Deuteronomy 29:29 - Defining the Will of God

Deuteronomy 29:29 - “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."

Message: Defining the Will of God

Time: Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy. It is a collection of sermons given during the 40-day period prior to Israel’s entering the Promised Land. He restates the Law to a new generation and provides a discourse on how to live a blessed life in the Promised Land. The year was 1406 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: Last night, a friend asked me, "Why do things happen the way they happen on earth?" It was an interesting question and yet a question I responded we should ask right now. It speaks to today's lesson about the will of God on earth. Man looks at life and ponders. Why do things happen like they do? Is it all random? Or is there a plan or order? When the God dilemma is mention, most people tend to look at God and his/her own life with this idea of "what have you done for me?" It is natural. We are on this earth, living, and breathing. We are working and doing. But we are very "me" focused on this earth. And the question of God is much of the time about how He interacts with me and helps me. So when life messes up my life or works in a way I don't understand, we respond with, "Why?" 

The more I live life, the more I see that life is about God rather than life being about self. And yet we live in a very self-centered world. Often, we are fine with God as long as all of our needs are met. It is like there are two lines, one line being our life and another line our life with God and at various times those lines may intersect but overall we are living two lines. As I grow, I see that the lines should be on top of one another and the line of God should be on top at all times which means who He is and what He wants is of most important. 

In this passage of scripture, Tabletalk distinguishes between revealed will and secret will. The verse mentions "secret things" and "things revealed." More specifically, the will of God overall is being referenced here. Things revealed are things we know from scripture: God's commands, His gospel, His Law, His promises. In other words, what He has told us in Scripture. I need to always run back to scripture for it is God's letter to me. He has placed in the letter instructions and what I need to know. But I need to remember, it is all about Him so what He describes to Me is what is pleasing to Him. Yet He created me and this world, so I can trust in Him. 

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 143:10 - Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

The key to these verses is these ideas of God. His Word defines my path and the light. And my focus is to be on His will. And also the great promise that the Spirit will lead me. So life and living is from the framework of God - my lamp for my path led by the Spirit. He defines me. 

Beyond "things revealed," there are "secret things" or what God is doing throughout History or His eternal plan for creation. 

Ephesians 1:11 - In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will

God has a purpose and it His job to work all things according to His will. I think the hard part is His will includes things that He does not find pleasing. I think this is a hard thing for man to reconcile, that God allows suffering and evil to occur. To man, this is unfair. And also it is hard when good people don't do well at times in live while bad people prosper. Or why do two good people have different outcomes? Again, we stop and stare and wonder why does it seem to not make sense to me. Yet, God says in His word He has a purpose. He ordains these things throughout life so that He can work in and through them for our good and His glory, both of which He does find pleasing in themselves. 

In these verses, notice what is not mentioned: "what I want" or "my will." See, I think the important thing in life is over time to push out my desires so that my desires become what He wants. And then I am more than willing to trust Him for what I don't know. As a father and mother, we lead and provide a lamp to our children, but we are mostly their guide. They don't need to know all the details of how dad and mom earn and manage the household. They need to simply take care of that which has been revealed to them. At various times, the will of the child gets in the way and the father and mother will need to correct the child. The child is getting off course and must be steered back. The child is often in discovery mode and asking a lot of questions. Sometimes the parent will answer and provide explanations, but at other times, the parent will respond with, "Because I said so." As children we need to be able to trust all of these replies. Parent, "Do what I say and let me take care of the overarching plan." God says the same thing. 

One thing to remember is we are people focused on information. We want to know, but we must remember always we are God's children as His children what is important is our path. This is why I always go back to Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Summary: God has two wills in a way - a revealed will or what we can know for the path we walk on and his secret will, what He knows and we can trust Him. 

Promise: The right way to pursue the will of God for our lives is to ask, what is pleasing to Him? 

Prayer: O God, thank you again for the clarity of your word. Keep reminding me that I am always your child, at times only needing to know the path and the light of it, at times understanding, but always trusting. Keep my focus on You and help this world be defined by You, not me. You will still give me things I need and want and will provide me lots of enjoyment. There is so much goodness of this world that you have provided for me. Help me to others focus on what I have, never on what I don't have. Be glorified always. 

Exodus 35:30-35 - Equipped for Vocation

Exodus 35:30-35 - 30 Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; 32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, 33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. 34 He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

Message: Equipped for Vocation

Time: Moses is the most likely author of this book. His education and early tradition make him the likely author and it says in Exodus 24:4 that he wrote what the Lord said. The title Exodus means departure of Israel from Egypt by the hand of God. The book covers 80 years, from 1526 to 1446 with the events at Mount Sinai. God fulfilling promises and his story of redemption are the central ideas. 

