Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture –

1 Corinthians 3:11 – For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Observation –

Paul is writing this to correct division in the church at Corinth about where they place their foundation.  Some believers were wanting to follow Paul while other believers were looking to Apollos.  Paul steps in to say the only place to ground the church is on the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Application –

This word Paul has for the Corinthian Church is a warning to be watched and heeded today.  Too many times there can be charismatic leaders who congregants end up following instead of Jesus.  It seems like the church is growing leap and bounds but what is the depth of one’s faith and where is everyone focused on Jesus or the pastor.  This can progress and can far off the rails till you have an organization  that is run by worldly standards rather than a shepherd taking care of the flock allowing theSpirit to feed from the Word.  Jesus is and can be the only foundation on which the church stands with nothing else added to or taken away.

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word and your love grace and mercy in sending Jesus to save me when I place my faith in His name alone.  Let the Spirit guide me with wisdom and discernment to fear you and follow you faithfully to glorify you!

Journal 1 Cor 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.  For I DECIDED to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified….

 

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are FOLLY to him…” (1 Cor 2:1-2 and v14)

 

Observation: Folly: Foolishness, madness, idiocy, craziness, silliness, irrational, stupidity.  That is what the world thinks of the tenets of Christianity.  How, then, does the Cross represent the Power of God?

Analysis: I saw a sign off to the side of the road the other day.  “Jesus is the answer.”  Perhaps irrationally, I immediately thought, “If Jesus is the Answer, what is the Question?” and I began reviewing the Gospel while I was driving.

One of the things that I thought about is the difference in my speech and writing when I compare salvation with redemption.  Being a sort of studious fellow, I know there is no difference in expression and yet a significant difference in the way I think of these two words.

Take for instance Paul’s assertion: “For I decided (determined, resolved, decisively) to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”  I note that it does not say, “…know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and His salvation.”  Yeah, I know that I am parsing words, but what if that is the point of the Scripture here?  What am I to be focused upon?

If salvation is a result of redemption; if the Cross (object of the crucifixion) is the instrument of redemption, then what is the common denominator in these words?  I propose it is redemption.

But I don’t talk about redemption.  I talk about the result: salvation.  Why is that?

I submit that salvation alone is easier to talk about.  I get to talk about how Jesus died for my sins and basically how much a benefit he is.

But what if I talk about redemption?  Perhaps the first thing I should talk about, if I am thorough, is how I don’t qualify for being redeemed?  I deserve the Wrath of God.  Perhaps this is why the world considers Christianity foolishness?

The Cross is a counter-cultural message—it goes against the grain of the World.  Perhaps the world isn’t drawn to the message of the Cross; they actively reject it for any derivative a person can come up with—even to the point of denying the work of the Cross by minimizing or softening it.  What we read is that the first thing the world does is not denying the Gospel, it is watering it down, minimizing the Gospel—making something that resembles the Gospel, but isn’t.

I think that is what the beginning of 1^st Corinthians (and maybe the rest of the Epistles) do: Reminding the readers of the stupendous Glory of the Cross.  The Cross isn’t a shallow subject; it doesn’t lend itself to be minimized and retain its power.  Forgive the pun, it is the crux of the Gospel.

I tend to water down Redemption in my own mind and expression.  To embrace the Gospel in all of its majesty is to have a sober, serious, joy going on based upon the Word of God and not the meandering of comfortable thought and reasoning.  Oxymoron?  Perhaps.  It is the best I know how to express it.

Prayer: Father, again I ask for a firm shot of seriousness, bracketed in joy, humility, and delight in You and the Atonement.  The folks in Revelation have it right: Only You are worthy to assume the Throne while they throw their crowns at your feet.

Teach me how to be that way in this life.  Instruct me how to preach and present the Gospel as you wish me to, knowing that it is the preaching you want me to do, leaving conversion to you, O Holy Spirit.

Let me learn from your Word, from before and through Eden, through the End of Days, what the Gospel is and continues to be.

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Ps 72 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!  May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!  May he defend the cause of the poor of the people and give deliverance to the children of the needy and crush the oppressor…

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.”  Ps 72:1-2; v4; v18

Observation: I have often wondered where more examples were on how to pray for the government.

Analysis: There are many different ways on how to pray.

