Posts
timewithgod.blog-city.com — June 2008
1 Corinthians 7 -- Not Just About Marriage
The Corinthians had written to Paul asking for advice on remaining single, remaining married, or getting married once one became a Christian.There may have been married people who felt that intimacies of marriage were inconsistent with Christian life
The Corinthians had written to Paul asking for advice on remaining single, remaining married, or getting married once one became a Christian.
There may have been married people who felt that intimacies of marriage were inconsistent with Christian life, my commentary said. Likewise, single persons may have worried that "being on the hunt" for a mate was inconsistent with their newfound Christianity.
Paul was having to draw on all the teachings of Jesus, and in this area, he was discovering that Jesus had left no instructions. God Himself had said in the Garden of Eden, even before there were two people, that "It is not good that man should be alone."
Most of what Paul could come up with involved opportunities for future service to God, and in a practical way, he knew that unmarried people are freer to serve God due to lack of distractions and commitments. Yet he also knew that "the single state carries with it tremendous temptations to impurity," my commentary said.
It certainly wouldn't do to marry just anyone that comes along in order to get away from such temptations, for love needs to be at the heart of a marriage. Otherwise, that person would be guilty of living a lie.
In my own life, I can certainly see that being single and adopting my two boys and being a part of everything in their lives has cut back on my ability to serve as I once did. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am serving by being "a father to the fatherless" and throughout the Bible, God has tweaked my conscience with every reference to orphans. He didn't distract me fro service by their adoptions, but instead he focused my service on two boys He chose to bless.
Yesterday was Father's Day, and I thought of two other boys I know who have never really been able to celebrate that day, for lack of a father in their lives. I ached for them. And that thought caused me to praise God all the more for allowing me to be a father to two boys who did not have fathers.
Father, what an awesome privilege You've given me to represent You on earth to Josh and Joseph. I have been so richly blessed by this calling. Let me never doubt that my service to You through being their dad is my highest calling, and when I am unable to serve in other ways as I once did, help me -- and others -- to understand.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 8&9 -- More About "Better Holy Than Happy"
We seem to have become a society of "rights demanders". Where once we were known to the world as sacrificers for the common good, now we are being persuaded to demand our rights, even at the expense of others.I think a classic example
We seem to have become a society of "rights demanders". Where once we were known to the world as sacrificers for the common good, now we are being persuaded to demand our rights, even at the expense of others.
I think a classic example is the atheist who says he doesn't believe in God, yet takes offense when he has to sit and wait as others pray to God. I doubt that any student would be so work-minded that they would claim that a missing minute each day over an entire school year would end up shorting them a large part of their education. Also, if you don't believe in something, then how can you be offended by sitting quietly for a minute? It's really just a matter of someone wanting to exercise control over others because they feel it's being done to them, I think.
Yet Paul says here that we as Christians can be just as guilty. We decide for ourselves how we will interpret the Scriptures (priesthood of the believer, right?) and we "demand our rights" to have our beliefs accepted by all.
But Paul brings up an important consideration -- my commentary mentions that Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, my brothers, you do to Me." That doesn't stop with just the "ministry" side. It also applies in a negative way -- anything we do that causes another believer to sin, we are doing against Jesus Himself!
For instance, a girl might decide to wear very short shorts to a youth group function, thinking nothing about it. But the guys in the youth group (and probably even the leaders) may be totally unable to avoid the scene and end up being tempted by lust where they would never have expected to find it!
Paul talks about giving up some of our "rights" as an offering to Christ. That would be the case here, and in another example:
Boys in athletics think little of giving up their "rights" to sleep late and be done with school during the summer in order to participate in off-season training. They self-discipline themselves to be better athletes. But how often do they elect to give up those same "rights" to get up early to read a quiet time? So often we all can feel put out by "having" to spend time with God in His word. I've even at times felt tired of having to schedule time for reading and preparing to teach a Bible study, wanting instead to be able to simply do nothing for a short while.
I think we've got to shrug off this "rights" mentality, and get back to the idea of self-sacrifice. Not only will it make us a better nation -- it will make us better Christians.
Father, help me to stay disciplined. When I feel "entitled", please remind me that I am Yours, not my own, and that I was bought at a very high price.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 10 -- Spiritual A.D.D.
God stuck the phrase "spiritual A.D.D." into my head just as I began to write this morning. Without his medicine, my son Joseph is so susceptible to attention deficit. I sit and watch in amazement as he heads across the room to
God stuck the phrase "spiritual A.D.D." into my head just as I began to write this morning. Without his medicine, my son Joseph is so susceptible to attention deficit. I sit and watch in amazement as he heads across the room to complete one simple task I've given him, and I see him pulled strongly off course in 5 directions by anything that catches his eye, no matter how trivial! How aptly that describes what Paul was telling the Christians in Corinth about what was pulling them away from their spirituality!
Speaking of their Jewish ancestors on the trip from Egypt to the Promised Land, Paul had noticed that all had professed their total devotion to Moses, "Yet the sad truth is that although their bodies were in the wilderness, yet their hearts were still back in Egypt. They enjoyed a physical deliverance from the bondage of Pharaoh, but they still lusted after the sinful pleasures of that country," my commentary said. "The Israelites did not practice self-control with regard to their bodies. They did not discipline their bodies, or put them in a place of subjection. Rather, they made provision for the lusts of the flesh, and this proved to be their downfall." They couldn't stay spiritually focused because their attention was still on their bodies.
It also said that verse 12 constitutes a warning to the self-confident: "If you think you are strong, you should be careful not to fall." "A strong believer may think he can dabble with self-gratification and not be affected by it. Such a person is in greatest danger of falling under the disciplinary hand of God .... Paul's advice is to flee from it. He does not say to study about it, to become better acquainted with it, or to trifle with it IN ANY WAY. He should run in the opposite direction."
Paul is so encouraging, though, to those of us who do find ourselves being tempted. "He teaches that the testings, trials, and temptations which face us are common to ALL. However, God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tested beyond what we are able. He does not promise to deliver us from temptations or testing, but He does promise to provide the way of escape, that we may be able to bear it."
Father, after reading this, I'm rather stunned at just how "spiritually A.D.D." I am. You've brought me on my own trip out of Egypt, yet at times I, too, find my heart still back there in bondage. Please help me as I try to discipline my body and put it into a place of subjection. Help me to focus on You and practice self-control. Keep me from making provision for the flesh and help me to see that I cannot afford to dabble in it, study about it, or trifle with it. This is war, and I cannot allow any attention deficit to take my focus off of You.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 11 -- A Surprise Ending!
That Paul had to spend time addressing so many contentious issues in his letter to the church at Corinth shows just how carnal and unspiritual they had become. The sidebar in my Bible, from The Race by John White, calls us all to self-examinati
That Paul had to spend time addressing so many contentious issues in his letter to the church at Corinth shows just how carnal and unspiritual they had become. The sidebar in my Bible, from The Race by John White, calls us all to self-examination to insure that we are not becoming the problem:
"Self is like a cuckoo. Cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds' nests. A baby cuckoo in a sparrow's nest may be three times the size of its foster parents. I saw a pair of hedge sparrows frantically darting to and from their nest to supply an enormous baby cuckoo with bits of food. It amazed me to see what power the cuckoo held to keep the sparrows on the move! His lusty cries could be heard for a quarter of a mile. The sparrows had grown thin and weary in their endless haste to cram food into his insatiable gullet.
"Self is a cuckoo in the nest of your heart. Like the sparrows, you are driven mercilessly by his cries to be satisfied. And the bigger he gets, the hungrier he grows; while the hungrier he grows, the louder he shrieks.
"But there's another aspect to the problem. So long as the cuckoo in the nest gets preference, the weak cries of the baby sparrows are less effective in securing food from their parents. In the same way, so long as the strident voice of self enslaves you, the new creation in Christ will have little chance to grow. You'll be too busy feeding self."
The sidebar concluded with these observations: "Do you dislike a certain hymn, a chorus, or a piece of liturgy? Don't gripe about it. Accept it. Realize that as you put aside your preference, another Christian is able to worship better through it .... Careful self-examination of our motives along with a good dose of courtesy and love are necessary to worship with other Believers and bring glory to God."
Father, please help me never to be like that cuckoo. Don't allow me to feed self at the expense of what You want to do. Help me to exercise self-judgment before I try to judge others.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 12 -- It's Not All About Us (Again)
The church members in Corinth had become guilty of the sin of pride. They seemed to constantly want to say, "Look what I can do!" rather than to acknowledge that God is at work by saying, "Look what God has done!"They also s
The church members in Corinth had become guilty of the sin of pride. They seemed to constantly want to say, "Look what I can do!" rather than to acknowledge that God is at work by saying, "Look what God has done!"
They also seemed to have come to believe in some superiority on their part for having received a spiritual gift -- assuming that they must be super spiritual and therefore God had rewarded them. They were confusing power with spirituality according to my commentary.
Paul made it abundantly clear that spiritual gifts were not given out like medals for service -- they were made available to help others.
My commentary said: "He doesn't give the same gift to everyone. He distributes to each one individually as He wills .... The Spirit sovereignly apportions the gifts. If we really grasp this, it will eliminate pride on the one hand, because we don't have anything that we didn't receive. And it will eliminate discontent on the other hand, because Infinite Wisdom and Love decided what gifts we should have, and His choice is PERFECT.... Also, in His matchless wisdom, He has arranged the different members ... into the body just as He PLEASED. We should give Him credit for knowing what He is doing! We should be profoundly grateful for whatever gift He has given us and joyfully use it for His glory and for building up others .... God has even given us the instinct to appreciate all the members, to realize they are all interdependent and to counterbalance the deficiencies of those that are not so handsome. The mutual care of the members prevents division or schism in the body."
Father, I need to hear this as much as the next person does. Please help everyone in our local church to have this view of Your sovereignty and care for us! Let none of us claim superior spirituality, but instead, lead us to first appreciate those most unlike us. Then help us each to work together, using these very gifts You've given us to build up the Body, not tear it apart.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 13 -- The UNLOVE Chapter
I couldn't count the number of times I've heard this chapter recited at weddings and I'm sure each starry-eyed bride has a romanticized view of her upcoming marriage. If nothing else, she may at least desire for her future husband t
I couldn't count the number of times I've heard this chapter recited at weddings and I'm sure each starry-eyed bride has a romanticized view of her upcoming marriage. If nothing else, she may at least desire for her future husband to pick up all of these qualities!
But we have to look at this chapter in the context of what Paul has been writing up to now. The church at Corinth was having problems. They were "ranking" members by spiritual gifts. They definitely weren't displaying love. And a careful reading will show that Paul spends most of his time telling them what love is not. He's pointing his finger at them and saying, "This is what I see happening in your church, and this is not love!"
Above verse 2, my commentary says, "If these wonderful gifts are used only for a person's own benefit and not for the edifying of other members of the Body of Christ, they are of no value, and the holder is nothing, that is, he is of no help to others."
Paul's checklist of love would be pretty much unfilled in the church at Corinth. He says that "the Corinthians were impatient, discontented, envious, inflated, selfish, indecorous, unmindful of the feelings and interests of others, suspicious, resentful, and censorious" according to my commentary. Sounds like the kind of church everyone would be rushing to join, huh? (Not to mention what that might be saying about the groom at a wedding.)
Instead, Paul describes love as being longsuffering, which my commentary says is patient endurance under PROVOCATION. Provocation is not something we usually associate with church. In verse 5, he mentions that "love is not provoked, but is willing to endure slights and insults and that it does not attribute bad motives to others. It does not suspect their actions."
In verse 7, my commentary said that the word "bears" can also be translated "covers", so that it would mean that love does not needlessly publicize the failures of others. In "believing all things", it "tries to put the best possible construction on actions and events." Evidently they were doing exactly the opposite of all this, delivering slights and insults, provoking one another, and thinking the worst about why people were doing what they were doing. Their hearts were carnal.
Paul really wanted them to stop concentrating on the gifts of the Spirit and instead to focus on the fruits of the Spirit, particularly faith, hope, and love, pulling themselves away from self-centeredness and working instead to be others-centered.
My sidebar summed up the effect that all of this unloving behavior has on a person: "When we lose our passion for the church and are preoccupied with our own concerns, our witness will be submerged. We will drown in the icy waters of indifference ... A church preoccupied with its own differences or torn by schism is a good candidate for ultimate oblivion.... Differences must be held without bitterness, self-righteousness, and pride. In this way, a church can work out its differences and exercise discipline without diminishing its impact on the world."
Father, show me where I've been unloving. If I've ascribed wrong motives to others, correct me. Give me patient endurance under provocation. Help me to be pleased when others are honored or exalted. Remind me often of verse 11 -- "When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways." Don't let me pick them up again, Father.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 14 -- Fruits Before Gifts
Paul lets us know that the chief aims of everything we're to be about in church are to turn unbelievers into believers and to spiritually grow all believers. That had almost stopped happening at Corinth, because people were being swayed by
Paul lets us know that the chief aims of everything we're to be about in church are to turn unbelievers into believers and to spiritually grow all believers. That had almost stopped happening at Corinth, because people were being swayed by the wonder of speaking in other languages and it was being encouraged more for its entertainment value than for its ability to build up.
My sidebar says, "The mark of Spirit-filled men and women is the fruit they bear. Fruit is the standard by which our walk with God can be measured."
But often we try to substitute other measuring devices. "The two most popular substitutes for fruit are spiritual gifts and natural talent.... It's easier to exercise a gift than to walk in the Spirit. Also certain gifts and talents have a high entertainment value. When exploited in the right way, gifts and talents can be real crowd pleasers..... Giftedness does not determine greatness in God's book. Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits.... You will recognize God's hand of blessing on men and women by the fruit they bear."
The sidebar closed with the question: "What is your priority: becoming like Christ or getting a chance to use your gifts?"
Father, I thank You that You allow me to participate in many ways in our local church. But more than anything You word calls me to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit so that I may be a witness to others. First and foremost, help me to lead others to Christ.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 15 -- But God.....
I am thoroughly convinced about the reality of the resurrection to come, and I anxiously await the moment when my boys and I will see Jesus. So most of this chapter is like icing on the cake!In verse 10, one of my favorite "signal phrases&
I am thoroughly convinced about the reality of the resurrection to come, and I anxiously await the moment when my boys and I will see Jesus. So most of this chapter is like icing on the cake!
In verse 10, one of my favorite "signal phrases" appears -- "But God..." -- and what follows it is my source of greatest wonder and amazement and my greatest challenge:
"But God's GRACE has made me what I am, and His grace to me was NOT wasted."
Not what I was, but what I am now.
Father God, Your grace is so amazing -- that You would stoop to save a sinner such as me -- an enemy of Yours at the time -- and lift me up to live for You. That You would even coming after me even when I strayed and draw me back to You! Father, I do not ever want to waste such grace! Enable me to always honor You in everything I do and give me what I need to help others be able to write this same paragraph for their own lives.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
1 Corinthians 16 -- Not The Usual Message About Giving
Paul gave specific instructions to us regarding giving to ministry. Verse 2 says, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should put aside money as you have been blessed. Save it up so you will not have to collect money afte
Paul gave specific instructions to us regarding giving to ministry. Verse 2 says, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should put aside money as you have been blessed. Save it up so you will not have to collect money after I come."
My commentary and sidebar had a lot to say about this verse. First, our "saving up" should be done systematically -- "as often as we are paid" would be a modern rendition.
Secondly, it was to be done by all -- every Christian. "Rich and poor, slave and free, all were to have a part in the sacrifice of giving of their possessions," my commentary said.
It was to be saved up at the present time for giving either right then or later. There should be no spending out of that set-aside money. All too often our temptation is to spend and pay back over time rather than to save and have available. Paul urges us to do the latter so that we'll never miss an opportunity to invest in what God is doing simply because we've overspent.
Their giving was also to be proportionate -- "as you have been blessed." If we look at our money and resources as a blessing from God rather than something we've EARNED, it puts a whole new light on giving and we avoid the sins of greed and selfishness.
My sidebar mentions a possible use of personal funds (or even a provision in our will) that falls outside the normal thought of weekly offerings -- financial support for candidates to the ministry or mission field: "Every year, young people who are desperately needed in mission service drop out of school when a gift of a few thousand dollars could have kept them on track towards a church vocation. We all know that ministry positions unfortunately most often pay less than secular jobs. When the burden of educational expenses is added to that, many who set out on such a course can become very discouraged.
Over the years, I've had occasion to give financial support to several such persons whom I know and love, and to causes that I know God is working through. What fun it is to watch over the years to see how God blesses through gifts given in faith!
A case in point is Josh's orphanage in Ukraine. When I went to adopt, members of our church collected about $750 to donate to whichever orphanage my son would eventually come from. Curt and I felt led to add to that from our travel funds -- enough to give $1,000. Before we left the orphanage, new front doors were being installed to prevent cold air from entering the building a chilling the adjacent dining hall in winter. Last summer, we traveled back to that orphanage and discovered an incredibly different place! Every window had been replaced, every light fixture; the old "squat toilets" (tiled holes in the floor connected to the sewer system) were gone and new commodes took their place; the trough-style handwashing areas were replaced with new pedestal sinks; the old concrete floors in the bedrooms now bore ceramic tile; and almost every bed and mattress had been replaced in the last year! When I marveled at the change, the director said, "It started with you (the gift given by our church and supplemented by Curt and me)! The next family to adopt saw the new front doors and we told them about your gift. Not to be outdone, they gave money to replace something else, and this was repeated again and again! Our orphanage is so supported now that we actually are able to return part of our budget money back to the state agency to be used for other orphanages!"
Isn't God cool!!
Father, it's just amazing what You can do when we realize that You're the One who blesses us with everything we have. When we give back out of that blessing, You are able to multiply it as surely as You did the fishes and loaves of that little boy in the Bible! Please allow others to simply try this and see that You are faithful!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
Nehemiah 1 -- Here It Comes!
Why is it that I sense a project coming on, God? That's the general sense I get every time I read Nehemiah. And I also sense that You're about to work on my prayer life as well, which can certainly use a lift!Nehemiah became burde
Why is it that I sense a project coming on, God? That's the general sense I get every time I read Nehemiah. And I also sense that You're about to work on my prayer life as well, which can certainly use a lift!
Nehemiah became burdened about the condition of Jerusalem, the city he and others had been exiled from years earlier. (I believe that's part of God giving us the desires of our hearts -- in other words, He put that desire into Nehemiah's heart.)
Nehemiah didn't just bow his head and ask God to "be with him" as he got started on this project. He prayed for guidance and favor for 3 or 4 months, waiting for an answer of sureness from God.
It wasn't even Nehemiah who initiated the plan once it was time. He was burdened, possibly about what God had in mind, and that emotion showed through on his face despite his best efforts.
His boss, the King of Persia, took note, and asked what was wrong. The next thing Nehemiah did was crucial -- "First, I prayed to the God of heaven. Then I answered the king." Four months of prayer weren't enough. Now it seemed that God was at work, but Nehemiah prayed even more to be sure. He could see that the divine appointment was a "go" because the king simply asked, "How long will your trip take? And when will you get back?"
He had his first steps already planned. He drew up his list of supplies needed. He obtained the necessary permissions. Then he inspected the spot to ascertain his needs. Next, he motivated the workers. Immediately, the opposition set in. But Nehemiah didn't let it rattle him. It was to be expected of anything God set about doing, for Satan waits to mess up anything he can.
My sidebar praises the manner in which he began his task and spoke of prayer.
"Why is prayer so important?
-- Prayer forces me to leave the situation to God. It makes me wait.
-- Secondly, prayer clears my vision.
-- Thirdly, prayer quiets my heart. I cannot worry and pray at the same time.
-- Fourthly, prayer activates my faith. After praying, I am more prone to trust God ...
Prayer sets faith on fire."
Father, I don't yet know for sure what You seem to be burdening me to do. Give me the desires of my heart -- place them there for me to discover. Then lead me to repent of my sins and to make myself available for Your use. Help me to bathe in prayer. Then lead me to where You are already at work.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
No comments:
Post a Comment