Let's Party...

I touched upon a point in yesterday’s post that was brought into a greater light during my Bible study time this morning.  I felt that it presented a thought provoking perspective concerning the importance of the completion of the plans, purposes and pursuits that we endeavor to accomplish in our lives.  Yesterday I said that God has not intended for us to go through our search for His will alone, and that He has provided men and women in the ministry as well as fellow Christians to assist us in our quest.  Evidence in support of this direction came up as I read the beginning verses of the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians.

The Apostle Paul wrote his second recorded letter to the Corinthian church immediately following a time of severe testing and persecution in his life and ministry.¹ But instead of feeling sorry for himself, he presented a totally different approach that got me to take a serious look at some of the emotions that I have recently been experiencing and thought that it might be a good word to pass on to you.

After his initial greetings to the church, Paul began a dissertation on “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3 Gods Word ©)  The contents of his next few statements is what quickly stopped the rising temptations in me to give myself a rousing pity party because of the state of affairs concerning my wife’s health.  In describing God’s comfort in times of suffering Paul explains “That is why whenever people suffer, we are able to comfort them by using the same comfort we have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4 Gods Word ©)

Paul saw the experience, that he was still reeling from, as part of the ministry tools that he had acquired to assist others when they had times of need.  Now, while Paul knew that the trials and tribulations that he experienced were not from God, but from the deceiver of our souls, he openly used the lessons learned and emotions felt to comfort those that he came into contact with.  What a lesson for us to learn!  If Paul had quit and run during the intense times of persecution he would have no right or reference point from which to help support others when they faced similar situations. 

This teaching from Paul forced me to turn my attention from focusing completely inwardly, and caused me to look beyond myself.  I began to see how I could assist another individual by my unyielding stand upon the truth of God’s Word that talks of our impending victory no matter what the current circumstances may be screaming into our ears.  So what’s my point?  The experiences of how we successfully complete our goals and persevere through the difficult times today, may just be what someone in our future needs to hear in order to make it through their tough times in life.  And… it just grows from there.  They pass on what they’ve heard and learned to someone else, and that one to another... and so on. 

So the next time you’re tempted to organize a pity party, take a moment and consider the consequences that your decision might have in the future life of another.  Kind of eye opening isn’t it!  Your successes could be the foundation for even greater triumphs for the next generation.  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”

¹Paul may have written as many as four separate letters to the Corinthian church.  There is some scriptural evidence that seems to indicate a letter written before I Corinthians (see I Cor 5:9) and then the “severe letter” that came before 2 Corinthians was penned. (see 2 Cor 2:3-4).  

Are You Connected?

We talked yesterday about what the Bible says concerning the Christian’s ability to know the will of God.  The various writers of the New Testament, including Jesus Himself, concurred that it was the Father’s desire for us to know it.  But, where most of us miss it, is in the finding and then in the doing! 

Once again, our base text that we looked at from Colossians 1:23 talks about “the solid foundation of the expectations that the Good News contains.” (Gods Word ©  I took the liberty of exchanging the original word “hope” for what I feel is the better translation of “expectations”) The main emphasis of this verse though, is that in order for us to live unshaken upon that solid foundation, we must “continue in the faith without being moved” from what the Word says. (Colossians 1:23 Gods Word ©) 

Here lies the crux of the matter.  In order to know God's will and then to have it active in our lives takes a life long commitment.  It takes all the things we have spoken about concerning the completion of the goals that we set forth for ourselves.  Dedication, consistency, and perseverance all come into play here, and God set it up so that we don’t have to do it all alone.  In fact, He prefers that we don’t pursue “all the promises of God…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 King James Version) without the help of others.  Ephesians 4:11 says that “He also gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers as gifts to his church,” and then in the next verses Paul explains why.  “Their purpose is to prepare God’s people to serve and to build up the body of his church… until we become mature… no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind.”  (Ephesians 4:11-14 Gods Word ©)  These people are ordained of God to help in guiding us to the truth that God’s Word contains.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews also states the importance of regular fellowship with other Believers saying: “We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing.  Instead, we must continue to encourage each other…”  (Hebrews 10:25 Gods Word ©)  So it is clear that in order to find out and then live successfully in the will of God, we must “Study to show thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version)  This takes personal Bible study and application, regularly attending a good Bible based church, and fellowshipping with others of like faith.  In my years of ministry I have seen many good people, who were once strong in the things of God, slowly allow the distractions of life begin to pull them away from church and the consistent study of their Christian beliefs until they drifted totally away and settled for what I would consider a second rate life “tossed and carried away” by the circumstances around them.

