The Operation of God’s Grace; December 18. 2020

Posted on December 20, 2020 by jgarrott

 Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

What a beautiful, succinct expression of the operation of the grace of God! We have such trouble understanding grace. Our minds say, “If we aren’t going to be punished, what does it matter what we do?” That’s the very thinking that Paul wrote against at length in Romans 6. A few years ago the then Governor of Tokyo (yes, it has a population greater than some US states) wrote a book, The Japan that Can Say “No”. His point was that Japan didn’t have to agree to everything the US wanted, but the idea is significant in other ways. Japanese society emphasizes surface harmony, which often makes saying “No” feel quite awkward. However, just a little reflection will show you that agreeing to everything is quickly disastrous in several ways. Japanese society isn’t alone in this, however. American society, while quickly willing to say “No” to people, is very weak in saying “No” to the things Paul talks about here. Obesity is a major epidemic, and it comes from not saying “No” to overeating. Actually, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with people insisting we have the “right” never to say “No” to any impulse or lust. That is a recipe for personal and societal destruction! Many people would insist this passage presents a very negative picture of Christian faith, because they don’t like the sound of “saying No.” However, Paul also points out that it is by God’s grace that we have the hope of Christ’s return. That hope is a very necessary anchor in all the turmoil that is going on in the world. Without it, it is very easy to become hopeless indeed, as we see the tide of filth and rebellion against God. Rather than longing for what our memories tell us were simpler days (but memories can be deceptive) we need to be looking forward to the glory of Christ’s return. We are never to give up, but operate in the grace of God as Paul says here, eager to see the face of the Lord, either by His return or by our own personal appointment.

I’m talking to myself here. I have been on quite an emotional roller coaster in recent weeks, and I too need to focus on our blessed hope. As a pastor, I need to be an agent of God’s grace in precisely the ways mentioned here, so that believers may learn to say “No” as is appropriate and live lives pleasing to God, demonstrating His character to the world around us. I can’t force anyone to do that, but I can teach and admonish them (Colossians 3:16) and be an example to/for them. I know from experience that my flesh doesn’t like it when I say “No!” I need to be understanding and loving, but firm, so that they may be strengthened in their resolve to serve Christ alone. We can’t do it in our own strength and wisdom, but that’s why it’s grace: God does it in and through us when we submit our will to Him.

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. Thank You for the young woman who will be baptized on the 27th. I pray that You would enable me to communicate this truth past all language and cultural barriers, so that she may be strengthened in her faith and open to Your Holy Spirit. Help me remember today to order the Chinese Bible that she needs. I also pray for my nursing school students who are taking my exam today. Help them let go of their mindset of “I’m no good at English” and do their honest best, remembering all they have learned, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Apostles; December 17, 2020

Posted on December 20, 2020 by jgarrott

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.

Paul was very aware of his apostleship, but we tend to have a distorted idea of what an apostle is. We tend to think of it in terms of authority, when the actual focus is on having a job to do. There is authority, yes, but it is given as a tool to accomplish the assigned tasks. (Actually, genuine authority is inseparable from responsibility, and vice versa, but that discussion is more than I need to do here.) An apostle is literally one sent, an agent or representative, whose tasks and authority are dependent on the one who sent them. Since all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ, (Matthew 28:18) those He sends exercise that authority, which is why we tend to focus on that. However, for the apostle himself (or herself) the focus is much more on the job to be done. Paul is here making it clear that his responsibility lay in the areas of faith and knowledge of the truth, and he fulfilled that marvelously. The fact that half of the New Testament is made up of his letters is ample testimony to that. Literally countless people have entered into saving faith because of what he wrote, and the truth that he recorded has led equal numbers of people to reject the lies of the devil and walk in victory in Christ. This was no empty boast on Paul’s part, it was an objective statement of the facts. Like he wrote to the Romans, we all need to have sober judgment of who we are and what we are. (Romans 12:3) That includes recognizing our calling and the gifts we have been given to fulfill it. The devil loves to lie to us, naturally, and he tells us our gifts are ordinary and insignificant and of no use to the kingdom of God, when God has a plan for every one of His children, and He provides everything necessary for them to fulfill that part in His plan. In that sense, we are all apostles, because God has His work for us to do! (Ephesians 2:10)

