Separate

Our God wants to have a people for Himself; He wants to share His and Jesus' glory (Matthew 16:27; John 1:14) and to have a bride for His son Jesus, a bride holy and pure, without "spot or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:27; Philippians 2:15). 

Elohim God began "in the beginning" when Adam and Eve were made in their "image and likeness" (Genesis 1:26). We see something of God's glory here, in those early days. Adam and Eve will have known God as "Father", in the same intimate and loving way that Jesus does. They will have "known the Father's business" (John 15:15), and what was "good" and what was "evil" (Genesis 2:9); they worked with Father God during the day and walked and talked together in the beautiful and fruitful garden "in the cool of the evening" (Genesis 3:8).
 
Then came "the Fall" (Genesis 3:11), sin entered the world; "sin" is everything that does not please God. Sin causes separation between humankind and God, the opposite of God's loving desire.
 
Many generations after Adam and Eve, God chose Abraham and made covenant to form a people for Himself, the nation of Israel: "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, His treasured possession" (Deuteronomy 7:6).
 
God cares for "His treasured possession" to this day. We Christians are "chosen" (Ephesians 1:14) to be "different", "holy" (1 Peter 1:16), set apart for our God who calls on His people to look only to him: "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44).
 
Jesus calls to us: "'Come out from among them, and be separate', says the Lord. 'Touch no unclean thing. I will welcome you. I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters', says the Lord of Hosts" (Isaiah 52:11; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Revelation 18:4).
 
I still ponder all this in relation to my life and my worldview; Jesus is growing me into the John He always planned that I would be. Jesus' work continues: "He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber or sleep" (Psalm 121:3).
 
In Old Testament times God saw that His people were being corrupted by their non-Jewish neighbours, (and even by their Kings and those in leadership over them). Do we see something of today in these prophetic Bible words from centuries ago? "Yet my people have forgotten me; they burn incense to worthless idols, which made them stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths. They made them walk in byways, on roads not built up" (Jeremiah 18:15-16). Do we give our time and money to what Father God would call "worthless idols", with what is popular or "trending"? I find myself avoiding more and more what our culture presents.
 
Jesus is front and centre of the whole Bible and is the "all" of God (Colossians 1:15-20). (Some say: "He is hidden in the Old Testament and revealed in the New", I found this to be true at Bible College where we were assigned psalms to present as pre-class devotions, I always found Jesus in the psalms I was allocated). It is clear that Father God wants us to look to Jesus in "all things" (Hebrews 12:1-2)). 

I have come to see that Jesus is now in a deep and eternal relationship with me, and through that He has brought me into His Father's family as a son, and into the constant care of His lovely Holy Spirit. My response is to love in return. "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'" (Matthew 22:37).

I find that I do love our Father and Jesus and Holy Spirit, and also that Jesus is my focus; His humanity and the New Testament stories make Him so approachable. As I read my Bible I can see Him in my mind's eye (Luke 6:19). Now, through Holy Spirit's prophetic gifting, (1 Corinthians 14:1,3), I often see Him, feel His touch and hear His voice (2 Samuel 23:2). Jesus is my friend (John 15:15) and I know this to be true. Even as I write this I am singing "Jesus at the centre".. "Nothing in this world will do".. "Everything revolves around You", (Houghton, Massey, Ranney: 2014).
 
Jess Ray sings: "it may seem too good to be understood, but it's not too good to be true" - we hear her joy as she testifies to her certain knowledge of her relationship with our Saviour and Lord.
 
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5).
 
I see Jesus as front and centre of everything, the "fullness" of God (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:19), and that "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ", (Ephesians 1:3), reveals Jesus endlessly (Matthew 3:17; John 14:6-7), as does Holy Spirit (John 16:14).
 
Jesus mediates a New Covenant for us, a covenant which gives us spiritual closeness to Father, Son and Spirit, a spiritual confidence (2 Corinthians 3:3-6; Ephesians 3:12; Philippians 1:6), an understanding that, although we live in "this present darkness" (Ephesians 6:12), Jesus is with us, we have spiritual authority and can know shalom, God's peace (John 14:27).
 
It may seem that the "powers" in the world, (Ephesians 6:12), are gaining more and more control and influence over us, our societies and our cultures, but we can choose to "abide" in Jesus (John 15:4), and live a "full" and "abundant" life (John 10:10); only Jesus offers this, "by His Spirit" (John 7:39).
 
