Holy, righteous, good - all of Christ

Are believers really saints? Can we practice righteousness or holiness? Does Christ really see us in this light? The answer is, yes. We're reborn. Paul defines the unrighteous, what they do and how they act, and then he says, 

"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
When it says "sanctified", this is what it means (taken from biblos.com):
hagiazó: to make holy, consecrate, sanctify
Original Word: ἁγιάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: hagiazó
Phonetic Spelling: (hag-ee-ad'-zo)
Short Definition: I make holy, sanctify
Definition: I make holy, treat as holy, set apart as holy, sanctify, hallow, purify.

Total depravity (our standing before God) is overcome, here and now, by the flowing mercies in Christ Jesus. 

Here's an excellent article on all that we are in Christ Jesus: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/the-stupendous-reality-of-being-in-christ-jesus

Consider Romans 11:16, which references Christ as the root and believers as branches:

If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. (Romans 11:16)
Christ is the root. If Christ is holy, then according to Paul, all those in Christ are made holy by virtue of being in Him. Christ said Himself, "I am the Vine; you are the branches". 

Let’s look quickly at the two words, “good” and “holy”.agathos = good
Reference: Ephesians 2:10; besides others
Definition: Intrinsically good, good in nature, good whether it be seen to be so or not. 

This goodness originates from God, and is empowered by Him. But in Ephesians 2:10 it says the Lord prepares good works for us to accomplish. He is a God of life and action, and He gives us actions to accomplish.

hagios = holyDefinition: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred.
References: 1 Corinthians 6:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Romans 6:19, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 11:16, 1 Corinthians 7:14, Ephesians 5:27

Again, this originates from God in that we become like Him, pronounced to be like Christ, set apart from the world because we are like Christ. This is what Christ has done: set us apart for Himself.

We submit fully to Christ. That’s what living righteously is all about: submitting fully and joyfully to Christ so that we can be used of Him. He works through us. We live in righteousness, we witness to others, and we present our bodies as living sacrifices holy and acceptable to God for the purpose of Christ’s exaltation and proclamation.

How would you define submitting fully to Christ? I would define it as something like “Here I am; Lord, send me!” When faced with His glory, our response is praise, worship and service.

Believers do not live rightly or do any holy thing outside of Christ. The ability to do anything in a godly manner comes from God, Who is goodness and mercy. This is the relationship:

We do good works (which God has laid out for us) by His grace in enabling us to do so. We do not do good works or live righteously because we want to "look good", or because we want to earn something; we do them because God has amazingly saved us, and it is a “reasonable service” to live our lives for the glory of God in whatsoever we do. We cannot earn what we already have. 

We cannot be righteous without Christ. However, with Him, we can. So the idea that believers can be righteous is cemented in the fact that Christ is the difference. Christ enables us to be so. God is in living, active relationship with us, right now. Christ is exalted and magnified by the idea that He has accomplished what He set out to do, finishing His work and revealing a people much changed by what He has done.

Why not go to Him? Cast all your cares upon Him. Cry out to Christ to change you, to wash you clean. We need constant reminders of the gospel, all day, every day. Christ came to save the needy, the broken, the sinful. He is the Great Physician, healing hearts and lives. Why not turn to Him? 

Total depravity: not the believer's reality

I have had discussions in the past concerning the doctrine of total depravity. I believe the doctrine of total depravity is true, yet I feel I must write concerning the doctrine's misuse*, especially when it comes to total depravity and believers.

What is total depravity?
The doctrine of total depravity as I understand it runs thus:

Because of the fall (Genesis 3), man is unable by or of himself to believe in the gospel of salvation. Man is from birth rebellious against God. He is dead, blind and deaf to the things of God (Matthew 13:13). His heart is corrupted, his will is bound to Satan (Ephesians 2:1-2), and his inclination is constantly towards evil (Genesis 6:5). This depravity affects man physically, mentally, and spiritually, so that every part (the total) is depraved.

Are believers totally depraved?
You tell me: according to the historical definition of total depravity, can believers properly be defined as remaining in this state? Are believers unable to believe in the gospel of salvation (Acts 15:11)? Then how are they believers? Are they rebellious against God? Then how are they united to Him (Romans 6:5)? Are they dead, blind and deaf to the things of God? Then how can they have a relationship with Him (Galatians 4:6)? Are their hearts corrupted? Then why does God say He has given them a new, clean heart (Ezekiel 11:19)? Is their will bound to Satan? Then why does God say He has set us free (Galatians 5:1)? Is their inclination constantly towards evil? Then why does the Bible say believers desire the heavenly (Hebrews 11:16)? Why do they seek to be Christlike?

In answer to the question, I say no, believers are not totally depraved. Total depravity is a pre-Christ state. It is what we were, not what we are. When we are in Christ, we are set free, changed, renewed, redeemed, forgiven, restored, adopted, sanctified, glorified, justified…the change is endless (1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:30). We are a new creation. The old has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are recreated in Christ Jesus. Reborn. We have the indwelling Spirit. We abide in the Vine. Our eyes are opened, our ears can hear, and our hearts can respond to the gospel.

Does this mean believers don’t sin? Not at all. We sin and struggle on every plane, physically, mentally and spiritually. The effects of total depravity still linger in us. But believers are not totally depraved. That is not our condition. Not according to the historical definition, which indicated and indicates unsaved people. The doctrine of total depravity is not meant to define Christians, but to define humanity. We have a new existence in Christ Jesus. God sees us differently in Christ than outside of Him. Christ makes a difference - a major one. We have to consider our familial reality.

We still speak of being totally depraved in terms of acknowledging one side of the coin, which is our dependency upon Christ in all things. We are weak. But the reality is that, not only do we as believers depend on Christ for everything, but Christ fulfills every dependency we have! He is our strength when we are weak. This is why we are pronounced clean. This is why the epistles declare believers saints, not sinners. Our identity is changed. God has removed us from our sin, separating them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He has drowned our sins in the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).

The believer's reality
Our reality is settled in Christ. The ability that we have been given is only by God’s grace in enabling us to do the good works He has foreordained (Ephesians 2:8-10). He has called us to act in righteousness, and He provides the way for us to do so. My ability to be good is not some sort of apart-from-Christ merit. Apart from Christ we can do nothing – but this implies that in and with Christ, we can do something.

We are the Body of Christ. Christ works through us in order to bring about His will on earth. There is an intriguing relationship between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. People pray for the salvation of a friend, and when the friend is saved they glorify God, not thinking that their prayer was the means, yet their prayer was the instrument God used in order to bring about His sovereign will in saving the friend. This is a glorious truth: God includes us in His plan and purpose. He is active in relationship with His people. He moves and creates and speaks and involves us. He allows us to participate in doing good works for His glory. That’s why we share the gospel or serve others in love: not to “be good”, but because God is good and He has allowed us a part to play.

Live, then, in the light and the joy of this reality. Live every day as though God has a plan and a purpose for you - because He does! He has plans for you far beyond what you can imagine. He is with you every moment. Christ does not forget about you, not even for a second. Leave the hours and the minutes of your life in the hands of the Sovereign God Who has pronounced you clean, Who has declared you worthy to be a steward of His righteousness, a messenger of His glory, a child who is welcome and loved. Leave your doubts and your confusions, and even your certainties, with the all-wise Saviour, Who knows you better than you know yourself. Look to Jesus, and be ready.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:21-22 ESV)


*I don't doubt that I have misused the term in the past; this blog is an attempt to correct my own errors as much as to address the errors of others.

Five women & God's grace

1

When others sinned against me, I sinned to gain security. I used deceit, cunning and immorality to ensure my deceased husband's inheritance, as well as my own future. I banked on the immorality of my father-in-law rather than trusting in the Most High God. Still, in all my sinfulness, God moved with grace, using me despite my sinful works, despite my fears, and allowing me to bear a son who would be in the line of the Messiah.

2

I am a prostitute from a pagan nation. I lived my life in immorality, in godlessness. Then I heard about the LORD, the one who delivered his people from Egypt, who brought them through the Red Sea, who defeated powerful nations. My heart melted within me at the word of this God, the God of the heavens above and the earth beneath. How I rejoiced and mourned when God spared me by his mercy and grace! Could it be that I, even I could be in the line of the Messiah? 

3

I am a Gentile. By God's grace I was saved, living with Naomi and refusing to go back to Chemosh and spiritual death. I forsook the idols of my people. God moved mysteriously and graciously, and in his providence I found myself married to Boaz, a righteous and worthy man. In my life I saw something of the final redemption through the Messiah. 

4

I am an adulteress. Called by the king, I went and lay with him. O, God - pregnancy! Proof of our iniquity, and my death sentence. To cover our iniquity, my husband, my righteous husband Uriah, was betrayed and slain. What have I done? My lament, my guilt, O my husband! O, my child. This consequence is great. I sinned against the Lord. But, O - God's grace. God gave us another son, a son beloved of the Lord. Could it be that my son, the son from my womb, is an ancestor of the Messiah? 

5

I am young, unmarried, and vulnerable. I am neither rich nor powerful. An angel appeared to me and told me wonderful things, things that were confusing and amazing. The Holy Spirit? Overshadowing? A Son - a Son of the Most High? Let it be so, according to your word. 

O, those months. The visit with Elizabeth; the joy in knowing Joseph believed me, that he would stay! - the long, aching travel; the inn. No room in the inn. Where am I to bear this child? The time has come!

My beautiful boy. Look at you - so small and frail, needing me. What is the grace of God, that I should bear the Saviour of the world? I need him. The whole world will need him. The shepherds came and told us their story, how the choir of angels sang. A Saviour. Christ the Lord. My baby. I will treasure these things and ponder them. Could it be that the promises of God have been fulfilled? The time of waiting is over - the Messiah has come!

Driving down the highway, I had a conversation with myself. This happens a lot, but this particular self-conversing was more noteworthy. It was an "Oh!" moment, one of those times where something so simple becomes understandable. Sometimes the simplest things give me the most trouble. These are the things about which I need the most reminding.

The conversation went something like this (I've cut out the random asides):

I haven't written a blog post in a while. I should do that.

I don't have anything to write about! Anyway, I've been busy.

Everybody's busy. I should just write about something easy - something basic.

So what is the most basic, the most fundamental part of me, for instance? What is most important to me?

My faith. Wait, no, that's not really true, is it? It's not my faith that's most important, but the object of my faith. Faith is nothing without its object. Christ is everything.

After having this "Oh, yea" thought, I got home, went on Twitter, and found these two tweets waiting for me:

C. H. Spurgeon ‏@spurgeonfix

It is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul.

Tim Keller Wisdom ‏@DailyKeller

It is not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that actually saves you.


Funny how that worked out.

Blessings found through the book of Revelation

1:3 - Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it...

14:13 - Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!"

16:15 - Blessed is the one who stays awake...

19:9 - Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

20:6 - Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection!

22:7 - Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.

22:14 - Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

Question for you: What do these blessings call to mind? 

Believers: according to Philippians: part two

Partakers

The word for partakers is sygkoinōnós, which means a close companion or joint-sharer. It is amazing to think that we are not merely an audience, not passively watching grace, but that we are active accomplices, having fellowship with all believers through the Spirit. We are the hands and feet of Christ, serving one another out of reverence for Jesus. When Paul uses this word in Philippians, he is referencing the Philippians' willingness to share Paul's suffering and shame. You know a close companion when they stand by you in the worst of times, not just the best of times.

Brothers, Beloved, Children of God

These profound familial terms ignite our theology, bringing the truths of God's Word to light through relationship. Through His death, Christ has caused us to be born again, born into adoption. We are the children of God. To be adopted in Christ is an eternal and glorious relational aspect of our salvation. We are more than believers; we are beloved, loved by God as a father loves his children. We are co-heirs with Christ. Think about these mercies! I can barely understand them.

Not only does salvation affect our relationship with God, but it also changes how we fellowship with one another. Believers are brothers, united as the family of God, given new life and new purpose in Christ Jesus. We grow together in sanctification, love, joy, suffering, and everything else.

Lights in the world

As lights in the world, we shine brightly. We are not under baskets. We don't hide away, but rather declare the glories of Christ Jesus through the way we live and through what we say. How can we distinguish between what we say and how we live? It shouldn't be possible. If our "yes" really means "no", then there is something wrong. We are to live as lights in the world, shining the gospel of Christ into even the darkest corners. 

Citizens of heaven
We belong to the God of heaven, not the prince of the power of the air, nor this present darkness. We are sojourners here, living for Christ in the midst of our journey home. Our citizenry is with Christ, for we are seated with Him in the heavenly places, kept for, by, and through Jesus as we await the final day, the day when the "worst vacation ever" has come to an end.

Paul reminds the Philippians of many things in his short letter. I pray they've encouraged you as they did me. 

Believers: according to Philippians - part one

When reading through Scripture, you can find many different titles for believers. The term, "Christian" only shows up a few times, yet believers are referenced quite often, especially in the New Testament. Reading through Philippians I came across many different titles given among believers. Some are specific titles, such as "servants", used in Paul's introduction, as well as the titles of overseer and deacon. However, I think we can expand upon these titles in general. 

According to Philippians, we are

Servants

As I said, Paul uses this in his introduction: 

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, (Philippians 1:1)

However, this is not exclusive to Paul. John, Peter, Jude and James all refer to themselves in the same way. In light of that, I think it is appropriate that we follow their example in proclaiming our servanthood to Christ. I am a servant of Christ. What does this mean? This means my life is not my own. I have been bought with the price of Christ's precious blood. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. My whole life is lived in devotion to Christ, or that at least is what I strive to do. I want to live my life according to Christ's will and by His word. I want to grow in love for God as well as for those whom He has created, glorifying God through selfless ministry. I want Christ to live through me. In light of that, I am His servant. 

Saints

Again from verse one:

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1)

Believers are often referred to as saints in the New Testament. This is a declaration of our state in Christ: by His sacrifice, by His substitution, by His atonement and redemption, we have been pronounced pure and blameless, without blemish. We have been clothed in Christ's righteousness. We have been given new life in Christ Jesus. We are saints - set apart, holy unto the Lord. This one is difficult to understand, because it is wrapped up in the mystery of salvation. Yet we can know that this is how God sees us. He sees us through Christ, perfect, blameless, holy, redeemed. To be declared a saint is a glorious concept, and it is the reality for believers. 

Overseers and Deacons

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1)

This does not refer to all believers, but to a specific group of men who are set apart within the believing community. These are elders, those who "supervise" the flock of God, who check the gospel pulse of the church. They keep watch, guarding against apostasy, guarding against the onslaught of the devil. They provide personal protection and care for believers. Deacons "kick up the dust" in ministry, serving the church in more practical, day-to-day-serving ways. Overseers have a great responsibility, and I think it is important for believers to pray for elders and deacons in their church. However, I think every believer can watch and guard against false teaching. We can all protect and care for one another through fellowship and prayer, and we can all certainly serve one another - in fact, we are called to do that very thing in Hebrews, stirring one another up to good works (Hebrews 10:24). 

Partners

All believers share things in common. Though we can disagree, though we can have many denominations and many different interpretations of any given Bible passage, we are bound together and unified in Christ Jesus. We share a fellowship through Christ. He is the unifier. He breaks down the walls of hostility and unites all peoples.

Saints together

This is the power of Jesus Christ. 

Getting over my apathetic view of 1 Corinthians yesterday, I read chapter one and was subsequently blown away by something I had never caught before. I used to skim over the introductions of letters, thinking it was simply a greeting and the good stuff came later. However, that view died when my pastor preached from the book of James, and spent two sermons on the first two verses of the book. In reading 1 Corinthians 1, then, I paid close attention to the introduction of Paul. Look carefully:

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

The question that popped into my head was, "Where have I heard the name Sosthenes before?" Sure enough, he is mentioned in Acts 18: 

And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. (Acts 18:17a)

The context for this verse is essential in explaining the first sentence of this blog. Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, was beaten in front of the tribunal because a case against Paul had swiftly been dismissed by Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia. In his study Bible, John MacArthur states, "Since [Sosthenes] was the ruler of the synagogue, he would have presented the case to Gallio." Imagine that. Sosthenes was basically the lead prosecutor against Paul. When the case was dismissed, Sosthenes received the blame. He was beaten. He was shamed. He probably considered Paul his enemy - especially in light of Paul's "betrayal" of the Jews. Formerly Paul had been their knight in shining armour, ridding the world of the blight of "The Way". Then he converted to Christianity. Paul was no favourite among the Jewish leaders. 

This leaves us with the fairly valid assumption that Sosthenes hated Paul's guts. 

But then, Christ steps in. The power of the gospel in Christ Jesus flies in the face of that enmity. Sosthenes is saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. The Bible does not go into the particulars of Sosthenes' conversion, but we are given the epilogue of the vanished enmity between Paul and Sosthenes in 1 Corinthians 1. 

Paul calls Sosthenes "our brother". This term of endearment flows through Christ Jesus, Who is the Redeemer and Mediator. Through Christ we are adopted as children of God. Through Christ the walls of hostility are broken down. Through Christ believers, even former enemies, are united in love and peace. 

I find it quite interesting how Paul continues in his introduction, after mentioning Sosthenes. Paul may have had Sosthenes in mind as he wrote "called to be saints together". These two men knew the power of Jesus Christ. They knew His saving grace. They knew His mercy and His atonement. 

Paul, the former murderer and persecutor of Christ, and Sosthenes, the former adversary, full of bitterness, enmity and resentment, found themselves sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together. It is the same for believers today. Across the globe, in spite of multiple differences, diverse backgrounds, varying cultures and preconceived notions, Christ unites us, and by His power and mercy we stand united as the Bride. 

"Grace to you and peace" indeed. 

According to the foreknowledge of God the Father

Sometimes God does things in a way I would not have anticipated. He moves in mysterious ways, indeed. It seems odd to me that God would send His people into a dispersion, for instance, but He has purposes beyond my knowledge.

When I reflect on my life, I realize that basically everything about it is different from what I imagined fifteen or more years ago. From the time I could remember, I was certain that by this time my life would look a whole lot different than it actually looks right now. I can look back on old journals and read my prayers, see my focus, and know that I do not know the thoughts of the Lord. I do not understand His plan (Micah 4:12).

Sometimes it is difficult to rest in the knowledge that God has the knowledge. I want to know. I want to proceed in the way that I have determined is the best for me. God says, "Ah, stubborn child..." (Isaiah 30:1)

On a much greater scale, I'm sure that the elect exiles mentioned in 1 Peter 1:1 sometimes wished they knew what was going on, where their life was headed. They probably struggled with being dispossessed, living in a foreign land, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. They may have thought about how different their life was compared to what they imagined it would be. Peter reminded them about the foreknowledge of God the Father. I so need to remind myself of this, all the time!

God knows where you are.
God hears your distress.
God knows the plans He has for you, even when you do not.
God has not forgotten you.
God delights to answer your prayers.

In life, whether exiled or living out a life you didn't plan, rest in God's plan. My life may look different right now from what I would have imagined, but I can see that the Lord guides me in the way that I need to go. He has led me the best way. He has led me in the way that I needed to go.

For you are my rock and my fortress;
and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;
(Psalm 31:3)

Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
(Psalm 43:3)

I'm a Failure.

A monumental one. By that I mean they should put up a monument of me and write in BOLD letters:

"To the most failing failure: you fail."

I've been struggling with myself lately. (I don't know, Mom, is it the shorter days? What is with this?) It seems like the harder I try, the less I accomplish, and the more I want to do, the less I get done. It seems like when I finally finish something, it's not finished well, or it leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth; a sense that I could have done it better. If only, if only, if only...

The hard truth is that I fail.

I'm not what I should be. I'm not what I'm supposed to be.

Here, though, is where the amazing truth comes in.

I'm not what I once was. I'm not what I have been.

God is so gracious. Everything that I am not is found in Christ. All of my sin - all of my failure - is gone. All of Christ's righteousness is given to me. God looks at me, and He does not see a failure. He sees His child. He sees His perfect one.

His love is not based upon what I accomplish. It is not up to my successes - or my failures.

I can't understand that. It is too wonderful for me to grasp.

I imagine sometimes, though, what it will be like when that great and terrible day comes.

Just think; because of Christ, we can come before God with confidence. We can draw near to the throne of grace without fear.

I like to imagine that I will walk up to the throne with smiling eyes, because I'll see Jesus there - and He will have smiling eyes too. Not by my own might, not by my own success, will I be so free. It is only because of Jesus.

If ever there were a monument set up to remember my failures, the inscription should not be what I mentioned above; rather, it should be something like this:

"She was a failure.

But she was a failure saved by grace, loved by God, and redeemed by Christ."

To Him be the glory, both now and forevermore.

Too tired to think of an exceptional title.

I love history. As such, I love the sermons preached on Sunday with history within them; it shows how God has worked, and how He is working now, through events that have already passed.

Today's history lesson was about the tribes of Israel. The kingdom divided after Solomon passed away, ten tribes in the north and two in the south. Israel slipped into apostasy. God sent prophets in His mercy, to instruct them and warn them, but Israel refused to listen, and so was demolished, completely wiped out, its people taken into slavery.

God raised up "Reformer kings" in Judah, returning to true worship of the Living God. But even so Judah began to slip as well, falling into sin. God used Babylon to judge them. They were sent into exile. Even there, God, in his mercy, sent prophets to them: Daniel, who was a prophet to kings and lords and wise men, and Ezekiel, who was a prophet to the people, the lowly.

Babylon itself is judged by God, and the Persian Empire takes over, becoming the greatest empire in the world, ruled by Cyrus the Great.

This is where Haggai comes in. The prophet who calls out: Get building!

Haggai 1

The Command to Rebuild the Temple
1:1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest: 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? 5 Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 6 You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. 9 You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. 10 Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. 11 And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.”

The People Obey the Lord
12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, “I am with you, declares the Lord.” 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

Can you imagine? The people of God were told to rebuild the temple. And for a while, they did. But then, their selfish interests got in the way. They began to work on their own homes, their own crops, their own lives, forgetting God in the process. The temple was on hold for SIXTEEN years!

This is all really a picture of our lives today, as well as being history. We may not be building a temple, but we are building lives - souls - for the glory of God. Have we slowed? Have we lost the vision, and turned to our own selfish ways and desires?

Pastor Bob asked, "What are our priorities?" Is God on the back burner, while we take care of what's "really important"?

God says, "Consider your ways." This means Look at yourselves! Think about this! Listen up! I am God, and you've turned your back on me.

Our life priority should be the kingdom of God. If we are God's bondservants, we ought to be working diligently with every breath to glorify God and further His kingdom.

God rebuked the Israelites back then, and He rebukes us now, in differing ways. But, there is always a promise. "I am with you," declares the LORD.

God is always merciful. He is always with us. The steadfastness of the Lord is...well, steadfast! It will not falter and it will not change.

We are the holy dwelling place of God. There is no physical temple anymore. It is not necessary; Christ made it unnecessary.

He has chosen us, washed us in His blood, and adopted us as His children. We have His mark upon us. Therefore, wherever we go, we're representing God. Are we doing a good job? How do we know we're doing a good job except through the Word of God? We can't know God except through the Word, and we can't know His laws and His ways without knowing Him.

We are temples that are built through evangelism, by God's word. Therefore we must live holy lives, expecting and looking forward to eternity! What a beautiful God we serve.

So. What are we doing today that works toward the glory of God? What thoughts are we thinking? What proceeds out of our mouths? What sights do we take in? What do we listen to? It all matters. Every last bit. I would venture to say, if it isn't glorifying God, we should stay away from it. And when we fail, we should fall at the feet of our Ever-merciful God and Saviour, who will never leave us nor forsake us.

Little Things Make the Day Better

Or, little people, I should say. ;)

Yesterday, I was feeling pretty sick and just all around achy and awful.

My nephews and nieces were over (this is not the cause of the sick, achy, awful, I promise) and they are all absolutely adorable, I might say. Not only because they're related to me, either. (Insert wicked grin here.)

So, I was sitting all curled up in a ball and my little niece Rebekah came up to me and asked, in her very high-pitched, cutesy pixie voice, if I wanted a tea.

"Sure," I said, "tell Auntie Elena to make one for me, please."

Rebekah trotted off, and I didn't think any more about it.

A few minutes later she came back, carrying a tea for me. "Ethan and I made you a tea," she said as she put it down in front of me. (Imagine her extremely high, adorable voice) "We didn't even stir it, we just put the tea bag in, Ethan poured the hot water, and we put in rice milk because you can't have real milk." It seems they thought of everything!

I thanked her a lot, feeling better already. Cuteness has that effect, I think. She was beaming because she had made her Auntie a tea when she was sick.

Ethan came in and I thanked him too, and his face lit up. I could tell they were happy to have made it, and that made me happier.

Yes, I felt a whole lot better after that.

It's just one of those simple blessings, you know?

So Good Bein' Home

Over the weekend I was away from home, helping a good friend (who is practically a sister) move. Jeanine and her husband, Dustin, were moving about three hours away, to live on a farm and help Dustin's dad.

So, I stayed the weekend and helped them move and get set up. Jeanine's family is basically my second family. Our two families are very closely knit.

It was both sad and exciting that Jeanine was moving so far away.

So, today we got up early, because we had to drive the two and a half hours back to Guelph in time for the church service.

I was so glad to see my family! (My first family, I mean) I miss them a lot when I am away; I am very much a family person.

The only one missing is my little Critter, who is at our sister's house, where he has been all weekend, enjoying the spring weather. (Realizing that you don't ever forget how to ride a bike, after all - see Mom's blog)

And the sermon today was good, too. About Daniel, and the courage he had because of his faith in Christ. It made me wonder if I have faith like that - to continue praying even though a threat of death was hanging over my head? To proclaim to the emperor, the ultimate power of the time, that his reign would end? There are so many instances through the book of Daniel where I see God's grace in preserving Daniel, protecting him not only from the actual lions in the den, but also the spiritual "lions" seeking to devour him day after day. God is our faithful Protector.

6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; 2 and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

6 Then these presidents and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.

10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. 12 Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, “O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”

14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel. And he labored till the sun went down to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”

16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” 17 And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him.

19 Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.

25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel,

for he is the living God,
enduring forever;
his kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and his dominion shall be to the end.
27 He delivers and rescues;
he works signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth,
he who has saved Daniel
from the power of the lions.”

Our Poor Old Dog - God's Blessings

Well, it seems that we have to face reality.

Our dog, Fatty, is old.

This shouldn't be a sudden realization, because we've had him since he was born. We've watched him grow up, even as most of us grew up too. We watched as his face turned gray.

But none of this really mattered, because he was the same old dog - a puppy when playing outside, no matter what age. He would run about and leap and mock fight with anyone who was willing to stop and growl back.

What brought the sudden realization came a few days ago. Fatty fell from the couch in a seizure. It was the most surprising thing, because his face bore such an expression of fear and rage. His face was curled in a snarl which he never showed while people were around. He shook and ran on his side while we held him down and soothed him with calm words. Finally the shaking stopped, and he seemed to recover enough to sit up. He was dizzy, and his eyes had a cloudy look. He was nervous, and he hung around us, where normally he was fairly independent. He didn't always have to be with his people.

He had another seizure not too long afterward, and the dreaded thought began to creep into our heads: what if it is finally his time? What if we have to say goodbye?

It seemed that that would be the case. Mom phoned the vet, and scheduled an appointment to have him put down. As much as we loved him and wanted him with us, Fatty would be better off if he no longer endured these seizures that seemed to be coming more frequently as the minutes ticked by.

We woke up that morning with heavy hearts. We would have to say goodbye to our good old dog, who had always been there, a quiet fellow, but more than willing to show his love. There was not a mean, defiant bone in his body. He lived to serve and love us. Every one of us was heartsick.

And then came lunchtime. Fatty slept most of the afternoon, and at about 3:00 in the afternoon - his meeting with death was less than an hour away - he went outside. And he played, like he had never played before. His tail was wagging, his usual smile was back, he was hopping and racing around like a puppy, like he used to do. Mom and I watched him from inside, wondering if it was just some fluke. Could he really be feeling better? He hadn't had a seizure since before lunch - was he really going to be alright?

Well, now it's been a day and a half. Mom decided to cancel the appointment, and Fatty is still here with us. He hasn't had a seizure since Thursday before lunch. He seems a little bit dizzy still, almost as if he is losing his sight. But a blind dog is easy to handle. A seizing dog is not.

So, what can we get from this?

First of all, God is Good. He blesses us so much - with a dog that, for over nine years, has been a constant and loving companion to the entire family. Such memories we have, and not one of them bitter. Fatty has been an excellent dog.

Second, God answers prayer. Tiana prayed for Fatty as she lay in bed Wednesday night. She truly believes that this is why Fatty recovered. We all do - God has promised us that He will answer our prayers.

Third, God sends us trials to refine us - to test us. Will we trust Him in the tough times as well as the good times? All we can say is "the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; BLESSED be the name of the Lord!" What more do we have the right to say? Can we argue with God? No! We can only praise him continually!

I am so very thankful that Fatty is doing better. Hopefully he will stick around a few more years, so we can continue to enjoy him as the blessing he is.