Depending on God; December 8, 2020

Posted on December 10, 2020 by jgarrott

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

I can’t read this passage in Japanese without singing it, because it has been set to music exactly from the translation I use, and it’s a very catchy tune. This whole section, from verse 12 on, has a lot of direct statements that are quoted fairly often, but taken as a whole they can be pretty overwhelming. I mean, who does everything right? That’s why Paul wraps it up with these two verses. Verse 23 makes it clear that he is indeed talking about perfection, when perfection is impossible for human beings, but then he flips it around and says that even though it’s impossible for us, God will take care of it. The Japanese here uses a term that basically means “positively,” saying, “He will positively do this.” The composer of the musical arrangement made only one adjustment to the text, and that was to repeat the word, “positively,” singing it a total of three times for emphasis, and then repeating the whole phrase for a total of six times. We need that assurance! If we think we can make it on our own, that is hubris. That’s a term the Greeks came up with to mean “stupid pride that denies God.” If we just look at ourselves, our resources and our abilities, we’re strongly tempted to give up before we start. It is only when we rely on the only One who is perfect that we can have peace with the call to be perfect ourselves. Paul is reminding us that we are called by a perfect God, and He can be relied on to accomplish in and through us anything He calls on us to do.

Of course, this applies to me as much as it does to anyone. Hubris was the name of my game for part of my life, and when God popped that bubble, in all kindness and mercy, it was devastating. Just as I struggle with my own lack of perfection, I have to deal constantly with the lack of perfection in others. That’s actually my job, as a pastor. I am constantly to point people to Jesus, because as the song from 50 years ago says, Jesus is the answer. That applies to everything. (And no, the answer isn’t 42, though I do enjoy Douglas Adams’ books.) I am sharply aware of God’s grace toward me, and I need to be an instrument of that grace toward everyone around me. None of us deserve to have it easy, but God loves us anyway. I need to keep my focus on my Lord so consistently that everyone who looks at me may be drawn to Him as well.

Father, I’ve again stated something that is impossible in my own strength and purity. Thank You for the further reminder that I’m totally dependent on You, and that’s a good thing. I ask You to keep working in and through me, just as Paul talks about here, so that You may be glorified by all that I am, say and do. Thank You. Praise God!

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Endurance; December 7, 2020

Posted on December 10, 2020 by jgarrott

1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I know I have written on this verse multiple times in the past, but it is so outstanding that I can’t resist writing on it again. We are so prone to separate our lives, and our hearts, into little boxes, when it is all interrelated, and all important. This verse particularly speaks to the “faith vs. works” argument that has surfaced multiple times over the course of Church history. As the Thessalonians exemplified, genuine faith will prompt action, and love will make us work hard at it. However, the world is not an easy place to live, and it takes hope in Christ Jesus to give us the endurance to get through it all. One of the “signature” verses of my ministry is where Jesus addressed that last issue. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus knew what He was talking about! As the world has become so much more convenient, materially speaking, with computers, cell phones, microwaves, and the like, we tend to demand that everything be instant, and that’s not how it works. Having things easy fosters immaturity, and that can spoil the whole thing for us. Right now our faith and patience are being tried in relation to last month’s election in the US, but things are being uncovered more and more, and evil is being exposed. We need to exercise the things mentioned in this verse in every area of our lives, so that God’s will may be done in and through us, for His glory.

At 72, I’ve had to learn a few things about patient endurance! To be honest, I still haven’t seen the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Japan for which I and my parents before me have labored, going back to 1934. However, I still have faith, love, and hope, and God’s grace is sufficient for me. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I don’t know how much longer I’ll be exercising those things on this earth, but Cathy had an aunt live to 100, and her current oldest aunt is 95, so I have a few examples to follow! I am not to draw back from any task the Lord sets for me, and I am to remember that He sees the end from the beginning; He knows how it all turns out. Accordingly, I am to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him as I focus on daily, faithful obedience.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for how You are working out all the details of my life. May I be anxious about none of it, but rather do everything as a sacrifice of praise and thanks to You, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Slavery; December 6, 2020

Posted on December 9, 2020 by jgarrott

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This passage is fairly well known, being used to encourage all sorts of people, so it is actually rather shocking to realize it is addressed to slaves. This in no way justifies the practice of slavery, but slavery has in fact been endemic throughout human history. What I get from this passage, all the way through 4:1, that addresses people who own slaves, is that no human excuse can stand before God. We are experts at blaming this, that, or the other in our circumstances for how we act, but a correct reading of the Bible blows all that away. Even if we are considered the physical property of another human being, as much of an abomination as that is, we belong first to God, and we are accountable to Him. Accordingly, our lives are to be lived to and for Him, just as Paul says here. Paul uses a slavery analogy extensively in talking about sin and righteousness in Romans 6. It was an image that his readers at the time could understand very well, and it had nothing to do with race, because people of every race at that time were enslaved, quite often by people of their own race. His point there is, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey–whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16) That ties in perfectly with what he says here. When our focus is on Christ and serving Him, then whatever we are called on to do is rewarded by Him, and all excuses evaporate.

I’ve never been in a position of physical slavery, thankfully, but I have known many people who felt trapped in their jobs, slaves in all but name. Perhaps the closest I came was when I was in the Army, when disobedience had swift consequences. At that point I wasn’t walking with the Lord, so I missed many of the benefits I could have gotten, but really, once I was out of training it wasn’t bad. Thankfully I was never sent to a war zone. Still, the idea of absolute obedience is a concept I have in my brain but don’t always live out from my heart. Honestly, I don’t always do everything as unto the Lord, even though I know that is the way of greatest blessing. I complain and grumble about all sorts of things, at least internally, when if Jesus were to appear and tell me to do something I would fall all over myself trying to get it done. I need to remember the truth of what Paul says here all the time, and walk in gratitude that I am given the opportunity to serve my Lord.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Grumbling never improves anything! You have been more than gracious toward me. Help me maintain gratitude at all times, whatever the task at hand, because that is the way of greatest blessing for me and those around me, and glory for You. Thank You. Praise God!

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Rescue; December 5, 2020

Posted on December 9, 2020 by jgarrott

Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Bible tells us many times in many places why Jesus was born on this earth, suffered, died, and rose again, and this is one of those places. We don’t often think in terms of dominions, but they are real nonetheless. (As a side note, it’s interesting that those three words run together have been accepted as a single word for hundreds of years, because they do express a single idea.) To use modern imagery, you could say that Jesus was God’s “seal team,” sent on a mission into enemy territory to rescue those held hostage to sin. His weapons and tactics were very different from a military unit, and they required His ultimate sacrifice, but they were totally effective. The problem is, so many of the hostages have “Stockholm syndrome,” identifying with and acting on the side of their captor. The first step in rescue is for the captives to recognize they have been captured! That’s what evangelism is all about. Most people have some idea that things aren’t right, but apart from the eye-opening work of the Holy Spirit they can’t put their finger on it, much less act to correct it. The job of those who have already accepted their “rescue” is to let others know that it is available, sharing how God intervened in their life so that others too may have the hope of salvation.

I was in the anomalous situation of being raised in a thoroughly Christian home, so I had little understanding of the “dominion of darkness,” particularly in regard to my being imprisoned by it. I loved Jesus, and at age seven I requested and received baptism, in what I think was a genuine commitment. However, after that I wandered off into enemy territory, not understanding the necessity of keeping the lines of communication open to my Commander, the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result I ignored orders, even when I heard and even recognized them, and did damage to myself and others. Now, at 10 times my age when I was baptized, I am still not immune to the tricks and deceptions of the enemy, but I know fully whose side I am on, in which kingdom I am a citizen. I am charged with inviting others to cross over, to come out of the darkness into the light of life, but I can’t force anyone to follow through. Thankfully some do, and I am to train them in the ways of God’s kingdom, since they know essentially nothing about it. In that, I am to be a good and clear example, showing others how to follow Christ by doing so myself. When I slip up, my repentance needs to be instantaneous, knowing that the Holy Spirit in me is far greater than my flesh or the devil. (1 John 4:4) That will keep me available for however my Lord wants to use me.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You that Ann got off safely yesterday, and should be arriving in the US shortly. I pray that her arrival would be smooth and her recovery from jet lag swift. I pray that there would be no barriers to her reentry into her full life there, with family, church, and work. May we all be operating as Your agents doing Your will all the time, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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God’s Supply; December 4, 2020

Posted on December 7, 2020 by jgarrott

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

This verse is widely quoted, with a variety of motives. Sadly, one of those motives is self-centered greed, but it actually doesn’t apply there at all. In context, the Philippian believers were obviously following what Jesus said about seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness in Matthew 6:33, so what He said there about God meeting needs was fully applicable. Paul wasn’t being original here! Another, often overlooked factor is that of what we actually need. A lot of people try to claim this verse in relation to their wants, rather than asking God what their true needs are. God isn’t stingy in the least, but some of the things on our “wish lists,” far from being things we need, would actually be bad for us. We are to rest in the assurance of God’s supply for our needs, but not get grabby about all the things the devil and the world dangle in front of us.

