Meditations from Chambers

My brother got me my own copy of Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest for Christmas, and the Lord has blessed me with very relevant meditations from the book every day.

January 28 — All I do should be based on a perfect oneness with Him, not on a self-willed determination to be godly.

January 29 — Have I been persecuting Jesus by an eager determination to serve Him in my own way? ...My way will not be to foster a meek and quiet spirit, only the spirit of self-satisfaction. We presume that whatever is unpleasant is our duty! Is that anything like the spirit of our Lord— "I delight to do Your will, O my God . . ." (Psalm 40:8).

January 31 — Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the gospel of God....And as long as our eyes are focused on our own personal holiness, we will never even get close to the full reality of redemption. Christian workers fail because they place their desire for their own holiness above their desire to know God. "Don’t ask me to be confronted with the strong reality of redemption on behalf of the filth of human life surrounding me today; what I want is anything God can do for me to make me more desirable in my own eyes." ...There is no reckless abandon to God in that.

I have been distracted by pursuit of holiness to the point of forgetting knowing God. After all, redemption is all about knowing God. Jesus said in John 17:3, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." And redemption involves the fact that we are utterly sinful and helpless without Christ. No amount of satisfaction should be gained by how well we are doing or how mature we are growing in Christ. Focus should be on the Lord alone—His love while we were sinners, His grace in supplying salvation, His grace every step of the way.

Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!

Acceptance Is Not By Condition

First of all, we must consider the area in which we are not accepted by God, nor ever can be. It is only natural for us to feel that our spiritual walk and service make us acceptable to our Father. We imagine that it is our responsibility (with His help) to live and serve so faithfully and fruitfully that He will approve of us, and therefore continually and abundantly bless us. We are making the natural mistake of depending on condition, instead of position, for our acceptance.

Important as it is, service is often a condition-centered detriment in the lives of many zealous believers. When service is given predominance over fellowship with and growth in the Lord Jesus, doing, instead of being, takes over in the life. Fellowship and growth must ever take precedence over service and activity, otherwise spiritual declension sets in.

In this reversal of God's order for us, the heart seeks satisfaction and a sens of acceptance through production (law), instead of reception (grace). Bible study and prayer, as well as one's outlook, become almost exclusively service-centered. Instead of life bringing forth service, service becomes the life. Thus, as long as the service goes well, the servant is happy and feels accepted. But once the service wanes, or fails to produce results, all else falls with it. We are to be sons, not servants. "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son..." (Gal. 4:7).

In time, we begin to realize that there is something very wrong with this entire concept. We become aware that our walk and service are less and less acceptable, even to ourselves. In seeking to do rather than to be, attempting to give out more than we take in, our condition becomes barren and carnal. We have been depending on self to do what only Christ our life can do; the farther we move on this tangent, the more active and malignant the self-life appears to be.

What the condition-centered believer does not realize is that God Himself is causing this shattering revelation of self. He takes us into situations and relationships that finally cause us to face up tot the fact of our failure as Christians—our nothingness, our total unacceptability in ourselves. Not until we understand that in our flesh there "dwelleth no good thing" (Rom. 7:18), can we rest in our position of complete acceptance in the Lord Jesus, just as we are. To abide in Christ, and to consent to be loved while unworthy, is the believer's positional privilege and responsibility. Love functions according to its nature, not according to the quality of its object.

The believer who is not abiding by faith in the acceptable One, but who is relying on his personal condition for acceptance, is hopelessly handicapped in the matter of fellowship, growth, and service. He is entangled in the self-effort of working to improve his condition, and is inevitably cast down in utter defeat. How can a defeated, depressed, self-centered Christian enjoy fellowship with the Father, or be at peace with Him? Yet, devastating as this Romans 7 trek is, it is our Father's preparation of us in order that we may shift our reliance and faith from our condition in ourselves, to our position in Christ. "...not I, but Christ..." (Gal. 2:20).

From The Complete Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford; Zondervan Publishing House, 1983; pages 91-92.

Abba, Thou Art There

While meditating on Psalm 139 and Psalm 63:6-8, I was moved to write a song. I believe it is from the Lord, for I have never found it easy to put together words that rhyme and convey the desired message.

