Biddeford Church of Christ

In the Power for Today there was an article entitled, Mind Listing.  In it, the author makes this point, “Sometimes, we don’t listen with our mind because we have already decided the answer.”  This got me to thinking about this whole idea of learning to love and why it is so important.  Let me explain by considering these bible verses that speak about our call to love.  I think the most obvious one is found in Luke 10:27, ‘So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”  Then, there is the ever-popular idea of “loving your enemy” (Matthew 5:44), which I brought up on numerous occasions, both in bible class and sermons.  You don’t have to be reminded of Jesus’s exhortation of the early disciples to “love one another” (John 13:34).  Or there is this one that goes directly to the heart, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…” (John 14:23).  God beckons us to offer to the world and to Him what they desire the most…love.

We love Him because He first loved us. (1^st John 4:19)

Okay, I realize that none of this is new: for a matter of fact, been there and “know” that; or do we?  Not long ago I was involved in a conversation with someone who battled with the idea that God loves them because they had “already decided the answer.”  Many bible verses were shared, none so powerful in my mind at this time than Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Then there is of course John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  These verses, so commonly used, speak of God’s incredible love for mankind.  A love that was present “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) when God put together His redemptive plan.  The simple, yet profound reality is this, GOD LOVES MANKIND!!!  Before we heard the gospel, while still sinners, knowing all we would do, HE LOVES US!!!  No amount of work, righteous activity, will increase His love of you.  That is the truth of the matter.  “Sometimes, we don’t listen with our mind because we have already decided the answer.”  Maybe the answer sounds like this, “God can love you, but not me.  You don’t know what I have done, how much of a failure I am.  Maybe, just maybe, if I work on some things, I can accept that He loves me.”  The only problem is, I never seem to get there and so in my mind I doubt His love for me.  Such doubt weighs us down, often handcuffing us to our past and impeding any real ability to love God, let alone others.  Why?  Because you cannot give that which you do not have.

This brings me to the role of faith.  Willard Tate writes, “We simply have to want to believe that God loves us.  It’s a decision, a choice we make with our will to accept His word when He says in so many places that He loves us.”  Any thought in the mind that would seek to argue that fact, needs to be shackled and cast away by the power of His word and the finished work of the cross: Allowing His love, His amazing grace, to free us of any idea that His love is somehow earned or even can be earned.  Realizing that my call to love Him and others is anchored in one simple fact, God love ME!  Now and always!

Dennis

This week’s lesson will come from 1^st John 3:16-20.  I was asked about this text a short while back and we also had it as part of our morning reading this past week.  It goes well with our Sunday morning bible class, which is covering Willard Tate’s book, Learning to Love.  In this text we can answer some very basic questions, such as, what is love?  Not so much the defining of the word, although that is important, but what does love is to look like when displayed.  Of course, the supreme example of Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate example and as such, we too “ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (v16).  Still, there are more common, everyday examples where love is revealed.  One is the sharing of our possessions.  I can’t help but reflect back on the early church’s willingness to give of their possessions for the benefit of the believers (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32).   Of course, there is the example of the Macedonia churches who in “the abundance of their joy and deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2^nd Corinthians 8:2).  It is true, you can go through the early church found in the scriptures and note their need to grow in Christ.  But you can also see in numerous places the love of Christ clearly exhibited in their actions.  More about that in the lesson today.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,

especially to those who are of the household of faith.

                                                                                                                        Galatians 6:10

This verse has been used over the years to emphasize what was just talked about above; that is, the church making every opportunity to serve one another.  But I want to talk about these words for a moment, “let us do good to all.”   The church is called to serve the community as well as itself.  Over the years we have done clothes giveaways, car washes, park cleaning, house painting and the list goes on.  Thanks to the ladies, we will be seeking a new opportunity, providing food for the local food pantry.  Initially a project that was going to take place on the Ladies Day, it was suggested that we as a church family take this task on.  How will it work?  Simple.  You bring in non-perishable items and place them on (and if need be, under) the table located under the hymnal board located to the right at the front of the auditorium.  As food is collected, it will be delivered to a local pantry.  This is a great opportunity to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Thank you ladies for suggesting this and getting the ball rolling.  Who knows, maybe other opportunities will arise enabling us to shine His light even more.

Dennis

You may have noticed that each Sunday our Scripture Reading is coming from Psalm 119, and for good reason.  With our theme for this year focusing on the idea of mediation; more specifically, mediating on God’s Word, this chapter in Psalms is rich with insight.  Seven times, depending on your translation, you will find the word meditation or meditate in this chapter.  I found these words to be powerful, “Oh, how I love Your law!  It is my meditation all the day.  You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation” (Psalm 11:97-99).  This caused me to ask myself, “Just how important is this whole idea of meditation?”  I then came across the following verse.

Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them,

that your progress may be evident to all.

                                                                   1^st Timothy 4:15

The evangelist Timothy had a challenging work as he ministers to the church in Ephesus.  From the onset, we know he is battling against false teaching (1:3).  He also is given the task of organizing the leadership, establishing elders and deacons (3).  Paul exhorts him saying, “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ…” (4:6).  His effectiveness in accomplishing these and many other objectives which were intended to mature and help grow the Lord’s church, is linked in part to his ability to remain focused.  Isaiah writes, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).  As one person writes, “The battle of the mind is for focus.”  Now your translation may read like this, “Be diligent (NKJV, meditate) in these matters…”  The Greek word here means to care for, attend carefully, practice, to meditate i. q. devise, contrive.  FOCUS!!!  The very idea of focusing demands that there be something to focus on, and in Timothy’s case, it was the work before him.  He was given a task not to do anything he wanted, but rather a particular thing which was to “give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1^st Timothy 4:14).  And this focus was not just about him.  Listen to what Paul says, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.  Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1^st Timothy 4:16).

One final thought about this whole idea of mediation; that is, being focused.  How was Timothy going to give himself “entirely to them” (his ministry) without being focused?  I have, and a number of occasions, attempted to complete an important project only to become distracted by other things around me.  I can show you many of those very projects.  This brings me to these words from v15, “…that your progress may be evident to all.”  It is true to say, “We are works in progress as long as we progress in the work.”  What could help us in this journey?  Focus (i.e., meditation)!  Not on anything, but on God and His word.  May He bless you this day.

Dennis

I believe it was Joe who talked about the widow who gave “two mites” (NIV says “very small copper coins”) into the temple treasury, representing “all that she had” (Mark 12:44).  I don’t know about you, but such examples like this cause me to think deeply about what it means to give.  In a sense, there is a measuring stick, so to speak, that enables us to try and grasp how much someone cares.  So, I wondered, is there some way we can measure God’s love for us…for me?

“…For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

                                       Romans 3:22-23

Sin is a word often tossed around in discussion, but has it lost its edge; that is, just how serious a problem it is for mankind?  If you are like me, I have little problem reeling off the bible verses that speak of its devastating consequences.  It has caused a separation between God and His creation, humanity (Isaiah 59:1-2).  Left unchecked, it brings about spiritual death (Romans 6:23) and “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2nd Thessalonians 1:9).  But like with so many things, we tend to measure sin.  And it’s not that measuring is wrong, but rather, how we measure is so often flawed.  The Pharisee did this as he prayed to God, thanking Him that he wasn’t “like other men…even as this tax collector” (Luke 18:11).  When it comes to sin, we measure it by severity rather than merely by its consequence.  In so doing, whether we realize it or not, we could be devaluing our understanding of God’s love for me.  The implications are profound.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…

…if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ

forgave you, so you also must do.”

                                                  Colossians 3:13

Okay, work with me for just a moment.  1st John 4:19 states, “We love Him because He first loved us.”  Paul writes, “But God demonstrates His own loved toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) while we were still SINNERS!  Just how much of a sinner were you?  To the extent that I measure my sinfulness and desperate need for His redemptive work, will be in part, be how I can measure His love for me.  That measure of love will then be the force that empowers me to love others.  One of the most challenging acts of love towards others is forgiveness.  Forgiveness is not easy!  As accurate as that may be, what empowers us to take that journey?  It begins, in part, by reminding ourselves of God’s enormous love for us, for me, that while I was still a sinner, He gave Jesus, His only begotten Son to redeem me, us.

So, can we measure God’s love?  Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”  I believe you can, the only problem is, there is no measuring stick long enough.   May He who loves us so much, who has given us such a fantastic gift filled with hope, move us today to share His love with those around us.  Have a blessed day!

Dennis

I flipped the calendar over, the ones published for the church family, and found this text concerning meditation.  Psalm 119:15-16, “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”  The Psalmist recognizes the link between insight and transformation; which is in part, a heart that yearns for his God’s word.  Meditation also promotes another aspect of learning; it is called repetition.  Peter wrote, “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things” (2^nd Peter 1:12).  That said, I want to reflect on a lesson I did some time ago because it is so important to be reminded.  Only this time, I want to add something to it.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

marvelous are Your works, and that my soul very well.

                                              Psalm 139:14

Have any of you taken the sheet home and placed it up on a cabinet to remind you daily of this truth?  Corey, Debbie and I repeat it every weekday morning.  Two words stand out, catching our attention and rightly so.  The first word is fearfully which means to revere or reverence.  It presents the idea that when mankind genuinely looks at themselves in light of being God’s creation, it can’t help but “produce fear and reverence” (Barnes’ Notes).  Wonderfully means to distinguish; that is, “I am distinguished among thy works by things which tend to exalt my ideas of God, and to fill my soul with reverent and devout feelings” (Barns’ Notes).  So amazed at what he sees, the Psalmist is compelled to write, “Marvelous are Your works.”

Really, how many of us see ourselves in this fashion.  The reason is, we are not looking at the creation; but rather, what the creation has done or not done.  There is room for reflection in life: that need to examine and maybe at times repent of ungodly behavior.  This is a journey filled with mountain tops and valleys.  Here though, we are being challenged to simply see ourselves in light of God’s amazing creation.  A creation that had so many wonderful things, but it wasn’t until man was created that God said it “was very good” (Genesis 1:31).  Why would man’s creation make such a difference?  Because we were the only part of creation that was made in His image (Genesis1:26).  The question is, does your soul know this very well?

I close with one last thought which came to me after several times quoting this verse in the morning.  It was the very first four words, “I will praise You.”  I understand that grasping this kind of truth can help Christians to have a healthy view of self.  Yet it dawned on me that such a healthy view opens the doorway to praise of the One who made all things, including me.  He deserves praise!  Transform my thinking Lord, so I can see me as You have made me.  For You are worthy of praise.

Dennis

I want to be upfront with all of you, letting you know that this week’s lesson and article are deeply woven in both last week’s lesson and something going on this week; that is, my son Dennis’s birthday.  Another year has passed, making it four years now since we have heard from him.  It is during times like this that anxiousness can rear its ugly head, thus it is important to meditate (dwell on) certain things: things that are truth, noble, just, pure, lovely…you get the idea.  So, today I want to plant a seed, a truth that is powerful when focused on.  It has not the capacity to change the situation but has every ability to change how you journey through it.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

                                                             Hebrews 13:5

Promises, promises.  I will meet you there at such and such a time.  We live in a world of so many promises, many of which are broken.  Maybe this is why such words from God are guardedly received.  Dwight L. Moody once said, “God never made a promise that was too good to be true.”  We can go back to Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8 and find these very words of encouragement spoken by Moses to Israel and to Joshua as the time to claim the Promised Land draws closer.  Like them, we too are on a journey towards the promised land.  There will be times of testing and so the exhortation to walking faithfully is seen in Hebrews 13:1-5.  How we conduct ourselves is so important, but not as important of realizing God’s promise.  He will never leave you; that is, not to uphold, let sink.  He will never forsake you; that is, to leave in straits, leave helpless.  NEVER!!!  Some want to suggest that this is proof of one’s absolute salvation and although tempted, I wish in this message not to be distracted from my intent; which is, to hear God’s promise to us as we journey homeward.  I will never leave or forsake you!  There will be times in this walk of ours, where we will echo the words of the psalmist, “How long, O Lord?  Will You forget me forever?  How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1).  God’s presence will be questioned if not doubted.

It is during such times that we need to cling to His promise that he will be and is, always there for us.  Through dark times and wayward times, He is always at work wanting to help us as we journey homeward.  Maybe that is the writer of Hebrews follows this promise with these words, “So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6).  It is true, God will never leave any of us, nor will He forsake us.  It’s the truth!  Think about that and may He bless you with His assurance this day.

Dennis

Back in November of last year, I did a lesson on Philippians 4:6-9, and in that lesson, I introduced this idea of mediation.  Today, I want to revisit that text, only this time, look a little deeper into this idea of meditation and consider another benefit associated with it.  Let’s first gather some insight into the advantage, in this case, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).  Thayer’s defines the word peace as the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatever sort that is.  It is an inner reality that is not manipulated by external things of life.

This peace, that state or awareness of the inner person and supplied to us by God, “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  I know definitions can get frustrating at times, but it is essential to note this idea of “hearts and minds.”  Hearts here means the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors, while the word minds carry a similar meaning of thoughts and purposes.  So, God wants to and can, through Christ and His redemptive work, protect the core of inner man where reason takes place, from the destructive influences of the world around them.  The question is, “How?”

Finally, brethren…meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

If I understand it right, this “peace that surpasses all understanding”  is a gift from God that needs our continuous attention; so that we can experience it daily.  The worry or anxiousness mentioned in v6, which we confront in part through prayer, is a peace robber.  Why?  Because anxiety is not an object, it is a state of mind.  So, anxiousness takes the space in which peace once held.  It’s a kind of turf war within the mind.  How do we fight against it?  In part, by meditation which, if you remember, means to consider, take account, weigh.    Think about certain things as opposed to other things.  He gives us a list of which we will find only three, which are, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just.  When we quench our minds with such things, “the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

I think it is safe to say that most, if not all, want to experience a peace that is not so easily derailed by life’s experiences.  Tranquility that to the world doesn’t make any real sense.  We feel a calmness through Christ and is, to some extent, maintained by what we choose to think about daily.  So if peace is alluding to you today, maybe what needs to happen is that you renew your commitment to meditate on those things God knows is best for you.  Peace be with you this day.

Dennis