I have used this verse as part of my faith declarations for many years, and I have certainly found it to be true. At the same time, I have had to learn the difference between needs and wants, or even appetites. Just because I want something doesn’t mean that God is in any way obligated to give it to me. There have been moments when it has seemed like God had failed me, but they were simply to test my faith and teach me to place Him first in my heart and mind. I can’t say that I don’t have twinges of wondering where the money is going to come from, but God has given me every reason to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him. I have never had a huge bank balance, but if I did, I’m all too confident my focus on God as my supply would be dulled. I am all too prone to rely on what God has already provided, rather than seek Him each moment for whatever is necessary for what He wants me to do, whether that necessity is money, wisdom, or anything else. Japanese car manufacturers were NOT the ones to come up with the “just in time” supply chain! I am to focus on doing what God tells me, rather than on whatever I think I will get out of that activity. My job is obedience; rewards are His territory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the past three weeks with our younger daughter Ann here. Thank You for bringing everything into line for her return to her family today. I do pray that the bus ride, the flights and the layovers would be as pleasant as possible, and that she would get over jet lag promptly, “hitting the ground running” with her family, her church music ministry on Sunday, and her job from Monday morning. Thank You for her desire to bless her parents, and for the considerable effort and trouble she went to in order to do so. I ask You to reward her abundantly for this in every way, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Knowledge; December 3, 2020

Posted on December 7, 2020 by jgarrott

Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God.

I often quote verse six of this chapter, writing it in the Bibles of new believers and such, but these three verses flesh out what verse six is talking about. This really is the image of a well-rounded believer, someone who knows God and knows about God and lives in accordance with that knowledge. As long as we are in our fleshly bodies on this earth there are limits to how much we can really know of God, as Paul famously wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12, but the challenge isn’t just to know more, it’s to put into practice what we do know. Because of cultural Christianity, very many Americans know the basic facts of the Gospel, but a sadly small number of them have really applied those facts to their own lives and circumstances. Japanese, on the other hand, often know next to nothing of the Gospel, but even when they hear it they have trouble grasping that it applies to them, that they are sinners in need of salvation. Our knowledge of God must translate from our head to our heart. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1) The flip side of that is that love without knowledge can stop with emotion, and emotion is notoriously unreliable. Paul knew that the Philippians loved God, so he wanted their love to be rooted in an accurate understanding of God, enabling them to live lives fully pleasing to God.

This is of course what I desire for those in my care, but it’s not something I can make happen by my own efforts. I’ve got to be active in the process, but I’ve got to be fully yielded to God for Him to do the work through me, if He chooses to use me at all. I’m not to hold anything back, but share the riches of God’s Word in all love and compassion. Even so, I can’t take credit for any successes, because it is only by the Holy Spirit that God’s truth really takes root in people’s hearts. Looking back over my own life, I see that I had spiritual advantages far beyond those enjoyed by most people, but my life has been a textbook illustration of James 1:22. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.” Head knowledge by itself just leads to conceit. I quoted Paul to that effect just above, and my life has been an illustration of that truth. God has had to attack my pride many times and in many ways, and I’m sure He’s not through yet, because I can be very stubborn. However, my desire for myself is identical with my desire for those in my care, and it is just as Paul has written here.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for showing me how this can be a Christmas message. I ask for Your clear guidance and anointing as I prepare the notes, that I may say exactly what You are saying and nothing else, for the blessing of all who hear and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Opposition; December 2, 2020

