In The Gates
Full restitution
Written by T. M. Moore
Tuesday, 09 February 2010
The EighthCcommandment
Exodus 20.15; Deuteronomy 5.19
“You shall not steal.”
Read Exodus 22.6
“If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution.”
How many times have I done or said something that hurt Susie deeply? Too many to count, I’m sure. Not that I ever intend to hurt her. I’m nuts about this woman, and I wouldn’t lift a finger to hurt her if it meant my life.
But I’ve done it anyway, over and over. Then, as it begins to come out that I’ve done it again, a strange thing happens. I start trying to minimize the damage and get it over with. So I say, “Sorry.” OK. I did a bad thing. Sorry. Now can we please get on with it?
Not so fast. Full restitution is what the Law requires whenever my actions harm the property or wellbeing of my neighbor. I need to learn what I can do to restore peace, re-establish trust, strengthen the bonds of love, and build our relationship back to the same level – and higher – that it was prior to the goof-up.
Making full restitution can take time. But it is the responsibility of those wronged and those who have done the wrong – even if unintentionally – to work together to chart a course that will lead to renewal, strengthening, and full restitution.
Are there any areas in your life waiting to be fully restored from some slip-up or neglect on your part? Is this a good time to get started making full restitution?
Daily meditation in the Law of God helps us along the path of holiness, righteousness, and goodness (Rom. 7.12). Order your copy of The Law of God, a compilation of the Mosaic Law for contemporary believers. Go to www.MyParuchia.com, click on Publications, then click on Waxed Tablet for the Fellowship of Ailbe bookstore.
Every Thought Captive
To Penetrate God’s Covenant
Written by T. M. Moore
Monday, 08 February 2010
Satan, Bound (12)
Well, this would never do. Although
I knew their interest in God’s grace below
was futile – like me, they have been consigned
to everlasting hell – I had to bind
them to me every day anew, convince
them daily of my prowess, make them wince
to think of ever turning tail on me.
I needed to secure their loyalty –
let’s call it this – and keep them working on
the project we had here on earth begun
of making preparation for the grand
assault on heaven, when once more we stand
before that glorious King and splendid throne
and strike the blow that makes it all my own.
I had to show that I could penetrate
that covenantal shield, that I could bait
God’s chosen people to my side, and make
them do my bidding. Such a ploy would take
my most deceptive skills and wiles, but I
resolved by all my demon power to try
the dedication of God’s people to
His grace.1 I felt that by appealing through
their fleshly interests I might gain my bold
objective. Pagans, as I knew, were cold
of heart to God when fleshly passions ruled
their souls. Let those redeemed by God be fueled
by just the right appeal, and they’ll give in
as well – to my delight and God’s chagrin.
I made resort to what had worked before,2
when I the sons of God led to adore
the daughters of the sons of men. I brought
fresh flesh before their young men, and I taught
them to admire and lust for just a touch
of those delightful female bodies.3 Such
was then my power that words of warning from
their priests and parents could not overcome
the passion in their souls, the tingle in
their bodies, and the strong allure of sin.
They fell in droves, amid the cheers and toasts
of all my shrieking, loyal demon hosts!
It seemed so easy, but the law of sin4
stands ready, and is powerful within
the soul of every man to jump at my
command. For me, the challenge is to try
whatever lie will manage to distort
sound reason, kindle passion, and abort
obedience to the will of God. With each
one it is different, for I have to teach
them how to justify rebellion in
a way that makes them comfortable with sin.
The more I flood their eyes with tempting flesh,
the better I am able to enmesh
them in my snares, and yank their feeble legs
right out from under them! I know, it begs
explaining how I’m able to outwit
them with such ease. But they are just unfit
to stand against my wiles, whom I persuade
the covenant that God with them has made
is not as serious as He’d like them to
believe. Such lying is the thing I do
the best, as this first test of the redeemed
had demonstrated.
Yet to me it seemed
a paltry thing to lead impassioned boys
to break God’s covenant. Much bolder ploys
began to form within my brain. If I
could lead some priest to stumble at my lie,
perhaps a judge as well, then I would prove
my prowess to my ranks, that I might move
them to obey me when the time comes to
mount up against the court of heav’n anew.
And if a king or two could be brought down
by failures of the flesh, then all would own
that I the rightful sovereign am of earth
and heav’n, and would exclaim my pow’r and worth.
Of course, this proved a much more daunting task.
“How then did you accomplish it?” you ask
in your stupidity. The means the same
remain for every player in this game
of lies and sin: good timing is the key.
For some, provide the opportunity
of using their position to suggest
that foolish, willing women can be blessed
of God through fleshly favors to the priest,5
and then let passion’s fervor be increased,
and you can spring a snare to bring disgrace
on them and – more important – on the face
of God as well. For others, I would lead
them to believe that they deserved to feed
their sinful longings – “No one understands
me” such a ruler whines, as he commands
some underling to fetch a woman in,6
seize someone else’s property,7 begin
a war, bring on a feast, or otherwise
fulfill the foolish lusts of flesh and eyes.8
But always timing was important – he
must be discreet, be careful, patient, be
alert to when the opportunity
is right, then make sure he is seen to be,
if only in his own eyes, justified
in his decision. Oh, how I have lied,
connived, and rationalized with some of these
exalted ones before they’d turn to please
their lust, deny their God, and cozy up
to me! And I will let them drink the cup
of their rebellion to the dregs, and pour
another one, and then another more
until I strike them down to dust and shame,
both them and the exalted, holy name
of Him who claims to be their refuge. And
each time I proved to those at my command
that they would be advised to set aside
all other hope of glory, and abide
within the pow’r of my intent and plan.
And so, as with the family of man,
the so-called family of God fell to
my wiles. Their ranks with sin were through and through
contaminated. All their rampant lust
to gratify, the people would do just
about whatever came to mind – and they
had vivid imaginations, I must say,
as they concocted every means to sate
their fleshly passions. Love gave way to hate
among them; purity to prurience
degenerated; every person’s sense
of right and wrong was tainted by desire
for fleshly satisfaction, as the fire
of lust, which I would kindle in them, burned
unquenched, and their imaginations churned
with every raw, perverse, and obscene scheme
to get their way, fulfill their fleshly dream,
until the people of the Lord became
a breeding-ground of lies, sin, death, and shame,
and every covenantal hope by which
they might have lived, lay trampled in a ditch.
“What say you now, demonic fools?” I chided
my awe-struck hosts. “Be glad that you confided
in me, and not in some vain covenant
from Him whose people fall when I confront
their fleshly urges and invite them to
deny His will, and all my bidding do.”
I hate them all, the demons and the men
alike. I take no satisfaction when
they worship me by giving in to lust
and sin. For in a sense, they’re doing just
what they’re inclined to do by nature. No,
this frenzy of indulging flesh, though so
disgusting to the eyes of God, would not
my aspirations satisfy. I thought
a further step was needed. I would this
accomplishment embellish, and my bliss
increase, if I could get them to His Word
exaggerate,9 and thereby test the Lord.
1 1 Peter 5.8, 9
2 Genesis 6.1, 2
3 Numbers 25.1-9
4 Romans 7.21-24
5 1 Samuel 2.20-25
6 2 Samuel 11.2-4
7 1 Kings 21.1-16
8 Ecclesiastes 2.1-10
9 1 Corinthians 4.6
Kingdom Civics
With Us, With Him
Written by T. M. Moore
Monday, 08 February 2010
The Kingship of Jesus (3)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2.4-6
Practicing the presence of Jesus
Few promises are sweeter to the follower of Christ than that which He gave as part of the Great Commission: that He would be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matt. 28.18-20). It is a source of great comfort and power to be able to know the presence of Jesus with us in all the “as-you-are-goings” of our daily lives.
But there is another sense in which believers know the presence of Christ. This is what Paul refers to in our text: we have been seated with Him at the right hand of God in heavenly places. For too many of us this is little more than an abstract theological principle, an acknowledgement of our position in Christ as being secure in Him against anything that might rob us of our salvation.
But to the first Christians – like those believers in Thessalonica, who were described as practicing another King named Jesus – practicing the presence of Christ was hardly abstract. Indeed, it was integral to their daily walk with the Lord both to know Jesus present with them and to dwell in His presence in the heavenly places with God.
Both aspects of this practicing the presence of Jesus are integral to full and flourishing life within the Kingdom of God. Let’s explore each of them briefly.
With us where we are
First is that wonderful assurance that Jesus is with us in all the everyday details of our lives. His Spirit dwells within us, and He is hiding His Word in our hearts. Moreover, the eyes of the Lord are on His righteous ones and He remains continually open to their prayers (1 Pet. 3.12). We are never beyond the reach or outside of the purview of our risen and reigning King.
This has some very important implications. First, in order not to offend our King we must make certain, at all times, that we are walking in a way and according to the path He Himself would walk (1 Jn. 2.1-6). Since Jesus is with us He will prefer to walk the path of righteousness, marked out by the Law of God (Matt. 5.17-19). The Law of God is holy and righteous and good (Rom. 7.12); therefore, we should embrace this path as our own, devote ourselves to studying and obeying the Law of God (Ezra 7.10), and thus be assured that our way will find favor with our King as He walks with us in it (Rom. 14.17, 18).
Second, along the way, in the as-you-are-goings of our lives, we will want to do everything so as to honor and magnify Him Who accompanies us in our journey (Col. 3.23, 24; 1 Cor. 10.31). The life of bringing glory to our King requires that we receive everything He brings to us with thanksgiving, practice good stewardship at all times, and conduct ourselves – at work, in conversations, and even in our idle moments – with excellence, good cheer, and consideration of others. The light and life of King Jesus will shine through us when the hope we hold in our hearts begins to glow through all our words and deeds (1 Pet. 3.15).
Third, because we are journeying in this life with Jesus at all times, we must be prepared to take up the work of our King whenever opportunities arise (Eph. 5.15-17). This means that our orientation must be toward others and their needs, that we might serve them with the love of Christ (Jn. 13.1-15; Phil. 2.5-11). Further, we must be prepared to bear witness to our King, whether to a fellow believer needing edification or an unbeliever needing grace unto salvation.
Finally, practicing the presence of Jesus with us means that we may draw on His comfort and power by appealing to Him in prayer, for, as we have seen, His ears are always open to whatever our need may be. We do not need to live anxious, depressed, or defeated lives. King Jesus is with us in the midst of every trial or situation! How can we not confide in Him, retire into Him, rejoice in the assurance of His unfailing presence and love, and draw strength from His Word and Spirit, always ready to hand?
With Him where He is
But practicing the presence of King Jesus also means that we dwell with Him where He is, at the right hand of God, and thus find additional perspective and strength for our daily walk. Paul’s command that we should set our minds on the things that are above, where Christ is seated in heavenly places, suggests that we can engage this discipline of being with Jesus where He is, and that there are definite benefits to be gained in so doing.
But what, precisely, does this entail?
Primarily, of course, this means adopting a more leisurely and continuous approach to prayer. Believers are supposed to pray without ceasing and to bring all their needs and requests to the Lord. If our prayers are hurried, distracted, dry routines, they will not yield that sense of being in Jesus’ presence that He intends. In our prayers, therefore, let us truly set our minds on Jesus Christ exalted, meditating on all the many passages of Scripture that describe Him as He is, and detail His surroundings and the goings-on of His throne room. Let us drink in the full landscape of unseen things where Jesus dwells, immersing ourselves in this well-depicted venue, and offering our prayers not from within our own room only, but from within His as well.
As we practice this vision of unseen things in our times of prayer, we will find that it continues to be available to us throughout the day, as we reflect on the steadfast love and faithfulness of our King and retreat, if only for a few moments, into additional times of meditation and prayer.
Once we have begun to develop an understanding of the unseen realm and all the business of the heavenly throne room, we will find that this vision, nurtured by the eyes of the heart, will become a perspective, even a venue, which we actually have a sense of inhabiting, and from which we can then look out on our lives within the unfolding of the divine economy and the progress of the Kingdom of God.
It makes a great difference whether we see our lives as fitting into God’s sovereign plan for the world or captive to caprice, circumstance, and chance. By sitting with Jesus, looking out from His sovereign throne to observe and understand the flow of history and our lives, we gain confidence that all things are being worked out according to His eternal will and plan (Eph. 1.11) and are working together for our good (Rom. 8.28). Thus we will not be dislodged from our seat of hope, peace, joy, thanksgiving, boldness, and righteousness by anything that may come our way, for we will be able to see all things as Jesus sees them, and to affirm His sovereignty and steadfast love at all times.
Mystical but real
Practicing the presence of King Jesus with us where we are is a discipline known to all believers, but practiced consistently by very few. Practicing the presence of Jesus with Him where He is is a discipline hardly known by any believers, and, therefore, scarcely practiced at all.
Yet, since faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the practice of things not seen (Heb. 11.1), it is of the utmost importance that believers begin to master both of these disciplines as expressions of their loyalty to King Jesus. Learning to practice the presence of Jesus – with us, with Him – can seem a rather mystical and, perhaps, subjective undertaking. It will surely be mystical, in that we must both love and trust our unseen Lord, taking seriously His promise to be with us and being faithful in our duty to seek Him above. But though mystical in nature these disciplines are both real and vital. They engage us with the risen Christ and avail us of His presence and power in ways we cannot do without.
And while each of us will develop our own “vista” of the unseen realm, and will practice the presence of Jesus a little differently than others – hence, the subjective side – neither does this mean that we must not pursue or must not expect solid fruit to result from our efforts.
Practicing Jesus as King sets us against the temporal and material currents of our day and leads us to embrace Christ as Lord over all our lives, all the time. Practicing the presence of Jesus – with us, with Him – is but the logical and efficient means for making His Kingship a more vital reality in our everyday lives.
ReVision
Snowed
Written by T. M. Moore
Monday, 08 February 2010
Watching all that snow pile up to the left and right, I kept hearing a voice in my head saying, "This means something." With the President speaking out of both sides of his mouth on the latest developments of the Christmas bomber, and planning a "jobs" bill which is really just a second stimulus (like my dad used to say, "I don't know; I cut if off twice and it's still too short."), the Obama Administration is beginning to feel like a snow job. He's the Cheshire Cat President, saying whatever he wants according to the audience before him, and only knowing himself precisely what he means.
But he comes on with that smile, that chin hiked up, that teleprompter rolling, and he sounds so smooth. It's only later that we discover we've been snowed. But now we won't be digging out of the white stuff. We'll be digging out of the red stuff - debt - and not only us, but our children and grandchildren. And the soreness I'm feeling from the latest winter storm is nothing compared to the damage being done to the nation by an Administration and Congress that think you can spend your way to prosperity by promising people whatever they want and giving them whatever you think they need.
More snow is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. Shoot, I coulda told you that.
T. M. Moore
Winter and Spring 2010 Schedule
We are delighted to offer the following training opportunities for the Winter/Spring season at The Fellowship of Ailbe.
Follow the links to register your participation in these challenging and transforming training opportunities.
Webinars
With Paul in the School of Preaching
Pastors, are you interested in preaching more like the Apostle Paul? This three-session seminar will give you everything you need to improve your preaching and feed your flock with the strong meat of God’s Word with greater consistency and effects.
“The Context of Preaching” February 15, 5:00 pm Eastern
Preaching must be undertaken from within the Kingdom of God and for its progress in the lives of your people and your church.
“The Content of Preaching” March 15, 5:00 pm Eastern
True preaching is Biblical, doctrinal, oriented toward discipleship, and for the building-up of the Body of Christ.
“The Conduct of Preaching: April 19, 5:00 pm Eastern
We are most effective in our preaching when we prepare thoroughly, preach urgently and with clarity, and concentrate on the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Free with your $50 registration is a copy of T. M.’s enchiridion on preaching, Text to Transformation, a participant’s guide, critique of two of your sermons, and helps for sermon planning.
Full and Abundant Life in Christ
The life of discipleship is fuller, richer, and more powerful and transforming than most Christians know. In this webinar we will consider the Christian life from the perspective of practicing the Kingship of Jesus. Learn how you can improve your devotional life, understand the role of spiritual disciplines, gain a vision of the exalted Christ, and begin to take every sector of your life captive for the glory of God.
“Practicing the Kingship of Jesus” February 25, 5:00 pm or 10:30 pm Eastern
The first Christians were looked upon by nonbelievers as a threat to the status quo because they “practiced another King, Jesus.” Learn how practicing the presence, pursuit, and pre-eminence of Jesus can enrich your walk with the Lord.
“The Hope of Glory” March 25, 5:00 pm or 10:30 pm Eastern
What is the Christian’s hope? What motivates and sustains the true follower of Jesus Christ? Learn how you can both engage and express the glory of God in all the details of everyday life.
“Seeking the Kingdom” April 22, 5:00 pm or April 22, 10:30 pm Eastern
Discover the keys to seeking the Kingdom of God and growing in His righteousness – knowing the power of God at work within you to will and do of His good pleasure.
Free with your $50 registration is a copy of T. M.’s The Ground for Christian Ethics, a learner’s guide, and various supplemental handouts.
Officer Training
Are your elders and deacons fulfilling their calling to shepherd the flock of God, so that your people take up the work of ministry that builds a healthy, growing church? Join T. M. in teaching this webinar to your church leaders.
Revival Prayer
What could be more important than uniting with other believers to pray for revival? Register to join us, each third Thursday night of the month, 9:15 pm Eastern, for this hour of seeking the Lord for renewal. Participation is free and includes resources you can use to promote prayer for revival in your church.
The Gospel and this World
This Winter/Spring our focus is on “Proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.” Learn how sharing the Gospel can become a more consistent, personal, and effective part of your daily walk with the Lord. This free seminar includes a participant’s guide and resources to help you identify your Personal Mission Field and begin working it for the Good News of the Kingdom of God. This class monthly at 8pm.
Weekly Download
Pastors and Elders
Register to receive our monthly Shepherding Newsletter.
Schedule an Officer Training Seminar for your elders and deacons.
The Ailbe Seminary
Visit The Seminary.
| Voices TogetherPsalm 127:2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;John Nunnikhoven + Read More |
