Questions answered

Do you have some things you wonder about in the Bible and haven't quite found the answer yet?

I do! So I was happy to find an answer to one of those questions in my reading today.
I have been listening to the  Daily Audio Bible for my morning devotional time. (Click on the link and you will go to it! Make sure you go to July 21st) and today's section in Romans had some answers for me.

I always wondered, as Christians, what our relationship was to the Law and all the regulations of the Old Testament. After all, they were given to the nation of Israel, and we're Gentiles, not Jewish. Most of us will admit the 10 commandments are relevant to everyone, but what about the other rules and regulations? Everything from not eating pork, to tattoos, to being unclean, how does that apply to us today?

After all, Jesus did say in  Matthew 5:17

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Ephesians 2 talks about our salvation being by faith, not by works. It also talks about Christ taking down the walls between Jews and Gentiles. 

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Today's reading in Romans 7 Amplified version...

4 Likewise, my brethren, you have undergone death as to the Law through the [crucified] body of Christ, so that now you may belong to Another, to Him Who was raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God.

5 When we were living in the flesh (mere physical lives), the sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up by [what] the Law [makes sin] were constantly operating in our natural powers (in our bodily organs, [a]in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh), so that we bore fruit for death.

6 But now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life].

This gave me my answer. We are dead to the Law, but we are under obedience to the Spirit. Certain things from the Law will always be true, such as moral issues, do not kill, do not commit adultery, and the Spirit would bear witness to that. In my opinion, there are certain other issues that pertained to the times that may not relate to us today, such as a woman being unclean and not able to attend the temple during her monthly cycle. To go to church in our culture today during that time of the month would not be a sin. We don't have the same sanity problems that they would have had in their culture. 

For me, this answered my question. Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and obey Him. If you have a question about what you are hearing, whether you are hearing God or understand something, talk to your Pastor or an elder or another mature Christian. So many have gone astray following their sinful desires and saying "God told me..." No, God would not tell you to divorce your spouse and marry someone who is also married. God would not tell you to do something contrary to His nature, which is pure and holy and just. Listening to God is a learning process. Don't be afraid to ask for confirmation or counsel. 

We can walk, not in bondage but in newness of life... 

Go hang out with His people today and celebrate!

The temple

My reading this morning began 2 Chronicles. Solomon is just getting ready to start building the temple.

1: 5 I will build a great temple, for our God is greater than all gods. 6 Of course, who can really build a temple for him, since the sky and the highest heavens cannot contain him? Who am I that I should build him a temple! It will really be only a place to offer sacrifices before him.

It is always fascinating to read how elaborate the temple was in Jerusalem, and know it must pale in comparison to what heaven is really like. It amazes me that the complicated system of law and sacrifices and burnt offering of the Old Testament have been replaced in the New Testament with what God really wanted in the beginning. A relationship. I am so thankful we have a God that does not dwell far off, but longs to be a part of our every day lives, and commune with us daily, not in a place, but right where we are. 

Think about it! Solomon was awed by the magnitude of building a temple for the Lord, yet WE are His temple. Sometimes we ask "Who are we to be His temple?" But we are His, blood bought, chosen, adopted, loved children and He wants us to be with Him. He loves us more than we can ever fathom.

I'll close with this prayer from Ephesians...

3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

My friend Tom likes to say "be the tea". I would say be the T. Be the temple. Today.

A father's care...

I' reading in the Old Testament, about the end of King David's reign. It was on his heart to build a temple for the Lord, but God told him Solomon should be the one to build the temple, because he would be a man of peace. What a monumental task that would be! David did not just forget about the project though, the Lord helped him design the blueprints for the temple, and David began to gather the materials Solomon would need. He lined up the craftsmen. He got the people behind the project and had them contribute to the work.

He did everything possible to make sure his son could be successful, he gave him the tools he would need for this mighty undertaking. He also advised and encouraged Solomon with these words.

1 Chron. 28:20  David said to his son Solomon: “Be strong and brave! Do it! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! For the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not leave you or abandon you before all the work for the service of the Lord’s temple is finished.

As parents, we lay the foundation for our children's success. Hopefully we give them the skills needed in every area of their life, both physical, emotional and spiritual. We advise and encourage. Then we step back and give them the Nike message: Just do it!

28:10 Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do it!”

If your kids are young, you are still in the equipping and training process. If your kids are grown, you are on call as an adviser and will always be praying for them. That does not mean your work is done and you can sit on a park bench and do nothing! There is always a fresh crop of baby Christians coming into the church that need to be loved and prayed for and encouraged. We are family and family takes care of each other.

Just do it!

Fountains

I must admit to starting the day a little bummed out. My car overheated on Tuesday afternoon, and I left it with the mechanic to fix. On the way home from the garage yesterday, it overheated again. The antifreeze level was fine, he changed the thermostat and re-pressurized the lines. But obviously something else is still wrong. It is frustrating that I spent all that money and I will have to take the car back again to find the real problem. I don't like it when I can't trust my car to get me where I need to go, and the process it will take to get the problem solved. It is not my usual mechanic, so there is the awkward conversation of what to do next. So routine has been interrupted by a problem, so why does this surprise me or bother me? Eyes in the wrong place, on circumstances and things perhaps. A small blip in my schedule, really.

Time to shift my focus. Our Psalm for the day was 87. In verse 7, it says

New International Version (©2011)
As they make music they will sing, "All my fountains are in you."

I like how this version says it...

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
Singers and dancers alike will say," My whole source of joy is in you."

With the temps in the 90's in CT this week, we are blasting the AC trying to keep cool, drinking ice water and trying to beat the heat, this song seems appropriate. Take a listen and see if the lyrics don't fit this heat wave!

All my fountains song

Don't let the heat or circumstances steal your joy! This is a reminder for me to sit by the river and seek out that Living Water. Time to step out of my natural tendencies and switch to spirit mode. He is my source of life, refreshment, encouragement, and joy. Spend some time chilling with Jesus today...

Twelve in all

This morning I was reading in

1 Chronicles 24-26:11. 

It seemed like pretty dry stuff. David organized the priests, and listed 24 of them, then he organized the Levites. Next he organized the musicians, then the gatekeepers.

25:8 They cast lots to determine their responsibilities—oldest as well as youngest, teacher as well as student.

9 The first lot went to Asaph’s son Joseph and his relatives and sons—twelve in all, the second to Gedaliah and his relatives and sons—twelve in all,

I tend to think of these passages and wonder what benefit we get from them as New Testament Christians. Obviously it was important to record the history of the nation Israel, but what can we learn from it today?

Number 1- Even in church, organization and communication are important. David communicated a very clear plan of who did what so the temple was an organized and peaceful place. He appointed musicians to play and even prophesy on the harp. The Levites and gatekeepers had their own specific role.

Number 2- Even the people who weren't specifically named were important. They may have been mentioned as a twelve in all... Gedaliah and his relatives and sons—twelve in all but they were none the less important to the smooth operation of God's house.

You may be a gatekeeper, handing out the bulletins as people walk into church. You may be the one who comes and cleans the bathrooms. You may be a musician, or someone new who hasn't quite found their way to serve yet. But God sees you, He hears you, you are important to Him, and to those around you.

26:8 All these were the descendants of Obed-Edom. They and their sons and relatives were respected men, capable of doing their responsibilities. 

When we come with a heart willing to serve, we often learn on the job! If we are available, He can make us capable of doing what He calls us to do... We each have talents and passions and gifts that bring something special to His temple. Sometimes you may feel like one of the unmentioned listed as "twelve in all". But remember, it takes more than one instrument to play a symphony. Your part is important, and when it is missing, the song is not quite as good. You matter!

Be there. Play your part. Enjoy the music!

Lilies of the Field

Matthew 6:27-29

Amplified Bible (AMP)

27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the [a]span of his life?

28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and [b]learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.

29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his [c]magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these.

I have a confession to make. I have too many clothes. The problem, however, is that most of it does not fit or function well. Many of the things I have don't go well with other things I have, or were just given to me and not really my style at all. So I spend a lot of time dealing with laundry piles of stuff I MIGHT wear someday. Time to change that! If I haven't worn it, no matter how much I LIKE it in theory, it needs to go! I'd like to slim down to a mix and match-able core wardrobe that I don't have to think about so much. Quality versus quantity. Function and fashion. Then organization.

As Americans, how much time do we spend dealing with our excess stuff? Renting storage spaces, buying storage containers, dealing with clutter. Living in a small house, this has always been an issue. Today is a house cleaning, recover from the vacation, clean and unpack day for me. I found my motivational scripture in 1 Chronicles 22:16. David had assembled all the materials Solomon would need to start building the temple. It was an overwhelming task, I am sure, but this is the advice David gave...

 "You’re all set—get to work! And God-speed!”

Time to get off the computer and get to work! How about you? Do you have something you have been procrastinating that you really need to tackle today?

Reaching new heights...

 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

For 15 years, we have been going to Letchworth State Park in NY on family vacations. One of the first years we were there, we watched a hot air balloon launch and fly over the falls. When we went in 2010, I started thinking I wanted to be in the park on my 50th birthday and go up in a balloon. This year was that year, and this pic was taken by yours truly...

I've always been uncomfortable around heights. As much as my brain tells me there is a railing and I am safe, I feel a little uneasy. Was I going to let that stop me? The Bible says "Perfect love casts out fear." I know I am under God's protection and care. I didn't want an irrational fear to keep me from the blessing. I planned the vacation for my birthday week and booked our flight.

It almost didn't happen. Due to weather, the pilot hadn't been able to do a launch in 3 weeks. The flight on my birthday got postponed until Thursday. We were due to leave Saturday, so we prayed the weather would cooperate as violent thunderstorms rocked the park on Wednesday night. We needed SUN and we needed God to SHIELD the area from storms...

Three of us went up. None of us like heights. Yet in the balloon, there was no fear. That is GRACE. We hit 6600 feet and went through clouds. We saw rainbows and the sunset. We looked down on some of the most beautiful countryside, rolling hills and farmland, waterfalls and forest. It was GLORY unspeakable, one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had.

God has so many "good things" planned for our lives, yet sometimes we are afraid to get in the basket with Him and launch out into the adventure of following Him. We want to keep our feet on the ground, we want a railing to hold onto, we want to be comfortable. But in letting go, we grow, we change, we climb to new heights and gain new perspective. We have profound moments that impact our lives and the lives of others, moments of grace and glory that leave us forever changed.

Let go of the safety rope that has you tethered to the ground and fly with Him!