Posted on December 6, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Paul was literally chained at the time he wrote this, and it wasn’t long after that he was martyred. However, he didn’t request prayer in relation to his discomfort or his danger, but rather that he would have the courage and the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel. That is an example we should all aspire to! Most of our prayer requests tend to be self-centered, all about I-my-me-mine. Paul, in contrast, is focused on “the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” exactly as Jesus told us to be. (Matthew 6:33) There are places in the world today where proclaiming the Gospel is as dangerous as it was for Paul, but those in more tolerant areas tend to forget and/or ignore that fact, if they ever knew it in the first place. America was founded on the idea of religious liberty, but the tide of opposition has certainly been rising. Thankfully, the Supreme Court recently slapped down one politician who was acting against the Church, and looks likely to do more such things, thanks to the recently created majority of justices who take the Constitution at its word. Even so, American Christians tend to be shocked when there is any official opposition to their religion, not to mention their faith, forgetting that people with genuine, Biblical faith have faced intense opposition for the past 2000 years. We need to get past the “best life now” mentality and focus on God being recognized as holy as His kingdom comes through His will being done, not just for us but by us. I’m reminded of John F. Kennedy’s famous words in his inaugural address: “Ask not what you country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Too many Christians are in it strictly for all the benefits, rather than because God is completely worthy of our total devotion and obedience. There are indeed countless benefits to faith in Christ, but if that is our focus, we put ourselves in the category of the shallow, rocky soil or the soil covered with weeds in Jesus’ famous parable. (Luke 8:5-15)

The majority of the opposition I have faced has been disinterest, or twisting my words and intentions. I can’t say I have ever been put into major inconvenience even, much less physical danger, because of my faith. At times I think my faith and obedience are weaker as a result. I subscribe to online newsletters that inform me of the struggles of my brothers and sisters around the world, but I hardly ever do more than pray. However, I do pray, and that’s a blessing. Recently I’ve been praying about the situation in the US, that the blessings of genuine liberty would not be lost, but the situation there doesn’t compare to places in India, Nigeria, and elsewhere, with people being beaten or hacked to death because of their proclamation of the Gospel. America is awash with Bible teaching, much of it very good, when such teaching is literally illegal in some places. Those who have access to the Word need to treasure it, hide it in their hearts, and live it out, and that certainly includes me.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the freedom to believe that I have here in Japan. I pray that I would make full use of it, proclaiming the mystery of the Gospel as Paul did, since I am not chained. May I be fully useful to You in destroying the works of the devil and bringing many people into Your family, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Christian Living; December 1, 2020

Posted on December 6, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 4:1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

I have preached quite a few times on verse one, but I realize right now that the next two verses describe what it looks like to live a life worthy of your calling in Christ. This isn’t talking about achievements, about numbers of converts or anything of the sort. Rather, it is talking about our interactions with others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. The NIV isn’t wrong in saying “live a life,” but the Japanese follows the Greek more literally by saying “walk.” The image of walking is motion; you can’t walk sitting down. We aren’t called to be spiritual couch potatoes, we’re called to keep moving. Sometimes that will look more active and sometimes less, but there is progression; we aren’t sitting still. I like the fact that the Japanese connects verses 2 and 3 as one sentence, because the things mentioned can’t be done in isolation, but are together a picture of those who are called by God and living like it. Looking back over 2000 years of Church history, if everyone had followed this advice we would have not only a different Church, but even a different world than we have today. Humility, patience, unity and love have been sadly lacking all too often. As the Bible points out in many places, our real enemy isn’t anyone we can see with our physical eyes, and when we act like those people are our real enemies, we are losing the fight. Cartoonist Walt Kelly put some profound words into the mouth of his beloved character Pogo: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” We see our own sins and weaknesses reflected in those around us and react against them, failing to “get the beam out of our own eye,” as Jesus put it. (Matthew 7:3-5) Cleaning up our own act requires the humility Paul mentions here, and that is all too often in short supply.

I’ve certainly had my struggles with pride, and I have lived very unworthy of my calling in Christ far more than I like to think about. It does seem that God has made progress in that area in me, but I’m certainly not to a place where I can ignore the issue. My wife tells me I can definitely be less than gentle when correcting others, sometimes over very insignificant things. My perfectionism has literally driven people out of this church, and that is certainly unworthy of the name of Christ. I am indeed to speak the truth, but if I fail to do so in love, the fact that it is true becomes unimportant. Genuine love desires the very best for the one loved, and sometimes that requires very firm correction, but there must be gentleness and respect, and the bond of peace in the Holy Spirit. I’m still learning!

Father, thank You for this Word this morning. Help me indeed live it out, walk it out, making progress with every step, so that as Christ is formed in me, many may be drawn to repentance and faith and fellowship with You and with one another, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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God’s Gifts; November 30, 2020

Posted on December 1, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 3:2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you.

What follows this verse is something that was shocking to Jews and perhaps surprising to Gentiles, that, as it says in verse 6, Gentiles are heirs together with Jews of the promises of God. What jumped out at me about this verse, however, is that the work of communicating this gracious truth was given to Paul for the sake of his readers. This is something that has come to me again and again as I have read the Bible: God’s gifts, whether they be material or spiritual, are never just for the immediate recipient. Paul was given a revelation and the job of communicating it, not just for his own sake but for the sake of those who received his message. He too benefited greatly, receiving purpose and direction for his life, which many desire and can’t seem to find. However, he was not the end recipient. I am reminded of musical gifting. I know from experience that such gifts are of great pleasure and satisfaction to the immediate recipient, but if others never get to hear the music, the whole process is stunted. We often get very confused, even deceived, about this. We think, “This is mine, it was given to me,” and fail to receive the fuller blessing of sharing whatever it is with others. That’s particularly true of material blessings, but it can trip us up in any area. God loves us individually and immensely, but (or and) He desires to bless others through us. The more we allow His blessings to flow through us, the more of them we receive. The more we cling to them as ours, the less good they do us, not to mention anyone else.

This is something I have grown to understand, but I can’t really say when it started to get through to me. I have been blessed with a wide variety of gifts. Some of them I have exercised for the benefit of others, and they have grown. Some I have largely neglected, and they have withered. I have long delighted in my daily devotional times with the Lord, but I feel even they have gotten deeper since I started sharing the results with others through my blog. Even the good health and healing God has provided are to enable me to be active in ministry of all sorts. Going even further, the trials God allows me to experience aren’t just to grow and strengthen me, they are to equip and enable me to comfort and strengthen others as they go through similar circumstances. (2 Corinthians 1:4) God is both intensely personal and totally general. Since we can’t be that way naturally, we have trouble grasping that God is like that. Since I’ve been given that understanding, I need to share it!

Father, thank You indeed for this Word. I pray that I would indeed be effective in sharing it, not just through the blog but in many other ways as well, so that Your children may grow as instruments of Your grace, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Purpose; November 29, 2020

Posted on December 1, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I couldn’t begin to count all the people I’ve dealt with who have worried over what their purpose was in life. Rick Warren famously wrote The Purpose Driven Life, and that has helped a lot of people. The most basic fact is that we were indeed created for a purpose, and when we have that awareness, all sorts of thing fall into place. One issue is that we often confuse purpose and goal, and once we achieve a major goal we feel we have no more purpose. That is often true for young people, who drive toward the goal of getting into a school of their choice and then graduating from it, but once they have done that they have no idea what to do. Paul clears that all up by pointing out that we didn’t create ourselves, and that our Maker didn’t bring us into the world on a casual whim; He had a purpose for each individual. Our most basic purpose is to be God’s children, living in fellowship with Him, but that can seem too general, too vague, for a lot of people. Paul says explicitly that God has work for us to do, and He already has our jobs laid out. One thing we need to remember is that those jobs aren’t necessarily “done and over,” something to be checked off. The NIV says “do good works,” but the Japanese says “walk in good works.” In other words, it is a continuing process. If we understand that, a lot of our tension about what we’re “getting done” should go away. As more than one philosopher has said, it isn’t the destination, it’s the journey. God indeed gives us specific tasks along the way, and getting them done can feel very good indeed, but any specific task is never the end of the story. We should always be looking forward to the next task in the process of becoming like our Lord Jesus. (Romans 8:29)

I don’t think I’ve ever been a “type A personality,” but it still makes a big difference to me to have a sense of purpose. With our younger daughter here for a visit, I’m very aware of the blessing children are to parents, whether either are aware of it or not. This daughter describes herself as “type A,” and feels driven to accomplish things. Coupled with an abundant skill set, that has made her very successful. Thankfully, she also recognizes that her most fundamental purpose is intimacy with God, and she makes that a high priority. She can make me feel lazy by comparison! At the same time, I am very aware that God has different “works” prepared for each person, and taking another person’s tasks on yourself (without God’s direction) is a terrible mistake. I am at an age where most people retire, but I am very aware that the fact I am still on this earth in this body means that God still has things for me to do. I’m to be active in my obedience, whatever that may mean, until He calls me home. That is purpose enough, and as He has told me, I’m to rest, relax, and rejoice in that awareness.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for what You enabled me to do yesterday, and for the first 8 hour night’s sleep in quite a while. I ask Your guidance and anointing for every moment of today, that I may recognize what You have for me to do and do it with joy, in Your strength for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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