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3) - note "every", a big word.
 
"You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5).
 
When we think in terms of "Jesus", we recognise His desire for intimate relationship with us, each one, and that He has brought us into His "team", (more than simply His salvation and His protection). Jesus is risen; He rules and reigns from the throne room of God; He equips us and commands us to "do the works I have been doing" (John 14:12). This is "boots on the ground" living in faith; there is no guarantee of comfort or glory. We are His "friends" (John 15:15), and also His "servants" (Revelation 19:5): "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28).
 
Paul reminds us: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Philippians 4:8), this verse is now on many hearts. See also Romans 13:14.

How Then Should We Live
(Also see post www.psalmsofjohn.com/2023/06/how-then-should-we-live.html)
 
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).
 
As a Christian I have found a sense of being "foreign" to my old life, but with no desire to "fit back in" with the worldly culture I consciously left behind. This was hard, and still is; we lose friends, some enjoyable activities are now "out of bounds". Happily it is rewarding too, richly satisfying.
 
I have lived in four countries. The early days in each place were exciting and also difficult. Everything was so new, truly "foreign". I assimilated over time; I "fitted in" to the local way of things, and to their kind of "English"; (birth language to all of us but with different ways of speaking, a different idiom or vernacular). I am still "assimilating" into Jesus' "way" (Ephesians 4:13), praise the Lord.
 
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household" (Ephesians 2:19).
 
"And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine" (Leviticus 20:26).
 
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8).
 
Testimony
I worked in an office where (I believe) I was the only Christian. I was blessed to be there, work was scarce and the money was good. Still, it was hard. Not only was I new, but I was "different"; I asked that people would stop using foul language in the office. Some became hostile; ridiculing or contemptuous. I was isolated and excluded from much of the comradery of the workplace.
 
Jesus found that work for me, it was not advertised. I was given some interesting and knotty problems to solve, one of which had defeated two programmers before me; my business users were overjoyed with my solution, they had been waiting more than a year.
 
By the time all my work there was finished I had found some welcome. I had opportunity to talk to some of my workmates who were experiencing deep personal troubles; they thanked me and said I was "wise and kind". This was Jesus work, He gave time for "divine encounters"; perhaps these ones saw something of Jesus' love and healing, and "Christ in me, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
 
The job was timely, and the money was welcome for our family. But perhaps I was there for those struggling, so that Jesus could touch them? I survived having to "be separate”; I know that I grew from it; this was, and still is, precious. I was aware that Jesus was "always" with me (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 60:19-20; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

 
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

Thank you, my lovely Lord and friend.

Rick Joyner wrote about a study which showed that about 65 percent of all Americans considered themselves to be born-again Christians, but only 3 percent had a Christian or biblical worldview; viewing the world as Christ does, knowing and adhering to His teachings. [Similar numbers appear in other studies]. These results show how poorly the church is accomplishing Jesus' Great Commission; we are commanded to "make disciples", not just converts, and to "teach them everything [Jesus] commanded us".
 
"Being a committed Christian, being baptized in the Spirit, involves a reorientation of life that is significantly different from the way the ordinary modern person thinks - it is a revolution in outlook on the world [our worldview]. We are able to explain the gospel message in a way that allows people to see how great the salvation is that is being offered, and how great a difference there is between living under the rule of Christ – life 'in the Spirit', and the rule of the world - life 'not in the Spirit'". (Discerning the Times, Part 53, 2009).

 
We are saved from sin and death by Jesus' great and sacrificial work; our salvation brought our "justification" (Romans 8:30), we have been given Jesus' "righteousness" (Romans 3:22), henceforth we are being "sanctified" (present tense continuous), being set apart, separated, for our Lord, (John 17:19). Our salvation is forever. (See Note 1).
 
Go
Jesus said: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
 
Later, Paul declared: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
 

Our God of all the Creation has plans for each one of us, His people, plans which will require our commitment and dedication. Let us ponder the words of the songs we sing to Him, and our heart and our life (1 Samuel 16:7; John 14:6).

 
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
 
"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you" (John 14:26 Amplified).
 
"Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
 
Jesus said "Come unto me" (Matthew 11:28).
 
My prayer, for all of us, Jesus’ people: "O Lord, you have brought so much to our lives (1 Corinthians 2:12). Go before us please, guide us into a greater commitment to you, your way (Acts 2:42-47), and your work (Philippians 2:13). Let it be clear, both in our selves and in our lives, that we are yours. Amen". 

