalm 42 tells us:
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God.
My tears have been my food day and night.”
Have you ever cried due to your hunger and thirst for God? Isaiah says:
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…and your soul will delight in the riches of fare.”
Jesus tells the woman at the well:
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
And finally in Revelation Jesus says:
“To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
“Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
Why do people hunger and thirst after fame, fortune, worldly success that costs them their life, when they could hunger and thirst after righteousness that costs them nothing -- the FREE gift of the water of life?
Recently, my mother-in-law’s husband was hospitalized with pancreatitis, a very painful, debilitating illness for anyone, but especially a man who’s 88 years old. He had pain that was unbearable and all the other symptoms that go with it; you know if you’ve ever had it; it’s terrible. Anyway, one of the worst parts about it was for four days he was forbidden anything including water. My mother-in-law said all he could do was ask for water. He begged for water, but couldn’t have any. Such a normal, usual thing we take for granted – a “thing” that is life-giving, life-changing, REQUIRED to sustain life – Alton begged for.
Beggars hunger and thirst. Beggars beg. If I do not see myself before God as a beggar, I have no reason to hunger and thirst after righteousness – a righteousness not my own, but a righteousness only He can give.
A few weeks ago I submitted an article in THE CLASSICS by C. S. Lewis called Giving All to Christ. As the title suggests, this article addresses how much of myself do I give to Christ. Under the sub-title “Listening to That Other Voice” Lewis says:
“…the real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and fretting; coming in out of the wind.”
And then he adds the paragraph that I ended with in THE CLASSICS that contains what I consider to be the most important sentence.
“We can only do it for moments at first. But from those moments the new sort of life will be spreading through our system: because now we are letting Him work at the right part of us. It is the difference between paint, which is merely laid on the surface, and a dye or stain which soaks right through.”
Lewis calls this transformation a “new sort of life…spreading through our system” – “the right part of us.” It’s here that I think the understanding – the real grasping – of the beatitudes takes place. It’s a new sort of life, spreading through our system – the right part of us.
After studying the beatitudes over the past few weeks, I’ve come to the conclusion that the reason many Christians never mature is because they never start out empty. They are so full of themselves there’s no room left for God. Hunger and thirst require emptiness –like “poor in spirit.” Man goes from poverty of spirit, to mourning, to meekness to hungering and thirsting after righteousness; it’s just a natural progression. And the righteousness that fills me is not my own, it’s Jesus’. Why? Because I (big I) am poor in spirit. I am the beggar to whom Christ gave it all. My righteous acts (my very best acts) are but filthy rags. Remember?
When I realize that Jesus’ righteousness fills me, an empty shell, then I am filled with HIS righteousness. His righteousness is not merely laid on the surface like paint, he stains me or soaks me from the inside out. Why? Because that’s where HE lives now, not me.
Poor people hunger and thirst after that which sustains them; we normally call it “bread and water” i.e. the bare necessities; clothes and shelter would be included. This is what man needs to barely exist. It’s what Jesus says “the ones on his right” give, come judgment.
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35, 36
This is a description of someone who knows what it means to hunger and thirst -- who we call poor.
The poor are filled by the righteous who are filled with Christ. The more Christ fills us the more we have to give, which creates more emptiness that Christ can fill again. And the cycle continues.
TO HUNGER: a) to suffer want b) to be needy. Metaphorically, to crave ardently, to seek with eager desire.
TO THIRST: to suffer thirst. a) figuratively, those who are said to thirst who painfully feel their want of, and eagerly long for, those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, strengthened.
I know of few people who hunger and thirst as described above, physically, and even less who hunger and thirst spiritually. But they are the ones Jesus calls blessed.
What does hungering and thirsting after righteousness look like? David in Psalm 42 tells us:
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God.
My tears have been my food day and night.”
Have you ever cried due to your hunger and thirst for God? Isaiah says:
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…and your soul will delight in the riches of fare.”
Jesus tells the woman at the well:
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
And finally in Revelation Jesus says:
“To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
“Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
Why do people hunger and thirst after fame, fortune, worldly success that costs them their life, when they could hunger and thirst after righteousness that costs them nothing -- the FREE gift of the water of life?
Recently, my mother-in-law’s husband was hospitalized with pancreatitis, a very painful, debilitating illness for anyone, but especially a man who’s 88 years old. He had pain that was unbearable and all the other symptoms that go with it; you know if you’ve ever had it; it’s terrible. Anyway, one of the worst parts about it was for four days he was forbidden anything including water. My mother-in-law said all he could do was ask for water. He begged for water, but couldn’t have any. Such a normal, usual thing we take for granted – a “thing” that is life-giving, life-changing, REQUIRED to sustain life – Alton begged for.
Beggars hunger and thirst. Beggars beg. If I do not see myself before God as a beggar, I have no reason to hunger and thirst after righteousness – a righteousness not my own, but a righteousness only He can give.
Listen. Listen. Listen. (part three)
What enabled my student to hear?
She had a broken and contrite heart. She left my class mourning.
She had been in scripture and turned to scripture. My sisters, even though the Holy Spirit is revealed in scripture he does not live within the pages of the Bible. We receive Him at baptism. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 He lives with us and in us.
She had been encouraged to listen to him and for him. I had related in the prior class how the Spirit had worked in my life in a particular instance. She said she had never heard anyone say something like that, nor had he ever worked in her life like that to her recollection. She had had her spiritual eyes opened to His power when she listened to my story.
She had faith that He could speak. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 The Holy Spirit revealed THE WORD then and reveals THE WORD now, that in turn creates faith. Therefore, the Holy Spirit and faith have to be connected; one demands the other.
Here is a quote from Doris Black, a dear friend of mine who, herself, taught the Bible worldwide and inspired me to speak, from her book Reach For Your Spiritual Potential.
“The stronger our faith, the stronger God’s spirit is in our lives. Not because our weak faith limits the might of God’s power, but because our weak faith prevents us from stepping out to be empowered.”
My sisters, Romans 8:11 says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
And Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
How much power do we as Christians have living within us? ALL THAT WE NEED, but only according to his power that is AT WORK WITHIN US.” If I do not recognize the Spirit, listen to the Spirit, live by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit I will be powerless.
How can I make this happen? You can’t. He speaks; you listen. He guides; you follow.
But you CAN do this:
Be in THE WORD. Have a Bible by your bed -- one by your favorite chair, one in your purse and one in your car so you can read it while you’re waiting, waiting, waiting wherever. Pray this prayer: “Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18 and you will begin to see them.
LISTEN. Something will jump off the page right before your very eyes. This is what you need to hear and God knows it.
LISTEN SOME MORE. Listen to that inner voice you may have never recognized as the Holy Spirit. Act, don’t squelch it. Go where He leads you. Don't make a decision until you're absolutely sure you've heard His voice.
PRAY. When you’re in THE WORD, God is talking to you. When you pray you are talking to God. Pray without ceasing. I just read this quote from the book The Practice of the Presence of God by brother Lawrence; read this teeny, tiny book if you haven’t. “….it [is] a serious mistake to think of our prayer time as being different from any others. Our actions should unite us with God when we are involved in our daily activities, just as our prayer unites us with Him in our quiet time.” Pgs. 20,21.
HAVE A QUIET TIME. Contrary to what young moms might think, I did this more when I was young because I needed the quiet time amidst the chaos; now I have less. My quiet time now involves meditation or “percolation,” rather than investigation, so to speak. But I will add, I never go to the scriptures trying to prove what I already know; I go as though it’s the first time I've ever read it.
PRIORITIZE. You know this; put it into practice. (I have an entire series on this, based on the book Too Hurried to Love, by Bradshaw and Gilbert; this is one of my all-time favorite books.)
WAIT. These are my three maxims: God is in control. His timing is perfect. And He’s never made a mistake. These three things apply to everything. Know them. Believe them. Remember them. Apply them to everything.
Patience is waiting for God's perfect will. Patience. Patience. Patience.
Even though you may have heard that the Holy Spirit is the silent member of the godhead, He is not. He speaks as loudly today as He did when He was with God hovering over the waters, when He revealed scripture to Moses, Matthew, Mark and others, and when Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
When you hear the Holy Spirit speak, the heavens will be opened and you will see the Son of Man in a way you have never seen before. He speaks 24/7 in ways He knows best. Listen, listen, and keep listening. And he will reveal Himself to you.
She had a broken and contrite heart. She left my class mourning.
She had been in scripture and turned to scripture. My sisters, even though the Holy Spirit is revealed in scripture he does not live within the pages of the Bible. We receive Him at baptism. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 He lives with us and in us.
She had been encouraged to listen to him and for him. I had related in the prior class how the Spirit had worked in my life in a particular instance. She said she had never heard anyone say something like that, nor had he ever worked in her life like that to her recollection. She had had her spiritual eyes opened to His power when she listened to my story.
