DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- CREATURE COMFORT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – CREATURE COMFORTS

"Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come – and the books, especially the parchments." (II Timothy 4:13)

This letter is one of what are called the Prison Epistles that Paul wrote while he was awaiting trial in Rome. Prison was not a place of ease and comfort. It was cold during the winter so Paul asked Timothy to bring his cloak. But he also wanted to have the parchments which would probably have been the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul was a student of the Old Testament and much of his theology is rooted in the Pentateuch, the Poetry and the prophets. He desired to be as comfortable as possible so he needed his coat, but he also need the comfort of God's written word.

Creature comfort and Spirit comfort sometimes go hand in hand. There is no virtue to be uncomfortable and suffer while feeding on God's Word. Many churches have padded pews to make the congregants comfortable, rather than wooden pews to make them suffer. Cushioned pews are okay as long as they don't make us so comfortable that we go to sleep, but hard wooden pews can make us so uncomfortable that we are concentrating on the pain rather than on what God's servant is sharing as he preaches from God's Word.

A pastor once told me that he didn't mind when people went to sleep during his sermons, since that may be the only comfort they have. I don't know that I would go that far, but I have certainly put many people to sleep with my sermons. It is probably an apocryphal story, but it is told of a man who had the habit of going to sleep every Sunday Morning as soon as the preacher began his sermon. His wife had tried may tricks to keep him awake, but was unsuccessful. One morning, she took a container of limburger cheese to church, and when her husband began to snore, she opened the container and stuck it under his nose. His response: "Gertrude, get your feet off my pillow!"

In comfortable settings, it is sometimes easy to lose our concentration.  It takes an intentional effort to stay engaged in the message God is speaking. That's why I often take notes during the sermon and personal Bible study.  

Creature comfort is important. How about spirit comfort?  God's Word brings comfort to the soul.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A GOOD EPITHET

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A GOOD EPITHET

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (I Timothy 4:6-7)

Paul was coming to the end of his life and ministry. He was ready to be sacrificed – poured out as a drink offering. This drink offering is an allusion to the offerings made in the Old Testament Covenant. The drink offering is mentioned many times in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. God gave instructions that every day, there were to be sacrifices made in the morning and in the evening of a lamb and a drink offering. "One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight. With the one lamb shall be one-tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil, and one fourth of a hin of wine as a drink offering. And the other lamb you shall offer at twilight; and you shall offer with it a grain offering and the drink offering, as in the morning, for a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD" (Exodus 29:39-41)"

Paul was coming to the twilight of his life when he would be poured out as a sacrifice – a sweet aroma to the Lord. As he looked back over his life and was finishing his race, he could say that he had been faithful to the calling that God had placed on his life. He had run the race, he had fought a good fight, and he had kept the faith.

His confidence is stated in verse 8: "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." Notice that he includes you and me in this promise – to all who love His appearing.

Not to be morbid, but I would desire that when my time of departure comes, that I could also say that I had fought a good fight and had kept the faith, and that I could also say that there is a crown of righteousness waiting for me in heaven. This would not just be a good epithet on a grave marker. It would be a good summary of a life lived for the Lord Jesus.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PERILOUS TIMES

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – PERILOUS TIMES

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come..." (II Timothy 3:1)

During the economic meltdown a few years ago when there were so many foreclosures and the stock market dropped, I received an annual report from one of our investments that began with the statement, "We live in perilous times." Perilous times are when things are spiraling out of control.

Paul here is not talking about economic disaster, but of a time of great ungodliness when it seems that society has forsaken everything that is moral and good, and everything is in chaos, spiraling out of control. He gives a description of the people of perilous times. They will be "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (verses 2-4).

Does this sound familiar? It will be a time when people are without any sense of what is good and true and right because God has been eliminated from society.

It is during these challenging times that the we find the answer in verse 14-17: "continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of," staying true to the Scriptures that are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

George Beverly Shea used to sing a song that said, "In times like these, we need the Bible … Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds, and grips the solid rock." The way to get through perilous times is to stay true to God's Word, and keep our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBINGS -- PASSING THE TORCH

PASSING THE TORCH

"I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is you also."

Before the Olympic games, there is the tradition of transporting the torch from city to city. Each person has the responsibility for a certain distance, and then he or she passes the torch to another person who runs his allotted course. It is a great tradition.

