Is God really in control? Man’s responsibility versus God’s sovereignty

July 21, 2020 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What is man’s responsibility in light of God’s supreme authority and power over everything? Does God’s predetermined plan and purpose negate man’s responsibility to move forward with his own personal plans? Where does God’s sovereignty end and man’s responsibility begin?

These are questions that have been debated for centuries among many great theologians and dedicated scholars. Today we will begin to explore how to better operate (cooperate) within the sovereign rule of God.

Defining man’s Responsibility

How we define our responsibility in light of God‘s sovereignty is often shaped by one of two common views. One view holds the belief that man has no role and therefore, no responsibility. This belief contends that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable regardless of what man does.

This is seen as a somewhat fatalistic view with a submissive outlook. Man is seen as a mere “puppet” in accomplishing God’s sovereign plan and purpose. If this were true, why then would God created us with free will? (Next week’s discussion)

Another view of responsibility

Another view is the belief that although God is sovereign, man does retain responsibility for his life. Through use of our gifts and talents, by our response to trials and tribulation, through the choices we make, we are continually (perhaps unknowingly) participating with the Creator as He executes His plan and purpose.

This partnership can be illustrated by how icebergs move.

In the frigid waters around Greenland are countless icebergs, some little and some gigantic. If you’d observe them carefully, you’d notice that sometimes the small ice floes move in one direction while their massive counterparts flow in another. The explanation is simple. Surface winds drive the little ones, whereas the huge masses of ice are carried along by deep ocean currents. When we face trials and tragedies, it’s helpful to see our lives as being subject to two forces—surface winds and ocean currents. The winds represent everything changeable, unpredictable, and distressing. But operating simultaneously with these gusts and gales is another force that’s even more powerful. It is the sure movement of God’s wise and sovereign purposes and the deep flow of His unchanging love.[1]

Sovereignty and Pray

While we may feel incapable of fully understanding God’s plan, He has revealed what we need to know to move forward in our lives. While the secret things belong to God, the revealed things belong to us—to guide our behaviors and actions (Deut. 29:29). One of the areas God has revealed to us is our responsibility to pray.

Believers are biblically instructed to pray (Rom. 12:12). We are even directed for whom we are to pray—our leaders, our enemies, and the unsaved. We often close our prayer recognizing the sovereignty of God with the pronouncement, “Thy will be done” (Matt. 6:10).

Prayer assumes the sovereignty of God. If God is not sovereign, we have no assurance that He is able to answer our prayers. It is in our prayers that we proclaim the power and ability of God to accomplish that which we are praying (1 John 5:14-15). Prayer is the expression of our trust in God’s sovereignty. It is our responsibility to pray.

Sovereignty and Prudence

We as believers are also responsible to act with prudence. I never fully appreciated this word until I understood its use in the context of God’s sovereignty. Though not frequently highlighted in the biblical text, its application is noteworthy in both the Old and New Testament record.

In the framework of God’s sovereignty, prudence is the “use of all legitimate, biblical means at our disposal to avoid harm to ourselves and others AND to bring about what we believe to be the right course of events.”[2]

In the King James translation, prudence is used on three occasions. Prudence—good sense and insight—is attributed to Solomon for his ability to accomplish the building of the temple in Jerusalem. (2 Chron. 2:12). In Proverbs 8:12, wisdom is said to dwell together with prudence—both important for knowledge and discretion. The Apostle Paul includes prudence—knowledge and holy love of the will of God—as one of the spiritual blessings received by believers as a result of being in Christ (Eph. 1:8). It is our responsibility to practice prudence.

Do Our Part

Although we recognize the reality that we operate within God’s sovereign purpose and plan, it does not negate our responsibility to “do our part”. It is with the knowledge of God’s sovereignty that we are to take action with the specific means provided to us to address the situations in our life. This includes both prayer and prudence.

- Peter and John though directed by Jesus to “preach to all nations” when threatened by the Jewish Sanhedrin prayed that God would “enable then to speak with boldness” (Acts 4:24, 28-29).

- Nehemiah saw God sovereignly position Israel to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem, yet he posted guards day and night (Neh. 4:7-9) and insured his workers were armed as they worked (Neh. 4:16-20).

The Bottom-line

As believers, we cannot use the sovereignty of God as an excuse not to actively engage in the challenges and opportunities God presents in our lives. God’s sovereignty by no means negates our responsibility to use every means at our disposal to promote the right outcomes. Those outcomes should be based on what God reveals to us through His Spirt and His Word. These are proven principles by which we can align with and serve the purpose of God.

Lastly, when we feel as though we are drifting without purpose and direction, remember the “icebergs”. They operate simultaneously with gusts and gales AND with another force that’s even more powerful. We too operate simultaneously—by God’s sovereign purpose AND by our moral responsibility as He works in the ordinary circumstances of our lives (Rom. 8:28).

[1] Contributor unknown

[2] Jerry Bridges, Is God Really in Control: Trusting God in a World of Hurt

Is God really in control? Knowing the God who sees

July 14, 2020 ITWMinistries 2 Comments

Knowing God (theology) is central to our faith and our hope of salvation. It fuels our trust during times of adversity and hardship. Our view of God provides the framework on which we as believers live our life. In knowing God we can better understand His sovereignty—His rightful position of supreme authority and power.

Seeing God through His attributes

We learn about God by understanding His attributes. Attributes are the qualities which characterize God’s nature. Some believers define these attributes into two (2) general categories: His goodness and His greatness.

Others understand God’s nature viewed through:

His omnipotence: God is all powerful. (Ps. 66:5-7)
His omniscience: God knows all things actual and possible. (Is. 46:9-10)
His omnipresence: God is everywhere present. (Ps. 139:7-10)

In reading these brief samplings of God’s attributes, believers have reason to be encouraged and hopeful knowing that God is more than able to handle any of the problems we face today including health pandemics, social inequities, and racial discord.

God in Action

In the Bible we witness God’s sovereignty through His divine attributes. God’s attributes are most often seen through nature (Ps. 19:1-3) and through His relationship with man. One notable relationship was the one He established with Abram.

Abram, like Adam, would play an important role in God’s sovereign plan of salvation (Gen. 12:2). It was from Abram’s descendants that Jesus, the promised Messiah, would emerge. Through Jesus Christ, not only would Israel be blessed but the whole world would become beneficiaries of God’s divine grace (Gal. 3:6-9).

The LORD made a covenant with Abram to “give His descendants land” (Gen. 15:18). However, after ten (10) years in Canaan, Abram and his wife, Sarai had “no baby”. Sarai, thinking she was barren (and that God needed some help), persuaded Abram to take her handmaiden, Hagar, to fulfill the promise God had made to them. (Gen. 16:3).

Did God see what was happening? God not only saw what was happening but He also knew the resulting effect of Sarai’s misguided plan. God in His omnipresence and omniscience saw and knew that there would be impacts from Sarai and Abram’s scheme that would reach even into the 21st century.

The God who knows and sees

The situation that had been engineered by man (or woman, in this case Sarai) was the perfect setting for Jehovah, the God Who sees, to exercise His sovereignty in redirecting the fate of not only Abram, but also the future of an Egyptian slave girl named Hagar.

While Sarai’s plan of offering her maid to Abram to bear him a child was acceptable within the social custom of the day, there were still consequences that Sarai and Abram had not considered. More importantly, they were working outside the will of God and His plan for their life.

Is this not the case for mankind in the 21st century? God has given us instruction on how we are to live. However, many times we attempt to accomplish God’s purpose through counterfeit and fruitless efforts. We are guilty like Sarai and Abram of accepting society’s customs and values in making life decisions that often lead to disharmony and confusion.

Working outside God’s Sovereignty

After Hagar conceived, the relationship between she and Sarai began to “go south.” Hagar began to despise Sarai (Gen. 16:4, 5). Sarai began to mistreat Hagar. So Hagar fled to the desert, headed for her homeland. But the God Who sees had other plans for the runaway. It was here that the Angel of the LORD (the first reference to the Angel of the LORD in the Old Testament) began to speak to Hagar, asking two questions that would frame God’s special message for her: “Where have you come from and where are you going?”

Often the God Who sees will ask questions for which He already knows the answers. The God Who sees recognizes our unique circumstance including how we arrived at this place in our life. Whether by mistreatment or reliance on our own efforts, God is there to redirect our path to His perfect purpose.

Knowing God in His Sovereignty

Hagar would have to stay there unless she “returned and submitted” herself again to Sarai. Hagar was “strongly encouraged” by the Angel of the LORD to “put herself back under the affliction” of Sarai (v. 9).

For her obedience, she was given a promised inheritance for her son, whom the Angel of the LORD named Ishmael, “the LORD has heard your affliction”. Hagar then called the name of the LORD Who saw and spoke to her in the desert: “You-Are-the-God Who-Sees” (v. 13).

Sometimes God puts us back at “square one” in order to bless us in His unique way. It may require that we acknowledge our part or culpability in the unfortunate circumstance we’re in, even asking forgiveness for offenses we may have inflicted. Obedience to His instruction is crucial. We trust that the God Who sees always has our best interest in mind, regardless of our perception of the outcome (Jer. 29:11).

Knowing God in all His glory requires that we also know Him in His sovereignty. Because God is both good and great, we can trust our future with Him. We have no need to rely on trends and forecast when we know that God is all powerful, that He knows all things actual and possible, and that He is everywhere present. Such authority cannot be matched by anything or anyone in heaven or on earth.

The sovereign God who created heaven and earth, covenanted with Abram and Sarai, and contented for our salvation, surely sees us. God sees us—He saw us in the past (Rom. 5:6), He sees us in the present, and we can trust, He will see us in the future (Ps. 31:15). Now is the time to get to know the God who sees.

Knowing God

Is God really in control? Why now?

July 7, 2020 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why now? Why are we studying the sovereignty of God? Because we have questions! What is the future of this nation? Who is best equipped to lead us in this “new normal” world we find ourselves? How are we to move forward through this health pandemic and social unrest? Does anyone have a plan?

Because we have these questions, it is timely to share a truth that will encourage us during this period of uncertainty and turmoil. It doesn’t seem like anyone has the answers nor is anyone able to guarantee success.

While all this may be true of humanity and our current institutions, the Creator of heaven and earth (Ps. 19:1-6) knows the answers for all our questions. Who then is in a better position to provide us with the answers we need? God is sovereign and He has always had a plan for mankind. What we are experiencing right now is part of that plan.

Knowing God is the “why now”

It is important to continually reinforce our knowledge of who God is. Knowing God is foundational in securing our trust and our confidence (Ps. 27:1-3). This is especially true during difficult times when fear and doubt challenge our faith. When that happens, we can stand firmly on what we know about God and those things which He has revealed to us.

Those things God reveals to us can answer persistent questions concerning not only our life but the lives of those around us, including our nation. How we respond to things revealed become the entry point for God to provide His power, His provision, and His presence.

The Call for Understanding God’s Sovereignty

In his book, The Sovereignty of God, A.W. Tozer, pastor, author, and spiritual mentor, cries out for renewed understanding of God’s sovereignty.

Present day conditions call loudly for a new examination and new presentation of God’s omnipotence, God’s sufficiency, God’s sovereignty. From every pulpit in the land it needs to be thundered forth that God still lives, that God still observes, that God still reigns. Faith is now in the crucible; it is being tested by fire, and there is no fixed and sufficient resting-place for the heart and mind but in the throne of God. What is needed now, as never before, is a full, positive, constructive setting forth of the Godhead of God.

It is in the context of God’s sovereignty that we can manage our fears and minimize our anxieties. The uncertainties and insecurities we experience today can now be transferred to God who is the only one who can do something about them (2 Cor. 12:9).

Moving from head to heart

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the sovereignty of God (and you know I love nuts and bolts), it is important to remind ourselves that what we learn about God is not to be reduced to “mere academics”.

We must apply this truth (as with all truth) not only to our minds but also to our hearts. If we do the former without the latter, we might know that God is sweet but we will never taste His sweetness (Ps. 34:8).

Defining the Sovereignty of God

Sovereignty is the full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies.[1] In political theory, sovereignty is a functional term designating supreme legitimate authority over some political entity. It is the ultimate overseer, or authority, in the decision-making process of the state and in the maintenance of order.[2]

The sovereignty of God refers to His position of supreme authority and power. He rules over and owns everything because He made everything. Much like man’s sovereignty, God has legitimate authority over His universe. As the sovereign One, God has a predetermined plan and purpose for everything that happens in that universe. Not only does He have a plan (Ep. 1:11) but God oversees and makes decisions which fulfill His divine plan. God upholds all things and all things owe their existence to Him (Heb. 1:3).[3]

The Right to Supreme Authority

God’s sovereignty is a natural consequence of His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. God is described in the Bible as all-powerful and all-knowing (Psalm 147:5), outside of time (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2), and responsible for the creation of everything (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1). These divine traits set the minimum boundary for God’s sovereign control in the universe, which is to say that nothing in the universe occurs without God’s permission.

God has the power and knowledge to prevent anything He chooses to prevent, so anything that does happen must, at the very least, be allowed by God. When we speak of the sovereignty of God, we mean He rules the universe. The debate begins when and where His control is direct and when it is indirect. This will be explored at a later time.

God’s Plan Unfolding in His Sovereignty

With everything that is occurring in our nation and our cities, it’s easy to wonder if God really cares about us. There are those who have a cartoonish view of God’s sovereignty.

God’s relationship with His creation is pictured as “a man viewing an ant in a fish bowl”. He is seen as distant, detached, and disconnected. That may be how we feel as we view the world around us today. But as I stated at the beginning of this teaching, God has a plan.

The Triune God orchestrated their plan before the creation of the world. That redemptive plan (Rom. 5:2) has been unfolding through the history of mankind and continues even today in the 21^st century.

As chronicled from Genesis to Revelation, God has an eternal plan that restores man’s fellowship with God by the creation of an escape from death’s curse (Romans 5:2) and the rediscovery of the spiritual life. It is God’s plan to bring mankind to Himself (Eph. 1:7-11) and ultimately to a new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1).

It is by His divine power and gracious will that we live, and move, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28). Knowing God is sovereign is enough to give us a good hope (2 Thess. 2:16). It is enough to assure us of our future well-being (Jer. 29:11).

[1] Wikipedia

[2] Britannica.com

[3] Insight for Living Canada

Knowing God

Is God really in control? Sure facts, overwhelming odds, and God

June 30, 2020 ITWMinistries 4 Comments

Today is the first day of July and I’d like to welcome you to Wisdom Wednesday. This is not to be confused with Throwback Thursday or Flashback Friday but it’s a new phrase to represent a return to something good from the past. In this case, it is a previous WordBytes teaching which emphasizes a “faith basic”.

I want to use Wisdom Wednesday to introduce a new series, “Is God Really in Control?—Understanding the Sovereignty of God.” For the next few weeks we will peel back the onion of God’s nature, how God accomplishes His will on earth, and the believer’s role under God’s sovereign rule.

Why God is in control?

This study is important “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) as we face challenges that seem impossible. Our fears can be quickly calmed by embracing the fact that God is the supreme authority over everything in heaven and on earth (Daniel 4:35; Is. 46:10).

In God we can place our confidence and our hope. In the midst of gloom and crisis, we can trust in the supreme God who rules over everything. And because God is sovereign, He ultimately controls all that happens in the world and in our lives (providence). To introduce this series, I’d like to turn our attention to an earlier WordBytes entitled, “Sure Facts, Overwhelming Odds, and God” to open this study.

Sure Facts

What do sure facts, overwhelming odds, and God have in common? These are factors which often determine a person’s chance of success in the world. While these may be actual considerations, they are not the final word. We must always factor in the sovereignty and providence of God to not only level the playing field, but also to become the obvious advantage.

Sure facts take into consideration those elements we are born with or born into. They include our “family factors”—our race, our gender, family structure (i.e., parental influence, number of siblings, birth order) and socio-economic position. We had little control over their selection.

In the case of Joseph, he was born into the family of Jacob as the second youngest of thirteen children. Jacob had two wives (Leah and Rachel) and two handmaidens (Bilhah and Zilpah) who bore his children (Genesis 30) but Joseph was Jacob’s favorite (Gen. 37:3). This created an unhealthy and toxic environment for child rearing marked with sibling rivalry and jealousy.

Overwhelming Odds

Overwhelming odds are circumstances that minimize the possibilities of success in life and relationships. They sometimes affect one’s ability to earn a living, care adequately for one’s family, or to live safely and confidently. Joseph was sold by his jealous brothers to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver and was brought to Egypt. Being a Hebrew slave, the odds of Joseph rising above his new found station in life were slim to none. The odds became even smaller when he was thrown into prison as a result of the lies of Potiphar’s wife. When it appeared release from prison was near, Joseph became the victim of the baker’s forgetfulness further obstructing any hope of freedom (Gen. 40:23). But God was about to do exceedingly above all that Joseph could ask or think (Eph. 3:20).

God the Holy Equalizer

God was on the scene for Joseph as the Holy Equalizer and Change Master. What appeared to be sure facts and overwhelming odds for Joseph soon became “biblical history.” Genesis 50:19-20 declares the power of God’s sovereignty: “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” God was the final authority.

God, the Holy Enabler and Way Maker, reversed the circumstances for Joseph whose journey began as a slave from Canaan but ended as a powerful ruler in Egypt. He went from servant to savior for his people who would have perished from the famine in their land. Joseph could have used the Psalm 16:5 as his personal testimony: “O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.”

What do you believe?

Succumbing to what we believe are “sure facts and overwhelming odds” in our life can only result in despair and hopelessness. Belief and trust in our God becomes the refreshing promise of rescue and provision regardless of the circumstances we face. God’s plan and purpose for our life supersedes indisputable facts and devastating odds (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

Our future is not dependent on our family history or our personal past, but on Who we serve. So the next time you’re weighing your options based on “facts and odds”, remember to factor in God. God always has the final word. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Ps. 20:7

Our Faith Walk

Anxiety Relief: Stressed and Depressed

June 9, 2020 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

We need anxiety relief

Stressed? Depressed? One of the biggest thieves of energy, health and life is anxiety. Anxiety is described as a feeling of worry typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Our current life experiences with the health pandemic, economic recession, and social unrest, have resulted in heightened anxiety within our families, our cities, and our nation.

In response to the coronavirus, pharmaceutical companies and medical researchers are rushing to develop a cure for this deadly disease. With the cries for justice and social reform, people across this nation and around the world, are in search of a cure to racism. But what relief can be offered for the heightened sense of anxiety we live with daily?

Who has the cure for the anxiety?

Where do we find anxiety relief? What cures are available for the anxiety caused by the aforementioned circumstances and other life events?

Possible cures offered to date include intervention (therapy), meditation, and physician-prescribed medication. Unfortunately, we as a nation, have also chosen to self-medicate resulting in destructive and addictive behaviors.

For this week’s WordBytes, I’d like to share another source of anxiety relief offered by one of my favorite writers. Dr. F.B. Meyer, described as one of the world’s most gifted pastor and expositor, offers sage wisdom to believers as we make this journey of faith, one-day-at-a-time. Dr. Meyer offers biblical relief for our anxiety. A prescription that comes directly from the Great Physician (Exodus 15:26).

Spiritual Maturity

Back to Basics: God’s Discipline

June 2, 2020 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

God’s discipline at work

When was the last time you asked God to discipline you? As human beings, we are by nature “pain averse”. We quickly ask God to remove anything we feel is uncomfortable or unpleasant. This includes times when He chooses to discipline us. This week we conclude our study in Bible Basics with the letter D: God’s Discipline. The writer of Hebrews shares how God uses discipline to strengthen us and to facilitate our spiritual growth and development.

God’s correction through our experiences

At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, I shared with you a chart of potential responses and the challenges COVID-19 presented. Since that time we have new hills to climb. Tension erupts as racial tension explodes into both peaceful demonstrations and destructive rioting.

People have asked me if these events are God’s way of getting our attention. They ask, “Is God disciplining us as a nation?” While I don’t know the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:16), I do know that there is a natural consequence for sin (Rom. 6:23). Could that be what we are currently experiencing?

What I do know is that the biblical record shows that God will use events and circumstance to help accomplish His will. God also allows circumstances in our life that conform us to the image of Christ. Problems and difficulties tend to bring us closer to God and in position to hear His voice. That’s why it is important to be intentional in prayer and reading God’s Word (Gal. 3:24) especially during difficult and challenging times (Phil. 4:6-13).

Selfishness and social injustice has existed since the beginning of mankind (Leviticus 19:15; Prov. 17:15). These are not God’s doing. However, God will use every opportunity to help us understand that He is still God and the Sustainer of life—even life lived disobediently.

What is biblical discipline?

In the New Testament, discipline (chastisement) is defined as training in proper conduct for the purpose of better behavior. In the Old Testament, the word carries a similar meaning with greater emphasis on correction and is viewed as a “blessing from God” (Ps. 94:12-13; Deut. 8:5).

How do we feel about discipline?

Our opinion of discipline, either positive or negative, has been greatly influenced by how we received discipline as a child. It began with our relationship with our parents and then transitioned into our school experiences. Even today, our early encounters with discipline can impact our receptivity to (or rejection of) feedback from our employer. However, God’s discipline is very different.

In Hebrews 12:11, the author shares our general feeling about discipline: No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. However, when viewed from a spiritual perspective (with God as our Disciplinarian) we can consider a different viewpoint: Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

So why do we need God’s discipline?

1. It is a sign of God’s love and the believer’s sonship. As believers, we need to understand that we are children and heirs of God (Rom. 8:16-17). While we quickly embrace this relationship when asking for God’s blessings and protection, we must also be respectful and accepting when God administers spiritual discipline. We protect and correct those we love—so does God! “For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights” (Prov. 3:12).

1. It is designed to both correct and prevent sin in the life of the believer. Just as an earthly father corrects his child, our omniscient Father sees influences or behaviors in our lives that may cause physical and/or spiritual harm. Therefore, He will exercise spiritual discipline (Jer. 24:5-7; 2 Cor. 12:7-9) to protect us. To reap the full benefit of His chastisement, we must be willing to be “exercised by it” (gymnazo)—to learn from the discipline experience. This will prepare us for future trials and temptations (James 1:2-4).

1. It will result in repentance and submission by the believer. Spiritual discipline is not designed to harm or destroy us. It is to solicit repentance—turn away from—our sinful behavior and return us to Him (2 Cor. 7:10). During spiritual disciplining, we turn to Father God for direction and guidance who then “redirects” us in paths of righteousness (Psa. 23:3; Prov. 2:20).

What’s the spiritual benefit of discipline?

Although spiritual discipline may not be “joyous”, it is not intended as punishment for sin. Jesus Christ, as our Substitute, received on the Cross the full penalty and punishment that should have been given to each of us (Isaiah 53:5).

The aforementioned factors collectively result in “spiritual benefit” to the believer described as the “peaceable fruit of righteousness”, in other words, goodness in character.

As we move forward through COVID-19 and reconcile our differences as people, ask God to show you where He is disciplining you? What areas in your life is He melting, molding, and reshaping? How can you be “exercised” by the events of this disciplining experience?

Remember God’s discipline is a reflection of His love. Then meditate on this teaching penned by King Solomon: My child, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 (NRS)

Spiritual Maturity

Back to Basics: Confessing our Faith with Confidence

May 26, 2020 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How confident are we in our faith? What is the basis of our confidence? Do others see us witness to the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior? Our answer to these questions are key as we continue our Back to Basics series with this week’s teaching using the letter C—Confessing our Faith with Confidence.

Confidence makers or confidence breakers

The changes spawned by the coronavirus pandemic have unraveled everything we once defined as normal. In our humanity, we are now looking for something that resembles what we once knew as a daily routine or an ordinary life style. With our failure to find the familiar, we are now desperate for something or someone to put our trust in—something that is secure.

We look to our traditional sources of confidence—government, church, business, or community-based institutions—for reassurance and hope. Instead, what we are faced with is an enormous gap in confidence.

Demand for faithful confession

It is critical that we, as believers, anchor ourselves to The Source that has proven reliable and dependable. In addition, we must share with the world the Best Option to successfully navigate 21^st century living, especially in the wake of social upheaval, public health threats, and economic uncertainty. We now must live out our Christian beliefs, practice discernment, and exercise moral courage to ensure that God’s kingdom comes—even in the midst of chaos.

The challenges we face are much like the early church. As people of faith we are tempted to fall away from God—even to apostasy. Believer’s conviction to “walk by faith and not by sight” has weakened as evidenced by the growing number of followers who are distancing themselves from the Church.

Our impotent witness has left nonbelievers and searchers vulnerable to satanic influence and beliefs. Instead of leading people to the light we are leaving them in the dark (Eph. 5:8; Matt. 5:14-16). What has happened to our confident confession of faith? It’s time to return to the basics. The Psalms are the best primer to remind us of the basis for our confident confession.

The Psalms as confidence builders

The writers of the Psalms give us various insights into the lives of people and nations who cried out to God—the source of their confidence. The Psalms have been described as the “mirror of the soul” for they reflect the emotions experienced by God’s people in both historic situations (the nation of Israel) and personal circumstances. They give us breathtaking insight into the character and work of God as He reveals Himself to the psalmist.

David’s confession of confidence

Psalm 16 gives us an unguarded view of how confident faith is lived out under the watchful eye of God. It is shown to us through David’s personal testimony of trust in the Lord.

I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16:8 (NKJ)

David’s confidence in God

The psalm opens with David’s first statement of confidence in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He cries out, “Preserve me, O God (El) for in thee do I put my trust” (v.1). El in Hebrew translates to the one true God, Jehovah. The historical narratives of the Pentateuch gave witness to David of the mighty works of Jehovah and His love for His special people.

David continues this psalm by giving his second confession of confidence in Jehovah God: “O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup” (v. 5). Here David acknowledges his total dependency on the LORD. Regardless of his circumstance, David resolved to trust the Lord with an assurance of provision for today (my cup) and long term success (my inheritance).

Confident faith building

It is in verse 8 that David explains the final reason for his confession of confidence: “I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” To set in Hebrew means “to equalize by making an adjustment”. David is saying that he will make the necessary adjustments to insure that he is aligned with the LORD. He is confident in the LORD and determined to trust Him. David promises to consistently respond in confidence by always setting the LORD’s will before him.

David concludes: “because He (the LORD) is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” The hand in Hebrew represents the seat of one’s power. David’s confidence was based on God’s strength and not his own.

Confident faith confession

Too often when faced with problems, we look to our ability to resolve the situation. It is only when we “look to the hills from which comes our help” (Psalm 121:1) that we are able to spiritually persevere. David’s confession of confidence in God emanated from a humble dependence and consistent reliance on the Lord. Therefore, he wouldn’t be “shaken” by the events he faced in his life.

With COVID-19, where are we going to place our confidence? When facing challenges in our life, do we consistently respond in confidence to the Lord? Do we run for cover or do we, like David, remain unshaken because we have already determined to trust in the Lord. Our response is an indicator of our faithful confidence in Him. The time to decide how we will handle life’s circumstances is before they occur. What or who will we set before us?

A Prayer of Confidence

Father we set You continually before us. We know that in You we have the confidence we need to face the challenges of today and the trials of tomorrow. Forgive us when we place our trust in the things of this world and in ourselves. We confess our love to you and like David confidently align our lives with You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Spiritual Maturity

Back to Basics: Building your Spiritual Endurance

May 19, 2020 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Traveling Back to Basics

When facing a new challenge, it is common practice for us to “return to basics.” It is in the returning that strengths are honed and minds prompted to those things that never change.

In early March we introduced the series, Back to Basics. Its intent was to help believers return to biblical principles that strengthen our faith and that guard our hearts—hearts facing the challenge of 21^st century living (Prov. 4:23).

We are using the “ABC’s” as the framework for this series. We began with the letter A—Accepting the Mind of Christ. Today we will move to the letter B—Building Spiritual Endurance.

The Need for Building Spiritual Endurance

Living in this postmodern era, our faith is constantly bombarded by alternatives to the teachings of the Word of God. The Apostle Peter warned of such assaults as he prepared young Timothy, the new elder of the church at Ephesus.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Tim. 4:3-5)

We are living in those same times today.

In addition, we are thrust into challenges we have never faced before with the introduction of the coronavirus into our nation and into our communities . Pandemic deaths, resource shortages, and economic upheaval are requiring us to restructure our institutions and traditions to fit this new normal.

Biblical basics for the new reality

It is also critical that we return to biblical basics in order to move through the challenges that lie ahead. These basics will guide us as we create new realities based on the changes we are now experiencing. For this journey, we will need spiritual endurance (Is. 40:29; Deut. 31:8; Matt. 19:26).

Noted theologian and teacher, Alistair Begg has often stated that, “Endurance is a key indicator of spiritual fitness.” The world tempts us to take the easy way around our problems. We are encouraged to “walk through them” so that we might be strengthened and become mature Christians (James 1:2-4).

Time to Strengthen Up

The author of Hebrews offers the following text to help us understand the need for spiritual endurance and our role in obtaining it.

So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it! (Hebrews 12:12-13, The Message)

Although there may be debate as to who authored this general epistle, there is little doubt it was written to people in need of spiritual endurance. Much like us they were living in the midst of life threatening challenges and change. They were thrust into situations which they, too, had never faced before.

In Hebrews 11, the author introduces his readers to Old Testament believers whose faith helped them to endure and persevere in spite of enormous obstacles. He expands this teaching in Hebrews 12 by providing the ultimate model of spiritual endurance—“Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (v. 2) who endured the Cross in order to accomplish God’s plan of salvation. It is with these examples in mind that we are able to endure and push forward in faith (Heb. 12:3). We can be assured that if we endure, then we will be rewarded (Gal. 6:9).

Running the race with endurance

Against this backdrop the author illustrates spiritual endurance with the metaphor of a race. The writer warns that “holey paths” and “sprained ankles” might render the runner incapable of completing the race. We are to “strengthen” our feeble arms and weak knees and “make level the paths” for the feet (NIV). Then we are prepared to complete the race successfully.

The process outlined in our Hebrew text is not dissimilar to what we need to build spiritual endurance in the 21^st century—especially if we are to navigate successfully through the coronavirus pandemic.

How do we building spiritual endurance for today

When adverse circumstances and difficulties occur in our life, instead of complaining, we are to accept the discipline it offers and be strengthened through it. During those times, God has provided the resources we need to “push through.”

The first is God’s Word. We are called to act on the truth that has been revealed in Scripture concerning spiritual endurance. It has been commanded (Matt. 10:22; 2 Tim. 2:3), exemplified (2 Tim. 2:10; Heb. 10:32-33) and rewarded (2 Tim. 3:1; James 1:12).

Our spiritual endurance is predicated on the fact that God has given us everything we need to live in this present age (2 Pet. 1:3-4). Every promise of God is “Yes and Amen” (2 Cor. 1:20).

We can be assured that God will give us the strength to endure trying times based on His faithfulness and the veracity (truthfulness) of His Word.

The second is the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who is there to strengthen and keep us. With His assistance we are able to do all things (Phil 4:13) and complete the work God has designated us to do (Phil. 1:6).

The third resource is the community of faith. The Holy Spirit has gifted both the universal and local church “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ep. 4:12). It is in community that believers find encouragement and support for spiritual growth and development.

Spiritual Endurance=Staying Power

Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and in Christian community the believer is able to build spiritual endurance. The writer of Hebrews gives sage advice as to how we can build spiritual endurance and in so doing increase our “staying power” for the Lord. It is in God that we will find your “second wind” for the challenges of 21^st century living.

Next week, we will continue with our Back to Basic series and explore C—Confessing our faith with confidence.

Faith

Charting the Path Forward

May 12, 2020 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

Charting the Path: The Challenge

What’s next? Where do we go from here as we prepare to re-enter the world of the coronavirus pandemic? I searched the internet to see what questions people might be asking during this time and was surprised by the shortage of current information as to what’s on people’s minds.

I know as a nation we are divided as to when and how to emerge from sheltering in place. We can’t even agree on “to mask or to unmask”. And shamefully, people are even violent about that!

Businesses want to know when they can re-open and how to do it safely. Employees want to insure their workplace is safe and that they will be protected from potential infection.

And the rest of us, want to make sure we have the basics for living (at least I just want the basics)—food, water, shelter, and protection (especially from people who feel their will is more important than mine).

Questions for the Charting

Now that the nation is reopening, how do we begin to chart a path forward, especially in the midst of frayed emotions and opposing opinions? Can we move forward in the midst of this deadly pandemic? How can we balance public health with economic well-being? The bigger question for people of faith in this crisis is, “where is God and what is He saying to us?”

Moral Courage needed for charting the path

Last week I introduced the topic of courage in the midst of the coronavirus. I referenced two (2) types of courage—physical and moral courage. Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death or threat of death. Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.

To date, popular opposition has been fierce on every aspect of managing this pandemic. It will further heighten upon re-entry, especially as we begin to develop strategies to move forward in this fight. Shame and personal loss is being experienced by those of us who must do without or ask for help as roles have been reversed because of financial losses due to COVID-19.

Moral courage is needed if America is to successfully move forward. To forge creative new methods to do their work, businesses with need moral courage. Moral courage will be essential as cities manage our communities with fewer resources. Individuals and families will need moral courage just to live one day at a time until a solution is developed.

The one thing we all must deal with is how to reconcile the loss of life and its further escalation as we no longer shelter in place. In charting a path forward, that reality and the ability to act rightly will be among the biggest challenges we will face.

Moral courage and fear

While the definitions of courage tend to infer that bravery is “without fear”, I’d like to offer the view that fear, in some instances, can provide the motivation for courageous acts. For example, we might fear the negative consequence that might occur if we choose to do nothing. In that case, fear of the negative consequence becomes the stimulus for action. Some have said that the re-opening of America is only the end of the first chapter in this crisis. Can fear of life with the coronavirus move us to exercise moral courage rather than choosing to do nothing?

Daniel Putman, professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, in an article entitled, The Emotions of Courage, offers a similar opinion that courage can involve deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances, especially if something of value is at risk. Can the risks associated with the coronavirus move us to moral courage?

Choose moral courage

To close this teaching, I’d like to share five (5) commitments you can choose to make each day to begin exercising moral courage in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. I have added biblical texts to each for your reading and meditation.

Choose to…

Be faithful to God. Let the world see Jesus in you,

Colossians 2:6-7

Be discerning. Examine everything carefully.

Proverbs 4:5-7

Be brave. Speak up. Show up. Stand up.

Psalm 118:5-7

Persevere. Keep on even when it’s hard and messy.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Be generous. Return to others what God has gifted you with.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

This list is by no means meant to be exhaustive. I invite you to add to them and share with us in the comments below or on the WordBytes Community Page.

Finally here is the answer to the question, “where is God and what is He saying to us?”

And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)

Faith

Courage under COVID-19

May 6, 2020 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

What does courage under COVID-19 look like? We’ve all heard the term “courage under fire”. It is generally used to describe one’s behavior under duress or when one is facing extreme danger. It describes the heroic efforts of a person who defers their own personal safety for the betterment or life of another. COVID-19 is definitely a fire that is consuming not only our nation, but also the world. So what’s the connection between courage and the coronavirus?

A time for courage

Our nation is at a precipice (a very steep rock face or cliff, especially a tall one). Our public health systems are strained and our financial prowess has been weakened. The death count from the pandemic is growing exponentially. This “cliff” is the coronavirus.

As we prepare to reopen our country, we need to position ourselves to make the hard decisions required to move our nation through this very dangerous period. When will businesses open? Will I still have a job? When will our schools resume normal operations? How do we reopen America safely?

To answer these tough questions, we will need courage; courage to create innovative and diverse options to navigate safely into a new world. This new world will be very different than when we first began. It will be a world that will also require God’s wisdom to succeed.

Critical decisions will be made by public officials both locally and nationally that will undoubtedly impact how we will operate for months—perhaps even years to come. The question is this. Do we have the courage to make the right decisions—decisions that are best for all the people?

Courage defined

The word courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain, without fear. Brené Brown, professor, lecturer, and author adds additional fodder for us to consider concerning courage.

Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences — good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as “ordinary courage.”

Courage has also been described as the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death or threat of death. Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.[1]

The question for America is, “are we willing to exercise moral courage in order to move us through this next phase of COVID-19?”

Moral courage in action

Jesus knew the Disciples would need both physical and moral courage. In Matthew 10 he prepares his disciples for their missionary trip to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”. While Jesus equipped then spiritually to perform their duties, he also gave them specific instructions as to how they were to respond to the attacks they would invariably encounter.

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Verses 16-18, 21-22)

Jesus knew that the Disciples He chose to build the Kingdom of God would be faced with establishing a new normal. As a result of Christ’s death and resurrection, life as mankind knew it, would never be the same. Relationships within families would change for those who would follow Christ (Luke 18:28-29). Business practices would change (Luke 19:8). Even worship would look very different (Acts 4:32-35). It would not be possible to return to business as usual. After COVID-19, we will not be able to return to business as usual.

The Disciples would not only need physical courage in implementing the Great Commission but also moral courage as they faced popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, and personal loss.

Jesus knew the Disciples might be tempted to return to the old way of living life, but He cautiously warned them to show their courage by doing the morally right thing (Matt. 10:28): And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Just as Jesus prepared his Disciples for the new normal that would change the world, we too must be prepared for the radical changes that will be needed as we emerge from our shelter in place. And how will we emerge? Will we operate out of fear because of the potential scarcity of food, lack of jobs, and loss of income? Or will we be more aware, more compassionate, and willing to help others in need? Will we have the courage to participate in the creation of something better than we had before?

What does courage look like under COVID-19?

As COVID-19 continues to move across this nation and shelter in place orders are lifted, we hear the cries of a fractured and divided nation. Mask or unmask? Life or livelihood? Essential versus unessential workers. Worker safety or food on the grocery shelves. We need courage and God’s guidance to help us decide what is best for our communities, our country and our world.

Courage was once thought to originate from the heart. Courage under COVID-19 begins with the realization that the “greater good” supersedes any personal rights we may currently possess. It describes a new moral model for understanding that we are inexplicably connected to each other not only by our desire to eradicate COVID-19 but also by our humanity. Join us next week as we continue our discussion on courage under COVID-19.

[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage