Category: Good Life Journal

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

 

Scripture: [To the church at Sardis] “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up and strengthen what remains…for I have not found your works complete in the sight of God.” Rev 3:1b-2

[To the church at Philadelphia] “I know your works. Behold I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Rev 3:8

[To the church at Laodicea] “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Rev 3:15-16

Observation: “I know your works.”

 

Application: When I started as a Christian way back when, Revelation was a big deal. I was fortunate enough to fall into a group of guys and subject matter experts that God used to emphasize the pragmatic side of Revelation and slightly de-emphasize the sensational side.

Yesterday, I looked at Ephesus and Pergamum. Sterile and shallow, I called them.

Today, looking at Sardis, Philly, and Laodicea, it seems that the descriptions would be Plastic/fake, powerless (not exercising what power they have), and uncommitted to a direction.

All three of these churches have this prophetic word consistent among them: “I know your works.”

I have gotten older (that’s what happens as time slips by), but hopefully I am wiser as well—I have navigated the issues of life (not very well I fully admit) but have kept in my grasp my “first love.”

All five of the descriptions of these churches describe me as well. I have struggled with being sterile and shallow years at a time. Plastic/fake, weak and powerless, and uncommitted. Many times, I have had to pull myself up by the scruff of my neck, slapped myself around a bit…only to find that I had to do it again an hour later and continue that for months.

David did as well. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God for I shall again praise him, my salvation, and my God.” (Ps 42:11)

This is not just a church review; this is a “face in the mirror” review. If I don’t start with the “mirror”, I am part of the problem, and not a part of the solution: “…this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God (who created all things), so that through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

 

This was according to the eternal purpose that he realized in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Eph 3:8b-11)

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for allowing me to work at a large corporation. My place was never among the hierarchy, but to be able to work faithfully at what was given, I think I made a difference and in your Name.

I pray for those you know I am thinking about. I pray and ask You give them a fresh confidence that you have used them faithfully and will continue to use them to the End of Days.

Help us to surrender more…

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

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

 

Scripture: [The Spirit to the church at Ephesus] “I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil but tested those who call themselves apostles and are not and found them to be false.

 

I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.

 

But I have this against you: (that) You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans (which I also hate). He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Rev 2:2-7

 

[To the church at Pergamum] “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet, you hold fast my name…you did not deny my faith…

 

But I have a few things against you: You have some there (among you) that hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also, you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent.” (Rev 2:12-16)

 

Observation: I think it is interesting that both churches are being evaluated by the Spirit concerning their faithfulness.

 

Application: Ephesus is faithful, but dead emotionally, perhaps just going through the motions however conscientious to the Gospel they are. They are testified about losing their first love, that excitement of discovering the Lover of their Souls.

 

Ephesus: Sterile.

 

Pergamum is faithful in a sacrificial way but with perhaps a surface understanding of the Gospel. They are the epitome of “good seed falling on rocky soil: Quickly taking root but having no depth.

 

Pergamum: Shallow.

 

Ephesus denies the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Pergamum allows some accommodation to the Nicolaitans. What, then, is the significance of the Nicolaitans?

 

Nicolaitans (followers of the deacon Nicolas?) have always bothered me. What were they? They were a significant influence and not in a good way. However, they oozed into churches and believer’s lives easily it seems.

 

“According to the writings of the Early Church leaders, Nicolas taught a doctrine of compromise…” (Renner.org; “Who were the Nicolaitans?”) was the best that I have found googling—and makes sense. What would the Spirit hate? Compromise; having another god before him.  The article referenced above implied that this deacon Nicolas had a foot on both sides of the line: “The evil fruit of Nicolas’ “doctrine” encouraged worldly participation, leading people to indulge in sin and a lowered godly standard.”

 

What should my standard of godliness be? What should I promote; what should I preach? When I point to the heavens and declare, “Follow me as I follow Christ”, what should I expect FROM MYSELF?

