God’s Omniscience; August 7, 2023

Posted on August 8, 2023 by jgarrott

John 2:25 He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.

Sometimes we forget that God is omniscient. We do all sorts of things to try to hide from Him, but it’s like a little kid denying that they got into Mommy’s makeup when they have lipstick all over their face. Actually, the amazing thing isn’t that God knows everything about us, it’s that He loves us anyway. He doesn’t love everything we do, but He loves us. Really grasping both sides of that will give us peace that can be had no other way. Sometimes we get frantic that “God will find out” something about us, when He knows us better than we know ourselves! Conversely, we can get completely torn up over something we have done, when God knows the sin and the repercussions of it far better than we do. All we have to do is ack­nowledge it before Him and ask His forgiveness and cleansing, and He will do what we never could. (1 John 1:9) Recent advances in astronomy, courtesy of the new telescopes we’re now able to put into space, are showing us the incredible size of the universe, quite literally beyond our power to grasp. That makes it all the more miraculous that God both knows and cares about every detail of our existence. (Luke 12:2) When God already knows every detail about us, better than we know ourselves, the only logical course is to walk open and honest before Him, never attempting deceit but asking and allowing Him to keep working on us, correcting and growing us as He knows we need it. After all, that’s far easier and more peaceful than trying to maintain any sort of facade. However, we won’t do that unless we know in our deepest being that He loves us in spite of ourselves.

I think the greatest gift my parents gave me was the assurance that I was loved, by them and especially by God. I don’t remember all the details of how they did that, but they were certainly effective. It is recorded, in my parents’ Christmas newsletter when I was five, that I went to my mother and told her, “Mommy, I really, really love you, but I don’t love you nearly as much as I love Jesus.” I would never have had that attitude if I hadn’t been strongly aware of the love that was poured out on me. That love didn’t spoil me; I was very used to being told “No.” However, it certainly penetrated, and I am deeply grateful. Now, my task is to help others know that God loves them as much as He does me. People don’t seem to have trouble believing that God loves me, but they choke on the idea that He could love them just as much. I can’t force them to believe, but I can give them the information as winningly as possible and let Holy Spirit work it into their hearts and minds.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for Your incredible love – in spite of Your omniscience! I ask You to enable me to locate that carbon copy of the Christmas newsletter that I quoted. I just looked for it, and didn’t turn it up. There are many things from my past that are worth preserving, but I’m not a very good archivist! May all that You have done, are doing, and will do in my life accomplish what You intend, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Reasons to Believe; August 6, 2023

Posted on August 7, 2023 by jgarrott

John 2:11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Having been raised as a tea-totaling Baptist, it’s always been impressive to me that Jesus’ first miracle in front of His disciples was changing water to wine. That said, there are several points about this that are worthy of meditation. The first is that this was in response to someone else’s felt need, it wasn’t to satisfy Himself. The second is that the result was of the highest quality. The third is that there was no big show about it, no mysterious incantations or gestures. It is also worth noting that water in those days wasn’t necessarily potable; wine was in that sense a much safer drink. We don’t know how many disciples were with Jesus at this point. When they all got invited to the wedding banquet, I have a feeling it wasn’t the full 12 yet. All of that said, this was the first incident to make those disciples believe that Jesus was more than an impressive teacher. Teachers abound, but there’s only one Son of God! We aren’t in the same situation as those disciples, following Jesus around, watching Him and listening to Him, but we all have our reasons for believing in Him. Those reasons are countless, and in some ways different for every individual. If we try to convince someone to believe for the reasons we do, we aren’t so likely to succeed. That’s why packaged evangelism techniques have a very spotty track record. It is Holy Spirit who opens people’s eyes and hearts to Jesus, and we need to listen to Him. He knows each person’s deepest needs, and what will touch them. After all, we can’t force anyone to believe!

I am hardly a gifted evangelist, but I have had the privilege of leading some to commitment. I think every one has been different. Just last night over the phone I was able to share the Gospel in a way that confirmed the commitment in someone’s heart. By the time I finished praying, he was crying to the point of not being able to talk. Holy Spirit was really working in him. I rejoice at such opportunities, but I can’t make them happen. All I can do is pray to be sensitive to them when God presents them to me, and as Paul said, make the most of them. (Colossians 4:5) My upbringing gave me something of a head start on faith, but I must never take it for granted and get lazy about it. I am to exercise the faith I have been given and allow God to use it to draw more people to repentance and faith, for their salvation and His glory.

Father, thank You indeed for last night, and for bringing that young man through to this point. I pray that his faith would be strengthened daily as he chooses to live it out in every area of his life, drawing others to You by his example, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Discipleship; August 5, 2023

Posted on August 6, 2023 by jgarrott

John 1:35-37 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

I am struck by the fact that Andrew and John, who were considered, and probably considered themselves, to be disciples of John the Baptist, so quickly left him and followed Jesus. That shows that John’s disciples were seeking more of God, not more of John the Baptist. That is in distinct contrast to cult leaders – and many who don’t think they are cult leaders – who seek allegiance to themselves first of all. Sadly, I have known quite a few pastors who were like that. Andrew and John the son of Zebedee were convinced that John the Baptist spoke truth from God, so when he said that Jesus was the Lamb of God, they immediately followed Jesus. There have been “Discipleship Movements” in the past that have essentially been exercises in control, and that is not what genuine discipleship is about at all. A disciple is one who follows his master to learn from them. That does indeed involve discipline, as the English words make clear, but believers are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and only secondarily disciples of any simply human leader. The problem is that control can be addictive; receiving obedience can be heady stuff! The devil loves to use that, and he has ruined countless churches and ministries using it. Likewise, some people actually enjoy being controlled, because it frees them from responsibility (or so they feel). Genuine Christian discipleship is all about responsibility, and submission to Jesus Christ alone. Often that will involve obedience to a human leader, but that must never be the focus. Every Christian leader must say with John the Baptist, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

As a pastor myself, this is extremely applicable to me. To be honest, adulation makes me uncomfortable, but at the same time there is a part of me that likes it. I’ve got to be on my guard! My goal in ministry is to raise up disciples of Jesus, just as He commanded in the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) I am grateful to say that I have raised up a few, but that number never approaches the number of people in the church. However, I’m never to give up, but always keep pointing people to Jesus. One thing I think I’ve done right was commented on by a believer who moved here from another part of Japan. He said, “I’ve never encountered another pastor who was so open about his weaknesses and imperfections.” I’ve messed up in so many different ways that I don’t see how I could be otherwise, but at the same time I know I wouldn’t be that way if I weren’t convinced that God loves me anyway. I can make true disciples of Jesus Christ only to the degree that I am one myself.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your incredible, gracious faithfulness toward me, even though my own faithfulness has certainly been less than perfect. Help me be an effective example and mentor to draw many more into genuine discipleship, for the sake of the Body of Christ and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Family; August 4, 2023

Posted on August 5, 2023 by jgarrott

John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

This first chapter of John is so loaded with deeply meaningful, glorious passages that it is difficult to choose what to write on. Out of it all, though, I probably quote this verse most frequently, so here goes. Everyone has the innate need to be family, to belong, to love and be loved. Some people are blessed with an abundance of that “in the natural,” so to speak, but many are not. God, however, has a plan that more than compensates for any deficiencies in that area: when we believe in His Son, we become His children, members of His family and thus brothers and sisters to one another. The highest privilege is being able to call the Creator of the universe Daddy, but along with that comes the reality that He’s got a lot of kids like us, and they are our brothers and sisters. Occasionally that’s irritating, because no two people get along perfectly, even if they are genetic twins. However, most of the time it’s enormously comforting and encouraging, because it meets that need of belonging. Physically only children sometimes have trouble grasping that, because they don’t grow up with the frictions and connections of siblings, but God can teach them if they will open their hearts. Sibling rivalries can be an issue, even among the children of God. However, spiritual and emotional growth brings us to the place of rejoicing in our siblings’ successes, encouraging and supporting one another. The better we realize that we ourselves are hopeless without Christ, the more we rejoice to be part of God’s provision for those around us.

Physically speaking I have one brother and two sisters, but spiritually speaking it would be impossible to count them all, even the ones with whom I have specific connections. Being an introvert, (which some people have difficulty believing) part of me feels I would be happy with just my wife for companionship. However, 54 years of marriage to a woman who never met a stranger has taught me a lot about interpersonal relationships! I have learned to rejoice not only in being a child of God myself, but in drawing others into His family as well, and everything involved in family fellowship. My genetic family is far away geographically, but I interact with my spiritual family daily, and it is a blessing. Today I expect to be talking with a young man whom I was involved with when he was still a child, but I haven’t seen him in several years. He currently lives in another part of Japan but will be back for a visit, and I heard through his mother that he wants me to baptize him. I of course need to confirm his repentance and faith, but I rejoice in the birth of another little brother. God’s family keeps growing!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me be an effective brother to my many spiritual siblings, guiding and encouraging them as You direct, so that we may all be the children You desire, for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Too Good to be True; August 3, 2023

Posted on August 4, 2023 by jgarrott

Luke 24:41-43 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

There are two things about this story that strike me. The first is the proof that our resurrection bodies will still be able to eat. Whether we will need to eat is a different question, but the pleasure of eating won’t be taken from us. However, that strikes me as a very minor, peripheral issue. Of more significance, at this point at any rate, is the way the disciples had trouble believing Jesus was really there with them in the flesh, after they had seen Him brutally crucified. We have the expression “too good to be true,” and that was exactly their response. Sometimes that phrase is an appropriate cautionary note, particularly with get-rich-quick schemes, but sometimes God just likes to dump good things on us. A recent news item comes to mind, where a woman got fired, went home, and discovered her husband had bought a lottery ticket on his way home and they had won a million dollars. We shouldn’t live our lives counting on such things, but we need to remember that God is certainly capable of doing them. It can be a delicate balance. We shouldn’t be following God because of all the good stuff He can do for us, because as Jesus said, in this world we will have trouble. (John 16:33) At the same time, we need to remember that Jesus also said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Paul rightly pointed out, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) The more we meditate on that, the more we get into too-good-to-be-true territory! In no way are we to be greedy or focused on physical pleasures and satisfactions, but we need to remember that we serve a loving heavenly Father who delights to do good things for us, and not doubt Him.

This is easy for me to talk about because I feel I have been incredibly blessed. That doesn’t mean I’ve escaped the “trouble” Jesus talked about, but it does mean that I have no trouble recommending the life of faith to anyone. Several times when I have told people about my life they have said, “You should write a book!” I might yet do that, but the reason for people’s reaction has been that God has been so very gracious to me. We have had problems along the way, chief of which being my wife’s medical issues, but I have every reason to be grateful, and even in awe of God’s grace. The whole story of salvation, that God would love His creation so much that He would send His own Son, part of himself, really, to earth to take the penalty for human sin and provide salvation for all who would believe, is the ultimate good that seems unreal because of its very magnitude. There are perhaps some people who haven’t become Christians because they can’t wrap their minds around the idea that God would be so gracious. The flip side is the many people who look at all the negative things in the world and decide that God either isn’t good and loving or He isn’t omnipotent. They need to open their eyes and realize that mankind has earned the bad stuff, but God loves us anyway. My calling is to help them open their eyes!

Father, thank You for this reminder. I could go on and on, writing about Your goodness and grace. Help me be an open, effective channel of that grace to all around me so that they may be drawn to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Fame; August 2, 2023

Posted on August 3, 2023 by jgarrott

Luke 24:13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.

It struck me just now, reading this very familiar story once again, that we have the image of Jesus always being with the 12 apostles, when the reality is that it was a much more fluid group. Thomas was famously not present when Jesus showed up the first time after His resurrection but these two men were, as we’ll be reading tomorrow, and the Japanese explicitly calls them disciples. The vast majority of the saints, the believers down through the centuries, are completely anonymous to us. Even with these two men we only know the name of one of them. We like to be famous, to “make a name for ourselves,” and indeed, there are people today who are famous for being famous, and for basically no other reason. We forget that was part of the motive for building the Tower of Babel. (Genesis 11:4) It’s nice to be known and remembered, but on the human scale that is fleeting at best. We are much better off being like the little girl who, learning the Lord’s Prayer, misunderstood the words and said it as, “Our Father who art in heaven, how do You know my name?” We should be amazed and humbled at the reality that God indeed knows and cares about each of us, before we were even in the womb, (Jeremiah 1:5) and that should be enough for us.

This is very personal for me, since my immediate ancestors are included in some history books, and as a child I enjoyed being a son of a “big cheese.” However, some Southern Baptists are trying to erase the name of my maternal grandfather from denominational history because he supported women in ministry, and fewer and fewer people remember the name of my father, though he was awarded a high honor from the emperor at the time of his death. I need to be totally fine with that. I doubt I’ll forget the time I was introduced to someone by the president of Nagasaki Rehabilitation College where I was teaching as, “This is Mr. Garrott. He’s no big deal, but his father was really something.” I still laugh at that! As I write fairly often, my ultimate goal in life is to hear my Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) Fame among men is meaningless, apart from however it might point people to Christ, as did Billy Graham.