Naturally, this applies to me. Growing up in a Southern Baptist family, the term “apostle” was one we never used outside of referring to individuals in the Bible. However, at my father’s memorial service at the Foreign Mission Board, right after his death and before my mother brought his ashes back to Japan for burial, Dr. Cauthen, then head of the FMB, specifically referred to him as an apostle. Simply in terms of language, “apostle” is a direct equivalent to “missionary.” I grew up with the idea of being sent by God to do things as being completely ordinary and to be expected, and for that I am grateful. In my own case I have no human sending agency, but as my wife said explicitly at the time the FMB was dithering about why they didn’t want to appoint us us as missionaries, “We’d rather be Lord sent than Board sent.” After the FMB was finally honest enough to tell us they would never appoint us because we exercised gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Lord opened the way for us to come to Japan independently, and we’ve been here ever since. I recognize that I fit the Biblical profile of an apostle, but how well I have fulfilled the tasks my Lord has set for me is His to judge. The fact that I’m still here means He still has work for me to do, particularly since I’ve already outlived my father by 8 years! Like Paul, I am to seek constantly to transmit faithfully the truth He pours into me, so that the lies of the enemy may be defeated and many set free, for their salvation and God’s glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder and affirmation. Thank You also for the many reminders I have of my humanity and imperfection. I pray that I would be less and less in the way of Your truth pouring through me, so that Your Word may indeed accomplish everything for which You send it, (Isaiah 55:11) for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Succession; December 16, 2020

Posted on December 19, 2020 by jgarrott

2 Timothy 2:1-2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

I cannot read 2 Timothy without being sharply aware that as far as we know, it was Paul’s last letter before being martyred. He himself was clearly aware that his next trial was not likely to end well, and he is pouring his soul out to his son in the faith. What he states here is the human side to why and how the Church has continued for the past 2000 years, despite all the persecution and everything else. Of course the human side is the lesser side; God’s power through His Holy Spirit has been and continues to be essential. However, God has chosen to use people to build His Church, and this is the mechanism for that. I am reminded of Frank Laubach’s literacy movement. Starting in the the Philippines, it was powerfully effective in many countries around the world. His mantra was, “Each One Teach One,” and if I am not mistaken, he was inspired by this very passage. (He was certainly a strong Christian.) We tend to think of evangelism in terms of leading people to a commitment and then getting them baptized, but that is forgetting half of the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) We tend to twist that around to “Make converts,” when what Jesus said was “Make disciples,” which is clearly a deeper level of commitment and obedience. On top of that, He specified “teaching them.” That is what Paul is talking about here. Paul himself contributed immeasurably to that by the letters he wrote, which now form half of the New Testament, but we need to make full use of the “instructional material” he provided, not just dumping it on people but helping them grasp and apply it. If we will do that, the Holy Spirit will certainly be faithful to raise up teachers and leaders after us, and the Church will flourish and grow.

This is intensely personal for me, since this ministry is independent and non-denominational. I have sought to teach (and my motivational gifting is Teacher) but my methods haven’t been the best. I am all too prone to dump truth on people, failing to confirm their understanding and failing to walk alongside of them in applying it. I have a particular challenge coming up, with a young Chinese woman requesting baptism. Her Japanese isn’t that great and her English is even weaker, and I speak no Mandarin at all! I have agreed to baptize her because of confirmation of her repentance and faith via missionaries from Taiwan (though their Japanese isn’t very good yet either). I will have to trust them to do the majority of the follow-up as well. I have been learning coaching techniques for the past couple of years, hoping to grow as a teacher and minister, but this is a potent reminder that I’m completely dependent on the Holy Spirit in any case. On top of that, I still have the matter of my successor in the leadership of this church. I won’t be here forever, and I have no organization to appoint someone after me. I need to keep faithful and keep praying, asking God to work His perfect will through me, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. Thank You that Your plans are indeed greater than anything I could imagine. (Isaiah 55:9) May I be fully yielded and obedient, doing Your will on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Knowing Christ; December 15, 2020

Posted on December 17, 2020 by jgarrott

2 Timothy 1:12 Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

I can’t read this Scripture without the hymn that was made from it running through my mind, but that’s not a bad thing at all. I’m grateful that I learned the hymn, and so this passage, at a young age. It is an enormously important faith declaration, and all who can make it in honesty have something the rest of the world knows nothing about. The whole thing hinges on knowing Christ. The Japanese actually emphasizes that, saying “I know well whom I have believed.” Knowing the name of Jesus is important, and knowing the facts about Him even more so, but that’s not the same as really knowing Him. There is an intimacy with Christ that is available, but far too few people know anything about. Like any relationship we have, it requires time and opening yourself up to Him, being vulnerable and keeping no secrets. Actually, in this case He already knows more about us than we do, but the point is one of not holding anything back. This is what martyrdom is all about: not holding onto physical life, even, but rather choosing to cling to Christ. Even David discovered this, since he wrote, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” (Psalm 63:3) The more we have that assurance, the less we are able to be shaken by anything that happens to us or around us.

This is a very timely reminder for me, with the prospect of a far-left administration in the US, and all the damage that could do. The world is already taking note, because the dollar is dropping in value against the yen. The apparent success of the different election cheating schemes has been hard to take, but like Paul, I know whom I have believed. I mourn for the nation, but I know that God can and will turn even this around for good. On a far more personal level, I know that nothing can happen in my personal life that would separate me from the love of my Lord, again as Paul noted. (Romans 8:38-39) I am to walk each day with assurance, not despairing or bemoaning whatever happens, knowing that God is still God and Jesus is still Lord, and I am in Him and that’s enough.

Father, thank You for this powerful reminder. Thank You for all You enabled me to get done yesterday. Thank You for Cathy’s help on more than one point. Thank You for today, and all it holds. Help me recognize Your plan for each moment and follow it with joy, allowing You to use me to accomplish Your will for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Goals; December 14, 2020

Posted on December 17, 2020 by jgarrott

1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

After talking about false teachers and the love of money, Paul gets to the things that he desires for Timothy. Frankly, I don’t think many people list these things when they talk about their personal goals! We are conditioned to think in terms of “bucket lists” and social and financial goals, when those things are all temporal. All the mess with the corona virus has forced a reset for a lot of people, but many are still fixated on the material. Christmas is seen as a time of getting and giving material things, when it is in fact a celebration of the gift of redemption and eternal life. Those who are anti-faith are explicitly forbidding gathering, (while ignoring their own edicts) when it is things like corporate worship and personal interaction that best bring home the true “reason for the season.” When we get our goals into line with Biblical principles, all sorts of things change. We are much freer from material lust, as well as material envy that can rot the soul. It doesn’t matter that some people are enormously wealthy if we have the greatest treasure of all, which is life in Christ. The goals Paul laid out for Timothy lead to far more happiness than taking the next step up the corporate ladder, or getting that car, or taking that vacation, or whatever.

I have never been particularly fixated on wealth, but there have certainly been physical objects I have lusted after, and I’m not free of that yet. I too need to consider what I “pursue,” or as the Japanese has it, “earnestly seek after.” Being intangible, the goals listed here can be hard to identify, actually. I’m not a very good judge of whether I have achieved them! I recognize that they are desirable, but at the same time they seem ephemeral. That’s because they are all things God needs to work in me, rather than being things I can “achieve” in my own wisdom and strength. They are matters of my reactions to things, of my yielding to the Lordship of Jesus Christ over my words, attitudes, and actions. That’s far more difficult than, say, learning to drive a car. I do know that by God’s grace I have made progress in all these areas over the course of my life. Some people look to me as an example for some of these, but I am sharply aware at times of my imperfection. My ultimate goal is indeed to hear my Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21, 23)

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You also for what You have done in me through my gut-level reaction to the Supreme Court’s action, or rather inaction. Thank You for pointing out to me on Saturday that the message for Sunday was “God’s Plan,” and then having me say in the message that You never say, “Oh dear, what will I do?” Help me trust You indeed, never failing to do what You have for me to do, but refusing to be anxious about anything. That can be a tall order at times! As You have told me to do, help me indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, being faithfully obedient each step of the way, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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The Necessity of Salvation; December 13, 2020

Posted on December 15, 2020 by jgarrott

1 Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.

