Psalm 86:17

Quoted in the Believer's Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald in connection with this passage:

"This is indeed what is everywhere the great lack among the people of God.  How much of our lives is not spent in positive evil, but frittered away and lost in countless petty diversions which spoil effectually the positiveness of their testimony for God!  How few can say with the apostle, 'This one thing I do!'  We are on the road...but we stop to chase butterflies among the flowers, and make no serious progress.  How Satan must wonder when he sees us turn away from the 'kingdoms of the world and the glory of them'...and yet yield ourselves with scarce a thought to endless trifles, lighter than the thistle-down which the child spends all his strength for, and we laugh at him.  Would we examine our lives carefully..., how should we realize the multitude of needless anxieties, of self-imagined duties, of permitted relaxations, of 'innocent' trifles, which incessantly divert us from that alone in which there is profit!  How few, perhaps, would care to face such an examination of the day by day unwritten history of their lives!"


Footnote: F. W. Grant, "Psalms," in The Numerical Bible, III:330.

Romans 13:8

From the Believer's Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald.

"The one debt that is always outstanding is the obligation to love.  The word used for love in Romans, with only one exception (12:10) is agape, which signifies a deep, unselfish, superhuman affection which one person has for another.  This otherworldly love is not activated by any virtue in the person loved; rather, it is completely undeserved.  It is unlike any other love in that it goes out not only to the lovable but to one's enemies as well.

"This love manifests itself in giving, and generally in sacrificial giving.  Thus, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.  Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it.

"It is primarily a matter of the will rather than the emotions.  The fact that we are commanded to love indicates that it is something we can choose to do.  If it were an uncontrollable emotion that swept over us at unexpected moments, we could scarcely be held accountable.  This does not deny, however, that the emotions can be involved.

"It is impossible for an unconverted person to manifest this divine love.  In fact, it is impossible even for a believer to demonstrate it in his own strength.  It can only be exhibited by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

"Love found its perfect expression on earth in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Our love to God manifests itself in obedience to His commandments.

(emphases in original)

Hymns #64 - At the Foot of the Cross

I met Jesus at the foot of the cross
When I was bound by sin;
Jesus met me, cleansed my heart of its dross,
He gave sweet peace within.

Refrain

I met Jesus at the foot of the cross,
I met Jesus at the foot of the cross;
All my sins were washed away;
Sin’s dark night turned into day
When I met Jesus at the foot of the cross.

I found pardon at the foot of the cross,
Forgiveness full and free;
Now I love Him only, all else is loss,
His grace availed for me.

Refrain

I met Jesus when I needed Him most,
Despair possessed my soul;
I was under condemnation and lost,
When Jesus made me whole.

Refrain

(Words by Robert Harkness)

The Cross

Quoting today from a letter we received from Alistair Begg of Truth for Life:

In 1946, John Sloan Dickey, then president of Dartmouth College told the graduating class: "There is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix."  Recently, one of the elders at Parkside Church (a Dartmouth man) told me that the current president told last year's graduating class: "You are the better human beings that we've all been waiting for!"

We may be sure that there are some exceptional young people graduating from there as well as from other academic institutions, but they are not going to fix our world.  The problem with our world, the Bible tells us, is that each of us has turned to our own way by suppressing the truth about God, denying what is obvious and embracing what is foolish.  Furthermore, God's Word explains that we are by nature unworthy of God, unfit for His presence, and unable to rectify our circumstances.

But there is good news and a solution to our problem.  Someone has come from outside who shares in our humanity but not in our sin.  He has "lived for us the kind of life we should live but can't, and He has paid fully the penalty we deserve for the life we do live but shouldn't."

The [Resurrection Sunday] story is that in the person of Jesus, God has come to deal with our alienation by making peace through His blood shed on the cross.  This story, Paul tells us is "foolishness to those who are perishing but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God."  Horace, the Latin poet and satirist of the first century gave this advice to his students in writing plays: "a god must not be introduced into the action unless the plot has got into such a tangle that only a god can unravel it."  There we have the problem with our world in a nutshell!

