The Barrel: A Thanksgiving Devotional

How many are finding themselves "scraping the bottom of the barrel" to get by? How many will honestly say that they feel like the barrel started out empty? 

Oftentimes, we thoughtlessly consume the bountiful blessings our heavenly Father bestows upon us and focus continually on the gifts -like looking down into a deep barrel and scooping up the gifts all the while neglecting the Giver. In doing so, as we reach into the barrel time and time again without raising our eyes to God to give Him thanks, we will suddenly find ourselves scraping at the bottom. 

There will come a time, after having habitually neglected God, that He will allow us to fall into that deep and empty barrel we are scraping the bottom of so that we have no other choice but to look upward to Him for deliverance. Instead of waiting till you're reaching into the bottom of the barrel, habitually receive EVERYTHING with thanksgiving{Ephesians 4:20}. While looking up to give thanks, you will discover that the barrel never gets empty. In fact, what you give thanks to God for and have in hand will be plenty for the moment. 

John writes about a time the disciples found themselves "scraping the bottom of the barrel" when confronted with a lack of food for the multitudes{John6:1-14}. They managed to "scrape-up" one child's lunch but they needed to feed multiple thousands. When they gave the small portion of food to Jesus they asked, "What is this in comparison to so many?" Jesus, however, received the food with thanksgiving and blessed God for it. No one in that crowd went hungry that day and there were twelve baskets of left-overs gathered.

Jesus never saw the bottom of the barrel because he gave thanks to God for what He had in His hands. Then God blessed and multiplied what Jesus had gratefully received so that there was enough to bless others -even above and beyond everyone's need.

Can One Lose Salvation? No, BUT...

Many answers to questions cannot be addressed with a simple "yes" or "no;" oftentimes we find it necessary to insert a qualifying "but" in our answer -as in "Yes, but..." or "No, but..."
The question pertaining to whether one can lose salvation is no exception. The answer to whether someone can lose their salvation is "No;" BUT the reason is because no one can lose something that they have not yet been given. Allow me to explain...
Nowhere in Scripture will you find that one is permanently "saved" the moment of conversion. The wording [or surrounding contexts] when addressing salvation is always future tense as in "...will be saved" or "...shall be saved."
At conversion, one is born-again. Being born-again does not guarantee salvation; it is, however, a required prerequisite for receiving salvation and entrance into God's kingdom{John 3:3,5}.
[see also my Blog (entry): "Born Again or Saved: Is There A Difference?" -- http://forjesusministry.blogspot.com/2011/08/born-again-or-saved-is-there-difference.html ]
According to Scripture, salvation is rewarded to all **who persevere till the end** in: love, hope, trust, and obedience to Jesus... summed singularly by the word: "faith." Jesus makes this point clear Himself:
-- Matthew 10:22b "...but he that endures till the end SHALL BE saved."

Furthermore, in Hebrews 3:14 we again are admonished to "...hold firmly UNTIL THE END{HCSB}" our faith in Christ. In Hebrews 3 we are reminded that daily we must decide to follow Jesus and be diligent in encouraging one another in this:
-- Hebrews 3:13-15
13 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. 14 For we have become companions of the Messiah IF WE HOLD FIRMLY UNTIL THE END the reality that we had at the start. 15 As it is said: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. -HCSB
[*Note: Although God's mercies are new every day{Lam3:22-23}; notice the warning in Hebrews 3:13 of the potential for being hardened by sin. Do not think to yourself that you can sin "this one time" and then repent; for you do not know if that "one little sin" will be the one that hardens you forever{see Eze3:20-21/Eze33:12-13Heb6:4-6/Heb10:26-31}]

In closing, please also consider the words of Peter in 1Pet1:5
-- 5 You are being protected BY God's power THROUGH faith for a salvation that is ready TO BE REVEALED IN THE LAST TIME. -HCSB

Until we meet the end; whether that end we face is "breathing our last" or seeing Christ's second-coming; persevere daily in love for Jesus and others, hope and trust in His promises, and obedience to His word... "keep the faith" {cf. Rev14:12}.

