Good news is coming

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21

As a consequence of his disobedience, Adam and all to come must work for food and livelihood from the cursed ground. However, with God’s grace, there is good news; the curse is not permanent. There is hope (v 21). The day is coming when the created order will be set free from its curse. It will share in “the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” As Adam’s sin brought the curse of death to the universe, the day is coming when God’s glorious Kingdom will set (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).

Creation restored

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Romans 8:19

Paul tells us that creation itself eagerly waits the time when the glorious future of the sons of God is realized. Phillips’s translation states, “The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.” Throughout scripture we see the personification of nature; examples include reference to the rivers “clap their hands” and the mountains “sing together for joy” (Ps 98:8; Isa 55:12). Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the garden not only caused the fall of man, but also the earth as well (Gen 3:17–18; 5:29). When God’s redemptive work is completed, not only man will be restored, but creation will become all that God intended it to be.

Incomparable glory

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Patience is something we struggle with in our society; we want what we want, and we want it now. This runs contrary teaching throughout scripture. Peter and Paul agree about suffering comes before glory (I Peter 4:12-13). Suffering for the sake of Christ is a great teaches us dependence upon Christ; however, the good news is that the glory to come far outweighs any suffering we may endure. Paul encourages three times in this chapter: (1) the glory that will be revealed (vv. 18–25), (2) the help of the Holy Spirit (vv. 26–27), and (3) the fact that all things work together for good (vv. 28–30). Paul tells us that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20); and, that this earthly life is but a moment in time in comparison with eternity. If we allow the difficulties of life to absorb our attention, they will effectively blot out the glory that awaits us. Our focus needs to be on things above (Colossians 3:2), spiritual concerns of eternal significance (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Co-heir with Christ

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

What an incredible statement; as children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ. We will share in the inheritance of Christ, both his sufferings and glory. This is not a condition, (“if indeed”) it is actually a simple statement of fact. Sharing the sufferings of Christ leads to sharing his glory. While, we do not share the redemptive suffering of Christ, we do share the consequences in terms of opposition from the world (in the world you will face challenges John 16:33). We can take comfort, because Christ has overcome the world; and we can share in his ultimate victory.

I am a child of God

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." Romans 8:16

God enables us to cry out “Abba Father,” endorsing our assurance that we are children of God. Our spirit is strengthened by the powerful inward testimony of God’s Spirit. I used to sing the song that asks the question, “You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart.” I know that I am a member of God’s family because His spirit tells me it is so.

Spirit of sonship

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Being led by the Spirit does not enslave us; rather, God's spirit gives us the realization that we have become adopted sons of God. For that reason, we cry out “Abba, Father.” In adoption all previous relationships are severed. The new father exercises authority over the new son, and the new son enters into the privileges and responsibilities of the natural son. “Abba,” the Aramaic word for “father,” was used primarily within the family circle; it underscores the intimate nature of our relationship with God, which is so clearly the opposite of fear.

Child of God

“…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

In his book on Romans, Harrison writes that “the relation of the Spirit to the sons of God is presented as being much like that of a shepherd to his sheep. They are ‘led’ by him as their guide and protector.” This is an excellent answer to the question, “Who is a child of God?” We can debate doctrinally on this question; however, no amount of theological acuteness can substitute for the guiding presence of the Spirit. While God is the Father of all in the sense of creation, the only way for a person to become a child of God is through faith in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:12-13

Dietrich Bonhoeffer stated, "Grace is free; but it is not cheap." Paul reminds us that the assurance of resurrection by the indwelling Spirit places us under obligation. That obligation is not to the sinful nature and to live according to its demands; it no longer has any claim on us. Rather, we are to “put to death the misdeeds of the body.”

The lower nature does not automatically fade away when a person comes to Christ. Putting to death the evil practices of the body is an ongoing process. Freedom from our old nature only comes as we constantly rely on the active presence of the Spirit.

We must continually allow the Spirit to work in us with his instruction, exhortation, and discipline. By doing so, He will renew our lives, and at the same time,put to death our old sinful nature. Holiness is not only the standard and goal of Christians; it is also our divine calling.

“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:10-11

Death comes as a result of sin; life is the gift of justification. Therefore, whether we have the Spirit of God living in us is truly a life and death matter.

Paul drew a close connection between the resurrection of Christ and our ultimate resurrection. In II Corinthians he wrote, “The one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus” (4:14). The requirement for resurrection is the presence of God’s spirit in us. Not only has the spirit of the Christian been made alive, but ultimately the body will be resurrected as well. The indwelling Spirit is our guarantee of future life.

“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9

Paul reminds us that we are not under the control of the sinful nature; rather, our lives are under the direction of the indwelling Spirit of God. The word “if” is better translated “since.” This is a confirmation of his words in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase (you cannot out sin God’s grace)? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” A person who has the Spirit of Christ belongs to Christ; and, God has given us his Spirit that “we know that we live in him and he in us” (1 John 4:13).

Why our best intentions fail

“…the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8

Paul states a theological truth that is certainly not politically correct today; our old nature is antagonistic to all that God is and stands for. The old nature refuses to submit itself to the law of God; in fact, it cannot. James, who was never known for mincing words, wrote that “friendship with the world is hatred towards God” (James 4:4). That is why our best intentions fail when we try to change the old nature. The hostility between the sinful mind and the Spirit is diametrically opposed. Individuals, regardless of how good they are in the world’s eyes, who are controlled by their lower nature, cannot please God. Persons apart from Christ are “totally depraved,” and in their rebellious state cannot please God.

Eternal benefits

“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” Romans 8:6

According to Barclay, “to allow the things of the world completely to dominate life is self extinction; it is spiritual suicide.” Paul tells us that we have good news; the Spirit-controlled mind leads to life and peace. Paul repeats the same contrast in Galatians 6:8: “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Lord, give me the grace today to choose to be controlled by your Spirit.

The choice is ours

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5

We have a choice in the way we live our lives. The first is to follow our human nature; Paul states that those who choose this way of living set their mind and heart on what their sinful nature desires. The other way to live is to place ourselves under the control of the Spirit; our focus then is on the things that interest God’s Spirit.

The way we live determines how we think about things. It has been said that people do not think themselves into the way they act but act themselves into the way they think.

Christ accomplished what the law could not

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:3-4

As good as the law was, it was powerless to conquer sin. This is not because the law was weak; rather it is because of our fallen nature. The New English Bible says that “our lower nature robbed it of all potency.” The law can reveal sin; even stimulate it; but when it comes to overcoming it, our sinful nature undermines its best efforts.

Thanks to God, because what the law could not do, God did by sending his very own Son with a nature that resembled our sinful nature. He came in the “likeness of sinful man.” His mission was to put an end to sin, to condemn its evil power that held the human race captive.

God’s redemptive work in Christ was so that what the law justly demanded of us might be fully satisfied. This righteous requirement is met “in us” not in the sense that we fulfilled its demands but rather that God met it through the sacrificial death of his Son. We no longer must be under the control of a sinful lower nature, but can now are guided and empowered by the Spirit of God.

Now, that is good news!

Living in the Law of the Spirit

“…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)

Why is there no condemnation? Because the law of the Spirit, that is, life in Christ Jesus, has set us free from the law of sin. Paul was contrasting two different laws (or principles); the old law is the power of sin that inevitably results in death and the new law, which sets the believer free from the power of the old, is the law of the Spirit. The new law of the Spirit says that only by living in union with Christ Jesus can believers break the power of sin in their lives. Sheer determinism or willpower will never be able to break the bonds of sin. It is the Spirit of God who provides victory, and that Spirit is the available to every true child of God.

When the freedom of the Spirit that is the theme of Romans 8 is compared with the oppressive power of sin in chapter 7, it seems strange that both could be operating concurrently in the same person. The believer has a choice to live by the old law of the flesh or the new law of the Spirit. We lose the battle when we engage the enemy without the resources supplied by His Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The difficulties of the Romans 7 experience are self-imposed; they show the natural outcome of failing to appropriate the Spirit of God. The victory of Romans 8 results from living in vital union with Christ Jesus, sustained and empowered by the Spirit of God.

Not guilty verdict for those whose trust is in Christ. Romans 8:1

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

One would think that after being a Christian for almost 40 years, I would understand the most basic of all Christian principles; that God’s sacrifice has fully compensated for all of my sin, shortcomings and inadequacies. However, I must admit I still struggle with the idea that I must somehow live a better life or be a better person to live up to Christ’s standard. Scripture is clear that the penalty incurred by the sins of the human race was paid by the death of Christ and the unfavorable verdict has been removed. All of us who are living in Christ are the beneficiaries of that forgiveness. My insistence on feeling guilty is nothing more that thinking that I can help God with my salvation. Lord, please free me from the deeply imbedded human nature that influencing my self-righteousness theology!

In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more

than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Good Ole Times; we have all experienced them. We sit and talk about 'days gone by,' when things were good and life was easier. As we look back, the days become nostalgic; we dream about their return, while knowing all the time of the impossibility.

• I remember, as a kid, playing touch football on the streets of Portland. We would get together like clockwork every day after school; choose up teams and go at it for hours. I look back at those days, and think; those were the "good ole days."
• It seems just like yesterday my daughters would "play rough" with me on the living room floor. We would run around, laugh and have a great time. Sharron would worry that we would break something or that someone (probably me) would get hurt; those were great times.
• I recall, with fondness, the days, as the Divisional Youth Secretary in the Southwest Division, sitting up late at night talking with young adults, often times about nothing in particular; sometimes about serious things. We would laugh and carry on so much that the management, on more than one occasion, would ask us to quiet down and be more considerate of other customers. We tried to comply, but it was difficult.

I guess, as I get older, I value the "Good Ole Days" more. As I reflect back on those special times it brings a sense of purpose and joy about life; I treasure those memories. The only regret I have is that I did not know, or think about, how good those times were while they were happening. I often feel guilty about not recognizing how good I had it at the time. I feel as though I missed out because I wasn’t paying attention. I think, "Shame on me."

Over the past four years, Sharron and I have had the privilege of living in Paradise. Living in the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands has been a phenomenal experience. We have done things we never imagined possible; and going to places that we did not know existed prior to coming to the division. We have met and shared our lives with people that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. The beauty that we have seen cannot be expressed in words or seen in photos. In 33 years of officership we have never, and probably will never, experience anything like it.

The good news in all this is that living in the Islands never lost it novelty with us; we never took it for granted. Sharron would often say to me, as we were walking in Manoa or at Ala Moana, "Dave, we live in Hawaii!" But, the absolute best part is that we knew how special it was while we were there; we knew we were living in the "good ole days."

We are forever grateful to God for the experience. We want to thank each of you for sharing your lives with us; and allowed us to become a part of your ohana. We are better people for having experienced the last four years. I wish there was a better way to say it; but I cannot; so I will leave it with a heartfelt "thank you."

We may physically leave Hawaii; but Hawaii will remain always in our hearts.

God bless each of you. You mean the world to us.

Blessings and Aloha,
d

Good Morning

I will fear no evil, for you are with me
~King David~

I love movie quotes; one of my favorite coming from the movie “Tombstone.” Wyatt Earp is saying goodbye to Doc Holliday, who is on his deathbed. Struggling to say the appropriate words, he simply says, “Thanks, Doc, for always being there.” What a strong statement!

We live in a world of time demands, distractions and multiple priorities. Time, by far, is our most priceless commodity. No matter how you stretch, schedule or maneuver; you have 24 hours in a day, and not a second more. Within those 24 hours, we have a list of numerous tasks that need to be accomplished. As a society, we judge people on how much they accomplish within those 24 hours; so we focus, grit our teeth and bear down to get the job done. If we are not careful, the people we come in contact with become one of those tasks; something to be checked off the to-do list.

We love the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. He sums life up for so many when he says, “I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye! I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!”

One of the things I admire so much about Jesus is that he never seemed to be in a hurry. He always made time for people. He never saw someone as a task to be accomplished; but someone to be valued. He always made time to be there. His name, Emmanuel, literally means, God with us. Though his actions, and even in his name, God teaches us the importance of being present and in the moment.

Scripture is filled with examples of the ministry of presence. King David said, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are with me.” When Moses was giving final instructions to an intimidated Joshua he said, “Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

Think back; who has had the most influence on your life? I am willing to bet that it is someone who spent time with you. They did not look at you as a “check off a list,” but as someone of value. They stopped what they were doing, and gave you some of their allotted 24 hours.

Allow me to be philosophical for a moment. I wonder at the end of life how many people regret not being able to accomplish more tasks; I think few. Rather, people toward the end of life, I believe, tend to regret neglected relationships. People wished that they had spent more time in relationships and practiced the art and ministry of presence.

As you go through your 24 hours today, I encourage you to take a moment, look and actually see those around you; then, be there. Save yourself some future regrets and make a positive difference in someone.

Blessings,
d

Good Morning

I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand,

as in what direction we are moving.
~Oliver Wendell Holm~

Good Morning,

There is something special about Men’s Camp. I am not sure what it is. Generally speaking, men have a difficult time openly sharing with one another. Oh, we can talk in detail about sports, the stock market, and the ever important topic of the weather. However, in settings like Men’s Camp, men tend to let their guards downs, and they actually talk about themselves, their feelings, beliefs, hopes, dreams and shortcomings. And, perhaps most importantly, they are willing to ask other men for their support and prayers.

This past weekend at Camp Homelani was no different; where approximately 100 men at camp to play, eat, pray, eat, worship, share and eat together. Did I mention the guys had a lot of good food? Thanks, Dave and the kitchen crew! The theme of the weekend was "A Soldier of the Line." Topics of the weekend included being tested under fire, slaying giants in our lives, accepting God’s plan for our lives and becoming the man that God desires us to be. Major Joe Posillico, Divisional Commander of the Golden State Division, was the guest leader. He boldly talked to the men about being willing to stand their ground and fight for the right; the things of God. The scripture of the weekend was II Chronicles 15:7, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

The highlight of the weekend was the testimonies of the men. A recurring theme of the testimonies was a restoration of hope. Several men shared about losing hope; giving up on life and themselves. It was encouraging to hear them say they found a reason to keep going; a reason to fight to become the man God wants them to be; a reason to become a better man. Special thanks go to Major Jeff Martin and the Program Department for all the work, planning and prayer that went into the camp.

I pray that each of you will have a blessed week. Be an encouragement to someone else; it will make their day.

Blessings,
d

Good Morning

June 19, 2008

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me."
--Coach Jimmy Valvano--

Good Morning,

One of the greatest gifts you can give another is believing in them. It is an amazing thing to have someone instilling confidence in you simply by believing in your character and abilities.

Numerous studies have been conducted showing people tend to rise to the expectation of others. Students in whom teachers have confidence tend to get better grades; workers who have the trust of their employers tend to be better workers. Conversely, it has been shown that people also live down to the low expectations of others. There is actually a name for this phenomenon, called the Pygmalion effect.

The movie and Broadway play My Fair Lady was based upon this principle; where an illiterate flower girl becomes a gracious and dignified woman, because of the belief of another. Toward the end of the movie Eliza explains that Profession Higgins always treated her as a flower girl, but she learned to be a lady because Colonel Pickering treated her like a lady.

Jesus believed in others. Take Zacchaeus for example; the people saw a tax collector who took advantage of them; Jesus saw a potential trophy of grace. He was an outcast from society, yet Jesus invited himself to his house for lunch. Saul is another example; he was viewed by the people as a tyrant and a persecutor of the church. Yet, Jesus saw someone who would bring His Gospel throughout the world. Jesus was a "giver of belief."

Throughout Scripture, God calls us to believe in others. He gives us gifts and talents for the express purpose to build up those around us. He instructs us to pray for and encourage each other.

I look back with gratitude to the people who believed in me. Each of them, in their unique way, saw something in me; and communicated that belief through words and actions, especially in times when I did not believe in myself. When I failed or fell short; they continued to have faith in me. They instilled a holy self-confidence in my abilities and character.

I benefited greatly from such support; I wanted to be a better officer; a better leader and a better person. I began to work harder, study harder and care more for others. I became a better officer to a large degree because they treated me like a better officer. Perhaps this is what Paul had in mind when he wrote the following words to the Philippians.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (2:4-5).

I invite each of you to find ways to believe in those you work alongside. Look around and "catch someone doing good" and find creative ways to acknowledge and thank them. I challenge you to believe and expect the best in those around you; in doing so, you will infuse them with confidence and purpose. And, the remarkable thing is that you will feel wonderful doing so.

Blessings,
d