The Good News of [Resurrection Sunday] is the story line of the Bible....

Hymns #61 - Ivory Palaces

Ivory Palaces

My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
And myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine
With joy my being thrills.

Refrain

Out of the ivory palaces,
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love
Made my Savior go.

His life had also its sorrows sore,
For aloes had a part;
And when I think of the cross He bore,
My eyes with teardrops start.

Refrain

His garments too were in cassia dipped,
With healing in a touch;
Each time my feet in some sin have slipped,
He took me from its clutch.

Refrain

In garments glorious He will come,
To open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav’nly home,
To dwell forevermore.

Refrain

(Words by Henry Barraclough)

Psalm 76

Tidbits from Believer's Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald:

The historical backdrop of Psalm 76 is the threat against Jerusalem by Sennacherib and the Assyrian army.  The first verse praises God for His spectacular overthrow of the enemy.  His angel came and slew 185,000 of the Assyrians as they slept. 

In verses 2-4, we see God designating Jerusalem, the city of peace, as His capital, and the hill of Zion as the place where He dwells.  Here He smashed the weapons of the enemy--arrows, shields, swords, and all the other weapons they had.  Jerusalem's God is greater and more glorious than any power that might lift up a hand against Judah.

Verses 5-6 describe what happened to the Assyrian army.  "The stouthearted warriors suddenly dropped their weapons.  In a moment they became powerless.  One word from the God of Jacob and both riders and horses sank into the sleep of death."  (p. 664)

In verses 7-9 we see how great God is, how greatly He should be feared, and how futile it is to oppose Him when He is angry.  He pronounces judgment from heaven, earth trembles and becomes still, and He steps in to right the wrongs of earth, delivering the oppressed people.

Verse 10 tells how God makes the wrath of man praise Him.  This poem comes next:

The wrath of men shall praise Thee,

The rest shalt Thou restrain,

And out of earth's disasters

Will bring eternal gain.

The purpose of man's evil heart

Works out Thy sovereign will.

Our God is still upon the throne,

Therefore, believe, be still.

Be still and know that I am God,

This banishes our fears,

While passing through this scene of strife,

Of sorrow and of tears.

The One who rules the heavenly hosts

Holds all within His hand,

And none can say, "What doest Thou?"

Or can His arm withstand.

~Author unknown

(from pages 664-665)

Verses 11-12:  "In view of the inexpressible greatness and glory of the Lord, the people of Judah are exhorted to make vows to the Lord their God, and to pay them.  Then the Gentile nations surrounding Israel are counseled to bring presents as tribute to the Supreme Ruler--this Mighty One who can reduce earth's princes to size and cause awesome things to happen to the most powerful rulers."  (p. 665)

Law and Grace: I Corinthians 9

Thoughts from the commentary I'm using right now, from I Corinthians 9:20ff:

"At this point a brief word of explanation is necessary.  As a Jew, Paul had been born under the law.  He sought to obtain favor with God by keeping the law, but found that he was unable to do so>  The law only showed him what a wretched sinner he was, and utterly condemned him.  Eventually he learned that the law was not a way of salvation, but only God's method of revealing to man his sinfulness and his need of a savior.  Paul then trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in so doing he became free from the condemning voice of the law.  The penalty of the law which he had broken was paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary.

"After his conversion, the apostle learned that the law was not the way of salvation, nor was it the rule of life for one who had been saved.  The believer is not under law but under grace.  This does not mean that he can go out and do as he pleases.  Rather, it means that a true sense of the grace of God will prevent him from even wanting to do these things.  Indwelt by the Spirit of God, the Christian is raised to a new level of behavior.  He now desires to live a holy life, not out of fear of punishment for having broken the law, but out of love for Christ, who died for him and rose again.  Under law the motive was fear, but under grace the motive is love.  Love is a far higher motive than fear.  Men will do out of love what they would never do from terror."  (Believer's Bible Commentary, William MacDonald, p. 1777)

Hymns #60 - Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed (At the Cross)

Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed

a.k.a. At the Cross 

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Refrain

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

Refrain

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.

Refrain

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Refrain

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.

