Get Dressed for the Day

When I get up in the morning, I check the weather to see what the day looks like, so I will know how to dress for the day. I do that every day. Then I get dressed appropriately to what the day is going to be and according to what I need to be doing in the day. I imagine you do something similar.

When the children of Israel came to the Jordan River after 300 years in captivity and 40 years in the desert, they were given specific instruction about how far to follow the Ark of God. Joshua said “Because you have not passed this way before.” (Joshua 3) As I am on a spiritual journey into the Promised Land of the Kingdom of God, every day I meet things in my life that need to be conquered and put to death so that Christ can be formed in me. I may have met these things before, but many of them I have not realized that I have a responsibility to destroy. In the same way therefore I have not passed this way before.

Every day is a new day that I have never known before. It is only reasonable that when I am going somewhere I have never been that I see if I can get some clear directions for how to navigate in the new day. When I was driving a truck, I learned to always get specific turn by turn directions for how to get to my destination. In many situations this was very important because there were hazards that could not be navigated if I strayed from the correct route.

After writing about the principalities, powers and rulers of this present darkness and wickedness in high places Paul exhorts us to get dressed appropriately for what the day has in store so that we can function as we should in our place.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore…  (Ephesians 6:13 +)

Recently I am impressed with the emphasis of the evil day. Each day I need to prepare. Each day I need to put on the armor of God because I will face enemies in my flesh that will conquer me if I am not prepared.

God’s intention for me is that I become like Jesus. If I am becoming angry when things don’t go my way I am not becoming like Jesus. If my words are not glorifying to God, I am not becoming like Jesus. If my heart is full of desires other than to please God, I am not becoming like Jesus. If I am not loving like Jesus loved, I am not becoming like Jesus. In these cases and many more I am not standing in my place because I am not prepared and clothed spiritually.

I must be properly clothed each day for the day’s activities. This is true spiritually even more than physically.

Think about it.

Present Darkness

In my everyday life it is evident that there are conflicts. People do things that tend to irritate. I am disappointed with things that I do and with the things I do not accomplish; I am even in conflict with myself. Ephesians 6:12 clearly says that the conflict is not with other people and to some degree not even with myself. There are spiritual forces at work that fight against me and against the will of God.

There was a popular book several years ago about the rulers of the darkness of this world. It focused on spiritual beings that affected people and their behavior. As I was reading this passage I became aware of another darkness that strongly affects the people of this present age and time. It has far too great an affect on me and I suppose others may be able to see how it affects them as well.

The darkness I am referring to is the darkness that entered the world in the Garden of Eden. I am not speaking of original sin or sin nature. These seem to me to be Theological terms with little meaning. Rather I am simply referring to the introduction of another point of reference. Before Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil God was the point of reference that said what was good and what was not good. Once they took the knowledge of good and evil for themselves the conflict began.

Jesus came with a different point of reference than was common in the world at that time and now. His central and main point of reference was God’s will, even at the point of being beaten and crucified (ref Luke 22:42). He didn’t even speak his own words but waited and spoke the words from the father (ref John 14:10).

In verse 10 we are encouraged to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” The strength of Jesus is the strength and power of humility. In Philippians 2:5-8 we can read, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

The strength and the might of Jesus was not his own strength or might, rather his strength and might was in the fact that he humbled himself and was obedient to God in all things.

The darkness of this present age is the spirit in each of us that says “I know what is good and what is evil.”

It’s something to think about.

January 2015 Here I am

In January I seem to want to say, “This Year I…” But I don’t truly think I’m that big a deal. Rather I think I should say. Right now and probably for a season, I believe God wants me to think about the passage in Ephesians 6:10-18. How does this truly apply to my daily life?

In the very beginning I see my first problem (where I get it wrong). Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. The human condition and especially my condition thinks that I can be strong by exercise and good nutrition. This applies spiritually as well as physically.

I have over the years gone on several diets to become a less rounded person. Some have been marginally successful and others not at all. In the end my desires were not changed and I coveted the foods I liked and that led me to giving up the “diet” in favor of my own lusts.

The truth is that physically and spiritually, on my own I am in a fallen and helpless condition. I must continually recognize and acknowledge that my own strength, wisdom and ability is not enough to live the life or be the person I was created and intended to be.

I must recognize that Jesus is the Lord not because he was God, but because, as a man just like me he overcame all of the weaknesses and failures that separate all men from God by humbling himself in ALL situations and being obedient. He had to live the life he lived in constant awareness of his need for wisdom and strength from God.