Paul vs James... [not really]

Martin Luther contended that James should not be considered part of the NT Canon partly because, in his impression, James contradicts Paul's teaching that we are not saved by works. Specifically, Luther could not correlate Ephesians 2:8-9 with James 2:14-26.
--> Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. -ESV
--> James 2:14-26
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God.24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. -ESV

Now,  by some it is suggested that Paul wrote Hebrews. Not even a careful study of Hebrews and James is necessary to discover that Paul{assuming that he wrote Hebrews} and James are in complete agreement. In Hebrews chapter 11 Paul addresses faith. Hebrews 11:1 begins:
--> 1 Now faith is the *substance* of things hoped for, the *evidence* of things not seen. -KJV

The Greek for *substance* is ὑπόστασις [hupostasis/G5287] and is indicative of a foundation upon which something rest secure. The Greek for *evidence* is ἔλεγχος [elegchos/G1650] and means "proof." So a faithful rendering of Hebrews 11:1 would also be:
--> "Faith is the foundation for which all that we believe rests upon; it is the proof of our conviction which cannot otherwise be seen."

Paul continues by giving examples of rewards from faith and fruit/works from faith:
--> 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain... [an example of motivation from faith]
--> 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated [an example of reward from faith]
--> 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house [an example of motivation{"moved with fear"(that is, reverent fear)} working with hope for reward{"saving of [Noah's] house"} producing obedience{ [Noah] "prepared an ark"}]
--> 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. [an example of hope for reward{"receive[ing]... an inheritance"} working with obedience{"obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went"} producing perseverance despite hardships{cf vs.9}].

From the examples Paul gives we can conclude that "faith" is much more than belief/trust/hope. Faith also consists of the "evidences"; the visible good works as proof of faith. Perhaps part of James' epistle was in response to schisms that surfaced teaching that one is saved on the merits of belief alone despite, or irrespective of, the existance/non-existance of good works. This assumption would seem to be supported by James' statement in 2:19
--> 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

As well, perhaps James in chapter 2 was drawing upon Paul's letter to the Hebrews to show that what he was saying was in total agreeance with Paul when James reiterated the examples of Abraham and Rahab{cf. Hebrews 11:8/James 2:21 and Hebrews 11:31/James 2:25}.

In conclusion, we can well see that Paul's intent was never to teach that works have nothing to do with being saved. In context, we must understand Ephesians 2:8-9 to teach that salvation is purely a gift from God... nothing we can do can ever merit deserving being saved- it is solely a work of God's grace. This grace is received{note: a gift must be received or rejected} through faith. Although good works do not save, our works manifest that we have faith; which is otherwise invisible to the world around us.

Funny{actually, NOT!}; that many who contest this doctrine of "works evidences faith=grace unto salvation" based upon Ephesians 2:8-9 seem to totally neglect Eph2:10
--> 10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. -HCSB

Enemy vs Spouse

I was thinking back upon a few opportunities in which I had counseled others concerning their relationship struggles. I found myself pondering how it is that a Christian could show love for an enemy in obediance to Christ command and yet neglect to minister selflessly to their spouse. The common denominator for these mens' woes was personal "EXPECTATIONS." It seems that it is easier for some to minister to an enemy in which they have absolutely no expectation of returned gratitude than to their own spouse. Without going into a long sermonette on the topic; I just want to throw out this profound mind-set that will remedy most relationship woes... I heard this in a sermon 15+ years ago and it has stuck with me: "Kick a dead man; he won't kick back." You see, a dead man ceases to have retaliatory reflexes. As well, dead men have no expectations of others. If you are dead... then you're dead...{cf. Rom6:7} Yet; as a Christian, the Holy Spirit quickens the flesh{Rom6:4} and enables us to will and do according to God's pleasure{Philippians 2:13}. All that we need to do is submit to God and resist the devil{James 4:7}. It has been well said that the problem with living sacrifices{Rom12:1} is that they tend to want to crawl off of the alter. So, when tensions are rising between you and your spouse remember that dead men don't retaliate... crucify your personal expectations{Gal2:20} and allow God to love through you. Yes, Jesus said to love your enemy{Luke 6:27}; this is somewhat easy because we typically expect nothing in return. But Jesus also said that the distinguishing mark of a genuine follower of His is that we love one another as He loves us{John 13:34-35}; this is complicated when we expect any show of gratitude in return. The remedy: Daily remind yourself of this mind-set: "Dead men don't retaliate."
--> ...I die every day! 1Corinthians 15:31d

Do You Know A "Christian" Male-Chauvinist?

