Better for What?

Even though I tend to speak matter of factly, I realize that these are simply my observations. You may have a healthy outlook on things. This is just to encourage some considerations, some things to think about. The only thing absolutely right is the Word of God.

To say that we’re living in an interesting time is no doubt, an understatement.
March Madness was canceled, as were NBA, NASCAR and basically every other sporting event. There's still talk of postponing the Olympics. For the time being, the world’s most popular tourist attractions are practically abandoned and left desolate. Disneyland and Disney World, “The happiest place on earth”, is closed. Words like “social distancing” have been indelibly added to our lexicon.
People have taken to a myriad of activities in and around the house as well as family time outings that make you wonder if this current COVID situation is all bad.

With such an upheaval in such a short time, I don’t think we’ve accepted “this” as our new normal. I think that deep down inside, we expect our familiar old normal to eventually return. To believe and accept anything less is tantamount to hopelessness. Eventually, schools will reopen; family and friends will head out to Outback for blooming onions. Trips to Europe, Hawaii or the Outer Banks will reclaim their prominence in summer schedules. Televised sports and the sounds of little league and pickup games of basketball will ring out across the land….like normal.

That's right isn't it? I mean although it’s still new news that Easter won’t look like anything any of us have seen before, who really expects this to last beyond a few more months? I mean, Thanksgiving will be the normal Thanksgiving , right? Christmas will be normal Christmas right?
I know how important and popular it is that a message of hope be made readily available to counter the daily dose of increasing numbers of those contaminated or deceased the world over.

I apologize now. I’m not apologizing because I intend to deliver a message of despair; I don't. I apologize because my message of hope will not be in the return to “normal” that you may be expecting. But if you allow, this message of hope will go far above and beyond an expectation of normal.

Here’s The Word:

1 Peter 1:17 - 21 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Even at levels far less impacting than a world-wide pandemic, seasons of trial have a way of re-centering us, allowing, or rather forcing us to evaluate our resolve. I don’t have the audacity to compare our situation in any way to that of Job, I do see one a comparative theme: In the same way that Job received message after message of worse and worsening news, we all know and expect things to get worse before they get better: That and the realization that we’re powerless against it.
Yet, we also see that as Job sat in sackcloth and ashes in the midst of his despair, His faith shined through.

Job 19:25 - 27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Even though Job was confused about why his normal had fallen so far off the rails, He KNEW His redeemer was. Even though his days had been wrought with compounded catastrophe, his hope was well rested in his eternal eventuality.
That same hope and resolve is available to us today. Because Job’s Redeemer is our Redeemer, because whether or whenever this situation improves for us in particular or not, our Redeemer lives.

1 Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

We want this current situation done and over with. We want things to get better, to go back to normal. We want to return to the lives we recognize. But why? Why do we want this all to get better? to go back to our old mundane, preoccupied schedules?
I often wonder about the depths of our belief when we profess faith and hope in Christ, but take pleasure in so many other things instead of Him. Christ, Our redeemer has been made manifest in these last times for us. If you belong to Him, this is the ultimate reason for rejoicing. This fact over all other comforts or expectations of normalcy would be the foundation upon which our faith rests.

In closing, I would say, Be grounded in your faith. Also, be serious about the message of the gospel you preach, it’s the perfect time to be unashamedly honest about what’s at stake and the available hope that goes beyond our current circumstances.

In Him,
Cros

Corona

Did you know that "corona" is Latin for "crown"? I thought about this yesterday while getting used to my new normal which now involves a little more television. I chanced upon a show with England's Queen Elizabeth discussing her coronation. Her crowning ceremony. In the presence of the Crown Jewels, she and the interviewer discussed that she really hadn't handled the crown since that day some 65 years ago.

I thought about it, and among all of their talk of pomp, circumstance and sovereignty, I couldn't help but look comparatively at That crown versus this corona. This virus has elevated itself to unprecedented authority. World leaders are being forced to bend the knee under its dictatorial regime. Citizens of practically every nation on earth are extending reverence. It doesn't demand to be feared, but its not to be disrespected.

However, in all of this: It may wear a "crown", but its no king. It's a sickness, not a Sovereign.

Here's The Word:

Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

No matter the position or authority of anyone or anything that happens here on earth, it happens under the authority of THE KING. That's not to say that all things are condoned or approved, but nonetheless, allowed.

Throughout history, rulers have come up with all kinds of ways to express the supremacy of their rulership. The heights of their elevated authority. Jesus Christ is crowned King of Kings, Lord of Lords Rev 19:16. He's not just high, He's Holy.
Who, other than God can say how far and wide the effects of this pandemic will reach. All I can say for sure is that God's crown is not in a box somewhere. His rule is sure and His heart is toward His people. This is a foundation for great peace in the midst of the rampant effects of the 'crown' virus.
Rest in the authority of the true King.

In Him,
Cros

Devotion

I'm going to jump right in before I renegotiate my feelings and convince myself that it's better to keep silent.

Do you realize that "Praising God" is the most superficial thing you can do?

This may sound a bit over the top, but when you really think about it and consider what Scripture says, you'll see that its not as flamboyant as it may seem.

Here's The Word:

Matthew 5:45(b) for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

This is a familiar verse to most of us even lightly acquainted with God's Word. My point is that the evil and the unjust can receive the blessings of sun and rain and thank God for it. Does their "thankfulness" change their position? No, not at all. It may change their day, but not their destiny. The statement is made in reference to what's called Common Grace and simply reflects on the God's goodness. The surrounding paragraph is an encouragement to us to aspire to Godliness, beyond what's commonly expected, and especially in the face of resistance.

Here's The Word:

Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

This verse is repeated in Matthew 15 as a point of scolding to the Pharisees as He points out their hypocrisy. Again, the point here is that God isn't fooled by superficial worship by people whose hearts aren't devoted to Him.

I don't point out the superficiality of praising God just to capture your attention, I say it to encourage your devotion.
We have to be careful that our lives go beyond understanding mercy and grace at the lowest level. The Gospel isn't meant to simply make us unashamed to say the name "Jesus". It goes much, much deeper than that. We have to truly see how sin-stained we are, and our desperate need of cleansing to be accepted. Once we realize the severe implications of this truth and the supremely high cost of purchasing that 'acceptance', it will go far beyond what we commonly see.

Beyond the realization, there's the expectation that the result of our cleansing would go far beyond an expressed gratitude to an unshakable drive to fulfill our divine purpose: No, I don't mean sharing the Gospel. I don't even mean making disciples. Not working in a church or a missions trip to Uganda. Am I saying that these things are wrong? Of course not, we're called to share the gospel, make disciples and be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, and sadly, some never make it out of their fear or comfort to do this, I'm saying that we better be sure to know that in our heart of hearts that these expressions are a result of our devotion, not from expectation.
Our divine purpose is that for which we were initially created in the first place. Not just Salvation by God, but fellowship WITH God. Using our initial expression in the garden of Eden, I'll iterate our first purpose: Tending to the things placed in our care and enjoyment of an immersive and intimate communion with God and others like us. This is what's ultimately restored at the end of the age as we enter the eternal state.

Here's The Word:

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

What is the benefit of being the people of a Great and Powerful God? Is it the blessings? Yes, but much, much more than that. Ultimately, its the intimate fellowship. A fellowship that we can only see as looking through a glass darkly, but eventually in crystal clarity.

This world provides "blessings", even God provides common grace worthy of thankfulness, but they're superficial things that were never intended to last. Also, this world provides other pleasures, too many to number. Check your heart and answer honestly "Where is your treasure?" If you're living for relevancy and enjoyment in this world, then you'll perceive the superficiality I'm talking about much differently than someone who know's they're supposed to be seeking deeper relevancy, and ultimately holiness in Christ. Whether its clothes or music on down to past times and pleasures. Superficiality for a worldly person revolves around the desires or dislikes of the the particular person. If they like certain TV shows, anyone who doesn't like them, obviously has personality problems. If they're vegan, anyone who eats meat, must love murder. If they're receptive to any of the 'take your pic' social agendas, any who would feel differently must have an irrational fear...a phobia. The rampant superficiality life at the outer levels of life are many.

I don't think we talk about devotion enough but I think that devotion is the driving force behind true love. We have to be on guard to make sure that we don't have one without the other. 1 Corinthians 13 is commonly known as "The Love Chapter". It clearly expresses that you can have a lot of outward expression devoid of it. But if you really have LOVE, it's going to be evident in how we endure. Devotion without love is a tinkling cymbal. Love without devotion is empty words. Even the evil and unjust can thank God for sun and rain.


In Him,
Cros

Delusion

This one is a little longer than usual, but I think you'll find it compelling. My hopes with this presentation is to inspire you to be curious and consider. And with that driven consideration, to investigate and eventually practice that which you discover to be true.

In conversations about “How to live” as Christians, there seems to be a common, yet considerable disconnect between living “free in Christ” and having convictions about what’s expected of us who walk by faith. Do I have to be a religious zealot, wearing an out loud love for Christ on my proverbial sleeves? Is it sin to watch TV shows and movies with obvious “worldly” themes? Can I be effective for The Kingdom if people around me see me as too “churchy”?

As much as I’m a proponent for the point of view found in Ecclesiastes, I find no contradiction between it and the devoted life of those redeemed into reconciliation.

Here's The Word:

Ecclesiastes 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

It’s not only simple and plain, it’s repeated.

And that’s the real focus that I’m trying to inspire curiosity about: Where is the right line for devotion? I don’t believe that there’s an easy answer. However, I don’t think that this should be discouraging. Thing is, your answer, or rather, your expression of devotion will most likely look very different from someone else’s. As different as we all are, we all have different convictions. The Bible tells us not to judge someone else’s convictions based on ours. Colossians 2:16. Be sure to notice, the expectation is that we weigh our convictions in consideration of expressing our devotion.

Here's The Word:

Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Even though it’s the very cross of Christ, the gift of God, that affords and allows us to really enjoy anything that comes from His hand, a heart inclined to devotion will only seek to receive and enjoy things that are in line with our learned understanding of His character concerning Sovereignty, salvation and sanctification.

And then there’s the flip side.

Hopefully, what I’ve shared so far is clear and straightforward. It would all be well and good if we could look at the trajectory of our lives and an ever-increasing drive towards devotion and holiness dictated by how much we learn from God through the reading of His word, and the leading of His Holy Spirit. HOWEVER. This is not all there is. Actually, far from it. Fact of the matter is, we have an enemy. A thief, and we’ve been given insight into his tactics: John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

If we’re not careful, we’ll only see the fingerprints of that enemy on things stolen, killed or destroyed, we won’t see the depth of his biggest weapon – deception.

How does truth die? Well, the truth can’t die, but it can be destroyed or made unrecognizable to us by neglect. We’re warned more than once to not be deceived, which insinuates that we’re aware of the propensity of forces (inside and out) trying to do just that. The more we’re enticed and persuaded towards things that provide any assemblance of pleasure, the easier it is becomes to be deceived and lead astray, neglecting that truth we’ve been taught.

1 Corinthians 6:9 - 10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Notice that the CHURCH at Corinth HAD to have their attention and affections reattached to the truth. They had to be enlightened to the fact that deception had infiltrated their understanding, causing them to believe that they could be devoted AND be lured by selfish glories (affections).

Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

And lastly, we’ll drop down to the lowest, most dangerous level. The enemy knows the disparaging domino effect associated with deception. The further we allow selfish glories to pull us away from God honoring devotion, the more at risk we become for our deceptions degrading into delusions.

Isaiah 66:4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Take note that in both of these instances, God is referring to His people. The world doesn't have to be deluded, their minds are already blinded by the enemy, evidenced in their unbelief.
The root word Delude has the connotation of not only deception, but mockery. The Bible tells us in (Galatians 6:7) that God is not mocked, but He Himself reserves the right to mock and allow mockery to befall us if we show discontent for the truth, and rather seek after selfish glories.

delude (v.) "deceive, impose upon, mislead the mind or judgment of," c. 1400, from Latin deludere "to play false; to mock, deceive," from de- "down, to one's detriment" (see de-) + ludere "to play".

This small clarification was attached to the definition and I thought it interesting to include:
Mislead means to lead wrong, whether with or without design. Delude always, at least figuratively, implies intention to deceive, and that means are used for that purpose. We may be misled through ignorance and in good faith, but we are deluded by false representations. A person may delude himself. (The Bible affirms that we can deceive ourselves 1 Cor 3:18, 1 John 1:8)

Part of the Disciples prayer is “And lead us not into temptation….”. - ‘We may be misled through ignorance and in good faith’ I think that’s the heart from which we pray. God, protect me from the evil of my own ignorance. This is very different from asking the LORD to stop me from being deceived if I’m not putting in the work of staying devoted and established in His truth.

Matthew 7 presents the clearest presentation of the benefits and exemplification that comes from holding to the truth, versus deceivers and their telltale characteristics culminating in one of the scariest proclamations in Scripture:

Matthew 7:22 - 23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

I believe Our Lord to be genuinely and completely benevolent. Loving us undeservedly but perfectly. Wanting the best for us in the midst of, and in spite of our selfishness. But there is dangerous ground out there and I think that “these” Many were not innocently misled. They’re either outright deceivers, or weren’t conscious or careful about sliding down the slope of deception, even as they made much of their devotion.

In Him,
Cros