Father Knows Best!

Posted on October 11, 2014 by suemariericker

Our pastor recently began a teaching series on the foundational tenets of the Christian faith; I’ll be transparent here and let you know that I had a “ho-hum” reaction when he first announced the sermon topics—however, my opinion has changed over the past several weeks as he has launched into the series. The reality is that there is just no way that the good news can be anything but good, no matter how many times you hear it.  I am also realizing that the Holy Spirit is eager to add greater understanding and depth to Biblical truth.

This past Sunday began three weeks of instruction on the trinity with teaching about God, our Father, and the intimacy we can have with Him. Admittedly, many of us had less than stellar, and in some situations, downright abusive relationships with our human fathers, so the comparison of a relationship to God as our father begins to break down in our thinking and in our hearts.  The good news is that one dimension of redemption is the healing of our broken hearts.  It is easy to think (and this is how I have thought for many years) that becoming doctrinally adept is the most important reason for Bible study.  But I am beginning to realize that getting to know the heart and the character of our Father is the best motivation for studying the Word of God.

The story of the prodigal son is one of the best known scriptural examples of our heavenly Father’s love for His children—although the father allowed the actions of his rebellious son to run their full course, he eagerly accepted his son back into intimate relationship when he turned back in repentance. God is a forgiving father, no matter how many times we wander; you can see that in Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness in the gospel accounts.

Love defines who God is: “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins….God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:9-10, 16).  Yet sometimes this world and the enemy twist our understanding of love.  The fruit of the Spirit opens a window for us into the true nature of God: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22, 23).  Happily, the uncontrolled rage or drunkenness that many experienced from their earthly fathers are not a part of who God is because gentleness and self-control are aspects of His nature.

Our Father provides for His children, “What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who as Him!” (Matthew 7:9-12).  “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33).

And our Father disciplines His children. “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’  It is for discipline that you have to endure.  God is treating you as sons.  For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?  If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons” (Hebrews 12:5-8).

I recognize that trust does not come easily for many of us, but God our Father is trustworthy—and so is His Word, the Bible. I am fascinated by a story in the book of Jeremiah about a group of people who approached the prophet and asked him to inquire of God for guidance.  “Then they said to Jeremiah, ‘may the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to all the word with which the Lord your God sends you to us. Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the Lord our God’” (Jeremiah 42:5, 6).  However, Jeremiah recognized that these men were going to take their own counsel rather than the counsel of God—ultimately culminating in their own destruction.

Sadly, the attitude that expresses, “I will obey you as long as it is something I want”, and scriptural manipulation or compromises are all too common in the church nowadays—too many “moral failures” fill the scandal-hungry media. Considering the amazing love and intimacy extended by our Father, how can we possibly think that we know better than our omnipotent, omniscient, eternal God?  I have done it, though, thought that I was a “special case”, an exception to the principles of morality and righteousness in God’s Word because of the sin and brokenness in my life.  But disobedience can never forgive sin or heal brokenness—only God can.

The relationship with our Father in heaven, available through faith in Jesus Christ, is without a doubt, amazing. Think of this: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).  The one who formed us in His likeness and image (Genesis 1:26) is also the one who knows us best and loves us most—let us not turn our hearts away from Him in any regard!

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Conned!

Posted on October 1, 2014 by suemariericker

I was convinced that I was smarter than that, to be taken in by a spiritual predator! And yet this scripture once again proves to be true: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).  Pride doesn’t always manifest itself in obvious way but it affects our attitudes in subtle ways—like thinking “it couldn’t happen to me” or “I’m too smart for that”.  I am grateful to my heavenly Father that I am not destroyed (but I am out $100); and it is difficult to envision myself having a haughty spirit (disdainfully proud, snobbish, or scornfully arrogant), however, God is committed to my never getting that way!  I guess there is a little bit of “I’m not as gullible as other people…” feeding my attitudes, though.

But it happened, just this past week. I was approached online, on Facebook (I can imagine you shaking your heads at this point, wondering how I could for a minute be taken in, and knowing that you wouldn’t be) by someone purporting to be from a ministry that I admire, asking for money to support an orphanage in Nigeria (now I know you must be convinced of my fool-hardiness, I probably would be if I were reading this!).  As I look back at the experience, I recognize some scripturally identifiable demonic tactics.

The dialog started with a question: “Do you have faith?”  The implication of the question was that if I had faith, then I would send money to support a particular ministry.  My natural reaction was to become defensive and start an internal dialog about faith, whether I have it, and how I should demonstrate it.  The problem was that I was looking inside of me, trying to assess my own spiritual condition instead of immediately turning to Jesus and asking Him if I have faith and what He wants me to do about it.  The reality is that everyone has faith, we just get to choose where we invest it—in the person of Jesus Christ and all He has accomplished on our behalf, or in the dictates of the enemy and this world.

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

Faith is dynamic, not static, as the Holy Spirit admonishes through the apostle Paul, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6, 7)—the way our faith grows is by being rooted and built up in Jesus, not by trying to prove it to ourselves or someone else.

Interesting that Satan’s encounter with Eve in the garden began with a question, “Did God really say that?” and then he added his personal misrepresentation of God’s directive. Satan’s approach to Jesus sought to undermine His identity (“If you are the Son of God”) and to twist scripture to serve the enemy’s purposes.  …and demonic forces continue to use and misrepresent the Word of God to manipulate believers.  I also have noticed that the enemy seeks to question or undermine our identity in Jesus (children of God, joint heirs with Christ – Romans 8:17, 18) and our faith, so that we will not feel secure in the amazing grace of God and the testimony of our lives will lose the dynamic effectiveness of God’s love and mercy.

It is significant in Peter’s first epistle that, before describing the activities of Satan, he counsels believers to “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” He continues his letter, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you” (1 Peter 5:6-10).

I recognize that giving is both biblical and an expression of worship:

Jesus taught, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

Paul described the gifts he received from the Philippian church as “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

After my experience this past week, I decided to write down some personal criteria in regards to giving. Here they are:

  • No need is so urgent that I don’t have time to pray, to seek God’s heart and the Holy Spirit’s leading in my response to it—I will allow the peace of God to rule in my heart (Colossians 3:15) regarding donations (and everything else, for that matter). 
  • If a request for money seems compulsory, then question its source. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church, he wrote this about giving: “I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:5-7). It is not necessarily selfishness that causes us to feel a “grudging obligation” in giving; sometimes it is the Holy Spirit cautioning us to seek His guidance. Generosity produces joy in the giver; if cheerfulness is absent, it is a good idea to ask God “why?”
  • I will never use a credit card to make a donation because it would be presumptuous to give something I do not have while expecting God to “bless” me with the money to cover the debt. “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression” (Psalm 19:13).
  • Besides my church, I have several reputable organizations I give money to—I do not believe God expects us to answer every legitimate plea for help; when we ask Him, the Holy Spirit will highlight in our hearts the places and the amounts He wants us to give.
  • If you have any doubt about a donation request, talk about it with someone you know and trust. One of the verses the person, who managed to manipulate me into giving money, used was Matthew 6:3-4 – “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Implied here was that my giving to this orphanage should be kept secret; I am sure, however, in this situation that person was more concerned about not being exposed than any reward the Father might have for me.

I was pretty ashamed about having this happen to me—being conned by a predator. I also recognize that we have an enemy whose mission is to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10) and deception is one of his tactics.  However, by learning from my experience and if this post can help someone else, then it was worth it!

 

“And we know that all things work together

For good to those who love God,

To those who are the called

According to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

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No Fear!

Posted on September 26, 2014 by suemariericker

I’ve been reading the book of Jeremiah lately and am captivated by the story in chapter 36 where Jeremiah summoned Baruch and dictated to him every message the Lord had given against Judah, Israel, and other nations. When the scroll was completed, Jeremiah requested that he take it to the temple and read it on the next day of fasting—with the hope that the people would turn away from evil.  There is no indication that Baruch questioned Jeremiah’s request, even though it was for those words, God’s words that Jeremiah was confined and not allowed to go to the temple.  After reading the scroll to the princes, they told Baruch to take Jeremiah to a secure hiding place.

When the scroll was read to the king, he had it cut up column-by-column and thrown into a fire—afterwards he ordered that Baruch and Jeremiah be seized. The king’s anger and destruction of the manuscript did not change the prophetic word of God; and God graciously hid His faithful servants.  Even as the king attempted to destroy God’s Word, proclaimed by Jeremiah long ago, the enemy continues to undermine, misrepresent, and prohibit access to the Bible.

People continue to deny and disbelieve in the justice and judgment of God—they attempt to discredit or discount the Bible because it does not fit in with their understanding of justice or their personal philosophies of what a loving God should be. Rejecting God’s Word does not change the outcome, though, because God is righteous:  “‘For I am the Lord. I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass; it will no more be postponed; for in your days, O rebellious house, I will say the word and perform it,’ says the Lord God” (Ezekiel 12:25).

The world is going crazy with violence and terrorism, creating anxiety and fear in the hearts of many people. As Christians, we recognize the fulfillment of biblical prophecy bringing time, as we know it, rapidly to a close.  Whole societies are being threatened, not just military members, not just the Jewish people, and not just Christians—yet it would be very easy for people to turn accusing fingers towards the people of God and blame them for the violence and the problems in the world.  If you are listening and watching, you will recognize that is already happening.

According to Jesus, “distress of nations…men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth…” are evidences of His soon return.  Yet, throughout scripture God instructs His people to “Fear Not!” 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:28-31).

“And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evil doers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:13-17).

I desire the unquestioning loyalty to the Word of God that Jeremiah and Baruch possessed—they did not waver in the face of banishment, persecution, imprisonment, and death.

Jeremiah was falsely accused, misrepresented, and threatened yet he made no compromise with his enemies. I am amazed at how quickly I want to defend myself to people who have made their minds up about Christianity and Christians—who will not listen because demonic forces have clouded their minds.  Our best response in those situations is to remember that it is the Holy Spirit who “will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8), not us.  Our responsibility is to “love [our] enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

The violence of terrorism is unpredictable and intimidating—how does one prepare for that? I don’t believe we “prepare” as such; rather, we press in to knowing Jesus, daily walking with Him in conversation (prayer), Bible study, and taking up the full armor of God. 

 

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able

To withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,

Having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to

Quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,

Which is the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:13-17

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“I Will…!”

Posted on September 21, 2014 by suemariericker

Sometimes my thoughts are a little random, no surprise to my kids! Often I am amazed at how the Holy Spirit manages to pull those thoughts together for this blog…

I was very busy last couple of weeks; and every time I thought I might sit down to write, a quick glance at the clock reminded me that I needed to be somewhere else. I am grateful that I put the extra effort into thoroughly cleaning our back patio for my little granddaughter’s fourth birthday party, though.  As I finished moving, hosing down, and cleaning up the last few pieces of furniture, I found a very much alive black widow spider clinging to the bottom of a stand of TV trays – I have got to admit that I am glad the spider stayed put while I carried the trays out to where I was hosing everything off!

Sometimes it just doesn’t pay to take shortcuts.

Most times it is important to complete the task-at-hand.

All the time the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives will enlighten and enable us to know what to do and how to it.

Endurance or perseverance are not only evidences of spiritual maturity; they also characterize those who are pleasing to God. Hebrews chapter 11 defines faith—“the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”—and reminds us that it is only with faith that we are pleasing to God.  The writer continues on to list many imperfect people who the Holy Spirit recognized as being people of faith.  Chapter 12 begins with, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

The book of James also counsels us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2, 3).

We often admire, as well as hold ourselves to the standard of the old adage to “get back up on the horse when you’ve been bucked off”; yet that saying relates more to the human tenacity required to overcome physical obstacles instead of “counting it all joy” through the storms of life—and understanding that it is the testing of our faith which produces patience.

…which drew my thoughts to the verses in Isaiah which prophesy, “All the people will know…who say in pride and arrogance of heart: ‘The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will replace them with cedars’” (Isaiah 9:9, 10).  This was Israel’s response to God’s punishment for their disobedience and rebellion.  Instead of repentance and humility, they chose defiance and independence from the one who blessed them and chose them for covenant relationship.

It is often much easier to hold on to a subconscious (if not intentional) attitude of “not thy will but mine be done” instead of “not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:38).  Having the mind of Christ, who is God “but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant…,” who “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” does not come naturally to us—particularly in a society bent on demanding personal rights.  Yet Jesus taught, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24, 25).

May God grant us discernment to become aware of our attitudes and the vows we make. Repentance, admitting that we are missing the mark with our thoughts and behaviors while turning to God for forgiveness, and humility rarely come easily; but intimacy with our heavenly Father demand both.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

“…be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7).

Letting go of my pride

Giving up all my rights

Take this life and let it shine

Take this life and let it shine.

I lay me down I’m not my own

I belong to you alone.

Lay me down, lay me down.

Hand on my heart this much is true

There’s no life apart from you—

Lay me down, lay me down.

It will be my joy to say, “Your will, Your way”

It will be my joy to say, “Your will, Your way”

It will be my joy to say, “Your will, Your way—always!”

(From “Lay Me Down” by Chris Tomlin)

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Power, Love, and a Sound Mind

Posted on September 5, 2014 by suemariericker

Circumstances frequently bring my thoughts back to the verse in 2nd Timothy that declares, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (1:7 NKJV).  Interestingly, various Bible translations present slightly different interpretations of that verse; for instance, the ESV states, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

As easy as it may be to focus on what may appear to be a discrepancy between these translations, I am more inclined to focus on the similarities.  In speaking through Paul, the Holy Spirit identifies significant characteristics of His personality and contrasts them with an aspect of the demonic realm—a Spirit of power and love and a sound mind (or self-control) versus a spirit of fear.  In fact, in moments of fear, self-control characterizes a sound mind—because in the midst of troubling circumstances, it is necessary that we “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

So, with all that happened in the past month with my daughter’s accident, my son travelling back from Afghanistan, his wife making a twelve-hour drive to help me out with some of the details that needed attention, my other son flying back to Virginia with my granddaughter to give my daughter some time to heal before having the energy of a 4-year old bouncing around her, and his wife flying to San Diego and back to Virginia in one day to bring Eugenie back…  I cannot begin to tell you how emotionally vulnerable I felt.  Knowing that anything could happen as my family members were travelling.

I know the Bible; I know the scriptures that instruct me to cast my cares on Jesus, because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7), to be anxious for nothing, instead pray (Philippians 4:6), and I treasure Jesus’ promise that whatever things I ask in prayer, believing, I will receive (Matthew 21:22).  Yet there is this little corner cupboard in my heart where fear lurks, and whether one considers it a stronghold or a lack of faith, there is a pressure point where, if a spirit of fear pushes hard enough I respond.

I was four, just a few months older than Eugenie is right now, and my life was overwhelmed with illness, a hospital bed, and a dying mother.  I didn’t really have the opportunity to grieve until much later in my life, though I thought I worked through the pain and abandonment left over from my small child’s heart.  However this past month, with so much happening at one time, my inability to control life or circumstances brought to surface a sense of insecurity that whispered that life is unreliable—God is unreliable because hurtful, bad things still happen, and my heart felt as delicate as fine china.

I know all the right answers—that evil is still present in this world and until Jesus returns, pain is inevitable.  Yet there are these nagging little “what ifs?” that seem to pop up when life becomes unpredictable or seems out of my control.

When I was considering what to write in this post, initially I was going to title it “Confronting Demons” but I was a bit concerned those words might communicate something that I did not intend.  However, Christian or not, many people refer to “demons”, particularly from their pasts, that seem to harass them at different times and in various circumstances of their lives.  There are spots of vulnerability in our hearts where the enemy knows how to exert pressure in ways that can either establish a demonic stronghold or, by surrendering our weaknesses to God through prayer and confession, He can create a fortress of faith.  …and faith is important because, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).  “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).

A spirit of fear is not the only enemy many experience circling their hearts, looking for a place to land.  The Bible speaks of others, such as a spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14), a haughty spirit (Proverbs 16:18), a spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3), a spirit of harlotry (Hosea 4:12), a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:17), a spirit of divination (Acts 16:16), a spirit of bondage (Romans 8:15), a spirit of stupor (Romans 11:8), the spirit of the world (1 Corinthians 2:12), the spirit of the antichrist (1 John 4:3), and a spirit of error (1 John 4:6)—to name a few.

As well equipped warriors, we have every tactical advantage over the enemy:  “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5)—Ephesians 6 lists a number of those weapons available to us.  We also can receive encouragement from the fact that “He who is in [us] is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

This is my prayer as I assess my life and all that is going on in the world around us:

O Father God, grant me, grant my children and their families, and grant your people wisdom and discernment to recognize the ploys that Satan and his cohorts use to side-track us from pure devotion to you.  Cleanse our hearts and our minds from the spirits of this world and every spirit of error; create ever-increasing hunger in our hearts for your Word and truth.  Pour your Spirit and grace into our hearts and equip us for battle, I pray.  Remind your children that evidence of faith is not so much in the things we possess or in what we give; instead, it is about in whom we hope, and our willingness to worship you when clouds obscure the sun.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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Some Thoughts about the World Today

Posted on August 26, 2014 by suemariericker

Horrific events currently taking place in the Middle East seem to defy our sense of reality—how can persecution, execution, and inhumane brutality possibly be happening in the twenty-first century? Lest we are tempted to blame it on ruthless societies and cruel cultures, we also need to look within our own borders and the borders of all nations to see violence, rage, and lawlessness becoming ever so much more frequent. To say evil does not exist is to deny reality and turn a blind or calloused eye towards the blatant disregard for human life occurring all over the world.

I cannot help but think that the attitudes of disbelief and “not my problem”, or “it couldn’t happen here” are reminiscent of the opinions of many as the atrocities of war broke out in Europe seventy-five years ago. How is this different? The world is in turmoil; the enemy is raging! …and his purpose continues to be genocide. Sadly, even now some deny the holocaust for whatever reason befits their belief systems—and there are those who deny the shocking events presently occurring in Middle Eastern countries.

Interesting that central to Hitler’s strategies was the annihilation of the Jewish race; and now, Israel is under attack from radical Islam. While many Christians recognize the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, we can find exceptional hope in God’s promise and faithfulness to the children of Israel. As conflict and persecution increase, Paul’s counsel to the Colossian church is our best response: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ….Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:2-3, 5-6).

Now is the time to pray for doors to open for the good news of Christ to spread, to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering for the sake of the gospel, to speak with grace and wisdom to those in our lives who do not know Jesus, and to surrender ourselves to Him, to be used for His kingdom and glory.

Now is also the time to pray for Israel—here is my prayer, based on Jeremiah 30:

“Lord, God of Israel, I surrender my heart and my life to you. Ignite my understanding with your Holy Spirit; guide me in truth as I read your Word and pray.

“Restore the fortunes of your people Israel and Judah; continue to bring them back to the land you gave to their fathers. Reveal to your church, the significance of your covenant promises and your faithfulness to fulfill them. Do not let us turn our hearts and our prayers away from the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

“Protect your people, O God; break every yoke of bondage. Draw their hearts back to you and remove every blinding veil and spirit of deception that keep them from recognizing the Son of David, Jesus the Messiah, and all that He accomplished on their behalf. I pray this for all of your people, Lord, Jew and Gentile alike.

“Be with your people, Israel, to save them; draw their hearts to you—away from captivity, away from bondage to the enemy of their souls. Restore your people to the quiet and ease, found only through faith in the Savior.

“Make an end to our enemies, O God, the enemies of all your people. Draw our hearts together in your Spirit and truth. Discipline us in your mercy and lovingkindness. Take away our guilt and grant us your forgiveness and righteousness. Cleanse our hearts and our ways, I pray. Restore the health of your people and heal all of our wounds, Lord.

“Restore the fortunes of Jacob, let thanksgiving and celebration be the song of their hearts and of their land. Honor them and establish them before you. Defeat their enemies and punish all who seek to oppress them. Reveal yourself in power to your enemies, the enemies of your people and turn their hearts in repentance to you.

“Execute your intentions, O God; accomplish your purposes for all of your people. I pray these things in the name of the Prince, the Mighty Ruler of your people, Jesus Christ.”

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All Things…!

Posted on August 12, 2014 by suemariericker

I have had easier weeks – easier than the past couple of them, I should say.  My daughter was in a motorcycle accident and her body is broken but she is alive, and for that I am remarkably grateful—and there are no “buts…”, because the word “but” means that what I said before does not really count for much, and I am truly grateful for God’s amazing mercy and grace. 

Sometimes life may seem boring, although often it can be exciting, depending on our perspective.  I also recognize that the enemy forces, who do not like Christians, take fiendish delight in throwing off the rhythm of our existence with attempts to destroy our faith in God as well as our lives.  Satan is like a lion seeking prey—however, he and his cohorts are defeated enemies.  Our victory, their defeat was secure through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Our words can reflect the words of Jacob to his brothers, who sold him into slavery:  “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:19).

We script our lives not only for day-to-day activities, but also for our futures.  I think most people recognize that there will be glitches in our finely tuned plans; however, when big things happen—like illnesses and motorcycle accidents, both of which have come to visit my life lately—disorientation often ensues and our faith is put to test.  God has our lives scripted, too – yet there are no surprises for Him.  He cautions through the apostle James, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; where as you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15).

I have noticed when that when crises arise, the demonic realm is quick to contribute an element of fear, sometime intense and from a satanic perspective, crippling.  However, Christians have the assurance that, “He who is in you [us] is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).  And our Father reminds us through the apostle Paul, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).  Sometimes things just happen, sometimes things happen because of the choices we make, and sometimes things that happen are demonically instigated.  Often the evil, unseen realm attempts to manipulate life events, and our thoughts, in ways that portray Satan as more powerful than he truly is.  It is important to recognize that Satan and his cohorts are bullies who seek to intimidate God’s children into vulnerable positions where we forget that we are heirs of the King. 

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.  For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:14-17).

“When the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

When difficult circumstances arise, it is easy to fall into a trap of condemnation, thinking, “Why me?”, “Did I do something wrong?” or “There must be some unconfessed sin in my life” without remembering that there is “no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8: 1).  It is also easy to forget the nature of spiritual warfare and the fact that Satan is the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10)—for that is just what he and his minions do, accuse believers and cause us to doubt the goodness and sovereignty of God.  Sadly, some Christians may also come along side us with accusations and condemnation, assisting the enemy with his mission. 

Sometimes the boat is behind us and we find ourselves standing on water—the things that bear our lives forward are missing, our security, our jobs, the familiarity of our routines and our schedules, our health, or our relationships are swallowed by the waves of life as the winds tear at our hearts.  Like Peter, it is easy to let our eyes drift from the Savior onto the unfamiliar, seemingly unreal circumstances gripping our lives; yet Jesus welcomes our cries of “Lord, save me!”  And His gentle response is, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

…for we have His assurance that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”; and, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:28, 35, 37-39).

 

“There are times when there is no storm or crisis in our lives, and we do all that is humanly possible. But it is when a crisis arises that we instantly reveal upon whom we rely. If we have been learning to worship God and to place our trust in Him, the crisis will reveal that we can go to the point of breaking, yet without breaking our confidence in Him.”

~Oswald Chambers~

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“I Am a Christian”

Posted on July 26, 2014 by suemariericker

I have been thinking about that lately, the statement “I am a Christian” and the responses to it in this nation and worldwide.  I think there was a time when those words were not as potentially volatile as they are now; I am pretty sure that when I was younger they didn’t elicit as much hostility as nowadays.   I recognize that there have been some monstrous acts done in the name of Christianity, yet anyone bothering to look farther will recognize in Jesus a different value system than those held by a few who spread a false religion of hatred and murder.

Long ago in the ancient city of Antioch, the followers of Jesus were given a title designating their allegiance to the Savior, separating their identity from the Jewish religion or the religions of the Greeks—“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).   The name remains; however, many who consider themselves Christians choose also to identify with a particular creed or denomination, calling themselves Baptists, or Catholics, or Pentecostals, or Adventists…  Yet there is only one name that has the power to give life, or as Peter so powerfully stated through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit when questioned about the healing of a lame man, “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.  This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:10-12).

When I say that I am a Christian, I am saying that my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and His righteousness.

When I say that I am a Christian, I affirm my belief that the Bible is the infallible, inerrant, and unchangeable Word of God, spoken by the Holy Spirit to human scribes.  I know that not all Christians accept this—but I do.

When I say that I am a Christian, I recognize that I risk ridicule and scorn for my faith; I risk being identified with a few who spread violence and hatred (though Jesus never did).

When I say that I am a Christian, I honor life; and I understand that many will consider me intolerant because of my faith and commitment to Jesus—however, God is a righteous God and His opinion of me is infinitely more important to me than the opinions of others.   I also recognize Jesus’ charge, “The first of all the commandments is:  ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’  This is the first commandment.  And the second, is like it, is this:  ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).

My identity as a Christian is not an entitlement to judge others:  “Judge not, and you shall not be judged.  Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

When I say that I am a Christian, I am identifying with the many who have suffered and those who are currently suffering persecution or imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.  I think of Meriam Ibrahim, imprisoned while pregnant, who faced flogging and execution for refusing to deny her Christian faith.  Praise God, she is free now; however at this moment many other people are losing their freedom, their homes, or their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ.

As a Christian, I understand that there is an unseen warfare which began even before Adam and Eve chose to disobey God; and it will continue until the day the Almighty One puts an end to rebellion—the enmity that exists between Satan, the enemy, and Jesus, God’s son, continues between the powers of darkness and those who bear the name of our Savior.  Scripture warns us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).  And the apostle Paul instructs us, “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10-12). 

Even though I am not suffering persecution right now, that day may soon be approaching for everyone who chooses to identify with the cross of Christ—because scripture confirms “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

Yes, I confess that I am a Christian and I can say that I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  Whatever the path, wherever God leads me, I choose to identify with the cross of Christ, no matter the cost.

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On Growing Up…

Posted on July 18, 2014 by suemariericker

Living with my 3-year old granddaughter and watching her 3-year old behavior, lately has sparked my thoughts about growing up and maturity.  I am pretty sure that she does not understand the concept of gratitude—little clues like moments of orneriness after special times and exciting new treasures remind me that thankfulness and gratitude are learned, they don’t necessarily come naturally.  Of course, I do not expect her to act like an adult because maturity comes with growth, by example, and through instruction.

I also do not expect adults to act like 3-year olds, either; yet there have been times when my desires or uncomfortable life situations have captured my attention to the point that gratitude for the gifts and graciousness of my heavenly Father eluded me.  Considering the assurance given to us through the apostle Peter, “…His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3, 4), there is no need for concern that God will not provide all we need.  In fact, Jesus assures us that our heavenly Father recognizes our needs, and we are encouraged to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Evidence of spiritual maturity is our ability to “bless the Lord…and forget not all His benefits….For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.  For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:2, 11-14).

The apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian church to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7); and to the church at Thessalonica he wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

Something else that has sparked my thoughts about Christian maturity are the playground antics and verbal bullying our society is fraught with nowadays.  So many find it difficult to express disagreement without attacking the character and identity of others who hold to opposing theological or political opinions—sadly, many Christians do this.  Often we forget that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  I like the wording of that verse – we have sinned (past tense) and fall short (present tense) of the glory of God, every one of us!  For those of us who have received God’s mercy and grace, we can do no less than humbly fall at His feet and pray that God would continue to open the eyes of the blind, particularly our own blindness as we view others.

In writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul instructed “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:14, 15).  The way we speak to and about others is a measure of our maturity in Christ.  Yet, it is so very easy to forget that we are not required to convince anyone of anything—our responsibility is to speak the truth in love and allow the Holy Spirit to “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). 

Maturity also comes with recognizing that we have not yet attained perfection, or as Paul described to the Philippian believers, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind…” (Philippians 3:12-15).

It is easy to forget that we live on a battlefield, and the enemy is unseen—and it is easy to get emotionally agitated, offended, or angry at the opinions and actions of others.   I believe satan and his cohorts would like nothing better than to distract Christians from the “goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” because, how can we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when our attention is focused elsewhere? …and how can we possibly be witnesses of the saving grace and mercy of God when we are unable to extend them to others?

I just finished listening to an interview with Naghmeh Abedini, wife of Saeed Abedini, who is in an Iranian prison for his faith in Jesus Christ.  The interviewer (Greg Laurie) concluded the dialogue with this question, “If he (Saeed) could speak to us right now from that cell, what do you think he would say?”  Her response was, “use your freedom for the gospel!” 

For every one of us who has the freedom to speak, let us join our hearts and our voices to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world and not allow the enemy’s tactics or the things of this world to sidetrack us.

 

“Let us lay aside every weight,

And the sin which so easily ensnares us,

And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

Who for the joy that was set before Him

Endured the cross, despising the shame,

And has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1, 2

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Forgiveness

Posted on July 11, 2014 by suemariericker

I do my best to avoid political topics when I write these posts because, frankly, they are way too emotionally loaded and I believe heart issues and spiritual matters are much more important.  I have noticed that few people change their minds when they read political views that differ from their own; more often than not, varying opinions just seem to make people angry or they support self-righteousness.

That being said, it has been interesting to watch this past week as retail giant, Costco, announced that they were pulling the book, “America” by conservative author Dinesh D’Souza, from their sales shelves—interesting timing as the documentary based on the book was just released in theaters.  I added my voice (e-mail, actually) to the many who protested this decision—my intent was to express concern about an American’s right to freedom of speech and questioning their purposes in no longer offering to sell the book.  No anger.  No threats.  Just a short statement expressing my concern.

Happily, the company reversed their decision and will continue to sell the book; however, it appears that the controversy has not ended.  I noticed one conservative radio personality calling on people who are planning to buy the book, NOT to purchase it from Costco because of how this situation played out and the response (and motives) of Costco management in resuming sales. 

I recognize that not all conservatives are Christians and not all those professing to be liberals are atheists; however, this situation brought to the center of my thoughts something that has been sneaking around the edges for a while now—our responses, as Christians, to those who disagree with us.  I have read as much hatred and condemnation coming from “Christians” as that issuing from the mouths and computers of those who do not believe in the grace and mercy of the Son of God.

How can we, as Christians, expect pure motives to come from the management of a billion dollar company when we are not able to generate them ourselves?  Jesus quoted Isaiah, saying, “‘these people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”  He goes on to explain, “‘those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.  These are the things which defile a man…’” (Matthew 15:8-9, 18-20).

It has taken me a long time to recognize that when I deny my sin and all that my human nature encompasses, I also deny my need for a Savior.  The apostle John wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8, 9). 

I cannot begin to tell you how easy it is to set up a “righteousness standard”, place myself (rather highly) on it, and compare the lives and actions of others to my judgment of righteousness, how they measure up and where they should be, in my estimation—sort of like the attitudes of the Pharisees when Jesus walked the earth.  One of the problems with doing that is that it violates Jesus’ command to, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged.  Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

We are so quick to condemn!

…without observing our own hearts. 

Jesus taught that murder is more than an action; it is a heart attitude, as is adultery, as is the way we speak to or about others.  He continued His teaching with these words:  “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44, 45).

I titled this post “Forgiveness” because that is what I am writing about, not self-righteousness, not judgment, nor sin (though they seem to figure in quite noticeably).  Sometimes it seems as though we have difficulty letting go of the differing viewpoints, the errors in judgment, the sins, or the imperfections of others—our words and our attitudes bear out a spirit of unforgiveness, even when the perceived offenses are not directed towards us.  It is so much easier to condemn or curse those who oppose Christianity or our closely held conservative beliefs instead of blessing them or praying for them!  Jesus taught, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14, 15).  It is so much easier to forgive when we remember just how much God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ!

Hanging from the cross, Jesus looked at the broken people beside and below him, the religious leaders, the soldiers who cast lots for His garments, who pounded the nails into His hands and feet—and he saw the multitudes of people throughout the centuries who would do the same—He saw you and me; and he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

 

 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking

Be put away from you, with all malice.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,

Forgiving one another,

Even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:31, 32

 

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