What the Lord is Saying: The Word of God is amazing to me. If it is true and I believe it is because my mind was formed by God to be a reasonable creature and in matters of living and belief, this is the only belief that makes sense. God is the author of all creation, but also of created things and the other of our lives in what we do. He works in us in the right way at the right time to equip us for the work of His kingdom. And yet as His people we can still get in the way of His great work. 

There are many ways we can serve our creator. I Corinthians 7:21-24 says, "Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called." And I Peter 2:9 speaks, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

The Lord calls us and the Lord equips us for the vocation He has called us into. Today's passage is a great example of this. I could restate this entire passage, but it is evident that the Spirit of God has given us ability. God has granted this to all people. Some recognize it and give Him glory of it and others do not but the reality is He has gifted every person. Some of are using the gifts selfishly, for their own glory, while others are giving God the glory and working in a way that honors Him. I think we need to not lose focus that God has gifted all people for we are all made in His image. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

The Exodus passage is so clear. I've never noticed it before. It is the Spirit of God that equips us with craftmanship, design, ability to cut and carve, to teach and filled us with every work. Praise God for His hand of providence not only in food but in knowing how to do what we do. Yes, he uses school to teach us and train us but ultimately our ability to even learn is defined by God. I am not a quick learner. It takes me time to dive in and I have great job in learning, but I must do it in my way, according to the way He has designed me. I thank Him for the gifts He has given me. I am blessed indeed. 

Summary: All good gifts are from God and our aptitudes and abilities to work are a gift from God as well. 

Promise: From Tabletalk - Even though God gifts us with particular talents for particular tasks, that does not mean we put in no effort to grow in those talents. We are stewards of the gifts God has given, and as good stewards, we should be striving continually to improve our skills for the sake of glorifying God in our vocations.

Prayer: O God, you are not only the giver of life, but you are the giver of all the skills and aptitudes and abilities we have in this life to live. Thank you O Great God for your great gifts and knitting us all in a way that is ultimately for our good. Continue to equip me and help me to be a good steward of that which you have given. 

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - The Mandate to Work

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.

Message: The Mandate to Work

Time: Paul visited Thessalonica to help start the church and then returned to Corinth to write these two letters around AD 51. He was concerned the church was being misguided so he thought to assure them of the authenticity of his letters and also to encourage them about end times in order to help establish them further in their work here on earth. 

What the Lord is Saying: The previous lesson to this one, which I did back on May 9 spoke to the idea that in working we serve others. We work so that we can serve others and give to others. I think this is an important lesson and in today's passage it is further clarified. 

I have struggled at times with those in our country that are not working and yet I do not think that means a person must always garner a paycheck in order to be seen as working. For instance, a mother staying home to raise children is working. Whether the children are homeschooled or not, children are at an age where they need guidance and nurturing and oversight and training. I am thankful for my mom that always at home while I grew up, interacting with us, preparing meals, preparing us as we returned home, helping us learn to make good decisions. It was important for her to give to ministries as well and I know my dad was willing to share his earnings with her in helping her to give to others. 

Other people retire but they still look for opportunities to serve through volunteer work. And I am impressed always of the number of people with disabilities that are continuing to work. In my work the vending machines are supported by the Commission for the Blind and we have certain city purchases that first must be looked to be provided by companies for disabled people. I like this and this encouragement that despite life challenges for mobility and reasoning that people can and are still working. I have a friend that has not worked for 15 years and it is hard for me to see this in him. He is quite defensive about his inability to work and at times he has volunteered, and at times served his parents like a parent would have served a child, but often I wonder if his daily activities are too involved in time passing by. I suppose I am thankful that up to this point I have not had to experience these challenges. So it is easy for me to be critical of others when I am not walking in their shoes. 

This passage also has application to me at my work and that I am not idle with my time and that I am a person that is busy while I work. I definitely have seen the struggle in my job to not work hard and instead dabble in other things. Rather than spending time with people after work, we often spend time at work, not doing our jobs so that we can visit. It is normal practice and yet I am not sure it is the best option. 

We are to be a people that works. "For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies." Paul mentions the need for us to discipline ourselves in I Timothy 4:7, one of my favorite passages. It is a reminder that each day we need to train ourselves to work. \

I know there are people that are unable to work, people with severe disabilities. But I think we need to be careful we do not too quickly move people over to that identification. Paul is clear that if you are willing to work then you should not eat. Those are tough words and yet we all have a tendency for laziness and our society is training us more and more in distraction. Let us make sure in life that believers are the best workers. 

Summary: We have a mandate to work, if we are able, and not only work, but to it to the best of our ability, not lazy, but striving to be the best worker possible. 

Promise: We love our neighbors through our vocation and hope that our neighbors see us as hard working and diligent workers. If we are not working at this level, then we are not loving our neighbors. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for instilling in me a desire to work and do my best. I have been trained well and encouraged always to find the vocation that is the best fit for me. I thank you for my father's leadership in this with aptitude testing. And thank you for tough bosses, like Roger Minke who woke me up and helped me see that I am to do my best always in my work. Thank you Holy Spirit for instilling this in me. Give me discernment in others and how I might help them. I pray for those I am in contact with that are working hard, but are not seeing lasting provision, bring that provision to them. Help them. And show me how I can help others continually through your Word and through in other ways you lead me. Help me to not be lazy in helping others. 

I Thessalonians 4:3-8 - Searching for the Will of God

 I Thessalonians 4:3-8 - 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

Message: Searching for the Will of God

Time: Paul wrote this letter from Corinth around AD 51 to Thessalonica after establishing the church there. He was concerned false teachers might have infiltrated their church. His focus is on the rapture of believers. Spiritual growth should be motivated by the anticipation of the return of Christ. 

What the Lord is Saying: I have previously looked at the idea of the priesthood of all believers which is defined as all believers can render spiritual service to God no matter what lawful work they are doing. I have always loved this idea that in reality no one is better than another person. In our world, we have a tendency to place a high premium on certain people in society, those that have a higher level of position. Sometimes we do this based upon pay, thinking the more money a person makes the more important they are. We also do this on education with the idea that if a person has gone to school for many years for a degree they have more significance. Yet, in the family of God, in the church, as we study spiritual gifts, we see that each person has equal valley. I realize that is meant to speak of serving in the Church but I think we can apply it throughout life. 

So how does each person determine their vocation and how they will be serving the Lord? God's word provides us principles in our daily life. But more importantly, God has given us His Holy Spirit for direction and guidance. But in an overall arching way, today we have the will of God for us ultimately and that is sanctification. The message here is more specific to sexual immorality, but the overall the idea is the ability to make good decisions. And in this process it is embracing the Holy Spirit that is in us. With the Holy Spirit in us we are protected often from doing those things are not God honoring, but we must submit and surrender to Him and allow Him to work. He wants to work in us. 

As I was leaving Baylor University in the 1990 I wondered if full-time ministry was for me. I looked at Dallas Theological Seminary but as I did, I sensed the Lord's leading to a vocation outside of the church and a calling on my life to be a layperson, involved always in the service of the Lord. Now, over the next 10 years I would do different jobs trying to figure out where I would ultimately land and yet in those times wanting to serve Him. It was a journey for me, not a sprint. But I believe that as I have been working through these year, I have also been serving. Finding area where I can serve has always been important, from helping to teach Sunday School, to being a church treasurer, to involving myself in small men's groups, involvement in evangelism and sharing my faith and encouraging others to do the same, to active involvement online in communicating with others, encouraging them and in the process encouraging myself and learning about the power of God. I would not do anything different. There have been times of uncertainty and wonder, but I can look back now and see God was always in control. 

Summary: One thing is clear as we discern the will of God in our lives, we are to be about sanctification, always on the quest to grow in Christ and minister to others. 

Promise: As we choose opportunities to earn a living and work, it is not always easy, but we can be sure that in this endeavor we are choosing ways to give God glory and make us holy. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the journey you have brought me on and the life you have given me and the work that I have been able to see you doing in the lives of people. I am always amazed. Help me to continue to help others as you lead me and to know the best way to do this. You have worked through me in the past and I am confident then in the future. 

A Prayer about Snakes, Scorpions, and God's Spirit

Luke 11:11-13 (NASB1995)

11 Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Dear Father, it's been almost fifty days since Easter Sunday. That makes this upcoming Lord's Day Pentecost Sunday--the day when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. Like ignoring a houseguest, I can take this honored guest for granted. I repent, especially as I recall what a special Person he is. 

Blessed Holy Spirit, it's because of you I believe the gospel. If you hadn't given life and faith in Jesus, I would still be dead in my sins and trespasses. You also sealed me forever as the Father's possession. You're the first fruits of my final redemption--the guarantee that one day I will live with the whole family of God in the new heaven and new earth. 

It's by you I hear the Father tell me I'm his beloved child. It's by you that I hear and learn more of the glory and grace of Jesus, for you are always drawing attention to him. 

It's through your power I'm able to put to death everything in me that contradicts the gospel. It's through your work that good fruit is being produced. I'm becoming more and more like Jesus because of you. 

I can pray and worship acceptably only because of you. In fact, you're praying inside of me right now, and you continue to do so even when I'm too undisciplined or too broken to pray. It's by you that I am gifted for service and empowered for mission. How I praise you for your multiple graces in my life!

Father, I take Jesus' promise seriously. Today, I ask for more of the Holy Spirit's work in my life. I love fish and eggs, but what I need and want is the gift of your Holy Spirit. Free me from my stereotypes. Free me from a mere correct-yet-notional theology of the Spirit. Free me from being held hostage to distortions of who the Holy Spirit is and fears of weird stuff. I am thirsty enough to be done with being cool and being in control. I pray in Jesus' exalted name. Amen. 

-- Taken from "Everyday Prayers" by Scotty Smith

Mark 10:46-52 - Blind Bartimaeus

Mark 10:46-52

46 Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” 50 Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

Message: Blind Bartimaeus

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:  Well, i just noticed that back in October 2018, as I studied through the book of Mark that I did not do this lesson at the end of Mark 10. Through Mark 10, Jesus is helping his followers and apostles understand that living for Him (for Jesus) is in many ways opposite to how the World defines life. In the last passage he ends with a proclamation that He did not come to be served, but to serve. All that Jesus is we need to remember is about us. His mission is seeking to save us, His children. And this reminds us that we need to be focused on others. The Rich Young Ruler got caught up in himself. Yes, he followed the ways of obedience, but along the way he was missing something still: his heart and ultimately what he valued the most. Jesus reminds us that He does not simply want a part of us, but he wants all of us. 

In this book of Mark, as it progresses, the instances of Jesus healing people are not as numerous. The last healing that Mark records is in chapter 9 where Jesus delivers a demon-possessed Son. In many ways Mark I think is wanting us to understand the Gospel message that Jesus came to preach. And yet people continue to want to be healed. And Jesus responds. 

Jesus wants what is best for us at all times, but Jesus also wants to meet our needs and Jesus wants to give us what we want. 

Jesus and the disciples are traveling towards Jerusalem. "And they came to Jericho" as recorded in verse 46. Jericho is 44 kilometers east of Jerusalem. Jesus is ministering but he is also on a mission for Jerusalem. And along this way, a man, blind, on the road, hears Jesus and calls out to him for mercy. 

Is this man simply calling out to anyone to heal him? It is hard to say, but we do know that he is very intentional in calling out Jesus. He does not simply say, "Jesus" but says, "Jesus, son of David." Son of David is a title for the messianic Jesus and Jesus has not been open in revealing this identity. In March 8:27 Jesus asks the disciples who people say He is and in their response that He is the Christ Jesus asks them to tell no one about Him (v. 30). Jesus has a purpose to fulfill His ministry and he does not want the Messiah aspect to get in the way of this and yet this man called on Jesus, son of David inferring His messianic role. Jesus will restore all things, including Bartimaeus sight. 

Bartimaeus responds to receiving his sight by wanting to follow Jesus. "Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road." He did not ask for any other prestige or special position. As a reminder, Mark had most recently mentioned that Jesus did come to be served, but to serve. Bartimaeus did want his sight but immediately following this He desired to follow Jesus. This is the mark of true discipleship. 

Promise: We are to respond to God with gratefulness seeing Jesus for who He is. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy and grace. You are a giver of life and healer of mankind. Thank you for this lesson and the reminder that it is all about You and You restoring all things to Yourself. Thank you for this lesson and your work in people's lives. Help me to always lean on You and follow you all the days of my life. 

For the next lesson in this Mark series, go to Mark 11:1-6 - Procuring a Donkey. 

A Prayer about Patience, Pits and Praise - May 12

Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV)

I waited patiently for the Lord;

   he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

   out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

   and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

   a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the Lord

   and put their trust in him. 

Heavenly Father, my heart goes out today to those whose feet are in the mud and mire of various slimy pits--friends whose weariness is growing and patience is growing thin. The initial adrenaline rush that came after the flood is gone. Now there are long lines, red tape, looming decisions, limited resources, and short fuses. Breath, O Breath of God; send the winds of heaven. We need encouragement, wisdom and strength. 

Father, I pray both for those needing a lift from "the pit" and for the lifters, for those needing help and for the helpers. We're all in need of what you alone can give. 

You've never commanded anything without supplying the grace to obey your commands, and you've never made an empty promise. So when you command us not to become weary in doing good, and when you promise us a guaranteed harvest at the proper time (Galatians 6:9), I take you at your Word. I will wait patiently for you, Lord--patiently, expectantly, and gratefully. 

Bring great glory to yourself, Father. Cause many to see and to put their trust in you as you continue to write multiplied stories of redemption and restoration. I'm not asking you to make the mud and the mire go away; just make the Rock, Jesus, more evident and beautiful to all. Cause our feet to stand upon Jesus, more evident and beautiful to all. Cause our feet to stand upon Jesus, the only firm foundation in this life and the life to come, in times of great adversity, in times of great prosperity, and in all the in-between times. 

Fill our hearts and mouths with the new song of the gospel--hymns of praise to you, our loving and faithful Father. I pray in Jesus' trustworthy and triumphant name. Amen. 

-- Taken from "Everyday Prayers" by Scotty Smith

Ephesians 4:28 - Loving Neighbor Through Vocation

Ephesians 4:28 - He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.

Message: Loving Neighbor Through Vocation

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: This passage in my bible is under the heading of 'Put on the New Self.' Paul is delivering a message to Christians on how they are to live, providing them responsibilities, their behavior, their conduct. And in these words he is speaking of how the Christian is to act toward his neighbor. 

Verse 29 was a hallmark verse for me as a Christian growing up. Coming to Christ at the age of 14, I remembered being a person that had cursing show up in my life. And so verse 29 was of great encouragement to me -- "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." 

This passage encouraged us that work is way to encourage others. I do not think this is my first thought when it comes to work. I think first of providing for my family and fulfilling my calling. I suppose I go into work first and foremost with that in my mind, but I also take pride in doing my job well, trying to make good decisions and lead the organization in good business. 

But this passage seems to give greater light to words from 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. It speaks of shedding the old things and the old ways of living and instead take on a new mission and role. Verse 25 says to "Lay aside falsehood." And in verse 26 to not sin with our anger. And now in verse 28 to no longer steal. Instead of being a thief we are to be one who shares what we have with others. 

I have found myself doing this often with people that I have met abroad. After spending time with them and testing them to see if they are reputable and then also praying about those situations, I have felt a need to help those who are less fortunate. All of these individuals are black or African American. And so Pamela and I from our labor have been of help to them. But I am not sure I have had the same idea about people here in Albuquerque and specifically at my job here at the City of Albuquerque. 

The reason I work is to give to those in need. I am to provide but also to alleviate suffering. I am to go the extra mile not simply for those halfway around the world, but those next to me. 

Summary: I am to labor diligently in my vocation as as to have resources to share with those who cannot meet their own needs. 

Promise: Christians are called to love their neighbors as they love themselves and one of the ways we can do this through our vocations. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy and you have given me so much. You have provided me a good job with good resources of funds. Help me to not be selfish in my receipt of these monies, but to be a person that is giving to others. Give me wisdom though as I truly want to help those that are going to be good with the money I share with them. Direct me to those in need and help me always to do what is right in giving. 

I Corinthians 7:17-24 - Called from Every Vocation

I Corinthians 7:17-24

17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.

21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

Message: Called from Every Vocation

Time: Not the first, but 2nd letter to Corinthians, but the first to survive and to be considered authoritative. Written in AD 55, it was penned after Paul had reports of quarreling in this church he had previously visited. Paul covers a number of subjects, but all focus on the Christian's life in the church. 

What the Lord is Saying: It is interesting to me to understand the context of this passage. In Paul's day, the City of Corinth was the most important city in Greece, as it was a hub of worldwide commerce, but it also was a culture that was degraded and included idolatrous religion. Paul, in this book is firm as he deals with (1) divisions in the church, (2) disorder in the church, and (3) difficulties in the church. The New Testament church is young. Christ was crucified in AD 33 and so this is 22 years later, at a time when this church does not possess the Bible that I have in front of me today in its entirety. At this time, there would have only been penned Matthew, Galatians and James and yet we simply don't know how much of these letters or words were a part of the church. And so this letter Paul is writing to the Church becomes their doctrinal statement and my guess is much of how their church begins is through word of mouth. 

Chapter 7 gives the listener at the beginning principle for married life and at the end principles for the unmarried as well as remarriage. In the middle, my Open Bible has today's reading with a heading of "Principles of Abiding in God's Call." Again, I find this interesting that Paul seems to be addressing how one is to live. 

He writes to an audience that is probably Jewish and yet also Gentile. And he brings up first circumcision - an important practice of the Jew and yet he states what should be important in the life of a follower is not this practice (verse 18), but rather what is important is keeping the commandments of God (v. 19). Verse 19 seems to be the pivotal verse of this section and namely the last part -- what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. What matters is our obedience not who we are (freeman or slave, circumcised or not). Verse 23 says, you were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. We are to be a people of God. We need to be concerned about what God deems important. God has bought us, called us, made us all free (verse 22 - the Lord's freedman). 

Look at the similar thinking in Galatians 5:6, a writing by Paul that occurred at the same time. he says, For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Circumcision is a rite or ritual, but liked I learned in the October 2017 issue of Tabletalk when I studied sacraments, this practices can be important and perhaps we can even say they are needed but I still can't say they are required. If Paul is telling us that circumcision does not mean anything in regards to freeing a man or being purchased, then it seems the purpose of the rituals or sacraments is therefore to point us towards God. And so they can be important, but we always need to be mindful that they do not in and by themselves lead to salvation nor are they on a salvation timeline or checklist that leads one to being saved or in Christ. But rather they can help us and point us toward that right relationship with God. 

I Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel... This does not mean that baptism is not important. In that verse he seems to be saying to not let the issue of whether you have been baptized or not divide you. Rather be united by the gospel and who we are in Christ. 

In time I have really come to enjoy the British minister Alexander Maclaren and his writings from the 19th century. He breaks this chapter and verse down in a way that really resonates with me. Again, don't get too caught up in the ritual that you miss the relationship with Jesus. Galatians 5:6 says what is important is faith working through love. In today's passage it is keeping of the commandments of God. It is doing the will of the Father. Jesus said in Luke 22:42, Not my will, but thine be done. 

Galatians 6:15 says, For neither circumcision anything, not uncircumcision, but a new creation. What is most important is my newness in Christ. What matters is getting to that new state of John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

And so I am back to what is key. What is the key? Faith is the key. By trusting in Christ I become a follower of Christ and become one that keeps the commandments of God. I am a new creature created in Christ Jesus for good works. And so I want to live for Him. I want to learn from Him. I want to be like Him. And yet I live in the world and am called to be in the world and yet not to be conformed to it. Every step, every day I am Christ. I am His. And as His I am to be about the will of the Father. It is automatic if I let it. If I let my mindset change, it will change. Don't make it about duty or checklists or rituals. Make it about Him and letting Him renew me. Let my mind be renewed. 

And so today, this lesson, "Called from Every Vocation", the lesson is simple. Be it freeman or slave, it does not matter. I am called to do the will of the Father. I do the will of the Father whether circumcised or uncircumcised, whether having been baptized or not baptized, taking the Lord's supper or not, married or not married, having children or not having children, rich or poor, Gentile or Jew, black or white, Baptist or not, Lutheran or not, Presbyterian or not. What matters is not me or my affiliation, but the will of the Father. It is not form or ritual, it is being in Christ so that then all things will flow forth. Wherever God has placed me, that is where I serve Him. 

Summary: Be it freeman or slave, it does not matter. I am called to do the will of the Father. 

Promise: The important thing to remember is that wherever we labor, we can labor for the glory of God and the good of our neighbors. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for waking me up this morning. I woke up bothered by last night and the work I was doing. Whatever it was that woke me up it brought me to Your Word and brought me to a lesson that has been on my mind so often and a lesson that I so badly wanted to know and see. The lesson is that You have saved me. And in saving me, you have made me knew. O God, how I want to get out of the way and instead let you Spirit live in me the will of the Father. It only happens because of Christ being in me. Awakened by the Spirit, brought to faith by Christ, so that I may do the will of the Father. Renew me daily. As I live in this world, I do not want to be conformed to it. Keep me non-conformed. Keep me trained for Godliness. Keep me close to you. Thank you for calling me at this moment in the work you have and from it I can serve you as good as anyone else. What matters is being in Christ. Thank you God. Thank you for gripping me today with these truths. If I can, help me to pass it on.