Lifejournal: It Sucks for Apostates (12/17/10)

S: "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them."

2 Peter 2:20-21

O: A word for apostates. It speaks strongly of how when one is confronted with the righteousness of Christ and how someone may turn from their sin because of it. However, when someone turns their back on Jesus, giving up on pursuing a life of godliness, glorifying God-they have dug themselves into a state that is stated to be worse.

If someone is to live a life of falsehood and one day is confronted and proven to be false, they would naturally (or supernaturally in the case of sinners) turn to the truth and live by the truth (faith in Christ!). But, should someone yet turn from the truth, knowing it to be true-and turns back to their life of lies, it would be an incredible offense to what is good and true...

A: Perseverance is the word-I need to persevere. I know the truth and I can't go any other way. Try as I might to lapse into sinfulness-I know that God will reprimand me to stand up and continue walking in the path of righteousness. So, I will not apostatize-well, God willing may I never walk away from the truth that which is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

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Lifejournal: Be humble, be dependent, and be watchful (12/16/10)

S: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:6-8

O: Who can do anything but to prostrate themselves before God and ask for help? Only the prideful will pause and say "I am not in need of deliverance from my struggle/burden/circumstance/etc." Daily, we must bring ourselves before the throne of God, recognizing that we do not have the power nor strength to carry what we have been given in this life. Here is the promise/application"

A: 1. I must humble myself. Gotta fall flat at the throne and give myself up in surrender-praying, and laying upon God my own anxiety.
2. At the "proper time" he will exalt me-however, the emphasis must be that it is upon God's timing-it is when he sees it is fit to answer prayer.
3. He will not make his children wait long-he loves us and cares for us. We may not always necessarily know what to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes on our behalf. The fact stands, God loves us-as the wonderful Father he is, he truly cares for us like no one else on this earth ever could! I love that small portion of Scripture. God, the maker of the heavens and the earth-creator of the universe, living God...cares for a meager, empty soul such as me!

(O:) However, along with the urge to humble ourselves before God-Scripture warns us that we have a devious, powerful enemy at hand. We must always be mindful or what we think, do, say-sin is waiting at our doorstep, ready to pounce on us the moment we are unguarded.

(A:) How will I fight back? How can I be watchful? It's simple-gotta daily be in the word. Gotta daily find myself in prayer-prayer without ceasing! Mind on Christ and kingdom things. If my heart is filled with the things of eternity, then there is no room for things of the world.

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Lifejournal: Assurance of Faith (12/13/10)

S: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

Hebrews 11:1-3

O: Faith is assured - Something that people are rooted by in their life. To live in faith is to live in a manner that is deeply assured in something we hope in, yet haven't seen. I mean, who among us have been eyewitnesses to the death and resurrection of Christ? Other than the apostles and the others Jesus appeared to-but upon hearing the Gospel, our heart was sparked with the beginnings of faith-"assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen." In addition to the cross, who was present during creation? Only God was, and we have a divinely inspired text to tell us this-to the world, it may be a gamble-but by faith in the word, we believe the word and then live according to the word.

In the OT days, men of old were justified by their faith as well. By looking towards what was to come (Christ), their faith was credited as righteousness. Moses, Abraham, and King David are a few men that come to mind.

A: Faith is simply stated-but how can my faith be strengthened? God, in his own faithfulness, demonstrates how he keeps to his promises. By praying and having prayers answered faithfully by God himself would build up my faith in him. Sure, I may not be seeing fruit in my life immediately-but I cannot doubt that God will remain true to his word.

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Lifejournal: Do It

S: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:22

O: I love the book of James-not to be pharisaical by works, but to be reminded that true faith is expressed by action. Not that every action validates our faith, but it is without a doubt that those who hear the word will take one of two routes: to obey or disobey.

We may hear that we ought to love God and others. Perhaps we may even recite to others that we should. We could go so far as to preach it far across the ends of the earth-but unless our life itself expresses an obedience to the word, it would be deception to think our supposed faith is faith at all.

Of course, I would immediately condemn myself and many others if a constant or immediate obedience were necessary-we are, after all, those who have "fallen short of the glory of God" and in many a case, it may be that we are in need of a continuing sanctification or discipline from God to bring forth an obedience to his word.

Anyhow, this is a great verse - we cannot sit still as if the word explicitly states we should do something. To love, preach, pray, sing, whatever-it's there, and we need to be a people of faith accompanied by action.

A: Will I ignore how the Spirit leads the next time I reach the fork in the road? Will the reminder of God's command to love be present and fruitful when I myself am found in bitterness towards my fellows? I hope and pray that I may be a doer of what God commands because I see that his perfect law is lovely.

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Lifejournal: Eyes to Jesus

S: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

O: The writer of Hebrews groups together weight and sin-that our sin is our obstacle. Sin is baggage. It weighs us down in our race (I see that the writer also describes our life as a race just as Paul does) towards Christ. Sin is acknowledged to be clingy-it sticks to us unless we are to pointedly lay it aside (in repentance) and strive for our prize-which is to be with Christ.

This passage further confirms my last statement-that we are to affix our gaze upon Jesus in order to run vigorously. There would not be sufficient reason to cast off sin and "run with endurance" if the end result were merely a place of happiness or an avoidance of Hell.

However, to look upon Christ - and to see how he thought little of the shame, how he lovingly and joyfully accepted his task, and how he carried it to completion-to be with that person ought to be our greatest hope in this life and the life to come.

A: Sin is a weight-it drags me down in so many circumstances. It runs my life at times and I fear that it dulls my heart. But to take in the word and meditate upon it will teach me to hold fast to commands. I must pray because I cannot by my own strength or will overcome myself-knowing that God's will for me is to abide in Christ, he will overcome sin today as much as he did long ago upon the cross. This spiritual life will grow mundane and wearisome if my eyes are not upon Christ-I will seek him through all of these things. In the end, it is not about battling sin or being disciplined-those things will come about if I fix my eyes upon Jesus.

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Lifejournal: Faith is Necessary

S: And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

O: I wondered how it would be impossible to please God without faith. I realized that no one (well at this time) has not actually physically seen God. In fact, we haven't seen Jesus Christ or his death on the cross...nor have we seen his resurrection from the grave. However, it is by placing our faith in God and his word/promises to truly see him. Without faith in these things, it would be the equivalent to not believing in God or his promises.

I'm a person who desires concrete evidence of something. In the beginnings of my walk, I would often ask my pastor why I couldn't hear God's audible voice or see him if he was omnipresent. I suppose that things that are unseen cannot be explained or proven by anyone or anything-faith in Jesus in my life is the only evidence I have of God being real in my life.

A: Here is a great promise in this verse-that those who approach God with a real faith and expectancy will be rewarded in their seeking.

I need to come with an expectancy that God honors his people who seek him genuinely and expectantly. When I come with an attitude that lacks faith in Jesus, what right would I have to be in God's presence?

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Lifejournal: Marks of a True Christian

S: "Let love be genuine, abhor what is evil, and hold fast to what is good."

Romans 12:9

O: In regards to this passage in Romans where Paul writes of the marks of a true Christian, I would think it would be very appropriate to see this as wisdom and guidance for the true Christian. Rather than actually being characteristics or traits of a person-it's interesting to see that this is a list of commands-a lot of things that Paul expects a true Christian to do and strive after. At the same time, I can see how much of this may just naturally occur for the one who is regenerate. However, it is also in good wisdom to test ourselves and meditate on these commands, which are without a doubt, good.

"Let love be genuine." When I see this command, I immediately think upon Luke 10:27 where Jesus spoke of the two greatest commands-loving the Lord and others.

The greek word for love (in this context) is agape, which is used extensively in regard to how God loves us and how we should love others.

(A:)For my love for God to be genuine, I know that my devotion for him shows through how I spend my life. If I am seeking him daily, meditating on his word, and actually doing it because I want to, it's clear to see where my heart lies. It's not even the matter of how many times I do it, but rather if my heart really seeks out God that I could not help but to want know him and enjoy him fully-glorifying him.

For my love of people to be genuine, it's yet again the time I spend with others as well as keeping them in my heart-praying for them, lifting up their needs. I know that I lack in showing love for others due to the fact that I'm used to keeping to myself-my selfishness is most apparent when I'm with others or how my attitude is towards others. I need to work on "considering others to be better than myself (Philippians 2:3)," both in my prayer life as well as being mindful of those directly placed in my life. I will also love others in the same consideration of

(O:) "...Abhor what is evil" I knew that abhor meant something along the lines of strongly hate-but I like the merriam webster definition more:

Regard with disgust and hatred.

So regard evil with disgust and hatred. Or, better - Regard sin with disgust and hatred. This is difficult for me because I know much of my ill-spent time or bouts with pornography or whatever else is something that I label as sin, but don't regard as something disgusting or loathsome. However, Scripture calls us to hate sin- the greek word for abhor (apostygeō), goes on to further expand how we should feel: "to have a horror of" sin.

(A:) I must spend more time with God-I think it would only be natural to take in what is good and holy to see a clear distinction of what is not good / what is evil and to thereby react accordingly. For now, I feel as though I am numbed to my own sin at times-but I certainly don't want to continue in this manner. I want to hate sin as God hates sin.

(O:) "...hold fast to what is good." I find it more interesting that the English language really fails me in comparison to how illustrative the original greek is: "kollaō," Which means to glue together, or cement. To fasten or join together firmly. This same word is used with how a man and woman getting married should join together as one. Or how when someone joins with God becomes one spirit with him. There (I thought this was funny) is also an instance where Jesus spoke of dust clinging to feet where the original word is used.

Anyhow, this is incredibly strong imagery-that we should cling to what is good to such a degree that we are one with it-as if we are married to it, one spirit with it, and like how dust naturally clings to our feet; We ought to cling to what is good the moment we know something is good.

What is good? I know that God is good. The same word is used to describe Christ, a person who bears good fruit, and so forth.

(A:) Over and over again I see that God is telling me to cling to him. To love God is to be with him. An abhorrence of evil comes from spending time with God. To cling to what is good is to cling to God.

P: Father, I am glad that upon meditating upon this Scripture-you showed me all the roads to where these commands lie: In loving you, all of these will be fulfilled. I ask that you place in my heart a drive and desire to know and love you all the more. These very commands I cannot accomplish on my own-I cannot purify my heart or motive when it comes to loving you or others. May you search my heart and prod it in the direction where it would be most pleasing to you-do what you will with my time, dreams, and life so that you may be most glorified (I pray that you may occupy my heart with joy so that I may forget how crappy this world is (Ecc 5:20). Let the love of Christ be made alive in my heart so that I may in turn understand how to be devoted to Christ.

I cannot hate evil when my heart is consumed with it-please forgive me of my daily failure to love you and others as well as my failure to take you as the greatest pleasure of my life. Yet again, I ask you to change my heart, Holy Spirit, in the direction where God may be most renowned in my heart and life so that I may truly hate and draw back in horror of what is evil. Lastly, I pray that you give me a heart full of the desire to not only draw close to you God, but full of desire to cling to you and what is good and righteous. In complete honesty-I don't know how to cling to you other than to seek out what you have to say in your word, listen to it, and try my best to seek you in prayer. Please make me diligent in those things and I pray that it may fruitful (good fruit, that is). All these things I pray in Christ, amen.

Lifejournal: Heart's Desire

S: Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Romans 10:1

O: Paul previously writes in chapter 9 that he desired that his fellow kinsmen to be saved at even the expense of his personal relationship with Christ. This speaks volumes as to how we should also desire to see those around us who are still lost.

Paul genuinely wished to see them saved-his heart's desire, was to see the lost around him, come to a saving knowledge of Christ. His heart's desire translated to prayer to God, which I see as an act of submission to the only one who could make it happen.

Simply, he wished for others to know Christ. So, he prayed to God to ask that others around him would come to know Christ.

Do I even have a desire to see those who are lost in my life, saved? I think that it translates quite well that if you truly want to see someone come to a saving faith, you will present your requests in your prayers to God. Not once, but until the day you or they die, if the heart's desire truly is to see the lost be found, prayers would not cease.

A: I do not pray often. I pray very little-even for those whom I claim I care for. I pray over food, the word, and an occasional prayer request is lifted up here and there. I am too prideful, too lazy and conceited to do such a thing. However, I hope that I may have the heart like Paul-or rather, his Christlikeness which is clearly seen by how he prioritizes contention for souls by praying to God for them.

P: Lord, to even have the desire is to be rooted in you. If I were clinging to Jesus, I know that my heart would conform to his desire-and I know that the desire of Christ is to glorify the Father. Contending for souls is a glorious thing-work that is fit for the kingdom of God. I pray that you may awaken a desire to see others come to before you, professing that Christ is their lord and saviour. I ask that you may give me a true and heartfelt desire, that I may be driven to my knees often, interceding on the behalf of those who really do need to know you, Lord Jesus. In Christ, amen.

Lifejournal: Renounce Everything

I'm not a big fan of saying I can do something by my own power. But, from this moment I will put myself in a position where there will be no room for argument in how I live. I will do everything I possibly can to live life the way I know it should be lived-from there, may God's will be done.

"I am poor and weak. Satan is too subtle, too cunning, too powerful; he watches constantly for advantages over my soul. The world presses in upon me with all sorts of pressures, pleas, and pretences. My own corruption is violent, tumultuous, enticing, and entangling. As it conceives sin, it wars within me and against me. Occasions and opportunities for temptation are innumerable. No wonder I do not know how deeply involved I have been with sin. Therefore, on God alone will I rely for my keeping. I will continually look to Him.”

-John Owen

For I said in myself, "I am afraid that I shall be lost but I will know the reason why. I am afraid I never shall find Christ but it shall not be for want of looking for him." That fear used to haunt me, but I said, "I will find him if he is to be found. I will read. I will think." There was never a soul that did sincerely seek for Jesus in the word but by-and-by he stumbled on the precious truth that Christ was near at hand and did not want any looking for; that he was really there, only they, poor blind creatures, were in such a maze that they could not just then see him. Oh, cling you to Scripture. Scripture is not Christ, but it is the silken clue which will lead you to him. Follow its leadings faithfully.

-C.H. Spurgeon


S: So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:33

O: This is not something where someone needs to dig to actually understand. But rather, this is an incredibly difficult truth to accept and process. Jesus spoke of how his true disciples renounce everything in their lives-from their families to their wealth...Christ is above it all. He is rightfully implying that the work for the kingdom-to follow him and to be like him requires that we have no reserve nor attachment for the people or things around us. Christ is saying that those who follow him will give up everything they have.

Christ lists out how we must partake in his suffering (carry our cross daily), go the extremes of even leaving our families, and the rest pretty much follows. A person who desires to follow Christ must not only give up his possessions, but what is most precious to them. Because, quite honestly-I have met very few who would be willing to forsake all for the cause of the kingdom. In fact, I have met few that are willing to give up a portion of their time each day for Christ. I am that very person. Christ calls his disciples renounce all that they have and yet...we, as the church are not fitting the prerequisite to Christ's discipleship at all.

How many days did I fail to give my best time and portion to the Lord? How many times did my material possessions or worldly pleasures take over my heart? Everyday I see that I have but renounced NOTHING for the Lord Jesus. Even now, when I am trying to offer up more time and more things, I understand that there is no worth to them. It really is black and white-all or nothing. Everything for Christ or nothing at all for Christ.

A: Terrifying, to think that there is no gray area. Many Christians are deluded, then-I conclude. It's plain to see if someone has renounced all that they have for Christ. I do think that I want to be that person. I have hope in that it does not repel me to the core to give up certain things now for the kingdom. I can only hope and pray that it is his will that when the time comes, all things will be given up to him joyfully. My comfort and ease, love of the world, and so forth. I will try my hardest to make good use of my time-seeking the Lord and doing his will.

P. I pray that I may renounce all things for the sake of you, Lord Jesus-that it may stem from a true love, a knowing love. One that comes from knowing you tangibly. That time probably is not now, but I pray that it may be eventually-soon, and forever. In Christ, amen.

Lifejournal: Set the mind upon the Spirit

S: "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law, indeed, it cannot."

Romans 8:5-7

O: I can see that Paul makes a large distinction between the flesh and the Spirit - That those who are in the flesh continue to think of sin, which leads to death, whereas those who are live in the Spirit will think and do things of the Spirit. Paul speaks of how those who are set upon the flesh are unable to submit to God's law-I see that, conversely, those who set their minds upon the Spirit would joyfully and gladly submit to God's law (thanks to the fact that those in Christ Jesus are able to see that the law is is good-Christ's fulfillment of the law actually making it possible for someone to set their mind on the things of the Spirit).

But what are things of the Spirit? In verse 11: "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." The Spirit is life - in contrast to sin, which is death. I mean, real life is to live for and like Christ, isn't it? To give us life by effectually working in us to be more conformed to a greater Christlikeness. God, who sent Christ to die, also sent the Spirit to dwell in those who truly belong to Him.

In that, those who truly have the Spirit will without a doubt set their minds to the things of the Spirit. Paul goes on to write that those who are in the latter receive:

1. The Spirit of adoption where children of God are assured by the Spirit of their adoption and heirship with Christ (in His suffering).

2. Help in weakness from the Spirit-intercession from the Spirit himself.

But, I also believe that beyond that which is clearly outlined in the words of Scripture, things of the Spirit is also the discipline of setting our minds upon that which is eternal and heavenward-which provides a great deal of comfort and inspiration to continue living this life joyfully, as we look toward the future glory that is promised-Paul writes "the present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

"...to set the mind on the Spirit is life..." and the promise in verse 11, "...he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life..." I find it to be interesting that the Spirit gives life, and that setting our minds upon the Spirit is...well, living. I think this is another example of how someone who lives according to the flesh, unable to submit to Christ's Lordship, can only come into true life by the means of God's choosing and giving.

A: I do not think I can willfully set my mind upon the things of the Spirit, but I understand that by this passage, if the Spirit dwells in me, life will be given to me-a mind that dwells upon Christ will ensue in the one who is given the Spirit, along with the reassurance of adoption as well as comfort in weakness. Also, a submission to the law is also present in the one who sets their mind upon the Spirit. In practical application, I will try my best (and may the Spirit be pleased to help me) to set my mind on that which are life-giving things of the Spirit.

P: Lord, I ask that Spirit be present in me-There are such wonderful promises for those who are given the Spirit...from adoption to comfort as well as a promise to be given life is something I really do want. I know that in me there really isn't anything good-death reigns in me, and I see that my life is often lived according to the flesh. My mind is set on the flesh and I know that that is a path towards destruction. I ask that your Spirit would change my heart and mind towards that which is pleasing to you-I pray to be given life from the very Spirit that raised Christ; To be given an assurance of sonship and heirship; I want to know what it's like to see and taste how good it is to be with Jesus and to long for that all my days. Set my mind to be filled with that which is of your Spirit, if it may please you-so that I may live according to your Spirit.

Lifejournal: Much more, in His life

S: For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Romans 5:10

O: When I was lost in sin and could do no good and desired no good, Christ saved me. I have come to learn more of His goodness and to turn away from it now poisoned my mind to think that I have become more depraved-but, in reality, I've come to learn that I am just actually this bad: Lazy, unloving, undisicplined and full of lies and lust. However, I also realize now that the cross has not tilted or fallen over-that the blood of Christ is not diluted. Christ continues to live, to this day-and his perfection stands in place of my poor excuse for a life.

I think Paul says it best, later in Romans 7:24-25: Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

A: I will get it through my mentality that it is not the amount of work I do nor the quantity of time I spend in the Word that saves me. Neither is it that when sin reigns over my life for a spell am I suddenly dropped from God's mind or heart. I will understand that God sent Christ to die once for sins-once, for all my sins.

P: Heavenly Father, it's been awhile since I've even written the words "Father" to address you. I'm sorry that in this life, I've been caught in a terrible snare-not the laziness or even lack of spending time in the Word. But instead, Satan tricked me into believing even for a few moments that I was exempt from your grace. That I did not qualify or even matter to you. I'm so sorry to have even thought that-I know that despite what I've done and what I may do, you love me and the cross serves to remind me that very love every single time I find myself in a ditch. Praise be to you, Lord, the one true saviour! I pray that in this time of struggle, you may grant me perseverance-proven character and a renewed hope in your Son.

I also pray for Aaron - that in his preparation of making a message for his disciples, you may grant him a great wisdom (greater, considering he's already been given a great deal of wisdom :) through a diligent study of your Word and time spent in prayer.

I pray for Lynn and I ask that she may also be diligent in her prayer life as well as always reminding her to take every thought captive for you, Lord.

In Christ, amen.