Jesus' words, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Note 1. Our Salvation Is Irrevocable
Even now we can be diverted, as we were before Jesus got a-hold of us: "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?" (James 4:4). These are strong words, but they do not mean that we will lose our salvation if we slip and briefly befriend the world.
 
Once we are in our Father's heavenly family we are there forever. Sometimes we see people "fall away" who appeared to be fully part of Jesus "body"; this is a mystery and only Jesus knows. Jesus is "our redeemer" (Ephesians 1:7).

 

Our Bible is clear; once we are "saved" and "in" Jesus' Kingdom, vital aspects of who we are, are changed, renewed:

• Ezekiel 36:26 - He gives us a new heart and puts a new spirit in us; He will remove from us our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh.
• Romans 8:30 - Jesus' plans include our glorification.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our bodies are now temples of Jesus' Holy Spirit.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - We are a "new creation", the old has gone.

• 1 Peter 1:23 - We are made new, "born again".
• 1 Peter 2:5 - We are "living stones", a part of God's house.
• Titus 3:5 - He "saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit".

(Also see post www.psalmsofjohn.com/2011/02/lukewarm.html) 

 
Bless us all. Amen.

  

P.S. The photos for this post were taken on Trish and my winter-school-break holiday in the bush a couple of hours South from our house. Lovely, cold but beautiful. A true holiday, Jesus was with us :-)

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"Separate" is now a podcast in Spotify under PsalmsOfJohn

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Amen.

Silence

"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). 
 

When Jesus began His earthly ministry He told the people, "the Kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15). Our participation with our Lord Jesus, however small our rôle may be in our eyes, is truly a part of that same Kingdom and the whole plan of God.

 
Every one of the Bible prophets added something unique and essential to our understanding of God's Kingdom, and of our relationship with Him, the God of all Creation, and of the whole history of humankind. Those prophets, their work and their hearts, speak to us still, even to today.
 
Nothing any person does is small when is in the will of God. Like the prophets of old, we hear from God, Father, Son and Spirit, and move forward with Him. We are part of all the purposes of God.
 
If you were to take your mobile phone and punch a hole right through it, as small as your little finger nail, your phone would no longer work; whatever parts you had cut out would prove to be vital to the working of all the many functions needed for your phone to be a phone.
 
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ .. As it is, there are many parts, but one body" (1 Corinthians 12:12, 20).
 
So also with our work in Jesus. We are needed, each one, our availability and our obedience is needed because our lovely God is working out His plan.
 
And we cannot obey unless we hear.
 
Perhaps the most famous Bible passage about God speaking into silence is when God told Elijah that He had something to say to him. Soon a mighty wind came, it was so strong it tore rocks apart. Surely this would carry the words of the Lord? God is big and He is mighty, isn't this how He would naturally come to us?
 
Then an earthquake came. I grew up in New Zealand and remember the terrible Christchurch earthquake of 2011. Earthquakes can tear chasms into the ground and destroy buildings and bridges. Is this how God spoke to Elijah? Then came a fire; we see news stories of vast forest fires. Movie makers love to show us heroic firefighters and terrible blazes. When Trish and I lived on our little farm I was a volunteer firefighter; the fires we fought and extinguished were fearsome, compared to our human size, they were big and dangerous.
 
Elijah heard God speak in none of these big things. We love big things, 60,000 seat stadiums will fill to see a rock group or a famous singer. We love a big family dinner or a "big night out".
 
And how does God speak? ".. after the fire a sound of gentle stillness and a still, small voice" (1 Kings 19:12).
 
The Hebrew of the Old Testament says "qō-wl də-mā-māh ḏaq-qāh" which translates as "a voice still small" (Biblehub).    
 
Often it is in the silence that God speaks. Let us stop, rest, quiet our life, be available to Jesus, listen. 

My testimony is that it is when I am quiet that I hear Jesus speak to me; I receive His guidance. Other times I may see Him, I will become aware that Jesus is standing nearby, watching, always with a soft and loving smile. A couple of weeks ago Trish and I were at a healing seminar. After one session a woman was chatting with me, she said "you see things, right?". I responded that I do have a prophetic gifting and then laughed, remembering, "O", I said, "did you see Jesus this morning, when we were singing? He was over there, in the aisle, near that woman in blue". Our friend Jesus was with us, enjoying us being His church.
 
