A Winsome Witness: 1. Proper Salting

“Yummy!  This is very tasty!”
“However, it may need just a pinch of salt.”

Most of us have a favorite dish, one that we find enjoyable, especially when it is seasoned to our liking.  But can we agree, there is something even more enjoyable than well prepared food?  We love the blessing of “fitly spoken words”-- a warm cheerful greeting, an assuring facial expression, or gracious words of comfort.  Savoring the joy of such warm encounters encourages our faith and renews our purpose for living.

On the other hand, many of us find it enjoyable to be givers of timely words of encouragement.  What a blessing it is to us when we can lift up a troubled soul and serve them with a taste of hope from God’s Word.

You ARE “the Salt of the Earth”
Jesus gave a choice title for those of us who, by faith, have become members of His Body, the Church.  He said, “You are the salt of the Earth (Matthew 5: 13).”  Notice that Jesus didn’t command His Church to BE “the salt of the Earth.”  Instead, when we obey Christ’s call as members of His Body, we ARE the salt of the Earth.  But what did Jesus mean by calling His disciples “the salt of the Earth?”

Surprising Properties of Salt:  By examining the physical properties and chemical nature of common “table salt,” we can appreciate why Jesus chose to call His Church “the salt of the Earth.”  Although chemists list many different kinds of salts, for our purposes, we will use the term “salt” to mean common “table salt,” or sodium chloride, symbolized by “NaCl.”  This form of salt is very abundant on Earth where it is often mined from salt deposits.  In addition, our vast oceans contain an average of 3.5% sodium chloride.  In fact, evaporation of ocean water also helps meet our demands for salt.

We usually think of salt as a safe and tame crystalline substance that, when added to our food in appropriate amounts, amazingly enhances the flavor.  But there is absolutely nothing safe and tame about the chemical formation of sodium chloride!

Sodium chloride is formed when atoms of sodium (Na) chemically react with chlorine gas (Cl₂) as shown in the photo of the reaction in progress.  Sodium is a soft, silvery-white metal that can explode into flame, especially when it comes into contact with reactive substances like chlorine gas.  And, chlorine gas is a poisonous, yellowish gas with an odor similar to Chlorox®.  Think of it!  Our edible table salt is formed through a violent chemical reaction between two very reactive substances—metallic sodium and poisonous chlorine gas.  The chemical shorthand of the reaction does not show that bursts of light and heat energy are given off when sodium chloride is formed.  To watch a video of the explosive reaction, click HERE.

Amazingly, all of this “fireworks” involves the transfer of one tiny electron (negative charge) from each sodium atom (Na) to a chlorine atom (Cl), resulting in a sodium ion (Na⁺) and a chloride ion (Cl^-).  These two oppositely charged ions can combine like opposite poles of a bar magnet to form NaCl.  When these ions combine with many other Na⁺ and Cl^- ions, they form a very orderly lattice work, visible as the white crystalline nature of table salt as it appears in our salt shakers.

As we noted earlier, Jesus calls His Church “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5: 13).  By this He meant that those who are committed to follow His teachings in the power of His Holy Spirit could not help but add a pleasant “seasoning” both within the assembly of believers and toward the surrounding culture.  But Jesus may have had more benefits in mind when He gave this title.  Although we will risk going beyond what Jesus intended, what follows are several applications that we hope are consistent with the biblical narrative:

Proper seasoning with salt during cooking enhances the flavor.  But too much salt can make our food inedible.  Our speech ought to be timely and appropriate, and if possible, reflect the character of Christ.  Just as properly seasoned food should not taste like salt, so also when our speech is “seasoned with salt” we should not be elevating ourselves; but instead, we ought to be “adorning the Gospel” of Christ. by the manner in which we speak and act (Titus 2: 10). 

Proverbs 25: 11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”  According to the Berean Study Bible, the writer is teaching us that when we speak words that are timely and appropriate (“fitly spoken”), they are precious because they promote peace, healing, and beauty.  Such words are pleasing to the ears just as well-crafted gold ornaments placed in silver are a delight to our eyes. 
Prayer:  Father God, help me to love your Word and to allow its living, powerful action within me to produce words spoken fitly in time and place like salt adding flavor to well prepared food.   Help me to image the character of Christ so that others will want to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34: 8). Amen.

“Blessed are the gentle (meek),” Jesus said (Matthew 5: 5).  Recall that sodium metal is dangerous to handle; and, breathing chlorine can endanger our skin and destroy our respiratory systems.  And when they react chemically to form salt (NaCl), considerable “fireworks” are produced.  Jesus, the Creator of the universe, knows all about the violent chemistry that forms salt.  He also knows what is in the heart of every man and woman, boy and girl; namely, a sin nature that can be very explosive and toxic. 

Jesus called two sons of Zebedee, James and John, to be among His twelve disciples.  Both men grew to love Jesus; especially John who became known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13: 23).  Yet, Jesus had to restrain both James and John when they wanted to call down fire upon several Samaritans who had shown disrespect toward Jesus (Luke 9: 51-56).  After this, Jesus called James and John “the sons of thunder.”  We too, may have strong convictions that can explode into harsh words and behavior.  We can only be the salt of the Earth if we exercise the spiritual fruit of peace, patience, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23).  Like sodium chloride, we have a violent history and a tendency to explode.  Only when we yield to the Spirit in us can we be the salt Jesus desires as we produce the fruit of His gentleness. 
Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you are my meek and gentle example as shown by your behavior.  Help me to respond like you did, even when you were mistreated verbally and physically.  Help me to yield to your Spirit, the Spirit of Christ who lives within me, to produce the fruit of your gentleness and self-control.  Amen.

The Church is a Preservative.  Before the days of refrigeration, meat and other foods could be preserved by salt curing.  Salt curing applies the principle of osmosis to draw water out of the meat and the cells of any microbes that would otherwise grow on the meat and cause spoilage.  Likewise, Christ-followers are “salt of the Earth” when their speech and actions present a purifying and preserving effect on those around them.  In a culture beset by moral and spiritual decay, Christ calls and equips His followers to be a preservative against cultural decay. 
Prayer:  Father, help me to pursue your holiness and purity lest I be like “salt that becomes tasteless… [and is] no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5: 13b).”

Peacemakers dissolve tension between people.  This truth reminds us of another amazing property of salt.  We have all seen salt crystals disappear when they dissolve in water.  Water molecules dislodge and separate the Na⁺ and Cl^- ions from the salt crystal lattice. This is an amazing feat considering that salt crystals will not melt unless heated to 1474^oF (801^oC)!  Like an obstinate, hard-hearted person who is combative or difficult to befriend, NaCl cannot be “melted” without a great expenditure of heat energy.  Meanwhile, simply adding water to salt can easily dissolve the hard crystals. Water molecules surround each Na+ and Cl- ion to form hydration shells that coat the ions and keep them from precipitating out.

No doubt you have used a saline solution of dilute sodium chloride in water for dry eyes, to store your contact lenses, or for nasal irrigation.  Saline is also given by injection or intravenously and is used to clean wounds.  Again, given the dangerous properties of sodium and chlorine, it is interesting that a sodium chloride solution is used in contact with our most delicate tissues to bring soothing relief. 
Prayer:   Jesus, Prince of Peace, help me to be a peacemaker.  When I encounter a head-hearted person who is brash and impolite, help me to avoid speech that “raises the temperature” of our conversation.  Instead, help my words to dissolve the tension just as water melts and dissolves the hard salt crystals and creates a soothing saline solution.

Being “Salt” from the Heart
It is obvious that even our favorite dish must be properly seasoned to be pleasant to our taste.  The human tongue has been created with an amazing capacity for precise detection of various tastes.  According to researchers, the human tongue can detect at least five different tastes.  In addition to salt and sweet, we can taste sour, bitter, and savory (umami).

Our tongues contain tiny bumps on the surface called papillae.  Within each papilla are hundreds of taste buds.  And, within each taste bud, there are from 50 to 100 chemoreceptor cells that help us taste food and beverages.  The chemoreceptor cells detect and translate chemical stimuli into neurological signals that convey the type of taste and intensity to the brain.  Initially, scientists believed that each of the five tastes were detected by a specific region of the tongue which they carefully mapped (see diagram on right).  However, more recently there is evidence that each of the five tastes are detected by multiple locations on the tongue.

In addition to enabling us to taste and enjoy food, our tongues also aid in chewing and swallowing food.  And, relevant to this blog, our tongues enable us to speak in words and sentences.  According to the Word of God, the quality of our speech determines the degree to which we can be “salt of the Earth.”  The Apostle Paul gave us a description of a major part of our function as “salt of the Earth:” 

Let your speech always be with grace,
as though seasoned with salt,
so that you will know
how you should respond to each person.
                                    -- Colossians 4: 6

Just think about this for a moment.  Do we realize that Jesus Christ, the Creator of our tongues, our sense of taste, and our ability to swallow food, and our ability to speak in words and sentences also calls us “the salt of the Earth.” Indeed, we are the salt when we “speak with grace” so that our words will be as food well-seasoned with salt.  Amazing!  With our tongue we can taste and enjoy food that is well seasoned with salt; and, with our tongue we can also speak words that bless others like food well-seasoned with salt.

But how can we “speak with grace” when we all know from experience that our tongue can be as James describes it, untamable and “a restless evil and full of deadly poison” (James 3: 8).  James continues:  Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs?  Nor can salt water produce fresh (vv. 11-12).  Each of these contrasts suggest that the words from our tongue, whether gracious or otherwise, are determined by something deeper than the tongue per se.  Jesus explained how it is our heart, or our character, that governs our words and actions (see text box above).

Responding to Our Calling
If you are a Christ-follower, having been born again by faith in His deity, death, and resurrection to defeat sin and death, you too have a high calling.  “You are the salt of the Earth,” said Jesus (Matthew 5: 13).  As Christ-followers, we are called to be witnesses to the Gospel (“Good News”) by our well-seasoned conversation and acts of kindness.  Such a witness will have a purifying, preserving, and soothing effect as appropriate on our morally decaying culture. 

But we will only retain proper saltiness and the purity of it if we continually surrender our hearts and “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God…and do not allow ourselves to be conformed to this world [system of thought], but allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12: 1-2).”

I hope it has become apparent from this blog that I sense a continual need to submit to God so that He can work in my heart and in my speech.  I want my words and my actions to be the right seasoning of salt for a “yummy experience” so others will want to “taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34: 8).”  It’s all about Him, not about me, even if it takes a long time during which my saltiness is rejected.  Hopefully, this blog has provided valuable salt in the right number of “pinches” to make it worthy and helpful for God’s Spirit to use it in your life. 

Read More on "A Winsome Witness"
Read Part 2, "Being Salt in Controversy," click HERE.

Helpmates Can Help or Hinder Their Husbands

Do you remember the last time you went “all-out” to join family and friends in an enthusiastic celebration of an event or perhaps an exciting sports competition?  In 2 Samuel 6:12-19 we read the account of King David leading his nation in extravagant, corporate worship of God.  The focus of the occasion was a joyous procession in which the ark of the covenant was being brought up to Jerusalem.  King David, apparently caught up in a spirit of humility and worship of God, took off his royal robe and … wearing only a linen cloth around his waist, danced with all his might to honor the LORD. (v. 14, Good News Translation).

Immediately following this joyous experience of worship, David returns to his home and family.  What we learn from this brief account from Scripture are important lessons God may have for both husbands and wives.  From 2 Samuel 6: 20, we read: 

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal, daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would! 

What a let-down for David to hear her accusation from his helpmate, suggesting that he was being prideful, selfish, and even immoral.  Michal’s accusation hurled at David must have been particularly hurtful to him considering that he had returned home to bless his household (v. 20) and to invite her to share in the rich blessing he had experienced. 

But there is even more evidence that David was Spirit-filled and held pure motives in all of his actions.  Scholars believe that prior to this occasion, David had devoted his time in personal worship of God to compose an inspiring song especially for the processional—possibly the song now recorded as Psalm 24.  When you read Psalm 24, perhaps you will realize the enthusiasm David possessed-- an enthusiasm that may well have still been lifting his spirit upon his return to Michal.

Although David's motives and behavior were pure before the Lord, Michal’s were not.  Second Samuel 6: 16 records for us that Michal saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.  Michal’s sin of regarding her husband as unworthy of her respect had been first conceived in her heart (James 1: 15) as she watched him worshiping from her window.  By the time David arrived to share his enthusiasm and blessing upon her, Michal’s sin was ready to be birthed.  As we read above, she expressed her loathing by attacking her husband unjustly.  Here is the account of her stunned husband’s response in defense of his motives and behavior:

David said to Michal, 'It was before the Lord , who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord ’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord . I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.  But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.'  And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death (2 Samuel 6: 21-23).

What can we learn from this Scriptural account that began in a “spiritual mountaintop” for a husband named David and ended with a very disappointing reception at home by his wife, Michal?  First, if we consider God’s plan that a wife is to serve as a helpmate to her husband, and the husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church, then we can conclude that David and Michal’s conversation was not in sync with God’s plan first revealed in Genesis 2. 

In Genesis 2: 19-20, we learn about one of Adam’s first responsibilities as a steward of the creation God had prepared for him.  God assigned Adam to study the animal creatures of the garden and to name them according to his understanding of each kind:

The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.  

The significance of God’s homework assignment to Adam goes far beyond simply labeling the animals with names, or even developing an understanding of how each creature related to Adam ecologically, important as that lesson is.  According to the Pulpit Commentary, Adam’s ‘assignment’ to name the animals …was meant to reveal his loneliness. The longing for a partner was already deeply seated in his nature, and the survey of the animals, coming to him probably in pairs, could not fail to intensify that secret hunger of his soul, and perhaps evoke it into conscious operation.

Ellicott’s Commentary provides additional insight on God’s provision of a helpmate for the man.  Referring to Adam’s “naming exercise,” Ellicott’s Commentary adds, But while thus he could tame many, and make them share his dwelling, he found among them no counterpart of himself, capable of answering his thoughts and of holding with him rational discourse.

From these commentators on Genesis 2: 19-20, we can grasp a sense of God's intention for the supportive and complementary role of the wife as a helpmate to the husband.  One implied role of the helpmate is to serve as a spiritual accountability partner for the husband. There are times when our wives observe and discern by observation more than we as husbands can discern.  Therefore, our wives can have a valuable role in cautioning us about behavior that could allow us to fall victim to pride, selfishness, and even immoral behavior toward another person.

However, as we have seen, that was not the case in the situation of David's behavior and how Michal responded.  Her own heart became jealous and vengeful toward her husband, thus allowing Satan to gain a foothold in an otherwise valuable accountability relationship between husband and wife.  Thus, we can see the importance of developing and maintaining a relationship of unconditional love, trust, and humility between husband and wife.

Although the Bible does shy away from including accounts of troubled marriages, it also provides several examples of good marriages.  Joseph and Mary (Luke 1-2) were able to overcome numerous difficulties, especially developing trust in each other and facing public scorn over Mary’s supposed immorality.  Priscilla and Aquila were tremendous examples as Christ-like partners in the ministry of the Gospel with the Apostle Paul (e.g. Acts 18:26).  In the Old Testament, the story of Ruth shows the great redemptive love of God at work as Boaz becomes a kinsman redeemer by arranging to marry the poor, alien widow named Ruth.

Personally, my wisdom and intelligence are no match for that of most experts on Christian marriage, including biblical counselors with whom Abby and I have conferred on several occasions.  So, I will simply write from my own personal experience of having been blessed for nearly 50 years of life with the helpmate God has provided for me.  She has been a wonderful wife and helpmate.  Together with God’s provision, we have enjoyed a “resonance of soul and spirit.”  When we submit together to the love and will of God, His Spirit produces in us a resonance of mind, body, spirit, and soul.  This “resonance” is like that which is produced with a musical tuning fork.  When the fork strikes a solid object, its vibrations can be passed on to another object and the two will “hum together” with the same frequency.   In contrast, when a tuning fork is struck against a cardboard box, there will be little or no resonance--no sense of oneness or correspondence between the two.

During the times that Abby and I have relied together upon the love of God and have been committed together to abide in His Word, the Bible; and have sought together the regular filling of His Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 5: 18-20, we have been able to submit one to another out of reverence for Christ (v. 21).  Admittedly, there are other times when our relationship has resembled that of King David and Michal.  In those times, we do not experience a Spirit-filled oneness and “resonance” but rather, a spirit of discord like a tuning fork striking cardboard or a lifeless mass of clay.

It is likely that some husbands and wives who read this article will, like Abby and I, relate to instances like the one reported here from the life of David and Michal. Thankfully, as we face the blessings and trials of life, with God’s help we can choose to rely on the same spiritual wisdom and strength from Him that formed and matured our marriage in the first place.  Just as communication is important between spouses so we know the blessing of keeping communication with our Creator--hearing daily from Him through time in His Word and conversing with Him as our Friend through prayer. 

Recently, we encountered an online message by Dwight Mason, Newpointe Community Church, entitled Simple Yet Difficult in which Pastor Mason offers “Ten Steps to Resolving Conflict” with direct application to dating and marriage.  We have also begun to use daily prayers provided by "Today's Marriage Prayer" and recommend that you check out this valuable guide to your daily prayer and devotional life.  See www.marriageprayers.today.  I have included “Today’s Marriage Prayer” for May 24 which happens to fit well with the theme of this article.

Digging Deeper -- Here are two invitations for further study:

1.  The popular misconception by many who have not read the Scriptures is that “husbands are to rule and wives are to submit!”  On the contrary, God’s instruction through Paul is that the husband is to submit by loving his wife as Christ loved the church, loving her as much as he loves himself (Ephesians 5: 25-33).  The wife is to submit to her husband by seeing to it that she shows respect toward him (Ephesians 5: 22-24, 33).  Knowing what God has revealed in these New Testament verses (unavailable to David and Michal), I have three questions for further consideration:  Husbands, how would you have responded differently in David's situation?  Wives, how would you advise Michal to be a better helpmate?  And for all of us, how would we “grade” our marriages in light of Ephesians 5?

2.  Compare the lives of two Old Testament husbands—Abraham and David.  Then, compare their wives, Sarah and Michal, respectively.  For your study, in addition to the account of 2 Samuel 6, see Genesis 17 and 18; and 1 Peter 3: 1-7.

Faith and Football: Staying in the Pocket

Last night, my 6^th ranked, West Virginia University Mountaineer football team was greatly humbled in defeat by the Iowa State Cyclones in Big 12 action.  After watching the 30-14 loss, I went to bed very disappointed.  My sadness returned when I awakened this morning and realized that it wasn’t a bad dream.  However, very soon, my thoughts became Spirit-directed as I realized how thankful I ought to be to begin another day of life.

Instead of a painful memory, the loss of the football game by WVU became a metaphor and a lesson for my own life.  Although I am far from an expert football analyst, it seemed clear to me that the 5-0 Mountaineer football team lost miserably to a 2-3 team because the Cyclones were successful in moving WVU away from their game plan in three ways.

Will Grier has nearly 2,000 offensive yards and 22 TD passes.

First, they forced our quarterback, Will Grier, to have to act under pressure, resulting in some poor executions.  As a Heisman Trophy candidate, Grier had come to Ames, Iowa to play like a winner.  But, instead of a sixth game in which Grier attained his average of over 300 offensive yards and 4 or 5 touchdown passes per game, he was limited by the Iowa State defense to 1 TD pass and 100 yards.  

A good quarterback leads because he comes prepared, exudes confidence, and demonstrates command of his offence in the face of the opposition. It is not for me to judge what caused Will's poor performance, but I am confident that he will bounce back next week.  As I try to imagine how painful it must be for Grier to watch the videos of the game, I know from experience how many times I have buckled under the pressures of life.  Maybe I was unprepared for the situation, or insensitive to others, or too proud to act or react in a humble way. I may have tried to protect my own interests or reputation rather than humbly giving honor to God or another person.  I cannot judge Will Grier, but in many of my cases, the source of problems is my pride.  Proverbs repeatedly warns us against a proud heart.  Proverbs 29: 23 states, A man's pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.

Second, the Cyclone defense forced our quarterback to move “out of the pocket.” Will Grier, like many quarterbacks, execute their best passing game when they stay in the pocket, a wall of protection that is formed around him by the offensive line.  The pocket is a safe place where the quarterback can stand, get a good read on the field, choose the best receiver, and deliver a pass that is on target.  However, in last night’s game, the Iowa State defense repeatedly attacked the offensive line so that Grier was forced to move out of the pocket where he was less effective in throwing, having to avoid being sacked. 

Quarterback Will Grier during one of too many sacks by ISU.

This morning, as I replayed in my mind the numerous offensive efforts in which Will Grier chose to leave the pocket, I began to see the spiritual application to my life.  Though I am not a quarterback, I have been a leader in my own home and in my family.  Reflecting back on my leadership, there have been many times that I reacted poorly under pressure “within the pocket” where God had placed me.  But, even worse, there have been times when I have “left the pocket” of God’s order for me as a husband and father, and have sought to “run the play” my own way.  But there is more to learn here.

Usually, the decisions of a quarterback are subject to input from a coach on the sidelines with occasional input from leaders in his offense.  All of his decisions must be made with respect to the rules of the game and situation at hand.  He is not free to operate as a “Lone Ranger” who takes matters into his own hands.  Likewise, when I see an opportunity to encourage or otherwise minister God’s truth and love to another person, I must be careful not to run ahead of God’s plan and purposes.  However, I have sometimes “left the pocket” of God’s protection, a pocket formed by biblical principles and people whom God has provided to help me.  When I have done this, I cannot “execute” in a way that honors God or that shows responsibility to my wife, family, friends, and others.  Then, it is time for "replaying the videos" of my actions, and where necessary, to repent and  make confession of my sin, and pursue forgiveness from God and the one(s) I have wronged.

For example, during my “retirement” chapter of life, I have been afforded more opportunities communicate with family and friends.  Some of my family are in situations brought on by poor decisions in earlier years.  I have watched some who have encountered illness and then died, not knowing what their eternal future will be.  Lest I act in disrespect of another person or seek to influence anyone in my own power, I have offered up many prayers for myself and for them. Yet, I still find it difficult to strike a balance between desiring to share my faith and the principles of life God reveals in Scripture while at the same time not being so zealous that I move “out of the pocket” of God’s order and timing for me.  The Apostle Paul writes (emphasis mine),

For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If one died for all, then all died.  And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised (2 Corinthians 5: 14-15).

Although I believe my “compulsion” is a genuine derivative of God’s Spirit at work in me, I must learn to be a “team player” with Him while listening to the counsel of others.  Just as a successful quarterback earns the respect of his teammates, so I must remember my first responsibility is to God and to my wife and family.  Without their respect and without wise leadership in my home, my usefulness in God’s plan is in jeopardy.   

Finally, I realized a third lesson from offensive football.   West Virginia quarterback Grier must do even more than stay cool under pressure while he depends on his offensive line to protect the pocket.  He must also be discerning as he looks for eligible receivers.  Last night, the Cyclone defense neutralized our receivers by exerting tremendous coverage.  Hence, Grier was delayed in releasing his passes; and, this delay allowed the pocket to collapse, leaving him open to being sacked.

Again, the Apostle Paul expresses his zeal for sharing the love of Christ, in 1 Corinthians 9: 22 (NLT):

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

Like a quarterback, my zeal must show a proper balance between “passing” the Gospel message to family and friends while recognizing that not all loved ones are necessarily “eligible receivers,” at least at this point in time.  Like a quarterback, I may want to yell to receivers, “get open,” but I must remember that only God’s Spirit can open the hearts of others to receive.  As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4: 6 (NASB),

For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

I must remember not to be a “little God” or “little Providence” in the lives of others.  As the psalmist realized, only God can change the heart of a person:

No man can by any means redeem his brother,
Or give to God a ransom for him—
For the redemption of his soul is costly,
And he should cease trying forever— (Psalm 49: 7-8)

In summary, my alma mater’s football loss will have some redeeming value for me, and maybe also for you the reader, if we are able to remember and apply several lessons from football strategies.  First, we must realize our total dependence on God if we are to have respected leadership in our homes and among family and friends.  We must spend time with God through prayer and reading of His Word so that we will be calm and poised under day-to-day pressures.  We must also put on the armor God provides (e.g. belt of truth, breastplate of God’s righteousness, helmet of salvation) so that His “pocket of protection” is secured around us against the fiery darts of Satan, the passions of our flesh, and the deceitfulness of our mind.  Finally, we must discern eligible receivers lest we run ahead of God’s Spirit, rely on our own power and plans, and end up disrespecting those who are not ready or yet called unto salvation.  The Apostle Peter’s charge is a fitting end to these lessons learned from a football team on their night of a disappointing loss:

Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3: 14b-15 ESV).

Life as It Ought to Be - Part 2: Set Free…to Renew Our Minds

Tomorrow is Inauguration Day and many Americans will be watching as Donald John Trump is sworn in as the 45^th President of the United States.  But indications are that America has never been more divided at any time since the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, in 1861, near the beginning of the Civil War.  Voices of opposition and distain for Trump are heard from people representing the sciences, politics, human rights groups, and the entertainment industry.  Here is a sampling:

America was also divided in 1861 at Lincoln's first inauguration.

I am literally on a remote tropical island and I, even I, don't feel safe. – Hollie Smith (singer-songwriter) 

Having a person in the position of U.S. President who does not acknowledge scientific facts establishing the clear reality of human-caused climate change is a disgrace. -- Dr. Twila Moon, (University of Bristol)

We will fight to make sure that Planned Parenthood health center doors stay open, and that people in this country can get access to basic reproductive health care…   Cecile Richards (president, Planned Parenthood)

The world will never be the same.  – Cher (singer-actress)

Winning the electoral college does not absolve Trump of the grave sins he committed against millions of Americans.  If Trump wants to roll back the tide of hate he unleashed, he has a tremendous amount of work to do and he must begin immediately.  -- Harry Reid (U.S. Senate, (D) Nev.)

We've let a hatemonger lead our great nation.  We've let a bully set our course.  I'm devastated.  -- Chris Evans (actor—“Captain America”)

The battle of angry words and rude behavior between Election 2016 winners and losers has continued right up to Inauguration Day.  Thanks to the internet, these angry expressions are broadcasted far and wide.  Occasionally, President-elect Trump throws fuel into the fire with angry tweets of his own.

What makes us act this way?  The cause is not Donald Trump.  Nor is it the two-party system; or, the internet.  The cause is not even fear of “losing our rights”—e.g. reproductive rights, gender rights, voting rights, health benefits, welfare entitlements, government job security, etc.  The ultimate cause lies deep within the human heart—i.e. the mental frameworks of logic and values each person has constructed with their mind.
 

When we are honest with ourselves, we admit we have personal struggles with pride, lust, and deceit.  These in turn influence our moral beliefs and hence how we think about the social and economic issues listed above.  Regardless of our stand on these issues, many of us experience fear and angst over how the new administration will influence our future.  When we reflect on the violence and destruction throughout human history we realize that humans are not naturally “good-at-heart,” or should I say, “good-at-mind.”  The Bible states, there is none righteous, not even one (Romans 3: 10).  And, the Apostle James asks (James 4: 1), What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?  Scripture answers immediately-- Because of your lusts that war in your members.
   
All of us have to deal with lust, an intense desire for something that is not rightfully ours to have.  Although many including Google mistakenly limit lust to “sexual desire,” it applies more broadly to any inordinate desire. We may lust for things like food, wealth, fame, intellectual prowess, or power.  The root of the problem is not that sex, food, guns, or fame are bad.  Instead, it is the way we think about these gifts of God.  What’s worse, we can use our minds and thought processes to deceive ourselves into believing that we don’t lust, or at least not very much.  As the prophet Jeremiah explains (Jeremiah 17: 9 NET), the human mind is more deceitful than anything else.  It is incurably bad.  Who can understand it?

Thankfully, God’s moral revelation in Scripture comes to us with the Spirit and power to help us attack the root of the problem within our minds.  In Part 1 of “Life as It Ought to Be,” we emphasized how God has power to “set us free….to serve Him.”  As the Apostle Peter writes (1 Peter 3:18), For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit…  Sin, is rebellion against God as a result of the prideful, lustful, and deceitful ways of thinking in our minds.  But sin does not need to have dominion over us.  Paul writes in Romans 8: 10, If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

In Part 1, we explained how God sets the sinner free from sin’s mastery and gives the person of faith His Holy Spirit to reside within as a “New Master.” The “old master,” representing sin, selfishness, and Satan can now be brought under the righteous authority of God’s Spirit.  But, as a believer, I must submit to God’s Spirit as His Word tells me to …consider yourself dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus…[not allowing] sin [to] reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts...(Romans 6: 11-12).  Specifically, I must recognize that I cannot serve two masters.  My “death to the old master” representing sin, as expressed in pride, lust, and deceit becomes reality as I submit to my New Master, Jesus Christ.  Romans 12: 1-2 describes what God asks me to do daily (emphasis mine):   

…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not [let your mind and thinking] be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Notice that our responsibility is to continually allow God’s Spirit through His Word to renew our minds so that our wills are attuned to God’s will.  Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist and audiologist has conducted research for years in the field of cognitive neuroscience.  She believes that God created our minds in His image and has given us the “free will” to choose how we will think and react to our circumstances.  Dr. Leaf writes in her book entitled Switch on Your Brain (Baker Books, 2013):   

Your mind is the most powerful thing in the universe after God, and indeed fashioned after God.  Free will and choice are real, spiritual, and scientific facts. Your mind (soul) has one foot in the door of the spirit and one foot in the door of the body; you can change your brain with your mind and essentially renew your mind.

Dr. Leaf rejects the view that the human brain is hard-wired and unchangeable, a view that gained popularity in the 1980’s.  She has based her research on her insights gained from the Scriptures such as Romans 12: 2 in which God commands us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind and Deuteronomy 30: 19 in which God lovingly invites us to choose life in order that you may live….  Dr. Leaf reasons correctly that God would not ask His image bearers to exercise choice if He had not created us with brains that have the neurological capacity to change, and with the free will to make right choices that in turn help build healthy brains.  

In a future article, we will address more specifically how our mind can affect the status of our brain and in turn how we think when we use our God-given free will to make right decisions through the power of His Spirit and the guidance of His Word.   But for now, notice how James 4: 5-10 reveals the blessed benefit of submitting our minds to God’s will.  When we submit to God, we realize that His Spirit is actually longing for relationship with us.  What’s more God wants us to turn our longings back to Him as our Creator.  Listen to God’s loving mind speaking out to our minds (emphasis mine):

Or do you think the Scripture means nothing when it says, “The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning”?  But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.”  So submit to God.  But resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded.   Grieve, mourn, and weep.  Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into despair.  Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.

How does a God Who created mankind explain the current division in America, and the divisions and strife around the world?  As we have explained, God’s Word tells us that our minds are naturally prideful, corrupt, and prone to lust or desire that which we do not have.  Therefore, God’s Spirit desires that each person submit to Him and allow their minds to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so that each will know what God’s will is for them.  The above challenge from the Apostle James seems very pertinent to this year’s politics.  It is the prideful, lustful, deceitful mind that causes the outpouring of prideful speech and actions.  Our only remedy is to allow God’s Spirit through His Word to go deep into our system of thought, causing repentance (change of heart/mind), submission to God, and confession of sin.  These actions bring New Life in Christ for the unbeliever, and they bring regular renewal and spiritual growth to the Christ-follower. 

If all goes as planned, tomorrow Donald J. Trump will be our new president.  Life will not immediately be “as it ought to be.”  But, if we take to heart the instructions of the Apostle James to submit to God Who will help us resist the devil, God will enable us to replace our own tendency toward divisiveness, anger, and rudeness with the virtues like patience, kindness, and self-control.   We can then be a much-needed, fresh aroma in our struggling homes, schools, workplaces, and churches.  The inspired Word written in a letter by the Apostle Paul to Titus during harsh times of the Roman Empire ought to encourage us to be thankful for the privilege of watching the inauguration and then praying for the Trump family and his new administration (emphasis mine):

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.  For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.  But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that being justified by His grace we would be mad heirs according to the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:1-7

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How about You?   If after reading this article, you sense that you need to do some mind and soul searching, here is a suggestion.  Read Part 1 of this series and prayerfully consider and apply the “four disciplines” outlined there to assure our daily submission to the “New Master.”  They were (1) forging ahead for God while confessing and forgetting past failings; and, being disciplined to (2) feed on God’s Word, (3) adopt a lifestyle of prayer and repentance, and (4) seek fellowship regularly with fellow believers.  If you have particular questions or comments, please use the “Comment” box below or e-mail me at silviusj@gmail.com

Considering the Flowers... and Fruit

Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) [Click to enlarge.]

This month, our garden has displayed the brilliant red flowers of the Royal Catchfly (Silene regia). We enjoy the regal flowers and their colorful avian visitor, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird visiting flowers.

The Royal Catchfly is named for its habit of “catching” flies and other small insects that visit to feed on its nectar.  The calyx or floral tube of the Royal Catchfly is covered with tiny glandular hairs.  These glandular hairs secrete a sticky fluid that traps flies and other small would-be pollinators that are too weak to escape.  However, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird does not land on the flower but instead it hovers as it draws sugary nectar from each flower to support its high metabolic rate.  This relationship illustrates how different plant species can “select” which animal species they will attract (and release) in order to allow pollination necessary to complete sexual reproduction through fruit and seeds.

Royal Catchfly:  Note green, sticky floral tubes

As I sat admiring the array of lovely Royal Catchfly flowers, I was reminded of how God’s creation often reveals or underscores valuable spiritual lessons.  There is one lesson for us in the beauty of the flowers.  In Matthew 6: 28-33, Jesus  points to the wildflowers in a nearby meadow and notes that, though they do not “toil and spin” they are more spectacular than King Solomon in all of his glory.  Hence, the flowers teach us the lesson not to be like unbelievers who tend to view the material world as their total reality, and therefore, are often anxious about accumulating wealth and having security.  Instead, we are to seek after the eternal priorities of our Heavenly Father Who already knows our needs and will supply them as we wisely do our part.

Our main focus will be upon a second lesson from the flowers; namely, that flowers are always very dependent on the leaves in order to acquire their attractiveness necessary to produce fruit and seeds.  Although leaves can make a garden flower or tree look lovely, leaves and stems are only a means to the end that each plant is able to reproduce itself lest it become locally or totally extinct.

The Royal Catchfly is a perennial plant, meaning that it can live year after year because roots and sometimes parts of the stem can survive during an unfavorable season like winter.  Each Spring, when the new growths emerge from the ground, energy stores from the rootstalk are used to launch the leaves and stems.  The plants become self-sufficient through photosynthesis as long as sunlight, water, soil nutrients, and carbon dioxide are available.  During this “vegetative” phase, perennial plants give priority to growth of leaves supported on stems that can hoist the leaves high enough to insure sunlight absorption and gas exchange.  For Royal Catchfly, this height is from 2 to 5 feet.

Once the leafy stalks differentiate to produce flowers in July, the priorities shift.  Now, the vegetative parts of the plant actually become “sources” of nutrients, water, and organic constituents.  Fruitful plants are those in which the leaves and stems transport food to the reproductive parts so that flowers can flourish and attract pollinators by means of visual appeal, release of fragrant compounds, and provision of nectar as food.   After flowering is completed, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and then brown as chlorophyll-protein compounds are broken down and resultant amino acids and other organic constituents are transported from the leaves to the growing fruit and seeds.  This pattern is particularly noticeable in crop plants like soybean and corn which have been enhanced genetically so that the economically valuable seeds (soybeans) contain as much nutrient value as possible rather than allow these nutrients to be lost in the crop residue, the resulting brown leaves, stalks, and chaff.

Evidence of flowers being preferred over leaves (arrows)

Of special interest this year was my observation that one of the Catchfly’s flowery stalks was partly severed from its roots. The severed condition obviously limits the supply of water and nutrients available to both the leaves and the flowers.  But, interestingly, the damaged stalk responded with an earlier than usual shift in priorities in order to favor the flowers at the expense of the leaves. Notice the wilting leaves (arrows) in stark contrast to the firmly opened Catchfly flowers.  Considering the importance of fruit-bearing and the spreading of seeds, we can infer a logical benefit to the Royal Catchfly in how the damaged stalk hastened its shift tp favor flowers and fruit/seed production at the expense of the leafy part of the plant.

The second lesson, teaching the importance of being fruitful, is underscored from Scripture.  Matthew 21:19 records an instance in which Jesus encounters a tree with lush leaves but no fruit:

Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, "No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you." And at once the fig tree withered.

Fruits (capsules) of Royal Catchfly at time to collect seeds

Jesus intended this particular fruitless tree to represent the nation of Israel which He regarded as fruitless in their role of representing His glory on Earth.  Adam and Eve had already rejected God’s authority and His plan that they, along with all creation, would be fruitful, multiply, and fill the Earth (Genesis 1: 22, 28).  Now, God’s chosen people, Israel, had refused to live as a glorious testimony of His goodness in a fallen Earth.

Like the nation Israel, and the fruitless fig tree, no plant can be fruitful unless the leaves become subservient to the flower, fruit, and seeds.  Instead, the leaves must have the same relationship with the flowers and fruit that John the Baptist had with God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

The Apostle John tells us about the mission of John the Baptist, in John 1: 6-7,

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness, to testify about the Light (Jesus Christ), so that all might believe through him.

John the Baptist was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, and all the country of Judea was going out to him (Mark 1: 4-5a).  We know from modern experience how pride and corruption can plague the lives of preachers who acquire large followings.  But in spite of his great following, John the Baptist remained faithful and directed the “spotlight” onto the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.  John 3: 39-30 records John’s stewardship as “friend of the bridegroom” (emphasis mine):

He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.  He must increase, but I must decrease.

After John pointed his followers to “the Lamb of God” (John 1: 29), many of John’s followers followed Jesus.  John eventually ended up in prison and was later beheaded (Matthew 14: 3, 10).  Like leaves and shoots that spring up in the good soil and flourish for a time, their glory must give away to another, greater purpose—the nourishing of flowers which produce fruit with seeds in them to ensure future growth and reproduction.

Combining the biology of how leaves must submit and give up their life in support of flowers, fruit, and seeds with the example of John the Baptist who “decreased that Jesus might increase,” we have a major principle:  biblical leadership requires “submissive steward leadership.”  In other words, LEADERSHIP without STEWARDSHIP will SINK the SHIP.”  Pursuit of power and glory at the expense of submissive steward leadership does not accomplish an enduring result, but can end in ruin.   Instead, a disciples of Christ must be so in love with Him through the power of His Spirit that he or she can deny himself, take up His cross, and follow” Him (Luke 9: 23).

How about you?   How about me?   Are we all leaves and little fruit, like the fig tree that Jesus rejected?   Leaves make great hedges to divide property and hide people from one another.  But submissive stewardship honors God, family, community, and nation.  It begins in a child who honors his father and mother, the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6: 2), and is a basic foundation for social behavior.  The child who learns to submit his or her desires to the authority of parents and siblings within the family, and enters a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, is preparing to be a steward leader as an adult in marriage and family, church ministry, civic responsibility, and place of employment.

Like the leaves that literally “give up” their organic constituents to supply the fruit and seeds, and like John the Baptist, the “friend of the Bridegroom” who lived and died while casting the bright light of hope on Jesus, so our Father in Heaven calls us as His beloved children to deny self and to sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence… (1 Peter 3: 15).  But, unlike leaves of Royal Catchfly or Soybean that eventually wither and die, we can live on as submissive stewards and friends of the Bridegroom, perpetually drawing our sustenance through our obedience by abiding in the vine which is Christ.  For he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15: 5).

How Do You P-R-A-Y This Thanksgiving?

Christian workers are among the persecuted
in the war-torn Middle East.

Another Thanksgiving season is here.  But this one seems different.  World and national news of this past year has reported that thousands of people have been abused, martyred, or driven from their homes.  It seems that God has begun to act on a global scale in an unusual way.  But this is not the first time.  Recall that God touched the tongues of those building the tower of Babel, diversified their language, and caused them to disperse across the globe (Genesis 11).  

The “forced migration” from Babel is only one of many instances in which God has caused or allowed mass migrations.  Recall the exodus of at over one million Jews from Egypt as recorded in the biblical Book of Exodus.  Centuries later, God judged the decadent nation of Israel by allowing a 70-year exile of many of the Jews in the territories of Syria, Babylon (modern Iraq) and in Persia (modern Iran).  Now, the same God is working, in 2015, to move thousands of people from one continent, or even from one hemisphere, to another.


Today, when thousands of our brothers and sisters in Christ, young and old, are being martyred, imprisoned, or driven from their homes because of their faith in Christ, what is God asking His people, who profess faith in Christ, to do?  I believe He calls us to become involved, beginning with prayer.  After all, the death by stoning of the first martyr named Stephen in the first century was only the first in a long continuous line of Christians being persecuted and martyred because they refused to renounce faith in Christ.

What is God asking of me?  I find His answer in the commands recorded in the New Testament during the first century on behalf of those who suffered persecution:

Remember those in prison,
as if you were there yourself.
Remember also those being mistreated,
as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
                                         --  Hebrews 13: 3

Ouch!  This command is very clear!  Downright penetrating!  It declares that we are to IDENTIFY with the imprisonment and mistreatment of our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.  But why do I so often forget to remember?  And, how can I be more faithful and fervent in prayer for those under persecution?  Think along with me as I try to answer these two questions.

Why do I so often forget to pray earnestly for the many innocent children and adults who are suffering persecution for their faith?  For one reason, I have a good “forgetter.”  I can forget anything--from taking out the garbage to just being sensitive toward Abby in times she needs me.  Truth is, I tend to think of myself and my goals before others. 

There is another reason that I forget to pray for those under persecution:  I am blessed and surrounded with conveniences, but these can become distractions.  It is often hard for me to maintain focus in “prayer communication” in the midst of other forms of communication so much a part of my day--telephone, e-mail, text messages, and social media.  Nothing wrong with any of these as long as I don’t let them fragment my time line and interrupt concentration on a given task, especially prayer, reading, and reflection.

Please don’t get the idea that I’m already a saint of all saints.  I’m still working on how to be more faithful and fervent in prayer.  Here are some essentials that I’ve begun to incorporate into my prayer ministry on behalf of the persecuted as well as those in positions of power to make a difference:
1.   I try to be informed through daily TV and online news/commentary and websites of Christian ministries serving on behalf of the persecuted (see websites below)
2.   I am encouraged by weekly prayer with fellow believers, a time to share both new requests and answers to prayer.
3.   I am blessed with a brother in Christ who regularly keeps me accountable in spiritual disciplines including prayer.
4.   I try to maintain an up-to-date prayer list that includes particular needs of those under persecution.  For example, many have been praying for Pastor Saeed Abedini, imprisoned for his faith in Iran since 2012.
5.  Abby and I financially support responsible Christian ministries because we believe that where [our] treasure is, there will [our] heart be also (Matthew 6: 21).

Notice that my list includes WHAT I try to DO to maintain a disciplined prayer ministry for the persecuted Christians.  However, it doesn’t directly address the more basic issue of WHO I am in my DOING of prayer.  Does God really hear my prayers?  This concern brings us to my second question:  How can I be more faithful and fervent in prayer for those under persecution?   My short answer is this-- I must develop an intimacy with God in order to share His heart and compassion toward those for whom I should pray.  But how can I do this in the midst of my world so full of good things, and the inevitable distractions?   I’ll begin my answer with a story.

Sr. Pastor Dan Wingate participates in community prayer vigil.

Abby and I are blessed to be a part of a community in which local churches are committed to praying for those suffering persecution.  The pastors of approximately a dozen churches in Wooster, including our church, West Hill Baptist Church, have worked together, in 2015, to plan and lead two community prayer vigils.  The first prayer vigil was held on August 2.  The second one was held on November 22 and was attended by approximately 300 in spite of the near-freezing temperatures and wind.
As we left our warm car and walked with together to the shelter of a nearby pavilion, I felt unprepared for joining in corporate prayer--especially to pray for brothers and sisters under such great duress while mourning the death of family members or friends at the hands of ISIS; others having been displaced from their homes; and, still others fearing for their lives in the Middle East and Africa where Islamic extremist threats are most common.

Since Sunday’s prayer vigil, I’ve been reflecting on what God would have me do to be a more effective prayer warrior on behalf of the suffering.  This effort is “a work in progress” and I will share it briefly so that perhaps readers can add helpful insights from your wrestling with the same challenges.  Although I know there are no “easy formulas,” I am using the acronym P-R-A-Y in my effort to be more disciplined and fervent in prayer:

First, I must decide by an act of my will to give P--Priority to prayer.  I must submit my will to the commands of Scripture (e.g. Ephesians 6: 18 and context), the example of Jesus, and the power of His Spirit.  I begin by setting aside a good PLACE and TIME as Jesus did by habit according to Mark 1: 35.

Second, my time with God must be centered on R—Reading and meditating on His Word.  I must remember that the Scriptures are “God-breathed” and intended for me (2 Timothy 3: 16-17) and as I read and meditate (Joshua 1: 8) on them, my mind and spirit are engaged so that I can “speak back” to my Heavenly Father in prayer in line with His will.  The man and woman of faith must have this communion with God regularly, and desire to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

Third, when we read and meditate on God’s Word in which He reveals Himself personally to us, A—Adoration and confession should be our response.  I need to get better at discovering the character and heart of God in Scripture.  He reveals Himself most obviously in the many names He uses—e.g. Jehovah, Elohim, Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Good Shepherd….and dozens more.  How rich our communion can be as we reflect on the “Great I Am” Whose breath arouses our spirit and speaks into our mind and soul.  And, my response is adoration, but also confession of sin as I recognize the blessedness of being poor in my spirit (Matthew 5: 3) in the face of God’s holiness.

Finally, as my prioritized time/place in prayer allows for my reading/meditation in the Word and my response of adoration/confession, my mind and spirit will Y—Yield in submission to God. Now, my supplication and intercession on behalf of others can be expressed in the prayer of faith (Hebrews 11: 6; Romans 8: 26-27 and context).  Jesus taught us what it means to “yield.” He said, …if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9: 23).

The “Yielding” part when we P-R-A-Y may be the hardest, perhaps because it depends so much on the prior three parts—priority, reading/meditation, and adoration of God.  But as much as I must depend on God’s Spirit for all parts of P-R-A-Y, I am encouraged to realize how very much my Helper wants to produce in me the fruit of yielding—of “denying self.”  Paul teaches that the fruit of the Spirit includes patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…(Galatians 5: 22-23).  Perhaps we can say that yielding or denying self, especially self-control, is both a fruit of the Spirit and the kind of obedience that provides more fruit (John 15: 5), including love, joy, and peace.

I feel like a first grader in the “classroom of yielding” or of denying self.  My flesh cries, “how morbid; how boring! Why not do this instead?  It’s much more fun and fulfilling.” Therefore, as a result of the teaching of our pastor, Dan Wingate, I am now considering how fasting, the commitment to denying myself for a time those things I most enjoy in order to P-R-A-Y with greater mental and spiritual focus for needs like the persecuted church of God.  This fasting is not of the kind Jesus chose as recorded in Luke 4, although there is a time and place for that, too.  See for examples, Nehemiah 1 and Daniel 9. 

If the Bible records instances in which individuals enter periods of extended praying and fasting as noted above, there are also instances where short prayers, sometimes called “arrow prayers” (e.g. Nehemiah 2: 1-5) are offered to God.  Likewise, I believe fasting can be practiced for days with very limited water and food.  But, fasting, like the practice of “arrow prayers”, can be incorporated into a disciplined lifestyle of private denial of things we normally partake of including certain food, beverages, entertainment, or activities.  In such fasting, we would determine under the direction of God’s Spirit to surrender something for a time as a “sacrifice.” The nature of biblical fasting is not to enter into an extreme ascetic denial without a God-honoring goal.  Rather, such fasting can be part of reinforcing the “denial of self” so that we can each more effectively complete Jesus’ command: denying himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9: 23).  

To the extent that I follow “P-R-A” to Y—Yield, I have experienced a sweet communion with God.  Some of you will have to share your experience with fasting because, as I said, I have not consciously applied fasting with the purposes I have outlined above.  I am aiming to try this in the days ahead, being careful not to violate Jesus’ other teaching in Matthew 6: 17-18 of not making a public show of it.

Yes, another Thanksgiving season is here.  But, this one seems different.  The world has changed much in the past year, and much for the worse it seems.  On this Thanksgiving, God may be calling His blood-bought children to dig deeper than "thankfulness" as a driving force for fervent prayer.  I believe God is calling us to P-R-A-Y as I have described with a focus including thanksgiving for what God has done; but then, moving beyond thanksgiving to adoration of God for Who He is.  Prayers of adoration to Almighty God invite His Spirit to lead us willingly to Yield in submission, to deny self, and take up our cross, willing to follow as an obedient disciple of Christ.  Many of our brothers and sisters are already facing life-threatening spiritual warfare, and it seems to be headed our way.  I hope my thoughts on prayer will make us better-prepared disciples.
 
Links to Responsible Ministries on Behalf of the Persecuted:
Samaritan’s Purse:  www.samaritanspurse.org/
Voice of the Martyrs:  http://www.persecution.com/