Abba, Thou Art There

All my thoughts Thou knowest, all my ways canst see
Whether walking justly or full selfishly.
Thou, my Father guardest with Thy hand so strong
With wonder I will praise Thee as I walk along.

Whither from Thy Spirit can I ever go?
Furthest, deepest reaches—Thou my place dost know.
Though the billows hide me, cause me to despair,
Still Thy hand doth hold me, reaching even there.

Abba, Thou art there so close beside me!
Though the night surrounds me it's not dark to Thee!
I will Thee remember in my darkest hour,
Think on all Thy goodness and Thy loving pow'r.

Search me in my heart, my anxious thoughts please know;
Often they're not proper, faithlessness they show.
Lead me in Thy truth and guide me in Thy way
Till I'm come to glory in Thine eternal day.

Follow-up on "Doing Hard Things Starves the Flesh"

In the comments on the last post, Gracie said some things which got me thinking. Since my post was also featured on The Rebelution there was some good discussion which followed and I recommend to the readers of this blog. This post, however is to share the thoughts Gracie's comment provoked, and what the Lord has taught me on the subject.

In the months since I wrote the last post, I have learned first-hand that it is utterly impossible to rely on doing Hard Things to starve the flesh and "become godly." For the mature child of God especially, this is very much to be minimized.

My point was possibly more applicable to a less mature Christian. For example, parents may train their children to obey without asking questions. Unconditional obedience builds habits and behavior patterns that are extremely influential in a lifetime of things to come. There's no question that's good training. However, as a child grows older and more mature, it is increasingly important for the parents to back off on the legalistic do-it-because-I'm-your-father approach and in lenience test the young person's training and love for his parents.

This is what God does with us, too. When we were dead in sins, His commands were burdensome because they only showed us our incapacity to obey and brought condemnation upon us. When we place our faith in Christ's death on our behalf, our relationship with God is based on grace, not law (as Romans 7 says, we are now dead to the law).

Being based on grace, our relationship to God is not conditional upon our performance. I shall repeat: our relationship to God is not conditional upon our performance. He bought us while sinners; He will not "dump" us because we sin after we're saved.

My emphasis on doing in order to keep the flesh in subjection was undue. It is helpful only a little bit, especially, as I said above, in areas of more spiritual immaturity.

Moreover, this Doing to keep the flesh subject is of "no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh" (Col. 2:23).

Let's look at Colossians 2:20-23 (NASB)

"If [since] you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of this world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 'Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!' (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom [a good thing] in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence." (Italics and brackets mine)

These verses speak of the things we need not and should not bother with if we have died with Christ. Notice that they are all things in the physical world (like Doing Hard Things). Admittedly, such things are easier to remember to do, and they appear to be wise things to do, but actually have no power in themselves against indulging in the fleshly lusts. I find they are ineffective for two reasons.

First, being things (Hard Things) we do with our physical bodies, in which is still the residual sin nature, they are in essence done with our bodies against our flesh. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The problem arises when, with a subtle shift of focus, the become things done with our flesh against our flesh. You can immediately see the result: "if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand" (Mark 3:24).

Second, everything we do flows out of our spirit. Whether you do good or evil, "The good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things; the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matt. 12:35). Thus the decision to sin, to indulge in fleshly desires, comes from the spirit. And no matter what your body is doing, if you are inclined to sin, no self-abasement in the physical realm will prevent the sin. Therefore the safeguard against sin lies instead in the spirit, and not in the flesh!

While my original post was rather on the subject of Doing Hard Things, the subject was more about how to starve the flesh. But seeing from God's Word that Doing Things is ultimately of no use against fleshly indulgence, how can we overcome the flesh?

Gracie put it well in the comments when she wrote,

"[W]hen we are tempted to sin we can say, 'I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.' (Gal 2:20)"

That is the essence, I believe, of Paul's command to "reckon yourselves dead to sin" in Romans 6:11. Let's also look at this in the context of Colossians where we were.

Chapter 3 goes on to indicate growth in Christ and suppression of the flesh is effected in the unseen, spiritual realm to which we have been made alive: "seek the things that are above, where Christ is....Set your minds on things that are above." It’s not a physical activity required to prevent you from sinning; it’s a change of focus, a shift of reference point from the earthly to the realm to which you really belong: the heavenlies.

Romans 13:14 is also indicative: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Putting on the Lord Jesus is prerequisite to beating out the flesh.

Setting your mind on Christ, and knowing your life is hidden with Him in God—resting in the fact that nothing of your condition will affect your eternal position—is a primary cause of reckoning yourself dead to sin.

BUCKIT Week—Tuesday, July 24

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 [writing about Tuesday, July 24]

Picking up where I left off, the first two sessions yesterday were taught by Craig and were about “Unfolding the Book of Romans.” Several helpful things we learned:

1. Know what the book is about
2. Master the doctrine of Romans and the language of John (both books are about the gospel; John gives it all in illustration and example. Craig did this: he would teach some deep things and then give an example that appeals to common sense and justice.)
3. A kleptomaniac is not judged, when caught, because he is a kleptomaniac, but because of what he stole. We learn that God doesn’t punish us for being sinners, but for sinning. But the fact is that He did deliver us from both problems: the wrath of God (because of sinS) and the wreckage of Adam (we sin).
4. We went over the witnesses of Creation, Conscience, and the Law in God’s courtroom. All of them are lower than God’s perfect standard, but we can’t even meet those!
5. Belief is not a work meritorious of eternal life anymore than a bum on the street’s extending his arm to take a hamburger, that you graciously offer him, earns him the hamburger.

At the first break I was talking with Megan and Rachel H. and David about Japanese. Megan spent a school year in Japan and has been taking Japanese in college.

A few smiling faces during a break. :) Craig is the one standing in the middle.

During the lunch break (boxes and boxes of pizza brought in), I decided to hang out with Jeremiah. His prayers were very Bible-based and powerful, and I saw a heart for God in him. We had great conversation—Jeremiah, Daniel K., and me—discussing what we had learned and encouraging one another.

After the first two sessions we had several hours of free time. Daniel and Rachel were indicating going over to the mall here to pass out tracts and talk to people about the gospel. Frankly, I was terrified. But our group, minus Nathanael, drove over and prayed, then entered the mall.

The mall, viewed from the direction of the hotel.

Rachel and Jessica paired up, as did Arielle and Bethany. Daniel wanted to go off by himself, and that left me by myself. I saw Daniel got into a conversation with a man right away, but at every turn, when I saw someone sitting on a bench, I was reasoned my way out of doing anything. My time there was visibly unprofitable, except to show me how cowardly I am in beginning conversations about the gospel! Then I saw Jeremiah and Anna and was encouraged that others were there for evangelism too. Jeremiah soon was talking to a young man at a cellular phone kiosk. He is very outgoing...what an example! I also ran into Josiah and Megan, and David and Rachel H. They were all there and passed out a couple tracts, but Josiah felt like it was horrible, because of how little they did. I felt even worse about how I did, and I told them what happened with me.

My group returned to the hotel about 5:45—we were expecting to go somewhere for supper at 6:00. Daniel and I took a brief walk around the hotel, and we discussed the difficulty I had doing God’s work earlier. No revelatory solutions came of it, but it was good to talk. :)

When we had left the mall, Jeremiah was still talking to that fellow at the kiosk! We all left for supper without him. Transportation was the same as the previous evening: all those with cars drive past the entrance and all the people pile in, and we drive off. Supper was at El Ranchero, obviously a Mexican Restaurant. I sat in a booth in the corner with Nathanael, Josiah, and Daniel.

As we waited for the food and then ate, we talked about all the things that we had learned that day and the previous day, and just how different our lives could and probably should be. Like what are we doing here in America, living like Americans? Shouldn’t we be Christians? Let’s live more simply, giving up all the world craves, so that we can have more time or money or resources to devote to the Lord’s work. We discussed the treasures we lay up in heaven versus the treasures of earth; the importance of doing everything for God from the heart or else it’s useless; and we marveled that Jeremiah was still talking at the Mall! Josiah sent him a text message, but we never heard back from them, so we were continually amazed. After the meal was finished and we were still sitting there (while the whole group finished), Josiah encouraged us to pray for Jeremiah’s work for God over there. So at 8:00 all four of us prayed for him and for the week and for our lives and God’s glory. We prayed with power that God would save the young man today. What a great time of fellowship and marveling in the calling to which we have been called!

Nathanael and Josiah

Me and Daniel

When we got back, we found Jeremiah and Anna in the conference room with sandwich materials on the table. Jeremiah began telling us about his experiences.

The young man I saw him with, Collin, had not been sure whether we evolved or were created, and didn’t know if heaven and hell were real, physical places. Jeremiah asked if he had some time; he looked around and said, “I have all the time in the world!” (the mall was not at all crowded).

And he heard the complete gospel. Jeremiah said that he was able to incorporate things that we learned only hours before, as he talked with Collin. When he was done he asked him if all of what he said made sense.

“Man, that’s made the most sense of any religion I’ve ever heard,” was the reply.

Jeremiah and Anna made sure to get him a Bible, and Jeremiah is pretty sure the young man is now saved!

God gave him an open door with a man from another kiosk as they were leaving, and he stayed for another hour talking with a man who used to be in the churches, but who now suppressed the truth in unrighteousness, denying Jesus as the Son of God. The Lord was so faithful to bring to Jeremiah’s mind answers regarding evolution that he had heard many years before from Ken Ham, and there was nothing to which he had to say, “I don’t know.” Finally, despite this man’s talkative nature, the Lord impressed on Jeremiah to share his personal testimony with the man, whose name was Cory. God shut Cory up the whole time that Jeremiah told his testimony. As he said is usual while he shares how he was saved, Jeremiah was weeping, and at the end, the man had gone away quiet and with a changed countenance, having been upset from his mindset of denial.

Just think: God brought Jeremiah from Kentucky to Maryland to tell the gospel to these two people! I pray Cory also got saved.

Jeremiah shared more of the details before the whole group in a few minutes, just before the last session of the evening. When he had finished his account Craig asked someone to pray for Collin and Cory and the night’s session (it was now 9:00). The Lord moved me to pray, and during the prayer, I was overcome by God’s grace and goodness in bringing together things we had learned, and the power and love of God through Jeremiah. I couldn't help but break down in tears, and I didn’t care. I was praying to God, not to men. In my spirit I claimed in those two men’s salvation. I ended the prayer, just falling into the Father’s arms, praising Him. O Lord, to you be all glory and honor! May I decrease and you increase forever!

After the prayer, Jeremiah got up, came over, and gave me a hard hug. Craig suggested we sing “Thank You, Lord (for saving my soul).”

The last session was about some tips for presenting biblical truths, very helpful for newbies like me!

Afterward I noticed Rachel, Jessica, and Arielle retired immediately. It was kind of amusing, because it is so easy to get involved in conversations and go to bed late, that if you want any good amount of sleep, you have to not talk to anyone!

I went over to Josiah and Jeremiah again, and Nathanael was there again too. We talked some more, marveling over God’s work. Jeremiah suggested—since he was going to bed—that we commit our night to the Lord in prayer. Josiah began, then Nathanael, then Jeremiah, then I ended. It was another tearful and awe-struck prayer session! I feel such a bond with these brothers! God, your power is amazing, and we owe you everything. You loved us despite our deserving wrath, but we can’t love you even according to what you deserve! Thank you for the privilege to spread your love to the unlovable world.

Jeremiah went upstairs to spend time with his Lord and talk about the day with Him, while Josiah, Nathanael, and I decided to go for a walk. A young lady named Katie joined us after our prayer, feeling like she just missed something really important and deep. I felt sorry for her, because I have known what that’s like—walking in on the tail end of something so awesome and wishing I’d been there. So we invited her on our walk, and we walked probably a mile around the whole mall. She went in when we got back, but we men made lap after lap around the hotel while we talked some more. We must have walked four miles last night! What great fellowship!

I managed to get to bed at 11:30 and sleep seven hours. Nathanael stayed up talking about biblical things with Justin until 1:00 or so! What a sweet sleep, and a sweet remembrance of what God did yesterday. I am so thankful that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.