July 9, 2012

Posted on July 12, 2012 by jgarrott

Ephesians 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

This is a vitally important understanding of the natural state of human beings, and yet many people reject it out of hand. They refuse to admit, sometimes vehemently, that “doing what comes naturally” makes them objects of God’s wrath. It strikes me that this verse has a pretty good definition of a common Japanese term that doesn’t have a direct English equivalent, and that is “wagamama.” When forced to translate it, I generally say something like “selfish” or “self-centered,” but those terms aren’t exactly it. This verse says, “doing whatever the flesh and heart desire,” and that comes very close. Perhaps the closest English equivalent would be “spoiled,” as in a spoiled child. Many people would consider wagamama (doing whatever the flesh and heart desire) to be the ideal lifestyle! Many wealthy celebrities attempt to live exactly like that, and the tabloids are filled with the stories of how they crash and burn. As I frequently tell people in counseling situations of all sorts, wagamama can never lead to true happiness; at best it can only give temporary enjoyment. That’s because at its core, wagamama ignores God, which also involves ignoring the needs and desires of everyone else. As this verse says, we are born with a strong tendency toward wagamama, and true happiness, not to mention eternal life, comes only with overcoming that by the grace of God through faith, as Paul goes on to say immediately after this verse.

It’s interesting that I had never noticed before that this verse has a good definition of wagamama, as familiar as I am with Ephesians and as often as I talk with people about wagamama. Maybe that’s because I do most of my counseling in Japanese, and there’s no need to define a word that everyone understands! I have the same tendency innate in me, so I have no cause to look down on anyone. However, by the grace of God I have realized that wagamama could be said to be the very definition of the “wide gate that leads to destruction” that Jesus talked about. (Matthew 7:13-14) As a counselor I seek to help people understand how it destroys their happiness, and as a pastor I seek to help people understand how it destroys their eternal souls. I cannot accomplish that without the help of the Holy Spirit, so I must be active in my dependence on Him. At the same time, I must be on my guard against wagamama in myself, placing Christ first in my thoughts and actions. His blessings are deep, rich, and satisfying, not to mention eternal, so letting go of the desires of my flesh is no sacrifice in comparison.

Father, thank You for this genuinely new insight. Help me make good use of it! I do have occasion to minister to people in English, and this will be very helpful in that. Enable me to help people understand that the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is a far better alternative to wagamama, and that it is available to them in Christ Jesus. Thank You. Praise God!

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July 8, 2012

Posted on July 12, 2012 by jgarrott

Ephesians 1:18-19 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength.

The Greek in Paul’s very long sentences is sometimes hard to divide reasonably in translation, which is why different languages will sometimes divide verses differently. However, the magnificent truths that Paul was communicating are so interconnected that this difficulty is certainly understandable. As this passage indicates, we can’t begin to grasp them all without the help of God! As a matter of fact, if we aren’t allowing God to continually give us more insight, we are all too prone to take what we already know for granted, and fail to be properly grateful, much less make proper use of all that God has given us. However, since God and His grace are infinite, if we do have that attitude of always being open for more, then there is no limit to what God will pour out onto, into, and through us. There is one caveat here: we must never think that what God pours out is for us alone. We receive and are blessed by it, certainly, but it is never to stop with us; we are to transmit it in turn to others. This applies whether it is material blessings (we’re familiar with the idea of sharing those) or spiritual understanding. God is incredibly generous in both areas, but if we are stingy, we will discover that the supply seems to dry up.

I’ve never had an overwhelming supply of the material, but God has been more than gracious in spiritual blessings toward me. I keep talking about my heritage that comes from being a fourth generation preacher, and each of the preceding generations was true to God and His Word. That’s certainly not something I ever worked for or earned! Having been raised in that environment, however, I have the strong tendency to take spiritual knowledge and insight for granted, and that benefits neither me nor anyone to whom I minister. I need to let God open my eyes to understand not only the truths of His Word, but also how to share those truths effectively with those who don’t have the background for understanding them that I do. I often find myself feeling like it says in Hebrews 5:11-14, having to pre-chew everything before people can receive it. However, I’m not to resent that, but extend to others the grace that has been poured out on me, recognizing that the ground is indeed level at the foot of the cross, and rejoicing to be useful to God in drawing others closer to Him.

