Monthly Archives: August 2024

Holy Habitation

The Effectual Fellowship of Believers

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“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” – Philemon 1:4-7 NASB1995

There’s a lesson here that instructs us in the ways of an effective and growing fellowship of believers. It translates to such through each effective and growing member of the group who fellowship together in Christ. Looking at its wisdom, as I evaluate my own practices and value as a Christ follower tasked to encourage those with whom I fellowship, I am called to higher ground: to keep growing strong in the practices of our common faith. To be light as He is light.

The first thing that stands out to me is

** “making mention of you in my prayers.”

As a strong member of a strong fellowship, we pray for one another. We often think of prayer as fervency, and fervent prayer is vital. However, I am finding in this world we live in that there is so much to pray over, it can be overwhelming. We should be fervent in prayer, focusing on pressing needs, seeking God’s will in our way of praying for those needs. But one thing I have noticed of late is Paul‘s practice of mentioning churches and individuals before God. He keeps them lifted up before the one who knows their needs and meets them where they are.

In practicing this method of prayer, I have found that as I pray, mentioning each organization or person to the Lord, through my mind flashes their needs. In mentioning them, I lay the whole of who they are and the needs I know of at the feet the Lord. Laying it at His feet in faith, I trust His sovereignty over their lives. “Mentioning” is part of the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous.

** “hear of your love”

How’s our love walk with those around us? Love proves our relationship with God and strengthens our relationship with one another. Love is vital to unity, and unity is important to God. Without the unity and fellowship that love brings, the effective service of the church will be hindered.

People are looking for love. Our ability to walk in love is a large part of what makes us a light in the world. It is vital that we know what love is, how to practice it, and daily grow stronger in the way we love those around us.

** “and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints”

Our faith to believe the Faith and practice its instruction for life is vital. The way we live our Faith is another thing people see. Why should they believe if they don’t see the faith we profess practiced in our daily lives. We must be Who and what we say we believe. Along with living godly lives that proves our faith to believe, we need to be aligned with people of faith that we can trust. And we need to prove trustworthy.

** “and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”

God places in each of us skills and giftedness that He can use to help His Body, the Church, function well together. Some have a heart to encourage the body and skill to apply God’s Word to our daily living. Some have a heart that leans heavily towards sharing the gospel with those who need to hear it. We are all called to encourage one another and spread the Word of saving grace, but some are especially gifted at it.

Others have a servant heart especially able to see and quick to jump to the physical needs. Leadership, administration, giving, preaching, teaching, and more. What is your gift? We are all needed for a well functioning fellowship of believers.

Leaders in the church, are you alert to the gifts and calling of each individual in your pews, inviting them to use their areas of strength to help the church function and bring stability to the body? Or are they sitting, bored on the pews? Stewardship includes right and good use of the giftedness of God’s people.

“that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” – 1:6 KJV Find ways to use the gift of God’s grace in you for the up building and stability of the body of Christ, beloved. It is the reason God put it in you, and why He put you where He has you established for His glory.

** “I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers. For my lifetime, I would have to say “especially” here in this thought. This world can greatly weary the heart of Christ followers: ESPECIALLY in these days when the things going on around us seem worse than ever in my lifetime, my heart gets weary. We need the encouragement of a loving fellowship that helps us maintain focus on God, His ways, the hope we have in Him, and the joy we have in one another as we grow together in Christ. As long as we stay focused and actively apply the Faith we are in, we will do well as Kingdom people amid a fallen world.

Solomon said it this way in Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” – 4:9-12 NASB1995

We’re stronger together.

He also wrote the Proverb, “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NASB1995

We’re sharpened when we encourage one another in the Word, will, and way of God; made mentally, socially, spiritually, and economically stronger, more alert and cognizant of our position in the Kingdom Life God desires for us when we walk together through this earthly life.

And Paul advises “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.” – Galatians 6:1-5 NASB1995

We are called to help one another recognize ungodly paths and habits we fall into. We sharpen each other, as iron sharpens a double edged sword. But we alone will stand before God for the choices we make.

“… Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,” – 2 Peter 1:1-13 NASB1995

My posts may seem repetitive, covering similar material, calling us (me first) to pay attention to what God’s Word is telling us, but it is because I am the heart of The Encourager. It is God’s gift in me. I enjoy applying what scripture says to life today, breaking it down to its individual parts and, hopefully expressing it clearly for the one who needs it today.

I’ve long left the mindset of caring about numbers. If only one is helped to come up higher and press forward in Christ, my job is done. It is a long lived practice, to stir people up by way of reminder.

“[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].” – 1:6 AMPC

May God bless us as we live as one in Him.

Holy Habitation

It Was For Freedom

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“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but FAITH working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. …”

The one disturbing them is pushing legalism over faith in the truth concerning the work of Christ that sets us free indeed. This “faith” speaks of trust to believe in confident hope, and out of that faith, to take action in agreement with God, the Living Word, the Truth that sets free indeed.

“But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves. For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. …”

The faith we have does not remove from us the responsibility to obey the New Covenant Law. We still must obey God and follow Christ. But obedience does not save us; Christ alone does that. Obedience simply proves and protects our relationship with God through Christ. It shows us to be vitally united to God the Father through to saving grace found in Christ. Obedience proves us to be a people who walk in the leading of the Spirit rather than giving self to the dictates of the flesh, as the following verses indicate.

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will NOT inherit the kingdom of God. But THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH ITS PASSIONS AND DESIRES. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” – Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭26‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

True freedom comes when we walk free from the dictates and death of sin that destroys relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son and Savior. Choose today whom you will serve: our flesh, false teaching, and demonic wisdom that leads to destruction; or God the Father through Jesus the Living Word in the power of the Spirit who brings the Word to life in us. If the fruit of obedience is not there, chances are great that the relationship with God we think we have is not real.

Today’s the day for salvation. The choice is ours.

Make me faithful, Father. Empower righteousness in me. Grant wise discernment to recognize and walk in the lead of Your Spirit for every path, temptation, decision, desire, hope, and plan. Help me succeed at loving You well. In Jesus, be Lord to me and know me. Amen.

Holy Habitation

Many Crowns

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“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” – ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Two things stand out to me here: one being the promise expressed. The other is the path to attaining the promise.

The promise Paul possessed here is the attainment of “the crown of righteousness.” There are numerous crowns for the faithful mentioned in scripture, each having a path to obtaining it for those eligible to receive it. Many believe we, like the elders in Revelation, will one day cast those crowns at the feet of Jesus.

When I was younger, immature in the ways of humility, that thought bothered me. I wanted to keep what I earned. Growing in humility, I realize more and more that I truly can do nothing of eternal worth apart from the work of Christ in me. I can’t recall specifics now, but something happened in me about 10 years ago that filled my heart with joy at the thought of casting my crowns before Him who truly deserves them.

If that is a true picture of standing before Him in heaven, casting our crowns before Him; then, here on earth, heaven being in us who are saved by grace, being baptized into Christ, can enjoy casting crowns to Him now. I praise God for the privilege of surrendering all crowns to Him right now in my day to day life, just as I will when I stand at Heaven‘s throne. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. I bow to His rule and give Him glory, surrendering all that I am or ever hope to be to Him who is worthy. He gets full credit for any good in me, and for every success for the Kingdom worked through me. And I strive to walk the path to each crown available to me, joyously casting them before Him as I go. This crown of righteousness is one I strive for each day. And here is the path to it.

The path:

Knowing that each crown has its path to obtaining it; we just have to stop and take time to discern the path in the instructions given. This means that we must be students of God’s Word, writing it on our hearts, meditating on it daily, not only in group studies, but in personal study. Here, in Paul’s proclamation, we see the path he walked to his crown of righteousness, giving us instruction as to how we must live.

1: “I have fought the good fight….”

There is instruction throughout scripture that tells us how to fight the good fight of our faith. Just off the top of my head is Ephesians 6:10-18’s instructions on how we are to stand firm against evil by putting on the armor of God that is available to us, including being always in prayer for ourselves, one another, and our spiritual leaders/warriors. To put on this armor, we need to study each piece and learn of its meaning and function. We cannot put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, or the belt of truth if we don’t understand how to come under Christ’s saving grace, what righteousness and truth are, and how to live these out.

Then there’s Colossians 3:1-17 that instructs in two major areas. First, we are to “set your minds and keep them set on the things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (AMPC). We are now and forevermore citizens of God’s Kingdom, tasked to truly represent Christ’s interests on earth. To do that, we must not let our souls (thoughts, will, and emotions) get trapped in worldly pursuits. We must seek God’s will, intent on accomplishing it in His way, always motivated by His purposes.

Second is the call of God for us to take off the old man described in verse 5-11, and put on the new creation God has placed in us. Verses 12-17 tell us how to do that. Study that passage. Seek Father for its fulfillment in you. Be intentional in striving for it.

There are many more such passages and we are instructed by God to study it out so that we may be approved (2 Timothy 2:15). Get in the Word daily for these life changing insights. If you are new to Bible reading and study, we are people of the New Testament (NT) Covenant. Start reading in the NT. I’ll post a plan of reading in the comments to help you get started. (If I forget, remind me.)

2: “I have finished the course…”

We are frequently encouraged throughout scripture to practice endurance and perseverance in the things of God, standing firm in them (Ephesians 6:10-12); persevering in hope (Romans 5:3-5); striving to win the prize laid up for us in heaven (1 Corinthians 9:23-27). This road is not easy and there are many evils that challenge our perseverance and chance our loss of reward. But stand we must, over and over and over again. Thankfully, God has provided for times when we fall: calling us to turn back to Him in repentance. Getting up from there, we dust off, and press forward to the goal.

3: “I have kept the faith.”

The word “faith” is used in two main ways throughout scripture. One is the faith described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). It is that which is in us that equips us to believe God, and taking Him at His Word, to live in hope; to hear the promises and trust God’s faithfulness to His word.

The second is the belief system in which we walk. We are Christian, putting our confidence in God and His Word, coming into covenant agreement with God through Christ, and walking in obedience to the faith covenant we made with Him because we love him and desire our union to stand strong. This faith hears Paul’s words to us and perks our ears to attention. Listening for instruction that gives us the “how to,” we choose to walk the path as he did. Striving to keep the covenant agreement with Christ, knowing that as we fight the good fight of faith, persevering to finish the course, and as we keep the tenants of God’s Instruction Manuel (the Holy Bible), we set our course to receive the promise of the crown.

Our faith in God’s promise that we can obtain a crown we cannot yet see is accomplished as we follow in the covenant agreement of the faith we have become part of in Christ. Ours is not a religion: it is a Faith.

Paul’s proclamation, “I have kept the faith,” means this second defining parameter of living in covenant agreement. He has faithfully maintained his covenant with Christ, walking in His instruction for Christian living laid out in God’s Word. In other words, Paul obeyed Jesus, proving his love of Christ, who appeared to us for the sole purpose of drinking the cup we could not drink so we could possess the eternal life we would otherwise not have hope of living.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Our part of the promise:

“…in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but ALSO TO ALL WHO HAVE LOVED HIS APPEARING.”

We love the appearing of Him who made The Way, so that we may truly Live. I don’t know about you, but I am determined to walk this life with God because I love Him in all His Triune glory. HE IS OUR EXCEEDINGLY GREAT REWARD. And He gave His Son to provide for us a path on which we may gain that blessed reward. If we get nothing else, we get Him!

The attainment of many crowns is a plus I strive toward for the great joy of casting them at the Holy Feet of Jesus Christ. Study to be approved, beloved, and let’s walk this life together.

Holy Habitation

IF YOU LOVE ME

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“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
— John 14:15

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! May He send you help from the sanctuary And support you from Zion! May He remember all your meal offerings And find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah. May He grant you your heart’s desire And fulfill all your counsel! We will sing for joy over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright. Save, O Lord; May the King answer us in the day we call.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

This is an excellent prayer from the Psalms. I often pray it, using it as a pattern of prayer over myself and those I love – even verse three: “May He remember all your meal offerings And find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah.”

We don’t make meal offerings and burnt offerings. Jesus took the need of that away. He became the sacrificial Lamb for all who are truly His. But I always keep that verse when I note this passage, because we do have, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ). We have, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭42‬). We have, “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (John 13:13-15).

We don’t kill sheep and goats for sacrifice, but we do put to death our fleshly lusts and desires that stand against the instruction and commands of God. We leave our will and way on the altar of sacrifice to take up the will and way of our Lord. We choose intentional selflessness, deadening our flash and relinquishing our own desires to show the love and care of God to others.

When I read of the sacrifices of old, I thank God we don’t have to do that to be with God and walk in the light of His love. But I am also reminded that we, who follow Christ, do have a sacrifice to give. It is not given to win favor with God or earn our salvation. It is always and only one thing. It is simply a love offering made from a grateful heart; a fragrant aroma to our God found in a life that honors our King.

“So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh⁠—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” – Romans 8:12-13