Communion With God

Thoughts from John Owen's Communion with a Triune God:

Communion defined:
-God's communication of himself unto us,
-with our return unto him of that which he requires and accepts,
-flowing from that union which in Jesus Christ we have with him.

Two things are required of believers to commune completely with the Almighty. Communion consists of giving and receiving. First, we as believers must receive the Father's love. We receive it by believing his love for us is real, unchanging, eternal and significant. That he delights in us and that his love for us is not dependent on our living a sinless life. His love for us is dependent on who God is in his very nature. It is not dependent on who I am. (If his love was dependent on me and my actions, I could earn God's love and his glory would be diminished). To believe God's love is dependent on our actions is to diminish God's magnificent mercy and grace and is a manifestation of unbelief. We must receive God's love for us if we are to commune with him.

More to follow.

Link.
Link.

Rekindling The Spirit

Thoughts from my brother Todd Mace:

If you are a Christian and going through rough times of mourning right now, what I have to say regarding stalled enthusiasm is not intended for your benefit. What I want to say to you is that the Christian body of believers cares for you, loves you, and is praying for you. Those of us that are not in mourning will continue marching into the world, waving the Christian flag of God and waiting for your return. Trust in God in the dark until the light returns.

For all those Christians that are not in mourning and your enthusiasm for being a Christian is stalled, perhaps you need to mix up your spiritual routine and experience God in a different way than normal.

First of all, you must read the word of God every day. You need to stay in the word to stay near to God.

Secondly, maintain 100% of your free thinking focused on spiritual things. To rekindle the flame for God you cannot afford 1% of your free thinking to be wasted. What we think about when we are free to think is what we are, or will soon become. Once the flame is blazing again, you will be better suited to balance your free thinking. More than likely, how you got here in the first place is that your balance of thoughts between the spiritual matters and the world is not where it should be. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Here are a few suggestions to follow for a month that will help fill your mind with spiritual thoughts. Part of the problem may be you have developed a few bad habits. It requires a minimum of 30 days of consistent altered behavior to change a habit.

When you listen to music, listen to only Christian music, and listen to it every chance you get. Music touches your heart and spirit. There is a whole new genre of Christian music out there today. Go online - check it out.

When you read other things than the Word, choose solid Christian authors. It is good to mix up your reading of the word with books by solid Christian authors such as; AW Tozer, CS Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, Andrew Murray, Thomas Merton, writings from the Puritans, or Hymns from John Wesley. Just remember this; all the answers are in the word, not in books written by men. The good books written by men point you in the direction of the word. A good rule of thumb for time you have to read might be 70% in the word and 30% other books.

Shut down the influence of the world on your free thoughts for a month. Do not spend any of your free time reading the newspaper, watching TV, reading world, business or entertainment magazines. No need to worry; you will not miss the end of the world if it should come during this time of abstention from these items.

Go be inspired by the awesomeness of God and spend some time alone observing the wonders of his creation. His creation is everywhere, pick some place close your home and marvel at God’s creation for a while.

Experience a glimmer of the willpower required by Christ to endure the physical and mental suffering on the cross, knowing he had the power to stop it at any time. Give up an addictive substance or an addictive behavior, fast, or improve the temple of the spirit -your physical body. It is one thing to endure pain when you cannot control it. Your spirit will strengthen when you drive yourself through pain that you are experiencing for a purpose, all the time knowing you can stop the pain anytime at your own will.

Experience the love of God; share the word with other solid Christians. There is nothing more beautiful than a person filled with the Spirit.

Experience the humility of Christ, serve someone and give God all the Glory
If you can commit to doing these things every day for a month, you perspective on life will change and the flame in your heart for God will surely grow.

Satan will not bother a man who has quit fighting. But the cost of quitting will be one of peaceful stagnation.
AW Tozer

Can't Get No Satisfaction.

All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

C. S. Lewis

Cement.

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17.

God has created all things, and he has created the laws and rules by which all things hold together. He ordains gravity, the speed by which light can travel and the characteristics of the element carbon. He is the cement that holds creation in place and his word commands the principles of the universe. Science by definition is: The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena (see here). Science is the study and "explanation" of the laws of the universe that have been set in place by God. Science does not exclude faith in God, it discovers and defines his creation. All correct science will eventually reveal the glory of God. Those who believe the Bible to be true have nothing to fear in the science of today. Nothing can be discovered except that which the creator has set in place. Only the fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1).

Saved By Grace

We are saved only by the grace of God, through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). This is not of ourselves. God loves us even as sinners (Romans 5:8), he draws us (John 6:44) and he atones for our sin and grants us eternal life if we believe. He does it all. The great exchange-- our sins for his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

If we believe, we have the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). But what is belief? Is it knowing the gospel? I would say that is not enough as even the demons know the gospel and they are doomed to eternal torment (James 2:19).

If we really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, our lives will be changed (2 Corinthians 5:17). This change is reflected in our behavior as we are obedient to God's commands. So James, the Lord's brother, says faith without works is dead. Works are behaviors spurred on by our desire to be obedient to God. Works do not save us. They have nothing to do with our salvation. However, they are evident in all who believe. If we say we believe but are not fruitful in our lives, we have no reason to be assured of our salvation. In Mathew chapter 25 the Lord tells three stories that are particularly convicting. The parable of the ten virgins demonstrates the need for watchful readiness for the Lord's coming. The five virgins that knew the bridegroom was coming but weren't prepared are left out of the wedding banquet. The parable of the talents shows we will be held accountable to produce fruit dependent on the gifts we are given. Fear is not an excuse for lack of fruit. Lastly, in the parable of the sheep and the goats, the Lord separates people based on their behavior. Convicting and compelling words that we should take obedience to the commands of God very seriously.

So, we are saved by faith and works develop out of that faith and bring us assurance that we are Christ's. Faith without works is not a real faith.

Even though our works have nothing to do with our salvation, the Bible says our degree of reward in heaven will depend on our fruitfulness on earth relative to the gifts God has given us. Speaking to believers, Paul says we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.(2 Corintians 5:10). In 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Paul talks about our works being tested with fire with resulting reward or loss depending on that testing. Now heaven will be awesome for all who believe, but Jesus was, I think, speaking literally when he said store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Mark 10:21).

The above is a reminder to me that if I truly believe I will be obedient to God. Disobedience can only come from unbelief. For who could stare at our God, the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and disobey? Who could believe: Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13) and not fall on their knees in submission?

O Lord, have mercy on me.

David's Prayer 1 Chronicles 29:10-13.

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Observations:
-This is a great prayer of praise to our God and King.
-Everything is God's. He is ruler over all.
-Wealth, honor and strength are gifts from God, not of ourselves.

Tozer On Pride and Criticism

After a time of growth and successful labor comes the deadly psychology of self-congratulation. Success itself becomes the cause of later failure. Those who have already entered the state where they can no longer receive admonition are not likely to profit by this warning. After a man has gone over the precipice there is not much we can do for him; but we can place markers along the way to prevent the next traveler from going over. Here are a few:

1. Don’t defend yourself against criticism. If criticism is false, it can do no harm. If it is true, you need to hear it and do something about it.

2. Be concerned not with what you have accomplished but over what you might have accomplished if you had followed the Lord completely.

3. When reproved, pay no attention to the source. Do not ask whether it is a friend or an enemy that reproves you. An enemy is often of greater value to you than a friend because he is not influenced by sympathy.

4. Keep your heart open to correction of the Lord and be ready to receive His chastisement regardless of who holds the whip. The great saints all learned to take a licking gracefully – and that may be one reason why they were great saints.

A.W. Tozer

Band of Brothers

I have been blessed with a group of men that encourage me and hold me accountable. Together we fight the daily spiritual battle that rages around us through the power given by the Holy Spirit. There is a bond that has been formed over the years through trials and laughter that is priceless. This group holds me up and strengthens me. They help me to be faithful in my walk. They are a gift of God. I don't know God's exact purpose in having twelve disciples appointed in leadership of the early church, but I imagine they felt this bond. I think God has made us in a way that flourishes in fellowship and community. I cannot run the race alone. A good friend gave me the DVD of the mini series Band of Brothers, a story about a group of men fighting in world war two. They also developed a bond that still exists to this day, in those yet living, through suffering and helping each other over the duration of their war experience. We today fight a battle against the principalities and powers unseen that would, if able, destroy us. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. God has given us the means to wage the battle as a Band of Brothers. John Eldredge in his book Wild at Heart tells the story of Henry V at Agincourt. His army is weary and greatly out numbered by the French. As they prepare for battle, Henry bolsters the troups by saying (according to William Shakespeare in Henry V 1599):

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother....
And gentlemen in England, now a bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here;
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us.