Father, thank You for the Word You’ve given me for this morning. It seems incredibly basic, but we all need our foundations patched and extended sometimes. Thank You for the “repair work” You allowed me to do with the sister who came by yesterday. May I be a fully willing and available workman so that Christ may build His Church, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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July 7, 2012

Posted on July 7, 2012 by jgarrott

Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.

Once you start reading the Bible, particularly the New Testament, with the idea of “faith” on your mind, there is no limit to how much and how often it will come up. As was pointed out to me by the missionary who was instrumental in my receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, once you get beyond common grace, everything we receive from God is by faith. (Common grace is a term used to describe the fact that God gives us all life itself, and many blessings besides. Jesus expressed it as, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45) One thing that is remarkable about this passage is that it directly connects the Holy Spirit with the Gospel of salvation. There are those who strongly try to disconnect those two, mostly because they are against particular manifestations or gifts of the Holy Spirit, but the Bible is pretty clear that there is no salvation without the work of the Holy Spirit. That’s not at all to say that you must have a particular gift as proof of salvation; 1 Corinthians 12 pretty well demolishes that argument. However, believers need to be taught to expect the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. After all, He is the one who convicts of sin, which is necessary for salvation in the first place. (John 16:8) Being aware of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives an assurance of salvation that can be had no other way, because as this passage declares, He is the proof of our inheritance.

As a pastor, I certainly seek to help the believers understand that the Holy Spirit dwells in them (Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16) so that they will make themselves available to Him. There is no greater joy, thrill, really, than being aware of being used as an instrument of God by His Spirit. That’s why people who have received speaking gifts like tongues and prophecy sometimes can’t seem to shut up! However, we’ve got to remember that any gift is given for the common good, (1 Corinthians 12:7) and not simply to pump up the direct recipient. In my experience it is a greater problem that so many believers have no expectation of God ever using them in any way. That’s a real tragedy! They expect God to use me, because I’m a pastor, but they have trouble grasping that God wants to use them just as much as He does me. I need to pray and teach so that the eyes of their hearts may be opened so that they will understand what they have been given and act accordingly, for God’s glory, just as this passage says.

Father, Your Word is so rich, and there is so much I want to impart to the believers! Keep me from trying to do that in my own wisdom and strength, which are totally inadequate, but keep me available to You so that You may use me for that purpose. Thank You for the message You’ve given me for this next Sunday. May I be totally sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit so that You may speak through me to impart faith indeed, raising us up as a body of believers who will be all that You desire and intend, drawing many into Your kingdom for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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July 6, 2012

Posted on July 7, 2012 by jgarrott

Galatians 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

We are again back to the matter of faith. This verse is exactly what John wrote about in John 1:12-13: “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John again wrote in 1 John 3:1 about what a mind-boggling thing it is that God should accept us as His children, and He puts it all on the basis of faith. Accordingly, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of faith. Life for a believer is a process of learning to live out what we believe, to live appropriately as a child of God, but whether we are a child or not is entirely dependent on faith, by the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8-10) As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, God does have work for us to do as His children, but our being children doesn’t depend on the work we do. Jesus said specifically that our most important job is simply to believe. (John 6:29)

This is all so important, and so simple, and yet so hard for people to grasp! I am certainly not proud of my slip-ups, yet they make me no less a child of God, any more than occasional disobedience made me not a child of my physical parents. God’s grace is no excuse for sin, but it allows us to repent and be forgiven. (Romans 6:2, 1 John 1:9) This whole issue is so fundamental that I could go on quoting Scriptures that talk about it for hours! That’s why it’s so very frustrating when people refuse to receive the gift of faith God offers them, or they refuse to exercise the faith they have already been given. I am no proponent of “Easy Believism,” or as my grandfather called it, “Into Bliss and out of Blister,” because genuine faith bears fruit. However, I see so many people trying to earn God’s love, and it breaks my heart, as I’m sure it does His. People see my life now and think I’m a saint, yet I am no more a child of God now that I was when I wasn’t acting like one, even though I believed in Him. I’m back to the awareness that new converts are the most convincing evangelists! It’s like Evie’s song says, “Born again; there’s really been a change in me.” People don’t know how much I’ve changed, so they don’t know that they too can change, if they will only accept what God has done for them in Christ. I’m back to depending on the Holy Spirit to implant faith and work that change in their hearts. It’s for sure I can’t do that on my own!