This is my only hope for any real success in my daily life.

RVCC Sunday Message Reflections

It seems my life is up for another change. Monday, I began a new job. I am training to drive a school bus for the Medford school district. This will give us a little money to fill in the gaps that exist right now and hopefully a little extra. It will only be part time which I hope will leave time for other things where I want to be involved.

This week David started his message by asking how many of us liked to party. It seemed like a bit of an unusual question. Then he reminded us of the stories we had looked at last week; the lost sheep, followed by a celebration and then the lost coin followed by a celebration. And then we looked at the story of the lost son. (Luke 15:11-32)

In this story we see 2 sons of one man. One son, the younger, took his inheritance and left home. Then he wasted all of the money and found himself in a very low place. Today we might say he found himself in the sewer. The good thing is that “he came to himself” vs. 17.

*****

What a wonderful thing! How many of us long for our children or a loved one to come to them self and see the true condition of their life. At that point they are truly ready to do what this son did. (my private rant)

*****

He came to himself and said, “My father’s servants have food and clothing, I will go back home and ask to be made a servant.”

It didn’t work out like he thought. His father saw him coming and ran to meet him; he covered him with kisses and put new cloths on him then said we’re gonna have a party, my son who was lost is found! ( or something like that)

In both of the stories last week and in the story this week Jesus pointed out that there is more joy in heaven over one lost soul who finds the grace for repentance than over 99 righteous souls who need no repentance. When anyone comes to Jesus there is a party in heaven.

The question then was do we celebrate the things that they celebrate in heaven?

Sometimes I tend to be a critical of others and think they are being too interested in natural things instead of spiritual things. Jesus used 2 very natural examples and made no indication that there was any problem with that. I see that I need to learn to not be critical.

Another thing David mentioned is that mission without celebration is not really mission. He then pointed out how many celebrations there are in the Old Testament. God apparently wants His people to be a people who know how to enjoy a celebration. Actually one of the complaints that the religious leaders had about Jesus was that he was a winebibber and a glutton. (Luke 7:34)Apparently Jesus enjoyed a good time.

We tend to avoid celebrations and parties because of all that is wrong in the world. We tend to focus on the ones who are not following God and they become the reason we feel we cannot celebrate. Or we simply look at our own difficulties and think, “What do I have to celebrate?” Then we need to ask, are we looking to celebrate the things that are celebrated in Heaven or are we only looking for our own comfort or encouragement?

One of the life group questions is, how does celebrating more often and more wholeheartedly affect our lives? One of the members of our life group shared a challenge that someone had shared with her. The challenge is to think of at least one thing each day that you are truly thankful for and write it down in some kind of note book. She shared that it had had a very pleasant affect on her life. It made me think of the scripture in Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

I know that focusing on the negative things around me has no good affect. The word of God seems to promise a much better affect if I will give my attention to the good things that God has provided. I would encourage you to join me in taking some time each day to write one or more things that give you reason to be thankful for the next month. See if you can notice a difference in your attitude or even your health. Have a little party each day, eat a cookie or have a cup of tea in celebration, or whatever you choose, but make it a little party.

David also pointed out that when the older son found out about the party, he only wanted to complain and talk about what a good son he was. He sort of took the place of the religious leaders who were critical of Jesus for spending time with sinners. Let’s not be like them.

I also noticed that the father was watching for the lost son. Are we watching for the lost ones ready to welcome them back to the family of God with love and encouragement?

Walk with God this week and

Celebrate your blessings!

Rick

Sacred Mysteries

Several years ago, I heard Jack Hayford  (the pastor of The Church on the Way, in VanNuys California) speak about mysteries. One thing he said was that mysteries involve things that are hidden and even when revealed, they remain mysteries. My wife is a reader. She enjoys reading mysteries. There are several mysteries by Agatha Christie that she has read several times, because even when she finds out who did it and how they did it the story is still a great mystery.

In God’s great dealings with men, I see that he reveals mysteries to us as we are ready to see them. The greatest is of course in Colossians 1:26-27.

“The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but has been revealed to His saints. for to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you the hope of glory.”

This is The Great Mystery. In fact this is the mystery that we are exploring throughout this writing. The word Christ is a Greek word that is seldom translated in the different versions of the Bible. The word means; The anointed one. When kings and priests were inaugurated, the inaugurating officer would pour oil on his head to signifying a divine endorsement of the king or priest. in the case of Jesus, God truly did endorse him by giving Jesus His eternal Spirit. In the same way, God endorses his saints with an actual measure of His very Spirit. This is the very greatest mystery, and the more I learn of this mystery the greater it becomes.

