Category: Daily Walk

God Asks Questions

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Exhortation, Genesis 16Leave a comment

Genesis 16:7–8 (MEV): The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness. It was the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?”
And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

I love the patterns established in Genesis. This particular exchange leads us back to God seeking Adam and Eve after they sinned.

Genesis 3:8–13 (MEV): Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
He said, “ I heard Your voice in the garden and was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself.”
And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”
Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

There is a simplicity here that is often overlooked. When God seeks a lost one, one that has sinned, He seeks them out. Let’s remember that all of this happens before the law was given and before Jesus came. God seeks the sinner in order to restore the broken relationship.

When He finds the one, He gently leads to the problem by asking a question. He’s not asking for information, there is another purpose to His questions.

In each of these examples, God asks a question and it is followed by a confession of sin.

Oh, I know some of you are going to scoff. You’re going to say that there is no contrition or sorrow in the responses… As if feelings have anything to do with a confession of truth.

Sometimes just a simple acknowledgement of our foibles in the presence of a Holy yet loving God is all that is needed. We don’t have to pound our chests, or cry rivers of tears. A simple confession saying this is the problem is the first step to conquering the problem together.

When you sin, don’t wait until you actually feel sorrow or remorse for what you did. Go to your Heavenly Father and confess it. He’s waiting.

Your Song is More Beautiful

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Encouragement, Exhortation, Job 35, WorshipLeave a comment

But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?’

Job 35:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Have you considered that God has taught you more than He has any other beast on Earth?

Seriously consider how beautiful the song of a bird is. God has taught you more than that bird. The songs you make are going to be better. It doesn’t matter if they are sung in the night or day, in gladness or despair. Even if out-of-tune, that song is going to be far more precious than the song of any bird.

None of us ever have to wonder where God is.

Being Ready for Spiritual Warfare

On By TimIn Armor of God, Children, Daily Walk, Employees, Employers, Encouragement, Ephesians 06, Exhortation, Fruitfulness, Gifts, Husbands, Justification, Relationships, Spiritual Warfare, WivesLeave a comment

Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In my reading, it occurred to me that what we consider to be the epitome of preparation for spiritual warfare as being Paul’s description of the armor we must wear. These are his final thoughts on the subject. In order to understand the necessary function of the armor and to be able to trust it doesn’t work without all of the other preceding things that are the foundation for it. We must roll back a few chapters to understand.

Corporate Life at Church

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, exhort you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called. With all humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul says lots about corporate fellowship. It’s the start, to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We are to do it in patience, meekness, and humility. We are to bear one another in love. Paul is not saying we bear the heathen in love, but one another. And with it, we ought to be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit.

I cannot help to think how easy it is for us to break fellowship for the slightest things. People will leave churches because the church ain’t going their way. Someone will be asked to leave a church because he doesn’t toe the line. We don’t bear well with each other as corporate bodies. I’d dare say that in our churches we are sorely fit to do any sort of spiritual warfare.

There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The essentials are in Spirit. We divide in the flesh. We just keep these things in mind.

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also He who ascended far above all the heavens that He might fill all things.)

Ephesians 4:7–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is more here than I am going to speak about, but I will leave that for you to search on your own. What we have spiritually is from Jesus Himself. He gave the gifts to each of us in the exact measurements we needed to fulfill our purpose in the body.

All of us are needed in fellowship. Our local bodies are ill-equipped if we remove ourselves from fellowship, or even kick someone out. Each of us is essential.

He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so we may no longer be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.

Ephesians 4:11–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What gifts we each possess are for the equipping of the saints. Often these giftings are used for self-edification and aggrandizement. They are given to us for others, to equip them. It’s the work of Jesus to which we are called. I can assure you that you know someone who has attached one or more of these titles to the beginning of their name. That doesn’t edify others in the least.

We are to help each other become complete. We are to desire to grow. This is a message and critical foundation for spiritual warfare. If each of us is not now rightly in a fellowship of believers who trust us and whom we can trust, we aren’t prepared for any kind of warfare.

But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself, from whom the whole body is joined together and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively does its work and grows, building itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:15–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We need that trust because sometimes there is going to be something we’re not going to want to hear. It’ll be hard to stomach if we don’t trust that the person who speaks it has our best interests before his. It’s necessary. As the whole body must be joined together to effectively work and grow. None of us can do it alone.

Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord, that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their minds, having their understanding darkened, excluded from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them, due to the hardness of their hearts. Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

Ephesians 4:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The unsaved operate in self-imposed ignorance. They refuse to believe. They scoff. It hardens them. Just like a callous on the hand, it becomes a place where there is no feeling. It cannot feel the comfort of warm soap and water. It cannot feel the sharp edge of a razor blade. The unbeliever is in the same predicament unable to feel the things that are good, and the things that may be dangerously deadly. The more a callous is rubbed, the larger and harder it grows.

That’s the sensuality that Paul is speaking about. It takes more of the same old thing just to feel it, yet it makes the hardness even harder. That’s the sensuality of sin.

But you did not learn about Christ in this manner, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off the former way of life in the old nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new nature, which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:20–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a new way of life we must put on. Jesus teaches us we don’t have to keep doing the same old chase that never satisfies.

Look at the contrast, without Jesus, it’s seeking sensations, what pleases us personally. That’s the essence of lust. That’s why the Bible uses the term. It’s not just sexual. It is a seeking to satisfy our own desires.

We are to live differently, to renew our minds.

Therefore, putting away lying, let every man speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Do not give place to the devil. Let him who steals steal no more. Instead, let him labor, working with his hands things which are good, that he may have something to share with him who is in need.

Ephesians 4:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are to operate truthfully. It means to stop taking from others. Instead, be prepared and ready to give something.

Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace to the listeners. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Watch what we say. Make sure that it benefits others. Our eternity is secure. There is nothing anyone can do to steal that from any of us… Not even our own actions. None of us have to operate in our former ways.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts, and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Let all the bad stuff be removed. This is telling us that we ought to be willing to give these to God.

Bitterness gets a place when we don’t forgive. Bitterness always gives rise to the enemy. Don’t even give it a place.

Personal Life Everywhere

Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children. Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.
And do not let sexual immorality, or any impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks. For this you know, that no sexually immoral or impure person, or one who is greedy, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:1–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We have our example. Imitate God as the children of Him we are. Walk in love Paul says. Sometimes we overlook the idea of love in mind. It’s sacrificial. It gives of itself even unto death.

Don’t practice sexual immorality or other impurities.

Don’t be greedy. That’s a hard one. Each of us wants to be first in line. Few of us want to wait until last.

Watch the language we use. Change the way we talk to be thankful, first to God from Whom good things come, but for others around us.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:6–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Be careful who we listen to and associate with. It’s not that we shouldn’t hang around with them, but we are not to participate in the inane things other unbelievers do.

For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth—proving what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things are exposed when they are revealed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Ephesians 5:8–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We all have our previous lives. We all walked in darkness. Now instead of just walking in darkness, we are light. That is light in the Lord. It’s a new identity. Walk in it, proving it.

We ought not to do those things we used to do. Instead, we expose them. Things that are exposed lose their power and control. Secrets are by nature things not out in the light.

See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men, making the most of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Time is short. Don’t waste it on things that have no eternal benefit. We live in evil times. It’s been like that since Adam was expelled out of the Eden of God.

Do not be drunk with wine, for that is reckless living. But be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Don’t substitute the world’s spirits for the Holy Spirit. Be sober-minded.

Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, being submissive to one another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:19–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are the things to center our minds on, renewing them. It’s a personal endeavor we must always be cognizant of pursuing. It’s a choice we make every moment of every day. It’s difficult to engage in any form of spiritual warfare if we’re not walking in the light we are.

Interactions with our Spouses

Wives, be submissive to your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body. But as the church submits to Christ, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5:22–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is not a hierarchy thing or a master-slave relationship. But there is an established order of things. Husbands aren’t the master. Wives aren’t slaves.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, and that He might present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. In this way men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord cares for the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

Ephesians 5:25–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The admonition is to the husbands. It is necessarily so. The whole idea is to not drift off into some misogynist mindset where a man operates as king of his castle.

No. This is teaching us that the wife ought to be elevated to not just the same treatment as a husband would treat himself, but just a bit higher. The husband is to give himself just as Jesus did. It’s totally selfless.

