How to repent-Ps. 51

Since I have not memorized this one, but have only read it, and for other reasons, I will not write the entire psalm.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness; according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquities and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in they sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners will be converted unto thee. Ps.51:1-13

At the time David wrote this, he was king, and had been for many years. This is what he wrote after Nathan the prophet confronted him about his sin with Bathsheeba. Clearly he had sinned against her husband, and against his people who expected godly standards. Against his soldiers who at war did not deserve a king playing around instead of worrying about their lives and the battles. Perhaps this was a diversion to relieve stress. Bathsheeba had her own responsibility in it. But in comparison, he has been anointed to be God's king for God's people. He owes the Lord everything. And he is aware that God is holy, and therefore not tolerant of self-indulgance or impurity. So God, being the only truly pure and holy being, is the only one who can see sin and have the right to accuse. God is not silenced when we ignore His ways. In awareness of his own sinfulness, rightfully David repents to having betrayed God by his sin.

Since he was the youngest of seven brothers, or several anyway, his mother was married. Having sex with her husband was not a sin. (He is called the son of Jesse, with no indication of question of legitimacy.) Therefore, being conceived in sin, merely means he had a human nature that was bent on selfishness from the very beginning. Some will speak of the innocence of children. Yes, they have great purity not having been defiled by the world. Yet, even a screaming baby not picked up from its crib lets out fits of rage, whether out of boredom wanting out, wanting attention, wanting to be fed, changed or whatever. A child having a toy removed from it, or bottle, or being told he cannot have his way, is perhaps the clearest example of our human temperament. Rage may precede other behavior, but it is eventually followed by deception, and other manifestations. The rest of us learn to cover this up, gloss over with other words, and so on. But though we may know sweet people, no one can say that other person is sinless. It is out of knowing human behavior that David can address sinning against God as the main, and only significant issue. He has seen much of human betrayal, cowardice, lies and trickery, murder. His concern is to please God.

His predecessor, King Saul was renounced by God, after the Almighty appointed him. He took his Spirit away from him, not granting him the fellowship they had formerly had. This destroyed Saul. And it was one reason Saul had had David come in as a boy to play music for him-to heal his soul as he suffered. David took losing God's fellowship, or His anointing most seriously. He also did not relish the idea of going crazy as Saul had. Keeping communication free was, therefore, critical.

Sin had to be renounced. Having been in the temple, the king was aware of ceremonial anointings as well as the multitude of sacrifices. He wants real cleansing-of his heart, not just of form. Therefore it must be God who does the washing, not merely a priest. Later in the Psalms, he acknowledges that God doesn't really care about all the sacrifices of animals. (God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so the offering is not something He needs.) He says the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

After these serious issues are resolved, then he can perform the formalities in sincerity (To praise Him, tell others of Him, and sacrifice bulls.) He needs truth inside, not covering up or making excuses for sin. He needs God to not see his sins, and to remove them-because the Lord is a holy God and cannot play favorites, even for the king He has appointed. The only way is to humbly admit his sin and ask for the sin (all of it) to be forgiven. Not thinking he can do enough good deeds to balance what he has done, or blind God from seeing the truth.

He can only repent and trust to God's mercy. And yes, the purpose of the shedding of blood was to forgive sin, for without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Still it is not the animal's death alone that provides propitiation and justification. It is the repentance and the dependence upon the Lord's mercy. But the one animal, or a thousand did not last forever. It always required more. That is why there was a new covenant, so that we have a lasting sacrifice. But we all still must humble ourselves, repent of our works, acknowledge His holiness and ask for mercy, believing He cares enough to give it based on His loving kindness and tender mercies, not my own worthiness. Because honestly, sometimes we may know we are wrong, or that our desires are wrong, but not have power to overcome them. It is only his power and mercy that can give us a new heart, and create a right spirit within us.

Add to your faith

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed of his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. II Peter 1:8-11.

I have edited my comments because they were very self-indulgent. Let me just state that someone can try to live this for an entire lifetime, and still feel as if he has failed in it. Rather than rolling in accusation, one must only continue to repent and realize one's justification, while trying to live honestly before the Lord. No condemnation does not equal freedom to sin. But it also does not require living with guilt.

Sometimes we may feel like we have matured and are living in victory, even becoming impatient with others whom we deem have not reached our levels. So we should see victory, and rejoice over them, expect them. The risk is to take credit for them rather than acknowledge the Lord's work. Still, as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, the Lord takes us through processes of revelation and understanding that teach us new depths of seeing our own needs.

His training enables us to add patience or self-control, goodness, or whatever is required. Still, at such a time as we think we have arrived, if we continue to walk with the Lord, He will just slay us with the understanding of our own nature. For the goodness is of Him and He does not allow us to take credit for it. We are plunged again into the admission that what I desire I cannot do, and what I do I do not desire, and to know that He alone is the one who will redeem me from this dilemma. For Romans 8:1 cannot have its glory without the truth of chapter seven. "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" is only true for those who have cried out, "Who will deliver me from this body of death!" The good news of God's salvation must be preceded by the bad news of our desperate need of a Savior.

His very great and precious promises

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. II Peter 1:2-4

When I was in college, and a new believer, I heard of His great and precious promises. People would teach us some of what they are. When my eldest was nine, and I was at a very low point in my life, the Lord reminded me of these verses, and promised me that He would never forsake me. I had 48 hours of problems in Paris and all the way back home, in which He provided for us, step by step, beginning with being separated from our tour at Versailles, continuing with my purse being stolen on the train, getting it back, minus the money but with our passports- a miracle. We had some money and traveller's checks separate. These had to be exchanged and at night it was not possible, so each time we had to wait on God to provide the next step. Even with certain things prearranged, they were not always dependable. God only was. At each step, I would hear, "everything pertaining to life and godliness," until I started repeating it to myself. For 21 years now, I have held onto this passage.

Peace of mind and unmerited favor/forgiveness is mine in abundance only through having a relationship with God the Father and Jesus his son. (verse 1 says this is written to those who have this.) How do I receive this? Again v.1 says "through the righteousness of God and our savior Jesus," not through my own merit. These are promises, along with many others throughout scripture. How do I access them?

His divine power (omnipotence) has provided us-with everything we need to sustain our lives. Not only physical needs, but spiritual are also given. We receive these as we walk with Him/abide with Him. Everyday, every year, just as in a marriage we increase our understanding of who we relate to-through our knowledge of Him. This is not merely an intellectual knowledge of theology, philosophy.

The Dakes says the word knowledge is epignosis: recognition, full discernment, based on epiginosko-to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge, perceive.
The Lexical aid states further-it is greater than gnosis because it expresses a more thorough and exact participation in the object of knowledge by the knowing subject.

Now Peter was one of the top three disciples, so he had literally years (3) of experience walking, eating, sleeping, praying with, fishing with Jesus. None of us could expect to compare what all he knew of Jesus. But he is not writing of the man Jesus. He includes other believers in their ability to know-God has given to "us," not just him, these things.

Later in the chapter Peter says that he will work to make sure the things he has to share will be available even after he dies. He reminds them that he and the other disciples did not "follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." This statement is followed by his testimony about Jesus in his glory-at the mountain of transfiguration.

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory saying, "This is my Son whom I love, with Him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

"Through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" -i.e. the deity we know. Peter, as did John, progressed in his understanding: testifying of the work of Jesus on earth, but worshipping and serving the Son of God at the right hand of the Father. Jesus intercedes for us now. We will never have the experience of walking with him down a dirt road, but we do have available the very same opportunity to know our sovereign god.

He "called us by his own glory and goodness". It was not out of my own goodness, or his need for me. He is good, and the glory of his awesomeness just explodes in kindness. The longer I am saved, the more times I have experienced his deliverances, his kindnesses, his blessings. We develop a kind of mental file on Him-I know He can do this, because He's done this for me before. When we become familiar with His goodness and His glory, we more confidently trust Him and believe the promises we have read. They become like a bank account. I know I have this available to me, I can count on it, so I use it.

Through reading the Scripture (Bible) I discover more of the promises-these very great and precious promises. Several verses down Peter discusses other parts of Scripure and reassures us that the Holy Spirit is the source of them, so we should have no problem counting on them. What is the point of the promises-to get rich, to ensure physical safety, or whatever we want god to get for us? No. The point is "through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

That is His work, to deliver us, remove all the filth and make us holy. To give us victory instead of defeat. No one on their own can have that victory. Next Peter provides pointers on how to work on this-to cooperate in the work, but that is another post.

Last Part of 103

The Lord has establish His throne in heaven,
And His Kingdom rules over all.
Praise the Lord, you His angels.
You mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey His word.
Praise the Lord, all His Heavenly hosts,
You servants who do His will.
Praise the Lord all His works
Everywhere in His dominion.
Praise the Lord, O my soul. V 19-22. NIV

The Psalmist started on a personal note, reminding himself to praise the Lord, and to have it be completely full of his concentration, not merely following form-but all that is within him. Many of the Psalms instruct to sing, to play music, shout, make a joyful noise, dance. They also instruct you to whom you should address the song-to the Lord, to tell the congregation of the faithful, to instruct one's children, the nation of Israel, the whole world of men, creation, angels, etc. Body motions (stand, sit, fall down before Him), every aspect is covered. One particular part is to tell of the Lord's character, His works, our personal history. David has emphasized his personal testimony here, along with more general descriptions of how He relates to all that serve Him.

He has established the smallness of man and the greatness of God, admitting our need for him. We do not always obey Him, but He forgives us. Now the Psalmist, (David I think-sometimes it is Asaph, or some other priest employed in the worship services) addresses those who do serve Him, who do not sin or fail Him. The angels, the heavenly hosts, and all of His creation is instructed to praise Him. Asking for backup, to expand upon the worship, because our own in inadequate to express his glory. We all owe it to him.