Refrain

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.

Refrain

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.

(Words by Isaac Watts)

Hymns #59 - Abide in Thee

 Abide in Thee

Abide in Thee, in that deep love of Thine,
My Jesus, Lord, Thou Lamb of God divine;
Down, closely down, as living branch with tree,
I would abide, my Lord, my Christ, in Thee.

Abide in Thee, my Savior, God, I know
How love of Thine, so vast, in me may flow:
My empty vessel running o’er with joy,
Now overflows to Thee without alloy.

Abide in Thee, nor doubt, nor self, nor sin,
Can e’er prevail with Thy blest life within;
Joined to Thyself, communing deep, my soul
Knows naught besides its motions to control.

Abide in Thee, ’tis thus alone I know
The secrets of Thy mind e’en while below;
All joy and peace, and knowledge of Thy Word,
All power and fruit, and service for the Lord.

(Words by Joseph D. Smith)

Hymns #58 - Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near

Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near

Afflicted saint, to Christ draw near—
Thy Savior’s gracious promise hear,
His faithful Word declares to thee,
That as thy days thy strength shall be.

Let not thy heart despond and say
How shall I stand the trying day?
He has engaged by firm decree,
That as thy days thy strength shall be.

Thy faith is weak, thy foes are strong,
And if the conflict should be long,
The Lord will make the tempter flee,
For as thy days thy strength shall be.

Should persecution rage and flame,
Still trust in thy Redeemer’s name;
In fiery trials thou shalt see,
That as thy days thy strength shall be.

When called to bear thy weighty cross,
Or sore affliction, pain, or loss,
Or deep distress or poverty,
Still as thy days thy strength shall be.

(Words by John Fawcett)

Hymns #57 - Afflictions Do Not Come Alone

In light of the last chapter, this song seemed appropriate to insert here:

Afflictions Do Not Come Alone

Afflictions do not come alone,
A voice attends the rod;
By both He to His saints is known,
A Father and a God!

Let not My children slight the stroke
I for chastisement send;
Nor faint beneath My kind rebuke,
For still I am their Friend.

The wicked I perhaps may leave
Awhile, and not reprove;
But all the children I receive
I scourge, because I love.

If therefore you were left without
This needful discipline;
You might, with cause, admit a doubt,
If you, indeed, were Mine.

Shall earthly parents then expect
Their children to submit?
And wilt not you, when I correct,
Be humbled at My feet?

To please themselves they oft chastise,
And put their sons to pain;
But you are precious in My eyes,
And shall not smart in vain.

I see your hearts, at present, filled
With grief, and deep distress;
But soon these bitter seeds shall yield
The fruits of righteousness.

Break through the clouds, dear Lord, and shine!
Let us perceive Thee nigh!
And to each mourning child of Thine
These gracious words apply.

(Words by John Newton)

Hymns #56 - Absent from Flesh! O Blissful Thought!

Absent from Flesh! O Blissful Thought!

Absent from flesh! O blissful thought!
What unknown joys this moment brings!
Freed from the mischiefs sin has brought,
From pains, and fears, and all their springs.

Absent from flesh! illustrious day!
Surprising scene! triumphant stroke
That rends the prison of my clay;
And I can feel my fetters broke.

Absent from flesh! then rise, my soul,
Where feet nor wings could never climb,
Beyond the heav’ns, where planets roll,
Measuring the cares and joys of time.

I go where God and glory shine,
His presence makes eternal day:
My all that’s mortal I resign,
For angels wait and point my way.

(Words by Isaac Watts)

Hymns #55 - And Let This Feeble Body Fail

This hymn was chosen in loving memory of my dear friend, Dawn, who recently went home to be with the Lord.  She suffered more physically than anyone I have ever personally known, yet kept a sweet, courageous spirit through it all, and was an inspiration to all of us who loved her.  See you later, friend! 

And Let This Feeble Body Fail

And let this feeble body fail,
And let it droop and die;
My soul shall quit the mournful vale,
And soar to worlds on high;
Shall join the disembodied saints,
And find its long sought rest,
That only bliss for which it pants,
In my Redeemer’s breast.