Jesus began to visit and to talk with me after I asked Him. I would pray, "please Jesus, I have some time, please come and be with me". It took a few times of asking before I was able to see Him. Jesus is with us all the time (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 60:19-20; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5), and sometimes we can hear His voice, feel His touch or see Him, it is spiritual.

Trish and I became enthusiastic students of a couple who had studied the spiritual gift of the prophetic (1 Corinthians 14:1,3). We, and a great many others, have been blessed since then. The gifting continues. I am sure that many others experience Him in ways I do not; He treats each of us uniquely, (just as we respond differently to each of our siblings or friends).
 
We are called Christian because we are "of Christ", (just as an Italian person is "of Italy"); we belong to Christ. It is the person of Jesus Christ who is the centre of God's attention and His love, the centre of history, (history - "His story"). Also Jesus is "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), this is manifestly personal to every Christian.
 
(Colossians 1:16, 19-20) "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross".
 
All this fullness is available to us. See John 15 where Jesus tells His disciples that already they are clean (because they had been "washed by Jesus' word"); then He commands them: "Abide in me, and I in you [live, dwell, remain in me]. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me" (John 15:4). 1st John 2:20 makes it clear that these words, calls and commands were not just for the people who saw Jesus in Bible times, but are to all believers everywhere: "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge". We have this anointing, by Holy Spirit, and this possibility of understanding, since we are saved, it is an essential part of us being a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15) in Jesus, under His "new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:6).

 
There are so many ways that I am aware that God is, and that I am with God; a part of everything that is. This is a very big thought but also a great comfort to me. It means that I am on the "inside, with" and not on the outside or opposed. So lovely. I am a child in the family of Father God (1 John 3:1). My awareness is of Jesus being present, often I see him, just for a second or two, near, close, always loving - He will be at rest, He is never in a hurry. Three Bible verses fill my heart and assure me that this is real:
 
(Matthew 28:20 Jesus' words) "Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age".
(Colossians 1:15) "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation".
(Colossians 1:19) "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him".
 
Those words from Jesus close Matthew's gospel. One day I suddenly saw how important they are, they show us "always". Long ago our family attended a church in New Jersey where a preacher had a profound impact on me, a young Christian. When he used a big word from the Bible he would pause, look all round the church to be sure he had our attention, then state the obvious, so that we would register its significance. Were he to read these words, he would have paused and declared: "'always' means 'always". That preacher wanted us to know in our hearts how very big God is, there is no time and no place where Jesus is not with us, each one. Always! 

I am blessed to have opportunity to be quiet, truly quiet, and to be surrounded by silence.
 
After my big "accident" four months ago, I suddenly became a "home body", almost a "shut in". Previously I would go to three, four or five prayer meetings every week and other Christian events too. They were of great importance to me; I consider prayer my "work" (Ephesians 2:10); prayer, intercession, standing in the gap - often for others who do not know to seek Jesus for themselves. Now I mostly stay home.
 
I have changed on my inside. I surprised myself while sharing about the accident with a friend, I said "it is as though I aged three years in a day", and saw that this is true. I am suddenly "older", less strong, and slower; less able to "do".
 
Now, day after day, I have time to read, pray and ponder. (I have medical appointments and family and household duties, but on other days I have many hours alone). Quiet.
 
I am at peace, I am learning more about "shalom", that very big Hebrew word which Jewish people seem to know from childhood. Matthew 28:20 is fully real to me, I am aware that Jesus is present "with" me. We share peace together, shalom, in the silence. This is like being married for so long to Trish, Jesus and I can be like this too.
 
Praise Jesus. Amen.
 
Favourite Bible Verses
 
(Psalm 62:5) "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him".
 
(2 Corinthians 12:9) "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me".
 
(Zechariah 4:6) "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit", says the Lord Almighty'".
 
(1 Samuel 16:7) ".. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart'".
 
(Ephesians 1:18-21) ".. having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come".
 
(Isaiah 42:14) "For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant".
 
Amen.
 
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What Are You Feeling?

The Dreaded Question
 

"What are you feeling?" These words were spoken by our Counseling teacher to each of the students in my Bible College class. In almost every lecture she would go round the class and stop in front of each of us and ask the dreaded question "John, what are you feeling?" I would sit there terrified. I had no idea what I was feeling and, truth be told, I did not want to know.
 
