Sanctification Process

I think a Christian life is a purification opportunity. The intent and desire of God is that we become more like him and the two primary characters of God are complete holiness and love. It is like a glass of water that was at first totally toxic but at salvation enough purity is applied to be called water, yet nowhere near pure. Additionally, God is in control of the process and thus controls the amount of change (i.e. some get more purification at salvation than other). Then as we allow He does more purification which is difficult and sometimes a very slow process. The reason it is difficult is for multiple reasons: (1) It hurts, purification means removing the bad, which means pain. (2)  We are accustom to the toxic stage, it is a part of our nature. (3) We like the toxicity and mediocrity is more favorable than purity. This way we can have some of both worlds. (4) More purification means more responsibility and we feel overwhelmed with responsibility now. Additionally, responsibility to God is viewed as both massive and demanding. (5) More purification seems to mean we invest more time (a coveted commodity today). Living in a microwave world creates a tension with spending quiet time with God. (6) We either lose sight of the overall purpose of God and our eternal destination with him or have not learned it (lack of discipleship).

It is a purification opportunity because (1) God wants us to be pure (holy) like Him and (2) an opportunity because God desires us to want (love) to be like Him. Thus both of the primary characters of God is at work in us. This is good and yet difficult. The danger comes in the fact that we have a certain amount of control (freedom/opportunity). This is the only reason the process is slow and the slowness of the process is not God’s fault at all. It is an opportunity because God has allowed us a certain amount of time in this world (error of time) to complete this process and prepare for the next error of time (eternity/heaven/etc). This is also a danger because we tend to lose sight of the truth of eschatology (doctrine of end times). We also have a tendency to put things off and get distracted from the real and important things that are more futuristic in our minds. Let us not forget that God promises rewards in eternity yet the primary reason we are to want to be more like Him is because we love Him.

All these things are worth pondering. We have such an opportunity if we see it. We have such a wonderful and loving heavenly Father who has a purpose for us. Could I encourage you today to make some major commitments to your sanctification process? It will be the best investment you will ever make.

The Value of Compassion

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (ESV)

How important is it to show compassion? Last week Jeannine and I were on our way to Lexington to spend some time with the kids. On our way we stopped at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Mount Vernon. I was a bit hungry since it was some past noon.  At first the counter people seemed to be on track as shortly after we walked in they opened another register to serve us. We gave our order, with special requirements as usual like potatoes with no gravy and plenty of honey for the biscuits. Our meal was prepared promptly; we are still on track for a good experience. Then it began to deteriorate. They pushed the food onto the counter and walked away. They didn’t tell us it was our food, they didn’t call our number; they were done. First I notice mashed potatoes with enough gravy to kill a cat. We stood at the counter both with the saddest look we could express on our faces hoping for someone to give us some attention. Finally Jeannine called for help to one of the non-interested ladies. They traded our potatoes and off we go to find a table.

After getting to the table I noticed no honey. When I went back to the counter the same familiar experience began, no one was interested in my sad face. Finally I got a nod and I asked for honey. She reached under the counter and handed me three small packs. Obviously they didn’t recognize we were not only hungry but we were southern country folks that really needed more honey. After obviously running out of the much needed sweetness Jeannine had to go back and try again.

Ever have a similar experience? What was the main issue? I think the bottom line is that we really want someone to care. These people working out their pay on a Saturday afternoon had some care because of their training. Yet as soon as the training was completed in their minds they was on to other things to think about. I remember while we were waiting they were laughing and talking among themselves. Yes, I must confess I am a stickler when it comes to customer service for a lot of reasons both business based and Bible based.

We wanted someone to care for our needs because we came there to fulfill a need. Now let me move our minds to the everyday world in which we live. You meet people every day that have needs. Most of their time they don’t want to know how much you know, they just want you to care for them. They want you to care about their issues, their problems and their needs. Jesus cared deeply for people. His compassion for people just flows out of the stories in the Gospels. He is the perfect model in how we are to develop a lifestyle of compassion. Do you care for people like Jesus? Next time you have an experience like ours think about your compassion for others and it may change the way you feel about how you are treated.

Lord Jesus, help us to have compassion for others as You are our ultimate role model. Amen.