In hope of that immortal crown
I now the cross sustain,
And gladly wander up and down,
And smile at toil and pain:
I suffer out my threescore years,
Till my Deliverer come,
And wipe away His servant’s tears,
And take His exile home.

O what hath Jesus bought for me!
Before my ravished eyes
Rivers of life divine I see,
And trees of paradise:
I see a world of spirits bright,
Who taste the pleasures there;
They all are robed in spotless white,
And conquering palms they bear.

O what are all my sufferings here,
If, Lord, Thou count me meet
With that enraptured host to appear,
And worship at Thy feet!
Give joy or grief, give ease or pain,
Take life or friends away,
But let me find them all again
In that eternal day.

(Words by Charles Wesley)

Link to a great article

My son put a link to this excellent article in Pastor Chris Anderson's blog in his post today, so I'm passing it on.  Very thought-provoking.  Here it is: 

http://mytwocents.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/if-anyone-destroys-gods-temple/

Happy Birthday, David!

Happy Birthday to our wonderful, godly son David, who celebrates his 29th birthday today!  We are so thankful God let him live and be such a blessing to us!

David was due in early May 1982, and at this time his dad was still working on his thesis.  We thought, great, he will be born just before graduation, and Dewayne's parents will get to see him when they come.  God had a February surprise for us, though.

I went into the hospital on the weekend with labor pains.  The doctor gave me IV meds to try and stop labor; by Sunday they thought they were successful, though I was still having contractions.  They thought it was just Braxton-Hicks at that point, so they sent me home Monday morning.  I thought, "I'll be back!"

Sure enough, Wednesday evening I was definitely in labor, and was told to go to the hospital.  We tried to leave about 10 p.m. but got stuck in the snow.  Some kind neighbors heard us and pushed us out.  We had a 30-mile drive to the hospital, so I was sitting there breathing through the contractions.  My husband commented, "This isn't how I pictured it--I thought you'd be screaming."  That was funny.

The doctor didn't want to give me any medications since the baby was so early, so I kept doing my breathing while Dewayne stood by (rather helplessly, since we had not gone to the childbirth classes yet) for moral support.  Thankfully, hard labor was short, and he was born around 2:00 a.m., then immediately whisked away.  My parents were there, and Mom saw him briefly as they hurried by.

We were all able to see him for short periods of time the next day, but he had several episodes where his breathing stopped, so they told us he needed to be transported to Ft. Wayne, where they had the facilities needed to help him.  That night, around 10, the ambulance came with a special team, and we said goodbye to our son, not knowing if he would survive the trip to the other hospital.  Shortly after midnight, I got the call--he had arrived safely.  Praise the Lord!  Then I could sleep.

Thus began 51 long days of 35-mile trips to the hospital several times a week to visit him.  We were very thankful for the care and treatment he received.  After the first week, he was really in pretty good shape for being so early, and it was mostly a matter of his maturing to a certain point to be able to go home.  He had to weigh at least 5 lbs. and be able to take a bottle.

It was slow going, with weight gains and losses, but finally he reached 5 lbs.  He was not excited about bottles, though; at last he took one for a whole day, and they released him.  He never had another bottle; it was mom or nothing until he weaned to a cup.  They did send him home with a heart/breathing monitor, which gave us a few scares, but he has been in good health all his life since.

David accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord at an early age, and we thank the Lord for his godly life and testimony.

Hymns #54 - All YeThat Fear Jehovah’s Name

All Ye That Fear Jehovah's Name

All ye that fear Jehovah’s name,
His glory tell, His praise proclaim;
Ye children of His chosen race,
Stand ye in awe before His face,
Stand ye in awe before His face.

The suffering one He has not spurned
Who unto Him for succor turned;
From him He has not hid His face
But answered his request in grace,
But answered his request in grace.

O Lord, Thy goodness makes me raise
Amid Thy people songs of praise;
Before all them that fear Thee, now
I worship Thee and pay my vow,
I worship Thee and pay my vow.

For all the meek Thou wilt provide,
They shall be fed and satisfied;
All they that seek the Lord shall live
And never ending praises give,
And never ending praises give.

The ends of all the earth shall hear
And turn unto the Lord in fear;
All kindreds of the earth shall own
And worship Him as God alone.

For His the kingdom, His of right,
He rules the nations by His might;
All earth to Him her homage brings,
The Lord of lords, the King of kings.

Both rich and poor, both bond and free,
Shall worship Him with bended knee,
And children’s children shall proclaim
The glorious honor of His name.

The Lord’s unfailing righteousness
All generations shall confess,
From age to age shall men be taught
What wondrous works the Lord has wrought.

(Words from The Psalter)

The Need for a Forgiving Spirit

Several months ago I purchased the Believer's Bible Commentary by William MacDonald, and decided to try keeping up in it with the read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year schedule our church provides.  It has been so interesting that I often find myself reading ahead!

Last week I noticed (and how many times have I read this before?) the correlation between Matthew 18 and Luke 17 (especially verses 3 and 4.  The commentary had a great section on this and I would like to share it below.  This is from pages 1434-1435; the emphasis is Mr. MacDonald's.  Please look at the verses in your Bible before reading, and keep it open before you.

"In the Christian life there is not only the peril of offending others.  There is also the danger of harboring grudges, of refusing to forgive when an offending person apologizes.  That is what the Lord deals with here.  The NT teaches the following procedure in connection with this subject:

"1.  If a Christian is wronged by another Christian, he should first of all forgive the offender in his heart (Eph. 4:32).  This keeps his own soul from resentment and malice.

"2.  Then he should go to the offender privately and rebuke him (v. 3; also Matt. 18:15).  If he repents, then he should be told that he is forgiven.  Even if he sins repeatedly, then says that he repents, he should be forgiven (v. 4).

"3.  If a private rebuke does not prove effective, then the person who has been wronged should take one or two witnesses (Matt. 18:16).  If he will not listen to these, then the matter should be taken before the church.  Failure to hear the church should result in excommunication (Matt. 18:17).

"The purpose of rebukes and other disciplinary action is not to get even or to humiliate the offender, but to restore him to fellowship with the Lord and with his brothers.  All rebukes should be delivered in a spirit of love.  We have no way of judging whether an offender's repentance is genuine.  We must accept his word that he has repented.  That is why Jesus says: 'And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you saying, "I repent," you shall forgive him.'  This is the gracious way our Father treats us.  No matter how often we fail Him, we still have the assurance that 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' (1 John 1:9)."

This section summarized Jesus' teaching very nicely for me, and was a good reminder of how I need to handle offenses against me.  This also leads to a need to contemplate just what an offense is, and what should or should not be considered an offense.  The Bible also says that "Love covers a multitude of sins."  So there are times when I should cover an offense, whether real or perceived, in the interest of loving my fellow believer.

We were discussing this on the way to church recently, and my younger son brought up I Timothy 5:19-20 as well:  "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.  Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."  This is a good reminder, as many churches today do have elder rule.  I remember Dr. John MacArthur preaching about this, and he wrote a small book about it as well.  More food for thought.

Observations/applications:

**God means what He says in His Word.  Obedience is not an option but a
   requirement.

**What God requires, He gives the grace needed to perform.

**Failing to do what God requires is sin, which, left unconfessed and
   unrepented of, will bring chastening on His child.

**A friend who has been a pastor pointed out that these steps do not have to
   be rushed through; it may take some time, and more than one meeting, for    the offender to realize and admit his offense.  This reminded me, as
   mentioned above, of God's graciousness and patience with me when I sin.

**There do not appear to be any exceptions or any distinctions between
   Christians in regard to these passages (clergy vs. laity, for example); they
   apply to all of us who are believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Hymns #53 - By Vows of Love Together Bound

By vows of love together bound,
The twain, on earth, are one;
One may their hearts, O Lord, be found,
Till earthly cares are done.

As from the home of earlier years
They wander, hand in hand,
To pass along, with smiles and tears,
The path of Thy command.

With more than earthly parents’ care,
Do Thou their steps attend;
And with the joys or woes they share,
Thy loving kindness blend.

