Tag Archives: Knowing God

God Speaks through Circumstances

July 20, 2021 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

Under our circumstances

In our culture, it is not unusual for people to greet one another with the inquiry, “How are you?” In response, a multitude of replies are available. However, my favorite is, “I’m doing fairly well under the circumstances.”

This is my opportunity to respond, “Why are you under your circumstances and what are you doing to get back on top?” Circumstances are conditions or facts that affect a situation. These can be either positive or negative. They define a state in which an individual, group, or even a nation may find itself.

As we daily face “tumultuous” circumstances—pandemics, social strive, economic uncertainty—it is important to remember that God sees. Even in our worst of circumstances, God is present (Ps. 139:7-10). God sees, God cares, and God speaks.

Circumstances for all times

There are many biblical examples that illustrate how God used circumstances to speak to His people. Circumstances dictated that Moses would be set adrift in the Nile. It was there that he would be found by the king’s daughter and adopted into the royal household by the ruling Pharaoh (Exod. 2:1-10).

God later spoke to Moses after his “40-year circumstance” of working for his father-in-law Jethro the priest of Midian (Exod. 3:1). God then re-directed him to deliver His people Israel, who were dealing with their circumstance of bondage.

In the book of Acts, God speaks to the early church by using the political and social circumstances around them. Jesus had clearly articulated the scope of the church’s ministry: “and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

While it was within their “comfort zone” to stay in Jerusalem, God spoke through the circumstance of persecution to move the gospel to a larger audience. Throughout the Bible we find God speaking to people through special favor (1 Sam. 1:20), through personal loss (Ruth 1:3-5), or through miraculous deliverance (Acts 23:30-31). God spoke to them through their circumstances.

Circumstances today

God still speaks today through circumstances. He will use conditions and situations from our everyday life to place us in a position to hear His voice.

Does God create circumstances to make us do His will? No, God has created us as freewill agents and desires that we choose to live within His divine plan. But God will allow circumstances to flow into our life to accomplish His glory and our good (Rom. 8:24).

Conforming circumstances

God permits circumstances in our lives that will mature us and grow our faith (1 Pet. 1:5-7). What may appear at first to be a “stumbling block” may, in actuality, turn out to be “steppingstones”.

God also speaks through closed doors as well as opened doors, this includes delayed prayers. While the Apostle Paul wanted to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-10).

What our passage suggests to me is that God may close one door of ministry in order to open a better one. Paul was thinking locally—Asia and Bithynia. God was thinking more globally—cross the Aegean Sea into modern-day Europe. Divine redirection demands that we trust divine omniscience: we would have made the same choice if we knew what God knew. Through God’s providential redirection, Paul was able to plant churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. What a great open door![1]

As we proceed in this Christian walk, we must remember that the intent of our life is to glorify God and to accomplish His purpose on earth (2 Cor. 5:15). That is why it is important to be intentional in prayer and reading God’s Word especially during difficult and challenging times, regardless of the circumstance (Phil. 4:6-13).

As we develop our personal relationship with God, we will understand that He loves us and can be trusted with every aspect of our life. Sometimes our circumstances will take us out of our comfort zone, but we can be assured we are not in them alone (1 John 4:4).

Next time you feel “under your circumstances”, ask God what He is saying to you.

[1] “Live with a Mission”, Timothy Berrey with the Gospel Fellowship Association.

Spiritual Maturity

What keeps me from hearing God?

July 13, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Is God speaking to me?

God speaks. For many people this is hard to understand and even more difficult for others to believe. I’m often asked, “How do I know if God is speaking to me?” Perhaps the more appropriate question is, “are you listening?”

Wrong tapes in our head

Many people, even people of God, do not believe that God speaks to them. Their disbelief in God’s speaking is sometimes tied to “false narratives” (wrong tapes playing in our head) about Who God is.

Some see God as an indifferent creator looking down on us ready to punish us for doing wrong. Others see God as a benevolent grandfather patiently waiting to indulge our every need. Unfortunately, both views are incorrect. Who is God and why does God want to speak to us?

Why would God speak to me?

First, God wants to be in relationship (not religion) with us (Isa. 49:15-16). When we spend time with Him, we begin to understand the love He has for us. During those intimate moments together, we discover His ways (how He operates in the world) and His paths (how He operates in our individual lives). (Ps. 25:4-5)

Secondly, God desires that we live free from the bondage of sin (Heb. 2:14-15). Satan and the world want to keep us in darkness through lies. These lies result in guilt, shame, and fear. God, however, wants us to know the truth—His truth concerning our identity (heirs of God and children of light) and our destiny (eternity with Him). It is this truth that sets us free (John 8:32).

Lastly, God longs for us to walk in the purpose He has ordained for our lives (Jer. 29:11). We are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10) created for “good works” which include service to others. True joy in the Christian life is found in discovering the plans that God has for our lives. All things are possible with God (Mar. 10:27).

What keeps us from hearing?

Although God desires to speak to believers, we have, unfortunately, developed “habits of behavior” that often hinder our ability to hear Him clearly. As we move through life, we have, metaphorically, “gotten on the wrong BUS”—a bus that frequently takes us away from God and toward the things of the world.

Busyness robs us of both energy and our ability to hear. Busyness most often is the result of wrong priorities. As a rule, we place importance on the things we value. Hearing from God deserves first priority. It’s hard to hear God when you’re multitasking; He gets caught between our thoughts and His voice becomes “muted”.

Unbelief houses all the lies we hold about ourselves and about God. We believe that God speaks to others but not us. We attribute this excuse to “being humble” but in reality we don’t believe that God is (His existence) or God can (His power) or God will (His promises)—so why talk to Him? There is always a “lie” in unbelief.

Self (sin, too) keep us from hearing from God. This happens when “self” (versus God) rules our life—self-righteousness, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, self-promotion. When self is on the “throne of our heart”, God finds no place for Him to sit (except on the outside). Sin separates us from a holy God. When sin dominates our life, God won’t talk or listen (Gen. 17:1). This condition, however, can be corrected (1 John 1:9).

How much do we want to hear God?

Bob Sorge offers these thoughts concerning hearing God’s in his book, Secret of the Secret Places.

Hearing the voice of God is largely a matter of the will. We must choose to hear Him. We must make the choice of setting aside time to listen quietly. This hearing is a today thing that we do. Hearing His (God’s) voice is conditional—built upon the condition of quieting our hearts to listen.

Want to hear God speak? Have the courage to get off the BUS!

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: Best Life Recapitulated

June 30, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Recapitulated—-What have we learned?

Recapitulate means to summarize and state again the main point.

These past few weeks we’ve been attempting to define what “best life” looks like. We began by evaluating best life from a worldview. In fairness to this overall process, we also considered the biblical perspective. Before moving forward, a decision was needed as to which view believers were to follow.

It was at this point that a decision was needed. Believers must draw a spiritual dividing line in order to insure that the influence of the flesh and the world cannot remove our distinctive difference.

Using the Bible as the final authority on what we embrace and follow in our lives, believers are to follow God’s definition of best life based on our new life and new allegiance to God (2 Cor. 5:15-17). We are also to focus on eternal things and “life outcomes” that are god-honoring.

Time to Decide

Based on what we have learned, there are two questions that may help us finalize our description of best life.

The first question was asked and answered last week: “What does God say about best life?”

The second question is this. Of the two views (worldview and biblical view), which one is more likely to satisfy the longing that we may have? Self-directed or Christ-directed?

If we reach self-actualization in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, are we guaranteed that we will be content and fulfilled? Those we see as “having it all” still deal with dissatisfaction in their life. Self-actualization may not give all it promises as evidenced by the incidents of depression, substance abuse, and suicide among great artists, celebrities, and business moguls.

For those of us who identified with the things people wanted in life, the question is the same. Does possession of any or all those items on the “wish list” guarantee contentment? Remember there was only one tangible item on the list—money. The rest were intangibles—unable to be touched or grasped but understood or felt in the heart.

Let’s find a Best Life SME (Subject Matter Expert)

At this point, what might be helpful would be to interview someone who had not only pursued best life but also attained it. They had reached self-actualization and the one tangible (money) on the “10 Most Wanted” list.

In addition, this person should be familiar with “spiritual” options. Let me introduce our special SME, King Solomon, the king of the United Kingdom of Israel.

Solomon was a fabulously wealthy and sensible king of the United Kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father, King David. Solomon was the biblical king most famous for his wisdom. God granted Solomon not only wisdom but also great wealth and fame because he did not ask for self-serving rewards. (1 Kings 3:7-14).

Solomon authored the book of Ecclesiastes, in which, he built the case to show that the pursuits of this world are vanity. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecc. 1:2). Vanity in this context is the quality of being worthless or futile. Ecclesiastes is located with the other wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

Chapter after chapter, Solomon (“The Preacher” as he identifies himself) presents the case that the vanities of this world are insufficient to make us happy. He contrasts the vileness of sin, and its certain tendency to make us miserable, with the wisdom of being religious (godly and god-honoring). Our well-being and satisfaction are only possible through our allegiance to God and our love for man.

In closing, Solomon, by way of exhortation, directs his readers (and us 21^st century believers) to remember our Creator, to fear Him, and to keep His commandments. Solomon gives no recommendation to pursue best life.

Conclusion

God alone can satisfy our hierarchy of needs—basic, psychological, and self-fulfilling. God is our Jehovah-Jireh (Gen. 22:14). Our intangible desires are readily available through God’s Spirit (Gal. 5: 22-23).

King Solomon, the Apostle Paul, and more importantly, Jesus have given us the essence of what best life looks like. It is not a list of “dos and don’ts” but a standard of life.

Livin’ our best life is…

- a life style that acknowledges the reality of God. God is the Creator and Source of all life who has been uniquely made known to us through His Son Jesus Christ. We live confidently in the reality of His presence, His power, and His provision. (Acts 17:28)

- a life choice that recognizes the authority of God in our life. God’s will and purpose for our lives is revealed in His Word and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We choose to trust in the goodness and greatness of God to direct our life’s journey. (Gal. 2:20)

- a life vocation that commits to the purpose God has chosen for us. We are persuaded that the Kingdom of God has arrived in the coming of Jesus Christ and is imminent in Jesus’ return. We, therefore, focus our energies on doing those things that honors and glorifies God. (Phil. 3:12-14)

Livin’ our best life can only be realized through a relationship with God and in Christ Jesus. Through this relationship, we have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3-4) and blessings that exceed our expectations (Ep. 1: 3-14). Therefore, in Christ, we are livin’ our best life.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: What is it?

June 2, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“I’m livin’ my best life!”

When you hear this statement, what comes to mind? During a recent conversation with a dear friend, she shared that her son was visiting California. When asked how he was enjoying his trip, he replied, “I’m livin’ my best life!”

Therein marks the genesis for this new series. As I listen to radio talk podcasts and television talk shows, this statement is frequently given as a response to current living. But what does it mean? It is my intent to explore with you what “best life” looks like. Viewed through both contemporary and biblical lenses, we hope that we as believers will walk away with a better understanding of the “best definition”.

The worldview of best life

In the 21^st century we live in, we are continually bombarded with information. This includes what “best life” looks like.

Reality television has given us an “upfront” yet distorted seat of what the best life looks like. We can quickly access via our devices how celebrities and luminaries live their lives. Unfortunately, these personalities have a great influence on how we think life is to be lived. Right or wrong.

In the 20th century, we were busy trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” This is the 21^st century! Forget about the Joneses! Let’s keep up with the Kardashians, Housewives of whatever city, or the young people Growing up Hip Hop. If I did not list your favorite “go to show” for seeing how the other half lives, I’ll let you fill in the blank.

Of course, these “made-for-tv” realities don’t show the other side of that golden coin. We later see the impact of the “best life” played out in the media as we see broken relationships and the emotional carnage left behind.

Why is this important?

Our view of “best life” can impact every area of our life. Pursuit of the best life (ill-defined) can lead us down paths that will result in bad decisions, unrealistic expectations, and wasted energy. Even more risky is when the quest is for something that can never satisfy (Is. 55:2).

This best life journey usually begins with misleading us into believing how quickly we can have it. Credit cards, payday loans, and quick financing make our best life just a click or signature away. “Why wait when you can have it now?”

When taking a look at how specific types of debt have shifted since 2019, mortgage loans, auto loans, student loans and personal loans all reached new record highs. Student loan debt saw the largest growth (12%), followed by mortgage debt (7%) and personal loan debt (6%), according to Experian data from Q3 2020.

From a faith perspective, the pursuit of best life, creates spiritual tension for the believer. We are told to seek first the kingdom of God first (Matt. 6:33) and to set our mind on things above (Col. 3:2). Does that mean we cannot pursue our “best life”? No. Remember Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). That sounds like best life to me!

Best life guidelines

First, we as believers, operate from a different reality than the world. Our reality is based on God’s goodness and God’s greatness. We do not depend nor trust on material gain to experience our best life. God is our exceeding, great reward (Gen. 15:1). To focus on the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-17) can potentially lead us to sin and other moral failures.

Secondly, we remember our identity and who we are in Christ. When we became believers, we were adopted into the kingdom of God (Eph. 1:5). That new relationship came with many blessings and promises that provide for our livelihood (2 Pet. 1:3-4). Best life is defined by what God has outlined in His Word. The Holy Spirit uses that Word to reform (renew) our hearts and minds so that we look and act like Jesus. When people look at us, they should see Jesus (not what we have or who we are).

Finally, we strive to achieve the purpose which God designed specifically for our lives. Before the foundations of the world, God identified the purpose for our lives (Ep. 2:10). The Holy Spirit empowers us to accomplish that purpose (Act 1:8). It is our privilege to walk in God’s purpose.

More to come

Livin’ our best life is more than a catchy phrase or personal mantra. When we speak of our best life, we are revealing what is most important to us. It is also an indicator of who is in charge of our life.

In Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT), the Apostle Paul gives good advice on discovering our “real best life”:

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Our Faith Walk

Memorial Day Gratitude: Throwback Wednesday

May 25, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Time for gratitude

While preparing for the next WordBytes series, I was stopped by this thought, “It’s time to thank God. Before moving on to the next “thing”, stop and express gratitude for today!”

If you’re reading this WordBytes, guess what? God has blessed you with life. Who could have imagined? After 604,000+ COVID deaths, we are still standing. God has kept us during this global pandemic. Yes, we’ve loss friends and family but for some reason God has extended mercy to us (once again). 2020 and 2021 have been challenging years never before imagined.

But God

Jeremiah wrote these words as he lamented the tragic destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian armies (Lamentations 3:18-23, New Living Translation).

I cry out, “My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!” The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.

But God. In tragedy and loss, God was faithful. Guess what? God is still faithful! In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, in the midst of economic uncertainty, in the quagmire of social injustice, in the throes of food insecurity and homelessness, in the fallout of global warming, God is faithful. Therefore, we will have hope.

Throwback Wednesday

To express our gratitude this Memorial Day, we’d like to do “Throwback Wednesday”. The WordBytes we’ve chosen is Discovering God in the Psalms: Forget Not God. I invite you to formulate your personal Memorial Day gratitude. As we celebrate our loved ones from the past let us, also, “forget not God” for all He is doing for us right now.

Eastertide

Resurrection Understanding, Part 2

April 27, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Reason for our hope

If someone were to ask us about Jesus’ resurrection, what would we say? Could we give a good reason as to why we believe in the resurrection? But more importantly, are we able to witness to an unbelieving world why we follow Jesus?

It is not my intent to teach apologetics. However, as followers of Christ, it is important that we “be ready to always give an answer to the reason for our hope” (1 Pet. 3:15). Understanding the resurrection will inform our life—our identity, our power, and our purpose. To do this, like the disciples, we need to clearly understand the “what and why” of resurrection. The Gospel of Luke captures Jesus’ teaching this truth as He prepared the Disciples for their commissioning.

After the resurrection

The gospel of Luke gives us insight into Jesus’ teaching of the resurrection to the disciples. Written to a Greek audience, this gospel was written to convince readers of the truth of the things they had heard of Jesus (Luke 1:4). The most controversial event being Christ’s resurrection. In Luke 24, we see how Jesus deals with the unbelief of His disciples. He then seeks to reverse that unbelief by broadening their understanding. Within this chapter are two (2) accounts for our learning.

On the road to Emmaus (vv. 13-33), two disciples of Jesus (Cleopas and one unnamed) were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on resurrection Sunday. Joined by Jesus (whom they didn’t recognize) they proceeded to tell of the crucifixion and the recent report of Jesus’ empty tomb. Jesus would use this time with the disciples as a “teachable moment.” He gave a lesson on the prophecies of the Old Testament which were fulfilled in His death and resurrection. “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27) After Jesus’ departure, the disciples then understood because Jesus “opened” the scriptures to them.

Likewise, when Christ appeared to the ten disciples (vv. 36-49), a similar understanding was needed. After several proofs that He was alive, Jesus “opened” their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45). Opened in these two (2) encounters means to rouse in one the faculty of understanding. While the disciples may have heard this teaching before in the synagogue or through other teachers, Jesus caused them to make the connections from Scripture and the events they had recently experienced. In addition, they had Holy Scripture and prophetic proof that the resurrection of Jesus was a reality ordained and empowered by God Himself (Eph. 1:19-20).

The essentials of the resurrection

It was critical that Jesus solidify with the disciples their understanding of the resurrection. The resurrection was more than an historical or miraculous event. It was the promise of new life and a blessed hope. (Luke 4:18-21)

Unfortunately, we have allowed the busyness of our calendars and distractions of the world, to reduce the resurrection to a “one and done” attitude. We celebrate Easter Sunday, acknowledge the resurrection, eat the eggs, and then go back to our daily routine on Monday.

We have reduced the resurrection to a “transaction”—an event that occurred thousands of years ago. “Jesus rose from the dead therefore I am free from sin.” To think of resurrection this way limits the impact it can make in our daily life.

Resurrection is not transactional. It is transformational and relational. Resurrection for believers is the beginning of a life changing, intimate relationship with God the Father, Jesus our Lord, and the Holy Spirit.

Resurrection understanding in 2021

Why is this important for us today? Because with Christ’s resurrection, we have an opportunity to “new life” that is found by our faith in Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:20). It is in the resurrection that victorious living begins.

This season of Easter (Eastertide) affords believers the opportunity to celebrate more than the grace and mercy of God on Good Friday. As important, we can depend on God’s power and Jesus’ victory beginning on Resurrection Sunday AND extending through out eternity.

Spend time during this season learning more about the resurrection and the extraordinary blessings that are now ours. Let the Bible and the Holy Spirit (as your Teacher) “open” your mind to the resurrection. Begin with the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Then explore the prophetic proofs found in the Old Testament. These will expand your understanding and help you answer the questions that begin with “why”.

Eastertide

Resurrection Understanding, Part 1

April 21, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Resurrection hope

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the foundational tenets of our Christian faith. If Christ had remained in that darkened tomb, preaching the message of the gospel would have been in vain. (Imagine all the revivals you could have skipped). Our faith would be in vain (1 Cor. 15:14). Worst of all, we would still be dead in our sins (1 Cor.15:17). Just imagine! Guilt, shame, bondage, spiritual death—all these would still be at play in our lives.

The crucifixion had dashed the hopes of the disciples. They had imagined how life would be as part of the promised Messiah’s entourage. Plus, they would finally be delivered from the tyranny of Rome. But what happened? Jesus was dead. They scattered and hid for fear of the Jewish leaders (John 20:19). They returned to their old homes and their old lives–disappointed, disillusioned, and disheartened.

But God. The Creator of heaven and earth, the Great Deliverer of Israel from Egypt, raised Jesus from the grave (Acts 13:30). God made good on His promise to deliver man from sin’s grip and “begat man again” (Eph. 2:1, 5). In Christ, man was a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). Resurrection was, and still is, definitive proof that God is sovereign with power over life and over death.

Resurrection promise

God’s plan of salvation has always included resurrection (Gen. 3:15). The Old Testament prophets and psalmists spoke of, not only the promised Savior’s coming, but also of his death and resurrection (Ps. 16:10; Ps. 53:11; Ps. 45:6-7; Ps. 110:1; Is. 53:11).

Because of this, it is somewhat surprising that Jesus’ disciples initially disregarded the resurrection proclamation (Mark 16:11; Luke 24:11).

In the horror and grief of the crucifixion, the Disciples had forgotten that Jesus Himself told them that he must “suffer at the hands of sinners, be crucified, and be raised the third day.” (Matt. 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19). The disciples were devastated by Jesus’ words. Unfortunately, they missed the good news beyond the death of Jesus—resurrection on the third day.

On the other hand, it is ironic that the chief priest and Pharisees, who rejected Jesus as the Messiah, remembered Jesus’ statement that He would rise again after three days. They requested from Pilate a Roman centurion to guard the tomb (Matt. 27:62-66). Was it an empty tomb they feared or the risen Christ?

Resurrection confusion

In reading the synoptic Gospels and John, the followers of Jesus shared a common reaction to the resurrection. They did not believe it. Some scholars say Mary Magdalene imagined that grave robbers had stolen Jesus’ body (John 20:11-13).

Our four gospel writers all complete their narratives of the Gospel of Jesus with a story or stories of Jesus resurrection. They come at it from different directions and provide different details, but one element is common to each of them: a sense of wonder, astonishment, and surprise. Despite the several hints scattered throughout the Hebrew scripture and Jesus’ three explicit statements forecasting his resurrection (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34), when it happened it turned out that no one–no one–expected it. The first people involved in Jesus’ resurrection were totally involved in dealing with his death. Now they had to do a complete about-face and deal with his life. [1]

Resurrection possibilities

Do we as believers “scatter” as we are daily challenged by unbelievers who reject Christ? Do we “hide” from those who discount the resurrection? Even after Easter Sunday, do we return to our old lives—disappointed and disillusioned. Are we disheartened by the continuation of the health pandemic, financial uncertainty, and social unrest?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is time that we believers expand our understanding of the resurrection. As new creatures in Christ, victorious living awaits us as the Spirit that raised Christ from the grave, now indwells us (Rom. 8:11).

Eastertide, a fifty-day season on the Christian calendar, is dedicated to examining the deep and wonderful mystery of resurrection. It is a perfect opportunity to reflect on what the resurrection means to us personally. “It is a season of learning how to live a new kind of life called resurrection.”[2]

Next week, we will continue our teaching on “resurrection understanding”. The resurrection is key in strengthening our resolve to press forward through difficult times. Most importantly, it enables us to live out our God ordained purpose. Let’s explore what it means to live each day in the light of the resurrection (Eph. 2:4-6).

[1] Living the Resurrection, Eugene H. Peterson.

[2] Living the Way of Jesus: Practicing the Christian Calendar One Week at a Time, Michaele Lavigne.

Spiritual Endurance

Certainty in an Uncertain World, Part 2

February 23, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Believer’s certainty

As we stated last week, certainty is defined as a fact that is definitely true. It is the state of being reliably true. As believers our certainty is connected to God. Our confidence is based not only on Who God is but also on His truth.

We recognize the uncertainties of living in a fallen world. To live in a fallen world means we struggle with sin daily. We experience heartache and pain. We witness natural disasters and staggering loss. Injustice, inhumanity, and falsehood seem to dominate. Discord and trouble are commonplace. None of this was God’s original plan for humanity.

It is important, however, that as believers we focus on the certainties of our faith—divine certainties—that enable us to navigate successfully in these difficult times. What are these divine certainties? How do they help us in times of uncertainty?

Divine Certainty-God’s Nature

The certainty of our faith begins with our understanding the nature of God. While there are many attributes of God’s nature, I will focus on two (2): God’s immutability (He does not change) and God’s veracity (He is truthful).

This is especially important as we discuss the matter of certainty. This means that whatever God states, in His Word and through His Holy Spirt, can be accepted with certainty—as reliably true. What God has stated in the historical past is still true in our contemporary present.

The immutability of God expresses the fact that God does not change. What we are dealing with here is the dependability of God. He will be the same tomorrow as He is today. He will act as He has promised. The believer can rely on Him (Lam. 3:22-23; 1 John 1:9). God’s immutability is “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” (Hebrews 6:18-19)

God’s veracity speaks to God’s truthfulness. God represents things as they really are. God never lies (Titus 1:2). It is contrary to His nature. God is “trustworthy”. Such truth can either be assuring or fearful, depending on your relationship with the Lord (Numbers 23:19).

Divine Certainty-Our Identity in Christ

Our identity in Christ is another major reason for certainty and assurance of our faith in God. We have peace during uncertain times because of our relationship with Jesus.

For me, Ephesians 1:3-17, does an extraordinary job outlining the many spiritual blessings and promises found in our New Covenant relationship with Father God. It details the completed work of Christ as only can be designed by God before the foundation of the earth.

In Christ God makes His superabundant blessing available to His children by faith in Christ so that what Christ has is theirs—including His righteousness, privilege, resources, position, and power. Believers are now able to draw upon the wealth of Christ to accomplish God’s purpose and His will. This includes our spiritual security as we move from “death to eternal life” (John 5:24).

Divine Certainty-Our Anchor

Our certainty is also connected to our memory. Let us not forget the faithfulness God has shown us in the past. The church mothers would often assure us in times of distress: “The Lord didn’t bring us this far to leave us.” King David shares their belief as he reminds us in Psalm 103:2 to “forget not all God’s benefits.”

Our personal history to God’s faithfulness is a testimony of our certainty in God. We are witnesses to God’s presence, His protection, and His provision. During times of uncertainty, we can walk confidently in the divine certainty based on our connection with God.

My intent in this writing is to remind believers that during these times of uncertainty and disruption, we have an anchor in the Lord. Our confidence is based on Him alone. Our Lord is the only true source of certainty in an uncertain world (Ps. 37:3).

Spiritual Endurance

Certainty in an Uncertain World, Part 1

February 17, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What is certainty?

Certainty is defined as a fact that is definitely true or an event that is definitely going to take place. It is the quality of being reliably true.

The Bible concordance describes certainty as “absolute truths”. I find this description ironic as we strive to live in this post-modern society where, supposedly, there are “no absolutes” and even “fewer truths.”

However, as Christians, we do believe in absolute truths that we confidently depend on. This is the benefit of our faith in Christ. This gives us “peace that passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).

The Certainties of life

The events of 2020 have shifted systems and institutions that once were thought to be secure and indestructible. As we stand in the shadow of COVID 19 with its many “aftershocks”, we realize our naϊveté. We now long for the stability and certainty once found in the past.

As youth, we experienced the certainty of family. Family provided the initial shaping of our values and belief systems. Family cared for our basic needs—food, clothing, shelter, and love. Our family validated who we were and provided the foundation we needed for success. That was the certainty we needed in the beginning.

The assurance found within our familial systems were later extended to our communities. It included our schools and our churches. We became the product of our “unique village” with many people teaching us life lessons. Within the borders of community, we learned self-esteem, confidence, respect, and achievement. Here we prepared for the rest of our life.

A Hunger for Certainty

We often joke that the certainties of life are death and taxes. After 2020, we can now add uncertainty to that list. Uncertainty has always been with us but now it has become more “life affecting.”

Uncertainty has a physiological effect on our lives. It is neither good nor bad. It is, however, something that we must address.

A sense of uncertainty about the future generates a strong threat or ‘alert’ response in your limbic (brain) system. Your brain detects something is wrong, and your ability to focus on other issues diminishes. Your brain doesn’t like uncertainty – it’s like a type of pain, something to be avoided. Certainty on the other hand feels rewarding, and we tend to steer toward it, even when it might be better for us to remain uncertain.[1]

Shifts in Certainty

As a nation and as individuals, we were certain that our institutions and systems would always be available to care for us. We trusted others to protect our best interest and to operate at the highest level of integrity. But unfortunately, that has not always been the case.

After a year of unprecedented disaster and turbulence – the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis, the global outcry over systemic racism and political instability – the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals an epidemic of misinformation and widespread mistrust of societal institutions and leaders around the world. Adding to this is a failing trust ecosystem unable to confront the rampant infodemic, leaving the four institutions – business, government, NGOs and media – in an environment of information bankruptcy and a mandate to rebuild trust and chart a new path forward.

Reports such as these highlight our need for a dependable source to address the uncertainties of 21st century living. We need a “sure thing”. That sure thing is Jesus Christ. Our faith in Christ is not a weakness nor is it a last resort. To the contrary, Jesus is the only true source of certainty in an uncertain world (Ps. 37:3).

Our Certainty Connection

As believers our certainty is connected to The Ultimate Source. We trust in God. Our confidence is based not only on Who God is but also on the veracity of God—His truth and His truthfulness.

God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Col. 1:17; Rev. 4:11). He alone can “make good” on all His promises. God is all powerful, everywhere present and all knowing.

Next week we will continue to discuss certainty in an uncertain world. We will focus on the certainties of our faith which enable us to live victoriously in these tumultuous times.

[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-work/200910/hunger-certainty

Our Faith Walk

What I Learned in 2020

January 6, 2021 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What’s Different

In the past, my annual reflections on “what I learned” were typical for believers in Christ. They were my experiences and observations as I progressed on my spiritual journey. They included such things as how I experienced God’s goodness and what I would work harder on in the new year. I always finished the year hoping I had deepened my relationship with Him.

So what’s different this year? Everything is different! Why? Because 2020 was very different. As my pastor said a few weeks ago, “There is no such thing as a ‘new normal’. There is no normal. Everything is dynamic.” Life as we knew it has changed. We now live in a constant state of change.

What I learned in 2020 requires that I go deeper than I normally would in order to fully express the range of emotions and responses to everything that has been happening around us. It’s been said “life will make you bitter or better”. With 2020, the jury is still out.

2020 Responses: We Long for Many Things

Most responses to 2020 have ranged from anger (dumpster burnings of 2020 in effigy) to appreciation for the opportunities presented as a result of the pandemic Stay at Home directives.

The variance in these responses may stem from our ability to accept, absorb, or assimilate the changes that are taking place.

Some people respond by retaliating for what they see as a loss of control or threat to their personal freedom. Remember the initial responses to the pandemic? The battle over wearing masks? We are no longer able to “do what we want to do” without considering the impact of our choices on others.

We now more fully understand “our connectedness” and dependence on each other. We will need each other to successfully navigate the world as it is in “a state of becoming”. There is a saying that, “You can’t be a winner in a losing organization.” That statement is never more true than right now.

A Year of Grieving

2020 has also given us much to grieve over. The loss of life due to the pandemic is unbelievable. I pray that we never become comfortable with the rising number of deaths within our nation and the world. So complacent that we forget that each “number” represents a person, a family, a life no longer present with us.

Let us also continue to pray and support those who serve during these horrific times. The medical professionals, public employees, and service providers who daily risk their lives for us.

A Year without Relationship

I think we grieve the most over our “disrupted relationships”. We desperately miss being with our families and friends. No hugs. No kisses. We’re left with Zoom calls, online worship, and elbow bumps, if we’re lucky.

This longing to be with others is evidenced by our nation’s inability to deal effectively with the coronavirus. We desire to be with one another so much that we are willing to literally die for it (or cause someone else to die).

While we desire to be with family and friends, our relationship with others has suffered in 2020. We have separated ourselves into tribes based on our political views and class distinctions. We have set aside the basics we learned in kindergarten–play nice and share. We are at war with each other! But why? Over what? There will be no winners in the end—-only pain, anger, and resentment.

This is unfortunate especially since we so desperately need each other during these tumultuous times. It is now that we need “to put on bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering…and love” (Col. 3:12-14).

So what have I learned?

God is faithful (Deut. 7:9; Heb. 10:23) and is able to see us through whatever problems we face. Actually that isn’t something new I’ve learned. However, 2020 revealed God’s faithfulness in a new context.

That context included a deadly pandemic, social injustice, economic upheaval, and civil unrest. 2020 was like a dystopia movie. A dystoria is an imagined place or state in which everything is bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.

But God was everything He said He would be. He was my provider (Phil. 4:19). He was my protector (Ps. 46:1-3). Jesus was my peace–something we still need in 2021. God’s presence was my comfort and assurance through all the madness of 2020.

You and I are living proof of God’s faithfulness in that we now stand on the other side of 2020. And how did we get here? How did we get to the other side? God brought us through (Is. 43:2).

God’s Plan of Salvation

There is so much I have learned (and continue to learn from 2020). But the most important thing I’ve learned is to see life through the reality of God and His plan of salvation.

God is purposefully executing His plan of salvation for mankind. Eternal God is sovereignly exercising His purpose in the midst of our history. Regardless of today’s current events or who is currently in leadership, they must all defer to the rule and reign of God (Daniel 2:21).

God’s plan for mankind didn’t end with the arrival of Jesus Christ. God is still manifesting His plan and we are part of that plan right now. It is our privilege to join God as He manifests His purpose in the world.

So what have you learned in 2020? I can’t wait to hear from you.