This went of for weeks and eventually we all loosened up. I know that I grew greatly from this teaching. I can now recognise and evaluate my feelings; from this I can respond, take action, cope. Also, it helps me work out appropriate boundaries.
 
Jesus Is Here To Help
 
We all have feelings all the time. As the circumstances of our lives change so do our feelings. But mostly there are many things going on in our life, each with its own set of feelings. Does this make a mixed stew of feelings, emotions and pressures within us? Yes, often.
 
What then happens? Either we blow up. Or we shut down .. Unless we are able to identify and manage all these emotions.
 
Definition: "manage": to handle or direct with a degree of skill.
 
Our inner life becomes more critical to us as our world and our life-in-the-world become more complicated, more challenged. Thankfully Jesus is here to help; He makes available skills which we can learn:
 
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
 
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
 
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11).
 
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
 
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts - and be thankful" (Colossians 3:15).
 

In those Bible College classes I got a better understanding of what psychology and counseling hope to achieve, and also that most of those working in these fields truly want to help confused and hurt people. But even more I learned that our Creator God has designed and "fearfully made" us in "His image and likeness" (Psalms 139:14; Genesis 1:26) and that by "following His ways" (1 Peter 1:2) we will be able to live rich, "full" lives (John 10:10) in the world in our place and time.
 
"You have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance" (1 Peter 1:2).
 
Feelings and emotions are part of life. In the 1700s J.S. Bach, who loved Jesus and wrote rich Christian music, described many of his fellow churchgoers as "careless, muddled spirits".
 
In our own modern societies, depression, anxiety and stress are epidemic.
 
Many doctors agree that a majority of patients in hospitals are there for psycho-somatic reasons. Commonly experienced negative feelings are now referred to in the medical field as "toxic thinking patterns" because they are known to cause disease; people get sick if they have not learned to deal with the emotional part of their life.
 
Anger
 
Have you noticed? Practically everybody is angry - there are so many causes - everybody can give you ten good reasons to be angry. We have to learn to live with all of them, and also to manage our anger.
 
We are:
• Angry at fast rising prices
• Angry at proven lies from governments and other leaders
• Angry at the damage to our children from school curriculums and screen time
• Angry at unreliable and uncertain financial systems
• Angry that there are cameras everywhere
• Angry at all the advertisements everywhere
• Angry at supply chain problems
• Angry at threats of more pandemics
• Angry at threats of world wars
• Angry at the traffic.
 
In particular I am shocked and angry at our seeming powerlessness before the shrinking of democracy. Our Western governments used to serve the people; this is the core of democratic rule, that the people are always more important than the government and no government person or law is more important or powerful than any citizen. Now our governments seem to follow their own ideologies without our agreement and are making us into fearful compliant servants.
 
Unforgiveness
 

Unforgiveness is also a big problem for many. Unforgiveness breeds bitterness in the one who was hurt. The person who caused the pain is often unaware of the continuing anguish and is going on with his or her life. Bitterness is a slow poison and can cripple a person; they still feel the pain of the offence and also feel anger that the offender has not been held to account. This may all be true, but our heavenly Father wants us to forgive so that we can go on.
 
Our need to forgive is important to God, it is front and centre in Jesus' teaching. Forgiveness lifts us over the barriers between our self and a righteous relationship with God.
 
Jesus taught us to pray to Our Father: "Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who sin against us" (Matthew 6:12).
 
He said: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15).
 
Woken By Jesus
 
This morning (my last for this time camping by the sea) I awoke at 4 o'clock singing this song in my heart. My felt emotion was joy:
 
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return,
And come with singing unto Zion;
And everlasting joy shall be upon their head.
 
They shall obtain gladness and joy;
And sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
 
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return,
And come with singing unto Zion;
And everlasting joy shall be upon their head.

(Ruth Lake, from Isaiah 51:11 KJV).

 
Remember, Jesus is here to help us. He gives us His peace (John 14:27).
 

We are "the redeemed of God" (Gal 3:13), we have been "ransomed from sin" (1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9), "bought for a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and "set free" (Acts 13:39).
 
We are "children" (1 John 3:1) of Jesus' "New Covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:6). Israel understood their Covenant as "hesed", which in English is "lovingkindness" (175 times in the NASB) or "abounding in love" or "everlasting love".

