TerryLema

Today is the birthday of my former pastor and mentor, Jim Gardiner. This birthday he would have caught up with me at age 72, but instead of celebrating with us, he’s celebrating with the LORD. Many miss him.  He had a heart for God and a heart for people. He taught me, and a host of others, about grace and the love of God.

 “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” [Ephesians 3:17-19]

 God loves us. That simple statement is one of the deepest truths ever recorded in the Scriptures. God, the Creator of the Universe, its Eternal, Infallible Sustainer, loves His creation.  God loves us. Paul’s prayer is that we might somehow be able to grasp with our finite minds the width, length, height and depth of this infinite love. The more we can grasp that, the more we are filled with “all the fullness of God.”

 When my children were small, we hosted some missionaries from around the world for several weeks. There were seven of them. Three were from African nations and they taught my three children a simple song.  So simple, I still remember it.  “Jesus love is very wonderful, Jesus love is very wonderful, Jesus love is very wonderful, so wonderful now. So high that you can’t get over it. So low that you can’t get under it. So wide that you can’t get around it. So wonderful now.”

 I still can see them leaping and dancing with the children in our living room as they sang. I still remember the song. And I still am absolutely amazed by how true that song really is.  

Don’t you love listening to some people pray. I remember hearing one woman remark after someone prayed for her, “when she prays for you, you know you have been prayed for.”  It seems some people know just how to formulate their prayers in the highest way, while many of us struggle searching for the right thoughts or words. One thing I am sure of though, God hears all prayers, both the elegant and the less-than-elegant. I think they are all filtered through the Holy Spirit anyway so that when they reach the throne of grace, they are just right.

 I do love reading the prayers of Paul in his letters.  He seems to know just what to ask for when he prays.  There is an elegant prayer found in Ephesians 3. Since I’m focusing on that book to begin a study in September, I thought we’d look at Paul’s prayer over the next few days. 

 He begins: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”  [Ephesians 3:16-17]

 One of the things we find in those glorious “inexhaustible” riches of Christ Jesus is strength and power “through His Spirit” in our inner being. Life drains us. The common stresses and frustrations of each day often leave us weakened, not just in body, but in our minds, wills and emotions. Our faith is assaulted constantly by our enemies—the world, our flesh and the devil. We would be totally defeated if not for the renewing, invigorating strength and power that is ours in the glorious riches of Christ Jesus.

 As Paul prayed for the Ephesians, we must pray for each other. It’s not enough to simply ask that troubles be removed, we need to remember to pray for each other for the power and strength to live victorious lives in Christ Jesus. 

July 12

“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” [Ephesians 3:8]

 This was the verse-of-the-day that was dropped into my email inbox one day this week. It is from Paul the Apostle’s letter to the church at Ephesus. It is one of his later letters, which we find are far weightier than some of the earlier ones.  We are going to study this letter at The Way Assembly in Middleton, along with Colossians, Philippians and Philemon this coming fall. Thus, the verse caught my attention, especially that small phrase, “unsearchable riches of Christ.”

 Have you ever searched for anything? The other day I lost the magnetic sunglasses that came with my regular glasses. Searched everywhere and found them buried in my purse (don’t ask). When I think about searching for something, I also remember the time we went clamming on the beach in California. We had to stomp on the sand and watch for a small waterspout to shoot up and then rush over and start digging with shovels as the clam burrowed deeper and deeper out of our reach.

 That’s not the idea Paul is presenting with the phrase “unsearchable riches of Christ.” God has not spirited away and buried those riches so we can’t find them. Neither is He moving them out of our reach constantly. These riches are unsearchable in the sense they are inexhaustible. We keep uncovering more and more as we search. The supply of riches in Christ Jesus never runs out, will never run out. I think we will be discovering wonderful riches in Christ throughout eternity. Hallelujah!

I like coffee. You’d probably guess that right away if you ever come into my kitchen. There’s a Keurig coffeemaker for when I want just a quick cup of hot coffee. There’s a Bunn coffeemaker that is ready to go for that morning pot of hot coffee I share with Bob. And now there is a Cold Brew coffeemaker. I’ve found I like the cold brewed coffee for my afternoon cup, the brewing eliminates much of the acid and the coffee is smooth and rich. Up to now I’ve been buying a cold brewed coffee at either Starbucks or Dutch Bros. The cost, however, is prohibitive, so I’m limited to one or two cups a week.  I bought a cold brewed coffeemaker $10!

I like my coffee, bold and strong. I like certain blends of coffee. And yes, one of my favorite coffees comes from Starbucks. Why am I telling you all this … apparently Starbucks is in hot water (again) for the actions of one of its employees.  At a Starbucks in Arizona, six police officers on July 4 were asked to leave because they made a customer feel uncomfortable.  When someone posted in social media about the incident, with a “dump Starbucks” graphic, it went viral. Soon the company was apologizing and once again, moving to re-train its employees.

 I’m not going to say anything about Starbucks as an organization. I just want to note today that in our culture it only takes one person’s actions to put a company’s reputation at risk.  It’s going to take a lot of energy and work for Starbucks to gain back a good name among first responders in Arizona, all because of the actions of one individual.

 Have you ever thought about how quickly our actions—or inaction—can damage the reputation of our faith?  Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” [Eph 4:1]

 As Believers in Christ Jesus, we must be so careful that we live worthy of Him. We must never do anything that would dishonor the Wonderful Name of Jesus, our LORD and Savior.

A recent ad in my email asked me “Are you an overcomer?” Then it went on to tell me there is a book I can read that will help me to be an overcomer. This book will tell me how to overcome fear and rejection, shame and sickness, and other such bondages. I am sure it is a good book; the author has verifiable credentials and apparently a successful ministry to people who are hurting.

 I wondered as I read the ad how the author became an overcomer … perhaps by reading a good book?  Perhaps even by reading “the Good Book?”

I encourage people to read “the Good Book” themselves. We should be going through our Bibles—all the way through them—at least once every two years, preferably once a year. Yes, Old Testament and New Testament. Psalms and Proverbs, even Leviticus and Job! 

 If you want to overcome the enemy of your soul, you need to know God, love God, obey His commands and place your faith in God. How do you know God, except by reading His book? How do you know what He commands unless you read His book? How do you know God is worthy of Your faith? You read His promises and see His mighty power proven first in the Scriptures and then in your life. 

John tells us, “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”  [1 John 5:3-5]

 You want to be an overcomer?  You can read what others have gleaned from the Scriptures about God, or you can read the living word of God yourself and learn through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. 

I was walking last week, early in the morning. I wore my new “Under Armour” shirt with its hood and long sleeves. I had on long pants, socks, shoes. I was totally protected against those early morning bugs and mosquitoes. My MP3 player was resounding with worship and praise music. I was away from anyone who could hear me, so I was singing aloud and praising my Lord. It was a great morning.  Until a bug flew in my mouth.

 Apparently the one part of my being left vulnerable to those early morning bugs was an open mouth. After I got over the initial shock of having a bug in my mouth, I did eventually laugh. I thought maybe I need a filter on my mouth – for what might fly in as well as for what might fly out!  I also remembered Jesus’ “woe” to the Pharisees and teacher of the law.  Hard not to remember when you are trying to “strain out a gnat!”

 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” [Matthew 23:23-24]

Jesus was angry with those teachers and leaders for focusing on “gnat-like” issues rather than the weighty issues. They were consumed with how much of their spices they should tithe rather than important issues of justice, mercy and faithfulness. He called them hypocrites for their attitudes and lifestyles.

 Are we so much different? We focus on the minor and ignore the important matters just as much as they did. Oft times we are more bothered by what someone is wearing rather than the condition of their heart. Let’s be aware of the minor things, but never, ever, ignore justice, mercy and faithfulness.

I once took a course on how to fight “fair.” (I’ve told you that Bob and I are strong, obstinate people, haven’t I?) The course was designed to eliminate the triggers we often resort to when angry and instead use protocols that encourage dialogue. I remember most of what I learned; I just can’t say that I’ve always gone about it the way I know I should.

 One trigger to avoid was the “pointing finger.” Instead of beginning sentences with “you” as if pointing a finger at the person, begin sentences with “I.” “I feel …” was a good way to start.  The second major trigger to eliminate was the use of the words “always” and “never.” Avoid saying things like, “You never …” or “you always….”  Always and never, the instructor said, should seldom be used.

 Well, maybe in arguing we should eliminate always and never, but certainly not when talking about our LORD and Savior.  I love the always and never promises I read in the Word of God. They lift my heart and soul daily.

Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Corinthians 1:19-20: “…but in [Christ Jesus] it has always been ‘Yes.’ For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”

Psalm 9:10: “…for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Hebrews 13:5: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

When we want to fight fair, we probably should eliminate “always” and “never” because they can trigger an angry defense. But, when we are talking about our wonderful, ever-present, all-powerful, all-knowing God, “always” and “never” trigger faith and peace.  Hallelujah!

I hate July and August. They are hot. Very Hot. I hate hot. I don’t do well in hot. That means I’ve had to move my now 2 ½ mile worship walk earlier and earlier each day to avoid the hot.  Now I get up, send out my devotions, pray, and head out the door. Breakfast and shower wait until I get home.

 Because I am now out in the early mornings, along with those early morning bugs and mosquitos, I need to protect myself. Bug repellent doesn’t agree with my skin. So, I did something last Monday I seldom do, I bought something at full price.  I took to the stores looking for a lightweight, long-sleeved, breathable, hooded shirt and I found one. It is glistening white – I shall be visible. Breathable – yes. It has long sleeves, a hood, and elastic at the hem to keep it tight against my pants. It even protects against the sun’s UV rays.  Right over my heart is the “Under Armour” logo. 

 Every day this week I’ve gotten up early, donned my “Under Armour” shirt and set out on my worship walk.  I bet you can see where I’m going with this, can’t you?

 Paul tells us to face each day by being, “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”  He tells us to “put on the full armour of God so that [we] can take [our] stand against the devil’s schemes.” [Eph 6:10-11]

 That armour consists of truth, righteousness, and the Gospel of Peace. It includes faith, salvation, the Word of God and the presence of the Indwelling Spirit of God.  Those are the things we must make certain we have in our hearts – they are our “Spiritual Under Armour!” They must become a fundamental part of our lives, ever available and ready when needed. 

 And joy upon joy, it is Christ who paid the price for my “Spiritual Under Armour” – the full price!

We have new neighbors on our street. I’ve met two families, both with young children and dogs. The neighbors down the block from us moved into a home where the previous owners planted four fruit trees outside the fence next to the sidewalk. Seemed like an odd place to put fruit trees, but then I guess anyplace they’ll grow is a good place. They planted an apple, peach, pear and cherry.

 As I walked past those trees recently, I noticed that the cherries were ripe. I wondered if the new couple would pick them, and then I spotted the entire family last Saturday with buckets in hand. The little girl and mom were having a great time picking cherries and filling their buckets while Dad and the dogs watched.  I was glad that the fruit would not go to waste.

 At the end of the Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew, Jesus reminds his listeners that “by their fruit you will recognize them [people who speak for God].” Then Jesus uttered a stark warning, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” [Matt 7:20-21]

 Frankly, people who walk into a church and say “Lord, Lord” and walk out to live their lives as they please are a dime a dozen. They profess Christ as LORD with their mouths but rarely obey His word. It doesn’t cost anything to be a “professing” Christian. 

 However, it costs everything to be a “true” Christian who not only says, “Lord, Lord” but also “does the will of the Father in heaven.”  We have done a great disservice to people by allowing them to think that Christianity can be acquired by mere words. In truth, it is a life totally given over to pleasing God.  It costs everything.

I don’t think God Almighty would get very far in today’s military. His strategic plans for combat seem futile and foolish. Take Joshua at Jericho. God asked Joshua to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, a land He promised their forefathers. When they cross the Jordan and enter the land what do they see first? An insurmountable walled city. Not just straight up walls a few feet high, but 3-tiered walls that may have been the equivalent of a 10-story building. They can’t go around and leave this outpost at their rear; they must conquer it.  [Joshua 6]

 God’s plan? Get the ark, and then a bunch of priests with trumpets. Have the army march in front and behind them around the city once each day for six days while the priests blow the trumpets. No one is to say a word. On the seventh day do that seven times and then have everyone shout. Now is that a good military plan? 

 It may not have ranked up there with plans that military academies study, but it worked. At the shout, the walls fell flat.  Why?  Because God said they would. And when God gives a promise, you can guarantee its fulfillment.

 For Joshua and the Israelites, their part was twofold – faith and obedience. When we are faithful and obedient to what God tells us to do (no matter how foolish it may seem to our natural man), that equals victory. 

I must acknowledge that sometimes I am not so faithful, nor obedient. Sometimes I don’t do what God says to do. When that happens, I usually end up in trouble. I cry out to God in repentance. He comes and gets me out of trouble. I understand, however, that’s a rescue, not a victory. I want to be a victorious Christian!

 Want victory?  Remember the formula. Faith & Obedience to God’s word = Victory.  Amen!