Please do not hesitate to share this if any of you know a "Christian" male-chauvinist:
Gen2:18 describes woman as "help meet for man." The Hebrew here indicates two separate ideas: 1) helper["עזר" {‛êzer/H5828}] -and- 2) meet for man. "Meet for man" is the single Hebrew word "נגד" [neged/H5048] and indicates something parallel/side-by-side; in this case, implied EQUALITY. God created woman to be a companion of man's equal. The fall never diminished women's equality with men. In the NT, Paul addresses certain "roles" assigned to men which result in greater responsibly; not greater "rank." Bear in mind, that Scripture reveals that the woman was "deceived"... Adam was *NOT* deceived when he sinned against God{1Tim2:14} -e.g. Adam knew he was disobeying God... Now is that something to lord over women?
To see a one-on-one dialogue I had with a "male chauvinist" I invite the reader to read my previous blog:
--> www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=492538548853

Excuses... Excuses...

In the coming Judgment, excuses like "God knows I'm only human..," etc., will suffice no more than that excuse would grant pardon in a court of law. God will not look over any sin{*1} that is committed with premeditation and without remorse{*2,3}. Yet remorse by itself; if lacking the works that evidence its genuineness; is merely feeling of guilt. Godly sorrow{*4,5} leads one to; in diligence; recommit to abiding in Jesus{*6,7}.

[*1] --> Acts 17: 30 "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, -HCSB
[*2] --> Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV
(4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, (6) if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
[*3] --> Hebrews 10:26-31 NKJV
(26) For if we deliberately sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries. (28) If anyone disregards Moses' law, he dies without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. (29) How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and insulted the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know the One who has said, Vengeance belongs to Me, I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge His people. (31) It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!
[*4] --> Acts 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. –NKJV
[*5] --> 2Corinthians 7:10-11 HCSB
10 For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death. 11 For consider how much diligence this very thing-this grieving as God wills-has produced in you: what a desire to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what deep longing, what zeal, what justice! In every way you showed yourselves to be pure in this matter.
[*6] --> John 15: 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. -ESV
[*7] --> 1John 2:3-6 NKJV
(3) Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. (4) He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (5) But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected tin him. By this we know that we are in Him. (6) He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

[... remember, we have no excuse since we are given the Holy Spirit; which both produces the will and ability to do what pleases God{Philippians 2:13}]

2Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves...
--> do you make excuses for your sin or do you, in reverent fear, repent and abandon the sin for which the Spirit convicts you?
Proverbs 16:6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.

Above The Law?

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. -ESV
Romans 6:14

Some wrongly believe that the Bible teaches that we are no longer bound to keep God's Law. This is a complete misconception. Shall we assert that we are free to kill... steal... curse our maker... have sex with next of kin, etc? Or shall we say that we should keep this Law but not that? Do we not then make ourselves a judge over God's Law by such mentality.

If carefully read and understood, Scripture teaches that believers are free from the CONSEQUENCES of the Law because by faith we naturally do from the heart those things which are written in the Law.
--> Romans 2:14-16
14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it.15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. -NLT

If one compares the contexts of Paul's speeches concerning the Law, one will discover that the admonitions were aimed at correcting the pharisaical way of thinking that keeping the Law made one righteous. Paul's intended purpose in addressing the topic of the Law was for his hearers to comprehend that righteousness is by faith in Jesus and not by the works of the Law.
--> Galatians 2:16
16 know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. -HCSB

Paul never intended to imply that a believer is free from obeying the Law.
--> Romans 6:15-16
15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. -NLT

I think the NLT version of Romans 6:14 captures the essence of what Paul intended for us to understand:
--> 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

...this speaks quite clearly that because we are under grace; we are above the Law- because grace is greater. Not in the sense that we free from the Law; but by faith, the Law has been inscribed upon our hearts- the Law has become part of our being so that we naturally obey it.