Our Image of God; April 2, 2022

Posted on April 11, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 147:10-11 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.

The Japanese makes a lot more sense than the English here. Rather than saying “the legs of a man,” it says “a foot soldier.” Horses were largely seen as instruments of war, so the connection is obvious. In any case, the point is that God is concerned with people’s hearts, rather than what we would consider instruments of power. After all, God is omnipotent! Why would He be obsessed with any material thing? It’s interesting how easily we forget that. We imagine Him to be like us, instead of remembering that in His grace He made us a little bit like Him. It would be impossible to overstate the importance of how we see God. None of us sees Him perfectly or even very clearly, as Paul pointed out in 1 Corinthians 13:12. They only had polished metal mirrors back then, without the industrial systems we have today, so a reflection was distorted by definition. That’s a major reason God sent His Son, so that we would get a clearer picture. As Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) We need to look at Jesus to know the Father. A major issue is that all of us are greatly influenced by our biological fathers. If they loved and feared God, we have a far better chance of having at least a Biblical image of God, but sadly, that isn’t so common. We need to ask God to correct our image of Him so that we will relate to Him more accurately.

I was blessed to be raised by an exemplary father, but each of my siblings responded to him differently. We can never get away from personal responsibility. I am currently something of a father figure to a number of people, both in the church and in my secular teaching. I needed to be careful to present as accurate an image as possible of my heavenly Father so that they may seek Him accurately, and not from some strange tangent. I am sometimes a substitute for a physical father, but I must never think I am in the place of God, even though He does use me as His representative. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Father, thank You for this reminder. The new school term starts next week, and I want to be your agent indeed to them. Help me remember all You have taught me about Yourself and express it accurately in word and deed, drawing many to repentance and faith for their salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Trusting God Alone; April 1, 2022

Posted on April 10, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 146:3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.

It’s interesting that we need to be reminded of this so often. Human beings can do a lot of damage, and sometimes they can do a lot of good, but ultimately they are indeed just human. Right now various names pop up constantly in the news: Putin, Zelensky, Biden, and a number of others. Leaders are important, but they are never supreme, whatever titles they might claim for themselves. We are very easily distracted by people in various ways. People are indeed important, so much so that God sent His Son to die to save them, but they are important only because God says they are; they have no power or value except what God imparts to them. And of course, that applies to us as well, because we are just as human as anyone else we might think of. The point is to keep our focus on God, knowing that all power and authority come from, and ultimately reside in, Him alone. We are to be grateful when He uses us, or anyone else, for good, but we aren’t to rely on the person, but rather on God. Like­wise when someone like Putin makes a fuss, we are never to think he is more powerful than God, but rather lift up every situation in prayer. As is proclaimed so gloriously in heaven, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:10)

I can’t quote that verse without the modern musical setting for it running through my mind, but that’s not a bad thing. More than music, however, I need to keep the reality in focus. Most importantly, I need to remember that salvation doesn’t belong to me, except that God has provided it for me. It’s not something I can impart to anyone else, except by sharing the Gospel with them so that they too may repent and believe. And however much God might use me in specific situations, any good derived ultimately doesn’t come from me, but from God. Right now I’m confronted with a dying hard drive in my wife’s computer, with the potential of major data loss. I’m the computer tech on scene, and I feel enormous pressure. However, if I depend on myself, there’s no saving of the data or of my pride. If I depend on God, He may well use me to rescue both the data and my wife’s peace of mind. That of course is trivial compared to the eternal salvation of souls, and for that matter the salvation of nations, as is currently in the balance. I am to keep things in perspective and remember to trust only in my God. He’s certainly trustworthy!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, whatever happens or doesn’t happen, today and in the days to come, for Your glory alone. Thank You. Praise God!