O let the memory of this hour
In future years come nigh
To bind, with sweet, attractive power,
And cheer them till they die.

And to that blessèd, fadeless land,
Where partings may not be,
Lead them—a happy household band—
Forever near to Thee.

(Words by Eleazor T. Fitch)

Hymns #52 - Ah, What Can I Do?

Ah, What Can I Do?

Ah, what can I do, or where be secure?
If justice pursue, what heart can endure?
When God speaks in thunder and makes Himself known,
The heart breaks asunder though hard as a stone.

With terror I read my sins’ heavy score,
The numbers exceed the sands on the shore;
Guilt makes me unable to stand or to flee,
So Cain murdered Abel, and trembled like me.

Each sin, like his blood, with terrible cry,
Calls loudly on God to strike from on high:
Nor can my repentance, extorted by fear,
Reverse the just sentence; ’tis just, though severe.

The case is too plain, I have my own choice;
Again, and again I slighted His voice;
His warnings neglected, His patience abused,
His Gospel rejected, His mercy refused.

And must I then go, forever to dwell
In torments and woe with devils in hell?
Oh where is the Savior I scorned in times past?
His word in my favor would save me at last.

Lord Jesus, on Thee I venture to call,
Oh look upon me, the vilest of all!
For whom didst Thou languish and bleed on the tree?
Oh pity my anguish, and say, ’Twas for thee. 

A case such as mine will honor Thy power;
All hell will repine, all Heav’n will adore;
If in condemnation strict justice takes place,
It shines in salvation more glorious through grace.

(Words by John Newton)

Hymns #51 - Abode of Peace

My mother went home to heaven last year, and now a dear friend will soon go home, which has made me think about and long for heaven more and more!

Abode of Peace

Abode of peace, my Father’s home forever!
My weary soul in faith doth yearn for thee.
I homeward look to Thee, my Lord and Savior,
To Thine abode of peace, eternally.
There is on earth no peaceful rest;
Our faith is weak, our souls oppressed,
Our vision dim and failing,
Our vision dim and failing.

The Lord be praised that time so swiftly flieth;
God’s promise is fulfilled forevermore.
Who on God’s Word and promises relieth
Shall find at last the choicest wine in store.
Forgotten then is all distress,
Eternal peace and happiness
Shall then be ours forever,
Shall then be ours forever.

Then, keep my heart forever, O my Savior,
And let me never, Lord, from Thee depart.
In joy, in pain, in sorrow, now and ever,
Thou only givest solace to my heart.
For when, O Lord, I am with Thee,
All other comforts well may flee;
With Thee I’m blest forever,
With Thee I’m blest forever.

(Words by Agata Rosenius)

Gossip

A couple of thoughts from the single-volume Bible commentary I'm using, from the book of Proverbs:

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.  Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself, and disclose not a secret to another, Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.  (Proverbs 25:8-10)

After remarking that the Bible condemns a litigious spirit (rushing to court to settle grievances), and that a person may be put to shame after giving his testimony by the testimony of his neighbor, we are exhorted to follow Matthew 18 and handle grievances privately rather than talking about them to others.  Then comes this quote from an unknown author:

   A little disagreement arises with some friends, and you have not
   the courage to go and speak about it to that friend alone, but
   mention it to another.  The principle laid down in God's Word is
   forgotten, and mischief follows.  Talking about a thing of this kind
   does no good, and in the end widens the breach.  If we would only
   take such a passage as our guide, and regulate our conduct by it
   we would lay aside many trivial "causes" of offense, and spare
   ourselves many disturbings of mind.

It is okay to have a difference of opinion with others.  It is even possible that they might be right.  Certainly there are many things in the Scriptures that are crystal clear and cannot and should not be compromised on, but some things are not easily understood and sincere, godly Christians may think differently about them.

