But God Is Good

“It’s all good.” I don’t know about you, but my reaction to this phrase is to think in my mind and sometimes respond, “No, it’s not.” I tend to look at the phrase from an absolute standpoint, which maybe can be indicative of a sense of realism or maybe even perfectionism. So, I went to the urbandictionary.com to look it up in order to better understand what the user of the phrase meant. The first thing I noticed of the three different definitions is that they were ordered by surveyed rankings, and for every two or three people that agreed with the definition there was at least one that did not using a thumbs up/thumbs down system. But the one that seemed to have far more thumbs up is, “Despite any possible doubt, everything’s cool.” In other words, just because this may of happened or you may have done this to me it doesn't change our relationship or it doesn't matter that you did this and even did it to me. The interesting thing is that the sample phrase is one that should have exuded a strong reaction because it definitely was a severely wrong action to which the person responded nonchalantly. What this really told me was closer to the last of three definitions.

The third definition referred to the phrase as a platitude which is used to cover emotions and situations. It says very little, and its only real meaning is that the speaker is trying to rise above whatever problem exists, without expressing their underlying negative emotions. (They might be angry, sad, upset, frustrated, hurt, disappointed, etc.) It is often used in a passive-aggressive way, and rarely is used compassionately for someone else, trying to make them feel better.

While this might seem like a good thing and maybe even be quite biblical, at its core there are several concerns with the phrase. Primary to it is the disconnection from reality and relationships. We all sin and we all encounter hurtful situations, and being able to forgive and move on in the worst of them is indeed a beneficial thing. But burying them or writing them off in a casual way seems to say that these things just don’t matter at all.

As Christians we are to think soberly about our sins; admitting them to God, acknowledging that they had indeed been forgiven at a great cost to His Son, and committing before Him to walk in a manner worthy of the calling which we have been given. We are also to confess our sins to one another and to encourage one another in walking in the righteousness of Christ as we rely on the enablement of the Holy Spirit. We are also to be forgiving toward one another, with actively choosing not to make an issue of some things but going to the person when necessary for others. There is nothing casual or indifferent about this, but it is an active moment by moment choice about how we are going to live.

Beyond that, there is the literal reality that not everything is good. When God created in the beginning it was indeed all good. In fact, He said it was very good. But then came sin. We now live in a fallen word, we live among people who are lost in their trespasses and sins, and for us who know the forgiveness of our sins we realize that we still do sin. There is much more “not good” than there is good. BUT GOD, He works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). It is when we even take the bad or difficult things of the world and submit them to the Lordship of Christ and entrust them into the hands of God our Father that we see His Spirit work in us to do incredible things.

1 Peter 1:13-16  Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.

In the beginning I mentioned my usual response, but what I said is only part of my response. My whole response is, “No, it’s not, BUT GOD IS.” When responding this way it refocuses my heart and mind, and when I respond this way verbally it even frequently gives an opportunity for further discussion with the other individual.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (6/5)

Remember that you live in a fallen world: an abnormal world tainted by sin. Much frustration and failure result from your seeking perfection in this life. There is nothing perfect in this world except Me. That is closeness to Me satisfies deep yearnings and fills you with Joy.

I have planted longing for perfection in every human heart. This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill. But most people seek this fulfillment in other people and earthly pleasures or achievements. Thus they create idols, before which they bow down. I will have no other gods before Me! Make Me the deepest desire of your heart. Let Me fulfill your yearning for perfection.

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

But God Is Faithful

We all must endure trials of various kinds and in varying degrees of intensity, and most of them we would just as soon not have to face. But this is not how it is to be living in a fallen world. God said in Genesis 3 as a result of sin that there would be pain and toil and sweat. Yet God has also determined that He would use these same things to accomplish show His love and faithfulness, to demonstrate to man His need, to bring about salvation and to fully accomplish His purposes.

One of the passages of Scripture that I initially didn't spend much time looking at in relation to struggles was 1 Corinthians 10:13 because it used the word “temptation” and temptation didn't necessarily speak to where my struggle was.

1 Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

But when I went back and studied James and discovered that the word we read as “trials” I James 1:2 is the same word used in 1 Corinthians 10:13 of “temptation” and even elsewhere as “testing,” a light bulb went on. It was then that I realized that all of these things God brings into my life under His sovereign hand are indeed trials in which we can see Him prove His faithfulness (test) or we might be tempted to look elsewhere for our own answers (temptation). Knowing this then it wasn’t any wonder that James goes on in verse 5 of chapter 1 to tell us that if any of us lack wisdom we are to ask of God who will give it to us generously and without wagging His finger in our face. It also shed light on the verses which came later to tell us that God does not tempt anyone to evil, but we are all tempted when we take these thoughts toward evil in our own minds and run with them.

This led to a study of considering God’s instruction from His word of the verses speaking of trials, testing, and temptation and what I came up with was an amplification of 1 Corinthians 10:13, which in a meaningful way which reminds me of who I need to turn to when things get tough – no matter what the thing at the moment, and what I need to do in response. This also led to a new STOP sign for me. When things come up rather than saying, "But God, I ..." it is my desire and goal to say and mean, "BUT GOD, You..!" He is indeed sovereign over every aspect of our lives and we are called to trust Him fully (Proverbs 3:5-6).

“There is no test, no trial, no temptation to sin, no pushing, pulling, prodding, or anything else that comes my way that makes me any different than anyone else. We all experience these things, maybe in different ways and at times to different degrees, but I am no different than anyone else.

“BUT GOD…. He is always faithful in all things. With every trial, test, or temptation—no matter how big or how small; with all of these things He has set a limit to them. He will not allow anything into my life beyond which He also has not given the ability to victoriously endure. With every single test, trial, and temptation He has provided a way of escape, and He will keep me from being crushed, and He will bring me out standing on the other side. This is true whether that other side is realized in this life or ultimately in His presence. This is a certain fact.

“Therefore, I will place my trust in Him and look not to the size of the situation, BUT to the size and faithfulness of my GOD.”

Today Sarah writes about those challenging times and staying in close communion and communication with our faithful God.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (6/4)

Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust Me. You have Me beside you and My Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. When the path before you is dotted with difficulties, beware of measuring your strength against those challenges. That calculation is certain to riddle you with anxiety. Without Me, you wouldn’t make it past the first hurdle!

The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me. Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness. Regardless of the day’s problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Help For Those Difficult Days

There are some things in our lives in which emotions are normally so intense that you wonder how you will get through them, and one of them is when we have to talk to others about something that is very personal and important. I have been amazed for years at how God gets me through memorial services and weddings, especially for those who have been extremely close. I don’t think any of us look forward to difficult discussions, but at the same time we all know they are necessary at times.

One year ago today, June 3, I had one of those times when I went before our family at Calvary Crossroads to let them know that God was leading us elsewhere in ministry. While we did not know when or where, we knew that He was indeed leading us elsewhere. And though we did not know the timing or the placement, we did know that Crossroads was our family and that we would attend there until such time as He gave us an answer. June third of last year would normally have been a joyous time celebrating Promotion Sunday where we recognize our kids who have moved on to other grades and even off to college as well as honoring many of those who have faithfully served over the past year. But this Promotion Sunday was mixed with hurting, not only with our announcement but following the decisions that had been made relating to other staff as a part of budgetary staff reductions. It is times like this that can tear a church or even a family apart as people struggle with the change. It is also times like these that we have to have a strong confidence in the sovereign guidance of our God.

In John 13 we read of Jesus preparing His disciples for His soon departure through the cross and His resurrection from the grave back into heaven. He was letting them know that what He had to do was necessary and that they would not be left alone. Yet they didn't quite get it, and it was not until after they saw Him resurrected that they really began to get the picture. This picture included His promised return and the pending coming of a Helper until such time that He does return. This promise included His sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding on their behalf. He indeed had completed the reason for His coming and their Messiah had arrived and was reigning for all eternity.

They did indeed receive the Helper He had promised and they saw Him do great and mighty things. Following His ascension we see how the early disciples responded and how God gave them both confidence and power to stand fast in persecution and faithful in service.

Our Lord is still active today, and He is faithful to fulfill that which the Father has given Him, including the work He is doing in us. In those times when we are shaken even by a difficult situation, know that God is our strength. Submit everything to Him and search out His way for what lies ahead. Then trust Him to guard your steps as you follow. It is in this that you find that God gets you through things you never imagined.

Psalm 46:1-3, 10 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. … Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (6/3)

I want to be central in your entire being. When your focus is firmly on Me, My Peace displaces fears and worries. They will encircle you, seeking entrance, so you must stay alert. Let trust and thankfulness stand guard, turning back fear before it can gain a foothold. There is no fear in My Love, which shines on you continually. Sit quietly in My Love-Light, while I bless you and with radiant Peace. Turn your whole being to trusting and loving Me.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Transforming The Heart

Deuteronomy 30:11-15 “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it. See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.”

In Romans 10 Paul quotes from both Moses and Isaiah. His quote of Moses is from Deuteronomy 30 where he challenges the people to not only follow God’s commandments, but to love the Lord their God which would result in His blessing. However, we know the history of the people of Israel as Paul speaks in Romans is that the very things they knew they forsook in order to chase after a righteousness of their own - a righteousness based upon works and human effort. In doing this they lost sight of the most important thing in which they had been instructed, which is loving and following after God from their hearts. And when it all depends on you there is not rest.

But a life founded in trusting God places us in a condition of humble submission and daily dependence. It also confirms to us that our ultimate success or even progress is subject to His sovereign plan and direction. Our responsibility it to love, listen, trust, and obey.

Romans 8:37-39 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (6/2)

Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving, and know that I am God.

Do not be like Pharisees who multiplied regulations, creating their own form of “godliness.” They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me. Even today, man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people. Their focus is on their performance, rather than on Me.

It is through knowing Me intimately that you become like Me. This requires spending time alone with Me. Let go, relax, be still, and know that I am God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

Joy And Steadfastness In Counting On God

James 1:2-4 [ESV] says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” I memorized these verses primarily in the New American Standard where words like “consider” and “endurance” are used. In the English Standard Version we see the words “count” and “steadfastness.” While these words intend the same meaning and are accurate translations into English, comparing them and our understanding of the different English words used helps paint a better picture of what is really meant and maybe even better appreciate the richness of their meanings.

“Consider” and “count,” they both have the meaning of weighing something as real and present. And what we are to think as true and count up as a reality is the joy we have in knowing all that our Lord and God is to us, that He is sovereign over our circumstances, that He has wrapped His hands around us, that He will complete what He started, that He is intimately aware of every aspect of our circumstances, and that He will not fail in bringing His good purposes to completion. As we consider each of these truths and we count the unlimited number of them, applying them to our particular situation then we indeed can find joy – a joy based in our relationship with God and His being with us. When we weigh this against our trials, our trials don’t come close to measuring up to our God.

“Endurance” and “steadfastness” also are both accurate words, which give a little different flavor to the passage. Endurance stresses the ability to come through while steadfastness might even speak to how we do it. It is not that the words are any different, but that they might bring different thoughts to our mind. In fact, the same word translated “endurance” in the New American Standard is also translated “steadfastness” as in Colossians 1:11-12 where we read, “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.” Interestingly here in Colossians, while the NAS uses “steadfastness” the ESV uses “endurance” further illustrating their interchangeable nature. In Colossians we read that along with steadfastness comes patience, again as we joyously give thanks to God our Father. You see, the joy is not in the pleasure of the situation, but in the hope we have in our God. In Psalm 57:7 David proclaims, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!”

Today Sarah writes about God’s involvement in our lives and our need to stay conscious of Him, especially in those times of drudgery or struggle. When things seem to be unraveling knowing that our God isn’t and that He will keep you from it yourself is huge.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (6/1)

I am involved in each moment of your life. I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard. Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges. Expect to find trouble in this day. At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection.

Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remembering that I never leave your side. Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be a endured. As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch.

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Time For God

Smart phones are quite complex. We can send and receive emails, text, pictures, tweets, work on our calendars, to do lists, and more all while playing games and paying attention to the latest comments in the social media such as Facebook. Is it any wonder that many people have a hard time sitting down and getting quiet before God? The potential for distractions is huge in all areas of our lives. For me, even simple sounds like a button hitting the side of a clothes dryer can affect my thought processes.

While all of these are excuses, none of them are valid reasons for neglecting spending time with God. In the busyness of our days maybe we should not only look for those times that work best and those places that are most suited, but we should even go so far as to determine in advance that we will take advantage of them. Whether that is taking extra time before you ever put a foot on the ground in order to spend time waking up with God, worshiping Him for who He is, thanking Him for what He has done, and bringing those people and issues that are on our heart before Him, and submitting even what lies ahead in our day to His sovereign direction.

Then we can set aside some time to spend in His word. Some days it may be a brief devotional which we meditate on throughout the day. Other times it is a lengthier reading and time of consideration of His word. We all enjoy snacks, but the meals are really what are intended to keep us going. Spending time in God’s word and talking with Him about it as we read and consider it is essential to our spiritual growth and health and even to discerning His direction for our lives. For as we read about Him and who He is, of how He moved in one person or how He moves in general, then we grow in our trust and we can ask Him how He would want us to respond to the issues in our lives.

And as we move through the day and thoughts pop into our minds or things tug on our hearts, do we take them to Him even if briefly to praise Him and even ask for help or wisdom or right words? As we encounter others, whether they are Christians or not, do we bring them before God and seek His leading for how we engage with them? This might mean giving a hand or speaking encouraging words to one who is struggling, sharing the good news of salvation in Christ to someone who doesn’t know him, praying and/or studying the word with another believer and especially those who are close to you. The options are unlimited.

And then as we go to bed do we spend time with Him reflecting on the day just passed and thanking Him for His goodness and His faithfulness throughout it.

Sarah talks a lot about the Presence of God in her devotional, and moving through our days in this way is an example of how we can live in His Presence. Today she talks about not being rushed. A key part of this is re-prioritizing our relationships, and making sure that God is central to all of them. But beyond that it is purposely setting time aside to spend with Him.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/30)

Time with Me cannot be rushed. When you are in a hurry, your mind flitters back and forth between Me and the tasks ahead of you. Push back the demands pressing in on you; create a safe space around you, a haven in which you can rest with Me. I also desire this time of focused attention and I use it to bless you, strengthening and equipping you for the day ahead. Thus, spending time with Me is a wise investment.

Bring Me the sacrifice of your precious time. This creates a space around you – space permeated with My Presence and My Peace.

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. Psalm 119:27

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)

Sent To Share

There is absolutely nothing in this world so significant that it supersedes the fact that our Creator God has personally reached into our lives and given us new life, that our Sustainer God is continually working to make it so that we can stand in the midst of any circumstance, and that our Healer God has committed through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to renew us to the image of Christ and to lead us into eternal perfection.

Our God does not go on vacation. He is not fickle. He is not impotent. He is the all-powerful, all-seeing, everywhere present, always in control, compassionate, merciful, long-suffering, just and loving God (the list could go on and on) who has made Himself known to us. He encloses us before and behind. He holds us with His strong right hand, and He is intimately acquainted with absolutely every big and little thing about us (Psalm 139). This is the God who we are to look to for everything, and He absolutely will not fail.

So, while the world wishes things would get better and tries as best it can to put in place policies or humanitarian efforts, the end result might only be making eternal death a little less painful to approach. As children of this most incredible God we have real hope, a hope that we can share and a hope that when we engage maybe in those same activities that the world does that we can do so pointing people to the God who cares deeply and has the power to do something about their deepest needs. This is real hope, and it is not limited to us who already know.

In our mid-week Romans class we worked our way into Romans chapter 10 where last week we look at what one must do to be saved, which is really very simple. Romans 10:9-10 says, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Many children’s ministry programs use the ABC’s to talk about salvation where “A” is admitting that we need God’s help and that we have sinned against Him, “B” is believing that Jesus is who he claims to be and that He indeed did die on a cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day bringing to us new life. And “C” says that we confess or call on Him with our mouths, which really means we talk to God and simply ask Him to do what He said He would do. To this Romans 10:13 says, for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” It’s really that simple, as simple as A,B, C. We also read in Scripture that this faith that it takes to believe is itself a gift that God gives us (Ephesians 2:8-9).

But, as we are looking at this week, there is a hitch. And that hitch is getting those who need to know the information. In Romans 10:14-15 Paul asks, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” These are some important questions, and before we scramble searching out for one of those sent ones, we should also know that we are them. In Acts 1:8 we read, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Then in Acts 8 we read of the persecution of the early church leading to the believers being scattered everywhere. Of them verse 4 says, “Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”

We live scattered all over our world and all around us are people who we can share the good news of Jesus with, realizing that it is God who does the work in their hearts. I learned a definition of witnessing a years ago in college when I was involved with Campus Crusade. It goes like this, “Success in witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.”