More often than not, I think that most folks go to “freeform”, where the attempt is to let my heart erupt in prayer, kind of “first thought, first served.”  Others have “rote” phraseology embedded, always including the same phrases in each prayer, but is evident these “phrases” are just spoken out without any particular emphasis on why?  Or perhaps a monotone intonation?  Maybe an incantation as if two or more acceptable prayer phrases, hung together, will bring a desired outcome?

Or there are structured prayers: structured out of holy scripture.  Structured perhaps out of who, what, where, and why?  Structured specifically out of doctrine, precepts, and the law?  The Psalms are examples of the above.

Ps 72 is an example of praying for the governmental leadership.  I will point out at the end of Ps 72 (v18), is the reminder that God alone, not man, not even anointed man as king, He alone does wondrous things.

Candidly and revealing my heart, can I even think of this government administration and wanting to pray for them being effective?  To be a government that will care for the people in holiness, righteousness, and justice?  I see this scripture, I have read this scripture, and yet my tongue clings to the roof in my mouth even thinking (having any kind of faith) that God will work His Will according to this particular section of Scripture.

Nevertheless, IF I am going to be a man of Faith, then I will pray as the Scriptures direct me to.  But, how—how am I going to do that?  Sounds simple, but…?

Maybe the best way is to…wait for it…you will be so surprised…” why didn’t I think of that” will be rolling off the tongue…

Write it out.  Write your prayers.  Use the Lord’s prayer or Psalms as examples and they can usually be broken down as an outline:

• Address God, either as the Father, or the Son, or the Spirit, or as the Trinity, and spend some time extolling his virtues, his character, his attributes.  Maybe the things He has done…more than Salvation alone, but how He handles weather, the green things in the earth, creation itself, and so much more.
• Express gratefulness and humility before Him.  Remind Him of the things He has done that I am thankful for, even if they weren’t things I wanted, but are good gifts just the same.
• Express the Gospel as it applies to the face in the mirror and His Salvation (and all the steps), even though I will never be worthy of it.
• Bring petitions.

I shoot prayers, little quickies that sort of “check off the box” of praying.  They are also those prayers that thud to the ground, hardly rise to the ceiling.  I wonder how you “pray unceasingly” or “pray at all times in the Spirit” and not resort sometimes to prayers that thud to the ground?

Prayer:  Lord, I kind of wandered off topic.  Started about praying for gummint and then veered off into praying structure, finally writing about how sometimes I pray lead balloons.

Guess that is how journaling is at times.

Sharpen me, O God.  Make me a tool of your choosing and just not a tool of the world.

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Ps 70-71 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Upon you I have leaned from BEFORE my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb—My praise is continually of you.

I have been as a portent (omen, sign) to many, but you are my strong refuge.

My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day.  Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent…v6-20

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day, for their number (acts and deeds) is past my knowledge.  With the mighty deeds of the Lord God, I come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.  So, even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, UNTIL I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Your righteousness, O God, reaches the heavens.  You who have done great things, O God—who is like You?  You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again…”  excerpts from Ps 71:6-20

 

Observation: What do old guys chase after?  What do they focus upon?  When they are sensing being “cast off” or “forsaken”—what do they do?  They continue to cast their cares at the foot of the Cross and proclaim the mighty deeds of the Lord God of Hosts.

Analysis: There is always a youth movement.  Every generation is determined to cultivate for the Lord, to preach the Gospel, to the next generation, in order that the Salvation of the Lord is presented.  But, apparently, in order to get to the next generations, the previous generations are a bit ignored and dismissed.

It appears to be so in the Psalmist’s age as well.

The Psalmist observes through experience and perhaps reluctantly and remorsefully comes to this conclusion, even to presume he is an omen, a sign, warning, of what happens in old age.    So, what does the Psalmist bring before God?

A prayer, not entirely of discouragement, but of determination.  A declaration of, as I have begun (from even before my birth), I will continue—alone, if necessary (knowing that I am never alone), declaring His Might and Glory for all the things He has done in righteousness.  This old Psalmist will continue to praise, even through “many troubles and calamities, the God who will not forsake him.

I needed to read this.  I am on the other side of fifty, getting closer to seventy every day.  I have a sense of being discarded, not in touch with this generation, ignored.  So, what do the Scriptures tell me to do?  Continue to pursue knowing Him and the power of the Cross.

Old guys can make themselves fools for Christ.  They can show the following generations what it means to worship, to raise hands in the midst of the congregation, to sing their lungs out because He is Worthy to be Praised!!  They can stick out like sore thumbs to show others how it ought to be done—ignoring “blending in” and being determined to out-shout rocks.