Paul’s ministry was what it was first of all because he had this truth firmly engraved in his heart and mind. After that encounter on the road to Damascus, he knew that Jesus was the Savior and that he was both totally in need of, and totally unworthy of, salvation. We tend to be desultory in our evangelism because we don’t have a firm grasp on one side or the other of that. Far too many supposed Christians don’t really think that Jesus is the only way to salvation, even if they have made an honest commitment to Him personally. The devil has worked overtime to promote the idea of the equality of religions, when Jesus Himself was very clear that He is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6) That is very politically incorrect, “intolerant” in the US today, and it’s obvious where that has gotten us. The validity of the Bible is attacked from every side, and far too many people swallow the lies. The other side is also essential: recognizing your own need. That is one of the biggest hindrances to salvation around the world. People don’t realize they are lost and headed for hell! When we realize the reality of hell, and how apart from Christ’s work on the cross we are all headed there because of following the devil, then we will not only repent of our own sins, we will seek to lead others into repentance and faith as well. In the Christmas season we tend to celebrate “sweetness and light” and forget why Jesus had to come in the first place. It is only when we recognize the necessity of salvation, for ourselves personally and for every person on earth, that we will be as we should be in relation to evangelism.

This is something that applies just as much to me as it does to anyone else. To be honest, I was slow to acknowledge my own sinfulness, and conversely, it is painful to realize that most of the people I deal with every day are headed for hell. I honestly desire their salvation, but I can’t force them to repent and believe. We are generally admired and even loved by those around us, but I have no idea how to make that personal, to help them see that every good thing they see in me is because of Christ alone, and that it is both essential and available to them. All I can do is be faithful to say and do what I am shown, and leave the results in God’s hands.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Things in the political situation in America look dire indeed. Thank You for this reminder that everyone needs repentance and faith for salvation. I ask for Your mercy on America, on Japan, on the world, that Your name may be acknowledged as holy and Your kingdom come as Your will is done, for Your glory alone. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Church Discipline; December 12, 2020

Posted on December 14, 2020 by jgarrott

1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Paul has just told Timothy to exercise Church discipline, calling people down for teaching unbiblical things. That’s not an easy thing to do, particularly since Timothy was still a fairly young man. Most societies tend to honor “the voice of experience,” but later in this same letter Paul tells Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” (1 Timothy 4:12) However, commands in the Church are never to be arbitrary. Over the past year we have seen many politicians giving commands and making regulations simply because they think they can, using all sorts of excuses for what is really a power trip. Sadly, that sort of thing happens in the Church as well, and Paul was accused of it at times. Here he tells Timothy what must be remembered with every command that is given in the Church. (It would be wonderful if that were the case in society in general as well, but that will have to wait for Christ’s return.) There are times when commands are called for. Current political correctness denies that, insisting on “tolerance” and “fairness,” all the while being totally intolerant of conflicting opinions, and particularly of sticking to the absolute standards of God. It would be bad enough if that were just in secular society, but it has invaded the Church as well. However, we must not let human anger control our response. We are to be firm indeed, defending God’s truth without wavering, but doing so in love, without hypocrisy. It’s no good whatsoever to command one thing and do another, as so many politicians are doing. Church leaders must not be politicians! Actually, it’s a very good thing that some pastors, such as Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, have gotten into the political arena, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Church leaders must not act on the basis of what will “get them votes,” as so many politicians do. The Church is to be true to Christ, regardless of public opinion.

As a pastor, this certainly applies to me! I have been involved in a situation where someone was invited to step down from the church Board, (and they left the church in response) but thankfully I was not the one expressing that directly, though I agreed with it. Telling someone you love them, but they are wrong and what they are saying/doing will not be allowed, is certainly never easy! We are all flawed human beings, and it’s certainly uncomfortable to be telling someone, “You’re more flawed than I am.” The thing is, the standard is never to be me, but Christ. I am to act always in humility, but with the sharp awareness that we are all accountable to God for the authority and opportunities He has placed at our disposal. I have a very strong conflict-avoidance response, but yielding to that has never cleared situations up, but rather allowed them to fester and worsen. I am to be faithful as a steward and shepherd, even when it takes me completely out of my comfort zone.

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. I pray that I won’t need it any time soon! Thank You for all You are doing in, around, and through me. The schedule is indeed packed from now through Christmas. Help me not fail to do the task at hand over worrying about the next thing on the schedule! I ask for physical strength to do all that is needed today, and wisdom not to do my back any more damage. I pray that I may be fully useful to You for Your will do be done on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Work; December 11, 2020

Posted on December 14, 2020 by jgarrott

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

It seems to me that this verse should be inscribed over the door of several US government agencies! This isn’t at all commanding a harsh attitude toward those who are unable to work, it is simply a strict stance toward freeloaders. The thing is, we are created to work, (Ephesians 2:10) and denying that harms everyone involved. One of the worst things about the shutdowns enacted out of fear of COVID is the denial of the right to work for so many people, and government handouts certainly don’t “solve” the issue. There are all sorts of work, from the highly physical to the strictly mental, and all of them have value and honor (provided the activity is moral). Instilling a work ethic is one of the most important things a parent can do for their children. The problem is, many if not most people are naturally lazy, and need incentives for their own good. Paul was very down-to-earth about it, saying that people who simply choose not to work are not to be fed. That is the opposite of politicians who try to buy votes with “free” government programs. Not only is nothing free (somebody has to pay for it), they are destroying the very people they claim to be helping. The conservative position is accused of being “heartless,” when that is a false characterization from the start. The Bible is very clear about support for “widows and orphans,” which can apply to all who are physically unable to work, but God, who is the ultimate source of everything we need, knows that we need to make productive use of that which He supplies to us.

It is very interesting that this should come right now, because I overdid things over the past couple of days and currently have lower back pain that makes me less than enthusiastic about doing anything physical! I’m grateful that I’m not totally immobilized, but I have a degree of empathy with my wife’s pain issues beyond what I have had before! Thankfully, the work for which I am paid is far more mental than physical, but I will certainly need help in completing the cleanup of the branches from our big tree being pruned this week. To be honest, I certainly have a laze streak, as much as most people, I would think. However, I certainly recognize the satisfaction in doing a job well, whether I am paid for it or not. When my parents were missionaries, I didn’t grow up with a firm connection between doing work and being paid, and that has been a bit of a liability. Instilling a work ethic is easier in a physical-labor situation. However, I do know that we are created to be God’s instruments to do His work, even if we sometimes need a kick to get us off our duff and get moving.

Father, thank You for this reminder, both in word and through my physical pain. Help me receive Your lessons however You give them to me, growing as You intend, to be and do what You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Love and Endurance; December 10, 2020

Posted on December 13, 2020 by jgarrott

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Paul has already expressed a very kind and and tender prayer of blessing in the last two verses of the previous chapter, and here he says this. Both of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians indicate they were experiencing a good bit of opposition and persecution, and it’s very easy to get discouraged under such circumstances. That’s why Paul specifically mentions the two things here: God’s love and Christ’s perseverance/patience/endurance. The reason to point them to God’s love is that the devil loves to lie to us and say that what is happening to us is evidence that God couldn’t possibly love us, but when we see through the lie and realize the magnitude of God’s love, we can get through anything. There are many things we don’t understand, but when we hang onto God’s love, everything else falls into place. That enables us to indeed have Christ’s endurance. As it says in Hebrews, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) This naturally brings to mind one of the signature verses of my ministry: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Remembering God’s love and Christ’s endurance will make us aware that God’s grace is indeed all we need. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

This is a very timely Word for me. I woke up before four, strongly aware of all the things I have to do within the next few days. At the same time, right now my wife is participating online in the graveside service for the wife of one of her cousins. The cousin himself is struggling with dementia, placing a total combined load on their daughter, an only child. My troubles are nothing compared to theirs! The thing is, God’s love and Christ’s endurance will get her through, and will get me through. I’m sure she needs wisdom for countless decisions, and I need wisdom for my tasks as well. Thankfully, the Bible promises that wisdom for those who acknowledge that they need it. (James 1:5) In my case, two things that really need to be settled today are the message for this coming Sunday, and the message for the interdenominational prayer meeting the following Wednesday, that needs to be decided for the sake of the person who is preparing the program. It would be simpler if I could use the same message, but some of our members participate in the prayer meeting, and God certainly isn’t short of things He wants to say! It is only when I focus on myself that everything seems overwhelming, because God is infinite, and He is never overwhelmed. As He has reminded me so many times over the past several years, I need to rest, relax, and rejoice!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all the things that are on my slate. Thank You that the church’s big tree was trimmed so nicely on Tuesday. Thank You for the progress I made yesterday in getting the branches cut up. My body isn’t used to that degree of exercise, but You will get me through it. Thank You that the academic term is winding down, and for the three exams I have to prepare, as well as the review material for one of the classes. Thank You for the experience I have in that area. Thank You that I have trash duty this afternoon with the neighborhood association, and for the personal connections I have through that. May I do everything with joy as unto You, rejoicing that I am not a slave but a son, as You had me write just a few days ago. (Colossians 3:23-24) May my faithful obedience bring You joy and glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Doing the Right Thing; December 9, 2020

Posted on December 13, 2020 by jgarrott

2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

In reading this chapter, I’ll confess my first reaction was to write on the comments about payback for those who work evil, since such people are very much in evidence these days, but I realize that wouldn’t be very edifying, either to me or to my readers. This verse, on the other hand, should be very comforting for everyone who is anxious about whether they have heard God right and are doing the right thing. Where the NIV says “every good purpose,” the Japanese says, “every desire that earnestly seeks good,” and they agree on “work of (prompted by) faith.” In other words, the desire to do God’s will is what is most important. Frankly, we don’t always get it right, but when we are focused on God, rather than on whether we will look good, He will work it out. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, we are to “not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [our] requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Frankly, uptight Christians aren’t much fun to be around, and they don’t represent Christ very well. We certainly aren’t to play fast and loose with faith and grace, as some seem prone to do, but we are to rest in the assurance that “it is God who works in [us] to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

I have had my struggles with concerns over whether I was doing the right thing, but looking back over my life I can see that God has been incredibly faithful, even when I wasn’t. Among many other things, He guided me to my wife when I wasn’t very focused on Him at all! Among my Faith Declarations I have this one: “By the grace of God, each day I am doing His perfect will more completely in my life, for it is written, ‘For it is God who is at work in you both to will and to do according to His good pleasure.’” (I formulated my Faith Declarations a long time ago, when translations other than the NIV were more prominent in my memory.) As I deal with others as a pastor and counselor, this is a principle I try to impart to those who have faith. God does work in those who haven’t yet opened their hear to Him, but it’s not something I or they can rely on. For believers, the important thing is to get familiar with the Bible so that it will be easier and easier to distinguish the lying voices that try to lead us astray. Another of my Faith Declarations is, “By the grace of God, each day I am more accurately detecting and resisting Satan, for it is written ‘Resist the devil and he will flee from you.’” (Of course, that comes after one that speaks of hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit.) I certainly can’t say I have always done, or always do, the right thing in every situation, but God has taught me that I couldn’t do it in my own strength and wisdom in any case, so I’m to trust Him.

Father, this is a major issue that a lot of people struggle with. Help me share Your truth and grace in Your love, so that more and more people may walk in the joy of Your salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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