Not just what is most convenient…

Romans 15:1 (MSG) 
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status.

Romans 15:1 (ESV) 
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

When I read this verse I, honestly, have two emotional reactions: I want to either cry or laugh. When I consider the usual attitude and response today of “the church”…to those whom they consider “weak”…those not in their zone of comfort…words fail me. Frankly either response of emotion I would affirm would be a failure on my part. Silence would be a denial of my heart’s conviction of The Word, and “pages” of assessment would be viewed as judgment on the “body”. Therefore, I am going to try and be as concise as possible…in one posting of thoughts on this matter.

Let’s look at:

Matthew 9:11-13 (MSG) 
When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riff-raff?" Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders."

Matthew 9:11-13 (ESV) 
And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

“I desire mercy”

Let’s move to:

Matthew 12:2-8 (MSG) 
Some Pharisees reported them to Jesus: "Your disciples are breaking the Sabbath rules!" Jesus said, "Really? Didn’t you ever read what David and his companions did when they were hungry, how they entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat? And didn’t you ever read in God’s Law that priests carrying out their Temple duties break Sabbath rules all the time and it’s not held against them? "There is far more at stake here than religion. If you had any idea what this Scripture meant—’I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual’—you wouldn’t be nitpicking like this. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath; he’s in charge."

“I prefer a flexible heart”

Matthew 12:2-8 (ESV) 
But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."

“I desire mercy”

Verses 6 & 7 are very powerful in their message, from Christ, concerning mercy; he even goes further into the core of one’s heart and mind in his assessment.  It is reaching to how “we” perceive the “church”, in general, and it’s role to their fellow man. Do you consider the church to be mainly a place of worship or a place of safe haven for all in need?

Psalms 147:3 (ESV) 
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

He healeth the broken in heart—‏שבורי‎, the shivered in heart. From the root ‏שבר‎ shabar, to break in pieces, we have our word shiver, to break into splinters, into shivers. The heart broken in pieces by a sense of God’s displeasure.

* Note that even in this definition of the Greek, and in stating heart’s are broken by a sense of God’s displeasure- The scripture states: He heals the brokenhearted- he does not lay aside, or reject.

Matthew 12:25 (ESV) 
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.

Matthew 12:25 (MSG) 
Jesus confronted their slander. "A judge who gives opposite verdicts on the same person cancels himself out; a family that’s in a constant squabble disintegrates.

Sometimes I observe that “we”, the church, have become more known for our squabbling that for our mercy, in how we deal with our own; is this really what we think Christ desires of us?

Romans 3:21-23 (ESV) 
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:21-23 (MSG) 
But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us.

Forgive me if “concise” went on a little more than expected; this is a message that is embedded in my heart. I only pray, sincerely, that we all- including myself- reconsider how His Spirit wants us to move beyond “being incapable of living the glorious life God wills for us”.

“I desire mercy”

I “elpizo”; are you?

 

Titus 1:15-16 (ESV) 
To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

All Things Are Pure

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (ESV) 
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Everything Created By God is Good

1 Timothy 6:20-21 (ESV) 
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge," for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.

Professing to Know God

* Knowledge of the Truth is crucial in the context of false teaching.

1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV) 
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons

What “word” in these passages is a “key” connection to your heart? Thanksgiving. Are you thankful for what He has entrusted to you, in Christ? Or, in actual practice, by your actions, are you denying Him?

The Word states that “all things are pure”, and “everything created by God is good”. When we reject this Truth we are regarding some “knowledge” as having more relevance than God’s Word. In professing knowledge we are clearly “paying attention” to what we are receiving in our minds, over honoring the Word of God, with Thanksgiving.

In professing to know God, are you maintaining continual Thankfulness for His goodness and purity offer to all. What is gaining your attention, in how you are receiving others? … and what are you offering, and not rejecting to them, in faith in Christ?

Grace be with you. May we all seek God in prayer with a renewed sense of His goodness and examine exactly whose “knowledge” we are receiving, and giving to others around us, by our actions.

1 Timothy 4:10 (ESV) 
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

elpizō- to expect or confide :- (have, thing) hope (-d) (for), trust.

If we do not, permission is granted…

Psalms 146:3-5 (MSG)
Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don’t have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing!

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

· Psalms 146:3 (ESV)
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

· Psalms 2:12 (ESV)
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Refuge occurs 152 times in the Old Testament-rendered: Faith and Believe in the New Testament. – also translated, “to trust” and “to wait for”

Hurt- inner wounds, literally fly into the core of our hearts so easily…with our permission. (!) When we seek the wrong source to fix our manifold issues in our lives, as in another person, we are thus putting resolve in the hands where such Trust does not belong. As disciples, even as leaders in His Kingdom, we should encourage trust with fellow believers; yet, our guidance should always be directed to the One where salvation is based, and refuge in God is always directed in His Word.

In just looking, even quickly, from these two passages, I can see how I set myself up for hurt, and for fostering hurt, in my faith. Yes, there have been times when I have “put my life in the hands of experts”, of leaders in His service. As well, I have been “injured” from those I regarded as trustworthy, in caring for the flock. At times I have overwhelmed by lack of observable compassionate understanding, from a “heart” whom I trusted. Then, I tried to figure out… “how could they?” “Did they not know whom they represent?”

1. I sought refuge in the solace of the mind and heart of one of His creation, above placing Trust in the Creator, himself.

2. Then, after fostering hurt, I tried to figure everything out myself, in self-preservation, and protection.

Lessons to be learned:

Mere humans don’t have what it takes; put Hope in GOD.

Trust God- He’s the one who will keep me on track.

Psalm 2:12-

Kiss- (the Son) – nashak- submit to; be ruled by. [ Kiss- be armed- touched-be ruled ]

Take refuge- taking refuge in God is placing reliance where it should be given, beyond another human…granting complete Trust to the wrong “Office”.

Psalms 56:3-4 (ESV)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

In placing such solace and regard in the hands of others, even other believers, I am conditioning my mind to think they have power they do not. Thus, hurt is conceived as a foothold in my thinking, while reliance and refuge have been centered in the wrong source… bringing permission for elements to cause damage in my heart. Our tears, confusions, and all hurts need to be brought to GOD. If we do not we are granting acceptance to spiritual forces we do not need for our spiritual health.

Psalms 57:1 (ESV)
… Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.

Understand I am not placing complete responsibility for our hurts and wounds on ourselves; we do, however, need to be aware that there are factors in our own choice of management that is centered in our personal relationship with God- with Christ. How we have come to perceive whom and what God is to us is far more vital to spiritual health than any hurt we have ever received.

Let me close with some these words:

Proverbs 3:25-27 (MSG)
No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound. Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.

· May we all consider how much we may “be” for the life and hope of someone else.

Thanksgiving Greetings

Make a Smilebox collage

Have you used your cotton balls lately?

Mark 5:21-24 (MSG)
After Jesus crossed over by boat, a large crowd met him at the seaside.
One of the meeting-place leaders named Jairus came. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his knees,
beside himself as he begged, "My dear daughter is at death’s door. Come and lay hands on her so she will get well and live." Jesus went with him, the whole crowd tagging along, pushing and jostling him.

Mark 5:35-43 (MSG)
While he was still talking, some people came from the leader’s house and told him, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?"
Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, "Don’t listen to them; just trust me." He permitted no one to go in with him except Peter, James, and John. They entered the leader’s house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: "Why all this busybody grief and gossip? This child isn’t dead; she’s sleeping." Provoked to sarcasm, they told him he didn’t know what he was talking about. But when he had sent them all out, he took the child’s father and mother, along with his companions, and entered the child’s room. He clasped the girl’s hand and said, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, get up." At that, she was up and walking around! This girl was twelve years of age. They, of course, were all beside themselves with joy.
He gave them strict orders that no one was to know what had taken place in that room. Then he said, "Give her something to eat."

Jesus compels Jairus to see the unseen when he says, "Don’t listen to them; just trust me." Don’t limit yourself to the possibilities to the visible. Don’t listen only to audible. Don’t be controlled by the logical.

Trust me, Jesus is pleading. "Don’t listen to them; just trust me."

Try to envision the skeletal hands gripping the broken glass or stone used to carve this on a consecration camp wall:

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn’t shine,

I believe in love, even though it isn’t shown.

I believe in God, even though he doesn’t speak.

What hand could have such a conviction? What eye could have seen good in the midst of such horror?

For certainly I have not been through a concentration camp. Yet, I want to share my “yesterday” experience. Presently I am in a “place” I have never been in my life; I will only say I am struggling for survival. Therefore, I feel compelled to sell some of the items from my inheritance of my parent’s estate; one of these items is a coverlet woven in Pennsylvania in 1810. After doing research on the Internet, discovering leading dealers, and authorities in Manhattan I set off for their galleries, with the feeling this was God’s means of provision for the time being- in this time of need.

With me I brought a printed copy of a New York Times article, listing the leading members of the “New York Americana Folk Art Dealers Association”, with 10 “acclaimed sources” for antique Americana. After further research, I choose the top three authorities, to visit. My first stop was in Greenwich Village, on Bleeker Street, after viewing the web site of the gallery. Upon reaching the location, I discover “Coach” is now the shop in residence at the address. Talking to neighboring stores, I discover, as well, this gallery has not been there for several years. Bleeker Street has gone though a dramatic shift in becoming as upscale as Madison Avenue, and sure some of the charming Village shops have had to reassess their operation.

Therefore, I decided to move on, to venture to the Upper East Side, and Madison Avenue, where the owner of this gallery had been on the board of the National Museum of the American Coverlet. The owner was cordial; yet viewing the gallery it became apparent the contents of the gallery had been transformed to 20^th century “pottery-ware”, and not American Folk Art, and textiles. My third choice was highly recommended by him, as being the leading authority in this genre of American antiques. Since it was a beautiful day I walked the 30 some blocks to the location of this gallery; yes, my feet were tired after the trek! When I arrived at the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center, taking the brochure- with her gallery in a full-page ad, I asked the guard which floor the gallery was on. He informed me the gallery had moved several blocks north…um…and so I continued back in my journey.

Upon coming to the side street of the new location it was clear that this was not just a relocation from the Center; it was now in a warehouse building, with no definition of whom or what was inside… and not the very visible entrance of the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center. Inquiring at the desk of the warehouse it was confirmed the “gallery” was at this location. The owner came to escort me to her gallery upstairs, six floors on the elevator. When we exited, I could see immediately that this respected authority and dealer had been reduced to a set of locked storage rooms, which would be opened for viewing of prospective buyers. Showing her the images, she began to share with me how she came to be at this location, telling of a massive water leak at the Center, which destroyed her gallery contents. After years of litigation without resolve, they still list here in the brochure given at the entrance of the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center. [This fact she was not aware until yesterday.]

How did I feel that this day which began with expectations of God meeting the needs of my circumstances, ended up in me walking for blocks in Manhattan to “no avail”? As I walked to the E train to go to Port Authority to return home, I prayed for all the dealers I had met along the way, not just myself. Even though I am still in need of resolve, I was given sight and vision to pray for others, dealing with their own pain in the “noise” of life.

Mark 5:39-40 (MSG)
Jesus was abrupt: "Why all this busybody grief and gossip? This child isn’t dead; she’s sleeping."

*  Provoked to sarcasm, they told him he didn’t know what he was talking about. But when he had sent them all out, he took the child’s father and mother, along with his companions, and entered the child’s room.

When we see death, we see disaster. When Jesus sees death, he sees deliverance. That’s too much for people to take; they laughed at him…at Jesus.

God has not let my circumstances, however grim, distract me from Him, and from the needs of others. He is still casting away the critics and silencing the voices that could deter me…spiritual forces, as well as “human voices”.

God knows you and I are blind; he knows living by faith and not by sight does not come naturally. I think that one of the reasons he raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead, was not for her sake, but for ours. Heaven sees whom we trust.

I shall continue to pray for these dealers in Manhattan as well as myself.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Why do you interfere in God’s welcome?

When our “spiritual conviction” becomes our priority in our communication, we are placing ourselves in a rather “high” position. Can you see how such a positional stance may be perceived as interference?

From Hosea 9:1, 7-

1- Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people, for thou has gone a whoring from thy God, that hast loved a reward upon every cornflower.

7- The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity.

So, we question, how did the prophet and the spiritual man become so distorted as to be defined as a fool and as mad? The key: “they loved a reward”. We fail in our human perception connecting a “benefit” with our service to God, to serve others. The “benefit”, in our hearts and minds, should be centered on obedience, not the reward of service.

Reflect on the priorities brought forth in Hosea 10:1,2-

Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself…

Their heart is divided…

Loving God is the core of the spiritual man, not the benefit he may reap from such service and duty to God, and service in His Kingdom.

Look at

1 Corinthians 3:11-13-

Vs 11- For other foundations can not lay that is laid, which is in Jesus Christ.

What are we building the presentation of Christ to others on? Has the foundation become focused on your own “spiritual convictions”- thus the benefit of your own “approval ratings”? As verse 13 states: the fire shall try every man’s work for what it is.

What kind of “work” are you doing for God? What is the heart purpose of your alignment and conviction?

1 Corinthians 14:36, 37-

36- What? Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only?

…If a man thinketh…

Ah, here is the root of our problem; we have come to think of ourselves in a particular spiritual position, more than what has made us “spiritual” at all.

… let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. * We interfere in God’s welcome when we do not acknowledge the Word of God as our basis for our spiritual foundation.

Thus the “mark” of the spiritual man is found in Galatians 6:1-

· The restoration of others to their place in Christ, and His Grace, should be the center of our goal with anyone.

Galatians 6:1-3 (KJV)
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Overtaken- Greek= prolambano- found or detected.

Fault- Greek= paraptoma- a falling aside when we should have stood upright; a moral fall…a fall from truth and grace.

· The spiritual man does not exalt himself as being above the same fall.

We interfere when we are browbeating the fallen rather than showing mercy and love.

John 12:35-36 (KJV)
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light…

· May we not interfere in God’s welcome into His Kingdom with anyone…let us examine how we view ourselves and our spiritual “position”.