God’s Letter to You

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied. Acts 12:24 (ESV)

Wow, we just completed a detailed study on the Bible, the origin, the progression, the translations and how to study this tangible document of immeasurable value. Think about God’s Word in your hands. Think about God’s Word in available to you anytime and every day. What does that mean to you? Let’s begin by thinking what it means to say God’s Word. The most likely first cognitive response is the Bible, the book that is placed somewhere in your home and carried (or should be carried) to church on Sunday. But think deeper this is the very Word of God. If you was to read a book written by Steve Bennett or even more practical and contemporary as you read this blog there are thoughts, ideas, concepts and messages being transferred from my mind to yours. That is the same thing that happens when you read the Bible. The very words of the Creator God is transferred from His infinite mind to yours in portions that you are able to handle.

In our study we discovered that some of the Word of God was penned by God Himself, no scribe, no inspired writer, by God. When Moses went to a mountain called Sinai God wrote a portion of the Bible and give it to His man. Wow, and you many, many years later get to read what the Creator of the Universe, the One who holds everything in His hand wrote! We are so blessed. I encourage you to stay in the Word, God’s Word, God’s Message to you. He wrote it, preserved it even gave you the means to own it. Give Him thanks for this wonderful gift and provision. Bless Him by reading it every day. If the president of the United States sent you a personal letter would you read it? Of course you would, you would be honored to receive it. God is much more valuable that any human being and He wrote you a wonderful love letter, be sure to read it again and again.

Lord Jesus show us more and more of the value of this precious love letter we call the Bible. Amen.

Walking Away

¹⁰ And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:10–12 (ESV)

According to a recent article from Fox News, singer Katy Perry makes the statement that has left her strict religious upbringing and that upbringing has kept her “from having a childhood.[1]” It is obvious that Christian values and Katy Perry are not synonymous at this point in her life. This statement plastered on the front page of FoxNews.com as well as other video and printed publications can tell Believers various things if we look to what is really truth.

First, Believers have a problem with Katy’s statement due to the fact that Jesus said He came to give abundant life (John 10:10). The message from Ms. Perry, along with other highly influential people today, seems to contradict what Jesus has said and only one can be truth. Is the Christian life robbing our young people of experiencing abundant, full, enjoyable life? To widen the gap, Jesus used the Greek word (perissos) , (translated abundant in the ESV) which can also mean exceptional, superfluous and even with special advantage.

I feel like I would be safe in saying that most young people would vote for Ms. Perry rather than Jesus in this contest. However, it is not true! One may argue that this verse only applies to the afterlife and this life is to be filled with Godly sorrow due to sin and the opposition of sin by God and Christians. I would argue differently, I think there is a perspective to consider in this equation. What the world calls abundant life is not true abundant life even in not considering the difference in the eternal promises that totally separate the two. Abundant life can only be found in a daily, growing walk with the Almighty God, nothing less. This is proven in Scripture over and over like in Psalms chapter 23. Yes there will be tribulations but are they not also tribulation to the other side as well? Let’s be fair in the comparison. There is also other logic to support this argument. Marriages are stronger on Jesus’ side. Statistics prove that Christians live longer and happier than the other side. Church history, specifically the martyrs, show the abundance of life on Jesus’ team.

Second thing to consider is the method of parenting skills that was used in Ms. Perry’s life. She made the statement that “she was not allowed to say things like ““deviled eggs”” or ““Dirt Devil”” to listen to secular music or read any other books but the Bible. There is a balance between grace and law clearly taught in the Bible. There is also a balance between grace and law and as well as explanation as to “why” in parenting. Children want to know. I wish I had spent more time lovingly explaining the “whys” to my children. Someone once said that children spells love, t.i.m.e. I think they are absolutely right. Putting a child in a glass house will not properly train the child in the way they should go. Show them the value of the Christian life realistically and tell them of the consequences of not following Jesus.

This brings us to the third thing we need to consider. According to the article Ms. Perry has not only left the faith but now has an open mind to false religions. Her husband, Russell Brand, is introducing her to Hindusim. The spiral downward continues. She states that “at this point,” she is “just kind of a drifter.” Biblically this is extremely dangerous for Ms. Perry but also for the thousands of people (probably mostly young people) that follow her and believe her.

Bottom line as parents and as Bible teaching Christians we have a major responsibility. Sure Jesus said in the last days there will be a great falling away and we surely see it now more than ever but can we be propelling this? I think so. With apathy and meisum (pronounced me’-isum) being so rampant in our churches we are traveling the wrong road. We need to teach parents how to be parents. We need to teach the Word of God to young people and to all people. 

