Fearing God

When making plans for a new year, it is good to recall the many Bible verses that remind us to fear the Lord. Not because we want to avoid trouble but so we can walk in confidence.

The concept of fearing God is difficult. Some interpret fearing God as having great reverence for Him—a sense of awe and wonder when confronted by this God who is beyond comprehension. Certainly, that is truth, but not the whole truth.

There are keys that take the concept a bit further. When we look at Bible stories, we see that those who truly fear God are set free from normal fears. The fear of God thrusts them forward. David slew Goliath and Gideon routed the Midianites. (I Sam. 17 & Judges 7) And we read of Moses, By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the King’s anger. (Heb. 11:27a NIV)

In the book of Acts we read that the church was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. (Acts 9:31)

We will not be flippant about our God if we fear Him. But we will be fearless in the face of oppositon. And we will be motivated.

Originally published December 30, 1982.

Beauty for Ashes

The Christmas spirit is an elusive dream for many people. Perhaps they feel isolated from family and friends—or insecure because they do not know how to select presents. Perhaps they lack funds to pay for presents—or are overwhelmed by fatigue and bills. Whatever the cause, failure to experience the dream causes anxiety and stress.

Jesus didn’t come so we could strive after elusive dreams. He came to invade hearts—to penetrate our depths—to offer a revelation or vision of Him. And He brings peace and joy.

The prophet Isaiah had much to say about the Christ-child named Jesus who grew up to bring salvation to all people. According to Isaiah, He brings, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they [we] may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Is. 61:3 NKJV)

Receiving the promises recorded by Isaiah might require rethinking our Christmas plans. If we belong to Jesus, we can stop striving after the elusive dream—and let a true vision from the Spirit of Jesus touch our spirits—because the Spirit of Jesus is the true spirit of Christmas.

Of course, major changes require adjustments, but that would be a small price to pay if it means exchanging beauty for ashes!

Originally published December 12, 1986.
Picture: Commercial display, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Embryo of Jesus

When the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary about the birth of Jesus, he said, And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son. . . . (Lk. 1:31a NKJV) Mary wondered about this and asked, How can this be, since I do not know a man? (v. 34b)

Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would move upon her: the power of the Highest will overshadow you. (v. 35b) And it happened as Gabriel said. Mary conceived the embryo of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The new life within her came from both God and a human.

Many doctrines rest upon the concept of the Virgin Birth. One of those doctrines is the redemptive value of Christ’s blood. Blood forms at conception. After conception there is an embryo with blood, but before conception there is only egg and seed. The baby’s blood can be quite different than that of either parent. And the blood of Jesus was quite different from that of His mother. It carried not only her characteristics, but also the characteristics of His Heavenly Father.

Impossible? Yes. But Gabriel reminded Mary that, with God nothing will be impossible. (v. 37) Mary replied, Let it be to me according to your word. (v. 38b)

Originally published December 13, 1991.
Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Genealogy of Jesus

The genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Matthew does not agree with the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Luke. They are the same from Abraham to David, but Luke goes back to David through his David's son Nathan while Matthew goes back to David through David's son Solomon.

It is difficult to know which provides Mary’s genealogy and which provides Joseph’s. Luke reads, Jesus . . . being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph. . . . (Lk. 3:23b NAS) Perhaps he gives Mary’s lineage because Mary furnished the earthly inheritance of her son. Jesus’ genetic code as a human came through Mary. Through her, he was literally from the seed of David.

Matthew also emphasizes the virgin birth. But perhaps he provides Joseph’s lineage. This is important because Joseph’s family determined Jesus’ birthplace as well as His legal family.

Isaiah prophesied, Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse [David’s father], And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him. (Is. 11:1,2a) Jesus is the son of David and the Son of God. He’s God and man—and He’s our Lord and Savior.

Originally published December 13, 1985.
Picture: Basket of pine cones with antique candlestick. Photo by Solveig.

Rejoice in Suffering?

Most of us do not rejoice if we think we are suffering. In fact, most of us will do anything we can to avoid it.

That is a healthy reaction. Avoiding pain or suffering is a God-given instinct, and we should pay attention to His gifts. God does not want us to approach life by looking for circumstances that bring suffering—not even if they seem to bring a measure of honor or glory.

But if or when suffering occurs, it can have a positive impact upon our development. God can use suffering to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Suffering is also intimately connected to a working knowledge of God's sovereign power. If we submit suffering to Him, He reveals Himself to us in our circumstances. He is faithful and He begins working in our hearts to reflect His nature.

Paul wrote, we also rejoice in our suffering because . . . suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. . . . (Rom. 5:3-5 NIV)

If we take our problems to God, we become aware of His presence and we learn again that He is real.

Originally published May 31, 1985.

Search God's Word

It’s dangerous to build a belief system or doctrine on a single portion of Scripture. Unless we draw from the multi-faceted wisdom of our Bible, we become hard or narrow in our response to life.

For example, on one occasion Jesus supported an open confrontation. He said to His disciples, If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault. . . . (Mt. 18:15a NIV) His teaching was based on Leviticus 19:17, and it applied to settling disputes quietly and peacefully with another believer. Involving others was necessary only if agreement wasn’t reached.

Other Old Testament Scriptures seem to contradict that approach. For example, Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. (Prov. 9:7,8)

There are no pat answers to relationship problems; each circumstance requires individual attention and wisdom. We need to search God’s Word for direction—we need to search our hearts to determine our own error—and we need to be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Originally published September 13, 1985.
Picture: Potted garden plants, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Temple of God

The Tabernacle was beautiful—a miracle on the desert. It taught God’s people that His Presence was with them—that He lived in their midst. Generations later, when the Israelites became a nation, they built a more elaborate Temple in Jerusalem. (When the first temple was destroyed, a second was built. Later, Herod built a third temple.) In their times, each of the temples in Jerusalem were also centers for worship and sacrifice—the place where people encountered God’s Presence.

But they were not the final temple. God’s temple is an ongoing construction project, and its spiritual reality is a deep mystery. The Bible tells Christians, Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (I Cor. 3:16 NKJV)

We look at ourselves and see flaws. Even mature Christians surprise us with un-Christlike behavior at times. Christians are not always beautiful—they are simply people who have received Jesus. Christians seem much less impressive than the Tabernacle or than one of the Temples.

The key is our foundation. Paul said no other foundation can anyone lay that than which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (v. 11) Once the presence of Jesus comes to live in our hearts, the human temple is reality because His foundation is established. Then God builds His life on the foundation. His life is resident within us. For although we’re far from perfect, we belong to God and we carry His Presence.

Originally published November 7, 1986.

He Had Compassion

Jesus told a story about the Samaritan who helped a dying man alongside the road—a victim ignored by people who should have helped him. Then, a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. . . . (Lk. 10:33 RSV)

Sometimes our journey as Christians leads us into difficult circumstances. We often struggle and wonder why because we do not understand what has happened or why it happened. We might be wounded as a result of our failure to walk uprightly with God—or we might be wounded because someone attacked us when we were defenseless. We may be suffering from one huge blow—or from incidents that repeatedly reopened festering sores.

Whatever our condition, circumstance, or problem, we need healing.

In this parable, the Samaritan traveler represents Jesus. And Jesus knows how to bind wounds! He pours forth His oil and wine—healing agents during Biblical times and symbols of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture.

If we trust Him, we can count of Him to do the same for us. Jesus has compassion, and He brings healing.

Originally published May 14, 1982.

Praying for Others

Sometimes we want God to bless an individual who absolutely does not deserve it. We might even wonder if it's right to pray for such an individual. But because we love—or at least enjoy—this person, we want God to bless them.

When struggling with conflicting emotions, it’s helpful to remember that God does not move in people’s hearts because they deserve it. He told Ezekiel to tell the Isrealites, “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my Holy Name’s sake, which you have profaned.” (Ez. 36,22,23 NKJV)

We are more likely to feel comfortable praying for people who live on the edge when we remember our own sin. When we recognize our unworthy nature we remember that not one of us deserves God’s blessings. Yet God blesses anyway.

God says, I will sprinkle clean water on you . . . I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart . . . I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues. . . . (vs. 25-36)

God is more than willing to bless others, even those who live on the edge. He wants to draw people to Himself and He wants us to pray for them.

Originally published May 7, 1993.

Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Restrictions, Rights, and Freedom

Occasionally we hear much about restrictions—they’re supposed to be bad because they limit freedom. Or we hear about rights—they’re supposed to be good because they allow freedom.

But perhaps true freedom is unrelated to either rights or restrictions. What if it’s related to the desires of the heart. Paul had something like that in mind when he said, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (II Cor. 3:17 NKJV)

How can that be?

When we respond to God in love, He grows fruit in our lives. And, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Gal. 4:22-23)

When the Spirit of the Lord operates in our hearts, we are free from greed, free from competition, free from pretense, free from hate. Even though these are natural human traits, if we let Him, God can gradually remove them and the hurts they’ve created. And then we are truly free. Free to respond with openness to God and to others.

Originally published May 21, 1993.

Picture: Container flowers, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Becoming Established

People often decide they will trust Jesus in a specific problem area such as overeating or smoking or gossip or procrastination—only to discover they cannot overcome the deeply ingrained habits of sin in their own strength or power. The discouraging aspect of this is that the struggle continues throughout our Christian experience. After victory in one area, we quickly realize problems in another.

Paul identified the struggle and lamented, For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Rom. 7:19 NIV)

Yet he was not discouraged. He directed his attention beyond his sinful nature into the person of Jesus and the Spirit of Jesus. He wrote, “[H]e who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit . . .” (Rom. 8:11b)

There is victory! Although individuals cannot overcome sin, the life of Christ can do all things. It is the Spirit of Christ that establishes the life of Christ within a person.

Originally published October 1, 1982.
Picture: Potted flowers for a deck, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Purposed in the Spirit

Paul was on his third missionary journey when he purposed in the Spirit . . . to travel again to Jerusalem. . . . (Acts 19:21b NKJV)

The phrase purposed in the Spirit (note the capital “S” in Spirit) is one of those sticky or controversial spots in Scripture. The New International Version of the Bible reads, Paul decided. . . . These translations do not quite agree.

The New American Standard Bible reads, Paul purposed in the spirit (note the small “s”). The small “s” has a footnote telling the reader the translators will not commit themselves to whether “spirit” means Paul’s human spirit or God’s Holy Spirit.

Did Paul decide in his own spirit or did he respond to a leading from God’s Spirit? Or a combination of the two? Whatever the case, from that point on Paul received many warnings telling him he would end up in a prison if he went to Jerusalem. But he went to Jerusalem anyway, regardless of the consequences. He had decided or purposed in the Spirit. He either would not—or could not—turn away from God’s call or God’s claim upon his life.

Originally published May 20, 1988.
Picture: Hollyhocks near Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

And Your Household

A Philipian jailer was desperate. The foundations of his prison had been shaken by an earthquake and the inmates were set free. Assuming everyone would escape, the jailer planned to commit suicide to save his good name.

Paul and Silas were in the prison that night. When the earthquake struck, they had been singing praises and praying while the other prisoners listened. No one tried to leave. And when Paul realized what the jailer was about to do he let the man know that even though doors were open and chains were broken, the prisoners were still there.

Why would prisoners remain instead of try to escape? The scene is surreal, but God was apparently reaching the prisoners through praises and prayers of Paul and Silas. When the jailer realized what was happening, he fell down before Paul and Silas . . . “Men, what must I do to be save?” (Acts 16:30b RSV) Paul and Silas shared the gospel: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (v. 31)

The jailer responded to the invitation. But why? And why so quickly? Because his prisoners were present and accounted for?

Could it have been the Holy Spirit? Whatever our interpretation, we know God met both the jailer and the jailed in an hour of crisis. In fact, God’s love extended beyond the jailer himself to touch his entire household or family.

He can do the same for us.

Originally published August 21, 1981.
Picture: Young Geraniums, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Surprised by the Message

God knows how to make life interesting by surprising His followers. Peter had no desire to minister to Gentiles. After receiving the Holy Spirit, he traveled around Palestine where he shared the gospel of Jesus with fellow Jews. In Lydda, he healed Aeneas who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. (Acts 9:33b NKJV) In Joppa, he raised Dorcas from the dead and presented her alive to the saints and widows. (9:41b)

When he was in Joppa, however, life changed. While staying with Simon the tanner and waiting for dinner one evening, he went up on the housetop to pray and fell into a trance. (10:9a,10a)

God spoke to Peter in the trance, and the message was couched in food. But its significance extended beyond food into every aspect of life: What God has cleansed you must not call common. (10:15b)

Peter had always lived an observant Jewish lifestyle. He resisted the message because it offended practices he'd learned as a child and lived as an adult. But when Gentiles came seeking his help, he capitulated: "God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean." (10:28b)

Only God can bring about deep, abiding change in people. Peter's worldview was forever altered; he had to leave his former mindset behind.

Originally published June 12, 1992.

"Give Me this Power"

Philip the Evangelist went to Samaria to tell the people about Jesus the Christ. When the people responded to his message, many were healed from their afflictions and set free from demonic spirits.

A fellow living in Samaria named Simon the Sorcerer also believed key facts about Jesus. He submitted to baptism and then followed right alongside Philip, amazed when he saw the many miracles and signs. (Acts 8:13) But although actively involved in God’s work, Simon’s heart remained impure. He still loved the power he had exercised as a sorcerer, and now he wanted to exercise power under Jesus.

It all came to a head when Peter came to help Philip. After Simon the Sorcerer saw Peter laying hands on individuals so they might receive the Holy Spirit, Simon tried to get in on the action by offering money. He said to Peter, "Give me this power also. . . ." (v. 19 NKJV)

And at that point Peter received a revelation of Simon’s motives. "Your money perish with you. . . ." he said. (v. 20a) And, "your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent. . . ." (v. 21b)

We do not know what happened to Simon the Sorcerer, but he did ask for prayer "that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." (v. 24b)

Originally published May 6, 1988.
Picture: Lilacs long the Red River of the North, Wahpeton/Breckenridge, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God's Instruments

Miracles originate with God, but He often uses people as His instruments to bring miracles about.

When Peter and John were just beginning to deal with their new life after all that had happened through Jesus—after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension—after they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost—they saw a lame beggar sitting by the gate of the temple. Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6 NKJV)

We don’t know if Peter stood there for awhile, waiting to see if the man would get up on his own. We do know Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (v. 7)

The lame man received healing as he stood with Peter’s assistance. Peter was God’s instrument both when he spoke the Word of faith and when he helped the man respond to that Word.

The result was a miracle. So he [the man who had been crippled], leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. (v. 8)

God is sovereign, and He uses people.

Originally published October 3, 1986.

Opened Doors

The first Pentecost was a remarkable occasion. But the weeks and months that followed were equally remarkable for the disciples and the people who listened to them. Amazed political leaders wondered what to think and what to do when uneducated men began proclaiming God’s Word with power. The leaders wondered even more when miracles followed the men's words—because the men were led by the Holy Spirit.

Meanwhile, the people listened to the message and witnessed everything that happened. Many responded. Then, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NIV)

The jealous, stymied leaders felt they had to do something. So, They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. (5:18) Imagine the leaders consternation the next day when they learned that during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors. . . . (5:19)

For the disciples and for all people, a new era—the era of the Christian Church—was underway. Nothing could stop the spread of faith in Jesus when the disciples proclaimed God’s Word. God’s Church became a living reality.

Originally published June 3, 1983.

The Holy Spirit Descended

When Jesus left His home in heaven, he came disguised as a seemingly ordinary person with no unusual characteristics. Hidden with His family in Nazareth, he lived and absorbed the human experience with its many joys and sorrows. Paul says of this period that Jesus made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant. . . . (Phil 2:7a NKJV)

But during Jesus’ baptism, John the Baptist saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him [Jesus]. (Mt. 3:16b) The Son of God was hidden no longer. Armed with the Spirit of God, He battled Satan in the Wilderness and then began His ministry. He preached the message of the Kingdom of God and performed miracles—and many believed He was the Son of God.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus sent His disciples out to share the good news of the kingdom on two occasions. But after the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost, Peter, the rest of the disciples, and the other Christians were different. The Spirit of the Son of God had been poured out and was no longer hidden. Like Jesus, the disciples preached the Kingdom of God, they performed miracles—and the church grew exponentially as people began to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. (Acts 2)

Originally June 5, 1992.
Picture: Tulips, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God Sent His Spirit

Pentecost is the day on the Christian church calendar that celebrates the birth of the Christian Church. On that day Jesus poured out His Holy Spirit upon His followers. In fact, the church became the Church—a supernaturally-connected group of believers—when the Holy Spirit arrived.

He didn’t come quietly. We read, And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they [the disciples] were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4 KJV)

People in the area gathered and were confounded, because every man heard them speak in his own language. (v. 6b) Then Peter preached to a large crowd and about three thousand souls joined the disciples by accepting Jesus. (v. 41)

Originally published May 28, 1993.

God's Ability to Do

Faith is essential. The book of Hebrews says, without faith it is impossible to please [God]. (Heb. 11:6a NKJV)

But the concept of faith is hard to understand. By itself, faith saves no one unless it’s grounded in God’s grace. In fact, faith—believing—in the wrong thing is useless, vain, and harmful. By ourselves, we can’t come to the right type of faith. Our sin nature keeps interfering. Our reality is that we can’t even come to God and talk with Him unless we have faith.

That’s why we need grace. And grace isn’t easy to understand, either.

A common definition—one ‘oft repeated—is, Grace is God’s ability to do in us what we can’t do by ourselves. And because God desires faith, He gives people who come to Him the ability to receive faith. He sent the Holy Spirit to create the miracle of faith in our hearts.

Paul said, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God . . . . (Eph. 2:8) God’s gift of faith and God’s many other gifts are His grace.

Originally published August 17, 1990.
Picture: Daffodils, Patty's garden. Photo by Solveig.