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is for both parties in a marriage. When two people get married, their family is the two in the marriage (and children.) It’s great to have moms and dads, brothers and sisters. But your spouse is your family first and foremost. It goes without saying that the word most needs emphasis.

If mom interferes with our spouse… Side with the spouse. He or she is family. That is what Paul is saying. This is the proper order.

It doesn’t mean we cannot do things with our parents and siblings, but to insist on having every Thanksgiving or other holiday celebrations with them and dragging our spouse along can lead to problems. Even trying to be fair is difficult. Establish your own family traditions. And do the extended family things once in while.

Leave mom and dad and cleave to our spouse. It is difficult to engage in spiritual warfare if we are married and do not cleave to our spouse. Two are one. We need them.

This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A good marriage becomes a great apologetic.

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A final admonition for a happy marriage. A husband that loves his bride sacrificially, with a bride who respects him.

Behaving as Children

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise, “so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Ephesians 6:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is pretty much self-explanatory.

Proper Parenting

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is the job of the parents to pass on their faith.

Relating to Your Employer

Servants, obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, not serving when eyes are on you, but as pleasing men as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing any man does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is enslaved or free.

Ephesians 6:5–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As an employee, we are to work for our manager as one would work for Jesus. After all, He is Who we are working for ultimately.

Our work should be the same even when others aren’t watching. That means no running off into the bathroom to check our phone or goofing off in the back of the storeroom.

By doing that, not only do we receive a paycheck from the employer, our good deeds earn eternal rewards. The sincerity of our hearts may be the thing that makes an unbelieving employer become a believer.

Managers Relating to Employees

And masters, do the same things for them, no longer threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Ephesians 6:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Do the right thing for those who work for us. Pay them fairly. Treat them rightly, just as we expect to be treated by Jesus.

Finally Brethren

Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We come to the text which opened the post. It’s long. But it is necessary.

Before we can even endeavor to don the armor of God, we need to shore up every single one of these areas of our lives. If they are not secure and rightly done, there is an opportunity for the enemy.

Don’t just concentrate on the armor, but concentrate on all of the preparation that comes before and is a foundation for it.

It’s Nailed to the Cross

On By TimIn Colossians 02, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Freedom, Resurrection, Salvation, Sin, Spiritual Warfare, The CrossLeave a comment

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all sins. He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:13–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Literally, it’s you being presently dead. The verb is present tense. As a believer, God made you alive. The tenses of the verbs say something probably not thought of.

Being dead is a continuous thing in this existence. our existence before salvation was pictured as being uncircumcised. That is, what makes the dead is not yet cut away. Uncircumcised flesh is where death reigns and a person dying in it goes to perdition because they are still in their sins. But the good thing is though the death of the flesh is a continuous thing it can be circumcised with the circumcision made with hands.

In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him from the dead.

Colossians 2:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The body of sins is put away by Jesus. It’s put away in death, His death. You are then made alive because He lives. The being made alive is once, you do not need to be continually made alive. He’s forgiven you all your sins.

There’s another kicker… For those who might wanna tell you that your salvation isn’t necessarily secure in what Jesus has already done and it depends on your endurance, it’s not there.

How much sin is forgiven, having forgiven you all sin?

He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances. Meaning it’s done. That means there is nothing against you from your past, your present, or even your future. It’s done.

He took it out of the way. Rest assured it’s gone.

Whatever the law had against you is to the cross. It’s a simple past action. It’s nailed to the cross. There are no future crosses our future sins need to be nailed to. There is no future death of Jesus needed.

Authorities and powers are disarmed. If satan is bothering you, why do you allow or permit it?

This passage clearly states that demons and devils have no power. The only real power they may have is the stuff you give them. That’s why the Bible tells you you are a slave to whom you present yourself. So don’t give them any power. And if you have, revoke it now in Jesus’ name.

Stop subjecting yourselves to the powerlessness of wondering if your salvation took… Or whether you can lose it. Live unabashedly for Him.

For to God we are a Sweet Fragrance of Christ

On By TimIn 2 Corinthians 02, Daily Walk, Exhortation, IdentityLeave a comment

Now thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God a sweet fragrance of Christ among those who are saved and among those who perish. To the one we are the fragrance of death, which brings death, and to the other the fragrance of life, which brings life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many are who peddle the word of God. Instead, being sent by God, we sincerely speak in Christ in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 2:14–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes it is the obscure things that provoke thought. Consider this passage, especially in light of a recent conversation. In the center of it was identity. And this one like many insisted on identifying in the old things. That even after claiming to be in Jesus Christ. In this instance, the identity is one that may even be dear to you.

Why identify as a sinner?

Think about that. It is some kind of boasting. In a sense, yes. Nevertheless, it is an identity. It is an identity that Paul never uses to describe himself or another Christian.

We are in Jesus. Our identity is in Jesus! Look at how Paul describes that in the passage. God always causes us to triumph. If God always causes us to triumph why do we choose our identity to remain in the old swamp?

God reveals through us the fragrance of His knowledge. That’s an awesome thing, as He is working through us continually. We are a sweet fragrance to Him among all men. To one, we bring words of life, to others a sure reminder of death.

Who is sufficient for these things?

It’s not a rhetorical question. It’s not meant to show Paul’s own inadequacy. It’s not that Paul considers himself a sinner. He never identifies himself that way.

Our sufficiency for these things is given in Jesus. Our simple life in Him is what makes us the sweet fragrance. That’s what qualifies us.

There are some who make spreading the knowledge of God all about a paycheck. The nearly soul purpose of what they do is because they get paid for it. But Paul knew his mission. He was sent by God, and he can sincerely speak Christ to anyone.

That same mission is on each of us as Christians. Remember, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” You are sent by God.

Everywhere you go, you carry that sweet fragrance. When people examine the way you comport yourself, they know something is different. To some, the fragrance is sweet and brings the promise of life. To these you can speak of God freely and they accept.

To others, that fragrance is cloying and sickening. It’s not different. It is how they perceive it. To the already perishing, a reminder of that end revolts just as it should. To these, too you may speak freely of the knowledge of God. Specifically that He came to redeem the perishing. You will meet resistance, persecution, and maybe even death.

Rest assured your eternity is secure in Jesus Christ. Let’s live like it!

Go Your Way

On By TimIn Acts 09, Daily Walk, Encouragement, ExhortationLeave a comment

A disciple named Ananias was in Damascus. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”
He said, “Here I am, Lord.”

Acts 9:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here I am.

There is no other way to answer the Lord when He calls, at least for those who love Him. Many of us wait for that call. Sometimes, it is subtle, other times not so much. For Ananias, it was the latter. He trusts his Lord and awaits his assignment.

Little did he know beforehand…

The Lord said to him, “Rise and go to Straight Street, and inquire at Judas’ house for someone named Saul of Tarsus, for he is praying, and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he may see again.”

Acts 9:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God is asking him to go meet a man whom he has never met, yet knows of his zealous reputation. It’s not good for him and his friends. God has appointed Ananias. Shown Saul who to expect. He gives clear instruction on how to identify Saul and what to do then.

answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evil things he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

Acts 9:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What does one do in this situation?

Being asked to put yourself in a serving dangerous situation.

God desires to restore a man and has chosen Saul for a particular way to serve Him. Ananias knows the man is bad news for those of the way, as they called Christianity then. That dangerous man Saul also has the authority to put believers in fetters. Yet God’s instructions are clear. Go your way.

He appointed Ananias as he did Saul. It’s just like God to care for Ananias as much as He does for Saul. God will gently encourage Ananias to go the way assigned to him so that Saul can take the path he’s assigned.

But the Lord said to him, “Go your way. For this man is a chosen vessel of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the sons of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Then Ananias went his way and entered the house. Putting his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. And he rose up and was baptized. When he had eaten, he was strengthened.

Acts 9:15–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Ananias’ trepidation disappeared at that. Look at how he greets Saul as brother Saul. He did as God asked him to do, and Saul’s sight returned.

It says he was strengthened. In the midst of his blindness, Saul was being shown what he must suffer for Jesus. He’s living through it all beforehand with Jesus as his only guide. It must have been daunting.

God made good on His first promises to Saul. He showed Saul all that his life would cost to do as God wanted. When his sight returned, he set to the task. He was baptized. He then ended his fast.

I can imagine that Saul was shown all that he must suffer beforehand so that in those moments, he would know that the suffering being experienced is really light and momentary. Jesus was with him beforehand to help Saul be prepared. He is also with him in the midst of the affliction.

Ananias seems to get an honorable mention here. Especially in light of the future deeds of Saul. Have you considered the integral part Ananias had in Saul’s ministry?

What Paul set to do being called by God, is shared by Ananias. Not for any glory other than that of Jesus. Ananias believed Jesus. He did as Jesus asked him to do. The Gospel has gone to the end of the earth because of it.

Sometimes our tasks from God seem daunting, or maybe even menial. We may want to shy away from them for those reasons. Be encouraged by the obedience of Ananias. He is part of the foundation of Paul’s ministry.

You might be stuck inside with limitations on mobility, but you can still have a great Kingdom impact. You can pray. You can encourage others. Did I mention you can pray?

Something as simple as standing in the gap for someone else can lead to an influence far greater than can be imagined. Pray for an evangelist, your neighbor, your family… Even a stranger you’ve never met. God can change the world because of your intercession, just as He did with Ananias’.

Know the Master’s Will

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Luke 12, SalvationLeave a comment

“That servant who knew his master’s will, but did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who unknowingly committed acts worthy of punishment shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required. And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked.

Luke 12:47–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus often spoke in parables. These stories provided a vivid insight into reality and righteous behavior. The insights are for our introspection. They provide opportunities to examine ourselves more closely.

This part of this one brings to mind something I think is important and may not have been considered. I will address that, but first things.

There are lots of folks that know what the Master expects of them. The utmost importance is to believe and be saved. That’s what God expects. That’s His will for everyone. If you don’t do that and have been given the Gospel, things aren’t going to go well for you. That same news would go to the Christian that knows and isn’t doing what he’s been called to do by God.

The solution to both of those predicaments is to confess it. Call out to God. He is the Potter that can remake a marred vessel. Such can be fit for another purpose. If you’re in that position, fix it!

Now for that other thought… One that might surprise you.

For before the children had been born, having done neither evil nor good, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but through Him who calls, it was said to her, “The elder shall serve the younger.”

Romans 9:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This was told to Rebekah while pregnant. It is certain others knew this, too. Others would include her family. It’s not a stretch to say that both Jacob and Esau knew. But God says this about Esau.

As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

Romans 9:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I’m certain you’ve probably understood this verse in light of election to salvation. To connect being elect to being saved doesn’t work well in the Scriptures. At least, not in the way it’s taught.

Look closely at what is being discussed by Paul. The older shall serve the younger. There’s nothing about the younger one being chosen to be saved… And the older not. It’s about knowing the Master’s will and not doing it.

In the case of Esau, his whole life was shirking off and running away from that specific call of service God wanted for him to do.

The Righteous Man is Rescued

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Isaiah 57, Last Days, RaptureLeave a comment

The righteous man perishes, and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away while no one understands, for the righteous man is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Isaiah 57:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love little surprises. There is one here.

The book of Isaiah is filled with apocalyptic descriptions of Jesus in both advents. That is to say, the events are not written as separate in the book. God’s program for Israel was for the kingdom to come after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Israelis as a nation rejected that.

Though Isaiah is not quite narrative, portions of it read that way. The first phrase about a righteous man perishing is a rebuke of pervasive evil. People do not care when a righteous man perishes. Nor would those consider changing their behavior to right.

Those that practice mercy are taken away. Of course, there is a change in the phrase. Maybe it is in assent to the idea that when someone dies it is God taking them out. Yet, this is where the surprise is.

The one that dies and the one taken away enter into rest. They walk in their own uprightness. These are the ones that have moved on to the next life where they live eternally.

There is that “evil to come.” As I read that, it was impressed upon me that this is specifically referencing what we would call The Tribulation.

And the surprise… Those “taken away” is a veiled reference to the rapture.

To impress the point further, it is done in such a way that the rapture will be easily explained away so as most will just go on with life as If deceived.

A Child is Born, a Son is Given

On By TimIn Creation, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Freedom, Heaven, Isaiah 09, Jesus, Prophecy, Reconciliation, Resurrection, Salvation, The CrossLeave a comment

Here’s something that has occupied the spare processing cycles in my brain when the screen saver is active. In other words, there is something that I have been considering deeply.

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is one of those memory verses I learned from years of listening to Handel’s Messiah. In that first line is a distinction that is easy to overlook. A child is born and a son is given. It is a prophetic announcement of the birth of Jesus. A child would be born to us humans. Not just any child, but a Son would be given. That Son would be unique. This announcement clearly shows that Jesus is God, not that He came from God.

In a discussion on the Godhead I just perused, I again pondered this idea. This God-Man… This Son, or Word, that was given to us. The interesting part of the conversation prompted me to write my thoughts down and share them.

The discussion was over the Son or Word and whether saying He is begotten by God somehow darkens the idea of His existence from “eternity past.” It’s precisely what derives from the idea of being begotten means, and sort of considers the hypostatic union. That is the union of God and man that is Jesus.

I want to give a foundation from here. This is what God says of Himself in the final chapters of the Old Testament.

For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

James 1:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From these two witnesses, it is clear that God doesn’t change. The writer of Hebrews adds to this.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

How does a God Who doesn’t change incarnate?

It sort of intrigues me that the God Who clearly says He is the same and doesn’t change somehow put on humanity.

It is precisely that idea that I think is too simplistic of an explanation. If He puts on humanity, He changes. Or maybe that doesn’t count as a change.

God has a Unique Relationship with Humans

I think it goes back to something foundational.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This idea of God making us in His image. What is that, really?

I know one of my favorite Bible nerds says we are imagers. Meaning we get to make God known to others in unique ways.

What if this image is something profound like it is something that is really a part of God?

No… I am not drifting off into pantheism or panentheism.

I’m not saying we are God. Yet there is something more here. When you read the Bible, you’re going to read some things that you might be tempted to glance over.

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is something so spectacular reserved for humanity. It cannot be put into words.

For those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 8:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s this imager-thing. We are made in His image initially and will be conformed to His image. There are other texts that iterate these ideas like being a joint-heir with Jesus.

Jesus even spoke of this in some of His last words before the crucifixion.

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think we can even begin to ponder what is in store for each of us who loves Jesus.

Why a Kinsman?

On By TimIn Atonement, Daily Walk, Genesis 01, Jesus, Love, Matthew 23, ReconciliationLeave a comment

I was asked a question today.

“If GOD is all-loving then why can’t he just forgive Satan?”

Now that is a deep question! That requires lots of heavy study. I am going to try to sum it up succinctly, but will not show all of its points, nor develop them fully.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This might be easily passed over, but humanity bears the image of God. Built into the creation of humanity is a “kinsman” relation to God Himself. The only creatures mentioned as being created in the image of God are humans.

With that foundation of humanity, we must then understand who or what ha shatan is. Jesus personifies the idea. And from Old Testament Scriptures we can understand a few things about the person involved. (By person I don’t limit the term to human persons.)

From those Old Testament Scriptures we infer his name and his office. He was the best of the best of creation.

At the first advent of Jesus, He taught a principle:

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. For he who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If we understand the implications of what Jesus taught, then this adversary—the epitome of creation— would have to serve creatures made of dirt. Instead he rebelled wanting the creatures to serve him. Using the idea of a serpent to take dominion of this world from the humans because humans were to have dominion over even serpents… Required a kinsman Redeemer to restore humanity to God’s order.

That’s the basis, and requires lots of digging into the Bible.

That said, let’s look at some of the things God said.

“Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm and with great judgments.

Exodus 6:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is just one of many places where God put Himself in the place of Redeemer. Because humans are image-bearers of God, there is a kinsman relationship.

There is also another principle that was taught in the covenant given to Israel. It is summed up for us here:

For when Moses had taught every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you to keep.” Likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood. And according to the law almost everything must be cleansed with blood; without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:19–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now… Blood is required. Not any blood, but that of a Kinsman. That’s Jesus. God Himself taking humanity on Himself that He could shed His blood for His kin—image-bearers.

We know that humans can be redeemed. And by extension human dominion can be redeemed.

But… Spirits do not have blood. Angels do not have a kinsman to redeem.

The way I think of it, as humans were necessary to quash the rebellion.