Category: Good Life Journal

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

Scripture: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

 

Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.

 

Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant—being born in the likeness of men.  And, being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death (even death on a cross).” Phil 2:3-8

 

Observation:  Key word: Humility.  Key action to pursue: Humility.  Key example: Jesus—before becoming a Man of Flesh and afterwards.

 

Bonus: There is a reference, a mention of Genesis and Eden here too…almost passed me by…

 

Analysis: “Is God humble?”

 

I can’t say I have ever thought about this question; it has never occurred to me to ask.  Is Jesus humble?  Sure.  That one is fairly easy: “For the Bible tells me so…”.  Does He have reason to be humble?  Depends how being humble looks like and defined.

 

The best definition of humility I have encountered is “a cogent self-awareness of strength and capability without arrogance (or being arrogant about it).”  The definitions that include “self-effacement”, “modesty”, “shyness”, I think are somehow out of focus—certainly concerning the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Jesus knew who and what He was while on the earth.  The most self-effacing thing He ever did was, “Shush, don’t tell anybody yet.”

 

Another vision of humility is not boasting.  Jesus really could have said, “You know, that walking on water thing was pretty cool, wasn’t it?  Want to see it again?”

 

If humility is part of the Triune God’s eternal character, then a definition of humility that isn’t centered around Man is needed for us to think about.  In fact, in describing God, care must be taken not to include how man thinks and acts to a point—beware of “humanizing” God.  After all, we are a shadow only.

 

So, there are three things to consider in pursuing Godly Humility:

 

1. Don’t pursue arrogance.  Arrogance is primarily concerned with thinking higher about myself than I ought to.
2. Don’t pursue and resist false humility; beware of a face of humility but not the substance.  In the end, it is still prideful arrogance and not the Peace of Christ.
3. Count others as more important than yourself.  I would have put being a servant here, but I think this is harder to assimilate than just being a servant.  I can hide pride in a servant’s persona.  It is harder to hide real care for others, especially secret care, non-exposed care for another.  Note: We all like the “atta-boys”.  And face it, atta-boys are needed, keeps us from sin (c. Heb 3:12-13), but let the Holy Spirit bring these things to light, don’t shine the “self-light” on ourselves.

 

Prayer:   Lord, I am much more aware of my arrogance than I am of my humility.  I am learning to differentiate what the world defines as humility and what you define humility as.  Make me like You.  I surrender.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

 

Bonus round: “…did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…”  This is a direct reference to Lucifer, and a basic definition of Sin, and found:

• In his Fall (Is 14:12-14 … I will make myself like the Most High… (v. 14))
• In Eden when the serpent tempted Adam (Genesis 3:5-6…and you will be like God, knowing good and evil… (v.5))
• In the Wilderness with Jesus (Matt 4:1-9…and he (Lucifer) said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me…’ (v.9))

 

What is the root of these?  Independence of God and self-determination (to put a modern title on it).  Satan wanted to be independent of God or at least considered equal.  We call it Original Sin.

 

Just like Adam, just like us.

 

Phil 1

Scripture

[12]Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. [13]As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. [14]And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

[27]Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28]without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. [29]For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,..

Observation

The Philipians were experiencing opposition for believing Jesus was who He said He was. Writing to them from jail, Paul lets them know that even while he is in chains, God uses the trial for good – the whole palace guard, and everyone else becoming more confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Even in the trials of jail, Paul conducts himself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Even in circumstances like that, they are not to be afraid, remembering that those who oppose because of their following Christ, will be destroyed and they are saved by Christ by believing in Him. While they will find peace through Him, suffering for Him is what they signed up for.

Application

We are experiencing opposition as the Plilipians were. Opposition in our government, schools, workplace, and media. Wherever we look, wherever we go, there is outspoken opposition, resentment, and harassment toward us for walking with Jesus and believing in Him. In this country we may not literally be in jail for spreading the Gospel, but in other countries this is not the case. We are however finding stronger and stronger opposition to be more and more against the Lord and all who follow Him. Paul reminds us not to be afraid. We know where our salvation comes from.