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Anxiety; March 31, 2022

Posted on April 10, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 131:1-2 My heart is not proud, O Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

Being able to state this honestly can be a real achievement. We are very prone to get frantic before God, either insisting that things be a certain way or failing to see how He’s going to get us out of whatever fix we’re in. The thing is, faith and trust are choices. We choose what we will believe, whether consciously or not. Choosing to trust God is always the best choice, because it eliminates the suffering of anxiety. Generally speaking, the dread of something before it happens is worse to us than the thing itself. That’s not to say that we aren’t to take precautions, but it is to say that we aren’t to get wrapped up in what might happen. That applies today to the fear of flying. The rate of accidents per million passenger miles for commercial airlines today is so low as to be completely insignificant, but there are still “while-knuckle fliers” who are nervous wrecks by the time they get off of the plane. It is actually far more dangerous to get into a car to go somewhere, but people aren’t generally in dread of that. However, human beings are prone to anxiety, so the Bible speaks to that tendency many times. Actually, being able to project future danger was very much a survival tactic in primitive times, and it still can be today, particularly in wartime, but as many returning warriors have experienced, you have to be able to tone that down to participate fully in normal society. The inability to tone it down is called PTSD, and at times it can be tragic. For the rest of us, we still tend to have our pet anxieties of one sort or another, and they all get in the way of receiving and enjoying all that God has prepared for us. Like the Psalmist, we need to learn to still and quiet our soul, and choose to trust God.

I don’t think I’ve ever been a particularly anxious person, despite my past battles with depression. That’s a blessing indeed. However, as a pastor I deal with anxious people all the time. On a very personal note, my wife’s Parkinson’s Disease not only causes her dopamine levels to drop, it also affects her serotonin levels, which we found out only recently. We knew that in recent years she has become prone to panic attacks, but didn’t know why, so learning about the serotonin was actually a relief. Just telling her to trust God doesn’t accomplish anything! My presence and my support are vital to her, and I am never to take that lightly. You could say that I am to be “Jesus with skin on” to her, however imperfect a representation I might be. I do know that my own health maintenance is at least as much for her as it is for me, because I need to be here for her. Anxiety is by definition something in our mind, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. I need to walk with her to help her follow the example of the Psalmist, for her blessing and God’s glory.

Father, thank You for this clear Word. Thank You that You are totally trustworthy. I do ask for Your solution to Cathy’s serotonin levels, whether that is in dietary form or something else. Help us walk together in Your peace that passes human understanding, (Philippians 4:7) for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Forgiveness; March 30, 2022

Posted on April 9, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 130:3-4 If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

This has long been a deeply impressive passage to me. From one standpoint it seems illogical. If God forgives, then why fear Him? However, the Psalmist understands the nature of sin, and the nature of true forgiveness. Any God who can genuinely forgive sin has got to be incredibly powerful. We seldom think about that, much less grasp it. Part of the Japanese reluctance to forgive and to accept forgiveness comes from this, I think. Forgiveness is seen as something someone greatly superior would do for someone inferior. Telling someone, “I forgive you,” can create all sorts of problems! That of course runs counter to Christian teaching, but it’s a fact of the culture. Americans, on the other hand, can be flippant about forgive­ness, using the word without putting their heart, or even their head, into it. The Psalmist here overcomes all of that, acknowledging the sinfulness of mankind, including himself, and focusing on the incredible grace of our omnipotent Creator, who can and does forgive when we repent. This points out what an incredible thing Jesus said to His disciples after the resurrection: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23) He was delegating some of the authority given to Him (Matthew 28:18) to those who believed in Him and operated by His Spirit, whom He gave to them. Forgiveness really is a big deal, but in Christ it is our hope, when we receive it, and our privilege, when we impart it.

This certainly applies to me. I am at times intensely aware of my tendency to sin, and less often, aware of sins against me. Looking at the world, I see people sinning against each other and against God everywhere I look. The current war in Ukraine is an intense example of that. It was sin that the Russian troops were sent in, but thousands of them have paid for the sins of their superiors with their lives. There is plenty of sin to go around, and there needs to be an equal abundance of forgiveness when it is all resolved. This is where the difference between forgiving and excusing comes out. There is no excuse for Vladimir Putin ordering this invasion, and I believe God will call him to account for it, but I have been given the incredible privilege of forgiveness, and I am to exercise that so that I too may be forgiven. (Matthew 6:14-15) I am to recognize the omnipotence of God and allow His power to forgive to operate in and through me, for the salvation of many and for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me indeed fear You appropriately so that I may love You completely, so that Your love may flow through me to those around me for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Morning Devotions; March 29, 2022

Posted on April 9, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.