A godly heritage of passing the torch of faith is a treasure that is beyond value. There are two directions to this legacy. One is what we have received from those who have come before us and helped us begin the journey of faith. It may have been a parent, a pastor, or some other person God has put into our lives.

The other direction is the legacy we leave for those who follow us. The transmission of faith to Timothy came through his mother Eunice, and surely his grandmother, Lois, had a big impact on Eunice and also on Timothy.

Those of us who have had godly parents who have led us to trust in Jesus are blessed beyond measure. Paul was the recipient of the basis for faith from his forefathers. And so was Timothy, whose mother and grandmother were both Believers who taught Him in the faith. As Timothy had received from others, he also had the joy of passing on the faith to others.

During my senior years, my life-verse is Psalm 71:18: "Now also when I am old and grayheaded [or bald, as the case may be], O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come." As the older generation, we have the joy of communicating our faith in the Lord Jesus to our children, grandchildren, and sometimes great-grandchildren. If nothing else, we can pray for them as Paul did for his son in the faith, Timothy.

I am so grateful for my parents and grandparents who passed on the torch of faith. We can be thankful for those who have helped us come to faith in Christ, and we have the calling to share that faith in those who follow us.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DIET AND EXERCISE

DIET AND EXERCISE

"If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4:6-8)

There are two main ingredients for living a healthy life: proper diet and exercise. When I go to the rec center and see people who are slim and trim doing their workouts, I can assume that they are also eating a well-balanced diet and getting proper exercise. Those whom I see on a regular basis demonstrate that this is what is important in their lives. I think maybe the rec center is their church, they are so faithful in their attendance. They probably are convinced that good eating and exercising well will help their quality of life to be enhanced, and the Apostle agrees that bodily exercise is profitable – a little. But there is more to life than the life that "now is." Physical exercise is profitable for the here and now, but godly exercise is beneficial for eternity also.

The Apostle Paul drew this analogy – being nourished in words of faith and doctrine, and exercising godly living. A healthy Christian will have these two components in his or her life. They are both important. Feeding on God's Word gives strength to live godly. But knowing God's Word is of little value if we don't exercise it. Exercise strengthens our spiritual muscles.

The balance between the two is critical. They are synergistic – working together to form a well-balanced life. So watch your diet, and do your exercises. But don't neglect feeding on the word of God and exercising godliness.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD'S HOUSE

THE HOUSE OF GOD

"These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (I Timothy 3:14-15)

It goes without saying that the house of God that Paul was referring to was not a material building made with wood and bricks. It is a spiritual house built with people. The Church is people who have been born again into God's kingdom. We, as living stones are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:5). And the Master builder is God Himself.

This building needs a good foundation. The Church has a firm foundation – God's Word and the Lord Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone.

The second phase of the building is the pillars – the structure that is built on the foundation. God has provided a blueprint made by the Chief Architecture who said that He would build His Church, and there are codes that have to be observed in order for that building to pass inspection. It is not a shack!

Now, God has included us in this project of building His church. Listen to what the Apostle says about our part of building God's Church. He said, "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field; you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it.  But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone say than that which is laid which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold silver, precious stones wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." (I Corinthians 3:9-17).

The primary purpose of the Church is to be the temple of God where He dwells on this earth. The purpose of the Church is not to be a social club, or fighting some vice or political agenda, or just meeting personal needs or the material and social needs of society. These cannot fulfill the function of God's Church.

Unless the LORD builds the house, he who labors labors in vain (Psalm 127;1). Christ will build His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Nothing can destroy the church that Jesus builds. Satan has tried through the centuries, but, as Bill and Gloria Gaither sang it:  the Church triumphant is alive and well. Jesus is still building His church, and we are a part of it. May we be careful how we conduct ourselves as a part of His Church.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A PEACEABLE LIFE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A PEACEABLE LIFE

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)

I confess. This is a very convicting passage for me. I find it so much easier to criticize and fight those whom God has placed in authority when I don't agree with them. It seems I have read someplace that all governmental authority is established and appointed by God (Romans 13:1). This Scripture was written by a man who suffered at the hand of both civil and religious authorities. And I remember another Man who said to the civil ruler who was about to crucify Him, that that ruler had no power except what had been given to him from above (John 19:11), and never in His life did He rail against the Roman government. In fact, He said to pay them the honor that belongs to them, even when they don't deserve it.