We are always to be obedient, conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, and honor him in all that we do. As we stand strong in our faith in Christ Jesus, we may suffer through persecution. Even if it gets that bad here, where we are imprisoned for spreading the Gospel, the Lord can use it for good as we honor, obey, and glorify Him.

Prayer

Lord we love You. Thank you for our salvation and knowing that there is no need to be afraid. We know You are with us even when we are being tested. May we be obedient to You, and glorify You in all that we do. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.

Journal Ps 119:153-176 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.  Great peace [has] those who love your law—nothing can make them stumble…My lips will pour forth praise for you to teach me your statutes…

 

My tongues will sing of your word for all your commandments are right…Let my soul live and praise you and let your rules help me.”  Ps 119:164-165;171-172;175

 

Observation: I think about the Psalmist here. I would have his reaction be mine.

 

Analysis: This section of Psalms 119 has some impact for me.

 

Short, sweet; full of praise and delight; expressive.  I learn and wonderful feelings flow from me—I wish.

 

Here are questions for me:

• Does my heart stand in awe of God’s words? (c. v161b)
• Do I rejoice at His Word like one who finds treasure? (c. v162)

 

I go back and forth on this.  Most of the time I rise from this keyboard with renewed vision to share what I have learned; to share insight and knowledge.  But how long does it last?

 

I am finding out that there is a fire to be stoked in my chest and it needs tending every day.  I am like an old railroad engine that needs fire to keep the steam up so I can do what engines need to do.

 

Memories of a Keith Green song, “O Lord, you’re Beautiful (1980)”:

 

“Oh Lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with Holy fear.”

 

These are the thoughts, the passion, I want to carry with me every day.

 

What is your passion?

 

Prayer:  Father, make awe double, triple, quadruple within me about your Word.  Let it work in me and through me so that my thoughts are your thoughts and I see and think through the filter of Your Word.

 

AMEN

Journal Ps 119:121-152 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “I am your servant; give me understanding that I may know your testimonies!  It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken.

 

Therefore: I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.

Therefore: I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.

 

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore, my soul keeps them.  The unfolding of your words gives light: It imparts understanding to the simple.  I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commandment.  Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.  Keep steady my steps according to your promise and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”  Ps 119:125-133

 

Observation: Action, reaction.  Give me understanding—therefore, what happens?  There is an outcome to being intentional about the Word of Life.

 

Analysis: The exclamation “I am your servant” might be something that is missing in our prayers on a consistent basis.  I wonder why?

 

Psalms 119 is pretty focused.  Pounding, repeating, and pounding again:

 

• I love your commandments, more than anything.
• Your testimonies are wonderful.
• Unfolding your word gives light, illumination.
• It imparts understanding to the simple.
• All your precepts (principles) are right.

 

Huh…do you think we get here overnight?

 

While I will not ever discount the power of the Holy Spirit to supercharge desire for the Word, most times we are consigned to the hand on the plow, farming faithfully to find what God will bring to light.

 

I have been writing intensely, sometimes so intense I am forgetting where the Joy of the Lord is in all of this?  That thought was dropped in my heart while I was driving the other day.

 

There have been times in my life where the Holy Spirit opened my eyes so wide at something in the Word that I dropped what pencil I had in my hand and threw my hands up in praise and astonishment.  Most of the time what happens (if anything) is that my mouth straightens up in a grin because something I just read made a tumbler in a lock click, just one click closer to having understanding unlock before me.

We study to make Learning (Doctrine) and Practice meld into one.

 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, please make this so in me.  I don’t want to be a man of learning and not simultaneously a man of practice in godliness.  Neither do I want to be a man of all “do” and not anywhere near a man of “no know.”  To grow mature, I need “Know” and “Do.”

 

AMEN

Journal Ps 119:97-120 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end…Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!

 

You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.  All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.

 

My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of your judgments.” Ps 119:112, 116-120

 

Observation: There is something about the Law of God, His Word, that the Psalmist holds especially important.  Oh, wait: is it because in His Word we find life and in parallel we learn to fear God?

 

Analysis: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov 1:7) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Prov 9:10)

 

Here are two statements that I will wager are highlighted in many copies of personal bibles.  I know they have been in mine.

 

Wisdom and knowledge–Found in the “Fear of the LORD.”  At least, if someone wanted Wisdom and/or Knowledge, they could find it in the Fear of the Lord.

 

Folks seemingly do not want that; they are much more inclined to focus on the “love” of the Lord.  I wonder why that is?

 

A thought comes to mind: Is it because “love” as man conceives it is something positive and stable?  Is it appealing?  Sure, it is: who exalts or makes fear more important over love?  What about bible verses pointing out to those who love God, and that God loves?

 

But, concerning fearing God (a verb, something that we are to do), is there a conflict?  Is there a dichotomy?  Is the Word of God double speaking?  No, it isn’t.  And further, it isn’t a choice, such as: “Fear God or Love God…uh, I guess I choose to Love God—leave that “fearing God” to someone else.  They are soooo unenlightened.”

 

I think of it this way: Because, putting aside my being redeemed, born again, I am ate up with sin in my inward parts, Holy Judgment is still my lot at the end of my days.  It is my confession in faith that Jesus died for me, became the propitiation for my sin, that saves me from God’s Holy and Righteous Wrath.  That is the meaning behind “holding my confession until the End.”

 

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful…as you see the Day drawing near.

 

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the Truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a tearful expectation of judgment… “(Heb 10:23-24 and v26-27)

 

Even the 24 elders before the Throne fell on their face and worshipped. (Rev 4:10) To be sure, they also sang and played harps and threw their accumulated crowns at His Feet, saying, “Only You are worthy, O God, O Lamb.”

 

It is hard in my own skin to develop a healthy, robust, biblical Fear of God without asking God to make it so in my heart.  And to do that, I must intentionally INCLINE my mind to his Testimonies—read and study my backside off and hang around people who are doing the same.

 

In the same way that God’s character is equally Joy and Wrath (just to name two), God is doing the same in us, conforming us to the image of the Son. (Ro 8:29)

 

Prayer:  Father, thanks for giving me the opportunity to write about You again.  It is declaring You to the nations that is most important for in You is the Gospel.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Scripture –

Isaiah 55:10-11 – For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Observation –

God’s word is analogous to rain and snow which come from heaven to water the earth and make things grow.  God’s word is seed for the person who sows and the bread of life for the one who eats it.  God’s word like the rain does not return void, the word will do as He has planned.

Application –

My role is to take advantage of the opportunities I have to share the word of God with others.  Maybe today the word I share with someone is planting a seed to grow.  First, I have to be in the Word to know it and have fresh bread. I have to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to give me the right thing to say and do in the situations which God has placed me.  Knowing that when God’s word goes out it succeeds in accomplishing His purpose gives me confidence in reassuring me that this is not anything I’m doing, merely allowing the Spirit to work through me.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for this truth in your word.  Let me be in the word and allow the Spirit guide me to share it with others knowing that your word will fulfill the purpose for which you sent it.

Journal Ps 119:25-48 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “I have CHOSEN the way of faithfulness; I SET your rules before me. (v30)

 

I WILL KEEP your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place for I have SOUGHT your precepts. (v44)

 

TEACH me, O Lord, the way of your statues and I will keep it to the end. (v33)

 

GIVE me understanding that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. (v34)

 

(…for) I find my DELIGHT in your commandments, which I love. (v47)

 

I will lift my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statues. (v48)   (Excerpts from Ps 119:25-48)

 

Observation:  There are times of study in which it is appropriate to find key words, key phrases, and patterns to consider and think about.  Psalms 119 is a good place to practice a different kind of study process.

 

Analysis:  One of the first effective practices of study I encountered is to highlight verbs and adverbs; you know, action words and/or phrases.  “I will, I shall, do [this] or [that]” are those kinds of highlights you will find in some of my various bibles on my shelf.  It is still a good practice and very effective.

 

I have begun looking for the patterns of intent in the Scriptures.  The above references are showing a particular pattern:

 

1. My decision or intent to objectively pursue.
2. Calling upon the Lord to provide ability through supernatural intervention.
3. Stating what will be the subjective result.

 

The Gospel, God’s Sovereignty, and Human Responsibility are all present here.

 

• I can decide and intend (purpose) to study His Word.  All good and specifically my Responsibility.  “…that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.” (Acts 17:27a)
• Because of indwelling sin (according to the Gospel), the Word of Life can be studied but it takes the Holy Spirit to imbed His Word in my heart.  I need to call on the Help of God (His Sovereignty) in faith that He will provide according to my prayer.
• And, in faith, the result should be anticipated and desired that DELIGHT and LOVE of His Word will erupt in my being because it is His delight to answer this prayer.

 

Psalms 119 is broadly about seeking Him through His Word and cultivating delight.  His Word and God go hand in hand.  What is revealed here through the Bible (God’s self-revelation) is awesome, wondrous, and stupendous.  There are men who have studied it their whole lives…and that is what Men are called to do.

 

On a personal level, what are you wanting to be known for at the end of your days?  A David?  A Job? A certain apostle?  A father of the faith like Charlie Spurgeon?  A Wesley or Whitehead or Wilberforce?  How about a Keith Green?  Carson, Sproul, or Piper?  Is there someone I am inclined to imitate that I can name (like is suggested in Heb 13)?

 

There is nothing better in this life than to be absorbed and delighted in knowing Him and his ways.

 

Prayer:  Father, may I delight in searching for You all my days; never to think I have it all; never to rest on my laurels; never to think that one decision 5 decades ago can keep me fresh 5 decades later.  In you and only you, do I hope.

AMEN

Psa 119  v1-24

Scripture:

[21]You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
[22]Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
[23]Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
[24]Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.

Observation:

Versus 1-24 are all about obedience. Obedience with a righteous heart.

Application:

The world seems ever more filled with arrogant hateful people, including powerful rulers, who either don’t know the Lord or have strayed so far from him and his commands that they are totally lost. God will rebuke those people in his perfect timing.

This is not to say that we should turn a blind eye and sit passively to get walked on by unrighteous rulers disobedient to God’s word. We can and should push back with all the power of the Spirit living in us against the evil as it goes on around us.

It shouldn’t matter what the world thinks of us. What matters is what God thinks of us. That we are obedient to God and his commands, and that our obedience comes from a righteous heart. Obedience to God is far from being a chore. The more I follow the Lord and lock his commands deep in my heart, the more I delight in being more like Jesus and less like me, and the more my heart brakes when I disobey.

Prayer:

Lord I love you and desire to follow you and your commands with all my heart. Help me when I get fooled or confused into thinking that pleasing man is more important than obedience to you. Help me stay strong in this world where it seems evil is being called good and good is being called evil. Let me be a light shining to others, glorifying you in this dark world. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, amen.

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

Scripture: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith…Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.  Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you…” Heb 13:7 and 17.

 

Observation:  Being a leader is a heady and serious thing.  Being a follower is no less serious.  Oh, God: Where is your Voice?

 

Analysis:  Holy ambition should be sobering.  Wanna be leaders have to consider three things:

 

1. Leaders are watched and evaluated.  All the time.
2. Whatever leaders exhibit, imitation is soon to follow.
3. There is accountability for leaders from the Throne.

 

That should make prospective leaders shake in their boots.  Whether official, vocational leadership in the form of a Pastor or staff or non-vocational such as Elder or Deacon, all fall under this category.  It is a holy and fearful thing to be responsible for men’s souls.

 

What about us followers?  There is a holy responsibility here as well.  Three things:

 

1. Leaders are to be remembered and considered.  Are they speaking the Word of God (not just reciting scripture—not the same thing at all)?
2. Am I looking to imitate their faith?  Can I recognize it methodically?  How am I looking to implement such imitation?
3. If I am, how do I exhibit implementation so that the Leader can recognize success with Joy and not cause groaning?

 

How about something closer to home?  Husbands and wives?  Check out Eph 4 and 5 to start.  Husbands do not get left off the “responsibility before God” list.  Am I conducting myself in a trustworthy manner to be imitated?  Wives, are you seeing something in your husband to submit to holy imitation of?  Remember, according to the Scriptures, husbands are going to present you to the Throne and the outcomes will be judged. (Eph 5:22-33)

 

What if there are issues between the “imitatee” and the “imitator?”  The answer is always the same: merciful inquiries.  Ask questions, specific and pertinent.  Separate “worldly reasoning” from the Word of God, but “gut feelings?”  Sometimes gut feelings lead into good things to discuss.