It shouldn’t take dire straits to cause us to get up early to seek God at the beginning of each day! Sometimes it takes desperation to get us moving, but that’s a major reason God allows trials in our lives. I’m reminded of the Andrae Crouch song, Through it All. “If I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that He could solve them. I wouldn’t know what faith in God can do.” We aren’t to complain at trials, but rather seek God for why He allowed them. Often they are a tool to show us how we need to choose to grow, to change. The more we follow such guidance, the less we will need such “goads.” (Acts 26:14) If we are faithful to start each day seeking God and what He wants of us in the day, and then end each day expressing gratitude to Him for all that He has allowed in the day, the less we are going to need sharp “course corrections” from time to time. That’s not at all to say that we will be insulated from all problems. Jesus promised us that “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) We have to endure the consequences not only of our own sins but also of the sins of others. However, it is all much easier to bear if we have established a firm habit of fellowship with the Lord.

I honestly don’t remember exactly when I established my habit of morning devotions. I know I tried to do so when I was in college, but that very quickly fell by the wayside. I’m sure it was after I had the dramatic encounter with the Lord that I keep referring to, when He showed me a mirror to see the state of my own soul, if only for a moment. That was in November, 1972, so it’s been less than 50 years in any case. Since at least 2004 I have been using the SOAP system of devotions, (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) as developed by Wayne Cordeiro, and it has been a huge blessing to me. Looking back at my notes from that year, they were very brief! I have grown, and I am grateful. Having the assurance that God indeed speaks to me and through me has been invaluable. As a pastor, I desire that assurance for each of the people in the church, but only a few have caught the vision. Those that have, however, I can depend on for just about anything, because they spend their days in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Father, thank You for all that You are doing in this church. It’s exciting! I genuinely look forward to our business meeting on the 10th, when we will share and discuss what You have shown each of us about what You want to do through this church and the part You want each of us to have in that. I pray that each believer would seek You indeed with an open heart, so that You may guide us together into what You have planned, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Hiding Place; March 28, 2022

Posted on March 30, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.

“Refuge” isn’t inaccurate here, but I like the alternative term, “hiding place.” The world is a mess, and sometimes we feel like we just need a hole to hide in. This Psalmist, along with David and various other Psalmists, knew that God was – and is – the ultimate hiding place. Physical hiding places are subject to discovery and breach, but God is infinite and omnipotent, so in Him we are safe. How do we know? Because He promises it in His Word. Our experience varies, but that is most often because we have a humanistic idea of what a hiding place looks like. We want somewhere with no problems at all, when Jesus assured us that as long as we are in this world, we will have problems. (John 16:33) God is the ultimate hiding place because it doesn’t matter how severe the issues are here, we can have assurance of everything being taken care of for eternity. Paul very deliberately referred to our troubles on this earth as “light and momentary,” saying they weren’t worth comparing to what awaits us – and he went through a lot of troubles! (2 Corinthians 4:17) However, we won’t have peace unless we trust what God has said to us. That’s why the Psalmist here specifies that he has put his hope, his expectant trust, in God’s word. We would certainly be wise to do likewise.

This is perhaps easier for me than for some, since I was raised in a home that was steeped in the Bible and faith, but I know some people who had a very similar home environment but threw it all away. That’s tragic. I understand that abuse in particular can leave you feeling like you have no hiding place, but there are people like Yeonmi Park who have come through horrible abuse and are currently radiantly secure in Christ. I am not to judge others, but I am to seek to point them always to Christ. My own dependence must also be on Him, and not on anything less. I don’t know what yet awaits me, but at the least there will be my physical death. I’m not to be anxious about that, or about anything else, but rather trust that the God who loved me enough to send His Son to die for me has got it all worked out, so I’ve got no worries.

Father, the desire to jump into a hole and pull it in after me is a familiar one to me. Thank You for not giving up on me! Thank You for being my ultimate hiding place, and for growing my faith to understand You more and more. May I be useful to You in helping others come to that realization, and may I not run from anything You allow me to experience, but rather keep growing as You intend, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Gathering Together; March 27, 2022

Posted on March 29, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 119:74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.

This is one of the secrets to Christian fellowship: we really do rejoice to see others who are committed to the Lord. The NIV puts the first half of this verse as a prayer, but the Japanese puts it as an expectation. We are indeed stronger when we are together, and that’s why the devil tries all he can to separate us. He certainly delighted in using COVID for that purpose! In some places, churches still aren’t meeting! All the masking also fed into that, because our faces are the most identifiable part of us, and covering them creates all sorts of psychological barriers. However, that effort to divide us is nothing new. Even in the 1st Century the writer of Hebrews felt he needed to say, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) Some people see church attendance as an obligation, when it is a privilege and blessing. It’s not at all that worship services are all or even most of our “Christian” activity, but it should be a joy indeed to gather with like-minded brothers and sisters to worship our Lord. Sadly, that can go by the wayside when churches get large and impersonal. Every believer needs to be part of a small group where we really get to know each other and participate in each other’s lives. That said, if done right, there is an energy to larger gatherings that can be powerful indeed. Rock concerts display the energy, but not for the right purpose! We need to recognize the gifts and the tools God has provided us and make full use of them, building one another up as it says in Hebrews and giving glory to God.

Ministering in Japan, I’m not much used to big gatherings! That said, it has been a joy recently to see attendance increasing here, and I really look forward to the Pastors Conference that has been put off to June this year. This is actually something I have had to learn, because I am by nature an introvert, and tend to feel like if I have my wife, I don’t need anybody else. God in His wisdom gave me one of the most outgoing, socially connected wives you could imagine, and 53 years of being with her has taught me a lot! Now, I do rejoice to see others whom I know wait in hope on the same Lord I do, and our fellowship is sweet. For the past few months I have ended each Sunday with a glow of gratitude for all the blessings of the day. It is indeed a joy to see brothers and sisters who put their hope in God and His Word.

Father, thank You indeed for the privilege of gathering with Your children, Your disciples. Thank You that I’ll have that joy today. May I be a joy to them as well, as I focus on You and worship in spirit and in truth, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Preaching; March 26, 2022

Posted on March 29, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 119:43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.

This is the prayer of an honest preacher. Seminaries teach classes in preaching, and some people spend hours honing their messages to meet the tenets of speechcraft, but ultimately, if it isn’t God’s Word it accomplishes nothing good. We do have the Bible of course, but we can craft messages from it that still have no life, because if that truth isn’t alive in us, it isn’t going to transmit to our hearers. This Psalm uses a number of different synonyms, which can make it awkward to translate, but I like the choice the Japanese translators made here: “I wait in hope for Your words.” God is faithful to speak through His servants, so this isn’t a vain hope, but we’ve got to be careful not to supply words for God, trying to make Him say what we want said. Many sermons have been preached that weren’t God’s Word at all, even though they quoted the Bible. The one who speaks for God has got to be careful first of all to listen to God. Only then will God’s truth transmit through human vessels.

This is something I have been increasingly aware of through my years of ministry. I’ve never been afraid to get up and speak in front of a group, but that’s just my Teacher gifting. I realize what a gift it is when I see how some people really struggle with it. However, the big danger for me is that since it comes easily, I’m tempted to take it lightly and be presumptuous. If I were simply a public speaker that wouldn’t be so much of an issue, but I am a minister of the Gospel, and people desire and expect to hear God through me. The moment I forget my total dependence on God and just rely on a gift that I consider mine, I have lost the meaning that it all had in the first place. My sermon preparation tends to be brief, shockingly so to some people, because I don’t want to say anything in the name of the Lord that He isn’t saying, or that He hasn’t said to my heart first. Like all preachers, I think, I am tempted to think the messages I preach are for my hearers, when often I am the one most in need of them! Most often my messages arise from my morning devotions, as the Lord shows me that what He has just said to me needs to be heard by the congregation as well. I realize that my delivery can make a huge difference, but the key, there, is to “Let the word of Christ dwell in [me] richly.” (Colossians 3:16) If it is alive in me, then not only my words but my voice itself, my whole body, will express it to my hearers, transforming them as it has transformed me.

Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of speaking, acting, as Your agent. Thank You for the gifts You have placed in me, but keep me from relying on the gifts rather than on You. May I receive and apply Your Word so that my hearers may do so as well, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Personal Testimony; March 25, 2022

Posted on March 27, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 71:18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.

It is a simple fact of human nature that when we are young we don’t think much about “the next generation.” Young people tend to be reckless because they don’t believe their own mortality, but older people can be overly cautious because they are extremely aware of their mortality. The simple fact of the matter is that none of us are here forever. That time might be short or long. Just yesterday we were notified of the death of a friend’s infant at just over six months, as well as of a different friend’s father at 94. As has been said, death is very much part of life. The point is simply how we spend the time. In reference to the way birth dates and death dates are often inscribed with a dash between them on tombstones, that has been expressed as “how we spend the dash.” This Psalmist is very aware of his mortality, as well of his responsibility and privilege of telling those who will outlive him of the things he has learned about God. It has been said that we don’t have time to make all the mistakes ourselves, so we’d better learn from the mistakes of others. In the same way, we don’t all experience God in the same ways or through the same circumstances, so we do well to learn from how others have encountered Him. That’s a major part of what the Bible is all about. As wonderful as the Bible is, every one of us has unique experiences of God that will benefit others to know about them. Reading the Bible is one thing, but hearing people’s encounters with God in person is another. We aren’t all to write books, but we are all to share what God has done for us. I personally think that one of the joys of heaven will be sharing and hearing all the wonderful stories of God’s grace and faithfulness. After all, we’ll have eternity to do it in! Even so, doing that while it will encourage, strengthen and guide those who are still going through stuff is our present responsibility and privilege.

I’ve been encouraged repeatedly to write an autobiography, and I may do it yet, but I question who would read it. However, I have already experienced the joy of seeing others be blessed by what I have shared of my experiences with God. Personal testimony is of vital importance. My father’s biography came out almost a year ago, and I have heard of numbers of people being blessed by it, but I still think that person-to-person communication is most effective. My hesitation in that is that I don’t want to come across as bragging, because I am sharply aware of my own weaknesses and failures. That said, I do want to brag on God! I want to tell people how patient and gracious and faithful He is, without giving them the impression that it doesn’t matter how they live. I really think the Gospel could be summarized as, “We’re a mess, but God’s wonderful.” I want everyone to know that, so that they too may repent and believe for their salvation, and God’s glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Recently I’ve been telling people that Your blessings just never stop. However, that’s been true all my life! Help me be effective in communicating Your truth, so that more and more may receive it and be set free, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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JOY; March 24, 2022

Posted on March 26, 2022 by jgarrott

Psalm 69:5-6 You know my folly, O God;
my guilt is not hidden from you.
May those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me,
O Lord, the Lord Almighty;
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me,
O God of Israel.

David made numbers of mistakes in his life, some of them pretty severe, but the attitude expressed here was what kept God from discarding him. He was well aware that nothing was hidden from God, and he desired that others be protected from the consequences of his sins. Sin is essentially selfish, focused on what feels good or seems advantageous for the individual. When others are involved, as in cases of abuse and the like, those others are seen as less, even less than human in some cases. David didn’t do that, and it was greatly to his credit. We are never to lose our sense of self, because we are individually created and loved by God, but being aware of God and of the people around us is essential for genuine happiness and fulfillment. That’s why Jesus said the most important commandments were to love God and to love our neighbor. (Matthew 22:37-40) God’s commands are always for our benefit, so this is entirely logical. The more we love God and care about our neighbor, the more we will fulfill the purposes for which we were created and find the satisfaction and joy that we crave. This fits in perfectly with the acronym JOY – Jesus, Others, Yourself. When that is the genuine priority of our hearts, we will indeed experience the joy we desire.

I think I’ve always been aware that God knew everything I did, but that didn’t keep me from doing some things I knew full well weren’t pleasing to Him! I do think I have desired that others not suffer for my mistakes, but that doesn’t mean I have taken others into account sufficiently. The more I have grown in this, the more joy I have indeed experienced. Recently the JOY acronym has come up again in the teaching the Lord is giving Cathy on prayer. This priority lineup applies there, too! When I pray, my focus must first of all be on the One to whom I am praying. Then I am to focus on being His instrument of grace toward others, knowing that as His will is done for them, they will be blessed. After that, I am to pray for what I see as my needs, knowing that God is more aware of them than I am, and trusting Him to supply what is right for me. Just three weeks ago I preached on Intercession, but I am feeling strongly that I am to go even more basic for this coming Sunday, because people won’t be interceding for others if they aren’t praying in the first place. I need to help them understand the simplicity, privilege, and joy of prayer, so that they can then progress into the depths and heights of prayer, wielding God’s spiritual weapons effectively (2 Corinthians 10:4) to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and liberate many for eternal salvation.

Father, thank You for all You are doing. It’s exciting, and a little bit overwhelming. Thank You for all the blessings You’ve been pouring out on this congregation, and for the assurance that You’ve only just begun. I pray that we wouldn’t miss what You are doing in any way, either holding back or deviating from the course. It’s clear we have neither the wisdom nor the strength to do it on our own, but that’s no problem if we are submitted and obedient to You. May we indeed fulfill all of Your purposes for us, on Your schedule and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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