Lord Jesus, forgive us for being lax and help us to know how to reach our youth and those that need more of You. Amen.

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[1] Katy Perry: Strict Christian Upbringing Kept Me From Having a Childhood, Fox News viewed online at http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/05/03/katy-perry-strict-christian-upbringing-kept-having-childhood/?test=faces accessed 5-3-11.

Tough Day?

²¹ From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. Matthew 16:21 (ESV)

Have you ever dreaded starting a day? Maybe there has been tragedy in your life and during the midst of the difficult time you just did not want to get out of bed on a particular day. We do not have to have the ability of divine foreknowledge to reflect on times in our past where we thought we could not get through a day or a week or a particular time in our life. Maybe it was death or divorce or surgery or cancer or even child birth and you would have just liked to skip that portion of your life.

I would not be bold enough or silly enough to say that Jesus dreaded what was going to take place at Calvary. However, though He was 100% God He was also 100% human. I can not image what went through His mind knowing even more than He told His disciples prior to what was going to take place in just a few days. Mel Gibson’s movie helped me to understand more of what I had read in Scripture time and time again but even the best filmmakers could not show what our Lord went through. Has the thought ever entered your mind, what we would I have done?

The amazing love that it took for any person to do what Jesus, the Son of God, did for us is beyond comprehension. He even had the discouragement of the disciples as they heard Him speak different times about going to Jerusalem that it wasn’t safe. Yet Jesus knew and was driven by love for you to complete this tough day.

I’m so thankful the story doesn’t end here. Tough days, even in our limited perspective, are hard to get through. Truly love drove Jesus to Jerusalem to face physical, emotional and spiritual torment on our behalf. There was also something else driving Him. Jesus told the people during His ministry “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). He had a purpose and a goal in mind. The completion of the task, the victory of the battle was another driving force. To complete what He was sent to do, to finalize the mission given by the Father, God Almighty and to win to Himself people that would believe in Him as Lord and Savior. Wow! Now that’s my Jesus! He is the perfect example of enduring the tough days.

The hope and vision of the Resurrection is what gives us a hope like to other. What Jesus did on Calvary is mind blowing but oh the completion! The tough day was turned into a glorious day! When our Savior, our Redeemer broke the bonds of death, hell and the grave and by His resurrection set us free. We can get through tough days because Jesus got through the ultimate tough day. We can excel when everything seems like it is falling apart if we reflect on the truth that the Son of God provided for His own.  

Lord Jesus forgive us when we whine. You set the ultimate example and have given more than we can ever know in this life. Blessed be Your Name. Amen.

Love Inside Out – 2

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14–21)[1]

The love that comes from within us is so powerful and yet this power can be ignored or perfected in amazing ways, ways we can fully discover. Though the discovery is limitless the process of discovery is extremely rewarding. Marital love is a small example or reflection of this infinitely more powerful and infinitely abundant love called in the Greek language, agape. When sincere, right, perfected the love between a man and woman can be really amazing, rewarding, exciting and living, only to mention a few attributes and benefits of this love.

 The love of God flowing through us is limitless in application and direction. Paul describes it as having four dimensions, height, width, length and depth. This analogy goes beyond common human understanding. According to Wikipedia the concept of the fourth dimension In mathematics or a four-dimensional ("4D") space, is an abstract concept derived by generalizing the rules of three-dimensional space. It has been studied by mathematicians and philosophers for almost two hundred years, both for its own interest and for the insights it offered into mathematics and related fields. In modern physics, space and time are unified in a four-dimensional Minkowski continuum called spacetime, whose metric treats the time dimension differently from the three spatial dimensions.^{[clarification needed]} [2] Did you totally follow this? I can not comprehend this depth of physics or mathematics it is beyond my comprehension. Same way with the volume and power of God’s love, it is beyond my full comprehension.

Though God’s love is vast, as I stated last week it can be comprehended enough at the time you need it. The fullness of God’s love maybe beyond total comprehension but it is still comprehendable sufficiently for you. It is like the ocean, you may not be able to understand it but it is so cool to swim in. So, I challenge you to swim in God’s love. The first time I ran down the beach in Jacksonville, Florida I was amazed, I have never seen so much water. Look at God’s love like that, be amazed but swim in it, bask in it, splash it around all areas of your life and just get happy with it.

The vastness of God’s love is also multidimensional in application. Not only can it surround and saturate every (not almost every) part of your life it can affect others as well. Peter wrote, Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV). The vastness of God’s love in the life of a child of God can change other people, it covers a multitude of sins. Jesus said other people will know that you are mine if you love me. That love has an effect on other people. However, it goes even farther than that. The apage love of God flowing through a child of God can change a spouse, can change a child, can change a co-worker. Oh, experience the greatest of God’s love in your life like never before. It is amazing, it is unending, it is so powerful to you and to others it splashes upon.

Lord Jesus, teach us to love You more. Teach us to experience Your love in every area of our life. Show us how Your love can change areas of our lives that never crossed our minds. Show us how that Your love can change the lives of others all to Your glory, Amen.

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[1] All scripture references are from the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible

[2] Wikipedia is a registered trademark of the not-for-profit Wikimedia Foundation: Accessed March 28^th, 2011 at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_dimension

Love Inside Out

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14–21 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul had a great love for the church of his Savoir. There is a common thread throughout his letters to various churches how he not only loved them but prayed for them deeply, earnestly and sincerely. This kind of deep prayer was hard evidence of that love. In the book of Ephesians we find one of those prayers in which I believe we can learn much from.

Paul’s passion for the church is seen in this prayer but Paul’s passion for Jesus is also seen in the prayer. This passion or love that, according to Paul, comes from somewhere inside him. I believe the world today, including most Christians, don’t know how to love. We are told that love is an emotion, we are told that love is a choice, we are told that we can choose to love or not to love. We are told that we can find love and loose love. All this distorts the true meaning of love. I believe the world we live in would be a much different place if we knew how to love. I also believe Paul gives us a massive clue on just how to love.

Paul says that he prays that you, the church, would be strengthened with power. Surely if there is ever a time we need to be strengthened with power it is in the day we live. This power is through His (God’s) Spirit, the Holy Spirit and it comes from your inner being. Wow! Now we are looking at a power source that Paul further articulates is limitless and this power source is from the Almighty God. Sound interesting so far? Could you use a power source like that today, tomorrow and the rest of your life? I sure can. But there’s more.

This power source seems to center around one object and that object is not only limitless in power but is limitless in availability or volume. An unending resource that is from the Almighty God that is from inside every born again Christian. That object is love. However, let us not miss that fact that this love is unique it is God’s love that comes from within us not from our minds, not from our experiences, not from our choices, it comes from within us. One hundred percent available, limitless in volume and limitless in power and it is available to you.

This amazing love is also comprehendible, not in it fullest but in the sufficiency you need. Notice in verse 18 part of Paul’s prayer is that you comprehend this love and again in verse 19 that you would know this love. As a matter of fact the book of I John tells us that this love, God’s agape love, can be perfected, learned, mastered to a progressive degree (1 John 4:12). Now think with me, a limitless power source that comes from inside of you as a gift from the Almightly God, wow! My next question is are you using it, according to Scripture it is there, you have it, are you using it?

I have lived most of my life hearing about and paying for an energy crisis. During the term of President Jimmy Carter there was supposed to be a shortage of crude oil that drove prices out the roof. The story was that we was loosing our supply of oil and compensation had to be made. Speed limits were reduced, rations were considered it was a big deal. Now thirty plus years later we still have crude oil. What happened? It was either a lie or we found more oil. I believe most Christians run through live with an abundance of a power source that they rarely tap into for various reasons. Sometimes I think they don’t tap into because they don’t believe, or in other words they believe a lie. Most of the time though I believe they don’t tap into it because they don’t know how or they just don’t have the practice and/or experience.

Ask God to show you how to tap into this power source. Allow it to change the way you think. Allow it to change your family status, your marriage, your work place. I totally believe it can because Scripture says it will. The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:8 that love covers a multitude of sins and sin is what causes all the conflict we face in life. So go ahead, earnestly, sincerely and expectantly ask God to show you how to tap into and use this limitless power source that comes from within you. I believe it will change the way you do life.

Lord Jesus, You said if we love You the world will see that love and know we are Yours, that is called witness and there is much, much more. Show us how to love with the love that Paul wrote about to Your glory. Amen.