Where to go??? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 3:16-17,

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

While pinheads and liberal theologians debate the veracity of the Scriptures, challenge the authorship of its various authors, advocate for an absurd late-dating of the content, stripping it of all that is supernatural (what they determine is not believable while attempting to de-mythologize it - "the historical Jesus", etc.) and deny its divine inspiration, Paul points the way.

We need to follow Paul's perspective on the Scriptures. He knew from where it came from, as he shared in co-authoring thirteen of our twenty-seven New Testament books. We need to follow Peter who recognized how the Scriptures came to be through a marvelous co-authorship of prophet and the Holy Spirit, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:20-21. Peter, knowing this, acknowledged Paul's writings as inspired, "His [Paul's] letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction." 2 Peter 3:16.

We need to follow Jesus' perspective on the Scriptures as well. Jesus never spoke against the Scriptures, considered by the Jews in his day as the very word of God. He used Scripture to teach, to encourage and to direct. He even used the forms of words and the tenses of verbs.

I suspect having the debate affords many the opportunity to ignore the Scripture's claims on each of us. Paul steps past all the smoke and mirrors and gets directly to the truth of Scripture. God inspired the prophets who wrote the Scriptures and he illuminates them, brings them to life, breathes the breath of life into them as we read them, study them, meditate upon them and memorize them.

The Scriptures are not like any other literature we have on our bookshelves. It is within its pages we learn of God and find how we may draw close to him. It is in the pages of Scripture we are invited by God to join his family. It is in its pages we read of God's grace and of the pivotal issue faith plays. Here in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we find that it is to the Scriptures we need to go for teaching, and for rebuke when needed. It is to the Scriptures we need to go for the corrections in life, and for training in righteousness. 

It is to the Scriptures we all need to go in order to be equipped, thoroughly equipped, not for some things, but for "every good work." 

It this important? How are you ordering the things in your life?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Celebrate what is ours in the Scriptures! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 3:14-15,

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and ... have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

Paul encourages Timothy to continue in those things he has become "convinced of", that is, those things of his faith. Paul points to himself ("those from whom you learned it"), Timothy's mother Eunice, his grandmother, Lois, as well as others who may have played a part that led to the development of Timothy's faith and life in Jesus Christ. From these influences, Timothy had found it was the Scriptures that point to exciting things.

While many may see simply an exhortation from Paul to continue in adherence to good doctrine and a godly life, while I am sure that is the case, I think there may be more to look at here  From a place of suffering, being chained as a criminal, the apostle Paul encourages Timothy. Paul is entirely convinced of the tremendous hope we all have as believers in Jesus Christ, as he writes this letter "in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:1.

At times, in the "dos" and "don'ts" promoted by the church, the never ending accusations from the pulpit as to how we all can and should be doing better, and doing more, the promotion of new ministries and building programs it is important to stop and consider those things we "have become convinced of". Here, great encouragement is found in the things we know from the Scriptures.

The Scriptures speak of a lavish love God has expressed to us. We are the recipients of the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, Romans 2:4. The Scriptures speak of God, "who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all", Romans 8:32. They tell us of God's great love for us, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

The Scriptures tell us that God will never forsake or leave us. "He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:8-9. In Jude's wonderful doxology we read that when judgment day comes, we have a wonderful event awaiting us, "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy..." Jude 24.

As believers in Jesus Christ, no matter how bad things may get here on planet earth, no matter how bad things may get for us in terms of our country, our families, our occupations, our fellowships, our friends, our marriages, our health, we are on the winning side. We are aligned with our Creator, our Savior and no matter what happens, we win. We have a future of eternal life, eternal pleasures at the right hand of God, Psalm 16:8. If we live, we know we live in the embrace of God's love. If we die, we know we go directly into his presence, his love, and all that he has for us as co-heirs with Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures are pregnant with many things for us to get excited about, to celebrate in, to look forward to with eager anticipation! We, like Timothy, need to continue in those things we have learned and have become convinced of in the pages of Scripture.

Take heart and celebrate! Ours is the inheritance of God's family!  

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Who wins the election? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 2:10,

"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory."

Paul said he endured "everything" for the sake of the "elect". What was it Paul endured and who is this group of folks called "the elect"?

Paul spoke of his suffering due to his faithfulness in carrying out his responsibilities as an apostle. The work of evangelizing and establishing fellowships was fraught with opposition and dangers due to the nature of challenging the existing power structures and faulty beliefs of the day. He said to Timothy, "This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal." Verses 8-9. A more full list of challenges that caused Paul suffering can be found in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33.

Who is "the elect", that group of people for whose sake Paul was willing to endure this suffering? "The elect", of course refers to chosen ones, in this case, God's chosen ones. The Scriptures speak of God's activity in the world today to build his kingdom. As Jesus proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.", Matthew 4:17. God's kingdom, his family, will be built of those who take a new direction (repent) in their lives.

Paul devotes much of his letter to the church at Rome to speak of those whom God has chosen. God has chosen all who will embrace him in faith. He uses Abraham as our example, as he reminds his readers of Genesis 15:6, "What does Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" Romans 4:3. Paul goes on to say, "To the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness." Romans 4:5. Also, "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace..." Verse 16.

In Romans 10:17 Paul tells us that it is through the proclamation of the gospel that the opportunity for faith presents itself, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." There is no other way but the way of faith. Even attempts at keeping the ten commands and other laws God has given will not result in being chosen by God for salvation. In Romans 3:28 we read, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."

God is busy populating his kingdom, his family, in this age. There will be a time when he determines his family is full and will bring this age to a close. All those who choose God will be chosen by God. All who embrace God in faith will become a member of God's "elect''.

Don't believe anyone who tells you we have no opportunity to determine our spiritual destiny. God has not pre-selected some for himself, and pre-selected others to condemn to hell. God has made man with individual volition, and he has decided, he has "elected", all who choose or "elect" him!

This is why we say that God's salvation is the ultimate expression of love and grace. If any one of us decides we want God, if we choose him, God will embrace us with open arms.

How wonderful is that?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

What's it worth? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 2:3,

"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."

As Paul was imprisoned and chained, he wrote this letter to Timothy. In it he invites Timothy to suffer with him, "like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." Quite an invitation!

Why should Timothy want to suffer? Why would Paul ask him to do so? Perhaps that answer is found a few verses later. As Paul speaks of himself, he says, "I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." Verse 10.

Paul considered salvation to be the very best thing anyone in life could attain. In speaking of his concern for his own countrymen, he says, "For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel." Romans 9:3-4. Coupled with the fact that salvation is attainable for anyone who desires it, who desires God, Paul spent his life proclaiming and furthering the gospel. He made every effort to reach as many as he could, as he built fellowships to continue and further that very work. For Paul, any suffering in this life simply could not have any negative impact on the awesome opportunity represented for each of us in the gospel. In Romans 8:18 he says, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

Additionally, as we recognize that Jesus Christ came to suffer a miserable death on the cross to build his kingdom, a family for himself, we must consider whether his death on the cross for each of us compels us to ensure that his sacrifice not be in vain. If the Lord was willing to come and die a miserable death to pay for my sins and for your sins, might not we, in turn, be willing to give ourselves to further his efforts in bringing in as many as we can for him, no matter what kind of suffering we may encounter to do so?

Any opposition Paul faced, any hardship he endured, any suffering he experienced could not deter Paul from taking the gospel to as many as he could and to build up fellowships to do likewise - just like the fellowships we belong to. By extension through Timothy, we are likewise asked to suffer for the sake of the gospel enterprise, for the sake of souls, for the sake of God's agenda to build his family out of us.

While we here in this country may not face the dangers Paul did two millenia ago, many do so in other parts of the world today. They face the invitation Paul made to Timothy and are willing, and, I am certain, eager to face whatever dangers, whatever suffering, whatever hardships may come their way by being effective in furthering the gospel message.

What part, in the Lord's building of his family, does he want me to pursue? What am I willing to suffer in pursuit of what it is he asks of me? "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." What are we willing to demonstrate in our love of God? What does that demonstration say about our love for him? Are we willing to join Paul and Timothy in whatever suffering, whatever opposition, whatever "uncomfortable consequence" we may endure for Jesus Christ?

What do you think?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The unchained word of God! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 2:8-9,

"This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained."

As Paul writes this second letter to Timothy, he is not being held under house arrest as we read of in Acts 28:30. Now, at this time, he is held as a chained prisoner, quite likely in a dungeon or other facility of incarceration. As such he points out to Timothy that although he is chained, God's word, for which he had given his life and for which he was imprisoned, was not and is not chained.

God's word cannot be chained, cannot be contained, cannot be stopped. The gospel has its own power, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." The gospel is a powerful message, and as in Paul's day and ever since, the attempts to contain the gospel have been utterly futile.

I am reminded of Isaiah 55:10-11, "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

In today's world, we see little puny man shaking his little puny fists up toward heaven, as pictured in Psalm 2:1-5, "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 'Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.' The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath..." This is expressed these days in the "global community" movement, such as what we read about in the tower of Babel story. Mankind is working to join forces "for the good of all mankind." In a rejection of God they seek to displace him by attempting to create "safety nets" for all. No need of God's blessing when we are assured the government will provide us an income, housing, medical care, etc. The drive to define what constitutes marriage, redefine homosexuality as legitimate, and the claim of the ability to control creation through a godless environmental movement, etc. all point to little man shaking his little fists in God's face.

However, as we read in Psalm 2:1-5, the Lord simply laughs and then will terrify those of the world in his wrath. No matter how hard mankind tries to "chain up", contain, control, limit God's word, it simply cannot be done. God's word will prevail and all mankind will have to give an account of themselves before his presence on judgment day. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13.

As believers, we all need to take great assurance in God's sovereignty, self-determination and his indomitable, ferocious and all-consuming power. All things will come together in his timing, so take heart and celebrate the new life we have in him. After all, we are on the winning team! 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

How to pursue our part - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 2:4-7,

"No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."

These instructions to Timothy, I believe, are for all of us. Paul provides Timothy three truths to consider as he asks him to focus on "the gift of God, which is in you though the laying on my hands." 2 Timothy 1:6. It is good for us to contemplate these truths ourselves.

The first is, that if we are going to be productive in doing our part in God's agenda of the redemption of mankind, do not get distracted. If we want to be productive for the Lord's kingdom, we cannot get sidelined by those things that lead us from what we need to be doing for the Lord. Just as a soldier should not get distracted by civilian affairs, so the believer should not allow himself to get distracted by other things. We all know exactly what those distractions are in each of our lives.

Secondly, to be effective, just as the winning athlete is effective, participation in the God's agenda of redemption needs to be done "according to the rules", God's way, not some other way. We may feel we have a better idea, but when we are counseled in the Scriptures as to how to participate in what God is doing, we need to drop our best thoughts to pursue what we are told. Not my way, but God's way.

Third, be aware there is reward in participating in the effort of populating God's kingdom through his program of redemption. If we keep ourselves from being distracted and engage our part according to how the Lord wants us to pursue it, there is reward in it... great reward. Just as the farmer is first to share in the harvest, so we share the benefits that accrue to our successful participation in working together with God as he grows his family, his kingdom.

It is pretty fascinating how the Lord invites us to share in what he is doing, isn't it? Something here to mull over today.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Strong in grace - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 2:1,

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Here is something you don't hear too often: God's grace and God's power are two things that go together.

Here are a few samples: "With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them." Acts 4:33-34. Note that God's grace was "so powerfully at work in them all." "Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people." Acts 6:8. In this verse we read of God's grace and power, together at work in Stephen.

We read in Acts 11:23 that God's grace accomplishes things. It is powerful, potent and produces what is desired, "When he [Barnabas] arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." In Acts 15:11 Peter made his point at the council of Jerusalem that the Gentiles could be saved, just like the Jews, and that through God's grace, "We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." Through the grace of God, what cannot be done is done.

God's response to Paul's appeal to remove a "thorn" in his flesh includes God's comment about how his power is made perfect. It is through weakness and so God tells him his grace (which, in weakness, makes God's power perfect) is sufficient for him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Paul accounted for his apostleship as coming from God's grace through his power, "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power." Ephesians 3:7. He acknowledged the strength he had received from God was due to the grace (as well as faith and love) God had poured out on him, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service...The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 1:12-14.

It is by grace that our hearts are strengthened, "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so." Hebrews 13:9. It is through grace God strengthens us, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10.

The power and strength God provides is inextricably tied to his grace he pours out on us... just an observation of something we don't often hear. God's grace and God's power are two things that go together.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com