She had faith that He could speak. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 The Holy Spirit revealed THE WORD then and reveals THE WORD now, that in turn creates faith. Therefore, the Holy Spirit and faith have to be connected; one demands the other.
Here is a quote from Doris Black, a dear friend of mine who, herself, taught the Bible worldwide and inspired me to speak, from her book Reach For Your Spiritual Potential.
“The stronger our faith, the stronger God’s spirit is in our lives. Not because our weak faith limits the might of God’s power, but because our weak faith prevents us from stepping out to be empowered.”
My sisters, Romans 8:11 says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
And Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
How much power do we as Christians have living within us? ALL THAT WE NEED, but only according to his power that is AT WORK WITHIN US.” If I do not recognize the Spirit, listen to the Spirit, live by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit I will be powerless.
How can I make this happen? You can’t. He speaks; you listen. He guides; you follow.
But you CAN do this:
Be in THE WORD. Have a Bible by your bed -- one by your favorite chair, one in your purse and one in your car so you can read it while you’re waiting, waiting, waiting wherever. Pray this prayer: “Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18 and you will begin to see them.
LISTEN. Something will jump off the page right before your very eyes. This is what you need to hear and God knows it.
LISTEN SOME MORE. Listen to that inner voice you may have never recognized as the Holy Spirit. Act, don’t squelch it. Go where He leads you. Don't make a decision until you're absolutely sure you've heard His voice.
PRAY. When you’re in THE WORD, God is talking to you. When you pray you are talking to God. Pray without ceasing. I just read this quote from the book The Practice of the Presence of God by brother Lawrence; read this teeny, tiny book if you haven’t. “….it [is] a serious mistake to think of our prayer time as being different from any others. Our actions should unite us with God when we are involved in our daily activities, just as our prayer unites us with Him in our quiet time.” Pgs. 20,21.
HAVE A QUIET TIME. Contrary to what young moms might think, I did this more when I was young because I needed the quiet time amidst the chaos; now I have less. My quiet time now involves meditation or “percolation,” rather than investigation, so to speak. But I will add, I never go to the scriptures trying to prove what I already know; I go as though it’s the first time I've ever read it.
PRIORITIZE. You know this; put it into practice. (I have an entire series on this, based on the book Too Hurried to Love, by Bradshaw and Gilbert; this is one of my all-time favorite books.)
WAIT. These are my three maxims: God is in control. His timing is perfect. And He’s never made a mistake. These three things apply to everything. Know them. Believe them. Remember them. Apply them to everything.
Patience is waiting for God's perfect will. Patience. Patience. Patience.
Even though you may have heard that the Holy Spirit is the silent member of the godhead, He is not. He speaks as loudly today as He did when He was with God hovering over the waters, when He revealed scripture to Moses, Matthew, Mark and others, and when Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
When you hear the Holy Spirit speak, the heavens will be opened and you will see the Son of Man in a way you have never seen before. He speaks 24/7 in ways He knows best. Listen, listen, and keep listening. And he will reveal Himself to you.
Listen. Listen. Listen. (part two)
This is the simplest way I can explain the Holy Spirit's nature. I even put it this way when I taught Bible class to grade schoolers when I was in High School at my home church in Edmonton. Even though we see an egg in one part it is really three parts – the shell, the yoke and the white part. Strike three matches and you will see one flame – simple yet profound.
Here’s another simple explanation as to why we need Him. In John 4, Jesus tells the woman at the well, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” Since God is spirit, I must have within me His nature, to help me understand Him. Remember that spiritual truths are spiritually discerned and it is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that I will understand anything spiritual. This is why it’s so hard to explain spiritual truths that are so simple to us, to a non-believer who does not have within him the ability to understand what we’re saying. He just can’t do it because he doesn’t have the Holy Spirit within him to discern spiritual truths. If God were an eye, we would need an eye within us to understand him; strange but true.
Where does He live? He lives with us and in us. “The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:17.
Let me give you an illustration of what the Holy Spirit looks like when He is working.
Every-other Monday night in my home, I teach a class to nine young moms I personally invited to attend. The study is based on the book Managing Your Moods, a book in the Women of Faith series. Usually for about thirty minutes we talk about the book and then for the next hour-and-a-half or so I preach. :) Anyway this is what happened to one of my students after leaving class the other night. She walked outside only to find there was about five inches of snow that had fallen unbeknownst to any of us. She said she said to God, “O Great! Now there’s snow.” She got in her car, cried all the way home (not going there), walked inside and opened her Bible. The Bible fell to the word snow, which was at the top of the page in her concordance. “Hummm,” she thought. “That’s interesting.” She then proceeded to go down the passages under snow only to come upon Psalm 51 which she started to read. Verse one, verse two, verse three (wondering why she was still reading) until she came to verse seventeen. Voila. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise,” which was the verse someone had remembered in class that we looked up and discussed at length, WHICH WAS THE VERSE SHE WAS LOOKING FOR WHEN SHE OPENED HER BIBLE. She said when she found the verse in the way she found it she literally had goose bumps. “YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!” I said when she told us about it. That is the way it feels to encounter the Holy Spirit. That is how it feels! She even emailed me to tell me she had something she HAD to tell the class the next time we met. She said she had never had one of those moments before, but since then, thought she had had two more.
Let me tell you what just happened.
The Spirit led her and guided her into all truth, i.e., scripture, which he inspired the authors to write. He then interpreted that scripture for her and gave her a spirit of discernment enabling her to connect to it, having encountered it in class. He comforted her with words no one else could. He helped her in a time of weakness. He heard her prayer and convicted her with regard to sin, righteousness and judgment. Look at the scripture He led her to that he, himself had revealed and spoken from creation:
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
This, my sisters, is the scripture God knew she needed – that God spoke to her in a very “spiritual” way. My sisters, you nor I could have caused that to happen. Only the Holy Spirit could have CAUSED that to happen.
What’s needed for the Spirit to speak? A broken and contrite heart. My sisters, doesn’t that sound like the first beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”? Christians, Christians, Christians MUST have the Holy Spirit living within them and through them in order for them to go from being poor in spirit to being persecuted for righteousness sake. We can’t climb the ladder, so to speak, without His help.
Here’s another simple explanation as to why we need Him. In John 4, Jesus tells the woman at the well, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” Since God is spirit, I must have within me His nature, to help me understand Him. Remember that spiritual truths are spiritually discerned and it is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that I will understand anything spiritual. This is why it’s so hard to explain spiritual truths that are so simple to us, to a non-believer who does not have within him the ability to understand what we’re saying. He just can’t do it because he doesn’t have the Holy Spirit within him to discern spiritual truths. If God were an eye, we would need an eye within us to understand him; strange but true.
Where does He live? He lives with us and in us. “The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:17.
Let me give you an illustration of what the Holy Spirit looks like when He is working.
Every-other Monday night in my home, I teach a class to nine young moms I personally invited to attend. The study is based on the book Managing Your Moods, a book in the Women of Faith series. Usually for about thirty minutes we talk about the book and then for the next hour-and-a-half or so I preach. :) Anyway this is what happened to one of my students after leaving class the other night. She walked outside only to find there was about five inches of snow that had fallen unbeknownst to any of us. She said she said to God, “O Great! Now there’s snow.” She got in her car, cried all the way home (not going there), walked inside and opened her Bible. The Bible fell to the word snow, which was at the top of the page in her concordance. “Hummm,” she thought. “That’s interesting.” She then proceeded to go down the passages under snow only to come upon Psalm 51 which she started to read. Verse one, verse two, verse three (wondering why she was still reading) until she came to verse seventeen. Voila. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise,” which was the verse someone had remembered in class that we looked up and discussed at length, WHICH WAS THE VERSE SHE WAS LOOKING FOR WHEN SHE OPENED HER BIBLE. She said when she found the verse in the way she found it she literally had goose bumps. “YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!” I said when she told us about it. That is the way it feels to encounter the Holy Spirit. That is how it feels! She even emailed me to tell me she had something she HAD to tell the class the next time we met. She said she had never had one of those moments before, but since then, thought she had had two more.
Let me tell you what just happened.
The Spirit led her and guided her into all truth, i.e., scripture, which he inspired the authors to write. He then interpreted that scripture for her and gave her a spirit of discernment enabling her to connect to it, having encountered it in class. He comforted her with words no one else could. He helped her in a time of weakness. He heard her prayer and convicted her with regard to sin, righteousness and judgment. Look at the scripture He led her to that he, himself had revealed and spoken from creation:
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
This, my sisters, is the scripture God knew she needed – that God spoke to her in a very “spiritual” way. My sisters, you nor I could have caused that to happen. Only the Holy Spirit could have CAUSED that to happen.
What’s needed for the Spirit to speak? A broken and contrite heart. My sisters, doesn’t that sound like the first beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”? Christians, Christians, Christians MUST have the Holy Spirit living within them and through them in order for them to go from being poor in spirit to being persecuted for righteousness sake. We can’t climb the ladder, so to speak, without His help.