Our New Covenant will last forever and it is always for us. God undertakes to care for us (Luke 12:22-32). We can be encouraged (Hebrews 6:18). Jesus and our Father God are bigger than the world and its troubles (Psalm 8:3–4; Luke 12:7), and our future is more wonderful than the politicians or business tycoons can imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
 
Cleaving To Jesus
 
Jesus wants us to "cleave" (cling, hold tight), to Him always; this is confirmed by many Bible writers (John 12:26, 15:1-17; Acts 11:23; Hebrews 10:39). I often remember Matthew's last thought from his Gospel, Jesus assurance: "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20) - and so many Psalms! Jesus is right here with us, right now! In every event in our life, He has been present; Jesus is here to redeem us from everything. He will lift our spirits and bring His joy and peace as He did for the eight of the Apostles who died as Martyrs, and for so many since then. Dietrich Bonheoffer was hanged in the closing days of WWII. Bonheoffer said: "Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life", he knew this to be true because he lived it.
 
Jesus told His disciples: "the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). I believe this may be one of our Saviour’s most profound commands to us.
 
New Testament writers use powerful language when encouraging us to keep a close relationship with Jesus, the Amplified Bible translates this as "cleave" 16 times. Those verses are among my favourites, I am encouraged and I do cleave. There are times when I hang on to Jesus with everything I have .. He always responds with love and reassurance. For such devotion to Jesus we need a clear mind (2 Timothy 1:7) and a clear heart (Psalms 24:4).
 
We are not a product of our past. Often it is past events which fuel our negative feelings and emotions. As Christians we are a product of Jesus and His completed work, "a new creation" in Jesus:
 
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
 
".. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it .." (Colossians 3:9-10 Message).
 
"What Am I Feeling?"
 

"What am I feeling?" We can ask our self this question and then look to Jesus for His clarity and help.
 
One of the first Bible verses our children learned at Sunday School - then often spoke around our house: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
 
Remember Paul's words as he ends his letter to the Ephesians: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13).
 
We are alive in Jesus, spirit to Spirit with Him, we can stand, we can be strong and courageous, we can live life to the full. So lovely.
 
Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
 
Favourite Bible Verses
 
Our Father speaking to us about Jesus: ".. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5).
 
"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:10-11).
 
Nehemiah praying to God about his people: "They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them .. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them" (Nehemiah 9:17).
 
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5:6-11).
 
Jesus is with us. Hallelujah. Amen.
 
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Armour Of God: Sword

Completely Trustworthy

"He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow .." (Isaiah 49:2).

"Bless the Lord O my soul! And let all that is within me shout out! Shout out!" 

(Will Regan and United Pursuit, Live at Banks' House).

One of the great things about Christianity is how answers to all the mysteries of life and the Universe are revealed in such satisfying ways (1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 1:9:10, Colossians 2:2); no fudged answers, no hypotheses or wild guesses. Our God-given natural understanding shows us well grounded answers which are supported by our observations of the world and life, as well as by our study of science, engineering, history, philosophy, anthropology and the Bible.

As we get to know Jesus we learn that He is completely trustworthy. When we first encounter Jesus, (rather than just hear about Him or read accounts of His life, miracles, teaching, death, resurrection and ascension in the Bible), we see an amazing and wonderful person who we can know intimately, and yet also worship as God of all the Creation!

When we are welcomed as a child of Father God and come into personal relationship with Jesus, (He becomes our brother as we now have the same Father), our spirit comes alive and we know we are changed. Indeed we are "born again" (John 3:3), we are a "new creation" (Galatians 6:15). We know that we have encountered God, Father God's Son (John 3:16), Saviour of the whole world (John 4:42). From this point in our life, our learning and our growing never stop!

Perhaps the most profound thing I learned at Bible College (See Note 1) is that Jesus is the answer to every question regarding life and existence, that He is central to everything, (and the Cross is central to all of history):

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:16-17).

In my "best" Bible (NIV, with a leather cover and a lifetime guarantee, now 35 years old with hundreds of penciled notes), there is "ALL" in the margin above this passage: Colossians 1:15-20 tells us in a few words how completely Jesus is the centre of absolutely everything; the word "all" appears seven times in these few verses, along with "fullness", "everything", and "supremacy".

We the church, the ecclesia, Jesus' gathered ones, are fully part of this "all", we are His "body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:23 ESV).

The Word Of God

This is where "the sword of the Spirit" comes in:

I have come to know Jesus as "the Word of God" (John 1:1-2), He has always been so since before time began. When God spoke (Genesis 1:3) and there was light, He spoke the same Word who is shown to be "the light of all humankind" (John 1:4) and the "light" which no darkness can overcome (John 1:5). In the "new Heaven and the new Earth" which we will one day inherit, Jesus is still the "light"; He is all the light needed there (Revelation 21:1,23)!

