Hmmm….”dead faith.” It doesn’t sound like a kind of faith I would like to be attached to. How about you? Would you rather say that you have a faith that is alive or would you rather say; “ahhh, my faith is dead”?
This portion of scripture uses as an example Abraham, who God said his faith was complete because of what he did.
Now I’m not suggesting that we are saved by works. The bible is clear that it is only by our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved from the wrath of a just and holy God.
Lets say Abraham had dead faith. Lets say Abraham said, “O Sovereign Lord, I believe in you, I hear your voice, but, but I am so comfortable here where I am, and I’m afraid to go to the land of Canaan, I’m afraid of what others might think, or I’m afraid I can’t do it.” Whoa, what would the ramifications of that be? Not that God’s plan wouldn’t have been completed because of Abraham’s “dead faith.” God would have found someone else who was faithful to accomplish His work, or maybe he would have sent a big reptile with similar results like that of Jonah’s big fish. The point is, biblical faith is active, not passive. Are you involved in the work of the Lord? Are you willing to act on God’s truth? Are you willing to get involved in church (there is plenty to do), with your next door neighbor or with a co-worker?
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heir with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10 Why didn’t Abraham take the land? He certainly had military might (Genesis 14). Why didn’t he just buy it up as he was a very wealthy man (see Genesis 13)? It’s because the God who told him to go to the land also told him that he would give him the land. The coin of faith has another side, one side is the side of our taking action, the other side is the willingness to allow God to perform His will through us, in His power, for His glory. We do not take matters into our own hands, but as we obey, we allow God to perform His will though us.
So, if you are hearing from God to get involved somewhere, don’t sit on your hands. Take a step forward in faith, knowing the Lord will give you everything you need to accomplish that which He has asked you to do, because you will be doing it in His strength, not yours, and He and only He will get the glory. Do we not want to glorify our God? Vertical focus, not horizontal!

A point was made that perked my attention. When we think about the word “blessing” we think about good things in our lives. But Jesus defined blessings as something bad that happens to us that reveals something good about God. The bible says blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are you when you are persecuted and rejected. How can that be good??

Are we so used to the good life that we expect, look forward to or anticipate nothing but straight, bump-free roads? Paul’s thinking was in the other direction. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death Philippians 3:10 ~ And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:11-12 ~ If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us 2 Timothy 2:12 ~ In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted 2 Timothy 3:12 As Christians, in the life here on earth, we are promised grief, pain, suffering and death. Paul’s effort was to enter into sharing Christ’s sufferings. To the Corinthians, Paul wrote; 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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul isn’t saying here that we should go out and look for situations that will bring suffering (emotional, physical or spiritual) into our lives, but he is saying that we can expect it, and when life gets hard for what ever reason, we should rejoice when it does, because it means that the strength that is in Christ is being manifested through the weaknesses that is in us. The word “delight” means to choose, to do willingly, or to think it good. It’s a choice we make, a matter of the will through the strength of God.

A point that finally brought me to the realization that I had to share this was the statement; “if it is allowed by a sovereign God, Paul says it has a sovereign purpose.” Suffering is a part of our sanctification and it’s ok to ask the Lord to take it away, but we need to realize that God may sometimes say no, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

When God gets the glory, we are blessed. Whether through loss or gain, only a close fellowship with a Living Savior can bring meaning to life’s afflictions, calamities and pressures. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

So we all are mentors as we walk this life with loved ones, neighbors, co-workers and fellow believers. Life is a constant state of mentoring, making decisions that affect ourselves and those around us.

Vertical focus, not horizontal!

My thoughts during a “down moment” brought me to the song My Hope Is In The Lord and I realized (again) that I was putting my hope in the future, on getting a job.

What a great hymn!

My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary.

My Lord is a God of hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

I was bought with a price. You were bought at a price I Cor 7:23a

For me He died;
For me He lives,
And everlasting life
And light He freely gives.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. II Cor. 5:21

No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus’ righteousness.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 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 2:1-5

And now for me He stands
Before the Father’s throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own.

Christ Jesus is He who died, more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God, and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17

His grace has planned it all
Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive.

Thank you Lord, I needed that reminder. You are in control, you are all I need.

Vertical focus, not horizontal!

I came upon this verse; Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. Luke 22:31 It is obvious that one of Satan’s desires is to separate us from the love of our Lord by using  the circumstances of our lives. If we focus horizontally and start thinking that we are going through our trials by ourselves and get all “poor me”, Satan has the victory. And, as Paul uses the word “separate” in the Romans 8 passage, he describes several earthly scenarios that bring to the table more than say…..something like having a bad hair day. But, right now in our bubble it can mean recession, joblessness, family/marriage problems, sickness, and even an uncertain future in an increasingly violent and perverse world.

So in all these things, how can I be more than a victor? Well, after some searching I found out that the NIV translation which I use is somewhat misleading. The NAS translation says; “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” which uses a compound Greek word meaning to over conquer or to conquer completely without any real threat to personal life or health. Ah-ha! There it is again! It is He that does it not me, me, me. When I am in control there is trouble and chaos. When God is in control, our troubles are conquered completely and there is peace.

The comparison of God in control and me, myself and I in control, reminded me of when I was in the Navy stationed in the Philippines at a weather facility. A typhoon (what they call a hurricane over there) was going to pass directly over our base. We (some friends and I) spent a couple of hours outside behind a small block building amid the chaos and noise as we watched debris fly by. It was humbling as I stood behind the shelter of this small block building, thinking if I stepped out into the wind, my life could be instantly snuffed out. Then in amazement, as the eye of the storm approached, the wind disappeared and our world became almost eerily quiet. And just like you might see in a movie, there were a flock of birds flying overhead in a beautiful, peaceful  blue sky.

So, to be more than a conquer, means that we are not limited by what stands in our way and we have power beyond the limits that Satan has. He is limited in his power and what he can do, but we are not limited as to what we can do through Jesus Christ. When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. Proverbs 14:32 We are also beyond the limit of death.  Those who are in Christ are not limited to just this life but we transcend this life with a new eternal life in Heaven. The work is done, our hope is in Jesus. What an encouragement!

Vertical focus, not horizontal!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:28-39 Every true believer will be glorified and absolutely nothing can stop this. We are protected in God’s care and love and are assured that God will ultimately perfect us.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27 Prayer, true prayer, involves submission to the will of God. It is the cry of the believer’s heart to his heavenly Father to do what is right and best. If I am God’s child, if truly I know him and trust him, I want what he has purposed. I bow to him, surrendering my will to his will, my desires to his purpose, my pleasure to his glory, knowing that his will is best. We can be assured that the Holy Spirit prays within us with groanings too deep for words.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16 We can find mercy and grace in the time of need at the throne of grace. Don’t go elsewhere…..go to God in prayer.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 Without finding fault, God imparts wisdom to us if we ask!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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 armor 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 God promises us courage and victory.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. John 15:7 God answers prayer.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule,  which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Psalms 32:8-9 Our Lord promises to guide us.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 How many of us are too busy with the stress’s of life to stop and bow before our Father in prayer and petition? God promises us peace of mind when we come to Him.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:8-10 We may not always know what is best in our lives for the glory of God and for the good of our own souls. His grace is adequate (more than enough) for our every need and through our weakness God’s strength is revealed.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 Trusting in God brings rest and peace for our soul’s. He encourages us by telling us that he is a gentle and humble provider.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, ”The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 He will never abandon us and will be with us always!

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  Titus 3:4-6 The act of salvation through Jesus Christ is an accomplished fact. It has nothing to do with anything we have done or can do.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, II Timothy 1:7-8 If God through the Holy Spirit woo’s people to Him, then He will connect us with seekers, and empowers us as we witness. The Holy Spirit then convicts people after we witness. God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline (courage). God does the work, we are the messenger.

In conclusion, I’d like to quote a paragraph from writer Bob DeWaay. “Dear Christian reader, consider the fact that Paul lamented his own inability to keep the 10th commandment. [Romans 7] Consider that his answer to the importance of the human will was the gracious work of the Holy Spirit. That being the case, the only thing that makes sense is to do whatever promotes the work of the Spirit—and thereby mortify the flesh rather than feed it. What makes sense is to put yourself under the means of grace in faith, and by God’s magnificent promises be diligent to see that Christian virtues as described in the Bible are developing. God’s promise to you is that they will, by His grace. And even better than that, He promises you that you will be glorified and conformed to the image of Christ.”

Vertical focus, not horizontal!

In Christ, I am accepted:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, John 1:12 I am God’s child

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1 I have been declared innocent

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the Throne of Grace through Christ Jesus

In Christ, I am secure:

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:1-2 I am not sentenced to punishment

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. II Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been authenticated, anointed and sealed by God

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 1:6 I can be confident that God will finish the good work He started in me

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. II Timothy 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love and sound mind

We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. I John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me

In Christ I have meaning:

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16 I have been chosen to bear fruit

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? I Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple

And God raised us up with Christ, and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus in the Heavenly Realm

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be  reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. II Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God

Wow! When I look up, life takes on a whole different meaning. I am not really who I think I am when I’m focused horizontally. Vertical focus reveals my true identity and understanding that helps me live a victorious Christian life.

Vertical focus, not horizontal!

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 4-7 In contrast to the crumbling and whooshing of an out of control world, the never changing God of Jacob brings happiness and contentment. Those of us (believers) who live in the city of God can not be moved even when the world is falling apart, he is our refuge, he speaks and earth wastes away.

Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 8-11 Behold the evidence of what God has done on the earth, the ruin he has brought forth on those who go against him. If we reflect deeply on what the Bible tells us of how God has intervened for his people, then his next command should be our response. “Be still” - I like the New American Standard translation on these two words—”Stop striving” (striving: to struggle vigorously). Relax, chill out, take it easy, allow the one to whom (in the end) every knee will bow bring you contentment, courage, and rest!

I read a great line today that someone came up with some time ago. It says; “Fear not tomorrow, God is already there.” God has always been there for us and he will always be there for us! But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34 Jesus had just finished telling his disciples how he takes care of his creation (grass of the fields and birds of the air), and how much more he can take care of them. When I am in fear, I am typically mulling over the “what if’s” in my future, looking ahead with anxiety and dread. But, when I turn my attention to the Father and his promises, as I spend time with Him in prayer, as I examine the virtues of His character, as I meditate on what His Word says about Him, peace can become my experience. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

Our confidence comes from the knowledge of God’s power and love for us.

Vertical focus, not horizontal!

We as a church family are in an interim period or temporary arrangement. We can find times in the bible where the formation of the early church had times for going apart, for withdrawal, rest, renewal, regrouping and then beginning again. The Christian concept of death and resurrection speaks powerfully to periods in our lives when, individually or collectively, we need to say “good-bye” to the old and “welcome” to the new (in all phases of our life). The interim period is a time of grieving and letting go of what has been and then renewing our faith, beginning to open ourselves to a new future.

Life is full of choices and here we have two. We can move forward in faith or just mill about in a confused state.

Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Proverbs 24:27.  This speaks of forethought, thinking ahead.

I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 24:30-34 This shows us laziness, lack of understanding and what those will eventually bring, also spiritual receptivity and teachableness.

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Hebrews 6:7-8 This teaches that productivity from God’s blessings brings forth fruitfulness and unfruitfulness brings destruction.

To move forward in faith, we must put our feelings aside. Faith and hope are not our feelings, faith and hope overcome our feelings. I realize that grieving is a process and can take some time, however the sooner we bring our gaze from the horizontal plane to the vertical plane, the quicker we can get back to being what we were created to be.