Listen. Listen. Listen. (part one)
None of the beatitudes can be done without the help of the Holy Spirit. It is not within man’s power to have any one of these “attitudes” within him. Not all people are born poor in spirit or mourning (yes, crying, but not mourning) or meek, as you and I well know; but all Christians are expected to be. All of them are; not one is left out. Even the most ill-tempered Christian, through the Holy Spirit can become poor in spirit, mourn and meek.
This is what I know about the Holy Spirit.
That He, the Spirit of God, was hovering over the waters in creation. “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Does this mean Holy Spirit? I think it does.
That He, God and Jesus were all present and involved in creation. “Let US make man in OUR image, in OUR likeness ,” …. Genesis 1:26
That He existed in the Old Testament, not only in the New. David begged God in Psalm 51, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me,” which is where we get the song Create in Me a Clean Heart. The words in the song are practically verbatim the words in this Psalm.
That He revealed to the Prophets what they spoke. “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21
That Jesus left Him as the “comforter.” “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [Comforter] to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-16a.
That He guides us into all truth. “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
That He is the discerner of spiritual truths. “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14
That He convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. “In regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” John 16:9-11. This purpose is the hardest one for me to grasp. I know I know something by how I can articulate it; I can’t articulate this.
That He helps us in our weakness AND intercedes for us. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26
The above scriptures are the ones that come to mind when I consider what the Holy Spirit does.
This is what I know about the Holy Spirit.
That He, the Spirit of God, was hovering over the waters in creation. “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Does this mean Holy Spirit? I think it does.
That He, God and Jesus were all present and involved in creation. “Let US make man in OUR image, in OUR likeness ,” …. Genesis 1:26
That He existed in the Old Testament, not only in the New. David begged God in Psalm 51, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me,” which is where we get the song Create in Me a Clean Heart. The words in the song are practically verbatim the words in this Psalm.
That He revealed to the Prophets what they spoke. “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21
That Jesus left Him as the “comforter.” “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [Comforter] to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-16a.
That He guides us into all truth. “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13
That He is the discerner of spiritual truths. “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14
That He convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. “In regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” John 16:9-11. This purpose is the hardest one for me to grasp. I know I know something by how I can articulate it; I can’t articulate this.
That He helps us in our weakness AND intercedes for us. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26
The above scriptures are the ones that come to mind when I consider what the Holy Spirit does.
What then is meekness? Lloyd-Jones
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5
The following excerpt is taken from D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones book Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. I bought the book on 10/6/93 when Chuck Miller was teaching the Sermon on the Mount at Greenwood Park and recommended it. It still speaks to me today, just like it did then. Please take the time to read what Lloyd-Jones says about meekness. We all need to hear it, especially me.
___________________________________________________________________________
What then is meekness? I think we can sum it up in this way. Meekness is essentially a true view of oneself, expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others. It is therefore two things. It is my attitude towards myself; and it is an expression of that relationship to others. You see how inevitably it follows being ‘poor in spirit’ and ‘mourning’. A man can never be meek unless he is poor in spirit. A man can never be meek unless he has seen himself as a vile sinner. These others things must come first. But when I have that true view of myself in terms of poverty of spirit, and mourning because of my sinfulness, I am led on to see that there must be an absence of pride. The meek man is not proud of himself, he does not in any sense glory in himself. He feels that there is nothing in himself of which he can boast. It also means that he does not assert himself. You see, it is a negation of the popular psychology of the day which says ‘assert yourself’, ‘express your personality’. The man who is meek does not want to do so; he is so ashamed of it. The meek man likewise does not demand anything for himself. He does not take all his rights as claims. He does not make demands for his position, his privileges, his possessions, his status in life. No, he is like the man depicted in Philippians ii. ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.’ Christ did not assert that right to equality with God; He deliberately did not. And that is the point to which you and I have to come.
Then let me go further; the man who is meek is not even sensitive about himself. He is not always watching himself and his own interests. He is not always on the defensive. We all know about this, do we not? Is it not one of the greatest curses in life as a result of the fall – this sensitivity about self? We spend the whole of our lives watching ourselves. But when a man becomes meek he is finished with all that; he no longer worries about himself and what other people say. To be truly meek means we no longer protect ourselves, because we see there is nothing worth defending. So we are not on the defensive; all that is gone. The man who is truly meek never pities himself, he is never sorry for himself. He never talks to himself and says, ‘You are having a hard time, how unkind these people are not to understand you’. He never thinks: ‘How wonderful I really am, if only other people gave me a chance.’ Self-pity! What hours and years we waste in this! But the man who has become meek has finished with all that. To be meek, in other words, means that you have finished with yourself altogether, and you come to see you have no rights or deserts [deserved reward or punishment] at all. You come to realize that nobody can harm you. John Bunyan puts it perfectly. ‘He that is down need fear no fall.’ When a man truly sees himself, he knows nobody can say anything about him that is too bad. You need not worry about what men may say or do; you know you deserve it all and more. Once again, therefore, I would define meekness like this. The man who is truly meek is the one who is amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do and treat him as well as they do. That, it seems to me, is its essential quality.
This is the sentence that jumped off the page at me:
“When a man truly sees himself, he knows nobody can say anything about him that is too bad.”
I’m going to remember this from now on. I think it will make me a lot more relaxed around people and less hard on myself. I’ve loved these lessons on the Beatitudes. I've really needed them. Hope you have too.
Matthew 5:5
The following excerpt is taken from D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones book Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. I bought the book on 10/6/93 when Chuck Miller was teaching the Sermon on the Mount at Greenwood Park and recommended it. It still speaks to me today, just like it did then. Please take the time to read what Lloyd-Jones says about meekness. We all need to hear it, especially me.
___________________________________________________________________________
What then is meekness? I think we can sum it up in this way. Meekness is essentially a true view of oneself, expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others. It is therefore two things. It is my attitude towards myself; and it is an expression of that relationship to others. You see how inevitably it follows being ‘poor in spirit’ and ‘mourning’. A man can never be meek unless he is poor in spirit. A man can never be meek unless he has seen himself as a vile sinner. These others things must come first. But when I have that true view of myself in terms of poverty of spirit, and mourning because of my sinfulness, I am led on to see that there must be an absence of pride. The meek man is not proud of himself, he does not in any sense glory in himself. He feels that there is nothing in himself of which he can boast. It also means that he does not assert himself. You see, it is a negation of the popular psychology of the day which says ‘assert yourself’, ‘express your personality’. The man who is meek does not want to do so; he is so ashamed of it. The meek man likewise does not demand anything for himself. He does not take all his rights as claims. He does not make demands for his position, his privileges, his possessions, his status in life. No, he is like the man depicted in Philippians ii. ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.’ Christ did not assert that right to equality with God; He deliberately did not. And that is the point to which you and I have to come.
Then let me go further; the man who is meek is not even sensitive about himself. He is not always watching himself and his own interests. He is not always on the defensive. We all know about this, do we not? Is it not one of the greatest curses in life as a result of the fall – this sensitivity about self? We spend the whole of our lives watching ourselves. But when a man becomes meek he is finished with all that; he no longer worries about himself and what other people say. To be truly meek means we no longer protect ourselves, because we see there is nothing worth defending. So we are not on the defensive; all that is gone. The man who is truly meek never pities himself, he is never sorry for himself. He never talks to himself and says, ‘You are having a hard time, how unkind these people are not to understand you’. He never thinks: ‘How wonderful I really am, if only other people gave me a chance.’ Self-pity! What hours and years we waste in this! But the man who has become meek has finished with all that. To be meek, in other words, means that you have finished with yourself altogether, and you come to see you have no rights or deserts [deserved reward or punishment] at all. You come to realize that nobody can harm you. John Bunyan puts it perfectly. ‘He that is down need fear no fall.’ When a man truly sees himself, he knows nobody can say anything about him that is too bad. You need not worry about what men may say or do; you know you deserve it all and more. Once again, therefore, I would define meekness like this. The man who is truly meek is the one who is amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do and treat him as well as they do. That, it seems to me, is its essential quality.
This is the sentence that jumped off the page at me:
“When a man truly sees himself, he knows nobody can say anything about him that is too bad.”
I’m going to remember this from now on. I think it will make me a lot more relaxed around people and less hard on myself. I’ve loved these lessons on the Beatitudes. I've really needed them. Hope you have too.
Who is the meek?
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5
Who is the meek person? What does he/she look like? Abraham was meek when he allowed Lot to make the first choice as to where he would live. David was meek, tolerating Saul’s mistreatment of him. Jeremiah was meek when he spoke the truth instead of what was popular. Stephen was meek when the people stoned him. Paul was meek when he suffered all the things that were done to him as recorded in 1 Corinthians eleven. Listen to one of his statements that reflects his "poor in spirit" attitude, his awareness of his sinfulness and his attitude toward others, even his enemies: “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.” He knew his need for God and was aware that it was only through God’s power could he live.