Father, thank You for this reminder. It’s very timely as I’m approaching retirement. Help me indeed live for Your accolades alone, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Applying Faith; August 1, 2023

Posted on August 2, 2023 by jgarrott

Luke 24:11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

I just had a revelation about the Japanese language. The term used where the NIV says “believe” is usually translated into English as “trust,” but I just realized the characters used mean, “believe and make use of.” It’s the term used for “bank and trust company.” The thing that hit me is that we can think we believe something, but if we don’t act on it, can we really say we believe it? Far too much of our theology is theoretical; we don’t put it into practice. We say we believe various things, but until push comes to shove, those things don’t become real to us. The apostles considered what the women told them to be nonsense, so they weren’t about to act on it. The closest exception mentioned here was Peter, though we know from John’s account that he went to the tomb also. I feel that Peter actually going to the tomb prepared him for the personal visit he had from Jesus, (1 Corinthians 15:5) because it was applying the hope – not yet faith – that Jesus might be other than the abused corpse Peter had last seen. We need to examine what we believe and strive to put that faith into action in our daily lives. If we don’t trust God’s Word enough to live it out, can we really say we believe it?

This is certainly a question for me as well. I am considered a theologian by many, an “expert” on the Bible and the things of God, but if I’m not applying the truth that is in my head, I can’t say it’s really the faith that sustains me. That’s why I’m very grateful for the SOAP system of devotions that I’ve been following ever since I heard Wayne Cordeiro explain it. Scripture is obvious enough, since devotions include reading the Bible. Observation is logical, but can be very subjective without the guidance of Holy Spirit. However, it’s Application where the rubber hits the road: what am I going to do about what I think God is saying through the passage? (Interestingly, that’s exactly the section I’m in at this very moment! The final step is Prayer.) If I don’t apply what God says to me, then I’m like the son who told his father, “Yes, I’ll do what you ask,” and then didn’t do it. (Matthew 21:28-31) To be honest, just writing that makes me examine myself carefully. As I have written before, I am certainly a man of words, but if I don’t apply those words in love, for God and for my neighbor, then I am “a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

Father, thank You for this clear call to commitment. You are changing various things about my life at this point, but You and Your words do not change. Help me trust everything You say to me enough to act on it fully, doing Your will on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Truth; July 31, 2023

Posted on August 1, 2023 by jgarrott

Luke 22:67-68 “If you are the Christ, ” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.”

Human beings have an amazing ability to make up their minds and then close them firmly, accepting no further input. It’s quite remarkable that Jesus could be so calm under the circumstances, and that’s one of the many things that got under the skin of His enemies. They wanted Him to fear them, and He refused to do it. We see that sort of thing around us all the time. Those who lust for control often seek to gain it by generating fear in those they want to control, and it drives them bonkers when people refuse to be afraid. That’s one of the things generating the fierce opposition to Donald Trump: he isn’t afraid, period. The “deep state” has operated so long by secrecy and fear that they are driven into panic by the idea they might be exposed by those who aren’t afraid of them. Reading this story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion should teach us that the only things new today are items of technology; the hearts of men haven’t changed. The answer is obviously to trust and obey the unchanging Creator of the universe, who loves us so much that He sent His Son to save us. Also, we need to learn from these men’s bad example and not close our minds and hearts to what God is saying to us. God reveals Himself to those with tender hearts, but when we get set in our ways He may say exactly what Jesus did here, and that would be tragic.

I have had my moments of being stubbornly convinced of things that weren’t true, and the result has never been good. I need to keep my heart in submission to the Lord in all respects, because only then will I be able to discern accurately His truth from all the lies the devil keeps throwing at me. I aspire to absolute honesty, following my father, but I’ve got to remember that was God’s policy long before my father was ever created. God is the definition of truth, just as Jesus said, (John 14:6) but those who seek to replace Him make that claim for themselves. It was a shocking eye-opener when the Prime Minister of New Zealand said, several months ago, “It’s not true unless the government tells it to you.” She’s out of office now, but she’s been given teaching offers at American institutions of “higher education.” I am to speak the truth in love, and never back down when I am accused of “hate speech” simply because what I say doesn’t agree with demonic fantasies.

Father, thank You for Jesus’ example in all things. Thank You also that You don’t have me in the US, particularly in academia, where I would probably be in constant conflict. Keep me from seeking out conflict. Rather, enable me to speak Your truth effectively so as to open people’s eyes, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Change; July 30, 2023

Posted on July 31, 2023 by jgarrott

Luke 22:36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”

I’m pretty confident I’ve never written on this verse before! What strikes me is that different circumstances call for different activities and even attitudes. That’s one of the big dangers in legalism. There are of course absolute truths, unchanging principles that we must never take lightly, but rigidity in lesser things benefits no one. We are to trust God in all things, but that doesn’t mean we are to go off half-cocked, ignoring the things God has already provided. “Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) doesn’t mean running around with our eyes shut to the world around us. Much has been made in some quarters about what Jesus said here about swords. At the very least, it knocks a hole in some of the arguments of gun control advocates. However, that’s just one factor here. “A purse” certainly indicates finances, and “a bag” indicates other material supplies. Paul rightly spoke against loving money, (1 Timothy 6:10) as did Jesus, (Luke 16:13) but we aren’t to despise it, either. Like everything else, it is to be used appropriately. The famous passage from Ecclesiastes comes to mind, with its declaration that there is a time for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) The risk here is in using this to excuse behavior that is not pleasing or honoring to God. We are to listen to God faithfully, and as accurately as He enables us to do so. Every other voice, and particularly our own habits and predilections, is to be muted and subservient to Him.

This is very timely for me, with the various changes involved in my retiring from school teaching. I’m not retiring from the pastorate yet, though that will come eventually. What I will never retire from is serving God. The form, the schedule that will take is not yet clear, but I am to stay open to whatever the Lord brings my way. I’ve got to remember that only God is unchanging, and that’s good. Some changes I dread, some I look forward to, and some are totally unexpected, but if my heart is fixed on my Lord, none of that will shake me.

Father, thank You for this timely Word. Thank You for the Hong Kong team that will be here today, and for the event in Takeo this afternoon. Help me not be uptight about any of it, but rather flow with Your Spirit on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Consequences of Sin; July 29, 2923

Posted on July 30, 2023 by jgarrott

Luke 19:27 “‘But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them–bring them here and kill them in front of me.'”

For the modern reader this is a very jarring statement, particularly since Jesus said it in a parable that explicitly points to Him. We’re back to John 3:18-21. In a sense we have been pampered by democracy, just as we have forgotten that slavery originally had nothing to do with race, but has been endemic since the dawn of history. It took many centuries after the birth of the Church for Biblical ideas of morality and human worth to take root. We don’t realize how revolutionary and counter-cultural the Bible really is! Jesus’ hearers at the time He said this probably took it as a matter of course, since that’s the way most rulers acted in those days. This all feeds into our idea of hell. Today many people say, “God would never do that to us,” but when Jesus was actually teaching on it, people said, “Of course He would.” The Biblical picture of God reluctantly letting people choose their fate was actually revolutionary at the time. Even there, those who would not choose Jesus as Lord were promised nothing good, just as in this parable. We have far too soft a concept of sin, of rebellion against God, and that leaves us with a very distorted picture of God’s grace. We shouldn’t need to have the experience of being the captain of a slaving ship to realize how amazing God’s grace really is.

I have certainly been in the place of taking my sins lightly, excusing them with all sorts of mental gymnastics. That’s dangerous indeed! I must never forget the time God showed me my heart, just for a moment, and I realized just how filthy it was, how utterly unfit for His presence. The crazy thing is, the devil has indeed managed to block it from my memory, if only briefly, as he has tempted me with various things. I can say, with deep gratitude, that I honestly and earnestly desire the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of my life. It’s just that it hasn’t been manifested completely yet. I am very aware that God uses flawed vessels. If that weren’t the case, everyone would be disqualified! However, I must strive to maintain the humble gratitude that will keep me available to Him. I am at another pivotal point in my life, with retirement coming upon me. I am to keep myself available before my Lord for whatever He wants to do – or not do – with me, for His glory alone.

Father, thank You for this reminder. May my every day in this body be spent doing Your will, on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank you. Hallelujah!

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