Daily Devotions

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Current Study: First Peter

Today’s Topic:  God’s Purpose in Allowing Suffering

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 4:15-16 (NIV)  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  

The subject of suffering or hardship is rarely spoken of outside of the context of asking “Why?” We want everything explained so that it makes sense to us. There must be a rational reason for everything that happens, right?

The Bible tells us clearly that there are reasons why God permits suffering. In fact, I find five of them. Here’s a brief summary of each one, with a prayer that you will discover the peace of God that passes all understanding that comes through trust in His love and grace.

First, God brings suffering as a punishment for sin. Galatians 6:17 says, Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Suffering is about consequences. It happened in the Garden of Eden first. God said there would be consequences to sin, and they were immediately enforced when it happened. The first consequence was…I bet most of you thought I was going to say death. Not so. The first punishment for sin was shame. This is so very significant. When man and woman sinned, they ceased being focused on others and began being self-centered. They no longer found their identity in God alone but began seeking to establish their own identity. They were no longer free to accept one another as is, because they couldn’t accept themselves as they were. My friends, the greatest tragedy of sin is that the death of our identity as image bearers of God occurs at conception, long before the death of our physical body. The suffering we experience because of that death is God’s judgment on sin, and it is designed to bring us to our knees before Him.

Second, God allows suffering in the life of a believer for discipline. The difference between the punishment of sinners and the discipline of saints is that punishment is only about the consequence, while discipline is all about construction. God is building us. He is shaping us. He is growing us. The purpose of all discipline is growth and change. Hebrews 12:7 says Endure hardship as discipline… The love of the Father is being displayed in our lives through discipline. Peter refers to this in the next few verses of his letter when he says, For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God. Embrace your hardship. God is working through it to change you because He loves you.

Third, suffering comes to test our faith. Earlier in this letter of First Peter we read, In this (faith) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Through suffering, God is testing our ability to stay true to what we say we believe. How’s that going for you? Are the impurities of your life being burned away so the fullness of the glory of God can be seen in you?

Fourth, God uses suffering to build our character. Look at these important verses. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4). AND we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4). The word character in Romans means “a permanent stamp of approval.” How awesome to think that when I pass the test of my faith and my character grows to be more like Christ’s, God stamps me with His permanent approval. Hallelujah! Let the hardships do their work so that we can be more like Christ.

Fifth, God uses suffering in our lives to provide us with ministry opportunities to help others in need. As our character becomes more Christ-like, we become more compassionate. Through our own suffering we have experienced the comfort of God, and now we are qualified to be the ministers of comfort to others. Look at what the Apostle Paul says in Second Corinthians 1:3-5. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 

That is so very cool! The more we suffer like Christ, the more we experience the same comfort Christ got from the Father when He suffered. In fact, it so overflows in us that it spills out onto others who are suffering around us. We become the ministers of God’s comfort and grace.

This just scratches the surface of God’s purpose for suffering, but it gives us a good foundation. Next time you’re feeling pitiful because of your problems, put them in the proper perspective. Just remember this promise… And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Current Study: First Peter

Today’s Topic:  The Right Reason to Suffer

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 4:15-16 (NIV)  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  

Let it be known that I am not in any way advocating criminal behavior. But if you have ever considered crime, I hope you would never be as dumb as these guys. These are true stories.

A man walked into a convenience store, put a $20 bill on the counter and asked for change. When the clerk opened the drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving his $20 bill on the counter. So how much did he get from the drawer? Fifteen bucks. Go figure.

In West Virginia, a knife-wielding mugger accepted a $300 check from his victim. The thief was arrested the next day trying to cash the check.

In Tennessee, a burglar realized he’d left his Nikes at the home he’d just robbed. So he returned and asked the lady of the house if she’d seen his shoes. She called the cops, and the guy was arrested.

The police had no trouble finding this thief. When he used a stolen credit card to buy some cigars, he signed his own name on the receipt. Later he tried to buy some merchandise at a store, but the card came up as stolen. When asked for some identification, he presented his own driver’s license.

While these are funny stories, it’s not funny at all that so many people who call themselves Christians are involved in criminal behavior. And because they are suffering the consequences of their crimes, they somehow believe they are suffering for Christ. But let’s get this straight right away – nowhere in the Bible is suffering for doing wrong ever commended as Christ-like. We are only suffering like Christ and for Christ if we are suffering for doing right.

I wonder how much time and money could be saved by people if they would just accept responsibility for their actions. How many hours of counseling could be avoided if people would simply deal with the fundamental question of personal choice? How much emotional distress is really an attempt at self-justification because we don’t want to admit that what we are suffering is the direct result of what we did wrong?

As Peter emphasizes this point in today’s Scripture, he clearly states that the suffering we experience because of wrong-doing is not to be a part of the Christian’s life. I think we could all agree with him when he tells us to steer clear of murder and stealing or any other kind of criminal behavior. But then he adds we should also never suffer because we have meddled. Some of you will think I’m meddling just to address the issue of meddling. If so, you’re the ones to whom this most applies.

The Greek word for meddling is full of meaning. Thayer’s Greek Dictionary defines it as one who takes the supervision of affairs pertaining to others and in no wise to himself. My mom always reminded me of this truth when she would simply say “MYOB.” I had been taught what that means – Mind your own business. She was reminding me that I am not in control, and I have no right to assume control of other people’s lives. It is not my spiritual gift – in fact there is no spiritual gift or fruit of the Spirit – to meddle in other people’s lives.

That’s tough as a pastor – a shepherd – who has been called by God to proclaim the truth and lead people to spiritual growth. But here’s how that problem is resolved – meddlers meddle for personal benefit while shepherds lead for the benefit of the sheep. Jesus never meddled – He led.

Unfortunately, far too many Christians meddle because it provides them with a sense of accomplishment, value, worth, or purpose. There are way too many control freaks in the church. God alone is responsible for outcomes.

But how do meddlers suffer? Well, primarily they suffer from a lack of personal intimacy with others. They cannot find true peace in their hearts, because their identity is wrapped up in what they can do to change others. And people don’t change easily, so it seems like their work is never done. Besides that, nobody likes a meddler who seeks to control them. Meddlers are lonely. And to top it all off, they blame their loneliness on others: it’s other people’s fault for not being more loving, more compassionate, more concerned, or more friendly.  If only they would take responsibility for their own suffering.

Yesterday we quoted from a book entitled The Imitation of Christ. In another part of that book, Thomas a Kempis writes, We might have much peace if we would not meddle with other people’s sayings and doings.

If you are suffering because of wrong, then endure it and learn from it. If you are suffering because you are doing what you think is right, then you’d better check two things – whether or not God’s Word says it’s right, and whether or not your motives for doing it are sincere. Pure and sincere motives are ALWAYS based on doing what’s best for others, not for self. If you’re suffering for doing that, then rejoice that you are in the company of Christ.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Current Study: First Peter

Today’s Topic:  Responding to Insults

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 4:14 (NIV)  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

We love conflict. We may avoid it in our personal lives, but we are attracted to it in others. That’s what made last night’s football game so interesting. It’s been a long time since one game got so much media hype, and it was all based on conflict. Football fans around the world joined in. Dozens of people gathered in Eau Claire for a jersey burning. Signs were carried outside and inside the stadium hurling insults at the opposition. People proud of their team boldly wore radical outfits and colors to publicly display their position. Regardless of the name-calling or derision by those of a different persuasion, they held their ground, mostly with return volleys of verbal abuse.

When threatened, our natural tendency is to protect our position. When attacked, we respond by rising up in defense. We generally fight back in kind, using the weapons of the enemy as our own. It’s our human nature. And we have defended some pretty insignificant positions. We expend an incredible amount of energy fighting for things that are eternally irrelevant. Then, when the true tests of our faith in Christ come, we cower in fear because we are trusting in our own strength rather than the Spirit of God that rests upon us.

I am so confused by western Christianity. We are willing to wear purple in green territory and be insulted for it, but we avoid letting Christ be seen in our lives for fear that the insults will hurt too much. We stand and proclaim our loyalty to products that have supposedly changed our lives, but refuse to testify about the One who truly did. And then, if by some freakish circumstance someone does find out that our faith is in Jesus Christ and not in the world, and they begin to insult and attack us, we rise up with what we think is strength and terrorize them right back.

But that is not the nature of Christ who is living in us. When we are persecuted for Christ, and we will be if His life is being lived through us, we are to respond with the Spirit of God that rests on us. Let me illustrate:

There is an old legend that tells of Hercules encountering a strange animal on a narrow road. He struck it with his club and passed. Soon the animal overtook him, now three times as large as before. Hercules struck it fast and furiously, but the more he clubbed the beast, the larger it grew. Then Pallas appeared to Hercules and warned him to stop. “The monster’s name is Strife,” he said. “Let it alone and it will soon become as little as at first.”

But where do we get such patience to be able to overlook the attacks of people? Well, it comes from being secure in your identity in Christ. I remember an old childhood rhyme that went, Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. That is true of anyone who is confident of their identity. Christ is our identity. He has already suffered all the insults and persecution for us. His Spirit rests upon us, and as a result we are blessed. How can insults remove the blessing of the Father in heaven?

An official of a mission board, who knew it takes more than desire to make a missionary, was appointed to examine a candidate. He told the young man to come to his house at six o’clock in the morning. The young man went at six in the morning to be examined, and the examiner kept him sitting in the room until ten. Then he went down to him and said abruptly, “Can you write your name? Do you even know what your name is?” “Yes, sir.” He put him through a series of questions of that kind, and then went to the mission board and said, “He will do. I tried his patience for four hours, and he did not break down; I then insulted him, and he did not lose his temper. He will do.”

If a man answers all abuses with magnanimity, patience, fortitude, and gentleness, you can depend upon it – Christ’s love has conquered his heart. His Christianity is vindicated by the very quality of his character.

Thomas a Kempis, who wrote The Imitation of Christ, said, Christ was despised on earth by men, and in his greatest need, amidst insults, was abandoned by those who knew him and by his friends; and you dare to complain of anyone? Christ had his adversaries and slanderers; and you wish to have everyone as friends and benefactors? When will your patience win its crown if it has encountered nothing of adversity?

The game is over. The jerseys have been put away for another week. Wounds are being licked. New insults are being developed. But who really cares when the very people we are trying to impress with our loyalties are heading towards a Christ-less eternity of suffering. It’s time to take a stand for Christ. It’s time to show our loyalty to royalty and live for the King.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Monday, October 05, 2009

Current Study: First Peter

Today’s Topic:  God’s Glory Revealed

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)  Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 

I love Facebook. I think it occupies way too much of some people’s time as they try to discover absolutely irrelevant and useless information about themselves by taking mindless tests, but as a networking tool to connect people it’s great. Connecting to people – that’s what life is all about.

I’ve been able to use Facebook to connect to some people I haven’t seen in years. They live in the Philippines. They are almost family. My dear friend and ministry partner Victorino Barlizo went home to be with the Lord years ago, and I was adopted as the stand in Papa for his daughters. I even got to walk one of the girls down the aisle for her wedding. Now they are all on Facebook, and I get to be a part of their lives and hear about all of my other “grandkids”. Between the four girls there are five little ones.

The latest one to be born is becoming a real testimony to the grace of God. In fact, her mother’s name is Grace. Little Darly was born last week with a serious heart murmur. She was diagnosed with a hole in her heart. I received this Facebook message from Grace’s sister:

Hello Papa John, how are you?
Lily Grace is now a new Mommy…She gave birth to a Baby Girl last night, at 10 in the evening. Baby Darly is her name…please pray for her and baby Darly, she has a hole in her heart. Grace will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, but baby Darly will be hospitalized for awhile for medications. The Dr.’s told mama that she will be alright… Ate Vic also gave birth to a baby boy last sept. 12, 2009…you have already 5 adopted grandchildren back here in Davao City :)…we miss you so much…God bless We love you…from all of us here…your extended Family “the Barlizo’s”.

Of course we started to pray right away. As the messages kept coming in from the family, it was very evident that their faith was strong and their hope was in Christ. They were living the truth of Peter’s words and were rejoicing in the midst of suffering. Two days after the first message, I received this one:

Hello Papa John…we just arrive from Panabo and the Lord is very good and merciful…The Dr. visit Baby Darly this morning, Praise God! He is an answering God! There is an improvement – big improvement of Darly’s condition…the murmur the Dr. heard on Darly’s heart is getting lesser to 50%…and she even said the Darly is responding very well to the medication she is on right now…what a great God we are serving…He hears our prayer… Thank you for your prayers and love…bye… love you both…God bless and good night…

There is a divine principle at work here – the amount of rejoicing we do during times of suffering is directly responsible for the overflow of joy we experience when God’s glory is revealed. It’s a fact – complaining minimizes joy. Just check yourself on this. Don’t be surprised when you realize that the more you complain about tough times the less joy you experience when they are over. That’s because complaining quickly becomes entitlement, and those who feel entitled never overflow with joy when the end comes. Why should they? They believed they deserved it. It is those who know they are undeserving that experience the greatest joy.

Yesterday I received this update from Lily Joy, Grace’s sister:

Hello Papa John,
Praise the Lord for He is good and His mercies are everlasting!

Baby Darly is now out of the Nursery room and she is being taken care of by Roed (her father) and Lily Grace…He is truly a big and merciful God. The Dr. told Grace that the murmur that they heard from Baby Darly’s heart is now getting lesser and lesser, that’s why she is out from the nursery room…truly prayers really do big things in our lives…She is a great testimony at the Hospital… and Grace and Roed extended their thanks and love for you…God bless you and see you soon…

“She is a great testimony at the hospital.” Hallelujah! There is great joy when the glory of God is revealed. So stop complaining and start rejoicing. We all know times are tough, but God is greater than any of our troubles. Put your trust in Him – there is a time of abundant joy coming when His glory is revealed.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Current Study: First Peter

Today’s Topic:  Be a Child

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 4:9-10 (NIV)  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

I wish we all were children. Not from a maturity standpoint – although some of us still are – but rather from a courage and faith position. Kids are mostly immune to the need for approval. They speak what they think is truth without regard for the opinion of others. They stand up for what they believe without fear of being hurt or hated. I wish we all were more like children.

I am so proud of some of the children of our church families. Almost daily I hear stories of things these wonderful kids are doing in their schools: public schools no less. One child, a four-year-old, recently stopped his whole class and asked them to pray because he heard a helicopter. His family always stops and prays for whoever is on a medical chopper because his sister had to be transported by one when she was born. He was serving others with the strength of God and bringing Glory to the name of Jesus Christ. He did it without fear. He did it with faith.

Just the other night my wife and I were approached at a banquet by a woman we didn’t know. She knew us, however, and proceeded to tell us a story about another child. She’s a teacher at the University of Wisconsin four-year-old kindergarten program, and she was trying to teach the children about books. She was explaining things like titles and authors, and she asked the class if anyone knew what an author was. One little boy raised his hand and said he knew. He then broke out into song, singing, “Author of salvation, my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save.”  The teacher asked him who the author of salvation was, and he said “Jesus.” Then she asked Him what book is about Jesus, and he said “The Bible.” It gave the teacher an opportunity to actually bring Christ into a secular classroom because it was student initiated. Hallelujah for courageous children. He brought glory to God by speaking the very words of God with fear. He did it by faith.

I wish we all were more like children. How much of our speech is tempered by fear? How many times have we remained silent because we didn’t want to offend someone? How often do we say only what brings honor to ourselves? We are so weak when we have the right to be so strong. We live in the fear of others rather than in the strength of the Lord. We speak the words that benefit self rather than the very words of God. We draw attention to ourselves when all glory truly belongs only to God.

St. Francis de Sales had this to say about people who draw attention to themselves. Some men become proud and insolent because they ride a fine horse, wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes. Who does not see the folly of this? If there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor.

What do we have that is of our own creation? What can we accomplish that is of our own strength? Even the air we breathe so that we can live and move is a gift from God. Let the name of Jesus be praised for who you are. Let God be given glory for all you do. Let us stop living according to the commendation of the world. Let us start living out our commitment to Christ. With courage. Without fear. By faith. Like children. I wish we all were more like children.

Pastor John