Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to help folks experience transformation by showing them how to spend time with God through the Word and prayer. Occasionally, I’ve had men do everything I’ve told them to do: daily time with God, Bible study, and even scripture memory, but “it” doesn’t work. Why?

I’ve always supposed there were two possible causes: one, the person didn’t really have a relationship with God. The Holy Spirit didn’t reside in them, and going through the motions had no effect. The other problem was that the person wasn’t submitting to the authority of the Word. They read it, but they didn’t submit to it, and there was no traction.

Yesterday’s blog on the Living Word offers a third possibility. A person can believe in the authority of the Word but doesn’t believe that God speaks through the Word today. God spoke in the past, it got written down, and that was that. Decades ago, when I first came around The Navigators (1967!), I tried to share the joy of personal time with God with someone very close to me. He didn’t get it. He was stuck for over a week in Psalm 1, where I recommended he start, trying to interpret it, get the full meaning out of it, plumb its depths, but he never heard from God. The Word did not reach him at a heart level. Now, I think I have the language for what happened: my friend didn’t believe God speaks today. For him, the Word was not ALIVE.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. (Psalm 1.1 – 2, Living Bible)

My friend wasn’t thinking about ways to follow God more closely, he was trying to be sure he understood the text.

I said that God spoke to me about the living Word twice. I shared one of those yesterday. The other was the end of chapter 5 in The Word of God with Power by Jack R. Taylor. Jack has a lengthy quotation from Eugene Peterson’s book Reversed Thunder, 1988, a book I haven’t read. You will remember Eugene Peterson as the translator of The Message, which I quote from time to time. Here are a few snippets of Jack Taylor’s quote, ending his chapter entitled “The Word in the Now.”

As God’s word written (scriptura) the scriptures are a great, but mixed, blessing. They are a blessing because each new generation of Christians has access to the fact that God speaks, the manner of his speaking, the results of his speaking. The scriptures are a mixed blessing because the moment the words are written they are in danger of losing the living resonance of the spoken word and reduced to something to be looked at, studied, interpreted, but not heard personally…

Words, separated from the person who spoke them, can be beautiful just as seashells are beautiful; they can be interesting just as skeletons can be interesting; they can be studied with profit just as fossils can be studied with profit. But apart from the act of listening and responding, they cannot function according to the intent of the speaker…The intent of revelation is not to inform us about God but to involve us with God…Some of Jesus’ sharpest disagreements were with the scribes and Pharisees, the persons in the first century who knew the words of scripture but heard the voice of God not at all…For them the scriptures had become a book to use, not a means by which to listen to God… – Eugene Peterson, quoted in The Word of God with Power by Jack R. Taylor, pages 58 and 59.

There’s more, and it’s too important to leave out, so we’ll continue this tomorrow.

These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards. (Matthew 7.24 – 27, MSG)

As happened a few weeks ago when two pastors in two different meetings shared the same life lesson, I read the same message in two disparate sources. That always gets my attention, and in this case, it wasn’t the message that was new to me, it was the fact that they had to write it. Here’s the first one, and we’ll follow up tomorrow with another:

The word of God is a living Word, and each time I turn to it with an open heart, I find there the living truth. I find there a human being who was born and grew up surrounded by other men and women, who worked and played, and who always did what the Father wanted done. Followers of Christ have discerned him—found him waiting—in the Scriptures for nearly two millennia. – Excerpted from Always Discerning by Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ

I write here often that we need to “hear from God” through the scriptures or “spend time with God” in the scriptures and prayer. I assume that my readers know that it’s more than paper and ink – it’s the living Word conveying the thoughts and presence of the living God. I firmly believe, with Joe Tetlow, that God speaks today as I meditate on the Word.

As I reflect back to more than 50 years ago, that was the perspective The Navigators brought into my life. When led by God, they claimed the promises for themselves and their current ministries even though the texts often referred to ancient Israel:

A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time.” (Isaiah 60.22, NKJV) Navigators used this verse as a picture of the power of spiritual multiplication (see 2 Timothy 2.2).

I had invited my friend Tom to help me lead a class in how to read the Bible in this way. At first, he was reluctant, thinking himself not qualified. The very next day, during his regular time with God, he read this verse:

I know that you are wise and good, my brothers, and that you know these things so well that you are able to teach others all about them. (Romans 15.14, Living Bible, emphasis mine)

Tom wrote to me:

If He thinks I’m ready enough and guides me to this passage at this time who am I to resist? I will help you facilitate the Bible Reading class.

This is God speaking through the Word. Listen for Him! More tomorrow.

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 8.34, 35, NIV)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4.12, ESV)

Yesterday, I wrote that instead of devoting all my energy into being upset at what’s going on in the world, I might consider asking God what I need to repent of. Here’s another approach, straight out of Matthew 6.

…so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6.4, ESV)

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6.6, ESV)

…that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6.18, ESV)

Easy to summarize:

• Give, pray, and fast in secret
• My Father sees in secret
• My Father will reward me

First, this speaks to God’s omniscience. He sees in secret. Next, it raises the question: what is the nature of this reward? Do I pray to be rewarded? Or is the reward the answer to prayer? Or are there rewards in heaven for people who give, pray, and fast? (I don’t know!)

In light of all of my complaints right now, articles and blogs pointing out injustice in the world, especially those violating my “rights” as an American Christian, maybe I should be giving, praying, and fasting in secret rather than loudly complaining.

We just experienced Passion Week. Jesus gave his life in the cruelest way imaginable.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. (Isaiah 53.7, NKJV)

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2.5 – 8, ESV)

There seems to be plenty to complain about these days. For one thing, our government apparently encourages gender confusion:

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, an entity of the Department of Health and Human Services, issued a release proclaiming that “gender-affirming care” is neither “child maltreatment nor malpractice.” Around the same time, the Department of Justice sent a letter to all state attorneys general saying that opposing HHS guidance is discrimination, is essentially an attack against “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, nonbinary, or otherwise gender-nonconforming” people, and that such actions “may be unconstitutional.” – Breakpoint, April 11, 2022

For another, it doesn’t seem right that if I wanted to see Fantastic Beasts without any reference to Dumbledore being gay, I could do so in China, but not here:

Warner Brothers studios, in a sequel to its Fantastic Beasts spin-off, decided to add some gay undertones to Albus Dumbledore’s character. When China found out about the unnecessary addition of an LGBT relationship, they asked producers to cut it. Hollywood, ever the compliant partner of the communist regime, obliged. “We want audiences everywhere in the world to see and enjoy this film,” a Warner spokesperson said, “and it’s important to us that Chinese audiences have the opportunity to experience it as well, even with these minor edits.” In other words, it’s okay for a global abuser of human rights to demand an end to LGBT indoctrination, but not American parents? If China says sexualization is off limits, it’s “responding sensitively to a variety of in-market factors.” If parents do, it’s a “hateful form of bullying” that hurts children. No wonder the grassroots are upset. – Family Research Council, April 13, 2022

When I read the first one, a week ago Monday morning, I went to my daily reading with the question, I wonder what John the Baptist has to say about that? His message was clear:

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2 (ESV)

Interestingly, Jesus started his public ministry the same way:

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4.17, ESV)

That’s always the message, isn’t it? Repent. And repentance starts with me. I can’t repent for the government or Warner Brothers, but I can listen for what God wants to change about me.

The Word is given for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3.16) The process is continuous. After the Master’s, Tiger Woods said, “I have more work to do.” Here’s where your swing is off. Here’s what you can do to get it back. Now train! 

Tomorrow we’ll look at another possible response to today’s happenings.

Train yourself for godliness. (1 Timothy 4.7, ESV)

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13, verses 3 and 5, ESV)

I want to get back to our readings in Matthew, but I can’t let this story about Scotty Sheffler, recent winner of the Master’s Golf Tournament slip away. In his post-tournament interview he said:

The reason why I play golf is I’m trying to glorify God and all that He’s done in my life. So for me, my identity isn’t a golf score. Like Meredith [his wife] told me this morning, “If you win this golf tournament today, if you lose this golf tournament by 10 shots, if you never win another golf tournament again,” she goes, “I’m still going to love you, you’re still going to be the same person, Jesus loves you and nothing changes.” All I’m trying to do is glorify God and that’s why I’m here and that’s why I’m in this position. Reported by Sports Spectrum

As I wrote on April 5, God has people everywhere.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him…Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3.17, 23, 24, ESV)

My wife, June, was named after her Aunt June, who passed away in May 2000. The next year we had just moved to Montgomery, Alabama, and June was feeling alone. On the anniversary of Aunt June’s birthday, April 19, 2001, June wrote these reflections. She just showed me these for the first time recently, and publishing them today seems fitting. (If you can’t see the picture, click here.)

Aunt June surely lived these out. She lived in California and worked as a teller for Wells Fargo for a VERY long time. I still use a leather Wells Fargo checkbook cover she gave me as well as a Wells Fargo belt buckle. I’ve had them for decades. She did not earn a lot of money, but she was very generous. Her life was not easy, but she was always cheerful, and, as June wrote, she didn’t indulge in self-pity or hold grudges.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4.11, NIV)

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. (2 Corinthians 8.2, 3, NIV)

It’s Monday, the day after Easter, and a good time to reflect on what Jesus’ resurrection actually means.

Our friend and blog reader Carol Rebell used to be a personal assistant to Dr. Vernon Grounds, president of Denver Seminary from 1956 to 1973. After his “retirement,” he continued in a teaching and counseling role as president emeritus. He was named chancellor in 1993, where he actively served until his death in 2010 at the age of 96. We were at Carol’s home and saw this poem by Dr. Grounds on her refrigerator.

Easter guarantees that the Lord Almighty who raised the crucified Jesus from the grave has power to give life again not only to dead bodies but also to:

• dead hearts
• dead dreams
• dead hopes
• dead relationships
• dead marriages
• dead churches!

Amen.

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus… (Acts 4.33, ESV)

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures… (1 Corinthians 15.3, 4, NKJV)

Saturday…the in-between day…no one was expecting the resurrection…so they weren’t even waiting…except to anoint the body.

Maybe it’s a good day for us to read Isaiah’s prescient account…

¹³  Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. ¹⁴  As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—¹⁵  so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.

¹  Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? ²  For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. ³  He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

⁴  Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. ⁵  But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. ⁶  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

⁷  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. ⁸  By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? ⁹  And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. ¹⁰  Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. ¹¹  Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. ¹²  Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 52.13 – 53.12, ESV)

Low in the grave he lay…Waiting the coming day…

It’s Good Friday…

Dallas Jenkins, creator and director of The Chosen, made a short movie in 2014 called Once We Were Slaves about the two thieves. He sets it up beautifully. The two thieves are brothers: one is irreligious, given to crime. The other is studying to be a rabbi. When the Romans assault his fiancé, he lashes out at them, and they both end up on death row. Guess which one “will be with Me in Paradise.”

(Spoiler alert! If you want to take the 26 minutes to watch the movie now, I’ll wait.)

As much as I’ve studied grace, I always think of the repenting thief being the good guy, and the other thief as evil. It didn’t occur to me that it might have been the other way around. 

While we were still SINNERS, Christ died for us. (Romans 5.8)

For we ourselves were once…slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. (Titus 3.3, ESV)