The View from Here

Posted on June 25, 2019 by suemariericker

In their later years, my parents owned a home set atop a small hill, surrounded by verdant grass, majestic fir trees, lovely rose bushes, and bubbling fountains.  Mom loved to sit in the windows looking out at the serene setting, watching the birds dipping and playing in the tiny pond, sometimes seeing small foxes run across the yard or deer on the borders between the grass and the trees.  That is something I long for, a quiet place to sit and drink my coffee, read my books, and enjoy the majesty and melodies of nature.

Except for a few years, my life hasn’t been like that; instead there have been tiny yards, crowded neighborhoods, busy streets, small apartments, or asphalt parking lots surrounding the places I’ve lived.  I admit that I do not have the gift of design or the ability to make things grow the way my parents did—I tend to kill green, growing things, and putting together a special little sanctuary is well beyond my sense of vision.

In truth, wherever we live, whatever we do, most of us have choices about our surroundings and the things we look at—and we make choices about how we view life, how we view others, and how we view ourselves.  I’ve noticed that sometimes past experiences, sinful attitudes, fear, or pride can get in the way, blocking our view, and giving us a partial picture or incomplete panoramic landscape of life—especially when it comes to spiritual things.

Many of us understand that the voices from the past and the influences of the enemy affect how we think or act—for instance, if we were told as children that we were slow or lazy, not very bright or dumb, if we were criticized in areas where we were not proficient, and the things we were good at were not valued, then the opinions we formed about ourselves and our value as human beings came up incredibly short compared to how God values us.  …and how we learned to view others often fit into the same standard we held for ourselves.

So, we struggled.  We struggled to come to grips with the things God says about us:

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…. Who is to condemn?  Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:1, 34-35, 37-39)

We are learning to speak the truth, to speak God’s Word into the lies that seem to assault us every day of our lives.

Truths such as:

“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you [me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

And…

“For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

My favorite…

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

●●●

Lately, my perspective of who I am is shifting as I consider Jesus words:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit…” (John 12:24)

I really struggle with writing.  I write this blog because I have a heart for writing, but this doesn’t come easily for me—and I don’t know if it ever will. I recognize that I am frequently distracted, my attention span seems to have some serious shortfalls, and considering what school was like for me growing up, I have often wondered if I had/have an attention deficit disorder.  Such things weren’t identified or recognized when I was growing up, but goodness, what a struggle!

And I’m a fairly reserved, a rather shy person, an introvert, and just sort of slow in many regards.  These are just some characteristics (along with others) that I have identified about myself – how I view myself – and I keep them tucked away in the reference section of my mind, ready to bring out when situations may call for them.

But I wonder…

I wonder if I undermine my usefulness (fruitfulness) to God’s kingdom by keeping some kernels of my life alive by not planting them in Christ and allowing them to die.  I don’t think that is an easy thing to do, but I’m sure it begins with surrender.

Scripture declares:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

And…

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)

It’s not that we work against ourselves, trying to be something or someone we are not, trying to be strong in places where we are weak, or trying to be healthy in those areas of our lives where our souls or bodies are suffering; instead, the result of being a new creation is that we are living, by faith, in the fulness of God’s Spirit, allowing Jesus to make us into the people He designed us to be—“forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…press[ing] on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13,14)

The apostle Paul expressed his frustration – and then resolution – with brokenness in his own life:

“…a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

That is what I want—not to be stronger, not to be more self-sufficient; rather, I long to be completely planted in Jesus so that His grace and His power will be evident in my life.

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A Question of Morality

Posted on May 24, 2019 by suemariericker

I hear politicians frequently declaring the moral status of other politicians, legal judgments, and just about any issue that they disagree with.  I recognize their strategies in doing this as a subtle declaration of their authority in identifying what is moral and what is not.  It sends out a message of intimidation to anyone who disagrees with their judgments, effectively silencing those who hold differing views.  Yet anywhere a moral opinion is stated that is not supported by God’s Word, the Bible, whoever is making such a statement is exalting themselves and their opinions above God, the immortal, invincible, omni-present, and all-knowing Creator of the universe.

The Bible being attacked as contradictory, outdated and irrelevant, or the work of multiple human authors instead of Holy Spirit dictated to the many scribes (40+), is nothing new, though I think the attacks against its authority and inerrancy are intensifying—which increases the responsibility of Christians to be well acquainted the truth that sets one free. 

“…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31, 32)

Freedom and morality can never be realized apart from knowing God and His Word and living in the power of the Holy Spirit—making choices or living a lifestyle that the Bible condemns is not freedom!

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.  He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-14)

Many seek to manipulate scripture passages to support their belief or value systems, or to justify lifestyles that, in truth, are contrary to God’s intention for mankind’s redemption—endeavoring to change God’s perfect plan for sanctifying our lives unto Him and attempting to conform God to man’s broken, fallen, sinful nature.

Sounds horrible. Sounds blasphemous. Which it is!

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” (Romans 8:5-7)

The amazing thing about salvation is that it is a gift, we cannot earn it: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

Yet we also have a responsibility to grow up in Christ…

“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood [adulthood], to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ….” (Ephesians 4:11-15)

It is only by knowing God intimately, treasuring His Word in our hearts, and being filled with the Holy Spirit and discernment that we will be able to differentiate between true shepherds and teachers, and those who put forth lies.  We also need to remember that political “representatives” represent people and their own opinions, but rarely God.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to be the kind of people that represent God’s kingdom and not our own opinions or the philosophies and opinions of the culture.

I’m a gramma; I grew up in the 1950s and 60s.  I saw the protests and the cultural revolutions of that era.  I did not foresee the coming antagonism and violent hatred for Christians, Jews, and for Judeo-Christian morality!  I’m not surprised, though, because the Bible has given us plenty of warning.  The Bible also counsels us to pray: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Yet, the apostle Paul cautioned Timothy – and us – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:12-17)

My conclusion echoes the words of a song running through my heart…


The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes.

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name.

 – Matt Redman


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Why Give Thanks?

Posted on May 1, 2019 by suemariericker

My initial response to that question echoes a parent’s voice in my head, “because I told you to!”  I think most people understand not all voices that parrot “parent” voices represent the character and voice of our heavenly Father; yet sometimes, I believe, He challenges us to search scriptures to hear what He is saying and the tone of voice in which He is speaking.

For instance, these directives:

“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to His holy Name.” (Psalm 97:12)

or…

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I confess I have, I am sure, for most of my life been a circumstantial “rejoicer”—not rejoicing in all circumstances, rather, just the ones that make me happy.  And giving thanks in all situations defies human logic!  Yet there is ALWAYS something to thank God for!

It is interesting that in both of those verses “rejoicing” and “giving thanks” appear to complement each other.

It isn’t too difficult to rejoice and give thanks when life is progressing smoothly, challenges are pretty easy to overcome, and the people we interact with are doing what we expect they should do—though sometimes even in the mundane aspects of our everyday life, the thought of rejoicing doesn’t come readily to mind.

But in the “lion’s den”, the enemy prowling around like a lion seeking whom he may devour, moments of life, the “how could you let this happen?” moments, or the “I don’t even know why I try” moments, the thought of giving thanks or rejoicing seems so superficial, mechanical, feeling like some sort of religious obligation with no depth of devotion.

Daniel’s response, when king Darius was influenced to sign an ordinance that would jeopardize Daniel’s life if he continued to pray and worship God as was his habit to do, amazes me!

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem.  He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10)

Amazing!  This man who had been faithfully serving God in a hostile kingdom for 65-70 years by this time, responded to the threat of certain death with thanksgiving, with faith, and in faithfulness.  His response demonstrated what the apostle Paul put into words: “…nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

His response of thankfulness caused me to consider our responses to the many anti-Biblical, anti-Christian attitudes within our culture, and often being introduced into law within our government.  I can’t say that thankfulness immediately invades my thoughts or pops right out of my mouth!  Sometimes the reactions I hear or read from Christians convey fear, anxiety, or anger—sometimes, my own internal reactions sound like “Oh no!  What if……?” 

We see a remarkable response in the lives of the apostles to threats and beatings for the sake of the gospel: “…and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.  And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42)

Some of the tactics the enemy uses against believers can be observed in both the story of Daniel and the lion’s den, as well as the threatening and beating of the apostles.  Satan…

  • attempts to use legal means to silence Christians;
  • he poses legitimate threats of violence;
  • he intimidates;
  • he sparks fear;
  • he intends to cut off or undermine our communication with God, restricting our spiritual weapon of prayer;
  • and he wants to silence our proclamation of and reliance on the Name of Jesus.

Peter reminded believers in the early church, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. …Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that Name.” (1 Peter 4:12-14, 16)

The only way I can figure a “rejoicing, giving-thanks” (not a manufactured, “just because you told me to”) response is possible is through having a life established and built upon the word of God.  In fact, rejoicing when our circumstances may not warrant it, is not about obeying a command; it is about trusting our faithful God.

“Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

(Romans 5:2-5)

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Cleansed!

Posted on April 2, 2019 by suemariericker

I took my granddaughter to soccer practice recently; soccer season had just begun, and we met at a fairly large park without knowing exactly where the kids were supposed to meet—turns out that they did their warm-ups and practice inside the tennis courts.

I left my folding chair in the car because I didn’t want to carry it around with me while we searched for her team (getting there early did not work out to be an advantage).  After we figured it out, I walked back to my car to get the chair.  As I was returning to the tennis courts with chair in hand, my attention was on the kids as they played; I did not watch where I was stepping. …and I slipped and fell in some mud, getting my jeans and my shoes quite muddy!

Happily, I was not hurt, and I am at a place in my life where my pride wasn’t damaged either – probably because I was able to get up and keep walking, though noticeably muddied.  As I related the experience to my daughter later in an email, I couldn’t help but relate it to my life.  I slip a lot!  Sometimes I get hurt, sometimes I hurt others, just about every time I slip up, I get muddied.  I am so grateful for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me EVERYTIME I confess and ask for forgiveness.

As I’ve gotten older, the ways I slip have changed.  They seem to be more subtle, more about my words and attitudes—not always in obvious, mud-soaked jeans ways, but in soul soiled ways.  Little grievances, little judgments, little intolerances, subtle attitudes.  No one else can tell what is going on in my thoughts or my heart, but the Holy Spirit knows. 

Jesus had something to say about that to the people who appeared exceptionally spiritual during His days on earth:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you clean the outside of the cup and plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. …first clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” (Matthew 25, 26)

The problem with the people Jesus identified in those verses is that they were comparing themselves with obviously “muddied” people.  They didn’t understand that their religious rituals and “law-abiding” observances weren’t addressing the problem of sin in their hearts.  That’s part of the problem with setting up criteria for salvation apart from the cross of Jesus—self-righteousness and self-deception.

I’ve found that not seeing myself in the attitudes of the “scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites” is a dangerous place to be.  Though it may not be a conscious thought, or something I might confess to, it is all too possible that an undercurrent similar to “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even this tax collector…” (Luke 18:11) runs through the streams of my unconsciousness, affecting attitudes, judgments, and perceptions.

The difficulty with judgmental and hypocritical attitudes is that they affect our relationships with others—but most important, these sinful notions (whether conscious or unconscious) affect our relationship with God—for if we do not recognize our sin, how can we recognize our need for a Savior?

Which brings us to the good news!  …a difficult yet essential truth that the “scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites” failed to grasp—it is easy to clean up the outside of the “cup” or “plate,” but only God can clean the inside.  That is absolutely why we need the Savior!  We can make our lives look righteous, but only the purifying blood of Jesus can cleanse us from the sin that runs through the DNA of our human nature.

“If we say 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)

                                        

(1 John 1:8-9)

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Afraid and Discouraged

Posted on March 5, 2019 by suemariericker

A couple of friends and I have been studying Ann Graham Lotz’ “The Daniel Prayer” together—and it has been both timely and amazing.  I have, for a very many years, felt the desire and call to be an intercessor.  The only downside is that I am just not very good at it—primarily because I allow distractions to get the better of me, because I’ve been attempting to do it in my own strength (making prayer a bit of a “work of the flesh” instead an enablement of the Holy Spirit); and the big one, I have not always grasped how dedicated the enemy is to keeping me from praying!

There are a few things I have learned about prayer, though:

  • When I don’t know how or what to pray, do what the disciples did:  Ask Jesus!

“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of his disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples…” (Luke 11:1)

  • Jesus intended prayer to be personal, not formal!

“…And He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your Name…” (Luke 11:2)

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”

“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’  So, you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:6-7)

  • I must not allow the enemy to waylay me with fear or discouragement.

I believe that it is significant that God’s strategies for the Israelites varied with each battle.  And there is no other formula for victory in the midst of spiritual battles other than worship and refusing to give in to fear or discouragement—however, it often seems that the spirits of fear and discouragement precede the enemy into the fray to weaken our defenses.

I love this account recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:15-18, where the king (Jehoshaphat) was confronted by enemy armies:

“And he [Jahaziel] said, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not your but God’s.  Tomorrow go down against them.  Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz.  You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel.  You will not need to fight in this battle.  Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed.  Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.’  Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.”

Interesting that the apostle Paul, when writing to the church at Ephesus about spiritual warfare, charged them to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might…” and “having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:10, 13)

Moses counseled Joshua as he was about to lead the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan, “…Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it.  It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)

When Joseph was faced with a dilemma concerning his betrothed, Mary, who was pregnant while they were not yet married, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 1:20) I love this story because sometimes the Holy Spirit does radical things, and it is exciting to recognize what He is eager to do in us and give birth through us.  We do not need to be afraid of the Holy Spirit!

These words of Jesus are enlightening, encouraging, and include a good reminder for prayer: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.  It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.  If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.  So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known…” (Matthew 10:24-26)

We mustn’t allow the enemy to waylay us from standing confidently in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, equipped with the armor of God, and “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep[ing] alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesian 6:18)

Battle lines are being drawn—it has become increasingly obvious, and the enemy’s strategies include bullying, intimidation, and attempts to destroy our relationship with God, particularly our communication with Him.  Satan wants us to see giants standing in formation against us and cower in fear like the Israelites when faced by a giant and his accompanying army—the enemy’s taunts can do that.  …or they can cause us to rise up and declare, “them’s fightin’ words!”  And we will pick up our God-designed armor, worshipping God, and remember that “He who is in [us] is greater than he who is in the world!” (1 John 4:4)

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“A Peaceful and Quiet Life”

Posted on February 15, 2019 by suemariericker

How does one live a “peaceful and quiet” life with so much turmoil, animosity, and hatred confronting us just about everywhere we turn nowadays?  I recognize that there are some who choose to be blissfully isolated or insulated from the events shaking up nations.  However, I don’t think that, as Christians, we should sequester ourselves or remain ignorant about the spiritual climate of our nation – or any other nation or people group, for that matter. …because, as the body of Christ when one member or one part of the body of Christ suffers, it affects everyone of us—whether we recognize it or not.

The apostle Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, “First of all, then [interesting that he prioritized this!], I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

I recognize that it is very difficult to pray for someone whom you adamantly disagree with, or harbor animosity and hatred towards; however, we are instructed to pray, intercede, and offer thanksgivings for all people, particularly those who are in positions of authority.  I’ve heard a lot of anger towards and cursing of politicians from people who are unyieldingly opposed to Christianity; and sadly, some who profess to be Christians also speak harsh judgments and curses over political opponents.

Several thoughts come to mind:

“But I say to you who hear [pretty important to be listening!], Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28) – Now I can imagine that not many of us experience focused hatred (though I know some do), yet we may quite willingly express hatred (by our judgments and criticisms) towards those we disagree with.  However, Jesus tells us to love.

And not many people curse us (but some do), yet I’ve witnessed in this hostile political climate many Christians who are inclined to curse those who embrace wickedness and evil, forgetting that God, our Savior desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”

The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome, a city and culture known for its opposition to and torture of Christians, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (Romans 12:14) …and a few verses later, he instructs, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.  Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2)

In those instances where a nation’s laws and government oppose God and His Word, we have this principle spoken by the apostle Peter and the others when confronted for civil disobedience (teaching in the name of Jesus), “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) What I don’t see in apostles’ response is a sense of self-righteousness, an attitude of moral superiority, words of ridicule and condemnation, or an underlying hatred for those opposing them.

I write about spiritual warfare quite a bit because I recognize that it is easy to see people as “the enemy” rather than identifying the forces at work behind the scenes.  It is easy to lose any sort of inner peace we may be experiencing when the media promotes bias, dissention, anarchy, and hatred.  In such a hostile atmosphere, it is important to remember this: “…and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.  This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.  Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  They are from the world; therefore, they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. (1 John 4:3-5) We must remember that, with God in us, we are victors, not victims!

And…

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. …and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…” (Ephesians 6:12, 17-18)

We need to pray!  And scripture based, focused prayer is amazing because we are praying God’s very own words back to Him.  Here are some scriptures that I have chosen to pray for our country and its leaders, because I want to live a peaceful and quiet life:

  • “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.” (Proverbs 21:1)

I pray that the hand of the Lord would turn the heart of our president, and the hearts of all those in government towards truth, righteousness, and justice.

  • “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints.  Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways.” (Proverbs 2:6-15)

My prayer is that the Father would give wisdom to our president, and that God would speak knowledge and understanding into the hearts and minds of those with leadership responsibilities within our government.  May He encourage the souls of our leaders and representatives to live and to govern with integrity, even when that is the most challenging path to take.  May they guard the paths of justice, protecting the citizens and promoting righteousness and equity.  Deliver those who seek to honor God from men and women of perverted speech, who forsake what is right and choose the ways of darkness, who delight in perversity, and who are devious in their ways.

  • “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!  Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!  Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.” (Psalm 37:7-9)

It is so easy to become emotionally engaged with what seems to be a hysteria of evil being promoted through the media and through the statements of quite a few politicians.  Yet our Lord instructs us to Be Still—and it is my prayer that the Holy Spirit would lead my heart, as well as the hearts and minds of all of God’s people, His church, into confident stillness in His presence.  I pray for help in averting my eyes and my ears from the things that destroy stillness and seek His help to avoid fretting over what the enemy may think are victories for his side.  Fretting, anger, wrath are all demonic characteristics, and if we allow them a place in our souls, we will become like the evil we despise.  May we, by God’s grace, confidently wait for the Lord, knowing and praising Him that we have His assurance that we will inherit the land!

  • “Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted!  As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! (Psalm 140:8-9)

I repent for allowing myself to get worked up about political situations without going to God in prayer, interceding for our leaders, particularly the ones who are not saved, that they will hear the gospel and receive Jesus as, not only their Savior, but also their Lord.  In the cases where people harden their hearts to the grace of God, I pray that God would commission His agents to deny the desires of the wicked and frustrate their evil plots.  …praying that the lies and the mischief their minds conceive, and their lips proclaim would overwhelm them instead.

There are many other relevant scriptures to pray for our country, and others!  A concordance and a little time can help us to find them.  Besides the news media giving unreliable reports, I also have friends posting on social media opinions and memes that communicate bias and partial truth.  I recognize the enemy’s ploy to bring about division, raise ire, and ignite frustration.  These are opportunities to participate in the power and privilege of prayer!

“In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression,

for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you

shall fall because of you…

…no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,

and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.

This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord

and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” 

(Isaiah 54:14-15, 17)

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When No Means “NO!”

Posted on January 23, 2019 by suemariericker

It is a difficult journey when friends, relatives, significant others, or persons in authority refuse to accept an individual’s courage to stand up for themselves, their ability to disagree, or one’s right to say “no!”  We want to be acknowledged, accepted, believed, validated.  …yet often, many are not.  Societal awareness of this problem has grown as publicity has increased, yet I think we are far from solving these issues because they concern both hearts and power—and without a transformation that only the Holy Spirit can affect, the changes we long for will not happen.

If you have been in a position where your words, your opinions, or your emotions were ignored, you can recognize the frustration and helplessness such disregard brings.  I also recognize feelings such as these cannot be associated with an all-powerful God.  Yet I wonder what He feels when we disregard His words and His “no’s”?  We recognize that He has feelings such as love, anger, and compassion, but how do we recognize His response when we seem incapable or unwilling to accept “no” for an answer?

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.  From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7) What we know about God and our relationship to Him is revealed through Jesus—and the words that Jesus spoke are true. 

So why is it so difficult to accept deep in our hearts some of the things written on the pages of the Bible?  I’m pretty sure that most of us as Christians have a nodding assent that the Bible is God’s Word, and we believe His Word is truth revealed.  But sometimes circumstances cause our faith to waver or break down (and eventually build up!).

There was a special event held for grandparents at my granddaughter’s elementary school—we met with our grandchildren in the school cafeteria and painted mugs supplied by a local company.  After creating our amazing works of art, the company packed them up, took them back to their studio, fired them, and returned them to the school so that the children could take them home.

It was a fun time and I enjoyed making a flowery creation—we both looked forward to getting our mugs back so that we could see how they turned out.  I recognized what was coming when Eugenie started to open the bag holding my mug and a look of dismay crossed her face.  Sadly, it had shattered—and I was so disappointed!  I tried to put the larger pieces together to get an idea of how it might have looked, and I think it would have been pretty, but I just could not envision what it might have been if it hadn’t broken.

Sometimes when things like this happen, I just try to sweep away the pieces and forget about it, forget about my disappointment, and close my heart to what might be happening inside me.  But this time I decided to stop.  I didn’t want disappointment in this broken little mug to consume me; and I did not want even a little bit pride in my creation or greediness in my possession of it to wander through the passageways of my soul.  I loved the moments Eugenie and I spent together in painting our mugs, but it seemed as though that mug meant more to me than just our time together.

It reminded me of my life—that no matter how hard I worked at making it nice, pretty, or desirable, particularly to God, the fact remains I am but broken clay.  My best efforts do not make me whole; they do not make me attractive, loved, or worthy of saving—simply because it is only the Potter’s hands that can make whole what is broken.

…which brings me to the point of my post:

“There is therefore now No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Jesus initiated this truth when He taught, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.  Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:17-18)

Keeping laws cannot make us whole, or acceptable to God (because as fallen human beings, we do not have it within our nature to keep them perfectly); they cannot relieve us from condemnation, and they do not save us!  Only belief in the Son of God ensures eternal life, and only the Spirit of life can give life and freedom from the brokenness caused by sin.

However, faulty religious beliefs place burdens upon believers that God never intended—a sense that the cross of Jesus isn’t quite enough to save a person, that hidden sins lurking in one’s soul could disqualify them from kingdom citizenship, God’s compassion, or kingdom usefulness. 

Truth is, the burden of our salvation was placed on Jesus; and God continues to carry the weight of our redemption and transformation.  “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

As I was thinking about this recently, a floodlight of recognition filled my soul!  Of course, the enemy wants us to sin, to effectively cause a wedge to grow between ourselves and our Savior—satan and his minions are on a mission to “steal and kill and destroy”!(John 10:10) His tactics include lying, “for he is a liar, and the father of lies.” (John 8:44); satan also relentlessly accuses believers in Christ, “for the accusers of our brothers [and sisters] has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” (Revelation 12:10)—and it is his intention and to render us ineffective, …by accepting demonic accusations, causing us to reside under a cloud of condemnation. …to skew the message of the cross with legalism instead of grace, and to keep us from praying because, “…the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”  (James 5:16) Or as the NKJV puts it (the context of this verse not only addresses the sin issue but states the power we have in prayer!), “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” (James 5:16-18)

Now, more than any other time in my life, I am seeing the powers of hell rage!  Now, more than ever before, I am seeing the enemy’s battle objectives to steal, kill, and destroy actively present, and in many cases embraced by the culture and societies of this world.  …and that draws me to the conviction that now, more than ever, we need to believe God’s Word, embracing His uncompromised truth, seeking Him daily to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and committed to prayer.

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What Do You Want?

Posted on January 9, 2019 by suemariericker

“But what do you want?”

Sometimes we don’t have much say in the matter about the things we want.  Finances, life circumstances, health problems, family dynamics, or personal limitations frequently dictate what get, and many times that does not line up with what we want.

I recognize that maturity in wanting or wishing has very little to do with age.  A child may wish for health, or in the case of my granddaughter, for her momma to come home from deployment; and the focus of some adults may be on “toys” or things such as cars, clothes, jewelry, or electronics (to name a few).  There is no defining age or maturity level for the things we need or desire, though, because we are human, and our lives are affected by different needs and “wants” throughout our years.

I was gripped recently about an incident in scripture when Jesus asked a man what he wanted:

“Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.  In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.  One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’ The sick man answered Him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.’  Jesus said to Him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’  And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.” (John 5:2-9)

What strikes me so about this story is that Jesus recognized what the man needed, questioned what he wanted, then asked him a very specific question—yet the sick man responded with what he considered the reasons why he couldn’t be healed.

Such a simple question; either a “yes” or a “no” would have sufficed!

This story stirs up so many considerations, like my propensity for defensiveness in uncomfortable circumstances—or when a certain amount of “lameness” shows up in my walk with Jesus.  It is so easy to look at the brokenness in my life, the affects of abusive relationships, and the consequences of poor choices and point to them and say, “I have no one to put me in the pool!” or “I don’t like being this way, but there is no one to help me and I can’t seem to help myself!”

I’m suspicious that even the most responsible appearing people are inclined to avoid questions and make excuses when their vulnerabilities, brokenness, or sin are questioned.  But Jesus isn’t accusing the sick man of anything – He is just asking the man if he wants to be healed.

This is a beautiful example of God hearing the heart of a man while letting him talk about something else. 

Jesus wasn’t condemning him for being an invalid!  And He wasn’t holding the man responsible for getting healed.  In fact, Jesus wasn’t even enquiring about the sick man’s religious “fitness” by his adherence to the law for receiving healing.  What is so incredibly amazing is that Jesus disregarded the religious traditions of Sabbath observance in order to bring healing to this poor man!

“Now that day was the Sabbath.  So, the Jews said to the man who had been healed, ‘It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.’  But he answered them, ‘The man who healed me, that man said to me, “Take up your bed, and walk.” (John 5:9b – 11)

He didn’t just say, “Stand up and walk!”; Jesus told the man to “take up your bed…!”

The account continues, “Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you are well!  Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.’” (John 5:14)

Here are some things that stand out to me from this story:

  • It is easy to deflect confrontation with excuses, particularly when our sin or our religion makes us uncomfortable.  Jesus asked the crippled man a direct question, but something inside the man prompted him to offer explanations instead of an answer.
  • Jesus recognized the man’s need yet perceived more than appearances and regarded his heart—that that the sick man needed what we all need, compassion and forgiveness.
  • Jesus told the man, “sin no more!”  Was it sin that put him there?  How could sin keep him there if what ailed him also immobilized him?  We do not know, but Jesus indicated that sin could cause something worse to happen to cripple or endanger his life.  Was it the knowledge of a sin that he committed that caused the sick man to give an evasive answer in the first place?  Conviction or guilt often prompt us to avoid confrontation; however, Jesus sees our hearts, He recognizes our need, and He is quick to heal and forgive.

Sin isn’t just about keeping laws and regarding days (he made that clear in this story), it is about the attitudes of our hearts.  Jesus indicated as much when He taught, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:21, 27-28)

Jesus offered a new beginning with unlimited potential for this crippled man. 

And a new beginning is something that so many have come to embrace at the start of each new year.  Since breaking my ambitious resolutions has been a pattern for me over the years, I’ve learned to approach the new year cautiously, particularly when it comes to resolutions.  Yes, years melt into one another and it becomes difficult to envision change in my life; yet God is always at work in His people “both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) He has begun a good work in those who entrust their lives to Him, and He will bring it to completion!

I can’t really say that there are things that I want because I have everything I need; but yes, there are changes that I want to see in how I relate to people, my attitudes, and how I organize (or don’t organize) my time.  I want the broken parts of my soul to be healed and I want to walk in confidence and grace with my Savior.  I want to let go of the crippling thoughts, behaviors, and legalisms that keep me on the water’s edge—I want to plunge into the pool of His love and forgiveness.  And I long for the Holy Spirit to flow through my life like “rivers of living water!” (John 7:38)

My prayer is that you do too.

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With the Eyes of Another

Posted on November 30, 2018 by suemariericker

Unless it has to do with the lives of unborn children, I tend to avoid anything political on social media (how can the value of life be considered political?).  As Christians, though, we cannot avoid the “hot topics”—because no matter where we live, whether in the US or another country, we have the scriptural admonition, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.  Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2)

Godly wisdom and perspectives often collide with the “wisdom” of this age (Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe?  Where is the debater of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” 2 Corinthian 1:20).

Also, the apostle Paul reminds us in his second letter to Timothy, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

These are difficult scriptures to embrace!  The passage in Romans, notably when someone is serving in public office who you don’t like, or perhaps you take exception to their political views.  And Paul’s reminder to Timothy that persecution is inevitable is not usually embraced as good news. (…however, scripture reminds us to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3)

I’ve noticed a lot of people taunting Christians on social media with statements, memes, and using what could be considered “profiling,” by stating their opinions of what God or Jesus would (or should) do regarding illegal immigrants.  I think their intentions in posting these things is to intimidate or silence those who disagree with them.  I recognize the enemy’s intentions in using these tactics—he is a bully, using intimidation and manipulation, and if you think about it, self-righteousness.

My overall view hasn’t changed, yet my thinking has been challenged recently to embrace more of what the Holy Spirit might be saying to Jesus’ church.  …and I would like people to read what my heart hopes to communicate here—realizing that whatever your opinion about illegal immigration, there is room to consider an expanded perspective.

A couple of scriptures that I read not long ago poked the embers of my thoughts about crowds, …and caravans:

“When He saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-37)

“Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, ‘I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.  And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.’” (Matthew 15:32)

I really struggle to express my thoughts and my convictions about the political climate in the United States, particularly regarding immigration.  Sadly, we have become an “us versus them” culture, insisting on being right and unwilling to listen to any perspective differing from our own.  Hatred and violence are rampant, being quickly justified with a deluded form of “self-righteousness” —while forgetting that righteous indignation can only belong to God because, “God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.  They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 53:2-3)

The best sympathy, pity, or compassion humanity has to offer is corrupt!  So, when Jesus looks at people with compassion, is it different than what we have to offer—apart from the Holy Spirit dwelling in our lives, giving us a new heart, a new mind, and new eyes to see others from God’s perspective.

And our anger?  It is not righteous.  “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

The apostle Paul continues his letter in Romans 13 (3-5) “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.  Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority?  Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good.  But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.  For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrong doer.  Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”

I recognize that many are carrying out their opposition to the government from what they may consider for “the sake of conscience”; yet you cannot simultaneously reject scripture and maintain a pure conscience.  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared…” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)  If a person rejects the faith of Jesus and their conscience is not surrendered to the Holy Spirit, then it is a prime target the enemy!

I believe maintaining border security and building walls are scripturally supported.  I also believe that compassion is to be an unwavering characteristic in the lives of Christians:  “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

The dilemma is in respecting the authority of our government and extending kindness and compassion towards “sojourners” – “Thus says the Lord of hosts, render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” (Zechariah 7:9-10)

We also have Peter’s words when confronted by the religious leaders: “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council.  And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’  But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:27-29).  Disobeying religious or civil laws is only permissible when they contradict God’s imperatives.

Our opinions are of very little consequence if they are not founded on the Bible and ignited by the Holy Spirit; and without the eyes and the wisdom of God, all the best our views have to offer is self-righteousness, not Godly perspective.  We are most pitiful as Christians if we are not believing and living, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.  Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” (James 5:16-18) Elijah’s prayers affected both king and nation—ours can too!

So much going on in my heart—the point of this post wasn’t to make a political statement; rather, it is to encourage us as Christians to press in to God – in believing Him, trusting His Word, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.  Also, no matter our views on political issues, particularly the issues that tie our hearts up in knots, we need to seek God and ask Him how He want to use us to bring His light amidst the spreading darkness.

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Spirit-Filled

Posted on October 17, 2018 by suemariericker

I’ve listened to and been a part of several discussions lately about the Holy Spirit and the effect He has in the lives of born-again believers in Jesus.  One such discussion was with several sisters in Christ during a women’s conference held at a local church.

There were several of us bigger women sitting around a table discussing our frustration with food and particularly the struggles we have managing our eating habits—there was also one of those “tiny little things” sitting with us, and she expressed the same frustration.  I’ve sat in these types of discussions before and been upset and frustrated when small women have commiserated with us larger women, but I’ve traveled around enough mountains in the desert by now to know that appearances communicate very little about a person’s heart or their struggles, and that inward battles are rarely obvious or what we expect them to be.

 I also recognize that not only non-believers, but also Christians (even though scripture reminds us in 1 Samuel 16:7, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”) tend to judge people by outward appearances and no matter who we are, we are often affected by the opinions of the culture, and sadly, by our church community—unless we are continually having our minds transformed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

I’ve wrestled before the Lord, knowing that I have prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and there is nothing I can do to receive the Spirit— “Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? …Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’?  Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:2-3, 5-7)

Here’s the dilemma some of us face—having prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit and recognizing that it is by faith that we receive His power, His gifting, and His fruit; yet not seeing the fruit of self-control showing up in our lives the way we think it should, it is easy to come “under the cloud” of thinking that we’re not working hard enough at this self-control thing and, either we are failing the Holy Spirit, or He is failing us. …and God being a God who cannot fail, we slip into a position of condemnation instead of freedom in Jesus.

Our mistake, though, is determining what it looks like to be a Spirit-filled Christian based on outward appearance instead of on the inside.  The apostle Paul so eloquently reminds us, “So we do not lose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

It is interesting, though, how easy it is to get caught up in this one dimension of the Holy Spirit’s character and forget about the other eight named fruit or evidences of His presence.  I tell you, when naming the fruit of the Spirit, I can, with confidence name, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE…  and then sort of mumble whatever I can remember of kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness; and then coming back firmly with SELF-CONTROL. (Galatians 6:22-23)

Our mistake is thinking that these are characteristics that we do instead of what the Holy Spirit does in us when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I’ve also noticed something interesting about this listing of the fruit of the Spirit; the first three are entwined and reflect our relationship with God.  For instance:

“We have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us, GOD IS LOVE, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of JOY; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) …and “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my JOY may be in you, and that your JOY may be full.  This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:9-12)

“PEACE I leave with you; MY PEACE I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Patience is something that we learn through our relationship with God, and is an attribute that we get to show to others:

“…As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with PATIENCE.” (Luke 8:15) …and, “…hope that is seen is not hope.  For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with PATIENCE.” (Romans 8:24, 25)

God’s patience towards us: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect PATIENCE as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16-17)

And in our relationships with others – notice that patience is often included with other fruit of the Spirit:

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with al humility and GENTLENESS, with PATIENCE, bearing with one another in LOVE, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of PEACE.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and compassionate hearts, KINDNESS, humility, meekness, and PATIENCE, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on LOVE, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And let the PEACE of Christ rule in your hearts….” (Colossians 3:12-15)

Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness are gracious qualities of God and they are to be defining characteristics in our lives, too.

And that leaves us with self-control.  I find the “self” part interesting—where the other fruit of the Spirit are “other” focused, this final fruit in the list of Holy Spirit characteristics is “self” focused.  Here are what some scriptures say about self-control:

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

What is so striking to me about the depravity of evil described in these verses is that it is cloaked in an appearance of godliness.

“…God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)

I think Holy Spirit ignited self-control energizes the other spiritual fruit in our lives, and as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, they also grow. 

tryagain

The reason I’m writing about this right now, besides my own food struggles, I have heard the anguished admissions of godly people, because of their battles with food and eating disorders, wondering about the presence, power, and fruit of the spirit at work in their lives—while Holy Spirit dynamics are so obviously at work through them.

At the same time, I have heard professing Christians ridicule and curse people, particularly in this adversarial political climate, and willing them to fiery destruction in hell. 

…and I’ve also heard people that I diametrically disagree with or have observed situations that are not biblically supported—and felt the calming and restraining presence of the Holy Spirit in my life to modify my responses in those circumstances.

My concern, my hope, and my prayer is that, as believers in Jesus Christ and members of His body—living in the midst of a culture antagonistic to the gospel, often hostile to Christians, and increasingly so—we would remember to be filled with God’s Spirit, to be filled with His presence, listening to His voice, and demonstrating Holy Spirit fruitfulness throughout our lives.

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