Confidence; September 2, 2024

Posted on September 3, 2024 by jgarrott

Hebrews 10:35-36 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

It has been said many times, but the race we are in isn’t a dash, but a marathon. Even though a human lifespan is hardly a blink in eternity, the flow of time can feel unbearably slow to us in the middle of it. This is all part of God’s training for us, to prepare us to live with Him in eternity. One thing we have in common with the devil is that we have an “expiration date,” whereas God doesn’t. It is part of God’s grace and blessing toward us that He gives us interesting and pleasant things from time to time along the way. Yes, we do have troubles, (John 16:33) but they are never the final answer. The devil wants to overwhelm us with despair, since he himself has no hope of eternity at all, but we are told to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. (James 4:7) The thing is, the confidence mentioned here isn’t self-confidence, it is the assurance that, as Paul said, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Our confidence isn’t in ourselves, but in God. That’s why it has such a great reward!

This is a very timely Word to me, because recent events have made me pretty tired of all this hassle. However, giving up is certainly not the answer, because the Lord obviously has things left for me to do, and I know I will be greatly blessed in the doing of them. Today has a delightfully free schedule, but tomorrow has three distinct opportunities to bless people as God’s agent, and I certainly don’t want to miss them. Each day afterward likewise has appointments I know about, and I’m sure, some I don’t know about. I am to receive each day as a gift from God’s hand, as an opportunity to be an instrument of His will and a time to delight in being His child. I preached on that last part just yesterday! It’s been many years now since He told me to rest, relax, and rejoice. It’s a sign of my weakness that I have to be reminded of that! God has been more than gracious in pouring His truth into and through me. I just need to appropriate and apply it!

Father, thank You for this timely reminder. Thank You for Your plan, Your schedule for my life. Help me not rebel against that in any way, but rather allow You to carry me along by Your Spirit, as a blessing and inspiration to those around me, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Receiving Grace; September 1, 2024

Posted on September 2, 2024 by jgarrott

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

This whole chapter is very good, but the section from verse 12 on is so rich I wanted to write on all of it! This verse expresses what should be the result of our grasping the truths of the previous verses. It does no good to know truth simply as abstract fact without applying it, acting on it. If we understand that the Bible is God’s living and active Word to us, and that Jesus is the ultimate high priest who has been through everything we have and overcome, then we will indeed come boldly before God’s throne, welcoming all that He wants to do in and through us. There can be no pretensions here, because as 12-13 says, God knows everything anyway. Defending ourselves against God is useless, but confession and faith reap rich rewards.

This is particularly meaningful to me at the moment, because I have just come under accusation. Several months ago I was unwisely (as it turns out) open and frank with a less-than-mature believer about my own weaknesses. I recently offended him, and he has told his wife about what I confessed to him, and they have pulled their family out of the church, writing letters to Cathy and me about their decision. To say that is painful is an understatement! However, I need to let it drive me to a deeper awareness of Jesus as my great high priest who knows all about my weaknesses and loves me anyway, and therefore come boldly to Him, releasing all my circumstances into His hands for Him to turn them around for good, even if I can’t see what good could come of them. That’s what faith is all about. I’m back to James 1:22, needing to apply the truth I know and not deceive myself by just agreeing to it in my head.

Father, thank You for this very timely reminder. Thank You for the song You had me choose to use in Children’s Church this month: Jesus Loves Even Me. Help me rest, relax, and rejoice in that assurance, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Temptation; August 31, 2024

Posted on September 1, 2024 by jgarrott

Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

This verse keeps popping up, but we still don’t like to think of Jesus being tempted. In that, we deny His full humanity. If He weren’t genuinely tempted, how could He genuinely take the penalty of those who yield to temptation? Jesus was tempted not only sexually, but also tempted to lie, to hate, to grumble, to gluttony, to be disobedient to His parents, and the list goes on. There is no temptation we face that He cannot say, “I know how that feels.” He wasn’t faced with the constant onslaught of pornography we encounter today, because none of the media by which it is presented to us had been invented, but I’m sure there where good-looking girls who made their availability known to him, and what goes on internally is the real issue, as He Himself said. (Matthew 5:28, 15:19) Jesus didn’t just conquer death, He conquered temptation. Death was a one-time thing, but He had to deal with temptation for over 30 years! That’s why Paul could confidently assert, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Some translations render “a way out” as, “a way of escape.” We need to remember that temptations are attacks from the enemy of our soul, and treat them accordingly. As James famously said, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) The first step in resisting temptation is submission to God! One of Jesus’ most fundamental characteristics was that He was totally submitted to His Father. That’s how He could overcome temptation, and it’s how we can as well.

I have a 75-year track record of yielding to temptation! I certainly can’t say I’m proud of it, but I can’t deny it, either. I know how tasty the temptation itself can seem! That’s why I’ve got to be active in my submission to God. Some temptations fade with age, but most do not. The temptation to self-justification, to putting other people down, can get stronger with age! I’ve got to remember that anything that is out of character for God is sin for me, and stay fully submitted to Him. I can’t possibly do that without His help, so that’s why this verse is so important. I’m never to think He’s left me to deal with this stuff alone! At the same time, everyone around me is likewise tempted, so I’m to be understanding and gentle with them, without compromising. Forgiving isn’t the same as excusing! I am to help people understand their sins, that they are sins, while at the same time imparting the grace and mercy of God. None of us can stand apart from the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. It’s something that needs to be proclaimed. You’ve already given me the message for tomorrow, so help me know when and how to share this one, so that Your children may be strengthened in their discipleship, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Salvation and Good Works; August 30, 2024

Posted on August 31, 2024 by jgarrott

Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

The “saying” Paul is referring to is the beautiful exposition he has just given in verses 3-7 of God’s plan of salvation. We should always have assurance of that and proclaim it boldly. It is important to note that this verse agrees completely with James, by saying that those who have believed in Christ should apply themselves to good works. Of course, Paul said that expressly in Ephesians 2:10, but sometimes we tend to take God’s grace for granted, and fail to respond in obedience. We are indeed saved by grace through faith, as Ephesians 2:8 proclaims, but we aren’t to be a “believing bump on the log.” Rather, we are to be active in doing the good things that become possible because of our faith. We can’t save ourselves, no matter how hard we try, but when we accept God’s salvation by faith, He wants us to apply it in our daily living. As has been said, if you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? I would hope so, but for a sad number of church members, that seems questionable. There are certainly people, like the repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus, who have no opportunity for good works once they have made the commitment that brings salvation, but they are in the small minority. The rest of us need to greet each new day with the prayer, “What do You want me to do today?” When we do that, and are careful to be obedient to what He shows us, then we will bear the abundant fruit that God desires of us. (John 15:8)

I have baptized people literally on their deathbed, but I also know that most of us tend to take our salvation for granted. I thought I was the finest of Christians at a point when God practically had to hold His nose to be around me! I know that “good works” cover an enormous spectrum, from simply smiling at someone all the way to martyrdom, and I also know that no good work is without reward. (1 Corinthians 3:8 and others) I am never to think that my obedience to God is useless, because it impacts those around me and it changes me in the doing of it. As a pastor, I am to encourage the believers to be active in their faith, neither “coasting” nor frantic, grateful for the opportunity to be obedient to their heavenly Father. For myself, I am never to think I can retire from serving my Lord, however He might change my immediate job description. Serving God is a privilege that cannot be overstated, and I am to rejoice in it.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for yesterday and all it held. Thank You that the typhoon went on with no damage to us. I do pray for those who were adversely affected. Thank You for all that You have planned for today. May I recognize each thing in turn and do it with joy and enthusiasm, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Triumph; August 29, 2024