 

I want to be holy. I want to be godly. I want to walk worthy of the Gospel.

 

I cannot get too far from the instruction of Paul to Timothy: “…you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed…Rather train yourself for godliness…godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come…” (1 Tim 4:6-8)

 

Yet it occurs to me that Timothy was established as the Elder/Pastor of the church in Ephesus…and they ended up being testified as “working, faithful, but sterile—lost their first love…”

 

Prayer:  Dang it, Lord! You find a way to shake me at my roots once again. Just when I am getting comfortable with my life, you call me to SEEK YOU, find You, tilt my head to strain for your whisper…

 

Allow me to be patient as I wait upon you; not jumping at the first “good idea” but reacting positively just the same. I know I am talking out of both sides of my mouth but am also confident you are hearing when I call.

 

Unplug my ears, please.

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

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

 

Scripture: (John speaking) “Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and, in the midst of the lampstands one like a Son of Man, clothed with a long white robe and with a golden sash around his chest.

 

The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.

 

In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

 

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead, but he laid his right hand on me saying, ‘Fear not. I am the First and the Last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore…’” Rev 1:12-18a

 

Observation: Thirty-six or so months of hanging out with Jesus and a number of decades later, all John can do is fall down in fear.

 

Yep, I could have seen that one coming.

 

Application: Really, I am not as flippant about this as it reads. Seeing God is a serious thing, much more serious than contemporary Christianity portrays.

 

Thinking about this section of Revelation, I am reminded of three other instances in Scripture:

1. The temporary transfiguration of Jesus (Matt 17:1-7; esp. Mark 9:6 [Peter babbling] “…for he did not know what to say, for they were terrified…”)
2. Paul and the Damascus incident (Acts 9:1-9)
3. Moses and the burning bush (Ex 3:6b)

 

In each one of these, the Trinitarian God appeared, and the respondents reacted in fear. Real fear, not the deflected definition of fear that some folks want to forward—“The word ‘fear’ is properly translated as ‘deep respect’—We shouldn’t ‘be afraid of God’; God is Love, you know…” I think about this. When Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid”, he is not saying, “Don’t respect me.” Being afraid is about fear…

Tell that to all the folks to whom the Trinitarian God appeared to or the bunch of angels sent, like the shepherds in the night—there is hardly a place in the Scriptures where heavenly beings appeared and “fear” wasn’t the next description of the humans being appeared to.

“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” (Luke 2:9)

 

There is a place for familiarity with Jesus. I appreciate that he is not only my Lord and God, but he is my advocate before the Holy Judge (Himself! That is a mind twister…”And [the Father] has given [the Son] authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man…” (John 5:27)) and is my Friend.

 

But there is also a place for worship and fear, and perhaps I don’t remember that well enough; my heart does not burst, tears do not flow, I am not stricken to my knees and fall on my face. I do not sing in worship as if it is my last breath, I do not squeeze my eyes shut so that I would not gaze on his Glory in arrogance and pride, etc. etc.

 

Solomon had it going on:

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov 1:7
• Because they hated knowledge and did not CHOOSE the fear of the Lord…Prov 1:29
• …then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…Prov 2:5
• Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil…Prov 3:7
• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight…Prov 9:10
• The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life…Prov 14:27

 

This makes me think of the Jewel figure of the Gospel…lots of stuff equal in brilliance and intensity…and yet I can only think of them one at a time.

 

Prayer: Father, please keep me in wonder about You and yet focused at the same time.

 

Build me, mold me, into the shape of the vessel you want me to be.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture

 

Vs 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

 

VS 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith

 

VS 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God

 

Vs 9 the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”

 

Vs 14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousand of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment

 

Vs 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”

 

Vs 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear,

 

Observation

 

Jude is writing to instruct the faithful believers to contend for the faith.

And to not be shocked that others are perverting the grace of God with their ungodliness and immorality.

 

God will eventually execute His judgement on this.

And in the meantime, I am to wait for his mercy.

And I am to be merciful to the doubters around them.

 

Application

 

A lot of talk about judgement in the verses.

But what stands out to me is that all the judging is the role of God.

 

I think it’s important to distinguish the type of judgments and who is judging.

 

Jude calls for me to “contend for the truth” … that is to judge, but more specifically to have “discernment”.

 

Jude says others are “designated for condemnation” and the Lord will “execute judgement”.

 

So, there are 2 types of “judging” … “discernment” and “condemnation”.

 

Only one of those is my role … “discernment”.

God’s role is “condemnation”

 

I discern truth from lie … today and every day.

God condemns … judging eternity.

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, again, God, for your Word

Help me so see truth clearly

And have it effect my desires

Help me to see others clearly

And leave the condemning to you

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Journal Matt 28 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.

 

And when they saw [Jesus] they worshiped him…but some doubted.

 

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matt 28:16-20a

 

Observation: Yep, the Great Commission—the same commission found in Mark 16:15, Luke 24:45-47, and Acts 1:1-8. All of them have a singular theme, with variations.

 

But what about here?

 

Application: I wonder about the Disciples that doubted.

 

All saw Jesus. It is indicated that all recognized him here. All worshipped.

 

Why did some doubt and who doubted?

 

It is written that Thomas doubted, “I will not believe until I stick my hand into His wounds…”, a pretty gutsy thing to say; Tom was obviously dramatic, theatrical, and didn’t mind getting his hands gooey with blood. I wonder why Tom chose this to make a stand. He was sent out to heal folks, cast out demons, preach the coming kingdom…but now? “You all are obviously fooled and delusional,” Tom says, “Me? I want to touch His appendix and squeeze His liver before I believe…”

 

Jesus appeared, lifted his robe, and said, “Here I am, Tommy, try Me…”

 

Thomas came around and believed…and probably felt foolish for the rest of his life. Maybe the Others never let him forget it. “Hey, remember when Tom here challenged Jesus? Stick his hand into the wounds? Remember the look on Tom’s face?” “Come on, stop teasing me…You guys are bad…”

 

How did this episode help the Disciples start on the Commission? How did they begin? It did help, I think. Had to. God would not have included the story in the Scriptures if He didn’t want us to think about it.

 

Taking all the Commission stories and making it a synthesis, the best clue is found in Luke 24: “…repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47)

 

Maybe the next clue is, “…make disciples…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt 28:19-20)

 

My question to myself is: Am I taught to observe all He has commanded? This is a “face in the mirror” question, one that is not dependent on outside actions (like preaching, reading, and studying), but is wholly dependent on my personal intention: Do I want to increase and excel in godliness?

 

Ok, that may be too much for this posting. How about preaching the Gospel? Do I start from “…dead in our sin…”, and repent? Or do I start from “Jesus has a wonderful life for you if only you will confess “He is Lord?”” I think the dynamics are tremendously apart from one another.

 

Confession: I am frightened to preach from Sin, Repent, and be saved for fear of offending the listener. Shucks, even confessing believers can be offended—I was, for a long time.

 

The question continues, “Is this ground zero for preaching the Gospel and committing to the Commission?”

 

So, to be clear, I am challenging myself with this post. I am horrible at evangelizing but getting better as the Holy Spirit brings folks. Right now, I am focusing on stretching out to strangers in the grocery store to lay hands and pray for them and continuing to review reciting the Gospel story from when it started: From before Time began.

 

Prayer: Father, in my weakness, you are made strong. Help me to be courageous.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture —

Matthew 27:51 – And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

 

Observation –

The curtain in the temple separated the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place. Verse 51 comes right after Jesus cried and yielded his Spirit.  Jesus, who is sovereign over everything, gave himself over to death and the veil was torn. The veil was torn from the top to the bottom and no longer were people separated from God.  The death and resurrection of Jesus made a way for sinful people to be reconciled to God.  The earth shaking and rocks splitting are signs of judgement as witnessed by the centurion.