Jesus, himself, was the greatest example of meekness. He describes himself as being "meek and lowly in heart." in Matt. 11:29 "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." KJV
Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5-8, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Jesus put fulfillment of scripture before himself. He says in Matthew 26: 53 “Do you think I cannot call on my father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Jesus put the salvation of my soul before himself.
“Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept his dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that he is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time (Isa. 41:17, Luke 18:1-8). Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Gal 5:23).” BLB
part two
Who is the meek person? What does he/she look like? Abraham was meek when he allowed Lot to make the first choice as to where he would live. David was meek, tolerating Saul’s mistreatment of him. Jeremiah was meek when he spoke the truth instead of what was popular. Stephen was meek when the people stoned him. Paul was meek when he suffered all the things that were done to him as recorded in 1 Corinthians eleven. Listen to one of his statements that reflects his "poor in spirit" attitude, his awareness of his sinfulness and his attitude toward others, even his enemies: “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.” He knew his need for God and was aware that it was only through God’s power could he live.
Jesus, himself, was the greatest example of meekness. He describes himself as being "meek and lowly in heart." in Matt. 11:29 "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." KJV
Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5-8, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Jesus put fulfillment of scripture before himself. He says in Matthew 26: 53 “Do you think I cannot call on my father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Jesus put the salvation of my soul before himself.
“Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept his dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that he is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time (Isa. 41:17, Luke 18:1-8). Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Gal 5:23).” BLB
part two
Meek Fleshed Out
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5
When David was about six and Laura was about three, David poured out the last bowl of the Cheerios from the Cheerios box to eat one morning for breakfast, never realizing Laura hadn't had any. Laura then proceeded, as most kids would do, to complain that the box was now empty and she had been left out. Much to my amazement, as he pushed the bowl in front of her, David looked at Laura and said, "Here, Laura, you can have mine." Needless to say, my heart melted, making this story one of the sweetest, most memorable stories I tell about our kids.Every time I tell it, David gets a kick out of it and Laura makes some snide comment about David and rolls her eyes.
David's response to Laura was the attitude of the meek: "What's mine is yours and you can have it." While the attitude of the world is, "What's yours is mine and I can take it."
Matthew 5:5
When David was about six and Laura was about three, David poured out the last bowl of the Cheerios from the Cheerios box to eat one morning for breakfast, never realizing Laura hadn't had any. Laura then proceeded, as most kids would do, to complain that the box was now empty and she had been left out. Much to my amazement, as he pushed the bowl in front of her, David looked at Laura and said, "Here, Laura, you can have mine." Needless to say, my heart melted, making this story one of the sweetest, most memorable stories I tell about our kids.Every time I tell it, David gets a kick out of it and Laura makes some snide comment about David and rolls her eyes.
David's response to Laura was the attitude of the meek: "What's mine is yours and you can have it." While the attitude of the world is, "What's yours is mine and I can take it."
Blessed are the meek
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5
There is a logical progression in the thinking of the Beatitudes -- a spiritual logical sequence, from “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” – those people who are empty, beggars, coming before God to be fed with “food” that lasts a lifetime to “Blessed are those that mourn,” – those people who mourn over their own sins plus the sins of others to finally (in terms of this article) the third step: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Each new step is dependent upon the last step and gets increasingly harder as we ascend the ladder.
Being poor in spirit and mourning involve only me; being meek requires someone else to be meek toward. Hence, this rung of the ladder gets more difficult. It’s not just between me and God anymore; it’s between me, God and you. Whereas on the first two rungs I've looked only at myself (not selfishly but humbly), now I must also consider you, as you look at me.
Paul tells us in Phil. 2:3 to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than [ourselves]. Each of [us] should look not only to [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others.” If we have placed ourselves before God -- poor in spirit/mourning -- we are exactly where we need to be to “consider others better than ourselves.” If I am no longer concerned about me, then naturally my attention can be turned toward you.
part one
Matthew 5:5
There is a logical progression in the thinking of the Beatitudes -- a spiritual logical sequence, from “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” – those people who are empty, beggars, coming before God to be fed with “food” that lasts a lifetime to “Blessed are those that mourn,” – those people who mourn over their own sins plus the sins of others to finally (in terms of this article) the third step: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Each new step is dependent upon the last step and gets increasingly harder as we ascend the ladder.
Being poor in spirit and mourning involve only me; being meek requires someone else to be meek toward. Hence, this rung of the ladder gets more difficult. It’s not just between me and God anymore; it’s between me, God and you. Whereas on the first two rungs I've looked only at myself (not selfishly but humbly), now I must also consider you, as you look at me.
Paul tells us in Phil. 2:3 to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than [ourselves]. Each of [us] should look not only to [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others.” If we have placed ourselves before God -- poor in spirit/mourning -- we are exactly where we need to be to “consider others better than ourselves.” If I am no longer concerned about me, then naturally my attention can be turned toward you.
part one
Tears
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
Water has always existed. It says nowhere that God created it. Genesis 1:1, 2 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It even says in verse six that God separated the water from the waters and called it “sky.” Interesting isn’t it? I believe water is as sacred or holy as anything on the face of the earth. I think it’s not only essential for survival, I believe it’s the pathway whereby salvation comes.
Water was with God in the beginning, we know from the scripture noted above. The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And then a little later in Genesis, God uses that same water to deliver Noah and his family to safety when Noah, in response to God’s commands, built the ark to deliver them from the flood.
And in Exodus, God delivered the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh through the waters of the Red Sea. “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.”
And then in Mark 16:16 Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Peter in 1 Peter 3: 21, even connects the two waters together (the waters of the flood and the waters of baptism) when he says, “In [the ark] only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also”......
If I could draw circles to symbolize how water is used in the Bible, the sizes of the circles would get appreciably smaller each time I drew one. "Creation" water would be the largest, the flood would be next, then the waters of the Red Sea and then baptism. And then, I believe the smallest dimension of water God uses would come next – tears -- less than a thimble full.
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears attentive to their cry. Ps. 34:15
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Ps. 145:19
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and [he] listened to my cry. Jonah 2:2
And then with regard to Jesus, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”
Mourning -- crying -- tears are ways man can “pour out his soul” to God. Listen to what David says in Psalm 42:1-4.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God, Where can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul:” …...
Isn’t that what we do when we mourn? We pour out our soul?
Matthew and Luke tell us about a sinful woman who came into Simon’s house to anoint Jesus with fine perfume. She stood behind Jesus at his feet weeping, wetting his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. She did this to prepare him for his burial.
The sinful woman represents the blessed in “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Her attention is to his feet, where the student was a learner. She emptied herself of herself, not caring who saw her -- a beggar, the “poor in spirit” who make up the kingdom of heaven. She mourns over her sins and Jesus’ death. She is the mourner who waits to be comforted. And Jesus forgives her sins. “Your faith has saved you,” Jesus says. “Go in peace.” And she is comforted.
I believe we will see this woman again, in Heaven, in a land with no more tears, needing comfort no more.
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself with be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 22: 3, 4
Blessed are those who mourn – who allow that tear – that thimble full of water -- to fall at the Savior’s feet -- just like this sinful woman -- for they will be comforted. They will enter Heaven, where the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flows from the throne of God. On each side of the river will stand the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (Rev. 22:1-2) ----- where there will be no water for tears that need comforting, only water for trees that bring healing ----- in Paradise again.
Water has always existed. It says nowhere that God created it. Genesis 1:1, 2 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It even says in verse six that God separated the water from the waters and called it “sky.” Interesting isn’t it? I believe water is as sacred or holy as anything on the face of the earth. I think it’s not only essential for survival, I believe it’s the pathway whereby salvation comes.
Water was with God in the beginning, we know from the scripture noted above. The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And then a little later in Genesis, God uses that same water to deliver Noah and his family to safety when Noah, in response to God’s commands, built the ark to deliver them from the flood.
And in Exodus, God delivered the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh through the waters of the Red Sea. “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.”
And then in Mark 16:16 Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Peter in 1 Peter 3: 21, even connects the two waters together (the waters of the flood and the waters of baptism) when he says, “In [the ark] only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also”......
If I could draw circles to symbolize how water is used in the Bible, the sizes of the circles would get appreciably smaller each time I drew one. "Creation" water would be the largest, the flood would be next, then the waters of the Red Sea and then baptism. And then, I believe the smallest dimension of water God uses would come next – tears -- less than a thimble full.
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears attentive to their cry. Ps. 34:15
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Ps. 145:19
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and [he] listened to my cry. Jonah 2:2
And then with regard to Jesus, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”
Mourning -- crying -- tears are ways man can “pour out his soul” to God. Listen to what David says in Psalm 42:1-4.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God, Where can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul:” …...