How much peace do I get from complaining about the government? Does that solve any problems? Inner peace comes from taking the leaders – whether civil or religious – to God in prayer, and committing them to Him.

I have to remember also that they are sinners and need a Savior. God wants them to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. My critical attitude does not help accomplish this goal one iota.

I need God's help. It is true that we have ungodly leaders who do ungodly things. But God loves them and they need His salvation. Praying for them is the path to a quiet life of peace, godliness, and reverence or, as the margin reads, dignity. Honestly, a person who is constantly ranting about the government does not exhibit a quiet life of peace, godliness or dignity.

May our lives demonstrate Christ's life of peace to this world.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A PURE HEART, A CLEAN CONSCIENCE, AND SINCERE FAITH

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A PURE HEART, A CLEAN CONSCIENCE AND A SINCERE FAITH

"Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith." (I Timothy 1:5)

Paul had a special concern for his protege, Timothy, whom he called his "son in the faith." In verse 4 of this chapter, he expressed his concern that Timothy would remain true to the Gospel and confront those who would get sidetracked by fables and endless genealogies that only cause arguments.

As a young pastor, Timothy encountered some who had strayed from the essentials of the Gospel and in the process their faith was ship-wrecked. Their faith had hit the shoals of unbelief. Paul was not afraid to call them out and name them – Hymenaeus and Alexander. His admonition to Timothy was to confront these heretics with love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from a sincere faith (vs. 5).

These qualities of a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith are still essentials for us to be victorious in our Christian lives because without them we live under the cloud of condemnation. Without them, we can be drawn away and become shipwrecked. Impure motives and hypocrisy are a sure way for a person's faith to hit the shoals in the turbulent sea that we live in.

A pure heart – free from corrupt desire and being tainted by what is false and impure, and being filled with what is sincere and genuine; a good conscience – upright and honorable, without a shadow of condemnation; and a sincere faith – unfeigned, undisguised, without hypocrisy – these are the things that will help us wage a good warfare with integrity.

May our determination and intention be to have a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLIINGS -- A PRAYER

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A PRAYER

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you..." (II Thessalonians 3:1)

Paul asked for prayer for himself that the word of God – the Gospel – would run swiftly, that is, with speed and haste. He apparently felt that there was not much time to accomplish his goal of proclaiming the Gospel. The King James Version translates this as "have free course" – nothing hindering or holding back the declaration of the Gospel. Satan would do whatever he can to hinder the proclamation of God's Word. But we can pray that those obstacles that he raises would be put down.

Paul wanted the Gospel to be glorified. The word "glorify" means to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate, honor, make glorious, make renowned. The Bible has become abandoned, rejected, dishonored, forsaken, and held in low esteem in American culture. Even people who call themselves Christians no longer hold it in reverence as the very Word of God as we once did. To many, it is of little value except as a piece of literature to read as one would read "Gone with the Wind," or "To Kill A Mockingbird." It no longer has the place of honor and authority. I long for the day when the Bible would be proclaimed unhindered and have free course in America and be glorified, honored, and celebrated as God's Word.

Only the Bible reveals the way of salvation to eternal life, and the way to know God. It has the power to transform lives as no other book can as the Holy Spirit makes it come alive. It is still powerful, but Paul's desire was that through him the Word of God would be extolled and magnified and be rapidly propagated, even in the face of rejection and mocking. May that be our goal and our prayer.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

"Therefore comfort each other and edify each another, just as you also are doing." (I Thessalonians 5:11)

This verse is in the context of the coming day of the Lord (vs. 2) when Jesus will return. What do we do while waiting for His return?  The message is to "keep doing what you are doing."

Believe this or not, I saw a sitcom on television where a black preacher was admonishing his congregation to "take care of business." Of course, the writers of the show turned this to mean something entirely different than we would expect.

