Get Over It

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

It Ain’t Over

I attended a prayer meeting last night at my church and before we began, my pastor laid out his vision for our time together and asked if there were any questions. One hand went up and the question was asked, “Do I have to pray?” The person expounded a bit and when they finished my pastor summarized their narrative.

“So what you’re saying is that you’re a little shy about praying out-loud in front of other people…I understand…I’d say to you in love: ‘get over it.'”

A Question

My query is not in regard to your participation in corporate prayer, but rather to your passionate presence in your daily witness. If it’s applicable, “Why aren’t you talking about Jesus with the people God has put in your life?”

It’s not a rhetorical question; I’d like you to pause and answer it. Pull out a piece of paper (if you have to) and write down the names of the people you had contact with yesterday that you did not take the opportunity to mention Jesus (If there aren’t a lot of names, then consider the people you had contact with for the entire week). Next to each name jot down the reason why you did not or could not mention the Name of Jesus.

Finished?

I suspect that you have some acceptable reasons on your list, but I ask you, to whom are they acceptable? I submit to you that after a thorough examination, with God as your examiner, what you likely have in front of you is a list of fear-based excuses.

“I’ll get fired from my job,” or, “I’ll lose a client,” or “I won’t be able to visit my grand-kids anymore.” 

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Arguably, those excuses are valid, so I won’t dispute them here.  So let’s put them aside for a moment to give consideration to everyone else; what about all the other people you’ve had contact with? Does it appear that some of those excuses you’re using are being stretched thinly? If so, it’s time to be honest before God. It’s time to reckon that your baseless justifications are contemptuous before the Lord and He may rightly ask you, “Are you ashamed of My Son?”

I’m not condemning you, nor am I suggesting that your salvation is lost (Heaven forbid). What I am saying is that there is no shame in admitting you’re ashamed. You have simply come to an obstacle in the road and it’s time to make a choice. Do you turn around and seek another route? Do you step off the narrow path in an attempt to navigate around the obstruction?  Or, do you stop dead in your tracks and set up camp?

Of course you could always consider this maneuver:

Get over it!

If you’re a Christian, you have within you the power and authority to move forward, over and beyond the things that frighten and hold you back. In so doing you will discover (among other things) that the majority of the issues you fear never come to fruition. They are typically nothing more than seeds of doubt sown my the evil one; seeds that you have nurtured and cultivated through the years. By the dynamic of the Holy Spirit, you can now see these concerns for the weeds that they are and trample them under foot.

Will somebody be offended by the Name of Jesus?

Probably. At some point it’s inevitable.

But know with certainty that the Father will equip you for each and every situation. You need not fear man or worldly consequences. God is with you always. Jesus is your refuge and your high tower. He will see you through safely to the other side.

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe…The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell…For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (Proverbs 29:25, Hebrews 13:6, Matthew 10:28, 2 Timothy 1:7)

For Those Who Have Ears

This message may not be for you. By that I mean that this message is for you, but you may not be ready to hear it. Frankly, that’s an issue for a whole other blog. Having said that, there are some who are ready and able to see themselves clearly in this mirror and confess that the shameful image they see is their own. That is not meant to be an indictment against anyone, but rather encouragement for those who are ready to move forward for the Glory of the Father, in the Name of Jesus, and in the power of His Holy Spirit.

“Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in Heaven” (Matthew 10:32)

Leave a Comment

Many of you actively share your faith, but you remember the time(s) when you did not. Please share below about the decision-making process you went through and how Jesus was faithful to make provision for you. Your encouragement may be precisely the thing someone else needs to hear.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

These articles may or may not be related:

• Never Ashamed (Spurgeon’s Faith’s Checkbook) (hisimagenme.wordpress.com)
• Pentecost 20 – “Treasures of Faith” (2 Timothy 1:1-14) (revtucher.com)
• Why Should I Get Saved and What is the Holy Spirit? (soulfulbluediamond.wordpress.com)
• Matthew 10.28-31 (apologistmike.wordpress.com)
• Monday Ministry Moment: Confession, Forgiveness, Repentance and Absolution (lavendermindy.wordpress.com)
• A Different Kind of “Far” (saralynnbelmer.wordpress.com)
• Love Leads To Obedience And Insight (whyjesusministries.wordpress.com)
• Direction, Confession and Forgiveness (inlovewematter.wordpress.com)
• Lost in Tomorrowland (rollietom.wordpress.com)
• Training and Following Instructions (forklifttheology.com)

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My ‘100,000 Hits’ Post

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16)

I had to write something today.

I only need 11 more hits/views to reach 100,000 readers and I didn’t want that to occur without having written something to mark the occasion. I fully understand that in the blogosphere 100,000 really isn’t a big deal, unless of course a single post gets that many hits in one day — it took me 3 years to hit the number.  Nevertheless, I am appreciative — first to the Lord for providing ‘good’ material, and second to those who stumble upon this ‘blog’ in my eye.

Thank you and God bless you.

If this is your first time reading, welcome. This blog is about Jesus and Christian discipleship. If you’re into that kind of thing, please subscribe, and if you have a blog, I’ll subscribe back. That’s how I roll. By the way, do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you believe and follow Him? You should. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way to be saved. You are going to live forever somewhere: Heaven or Hell. Smart folks choose Heaven and the smartest folks choose Jesus.

Anyway, that’s all I got.

I did play golf this morning with my buddy Gary and it cost me $28 bucks. That works out to 27.5 cents for each stroke I took. You do the math; I’m too embarrassed to tell you my score.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Related articles

• Difference (ijustlovejesus.wordpress.com)
• Do We Understand the Real Commandment of Jesus Messiah? (aaronhalim.wordpress.com)
• What We Know of Our Lord Jesus (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com)
• My Magnetic Pull Needs to be Jesus (cyndieq.wordpress.com)
• What if ??? (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com)
• How much do we value Jesus? (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com)
• Bless the name of Jesus at all times!!! (brothabless.wordpress.com)
• Day 24: Missional Excellence (bishopbillmcalilly.com)
• Witnesses in Henning, and all Minnesota and the United States and the ends of the Earth (Sermon) (lawgospelaction.wordpress.com)
• Keep your eyes on Jesus (deweymoede.wordpress.com)

HEY! If you enjoyed the blog (even though it was a little scant today), please LIKE it, subscribe to it, share it, or leave a comment. If you want to know more about Jesus, drop me a note — I’ll tell ya everything I know. God bless you.

 

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A Shorty

 

While some people go out of their way to extract God from the equation, I will stay the course I’m on and insert Him whenever I can.

 

“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

 

I got noth’n else today.

 

These articles may or may not be related — I have not read them:

• Keeping it Fresh with Shorty Phresh (Interview) (guardianlv.com)
• Life.. (sixbrownbears.wordpress.com)
• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue To Play Two Sydney Shows At Easter (noise11.com)
• Ride with God (shelleywilliamsblog.com)
• “I AM BLESSED” – Feb. 22 (boyslumber.wordpress.com)
• Made By God (mydelightandmycounsellors.wordpress.com)
• Long ago the Psalmist repeated a proverb that… (fellowshiproom.org)
• Shorty Awards – Secure and Hold (hollyxchoi.wordpress.com)
• yo shorty (midlandsmusings.com)
• A cold sweat… (ribeirobenny.wordpress.com)

 

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An ‘Occupy Wall Street Protest’ Update

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret–it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:7-9 

UPDATE: The Bible (God) says that the rich (i.e.,those who selfishly abuse others in the hoarding of their wealth), aren’t going to get away with it.  Their joy is temporary at best.  In steep contrast, our joy, found in Christ Jesus alone, can be permanent.

So all you Occupy Wall Street Protesters can go home now.  Please remember to leave the place nicer than you found it.

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10

Related articles

• “Occupy Wall Street” Goes global (alan.com)
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Don’t Be Alarmed: Harold Camping Wasn’t That Far Off

A New Date for the Rapture

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn man to destruction, And say, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. Psalm 90:1-4

It is recorded that this particular Psalm was penned by Moses and many believe that it wonderfully correlates with the Creation story found in Genesis. I would agree with that assessment. I also agree with Pastor Jon Courson’s evaluation that it not only parallels the seven days of Creation, but also the entire seven millennium history of mankind, including prophetically that which has not yet occurred. Of course the premise rests upon the Psalmist’s God-inspired phrase, “For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday.” We see the idea picked up in the New Testament as well.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8

I take the seven-day Genesis account of creation literally; that it was seven, twenty-four hour days. But I also believe that in God’s seven-day Design, He amazingly gave us a prophetic picture of what was in store for His creation over the next seven millenniums. The King James Version renders the 2 Peter 3:8 verse, “Beloved, be not ignorant,” emphasizing the importance of knowing that in God’s economy a thousand years is equal to one day and visa versa. Why is that critical knowledge? Well, as it pertains to the modern-day Christian, it helps us to understand that we are in fact living in the last days.

Day 1

In Genesis 1 we read that God begins His Creation. Aside from the Creation itself, what would you consider to be the most significant event in the first one thousand years of known history? Would you say that it is Adam’s eating of the forbidden fruit? I found it interesting that God said in Genesis 2:17, “In the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” While critics say, “Adam didn’t die; he lived for 930 years after he ate of fruit!” God might add, “That’s right! I AM true to My word; the lad didn’t even make it until the end of the first day.”

Day 2

You carry them away like a flood… Psalm 90:5a

In the Genesis account, on the second day God made places for the waters of the earth. Not coincidently, the big event in the second millennium was the Flood in the days of Noah.

Day 3

They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers. Psalm 90:5b-6

On day three of God’s Creation, the earth brought forth grass and vegetation. The Psalmist’s words remind us of the big event of the third millennium: Jacob’s trek down to Egypt with the family. There, under his son Joseph’s protective hand, they flourished in the fields of Goshen. However, in time the nation was enslaved beneath the tyrannical rule of an evil pharaoh who forced them to cut down their own straw to make his bricks.

Day 4

For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. Psalm 90:7-9

On the fourth day, God created the sun, the moon, and the stars to give us light. It was by this light in the fourth millennium that Israel’s secret sins of idolatry were exposed. As a result they were led away into captivity by the Babylonians.

Day 5

The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

On the fifth day God made the fishes and the fowls; and the Psalmist records, “And we fly away.” In the fifth millennium, the big event was Christ’s coming, His death and resurrection, and Israel’s rejection. By 70 AD, the temple was destroyed and those Jews who weren’t slaughtered were dispersed across the globe.

Day 6

Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:11-12

We know that on the sixth day of Creation, God created man. Our Psalmist would remind us here that man, in this his sixth millennium, should be mindful to number his days, for the seventh day is rapidly approaching; the Day of the Lord is at hand. Roughly speaking, the sixth millennium ended in the area of the year 2000.

Day 7

Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:13-17

On the seventh day God rested and in the Gospels Jesus repeatedly told us, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” Jesus is our Sabbath; i.e., our rest and His coming is nigh. How soon will it be? Consider the words of the Psalmist, “Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,” the idea being early in the day. By all accounts we would say, “Oh, satisfy us early in this millennium.” This passage from Matthew’s Gospel sheds some more light:

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near–at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”. Matthew 24:32-36

In these last few weeks, with all the end-of-the-world predictions, we have been reading the, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only,” passage quite a bit. But focus for a moment on the verses preceding that one.

The fig tree in Christian typology represents the Nation of Israel. Many say (and I agree) that Israel became tender and put forth its’ leaves when in May of 1948, they became reestablished as a nation in the Middle East. The Gospel writer records that, “This generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.”

How long is a generation? Bible scholars cannot agree; some say fifty years, some seventy, and some say one hundred. The fact of the matter is that we are in the early years of the seventh millennium now. While we cannot be dogmatic about the length of a generation, we can say that somewhere between today and the year 2048, Christ’s return would be an answer to Moses’ come early prayer. The bottom line is that every Christian should behave as if Christ’s return were imminent…because it is.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:7-8

In regards to the mentioning of Harold Camping in the title, it was not my intent to give him any credence–the man is deceived and we should not ridicule him, but rather keep him and his followers in our prayers.  I only wanted to highlight the truthful doctrine that Jesus could come for his church at any time. 

These ramblings are typically (but not always) a byproduct inspired by God through my personal Bible study at SearchLight with Pastor Jon Courson and with my pastor at my home church, Calvary Chapel Coastlands

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God’s Trophy Case

And Jehoiada the priest gave to the captains of hundreds the spears and the large and small shields which had belonged to King David, that were in the temple of God. Then he set all the people, every man with his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and by the temple, all around the king. 2 Chronicles 23:9-10

What is a Trophy?

Trophies are the tangible proof; the irrefutable evidence of triumph. Consider Webster’s 1828 Dictionary definition: Among the ancients, a pile of arms taken from a vanquished enemy, raised on the field of battle by the conquerors…Any thing taken and preserved as a memorial of victory, as arms, flags, standards and the like, taken from an enemy.

Webster’s explanation seems to imply that trophies are less for the recipient and more for those who might witness their display—sort of like our testimonies. Think about that in the context of today’s Bible passage. Jehoiada the priest goes to the Temple and equips Judah’s army with King David’s trophies! These men were fortified, if you will, by the testimony David had left behind for God’s glory.

Is that not the purpose of a saintly testimony? Surely the testimony giver is blessed in the sharing, but isn’t it the hearer who is encouraged and empowered? Reflect upon that the next time you witness an athlete hoisting a trophy over his head. Were you in any way encouraged or empowered? Unless that contestant was glorifying God, the only one being elevated was himself.

God’s Trophy Case

Giving God all the honor, glory, and praise, King David placed all the trophies in the Temple, revealing that awards of this kind belong to God. Webster would likely agree for in his last entry (to his trophy definition) he writes ‘Present every hearer to Christ as a trophy of grace, ’ thus demonstrating that the trophy belongs to Jesus. Christians don’t receive trophies; we are the trophy, and accordingly we elevate Christ Jesus as champion.

So where are your trophies? Are they in the temple for all to see (and hear) or are they collecting dust? Let us endeavor to share them with others so that God can have victory in their lives too!

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These ramblings are typically (but not always) a byproduct inspired by God through my personal Bible study at SearchLight with Pastor Jon Courson and with my pastor at Calvary Chapel Coastlands.

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It’s Undeniably God

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse… Romans 1:20

God’s creation is undeniably God’s handiwork. No one, having taken it all in could honestly proclaim otherwise. From the smallest atomic particle, to the vastness of space, and to everything in between–it all screams of divine intelligent design.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalms 19:1

Consider the enormity of our universe. Earth is approximately 93 million miles from our sun. Let’s say that the thickness of a sheet of paper is equal to that distance. If we desired to jump in our spaceship and travel to the next-nearest star, Alpha Centauri, a stack of paper 31 feet high would represent the distance. If we wanted to continue to the boundaries of our galaxy, the Milky Way, the stack would climb to 310 miles. And if we sought to voyage to the edge of the known universe, the stack would soar beyond a whopping 30, 000, 000 miles. We’re talking a kind of hugeness that only God could create.

A majority of scientists have concluded and proved that the universe began in a single event, thus creating for them a weightier fix. They are now faced with the problem of determining what caused this effect, where did this matter come from in the first place, and why and how was the energy set into motion. Believers already know that the answer is not a what, a how, or a why, it’s a Who.

Robert Jastrow, the director of Nasa’a Goddard Institute for Space Studies has said that science cannot answer these questions. Jastrow went on to later say…

“For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountain of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.”

Amen to that!

So Why Does Man Deny God?

…Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21

If God is so inheritantly obvious, why does man suppress the truth? Simply stated, we’re selfish. We do not want to glorify or express gratitude because to do so is to admit we are subject to a Higher Authority. In the same vein, graitutude comes with the notion of indebtment. The selfish only submit to themselves or to an undemanding false idol in order that they might blindly chase worldy desires. It is in steep contrast that the grateful believer continually glorifies and pursues the Father, praying, “Thy will be done.”

 

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Cutting Remarks

Then (Moses) you shall say to Pharaoh, ’Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met (Moses) and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!” So He let him go. Then she said, “You are a husband of blood!”–because of the circumcision. Exodus 4:22-26

What in the World is Going On?

Moses has just been ordained by God to pronounce a very serious judgment against Pharaoh, essentially declaring that if he (Pharaoh) would not release His (God’s) children, God would kill his child. Quite the admonishment and quite the task considering the source! What seems puzzling is God’s subsequent action, “…The Lord met (Moses) and sought to kill him” (emphasis mine). What just happened? As the text divulges it’s what didn’t happen that is at issue here.

This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised…Genesis 17:10

There you have it! Moses had neglected his responsibilities at home. How could he possibly go to Pharaoh with such a momentous proclamation while his own home was in disorder. This is clearly not how our Lord operates. Fortunately, Zipporah his wife, fearing for her husbands salvation, steps-up and delivers. Her anger towards him likely served as a catalyst for Moses setting him on a proper course, although most certainly there were repercussions for his allowing this problem to persist for so long.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17-19

A Couple Applications…

We already touched on one—God will not open one door until we walk through the last one. Or maybe the second door has been opened (as in Moses’ case), but we are prevented from progressing towards it because there is unfinished business to take care of. In either scenario the solution is always the same–reparation; i.e. returning to where we last heard God’s voice clearly and yielding to His authority. It could be as simple as lifting a prayer or as complex as witnessing to your unsaved mother-in-law.

The second application is specifically for the wife. If your husband (saved or unsaved) has dropped the ball and will not (or perhaps cannot) pick it up, it is your duty to do so. So was the case in my family. Back in the mid-nineties my wife became the spiritual leader of our family when I was negligent in my duties as head of the clan. She saw to the children going to church, youth group, and similar activities. I can barely begin to tell how grateful I am the she carried the burden in those days—I do not deserve such grace and mercy.

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The God Who Hurts Us

Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:24-28The Story Behind the Picture

Have you ever seen the portrayal of a shepard carrying a lamb upon his shoulders? Typically, tender hands are seen fixed upon front and hind legs with the animal positioned around his neck as a stoll. What you might not know is that in reality the scene depicts a shepard carrying the lamb of whose legs he has just purposely broken. That lamb was a habitual wanderer and for his own good he was afflicted. The seemingly brutal shepard will now carry the lamb until he is fully healed and in so doing the lamb will come to love his caretaker and never leave his side.

The Lamb Afflicts the Lamb

In this saga from Genesis we see Jacob grappling with a Man, and that Man is Jesus. Ultimately, Jesus will inflict an injury so severe upon Jacob; he will carry the scar and the limb for the rest of his life. It might cause us to ask the questions, “If God is love (and He is), why would He purposely hurt Jacob? And why does God purposely bring pain into my life?” Thes story of the shepard and the lamb only scratches the surface.

Sanctification

Sanctification is nothing more than a fancy word which describes the refining process we go through so that we might be set apart for God’s good pleasure and purpose. God has specific intentions for us that align with His plan and here in our story he has similar purpose for Jacob. But first some things are going to have to change.

What is Your Name?

That’s the question God asks of Jacob—it is confession time. God knows with whom He is wrestling, but before the blessing is bestowed Jacob must take ownership of his offenses. If you recall, the last time Jacob was asked his name was when his blind father Isaac posed the question. At that time Jacob lied and said he was Esau so that he might steal the blessing. When Jacob tells God (here) that his name is Jacob, he is essentially confessing that he is a liar and a thief. As a result Jesus pronounces that his new name will be Israel; or ‘governed by God.’

So Why the Busted Leg?

A combination of reasons come to mind. First, Jacob was a runner (like the lamb) and as a result of this encounter, his running-away days are over—thanks be to God. Secondly, his limb will now serve as a reminder of his life up unto this event—Jacob now has a testimony that he will recall with every hobbled step he takes. Thirdly, like the Apostle Paul he will possess an infirmity effecting remembrance of the Father’s truth, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The reality is that God purposely inflicts or knowingly allows affliction because it is a part of the sanctification process. 1 Kings 6:7 provides a wonderful picture that facilitates much hope. It reads, “And the temple, when it was being built, was built with stone finished at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.”

That passage is an illustration of the sanctification process. The Bible tells us we are the stones in the walls of the His temple. We are being prepared currently in an earthly quarry with the promise that hammering and chiseling, the sounds of the refining process will not be heard in Heaven.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

If you are still struggling with the notion of a loving and hurting God, then perhaps you should go have something to eat—understanding and insight can be had at the Lord’s Table in Communion.

…And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24

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Catalytic Consciences

…Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 1 Peter 3:15-16Conscience Decisions

Without a doubt, experience is the best teacher…But no where is it written that it must be your experience. The Bible after all is an experiential-record of other people’s mistakes presented in such a manner that we might not repeat them. Like the good parent who desires to spare a child the horror of their own bad experiences, here we see Peter acting similarly in his counsel to the church.

Do you recall Peter having three occasions to offer a good defense, but because of a bad conscience, wasting those opportunities?

Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Matthew 26:74-75

Defiled Conscience

Titus 1:15 tells of the conscience defiled. That occurs when we habitually allow impure things to enter in. Over time, like soot building on a window, clear vision is impaired. A defiled conscience is likened to cataracts on the lens of your soul. Gone untreated, a defiled conscience leads to a…

Seared Conscience

Look at what 1 Timothy 4:1-2 declares in regard to the seared conscience.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron

Whether or not Peter had reached this stage is open to speculation, but we certainly see this quality displayed today in the voice of many a false teacher. Un-repented sin leads to defilement and prolonged corruption leads to a seared conscience; with that seared conscience being unable to distinguish between light and dark, right and wrong, or good and evil.

Evil Conscience

Can it get any worse than having a seared conscience? It most certainly can. Defilement leads to searing which leads to evil—and the truth be told, that is where the majority of us began our spiritual journeys; in the pit of an evil conscience. It was there that our Lord found us and placed within us the desire spoken of in Hebrews 10:22.

…Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Cleansed Conscience

Anybody ever told you as a Christian that you are brain-washed? Peter harkens that we are desperately in need of brain-washing, so much so that regular cleansing should be a daily (if not more frequent) ritual. Then and only then will we be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks the reason for the hope we possess.

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