Jesus is the Word. Jesus is Light. The third tie-in is Jesus as Sword. 

"Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth" (Revelation 2:16 Jesus' words to the apostle John).

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34 Jesus' words).

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17).

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

Jesus' Fullness

We see that:

•   Jesus is God, He is completely of the Trinity with Father and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1 and 2, John 1).

•  Jesus is the beloved Son who appeared on Earth to save us and defeat Satan (1 John 3:5 and 3:8).

•  Jesus is the Light (John 1:5).

•  Jesus is the Word (Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 19:13).

•  Jesus is the Sword (Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 1:16, 2:16).

"Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:16).

Our Armour

When Paul writes about the armour of God, he includes "the sword of the Spirit" last. This is not saying that our sword is the least important part of our armour, but rather, that our armour will never be complete without our sword.

The "belt of truth" is the first piece of Paul's armour; the belt is needed to hold everything else together, to be a support and an anchor point. When we think about this and see "truth" first, and "sword" last, we get a sense of the fullness Paul is sharing with us.

Of all the armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-17) only the sword is an offensive weapon, all the other elements are defensive or foundational and supportive:

•  The "Belt of Truth" (verse 14).

•  the "Breastplate of Righteousness" (verse 14).

•  the shoes of "readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (verse 15).

•  and the "Shield of Faith" (verse 17)).

These enable us to "stand" (verses 11,13,14).

The "armour" verses are the concluding teaching in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. That letter is a delightful description of the church, the spiritual blessings we have in Jesus, and how we can best live in the light of all this.

Paul makes clear that what was alluded to throughout the Old Testament and hidden throughout the ages was revealed to us when Christ appeared and lived among us, and now, as we know Him through our spirit. As we live our lives here on Earth, Paul wants us to make full use of this armour, every element of which is Jesus Himself.

".. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day"  (2 Timothy 1:12). 

Jesus our "sword" is a fighting weapon, we are to use it as we go against our enemies, not just spiritual enemies but also those physically threatening us.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

Most people are not vicious or hate-filled but can be influenced and affected by evil spirits; here are two stories:

My friend Phil was visiting India. The short-term mission trip was going well and many were showing interest in Jesus. During one meeting Phil was interrupted by some men coming into the hall waving guns and calling on him and the other Australians to stop preaching Jesus and to leave that place. Phil stood his ground, looked directly at the men and spoke to the spirits influencing them. I have heard Phil pray many times, he would have said something like this: "you foul spirits affecting those men, we are here with Jesus Christ who defeated Satan and is Lord of all. Be still!" The men immediately froze in place. Phil went on to speak about Jesus and His Kingdom as though the men were not there, then he addressed them again. None of them had moved at all: "You ungodly spirits can now direct those men to turn and leave this building in peace, and to stay away and not bother us again, in the name of the Lord Jesus!" The men left and gave no more trouble on the trip.

The spiritual world is greater than the physical!

An African story I believe to be true was told to me by a friend of missionaries in Africa. They wanted to go to a far town to tell people about Jesus; it meant a two-day journey and staying overnight in country full of people hostile to the Gospel. They felt called to make this trip, so despite strong advice they prayed and they went. During their overnight stop the team were wakened by loud vehicle noise and shouting; they saw nothing and nothing happened. They reached the town safely and their visit was a success.

Later they heard about an amazing occurrence in the bush which was at the same time and place when and where they had camped overnight: A number of hostiles had heard about some Christians camping in the bush so decided to attack in the dark of night and kill them. As they approached the camp they saw that their would-be victims were not alone; their camp was surrounded by huge men, dressed as soldiers, with flaming swords and spears. The attackers were terrified and knew that they could not defeat these mighty soldiers, so they returned home. God had sent angels to protect His people! The missionaries were unaware but the hostiles saw clearly.

When we talk to missionaries we get such great testimonies of the power of God and His Word! Jesus always has our back (Matthew 28:20).

"The sword of the Spirit" describes the profound and complex effect of Jesus, who is God's Word, entering us and then fusing with, (or being enhanced by), God's Holy Spirit who is in us, in our spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

We are given spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14) which are effective because we can use them in conjunction with our sword, God’s Word. These gifts are for the church and the whole world, not just for us, they help us in our service to others.

More than that, our lovely Jesus always wants us to grow, to move on from our sinful and selfish past, to be ready and willing to participate with Him in His work in the world.

Pruning Shears And Scalpel

Remember too that Jesus' Word is always able to shape us, to cut out what is ungodly and heal us from the corruption and maladies of the world: "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit" (John 15:2 Jesus' words).

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

Biblical Training

Our Jesus does not leave us defenseless from threats and attackers (Matthew 28:20), He is both our ultimate defense and our most effective weapon! Jesus is ready to help but like firemen and doctors we need education and training to bring our potential to any kind of fullness.

How many times have we been encouraged to "read your Bible, fill yourself with God's Word"? Many times, right? This is Christian training and will help give us a Biblical worldview; "a worldview is an all-encompassing perspective on everything that exists and matters to us. Your own worldview represents your most fundamental beliefs and assumptions about the universe. It reflects how you would answer all the 'big questions' of human existence". (James Anderson, "What in the World Is a Worldview?", 2014).

When we train in God's Word we learn to think and respond fast and effectively to all the situations which may confront us. (See Note 2).

A few days ago I was cleaning our barbeque and touched the hot steel, "ouch"! Immediately, I put my finger in my mouth, soon the pain was gone, all better! My response was automatic, I have been on many first aid courses, my training told my body what to do without my mind having to figure it out.

Well, we can do the same thing when spiritual troubles come. When we are full of God's Word, (Jesus), and are filled with Holy Spirit, (who is Jesus' Spirit) our response can be blindingly fast and fully effective. Just look at how our Lord answered Satan in the wilderness (Luke 4:1); three attacks (Luke 4:3-4, 5-8, 9-12), very similar to the three big problems Israel faced in their 40 years in their wilderness. Each time Jesus spoke Scripture, the Word of God; God's Word is Jesus. Satan gave up and backed off (Luke 4:13). He will back off for us too because we now carry Jesus' authority on Earth (Luke 10:19), and not just for our self and those close to us but for others in the world who need the "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7 Jesus' words).

"He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away" (Isaiah 49:2). 

This is good news.

Praise Jesus! 

Favourite Scripture Verses

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God 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 all humankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:1-5).

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?’ or 'What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:31-34).

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5).

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written" (John 21:25)

Hallelujah!

Note 1: I heard a man tell of the most profound thing he learned at his Bible College: "God is so very, very big that we can never know Him fully. But He reveals Himself in such a way that we can know Him truly!"

Note 2: I find that spending time in my Bible is like any other kind of discipline. It is best not to follow the first method you are shown, but to find one which is effective and that you enjoy. One objective is to have the Scripture established inside us, so that we grow and change our worldview to conform to Jesus.

Many people would like to be slim and fit so start out in the trendy exercise program of the day; they don't like it so give up. Later, they will see something else and they try that, presto, the weight starts to come off and their energy increases.

Please find a system or program or method which you enjoy, you personally and not a group, you. You can join a group later, but your personal time in Jesus' Word is where you will grow the most.

"A worldview is a network of ultimate beliefs, assumptions, values, and ideas about the universe, and our place in it, that shapes how each of us understands our life and experiences, (and the lives and experiences of others), and how we act in response". (James Anderson, "What in the World Is a Worldview?", 2014).

Amen.

AfterNote: The Full Armour of God: From Ephesians 6:10-18

• The belt of truth - Truth is Jesus - John 1:14

   See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/04/armour-of-god-truth.html

• The breastplate of righteousness - Jesus is our righteousness - 2 Corinthians 5:21

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/01/armour-of-god-breastplate-of.html

• Our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace - Jesus is the Gospel, this was a mystery until He gave us the Church - Ephesians 1:9

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2021/11/armour-of-god-shoes-of-good-news.html

• The shield of faith - Jesus is our shield - 1 Peter 1:5

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/03/armour-of-god-shield.html

• The helmet of salvation - Jesus protects our mind - 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV and Amplified

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/10/armour-of-god-helmet.html

• The sword of the Spirit - Jesus is our only weapon, the Word of God, invincible in spiritual battles - John 1:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2020/09/armour-of-god-sword.html

• And pray in the Spirit - continually, without ceasing - Romans 8:26 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    See post https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2015/11/in-their-image-prayer.html

Bless you Jesus. So lovely, so complete

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Praise Jesus.