Look Again and Consecrate

"If God so clothe the grass of the field... shall He not much more clothe you?" Matthew 6:30

Today's reading starts off with one of my favorite groups of Bible verses. I first became aware of them through an inspirational video back in college in the late 80's. Since then it's become something special to me. I just wish I would really take heed of what Jesus is saying! I'll go ahead and reprint it here..

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[e]?
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

One thing from today's reading really stands out. Chambers is talking about people not growing in their relationship. Again Chambers says it better than I could, so I'll requoute it here.

"Consider the lilies of the field" -   they grow where they are put. Many of us refuse to grow where we are put, consequently we take root nowhere. 

For me I read that as asking how many people just float through life and don't make any attempts to "take root" in the Christian faith? Just go from one activity to another, always searching for the next big "high". I know I'm guilty of it, and I'm thankful that I have a church where I can really take root and grow!

Do you Walk in White?

"Buried with Him... that ... even so we also should walk in the newness of life." Romans 6:4

A white funeral - the burial of the old life.

Have you had your last day, or do you still stubbornly cling to elements of your old life?

Called by God

"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me'" (Isaiah 6:8)

When people accept Christ as their Savior, they expect God to speak to them frequently, and tell them what to do. However they figure God will "force" them to go where they don't want to go, or put pressure on them.

In fact, God asks for his children to "follow Him", without pressure or threats. He speaks in the still, small, voice to make sure we are properly receptive to hear His voice.

We also joke about wanting God to send us "anywhere" to do His work, but then throw out a list of places we don't want to go. How can we question God about what is the right choice? He knows what's best for us in ways we simply can't fathom.

Sharing in the Atonement

"God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..." Galatians 6:14

Having been saved by faith in Jesus Christ, the question that Chambers asks is do I want sin to remain in my (little pet sins), or at any cost to be identified with Jesus?

Do I treat salvation like "fire insurance", or is it a completely life changing experience?

The Trial of Faith

"If you have faith as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

As a Christian it's easy to initially respond to the Gospel in faith, but as the walk goes on, the new Christian can slip into a pattern of "doing it myself". It's also easy for a Christian to be faithful in the expectation to "earn" something, or perhaps make our relationship with Christ better.

There is nothing we can do to increase our standing in God's eyes! Faith must also be tried and tested, otherwise it's an empty and shallow faith. Better is the Christian who has the faith tested, they emerge stronger in the Lord in the end.

On a personal note - faith is very hard for me! It's so easy to come up with that "backup" plan when I say I'm going to trust in the Lord. "I have faith in you Lord, but I'll come up with this backup plan just in the off chance you don't come through."

Destined to be Holy

"... it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" - 1 Peter 1:16

Chambers tells us that the purpose of life is not to accumulate wealth, happiness, or a successful life. It's holiness. God created us to be saints, and for fellowship with Him.

Holiness means absolute purity of your walk before God.

Usefulness or Relationship?

"Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." - Luke 10:20

One trap that Christians can fall into is successive service. Instead of rejoicing in our relationship with Jesus Christ, we measure ourselves based on what we do in the name of Jesus. The "what" becomes more important than the "who".

We also need to be careful of not screening people when they ask for help. Treat all people as God's creation, and not judging them on what they can do for you. Don't look down on somebody because they won't be able to somehow "elevate" you further in God's kingdom.

The Unsurprassed Intimacy of Tested Faith

"Jesus said to her, ' Did I not say t you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?'" - John 11:40

What I got from this reading.

1. We can't always live on the mountaintop. We have to have our faith tested, or we'll never know if we actually have faith or not. It's easy to proclaim Christ while down at Fall's Creek, but coming back to the "real world", can we still live for Christ? Too many people want to live in a continual "mountain top" experience.

2. Faith is absolute trust in God. For me it's WAY too easy to said "yes I trust God, but I'll have a plan B, just in case". There can be no "Plan B", and that's the hard part. For me I'm used to being self sufficient, and I don't like asking people (or God) for help. I'd rather do it on my own power and resources. Faith requires me to depend on God, and not my own resources. I think this is something men struggle with, as our culture has taught that "real" men are self-sufficient, and asking for help is a sign of weakness.

The Brave Friendship of God

"He took the twelve aside..." Luke 18:31

The "bravery" of God trusting His creation. When we think we have no value and nothing to contribute is when God can use us the most. It's when we think we are useful to God is when He can't use us because we feel we have our own purposes to accomplish.

We bring NOTHING to the table of salvation, it's by God's grace ALONE. That's probably why people struggle with the message of salvation. Surely there must be more to it?? Perhaps if I also accomplish these extra items then God will accept me?

Nope. Salvation through Christ ALONE.

As my pastor is fond of quoting Paul, "He must increase, I must decrease!"

Becoming Entirely His

"Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" James 1:4

Chambers talks about areas in a Christian's life where we get careless and lazy. He says it's not sin, but remnants of our carnal life that tend to make us careless.

God will allow nothing to escape His notice, and will endlessly bring us back to Him when we stray.

Chambers also warns to beware of becoming careless over the small details of life and saying, "Oh that will have to do for now".

One thing that drives me nuts is the attitude of "it's good enough for church!". Why can't we give our best to God, in all areas of our lives? Instead of doing something half hearted, do the best we can.

Do you see Jesus in your Clouds?

"Behold, He is coming with clouds..." Revelation 1:7

A strange devotion for today. Chambers talks about how, "Clouds are the sorrows, sufferings, or providential circumstances, within or without our personal lives, which actually seem to contradict the sovereignty of God."

I've always thought of clouds as something to be welcomed! Whether to cool off a hot summer day, or to announce an incoming thunderstorms, I've never looked at clouds as something to be sorrowful about.

However I have to admit I've never really experienced deep sorrow in my life. For me life has been pretty good, so I can't understand what it's like for someone to experience the deep sorrow as represented in the clouds.

God's Purpose or Mine?

" He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side..." Mark 6:45

Christians tend to think that God is preparing us for some end goal, or future point. In today's reading Chambers makes the case that the actual journey is what God is after, not the end result.

God is walking with us NOW, and moment by moment obedience is the goal.

What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

Sanctification

This is the will of God, your sanctification. . . —1 Thessalonians 4:3

Sanctification is something that I believe is not talked about much in churches these days. The "modern gospel" wants to focus on ensuring you have a good life, free of pain and hardships. (Why else are prayer requests always about physical healing?)

With that I decided to look up the word sanctification to see what it means.

According to the Holman Bible Dictionary sanctification is ,"The process of being made holy resulting in a changed life-style for the believer."

 A changed lifestyle, dying to self.

As my pastor is found of saying, "I MUST decrease, so He can INCREASE".

Can I put my interests and self aside so God can use me for His purposes?

The daily struggle of who is lord of my life, Jesus or myself.

The Mystery of Believing

He said 'Who are You, Lord?' Acts 9:5

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Acts.

I recently was telling my daughter the story of Saul, and how he became Paul after becoming blind and encountering God.

I like Paul's self doubt on God using him to spread the Gospel across the world.

God didn't force Paul to serve. He allowed Paul to choose, and becasue he choose of his own free will, he became one of the greatest teachers of the gospel.

Likewise we have a choice to follow and obey. God doesn't want me to obey and follow Him because I HAVE to, he'd rather it be because I WANT to.

Being forced to is religion.

Wanting to is a relationship.

The Concept of Divine Control

" how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11)

Divine control - do we let God rule our thoughts, or do we take the drivers seat?

Are we so focused on Him that when difficulties and uncertainties arise, we immediately turn to God? Or do we seek out others hoping for an inspiring word?

The "Name it, claim it" crowd loves this verse, but they take it out of context. God will be more than happy to give you what you want - as long as it is in HIS will! That part is usually forgotten about.

When I'm seeking God's will and not mine, my interests will line up with His.

My Life's Spiritual Honor & Duty

I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians (Romans 1:14)

Am I truly grateful for my salvation? So grateful that I spend as much time as possible telling others about Jesus?

Evidently not, as today's reading brought to mind that the last time I gave mission work any serious thought was during VBS last month.

It's easier to be grateful that MY eternity is assured, but then to turn around and grumble at the guy who cuts me off on the highway.

"Quit praying for yourself and spend your life for the sake of others".

Powerful stuff

Suffering Afflictions...

"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." Matthew 5:39

A strange verse. Some people would interpret this as living a completely passive lifestyle, never defending oneself. From their viewpoint, this even forbids service in the military!

Chambers talks about when you are insulted, you must not only resent it, but must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life.

I think that means let the words and attacks go. They are just words. Internet comment blogs are full of people attacking each other from the safety of their own computers. Is this really accomplishing anything?

However when it comes to actually attacking oneself and family, then I believe we have a duty to respond and defend ourselves and family.

Words are just words, let them go. But actually attacks need to be dealt with.

Will You Examine Yourself?

Today's reading makes a lot more sense than the reading for July 8th!

Chambers starts off by asking if you "even have the slightest reliance on anything or anyone other than God?"

Unfortunately, this is pretty easy to answer, and that would be yes.

It's way too easy to claim to "depend on God", but have the Plan B in case God doesn't come through.

The less you rely on yourself and on God, the more He can use you.

As my pastor likes to quote Paul, "I MUST decrease, so He can increase!"

Being a military man it's all too easy to rely on myself. In fact most military folks take great pride in being able to depend on themselves.

All Efforts of Worth and Excellence are Difficult

Living the Christian life is not guaranteed to be easy and pain free.

Unless you subscribe to the Joel Osteen worldview, where God is just one big happy person who just wants you to live the good life.

God sends things our way to test us. Are we applying what we are learning from Him in our daily lives? The tests show if we are growing or not.

In the middle of the crisis, do we turn to God or our own devices?

Held By the Grip of God.

Philippians 3:12

Never "choose" to be a worker for Christ, but realized that Christ has chosen you to be his worker. Because he choose us, We can't be allowed to think that we're not qualified in some position, nor can we perform the tasks that Christ has asked us to.

In the past I've joked that I'm not qualified to be a preacher, or a missionary, etc. However if God did call me to one of these tasks, or something else, He would give me the ability to perform the work for His glory.

And before we puff ourselves up thinking we're the greatest preacher that ever lived, or whatever, we need to remember that we are simply sinners saved by grace.