“A JOURNEY INTO JOY”

A few moments ago there was a reminder of what God has to say through His scriptures about going through times of trouble and tribulation. All have had trouble and tribulation in jobs, ministries, families, friends, finances, health issues and much more. For instance, there are those facing heart operations, back operations, shoulder operations, pain that is a constant companion, and those with cancer. There are those whose reality is divorce, alienation from parents and/or children, loss of jobs, and loss of retirement

Scripture says to remember what God says about these things. Scripture speaks through the Holy Spirit and says “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,”[1] by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises,[2] so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”[3]

Another scripture that comes to mind is absolutely contrary to the world view as opposed to the scriptural view. It says to “Count it all JOY, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.[4]

JOY!! What a word. Please use a concordance and look up this word, especially if you are in the midst of trials and tribulations. Read Philippians. Look at JOY through the mind of Paul and his circumstances. Don Williams wrote a commentary on Philippians called “The Journey into JOY.” What an appropriate title for his commentary. It truly is a journey that Paul expresses as JOY. A key verse in Philippians that illustrates this point is “for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”[5]

As you may know this scripture, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” is a premier scripture for athletes and athletic ministries. This scripture is only a part of the whole. This particular scripture is the answer to being content and full of JOY.

As many friends face an uncertain future let us pray that these scriptures will be encouraging, uplifting and strengthening. Let us pray that we will face this future with JOY and a hope that we will continue to learn to be content, because it is God that strengthens us. And the peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.[6]AMEN

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[1] English Standard Version (ESV) gives a clearer rendering of this scripture instead of the New International Version (NIV)

[2] “Precious and very great promises” are from scripture

[3] 2Peter 1: 3,4

[4] Read James 1:2-27 and see JOY in its context

[5] Philippians 4:11b-13

[6] Philippians 4:7

Judging???

In a discussion in a longtime Thursday morning men's group, centered in our faith in Jesus Christ seeking the answers to how shall we live through the understanding that "the bible alone is the word of God," judgment was brought up.

As is the case with the question of judgment, Jesus' words " Do not judge or you to will be judged" (Matt. 7:1 and Luke 6:37) are quoted and become absolute without the context. * Look at John 7:24 with Jesus saying "Judge with a righteous judgment." What's up with that?

Context! Jesus is saying not judge with differing measures. In other words it is not good to say, "do as I say, not as I do." Take a look at James 2:1-13 as judging with favoritism.

The Bible in the Old Testament has set forth a principle "that the standard of judgment must be distributed equally and used without favoritism."*

Look at Lev. 19:35, Num. 15:16, Deut. 16:18, Deut. 25:13

"Jesus opposes the way in which some people judge not judgment itself."

What standard will we use in making judgments?

* Quotes and thoughts in this post are from Gary Demar's book "Myths, Lies, & Half Truths," (Chap. 4) a recommended reading.

Forgiveness

We have just finished the weekend that remembers the Passion of Jesus and His resurection. After listening to sermons this last weekend I have been struck with Jesus' exppressions of forgiveness. In the Gospel of Luke chapter 22:34 Jesus says, from the cross after the Romans had cast lots for his garments and had mocked him, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

It seems to me that with this prayer to His Father, Jesus has, with His actions, already expressed forgiveness and that the Father will forgive them. This is grace and a gift paid by the blood of Christ on the cross. Gifts given are to be received. There seems to be no condition except Jesus going to His death on the cross.

What can I take from this expression of the ultimate love? For me to forgive those who mock me, say all manner of evil and lies about me, physically harm me and "offend me," I am to die to my own nature and forgive with grace. (Romans. 12:2)

Welcome to Winds of Reconciliation

This is a new blog that I will be writing for the encouragement of believers in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, to be unified under His leading through the Holy Spirit. Come back for more posts.