They can show how to not be “moral” alone (which can be idolatrous) but to be that Disciple who is determined to “tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day, for their number (acts and deeds) is past my knowledge.  With the mighty deeds of the Lord God, I come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.”

What are the stories of God in your mind, what can you testify about, remember?  What has He delivered you from, in His power and might? What is the exhortation and encouragement available to the next generation?

Prayer: Father, am I allowing the next generation to find You and learn about You by themselves, or am I providing a pair of shoulders that they can stand upon to serve you better?

Is this generation and the next upon next being prepped to ignore the lessons and experience of the previous generations?  It feels so—please help me see with clarity.

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

SCRIPTURE

Vs 1 “May God be gracious to us and bless us …”

Vs 2 “that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.”

Vs 3 “Let all the peoples praise you!”

 

Vs 20 “Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer”

 

OBSERVATION

David has had something of a change here in these psalms compared to many leading up to this.

David has previously had a lot of thoughts along the lines of “hear me”, “grant me”, “deliver me”, “give me”, “let me”.

But now here David says, “be gracious to us” & “bless us”.

 

Even the purpose of David’s psalm and God’s grace & blessing is now looking beyond himself …

“saving power among the nations” …. “your way be known on earth” … “let all the peoples praise you”.

 

He even requests that God be the one who is blessed because this is the prayer that is not rejected!

 

This reminds me of when Jesus teaches his disciples to pray.

He taught them to pray in response to their question “teach us to pray”.

These were life-long praying men, but they saw something different in Jesus.

And when Jesus taught them, He prayed … “Our father” … “Give us” … “Forgive us” .. “Lead us” … “Deliver us”.

 

APPLICATION

How do I usually pray? In the singular or in the plural?

“I” or “we” … “Me” or “us”?

I think it’s interesting that Jesus didn’t tell His apostles,

“You already know how to pray. You’ve been praying all your life. Just talk to God!”

Prayer and praise are clearly more than just “talking to God”.

 

When I commune with God, He’s changing my heart and mind … “Renewing” even.

He’s teaching me to think outside of and beyond myself.

 

God’s grace and purposes are not for me alone.

Even God’s blessings upon me are not for me alone.

 

And when I see God’s graciousness in my life, do I want others to see God’s “saving power” mentioned in verse 2?

Or am I just glad about God’s “giving power”?

 

I must remember to “Pray Plural”!

 

Anything God has done to me or through me, I need to understand is for His honor and His glory and that He would be further known!

 

PRAYER

God, thank you that you are a God that changes hearts and minds.

God help me see others the way you see them.

Give me your heart for all people, but especially the people you have put around me.

I pray they see your grace and your saving power.

Help me to make you known in whatever way I can today.

In Jesus name,

Amen!

 

Scripture

Psalm 63:1 – O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water

Observation

David is crying out to God that his soul yearns for Him. David’s innermost being is so desirous of God that it is analogous to wanting water when in a desert.  He is so parched and needing of God (water) that he is on the verge of fainting.

 

Application

Let my soul seek God with the passion that David describes here.  I need to be thirsty for your Word to fill me with the living water.  Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy our soul!  Jesus is the Messiah and living God who can fill us with living water so we will never thirst again.  When we believe in the name of Jesus and receive the power of the Holy Spirit we have living water in us and eternal life with Him.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for sending Jesus as the living water so we can have eternal life with you.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit have me seek you intently and share your love to extend your glory!

Journal Jas 3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Who is wise and understanding among you?  By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

But…if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.  This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace…” Jas 3:13-18

Observation:  Talk about a corrective action!!  The Holy Spirit is faithful to bring a word timely and in season.

Analysis: I needed this.

In the last two weeks (maybe/probably longer), I have noticed I am tending to being short-tempered and running off at the mouth—certainly not keeping peace.

The issue with this is that I was pretty sure that I needed to be blunt and forthright to the people I was talking to.  And I thought that this was good fruit to be had by all.

James corrects me, too late.  Is bluntness a virtue?  Perhaps dependent on my attitude and delivery.  My delivery this past month has been suspect—more anger than righteousness.  This morning I am still praying because I feel the anger welling up in me.  And I don’t know specifically why.  It can be overwhelming.

Scripture tells me about anger and its origins: it is wrapped up in a whirlwind of “self”: Self-absorption; selfishness; jealousy; selfish ambition…I think basically it is the adult version of a child stomping their feet because they are not getting their way.  This morning, I am being true to reveal myself as brutally as I can.

Why did James write this?  Perhaps one reason is that his readers were veering off the Path, thinking of themselves higher than they ought.  Perhaps James was meditating in Proverbs and the Holy Spirit was quickening a thought about how Adam fell and the power of the tongue.  Maybe James was reminding the readers about the Gospel and reminding that the Gospel dependency is every day, not just once walking down the aisle.

He’s reminding me…again…that I am dependent upon Him in all areas of my life.

I wish I could communicate that I am overcoming this.  I will, in the power of the Holy Spirit (not in my power) but work with the Holy Spirit in what tools God has given.

Spurgeon was asked why he preached the Gospel every day.  Reportedly Charlie replied: “Because we forget it every day.”

Somehow, I am forgetting the Gospel, not renewing my mind, not leaning in with purpose and clarity.  Somehow, I am wallowing in sorrow, being self-centered, and fearing what man thinks of me instead of fearing God.

Prayer: Lord, may my confession today be helpful on many planes; me, the reader, whomever…Dry my internal tears and help, please.

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture –

James 1:12-14 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God promises to those who love him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.  But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Observation –

During times of hardship we must remain steadfast in our faith and love of God.  Whatever we are going through God can use it to refine and grow us in Him.  If we are dealing with a temptation to sin, this is not coming from God but from something we desire and we can’t lay that off on a holy God.

 

Application –

It is much easier to claim God when there is smooth sailing and things are going well, although a lot of times people will attribute that to what they have done. Then when things head south it is much easier to question and even blame God.  God is steadfast and true in His love for us and His character never changes.  God loved me so much that while I am still a sinner He sent Jesus to die for me.  In the valley, during tough situations is where I have to rely on my faith and realize that God is allowing this test to strengthen me although can’t see it and don’t want it at the time.  In retrospect, I can see that during times where I have struggled with temptation leading to sin this was my own want and in no way was this something God put forth.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your steadfast love in sending Jesus to save me when I was your enemy!  Let the power of the Holy Spirit give me strength in my faith to follow you in difficulty and bring you the glory!

 

 

Journal Ro 16 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Greet Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life; to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.  Greet also the church in their house…” Ro 16:3-5a

Observation:  Where is “vision” found?  Sometimes it has to be sought after in the most obvious places…like the Scriptures.

Analysis:  How is the function of the Church to be pursued?  Is it in “big” church or is it in “small” church settings?  Is it somewhere in between?

Is it supposed to be big enough that the motivated few run the functions of a local church while others are gathered to fund the operations?  Is it supposed to be small enough that it is composed of radicals who get burned out in a few years?  Is it somewhere in between?

Big churches are great to hide in, small churches are not (unless they are trying to be big churches on small platforms so that people can hide if they want).

Small groups are today’s equivalent of house churches, if only in a sense.  It is an organized way for informal formal care to Believers that cannot be done in a Sunday service.  They are implied in Scripture, not mandated—implied in a sense that the expectation of Believers would be to fiercely pursue Jesus and use whatever means they have at their disposal to reinforce that pursuit AND local leadership to provide something for Believers to pursue against.

So, why am I reviewing this today?  Perhaps a longing for something undefined.  Perhaps hospitality that is more than snacks and game scores (although that is good as well).

Perhaps to cast vision…

Prayer:  Lord God, I point this out to my wife often: Take the long view.  If I get myopic and only see what is happening today, then I only tend to the urgent and neglect the important.  If I want to walk worthy of the Gospel, then I must bring tending to the important as critical, without neglecting the urgent.

The culmination of the Gospel is just beyond the horizon, and I must be resolute in chasing it down.

How resolved am I?

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

 

Journal Ro 14 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.  Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains and let not the one who abstains pass judgement on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another?  It is before his own master that he stands or falls—and he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” Ro 14:1-4

Observation:  Is there a “right” and a “wrong?”

Analysis: Difficult.  Romans 14 is just flat difficult.  I don’t ever remember hearing a sermon or reading a teaching about Romans 14.

The first thing I think about is, “Okay, what do I do about heresy?  What do I do about “wolves among the flock?  What do I do about “stinking thinking?”

Could the Holy Spirit just be addressing minor stuff like “I am good being a carnivore, you are good being a rabbit?”  Is it the “I’ll do me, you do you” but under the banner and authority of the Bible?  It sure seems that way.

Is it reducing Scripture to the “most common denominator” (the two or three things everybody can agree upon) and leaving deeper study out of conversations?  I came across a brother that insinuated that doctrine was somehow responsible for more splits than heals (my words, not his).  This is fairly prevalent among local churches.

I think I get some of it.  There are some things that aren’t worth fighting over in the Name of Jesus.  But doesn’t that also mean there ARE some things worth fighting over?  Note this is applying human logic to the statement and Romans 14 seems to be only speaking about, not subjects, but my attitude to, and as, a brother.

My attitude defines a ton of stuff, like if I am in sin or not, even as a Christian.  Paul exhorts the brothers to have the “mind of Jesus”:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant that yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind (or attitude) among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” Phil 2:3-5

And also:

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.  He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” Titus 1:7-9

Therefore, I have to consider, what does this mean to me?  Do I turn away from potential conflict?  Or do I dive right in and conflict away?  At this time in my life, I don’t know of any one principle to espouse here—except for cultivating the gift and skill of discernment.

I remember what Jesus said many times, “Who has ears to hear, let them hear.”  I don’t want to be argumentative, only to present the truth—knowing that I only “see in part.”  There is much mystery that God has and has not revealed to us (Deut 29:29).

Having wandered away from the initial Scripture today, what then is my response?  I am responding this way: Wear my convictions humbly but out loud and concentrate on walking worthy of the Gospel—always seeking to sharpen what I should be convicted about.  Journaling is one very good way to figure out what you believe, don’t believe, and perhaps shouldn’t believe.  Biblical fellowship is not just cultivating friendships (absolutely needed) but also having a sounding board about “thinking.” If you are looking for a mentor (discipler) in the Faith, don’t look for the fun guy, but the one attempting to walk in holiness.

Prayer:  Father, I wandered all over the place today.  I think that means I have some issues concerning this particular set of scriptures.  I “feel” that my attitude separates me from folks.  Maybe, maybe not.

I depend upon you, o Mighty God, to lead me in paths of righteousness—especially how I relate to others.  Open doors, how You see fit.

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Ro 13 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep.  For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

 

The night is far gone; the day is at hand.  So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

 

Let us walk properly as in the daytime—not in orgies and drunkenness; not in sexual immorality and sensuality; not in quarreling and jealousy.

 

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

Ro 13:11-14

Observation: Winding up the Letter of Romans, Paul is offering up a few choice words…

Analysis: Statement or plain speaking, wrapped here and there in poetic metaphors, describing what perhaps I should be seeing with spiritual eyes.

The Hour is closer, every day.  Is the Hour today?  Is it tomorrow? For sure, every day that passes, we are one day closer to seeing the skies split and hearing the trumpet blow.  How’s that for imagining and ramping up urgency?

So, what does Paul declare?  What he has continually declared throughout Romans (and will continue to declare in other Letters), make no provision for sin in my life; put off the old man, and put on the new; put to death the sin that has life within me.

He even goes to describe some sin in particulars: Sexual romping, casual sex; drunken celebrations; immorality and sensuality; quarreling; being jealous.

Somebody might be reading this.  “I am a church goer; I don’t do this stuff!!”  If so, good for you.  Another person may say “I don’t do this stuff…”, but really?  Does transparency reign in the mirror?  Or does the mirror reflect a fool?

I heard once upon a time that immorality is kind of the male thing; sensuality might be the province of the females.  As a male, do my eyes linger over the female form?  As a female, am I encouraging the fleeting glance, and do I like it?

How about quarreling?  Jealousy?  I must tamp down my desire to be right, and be jealous of the next man who got what I wanted…

The point I think that Paul is making over and over again is that: 1) I must understand the Gospel and how it works; 2) I must surrender and seek daily to surrender to the Holy Spirit; 3) the local Church is the holiness support group—how do I pursue holiness?  With others that are chasing the same goal.

There are steps that the Holy Spirit must instill for there to be a Support system towards righteousness.  Pray for that to happen…

Prayer: Father, I am putting myself out there now.  Help me, O God, to leave this in Your hands.  Take me in the next phase of my life as you will.

Please heal Debbie.  Help me to be patient and humble and finish well.

 

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

 

Journal Ro 12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world…

 

Let love be genuine.

 

Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

 

Rejoice in hope.  Be patient in tribulation.  Be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”  Excerpts from Ro 12:1-13

Observation: Paul is good about finishing up his letters with some concrete, directional, advice of conduct.  (It is not really “advice”, but instruction to comply with from the Holy Spirit)

Analysis: I noticed something today.  All of the above scripture is about on the ground conduct; what each believer should be striving for, including the middle section of pursuing, AND APPLYING spiritual gifts that I didn’t reference (Ro 12:3-8).

But, looking at the above alone, these questions look for answers:

• What does a living sacrifice mean to my conduct?

o   Notice that I didn’t say, “what does it “mean” to me?”

• What does not “conforming” to the world mean to my conduct?  I guess I must ask myself where do I conform to the world and what do I need to do to change, not following my own reasoning, but following the Scriptures?
• What does “genuine” love look like vs. disingenuous or insincere love?  And, more importantly, what are the actions of genuine love, especially in the local church?
• Abhor means (among other things) detest, loathe, despise.  It is one thing to “abhor evil” that is in the world, but what about the evil (or sin) that is in me; what I see in the mirror?  Do I recognize, define, and then abhor the evil within?  Do I hold fast what is good, or do I let “good” slip through my grasp consistently?
• What is brotherly affection and showing honor?  How do I excel (outdo) in doing that?
• Slothful is being lazy.  Am I lazy in being zealous?  Am I lazy in fervency?
• And don’t forget asking the face in the mirror about: rejoicing in the subject of hope; being patient when things aren’t going right (tribulation); constant prayer; looking for opportunities to serve folks in the local church with funds or service or something; showing hospitality (opening up the home or restaurant) with the saints.

I think it is very interesting that Paul is addressing believers to other believers, or, how to serve God in the local church.  Does it mean not doing evangelistic things?  Nope, but I think it does mean that there are needy people in the local church that need to be “ministered” to.

Could I stumble in trying to apply the above stuff?  Sure, I could!!  But, if I don’t start doing these things, in faith, not in fear, then I will never get good at it.

Lastly, this kind of stuff is what the writer of Hebrews alludes to in Heb 3:12-13, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the Living God.  But EXHORT (or encourage, urge, push, insist, press) one another every day (as long as it is called today), that NONE of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

How can I lovingly care for my brother?  Be persistent in pursuing all of the above, for sure.  I keep the following in mind for myself and to share: Be honest, open, candid with honorable concern, merciful practice, and with fierce personal transparency.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for keeping this section of scripture in the forefront of my mind, that I may learn to put sweat equity in doing your word.

 

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

 

Scripture – 

Romans 10:9-10 – because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Observation –

Paul is writing to put forth the path to salvation that is available to all.  First, the path is not just knowledge or keeping of the law. Salvation is a twofold action from a change of heart that believes Jesus is the resurrected Lord and then telling that truth verbally with our mouth.

Application –

Don’t let me confuse or make salvation something that it isn’t.  Being saved is not just knowing about Jesus and who He is.  Throughout scripture we see that spirits recognize who Jesus is and His authority.   So intellectual awareness is not sufficient, I along with everyone must move from my mind to believe in my heart that Jesus died for my sin, was resurrected to defeat death and surrender my life to Him.  This is the Good News of the gospel and I am not to keep it a secret, rather as a child of God I am to confess it for others to hear my witness.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your love, grace and mercy in sending Jesus to save me from death to life.  Let the Spirit fill my heart with joy to proclaim that in a way to bring you glory!

Journal Ro 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “What shall we say then?  That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith—but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law.

Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works.

They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written,

            “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.

            (and) Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Ro 9:30-33; cp Is 28:16 and

            Ps 118:22

Observation: Israel v Gentiles; Law v Grace; Works v Faith—Why is it that Man struggles with these principles all the time?

Analysis:  I wonder all the time on how to explain the above?

I think that trying to deeply explain why the Law kills and Grace gives life is why the Gospel is so counter-cultural.  It sounds so…complicated.

Eden: There was a single rule, a law.  Don’t eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.  Adam disobeyed.  Breaking that one law brought death to all Men.  Since then, God has given a bunch of rules, laws; with the singular purpose to show that Man cannot attain a relationship with God by following rules, laws.  Man cannot EARN an intimate relationship with God—God has to FORGIVE the transgression.

Sounds simple.  Forgive my transgression (not really, what Man wants is not forgiveness but God overlooking my transgression, don’t pay attention to it, just accept me as I am rebellion and all).   There is a twist to consider—How can a Holy God accept an unholy Man?  I have a root of rebellion growing within and, phooey—I am producing rebellious fruit!  Everybody does.

The narrative of the Old Testament was Law; obey the Law, with the understanding that IF man can obey the Law in its entirety, they would be accepted into The Presence.  But over and over again the narrative also showed that Man cannot obey the Law.  So, instead of the focus on the efforts of Man, it is clear that the only effort that will be successful is the Grace of God.

This is, just like the scripture states, a stumbling stone.  Not only Israel stumbles over this principle, but also Gentiles.  Why?  Two things: 1) Israel thought they had the inside track being the Chosen People and all.  Obey the Law, in like Flynn.  Except Israel was the example of why obeying the Law cannot work; 2) Gentiles had two things: A) They weren’t a chosen people; B) They did not have the Law, but God provided a conscious, knowing right from wrong.

No matter what side we are on, what is displayed is that God’s Grace, expressed through His Sovereignty, brings the Sovereign Chosen (the Children of the Promise) into His Kingdom. (review Ro 9:6-24).

I don’t know if I could define this as the foundation of the Gospel, but I am pretty sure it is a significant piece of the Gospel.  To be sure, I have to be aware that nothing I can do is sufficient to obtain God’s approval, and that surrendering in Faith to His definition of sufficiency in faith (Jesus died for my insufficiency) is what ushers me into Kingdom stuff.

Prayer:  Trinitarian God, I know I have to keep meditating and writing to communicate the Gospel effectively.  I did somewhat an OK job above in places, other places I am disappointed in.  Please give those whom you enable to see eyes to see and read and understand.

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes

 

4/25/22 Monday

Journal Ro 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “…I do not understand my own actions…I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

 

Now if I do what I do not want (then) I agree with the Law, (that the Law) is good.  So now it is no longer I who do it, but Sin that dwells within me.

• For I know that nothing good dwells in me (that is, my flesh).
• For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
• For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep doing!!
• Now, if I do what I do not want, (then) it is no longer I who do it, but the Sin that dwells within me.

 

So, I find it to be a law (a principle) that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.  (For) I delight in the law of God, in my inner being (deep down in my soul), but I see in my members another law (principle) waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

 

Wretched man that I am!! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  [Through Jesus Christ our Lord, thanks be to God!]  So then, (it is evident) I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of Sin…”  Ro 7:15-25

Observation: Man has an inherent conflict in themselves.  I want to do good, but evil is right there.  Not the evil without (like the devil or other things), but the evil/desire to sin within. Man cannot get out of his own way without supernatural changes…like being born again.

Analysis: The Holy Spirit has Paul writing about the reality of what Man experiences.  When I confess Jesus as my Savior, the Holy Spirit engages in two Eternal realities:

1) My position in the Sight of God has changed.  I am changed within, I am adopted, I am redeemed, I have become family, and a number of other things.  These are what God has decided to engage in me.

2) I still have sinful tendencies to work out of me.  Yes, this is also within what the Holy Spirit engages in, but NOT without my involvement.  Look at the last chapter: “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Ro 6:11) This is not a passive statement relating only to the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, this is an ACTIVE statement indicating that there is an effort to maintain in “considering ourselves dead to Sin.”

This is perhaps what is experienced: If I take solace (rest) only in what God has done, but do not take pursuing (an effort) righteousness seriously, then what happens?  One brief reference in Matt 7 indicates that Jesus will say, “Begone, I never knew you.”  That is a negative proof.  A positive proof is, “…If you abide in my word (a directed effort), you are truly my disciples…” (John 8:11b)

What is a disciple?  Is it only a confessor of belief in the Atonement?  Or is it something more as the Holy Spirit told Timothy: “Rather, train yourself for godliness…” (1 Tim 4:11b)

Think about it: a Disciple is one who learns.  My question to the Face in the Mirror is, am I a disciple that pursues knowing Him and more importantly, his Ways?  Or am I just good for the title?

Prayer:  Father, I am stirred up this day.  I want to represent You in every way of my life.  I submit my thoughts to you, O God.

 

Amen

Ricky Two Shoes