Posted on August 30, 2024 by jgarrott

2 Timothy 1:12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

This is perhaps the most dearly loved verse in a dearly loved chapter, and I delight to write on it, but it struck me as I was reading just now that this is a milder, gentler Paul than we see in some of his earlier letters. Academic consensus seems to be that this is the last of Paul’s letters that we have recorded, and he was very aware of his impending martyrdom, as 4:6-8 makes very clear. That made him all the more concerned for those who would carry on the work after him, and specifically for Timothy, who was perhaps his closest spiritual son. In this verse, the ESV deviates from the traditional translation by saying, “what has been entrusted to me,” but the Japanese sticks with “what I have entrusted.” On the one hand, all of Paul’s trials should dispose of “triumphalism,” but on the other hand, many of the passages that are used to back up triumphalism come from Paul’s own letters! We come back to what he wrote to the Corinthians: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Our ultimate triumph comes not in this life but in the next, when God shows us all that He has accomplished in and through us. As Paul says here, all the mess we go through is nothing to be ashamed of, because we can have assurance that “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I am reminded of the story of the missionary family in China that was captured by a local warlord and were being threatened with death for the sake of ransom, since foreigners were seen as wealthy. The adults were cowed, since they knew they had no money, but their young daughter stood up boldly and took the warlord to task, calling his actions as despicable as they truly were and proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ, saying that death held no terrors for them because they knew the Lord of eternal life. The warlord, either in reaction or because he was simply unmoved, had them all killed anyway. We know this story because one of the warlord’s henchmen was so moved by the little girl’s words that he later sought out Christians and was gloriously saved, serving God faithfully until his own death. We need to remember that events in this life are never the end of the story, because we all have to stand before a perfectly holy, just, and gracious God. For those who have entrusted themselves to Jesus Christ, that is a glorious prospect!

As I have written before, I don’t feel like I have had to suffer particularly for the Gospel. There are those who, knowing my story, might differ on that point, but I know of too many saints who have been faithful in severe suffering to complain about my own situation.  I have the same hope they do, and it indeed makes my trials seem light and momentary, just as Paul wrote to the Corinthians. As I write this right now, we are in the middle of a typhoon that isn’t supposed to peak for us for another several hours. I’m frankly unconcerned. I’ve been through some pretty big storms in the past, and God has shown Himself faithful. However, there are members of this church who are in fear because of this storm, and I pray for them, that they may understand how temporary all of this is. I do pray for minimal damage across the nation, but I know from experience that even storm damage can be turned around by God for blessing.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for this storm. Thank You that the peak is supposed to be in daylight, and also that we weren’t particularly aware of it as we slept last night. I do pray that all of Your purposes in allowing this storm would be fulfilled, resulting in people turning to You for their help and salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Doxology; August 28, 2024

Posted on August 29, 2024 by jgarrott

1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

It is interesting to note the various times in his letters Paul interrupts what he is saying to give a paean of praise to God. This is called a doxology, and like benedictions, we have formalized and liturgized them, to our loss, I think. The doxologies we sing in church are great, but when they become habit, pro forma, they lose their meaning. Thankfully, some of them are powerful enough that they can stir our hearts even in liturgical use, and this is one of those. Paul has just been talking about how far he was from God, even though he had good intentions, and how God chose to save and use him in spite of himself. That awareness overwhelms him, and he breaks into this doxology. The musical arrangement of it I’m most familiar with is modern, and I haven’t heard it used in “traditional” church services, but it certainly implants it in the mind and heart! We too need to be so aware of God’s love and grace that appreciation for it interrupts our train of thought. After all, praise and worship will be our major occupation in heaven, whatever else we might be doing!

Growing up in a musical, believing family, sung doxologies and, for that matter, benedictions, are very much part of who I am. However, I must not let the music take precedence over the content and intent of the lyrics. Frankly, times of being overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God haven’t been that frequent in my life. I need more of them! Yesterday I was deeply blessed to hear noise outside and discover that one of our church members had showed up with his weed eater and had gotten to work, entirely on his own. That caused me to praise God, not simply for the actual work done but because of the commitment and spiritual growth it demonstrated in that believer. I’m sure it was an excellent experience for his younger-teenage son, whom he brought along to help out. God is very much at work in this church! I didn’t think of it as a “doxology” at the time, but I did express my gratitude to God as I was talking with my wife. I should not hesitate to praise God in the presence and hearing of others, because that gives Him glory and draws them to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for continuing to grow me, to form me into the son and servant You desire. May I cooperate with that fully, so that Your will may be done in and through me for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Fathers and Sons; August 27, 2024

Posted on August 28, 2024 by jgarrott

1 Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

On the one hand, this seems like a very formal salutation to be addressed to someone who was Paul’s “true son,” but on the other hand, it shows that Paul was always Paul, not showing a different persona depending on the circumstances. Paul and Timothy’s relationship is a very moving part of the New Testament story. Timothy’s Greek father does not seem to have been a believer, and may well have been out of the picture by the time Paul met the family, but he was raised to know God by his mother and grandmother. (2 Timothy 1:5) They obviously trusted Paul with him completely, as shown by the fact that Paul circumcised him. (Acts 16:3) As I learned only recently, Jewish lineage is counted through the mother, so Timothy was technically Jewish. That Paul was a father-figure to Timothy is undeniable, fully justifying Paul’s terminology of “true child.” As many adopted families can testify, such relationships aren’t necessarily dictated by genetics! A genuine father will invest himself in his son in many ways, quite apart from genetics, and a genuine son will respond to that, likewise in many ways. All of this comes back to God as our heavenly Father. He has invested Himself in us in countless ways, starting from creation itself and culminating in the gift of Christ on the cross, taking the penalty for our sins, and cementing it all with the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is His presence with us constantly. How much we live as His children depends on how we respond to Him and all He has done for us. Timothy, in all his weaknesses, is a good example for us, because we too struggle with various weaknesses, but he eventually fully discharged all that was entrusted to him, and by God’s grace we can do likewise.

I well remember the emotional blow it was to me when I realized I would never have any genetic sons. I loved my daughters, but as a man, I wanted a son! However, the Lord has given me multiple sons in the faith, and I am deeply grateful. Two in particular stand out in my mind and heart, and interestingly, they share the same given name! One has wandered far, and may even have wandered from the faith, but I have no connection with him at this point to know. The other, though geographically removed, continues to grow in faith and is seeking to raise his genetic son as a believer. There are various others with a somewhat weaker connection, but I think they still count me as a father in the faith. The Lord may well give me more such sons, but that’s His business. My point it to be faithful in exercising the authority and love He has given me to build them up and draw them to Him, for their blessing and His glory.

Father, thank You for my genetic children and my spiritual children. May I be the father You want me to be, always pointing them to You, so that Your family may be as You desire, establishing Your kingdom for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faith and Prayer; August 26, 2024

Posted on August 27, 2024 by jgarrott

Philippians 2:27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

This verse pretty well disposes of those who claim that prayer should be something like a vending machine, that if you have the right amount of faith you always get the desired result. An incorrect reading of passages like Matthew 17:20 and 21:21 could give that impression, but it’s always more nuanced than that. For one thing, we aren’t designed to live forever in these bodies! For another, not all of the things we pray for are God’s best for us. Paul was certainly a man of faith, and even “extraordinary miracles” (Acts 19:11) were noted, but here he was concerned that a dear fellow-worker would die of disease! This is what faith is all about: trusting God even when it isn’t simple or easy. We’ve got to discard the idea that we can dictate to God, while at the same time knowing that He can and often does respond to His children in ways that the world cannot explain. This way results in much more spiritual growth, and God wants mature children!

This is something I’ve certainly dealt with a great deal. I have seen a few physical miracles, though not many, but I have certainly seen changed people and circumstances, and those are no less miraculous. I have heard my Lord speak to me, occasionally in ways that seemed audible, but frequently in my heart and mind. I have seen Him act when I have spoken His will, and yet I have also seen nothing happen (apparently) when I have prayed. Actually, it’s never true that nothing happens, because the act of prayer changes me, and sometimes that’s the most important outcome. The more I exercise the faith I have been given, the more that faith grows, even when the immediate result isn’t what I was desiring. After all, someone working out in a gym isn’t “doing useful work,” but they are being built up so that when the need comes, they will be able to meet it. I am not to resent the spiritual “crunches” and “dead lifts” God brings my way, but rather rejoice that He cares enough about me to train me for His service.

Father, this is indeed a mystery from the human standpoint, but Your plans are perfect. Help me keep growing in trusting and obeying You, whatever the immediate results seem to be, so that I may indeed be the child and servant that You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faith and Works; August 25, 2024

Posted on August 26, 2024 by jgarrott

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

This is an extremely familiar passage, but it spoke to me because just a couple of days ago I watched a video of Dennis Prager answering a question about the difference between Judaism and Christianity. He is a devout Jew, but is very friendly toward and appreciative of Christians, and he said that a fundamental difference is that Judaism is works based and Christianity is faith based. I had never heard it explained that way before, and it really got me thinking. As a Christian, of course, I find the good works of devout Jews very admirable, but insufficient for sinful man to be accepted by a perfectly holy God. Conversely, as James explains in his letter, faith isn’t to be seen as a “get out of jail free card.” Genuine faith works. As Jesus said, if we love Him we will obey Him. (John 14:15) Dennis said that in his devout upbringing, very little was said about the Messiah, and he finds a real disconnect between the Jewish expectations of the Messiah and the idea that Jesus was that Messiah, already come 2000 years ago. Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled all the good works required by the Law of Moses and that His righteousness is imparted to us by faith, since we couldn’t fulfill the law perfectly on our own anyway. Christians are to proclaim the glorious reality in these two verses, and at the same time not forget the next verse, which says that we are created for good works that God has prepared for us to do. Faith in no way excuses us from obedient action.

This is something I have struggled with all my life. I have had the facts in my head for as long as I can remember, but the level of my obedience, my “works,” is a different matter. At this point in my life, I occasionally wonder just how many more good works God has prepared for me to do! Sometimes the frustrations of this life seem overwhelming, but the Lord has spoken to that over the past few days. I am to rejoice to know the truth and walk in that freedom, delighting to fellowship with my Lord, seeking to hear and obey Him consistently and constantly. My own strength and wisdom aren’t up to the task, but He provides all I need. (James 1:5) I am to be the channel of blessing that He wants me to be, just as He wants me speaking about in the service this morning.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Today promises to be very busy, with a large group expected in the service and then the Coaching seminar this afternoon. I ask Your peace for Cathy and me, since neither of us are happy with crowds at this point. Help us indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You throughout this day, so that we won’t get in the way of what You are doing but rather give You glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Harvest; August 24, 2024

Posted on August 25, 2024 by jgarrott

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Every Christian worker – indeed, ever believer – needs this exhortation from time to time. The harvest can seem like a very long time coming, and indeed, we might not see it in the flesh. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) I’m sure Paul himself needed to be reminded of this occasionally! It is only natural to desire, need, feedback from our activities, and sometimes that can feel pretty scarce. Continuing yesterday’s theme, harvest can seem like a long time off when we’re in the middle of plowing, planting, and weeding. We need to remember what the Lord told Isaiah: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11) As the Bible illustrates time and time again, sometimes that fulfillment is many years later, even centuries or more. Isaiah himself had no idea when his many prophesies of the Messiah would be fulfilled, and tradition tells us he was sawed in two on the order of a resentful king, but the harvest did indeed come, and I have a feeling God let him see it from heaven. As this verse tells us, giving up should never be an option!

This is certainly appropriate for me! My parents labored in Japan from 90 years ago, and I’m not through yet. I hope to see the centennial of my father’s arrival, which will come in 2034. My parents did see harvest, but not on the scale for which they prayed. My mother told me that on one occasion my father prostrated himself on the floor and cried out, “God, if I am standing in the way of revival in Japan, then take me out of the way!” As a new missionary he had visited Shantung, China, and so had seen what genuine revival looked like. He was invited, encouraged, to stay in China to participate in that harvest, but he knew his assignment was Japan. I have been in Omura for what will be fully 43 years next month, and we still run less than 20 people for most Sunday services. However, several full-time ministers have been birthed from this church, and I am grateful. I don’t know what the Lord has planned for the years ahead, but I can have peace and assurance that every word God has spoken through me will accomplish that for which He sent it, even if I don’t personally see that result. God is faithful, and that’s the end of the story.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You’ve been doing recently that I’ve been aware of. I’m sure there’s been much more that I haven’t been aware of! Thank You for the Coaching seminar that will be here tomorrow afternoon. I ask for wisdom in our preparations today, so that nothing will interfere with what You want to do, building up the Body of Christ for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment