Tag: mature

SUMMER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Psalm 32, David speaks of summer in reference to its unpleasant and exhausting “fever heat” as an example of how he’s feeling when bogged down by his own un-dealt-with sin. Without doubt, all of us in Houston, as well as those from many other parts of the world, are fully aware one’s vitality can easily be depleted in the midst of a summer day.  In this case, the Psalmist is experiencing that feeling, yet not because of the outside temperature, but because of internal conflict.  According to verse 4, God’s hand was “heavy” upon him both “day and night.”  The seriousness of this emotional and spiritual internal conflict is revealed when David declares that his body is “wasting away” and that he is “groaning all day long.”    

One of the things one should admire about this psalm, as well as many others, is David’s ability to identify exactly what’s causing the struggle.  It’s not some physical illness, and even though he feels sick, beat down, defeated, etc., he knows the truth.  He understands that he’s not in depression, that he doesn’t need different medication, nor does he need to read another self-help book, listen to feel-good theological mumbo-jumbo, or the psychobabble of some worldly psychiatrist.  No, David simply needs to be honest and at that point he can deal with his issue … sin! 

However, in much of today’s contemporary, culturized church, (particularly those in liberal denominations and/or in the emerging/emergent church movements) sin will not be identified as/for what it is . . . instead those things which are reprehensible to our Lord, Jesus Christ are simply brushed under the carpet, ignored, or actually viewed as tolerable behavior.  Is everything really ok?  In a futile attempt to recognize that God truly loves all humanity and genuinely desires for them to come to the knowledge of the truth, many church’s are indiscriminately and openly, without guilt, shame, or conviction, declaring that everyone is all right/ok. 

How can this be when God alone, through His inerrant scripture defines good and evil, right and wrong, and according to Him, no one is spiritually ok? This is not a matter of one’s own opinion and feelings are certainly not able to determine an individual’s spiritual well-being. Instead, a commendable spiritual condition occurs  through an objective and resolute commitment to the Lord, Jesus Christ, accompanied by adherence to His Word/Truth without reference to a particular social or cultural bias.

In/by/through the “fever heat of summer” David is being graciously disciplined by the Lord (see I Corinthians 11:32; Revelation 3:19) Who desires him to effectively and forthrightly deal with his sin.  This simple, yet substantial action will result in the restoration of David’s spiritual fortitude, as well as his physical, spiritual and emotional healing (see Psalm 32:5-7).

Perhaps one should look at the heat of summer not as a restrictive, confining environment, but a catalyst in one’s life that spawns spiritual growth and stirs the development of godly character.  No doubt, David matured through this process and even learned the benefit of the Lord’s disciplinary, yet merciful hand. How faithful is our Lord, who undeniably caused this “fever heat of summer” in David’s life so he could learn to deal with issues/sin promptly and resolutely. Therefore, when you’re basking or baking in this summer’s sun, remember that the Son provides tremendous opportunities for spiritual development in every situation and season of life.  May we, as His children, fully embrace the indelible imprints of His firm, yet gracious and glorious grip/hand/touch in our lives. 

There is always heat in the kitchen when something good is cookin’!                                                                        – Pastor Frank                                 

GRATEFUL

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

William Arthur Ward – Christian Inspiration Writer

In our New Testament scriptures, the word “grateful” is not often found; but when employed, it has some very powerful implications for us as believers in Christ Jesus. The compound Greek words eucharisteo and eucharistia, from which the word Eucharist is derived, are translated in English Bibles as meaning gratitude–to be (actively) grateful, to express gratitude and/or thankfulness (towards God or an individual).  It is also used in the sense of an attitude or feeling, particularly as related to acts of worship, expressions, statements, prayers of thanksgiving, and can even be connected to the idea of saying grace before a meal.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.  

Colossians 2:6-7

Here we find a thought-provoking concept.  Since no limitation is ever set on the undertakings and transforming work of God’s Holy Spirit in one’s soul, or maximum capacity established on one’s spiritual growth and development in the true knowledge, love, and image of God, those who are brought into such a state of salvation and life in Christ Jesus should abound with gratitude as they grow and mature in the grace afforded them.  Actually this verse is the closing statement of an argument set forth by the Apostle Paul beginning in Colossians chapter one:

A.   In Christ, true Christians have reconciliation to/with God (1:22-23)

B.   In Christ, true Christians are granted revelation concerning the mystery of Christ and the Gospel to the Gentiles (1:24-27)

C.   In Christ, true Christians are brought to perfection (1:28-29)

D.   In Christ, true Christians gain education/knowledge/wisdom (2:1-5)       

As a result, active, on-going expressions of gratitude begin overflowing from the heart as believers begin to grasp and more clearly understand the great privilege and opportunity afforded them to become intimately acquainted with all of God’s precious and glorious promises toward those who trust in Him.  If there is anything for which we ought to be “grateful,” it is for the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who is the Truth and the abundant life we joyously experience.  Perhaps our gratitude, both spiritually and practically, would flow much more freely to the Lord and others if we were more diligent about taking every thought captive.  (See II Corinthians 10:5)   

In I Timothy 4:3, we are reminded that God has “created” many things to be “gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.”  Then the apostle Paul continues — encouraging Christ’s followers to carefully consider their attitudes and perspective on life …

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. 

