How Do I Know?

 "I want to know Christ..." Philippians 3:10

    Of all the joys of parenthood, this one was not high on my list: Math problems. When my youngest was in middle school, she approached me with such a convoluted algebraic equation that I sought help from a friend I knew to be a reliable source of knowledge: a school teacher. At her kitchen table, she led us step-by-step through an incomprehensible mathematic maze (which took five minutes!) and whose final answer turned out to be zero! Incredulous, I mused, "Now, what was the point of all that?"

    The question "How may I know Christ better?" is much more compelling to me and, I daresay, the final answer will never be zero. 

    My quest for knowledge led me to the book of 1 John. First, I considered the source, the Apostle John. Known as the disciple whom Jesus loved, he walked and talked with Jesus personally. He proclaimed what he had seen and heard. This letter he wrote uses the words "know," "knowledge," or "acknowledge" at least 44 times in only five chapters. Certainly, this is a great resource for someone who wants to know!

    I love the comprehensible method this teacher uses. He often says, "This is how we know..." No long way around the barn; just straight to the heart of the matter. Here are some of the steps I learned with the reference provided:

• We must confess our sins (1:8,9)
• Acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God in the flesh (4:2)
• Keep his commandments (2:3)
• Live as Jesus did (2:5)
• Leave your life of sin (3:6)
• Do what is right (3:10)
• Love each other (3:14)
• We have the Spirit which he gave us (3:24)
• Our hearts do not condemn us; we have confidence before God (3:16)
• Everyone born of God has overcome the world (5:4)
• God has given us eternal life (5:11)

    The final answer is eternal life! At the start of the equation, I was a miserable sinner but, by the end, I am a sinner saved by grace who lives in victory, having overcome the world! And the learning process continues because, as it says in chapter three verse two: "What we will be has not yet been made known." There's more to come so don't stop learning, never quit growing in Christ. You will still have problems to solve, but you'll have the most reliable Source helping you. "...He knows everything." (3:20)

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." Ephesians 1:17

    

Pride in any Month

 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." 1 Corinthians 13:4

    I have been hearing a lot about "pride" this month and it's nettlesome. What are we so proud about? Self-exaltation can tempt us to boast, but what does God say when we bear a smug expression and snap our suspenders? 

    Pride, in whatever cloak it presents itself, coats our hearts in stiff material, making it unpliable to the point where God cannot work with us. Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, gives us a clearer mirror in which to view our own behavior.

    Was Jesus proud? As the Son of the Most High, did He pompously declare His sovereignty, lording it over the sinners and publicans? "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant..." (Philippians 2: 5-7)

    If our sinless Savior laid aside his glorious raiment to wear humble duds, who are we to puff up in pride over our sinful conquests like we're some king of the the mountain? A prerequisite to true repentance is a humble heart. Only then, with downcast eyes, can God lift our spirits in grace so we can see the glories of eternity and experience the beauty of freedom from sin. Then, we are unfettered to help another out of bondage with the love of Christ.

"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

"Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up." James 4:10

What Not to Wear

 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4: 22-24

    A man walked toward me wearing a tee shirt that brought a broad feeling of victory to my heart. Lettered in bold white across a black field, his shirt declared: NOT TODAY SATAN. I loved it and I told him so. Of course, simply donning a tee shirt is not ample protection from so dastardly a foe, so what must I wear?

    In my small group Bible study, we have been learning about putting on the full armor of God, as the Word teaches in the book of Ephesians: The breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This lead me to study other verses on what to wear. What does it look like to "put on the new self" as stated in the verse above?

    Well, first of all, the old clothes must be removed. Peel off greed, impurity, deceit, anger, thievery, bitterness, rage, brawling and slander. Replace these with humility, compassion, kindness, patience, joy, dignity and strength. In other words, put on Christ who is the summation of all. By the command of Jesus, Satan must flee. Only then may I stand firmly and declare, "Not today Satan!"

    "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13

    

The Hapless Mouse

 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

    Huddled on the deck near the back door was a wee, furry victim of our outdoor cat. Thankful I didn't accidentally step on him, I squatted to peer at the diminutive mouse in his distress. His breath was shallow and his demeanor altogether frightened. Gently, I gathered him in a cloth, speaking soothingly to him yet he didn't understand my actions as he weakly began to fight back. With the tenderest of hand, I transported him to a place of refuge and provided him with some sunflower seeds. 

    As I pondered this encounter, it went hand-in-hand with the anxious news I received from two friends this day. One has received a scary diagnosis and the other, a pink slip of unemployment was delivered to the home. Just like the mouse, I detected in their demeanor the aftermath left by the attack: Accelerated heartrate perhaps, a fear of the unknown, a desire to turn back the clock and begin anew. 

    If I, a poor replacement for a veterinarian, acted out of love for a sweet little mouse, how much more will our Father in heaven care for these friends in need? They just need to trust Him. 

"He said, 'Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me.' And so, He became their Savior. In all their distress, He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63: 8, 9

By Faith Thomas...

 "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth...They were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11: 13, 16

    The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has been referred to as "The Hall of Faith" because of its compilation of the faithful from the Old Testament. "By faith Abel...By faith Enoch...By faith Noah...By faith Abraham," and so the scripture proceeds to exemplify how each person's life pointed to salvation. 

    I have wondered how the statement would be completed if I installed my own name: "By faith Rachel..." How have I lived being confident in what I hope for, assured of what I do not see? (Hebrews 11:1) Have I sown seeds of love, joy, patience or hope that may lead others to Christ?

    After the sudden death of my brother-in-law, Thomas, it did my heart well to read over the writings this Christian firefighter had left behind. As president of his county's firefighters' association, he penned a monthly newsletter for many years. Though most of its content dealt with issues of the firehouse, Tom also used this platform as a podium for his faith. In his Prayer Portion, he would implore readers to "Keep God first in your daily lives, thank Him for your many blessings and pray for lost loved ones."

    In a December issue, Tom scattered seeds of faith when he wrote: "This is the time when we celebrate His birth and give thanks for this Savior that was sent to earth so many years ago. Do you know His story? Do you know the good news of this Jesus? Do you know of His love and sacrifice? Find out today of this Jesus before you make that 'last run.'"

    Now that Tom has found his home in that city God has prepared for him, we who survive him are left to carry the torch. Sometimes I pray for those readers of Tom's, that the seeds fell on the "good soil" of which Jesus spoke (see Matthew 13:23) and I also pray for the strength to carry on, showing others the way to Jesus. 

 By faith, Thomas shared his faith in Christ with his readers.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1-3     

My Garden of Eden

 "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them, let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord." Psalm 96: 11-13

    David and I have been blessed to live within walking distance of Veteran's Park. Each time I visit, I experience something new of the majesty of my King's creation. I feel like a naive Eve exploring the handiwork of God in the garden of Eden.

    Had I kept a journal, I could better recount these experiences, but these I do recall: A rotund raccoon stuffing himself into a hollow tree, a slim snake wending its way toward foliage, a lonely turtle traversing to the pond's edge, a brilliant flash of indigo as a bluebird flew home, a curious doe standing stalwartly still amid dense leaves, a patient mother bird nestled in the crook of a tree, a determined snail with miles to go taking one "step" at a time and a bevy of baby toads heading who knows where.

    During a walk there yesterday, as we paused to refresh our limbs, a cool breeze across the pond brought spontaneous applause from the leaves of our cove as a cardinal performed an aria from above. "...and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12)

    On one occasion, I was selected to aid a desperate robin ensnared by fishing line in a thicket. By divine arrangement, the next passerby had a pocket knife and a willing heart to join me in this unique rescue mission. We both cheered when freedom fueled the captive's wings and I praised the God of heaven for the opportunity. "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside of your Father's care." (Matthew 10:29)

    I've come to know why God wants me to praise him. It's not because he is egocentric but, rather, it's the most natural response in my heart. I just have to join creation and give him the glory!

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another, they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty- and I will meditate on your wonderful works." Psalm145: 3-5

One For All

 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is the Messiah, the Lord.'" Luke 2: 8-10

    I love how the Savior came for everybody, regardless of race, social class or financial standing. Did you know that, in the culture of Christ's birth, shepherds were on the lowest rung of society's ladder? I read that, because their occupation engaged them in business with the Gentiles, the shepherds were not permitted to worship in the temple or to testify in court, yet God chose them to be the first witnesses of the long-awaited Messiah! From the angels to the Wise Men, the humble incarnation of God's Son is an indescribable gift wrapped in eternity.

    Why, then, is this Jesus such a stumbling block for some? The pride of man eschews the necessary contrition to admit this: There's nothing by our own strength, power or influence that can save us. No highbrow society, no repetitive prayer, no rank or celebrity, no toil nor wheedling or pleading can open the door of salvation to us. No sojourn to a distant city, no stellar church attendance nor missionary work in other lands can wash away our sins. Only Jesus can do that. He is the only way, the sole truth and the eternal life for all mankind. In agreement with Apostle Peter, I also testify, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

    So, getting back to the lowly shepherds...After they hurried off to see this Gift for themselves, they didn't keep it under their hats. They spread the good news. So must we! I have good news that will bring great joy to all people:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16