Category Archives: Why?

Why?

I Am Not Alone In My Loneliness

October 31, 2023 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

brown sand — Photo by Miriam Fischer on Pexels.com

I cannot believe it has been almost a year since my last post. I also cannot believe that I had the incredible blessing last year of sharing with others endurance through suffering. That my last post would be so important to me in my own life at this time. God’s merciful grace, through preparing His beloved, is so awe-inspiring that no words can describe. Only tears of joy can show how truly grateful I am for that study last year.

As I work through loss in my life, I find myself clinging to the Lord Jesus and His Word ever so much more. I am reminded that suffering is expected, suffering will come, and suffering can be overcome if we remember the only one we can count on for clarity, comfort, peace, wisdom and resolution is the Lord God Almighty. If we are faithful to taking all of our concerns to Him, we will not be disappointed.

All of us live in a fallen world of brokenness, of which we are not immune from. We wrestle with the loneliness that comes from relationship loss, abandonment, and physical bodily death. We wrestle with the wrongs that come against us in times when we think we are doing good, we wrestle with accusations made against us that are unwarranted and we wrestle with crushing name calling by others. We do not have to wrestle with however, the knowledge that we are loved unconditionally by a creator who has chosen us out of this broken world to do good works in serving Him to the best of our ability. Born into sin and saved by grace to a life filled with hope. Sharing that hope in all that we do with joy, kindness, love, patience and prayer. So that others will see in us the light of majesty in our Lord.

Satan is working overtime right now against God’s beloved and we have to pray for our brothers and sisters asking for God’s providential care to prepare the way for sight in seeing truth, to heal broken hearts, to sweeten taste of bitterness and to protect those who are yet to be called to Him. We need to be praying for the sins of those who know better, pray for those that hold judgmental thoughts against others, and for all of those who cannot control the temptation to demean others for their own self preservation.

There are so many things we fear in this broken world, and yet we do not need to fear if we have the Lord Jesus as our savior. Our sacrifices in this life are nothing compared to the sacrifices He has made for us. No matter what we do on this earth for the good of others is not even close to what He has done for others. We need to uphold the standards that He set with humility, love, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. Doing what is right in the sight of God for those who need to be encouraged. That includes ourselves. If we take on the burdens that others try to heap upon our feeble bodies, we are not serving God. We serve ourselves. God is the only one who can change hearts. God is the only one who can lighten the load of heavy burdens. God is the only one who can move mountains that stubbornly hold their ground. God is the only one who can transform evil into good. God is the only one who can save out of death and can give life. God is the only one who can remind us that we are starving for spiritual truth more than we are starving for food. We need to have the humility to admit that we are not strong enough to do it ourselves. We need to call upon the Holy Spirit to give us clarity and wisdom to know best how to serve in humility in all that comes before us. That we would not stand proud over our accomplishments, yet that we would give Him glory for the blessings He has provided. Oh how this broken world tries to control that which is not controllable.

We have to rely on a Holy God who can take away the pain for us, who can give us strength in the most impossible situations and who can comfort us in our mourning. God be with you friends as you endure another hour, day, month and year. Till I write again….. goodnight.

Let's Have Some Serious Conversations, Why?

Let’s Have Some Serious Conversations

May 7, 2022 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

Colossians 1:14

[14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (ESV)

view of ocean during golden hour — Photo by Александр Прокофьев on Pexels.com

In the stormy seas of life, many will often times forget to look at the beauty that surrounds them. The focus is on the here and now and it is forgotten that nothing happens without cause and reason. Excuses for bad behavior are given, white lies are told, walking away without explanations are common and the waves overtake the whole being so that one drowns in the sinfulness of darkness without reaching the light that is within grasping hands.

Have you found yourself being in this situation? Have you sat alone pondering to yourself “what just happened”? I challenge you today, to understand that you are not feeling anything other than what every other person has felt at one time or another in their life. I am not talking about in just today’s time or in just this century. I am talking about any time in life since Christ died on that cross. The verse today sums up the message of the gospel in such a short half sentence that reading it makes ones head swell with awe.

Let’s take a look at just one word for a moment. Redemption is a noun yet it has a verb twist as it’s an action of sorts. Redemption in the dictionary says its the release of; the saving of sins. The biblical meaning of redemption says it this way; (Greek: apolutrosis) refers to the deliverance of Christians from sin. It assumes an important position in salvation because the transgressions in question form part of a great system against which human power is helpless. (Wikipedia). Did you catch that last part? If not read it again…. “a great system against which human power is helpless.”

There are many religions throughout the world that would teach and have their followers believe that there is always something you can do to for yourself to calm the storm and deliver oneself from sin. That if you just trust enough, if you just do enough, if you are a kind person, etc. Redemption doesn’t work that way, it’s something that no one can do for themselves. Do you remember the biblical testimony of the calming of the sea? Writing this made me think of that. Let’s take a look shall we?

Jesus Calms a Storm

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41

Jesus is the gospel truth. He is the one who restores from a life of sin to a life worthy of salvation. He saves because he loves. There is nothing anyone can do for themselves. One cannot calm the seas around them, one cannot steer the boat to safety when the waves are crashing around the uneven rocking sides, and one cannot just call out for deliverance without their own sacrifice. Turning toward the Word of God, and putting faith in Jesus Christ who withstood death and was raised to sit at the right hand of the Father to judge the wicked is the way in which one survives.

Easy it is not. Who after all likes to admit they were wrong in action and deed? Who likes to admit that they’ve stood before others in deception? Redemption has happened to save those whom are called to serve and worship Him. Repenting and asking for forgiveness to those whom have been wronged is necessary. It’s the one requirement in which then leads to a life of having faith in that which is unseen yet felt. A calmness from the storm that rages around trying to sink the boat. A calmness felt without fear. A calmness that sits before fear and locks in a life that will never feel death.

You notice from the verse quoted above that even Jesus’ own disciples had fear. The walked with the prophesied Messiah, they knew him and yet they had fear. Many in the Old Testament sinned. Repentance and faith in God and what knowing what was yet to come is what saved them. Walking away from a life of sin is not always easy. There are definitely challenges and there are always slip ups. Everyone is a sinner, that’s human nature. What is done in one’s life to prevent sin and actions taken to rectify a sinful act is the important part of surviving the storm around and seeing the beauty of the calm that is available. The beauty of a life given for a life to be saved.

The forgiveness of sins is what Jesus came to this earth to accomplish with His death on the cross. This, is the calm within the storm. Won’t you consider joining others in this joyous new birth in faith?

Let's Have Some Serious Conversations, Why?

Let’s Have Some Serious Conversations

April 15, 2022 A Labour of Love 1 Comment

sunlight beaming on green trees — Photo by WARREN BLAKE on Pexels.com

Colossians 1:13

[13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

This time of year we see that the weather has taken on a more subdued stance and we enjoy the warmth of the sun as the snow melts. We see the grass is becoming greener and the trees are budding. The spring florals are popping up out of the ground with force as they bring color to our colorless scenery of the last four to five months. It’s a time for the birth or hatching of the animals that have spent the winter months nesting just waiting for the younglings to care for to make their appearance. With all of the newness of life have you ever considered that it is also a great time for the renewal of life for us as well?

When you read the above passage did you realize that the gift the Lord has given us through the death of His son Jesus Christ is a gift that is reflective of a new birth? A new birth that is unmatched on this earth.

Each year, as we celebrate this gift, we are given the opportunity to reach out to others to share in this gift of life. A renewal and new birth of an individual who is lost in sin and lost to death. If you are asking as so many do, how can one go through a new birth? Let’s take a look at what scripture says and what the Lord has taught us about this very topic.

John 3:1-15

You Must Be Born Again

[1] Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [2] This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” [3] Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [4] Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” [5] Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

[9] Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” [10] Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? [11] Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. [12] If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? [13] No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. [14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, [15] that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Understanding that the Lord our God through his Son Jesus Christ has saved sinners from that which they have been born into, is not for the faint of heart. It was not a beautiful sight for those who were present in seeing the bloody and gory death of Jesus, yet the burden he took on for sinners was glorious. Only a holy almighty God could do such a thing.

God saw His creation and being all knowing, knew that we needed a savior to lead mankind out of death and into an eternal life with Him.

John 3:16-21

For God So Loved the World

[16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. [19] And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. [20] For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. [21] But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Full of hope and full of love for one another, God’s flock has an opportunity to turn away from the evil of this world and turn toward Him. The opportunity to help lead others out of darkness to a life of everlasting eternal life in a kingdom of grace with our savior. Is there anything more glorious at this time of year than knowing that new life could mean a life saved for eternity?

I challenge each of you to consider the blessing and incredible gift that we have been given, and share the good news of the gospel truth with those who need a renewed life. A rebirth from darkness of the world to the kingdom of light.

Perhaps also be reminded that believers also need to be encouraged and what a more perfect time to do so. While the earth renews with life in spring, let us renew our faith and share it’s beauty with others.

God be with you all friends.

Let's Have Some Serious Conversations, Why?

LET’S HAVE SOME SERIOUS CONVERSATIONS

October 5, 2021 A Labour of Love 2 Comments

The new venue on Lake Michigan. It truly was beautiful.

Colossians 1:3-5

Friends, it has been too long. Let me catch you up a bit….

After I wrote to you, the wedding plans for our son and his fiancé were in full bloom. Making centerpieces for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, planning at the venue with the third event planner, preparing for the day, dress alterations, and the list goes on. It was a very busy time yet we were able to sneak in a quick trip on the RV for a long weekend.

Two weeks prior to the wedding, my husband tested positive for COVID. This put everyone in panic mode. We kept him quarantined, our daughter and myself tested and came out negative, our son moved out the moment my husband was heading to the doctor and we prayed deeply that God would work out all of the details. My mom came in to town to help with wedding prep and I am praising God she did as she and I spent a week outside in 80-90 degree weather daily making signs that the kids wanted, finishing up the rehearsal dinner centerpieces, attaching flowers to the lanterns they wanted down the aisle and anything else that had yet to be completed.

One week to the day of my husbands diagnosis, I tested positive. Now this was one week prior to the wedding. The kids said they would make sure to video tape and live stream. I was crushed. One year planning and I may not even be able to attend my sons wedding? Once again, I prayed that God would take care of all the details. He knew my heart and He knew the prayers before I could speak them.

Well, just so happens that one day before my positive test, our son and future daughter-in-law had their bachelorette and bachelor parties. Our son and his crew went to Chicago to celebrate. That was on a Saturday. Well, by Tuesday, our son and 3 of his groomsmen tested positive. Two of which by the way had been given the gene therapy, i.e. vaccine. So….the wedding had to be postponed.

While I sat in quarantine in my room during the day, I began making calls and looking up new venues. The kids said that the DJ would not refund their money and that he could only do a Friday or a Sunday. The girls dresses were summer dresses. Our son was moved out, in theory, and we knew that timing was of the most importance. So the kids gave me a date which was two weeks later than their previous wedding date. After hours of searching, I found a venue at a park on the waterfront that was available to rent. This was now two days from my one week mark of being in quarantine. They went and looked at it and booked it. They also booked the waterfront for the wedding itself. (Thus began the planning of a whole new wedding in two weeks. Ordering table linens, renting chairs and a Uhaul, finding volunteers to help with set up and clean up and the list goes on.)

Two days after finding the venue I woke up at 2 a.m. to use the bathroom, struggled to breath getting there. My doctor had me on a known protocol to work, I was on MCAS meds daily, I was taking a steroid that was prescribed 5 days earlier, inhalers, natural remedies etc. I was not getting better. I laid there on my stomach trying to decide what to do. Around 6:30 a.m. I woke up my husband and told him to call the ambulance. With two rescue dogs, and one of which being very scared and uncertain, I felt it would be best if I could meet the EMT’s outside. So I went from our room, to the top of the stairs and almost fell. My daughter told me to get into her bed and she helped me lay down. Our scared little muffin knew something was wrong and she jumped on top of my legs and would not move. Our daughter had to wrestle her off and harness her to get her into our bedroom for the safety of the EMT’s and myself. They loaded me onto a chair and moved me down the stairs, carrying me, those poor guys. I’m not a light chicken so I’m sure that was their workout for the day. (wink)

I was in the hospital 6 days total. It was in itself another whole story I won’t go into today. Started out on 10 liters of oxygen, some scary diagnosis, oxygen level at 83, and 6 days later to the medical communities shock, I went home with no oxygen resting and 2 liters when moving. I mean it when I say shock.

People have asked me how I handled the isolation in the hospital and if I was scared of the diagnosis, potential direction I was going and or my condition. Truth be told, I was not. I’m not saying that it wasn’t unnerving, however, being scared was never something that overcame my being. I was in survival mode and I had a mighty warrior on my side. The TV channels were worthless, there was no one to talk to, especially since I couldn’t breath well, so I watched movies part of the time on my iPad that my husband dropped off and most of all I rested and prayed. My prayer life was consumed with glorifying an amazing God who not only created me, yet who was with me in that room, giving me strength and encouragement. I did not just pray for my healing, yet I prayed for the healing of those that were on the floor. The patient numbers had doubled during those 6 days. These folks needed prayer. The staff, which ran itself from room to room needed prayers. My kids, devastated at their wedding being postponed needed prayers. My parents, my kids, my husband needed prayers as they waited to see what was going to happen. The doctors needed prayers as they pulled every resource out of their hats to try and save peoples lives. There was nothing short of hours of prayer.

When I was sick with my Lyme, I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. Just as I prayed then, I prayed in that hospital that “should You Lord, allow me to survive, I pray that I can be a blessing to others. Sharing what I know, how you provided the way and gave me strength. Please Lord do not let my suffering and healing go without sharing. That Lord, if I am not to survive and you are calling me home, I pray that others will see grace in my attitude, and that they will see a faithful servant to You. That You oh Lord will be blessed through all of this.”

Can you relate dear one? Have you been able to see the blessings of the Lord enrich your life with knowing Him? I don’t mean just on a Sunday or periodically when things get tough. I’m talking about daily discussions, prayers, and reliance on God through Jesus Christ. Are you secure in your love for Him and His for you?

As I have been healing, which will take months by the way, I have been praying over this blog and how to move on with it. My Love for sharing God’s word has opened and closed so many doors in the past. I’ve just been waiting. Then, as we traveled to worship on Sunday, I was sharing some of this with my husband and my loss of what to do and where to go with my new “empty nest” situation. I shared that I have felt very unworthy and I am feeling stuck with no direction. That I need to just keep waiting on the Lord, as I have done so many times over the last 26 years of knowing Him. Honestly, this has not been easy. Not as easy as relying on the Lord during my illness. I’ve just been waiting to hear from Him and for a hint of what to do next. Well, Gods message through our Elder, faithful servant as he is, was answering. In fact, we both walked out and stood in awe over the message that spoke directly to the situation I found myself. Are you curious enough to listen? Head on over to https://fallsopc.org and listen to this past Sundays message. My hope in my future “career” has been restored. Bonus, is that I am being given direction that didn’t come from my wants or needs…it came from a most Holy God whose love for me has been ever so consistent and efficient. I may not have the complete picture, yet I have the comfort and motivation mixed with the security in knowing that whatever door the Lord opens and whatever direction He guides me, it is for His glory.

Is there anything greater than the Love of the Lord God who created and gave His son for the sins of those whom love Him? When we read in Colossians 1:3-5 “the love that you have for all the saints” do we consider that is for us? Do we understand that true, unconditional, agape love from a righteous God is meant not just for the saints of the past, yet it’s also meant for us? Take some time to ponder what that means. Consider how pure and unchanging that is. Over centuries of mans faulty and sinful living, there is a holy Father in Heaven that gives a love that only a Father can give. Do you wander without direction? Are you fearful of the future? Are you fearful over an illness and death? Perhaps the Lord has led you to this blog to give you encouragement that there is something greater than fear and discouragement. There is a love surpasses all earthly concerns.

Friends, I encourage you to pray daily for the recognition of the Lord through Jesus Christ to overwhelm your spirit and soul so that you too may have comfort. Consider this prayer from Paul:

Ephesians 3:14-21

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

¹⁴For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Why?

Let’s Have Some Serious Conversations

June 29, 2021 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

Friends, I know it’s been awhile. I must explain. I had hoped to be able to keep up writing to you and studying with you consistently yet our son’s wedding is quickly approaching and I find myself entrenched in the throws of planning, preparing, creating and resting in between.

I hope you will stick with me and perhaps take this time to pray for our family and for those who are also finding it difficult to just plain old keep up.

Bear with me and I promise I will be back early August if not earlier. I am ever so close to completing my wedding tasks.

Thank you for your understanding and I will visit and study with you soon. God bless your summer and many prayers lifted for your good health.

~Sherry

Why?

Delayed

June 16, 2021 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

Friends, due to family being in town, wedding planning for our son and being out of town, I’ve missed a few weeks. Have no fear, we will be back next week. Thank you for your patience. Sherry

Why?

Let’s Have some serious conversations

May 11, 2021 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

Matthew 7:6

multiracial friends talking in city street — Photo by Tim Douglas on Pexels.com

I wanted to start today with a short recap of last week and what the importance is of Matthew 7:1-5 with this passage that we study today. We learned in 7:1-5 that we are held back from glorifying the Lord when we have a censorious spirit about us. When we critically judge others within our Christian community, we often times become a stumbling block. Not just for them, yet also for ourselves in our growth of growing in grace with the Lord. Being censorious, we are often times hypercritical and overcritical while also being hypocritical.

We learned that in order for us to have obedience to the truths of God in serving Him, we need to seek out that which is in our own natural sinful heart first, then we will be able to help others with crucial, proper and acceptable discernment to help them. We know from Proverbs 27:17 that iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. If we are a stumbling block to ourselves, we will surely be a stumbling block to others. If we are living examples of Christ living in us, then we can help one another through not just our words, but also through our actions show how they too can live Godly lives.

Although last weeks study, 7:1-5 is separate from 7:6, it was a great lead in. It allowed us observe our own vileness of heart, before we can reach out to another. Though these passages are divided into two sections, their context of how others see us, offers wisdom in approaching not just our brethren in the church, yet also those we encounter out in the world.

In 7:1-5 we are cautioned about our censorious spirit, which if you will remember is incorrectly critically judging another. In 7:6 we are working through proper discernment of how we reach out and share Godly wisdom with those within our church as well as those whom we encounter that do not know Him and who are not believers at the time of which we are speaking.

As I prayed about this lesson, studied this lesson, one thing continued to stand out. There are just about enough scripture verses to carry this lesson without a whole lot of unnecessary commentary. Not that some clarifications aren’t needed, it’s just that the Word of God answers the questions that one may stumble upon when reading this passage. It was SO interesting to read all of the commentaries and books only to find that they too were referencing so many of the same verses. So through the leading of the Holy Spirit, I asked some questions and proceeded to look for the answers. Understanding that scripture is not unlike an onion or a pearl, there are layers yet to be revealed, bringing about the most perfect gem, God’s Holy wisdom of living a Holy servants life.

I asked some key questions about the verse and decided to break down the answers using scripture verses. Using commentary when needed to explain. This is how I taught this lesson and I hope it will give you some clarity and that you will be blessed by this lesson.

What is the historical context for Jesus using dogs and pigs? Hendrickson laid out some of the biblical characteristics of dogs and pigs (and those to whom the lowest of the low in society were compared to) which are worth taking a look at so that we can understand clearly the placement and Jesus’ usage of dogs and pigs in this passage.

For clarification purposes, before we read the verses, it needs to be understood that dogs and swine were not your common house pets. They were considered to be filthy, unclean, and the lowest of the low in the animal world. Dogs, were often times scavengers, roaming the cities. They were violent, savage,fierce, dangerous, half wild animals and were considered to be evil. Jews often times referred to the Gentiles as society dogs. We are to learn from these passages that it is the type of dog we are to be aware of.

So let’s take a look at the verses that help us see what scripture has to say about dogs.

Dogs were threatening:

Psalm 22:16 – For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircle me;

Psalm 22:20 – Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious wife from the power of the dog!

Philippians 3:2 – Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

Dogs howl and snare:

Psalm 59:6 – Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.

Dogs are greedy and shameless:

Isaiah 56:11 – The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough.

Dogs are an abomination to the Lord:

Exodus 22:31 – “you shall be consecrated to me. Therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by beasts in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.

Deuteronomy 23:18 – You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God.

More references: 1Kings 22:38

God had a special curse for the wicked, by use of dogs:

Jeremiah 15:3 – I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the Lord: the sword to kill, the dogs to tear, and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.

1Kings 14:11 – “Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat, for the Lord has spoken it.”

1Kings 16:4 – Anyone belonging to Baasha who dies in the city, the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the field the birds of the heavens shall eat.

1Kings 21:23 – And of Jezebel the Lord also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’

More references: 1Kings 21:24, Psalm 68:23

One theologian identifies dogs as people living in incurable ungodliness. John Stott when referencing Calvin, said that “the names of dogs and pigs are given to those who, by clear evidences, have manifested a hardened contempt of God, so that their disease appears to be incurable.”

Pigs in scripture were also unclean animals. They too were an abomination to the Lord and were also known as a refuge for demons.

How do we know this to be true? Let’s examine some scripture verses.

Pigs were unclean:

Leviticus 11:7 – And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you.

Deuteronomy 14:8 – And the pig, because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. Their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch.

Pigs, when their flesh was eaten was an abomination:

Isaiah 66:3 – “He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck; he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig’s blood he who makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol. These have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations;

Isaiah 66:17 – “Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord.

Pigs were considered to be a refuge for demons:

Mark 5:13 – So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.

More references: Matthew 8:31-32, Luke 8:32-33

So, now at this point, we understand the vileness of the usage of Dogs and Pigs in 7:6. Did Jesus actually call anyone by those names, not necessarily, yet the use of these adjectives describes the unholiness of an unbeliever and that discernment is necessary in order to understand who is to receive and to not receive the gospel truths.

Moving On, let’s look at question 2, the word Pearls and holy.

2. What is the significance of the usage of pearls in this passage? What about the relevance of pearls to that which is “holy”?

Pearls at that time were not like they are today. They were not located a the local dime store, they were not made of plastic, They were genuine and took years to become the precious gems that they were. Pearls were harvested from the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. Their value was greater than that of the average persons wealth. One would have to sell all of their possessions just to own a pearl.

How valuable were they considered?

Pearls were valuable:

Matthew 13:45 – “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,

Revelation 18:16 – “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls!

Revelation 21:21 – And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

I next want to look at the word holy in this passage. Hendrickson said that the holy in this passage is that which is set apart from God. It is sacred. Looking up the root word of the adjective holy, comes from the Old English work Halig, and is related to the German work Helig, meaning blessed. So what is sacred, blessed and set apart from God?

The Word in this passage is holy:

John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Exodus 34:27 – And the Lord said to Moses, “write these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”

Deuteronomy 6:6 – And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

Proverbs 16:20 – Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

Matthew 4:4 – But he answered, “it is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Revelation 1:3 – Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Revelation 22:7 – “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the word of the prophecy of this book.”

Boyce wrote that “thy word is like a deep, deep mine; and jewels rich and rare are hidden in its mighty depths for every searcher there. “

Before we tie these passages all together I want to look at question 3.

3. What is the great commission and why is it important to us while considering this passage?

Matthew 28:16-20 – Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Ok, so…stopping there, I want to condense what we have thus far so that it’s concise and hopefully understandable. We are called by Jesus, to go out into the World, to make disciples of all nations, through not just baptizing them with the Holy Spirit, yet also by teaching. We are to do this all with an understanding that as Daniel 12:10b said, “none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.” That there are those of whom the most holiest part of the Gospel is not to be shared with. Everyone with me thus far?

4. After reading the great commission, one would assume that we are to share the gospel with anyone and everyone that we meet or know. Yet, 7:6 is actually telling us to have discernment on the sharing of the whole word of the gospel. Why is discernment necessary?

Does this mean as I wrote in question 4 of your outline that we are to share the gospel with anyone and everyone we meet or know? That everyone will be Kingdom Citizens as Susan Heck refers to? No. What he is saying is that we have to have discernment. Why? Well, let’s look at that together.

Proverbs 9:7-9 – Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Isaiah 56:10 – His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down loving to slumber.

Zephaniah 1:17 – I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 – Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

John 15:18-19 – “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Romans 1:18 – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Discernment then is necessary because God does not allow the wicked to hear the truth. There are those that will be lost into the mire of their own wickedness, never to know the blessings of a merciful, saving God. If we try to pursue teaching one who has a hardened heart, thinking that we are going to do all the saving for him by sharing the truth with him, can actually lead him into a worsened state of being before God.

There is also another lesson to be learned about the pursuing of the wicked to living righteous lives to no avail that we need to understand. When God has not softened a heart or regenerated it as we reformers call it, then we are wasting God’s precious serving ministry time. We need to be aware that there are fertile fields yet to be attended to where the sheep wander. How do we know this to be true? Jesus tells us:

Let’s look at together Matthew 9:36-38 and John 4:34-35

^{Matthew 9:36-38}When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

^J^{ohn 4:34-35}Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. ³⁵Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.

At this point in our study today, we understand the who that Jesus is talking about, we understand the why in this verse and we understand the what. Now let’s look at the how. In order to do that, we need to first understand that our audience is very important. Jesus understood this and used great discernment when he preached. Jesus understood and knew the difference in recognizing those with an unregenerate heart. So he used different methods in teaching. These methods were based on His audience. Let’s take a look at question 5 .

5. Depending upon the audience that Jesus had, he taught in many different ways. What are some examples of the ways in which Jesus taught and how did He himself showed discernment in his teaching?

John 1:43-51 – The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Matthew 15:21-28 -And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

John 3:1-15 – Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

John 4:5-36 – So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.). The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

These 4 examples have given a glimpse into understanding how Jesus recognized those whom were to or were not to receive the gospel.

I’ve highlighted in bold the verses above to point out the differences. Anyone find them? For some, he gave an appetizer, to others he gave a meal. Another verse, from John 10:27 tells us that “(Gods) sheep hear (His) voice, and (He) knows them and they follow (Him).”

John 10:27 – My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Jesus’ use of parables is a great example of discernment on his part. Parables, if you remember, were told to those who lived before the resurrection of Christ. They did not yet have the full or complete picture to help interpret. That being said, some understood, because they “knew” their master, where as others may have been given a partial understanding that was just enough to cause them a burdened soul and an infuriated spirit. Just as we talked about last week, those with hardened hearts, had critical spirits, and a habitual lifestyle of condemning, which blinded them to the truth.

If you are asking yourself if Jesus did this on purpose, of course he did. Jesus shared the meaning with his disciples with full disclosure. They knew Him to be the messiah, and just in case they needed the clarification of the parable, He gave it to them. (For reference take a look at Mark 4:33-34.)

Jesus’ approach, was either gradual as we saw above, taking his time with them, or he was swift in his delivery.

Let’s look at Mark 10:21. – ²¹And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Can you imagine? Swift delivery with truth that cannot be ignored. Jesus understood and we are learning that a theological debate with anyone, cannot and will not be successful until the audience in which we face has an acceptance of God and truly understands who Christ is. This is the reason that as we read above, Nicodemus and the woman of Samaria were not given full disclosure of the saving grace of the Lord and of His kingdom promises… The did not completely understand who He was.

Moving on, let’s look at question 6.

6. What should we do if we face a hostile disposition who is not the recipient of a regenerated heart. Someone who is offended by the Word of God’s truth? What did Jesus tell His disciples?

Mark 6:10-11 – And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there untilyou depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”

Acts 13:50-51 – But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drop them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

Acts 18:5-7 – When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood will be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue.

Titus 3:8-11 – The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Shake the dust off our feet and move on. There is nothing we can do. As Susan Heck said, our responsibility is to share the gospel, their response is not up to us, it is up to God. If God chooses for them to have a closed off heart then so be it. It doesn’t mean that the person is completely lost, since the Lord can at any time soften that heart. It does mean that at that time, enough is enough.

So, as we begin to wrap it all up, we feel like we are “in the know” so to speak, where do we go from here? What does our application look like to and how do we go about that which God has called us to do? There can be no doubt that reinventing the wheel is a waste of precious serving time, so I want to take a look at what Susan Heck presented in suggesting how we go about sharing the gospel. She suggests that there are the 4 L’s in sharing the gospel: Lone God, Loving God, Living God, Lord God.

Lone God: Malachi 2:10, Mark 12:32, James 2:19 and 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Loving God: John 3:16-17, Romans 5:6-10, Titus 3:3-7, 1John 4:9-11, John 15:16

Living God: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Matthew 28:1-7, 1 Corinthians 15:17-19

Lord God: Acts 16:31, Luke 6:46-49

So we have answered all the who, when, why, how questions in this passage and we have been given some application. Let’s just ask ourselves one last question.

8. Why does all this matter? What is the significance of living a life serving God, with a meek and quiet spirit, humbly aware of our own sin, and discerning the journey in leading others?

Matthew 28:16-20 (Above)

2 Timothy 4:1-8 – I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Jude 17-25 – But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Doxology Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

2Peter 1:19-21 – And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

One more verse I think it is important to consider, is the verse we read on one Sunday in our church. From 1Corinthians 13:13 – So now, faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

If we love serving God, through serving our brethren and those whom the Lord allows us to share the gospel with, let us do so with love. Let our examples of a Christ like character stand out. Let us stand before a righteous God as the clay before the potter, not unblemished, not perfect, yet with an easiness of allowing Him and him alone to mold us into the creation He desires. If we do that, then we cannot fail our brethren, we cannot fail ourselves, and we most certainly cannot fail God.

Thank you friends for joining me on this journey. I hope this lesson has blessed you.

Why?

Let’s Have Some serious conversations

May 4, 2021 A Labour of Love 1 Comment

Matthew 7:1-5

Judging Others

7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. ²For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. ³Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ⁴Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? ⁵You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

How many of us would willingly admit that we read this passage and dropped out heads in humility? How many of us admit that we had to repent of our own transgressions when it comes to judging others?

Matthew 7:1-5 is quite often misapplied and abused in the world. Especially today. We live in a culture that seems to attack Christianity, calling any opposition to cultural norms as an -ism and that we are opposing peace. Scripture is clear about what is expected of God’s followers and what He expects if we are to be called children of God. What does that look like? It looks like this:

Salt and Light

¹³“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The lesson Jesus has in Matthew 7:1-5, is not about not reproving the sins and faults of others, it is about making sure that our “house” is in order and is “kept clean”, being found faultless in the eyes of the Lord before we pass unfavorable judgment and opinions of others.

J.C. Ryle said it perfectly when he said that what the Lord condemns is a censoriousness and fault finding spirit. He says “A readiness to blame others for trifling offenses, or matters of – indifference – a habit of passing rash and hasty judgements – a disposition to magnify the errors and infirmities of our neighbors and make the worst of them – this is what the Lord forbids.”

Just reading that over and over again, doesn’t that just make you melt at the knees in repentance? Isn’t this what sin we are likely the most guilty of, especially as Christians? If you are sitting back thinking, “oh no, no me, I would never….I’m blameless in this area. I would never….” Well, I wrote a little skit for the ladies at our study. I would be curious to know how many of you think the same thing about your actions after you read the skit.

Scene set up: So five women are in church. One woman sitting in the front row, with a large hat placed upon her head thinking to herself, ” I just know I’m going to get sick”. Woman two is right behind her, coughing and thinking to herself that she just cannot understand why someone would sit in the front row with a big ole hat, a third woman with a baby and small child whom she is trying to keep quiet for the study also thinking that she and her family are going to get sick due to the coughing, and a fourth woman is sitting across the isle in full view of the other three, sitting very astute and aware of the other three women and the way they look or are acting. Woman four thinks to herself, “Wow! We have the big ole hat in the front row, the cougher and the kids who are out of control with the crying and fussing.” The fifth woman is the leader.

The leader asks: “Are there any prayer requests?”

Woman in the front row: “Please pray for me as I have appointment with the ENT this week regarding the hearing loss I am having. I am having issues hearing people talk unless I am close to them. Pray also for my patience as my rescue dog has chewed up all of my hats and this is the last one I have to keep my head warm in church.”

Woman 2 who is coughing: “I would like to ask for prayers of healing of my throat. I choked on an almond and while trying to dislodge it I scratched the back of my throat and the doctor said it could take a few weeks to heal. Hence why I’m coughing. It’s very uncomfortable.”

Woman 3 with the children: ” Please pray for my family. For me to get some sleep at night and that my focus during the study would glorify the Lord. The baby has his days and nights mixed up, the three old has decided to use the walls of the new house as his coloring book, the 7 year old came home with a note saying that there is lice in the classroom and my husband is traveling all month. Please pray for his safety and my sanity.”

Woman 5: “Any other requests?”

Woman 4: “Please pray for the words of Gods gospel truth to penetrate this soul and that humility will flood and take over my prideful spirit. That I would be thankful to a holy God who has shown me the my judgemental heart.”

Can anyone relate? Obviously, I came up with this little character sketch so I for one can obviously confess I can relate. This lesson has touched my soul. Not necessarily the exact content of the skit, yet the idea gets the point across.

Why did Jesus need to teach this lesson? I mean, weren’t all of those He preached to his followers? Yes they were, yet they had been taught over the years by spiritual leaders who had taught in folly, against God’s Word so that they could live as they wanted, making up rules that suited their life styles so as they thought, to not offend God. Well, Jesus was making right the wrongs they taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Thomas Brooks wrote in the Precious Remedies Against Satans Devices, that the Pharisees would quite often compare themselves to those who were seemingly worse than themselves so as they would be proud and that they would bless themselves with praises in order to stand above the sinners they compared themselves to. Jesus on several occasions described the character traits of the pharisees.

Matthew 23:24 – ²⁴You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

Luke 6:39 – ³⁹He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

When we censoriously judge others, we invite judgements upon ourselves and we also are placing ourselves upon God’s throne. For we all know that God is the ultimate master, God of creation and that by taking on God’s role and taking over His throne we will quite certainly be judged according to the same measuring stick of which we ourselves used. How do we know this to be true?

Mark 4:24 – ²⁴And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

Ezekiel 34:17 – “As for you, my flock, thus says the Lord God: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and male goats.

What else happens when we continue to be censorious over others? Sinclair Ferguson declared in his study on the Sermon on the Mount that the sin of censoriousness can be so deeply overcome that one can become blind to it. So sensitive to the sins of others, that one can become decensitized to the sin in ones own heart. WOW! Harsh and yet so obviously truthful do you not agree? If not you, do you know anyone with a habitual censorious spirit? Always criticizing, always placing judgment on others? What does that look like on the outside? Not a pretty site is it?

Martyn-Lloyd Jones wrote that there are three categories as to judgement: Judgement which is final and external; Judgment which is what we are subject to as God’s children vs. those who do not know Him nor want to; Judgment of rewards, in other words, the blessing of a life eternal. These considerations are not only detrimental as a reminder for ourselves, they are an important part of understanding the christian life.

Not only are we going to be judged by a righteous holy God based on the standards of which we judge, yet we will also be judged by those same standards from the world in which we live. Do we want and accept judgment from others? Especially those who are not seemingly part of the Kingdom? What does an outspoken declaring Christian look like when they judge others? Does the word hypocrite come to mind? Ouch….painful this learning is wouldn’t you say? Kieth Troop wrote that being hypercritical is as arrogant as being hypocritical. Read that again. Understand the difference? Is there one?

Far too often Christians think of sinning as sins of the flesh being punishable. After all, a church that exercises church discipline oftentimes does so based on sins of the flesh. Yet what about that censorious spirit that overtakes a gathered group that claims to be fellowshipping? John Ortberg wrote in Everybody’s Normal Until You Get to Know Them, that the church is most scandalized by the sins of the flesh. Yet Jesus was most scandalized by the sins of the Spirit. Consider that statement for a moment and understand that people know they have sinned when they sin in the flesh, yet many times, the sins of the spirit slip by without one consideration. People think they are spiritually mature because they have avoided all of the sins of the flesh, yet they are blind to the fact that they crippled by the sins of the spirit and ability to love. Hence he says, the sins of the spirit are the most dangerous and most destructive sins of all. Let us remember this lesson in John 8:1-11

¹but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. ²Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. ³The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst ⁴they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.⁵Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” ⁶This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.⁷And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. ⁹But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. ¹⁰Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ¹¹She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

John Ortberg suggested that many walk through their days without even realizing it, carrying stones in their hands which are ready to be slung in any direction: Judgemental thought; superior attitude; impatient words; bitter resentments. Quoting Ortberg, “People stand around you – trembling in brokenness, guilt, fear, lostness – but you’re so caught up in your own self-righteousness you don’t even see them. Or worse yet, you see them and you are not moved. You don’t even notice – you aren’t in the life-saving business anymore.”

This…this is what Jesus was teaching! We need some perspective before we can even contemplate a chastising thought or action. We should not be judging harshly, rashly, uncharitably, unmercifully, or with a spirit of revenge for that is God’s prerogative. He is the only one who can try the heart. What must we do in return or rather? We need to help council our brethren! We must have discernment! We must make sure that we are not a stumbling block for another and we need to build up one another. If we take the path of having a prideful spirit, we not only set ourselves up for destruction, we are also setting up our brethren for destruction and judgement before the Lord.

Romans 14:13 – ¹³Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

Romans 14:18-19 – ¹⁸Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. ¹⁹So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

So what must we do instead? How about counseling with the Lord about our own actions and focus on our own thought process? How about spending time comparing ones self, internal and external actions, with the Word where satan’s truths will be seen vs. against others, as the pharisees did, where we may look like angels. (Thomas Brooks). As the saying goes, “Judging a person doesn’t define who they are, it defines who you are.” May want to read that again.

Now, before we close for today, let’s keep in mind that this verse is not saying that we are to allow the culture craze to “love all” to be our platform with this scripture verse to back it up. We are to be discerning what it is that goes against God. Nothing more. We are to make sure that we are blameless before a righteous God before we cast any reprove against another. We should practice a meekness and easiness of spirit. Matthew Henry wrote in the late 1600’s early 1700’s that meekness may be considered with respect to both God and our brethren. He wrote that “Meekness softens the wax, that it may receive the impression of the seal, whether it be “for doctrine or reproof, for correction or instruction in righteousness. That it opens the ear to discipline, silences objections, and suppresses the risings of the carnal mind against the word, consenting to the law that it is good and esteeming “all the precepts” concerning all things to be “right” even when they give the greatest check to the flesh and blood.” He also says that before we can put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit we must first wash in the laver of true repentance, not only for our gross and open extravagances of passion, but for all our neglects and omissions of the duties of meekness.

From the outside to unbelievers, oftentimes, the christian community appears to be, as Rosaria Champagne Butterfield declares, exclusive, judgmental, scornful, and afraid of diversity. Scaring away those whom Jesus came to save. She wrote that “there is a core difference between sharing the gospel with the lost and imposing a specific moral standard on the unconverted.” Perhaps, it is better that we focus on our own shortcomings long before we offer up the shortcomings of another?

Drawing nearer to Jesus, no matter what, is the key to conversion, true repentance, and meekness in spirit. Understanding and accepting that we are all sinners and that through the saving grace of the Lord Jesus, we are on a journey to an eternal life without death. Let us understand that a regenerated heart should be convicting us not just fleshly sins, yet also of spiritual sins. We should be giving glory, honor and praise to a loving God that continues to sanctify us for an eternal blessing of a life serving Him.

God bless you this week friends. Hope this has been a blessing to you and that the Lord is glorified.

Next week….Let’s talk about Matthew 7:6. And yes, there is a lot to be said.

Following in Faith, Why?

Let’s Talk And Get Real For A Moment

July 13, 2020 A Labour of Love 1 Comment

Currently, we have been isolated and in our homes, for nearly 5 months and our lives as we once knew it have been changed. We are looking around at our world, seeing things that we never thought we would see in our life time. Our friends and family members have differing opinions about the reason for our isolation, they have differing opinions about the agenda of the politics, they have differing opinions about societies response to the sinful natures of man, they have differing opinions about the economy and they have differing opinions about just about everything. At least that’s how we see it when we are confronted with one another. What in the world has happened? How did we get here? Why is it as such and what are we to do about it? So many questions with only one answer. Sin!

Sin has our society creating devices to injure one another, creating chaos where there once was peace, creating barriers where once there was freedom, creating falsehoods where there once was truths and creating situations of disorganization where there once was order. Sin has brother attacking brother, sons and daughters arguing with parents, families waging war against one another, friends unfriending one another on social media, youth dissension turning against and destroying historical remembrances, and moral degradation against the elderly.

What is sin? Sin is an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. (Dictionary definition). Where did sin come from? Sin came from the fall of man through Adam and his act against Gods divine rule of law in the Garden of Eden. What does the Bible say about sin and how do we deal with the sinful nature of our brethren, family, friends, neighbors, and leaders? Let me quote some scripture verses to help you understand what we are dealing with today and what you can do about it. I will do it all with scripture.

Who sins?

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
1John 3:4 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

What should we do about sin?

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 3:16-17 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
1Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How shall we handle those around us who continue to sin?

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Matthew 15:17-20 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
1Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
2Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Proverbs 13:15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
Galations 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

How do we overcome the fear of the present day?

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
1Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

What about our earthly state leaders? Our Government?

Romans 13:1-14 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ²Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, ⁴for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ⁶For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. ⁷Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ²Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, ⁴for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ⁶For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. ⁷Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

I hope that at this time, you have considered the above and realized that the Bible holds so much truth, comfort, wisdom, answers and worthy information that we do not have to subject ourselves to worldly insecurities. We can have hope in the future when we have the Lord Jesus Christ guiding us through His word.

No matter what happens within our families, within our neighborhoods, within our countries, and within our governments, we know that God shall have the final say. He shall have guidance over all that is yet to come and His plan is greater than anything we can plan out ourselves. Trust in the Lord. Trust in the Word. Trust in a saving Grace.

Blessings to you my friends, may you have a wonderful day with no worries. 🙂

Have hope in the Glory of the Lord. That all shall be made new in His site.

Lymes

Looking Back and Seeing Blessings

February 21, 2020 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

When I was first diagnosed with Lyme disease, EBV, co-infections, mycoplasma pneumonia, etc. etc. I wondered how I would survive and how I would get my life back. I’ve shared my story and I’ve shared my journey through Lyme and yet I am still in awe that I have been blessed with healing and have come so far. The Lord has given me strength when I thought I had none, he gave me hope when it was far reaching, he gave me His Word when I needed it the most.

I was asked a year ago, if antibiotics work, why don’t people hear about it and why aren’t those who are healed talking? Well, I responded with the fact that those who have been given a second chance at life are living it. They don’t want to relive the horror of Lyme. The exceptions are people like me who carry on trying to bring awareness and share with others so that they too can be educated on symptoms. Lyme is considered the great imitator for a reason. So many of todays throw in groups of diagnosis, when there is not an answer to “why”, can be and very likely may be Lyme disease or one of the co-infections. The testing is flawed on so many levels and doctors do not have the resources they need to diagnose.

I am one of the “lucky ones” you could say. I say I am blessed beyond measure. So are many others. They are sharing their stories in incredible ways. One such couple, I’ve been following since my journey began. This was one of the first videos I found on Lyme disease. I was heartbroken, and my adrenals went haywire with the emotional rollercoaster of this video, however, it gave me hope. Hope when I needed it the most, when the pain was excruciatingly bad, and when in most people’s eyes there shouldn’t be.

This video is still flourishing around and although its content is difficult to watch, I have to share with you before you watch it, that Justin and Christa now have 3 beautiful children and they are living normal lives. Christas journey is not unlike that of so many others that have followed in her journey since 2004. I am hoping that if you are watching this, you will remember that hope is something to hold onto, a mental place set in the mind when you need it the most. Pray about it and cling to it.

Be educated dear follower, Lyme and co-infections are the most widely spread vector borne illness in the country and in many parts of the world. Over 400,000 upward of 1 million are affected each year. Most of which are undiagnosed and or misdiagnosed. Putting that into perspective, Breast cancer has 264,000 new patient diagnosis each year. Hence you see the problem.

Here is Christa and Justins story:

http://www.justinandchrista.ca

Sherry's A Labour of Love

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