Where's Your Joy?

The Mortification of Sin

2008-03-14T16:54:00.002-06:00

John Owen wrote a book titled "The Mortification of Sin" in 1656. I found out about the book at a conference for church leadership and thought that I should get a copy and read it. Not long after I started reading the book, I found out that the intended audience was teenagers of Owen's day! If someone gave me this book when I was a teenager, albeit a Christian, I would not given it much thought. Now, at age 43, I'm finding myself wishing someone HAD given me this book -- fortunately it's never too late for sinners to come to repentance. Thank the Lord!
Owens really unpacks Romans 8:13 well -- "If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" -- I didn't know there were steamer trunks full of stuff in that one line! I have read through the book and am re-reading it with my family as a morning devotional -- one suitcase at a time....
We spent a good deal of time on the chapter, What Mortification is Not, but now have progressed to What Mortification Is. The subsection is dealing with lust, which Owens defines pretty well as a depraved habit or inclination that pushes the heart toward evil. Two points to make: firs, lust born out of depravity or corruption; second, lust is acted on regularly without any thought. Given that understanding, the first point of mortification is the habitual (regularly practiced) weakening of the lust. It will not go quietly, so it must be put to death over and over. We need to remove whatever gives it life, strength, and power.
I like how Owens used fruit trees for his analogy. Simply beating off the evil fruit of the tree of our sin accomplishes nothing; the fruit comes back. Another analogy is pulling weeds. If you snap off the weed, leaving the root, it gets stronger and puts out even more shoots. You must dig down, get the whole weed. You may find there's a root system that can spread.
Paul commended the Corinthians for their zeal against their sin after they showed Godly sorrow, such that led them to repentance. That's the zeal we must have in the daily crucifixion of our sinful flesh.

Raising Godly Men and Women

2008-02-13T09:03:00.004-07:00

With five boys ranging from 11 years old down to 3, and another child coming in July (whose gender remains known only to God unless we sneak a peek), I have learned that I must take their discipleship (inclusive word for academics, character, and spiritual growth in Christ) seriously.

For all that God commands, He provides the resources. We've been working through two books by Bob Schultz, "Created for Work" and "Boyhood and Beyond".

"Boyhood and Beyond" contains short, independent, topical chapters with questions pertaining to the chapter for discussion at the end of each chapter. Each chapter deals with a specific character issue that could be applied to anyone, but intentionally targets boys. Using stories about himself or fictional characters, the author presents Biblical principles about Godly masculinity.

"Created for Work" is similar to "Boyhood and Beyond" in its format, but examines Godly character regarding work. The book begins with the fundamental premise that God loves to work in a joyful, creative manner, and since we are created in His image, that is what we are created for and how we are to go about it.

It always amazes me how God provides what we need when we read chapters out of these books. One of the chapters in "Boyhood and Beyond" dealt with Justice, which Mr. Schultz simply defined as "paying what you owe, to whom you owe, when you owe".

In the highest application, we owe God our love and obedience all the time. At the family application, parents owe God and their families to provide spiritual headship, food, clothing, shelter, instruction, etc. Children owe God and their parents to honor and obey their parents, including doing their school work, helping with the house work, learning to become good workers,and submitting to becoming Godly men and women.

As I now have a daughter and we don't know what number seven will be, I'm starting to research materials (Bible first!) to prepare my wife and I to raise her to be a Godly woman. The really neat part is the interaction of the training for sons and daughters. For example, I would make the point that to find a Godly wife who is looking for a Godly husband, what do I need to do to prepare my sons to be Godly husbands? Also, what should my sons look for in a Godly wife? My wife serves as an example of a Godly wife to my daughter in the making of one, and my sons as the qualities of one. They also serve as women with which they can practice etiquette, protection, discretion, valor, etc.

Praise God for His excellent design of the family as the environment in which to grow Godly men and women!

Why We Are In Pagosa Springs, Colorado

2008-02-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

For some time now, my father-in-law, Carl, has been wanting to move to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, ever since he brought his family through here on a family vacation. Around the time that my wife Aimee and I met in 1993, he started building his first spec (as in speculation) home in Pagosa Springs. Since then, he has built and sold at least one per year, with his next-to-final project being two duplexes (four rental units) on a 3-acre parcel that he currently owns and has 100% rented. He also owns a townhome in the Fairfield area that he is renting out but also has up for sale.

He himself lived in Tucson, Arizona, for over thirty years. More real estate speculation on his part and he relocated to Show Low, Arizona for about two years. He purchased ten acres, split it 5 ways, and bought and refurbished previously-owned double-wide mobile homes to place on each. This was merely temporary, as he found buyers for each, even the one he and his wife were living in.

Having sold off his holdings in Show Low and Tucson, he completed his final project: a single-family home on 3 acres in Pagosa Springs for himself and his wife Carol. This home has 2800 square feet of living space (4 bedrooms plus office, large kitchen and family room, living room, dining room, three bathrooms) plus a huge garage and a 900 square foot recreation room.

But then he had a vision. He invited his daughter and son-in-law to move to Colorado into this home rent-free. He and his wife would convert the recreation room into a studio apartment so that he could have his children and his children's children living with him. His desire was to fulfill Psalm 17:17,18 --

17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

I admit that I did not leap at the opportunity when he first presented it. After all, I liked the big city of Phoenix, AZ. All my immediate family lived in Phoenix. My job was in Phoenix. My church families were in Phoenix. Pagosa seemed so remote (10 hour drive) and small.

Then in September of 2006, we decided to vacation in Pagosa Springs over Labor Day. My family had such a good time, my wife asked if I could work remotely from a local coffee shop that provided free wireless internet access. I thought, why not? So I found that I could be productive without being in the office physically. We spent the remainder of the week with me working every day from the coffee shop.

As the rest of the year progressed, so did the house. Decisions regarding the house now depended on whether we moved or not. This prompted us to give it more thought. Considering my father-in-law's intentions and the stronger vision for family that God was planting in me, we made the decision in November and got the ball rolling for moving to Colorado.

One major step was what to do with our house in Glendale. God provided us that even before we spoke a word of prayer. Aimee had become friends with Shawna Preston who was once our horse ferrier. It came up that we decided to move and were considering renting out our house rather than sell it (the market went haywire in Phoenix and the value of our house doubled). Shawna volunteered on the spot to be our renter. They had been renting a house and paying a horse boarding place for a combined amount that exceeded our desired rent, so we were both happy with the arrangement.

Another major step was my job. I informed my managers in November of 2006 that I was moving my family to Colorado in May of the following year, but would like to continue working for Honeywell as a full-time teleworker. My immediate manager remembered that I was productive and stayed in good communication with him and the team during my week in September and his manager above him gave me references to people he knew (and turned out that I knew, also) who were full-time teleworkers for Honeywell. So I had the full support of my management to make the move and keep the job. We laid out the future schedule and identified the last week in March of 2007 as another trial run where I would actually work out of my new office in the new home.

Then the fun began -- packing, eliminating, fixing up the house for the renters, re-landscaping the backyard with a better horse setup. Then came the multiple trips back and forth, some with U-haul trailers full of stuff, some with horse trailer full of stuff and animals! Then the official move by the moving company, who took the majority of our stuff. Turned out they couldn't fit everything, so we made an emergency turn-around trip with stuff they didn't take.

Finally, my wife and kids packed up the Suburban and horse trailer with their last load and left me to finish out one more week of work before I headed up with a fully packed Volvo station wagon.

We've made several trips back to Phoenix for work, family, and other reasons, but we're pretty much settled in. As the summer flew by, we recognized we needed a barn for hay storage and for getting animals out of the weather. The barn was completed just about the middle of December, complete with doors just about the time we got our first big snow.

Living here has been quite the learning experience, no doubt about it. Talk about "Where's your joy?" God has provided for our needs over and over, but more often than not, we find ourselves ungrateful. Quite like the Israelites, actually. God wants us to learn contentment, selflessness, holiness, and joy.

Where Did You Go?

2008-02-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Let's see -- since my last post in August '06 -- a lot has happened.

We moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado in May of 2007. I plan to blog on that separate from this.
We are expecting our seventh child in June/July time frame of this year.
I'm working from home, but still for Honeywell, but only until June when my contract ends.
Our third son, Levi, has learned how to read.
We acquired three miniature horses, two of them mares who are expecting foals in February and March of this year.
We acquired another full-size Arabian horse via adoption.
We are getting accustomed to snow and lots of it.

Here's a few photos:
Here's where we live now before the snow...

...and what it looks like currently.

For Whom the Lord Loveth, He Chasteneth

2006-08-09T09:04:00.000-06:00

Growing pains. I thought that meant that your body ached when your bones grew, or muscles stretched, or something along those lines. I suppose that is probably a correct understanding. However, spiritually-speaking, maturing in the Lord has its share of joyless moments, too. What? How is that possible, you ask? Aren't we always to have a joyful attitude??? It is a matter of perspective. Just look at Hebrews 12:11 --

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

If there's any hand of discipline I'd prefer to come under, but at the same time, avoid, it would be God's. Talk about the perfect Father choosing the absolutely correct discipline for me! The central joy and comfort is found in verse 6 --

For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

I often wonder why I haven't arrived yet, why I still make choices that in hindsight I wished I had never made, why I still entertain lustful thoughts all the way to their giving birth (death?) to sin -- I understand that I must continue to parent my children, but won't that come to an end when they are grown? Wait a minute, that's a little short-sighted of me, in the light of Deuteronomy 6:7 and Psalm 78 which charges me with the responsibility for my children AND my children's children.

I'm slowly learning that I will never 'arrive' in the sense that I've been thinking; as long as I'm a child of God, I will continue to be trained by God, which would mean here and now as well as eternally. Well, then, wouldn't it make sense to stop learning the hard way and obey the first time? Yes. Is that what God is trying to teach me? Yes. Will I get it eventually? Yes, which is why Hebrews 12:12-15 reads --

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

With all that said, I wanted to write this post as a point in my life where I re-learned this lesson so I can go back to it and shake my head, get on my knees, repent, and thank the Lord once again for showing me my absolute and desperate need for Him, for without Him, I can do nothing (John 15:5) but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philllipians 4:13)!!!

Praise the Lord!!!

The Joy of Connecting with Family

2006-07-27T13:12:00.000-06:00

My grandmother, Anna Luise Triemer, or as we like to call her, 'Omi', turned 90 years old this year (2006). Her birthday and my mother's birthday are on the same day, June 29th. To celebrate this milestone, my mother, father, and sister traveled to Augsburg, Germany, to be with our relatives there. The plan was to have a family celebration on the Saturday following her birthday. As soon as I knew of my parents' and sister's plans, I started to want to go as well, but didn't see how, considering my job (then) and financial situation.

However, God provided me a new job (see this post on that subject) that made the trip possible! Praise God! It could only be a short drop-in visit, in light of my wife's stage of pregnancy (see this other post). I arrived on Friday, spent the day visiting with my grandmother at her assisted-living apartment, spent the night at her place, spent Saturday morning and midday visiting with her, and then went with her to the family celebration, at which I visited with other relatives until really late. I then flew back home Sunday.

The fun part was that we tried to keep it a surprise, which it was to her-- news leaked to others, but they still were surprised that I came. I am so grateful to my wife who supported me in going and because of her, I have no regrets. Praise the Lord!

Announcing...

2006-07-24T13:11:00.000-06:00

...the birth of our sixth child, Abigail Grace Cabrera! Yes, you read that right! She's a girl! After five rewards of boys, God, in His sovereign will, hath blessed us with a girl! Here are the particulars:

Abigail Grace Cabrera was born on Friday, July 14, 2006, at 6:43 p.m. at Banner Thunderbird Hospital, Glendale, Arizona. Weight: 6lbs. 12oz. Length: 20 1/4 inches.

Mom and baby are doing fine; the boys are responding well and helping out at home. Because of the flexibility my new job, I was able to stay home for a week and still get some hours of work.

A Job, Well, Done.

2006-07-24T13:05:00.000-06:00

I'm praising the Lord for His providence once again. As I posted previously, I was facing another layoff from another company who has pulled the plug on their product. Praise the Lord they gave me six weeks to start looking. Praise the Lord for the many job seeker resources available to me. Praise the Lord for Manpower and Honeywell having a position open. Praise the Lord that He brought me into a new position without any gaps in income or time on the job. Praise the Lord that the job is closer to home, pays very well, and is interesting work. Praise the Lord that we can continue our great health insurance through Cobra for about the same as a new contract employee. Praise the Lord that I can take off time for when the baby comes (more on that in another post). Praise the Lord that my new group is flexible and many work from home on a regular basis! Praise the Lord!!!

Jesus asks, "Ralph, Do You Love Me?"

2006-05-17T12:04:00.000-06:00

I recently posted that my job situation is changing again and have been asking myself the question, "Where's my joy?" I was at a men's Bible study today that discussed John 5:1-15 (Jesus feeds the 5000) where we learn alot about ourselves, but more importantly, we learn alot about Jesus.

To summarize, Jesus was followed out to the desert by 5000 men, not counting women and children. Their pursuit of Jesus was mostly out of their desire to see signs and wonders performed (see John 4:48), in other words, what Jesus could do for them. When Jesus asked Philip where they could buy bread to feed all these people, He already knew what He was going to do. His question was to test Philip's faith and demonstrate His sufficiency to know our needs and meet them.

This is the third time in three years that I've been laid off. I keep trying to provide for my family under my own strength when I need to be fully reliant on God. Even today I started to grieve over the loss of my comfort zone (steady employment/income/benefits) and the 'scary' position of trusting God day to day when I realized what that meant: I was basically saying that I was adequate and God was not. How upside down is that?!?

The Bible study included the passage from I Peter 5:6-11

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Talk about a timely passage! Am I willing to humble myself and place myself completely under His care? There's a promise attached to that with a lesson in patience built in: 'He may exalt you in due time' (vs. 6) and 'ye have suffered a while' (vs. 9). I also took note of the warning in verse 8 -- it's times like these that I am the most vulnerable. The words 'sober' and 'vigilant' call me to stay focussed on God. Verse 9 also gives me encouragement as well as a lesson in pride -- I'm not the only one who's ever gone through what I'm going through (e.g., Elijah and the remnant of priests). Verse 10 lifts me up, and parallel to James 1:2, shows me God's purpose for all of the things that happen to me, with verse 11 being the over-arching purpose: God's Glory!

I was really moved by this passage when I got blessed with more. John 21:15-19 is the account of Jesus, after the resurrection, asking Peter three times, "Do you love me?" with Peter's replies. What a thing to ask, after Peter denied Christ before his crucifixion and death. What shame Peter must have felt being asked that, but having been restored to fellowship with Christ, what joy to be able to prove our love!

Is it coincidence that this is the third time I'm being laid off? Do I hear Jesus asking me, "Ralph, do you love Me?" each time? Yes! I recognize that after the first one, I loved myself more than anyone around me, let alone Jesus! After the second one, I loved others a little more, and Jesus a little more, but when it came down to it, my focus was still on poor me...

Maybe this third layoff is like Jesus asking me the third time, "Ralph, do you love Me?" Did Peter finally realize that he could not love Jesus and that it was only through Jesus that he could? Do I realize that the only way I can trust Jesus completely and love Him fully is throught Him? I believe the answer is, "Yes! I do!" I am inadequate; however, in Christ, I am more than adequate! From II Peter 1:3 "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" That passage goes on to describe how these processes that God prepares for us (see James 1:2-12) are to prove us and transform us to be more like Christ, all for His glory!

Learning James 1:2 In Every Moment

2006-05-11T11:22:00.001-06:00

Regarding the central theme of my blog, "Where's Your Joy", James 1:1 - 4 would be my foundational scripture passage:

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2 My brethren (Adelphos), count (Hegomai) it all (Pas) joy (Chara) when ye fall (Peripipto) into divers temptations (Peirasmos);
3 Knowing this, that the trying (Dokimion) of your faith (Pistis) worketh (Katergazomai) patience (Hupomone).
4 But let (Echo) patience have her perfect (Teleios) work (Ergon), that ye may be perfect (Teleios) and entire (Holokleros), wanting (Leipo) nothing (Medeis).

The idea that I should see trying circumstances (Peirasmos) as sources of joy runs counter to my flesh, which says, "Run away!" every time. The word Hegomai is translated 'count' or 'consider', but has a stronger meaning than just give it a thought in passing. The idea is to look at each and every trial that surrounds me as a cause to rejoice, which includes thanksgiving. Moreover, that idea should be my ruling perspective on life.

Fortunately, this commandment doesn't end without hope, although I must obey regardless. James gives us insight into Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The word Dokimion describes proving, testing, purifying like metals, and is applied to our faith (Pistis). The result of this testing is Hupomone, which comprises perserverance, endurance, steadfastness, loyalty and patience. It's interesting to me that the word Katergazomai which is translated 'worketh' has the notion of a mechanism, or process in it, like God puts our faith in a machine, cranks the handle, and out comes patience.

This process, work, (or job, from Ergon) of perfecting me (finishing and completing from Teleios) is the responsibility of the process of patience, not only to do the work, but make sure it is completed. Phillipians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." It may sound redundant, but it can be expressed as completed 'completedness'. Not only are the various parts of us being perfected, but they are being integrated, as the word Holokleros describes. James sums it up in the last two words, leipos medeis -- not one part of us lacking, left behind, unaddressed.

To put this into practice, the Lord has willed, in His Sovereign Wisdom, to end my employment with my current company -- the entire office is being closed down. This will be my third layoff in three summers running. Ah, I think I'm supposed to be learning something from this...Where's MY Joy?

I have to confess that there was no joy to be found in me the first time around. Can't say that the second one was that much better (although it WAS better, thanks be to God). This time, however, I can honestly say that I'm relying on the Joy of Jesus Christ to be my strength and getting satisfied in Him alone. If God be for me, who can be against me?

So I am content in the Lord, but only because He has given me the ability to be content. I'm abiding in Christ the True Vine, but only because He grafted me in. My joy is looking UP!!!

Character Quality – Discernment

2006-05-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

Discernment in these last days is an extremely important character quality; however, the only source of true discernment is in Christ (Romans 12:2).

Dictionary Definition (Source: Webster’s Dictionary): the [character] quality of being able to grasp [get a hold of] and comprehend [understand] what is obscure [dark, dim, hidden by darkness, not clearly seen or easily distinguished (known the difference between), faint, not readily understood or clearly expressed, mysterious, relatively unknown, remote, secluded, not prominent or famous.]

Operational Definition (Source: S.M. Davis): The God-given ability to understand why things happen. (Opposite: Judgment).

Bible Verses:

1 Samuel 16:7 – But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

1 Kings 3:9 -- Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Ezekiel 44:23 – And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

1 Corinthians 2:14 – But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Questions:

Name someone you know that has the quality of discernment and tell us how they use that gift.
Give an example of a time where discernment would have helped you avoid trouble and what you learned that will avoid that same trouble in the future.
How can you know you are using God’s wisdom rather than man’s wisdom?

Discussion:
Reasons for Discernment and Logic (from ChristianLogic.com):

1. To Logically Defend Your Faith (Apologetics)

1 Peter 3:15 – But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

2. To Defeat the World’s Philosophies by Advancing Biblical Reasoning.

Colossians 4:5-6 – Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Acts 17:10-11 – These [of Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Jude 3 – [I] exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

3. To Prove Your Doctrines from the Bible.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

4. To Apply the Logical Implications of God’s Commands in Your Life.

Romans 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Colossians 1:9 – For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

5. To Be a Good Steward of Your Mind.

Hebrews 5:14 – But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

6. To Seek Wisdom in Living Your Life.

Proverbs 1:1-5 – . . . To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

7. Jesus Was a Logical Man

Jesus used logic in the following examples: when He was tempted in the wilderness, when he healed the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, when his authority was questioned (where did John’s baptism come from?), when he was asked whether taxes should be paid to the Romans, when he was asked about life after death (whose husband would she be?), when he was asked what is the greatest commandment, and when he was asked how David could call his offspring Lord unless He (Christ) was God the Son.

The Woman at the Well

2006-04-28T11:47:00.000-06:00

I participate in a men's Bible study on Wednesday mornings and have really been blessed by the direct-from-the-Word teaching that our leader presents each week. Since we started in February of this year up till now, God has encouraged us to trust Him, obey Him, and share our faith in God with others. Our leader's plea to us is to read God's Word, pray for the understanding as to what it says and means, and ask for specific application to our lives and the ability through Christ to walk in it.

Our first study was on the book of Jonah; I'll relate what God is doing through that study in a different post. Today I wanted to share the joy I found in John 4:1-42. Before we jump into that, God's purpose for the Gospel of John can be found in Chapter 20, verses 30 and 31:

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

John 4:1-42 relates the facts of Jesus' visit to Samaria on his way to Galilee and his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. The joy found in this passage was in the compassion that Jesus had for this woman of low estate.

First, she was a Samaritan, which the Jews considered as second class citizens, outside of God's chosen people for their mixing with non-Israelite people.

Second, she was a woman, which for the patriarchal society of the day (including Samaria) was the lesser of the genders.

Third, she was a practicing adulteress, having been married five times and living with a man who was not her husband, and by law should have been stoned to death.

Rather than going to the elite of Jewish society (the Pharisees), he went to the base. He chose to reveal that He is the Messiah to the Samaritan adulteress. She knew a Messiah would come, she was waiting for Him, and knew He would tell her all things.

Jesus fulfilled all of those things; as a result, she was convicted of her unrighteousness . She, in turn, witnessed to her friends and family -- 'He told me everything ever I did'. Some of them believed on Christ simply from her testimony; others, seeking Him themselves, believed when they heard His words.

The part that really got to my heart (and brought me joy) was when they 'besought' (implored) Him to tarry with them, He abode there for two more days!!! He said YES!

Every time I ask a family to stay for dinner, and they consent, I experience that same joy. Of course, as often as I get a 'Yes', I get a 'No, we have prior obligations, definitely another time'; I experience some disappointment, but also understanding, and hope for the future meeting.

Even when we do get to fellowship, there comes the time of parting that seems sorrowful for the moment (a quote from Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet comes to mind: Parting is such sweet sorrow. That I shall say good night till it be morrow). My joy is constant, however, for someday we will never have to say goodbye.

I'm sure that the Samaritans felt the sorrow intermingled with the joy that came from the promises and hope He left them -- "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5) and "Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).

I can't help but see the connection to the parable Jesus used as an analogy about God (Luke 14). There was a man who planned a great feast. When it was ready, he sent his servant to call those who were invited to come. One after another, they made excuses why they chose not to come. When the man learned of this, he sent his servant out to the streets and lanes of the city to bring in the poor, maimed, halt, and blind. There was still more room, so he sent his servant to go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in. The ones who were originally invited but rejected his call were no longer welcome.

It isn't as much that Jesus is a champion of those of low estate (unrighteous), since we are all unrighteous (Romans 3:10); rather, those who considered themselves of high estate (self righteous) chose not to come. Jesus also said that He came not for the well (self-righteous again), but for the sick (those aware of their unrighteousness) (Mark 2:17)

How do I know I am well? With what standard, other than myself or others, can I compare myself to consider myself that way? Certainly when I compare myself to God, and thus His laws, I have to conclude that I'm sick. Once I learned of God and His Law, I am culpable (accountable) (Romans 7:7). I have to either choose to acknowledge that I'm a sinner or bold-facedly deny the Law (and God!). Read Romans 1:20-32 to see that road and its inevitable conclusion.

I rejoice along with Paul in Romans 7:24,25:

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

The Character Quality of Joyfulness

2006-04-25T08:38:00.000-06:00

This past January the Lord has led me to start a father-son group called Contenders for the Faith, which comes from Keepers of the Faith ministries (http://www.keepersofthefaith.com). The boys vary in age from 8 years old to 16 years old. I liken the group to a cross between Awana Clubs and Boy Scouts. The boys are challenged to study and memorize Scripture and learn and practice leadership, service, and practical skills. The group helps the fathers and their sons with accountability, recitation of memorized passages, and teaching them new skills that they get to practice. I've made the study of Godly character qualities a part of the group meeting; each week I presented a different character quality from the Operational Definitions of Character Qualities chart (source: S.M. Davis -- http://www.solvefamilyproblems.org). The general structure of the presentation of a character quality contained the dictionary definition, the operational definition from S.M. Davis, a list of related Bible verses, a few questions to ask the boys, and a brief essay.

How does that apply to "Where's Your Joy?", you ask. One of the character qualities that I presented was 'Joyfulness' and without further ado, here is my presentation:

Dictionary Definition for 'Joyfulness' (source: Webster’s Dictionary): experiencing, causing, or showing joy.

Dictionary Definition for 'Joy' (source: Webster’s Dictionary): the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; a state of happiness or felicity; a source or cause of delight;

Operational Definition (Source: S.M. Davis): (vs. Self-Pity) The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with God.

Bible Verses:

Proverbs 15:13 – A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Psalm 16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Proverbs 23:24 – The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

John 15:11 – These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Acts 20:24 – But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Galatians 5:22,23 –

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Hebrews 12:2 – Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

James 1:2,3 –

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Questions:

In your own words, what is the difference between joy and happiness?
How does your fellowship with God affect your joy? How does joy affect your fellowship with others?
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, should we always have joy? If we say no, what does that say about the sufficiency and promises of God that we have in Christ Jesus? If we say yes, what is expected about our attitudes, behaviors, and words?

Discussion:

Old Testament Hebrew

(from http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/OldTestamentHebrew/) :

'Simchah' [ from 'Sameach' [from 'Samach']] – joyfulness, God’s joy, merry, to be glad

New Testament Greek

(from http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/):

'Agalliasis' – external display of gladness that comes from within, like a spring of water.

'Euphrosune' – gladness that comes from without; for example, “You bring me joy”.

'Chara' [from 'Chairo'] – mental attitude of joy; gladness that comes by choice, to rejoice.

Psalms 36:9 says “For with thee (God) is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” From where we are (light or darkness), we take on and display attitudes, emotions, speak words, and do actions. I John 1:7 says “But if we walk in the light, as he (Jesus) is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” As Christians, the joy of the Lord is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that comes from fellowship with our Father God. However, our fellowship with God can be affected by sin, (which comes from not walking in the light) and produces wrong attitudes, emotions, words, and actions. Our choice to sin, which includes denying the sufficiency of Christ to satisfy out needs, hinders the growth of joy in our lives; on the other hand, a sign of our growth in Christ is the increase of joy in our lives regardless of our circumstances. Let’s remember Jesus’ words in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”, and pray that He keeps us walking in the light, choosing to rely on His strength, and do all for His glory with exceeding joy.

2006-04-24T16:54:00.000-06:00

The Purpose of 'Where's Your Joy?' Weblog

2006-04-24T16:07:00.000-06:00

I'm going to start with a disclaimer. I'm not new to blogs, but I'm new to having one of my own. I'm a frequent lurker and not-as-frequent commenter on other blogs, but now I'm venturing out into posting various articles or things I'd personally like to remember. Knowing that once published, words are difficult to retract, especially in the blogosphere, I pray that I use wisdom and am really led by the Holy Spirit rather than my own foolish pride.

So, let's answer the question, "Why did you call your web log 'Where's Your Joy'?" The history of that comes from my increasing, albeit slowly, understanding about the joy that comes from Jesus Christ, from knowing Him, and abiding in Him (John 15). There's so much I would like to say here on that subject, but I will defer that to a future article.

A good friend and pastor of mine always talks about the joy of the Lord (my first choice for the name of my blog was "The Joy of the Lord", but it was taken). He would ask us men who met for prayer once a month, "Where's your joy?" By that, he referred to James 1:3 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;"

His question contained more questions: Were we depending on our circumstances wherein our happiness goes up and down like a yo-yo, or are we depending on the solid rock which is Christ, and where our joy comes from? Sure, we can be loving to our wives and a great father to our children and generous to strangers when things go our way; but what about when they don't?

What if your youngest child throws up in the back of the church as you're getting ready to lead the congregation in worship? What if your oldest child can't find shoes, socks, and belts for himself on a Sunday morning and he's ten years old? What if you have a headache, the bills are piling up, there's no money in the bank, your middle child has poops in his underwear and all over himself and he's been potty-trained for a year?

These (and more) have happened to me in the last month, and, although I hate to admit it, I have not responded completely with joy. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, it is no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me, and through Him, I can actually succeed.

This past Easter Sunday, my pastor's sermon was on the Sovereignty of God, particularly related to the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. God planned everything from the beginning. There is no resistance of His will. This is a difficult doctrine to comprehend from our finiteness, but that's why God is God and we're not.

That same Sunday, my wife's friend died at 32 years of age from an acute asthma attack, leaving behind her husband and four children. She is a Christian and now in the presence of the Lord; her husband was not, and is now dealing with the grief and pain.

A friend of mine's former pastor's mother-in-law died in a car accident recently. She is a Christian also, so although there is grief, there is also hope.

Another friend of mine found out this week that the lump under his tongue is malignant cancer. He is also a Christian.

It may seem insensitive to ask them "Where's Your Joy?"; on the other hand, with the exception of the non-Christian husband who lost his wife, all Christians must continue in the joy of the Lord regardless of their circumstances. This is not to dismiss grief -- even Jesus wept when he came to the tomb of Lazarus. However, he did not weep as one who had no hope, yet he felt our sorrow.

I will continue to encourage my friends and family, to be there for them and minister to their needs, and weep with them. But having the joy of the Lord in me, I can also lift up their heads, support their weary arms, and bear their burdens (as Jesus does mine) and ask them "Where's your Joy? Here He is; Christ, our Lord. Come, let us worship Him together!"