Father, thank You for this further word. Thank You for making it clear to me that I’m to speak on “Believing” Sunday. I really could take the entire Bible as my text, but that would be counter-productive for sure! I ask for clear guidance as I chose those texts You want used for this occasion, so that the message won’t be a club, hitting people over the head, but the sword of Your Spirit, piercing to where they are bound and cutting them free. May we be a believing church indeed, living fully as Your children, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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July 5, 2012

Posted on July 5, 2012 by jgarrott

Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

As came out in yesterday’s reading, the letter to the Galatians really is all about faith. Because we don’t see God with our physical eyes, our every interaction with Him involves faith. As Hebrews 11:1 famously declares, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Many people have a lot of trouble with that, because their life circumstances have taught them not to trust anything they don’t have in their hands. The irony of that is that everything we can hold in our hands is temporal, which is to say, temporary, because this earth is going to pass away, and however far that might be in the future, we certainly aren’t going to stick around forever ourselves! Eternal life cannot be “scientifically” proven to exist, but it certainly can’t be disproved, either. Human beings are born trusting, and it is only over time that we learn to doubt. That’s why Jesus stressed that we must be as children to enter the kingdom of heaven, (Matthew 18:3, etc.) and why it is so terrible to destroy the trusting nature of a child. (Matthew 18:6) This again is why it’s so much easier for a person to be saved as a child than later in their life. There are exceptions certainly, like the couple in their 70’s that I baptized last year, but it is so much easier to gain a genuine relationship with God as a child. That’s why nations like China forbid the “religious instruction” of children: they know the Bible is correct when it says “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) That’s also why many people are so adamant that “creation science” NOT be taught in schools in the US: the theory of evolution is fundamentally atheistic, and they don’t want anything that would make them accountable to a Creator.

I had the incredible blessing of being raised in a strongly Bible-believing home, but the vast majority of the people I deal with don’t have that advantage. I am not to put them down, much less look down on them, for that, but allow the Holy Spirit to use me as a tool to impart faith to them. By the grace of God, even the oldest adult can be born again as a little child in God’s family, and I am to strive for as many as possible to gain that blessing. The thing of it is, it’s not just salvation that we gain by faith, (Romans 8:32) and that’s something we all need to understand better. God doesn’t spoil us, and He’s more interested in our character than our comfort, but there is absolutely nothing that we genuinely need that He cannot and will not provide for us. I can’t convince people of that with words, so I need to pray that they eyes of their hearts will be opened, just as Paul did. (Ephesians 1:18)

Father, once again I am confronted with the reality that the task is completely beyond me, but You supply all I need there, too. Help me be faithful to recognize and apply Your supply to each situation, so that many may be brought not just to eternal life, but also to the joy, peace, and liberty of a vital, trusting relationship with You, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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July 4, 2012

Posted on July 4, 2012 by jgarrott

Galatians 3:9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Galatians is often thought of as a letter about legalism, but it is actually about faith, in contrast to legalism and any other form of humanistic endeavor. It is interesting that we have such trouble with faith. The whole Bible is actually a record of faith, and the trust and obedience that go along with it, in contrast to all the other options. Even before Abraham, who is referenced here, Adam and Eve were tempted to doubt that what God had said to them was true, and they believed the lie of the devil instead. People today dress the lies of the devil up in all sorts of disguises – science, logic, realism, humanism, as well as legalism – but they all boil down to saying that God can’t be trusted. If we want the blessings of Abraham, not to mention eternal life in Christ Jesus, we’ve got to recognize the lies for what they are and choose to trust God. I am sometimes amazed, as well as grieved, at the mental contortions people go through to not believe God. Saving faith is indeed a gift, but God offers it freely, and yet so many refuse it. Not only that, many people who accept saving faith then try to add all sorts of other things to it, just as the Galatian believers were trying to add legalism. That never turns out well! It’s not at all that we aren’t to use our minds, or that we aren’t to be wise and discerning, but that we need to be sure that nothing gets in the way of what God has said and is saying to us. When that is our fundamental position, there is no limit to what God can and will do in, for, and through us.

That’s a lot more than I expected to get out of that one verse! I believe God, and yet I have to say, along with the father of the epileptic boy, “Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) I cannot force anyone to believe, however much I might like to sometimes. I can only pray for them and allow God to speak His truth to them through me. I must be careful always to speak in love, and never to talk down to anyone. When God has been so gracious to me, how can I fail to be gracious to others? I need to help people understand that faith is indeed a gift, and they only have to choose to receive it. I remember a Christian sister who, before her salvation, couldn’t understand how someone could say (at their baptism) that they believed Jesus died for them and rose on the third day, but after she had an encounter with Christ in her heart, she suddenly discovered she believed it completely. As a pastor, I need to help those who have made that step to continue on and receive and exercise faith for every facet of life, because only then will we be in the full flow of all God intends for us.

Father, this is a clear, strong Word. Help me know when and how to communicate it to the believers, so that we may walk in all that You desire and intend for us, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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July 3, 2012

Posted on July 3, 2012 by jgarrott

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I almost didn’t write on this verse because it is so famous, but it is vitally important. Any Christian who allows the truth of this verse to sink into their heart and mind will discover resources for life that they couldn’t have imagined otherwise. If we insist on keeping our old self on life support, we won’t enjoy the benefits of life in Christ. The flesh is terrified of death. However, the flesh won’t make it into heaven, so why listen to it? The devil doesn’t want us to know how much better life in Christ is than merely physical life, so we have to submit to God and stand firm against the devil. (James 4:7) This verse is not at all a call to suicide; our physical lives and the bodies we inhabit are entrusted to us by God, and must be used accordingly. However, it is a call to live on a much higher level than the animal one, for lack of a better term. People today are big on “animal instincts,” not realizing that they are rejecting their greatest potential inheritance. It is only when we realize that we are, for a brief time, stewards of our bodies, but we ourselves are far more, that we start to live on the higher level that Christ died to grant us entry to. This is not a legalistic system of rules; the whole letter to the Galatians was written to refute that idea. However, giving the flesh priority in our thoughts and actions cuts us off from the benefits of life in the Spirit, which is to say, life in Christ. Each of us needs to see through the deceptions of the devil and choose to follow Christ in total commitment.

This of course is how I need to live myself, even as I am seeking to lead others to live this way. Salvation by grace through faith is indeed glorious and instantaneous, (Ephesians 2:8-9) but as long as we are in these bodies, it is also an ongoing process. The habits of a lifetime don’t die easily! I am at times painfully aware of my own weaknesses, which should give me understanding and compassion toward those I work with. Every one of us is in need of God’s grace, but it is indeed sufficient for us all. (2 Corinthians 12:9) My job is in helping people understand that they need it, and that it is truly available. To the human mind, it seems too good to be true!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the privilege of communicating Your Gospel. Help me do that clearly, without apology, in all humility and in the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that many, many indeed may be set free from the chains that bind them, to walk in the glorious life and liberty of Christ, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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July 2, 2012

Posted on July 3, 2012 by jgarrott

Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

This is a strong and clear word that is all too necessary in the Church today. We are all too prone to seek the approval of people rather than of God, but when we do that, we cannot be said to be operating as servants of Christ. Democratic church government sprang up because of abuses of position and authority by church leaders, but the problem with that is that it promotes the fear of man, because pastors can be voted out. Actually, this just points out human frailty. The system of church government isn’t nearly as important as the matter of shepherds and sheep being submitted to the Lordship of Christ and obedient to His Spirit. If either pastor or people are focused on people first – themselves or others – then they won’t be operating fully as the Flock of God. I was recently taken to task by a reader for the matter of purchasing the land this church building stands on, saying that I should be focused on the needs around me rather than on physical things like land and buildings. It is very true that many churches are focused on their physical comfort more than ministering in God’s Name, but it is also the case that some are so focused on social programs for meeting physical needs that they have forgotten the One who gives it all meaning. As Paul makes very clear here, you can’t rightly call yourself a servant of Christ if anything other than Christ is first in your heart.

I have let the desire for human approval get in the way of following God more times than I could count, and I and this church have suffered for it. The other side of that is conceit, refusing to take correction from a brother or sister in Christ, insisting that I alone can hear from God. That too has damaged me and this church. I’ve got to be humble in my commitment, considering others better than myself (Philippians 2:3) and being willing to hear God through whomever He chooses to speak, without fearing what any person might say. That’s not an easy balance! My heart must be focused on Christ first and foremost, allowing Him to touch people through me, by word and action. I cannot afford to fail to speak or act because of what someone other than Christ might think or say. He must be my absolute standard.

Father, thank You for Your patience with me on this issue. Thank You for how You have grown me, and for the awareness that here, too, I have more room to grow. Help me receive Your lessons in all humility, obedience, and joy, so that You may be glorified as Your will is done in and through me. Thank You. Praise God!

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July 1, 2012

Posted on July 1, 2012 by jgarrott

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

I think this is the most difference I have seen between the NIV and the Japanese in any one verse since I started doing my devotions bilingually! Where the NIV says “good by,” the Japanese (and the Greek) says, “rejoice.” That’s certainly different! Then where the NIV says “listen to my appeal,” the Japanese says, “be comforted” (and the Greek says “be encouraged”). Looking at the Greek to compare, I don’t know if the two translations were working from the same original, even. This certainly does point up some of the risks of dealing with translations of all sorts, and the absolute necessity of having the Holy Spirit, as the Author, be our guide in reading Scripture. It is clear that in his parting remarks, Paul is wanting to emphasize some general, helpful admonitions. The two translations certainly agree on the matters of unity, love and peace! Particularly considering the history of the church in Corinth, it’s entirely appropriate that Paul would focus on unity, love, and peace as he closes his last letter to them. The fact that there have been problems of this sort from the earliest days of the Church is no reason to give up. On the contrary, it should be a real encouragement to us all to know that the “great saints of the past,” as we tend to think of them, were just as human, just as much in need of the guidance and correction of the Holy Spirit, as we are. If God could use them, He can use us!

I certainly deal with these issues myself. There is no church so small that it doesn’t need to be careful about unity, love, and peace! I need to keep in mind what Paul wrote to Titus: “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” (Titus 3:10) Unity is a high priority! I was thankful when one of the believers commented last week that, reading the NT, the various churches sure had a lot of problems! They also recognized that our various problems don’t make us a “bad” church, just a real one. I need to keep that in mind, staying alert against the tricks of the devil that seek to tear us down, and seeking always to hear and obey whatever God is saying about each situation, so that we may indeed walk in the unity, love, and peace that He intends.

Father, thank You for this reminder this morning. Thank You for the message You’ve given Cathy, and for the assurance I have that she is supposed to deliver it. I ask Your full anointing on her as she speaks, and on me as I interpret, that Your Word may come forth in purity, clarity, and power, working Your perfect will in the hearts and lives of all who hear, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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June 30, 2012

Posted on July 1, 2012 by jgarrott

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Of all the things God gives us, grace is probably the most important, because without grace, we couldn’t receive anything else! Grace is the very foundation of our relationship with God, because we don’t deserve anything but His wrath. The mystery isn’t why bad things happen to “good people,” it’s why good things happen to any of us! The Bible is very clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) However, the wonderful news is that God’s grace is indeed sufficient, as He told Paul. On top of that, as He said, His power is manifested fully in our weakness. Any time we think we are strong in ourselves, we block God from manifesting His power through us. Guess who has more power! We tend toward pity parties, bemoaning all the bad things in our lives, instead of praising God in grateful amazement for all the good things He pours out on us in pure grace. That’s why it takes someone like John Newton, who, though raised by a Christian mother, descended to the depths of human depravity, to write lyrics as sublime as those to “Amazing Grace.” He knew full well that he could never atone for his own sins, but that Christ had done it for him on the cross. It is only when we get that firmly through our heads and hearts that we realize fully that God’s grace is indeed sufficient for us, and stop griping about everything else.

As I was typing that I was thinking how my ministry is one of trying to communicate that to others. Then I typed the last sentence, and realized how much it applies to me! Actually, I do spend a good bit of time trying to help people take their eyes off of themselves and recognize the magnificence of God’s grace toward them, but that doesn’t mean I don’t grumble in my own heart. That just proves my human foolishness! Paul at least stopped after three times, but some things I gripe about for years! God has been amazingly gracious toward me, and I am indeed grateful, but I take far too much of it for granted. When we wallow in abundance, we too often fail to recognize any of it for what it is. I get very frustrated sometimes with young people who expect everything to be handed to them on a silver platter, not realizing how much of that attitude I display myself. I need to trust God that His plans are good and that His grace is indeed sufficient, and not gripe about what I happen to go through along the way.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I need it all too frequently! Help me indeed walk in grateful obedience at all times, not taking Your abundant provision for granted but giving You the praise and worship You deserve. May I be increasingly effective in leading others to do the same, so that together we may be the church that You desire, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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