 

Application –

A perfect sinless Jesus took on the sins of the world on the cross at Calvary.  When Jesus died the curtain that separates sinful people from their holy creator God was torn to make a way to be reconciled.  The judgement of the world was paced on Jesus and when he rose on the 3rd day to overcome death God made a way for all who believe in Jesus to be right with God.  God loves me so much that he sent Jesus to pay the debt I couldn’t.  My response is place my faith in Jesus and believe with my heart and confess with my tongue that Jesus is Lord and savior.  I must invite him into my life and live to follow him to know him and make him known.  There will be a coming day of judgement where every knee will bow and every tongue confess.

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your love and grace in sending Jesus to pay for my sin debt in full so I can be repent, be reconciled and have a relationship with you.  Let me remember the gospel every day and live with a sense of urgency to share your love and extend your glory.

 

Journal Matt 26:47-75 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: Now the betrayer [Judas Iscariot] had given them [the soldiers] a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!”, and he kissed him.

Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands upon Jesus and seized him.

And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword. (He)…struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place (for all who take the sword will perish by the sword). Do you think that cannot appeal to my Father and he will at once send me more than twelve legions (around 60,000) of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled…” (Matt 26:48-54a; see also Mark 14:49, Luke 22:49-50, and especially John 18:10 specifically identifying Peter as the hot head cutting of the ear.)

Observation: Disciples can be just as ornery, cantankerous, and unstable as the rest of us on a day-to-day basis. Maybe it is good that swords are not part of the daily dress code.

 

Application: Some days are good…and some are not so good.

My bet is that this bothered, even haunted Peter for a long time.

One of the best practices I have encountered is the reading of the Plan and writing of it. I am starting to realize that Scripture isn’t neatly divided into chapters and verse as standalone references, but it flows from each other into a larger and coherent storyline.

However, I realize that the narrative completes overarching principles and becomes doctrine so that I can hang my hat on factual certainties of the Purposes of God.

Up to this point, Jesus was preparing the Disciples for Gethsemane, “Get ready, for the Son of Man is going to be given up to the authorities to be killed for your Redemption and to fulfill prophetic purpose. Now, let’s go pray…”

The Twelve (Eleven? Was Judas in the Garden with Jesus praying? I do not remember…) declared, “We are with you Master, to the end!! To infinity and beyond!”, but, nodded off. Dawn arrives, Judas with soldiers in tow, Peter rubbing sleep out of his eyes realizing he was caught by surprise.

Peter pulls out his sword and does his best Zorro impression and slices the ear off the nearest and (probably) unarmed guy, Malchus. (Peter is no fool…he is from the docks, right?) Jesus tells Peter, “Put the sword back into the sheath, Pete…” and picks up the ear, places it on the obviously screaming and going into shock, Malchus, and heals him.

The point that I am thinking about today is that I can read and read, but if I am not PREPARING for THAT DAY, then I can revert to my worldly and fleshy reflexes. Preparation is a focused intention:

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being TRAINED IN THE WORDS OF THE FAITH and OF THE GOOD DOCTRINE that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. RATHER TRAIN YOURSELF FOR GODLINESS; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way…For to this end we toil and strive because we have our hope set on the living God…” (excerpts from 1 Tim 4:6-10)

 

Peter eventually got his head back on straighter, ultimately leading the first church in Jerusalem. But I wonder if every time he touched his ear, did his thoughts go back to the Garden and did he wince? He understood he was forgiven by the Master (just like Paul who was a murdering scoundrel—that is another story). But with every thought of sin, Peter had to exert himself to remember Grace.

Just like I do.

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving the Holy Spirit. If it wasn’t for you, then the exercise and process of “not being conformed to this world  but being transformed (putting forth EFFORT) by the renewal of your mind…” (Ro 12:2a) I appreciate that you direct me to engage in this process rather than just wait for the “osmosis effect” to take place.

Forgive me for my wandering thoughts (especially at night). Help me to take every thought captive in your Name:

“…and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor 10:5)

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Matt 26:1-46 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And [Jesus] took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is the blood of the covenant which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until THAT DAY when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matt 26:26-30)

Observation: I wonder what hymn they sang. I wonder what the subject matter was. I wonder who led it. I wonder if it was pre-prepared or spontaneous, and if it was something they all knew…

Singing is so important in the Kingdom…

 

Application: What do you sing after communion?

I am sure I could come up with something deep in my portfolio of songs that I can’t play. But it isn’t the music,

It is the lyrics.

No doubt that catchy tunes make for enjoyable singing. I have been thinking of the miracle in God creating 8 significant vibrations that make the sounds known as “notes.” There are the in-between notes known as flats or sharps, but all have their foundation in 8 notes.

Truly a miracle in that I don’t recognize it as such. Nobody has come up with any alternative that doesn’t use these 8 notes as a base. I don’t think Man can.

But lyrics, that is another subject.

I have questions that I pose myself often:

• What am I singing about?
• To whom am I singing?
• What is the subject matter?
• Am I singing because I like the tune and “who cares” about the lyrics or am I being discerning and discriminating about what I sing my heart about?

I like the songs I grew up with, the late 50’s to 70’s rock and roll, R&B, easy listening…Beatles, Beach Boys, Motown, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Monkees, Three Dog Night, and I could go on and on. But I must admit, while I have a fond place in my heart for these, I don’t sing them much anymore (except now that I have mentioned them, my mental Rolodex is searching…)

The chorus’ are benign enough, but the lyrics can get racy and suggestive. I will bet today’s music follows a similar pattern.

What about Christian music? This pops up between my ears:

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since (I) have become dull of hearing…(I) need someone to teach (me) again the basic principles of the oracles of God. (I) need milk, not solid food (preferable), for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness…But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore, let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity… (excerpt from Heb 5:11-6:1a)

What I sing about is what I reinforce in the quiet and rowdy, down and up times of my daily life. I do not have to ponder on how to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes 5:17) because I know that I sing in my head without calling up an effort.

Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 songs in his life, many to reinforce Christian Doctrine in a catchy way. Many are still sung…but could use some freshening up in the music. The group Indelible Grace is good for stuff like that. We are fortunate to have good hymn writers today, focusing on solid songs and lyrics such as the Getty’s, Redman, Townsend, and others—stuff to support me with doctrine through all hours.

What do I sing? What am I reinforcing? Am I growing mature when I sing? Am I challenging myself with God exalting lyrics…or self?

Prayer: Lord God, God of wonder and majesty. Thank you for music. Thank you for gifted men and women who look to exalt you in lyric and song. Keep me focused on You all the rest of my days.

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Matt 25 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory (and all the angels with him) then he will sit on his glorious throne.

Before him will be gathered all the nations and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. [Why?] For I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry (and feed you), thirsty (and give you drink)? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matt 25:31-40

Observation: It is difficult not to notice in Matt 25 the three sections of performance objectives given by the Holy Spirit. What, then, of those of us who have failed?

 

Application: I read all three sections this morning. And my heart sank with each one.

I am glad my heart sank; I would hate it if I read these and not one ending statement did not move me. In fact, I am resisting smoothing over my “feelings” by remembering the Grace of God too soon. I need the remorse of failure so repentance can have its work:

• For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret… (2 Cor 7:10a)
• …God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth…(2 Tim 2:25b)
• The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness but is patient toward you—not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance. (2 Pet 3:9)
• …Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing [or understanding/acknowledging] that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Ro 2:4)

Persevering to the End: that is what this Chapter says to me. It is not about the following:

• 5 virgins who waited too long for the Bridegroom.
• 1 guy who was frozen with unrighteous fear before the Master.
• Or, who composes the group identified as the Goats who are doomed?

It is about:

• 5 virgins who keep themselves ready for That Day.
• The 1 guy investing for the Master.
• Being a sheep who hears his Master’s voice.

Is it about recounting my failures, things I should have done better? It sure is, and why? So that I can lay it at the foot of the Cross, remembering that Jesus paid the price for my Redemption, and because of that, I can press into the high calling of being transformed into the image of Christ (Ro 8:29):

• Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, [to be clear,] I do not consider I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:12-14)

Prayer: Lord God, I ponder on the possibility that acknowledgement of sin and/or general failure to align with your instructions, confession and repentance that has teeth, is a skill for disciples to develop—if not a spiritual gift to use.

Nevertheless, help me, allow me to develop and excel in this. For your glory…

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Matt 23 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matt 23:12

Observation: Easy to say, harder to do, although I would rather give humbling myself a go first rather than God humbling me…

 

Application: Being humble is different than humbling myself, going through a process so that I would become humble.

To humble myself, I would think identifying where I am not humble (in particulars) would be necessary.

Is pride the opposite of humble? Seems that would be a Homer Simpson moment of clarity. What does it say in the scriptures? I guess I must define both. Pride first (but only 5 references):

1. Is speech that is contemptuous: “Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt” Ps 31:18
2. Is arrogance and perversion: “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Prov 8:13
3. Is destructive, condescending, and snooty: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov 16:18
4. Is deceptive and misleading: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down…?” Obadiah 3a
5. Pride is not holy, far from it: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16

All pride in Man stems from this: “But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it (the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…” Gen 3:4-5

Thinking that I am like God, is an exhilarating thing, right? Enough to have pride all over the place, not needing God.

What about humility? Humility is understanding and considering Who is Preeminent and it is not me. Here goes 5-ish:

1. Don’t get them flipped: “Humility comes before honor” Prov 15:33b and Prov 18:12b
2. It is something to be sought: “…seek righteousness, seek humility…” Zeph 2:3
3. Consider:
4. “Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully will all your heart. For consider what great things HE has done for you.” 1 Sam 12:24.
5. “Hear this, O Job: stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14
6. “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other…” Ecc 7:14

There is a descriptive attitude about humility to be found:

4. “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.” Phil 2:3-4

 

Lastly, a word bubbled up: Contentment. Pride and humility have contentment involved:

• “Because he knew no contentment in his belly, he will not let anything in which he delights escape him.” Job 20:20 Sounds like a precursor to Pride?
• “But godliness with contentment is great gain…” 1 Tim 6:6 If I can rest in the Cross and the Gospel of God alone, I can put the sin of Pride in its place…

Prayer: Holy Spirit, this is way easier to write about than do. I think about the 24 elders surrounding the throne referenced in Rev 4:10-11:

• “…the 24 elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. The cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things…”

My goodness, these guys had their heads on straight!! Please refine me that I may have my head on as straight.

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture
Matthew 22:37-40 – And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Observation –
A Pharisee, who was a lawyer asked Jesus what the greatest commandment in the Law was to try and test Jesus. Jesus tells the lawyer, first we are to love God with our entire being. Our love for God is not just intellectual but heart, soul and mind. The second great commandment which is like the first is love your neighbor as yourself.
Now who doesn’t love themselves, that is how we should love and treat others. Everything else, all the Law on Prophets hinges on Loving God and loving others.

Application-
1John 4:19 says, We love because he loved first. God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to die for us while we were still sinners. My response is to love God with everything I have before anything else. I can intellectually know God, but he wants my heart and soul to love Him. Out of my love for God, I want know Him and walk closer to Him. I need to have eyes open as God sees and a heart broken with compassion for those who are hurting and lost. When I love God as He loves me, I will so love my neighbors here and around the world. This is the gospel, love God, love your neighbors.

Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for loving me so much that you sent Jesus to pay for my sin debt in full so I can repent be reconciled and have a relationship with you. Let the power of the Holy Spirit lead and guide me to love my neighbors a you love me to glorify you.

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

Scripture: “That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down—and the whole crowd stood on the beach.

And [Jesus] told them many things in parables, saying:

• A Sower went out to sow.
• And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path and the birds came and devoured them.
• Other seeds fell on rocky ground (where they did not have much soil) and immediately they (the seed) sprang up since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched. And since they had no depth of soil, they withered away.
• Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
• [Still] other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

He who has ears, let him hear.” Matt 13:1-9

Observation: Even in the Kingdom, there are lessons on the return of investment. In this case, Jesus is talking about the inherent risk of the Gospel and what disciples should be aware of.

 

Application: I think this is a corollary of Matthew 28 or what is known as the Great Commission.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt 28:19 and 20)

Mark says it this way:

“And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation…” (Mark 16:15)

 

Only when these two scriptures are taken together are the two major points of the Commission emphasized:

1. Go and preach the Gospel.
2. Make disciples.

I am not of the persuasion that “making converts” equates to “making or being a disciple.” The parable of the soils indicates that, if I do the math, only 1 out of 4 becomes what the scriptures would describe as a disciple.

So, is there a scriptural emphasis on “preaching the Gospel” (or witnessing), or is there an emphasis on making (constructing, building, etc.) disciples—“teaching them all I have commanded you.”?

And, if I were to deconstruct this some more, is any response to the Gospel due to my effort, technique, etc., or is it God’s Sovereignty alone?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father (who has given them to me) is greater than all and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)

So, the Scripture says only His sheep hears his voice and the result is that they follow Him. What does that say about the 75% that do not follow and become disciples?

Personally, I conclude: Not my responsibility. As a “wanna-be” disciple, I am instructed to:

1. Preach the Gospel. If 1 out of 4 (a .250 batting average) nets a disciple, it is only of God’s Sovereignty that it occurs.
2. Make an effort to make disciples. This one I can help influence (under the doctrine of Man’s Responsibility), first by making all effort to be a disciple and not rest on “calling myself a disciple.” Check out what Paul says to Timothy:

“…you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness… (1 Tim 4:6b-7)

 

Practice these things. Immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress…” (1 Tim 4:15)

Prayer: Lord God, you see my struggles. I don’t know whether my physicality is betraying me or the grip on my mind is weak and my love for you is frail.  You see the temptations that have cropped up lately. Strengthen me to resist and say no.

Please keep my thoughts stayed upon You. Only You have the words of life.

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Matt 20 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: [The owner of the vineyard is speaking] “But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.

 

Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?” Matt 20:13-15

 

Observation: A parable of God’s Sovereignty…

 

Application: This could be a parable of worker justice. It could be about the owner’s kindness. It also could be about griping and complaining, thinking there was a call for it. What about just being thankful?

 

It could be these things and a few more I haven’t thought about yet.

 

This reference caught my eye: “Am I not allowed to do what I choose…with what belongs to me?”

 

If I substitute “salvation” for “denarius”, what does that mean? In the text, who has the dominate “choice?”

 

Prayer: Expand understanding of the Gospel and its process among Men, O God.

 

Help your people ponder and think about You…

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Matt 19 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “And behold, a man came up to him, saying, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’” Matt 19:16

 

Observation: Everyone looks for a list…

 

Application: I know I do, and I know better.

 

What one thing, or multiples of things, can I do so I can be “in like Flynn” with God?

 

The attitude is insidious. No matter how “good” the task is, or how “good” I act, nothing I do (repeat: NOTHING) can get me into God’s graces. But I still think of accumulating “brownie points.”

 

Knowing this doesn’t stop me from thinking or acting like I can do something to bypass surrendering in faith. How, then, can I change my ways?