We can not lose sight of our purpose on earth; to bring praise and glory to God in all that we think, do, and say. And to bring the good news to a fallen world.

Moving forward in faith is acknowledging and accepting that we are in an interim period and that this process of finding a new pastor will take some time (God’s timing). In the mean time, we are to be about where God has always called us to be even before Pastor Brad stepped down. Growing……in Christ. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3 ~ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thinks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

Whatever we face in the coming days, we face together in unity, bathed in prayer, overflowing in thankfulness. For He is in control, and we are here for His purpose to fulfill His plan for Northwest Bible Church. Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

During this temporary time without a pastor, let us look forward in anticipation to what the Lord is going to do at NWBC while we continue live by His precepts and move forward in faith — Vertical focus, not horizontal.

‘“What if I could create my own future?”

Rushing through the corridors

of an international airport,

people coming off a plane,

arriving at their destination;

people getting on the next plane,

a destination between destinations,

people passing through,

people passing each other,

people passing…

Each one passes this billboard,

at the bottom of the escalator,

(the slow descent allows time to look)

at the end of a long corridor,

(you must go this way to pass customs)

at the bus stop and taxi stand,

(knowing you’ll be planning, while you wait).

The question is presented.

The challenge is suggested.

The tease is offered.

“What if I could create my own future?”

Why not?

I’m capable!

What’s to stop me?

It’s just a matter of purpose,

planning,

performance,

and then, the payoff!

Why should I accept second best,

second hand,

second place?

Hey!

You only go ‘round once!

You don’t get a second chance on this “merry-go-round”!

Life is there for the living!

The toys are there for the taking!

Life is what you make of it,

and I know I’ve got what it takes!

Yes, you do.

Passion.

Passion perceived.

Passion pursued.

Passion purchased…

begets more passion.

Passions. Satisfying each new desire,

enjoying each new pleasure,

indulging each new craving,

only leads to needing more

to excite you the next time

and feel the exhilaration again

of a bigger thrill,

a kick that last longer,

a hotter fire!

And, you don’t even realize that you burn!

You slowly burn your senses,

until you no longer feel

the Fire!

You slowly sear your conscience,

until you no longer sense

the Warnings!

Such is the way of lust.

The lust of the flesh.

And yes…you’ve got what it takes.

Possession.

Possession perceived.

Possession pursued.

Possession purchased…

begets more possessions.

Possessions. Yielding to envy,

gratifying the need,

glorifying the want,

grasping the prize,

only leads to wanting more

to make you be more successful

and feel more secure

in a better job,

in a nicer car,

in a newer home,

in a bigger wardrobe!

And, you don’t even realize that you build!

You slowly build your pile of prizes,

thinking you’ll no longer feel

the Emptiness!

You slowly construct your tower of treasures,

thinking you’ll no longer sense

the Wanting!

You are so consumed with the building,

that you don’t even realize,

the things you must possess

(because you cannot resist their shine)

pile higher and higher around you,

blocking any glimpse

of what lies beyond this world.

Could you see,

you would see,

the shiny things you grasp

are only dull and gray

compared to what lies beyond your piles.

Such is the way of lust.

The lust of the eyes.

And yes…you’ve got what it takes.

Pride.

Pride pampered.

Pride paraded.

Pride pardoned…

begets more pride.

Pride. Lifting yourself up before others,

boasting about “the game,”

bragging about “the score,”

blowing up “the win,”

only leads to pushing more

to get the best before the rest of them

and feel more important

as the expert in every situation,

as the unbeatable competition,

as the proven success!

And, you don’t even realize that you barricade!

You slowly barricade others away from you,

bulldozing their plans,

banishing their suggestions,

belittling their accomplishments,

thinking you’ll no longer have to endure

the Futility!

You slowly blockade yourself up high above others,

scorning the attempts to care,

ridiculing the attempts to converse,

rejecting the attempts to convince,

thinking you’ll no longer have to face

the Foolishness!

You are above their level!

Yes, you have lifted yourself up high above,

so that now you are beyond them,

beyond their touch,

beyond their tears,

beyond their tenderness,

beyond the very ones who would be

your companions!

Such is the way of pride.

The boastful pride of life.

And yes…you’ve got what it takes.

So do I.

So do we all.

Without God, we are but human,

in the midst of all this world continues to offer.

Without God, we will surely fail and fall.

With God, we may still fail and fall.

Because, yes…we have what it takes.

An enemy.

One who hates us.

One who seeks to make us fail and fall.

Satan.

The prince of the power of the air,

temporarily given permission

to move throughout this earth

and entice men and women to believe

that all we want,

is in our power to have!

He writes billboards.

He sells billboards.

He places billboards

where the message won’t be missed,

in our airports,

along our roadways,

in our newspapers and magazines,

on our televisions,

in our schools,

on the walls where we work

and play,

and eat,

and live.

Simple messages.

Subtle messages.

“What if I could create my own future?”’

Used with permission from imageministries.com. The Other Side of Silence by Linda Azema

Wow! We live in a society that offers anything we want anytime we want it. We can all jump into this!

Fight the good fight—Vertical focus, not horizontal.

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:13

I was speaking to a young man in our congregation the other day and he asked me if I had read “The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen. I immediately thought mortified, (i.e. “I was mortified”) doesn’t that mean humiliated? How can I humiliate sin? He set me straight by telling me it meant; “put to death” and two days later he handed me the book to read. If you have never picked this book up, I highly recommend you purchase it (the abridged version). I’ve touched on this subject before in past articles discussing the flesh, repentance, your heart, etc. But this book goes deep…..I mean real deep.

Let me quote just one page of the book:

“4. The duty itself.

Let us consider three things concerning the duty before us:

i. What is meant by the ‘the body’;

ii. What is meant by ‘the deeds of the body’; and

iii. What is meant by mortifying or putting them to death.

i. ‘The body’, at the end of the verse, is the same as ‘the flesh’ in the beginning of the verse. It is indwelling sin, the corrupted flesh or lust, that is intended.

ii. The outward ‘deeds’ of the body are here expressed, yet the inward cause is chiefly intended. The apostle calls them ‘deeds’ in that they are an outward expression of a yielding to an inward lust. Indwelling lust and sin is the fountain and principle of all sinful action.

iii. To ‘mortify’ means to put any living thing to death. To kill a man, or any other living thing, is to take away the principle of all its strength, vigour, and power, so that it cannot act, or exert, or put forth any proper acting’s of its own. Indwelling sin is compared to a person, a living person, called ‘the old man’, with his faculties, and properties, his wisdom, craft, subtlety, and strength. The ‘old man’ is utterly mortified and slain by the cross of Christ. He is said to be ‘crucified with Christ’ (Rom. 6:6), and ourselves to be ‘dead’ with him, verse 8. This takes place in regeneration. The work of the Holy Spirit, Who is planted in our hearts, also opposes the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:17) This whole work is done by degrees, and is to be carried on towards perfection all of our days.

Thus it is the constant duty of believers to render a death blow to the deeds of the flesh, that they may not have life and strength to bring forth their destructive influence.

5. The promise is life.

The life promised is eternal life. This is the very opposite of the penalty: ‘If you live after the flesh, you shall die.’ However, the word may not only mean eternal life in heaven, but also the spiritual life in Christ which we have here, the joy and comfort and vigour of our life yet in this world.

This is a second motive for the duty prescribed: the vigour, power, and comfort of our spiritual life depend on the mortification of the deeds of the flesh.”

Have you been struggling with a particular sin for a long, long time? Are there relationships in your life that are broken and seem un-reparable? Has life seemed to have lost it’s meaning for you? This is a great book on the battle that we fight every day, from the moment we arise till the time we go back to bed.

It’s not about us, it’s all about Him! We are here to spread the good news and glorify God. How can we do that if we are not mortifying sin?

Vertical focus—Not horizontal!