There is much richness here, in the Hebrew. A Dakes Bible, KJV but with significant notes having both Old and New Testament word studies, of the Strong's dictionary, along with lexical explanations of those words, tells us how each underlined word is used in different verses throughout scripture. The word servants, for instance is translated in KJV as ministers. The Dakes explains how the Hebrew word encompasses both meanings, with 96 uses in the OT alone. Some refer to a high ranking servant to a public official, priest, king, etc. Others (more often) refer to those occupied in worship, such as some levitical priests did. These are specifically appointed for their jobs, whether in heaven or earth. Anyway, we are left with a uniformity of worship of our own along with all creation and the heavenly hosts as well- Returning to the personal worship from the individual.

(The complexity of these studies helps one to appreciate that experts have looked at the words, and evaluated how they are used, cautiously placing the correct English word instead of haphazardly throwing one in. So on days one does not have time to look up words, or possess the other materials, one can be assured that proper care was taken to use the proper meaning.) I also note that in both Psalm 103 and Ps. 91, the word I have written as Lord, is written LORD in both (and other translations). The Bible writes Lord, as a different word, many other places. The translation of LORD is for Yahweh, Jehovah, or YHWH.

There are many names used for the Lord, the Most High, the Almighty, Sovereign LORD, and so on. Now is not the time to address these uses. Not that I haven't heard explanations, but I am not qualified to go into it. Anyway, LORD is the most formal name, which was never even pronounced or written-only as YHWH. Too holy to even try to put in the vowels and attempt to express.

Psalm 103 continued

The next group of verses continues how the love of God is shown. Every place wherein the NIV translates the word love, the KJV says mercy. (Except v. 4 where it says he crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. And v. 8, as noted says compassionate in NIV instead of merciful. And v. 13 says pities in KJV instead of has compassion on.) Now I know there is a difference between mercy and love, but anyone reading this can only discern that so much mercy can only be from a loving heart.

Keep in mind, even in current usage that a dictionary holds several definitions for most words, allowing for slight changes in how it works in different sentences. Word studies, such as a Strong's, notes how each greek word was used from Homer to the Bible, and other writers over several centuries. Therefore the replacement between versions is decided by a team of experts who wrestle with accuracy, etc. Just as a translation of any book (even Green Eggs and Ham into Spanish-Juevos Verdes Con Hamon) sometimes misses slight connotations inherent in a word in one language, but not available in another.

I inform you of these changes so that you will not miss the other meanings also available.(This is why there is a Living Bible-using more common usage by paraphrasing, and an Amplified which expands the possible meanings.) I doubt this is something any Muslim would disagree with, for the Koran makes clear that the Lord is most merciful. However, the depth that this Psalm and the Bible goes into in showing faithful protection and affectionate provision, defies the belief that no one can know the Most High.


As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him;
For He knows how we are formed,
He remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field,
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting,
the Lord's love is with those who fear Him,
And His righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep His covenant,
and remember to obey His precepts. verses 13-18 NIV

The verses prior to that were discussing the height and depth of the love of God-as high as the heavens are above the earth, but verse 12 in KJV still agrees that He removes our transgressions from us-as far as the east is from the west. I hated to cut the sections in two, as they were deeply related.

He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Not because He doesn't care, or that He just tolerates sin. Not at all. He will not always chide (accuse) or keep His anger, because He is merciful. He knows our frame, He remembers that we are but dust.

Man is nothing. His days are like grass which grows in the dust as it is watered, and fed with seed by the farmer who watches over and nurtures it. The plant may even have some beauty in it as does a flower. It can grow strong and spread (flourish) over the field. But it is still weak and finite. The wind blows it down, the seasons change.

The flower may be replaced by others, but it is not remembered. The work of the farmer is what is remembered. In contrast, the life of man to that of a flower or piece of grass is much longer. So God's being (from everlasting to everlasting) continues as does the length of His work. So His mercy, goodness, righteousness-all His beauty for which we marvel, extends forever. We can depend upon it, claim it as a promise. If we love Him, fear Him, dwell in Him, then we can be assured of what His Word declares is available to those that fear Him.

He will throw our sins away (remove our transgressions, etc.) He will deliver us. Now remember, this started as instruction to worship-praise the Lord, why? Not just because you should, He's bigger than you and He might hurt you if you don't. But by literally listing reasons of how wonderful He is to us, reminding ourselves in case we start to take Him for granted, and in order to inform others of what a magnificent Being we worship. Anyone treating us this way naturally creates a bond of gratitude. We do not have to be browbeat to worship, it comes out of our hearts in response. Selah.

East and West-a comparison

Sura 43:38 uses the terms East and west. Having read Psalm 103 previously, I noted the repeat of using it poetically. In the Sura known as golden adornments, the prophet encounters those who when asked to convert, say that they are following the teachings of their fathers and are following their footsteps, guiding their ways by those beliefs. They ask why the Koran was not sent to some of the leading men of the two cities (Mecca or Medina)-as part of the question, is this whom Allah would send?

Some of them are prosperous, so Allah tells the messenger that if they weren't leading others astray, He'd share that prosperity with everyone who blasphemes (by believing the old teachings), giving them silver roofs for their houses and silver stairways in which to go up, silver doors and silver thrones on which they could recline, and also adornments of gold.

If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of (Allah) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion with him. Such (evil ones)really hinder those from the Path, but they think they are being guided aright!

I believe this answers the problem of those who say they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and have invited Jesus into their hearts. The Bible promises the Holy Spirit as a down payment on our salvation, and proof of God's commitment. Since it cannot be denied that these seem to have some spiritual guidance, and great assurance of faith, the accusation is that it is a false spirit that has been sent to deceive.
Thus, verse 38 says
At length, when (such a one) comes to Us, he says (to his evil companion): Would that between me and you were the distance of East and West! Ah! evil is that companion indeed! I note the use of the word Us for Allah.

Verse 39 continues this train of thought.
When you have done wrong, it will avail you nothing, that day that you shall be partners in punishment!
Okay, so here we have it, those who adhere to the teachings of their fathers claim partners, an accusation against Christians.

No idea why he includes verse 40, because it kind of disproves his case.
Can you then make the deaf to hear, or give direction to the blind, or to such as wander in manifest error? Someone who has opponents asking for signs and wants others to turn from their former teachings shouldn't mention this, as their answer would be: Jesus did. And that folks, is one of their partners they are being yelled at for embracing!
I do not find the use of east and west as poetic or beautiful as the usage in the Bible, and we are asked to find a sura more beautiful for proof of who is right. Whether you agree, I note the similar wording, and differences.

Psalm 103

Remember you are allowed to read the Psalms, Torah, Injil, etc. This Psalm is one of the most beautiful and famous. Psalm 103, from memory-with occasional corrections as needed. NIV translation, though KJV is most poetic.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases.
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion.
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord works righteousness and justice
for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
and his deeds to the children of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse
Nor will he harbor his anger forever.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
Or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. v.1-12



Most of the differences between NIV and KJV are the use of -eth at the end of verbs to show King James English, and the use of thy/thine instead of you/your. A few other changes are also used. Instead of praise, it says "Bless the Lord." All that is within me instead of all my inmost being. The Lord crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies instead of love and compassion. Judgment is used instead of justice. Some of the changes merely reflects the change in usage of the English language so that modern man may more clearly understand the passage. But all translations use the best scholarly advice as well to ensure accurate translation from the originals as far as is available at the time. With the multitude of sources, accuracy is pretty well verified to be consistent with originals. (Either way, we do not destroy the variations which lends doubt to what was erased.) Sometimes, each word offers a new depth of understanding so we do not want to lose them.

Several of the expressions used in this passage are adopted in the Koran, but not used the same. The idea of "as far as the east is from the west" is one of them. The Koran asks for a better sura or verse-I refer to this Psalm as an example. Our God is not one who hates the sinner. He loved us enough to offer deliverance and many personal benefits. This makes us more indebted to Him out of love rather than merely fearing punishment. Fearing the Lord is used many times in the Bible to indicate reverance and obedience, but the admonition is always there to trust Him rather than cower. Specific instructions tell us not to be afraid but to be at peace. One cannot be at peace unless one knows his sins are forgiven and the Almighty is not mad at you. There is much more of this Psalm, but I can only memorize a little at a time.

The Lord as refuge and protector

Instead of fasting, I was led to memorize a Psalm. It completely reveals many differences between the God of the Bible and Allah. I do note that the Koran admits the Creator is most merciful, and has many good things to say of Him. However, it also claims no one can know God. The Bible, though, tells us we can-and instucts us to remember all His benefits (of knowing Him). We are to tell of His greatness and teach our children of His works (including and particularly with us, as well as historically.) Some of the descriptions of the Bible are poetic, allegorical. And some points are also made that God does rescue and do miracles, but sometimes He has allowed His servants to suffer. They will receive a greater reward later. With those disclaimers and admissions, here is one of the great testimonies of the Lord's mercy toward us, the beauty of His care and protection, etc.-Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you make the Most High your dwelling-even the Lord, who is my refuge, no harm shall befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent."
Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.


This is clearly a difference between a deity none can know and one in whom you dwell, take refuge, and are comforted. While putting this to memory, the verses that alternated between hiding in him and being comforted held others that still revealed shields, ramparts, treading, and trampling. Fighting might be ongoing, threats real, but lack of fear, the acknowledgment of deliverances, and sense of security provided courage to face what clearly would be overwhelming otherwise.
It is a fairly universal point throughout the Bible, not just a few men held the Lord's attention or access to Him. It was available to all who were willing to choose to have Him as refuge. Which I highly recommend doing, as life is too dangerous without it.

Competing

Several posts have discussed boasting and the strutting of the unbelievers (Christians and probably Jews). A brief summary would be that we are not to boast in anything except in Christ Jesus, and that our names are written in the Book of Life. We are to serve others and exhibit humility. Some of the descriptions within the Koran of the Christians' behavior reveals godly actions and character. They do boldly refuse to convert, heckle, resist counsel and pressure though. Because of this the words used to describe them are: proud, arrogant, stubborn, and so on.

However this need for humility may be, in one of my recent devotionals, I was struck again by the seeming contrast with the instructions to run the race as if to win. We are not to be satisfied with second best, or barely squeaking by. We are to fight (as in boxing) to win, keeping our bodies in shape (oops) that we will be equipped for every good work. So we will be prepared for whatever job the Lord would send us on. Paul was very serious about not wanting to take credit for the work someone else had accomplished. He was mindful of those he had ministered to being proof of his apostleship.

I have long been concerned that some in the Body merely switch from being competitive for status and riches from worldly accomplishments to spiritual. Not necessarily for good reason, but because that is the social group they are among. They are still seeking approval from man, not God. But Paul was not speaking of those type of accomplishments. Yes, he was an apostle, yes he deserved respect. But he said he didn't even keep track of things for or against himself,or what others thought of him, but stood only before the Lord. Several places list the times he has suffered for the kingdom. He is nothing in this world while some in the Church have status, homes, etc. He doesn't have to prove himself. He will wait to see the power of those who oppose him instead of their words.

Paul does take seriously the works of a believer, the power of their prayers, the authority they have in the Lord. Authority is from the Lord who sees the hearts, not merely a position in the church whose leaders may miss the true condition. Even in the early church just being formed, the situation of false leaders, of those who failed to see the pure hearts and power of godly ones already existed. Paul told Timothy to not let his youth hold him back.

First Corinthians thirteen so devastates the concepts we in the church admire. What gifts do you have? What signs have been done through you-miracles, prophecies? What knowledge or wisdom do you possess? What status do you hold within the church in terms of positions? (Elders and deacons, sunday school leaders, and their wives are used to being kissed up to. They should be shown respect due their work, but properly.) What sacrifices have you made? Did you go to a foreign land, lose home or family,or life for the sake of the gospel? Jesus said if you had lost these for his sake, you would be given special rewards.

I do believe that to be true. The Bible speaks of rewards, crowns, and so on. So we must do the works the Lord has prepared for us, but we must also keep our hearts pure. Love covers a multitude of sins, and without it, Paul said, all our works: miracles, prophecies, knowledge, sacrifices were nothing. Usually that encompasses forgiving sins others do to us, as well as failing to judge others in arrogance. But being humble, we should not merely say, "I am but man" or woman, but compete. I guess that includes not being satisfied with what have I done in the past, but continuing to look in front of me to see what He would continue to have me do. All of this is accomplished by living the verse that says "What does the Lord require of us but to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God?"

Some of this is brought to mind because it is again Ramadan. I have prayed and asked whether I should also fast as I pray for you. Not necessary, I was told. But sometimes it is easy to take the Lord for granted, though it shouldn't be. We focus on activities instead of a relationship. While I do not have to try to prove myself, i have to guard against laziness. As James pointed out, faith without works is dead-i.e. we must have good deeds as well as believing in the grace and mercy of the Lord and what He accomplished for me. But I want you to know (because it is often an accusation against us, that we do not believe in works) that we do. Just not to achieve our forgiveness, but of proof of it.

Groaning

For a couple of years now I have chronicled my wrestling with my concern for Muslims. Sometimes I argue, then I get sick at my stomach, almost literally in pain about these issues. While vomiting doesn't occur, my stomach does feel discomforted.(I should note, I've never been shy about arguing, nor of expressing my opinion in public or private to stand up against those with whom I disagree.)It happened again the other day. Some smart alec was insulting Christians and the Bible (Jesus and Paul, specifically) when no one was answering his comments. I did, while my replies held barbs of my own. For the such glaring problems inherent in Islam stun me that anyone can get past the history of Islam and its founders to even bother to discuss its theology.

As was pointed out with Bill Clinton, character matters. Messengers-who they are, is as important as the message. If they are questionable, the content also is seriously suspect. I started feeling bad, not wanting to put a mean spirit onto a wall that was made for considerate and compassionate interaction. I had only answered the posts, and it was not my fault that Allah's Apostle did many of the things he did. That these problems arose irritates Muslims to speak about. Doesn't bother them that they happened, but we mustn't mention it. Somehow it never occurs to them to rethink how this could allow those acting it out to be holy, or question whether the Almighty would communicate with such as this. (Even though the Koran actually brings up these questions that were asked by Mohammed's opponents.) Anyway, I was being as obtuse as now, and then the remorse for not being able to merely show love to these folks hit me.

Truly I desire only to express the Lord's great love for and to them. During the night I prayed and interceded for them, for a great move of God to bring the good news of Jesus to those locked into countries wherein they are not allowed to hear or think of the message. Asking for a great harvest among them, I finally understood my groanings.

The Apostle Paul spoke of travailing in labor for the Galatians, until Christ is formed in them. First Corinthians speaks of the whole creation groaning as if in childbirth, and the church as well, waiting for the sons of god to be revealed. And it tells us about the work of the Spirit of God in revealing God's wisdom, in allowing us to discern what He has planned for those who trust in Him. Romans chapter 8 tells us the Spirit discerns our groaning when we do not know what or how to pray, and prays according to the mind of God. The groanings and the stomach aches are travailing in childbirth, for that which the Spirit of God leads us to pray.

Wrestling with the implications

Well, it has happened again. Someone who has faithfully prayed to Allah has asked me to pray for them. This after telling me that they do not believe one can know God, or have Him be a friend. Last time this happened it was during a terrible year for a friend. His life was falling apart. He had been in prayer for months. I had prayed for him during this time too. His family had listened and tried to encourage him through his trials, and had prayed for him. Things were getting worse. By then the other Muslims had given up trying to encourage him, and had accepted his fate. I and I alone-I know that sounds arrogant, but I interceded for him before my Father. I loosed and bound problems, people, the situation. I lifted him up to the Father and pleaded for redemption of the situation. When things did get better, they did originally give Him the glory. But for all I can tell, they are back to talking about Allah. The ungratefulness of it sometimes overwhelms me.

Just a question, not to be rude, but.... If somebody doesn't believe you can know God, or that He speaks to you and can be your friend, why do they believe in prayer? And why do they ask you for help if they don't believe what you say you have -a relationship. I want to say ask Allah. Or even ask why they pray if they do not know if they have a relationship. I want to inquire if they will give my Lord the glory if I do intercede for them. You want to use my relationship to get what you want without giving credit where credit is due.

I want to be able to pray for them. I care about their lives and needs. It would come across rudely to tell them no. But I care more for the honor of my God than for their needs. I wrestled with this over the weekend, literally not being able to pray about something asked about on Thursday until Sunday night. In the meanwhile a book about early monasteries and a man who went back to visit them (many having been destroyed by muslims, or having been persecuted by them -sometimes several times since the 600s) mentioned muslims coming in for prayers and blessings. Especially where some known holy man has lived-monasteries should of course have several, but I mean famous men, some called saints, that they believe can grant fertility or blessings of some kind. If they were real believers in Jesus, Biblically they would all be saints, but these men would be called saint (insert the name). I digress.

The reason to pray for them is the mercy of the Lord. We are all unworthy.Showing the Lord's love and compassion should be the foremost concern. An unloving heart wouldn't glorify Him. And they are surely aware of their own lack of belief in Him. Their own hearts and consciences should speak instead of us. Let His love flow and it can correct their ignorance and hardness of heart. Or lack of faith or whatever.

Earlier last week, I was astounded to think of the problem of prayer for themselves. If Mohammed couldn't even be sure of his own salvation or promise such to his first wife, or Aisha the second, or his daughter Fatima, or any of his followers like Ali or Ibn Bakr, it would seem likely for one very good reason. He did not have the capacity to provide that. Surely he would have if he could have for at least his most faithful loved ones. He could tell them that no one could know God so that they would not feel like they were missing anything when their faith led to nothing and they discerned no relationship. He could promise more if they fought his battles and died, but a wiser man might ask for further proof before they put their lives on the line.
I am not writing anything that has not been writen before. I believe it was Al Ghazali who wrote that Islam lead to agnosticism. That was several centuries after Mohammed, about 1200's I think. (At some point I will review the quotes, and confirm this statement.) But I wrote down a thought last week that I intended to post. Don't have it before me, but it goes something like this. Mohammed was sent by no one to no body about anything. Consequently he had no authority to offer anything.
Or Authority was given to Mohammed by no one to tell no body any thing. Thus all his followers had to accept that they couldn't know God or conclude that Mohammed didn't have the way.
He preached that his was a broad way. But Jesus told us to avoid the broad and to seek the narrow way. It was the only way, through believing in his sacrificial death.

holiness: Haram=ungodly

Nora and I had another one of our deep conversations. The three year old makes me think more than does her mother, perhaps because our conversations are more honest. She is very cognisant of what is haram. "Har-am, grandma, not ha-ram." It is important to her that I learn the words correctly. She is patient but firm. (I taught her mother to correctly say words and grammar, and it comes back to haunt me. However that was for English. I am a bit more flexible when one is learning another language.)

Don't remember exactly what the subject was that brought it up. I believe it was about dressing correctly and not revealing too much. But we were watching tv and sometimes the dancing of the stars is more sexual than is necessary. Cannot argue the point as I was the one who taught her mother that the choreography of dirty dancing was inappropriate. Informing Nora that I use the term ungodly didn't mean much so I repeated the word haram correctly. I humored her, but will explain more another time. We have the same concept but use different words.

Inwardly I question the legitimacy of Dancing With The Stars and other shows. If one is going to teach his child the importance of such terms, he should also be circumspect about what he watches. I wonder how much of the kids' time is spent being ignored while their parents are watching nonsense either on tv or computer. How much are they humored in order to get a certain amount of relaxation and diversion from the day? Two girls can be a handful, and parents do somewhat need "me" time.

Wish I had not taught my daughter to depend so much upon the television. But it was my babysitter, valued as such since I had no family that I could depend upon for relief. Our kids did play in the neighborhood, but after dark, or dinner, it was mostly up to me. Even true somewhat for the rest of the day but my husband was sometimes gone for several days at a time on business, or was on the phone since we were self-employed. Balanced by his being home often in the morning, or sometimes afternoons, they did get daddy time. (And that is not to disregard the substantial amount of times when I went back to school, or was working when he did spend considerable time watching them.)

Most of their early watching (for the first two) was Disney movies, Sesame Street, clean other movies. Not that they were not exposed to other movies, tv shows, or whatever, but it was a major issue to keep things in our house spiritually clean. Not true for James, as he was exposed to middle school boys, and fourth grade girls who were just finding out the facts of life from more mature shows than what they had previously experienced. It was downhill from there: Simpsons,South Park, Married with Children, Beevis and Buthead, 90210, etc., etc. Acceptable somewhat for learning to deal with what the world offered, with parental comments accompanying. Or fights to change the channel if that night's show went beyond normal repartee.

Nevertheless, what was acceptable for the kids was mostly the prime importance. I wonder how much her parents are going to be shocked when Nora grows up to want to wear stylish clothing, dance and behave as she has watched on sit-coms that mildly flitted through their thoughts, but stayed to root/roost in her mind.

I want to teach her of the concept of holiness: A Christian version that states that how a person acts is just as important as how they dress. Of course, her parents wouldn't disagree. But the Koran's standards are different. In even what remains of Christendom, little old men cannot marry nor F little girls. Neither can they capture and kill someone's mate to force someone to marry them. I want her so desperately to know that though she desires purity and truth, they are not always there in Islam, especially by allah's apostle. Nor his successors. A Christian man cannot slough off his lustful desires as only his innocent response to (evil) women. No matter what the source, we must own our responsibility, not blame various stimuli. I want to praise Muslims for desiring to adhere to standards of godliness, and question them as to how they can accept Mohammed if they have them.

Allah and His Apostle are inseparable. One cannot state that he worships Allah and disregard Mohammed. To do so may be wise, discerning, and a great start, but it is not Islam. While I pray for all of us to return to and keep a standard of godliness, which we so easily disregard, I question the difficulty of reaching these people. But godliness is a key issue.

And I marvel. Some folks have stumbled into salvation, hardly looking for it. Others have been chased down a long, hard road by a fiercely pursuing deity who would not give up until this one was gathered into the fold. Knowing both the stubbornness of the Almighty, as well as His great graciousness, it boggles my mind that some can avoid discovering salvation (and a relationship with the greatest Love man can know.)And yet individuals of all races and backgrounds continue to do so.

Do not doubt me when I say He is stubborn. Though we can change His mind when we pray, you may not have been on the other side of an argument, wrestled with Him over issues or the direction He wants things to go in. You will not win, though it break your heart. Yet the question remains, why does He so firmly resist some, and allow others to go their own ways?

The Bible says that if you are not disciplined, you are not a child of His. And even if some are his children, for some it matters more. I do not have all the answers. But I do know that His love and protection are deep, and that it is better to be on the losing side because it shows He cares.

Instead of Christ

The story of the capture of Jesus is compelling even for the 1001st time. As I was listening to a godly lady explain it at a children's ministry, the truth again hit me. She told of the betrayal by Judas. His associate led the soldiers to the teacher, identifying him with a kiss. The disciple had expected a messiah who would liberate the Jews from Roman rule, and who would then take power. When it became clear Jesus would not do this, Judas felt betrayed. He wanted his share of power. He was after all in charge of the money for the group. So the treasurer went out and sold what he had- the knowledge of where to find Him.

She told of Peter, a genuine friend who had promised he would never deny him, but would die with him instead, if necessary. How he had, as Jesus prophesied he would, denied Him three times before the cock crowed.... Of course in his defense, I wanted to say, Jesus told him to put his sword away. Peter was willing to die with Him, but he did think it fair to put up some resistance. He even followed to see what happened, while others just ran away. Nevertheless, he denied Him three times: that he was His friend, that he had been with Him, etc.

She told of Pontius Pilate, the Roman who judged the case. He didn't believe Jesus to be guilty of any sin. He tried to argue with the crowd. But the people were infiltrated by enemies-friends of the high priests and those who wanted Jesus dead. Group think, crowd manipulation, the masses who just a few days before celebrated Him, declaring Him king as He entered Jerusalem, fell to peer pressure to ask for His death. And Pilate gave in, though in his heart knowing Him innocent.

She didn't tell of Barabbas, a rabble rouser, murderer, thief, and rebel who did want to overthrow the Romans. Pilate had offered the crowd the gift of one life to be spared, and offered the choice between Christ and Barabbas. The wise choice would have been Jesus-the gentle Soul who healed folks, doing miracles, and against none had He sinned. Pilate had assumed they would take the best one. But the evil in the heart of man led them to release the murderer.

Nor did she mention that He died between two thieves. She's just starting to tell it, leading up to Easter. So I'm sure she'll get there. It took a long time just to relate what she did. "But," she asked, "What did Jesus do? Did He murder anyone? Was He a thief having stolen someone's goods? Did He take anyone prisoner such as in kidnapping, or rape? Did He hurt anyone in any way?" She pointed out the answer to each question is no. Nor did He commit adultery, or do anything according to Jewish laws that was illegal, deserving of death. (Other than claiming to be God-which would be blasphemy if it were not true. There was also the charge for which the Jews took Him to the Romans, claiming to be their king-the Messiah. However, He'd explained to Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world, so they had no basis to worry about his fomenting rebellion.)

The lesson concluded as she explained that Jesus had the power to remove Himself from their control. Yet He'd chosen to allow it, so that He could take our punishment. The righteous response to awareness of this is thankfulness. Yet, hard hearted as I am, I thought otherwise. Fear, disloyalty, peer pressure, jealousy these killed Jesus.

Even worse I continued: theft, rape, murder these could be levelled against Mohammed by a judge, and killing him would have been just. Why couldn't the story have concluded with him being killed, and Jesus let go? That in my mind would have been fair. But Mohammed wasn't imprisoned, beaten, and killed. He'd been allowed to go his way. But the sins Mohammed may have confessed, (we do know he regularly spent time in prayer confessing sin and seeking forgiveness) and those we all commit were what killed our Lord. And Jesus agreed to it. If not, we (all who claim Him as Savior) would still be in our sins, unforgiven.

It boggles the mind, but thank you, Lord. That is what "amazing grace" means. I deserve death, as do all, instead of Christ. I do not deserve forgiveness (filled as I am with fear, disloyalty, etc.,) but I receive the gift in awe of the love that could go to such extremes. And recommend to all that regularly seek forgiveness to go to the one place where forgiveness is attainable, promised, and verified.

Witnesses through the ages vouch for the efficacy of knowing their sins wiped away. The peace that surpasses all understanding is well documented, as is the power to heal,to deliver from bondages, to make a new creature from an old and weary sinner. The power to overcome is not a one time deal. It is regularly available to all who cry out, who seek the Lord who gives the gift, and will abide in Him. We cannot produce this fruit outside of regular communion with Him because He is the one who creates it. He is the one we proudly proclaim as our Intercessor. The One we cannot deny. Selah.

resolving confusion

Several weeks ago while reading my Bible late at night, I felt led to address a study that I knew caused you some difficulty. I do not remember if it was in that Muslim apologetics book, The Choice, or something my son-in-law had mentioned. But apparently it was a stumbler that the list of the twelve apostles were not the same in all Biblical sources.

I had heard the issue discussed over the years, with several suggestions. One suggested that some men may have come and gone. Another standard reason offered was that many in the Scriptures go by multiple names. Matthew is called by that name in addition to Levi. Jesus gave the name Peter to Simon. Barnabas is another example, a nickname. So perhaps, they suggested, the discrepancy was based on our not knowing everyone's nickname. They lived in a multi-lingual society, so Hebrew, Greek (Aramaic), and Latin may have all been used. The gospels are written in Aramaic, after all.)

Curious, I noted the places where the lists are found, in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, and Acts 1:13. The list is the same for Luke and Acts, as Luke wrote both. Then Matthew and Mark hold identical versions, so that tends to lend accuracy by verifying each other. Because Luke said he had gone to great lengths in order to search out the truth and provide complete assurance of accuracy, one has to give credence to his versions too. What to do?

The idea for the study stemmed from my reading in Acts, so I started with the premise that Matthew was a replacement, as it documents. However, the tax collector is noted to have been with them from the beginning. (That was a requirement for being considered for the position of replacement disciple.) The other sources mention Matthew as well, in their lists of the disciples. The question then arises, how can he be a replacement when he is listed as one of the originals?

The answer I came to was that the gospels do not discuss the process, just the results. (And sometimes they switch from past to present-Jesus did.... The list of disciples is....) They tell of how Jesus called Matthew from being a tax collector. They mention that he was a disciple that was sent out, along with the others.

They confirm that he had the experience needed to be respected and listened to. Now this is essential as he is among the scribes who have been working to record the amazing things that have occured. One would not want to leave him discredited. They were not changing the record. They all knew Matthew had been with them, fully trained by Jesus. They were merely affirming him, so as not to add to the confusion. (Editing what is included is important. Sometimes less is more.)

So Matthew and Mark, list one person not on all the lists-Thaddeus. Luke lists another in both books-Judas the son of James. I do not believe the others would have fought over it: make sure you list my name, make sure I get all the credit. Not after having Jesus lecture them over the issue of who was most important. Not after He has washed their feet to teach them humility, not to mention died for their sins. It just was not important, really. All were listed totally, though.

So the list of apostles is as follows:
Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John the sons of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Judas the son of James, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot, then Matthew. Thus we have thirteen and no more, which is as it should be. (We have neither added nor lost any disciples listed in Scripture.) And we cannot fault the writers as sloppy. The Bible says holy men of old were led of the Spirit to write what they did. And the Spirit included everyone.

Another note, sometimes the Spirit leads to do things we do not always understand, or even agree with at times. But if we are obedient, sometimes we get to see later why it was right that we did it. Other times, we just take it on faith. But this is another subject and I digress.


What about Paul? One might ask.
And yet we have the Apostle Paul, whom the risen Jesus selected and trained. However, this apostle made no claims to having been with Jesus from the beginning of his earthly ministry. He submitted his teachings before the others for their verification, that these concepts were in line with what the witnesses knew had been taught. With their approval, then he went forth in much power and authority. But that was a special appointment, the story of which is included within the book of Acts. Luke, the Greek doctor so committed to accuracy, became Paul's companion in many of the missionary travels. And Peter verified the writings of Paul, calling them Scriptures. These all form a whole, and thus there is no discrepancy.