 

Scripture comes to mind:

“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, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good…acceptable…and perfect.” (Ro 12:1-2)

 

How can I transform my mind? One way is to “preach the Gospel” to myself—not just reciting John 3:16, but going through all the points that make up the Gospel…and doing that daily. Things like:

1. How the incommunicable attributes of God affect my understanding of the Gospel.
2. The atoning work of Jesus was all the Trinitarian God’s doing. My individual benefit is of no consequence.
3. Man’s sin and the accurate definition is essential to correctly defines the extent of God’s execution of justice and the extent to which his grace is given simultaneously.
4. Etc., etc.

 

My wife received a text this morning from a person she knows on the other side of the world, Thailand. The main point of the text? Explain the justice of God concerning those who have not heard about Jesus.

 

I tried not to tip-toe and provide a ‘saccharine’ gospel answer with my wife, opting to be firm in what the scriptures said without providing references (which I determined would create a barrier). It is relevant to know that the Gospel is the Good News about the atoning work of the Son (and includes Justice in not only Redemption but also Wrath).

 

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your atoning work on the Cross. I get a glimpse (faintly) of what the elders might be feeling as they toss the crowns back at your feet, those same crowns you awarded them with. Crowns they accurately understood as not worthy to have.

 

Expand my understanding of the Gospel even deeper so that one day I may be able to explain it to a child.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Matt 18 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone…” Matt 18:15

 

Observation: It is about fear and communication. What is a “fault?”

 

Application: This is an issue I constantly deal with: Can I, do I, really recognize a “sin” against me?

 

Three things I must take in consideration:

1. Have I been offended AND is that “offense” a sin against me?
2. Do I “overlook” that offense? Is my decision based upon grace or fear?
3. If I don’t overlook an offense, is my decision based upon grace (with a focus on reconciliation) or is it arrogance driving my confrontation?

 

This is tough writing this because my thoughts are bouncing around between my ears. I don’t have a single, overarching answer.

 

Popping to the top of my mind is that Jesus didn’t say a word:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice is denied him…” (Acts 8:32-33 from Is 53:7)

This is radical for mere mortals. I frequently get offended (with its resulting anger and self-defense) and find myself bubbling over from my internal volcano, wanting to strike out.

 

Then this also jumps out:

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Prov 19:11)

I get the concept of “glory in overlooking a matter”, but now I think of the predicate: Having good sense. Do I have good sense?

 

“Be honest, open, candid with honorable concern, merciful practice, and with fierce personal transparency” is a reminder I wrote for myself several years ago. It corresponds to dealing with The Face in the Mirror before dealing with others, like taking the log out of my own eye before looking at the speck in someone else’s.

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the LOG that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye. You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye…” (Matt 7:3-5a)

 

Further, the scripture is clear and unambiguous: Anger comes because I want my own way:

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” (James 4:1-2a)

 

Perhaps it is as simple as that: I get angry because I want something and am not getting it. I want something and I stomp my feet like a child. It doesn’t matter what that “something” is, it is my reaction, not in good sense, putting Me first and not in desiring godliness, that matters before the Throne.

 

Tough words, and I am writing to remind myself above all. One solution? Humble and frequent confession, not with only bearing my soul to another, but with the target of exposing my sin.

 

Addendum: It has been my experience that just “confessing” to God isn’t enough. All sin committed is first against God and should be confessed and sought forgiveness for. Unfortunately, God isn’t feared enough to make this a horrendous thing to do.

 

Confessing sin to a man, to a friend, is way more fearful to do…again, unfortunately.

 

Prayer: Lord God, it is with shame that I confess that I don’t fear You enough. You are God over all creation, and you (the Trinity) made a way to your presence that I don’t deserve to have. That acknowledgment alone is enough to begin to comprehend your fearsome presence.

 

Help me, make me into the image of the Son.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes