Why Should God Hurt?

 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8: 18 NKJV 

I was pondering this week that there seems to be a lot of sad, dejected Christians out there in the world.  Perhaps you are one of them.  You've been told for some time that in order to be a Christian that you need to face trials, that you will have bad times.  Hey, brother, that's life.  But, why do we naturally assume that just because we are Christians that the world will automatically be against us and that sadness will most always accompany us?  While I agree that there is and will be a lot of sadness and hurt in this world, I also set my heart upon the One who created the world and all that we see.  So, I found myself asking a few questions this week.  Was it Gods intention for us to walk through each and every day in misery for His sake?  I would say no.  However, many well meaning Christians would point to that famous scripture out of the book of James which tells us to rejoice in our afflictions {James 1:2}.  Does this guarantee that we are to remain sad due to our own lot in life?  NO!  What James was writing about here was that when the hard times do come, that we should not become lost in our frustration and sadness, but rejoice in the big picture of what God is accomplishing through us.  That is...patience.  Indeed, nothing will teach us more about patience than going through life's trials.  Most all of us can attest to that.  However, there is a huge difference in living a life of sadness and a life of joy in the Lord knowing what to do when the bad times come.  This, I believe, is what James was attempting to get across.  So, are we meant to suffer just because we are Christians?  I would say no.  Why would the Lord, who's very nature is love, ensure that His children are distressed?  Why would God provide for our union in Him only to have us in sadness?  Maybe a good deal of our walking around in sadness has less to do with our situation and more to do with who it is we think we are.  Would you walk in sadness and dejection if you knew in your heart that you were walking as Christ?  The truth of living as Christ is revealed to us by the apostle Paul in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  Was Jesus Himself always sad and dejected? 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 1: 1 - 5 NKJV 

I look back upon the time Jesus spent with His apostles.  I'm talking day to day times when He was not teaching, but living among His followers.  Did they laugh?  Did they tell jokes with one another?  Did they share the good times they all experienced?  Of course.  The notion that we, as Christians, need to walk around as some somber zombies awaiting the bad times in our lives is ridiculous.  I refuse to ever subscribe to that idea.  In fact, I rejoice in the fact that I do follow Christ Jesus.  I am glad in my heart that He does live through me.  I am happy and thankful that God thought enough of me to ensure my union with Him {John 17:21}.  I will never be that sad Christian.  Now, that doesn't mean that I do not know how to handle the bad situations when they arrive.  I do not look upon these bad times as Gods punishment, but as my learning opportunity.  I have gotten into the habit, when bad times arrive, of asking "What are you doing in through this, Lord?"  I know that the Lord always has a purpose for what He does, so I ask Him.  One question I came across this week was...should knowing God hurt?  Should we be destined to a life of sorrow if we follow Him?  Again, I think I've laid out some pretty convincing thoughts on why being a Christian doesn't mean that we should walk in sadness.  Ask yourself, do you see Jesus as always being in sorrow?  After all, for those of us who trust in our union with Him...we ARE Jesus.  This is something we should all rejoice in.  We can't control when or where the hard times will come, but we can control how it is that we respond to them when they do.  

~Scott~ 

Behind The Blues

 

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore most gladly I will boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  for when I am weak, then I am strong. 

2 Corinthians 12: 9 - 10 NKJV 

Is there anyone out there who is feeling more than a bit rattled today?  Think of all which we have going on in our lives.  Elections, a deadly (or so they say) virus and perhaps a change in our nations leadership all add up to the anxiety that I'm sure many of us are feeling.  Some may even be bordering on depression.  I get it.  Awhile ago, I stopped watching the daily news and internet news feeds because it was simply causing me more harm than good.  I don't need to be hit over the head to realize that todays news media has become mostly slanted to a liberal point of view.  Now, for a lifetime conservative, that is indeed bad news.  However, for someone with a solid faith in God, it might not be all bad news out there.  Last night I was watching a documentary on the United Sates Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team.  From a young age, I've loved watching the Navy Blues and the Air Force Thunderbird squadrons show their skills at air shows around the world.  As I watched this episode, I was struck by something unique.  As each pilot marches out to the flight line at the start of each flight, his attention centers upon the crew chief of his aircraft.  With one gesture, the crew chief could shut down the flight.  Granted, the Navy pilots receive much of the attention, but it is the men and women working behind the scenes that make these jets fly.  What does this have to do with God, stress and the world we find ourselves living in?  Simple, like the Blue Angels, we have someone working behind the scenes for us as well.  As Christians, we do well to remember that it is God who gives us each and every day of our lives.  For without Him, we would not exist.  Nothing would.  Do you think for a minute that God cowers in fear of Joe Biden or Donald J Trump?  Not likely.  I would suggest that the opposite is true, that Trump and Biden should fear the Lord.  As I watched this campaign season unfold, it became obvious to me which of the candidates actually believed in and showed reverence to God.  That man was Donald trump.  Yet, I'm sure that even the bombastic Trump would admit that he is the one being used by the Lord for His purposes.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5: 5 NKJV 