Isn’t that what we do when we mourn? We pour out our soul?
Matthew and Luke tell us about a sinful woman who came into Simon’s house to anoint Jesus with fine perfume. She stood behind Jesus at his feet weeping, wetting his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. She did this to prepare him for his burial.
The sinful woman represents the blessed in “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Her attention is to his feet, where the student was a learner. She emptied herself of herself, not caring who saw her -- a beggar, the “poor in spirit” who make up the kingdom of heaven. She mourns over her sins and Jesus’ death. She is the mourner who waits to be comforted. And Jesus forgives her sins. “Your faith has saved you,” Jesus says. “Go in peace.” And she is comforted.
I believe we will see this woman again, in Heaven, in a land with no more tears, needing comfort no more.
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself with be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 22: 3, 4
Blessed are those who mourn – who allow that tear – that thimble full of water -- to fall at the Savior’s feet -- just like this sinful woman -- for they will be comforted. They will enter Heaven, where the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flows from the throne of God. On each side of the river will stand the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (Rev. 22:1-2) ----- where there will be no water for tears that need comforting, only water for trees that bring healing ----- in Paradise again.
David's prayer
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Matthew 5:4
A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
Psalm 51:1-12
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop,
and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Now that you've already read this the way you've probably always read it, I want you to go back over it once again, and pray it instead of read it. I believe you will get a glimpse into the heart of the man who's known as the man after God's own heart and you will see a difference.
Matthew 5:4
A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
Psalm 51:1-12
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop,
and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Now that you've already read this the way you've probably always read it, I want you to go back over it once again, and pray it instead of read it. I believe you will get a glimpse into the heart of the man who's known as the man after God's own heart and you will see a difference.
Blessed are those who mourn
Just two weeks ago I saw the greatest example of mourning I had ever seen. One of the young moms at church came forward for prayer, stopping not on the front pew, like most members of the church of Christ do, but at the foot of the cross, Mike our preacher had suggested we put on the stage. It was obvious she was unburdening herself of a heavy heart that caused her to drop to her knees, where she knew she needed to be, and sob.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” refers to the mourning that takes place over sin, yes a type of death, but a different death than usually thought of here. It’s mourning over sin that separates me from God, eternally -- both my sin and the world's sinfulness. It’s knowing the cross is the only solution –the only source of comfort.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” refers to the mourning that takes place over sin, yes a type of death, but a different death than usually thought of here. It’s mourning over sin that separates me from God, eternally -- both my sin and the world's sinfulness. It’s knowing the cross is the only solution –the only source of comfort.
My prayer - Titus 2
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3
Yesterday before I ever got out of bed, I felt compelled to write down on paper what I want us to meditate on for the rest of the year. I was wondering if I could continue doing what I’ve been doing, starting each week listing the progression of the meditations, making it last until the end of the year; so I started writing to see if I could; and I could. The Spirit guided me until I wrote His plan for the entire year. I must tell you, what He tells me I need to do and what I think I can do are miles apart, leaving me guessing what I’m going to be writing in September. I have no idea what I’m going to learn, even with me thinking I'm picking the topic, which I’ve discovered this week, writing about what "poor in spirit" means.
This is what happened that taught me the lesson I learned yesterday morning.
While praying I decided to bear my soul to God (as though he didn’t know already) listing everything that was wrong with a particular situation and how I wanted him to fix it. I mentioned at least six things I thought needed to change, doubting if they ever could or would. I saw the situation as hopeless – one I doubted even He could solve, at least in the next ten years. I just spit it all out until I got everything off my chest, realizing at the end of my “sermon” how foolish I had been, thinking I was telling God something He didn’t already know or had suggestions He hadn't ever thought about. I had sounded haughty, arrogant, pompous, presumptuous, and demanding. Yet, I believe God heard me. He listened; I know he did. I know He knows, He sees and He cares – perfectly, completely, grace-fully, much more than I can. I know, deep down He will solve this, in His time, in His own terms, in His own way.
Everything I had told God about this situation revealed how much I thought I could control it. And that’s an indictment against me. Did I really think I could bring something to God’s attention he didn’t yet know or a solution he hadn’t yet tried?
“God would you please, please, please, please, please do this, this, this, and this because that’s what I, I, I, I, I, think would be best?” “Don’t you agree with me, God, on that?"
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Poor in spirit” – empty of self and its desires. Knowing who’s in control and who’s not. Laying yourself at Jesus’ feet knowing His will is right (no perfect) better than yours – knowing His will will be done – without your permission.
Knowing:
The law of the Lord is perfect – reviving the soul.
The statues of the Lord are trustworthy – making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right – giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant – giving light to the eyes.
The poor in spirit says, “YOU are perfect. YOU are trustworthy. YOU are right. YOU are radiant while I am sinful. I am foolish. I am downcast and blind."
Your ordinances are sure and altogether righteous. Forgive my hidden faults.
“Blessed are the poor in Spirit...”
By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
“…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Quotes taken from Psalm 19
Matthew 5:3
Yesterday before I ever got out of bed, I felt compelled to write down on paper what I want us to meditate on for the rest of the year. I was wondering if I could continue doing what I’ve been doing, starting each week listing the progression of the meditations, making it last until the end of the year; so I started writing to see if I could; and I could. The Spirit guided me until I wrote His plan for the entire year. I must tell you, what He tells me I need to do and what I think I can do are miles apart, leaving me guessing what I’m going to be writing in September. I have no idea what I’m going to learn, even with me thinking I'm picking the topic, which I’ve discovered this week, writing about what "poor in spirit" means.
This is what happened that taught me the lesson I learned yesterday morning.
While praying I decided to bear my soul to God (as though he didn’t know already) listing everything that was wrong with a particular situation and how I wanted him to fix it. I mentioned at least six things I thought needed to change, doubting if they ever could or would. I saw the situation as hopeless – one I doubted even He could solve, at least in the next ten years. I just spit it all out until I got everything off my chest, realizing at the end of my “sermon” how foolish I had been, thinking I was telling God something He didn’t already know or had suggestions He hadn't ever thought about. I had sounded haughty, arrogant, pompous, presumptuous, and demanding. Yet, I believe God heard me. He listened; I know he did. I know He knows, He sees and He cares – perfectly, completely, grace-fully, much more than I can. I know, deep down He will solve this, in His time, in His own terms, in His own way.
Everything I had told God about this situation revealed how much I thought I could control it. And that’s an indictment against me. Did I really think I could bring something to God’s attention he didn’t yet know or a solution he hadn’t yet tried?
“God would you please, please, please, please, please do this, this, this, and this because that’s what I, I, I, I, I, think would be best?” “Don’t you agree with me, God, on that?"
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Poor in spirit” – empty of self and its desires. Knowing who’s in control and who’s not. Laying yourself at Jesus’ feet knowing His will is right (no perfect) better than yours – knowing His will will be done – without your permission.
Knowing:
The law of the Lord is perfect – reviving the soul.
The statues of the Lord are trustworthy – making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right – giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant – giving light to the eyes.
The poor in spirit says, “YOU are perfect. YOU are trustworthy. YOU are right. YOU are radiant while I am sinful. I am foolish. I am downcast and blind."
Your ordinances are sure and altogether righteous. Forgive my hidden faults.
“Blessed are the poor in Spirit...”
By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
“…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Quotes taken from Psalm 19
None of self and all of Thee
"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3
Poor in spirit -- humble -- completely empty of self -- an empty cup -- waiting for God to fill you.
If you are empty right now, spiritually gutted, you are exactly where God wants you to be. When we cannot stand, we must lean on Him.
This is the song I thought of when I thought of emptiness -- being poor in spirit -- yearning to be filled by God.
Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
That a time could ever be,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”
All of self, and none of Thee,
All of self, and none of Thee,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”
Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on th’ accursed tree,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”
Some of self, and some of Thee,
Some of self, and some of Thee,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”
Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”
Less of self, and more of Thee,
Less of self, and more or Thee,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”
Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”
None of self, and all of Thee,
None of self, and all of Thee,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”
NONE OF SELF AND ALL OF THEE
Theodore Monod
Matthew 5:3
Poor in spirit -- humble -- completely empty of self -- an empty cup -- waiting for God to fill you.
If you are empty right now, spiritually gutted, you are exactly where God wants you to be. When we cannot stand, we must lean on Him.
This is the song I thought of when I thought of emptiness -- being poor in spirit -- yearning to be filled by God.
Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
That a time could ever be,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”
All of self, and none of Thee,
All of self, and none of Thee,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”
Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on th’ accursed tree,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”
Some of self, and some of Thee,
Some of self, and some of Thee,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”
Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”
Less of self, and more of Thee,
Less of self, and more or Thee,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”
Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”
None of self, and all of Thee,
None of self, and all of Thee,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”
NONE OF SELF AND ALL OF THEE
Theodore Monod
Pillars of Salt
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 6:13
In Genesis 19 God instructs Lot and his wife to leave Sodom without looking back. Lot’s wife defies God and God turns her into a pillar of salt – a monument I’m sure that reminded the people of His power and the consequence of sin. Jesus tells us to remember her in Luke 17:32 with regard to the day of judgment. She turned her back on God and headed in the wrong direction, to a city known for its wickedness.
Don't we set the same example when we live a life of sin -- when we go away from God instead of where he tells us? Don’t we too become pillars of salt, like the kind that's gotten wet -- hard, stiff, like a rock, impossible to come out of the shaker -- like the salt in the "Dead" Sea -- instead of the salt of the earth, that heals, preserves, and flavors the world, that easily flows out?
In Genesis 19 God instructs Lot and his wife to leave Sodom without looking back. Lot’s wife defies God and God turns her into a pillar of salt – a monument I’m sure that reminded the people of His power and the consequence of sin. Jesus tells us to remember her in Luke 17:32 with regard to the day of judgment. She turned her back on God and headed in the wrong direction, to a city known for its wickedness.
Don't we set the same example when we live a life of sin -- when we go away from God instead of where he tells us? Don’t we too become pillars of salt, like the kind that's gotten wet -- hard, stiff, like a rock, impossible to come out of the shaker -- like the salt in the "Dead" Sea -- instead of the salt of the earth, that heals, preserves, and flavors the world, that easily flows out?
Measuring Spoons
"You are the salt of the earth. BUT IF THE SALT LOSES ITS SALTINESS how can it be made salty again?" Matthew 5:13
Saturday, February 20 was a red-letter day for me. It was a day I knew would come; I just didn’t know when. I had invited David and Kelly over for supper. I was in the mood to cook and they were in the mood to eat. Of course, Bella tagged along… :). I was in the process of making Refrigerator Potatoes which I found out later I would never make again -- that it had been a mistake. I should have just stuck with the simple old mashed potatoes I’ve made for a hundred years. Anyway, as I was making the potatoes, Bella, who loves to do this, looked at me and said, “Wash dishes, Mammie!” and I knew what was to come. We took her top off, she got the stool and I proceeded to fill the sink with water, squirting lots of Dawn in to make bubbles…big bubbles. Since most of the dishes surrounding the sink were glass measuring cups, I got the plastic containers I have stored in my big bin in the garage that have no lids, etc. so she wouldn’t hurt herself. As I was measuring the salt and measuring the pepper, her interest was piqued in the measuring spoons -- Just plastic measuring spoons which I have in several different colors; these just happened to be orange.
As she “washed dishes,” played with the bubbles, splashing the water, getting it everywhere (Mammie laughing) God gave me the opportunity I had been waiting for since Bella was born, that made this my red-letter day. “What’s this, Mammie?” she asked as I was struggling to work around her. “It’s a set of measuring spoons, Bella. This one says, T for tablespoon. This one says 1t for teaspoon and these say ½ and ¼ for ½ and ¼ a teaspoon – just a fraction. When I said fraction I thought, “Why did I say that? She can’t understand fraction and I can’t explain it to her anyway.” Yes, I realized this moment meant absolutely nothing to anyone else and that I’d look like a fool if I started to cry, so I swallowed my tears until later when I told Laura, David and Kelly what I did. To say the least it was a priceless moment. (Yes, I have tears streaming down my face as I write – for real.) (See the video of Bella playing in the sink blowing bubbles under VIDEOS here on Titus 2.)
What I had known for a loooooooooong time I could now pass on to Bella. It was nothing difficult and she may never remember when and where she learned what a tablespoon, teaspoon, ¼ and ½ a teaspoon are but it’s something she’ll need to know if she’s ever going to cook someday. And I taught her because someone, probably Ma or my mother taught me.
That’s what the salt of the earth do. We pass on what we know about Jesus to someone who doesn’t, who hopefully passes it along to someone again someday. We are to others the aroma of Christ who flavor the world with our salt. Christ, through us, changes their lives. We are fit to tell others, by the measure we are equipped -- a teaspoon, a tablespoon, a fraction according to the measure given us. We make the gospel fit for consumption by the life we’ve lived, by how much we’ve allowed ourselves to be close to THE ROCK. We flavor the world by our seasoning; we season our speech with salt. And the world becomes a better place.
God gave me a priceless moment I knew someday would come and I was anxious to act on it when it came. If you lose your seasoning how will others be taught? Our salt will lose its flavor and because of that no one else will be able to taste and see that the Lord is good. “Since living Christianity is the only “salt of the earth,” if men lose that, what else can supply its place?” http://bible.cc/matthew/5-13.htm.
“But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
Saturday, February 20 was a red-letter day for me. It was a day I knew would come; I just didn’t know when. I had invited David and Kelly over for supper. I was in the mood to cook and they were in the mood to eat. Of course, Bella tagged along… :). I was in the process of making Refrigerator Potatoes which I found out later I would never make again -- that it had been a mistake. I should have just stuck with the simple old mashed potatoes I’ve made for a hundred years. Anyway, as I was making the potatoes, Bella, who loves to do this, looked at me and said, “Wash dishes, Mammie!” and I knew what was to come. We took her top off, she got the stool and I proceeded to fill the sink with water, squirting lots of Dawn in to make bubbles…big bubbles. Since most of the dishes surrounding the sink were glass measuring cups, I got the plastic containers I have stored in my big bin in the garage that have no lids, etc. so she wouldn’t hurt herself. As I was measuring the salt and measuring the pepper, her interest was piqued in the measuring spoons -- Just plastic measuring spoons which I have in several different colors; these just happened to be orange.
As she “washed dishes,” played with the bubbles, splashing the water, getting it everywhere (Mammie laughing) God gave me the opportunity I had been waiting for since Bella was born, that made this my red-letter day. “What’s this, Mammie?” she asked as I was struggling to work around her. “It’s a set of measuring spoons, Bella. This one says, T for tablespoon. This one says 1t for teaspoon and these say ½ and ¼ for ½ and ¼ a teaspoon – just a fraction. When I said fraction I thought, “Why did I say that? She can’t understand fraction and I can’t explain it to her anyway.” Yes, I realized this moment meant absolutely nothing to anyone else and that I’d look like a fool if I started to cry, so I swallowed my tears until later when I told Laura, David and Kelly what I did. To say the least it was a priceless moment. (Yes, I have tears streaming down my face as I write – for real.) (See the video of Bella playing in the sink blowing bubbles under VIDEOS here on Titus 2.)
What I had known for a loooooooooong time I could now pass on to Bella. It was nothing difficult and she may never remember when and where she learned what a tablespoon, teaspoon, ¼ and ½ a teaspoon are but it’s something she’ll need to know if she’s ever going to cook someday. And I taught her because someone, probably Ma or my mother taught me.
That’s what the salt of the earth do. We pass on what we know about Jesus to someone who doesn’t, who hopefully passes it along to someone again someday. We are to others the aroma of Christ who flavor the world with our salt. Christ, through us, changes their lives. We are fit to tell others, by the measure we are equipped -- a teaspoon, a tablespoon, a fraction according to the measure given us. We make the gospel fit for consumption by the life we’ve lived, by how much we’ve allowed ourselves to be close to THE ROCK. We flavor the world by our seasoning; we season our speech with salt. And the world becomes a better place.
God gave me a priceless moment I knew someday would come and I was anxious to act on it when it came. If you lose your seasoning how will others be taught? Our salt will lose its flavor and because of that no one else will be able to taste and see that the Lord is good. “Since living Christianity is the only “salt of the earth,” if men lose that, what else can supply its place?” http://bible.cc/matthew/5-13.htm.
“But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
You are THE SALT OF THE EARTH
"You are the SALT OF THE EARTH." Matthew 5:13a
“Salt is the only mineral that people eat -- [the only edible rock]. Farmers put salt licks in the fields for their cows. Every cell in our body is bathed in a salt solution. The body will not function properly unless the ratio of salt to water is maintained in the bloodstream; they give you a saline solution in the hospital when you are a patient, to keep your body in balance.” *
All the way back to Leviticus God commands the use of salt. In Leviticus 2:13 Moses tells the people to “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” God tells Ezekiel in Ezekiel 43:24 to sprinkle salt on all the goats, bulls and rams when sacrificing them to the Lord. Jesus now tells us, as Christians, to BE the salt of the earth.
David, in Psalm 119 tells us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” And Peter tells God’s elect, strangers in the world, in 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
What do we as Christians taste to see that it is good?
We, the salt of the earth, taste THE ROCK and see that HE is good, which keeps us tasting THE ROCK, which keeps us being the salt of the earth.
The salt tastes THE ROCK to become salt, again and again.