 

I suppose the following is important: Pursuing the things that lead to godliness is the key for both the leaders and the ones being led (including husbands and wives—wives, you are in a pickle if you are not looking for your husband to be godly so you can imitate him and husbands, you cannot abdicate what God has appointed for you to be).

 

Finally:

• So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Ro 14:19)
• Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (1 Cor 14:1)
• But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.  Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Tim 6:11)
• So, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Tim 2:22)
• …let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.  1 Pet 3:11)

 

Prayer:  Father, everywhere I turn in your Word I see “pursue righteousness, pursue godliness.”

Confirm and accelerate that in my heart, O Lord.  Please.

AMEN

Rick Sutton

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

Scripture: (from the end of Chapter 11) “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us (in the here and now) they should not be made perfect.

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those who went before), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race set before us—looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Heb 11:39 through 12:3)

 

Observation:  Again, what is my vision?

 

Analysis:  Before someone gets bent out of shape that I am taking the theology of heaven out of context, I am only copying and relating what the Scriptures say and indicate.

 

Still, what the scriptures are indicating are:

1. Godly people of old, who have gone before, did not receive the Promises because New Covenant people (like us) needed to complete it.
2. There are witnesses (a great cloud, invisible, and not just angels) that are looking at what we are doing and accomplishing in striving to walk worthy of the Gospel.  Not tasks (like witnessing 3 times a day) but laying aside the weight of closely held sin.
3. Am I comparing what I am going through to what Jesus went through?  What the godly men who have gone before us have gone through?

 

When I became a Christian 50 years ago (a theologically questionable statement), it was in the early 70’s and the Cold War was still in the news.  End Times talk was predominant (“Late Great Planet Earth” by Hal Lindsey was a best seller, Tim LaHaye was becoming influential).

 

Would I take a bullet for Jesus?  Oh yeah, line me up, I will not fail to declare the Risen Jesus before a firing squad!! Easy to say at 15 years old.  After all, Jesus was coming back by the end of the decade…might as well get there first with a martyr’s crown.

 

Got older, better read, married, family, and Cold War talk not as intense, I started to live for today and plan for tomorrow and further out (just as the Scriptures teach).  Now, my thoughts went to “what am I supposed to do now?”

 

Candidly, I did not ever have much of an evangelist bent.  Most was just fear of man.  A small part was a lack of information and conviction of the relevance of the information I had.  Evangelism as I was taught and took seminars, read books, etc. about felt like so much salesmanship.  Besides, I am thinking, when I did “close the deal”, where am I going to take these folks to?  Discipleship of a new believer?  Churches I went to were not confident in their ability to grow new believers.

 

So, aware of this “cloud of witnesses” and especially the Holy Spirit upon my heart, Acts 13:36 came to life: “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep…”

 

Not “what is my purpose in God”, but what is His purpose in this generation?  These days I am not only pursuing His purpose in this generation, but the following.  I guess that is why I study and write–for my children, grandchildren, and my spiritual offspring.

 

And in case any of my writing hasn’t made it clear, I think declaring to walk worthy of the Gospel, building up the local church in strength of holy character and discipline, looking for the strength of the Holy Spirit in the Fruit of the Spirit, in power of the Spirit giftings and in prophecy, putting a 21^st Century stamp on the 1^st Century church in our locale is this Generation’s purpose of God.

 

Prayer:  My goodness, Father.  I didn’t mean to make this a testimony but am grateful that you put it on my heart and in my fingers to write.  My hope is that You are nodding in approval.  If not, a correction is coming my way, because you love me as a son.

 

It wouldn’t be the first time my foot experienced my mouth…

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

 

 

Journal Heb 11 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “For he (Abraham) was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”  Heb 11:10

 

Observation:  Am I cultivating a vision, a preferable future, the way that Abraham did in faith?

 

Analysis: I can look at Hebrews 11 and get caught up in the chapter of Heroes.  Goodness, there are stories to be found in those references.  What I tend to overlook is that many of the Heroes were celebrated, but just as many faded into the background, forgotten, overlooked, considered of no consequence to the overall Story—except God doesn’t see it that way.  In probably all of the cases, the ones of ignoble endings are the ones that God especially celebrates.

 

The question that comes to me is “What do I see?  What is my vision?  What do I see as a preferable future?”

 

Looking into the distance is not one of my strong suits.  For instance, I am more attuned to looking not much past my next paycheck.  It is the same with daily Christianity.  “Lord, please bless me today…”  I will lay odds that I am not alone.  But that is not what God recommends: “Without vision, people perish.” (Prov 29:18) It is not too far off the mark to think: “Without vision, people stagnate.”

 

But Abraham had a vision—a vision not based on his conniving or personal hopes, but on the Promise of God.

 

This is a personal challenge, akin to looking at the “man in the mirror.”  Not only am I daily evaluating myself to see if I am walking worthy of the Gospel (not a practice of doubt, but of determining where I can be better), but I am also cultivating a vision to see where I want to be at the End of my Days.

 

In addition to that, what is the preferable future and how do I respond to the Church (and the local church specifically)?  What is the church locally supposed to be?  How are people built?  How are people cared for?  What is the practical outworking of the church supposed to be like?

 

Is it Sundays and checking into the 1:28 moments faithfully?  Care Groups or Friend Groups—small groups meeting consistently with not only fellowship in mind, but prayer, teaching how to move forward in Christ, etc.  Journaling and spiritual disciplines? Book studies?  Can’t forget or neglect those instruments of Grace.  Singing in small groups.  What is the Vision that you want?

 

Some are ok with a meeting once per week and anything else is too much.  I don’t want that.

 

What is the vision that God wants us to have; wants me to have?

 

Here’s something to perhaps hang the vision of the Church’s hat upon: “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”  Acts 9:31

 

Prayer:  Father, is this old wine for these days or is it still new wine?  How can I speak about the Kingdom of God for this generation?  What is it that you want done and instilled in the breast of believers today?

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Scripture –

Hebrews 9:11-12 – But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Observation –

Jesus is our ultimate high priest who offered his own blood inheaven as a sacrifice once for all redeeming those who believe in the name of Jesus forever.  This is in contrast to the Old Testament priests who offered the blood of animals in the tabernacle or temple as atonement every year.

Application –

I have been redeemed eternally by the blood of Jesus.  There is not another day next year that a high priest has to sacrifice the blood of animals to cover my sins.  Jesus said, “It is finished” and he overcame death and brought believers form death to life.  There is nothing I have done to deserve the radical love of Christ nor anything I can do to earn it.  I am saved by the grace of God and the love of Jesus.  There is no one too far gone from the saving power of the Gospel and Jesus is not going back on the cross or in the grave.  I need to respond to the love Jesus has for me by receiving his love, loving God and others.  As I work to not be in my comfort zone and living to avoid pain, the following the question was posed at the 40 Days for Life Fall Kickoff event yesterday.  How will I love today?

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your grace and loving me so much to send Jesus to pay my sin debt in full so I can know you and make you known.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit give me strength, courage and the right things to say/do to love you and share you love in a winsome way where it desperately needed.

Journal Heb 8 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: (from Jeremiah 31:31-34) “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not like the covenant I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.  (For they did not continue in my covenant and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.)

 

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God and they shall be my people.

 

And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me—from the least to the greatest.  For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Heb 8:8-12

 

Observation:  Covenant making is a big deal in the Bible.  But what is bigger to note are the Covenants that God makes with Men unilaterally…

 

Analysis: “I will…” or “I shall…” are statements of unilateral intent.  “We agree…” or the like are conditional statements: It takes two to tango, contractually speaking.  If one of the parties doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain, the other is effectively released from doing theirs.

 

God defines his New Covenant with Israel and Judah, and by inference, the World.  “(God)…who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit…” (2 Cor 3:6) How else can we define what God does by “putting his laws into my mind and writing them on my heart so He will be my God and I will be his people…?”  It has to be by the unilateral function of the Spirit of God!

 

So, what are the stated implications?

 

After rescuing Israel from Egypt, they did not continue in worshipping God.  Today, worship has such a contextual and arbitrary meaning it is difficult to apply to how I am to relate to the Most High.  The phrase: “He is my God, and I am his people; only Him do I lay my life down for…” is the best I can come up with.  The escapees did not continue in this way and so God showed no concern for them.  I think of the Prodigal: Dad loved his son but let him do his thing while Dad showed no concern but cared for the son all the time.

 

After the 40-year wander, God made a unilateral Covenant: “I will, I shall…”  This was NOT a bargain and will never be a bargain.  Man does not “agree” with the Covenant as to enter into it.  (“Thank you, Lord, for your benefits.  I promise I will do my best and we’re square, right?”)  Man aligns with what God covenanted about in Faith—I believe that God is good for His Promise.  Again, the picture of the Prodigal: “Dad, I have been so dishonorable towards you.  I do not deserve to be called a Son.  Please, accept me in your House to be only a servant and I will be appreciative for as long as I live.”  No bargain, no expectations, no preconceived notions, only appealing to Mercy.

 

The Good News that is the Gospel is that God loves Man, despite being unlovable, a traitor, a scallywag from a line of scallywags all the way from Adam.  Bluntly, Man deserves the totality of God’s Holy Wrath—something that should never be far from the fact sheet concerning our personal Christianity.

 

Jesus died for my sin; for my being a scallywag.  Because I have faith in that (only response I should have concerning this FACT), I am redeemed and somehow “born again.”  This “born again” phrase could be akin to having my “heart’s operating code over-written” with His Laws in my mind and His Laws written in my heart.

 

Prayer:  Please write your laws deeper in my mind and upon my heart, O God.  Keep me from ever falling away and forgetting.  You, O Lord, are my God and Savior.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

 

Journal Heb 6 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instructions about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”  Heb 6:1-2

 

Observation:  Even back then there was a call to press into maturity and not be satisfied with elementary doctrines.

 

Analysis:  Once upon a time there was this guy named Felix.  He was a high muckety muck for Rome in the area of Caesarea, and Paul was being brought to him.  It was reported that Felix had a pretty accurate knowledge of the Way (Acts 24:22)—he knew his way around the shop-talk and scriptures and stuff.  Perhaps Felix could hold his own in discussions and debates.  I have known guys like that.

 

Paul was brought before Felix to plead his case.  “And as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed…” (Acts 24:25)

 

I noticed that these 3 subjects (righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment) are remarkably similar to what are categorized as “elementary doctrines” (repentance, faith, washings, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment).  Paul spoke about elementary things to Felix, someone who was noted to be more than acquainted with the doctrines of the Way…and he became scared.  So scared that for 2 years Felix didn’t talk to Paul again.

 

Elementary doctrines are powerful; powerful enough to scare folks to hide and avoid the Gospel in fear.  But the Scripture says we should not stay at the point of mastering elementary doctrines—but to press further in, press into maturity.

 

I was an umpire once, very familiar with the basics of the Game.  You need someone to call balls and strikes, to make the judgment calls of reaching base safely or not.  But I was called to take the umpires test to keep my license intact.  I found that I couldn’t pass the test.  It wasn’t the basics that I was being tested upon—no question that I was competent on the foundational things—it was the deeper issues of whether this or that was foul or fair, safe or out, interference or not, etc.

 

I used my gut convictions, based upon internal reasonings, and…failed the test.  Not once, but 3 times.

 

Never mind that the teams I umpired had confidence that the games were going to be called fairly and with gusto/effort— “they liked me, they really did like me…”, but when it came to the finer nuances of the Game, I had to take my best guess and tough it out with a lot of bravado.

 

Is that how most people do the Gospel?  Do they do it like painting a room: big, broad strokes are easy and fast, but who likes to do the trim?  Do I do the big broad strokes of the Gospel but when it calls to learn the “trim”, no thanks, too detailed for me?  Give me the broad strokes any day…

 

And let me live on milk alone.  How sad…

 

Prayer: Father, I have ZERO desire to live on milk.  And yet, I have to constantly review elementary foundations to assure I don’t go off the narrow path.  The more I review the Gospel and its foundations, the more confident I am in staying on the path of righteousness.

 

What I miss are the faithful brothers who are watching my back, engaging with me, making me review and review the basic assumptions of the Kingdom and the Plan of Redemption so I stay true to Him who called me by His marvelous Grace.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton