Author: Travis Manhart

Matthew 6: 11&12 ” Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

” Give us this day our daily bread” is almost poetic, so much so, that its significance can easily be overlooked. In verses 25 – 34 of the same chapter, Jesus goes into much detail regarding our physical needs. From that discussion I want to quote verse 26, though I would encourage you to read it all. ” Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. How much more value are you than they? ” I enjoy praying in the grass/Oak tree preserves where I live, and in the winter I am impressed by all the weeds and trees that bare seed in that time. The little birds look quite well fed – supposedly during a time of year that little is to be found. Therefore I can see how God has created nature, with her growing, fruiting and seed time to provide for His creatures. The question of provision is answered here in verse 11,” Give us our ‘daily’ bread.” Epiousios is the Greek word for “daily,” made up of two compound words, “epi,” to rest upon and ” ousia” meaning substance or provision. Combining the meanings and using the word as an adjective, means to ” rest upon (The Lord) for our daily substance.

Another interpretation of “rest upon,” is to trust. “For the birds do not sow or reap,” but they do search for their Creator’s provisions. And so for us, the example of the birds, something so insignificant as them, yet they are so well provided for, a lesson for us to note. Man is uniquely made in the “image of God,” (Salem – Hebrew for likeness or image) separate from all of God’s other creations. How much more “value” are we? In Genesis 1:25 & 26  we read “God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground “…vs. 30 ” and every green herb…, and God saw that it was good.” God goes through much detail to explain how man differs from the rest of His creation and what his role is in creation. Creation (creatures) were created after “their kind,” but we were created after our kind, the ” image” or “likeness” of God (likeness – separate but similar in thought and emotion, at least originally). Therefore if provision is made for creation, how much more are we the “apple of His eye.”

The problem we have of trusting God for our provision is because we really do not know Him or experience His love for us. Therefore we do not realize “how much more value are you than they.” Maybe now after examining the distinction between “creation” and us, we can appreciate our unique standing with God. We are to “rule over and care for,” but we are not the same as. Our identity does not come from the animals or plants, but from The Lord. A major difference when you compare eastern religions or current philosophies to the scriptures. In scripture man is exalted above creation. Made in God’s image. In other beliefs, we are considered equal to or part of. Therefore “give us this day our daily bread” as poetic as it sounds, really means “Father, as your son or daughter,  I trust you for my provision, confident that as I apply effort to provide, You will bless my effort. I thank you for creation, where I can see your provision at work, which in turn encourages me and builds my faith.” We are to pray a prayer of confidence based on our identity of belonging to Him.

One more example, and I will introduce it with a question. In what situation will a child feel as though he/ she has an identity? A child who knows his parents or a child who really never knew them? Our identity, who we are, comes from knowing and having our parents involved in our life. Their involvement gives us our sense of worth as a person. My being is validated by their positive involvement in my life. This is so critical to a healthy self image. I know there are many of us who never really knew, or had positive involvement from one or both of our parents, and it has been a challenge to look in the mirror and feel good about who we are. Now taking this rather painful example, let me ask another question. To believe that the “universe” is your provider, as several religions/philosophies teach, or that The Lord, a personal God who made you in his image, is your provider, which thought makes you feel more secure? And when you consider the person and purpose of Jesus Christ, the concept of God becomes even more personal. As human beings our sense of well being is directly tied to how secure we feel. Our greatest need is to feel secure. And though God is a “complete being,” processing both the leadership and strength of a man, as well as, the tenderness and compassion of a woman, He represents Himself to us as a “Father,”  because more than anything, a good father represents security, and in security,  there is minimal concern for our “daily bread.”  We will discuss forgiveness next week.

Father God,

Open our hearts and eyes to the truth of what was just shared. Help us to make knowing You through prayer and study a priority in our lives. If being busy is all it takes to keep us from spending time with You, then the enemy will always see to it that we are busy. Let us live by priorities and make you first. Thank you and Amen

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur

Matthew 7:9 & 10 ” This, then, is how you should pray: “‘ Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'”

” Our Father in Heaven”… This part is the first stumbling block we have to overcome. As parents, we set the “spiritual track” for our kids to follow. If in raising them they feel valued by us, then it is easier for them to accept that God values them, and the concept of God being a “Father” is reachable. However if we came short of ” filling their cup,” then they will find it difficult to relate and believe that God values them. ” If my parents who gave me life, do not interact with me or value me, then how can I believe that God, who is distant and I cannot see, believe that He values me?” If you question this, then look at your own life. How were you raised, and what is your relationship to God? Is He a task master, teacher, coach or a Father? Many of us do not even know what a “father” looks like. Girls on the street call their pimp “daddy,” a disgracing use for “dad.” When we read “Father” as a description for God, what does that mean? Is He loving or stern, is He interested in you, or is He too busy? If you struggle in believing that God truly loves you, that you matter, the breakdown is not with God but with your rearing, or a life changing event where God came out as the “bad guy.”  And for your parents who were unable to instill worth or value in you, it was because their parents did not instill worth or value in them and the problem just keeps going back. That all must end, we must take ownership of what we have been given, as well as what we have not been given, and stop the poison from going into future generations.

Some of us have been given more, and some less, but God is the equalizer of all things. No matter how deep the chasm, He can fill it. No matter how far the distance, He can reach it. ” Though I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there thy hand shall guide me, your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say , “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become as night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:9-12) and ” For God so loved ” you” (the world) that He gave his only son (Jesus as ransom for our sin, which separates us from Him) that whoever would believe (trust Him) would not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Whatever the “dysfunction, ” however deep the pain or fear, there is remedy and healing in understanding God as “Father.” It will take work, but it is work that is life changing. Study the scriptures that speak of His love and care, purchase a ” Bible Promise booklet” so the scriptures are readily available. Your soul may reject the verses at first, but continuance in the meditation of these scriptures and prayerfully dealing with the hurts that arise, and healing will come. These verses will unlock the heart that fears to believe and the soul that hesitates to open up again. Joy can come, peace and security can be known, in knowing God as Father.

To all who know him as Father, “Hallowed or Holy” is His name. To cry out “Father,” and know you have audience with the “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”  is to live that life that we have been called to live. And as His sons or daughters, to seek “your Kingdom come”  is to bring an expression of the hope found in Him – in everything you do. How awesome is that? Further to seek “His Kingdom come and His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven” is to safeguard your soul from so many traps of this world. What power will materialism have over such a life? What temptations can rule in a life that seeks for “His will to be done?”  In living out this verse we protect ourselves, we abide in the power of the Holy Spirit and we bring a sincere witness of “God’s Life” to those whom we love and care for. We will fall, sure, just like a child learning to walk, but do not be discouraged or defeated, rather re – focus on abiding in Him and trust in this promise Psalms 37:23 & 24 “The steps of a good man (or woman) are established by The Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for The Lord  upholdeth him with his hand.” What a neat promise to keep taped to the bathroom mirror, or to the dashboard of your car. What an encouraging verse to think on first thing in the morning, or in your car coming home from a particularly hard day. The more we store up God’s Word in us, the more it will become a reality and a forward moving influence in our lives.

Father God,

All of life is work, so why do we believe that growing in faith should just come? You say to study the scriptures as faithful sons or daughters, and to store your word in us so that we sin not against You. This is a fair request. We study for our worldly career, we study material to do our jobs, why would the most important thing in all of life not require ” due diligence” as well? It is You that makes alive the spirit, but we put ourselves ” in class” to listen. Help us to be good students of your Graces. Thank you and Amen

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur

Matthew 6: 7&8   “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their many words. Be ye not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Before starting a new series, I want to thank those of you that sent encouraging comments regarding the “Be Attitude” series – comments are always appreciated. For me personally, I know I gained from the writing of them. With this next series on prayer, taking The Lord’s prayer as our model, I am confident that we will find it to be a blessing as well.

 As air and water are to our physical being, so prayer and study are to our souls. To not make time for prayer, is like trying to sustain your physical life with the breath you just breathed. You won’t make it, and the same with going through the day without first connecting to the ” Breath of Life.” We can function, but not in the spirit, we can make decisions, but not based on eternal values and truth. Everything we do may be good, but it will be short sighted. We will miss opportunities to share eternal truth with someone and/ or be an ” unprepared vessel” if the opportunity comes.  Remember, we can “act Christian”  or we can live it – and if we live it, it can move mountains. Mountains of bitterness, or desperation/ hopelessness, or break down walls of insecurity or fear by experiencing for ourselves or granting to others the hope and forgiveness that is in the Lord. To walk in communion with Him is to know hope, joy, love, peace, all by starting a habit of prayer, which is awesome. To be able to encourage someone and know that a seed of eternal truth was received, makes all the obstacles worth it. As mentioned in an earlier prayer, we are all in this race called “Life”  together. How will we end? Will we find that we ran from “Life,” through all our business, or did we run towards Him, howbeit a little crooked. And to be able to affect and or influence people to run towards the Light is an awesome privilege, and  it starts with consistent prayer in us.

So prayer is that daily connection that “plugs us in” to our source of Life. It keeps us running in the right direction. Without it, that sense of direction is just not there and in time, it feels as though He is not there.  However in reality, we are the ones that left Him. Imagine a college class that starts at 8 every morning. The classroom door is open, the room is set up and the teacher’s present –  but you’re (we’re)  not. The benefit of the teacher will not be experienced unless we’re present. I have a saying that speaks of this,  ”  show up for class with a readied heart and Bible in hand, and the teacher will teach wonderful things from His Word (The Bible) and fill your heart and mind with heavenly treasures.”

So based on our text, how do we pray? One, avoid repetition, ” use not vain repetition, as the Gentiles do: ”  Often repetition speaks of doubt. We repeat hoping to convince God, to get Him on “our side” and if we say it enough, it might just work. We are like a child pleading with their parent for just one more trinket. He who made the ears, cannot hear? If He does not grant our petition, then there’s a good reason for it. Remember, ” for your Father knows what things ye have need of before you ask.”  Some people ask, “why pray if He already knows?” The text does not say that. It says that He is so intimately connected to us, that He already knows what is in our best interest – even before we make our petition. It does not say not to pray. So let’s keep this in mind as answers to prayer come, as well as prayers that go unanswered. In ending I want to share one of my all time favorite verses, ” Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3: 5&6

Father,

Thank you for reminding us of the importance of prayer. Though we may struggle in the doing, it is needful for us, because You are our need provider. Prayer gives us hope as we connect with You in communion and it gives us strength and peace. Enable us to make it a priority in our life.  Thank you and Amen

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur

Matthew 5 : 11&12 ” Blessed are ye, when men revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my name sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven:  for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Lisa and I give to a couple ministries that operate in countries were Christianity is band, or where the government looks the other way when Christians are beaten or tortured. The stories are pretty horrific, anywhere from severe beatings to throwing acid on people’s faces to disfigure them. Often in cases such as these, the acid also causes blindness. If this is the first time you have heard of this, I can imagine your reaction. Quite a contrast. Here we get bent out of shape if someone doesn’t like us, or if they look at us cross. We have no idea of what other believers in Muslim, Hindu or Communist countries undergo. But what is even more convicting are our brother and sisters reaction. Asked what they want the most, it’s not their freedom, but they request Bibles and Bible literature, ” Give us Bibles and Bible tools to grow our faith and to be able to share the Gospel more effectively. And if necessary, we shall pay for them with our lives.” This is quite a statement and a reality check for us. Do we have this type of conviction, is Christ “All and All to us” or is He one of many “loves” we have. For these brothers and sisters, there is nothing else but Christ. When we grow to a point that we realize that Christ is all we really have, that everything else is on loan, then truly we begin to understand that He is all we really need. In Him alone we are secure, and our family and friends are gifts to be thankful for. Everything else materially loses its importance, as everything we come to value is found in Him. Paul the apostle said it best, ” In Christ we live, move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) This is a very mature statement and I don’t expect all of us to receive it – and that’s ok for now.

I know stories of persecution are off the charts for most of us. We can’t function without our Starbucks, or our Egg McMuffin. Materialism, wealth, and our careers or routines have become traps for our soul. Instead of defining ourselves as a child of God, we define ourselves by what we do, by the title we have, or the paycheck we receive – or a million other things. Until this changes, it is doubtful whether we will ever have the courage to stand for Christ. The disciples also struggled. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, and bare in mind the day prior they all swore their lives to Christ – they fled. Only John and Peter followed, and Peter ended up denying Christ, not once, not twice, but three times! However after the Resurrection and the time Jesus spent with them prior to his ascension, these men changed. Each man gladly gave their life for their Savior, and Peter who denied him three times requested at his crucifixion to be crucified upside down, for he did not feel worthy to be crucified as his Lord. And apart from their stories, there are countless stories of believers being stoned to death, burnt at the stake etc. The Foxe’s Book of Martyrs recounts the lives of many influential Christians paying the cost of discipleship with their life. It is said that “the blood of the martyrs is what waters the church.”

So how did these men change from fearing for their lives, to being willing to give their lives to honor  their Savior?  Just like our brothers and sisters who are willing to risk their lives for the gospel today, they understood the truth behind these verses, ” Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” No man dies for a stranger, only for someone he dearly loves. The biggest issue that faces us here is we have many loves, and until Christ becomes “Thee Love,” our faith will flounder. These men and woman are today’s silent martyrs – their suffering and deaths go untold.

In Luke 7:36 there is a very intimate exchange between Jesus and a repentant woman recorded for us in Luke 7:36-50 ( I would encourage you to read it). All the Pharisees saw was a “sinner” touching Jesus feet. Jesus saw a broken heart and rebuked the Pharisee’s in vs. 47 ” Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much (in the sense of reaching out to Jesus through her repentance). But  to whom little is forgiven ( the Pharisees were proud of their rules, believing they were more righteous) the same loves little.” We are all forgiven a huge debt of sin, for we all have sinned and missed the mark. Those of us who are blessed to know that, adhere close to Christ for He has become our hope and strenght. Those of us who have yet to grow in that knowledge appreciate Christ, but lack the inner conviction to be desperate for Him. He has yet to become the “Bread of Life.”

Father God,

How we struggle with our faith, always going down tangents of this thing or that, instead of just quietly sitting before you in prayer and Bible study. Give us a desire to search for you, as though we are searching for hidden treasure, for truly you are priceless. Let us make it a priority in our schedules to met with you daily, just as we keep other appointments. Let us do the same with our relationship with you. Thank you Father

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur

Matthew 5: 9 & 10 ” Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Another definition of “Blessed” is to be at peace because of the work of God within. The work of God is like a treatise between two parties. There is an exchange that occurs and it is recorded for us in Isaiah  1:18 “Come now, let us reason together, saith The Lord: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow; though they be red as crimson they shall be (white) as wool.” This is what God brings to the table – forgiveness. What we bring is our confession, agreeing to His statement. Some of us struggle admitting this to ourselves. Instead we want to bring “our good deeds” to the table and have God validate us. Yet if we are truly honest with ourselves, though there be good intent in us, goodness is a far cry from righteousness and that is what God is offering. If we accept His offer, by accepting Christ as our Redeemer, our sins are forgiven and the exchange is ” complete or sealed”  by the giving of His Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Peace. ” But as many as received Him, to them gave He power (the Holy Spirit) to become the sons/ daughters of God…” John 1: 12 – its a promise.

Another definition of peace is “to make one again.” It comes from the medical field with the concept of something being broken, e.g., a broken arm. In the arm being “set,” healing and “oneness” can be restored. When sin entered into man we became ” broken” from “The Life” that sustained us. This continued until Christ. The Law (10 Commandments, though there were many more) was given as a type of “custodian” or “school teacher” that pointed us forward to Christ’s Advent. It was never meant to be used as a means for salvation or as a means to compare ourselves, or justify ourselves. For the Law itself says that ” he who lives by the law shall be judged by it” and further says ” the soul that sins (under the law) shall surely die.” We do not want to live under the law, but under God’s Grace that will exchange our scarlet sins for the purity of His Holiness (white as snow). We need to be “set” back into fellowship with The Lord.

” Blessed are the peacemakers,” starts then with those who have received His peace. Therefore by definition “The one who, having received the peace of God in his own heart, brings peace to others. He/ She simply is not one who makes peace between two parties, but one who spreads the good news of the peace of God which he/she has experienced.” This now is when all the other “Be Attitudes” prior, having been accepted and fruitful in us, begin to go outside of us.  Reaching out to others. At this point we start manifesting the “Life of Christ.” It has to go profoundly inward before it can go effectively outward. As one person put it, “A mature Christian should always be witnessing of the life of Christ, and  at times – use words.” In other words, more is “caught,” or lived out, than taught. A truth all parents know. The greatest honor given as believers is when someone outside the faith asks if we believe in God, or if we go to church. Our actions have spoken before ever a word was shared. It’s a moment to quietly thank The Lord for His patience and gracious work in us.

” Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake…” Here’s the part where you can hear a pin drop; when all of a sudden we realize that being a Christian could cost me. It could cost us our job, our reputation, maybe even our marriage, or maybe the guy or girl you’re hoping to date etc. In many other countries persecution –  physical harm, jail, beatings, even your life can be taken from you for confessing Christ. This is what potentially awaits new believers in these countries. Therefore we must  “count (consider)the cost.” Is it better to live free from persecution, be dominated by worldly priorities, absence of the Life of Christ,  or “be being” set free from sin, but potentially endure hardship for my faith? This is a personal question that only you can answer. For me to live life without the “Life Giver,” is to have a life lived with many wrong turns and deep regrets. Not to mention the absence of true, abiding peace and His Divine Love.  I would rather live well, live joyously, live under the guidance and companionship of the Lord and accept what consequences may arise, than to live without Him. His Life, defines my life. Life without Him is like taking a black and white picture of your favorite scene. All the objects you love are there but everything is subdued, and so much of the color that speaks of life is missing. As a believer our emphasis is not in being “comfortable” in this life. It is not necessary that all “our perceived needs” be met. Jesus is the Vine and we are His branches (John 15:5). We just need to abide (dwell, belong, communion) with Him to make the most of this life, for overwhelming joy is coming – ” for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Father God,

Thank you that you will never leave or forsake us. This does not mean that hard times do not await us, but it means that through the hard times, not only will you use it to grow our faith but your faithfulness will be seen. You only ask us to be in prayer often (Philip. 4:6) and to store up your Word in us that we might not sin against You (Ps.119: 7 -9), feeding our soul with the food of the Spirit (The Bible) thereby growing our faith, ” For faith cometh, and that by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur ;)

Matthew 5:7&8  ” Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

The last two series have not been without their challenges, both in the writing and in the receiving. Truth always has its opposition. However truth also has its testimony, an “Amen”  in the hearts of those who receive it. So the effort in the writing, as well as the “effort” in the receiving surely has its rewards. As we continue to study, like miners going deeper into the earth, so we too are going deeper into the human soul. We started with a genuine repentance which  acknowledges our poverty in spirit with respect to any righteousness (holiness) that we posses. Followed by a sincere mourning/repentance for our sins. These two ‘Be Attitudes’ frame the “spiritual gate” that we must all go through. Without this heart change, we simply continue to live outside the aide and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A life lived with good intentions, but good intentions can never redeem (save) a soul, or be a suitable substitute for the blood of Christ. I know for some of you this is super religious, so thank you for your continued reading.

Last week we understood that once “through the gate,” we are to change our “diet.” We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness and not for the “trinkets” and “bling” of this world. However this then begs a question – is it wrong to own nice things? No, not at all, provided that the nice things don’t own you. By definition, to hunger and thirst for righteousness means that we understand that “things” could never satisfy or replace kindness, truth, uprightness, and especially a relationship with the Lord. A good test question to ask ourselves is do the things we have make us grateful, thereby bringing us closer to The Lord, or do I start drifting because my “nice things” slowly replace The Lord?  If my “earthly treasures” do that they will eventually not satisfy. However, if we continue to hunger and thirst for righteousness our promise is that we shall be satisfied.

We also learned that meekness is not weakness, but it is strength. It takes inner strength and a deeper knowing of the Lord to remain calm in the storm when everyone else may be panicking. There is a lyric that says “my anchor is in the veil.” Referring to the Holy of Holies, the most sacred place in the Jewish Temple where “God’s Shekinah Glory” dwelt. There is my anchor, and from there shall I be secure. That’s meekness, and everyone of us has an anchor be it themselves, their spouses, their jobs, family etc. True meekness speaks to an indwelling, abiding Holiness that is outside of any human realm, or human achievement. It’s God only.

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy,” is one of our “Be Attitudes” this week. This goes beyond acts of charity, acts of selflessness, that gratefully most of us “rise” to in times of disaster or calamity. In context this verse refers to a permanently changing heart that in everyday life exhibits mercy because of the mercy it was given. It’s a changed heart because of God’s love, as His love washed away my sins. We give mercy because it was first given to us. “Deeds or acts” of mercy in times of difficulty or suffering only gives testimony to the life that God has created for us to live – to live outside ourselves.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This is about as great a promise anyone could have! “Katharos” is the Greek word indicating clean, pure, clear, unmixed or unsoiled. With respect to metals, it means unalloyed. There is not a heart in the world that is pure. Our motives are hopelessly mixed with self serving intents. Even in acts of charity, often unbeknown to ourselves, we do them because it makes us feel good about ourselves. We can look in the mirror and smile, having gained a few points. In the New Testament there is a story of a man who was very rich, but also was extremely ethical, having followed all the Biblical commandments since his youth. Having lived as such, you would think he would be content, but in Matthew 19:20 he asks Jesus this question ( paraphrased) “I have followed the commandments since my youth, what more do I lack? Jesus responded by saying, “….go sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. But upon hearing this the young man went away grieving for he had much possessions.” His heart was mixed with his love of his possessions, yet having all, he still lacked and was not willing to give away his possessions so he could truly “have it all.” Pure in heart implies one thing and one thing only, God is first, Jesus is my Redeemer, and I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This is just the starting point, for the whole of one’s life the work of the Spirit is to exchange selfish motives for Godly motives, but because of Christ in me, God see’s me as pure. It’s a “great deal.”

Father God,

There is much to living this life, and to run the race to only learn in the end we ran in the wrong direction is painful. Give us ears to hear and a heart to know, that to put You first is to run in the right direction. No effort, however difficult, is a waste of effort when we run towards you. Give us hearts of faith Father, let us run so we ” win the prize of the upward high calling of God.” Thank you and Amen.

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur

Matthew 5: 1- 3  “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.

vs. 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

vs. 3 Blessed are the poor in Spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

vs. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

I am grateful for the positive comments on the ” Wisdom for Marriage” series. The topic was very specific and admittedly a good marriage has many qualities to it. To enjoy them we need to have a good defense against temptation. In football terms, a good defense is a good offense. In other words we make the “play” before the “play” is made on us. That was the main point of our last series. By heightening our awareness, and learning God’s truth and perspective on what a good marriage is makes us readied and sure. As we move forward into passages that are rich in truth, we need to take them and apply them to our relationships with our spouses, and then from there with others.

In Matthew 5: 3-12 there are a series of verses that have been referred to as the ” Be Attitudes” or said in reverse, “Attitudes to Be” (or become ). In this discourse, which is part of a larger message called the “Sermon on the Mount,” we learn a completely different set of values. Values contrary to our normal thinking and comforts. As we go through these verses we will see a progression of truth. In the same way we build homes, starting with the foundation before we build the walls, so is the progression here. We start with the foundation – one’s core view of themselves. There are 10 versus total and we will discuss two verses per devotion.

“Blessed are the poor in Spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” The first word to study is “Blessed,” or in the Greek “Makarios.” Its meaning is far reaching and for a single word, it is packed with interpretation. Some definitions include,” possessing the favor of God, or that state of being where one becomes partaker of God’s nature through faith in Christ and/ or to be fully satisfied no matter the circumstances. All of these definitions are Makarios. Makarios differs from happy (“hap” in the Greek) in that happiness is based on favorable circumstances, as in “good luck.” Good luck makes us happy, bad luck makes us sad. To be blessed is not circumstantial. Aristotle defined  Makarios as the one who is in the world, yet independent of it. His or her satisfaction comes directly from God, not favorable circumstances or “good luck.” It’s a great word – problem is, not too many of us live it. So I want to start by asking why and how do I become blessed?  I would like for us to view the next ten verses as a progression to that state of being blessed, if we apply the truth of these verses to our life.

“Blessed are the poor in Spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” That is quite a promise. What it is not saying is that you have to be poor to be blessed or “to inherit the Kingdom.” This clarification is important, because lacking finances does not always equate to being “poor in spirit” which is the emphasis of this verse.  So what is it to be “poor” in spirit? “Ptochos” the Greek word has three distinct usages 1) poor, helpless, relying on others for your daily needs 2) a humble state of being but working and able to provide for your daily needs 3) those who see themselves in the light of God’s Holiness and find themselves lacking, wanting or without – unable to bridge the gap from personal sin to holiness.

Often we think we can “cross over” to God’s side by our own efforts, by doing good etc. We are not understanding the righteousness/holiness of God. It is unattainable by our own means. We require the intervention of God the Father, which comes when we realize our poverty of spirit. Impoverished in any way to bring righteousness from ourselves. We fully  need and require the work of the Holy Spirit in us which is born by faith, as we trust in the work of Christ on the Cross. Much like a child that looks at a wall he can’t climb, but with trust in his eyes looks to his father who can easily lift the child up and over. It is the same with us. We can’t climb the wall of righteousness, but our Father can enable us through His Spirit. This then is to be poor in spirit and is the starting point of being blessed. Do not confuse acts of kindness or sacrifice for righteousness/holiness. Though very noble, these deeds do not make us righteous. They are a reflection though of who we are meant to be.

” Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  ” Pentheo” is the word to mourn and it means just that. To mourn, to grieve, or to lament. However in context we are talking about a deep inner grieving, that in view of God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, we are deeply repentant. This is the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart, and the response of the heart as it says yes to His call. To be aware of one’s guilt, but to be flooded by the love and grace of God is nothing short of a miracle, causing one to feel blessed. Not based on circumstances, luck or worldly fortune, but solely based because God loves me (us). So my core view of me has nothing to do with my talents, intelligence or circumstances, but of God’s love for my life. This elevates and validates my worth, and brings comfort to my soul. To not have this understanding then is why we are not living out the life God would have for us.

Father God,

Thank you for this study. Cause me to understand that being “blessed” is not a material thing or based on circumstances. It is a heart condition that requires me to be rightly connected to You. This ” to be blessed” is available to all people from the child to the aged.  Cause us to value being in a relationship with You Father and to see that so many of our insecurities, frustrations and fears are because inwardly we are not connected to You.

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur

As we begin this series, please be mindful that topics discussed are mature in content.  I know some of you share the devotional’s with your children or grandchildren.

1 Corinthians 7:2-5:

2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

The above verses speak directly to issues we all face regarding marital intimacy, given the pressures and stresses of life. With school, sport functions, late nights doing homework, summer camps, and sport activities, etc., time to connect as husband and wife all but disappears. Without knowing it, we are now living our lives for our children and in some cases for our grandchildren, impacting our own time to connect with our spouse. The bedroom conversation goes something like this: “You want what? I’m exhausted!”  Another one is:  “You have got to be kidding!”  Then the lights go out.  As this repeats itself, whether it is because of the kids or because of hectic or opposite work schedules, our intimacy with each other is slowly being eroded. It is to our detriment to allow demands and choices we make to crowd out this vital part of our relationship. Intimacy, a combination of physical, emotional, and even spiritual oneness, is a need of the human soul, and we must recognize and acknowledge that. When we get to a point in our marriage that being intimate with our spouse feels strange, then we know we have gone too far.  We have allowed the demands of life to crowd out the heart of our marriage.

“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.”   Men, as husbands, we must understand that we are sending out our wife into the workforce/world with her deepest needs not being met, making her vulnerable to the attention and compliments of other men.  Women, you, as wives, are sending your husband out into the workforce/world with his needs not being met, making him receptive to the praise and respect of other women. All that really has to happen is for someone to be consistently kind, give us an ear, a few compliments, nothing overt, and we can find emotions in us beginning to develop. Even if we don’t want to have feelings, it is almost guaranteed that feelings will develop—we are all subject to this. There is not one of us who does not respond to someone who is kind, who appreciates us, and who values who we are. This is an inward need we all have. We must turn our hearts to home, cancel karate or dance, skip that PTA meeting, and bring the fever pitch of the home down. Start making dinner at home, eat together as a family, talk to each other, keep the television turned off, listen to music (I personally enjoy Christian music) and end the evening early enough so that there is time to talk and be together.

“For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.”  In this day of equality between men and women, this verse does not carry the “shock” that it did when Paul penned it and especially to the congregation to whom it was written. Corinth, the city where the Corinthian church was located, was the Sodom and Gomorrah of Paul’s day. Even by pagan standards, Corinth was the dregs of society. The city was on a major trade route, making it extremely affluent and a magnet for all sorts of crime and violence. Also in Corinth existed the temple of Aphrodite.  Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, and at her temple, there were nightly a thousand temple priestesses (prostitutes), who would come down into the city and practice their trade. Adultery, fornication, and debauchery were common practices in this society. A wife’s role was to bear children and take care of the home. Sexual pleasure came from a man’s concubines, whose children became slaves, and the “priestesses” were for “religious sexual worship.” The view of a woman in this culture can be best summed up in this Jewish prayer: “God, I thank you that I am not a beast of burden, a Gentile, or a woman.” Women had no rights or respect in this society, yet Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, penned “that a woman had ‘rights’ (power) over her husband’s body.”  This probably went over like a tidal wave. I would not even be surprised that Paul, a devout Jew himself, did not question it at first. Yet God’s Word is God’s Word, and God has always placed a woman next to a man—from man’s side did she come and by his side is she to be: a helpmate. In an over-packed schedule, the purpose of this relationship is lost, and we leave the home emotionally hungry, giving opportunity to outside influences.

The only allowance given is for personal devotion to the Lord:  “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together (sexual intimacy) again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”  I am now in my early fifties, and I have been married to Lisa for 34 years. All successful, long-term relationships, faith-based or not, have found the secret to living together. Yet for me, the blessing of being not only united physically and emotionally, but also in faith, adds another dimension that gives hope, direction, and strength, especially with a family. There is a unity of the spirit that exceeds that of the soul. It’s a “God presence” that blesses the home. In this context, when Paul talked about agreeing for a limited time to devote ourselves to prayer, it sounds like the couple shared a ministry and they agreed to spend their “together time” in prayer and fasting, but only for that predetermined period, and it was for seeking God, not for other reasons.

Marriage, especially a good marriage, is not for the weak or faint of heart. It takes commitment, courage, and most of all selflessness, where score is not kept and forgiveness is given. Words like “quit, separation, and divorce,” except for reasons of infidelity or abuse, are not used. If these words are not options, then no matter how difficult the road, a solution will be found or God will give the grace to continue forward. Here is a personal example of how our differences can become our strengths. Lisa and I are opposites in many ways. I am outgoing, like a Labrador, and she is more reserved.  As we go through life together “holding hands,” it is like we are trying to pull the other one to our side of the road, hence the tension, but by doing that, we neither go right, nor do we go left, and guess what?  We go straight.  Our differences and strengths all serve for our “together betterment,” and that is marriage.

Father God,

Thank you for this study in your Word. Help us to understand that we are not in competition with our spouses, but we are a team. As a team, we need to work together with one goal—it is not about the individual but the whole, and the decisions we make are to benefit the whole. If our spouse is not there yet, let us rely on You, Father God.  For in all circumstances, You bring strength and hope. Thank you and Amen.

Move forward in His Grace –

1 Corinthians 7:2-5:

2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality (fornication), each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. ³ The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. ⁴ For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. ⁵ Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Before we begin, let’s agree that there are two directions. There is God’s way and there is my way or our way, and we must decide whom we will follow.  (By “our way,” I am referencing societal beliefs and/or allowances.)  As mentioned in last week’s Vida, Christianity is not a smorgasbord. To reduce it to such is to directly affect one’s relationship with the Lord, and in effect make what Christianity is all about—living and walking in communion with the Lord and experiencing His peace, joy and love—null and void.  You may disagree, but how do you know what you are missing if you are walking a compromised walk?  Let me explain. God is Holy, and He seeks Holy people.  There is no way any of us can give that to the Lord, so hence the need for Christ’s death and His atonement for us on the Cross.  When we accept what He has done for us, there is what is called the “Great Exchange.”  His righteousness, as God, is attributed to our account, and our sins are placed on Him. Since He is completely righteous and Holy, the sins are atoned for by His blood, just like the Sacrificial Lamb in the Old Testament atoned for one’s sin, or better said, “covered over” the sins of the confessor.

There is a huge difference, however, between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The blood of lambs could never sanctify man (to make holy), which is God’s standard. In the New Testament, therefore, Christ became the “Lamb of God that took away the sins of man”—to be sanctified.  Does that mean we do not sin?  No, not at all; but it means that when we do sin and confess and repent of our sins, “they are washed away completely,” not just covered over.  So my relationship to God has now been restored (because sin divides), bringing me back into fellowship with Him. And though there are often consequences to our wrong choices—“for we reap what we sow”—even in the consequences, God is there to help and to guide.  This was not possible in the Old Testament system, but it is completely possible in the New Testament—in Christ—as the believer becomes indwelt by the “paráklētos,” the Greek word for the Holy Spirit which means, “He who comes alongside to aid and to help.”  This is the major difference between the Old and New Testament periods, and it is huge.  For me to walk void of the Holy Spirit’s counsel and aid, without sensing His peace in me or His love for me, would make me feel insecure, unsure, and uncertain, and my faith would become much more a religion of right and wrong, instead of a relationship, where daily I am in communion with my Father.  Also, the ability to love others would be greatly challenged, as I would be operating out of my own strength—not pretty.

As we study these verses, bear in mind what I have just said, so that the right understanding is gained.  “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality (fornication), each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”   Fornication, sex outside of marriage, is just as much practiced in the church as it is outside the church, indicating a huge disconnect about what it means to be Christian.  Here is an example of what we do, spiritually speaking. If you mix enough vinegar in a glass of orange juice, the orange juice will cease to be orange juice and will become a nasty tasting mix of orange juice flavored vinegar.  To practice fornication and claim the name of Christ is to become this vinegar/orange-tasting flavor to God, or it is to become lukewarm, as opposed to a refreshing glass of cool water on a hot day, or pure orange juice, given our example.  Lukewarm is the place we find ourselves when we live a compromised life. We have too much of the world to know what it is to have God’s peace and too much of a God conscience to return to the life from which we came.  It is an in-between existence that is laden with guilt, frustration, and uncertainty—such is “living” in fornication.  When the Bible uses the word, it is not referring to a one-time or two-time event in which one repents and moves forward, guarding one’s self so as not to repeat.  It refers to an unguarded practice where sex is routinely performed, as if one was married.

Living together is common and accepted in our culture and practiced from all ages—first-timers to divorcees to seniors, whose spouse has past on but is still seeking companionship and sexual intimacy.  My role is not to debate this but to simply state—to the extent you seek to walk, to know, and to be filled with the goodness and life of God, you should so order your life.  If God’s presence is of value to you and you are practicing fornication, you need to repent of it and get married or separate.  Holiness is holiness and there is no compromising what it is to have or live a sanctified life. (A sanctified life, not a perfect life, means a life where knowing and obeying God is the priority.)  If you are content in continuing to live together, then remain and pray this prayer, “God, cause me to understand that the life you have for me is far better than what I could have on my own.”  Be honest with God.  If you do not understand, then don’t separate because it will not be done with a right heart and will profit you nothing. You will simply be trading one dependence for another, if the desire is not to draw closer to the Lord.

Lastly, learn the difference between the emotion of conviction and of condemnation. Conviction is from the Lord. He is convicting us, because He wants us to come to Him and deal with the matter that is keeping us from Him—it is out of love that He convicts. Condemnation, on the other hand, makes us feel ashamed and guilty and puts a heavy ceiling between God and us.  That emotion is from Satan, who does not want us to draw close to God and will use our sins to keep us from Him.  The difficult part is you can feel both emotions at the same time, and you willfully must choose to respond to conviction, or cave and give in to guilt, which is easier, but the effects are much more damaging. Therefore, as the scriptures say in Joshua 24:15, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  There are two ways—choose one.  Change and hope start with first being honest with yourself.

Father God,

Again, our study is difficult, like the making of a diamond.  The beauty and the potential of the diamond are seen by the master, as he skillfully but willfully hits and cuts the diamond until its potential is realized.  Many calculated hits and cuts are required to bring out its beauty. You, Father God, are no different.  We are Your diamonds in the rough, and through Your instruction of living life and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, You “hit and chisel away” all that distorts our worth and beauty in You. Help us to really understand this truth and not listen to the voice of fear, guilt, or insecurity, as we begin to bend our lives in Your direction. Thank you and Amen.

Move forward in His Grace – Arthur