“Repentance and the cost” – More than “wanting to want to”!

When I was young, I could not gain weight, this is not just a statement - I have heard many say this, but when I look at their pictures they clearly show muscle or fat gain. 

From 14yrs old to 22yrs old I was the same size and weight no matter how much I ate! So I learned to eat for taste or competition. Once I ate 23 slices of pizza which equaled one slice less than 3 large pizzas! Once at an all-you-can-eat chicken place, I ate 20 crispy fried thighs! Never did I break 135 lbs.

Then my metabolism changed. I was lifting weights and muscle bulk was starting to show. So did a “spare tire”. When I finally realized that the fat gain was serious these habits and appetites had been set in rock! I decided to repent of this problem, however, I continued to gain! Why? I did not want to continue to gain fat and that was a fact! BUT...I did not desire to address the behavior that caused the fat gain - eating habits. 

Matthew 3:8 Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, 

My repentance was not full repentance - which is not real repentance...got that? This is when I came up with my understanding of: “Wanting to want to” instead of “Want to!” 

In the Greek, μετάνοια, (metanoia) simply means a change of mind or direction, repentance. However, to experience it’s impact we must bring context to the definition. 

Repentance most often happens in steps. Step one is when we finally listen to the Holy Spirit concerning a sin. That’s when we begin “wanting to” want to change. If we remain only on that step, real repentance will not take place. 

Too many have used the Apostle Paul as the common model of repentance. That is like using Jesus as the model of what a holy life should be. I believe the word “goal” would be better than “model”. Jesus was sinless – no sin nature existed in Him. We all are infected completely with sin! He disciplined His will to practice holiness and succeeded, Praise be His name! His life is an example of what our goal should be! 

Repentance is as “individual” as the individual! Paul was a very dedicated and disciplined man before regeneration. He also had a very unusual call to the ministry God called him to. For example, Peter was also called out for a special ministry, but while walking with Jesus for 3 years he:

1. Asked what do I get for leaving everything for Christ?

2. Rebuked Jesus when He told him He had come to die.

3. Bragged that even if all others abandon Christ, he would not!

4. Denied knowing Christ 3 times.

5. Thought the women reporting the resurrection spoke “nonsense”.

6. After the resurrection he went back to fishing. 

7. Even after Pentecost he argued with God when commanded to do something and God used a vision 3 times to make His point! 

Now I am a spiritual midget compared to Peter, but I identify with his walk more than I do with Paul’s. 

Yet, even with Paul, we must be careful. We get into trouble when we think the turnaround in Paul’s life was as quick as the turn of a few pages in the book of Acts! Paul was in Arabia for 3 years!

Challenge: Is there a sin or a behavior in your life you want to stop or change? Will you move to step 1… “Wanting to want to” change? Talk to God about it. 

Evidence of Salvation: James – Can we live perfect?

Oh No! She doesn’t love me! I will never ever love again!!! Life is over…I was 15 years old. Fast Forward just one decade and even thinking about that thought, made me chuckle! Why? I was still “Nate”. Some things in my life had changed, some had not. The BIG difference was one simple little word: Maturity! Much in life can only be put in perspective with “time” which should produce maturity.  

In Review: 

Evidence # 1 – How you handle troubles is an “evidence” of what you believe

Evidence # 2 – Purposeful living is an “evidence” of what you believe.

James 1:4-5 And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.

What does he mean perfect? 

It does not mean sinlessness! James of all people would know that personally because he grew up with Jesus, sharing one of the same parents. It must have been quite a lesson for him having an older brother that was the Godman and never sinned! This would produce a real different impact of that old saying if his parents ever said it! “Why can’t you be like your brother!” An impossible standard for any sinner to meet, I often wonder if this is why none of Jesus’ siblings believed Who their brother was until after the resurrection. (John 7:2-5)

The word James uses in the original for “perfect” is: “τέλειος téleios” which means; goal, purpose, finished, and complete. James is encouraging us to allow endurance to have its full result…that you may be mature, spiritually grown-up.

God is not a “game player”! He has a reason for everything. Spend some time If you looking back at your life, you will see and discover God’s hands all over your life!

Evidence # 3 – Spiritual Maturity is an “evidence” of what you believe

Wisdom is defined as: Having or showing discernment and good judgment. 

This is my definition: The “how to” of knowledge. Understanding how to apply the data. 

Why does he bring up wisdom here? 

In the midst of a trial, which is the context, is when you need to understand how to use the knowledge of the Word of God. 

In scriptural terms, knowing “about” something is very different than “knowing” it! I can know there is a God, however, if I leave it there it profits me nothing! Consider: 

James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 

Wisdom is applying that knowledge, so if you believe in God, how do you apply that in your life? That will lead you to have a relationship with Him, which will bring you into salvation.

Jesus is rejected by the Samaritans: 

Luke 9: 51-56…And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.”  

The finite mind cannot fully understand the plans of the Infinite mind, in fact, unless the Infinite mind illuminates the finite mind, God’s wisdom escapes it. James and John were reacting as any of us would who had been with Jesus, saw how powerful He was, yet now was being insulted! Only the Infinite Mind could plan to send a King…a Son to die! 

The perfect plan of salvation came from the Infinite and Perfect mind of God!     

Evidence # 4 – Wisdom that comes from God is an “evidence” of what you believe

Meditation Thoughts: Have you examined God’s plan of salvation? If not, what’s your plan for yourself after your body dies? 

When does truth stop being Truth?

In middle school we arrived at the study of “engines”, I knew absolutely nothing about engines. Some “friends” asked me to hold a wire, which I did, and then one of them pulled the rope! When you do not have all the information…learning the complete truth can be a “shocking” experience!

Fortunately, that was just a “middle” school prank, no permanent damage occurred…though I never forgot the lesson concerning engines and spark plug wires! 

I have felt compelled to write this due to a teaching that seems to be gaining ground in the Church. 

The subject is “The Gospel” and delivering the whole Truth to an individual. Which I say AMEN to! God is very serious about this and even warns about adding to or taking away from any of His Truth. (Rev 22:18-19)  

I agree with all of the teaching but am astounded by what is left out! The premise is this: The “real” gospel is not about “you” it is only about God. The person hearing the gospel needs to know they are a sinner; sin separates them from God and repentance is difficult and painful. If they are willing to pay the price of repentance, then they will be given eternal life. 

I agree with the essence of this, yet definition is needed, and there is something left out. I agree that far too much of our focus in the Church today is about “me, myself, and I”, however, changing the Truth to make that point is wrong, and evil! It makes God an egotistical player, where He does everything only for Himself, with no one else in mind. 

Yes, God states He does everything His way and by His desire, but that speaks to His perfection, not His purpose. As an unbeliever, I had to confront my sin, see how it broke my relationship with my Creator, and how scary repentance seemed. Fortunately, for me, the gospel started with the “Why!” Why would God even care? Why do I even matter to Him? If it is only all about Him, then why waste any time on me?

I will not waste time quoting the “famous” name that stands where I want to stand…they’re a dime a dozen and the bookstores are full of them. I will quote the source: 

John 3:14-17 (Jesus Speaking) “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His conly begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

 

Jesus was speaking with Nicodemus, a man He called “the teacher”. In His presentation of the gospel: Just as God offered grace through a bronze serpent in the wilderness, He will now offer it complete in His Son…but Why? “For God so loved” YOU! Teachers out there that do not see a “You” in the gospel need to go to an Eye doctor! God’s motive for what He did revolves around a “You”! 

Stop making God look like the petty false gods that have to feed their ego! God is not needy! Yes, everything He does brings Him glory! But not because He needs it, it is the natural outcome. A Perfect Person does everything Perfectly! How many times in Scripture does God express His emotions and the role they play in His actions. He delights, He grieves, He weeps, He is overjoyed, He is creative…etc. forever. The Person called God can and never will be comprehended by His creation, yet He, because of His love, became one of us so at least we have a bridge! (Heb 4:15)

I will pick up with “Repentance and the cost” next Devo

Challenge: Do you understand that to live forever with God you must be perfect? What’s your plan? Try and accomplish that on your own…or allow Him to make you perfect through the gift of His Son?

Evidence of Salvation: James – Growth is more than feelings!

James 1:1-3 From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Baby Steps: I have always loved babies…especially my own. One of the areas I found so enjoyable was watching them as they begin to take their first steps. They look like their head weighs a ton and they are trying to balance it. So many falls, and because I loved them, I wanted to do something to help. I learned very quickly that if I wanted to love them…I must allow them to fall! If I stop them, they will never learn how to balance. My “love” would become detrimental to them, hindering them to mature and learn how to balance.

This statement by James: “because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance” is many times difficult to accept because what we “know” versus what we “feel” can be very different.  

However, the more we meditate on what we know, the greater our desire will be to live by that Truth, then the fleeting emotions which can be tossed about so easily by circumstances do not control us! I have always illustrated it this way: “Nathan, you just won the lotto, you’re rich!” Wow! Do I feel great! One minute later: “Nathan, the IRS is at the door!” BOOM! My joy is dashed with concerns of what I may owe, and the fact that now I am on the radar of the IRS…have I made mistakes in the past, will I be audited, will everyone expect money from me… ad infinitum! How quickly feelings can change! 

Don’t count on your emotions, instead count on what growth God will use them for as you learn to depend on Him, no matter the feelings or circumstances!

Consider what these two words mean: 

*Test – The means by which the presence, quality, or genuineness of anything is determined

*Endurance – The ability to bear pain, hardship, or adversity; this is a lasting quality.

How does this produce endurance? 

The only way to “prove” something is to test it. I am so glad they test airplanes! I prefer to take medicine that has been tested. 

All of us wish that our character would strengthen and mature only through the good things that happen to us. But we know that is not reality. In fact, my greatest growth has been in troubled times, when I am stretched and must depend on God instead of myself. Peter said it like this: 

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ  

Notice though, not joy over nothing – God always gives a purpose! Not some plastic fake lifestyle. We have joy because we know that the end of the trial brings Spiritual Growth!  

The picture is clear! Like silver or gold being purified, the greater the heat, the more dross burns off and the silver or gold is made purer. 

Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.

Evidence # 1 – How you handle troubles is “evidence” of  what you believe

* Evidence #  2 

Purposeful living is an “evidence” of what you believe.

 

Evidences of Salvation: James – Distractions complicate our perspective!

Even though this is embarrassing, it makes my point. I was in a store once that sold nothing but T-shirts with all kinds of slogans and pictures on them. I was looking at the shirts as I was walking through the store, then in my peripheral vision, I noticed someone walking toward me. I moved to my left, so did he. I moved to my right, so did he! Still walking forward and moving in various directions…but focused on the shirts…wham! I walked into a full wall of mirror! I was so distracted that I did not recognize the rude person was MYSELF!

Needless to say, I made a quick exit of the store, hearing the salespeople giggling, which I would have done also. Life is full of distractions, easily focused on when they are difficult or painful. 

James 1:1 From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! 1:2 My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials

I remember the first time my discipler challenged me with this verse as I shared with him my latest “woe” of life. I did not “feel” like smiling and saying, “Yes, you are right, Praise Jesus!” 

That would be a normal reaction for a new believer, and he understood that. He gently shared with me how this perspective makes sense. 

*First, because it comes from the Creator Who made us, and He understands what really makes us tick when not affected by our sin nature. Maturity comes from real-life experience.

*Second, because this world is filled with woes, and no one gets an umbrella that protects them from all of it!

*Third, when we realize that living above the circumstances is what real freedom is! How free we are when our emotions and reactions are controlled by who we know we are in Christ, instead of circumstances being in control.

Consider these definitions:

Joy: 

Dictionary - A feeling of great delight or happiness.

Mine: Genuine contentment despite the circumstances.

Trials: 

Dictionary – An affliction or trouble.

Mine – Opportunity in working clothes.

If we employ the eternal perspective of what Christ has given us here and now, dealing with the world we live in, and eternally it will produce Joy no matter the circumstances. We have 24/7 access to the King of the universe for counsel, direction, and comfort. We may be nervous about dying (how it happens) but have no fear of death. It has been swallowed up by the Life of Christ and offered to us! 

The So What: What are you focused on right now? Are you relying on how you “feel” to handle life? What happens if you get sick, have a financial reversal, fail in a goal? Are you living based on what you “know” versus what you “feel”? 

Evidence # 1 – How you handle troubles is an “evidence” of what you believe

Evidence of Salvation: James – Are we caught with the goods?

What do I mean? I remember a true story about a thief that broke into a famous confectionary. He filled his pockets with the chocolates and headed home. Unable to wait he began to consume them. Making it home safe he delighted in the fact he had gotten away with it. Suddenly a knock came on his door…the Police! Handcuffed and confused, he asked how did they find him? They said “Easy, we just followed the candy wrappers from the store to your front door!” 

If we are honest, should not our Christian Character be that evident? From Scripture, James appears to be a man whose life spoke loudly about what he believed. If anyone asked, “What does a Christian look like?” James would be convicted! If we desire, we also can be “caught with the goods” as it were. God’s Character can blend with ours so that those that know us will see “Jesus with skin on!” 

James was the half brother of Jesus, to know more of his story read these Scriptures: Acts 12; 15; 21; 1 Cor 15:7; Gal 2:9–12. In Church History he became known as “Old Camel Knees” because his knees looked like that due to his fervent prayer life. 

James 1:1: From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! 1 

    The word slave carries a lot of baggage for most of us, so I choose to emphasize one of the older version’s renditions where they use the word “bondservant”. I believe the word “bond” more accurately communicates James’s intention concerning our relationship with our Lord. We do not stop being individuals when we become Christians. But it also is not a religion that is simply a list of “do and don'ts”. 

    Being born again is unexplainable because it is not of this world. How God Almighty has His Spirit unite with our spirit is beyond our comprehension, but it's still true. So, I believe the word “bond” communicates well what James means. Consider the definition: 

Define: Bond – Something that binds a person to a certain line of behavior (the bond of matrimony) 

    Why would James write to the “Twelve Tribes?” Perhaps at this point in history, the church was mainly made up of Hebrews that had been converted, or perhaps it just was the direction God took James in.

    It is important to remember that God gives different burdens to His children. According to history, Peter continued to seek out the Jewish people to share the good news of Christ with. Paul, a Pharisee, was given the burden by God to reach the gentiles, which many Pharisees considered less than dogs. 

    No burden is more “inspired” or better than another. The important issue is to find from God what He's laid on your heart to do because having no burden at all brings to light a serious problem in your walk with Jesus Christ. No child of God that takes hell seriously can ignore people who do not know about eternal life with God. 

The So What: Do you have to tell people you are different, or can they see it? If someone asks you why you do what you do, or live the way you live, do you share how God changed you? Do you try to help others know God by the way you live, or do you just preach at them? If evangelism a technique or a process that people receive by the way we live?

1 Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005), Jas 1:1.

Don’t fear the world, instead, experience protection from the One that made it!

Probing Proverbs 14:26-27 Those who fear the LORD are secure; He will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. 

We saw how having a healthy fear of God produces security in this world. Godly fear also brings significant blessings into our lives.  

Refuge: מַחְסֶה  (mahseh) – “shelter”
Fountain: מָקוֹר (maqor) –  “source” & “well”
Escape: סוּר (la-sur) “towards” “change direction”

When I picture God’s “shelter”, I see myself out in a hostile world, empowered by sin and Satan! A scary place…yet I can experience God’s protection. I see His powerful hands “cupping” me, protection both from above and below.

I do not have to travel some great distance or accomplish an amazing feat to access all that God is. All I have to do is remain close to Him and He is my source for “life”! Like being next to a well, all I have to do is open myself to receive the water, it’s right there! 

This “escape” is the healthy kind! It does not mean “getting away with it” or “getting out of responsibility”. When we are guided by God to move towards “right” and change our direction from “wrong”, we escape the price and cost of living in sin. We are all on the journey of life, if we have a compass that is always precise and correct, why ignore it?

Yet, I am amazed at myself when I consider how often I set my own direction, only to regret it later!  Not only is the sin nature sinful…it is stupid! The old man does not seem to possess any common sense when it comes to doing right! He has a tremendous taste for sin and wrong pleasure, yet ignores the reality of the horrible outcome and consequences. Do not think here I am avoiding responsibility, this happens when discussing the two natures that live in every believer. Nathan (me) is responsible for which nature is in control! I can yield to my flesh, and sin, or I can yield to the Holy Spirit and experience victory over my appetites and lusts. 

One important Truth to remember, God’s Grace is balanced by His Love (this includes “tough” love) and His desire to produce maturity in us. At times He will allow us to face the consequences, 

Remember this Truth from Scripture:

“See to it that no one becomes like Esau, an immoral and godless person, who sold his birthright for a single meal. You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing with tears.” 1

Our flesh deceives us into believing that God will always spare us from the consequences of sin, yet Scripture teaches that God’s love is balanced. It can deliver or it can guide you through a difficult time. Esau learned that lesson the hard way, let us learn from him! When the Holy Spirit convicts, respond right away! Do not require the Lord to use tough love to teach you the lesson! 

The So What: Do you consciously yield to the Holy Spirit at the start of your day? How about throughout your day? He loves fellowshipping with you, open yourself up to His love and care for you. 

1 The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Heb 12:16–17). (1989). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

How to BE secure in a very daunting world!

Proverbs 14:26-27 Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. 

Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee. - Augustine

If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer - His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.- John Newton

Fear: not just reverence, not just terror. Fear in the Scriptures carries both ideas. We must never forget how Holy, Righteous, Just, and Superior to anything we understand God is. We do well to remember that only God holds the power to completely destroy us, that is not “scare tactics” it is wisdom. At the same time, we must not allow the enemy to make our view of God unbalanced, which our adversary loves to do. God also is the most Loving, Caring, Gracious, and Forgiving Being in the universe! Looking at only one side leads to a very wrong understanding of Who God is. If you look only at the Holy side – all mankind is lost and hopeless! We can never meet His standard of holiness. If you look only at His Loving and Forgiving side – God does not take sin seriously and it is “No big thing”! This will lead you to sloppy living and a very nonchalant attitude concerning sin, which in reality is deadly to our nature!

The balanced view not only helps us to be honest about our own sin but demonstrates our God for the incredible Being He is! 

He hates sin and it must be exposed and punished, yet He loves His creation and desires to redeem them from sin, and since they cannot do it for themselves, He accomplished the opportunity for them to be declared Holy by sacrificing Himself to pay that debt!    

This healthy fear produces several exciting and precious outcomes. The first one is “being”…not just “feeling” secure!

What does it mean to be secure? The original is מִבְטָח (mibtah) and is defined as: free from or not exposed to danger or harm; safe. “The building was secure, even in an earthquake.” Also 

free from care; without anxiety.

It is important to remember that most times in Scripture when God promises a great outcome, His view is the eternal one. To think that becoming a child of God guarantees safety, and freedom from danger in this world would be ludicrous! Scripture warns us that if we choose God, the world system and the demonic realm will come against us! They did it to the Son of God, so you can bank on difficulties in this “short” period of your life. What God frees us from is the “forever”! “Here and Now” is our time for growth, maturity, and eternal investment. Everything we learn and gain during our short time on earth will go with us as we join the Lord in eternity…only our sins, and failures will be left behind and forgotten! No fear of what happens after death is a very freeing experience! I don’t fear death, I am just nervous about dying. How will it happen and all that involves, yet my confidence is that He will be with me through it all.

We will look at the other outcomes next time. 

The So What: Do you enter sleep with a security and peace that if your body does not wake up, you will be fine? If you live close to God, you will sense assurance of Salvation. If you are struggling in your walk with God, the enemy will take advantage of that. No sin or failure you do will ever change what Jesus did, but your emotions will be affected, and you might feel insecure about your relationship with God. Don’t waste time arguing the theology, just repent and ask the Holy Spirit to control you. It really is that simple!