Throughout history, Christians have believed the promise that Jesus is coming again – some with more fervency than others. Some think that His return will be a long time in the future. It is tempting to think this way. For the past 70+ years, the message I have heard consistently is that Jesus is going to return soon. But He has not come yet. The temptation is to be lulled to sleep, and say, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" (II Peter 3:4). In other words, life goes on as it always has. On the other hand, there are those who are so convinced that Jesus is coming in the immediate future that they sell everything they own and go out to a secluded place to wait for his return.

The Bible's approach is neither of these. The consistent message of the Bible is to stay involved and busy in kingdom work until He comes. Jesus told the parable of a nobleman who went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then to return. He gave his servants resources and then said to them, "Do business till I come" (Luke 19:11-13). They were not just to twiddle their thumbs until he returned, nor were they to go out and bury the resources that the master had given them. They were to do the business of the kingdom.

The Apostle Paul takes this middle ground approach as we read on in this letter to the believers at Thessalonica. While they are waiting for Jesus' return, they were admonished to stay awake and alert, and to not sleep their lives away. He urged them to exhort each other, to warn the unruly, to comfort the fainthearted, to uphold the weak, to be patient with other people, to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give things in everything, to allow the Spirit to operate, to listen to prophesies, to test all things, to hold fast what is good, and to abstain from every form of evil (verses 14-22). This does not sound like people who are just passing time until Jesus returns. They were to be involved.

Jesus told us to be watching because we don't know when He will return. He said, "Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect," and again, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 24:44, 25:13). As Christ-followers, we are "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13) – not idly passing our time, nor secluding ourselves from the world, but completing the mission that Jesus has given us to do, eagerly anticipating His wonderful and glorious return. Maranatha!

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MARANATHA1

MARANATHA

"Therefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thessalonians 4:18)

There was a teaching among the Believers at Thessalonica that was causing turmoil and misunderstanding regarding resurrection. Paul set the record straight. There will be a grand resurrection of those who have died in faith in Jesus. There will be a blast of a trumpet and those who have died in faith in the Lord Jesus will be raised first, and then those who are still alive will be caught up along with them to meet the Lord in the air to live forever with Him. We use the term rapture from the Latin word to describe this event -- "raptura" meaning caught up or taken away

Today, we don't necessarily have the confusion regarding those who have died. Scripture plainly teaches that there will be a resurrection of the dead. But we do live in a dark world and sometimes our faith is tossed about regarding the return of Christ. I can say with Paul, "Be comforted. Jesus is coming."

The early church had a word that they commonly used. It was "Maranatha." This term is used only once in the New Testament (I Corinthians 16:22) and it means, "The Lord has come" or "The Lord is coming." In that context it is used particularly in regard to judgment on those who do not love Him. Jesus is coming – Maranatha. As 21^st century Believers, we need not live in fear or confusion regarding His coming, but with joyful anticipation we look forward to His return. We pray the prayer of Revelation 22:20 – "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

So, don't be distressed. Be comforted. Maranatha!

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- INCREASING AND ABOUNDING

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – INCREASING AND ABOUNDING

"And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." (I Thessalonians 3:12-13)

The Apostle Paul was at Athens and he was deeply concerned for the Believers at Thessalonica, that they would remain true to the faith which he had taught them. When he could bear this burden no longer, he sent Timothy to Thessalonica to encourage them in the faith. When Timothy returned to Athens, he reported to Paul that they were standing firm in the Lord. This was a great encouragement to Paul and eased his mind. Now he could breathe easier knowing that they were remaining faithful to the truth.

Paul wanted to visit them to "perfect what is lacking in your faith" (vs. 10). He was happy that they were steadfast in their faith, but he desired that they would increase and abound more and more. There was still room for them to grow in their love, faith, and holiness as we read in the first verse of the next chapter: "that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God" (I Thessalonians 4:1),and in verses 9-10 – "that you increase more and more" in brotherly love.

There is always room to grow in our Christian walk. None of us have reached the top of the mountain. Our journey will not be complete until we stand before the Lover of our souls. Receiving Christ Jesus as Savior begins our journey. May God continue to perfect – to bring to fullness – our love, our faith and our holiness until we see Him face to face.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- OUR FUTURE JOY

OUR FUTURE JOY

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy." (I Thessalonians 2:19-20)

Question: What gave the Apostle Paul the most joy and rejoicing and hope for the future? Answer: It was that others would come to know the Lord Jesus and be a part of His kingdom and that they would be together around the feet of Jesus in eternity.

That was the same motivation that the Lord Jesus had during His suffering on this earth. Hebrews 12:2 records that he endured the cross and despised the shame "for the joy that was set before Him." I believe that the joy that motivated Jesus to endure all the agony and suffering was the people who would receive Him by faith, become a part of His family, and join Him in heaven.

Jesus said that there is great joy in heaven over one person who repents. Every sinner who come to faith in Christ causes heaven to ring with shouts of praise and joy. Hallelujah!!!!!

I am moved by a gospel entitled "He Showed Me The Faces." It is The story of a preacher who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel. He toiled in lonely, backwater places and no one seemed to notice or care that he sacrificed himself in His service to Christ. But worse than that, he did not see much fruit for his labors. After he died, he stood at the Judgment Seat of Christ. His head hung low in shame before the Master because he had such meager results for his years of ministry. But then Jesus told him to turn around and look. And when he did, he saw many people that he had ministered to on earth, and each one was in heaven because of his labor of love.

We may not see much that is accomplished through our service to the Lord Jesus here on this earth. But heaven will record what was done through our efforts, whether it is our personal witness, our prayers, our ministry in the church, or our financial support of missionaries. It will be a great time of rejoicing as we see people we have helped to get there. This will be our glory and our joy.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FAITH, LOVE, AND HOPE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – FAITH, LOVE, AND HOPE

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father..." (I Thessalonians 1:2-3)

When the Apostle Paul thought about the church at Thessalonica, three things popped into his mind: Faith, Love, and Hope. These were identifying characteristics of these believers.

First was the "work of faith." Faith and works go together. Often we say that we are saved by faith and not by works. And that is true. But faith produces works. As James said, "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). True faith is more than just belief – which does not require any action. Faith is an active noun, and will be demonstrated by the actions that follow it.

Next is the "labor of love." The Greek word for labor different than the "work of faith." It is more intense. The basic meaning is "to beat one's breast with sorrow" in the face of trouble and hardship. It is the type of labor that only love would produce. I have heard people say, "You couldn't pay me to do this!" We will do things for love that we would not ordinarily do. It is indeed a labor of love.

The next is the "patience of hope." Enduring faith and love for Christ and His kingdom is motivated by the hope of eternal life. Seeing the end of the story motivates us to keep trusting. Patience of hope keeps us going when we don't see any fruit of our work of faith and labor of love.

A life grounded in faith, love and hope will endure to the end. As Jesus said, "He who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE FAITH

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE FAITH

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 1:6-7)

The other night during the Vice-Presidential debate, Kamala Harris declared that she was a person of faith. My question is, "What faith?" Everyone has their personal belief system. For some is it belief that there is no God. For others, it is the belief that if they live a good enough life, God will accept them. This is personal faith. Paul here was exhorting Believers to be established in THE FAITH, that body of doctrine that is the basis for personal faith and belief. The Faith that Paul was writing about is that we are sinners before a holy God, and that Jesus died on the cross to make atonement for our sins so that we could be right with God. I don't think that is the faith that Kamala Harris was referring to.

Later in the chapter, Paul warned them to be aware, "lest anyone would deceive you with persuasive words" (vs. 4), those who would come with philosophy and deceit and try to pull us back into the "basic principles of the world" (vs 8). The basic principle of the world is that we can attain salvation by living a good life and keeping rules and regulations. That is the general idea of most religious people who are not Christians. "If I do certain things, God will accept me. The more good I do, the more chance there is that I will go to heaven." It is a lie from Satan and it deceives millions of people.

Paul exhorted the people to be "rooted in Christ" and be built up in Him, and established in the faith – that is, to be planted firmly in the Gospel, like a tree planted by the waters (Psalm 1). As Jude wrote, we are to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3; see also I Timothy 1:11). Knowing the truth of the Gospel and having our roots so deep in the faith like a tree with deep roots, gives our personal faith strength so that we will not be swayed by some other philosophy or doctrine. This assurance and security of God's grace causes us to "Abound with thanksgiving" – giving all the praise and thanks to God for our free salvation.

May our faith be so deeply rooted in the faith that we will not be moved away from the Gospel of grace.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST

"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of His body, which is the church…." (Colossians 1:24)

What does this mean, to "fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ"? We know that the Lord Jesus suffered and died once for the sins of the world, and that His sacrifice was sufficient – that we cannot add anything to it. So what did Paul mean? I'm not sure I have the full answer, but perhaps some meditating might prove useful.

For starters, remember that Jesus said to expect affliction as a Christian. He said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18). He said that the servant is not greater than his master. He said, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). He said that His disciples would drink the cup of suffering for His name's sake (Mark 10:38-39). We should not to be surprised when people treat us badly because He promised that his followers would be persecuted. In fact, the Scriptures say that "all who live godly in this world will suffer persecution." And He didn't just talk about it – He endured the cross and despised the shame (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus knew what affliction is all about.

The Apostle also knew what affliction was – beating, stoneings, rejection. But his attitude was that he was just sharing in the afflictions of Christ. Even though the death and suffering of Christ for our salvation was sufficient, there is still the outworking of the Gospel in our lives. In that sense we fill up the afflictions of Christ. He suffered once, but we have the privilege of sharing in His suffering for the sake of the Gospel when we suffer for His sake. We know very little about what it means to suffer affliction for Christ's sake. But when the followers of Christ are rejected, abused, tortured, and abandoned, they are sharing His suffering. Jesus said that His disciples are blessed when they are persecuted for His name's sake (Matthew 5:11).

Remember that when people mistreat us for the sake of the Gospel, they are not just abusing us but they are attacking Christ. Remember what Jesus said to Saul when He appeared to him on the way to Damascus? Jesus said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." The believers were the ones who suffered at the hand of Saul, but in reality, it was Jesus whom Paul was attacking.

Paul suffered with "rejoicing." Could this be what James was referring to when he said to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2)? Jesus said that we can rejoice and be glad when people revile and persecute and say all kinds of lies against us (Matthew 5:12). We can gladly suffer for the sake of the Gospel because we have the privilege of "filling up the afflictions of Christ."

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LEARNING CONTENTMENT

LEARNING CONTENTMENT

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Philippians 4:10-12)

Remember the ad that claimed their milk came from contented cows? Why were they contented? Was it because they had a fancy barn or gourmet grass? I think that just having simple pasture-land was their source of contentment.

Philippians is one of the "prison epistles," written from Rome while he was awaiting trial. His state was one of chains, confinement, and lacking some of the better things of life. The "state" he was in was not very pleasant. Yet he did not complain. He rejoiced that the church at Philippi had sent some support, but he makes it plain that his contentment did not rest in the externals.

Two times in this passage, he said that he had "learned" to be content. How do we learn contentment? Paul had discovered that his joy did not depend on people or circumstances. The state of contentment is in our mind and in our spirit. Our outward situation may not be agreeable. But that is not a prerequisite for contentment. Contentment is a state of mind that trusts God and leaves the rest to Him. We can rest in God's provision for us.

Our society is proof that contentment does not come by having material things. We as Americans have more than we know what to do with. Yet people are always grasping for more – a bigger house, a newer car, a larger bank account. Being deprived of the creature comforts of life might teach us that we can be content in our spirit even if our temporal desires are not satisfied.

Knowing that God is our source – that he can supply all of our needs according to His riches – and knowing that He has a purpose for what we are going through can teach us to rest in Him and His goodness. That is true riches. It is a blessed person who can say, "In poverty or in abundance, in hunger or with a full stomach, I am content." May we learn to be content with God.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- STRETCH IT OUT!

STRETCH IT OUT!

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14).

It is a common thing among senior citizens – this living in the past. Many of us have short-term memory loss, but we can remember the good old days like it was yesterday. Man, things were good back in the 1950s. I think that was the best of times. I could roam my city without fear. It was a prosperous time economically. Having fun with friends. But I forget the struggles I had as a teenager, finding out who I was and what my life would be. I forget the fear of the cold war and hiding under the school desks during air raid drills. I forget that the USSR put a man in space before America did and the fear that they would control space. I remember waking up at night in thunderstorms imagining that we were being attacked by missiles from Russia, never mind that I lived a hundred miles from Portland.

Paul said, "I do one thing." Forgetting the past – both the good and the bad, I reach toward the future for the prize of the upward call. The past is over and done with. I can't change a thing. But I can look forward to what God has planned for tomorrow or next year. I can live in the past or I can look forward with anticipation to what God might do in the future – in myself, in my church, in my world.

The picture of reaching forward to the things that are ahead is of a runner in a race stretching the length of his stride toward the finish tape. I remember a track coach urging his runners to "stretch it out" – that is, lengthen your stride. At this time in life, it is not the time to slack off. It is the time to "stretch it out."

The future belongs to those who grasp it. So, go for the gold.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MIND OF CHRIST

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE MIND OF CHRIST

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:1-4)

My natural mind is radically different than the mind of Christ. I am by nature ego-centric. My world revolves around me as surely as the earth revolves around the Sun. I look for the line that is shortest in the grocery store even if others have been waiting longer. I look for the best deal for me at a garage sale, even if the price is less than I should pay. I fight for my space on the highway, cutting off people because I want their spot. I take the last piece of apple pie on the dessert table without thinking that someone else may want that piece. I get upset if someone makes me wait five minutes. I get envious when someone else is honored instead of me. As the King said to Anna in "The King and I", "Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera."

God calls me to have a different mindset – one that considers what is best for someone else. Paul shows us what the Mind of Christ was in verses 5-8. Jesus gave up his rights of His position in heaven, He made himself of no reputation. He humbled himself to die on a rugged cross in great humiliation. He was more concerned about our salvation than for His own welfare. He did it for me.

This is the mind of Christ – to not be motivated by selfish ambition; to esteem others as better than myself; to look out for the interests of others at the expense of my own rights.

How many wars could have been avoided with this mind? How many marriages could have been saved? How many broken friendships could have been mended? How many church splits could have been avoided?

I cannot do this in my own strength. I need God to implant His mind in my mind in order to fulfill this mindset of looking out for what is best for other people above my own interests. God, give me the mind of the Spirit of Christ.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MARRIAGE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – MARRIAGE

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." (Ephesians 5:30-32).

There seems to be much confusion in our culture about marriage. Some have perverted it, some have dismissed it, some have abandoned it. But the Scripture remains firm: Marriage is a God-ordained relationship between a man and a woman as they become one in commitment, in heart, and in physical union. Inside that structure there is a paradigm of a man loving his wife and the wife respecting her husband. That seems pretty straightforward.

But for the Christian, there is another level of the relationship that goes beyond the physical union. It is a spiritual union, and it is a demonstration of Christ and His Church. Marriage illustrates the union of believers – the bride – and the Lord Jesus. So, in the same way that Jesus loved the Church, so a man is to love his wife, and nourish and protect her. This is agape love just that is not limited to emotional love, but is a love that will lay down his life for someone.

The word "respect" is the Greek word phobia which means fear or reverential respect, just as we are to fear God with reverential respect.

This is the picture of marriage: The husband loves the wife just as Christ loved the Church – willing to lay down His life for us. And the wife is love her husband just we are to fear God with reverential respect. When we disparage marriage, we are also disparaging the relationship of Christ and His church.

This is God's plan for the marriage relationship.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WALKING WISELY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – WALKING WISEY

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord…. So then walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise" (Ephesians 5:8-10, 15).

How many times have I gotten up in the middle of the night and in the darkness, ran into a piece of furniture and stubbed my toe. OUCH!!! That is not walking circumspectly.

The word "circumspectly" is a compound word of "circum" – around as a circumference, and "spectly" – as in spectacles or eye-glasses. It means to be aware of your surroundings. People who walk in darkness do not see things clearly, so the stumble along. They step in a lot of mud-puddles and dirty themselves in the process. People of the light can see things clearly. They do not grope their way through life, not knowing what is right or wrong. They have illumination that shows the right way to live.

The Apostle John wrote in a similar vein. "If we walk in the light as He is in the light [that is walk as Jesus walks], we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." This is very comforting to me. If I am walking in the light that I have to the best of my ability, then when I do stumble, I have His promise that His blood cleanses my failure.

The light shows us how to live in a way that is acceptable or pleasing to God. The longer we walk in the light, the more clearly we see what God likes. The foolish walker does not care or pay any attention to the way he walks. God calls to walk as wise people – watching our steps to avoid pitfalls.

Let us walk in the Light of Christ.

Love, Dad