In the communication of this Great Mystery, God has given us 3 lesser mysteries. Even so these mysteries are still far beyond our complete understanding. Marriage, Baptism and Communion (or The Lord’s Supper) are the 3 sacraments (or sacred rituals) of the church that God has given us to help us realize our potential as his children. These are sacred rituals, not because of some Church ruling, but because God established them.

The rest of this chapter is primarily my personal reflection about these mysteries. I am absolutely sure that I may be mistaken about much of what I will write here, but I am sharing the things that have been a help to me. So please weigh the following carefully and if you find things of value for your life give glory to God. If not pass on and leave these things for another time or abandon them altogether.

The first great mystery is marriage. Marriage was established by God in Genesis 2. In verse 18 God says, “...It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” And that is what he did. This is truly a miracle which is repeated when we marry in the Lord. Consider verse 2:24; “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Throughout the Bible story, marriage has been honored and considered very serious. God spoke to Joseph to encourage him to take Mary as his wife when she had been found to be pregnant with Jesus. Jesus first miracle took place at a marriage celebration. Then Jesus puts the seal on marriage when he says, “Wherefore they are no more two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”(Matthew 19:6) The Word of God says that marriage is a sacred union created by God. Later in Ephesians, Paul clarifies this a little when teaching about family relationships. He is speaking of the husbands place of sacrifice toward his wife; and then he quotes Genesis 2:24 immediately following with “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.” (Ephesians 5:31-32)  It is impossible to explore all that marriage can show us, especially in this context, but please consider that marriage is a great mystery created and established by God.

The second great mystery that God has given the church is baptism. Baptism is another Greek word that has not been translated, but in stead re-spelled with our alphabet. The Greek word simply means to dip or immerse. Jesus validated baptism in what is called the great commission, when he said; “All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen.”  (Matthew 28:18-20)

Later in the book of Acts in chapter 2, on the first day of Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection, also called the birthday of the church, when the apostles of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up in the Temple and spoke of the proof that Jesus is the Christ (anointed redeemer) of God.  When the people heard this message they were deeply moved and asked what they could do. Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:14-38) As you read the book of Acts in many places, when people believed the gospel they were baptized. Refer to Acts 2:41,8:12, 8:36, 10:48, 16:15, 16:33. I have just listed the references to baptism, but take some time to read the whole story and see how people decided they should be baptized.

With baptism came the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit. (ref.  Acts 2:38) This is at least part of the process of being born again. The great mystery of the new birth. Can I explain it? Do I understand it? No! Do I believe in it? Yes! with all my heart.

What can we learn from baptism? There are some clues in God’s word that I have found helpful. In Romans 6:1-5 Paul is talking about the change that should be happening when someone is born again. In verses 3-4 we can see this powerful illustration of the new birth in the sacrament of baptism.

 “...all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.”

There is much to say about baptism, but primarily I hope that you can get a little idea that marriage and baptism are physical acts that we can participate in, that are directly linked to the miraculous work of redemption.

The final mystery that I will speak of at this time is Communion or The Lord’s Supper. After Abram rescued his nephew Lot, as he was returning to his home Melchizedek the king of Salem brought bread and wine and blessed Abram. This is the first reference to something that looks a lot like our communion (Genesis 14:18-20). Then in Exodus 12 we find the story of the children of Israel being delivered from bondage in Egypt. At this time God established the Passover feast. there was blood and there was unleavened bread. Because of the blood around the door, the angel of death passed over the houses of the Israelites. But in the houses of the Egyptians where the blood was not found the angel of death came in and killed the firstborn. Then the Egyptians drove the children of Israel from their land. That is how God delivered them.

On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he ate the Passover with his disciples.

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28)

This event is also recorded in Luke 22:19-20 and in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Communion is an extremely great privilege. I do not think we can take it too seriously. PLEASE read these scripture verses carefully. Read them exactly. Then consider the instructions and warnings that follow in 1Corinthians 11:23-30.

God reveals himself in these sacred mysteries. Take time to read the references, think about what is said and ask God to show you what he wants you to see.

These things happen in the meeting of the Church. They belong to the church. They are for our encouragement and edification. 

Saved by Grace?

It may be good to address a popular idea about being a Christian. As I have traveled around I have heard many sincere people quote Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This has been quoted to prove that God has done it all for our salvation and there is nothing for us to do. I sincerely believe that this is an error that has been allowed to grow in people’s understanding because they have not taken the time to search the scriptures diligently. And because it sounds very pleasant to hear from “The Bible” that I have nothing to do. When I look at the whole book of Ephesians (It was written as a single letter to an individual assembly of believers) the passage in 2:8-9 is part of a larger statement. As part of that larger statement it is absolutely true and correct. But it is not the whole statement or intention of what is being communicated. In this case I had to read the entire epistle to get the fuller meaning of what is being said and how this passage relates to the whole. Chapters 1, 2 and 3 are a sort of introduction to the message of the letter. In chapter 1, Paul expresses his prayer for the saints (Christians) in Ephesus; that they will realize all that God wants to accomplish in each of their individual lives. In chapter 2 he does speak extensively about the grace of God, and that it has made us alive (vs. 5) so that we will be able to actually accomplish good works (vs. 10). Without God we could do nothing of any eternal value. In chapter 3, Paul goes into some detail to explain that God has made him an apostle, in spite of his own unworthiness, in order to show to those who will see, the amazing scope of all that God desires to accomplish in each individual child of God. Then the meat of the message which has been well prepared by the first 3 chapters is presented in chapters 4,5 and 6. Here we find practical instructions for realizing more and more of the wonderful benefits that are ours as the children of God, because of the redeeming power of Jesus’ cross and the tremendous working of God’s grace in our life. 

Reflections of sermon by David Wise 9-15-13

Dear Friends,

 As I read the letters of Paul, I am always encouraged by the way he opens each one by telling those he is writing to that he always gives thanks for them. I have come to understand his feelings a little better as I have worked at sending out these letters each week (almost). God is building that same kind of thanksgiving in my heart for each of you, along with the sincere prayer that he will show you His mercy and give you His peace in each of your situations.

Jeannie and I are still working at recovering from our traveling pains. I guess it just takes a lot longer when we get older. I have been thinking a lot about people who are in constant pain and have been encouraged to pray.

Sunday was the kick off day for the opening of the season of small group meetings. They stop having them in the summer and then start them back up in the fall. The message was directed toward building community and the importance of being part of each other’s lives. Then after the second service there was a really nice lunch served and a presentation promoting small groups and encouraging everyone to sign up for one.

David began his message by saying that small groups is something RVCC is passionate about, because we cannot really become close to one another meeting for an hour in a large group. But small groups of people getting together can get to know each other and care for the needs of each other more genuinely.

David read from John 15:1-4:

I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

Grape vines are kind of amazing. One vine can produce over 80 pounds of fruit in a season. They can do this and remain alive even in drought conditions because they have extremely deep roots, sometimes reaching 150 feet down and out to find the water and nutrients needed to produce the fruit.

In the same way Jesus is the true vine for our spiritual life. If we abide in him we will have life that produces fruit that is beneficial to all. His roots go all the way to the Father of all life. And from the Father he supplies nourishment for our life if we stay connected to him.

David also pointed out the part about pruning. Pruning is often not pleasant but our Father does it anyway just as we disciplined our own children for their good. Probably we didn’t do it always with their best interest in mind but God ALWAYS has our best interest at heart and only prunes or disciplines us so we can be more fruitful.

Branches that are not pruned bear less and less fruit until they bear no fruit at all. Then the branches become weak and eventually die. So it will be with us, and if we can learn to accept the pruning with thanksgiving God will use it to make us more fruitful.

In the hall of the church building are 3 banners that form 1 larger banner. The center banner shows the form of a tree with branches reaching up and out at the top and roots reaching down and out into each of the other 2 banners at the bottom. The banner on the left says “Connect”, reminding us that we must be connected to the root that is Christ. The center banner says “Grow” and the silhouette of the tree reaching up and out signifies our growth in Christ. Then the banner on the right says “Serve” encouraging us to serve Christ by serving one another.

Each of us is pruned of God in some way, that we may bear more fruit. Sometimes it seems there is nothing that I can do, but in my spirit I always hear, “You can pray.” We can each of us in our own place speak to our Father and care for the church and one another in prayer. Please remember the leaders of RVCC as they work to help us grow, and as they work through the transition from Russell to David being the senior minister. I am sure there are other needs that you know of. The greatest need that we each have is to grow closer to Jesus and to our Father in Heaven. I do thank God for each of you as I write these letters and as I address and prepare each one to be sent. Then through the week often God will bring you to mind and I will pray with thanksgiving for each one.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Be Faithful in your place