How often is it, in the midst of our troubles, that we take a moment and contemplate just what it is that the Lord is accomplishing through our situation?  My dear friend, some time ago, suggested that instead of asking "why me, God?" that we should instead be asking "What are trying to accomplish, Lord?"  Because, like that experienced pilot, we should know by now that it is not we ourselves who mold and shape each and every moment we live.  That whole "carpe diem" thing really doesn't apply here.  Why?  Because we have one behind the scenes who is working life events and circumstances to conform to His will.  Joe Biden and Donald Trump are but figureheads in the Lords grand scheme.  Believe me, I feel a whole lot better knowing God is in charge than some left leaning liberal geezer.  This is the assurance that all believers must share, that despite all that is going on around us, that events are only happening by the will of the Father.  I'll rest my confidence upon that truth any day.  God is the one behind the scenes who, unfortunately, does not receive the credit He deserves all too often.  I would say this, if we believe in God, then we also believe that He can accomplish anything should He see fit.  After all, He did create all that we see around us.  So, if you find the time in the next few moments or days, ask God what He is working in your life.  Not only will get a better understanding of the one behind the scenes, you might just alleviate some anxiety as well.  

~Scott~ 

What Donald Trump Couldn't Do

 

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 

Matthew 19: 26 NKJV 

I've been a bit on edge ever since this most recent election, wondering which direction our nation would take.  My anxiety was further heightened this week as our over reaching governor once again instituted a stay at home order for our state.  Already I have heard from friends who are wondering where that lost income will come from.  In the back of my mind I keep thinking, "just wait until all the votes are counted so president Trump can fix this mess and alleviate the fears of so many people."  Well, I realized last night that the ball isn't in Donald Trumps court on this one.  This situation, in its entirety, belongs to God.  Don't get me wrong, Donald trump is a great leader who loves America as founded, but he is powerless to do anything in this situation.  So, where is it that we turn when all else fails?  Where is it that we turn when our anxieties overcome us?  Well, we simply need heed the words of Jesus when He was asked the very same thing.  See, Jesus had just finished explaining to His disciples how difficult it was for a rich man to enter the Lords kingdom.  To the disciples this must have sounded like a impossibility.  If someone with great wealth cannot get into heaven, what chance do we have?  The disciples posed this question to Jesus.  "Who then can be saved?"  Jesus said to them, "with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  This response from Jesus should make all who believe content.  If all things are possible with God, why is it that so many seldom seek His guidance and help?  Why is it that I believed that Donald Trump could rectify every bad situation he is facing?  Doesn't it seem pretty arrogant on our part that we would ignore God and try to fix things ourselves?  Well, if you answered no then you may just still believe in the lie that man is separated from God.  The lie which was told by Satan in the garden {Genesis 3:4-5}.  It is this lie which has damaged the relationship between ourselves and God ever since.  

Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us!  We are perishing!"  But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"  Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"

Matthew 8: 25 - 27 NKJV 

I will share a secret with you.  Until you overcome the lie of the enemy that you are separated from God, you will always struggle in not only knowing Him, but knowing Jesus as well.  Who is Jesus?  Is Jesus simply a Savior who spends His eternity in heaven at the Fathers side?  While that may be a good description of the gospel of Jesus, it in no way describes the Jesus I have come to know.  Jesus is not so impersonal that He would be distant from the Fathers children.  Remember, it was Jesus who prayed that we would be one with He and the Father {John 17:21}.  It is Jesus who claims that if We have seen Him then we have seen the Father as well {John 14:9}.  So, if Jesus is indeed very near to us, where is He?  The apostle Paul answers that question is Galatians when he claims that it is Christ Jesus who lives in him {Galatians 2:20}.  This is the Jesus that I have come to know.  This is the Jesus that lays to waste the lie of the enemy.  God is not far off and distant from you.  In fact, every time you look in the mirror, you see His reflection.  The prayer of Jesus has been answered, we are now one with He and the Father.  So, what does this all have to do with Trump and the nations current situation?  Well, I know that Donald Trump is a Christian.  I do not know if he has received the same revelation of Christ Jesus  in him as I have for myself, but he is a believer in God.  I also realize that it is the Spirit of Jesus within him that is guiding Donald Trump at this time.  One thing is for certain, whatever Donald Trump cannot do, God will have no difficulty accomplishing.  

Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us."  Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?  He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'show us the Father?' 

John 14: 8 - 9 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

No Place For Good Men

 

But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.  

1 Corinthians 11: 3 NKJV 

I was reading this past week of another pastor of a rather large congregation who resigned from his position because of his infidelities.  Now, it seems that stories such as this have become more and more the norm in recent years.  The national media has some twisted fascination over exposing the bad behaviors of Christian leaders.  Indeed, sensationalism in the news media has run rampant.  I guess I can't blame the media, they're only doing their jobs, reporting on the news of the day.  However, I do feel as if far too many non Christians judge believers by the actions of a few bad behaving church leaders.  Instead of church leaders being seen as teaching the gospel, they are seen as hypocrites.  Don't get me wrong, they've earned that reputation.  I asked a good friend of mine who continues to remain nameless even while on vacation this week about his opinion of men in church leadership.  His response?  He supports the biblical view of men in leadership.  I couldn't agree more.  I've always had the belief that the man should be the leader of the household, not out of lording over others, but out of the love which flows from Christ Jesus.  The tiers of leadership are pretty simple...God, Jesus, man and woman.  At the head of it all, obviously, is God.  I do not see the position of church leadership as a sexist issue, as more than a few have complained about.  In fact, I've been in more than a few churches where women had prominent leadership roles.  This isn't about that.  What this is about is Gods view of leadership.  After all, if He created it He should have a say on how it's run...right?  So, it is safe to say that the biblical view of leadership places the husband, the father, the man at the head of the table.  This is what we have been taught for years.  Indeed, many a Christian family have followed that biblical teaching for many years.  However, if you ask me, it places a heavy burden upon those who would lead.

"Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?  And then he will plunder his house."

Matthew 12: 29 NKJV 

There is a saying about those who assume the role of authority over others.  Heavy weighs the head that wears the crown.  This couldn't be more true than in the role of Christian leadership today.  Todays church leaders are faced with a barrage of temptations never before seen.  From social media to the internet, every kind of bad behavior is available to each of us in an instant.  This is why I wasn't surprised to learn that the pastor caught in infidelity met his mistress through Facebook.  Hey, I've seen what goes on on Facebook, and more than enough of it isn't pretty.  Granted, that burden of responsibility still lies with the disgraced pastor, but I will guarantee that he will not be the last to fall victim to bad behavior.  The bible teaches us that Christ Jesus is the head of the man.  Well, I submit that Christ IS the man.  The apostle Paul assures us of this reality of Christ Jesus in us in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  So, not only did this disgraced pastor behave badly, but I believe that he had a identity problem.  Did he even realize that he was the image of God unto the world?  I doubt it.  Not too many Christians embrace this truth.  Yet, if we believe that Christ is indeed in us, then we also believe that we ourselves are the very image of God to those around us.  Pretty heavy stuff huh?  Yet not entirely unbelievable.  I do not find it unbelievable that God would desire to show Himself through our church leaders.  That is, if those leaders even realize who it is they are.  The words of Jesus couldn't be more clear, the way to plunder a strong mans house is to first bind the strong man.  Indeed, our leadership has been handcuffed by temptations, social upheaval and liberal ideas.  Todays Christian leadership has become a place hostile to good men.  

~Scott~ 

A Happy Place

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

John 16: 22 NKJV 

Where is your happy place?  You know, that place where you seem to spend a good amount of your time.  For me, lately my happy place has been a my local gym.  I have a good friend who's happy place is working on his old Jeep.  The truth is, we all have that place where we go to feel happy and content.  Unfortunately, there are those among us whose happiness is derived from alcohol or drugs as well.  There was that time where I found my happy place to be sitting inside one of Portland's strip clubs.  Well, let me just say that my current happy place is much less expensive than my last venture.  But, that is where I chose to spend my time.  What changed?  What made me realize that those things which I was doing were not beneficial to me?  Well, my own realization of who it is that I really am for one.  What also changed was my perception of who Jesus truly is.  I've written many times about the truth of Christ.  Of how the apostle Paul has introduced to us a new way of seeing Jesus.  Paul assures us that the Jesus he knew will never leave us.  That's because He lives on through us {Galatians 2:20}.  In my heart I always knew that Jesus was a living being, I just thought that He lived in heaven.  That is what I had been taught.  So, Christ has never been dead to me.  Just, shall we say, misplaced.  What's also interesting is that I could go all of those years in whatever happy place I'd found without knowing that Jesus was there with me.  Go figure.  Let me say that my circumstances are not that much different from any that others may be going through.  You might be going through a drug addiction and feeling as if that is what makes you happy.  Hey, I've been there.  You might see a abusive relationship as a happy place, I get it.  Whatever you see as that place where you feel content, know that Jesus is there with you.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

One of the thoughts I used to justify my bad behavior back in the day was that, "Jesus wants me to be happy."  Whatever it is that I'm doing, Jesus wants me to be happy doing it.  Well, was Jesus happy sitting there in a strip club?  Yes, that might have been my happy place at the time, but was Jesus happy as well?  Now, before you get bent out of shape because I'm placing Jesus in a strip club, remember that Paul assures us that Christ is indeed in us.  Knowing this, we can then assume that whatever it is we do, Jesus is there.  However we choose to conduct ourselves, Jesus is there.  So, yes, Jesus was indeed there with me while I killed time at the strip club.  Was He happy there?  Not at all.  But He was there because He is in me.  That changed one night when, as I was about to spend another night in my happy place, Jesus reminded me of the man that I really am.  I was not the man who walked into these places for enjoyment.  My happiness did not come from things which the Lord does not look fondly on.  So it is with you as well.  I ask again, where is it that you find happiness?  Is Jesus happy there with you?  I know that you might have convinced yourself that He is...but is He really?  Are you living your life in a way that Jesus who is in you can be happy as well?  I wasn't.  That is, not until I realized who it is that I truly am.  I'm not a man who is happy without Jesus.  I'm also not a man who is happy in something which brings grief to Christ.  That's not who I am.  So, for now I'll find my happy place in the local gym where I continue to make myself healthier.  In my heart, I know that Jesus is happy there with me.  

~Scott~   

Love Without End

 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4: 8 NKJV 

There was a radio pastor this week who proclaimed that we, as a society, had lost the ability to love.  Now, we might convince ourselves that we see this each and every day when we're out in the world, but is it really true?  I'm not buying it.  Although, I'll admit that there may be those among us who are afraid to love.  There might also be those who have a undying fear of a love not being returned.  It is here where this topic strikes a cord with me.  See, I love God.  I love Jesus.  In my heart I also know that He loves me with a undying love as well.  It is through His love for me that he saved me from my former condition {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  It is through His love for me that He has made me one with Himself {John 17:21}.  The Fathers love for me is without question.  Yet, it wasn't always that way.  Ok, let me rephrase that, I didn't always believe that this was the case.  Despite numerous scripture references which highlighted Gods love for me, I felt as if His love was something I had to earn for myself.  That's right, even though Gods love had assured my future and delivered me from sin, I felt as if I still had something to prove in order to earn all which He had done for me.  I mean, nobody shows that much love and grace to someone without expecting something in return, right?  Well, that's what I had been told.  More than few pastors convinced me that although God loved me, there was still a danger of losing His love.  I've heard too many stories from Christians who have trembled in fear that their own behavior would somehow lead God to instantly stop loving them.  I myself have felt those same fears many times where my own behavior has been on the edge.  So much so that each and every time I found myself on my knees praying for the Father to take me back.  He never did.  God never took me back...because He never let me go in the first place.  

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5: 8 NKJV 

One thing that I would say to everybody out there is that the love of God is unshakable.  The love of God stands the test of time.  The love of God endures when everything around us fails.  The love of God is the one constant which we have in life.  I know that this might be contrary to the message which many of us have heard from the pulpits, but it's true.  God will not withdraw His love for us because He is upset or angry.  Our actions and behaviors might not be the best at times, but Gods love for us still remains unchanged.  I recall standing outside the door of a strip club one night and wondering if God would ever love me again.  I mean, look where I was!  My own desires had drawn me somewhere that I know He didn't approve of.  Was God mad at me?  Oh yeah, He was mad enough at me that He took the time to remind me that this was not the man I truly was inside.  It was at that moment that I realized that God was closer to me than I ever realized.  Yes, I had gone into clubs before, and He was there with me.  This isn't some blasphemous rant, it is the truth of Christ which the apostle Paul tells us of in Galatians.  It is Paul who introduces us to the reality of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  That is, wherever we go, Jesus is there with us.  Jesus in a strip club?  You bet!  Well, at that time I had no realization of Jesus being in me.  So, does Jesus get mad when we behave badly?  Does His anger burn so hot that He can no longer stand to remain in us?  NO!  Remember this, Jesus never changes {Hebrews 13:8}.  He is the same yesterday as He is today.  That same Christ who was in me yesterday is in me today as well.  So, what is the reaction of Jesus when we behave badly?  Well, I believe that Jesus is grieved when we engage in behaviors that we know are wrong.  Grieved because He knows what is best for us.  Does His love for us change?  No.  One of the best illustrations of the Fathers love for us comes from the parable of the prodigal son.  In it, the son leaves home with his inheritance and squanders it on bad behaviors.  However, when the money is gone, he comes to his senses and returns home in hopes of his fathers forgiveness.  Well, we're told that while he was still a ways away, his father saw him and ran to him to welcome his son home.  I believe that this is the reaction of our heavenly Father when we come to Him.  I believe that it is our own guilt and shame which leads us to believe that God would abandon us.  We might give up on ourselves...but God never will.  

Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates

When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake

If they know half the things I've done they'll never let me in

Then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again

Let me tell you the secret 

About a Fathers love

A secret that my daddy said was just between us

See daddy's don't just love their children every now and then

It's a love without end Amen

~Love Without End - George Straight~

~Scott~ 

Son Day

 

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Romans 8: 19 NKJV 

A recent discussion has focused on the scripture of the revealing of the sons of God which the apostle Paul reminds us of in Romans.  So, I got to thinking, when is it that I become a son of God?  Is it when I first believe?  Is it when O accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior?  Well, the apostle John tells us  that we are already known as children of God {1 John 3:1}.  This is the identity given to us through the love of the Father.  I get it.  So it is that through the Fathers love He has proclaimed us as His children...according to John.  But, are we not children of God through our creation as well?  I mean, that alone should qualify us as His loved children, right?  We're told that God breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  Now, do we not consider our earthly parents who also gave us life as mother and father?  Therefore, it is not a stretch to have the realization that we are also children of God who created us.  But wait, didn't God have but one Son?  Again, John assures us of this in 1 John {1 John 4:9}.  So what gives?  Are we children of God who, by the way, only had one begotten Son?  We may be getting into brass tacks here, but to readers of scripture who are unfamiliar with the lay of the land, this is what it might look like.  A Father with only one Son...who has many children.  Allow me to explain.  Back in high school one of my friends was a European immigrant who had been adopted by a family here in the U.S.  As you might imagine, he was cared for and loved as much as his new family's biological children...of which there were three.  So it is with us through Christ Jesus.  Yes, Jesus was our Fathers only begotten Son.  However, it is through Christ Jesus that we ourselves have received adoption as sons to Himself {Ephesians 1:5}.  Therefore, we are accepted as children of God through the love and sacrifice of Jesus.  There is nothing that can ever take that from us.

Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1: 5 - 6 NKJV 

But wait, John was not the only one who spoke of our identity as children of God.  Paul also tells us that those who are led by the Spirit of God are indeed sons of God {Romans 8:14}.  As Gods children, we also share in the joint inheritance with Christ {Romans 8:17}.  So it is that we can be assured that we are indeed sons of God.  However, is our identity known by others?  Perhaps, if we are open enough to share with them.  Indeed, the time will come when the children of God will be revealed to all of the Fathers creation.  I do not personally know when these events will occur, but I am assured that as a child of God that I await something more than this earthly body {Romans 8:23}.  In fact, a good friend who does his best to remain nameless has stated that indeed all who have passed before us eagerly await the new bodies we will receive on that day.  Yes, everyone awaits for the redemption of their earthly bodies.  Think about it, these bodies of ours are aging and, in some cases, failing us.  So, what is it that we give our hearts to the Lord for?  What is the reason for our salvation?  Is it the promise of our eternity in heaven?  Well, I'll be writing more in the future that heaven may be closer to us than we think.  Is it our eternity with Jesus?  Well, Paul tells us that it is Jesus who lives in us {Galatians 2:20}.  So, if Jesus is in us, do we still await a eternity with Him?  If you ask me, we have Jesus right here with us here and now.  So, the very reason for our salvation may just come down to God revealing us as His children AND receiving our redeemed spiritual body.  Definitely something worth waiting for.  

~Scott~