I Timothy 4:4

Perhaps this is a manifestation, a genuine outward display of spiritual growth — undoubtedly   an individual who is continually abounding in gratefulness is making real progress! 

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:28-19

Therefore, the purposeful demonstration of being authentically grateful becomes the indisputable expression of, and the undeniable/irrefutable proof, concerning the habitation of spiritual joy — whether directed towards God, an individual(s), or a situation/ circumstance.

 Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.   

William Arthur Ward

Fruit of God’s Holy Spirit (See Galatians 5:22) are both seen and heard, visible and perceived — consequently, believers are encouraged by all these biblical passages to abound in them.  Nonetheless, while gratefulness is a key ingredient and building-block for experiencing joy in our daily Christian sojourn while confined to earth, we all know it’s really difficult to be “grateful” 24/7.  Here are some tips for acquiring a grateful attitude and perspective for the life you now live in the flesh through faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who loves you and gave Himself for you! (see Galatians 2:20)

1.  Learn to say thanks, meaning it from your heart!

2.  Consider your blessings, count them, instead of focusing on what you don’t have!

3.  Give (money) as you earn (money) and sacrifice some time to serve Christ’s church!

4.  Do nothing from selfishness/empty conceit, but in humility regard others as more            important than yourself; not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others — have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus.

LET’S BECOME A GRATEFUL PEOPLE … ALL OF US AT WOF.  We can do it!   His & Yours, PF

STUDY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Almost everyone can come up with a reasonable definition or understanding of the word “STUDY” as we use it in today’s communication.  In addition, most believers are familiar with the instruction of II Timothy 2:15:

Be diligent (study or labor) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

In this New Testament passage, one finds the Greek root word, spoudason, literally meaning to: 

1. make an effort

2. be earnest/serious. 

3. endeavor/exert effort. 

The KJV and Amplified translators used the word “study” because the “accurate handling” of God’s Word is of the essence, and the implied method to reach that result could only be achieved through consistent diligence in one’s personal study.     

The grammatical Greek structure found here in II Timothy 2:15 is second person, singular, aorist (tense) active (voice), imperative (mood) verb, which conveys the idea of saying … “Do your best, make haste, give diligence, hurry on, and be eager about showing yourself approved unto God” – all in the use of one word, “STUDY!” 

The Apostle Paul used the same word in Ephesians 4:3, with the same emphasis, concerning the preservation of unity within the church body where “endeavor,” as used in some English translations, is too weak of a word. Paul’s intention was to stir up his son in the faith, Timothy, now the young lead pastor at the church in Ephesus, so that he would seek the Lord’s approval in/while handling, instructing, teaching, equipping, and training the believers in that community. 

Pastor Tim was not instructed to seek any level of human approval, like that of the community at large or even of those in the congregation; instead, His Lord’s endorsement, and in so doing would ultimately prove himself to all as being a responsible workman according to his gifts and callings.

Therefore, the approved workman diligently and steadfastly studies the Word … first, seeking to apply it / live it personally, then sharing it with those he/she teaches, trains and equips so they can do the same.  The Word is the workman’s tool for building up the body of Christ until we “attain unity of the faith,” and become mature individuals in Christ through the knowledge of Christ! (See Ephesians 4:12-13)  

Then, as a result of the workman who is approved by God Himself and not ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth, believers no longer act like children, tossed around by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men and deceitful scheming, but instead, speak the truth in love, and grow up in Him, the fullness of Christ Jesus! (From Ephesians 4:14-15) The entire body then successfully comes together and is held together according to the proper working of each individual.  This always causes the growth and even more maturing as Christ’s Body, His Church, is being built up and strengthened in genuine love (of/for Christ, His word, and one another)!  (From Ephesians 4:16)

The sloppy and ashamed workers get all hung up on other distractions — what others think of them, how they themselves feel about a topic or subject, what others are doing and saying, or even how their teaching(s) may be accepted.  Some of these even handle the word of truth deceitfully in order to twist it into saying exactly what they want it to say. As they waste time on these things (some trivial and some complete heresy), they have little or nothing to give of true substance, that spiritually-enriched meat that brings about powerful life transformation!

My sincere prayer and personal desire as your pastor is for each and every believer at West Oaks Fellowship to become an approved worker who is not ashamed, and can accurately handle the word of truth on a daily, moment-by-moment basis.

Nonetheless, that dream/goal is unattainable unless God’s people are: 1) making an effort.  2) earnest/serious. 3) endeavoring/exerting effort. 

How then shall we live? (See Matthew 4:4)       — His & yours, PF