*Quote taken from http://www.helium.com/items/1386462-origin-and-meaning-of-salt-of-the-earth
“Salt is the only mineral that people eat -- [the only edible rock]. Farmers put salt licks in the fields for their cows. Every cell in our body is bathed in a salt solution. The body will not function properly unless the ratio of salt to water is maintained in the bloodstream; they give you a saline solution in the hospital when you are a patient, to keep your body in balance.” *
All the way back to Leviticus God commands the use of salt. In Leviticus 2:13 Moses tells the people to “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” God tells Ezekiel in Ezekiel 43:24 to sprinkle salt on all the goats, bulls and rams when sacrificing them to the Lord. Jesus now tells us, as Christians, to BE the salt of the earth.
David, in Psalm 119 tells us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” And Peter tells God’s elect, strangers in the world, in 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
What do we as Christians taste to see that it is good?
We, the salt of the earth, taste THE ROCK and see that HE is good, which keeps us tasting THE ROCK, which keeps us being the salt of the earth.
The salt tastes THE ROCK to become salt, again and again.
*Quote taken from http://www.helium.com/items/1386462-origin-and-meaning-of-salt-of-the-earth
YOU are the salt of the earth
"YOU are the salt of the earth." Matthew 5:13a
It was Jesus’ first “official” sermon that we now call the “sermon on the mount.” It was a time when Jesus was ushering in a new era in religion. “Thou shalt not murder” became “don’t be angry with your brother” and “thou shalt not commit adultery” became “don’t look lustfully on a woman.” It was a time when the change that would come, would come from the people who’d been changed – people whose attitudes would be different -- who'd have the BE-attitudes rather than the DO-attitudes of the Jews.
If you will BE poor in spirit the kingdom of heaven will be yours and you will BE blessed.
If you will BE sorrowful you will be comforted and you will BE blessed.
If you will BE meek you will inherit the earth and you will BE blessed.
If you will BE seekers of righteousness, you will BE filled and you will BE blessed. ….
The army has a slogan that says, “Be all that you can be” because the people who came up with that slogan know the power of being a soldier; if a soldier will be all that he can be, the world will be a better place and he will be a better soldier.
Who were the people on the mountainside, Jesus was talking to? Scripture tells us he began to teach his disciples. We Christians -- we followers of Christ -- are the ones Jesus was talking to. Jesus knew that the world could and would only be changed by the people who were already THE SALT OF THE EARTH.
In the past, when I have considered what “You are the salt of the earth” means, I have emphasized the word “salt” enumerating its many uses rather than emphasizing the words "You are" which denote BEING the salt. I have been convicted, since studying this passage over the last few days, that there is a big difference between knowing the characteristics of salt and that I AM the salt. If I do not realize I AM, then how will the world ever be transformed -- nurtured, seasoned, preserved, disinfected, buried, melted away to become the world God wants it to be, through me. Only when I AM the salt, will the world be changed.
It was Jesus’ first “official” sermon that we now call the “sermon on the mount.” It was a time when Jesus was ushering in a new era in religion. “Thou shalt not murder” became “don’t be angry with your brother” and “thou shalt not commit adultery” became “don’t look lustfully on a woman.” It was a time when the change that would come, would come from the people who’d been changed – people whose attitudes would be different -- who'd have the BE-attitudes rather than the DO-attitudes of the Jews.
If you will BE poor in spirit the kingdom of heaven will be yours and you will BE blessed.
If you will BE sorrowful you will be comforted and you will BE blessed.
If you will BE meek you will inherit the earth and you will BE blessed.
If you will BE seekers of righteousness, you will BE filled and you will BE blessed. ….
The army has a slogan that says, “Be all that you can be” because the people who came up with that slogan know the power of being a soldier; if a soldier will be all that he can be, the world will be a better place and he will be a better soldier.
Who were the people on the mountainside, Jesus was talking to? Scripture tells us he began to teach his disciples. We Christians -- we followers of Christ -- are the ones Jesus was talking to. Jesus knew that the world could and would only be changed by the people who were already THE SALT OF THE EARTH.
In the past, when I have considered what “You are the salt of the earth” means, I have emphasized the word “salt” enumerating its many uses rather than emphasizing the words "You are" which denote BEING the salt. I have been convicted, since studying this passage over the last few days, that there is a big difference between knowing the characteristics of salt and that I AM the salt. If I do not realize I AM, then how will the world ever be transformed -- nurtured, seasoned, preserved, disinfected, buried, melted away to become the world God wants it to be, through me. Only when I AM the salt, will the world be changed.
You are the light of the WORLD
"You are the light of the world." ...... Matthew 5:14
Greater light means greater exposure. Remove the rock and the insects flee
Greater light means greater exposure. Remove the rock and the insects flee
You are the LIGHT of the world
"You are THE LIGHT of the world." ..... Matthew 5:14
Darkness CANNOT overtake the light -- not even the littlest candle.
Darkness CANNOT overtake the light -- not even the littlest candle.
You ARE the light of the world
"You ARE the light of the world." ....... Matthew 5:14
Christians are the designated drivers in an intoxicated world.
Christians are the designated drivers in an intoxicated world.
YOU are the light of the world
"YOU are the light of the world." ....... Matthew 5:13
And God said, "Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning -- the first day." In the beginning...
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." In Jesus' life...
"There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light." .... "The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their sponder into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there." In heaven...
Between the "THENS" there is NOW; and that is US.
And God said, "Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning -- the first day." In the beginning...
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." In Jesus' life...
"There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light." .... "The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their sponder into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there." In heaven...
Between the "THENS" there is NOW; and that is US.
Over over-comers - Spurgeon
Let us inspect THE LAURELS OF THE FIGHT. Up to now Believers have been conquerors, but the text says they have, been "more than conquerors." How is that? The word in the original is one of the Apostle Paul's strong expressions. It might be rendered, "more exceedinglyconquerors." The Vulgate, I think, has a word in it which means, "over over-comers," over and above conquering. For a Christian to be a conqueror is a great thing-how can he be more than a conqueror?
I think in many respects, first, a Christian is better than some conquerors because the power by which he overcomes is far nobler. Here is a champion just come from the Greek games. He has well-near killed his adversary in a severe boxing match, and he comes in to receive the crown. Step up to him, look at that arm, and observe the muscles and sinews. Why, the man's muscles are like steel, and you say to him, "I do not wonder that you beat and bruised your foe. If! had set up a machine made of steel that worked by a little watery vapor, it could have done the same, though nothing but mere matter
would have been at work.
"You are a stronger man and more vigorous in constitution than your foe-that is clear-but where is the particular glory about that? One machine is stronger than another. No doubt credit is to be given to you for your endurance, after a sort, but you are just one big brute beating another big brute. Dogs, and bulls, and gamecocks, and all kinds of
animals would have endured as much, and perhaps more." Now, see the Christian champion coming from the fight, having won the victory! Look at him! He has overcome human wisdom-but when I look at him, I perceive no learning nor cunning. He is a simple, unlettered person who knows that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Yet he has won the victory over profound philosophers-then he is more than a conqueror!
He has been tempted and tried in all sorts of ways, and he was not at all a crafty person. He was very weak, yet somehow he has conquered. Now this is being more than a conqueror-when weakness overcomes strength-when brute force is baffled by gentleness and love! This is victory, indeed, when the little things overcome the great things! When the base things of this world overthrow the mighty, and the things that are not bring to nothing the things that are! Yet this - is just the triumph of Divine Grace. The Christian is, viewed according to the eye of sense, weak as water. Yet faith knows him to be irresistible. According to the eye of sense he is a thing to be trampled upon, for he will not resist. And yet, in the sight of God he becomes in this very way, by his gentleness and patience, more than a conqueror!
The Christian is more than a conqueror, again, because the conqueror fights for victory-fights with some selfish motive. Even if the motive is patriotism-although from another point of view, patriotism is one of the highest of worldly virtues-yet it is only a magnificent selfishness by which one contends for one's own country instead of being subject to the far more generous cosmopolitan thought of caring for all men. But the Christian fights neither for any set of men nor for himself-in contending for the Truth of God he contends for all men, but especially for God! And in suffering for the right he suffers with no prospect of earthly gain.
He becomes more than a conqueror both by the strength with which he fights and the motives by which he is sustained-which are better than the motives and the strength which sustain other conquerors. He is more than a conqueror because he loses nothing even by the fight itself. When a battle is won, at any rate the winning side loses something. In most wars the gain seldom makes any recompense for the effusion of blood. But the Christian's faith, when tried, grows stronger! His patience, when tempted, becomes more patient! His graces are like the fabled Anteus, who, when thrown to the ground, sprang up stronger than before by touching his mother, Earth.
The Christian, by touching his God and falling down in helplessness into the arms of the Most High grows stronger by all that he is made to suffer. He is more than a conqueror because he loses nothing even by the fight, and gains wondrously by the victory. He is more than a conqueror over persecution because most conquerors have to struggle and agonize to win the conquest. But, my Brothers and Sisters, many Christians, yes, and all Christians-when their faith in Christ is strong and their love to Christ is fervent-have found it even easy to overcome suffering for the Lord. Look at Blandina, enveloped in a net, tossed upon the horns of bulls, and then made to sit in a red hot iron chair to die, and yet unconquered to the end!
What did the tormentors say to the emperor-"Oh, Emperor," said the tormentors, "We are ashamed, for these Christians mock us while they suffer your cruelties." Indeed, the tormentors often seemed to be themselves tormented they were worried to think they could not conquer timid women and children. They devoured their own hearts with
rage! Like the viper which gnaws at the file, they broke their teeth against the iron strength of Christian faith! They could not endure it because these people suffered without repining, endured without retracting, and glorified Christ in the fires without complaining!
I love to think of Christ's army of martyrs! Yes, and of all His Church marching over the battlefield, singing as they fight-never ceasing the song, never suffering a note to fall-and at the same time advancing from victory to victory chanting the sacred hallelujah while they tramp over their foes. I saw one day upon the lake of Orta, in northern Italy, on
some holy-day of the church of Rome, a number of boats coming from all quarters of the lake towards the church upon the central islet of the lake. It was singularly beautiful to hear the splash of the oars and the sound of song as the boats came up in long processions, with all the villagers in them, bearing their banners to the appointed place of meeting. As the oars splashed they kept time to the rowers, and the rowers never missed a stroke because they sang-neither was the song marred because of the splash of the oars-but on they came, singing and rowing!
And so has it been with the Church of God. That oar of obedience, and that other oar of suffering-the Church has learned to ply both of these, and to sing as she rows: "Thanks be unto God, who always makes us to triumph in every place!" Though we are made to suffer, and are made to fight, yet we are more than conquerors, because we are conquerors even while fighting! We sing even in the heat of the battle, waving high the banner and dividing the spoil even in the center of the fray. When the fight is hottest we are then the most happy! And when the strife is most stern, then most blessed! And when the battle grows most arduous, then, "calm mid the bewildering cry, confident of victory." Thus the saints have been in those respects more than conquerors.
More than conquerors I hope, this day, because they have conquered their enemies by doing them good, converting their persecutors by their patience. To use the old Protestant motto, the Church has been the anvil, and the world has been the hammer-and though the anvil has done nothing but bear the stroke, she has broken all the hammers as she will do to the world's end! All true Believers who really trust in Jesus' love, and are really fired with it, will be far more glorious than the Roman conqueror when he drove his milk-white steeds through the imperial city's streets. Then the young men and maidens, matrons and old men gathered to the windows and chimney tops and scattered flowers upon the conquering legions as they came along.
But what is this compared with the triumph which is going on even now as the great host of God's elect come streaming through the streets of the New Jerusalem? What flowers are they which angels strew in the path of the blessed! What songs are those which rise from yonder halls of Zion, jubilant with song as the saints pass along to their everlasting habitations.
www.spurgeongems.org
Sermon #751
I think in many respects, first, a Christian is better than some conquerors because the power by which he overcomes is far nobler. Here is a champion just come from the Greek games. He has well-near killed his adversary in a severe boxing match, and he comes in to receive the crown. Step up to him, look at that arm, and observe the muscles and sinews. Why, the man's muscles are like steel, and you say to him, "I do not wonder that you beat and bruised your foe. If! had set up a machine made of steel that worked by a little watery vapor, it could have done the same, though nothing but mere matter
would have been at work.
"You are a stronger man and more vigorous in constitution than your foe-that is clear-but where is the particular glory about that? One machine is stronger than another. No doubt credit is to be given to you for your endurance, after a sort, but you are just one big brute beating another big brute. Dogs, and bulls, and gamecocks, and all kinds of
animals would have endured as much, and perhaps more." Now, see the Christian champion coming from the fight, having won the victory! Look at him! He has overcome human wisdom-but when I look at him, I perceive no learning nor cunning. He is a simple, unlettered person who knows that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Yet he has won the victory over profound philosophers-then he is more than a conqueror!
He has been tempted and tried in all sorts of ways, and he was not at all a crafty person. He was very weak, yet somehow he has conquered. Now this is being more than a conqueror-when weakness overcomes strength-when brute force is baffled by gentleness and love! This is victory, indeed, when the little things overcome the great things! When the base things of this world overthrow the mighty, and the things that are not bring to nothing the things that are! Yet this - is just the triumph of Divine Grace. The Christian is, viewed according to the eye of sense, weak as water. Yet faith knows him to be irresistible. According to the eye of sense he is a thing to be trampled upon, for he will not resist. And yet, in the sight of God he becomes in this very way, by his gentleness and patience, more than a conqueror!
The Christian is more than a conqueror, again, because the conqueror fights for victory-fights with some selfish motive. Even if the motive is patriotism-although from another point of view, patriotism is one of the highest of worldly virtues-yet it is only a magnificent selfishness by which one contends for one's own country instead of being subject to the far more generous cosmopolitan thought of caring for all men. But the Christian fights neither for any set of men nor for himself-in contending for the Truth of God he contends for all men, but especially for God! And in suffering for the right he suffers with no prospect of earthly gain.
He becomes more than a conqueror both by the strength with which he fights and the motives by which he is sustained-which are better than the motives and the strength which sustain other conquerors. He is more than a conqueror because he loses nothing even by the fight itself. When a battle is won, at any rate the winning side loses something. In most wars the gain seldom makes any recompense for the effusion of blood. But the Christian's faith, when tried, grows stronger! His patience, when tempted, becomes more patient! His graces are like the fabled Anteus, who, when thrown to the ground, sprang up stronger than before by touching his mother, Earth.
The Christian, by touching his God and falling down in helplessness into the arms of the Most High grows stronger by all that he is made to suffer. He is more than a conqueror because he loses nothing even by the fight, and gains wondrously by the victory. He is more than a conqueror over persecution because most conquerors have to struggle and agonize to win the conquest. But, my Brothers and Sisters, many Christians, yes, and all Christians-when their faith in Christ is strong and their love to Christ is fervent-have found it even easy to overcome suffering for the Lord. Look at Blandina, enveloped in a net, tossed upon the horns of bulls, and then made to sit in a red hot iron chair to die, and yet unconquered to the end!
What did the tormentors say to the emperor-"Oh, Emperor," said the tormentors, "We are ashamed, for these Christians mock us while they suffer your cruelties." Indeed, the tormentors often seemed to be themselves tormented they were worried to think they could not conquer timid women and children. They devoured their own hearts with
rage! Like the viper which gnaws at the file, they broke their teeth against the iron strength of Christian faith! They could not endure it because these people suffered without repining, endured without retracting, and glorified Christ in the fires without complaining!
I love to think of Christ's army of martyrs! Yes, and of all His Church marching over the battlefield, singing as they fight-never ceasing the song, never suffering a note to fall-and at the same time advancing from victory to victory chanting the sacred hallelujah while they tramp over their foes. I saw one day upon the lake of Orta, in northern Italy, on
some holy-day of the church of Rome, a number of boats coming from all quarters of the lake towards the church upon the central islet of the lake. It was singularly beautiful to hear the splash of the oars and the sound of song as the boats came up in long processions, with all the villagers in them, bearing their banners to the appointed place of meeting. As the oars splashed they kept time to the rowers, and the rowers never missed a stroke because they sang-neither was the song marred because of the splash of the oars-but on they came, singing and rowing!
And so has it been with the Church of God. That oar of obedience, and that other oar of suffering-the Church has learned to ply both of these, and to sing as she rows: "Thanks be unto God, who always makes us to triumph in every place!" Though we are made to suffer, and are made to fight, yet we are more than conquerors, because we are conquerors even while fighting! We sing even in the heat of the battle, waving high the banner and dividing the spoil even in the center of the fray. When the fight is hottest we are then the most happy! And when the strife is most stern, then most blessed! And when the battle grows most arduous, then, "calm mid the bewildering cry, confident of victory." Thus the saints have been in those respects more than conquerors.
More than conquerors I hope, this day, because they have conquered their enemies by doing them good, converting their persecutors by their patience. To use the old Protestant motto, the Church has been the anvil, and the world has been the hammer-and though the anvil has done nothing but bear the stroke, she has broken all the hammers as she will do to the world's end! All true Believers who really trust in Jesus' love, and are really fired with it, will be far more glorious than the Roman conqueror when he drove his milk-white steeds through the imperial city's streets. Then the young men and maidens, matrons and old men gathered to the windows and chimney tops and scattered flowers upon the conquering legions as they came along.
But what is this compared with the triumph which is going on even now as the great host of God's elect come streaming through the streets of the New Jerusalem? What flowers are they which angels strew in the path of the blessed! What songs are those which rise from yonder halls of Zion, jubilant with song as the saints pass along to their everlasting habitations.
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Sermon #751
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