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.  As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.  (Proverbs 26:20-21)

Fuel feeds a fire, and gossip feeds trouble.  Strife will die out when the one causing the trouble stops adding to the problem with aggravations, gossip, and lies.  The following quote came from the Atlanta Journal (no further information was available regarding the quote):

   I am more deadly than the screaming shell of a howitzer.  I win
   without killing.  I tear down homes, break hearts, and wreck lives.
   I travel on the wings of the wind.  No innocence is strong enough to
   intimidate me, no purity pure enough to daunt me.  I have no
   regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless.
   My victims are as numerous as the sands of the sea, and often as
   innocent.  I never forget and seldom forgive.  My name is Gossip!

These verses and accompanying comments really stood out to me this week.  It is much easier to engage in gossip than to go to the person as Matthew 18 requires.  If you don't talk to the other person, how do you know what they are thinking or feeling, or their perspective?  How often there is trouble between Christians which could be avoided if Matthew 18 was followed.  We are quick to criticize and judge others, when, if we would simply talk to the person, we might find out there is a simple difference of opinion, a different perspective, or--gasp!--that we misunderstood the situation.  It makes me wonder how many friendships have been broken, family relationships strained, and churches torn apart because of the sin of gossip.  A sober warning, indeed.
 

Slave - A Letter from John MacArthur

These remarks are from a letter written in January 2011 by John MacArthur:

I want to ask you an important question:  What does it mean to you to be a Christian?

For the moment, set aside the evangelistic implications of your answer--this isn't a test of your ability to share the gospel with others.  I want to help you think seriously and biblically about your identity in Christ.

Today there is a wide variety of familiar phrases and cliches commonly used to describe what it means to be a Christian.  You probably hear a few each day without giving them much critical thought.  But on closer examination, some of the most common ways believers identify themselves are inadequate, misleading, or (in the worst cases) biblically unsound.

For example, I'm sure you've heard people talk about having "a personal relationship with Jesus."  That expression is really too vague to be helpful.  Every creature has a personal relationship with its Creator.  Even Satan has a personal relationship with God--it's not a good one, but it is personal.  Saying you have a personal relationship with the Lord doesn't set you apart from the rest of the world, and it doesn't begin to explain the true significance of the believer's relationship to the Lord.

Another phrase I hear used a lot these days is "Christ-follower."  While that may sound more biblical, it is likewise too ambiguous to express what it means to be a Christian.  Even during Jesus' lifetime, multitudes followed Him without trusting Him and being transformed by him.  That's what John 6 is all about.  By the end of that chapter, multitudes who had been following Jesus turned away completely because they didn't like His teaching.  They were not true believers at all.  So calling yourself a "Christ follower" still barely hints at the biblical reality of what it means to be a Christian.

In fact, most of the language used in churches today to describe what it means to be a Christian falls far short of the biblical reality.  Too many people talk about salvation as if it were all about entitlement and prosperity.  According to them, Christianity is about God's loving you as you are, fulfilling your dreams, or boosting your self-esteem.  That kind of talk reduces God to little more than a genie in a bottle.  It falls fatally short of an accurate depiction of the saving Lord of Scripture.  In short, it's blasphemy.

You and I cannot afford to be lazy in the language we use when talking about our faith.  We can't settle for half-truths or shopworn cliches to speak of our relationship with the Lord.  Our identity in Christ is a precious thing--in fact, it's the most important thing about you.  We need to both understand it and describe it as biblically as possible.

It's not as though God's Word is unclear about that relationship.  The fact is, it's perfectly clear.  More than 120 times throughout the New Testament, the writers of Scripture use one specific word to depict and describe our new status in Christ.

The word is slave.

It's a potent term--one that triggers controversy in virtually any setting.  But God's Word is never careless or inexact, and the language God Himself uses should not be rewritten to accommodate individual preferences or prejudices.  God's Word says what it says, and the New Testament authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit did not choose that word lightly.

Flip through your New Testament today, however, and no matter which English translation you read, you won't find many places where the word slave is still intact.  Instead, the meaning and implications of the original Greek text have been muted, disguised, or obscrued--in some cases accidentally, while other instances were intentionally omitted or toned down because the concept of slavery is so repugnant to the human mind.  Often the word for slave has been translated as "servant" or "bondservant," but neither of those words captures the full meaning the original authors intended.

Put simply, you and I are not servants who were hired for a task.  We're not volunteers.  We are slaves, bought and paid for at a high price--the highest possible price, in fact.  Understanding that is a fundamental part of the gospel, and it dictates and informs how you and I are called to live and serve.

Hymns #50 - Abide Not in the Realm of Dreams

Abide Not in the Realm of Dreams

Abide not in the realm of dreams,
O man, however fair it seems;
But with clear eye the present scan,
And hear the call of God and man.

Think not in sleep to fold thy hands,
Forgetful of thy Lord’s commands;
From duty’s claims no life is free,
Behold, today hath need of thee.

The present hour allots thy task,
For present strength and patience ask;
And trust His love whose sure supply
Meets all thy need abundantly.

(Words by William H. Burleigh)

This is a good reminder.  It brings to mind something our pastor said once about not reading fiction because it is an escape from the real world, or something to that effect.  Some people do, indeed, become too absorbed in such things, to the point that their spiritual life suffers.

Hymns #49 - Almighty Maker of My Frame

Almighty Maker of My Frame

Almighty Maker of my frame!
Teach me the measure of my days,
Teach me to know how frail I am,
And spend the remnant in Thy praise.

My days are shorter than a span,
A little point my life appears;
How frail at best is dying man!
How vain are all his hopes and fears!

Vain his ambition, noise and show;
Vain are the cares which rack his mind;
He heaps up treasures mixed with woe,
And dies and leaves them all behind.

O be a nobler portion mine!
My God, I bow before Thy throne;
Earth’s fleeting treasures I resign,
And fix my hope on Thee alone.

(Words by Anne Steele)

Hymns #48 - Above the Trembling Elements

Above the Trembling Elements

Above the trembling elements,
Above life’s restless sea,
Dear Savior, lift my spirit up,
O lift me up to Thee!

Great calmness there, sweet patience, too,
Upon Thy face I see;
I would be calm and patient, Lord,
O lift me up to Thee!

I am not weary of Thy work,
From earth I would not flee;
But while I walk and while I serve,
O lift me up to Thee!

That I may bless my tender friends,
And those who love not me;
But while I walk and while I serve,
O lift me up to Thee!

Whatever falls of good or ill,
Thy hand, Thy care I see,
And while these varied dealings pass,
O lift me up to Thee!

And when my eyes close for the last,
Still this my prayer shall be:
Dear Savior, lift my spirit up,
And lift me up to Thee!

(Words by Anna L. Price)

Hymns #47 - After the Mist and Shadow

I would like to dedicate this hymn to my dear friends, Dawn and Pam.

After the Mist and Shadow

After the mist and shadow,
After the dreary night,
After the sleepless watching,
Cometh the morning light;
Beautiful, soft and tender,
Leading the soul along,
Over the silent river,
Into the land of song.

After the thorny pathway,
After the storms we meet,
After the heart’s deep longing,
Joy and communion sweet;
After the weary conflict,
Rest in the Savior’s love,
Over the silent river,
Safe in the home above.

After the cares and trials,
After the toils and tears,
After the time of sowing,
Reaping thro’ endless years;
After the pilgrim journey,
Rapture that ne’er shall cease,
Over the silent river,
Rest in the land of peace.

(Words by Fanny Crosby)

Hymns #46 - Almighty Father, Who Dost Give

Almighty Father, Who Dost Give

Almighty Father, who dost give
The gift of life to all who live,
Look down on all earth’s sin and strife,
And lift us to a nobler life.

Lift up our hearts, O King of kings,
To brighter hopes and kindlier things;
To visions of a larger good,
And holier dreams of brotherhood.

Thy world is weary of its pain;
Of selfish greed and fruitless gain;
Of tarnished honor, falsely strong,
And all its ancient deeds of wrong.

Hear Thou the prayer Thy servants pray,
Uprising from all lands today,
And o’er the vanquished powers of sin,
O bring Thy great salvation in.

 

(Words by John H. B. Masterman)

Hymns #45 - Another Year Is Dawning

Another Year Is Dawning

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

(Words by Frances R. Havergal)