The Weight

Felt a heavy weight on me last night brought on by difficulties in life. Nothing big. Just life. I found myself ready to have the Lord take me to be with him. It's a good thing to know I have an inheritance in heaven kept for me. Sometimes the toil of life is just such a burden. My inability to stop sinning. The fact that every day there is someone who is dissatisfied with something pertaining to my actions. Rain. I am better today. God always lifts me out of the mire when I get this way. It's a reminder though that my citizeship is in heaven, not here. I shouldn't expect a world without trouble now. Jesus said I shouldn't. I met with my brothers Jack and Kevin this morning and the fellowship reminded me that there are better things to come and that the Lord loves me so much he died on a cross so that I might spend eternity in with him.

Hebrews 10:24,25
1 Peter chapter 1
John 16:33
Psalm 40:2

Creation Groans.

Last night I read with my parents the section of Romans chapter 8 which talks about creation being subjected to decay by the curse of sin through Adam's actions. Creation groans waiting to be released from it's bondage. I was reminded in two ways today at work of this bondage in myself. The bondage of sin and the bondage of decay. First, in utter frustration with my schedule and clients requests, I lashed out it anger and treated a person completely inappropriately. After it was over, I looked at myself with disgust, reminded of my sinfulness and my complete inability to do what is right (even though I want to). Second, I saw a high school friend who was expressing his sadness at the loss of his youthful health and strength which reminded me of my many recent physical weaknesses. We together looked forward to the time when we will have new bodies in the kingdom of heaven. (My friend is a believer). My body groans to be remade as does my spirit, and someday soon, it will happen.

Resolution.

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

-Jonathon Edwards, August 1723.

You Alone.

I've come to your thrown so cold and alone.
I'm calling on your name.
I lift my hands to the sky...open wide,
and I cry Lord take me away.
Take this heavy heart, this weary soul
and set them free.
Remove myself 'til there's nothing left
but you alone in me.

I'm letting go of all that I know.
I'm holding on to you alone.
I lay it all down, down here at your feet.
I want you alone, you alone.

If I go to the heavens above,
Lord I know you are there.
If I make my bed in the depths,
Lord I know you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
or settle on the far side of the sea,
Even still Lord I know you will, you will always be there with me.

I'm letting go of all that I know.
I'm holding on to you alone.
I lay it all down, down here at your feet.
I want you alone, you alone.

-Casting Pearls

Courage.

I would define courage as the character trait which allows a person to do what is "right" in spite of fear. To encourage someone is to help them to be courageous.

Hebrews 10:24-25:
"And lets us consider how we might spur one another on to love and good deeds. And let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and even more as we see the Day approaching."

The author of Hebrews reveals in these verses the importance of community in the Christian's life. He tells us to spur (encourage) one another on to love and good deeds (right actions), and he tells us to habitually meet together for this encouragement. It is a difficult thing to be courageous. God repeatedly tells Joshua (Joshua chapter 1) to "be strong and courageous" as he prepares to take the Israelites into the promised land. I need to meet with and listen to my God and my Christian brothers and sisters in order to remain strong. When I drift from this fellowship, my courage weakens.

Anxiety.

I usually get anxious when I perceive I am at risk of losing something I treasure. I might have anxiety over an illness, because I treasure my health and "pain" free living. Or, I might become anxious over my financial situation, because I like my economic status and don't want to sell my house and other material things. So, I worry about my worldly treasure. I have noticed that when I am spending more time with God in prayer and reading his word, my worries seem to melt away. I think this is because I begin to treasure the Lord and what he promises me in the future, and I realize that my inheritance through faith in him can never be taken away. Jesus also promises to care for us here on earth when we follow him (Matthew 6:33).

Mat 6:19-21: Jesus said.... "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Lord may I "fix my eyes" on you and may I desire the things you have for me and not the things of this world. May you be my only treasure.

Love God....

Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..." Luke 10:27.

Wow, what does loving God with that passion look like?

The first four commandments give us some insight.
-You shall have no other gods before him (God).
-Do not make an idol out of anything. Worship no one or no thing but God.
-Do not misuse God's name.
-Remember the sabbath and keep it holy.
All from Exodus chapter 20.

Jesus and the New Testament scripture give us more insight on what loving God looks like in the following verses.
-"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me ..."(words of Jesus; John 14:21).
-This is love for God: to obey his commands (1 John 5:3).
-"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me... "(words of Jesus; Matthew 10:37).
-For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

So, we are called to be obedient to all the commands of Christ, to put God above all things (even our families) and to live for Him (not for ourselves).

Love Your Neighbor...

Jesus said......'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Luke 10:27

What does loving my neighbor as myself look like? I believe it has to do with how I treat others, not necessarily how I feel about others. When I interact with someone, do I treat them as I would treat myself under the same circumstances?

The last six of the ten commandments give us a good starting point from which to begin in determining what a life dedicated to the above would look like.
-Honor your father and mother.
-Do not murder.
-Do not commit adultery.
-Do not steal.
-Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.
-Do not covet what is your neighbors.

Jesus expands on these in the sermon on the mount in Mattew chapter 5 and following. Some excerpts:
-He compares anger at one's brother to murder (5:21,22).
-He compares lustful imagination to adultery (5:27, 28).
-He tells us not to resist an evil person (turn the other cheek 5:39).
-He tells us to give to those who ask (5:42).
-He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us(5:44).

Not always easy.

No Pain, No Gain

I visited a family member today in the hospital. He has been having pain in his abdomen, recurrently occuring without warning every so often. It has been severe enough for him to seek medical attention, and today he underwent surgery to correct the problem. After the surgery, he was in a lot of pain and probably will have some discomfort for weeks to come. He had to accept an increase in pain over the short term through his surgery in order to alleviate his future discomfort. Sometimes God allows painful situations in our lives for our future benefit. His word says that he disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:6) meaning he allows or even causes painful situations in our lives in order to mold us into the image of his son (change our behavior and draw us to a closer relationship to him). Like a surgeon he cuts away the damaged and dysfuntional tissue of our flesh to make us more like him. He also uses these difficult circumstanes to "prove our faith genuine (1 Peter 1:7 )." If we believe in Jesus as our Lord and savior, and we love him and are called according to his purpose, God works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). The pain we go through now will result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:7). Stand fast in the difficult times of life. They are temporary and soon God, if we remain faithful, will lift us up.

Fasting

Fasting, in my mind, is refraining from some activity for a time in order to draw closer to God. I rarely fast from anything, because I love to indulge myself in the things of this world. A sad statement. Jesus said his followers would fast after he rose to heaven. Why don't I do it? Because I want the things of this world more than I want to draw closer to God. The things I need to periodically fast from are food (to teach me to rely on God for my provision); bicycling (to teach me to put God before my interests on earth); the internet (to teach me to set my mind on things above); and anything else the Spirit of God brings to my attention. Is fasting a formula for spiritual growth or success? No, but it is a discipline which if done for the right reasons alway leaves me in closer communiion with the Lord.

Seeking God's Kingdom

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.....But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25, 33.

Jesus says he will assume responsibility for providing for our needs if we seek first his kingdom. He guarantees this. This implies that if we are following him, we should look to him for provision for food, clothing, shelter, protection. Our occupations and work become therefore a vehicle through which we serve Jesus our king thereby seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness. Our occupations should not be looked upon as a means to gain provision for our needs since Christ has stated he would take care of these. Therefore, whether in the professional ministry or in manual labor, our occupations are a means to be used by God for his glory. If we view our occupations as "the means whereby we earn our livings, we will not be able to seek adeuately the kingdom of God (Walt Henrichsen, Diary of a Desperate Man)." To seek God's kingdom means to seek God's rulership in our lives and the lives of others. All of us are therefore in the ministry of our Lord. In the words of Walt Henrichsen, "The only difference between a vocational Christian worker and the laity (an average Christian church member) is how the ministry is funded."

Mr. Henrichsen goes on to say, "If you are unhappy with your job because God wants you elsewhere, you should change jobs and do the will of God. If you are discontent with your job, but believe that is where God wants you, then you need to repent." Ouch.

Ideas from Walt Henrichsen's daily devotional Diary of a Desperate Man Day 176.

Deity of Jesus

Jesus is either God or he was a lunatic. This is the argument put forth by C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity. In his words-"We are not given the option based on the Biblical text of believing he was a great man, philosopher or prophet alone (paraphrase)."

What Biblical texts reveal Jesus' divinity?

Jesus is the creator of all things
-John 1:1: Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made that has been made.
-Colossians 1:16: For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
See also: Genesis 1:26; Acts 3:15; Hebrews 1:3

Jesus is without sin
-1 Peter 2:22: He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.
-Hebrews 4:15: ...He was tempted "yet was without sin."
See also: John 8:46; Hebrews 7:26; 1 John 3:5

Jesus is eternal
-Micah 5:2: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
-John 8:58: Jesus said--"Before Abraham was born, I am."
See also: John 17:5; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 13:8

Jesus is the revelation of the Father
-Hebrews 1:3: The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being.
-Colossians 1:15: He is the image of the invisible God.
See also: Colossians 1:19, 2 Corinthians 4:4

Jesus is called God
-John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
-Colossians 2:9: For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.
-Philippians 2:6: Speaking of Jesus-..."being in very nature God..."
See also: Isa 9:6; Matthew 1:23; Jeremiah 23:5-6; John 1:18; John 6:38; John 5:18; John 8:58; John 10:30, 33; John 14:9; John 17:5; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20; 2 Peter 1:1; Revelation 1:17

Jesus is worshipped
-Worshipped by: Magi (Mattew 2:2, 11); by leper (Mathew 8:2); by synagogue ruler (Mathew 9:18); by disciples (Mathew 14:33); by women at Tyre (Mathew 15:25); by angels (Hebrews 1:6); by 24 elders, four living creatures, angels, all creatures (Revelation 5:8-14).
See also: Mathew 20:20, 28:9, 17; uke 24:52, John 9:38

Note above in light of Jesus words: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only." Mathew 4:10 (quoting Deuteronomy 6:13).

Note above in light of:
-Peter's refusal to accept worship (Acts 10:25, 26)
-Angel's refusal to accept worshp (Revelation 19:10, 22:8,9)

Jesus is prayed to
-Acts 7:59,60: While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
See also: Matthew 11:28; John 14:13,14; 15:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 10:12; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 5:4

Jesus forgives sins
-Mark 2:5-11: Jesus said to the paralytic: " Son your sins are forgiven."

Jesus gives Life
-John 5:21: For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.

Jesus honored as the Father is
-John 5:23: ...that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

Jesus Lead a Miracle Filled Life
-Heals the sick: John 9:7
-Raises the dead: John chapter 11
-Control over the weather: Matthew chapter 14
-Control over the physical aspects of life: John 2:7, Mathew 14:25
-Control over demons: Mark 3:11

Both God the Father and Jesus are described as having the below attributes or characteristics:

Eternal Thrown
-Ps 93:2 & Heb 1:8

First and Last
-Isa 44:6 & Rev 1:17,18

Immutable
-Mal 3:6 & Heb 13:8

Almighty
-Gen 17:1 & Rev 1:8

Unfathomable
-Job 11:7 & Matt 11:27

Holy
-Isa 43:3 & Acts 3:14

The Truth-Without Sin
-Deut 32:4 & Heb 4:15

Eternal Creator
-Gen 1:1 & Jn 1:1-3

Preserver of All
-Neh 9:6 & Col 1:17

King of Kings
-1 Tim 6:15 & Rev 19:16

Everlasting Dominion
-Ps 145:3 & Dan 7:14

Knows Our Hearts
-1 Ki 8:39 & Rev 2:23

Judge
-Gen 18:25 & Matt 25:31

Lord of All
-Ps 103:19 & Acts 10:36

Rewarder
-Ps 62:12 & Rev 22:12

Protector
-Ps 91:4 & Matt 23:37

Savior
-Isa 43:11 & Matt 1:21

Death's Destroyer
-Hos 13:14 & Heb 2:14,15

Worthy of Worship
-Isa 45:23 & Phil 2:10-11

Our Righteousness
-Isa 45:24 & Jer 23:5,6

Sender of the Holy Spirit
-Joel 2:28 & Jn 16:6

For a valuable resource on the Trinity and the deity of Christ see The Forgotten Trinity by James White. Much of the above was derived from his work.