So… stay connected, keep studying, and keep acting upon what you learn.  When you do this the Word in Hebrews 12:28 saying: “that we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Gods Word ©) will come to fruition in your lives.  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”  

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand?

While in the midst of my morning Bible study today I came across the scripture in Colossians 1:23 where it talks about the “solid foundation of the hope (better translated as ‘expectations’) that the Good News contains.”  (Gods Word ©)  I paused after reading this particular verse and began to consider how I have been writing posts on this blog for almost four months now, talking about the importance the “foundation(s)” in our lives.  Throughout this time I have pointed to the Word of God (ie; the “Good News”) as the unmovable footing on which I have entrusted my life.

What occurred to me was that many people believe in the Bible, and even consider it as the word of God, but may not have that same solid conviction of it’s immutability (see: http://pjberruto.blogspot.com/2011/03/forecasts-of-rain.html) that I have come to depend on.  So I thought that it might be best to spend a few moments explaining my understanding and therefore conviction of God and His Word from which I base my viewpoint.

To put it rather simply, I believe that Christians can know the will of God, and once His will is known can put their faith to work for them in order to receive “everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 Gods Word ©) and to accomplish the “good works that he has prepared for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 Gods Word ©).  In the New Testament the Gospel of Christ (which tells of God’s plan for salvation as well as who we are in Christ and therefore how to live out this salvation to the fullest extent on this earth) is consistently referred to as “the Mystery of God” or the “Mystery of The Kingdom”  Jesus told those who knew and trusted Him that it was given unto them to “know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” but to unbelievers “it is not given”  (Matthew 13:11 / Luke 8:10 King James Version)

The Apostle Paul made it even clearer to us in I Corinthians chapter 2 where he is talking specifically about “God’s mystery” (Colossians 2:1 Gods Word ©)  He quite pointedly states that this information is available to Christians in verse 12 where he says “we didn’t receive the spirit that belongs to the world.  Instead, we received the Spirit who comes from God so that we could know the things which God has freely given us.”  Paul also prays for Christians that God would “fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight.”  (Colossians 1:9 Gods Word ©)  Peter, the leader of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, also relates this in his second epistle.  (see 2 Peter 1: 1-15)

Now, knowing and then receiving His will for us are two different steps!  This is where the lifestyle of diligence and consistency in the study and acting upon God’s Word come into play.  But, we’ll talk a little more about this phase of knowing God’s will tomorrow. 

Once again, Colossians 1:23 talks about that solid foundation that we can base our expectations of good happening in our lives.  It is on this “Solid Rock” that I stand, for when things appear contrary to what I see in His Word I can joyfully sing :

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds with in the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand."

(“My Hope Is Built” / “The Solid Rock”  -  words by Edward Mote, circa 1834; music by William B. Bradbury 1863)

Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”

Will There Be A Seward's Day in Your Life?

As I sat down in my chair at my desk in our study on this bright sunny Monday morning, I instinctively glanced at my wall calendar and noticed that today is Seward’s Day in Alaska.  Since I had no idea what that was all about, I let my fingers fly across my keyboard and Googled it up.  What I discovered was that Seward’s Day commemorates when the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, not to be confused with Alaska Day which celebrates the actual transfer of the territory of Alaska from Russia to America and the subsequent raising of the Stars and Stripes at Sitka on October 18, 1867.  William Henry Seward who was the Secretary of State at that time, signed the treaty with Russia on March 30, 1867. 

The price for the purchase was about 7.2 million dollars.  It seems that many people across the country felt that it was an outrageous price and began to call the treaty “Seward’s Folly” or "Seward’s icebox” due to his work in arranging the transaction.  No doubt they had based their comments on all the hardships and great losses the Russians had endured when they owned the “great wasteland” in such a remote outpost.  (For more information check out: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/sewards-day)

As we look back at the purchase today, we can appreciate the foresight that Mr. Seward had.  He definitely saw things that were not visible to others.  Alaska’s natural resources, along with it’s seafood and timber industries have paid back the initial purchase price countless times over!

There is a scripture in the book of Colossians that talks about the good expectations that are found within the pages of the Bible, “which is the message of truth.”  (Colossians 1:5 Gods Word ©)  So, just as Secretary of State William Seward had good expectations concerning the worth of the purchase of what became the state of Alaska on January 3, 1959, we too can have good expectations about our future, when we base our foundations on the Gospel or "Good News" which just happens to let us know the truth about any situation we face!  Thayer’s Greek Definitions explains the meaning of the word “truth” in Colossians 1:5 as: “what is true in any matter under consideration.”  With that assurance, we cannot help but be successful in the endeavors of our lives!

So, don’t allow those who would utter taunt’s of “folly” to stop you from pursuing the activities and goals in life you feel led or called to complete.  Keep your eyes and your trust on that solid foundation and see it through until the results are plainly visible to all!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”

Haunting Memories

Happy Friday everyone!  I think that we’ll spend one more day on the subject of “Joy” as we take a quick peek at the way we tend to view our futures.  While roaming through the Bible this morning, examining many scriptures where joy was being expressed, I came across a very interesting story.  It took place in the book of Ezra when the Israelites were restored from Babylonian exile and allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls and the temple.  This particular scene took place when the builders had just completed the laying of the temple foundation and the faithful gathered to give thanks to the Lord.  As the congregation began to shout their praises two very divergent points of view began to emerge.  Ezra the priest stated that “many of the priests, Levites, and the heads of the families who were old enough to have seen the first temple with their own eyes began to sob when they saw the foundation of this temple.  Many others shouted for joy.”  (Ezra 3:12 Gods Word ©)

What occurred to me as I read this was that those who looked at the future through the memories of the past were saddened by what they saw, while those who simply knew and trusted in the abilities of their God, looked with great expectations toward the future and were filled with joy!  This is a good lesson for us to learn.  Take a moment this weekend and look honestly to see what influences steer your vision of your future.  Don’t allow your past to take the drivers seat.

Now please don’t miss-understand me here.  Memories are a very important part of our lives.  The experiences in our past hold a major part in shaping us into who we are today.  We can learn a lot through our experiences in life, but the key is to learn the lessons, profit from them and then move on in our progression in life toward becoming all who we were created to be. 

There is another scripture in I Chronicles 16:27 that says that “strength and joy are where He is” (Gods Word ©), and that is exactly where I want to be!  When I am strong and full of joy, I feel as though I can overcome any obstacle that stands in my way.  With my eyes upon Him and in His abilities working in and through me, my future expectations are as bright as the ray of sunshine that just broke through the dark clouds and is currently shining upon me at my desk in my study!  You know… it feels kind of warm and cozy too!

Take that thought into your lives this weekend as you ponder what you are expecting to happen.  Is your expectation based on that immutable attribute of a strong and joyful foundation or on a memory of what could have been?  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”

Forecasts of Rain

I’d like to continue today on the theme of “Joy”.  Yesterday we talked about how this joy is not dependent on the outcome of the circumstances in life.  Instead it comes from the immutability of the foundation in which we have entrusted our lives to.  That big word “immutability” means “Unchangeableness; the quality that renders change or alteration impossible; invariableness.”  Webster’s 1828 dictionary also adds that “Immutability is an attribute of God.”

When you walk in the confidence that your foundation renders change to it’s guiding principles as impossible, you will see the ordinary things around you in a different light.  A good example of this would be the conversation that I had with my Mom this morning.  Today the weather in our area is quite stormy.  Strong winds and heavy rains abound, and my Mom called to encourage me to not go out because of the dire predictions of falling trees and flooding streets that were being broadcast on a local radio station.  As we talked I quickly recognized the fear in her voice and I related to her how my wife and I did not want to get out of bed this morning because we were enjoying the sound of the rain beating against our windows.  To my Mom the storm presented insurmountable obstacles, while my outlook was one of wonderment and pleasure at the sound and sights of a good old fashion winter storm (even though it is now officially springtime!) I even suggested to my wife that we bundle up and walk down to the community lake so that I could get some photos of the raindrops pounding down on the water!

There is a portion of scripture in the Old Testament book of Isaiah where the prophet compares the falling of the rain to the infallibility of God’s Word.  He says that the Word is like the rain, in that they both produce a predicted result.  While the rain causes plants on the earth to sprout and grow, the Word also accomplishes what it says it will do.  Then he goes on to expound that because of this knowledge “You will go out with joy and be led forth with peace,” and that your vision of the things around you will change and it will seem to you as though “The mountains and the hills will break into songs of joy in your presence…”  (Isaiah 55:10-12 Gods Word ©) I’d definitely call that a different outlook on the world around you!

What a thought!  Instead of seeing the negative aspects of a situation, you will see only the positive and joyful representations of your immediate future.  Remember that your expectations are always about what’s coming up next.  So expect the best, and let your foundation do the rest…  Don’t let the forecasts of rain flood your life!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”

Consistent Joy...

This morning as I excitedly began to un-pile the stack of various Bible translations on my desk, my eyes became riveted to point #4 under the “Characteristics” section on the opened summary page to the book of Philippians, in my NIV study Bible.  It stated that this book “is outstanding as the New Testament letter of joy; the word ‘joy’ in its various forms occurs some 16 times.”  This got me thinking about yesterday’s post where I mentioned how the Apostle Paul, as a prisoner, was writing to the Christians in the city of Philippi, encouraging them to think on good things.  Paul exemplified what he penned to his friends.  Even though church historians say that Paul wrote this letter during a period in his life where he was physically chained to a Roman soldier, day and night, for 4 years, he was not afraid for himself, neither was he worried about his circumstances. 

Paul faced every new day with an attitude of deep seated joy, without a care in the world, and while he was a unique individual with tremendous faith, he was no different than who you and I can be today!  That statement may bring up some disquieting thoughts among religious scholars, but to my way of thinking, he would not be encouraging us to do the same if we couldn’t aspire to it!

The 1828 Webster Dictionary defines “joy” as “the passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or EXPECTATION of good.”  Paul’s confident joy was not based upon the outcome of the circumstances that he was presently involved with.  His joy was cemented upon the foundation of his faith.  He said that “I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in” (Philippians 4:11 Gods Word ©).  This joy was directed from the inside, excited by his rock solid trust in his foundation.

Think about the potential of experiencing that consistent joy in your life.  A joy that does not bounce up and down depending on how you feel, but is securely entrenched upon the immutability of the foundation in which you have entrusted your life.  My foundation says in Psalm 119:160 that “there is nothing but truth in your word, and all your righteous regulations endure forever” (Gods Word ©) 

Forever… that’s a long time!  If your foundation is like mine, then anytime you need a little joy, all you need to do is to bring some of His words to your remembrance and those threatening cares will have to run away!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”  (hopefully your expectations will match up with what Mr. Webster wrote 183 years ago…)  See ya tomorrow!

PS:  I would love to hear from some of our friends reading this blog in Europe.  Please feel free to write a comment or email me at pastorjim@whatareyouexpecting.org