Tag: Bible

There’s a Good Reason

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

Knowing the Truth of God’s Sovereignty

Agreeing with the title of this article takes a certain amount of perspective. Which is sometimes hard to have when a person finds themselves in the throes of uncertainty, pain, or loss. When a loved one is lying in a hospital bed, when your sports season is over because you have a torn ACL, when the money runs out, when you hear those words you thought you’d never hear, “we’re finished”… it is hard to believe from any context, that there’s a “good” reason.

And yet, believing that there is a good reason depends mostly on which foundations a person builds their life. If there are no absolutes, if everything is relative and subjective, a person may wander in and out of happiness like some meandering river that follows the contours of the earth on a path of least resistance, making its way ever so slowly to a lake or the ocean. Sea level is the farthest the river can go. Its existence will be swallowed up by the vastness of the ocean. Where the waves are endlessly pulled and pushed, governed by the moon’s gravitation producing low tides and high tides.

There’s a good reason for these tides.

The power of the moon results in the oceans bulging on the side of the earth that faces this orb in our sky, as well on the opposite side. Then as the earth rotates different land masses pass through these ocean bulges resulting in the cycle of low tides and high tides. These tides shape coastal ecosystems creating habitats for species both under and above the water. They are also instrumental in nutrient distribution and the movement of sediment which support marine food networks. These tides drive breeding patterns, life cycles and migrations, not just for fish, but for birds and mammals as well.

Even in this description we see good reasons for events that might otherwise seem indiscriminate and meaningless. Simply sitting on a beach watching the endless repetitions of wave after wave while peaceful to some, may be senseless to others.

Some perspective.

The apostle Paul tells us that if we are “in” Christ Jesus, we are no longer condemned. Condemned to what? We are bound as humans to be negative, sinful people. God says do it one way, and we say, “I’ll do it my own way.” Doing things the human way often leads to bad choices, resulting in unexpected results, and unintended consequences.

However, in Romans 8 Paul gives us the definitive discourse of what happens when we build out lives on the solid foundation of the promises of Jesus. As adopted sons and daughters we are able to know God the Father and can actually call out to him “Abba! Father!” when life seems so uncertain. Paul says that whatever situations we face, whatever trouble or sense of loss, whatever suffering, that all combined over a lifetime the sum total cannot be compared with the glory of Jesus revealed in us. In Christ we have God the Holy Spirit who intercedes when we can’t even utter the words, “Father…”

So What’s the Good Reason?

Paul asks that same question, “What then shall we say to these things?” It’s a rhetorical question. The apostle’s question says, “You should know this answer by now. But since you don’t I’ll tell you again.” Then he follows with three more rhetorical questions.

“If God is for us, who is against us?” “Who will bring charges against God’s elect?” “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?”

As if to hammer this whole foundational truth “There’s a Good Reason” into our hearts by sheer force of words, Paul concludes chapter 8 of his letter to the church in Rome this way.

Romans 8:35-39

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or doubt, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor another created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The good reason, the best reason perhaps, is knowing that whatever situation we face, whatever loss or persecution for our faith, not one single event or person will ever separate us from God’s love. We are His children. He sees our pain and suffering and He is moved by it. He delights in our joyful celebration of life. He desires for us to know He is still in control of all that happens to us, and He isn’t going anywhere. He will see us through it all.

Knowing this frees me from the condemnation of always wanting to know “Why?” Knowing this allows me to live freely in the midst of my human limitations, failures, pain, and losses. Knowing this brings joy in the midst of sadness, smiles instead of frowns of despair. Knowing this allows me to love those who would kill me, and pray for them urgently. Knowing this and living on this foundational truth, brings great glory to Jesus. By glorifying Jesus, I bring glory to God.

Now, that’s a good reason!

The Sovereign Strength of God the Father’s Arms

Dr. J.D. Wilkins3 Comments

Psalm 68:19-20
Blessed be the LORD, who daily bears our burden,
the God who is our salvation. Selah.
God is to us a God of salvation; and to God the LORD
belong ways of escape from death.

This is Ben & Spencer. When they arrived at church yesterday, I noticed them immediately. It wasn’t difficult because Ben is a big man. But that wasn’t what drew my attention. The moment they arrived in this spot, just to the front and right of us, Ben opened his arms and Spencer practically jumped into his arms. For the entire time of the music and singing portion of Worship, Ben held Spencer the whole time.

He was singing in Spencer’s ear. Ben was kissing his son’s face. He was smiling and holding on to his son for dear life. Nothing could have separated them.

Ready for the rest of the story?

Ben took Spencer out to the foyer about half way through the sermon time. Kid’s have their limits after all. So moved by the photo I had captured, I made my way to the foyer ten minutes later to talk to this loving dad. After introducing myself, I asked Ben’s permission to use the photo, showing him the image on my iPhone. Ben was very open and after agreeing, asked if I would like to know why that picture is so special. Sure, how could I not.

Ben shared with me that his son had been in the hospital for several days this past week. He wasn’t doing well and getting worse the doctors were baffled and could not isolate what had caused him to become sick. Tests were run, and the waiting begun. Then suddenly, without explanation or medications to explain it, Spencer was completely healed. Whole. Well. Smiling. Laughing. You should see this face! Such a beautiful little boy.

God is our Father

The Sovereign God of the Universe has made a way for us to know Him just like Spencer knows his dad. God the Son, Jesus of Nazareth, The Messiah, our Deliverer, came to earth to live and die so that all humanity would have a way to be a part of God’s family. In fact the apostle John said it this way, “But as many as received Him, to the them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” What name? Jesus.

Today Jesus invites you too. You can become part of God’s family. Believe in the claims of Jesus. He came to give His life for yours. Believe in the name of Jesus, He is Jehovah Rapha, the ONE who heals. Allow the healing power of Jesus to flood your body, your mind, your soul, and become a child of God today.

Trust me when I say, there is no greater feeling on earth than to know and sense the presence of the loving arms of God the Father, wrapping you up, lifting your up, smiling at you, and singing in your ear! Trust Him today.

What’s a song lyric that has stuck with you forever?

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

It’s an iconic song. It describes a large portion of my life. It has never been far from the fingertips of my brain. In 1968 Harry Nilsson released an album titled Aerial Ballet. On this album was a top hit song written and sung by Nilsson. ONE.

”One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do 
Two can be as bad as one 
It’s the loneliest number since the number one”

Most of my life, while I had friends who hung out with, and mostly included me, they all would probably still reflect on our time together and describe me as a loner. For the most part I lived alone while attending college . When I became “two” and got married, even from the get go it seemed the two of us lived separate existences and often passed like ships in the night. For 13 years in the high tech industry I flew around the county going to meetings, then was stuck by myself in a hotel room waiting to travel again or for the following day to start, which held yet another series of meetings.

When I left the secular world and went into ministry, The first church I pastored was essentially a one person office at the church, with me as the sole staff member. We had part time people who helped with music, and custodial work, and secretarial duties, but mostly for all those endless hours I spent in the office I was alone. The second church was a little better. It was a three person staff, with a secretary we all shared. There was some camaraderie there, but most of that time was alone time as well. The third church was one a friend of mine and I planted. Just two guys out knocking on doors, meeting people and gaining a foothold in a 55+ gated community. It was hard work, and much of it was done in my office, which was in my home, alone.

Some might read these words and see them as describing a truly depressing world. However, the complete opposite is true. The song lyrics stuck with me because by the time I hit the road traveling, I was used to being alone. By the time I started pastoring I had even more experience with aloneness, and often found comfort in knowing it was just me and God.

Weren’t you sad?

Well, that would be an easy deduction wouldn’t it? And I would never say all that time alone didn’t take a toll, on me and my family. The solace of it all was knowing that I was in fact never alone. It was indeed just one human person, me, but there was always another person present though unseen. I happen to believe that God’s Word is without error. I also believe that when God says something, that I can take whatever He says is as an absolute fact, and always true. Which brings me to…

A Second Song lyric that has stuck with me

As a small child I grew up learning to sing in church. The song “Jesus Loves Me,” has always been the anchor song from my childhood, when I turned blue and sang Harry Nilsson’s One.

Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong

Even as an adult man I love this song for its simplicity, its foundational truth-telling, and its comforting message. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is a promise from God found in the Bible, specifically in Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6. Whether you are a young child, with child-like faith, an adolescent straining for maturity, a young adult making your own way for the first time, or a seasoned veteran life-liver with wisdom just oozing from your presence… Harry Nilsson’s “One” doesn’t have to define you or your existence. There is ONE who is greater than Nilsson and all the others would-be philosophers of life. His Name is Jesus. He loves you, and is near to you now. Call His name, come to Him for strength and salvation.

A Unique Name of God

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

Knowing the Truth of God’s Sovereignty

Since last time, I wonder if you have thought about your favorite name of God revealed in Scripture.

Here are the primary, or most used, main names of God in Scripture:

  • Yahweh (LORD) — God’s personal, covenant name meaning “I AM” or “Self-Existent One”
    (Exodus 3:14).
  • Elohim (God) — A majestic plural name emphasizing God’s power and creativity
    (Genesis 1:1).
  • Adonai (Lord, Master) — Highlights God’s authority and lordship
    (Psalm 110:1).
  • El Shaddai (God Almighty) — Focuses on God’s all-sufficiency and strength
    (Genesis 17:1).
  • Jehovah Jireh (The LORD Will Provide) — God as provider
    Genesis 22:14).
  • Jehovah Rapha (The LORD Who Heals) — God as healer
    (Exodus 15:26).
  • El Elyon (Most High God) — God’s supreme sovereignty
    (Genesis 14:18).
  • Abba (Father) — Intimate, personal name used by Jesus for God
    (Mark 14:36).

There is another name however I stumbled upon in those ancient days of Seminary where I studied the works of great evangelists, preachers, and teachers from the past. Charles Haddon Spurgeon as an English Particular Baptist preacher from England, preached a sermon in 1863 with the title “The Jealous God.” It’s worth a read, and you can probably find it online. That day at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in Elephant and Castle, London, which opened for worship in 1650 and originally seated 6,000 people, Spurgeon’s text was Exodus 34:14.

“-for you shall not worship any other god, because the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

Does this verse take your breath away. It should.

Jealousy

Today this word carries a lot of baggage with it. Often used in a negative connotation, it refers to thoughts or feelings of insecurity or fear. It implies a concern over the lack of certain possessions or relationships. It may present itself in demonstrations such as fits of anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness or disgust.

However, there is a second way to see the word, not conforming to most of current societies thoughts. Jealousy also means “close vigilance.” Seen in biblical text with the Greek word (zelos) it means “tolerating no unfaithfulness.” See where I’m going with this?

The Jealous God

Exodus 34 discusses the replacing of the original stone tables which God had carved with His own finger (Exodus 31:18) which Moses broke in Exodus 32:19 as a burst of outrage at the people’s sin. What’s interesting in chapter 34 is that God is speaking these actual words, they are not original to Moses own thoughts and recollections.

Imagine it. God has descended from the cloud at the top of Mount Sinai. He passes in front of Moses and began speaking in verse 6 and didn’t stop until verse 26, then told Moses to write it all down. It took 40 days and 40 nights where Moses worked the stones to restore the Ten Commandments.

What exactly is God Jealous of?

  1. God is Jealous of His deity.
  2. God is Jealous of His Sovereignty.
  3. God is Jealous of His Glory.

It’s clear His name should rightly be called Jealous, because He says “You shall have no other god except me. I alone am God.” All other would-be deities are fake news. They mean nothing, they are nothing.

It is also clear His name should rightly be called Jealous, because just as Joshua warned the Israelites, “You will not be able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your wrongdoing or your sins iIf you abandon the LORD and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and destroy you after He has done good to you.” Joshua 24:19-20.

And finally, it is clear His name should rightly be called Jealous, because He says, “I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to idols.”

Today

Oh, that’s just ancient Old Testament history stuff. The year is 2026, and things have changed. Right? Wrong! Scripture teaches that “Jesus Christ (GOD the Son) is “the same yesterday and today and forever.” The irrefutable truth is that God is still Jealous today. Jealous that we revere Him as God, the ONLY God. Jealous that we align our wills with His Sovereignty. Jealous that we not try to rob God of the glory He alone deserves, by attributing the things of God as outdated, or irrelevant today.

The Sovereignty of God can be seen in all of the names listed at the beginning of this article. We’ll examine this more in a future article.

Next Time…

Have you ever wondered why good things, prosperity, success, and wealth come to evil people while true believers lack many of these same things? Do bad things happen to Good people and good things happen for Evil people? How does God’s Sovereignty fit into all this?

Buckle up. We are diving deeper into the pool by discussing God’s absolute authority over…. well, you’ll see!

1st Principles

Dr. J.D. Wilkins1 Comment

Knowing the Truth of God’s Sovereignty

Last time I ended with a question: “How does the image above reflect the sovereignty of God? Then I closed the article with this statement: “Having the Mind of Christ will help us see this image differently…”

Symbols & Types

In the Gospel accounts of Jesus life the recorded stories describe for the reader a Messiah so committed to His people that He walks among them, eats with them, talks with them, shares a room in their homes, and essentially insinuates Himself into every fiber of the Hebrew existence in the 1st century. I wonder sometimes. Why do people find it such a bizarre thought that Jesus probably wants to do that exact same thing with us?

One of His methods of teaching spiritual principles to people who lived in a dark fog spiritually was to use an introductory phrase. He would often say, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” or “The Kingdom of God is like…” Matthew’s gospel describes the first version and Luke’s gospel describes the second. However, they are called “Parallel Gospels” because Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell many overlapping stories each from their own viewpoint. Luke obviously got his material from someone else, but let’s not get bogged down with that detail just now. Let’s focus.

How many times in a day do you hear the word “Like?” Better still as you walk through the next week listen to your own words and see how often you use the word “Like.” To me, as a septuagenarian, it seems anyone under the age of 40 uses the word like a million times a day. See what I did there? For those of a certain age “like” seems to be used as a filler word while the speaker tries to figure out what to say or where to go with the conversation.

Jesus didn’t use the word this way. Jesus was a master storyteller and spoke to common, everyday Hebrews about things they could readily recognize from the everyday existence. He pointed to objects or things or situations out of real life, then showed them how that related to the kingdom of God. Most of the time we call these stories Parables. In this way he spoke in symbols and types so that only those who really understood the story could understand the underlying spiritual message being presented. Some got it, some didn’t. That’s how it goes with parables. You can’t overthink it. You either get it, or you don’t.

The Umbrella of God’s Sovereignty

In the image above God’s Sovereignty is LIKE an umbrella covering the earth. The umbrella covers time (in our construct of human time) from the creation of the universe until the end of time when Jesus returns. And make no mistake here, He is returning! He is fast like peanut butter! Again, that’s a discussion for another time.

The umbrella covers all of time. God is Sovereign and in Control of all things from eternity past to eternity future. This means that God’s authority over mankind is based in the fact that He created us, and all that we see. I know there is someone out there who is going to say something like, “God didn’t create my Tesla, Elon Musk did.” Oh, but you see, God created Elon Musk, gave him the genius mind to dream and create and make a difference in the world. So every time you press the button to start your electric vehicle you give glory to God not Elon Musk!

And now we’re back to it. It’s simple really. Unless you have the Mind of Christ, none of this makes any sense to you. It’s just so much gibberish from an aging hack who thinks he can tell you how to think, and what to believe. Oh, but if you have the Mind of Christ, you might just feel a tingle in your toes, that feeling of excitement when you begin the first step in a journey towards the truth!

Under this umbrella of God’s Sovereignty all of human history and all of human future exists.

In what way?

There has always been the constant struggle between the concept of God’s Sovereignty vs. Human Free Will. I’m not going to lie, this is pretty deep stuff. And it is not a topic easily handled in a three to five minute blog post. So, I won’t even try. However, I will offer a starting point for you to think about and process until next time.

Under the umbrella of God’s Sovereignty, God “allows” some things to happen, and God “designs and intends” some things to happen. This is very much like a sticky wicket, so go slowly here. Remember the Apostle Paul’s words, “Who has known the mind of the LORD, that he should instruct Him?” Since we are not God, do not see what He sees, or know what He knows, we do not get to decide whether something happening, whether good or bad, is by God’s allowance or His design. That understanding is reserved for God.

When bad things happen, I’ve known Christ-followers who immediately ask, “Why is God punishing me?” When good things happen that same group of people begin raising their hands and saying “thank You Jesus!” For example, a deadly disease that begins with the letter “C” strikes and the first question gets asked. But, what if God isn’t punishing the person at all? What if this awful malady has attacked the person’s body simply because they are human and live on planet earth? In this case at worst, God’s Sovereignty allowed this to happen, for some reason known only to Him. Does this in any way diminish His love for that person? No, certainly not.

Or, suppose it’s a hot summer day in the heat of the noonday sun, and the person drives to get groceries, hoping beyond hope to get a parking spot close to the front door of the supermarket so they don’t have to walk too far in the heat. Low, and behold, a spot opens up right near the front door! This is when the second thing happens, “Praise God!” But, what if God simply “allowed” the person to find the parking spot open, and remain open until they found it? Does the parking spot mean that God loves them “More” than other people? No, certainly not.

It all seems so confusing unless you are a true Christ-follower, and have the mind of Christ. A Christ-follower in either situation described above will say, “All I want Father, is to know you like you know me. I want to be a part of your kingdom. And I want your will to permeate every aspect of my life, right here, right now. Because this is where I am.”

In this way, and in this prayer, the true Christ-follower brings great glory to Jesus, and thereby to God the Father.

Next Time…

One of the ways we discover the true nature of God is by looking at his attributes described in His many names recorded in Scripture. For instance, Jehovah Jireh, means “the LORD who Provides!” I wonder what you favorite name of God is from Scripture?

Next time, I want to introduce to you a name directly related to God’s Sovereignty that I wager none of you has thought about…

God’s Will

Dr. J.D. Wilkins4 Comments

Knowing God’s will seems a daunting task to say the least. Paul the apostle said to the good folks at Corinth, “Who has known the mind of the LORD, that he will instruct Him? (I’m leaving off the good part of that verse for a moment, but we will come back to it). 1 Corinthians 2:16

I’ve known some folks during my life who thought they knew what was best for me. They often told me what clothes to wear, how to cut my hair (I wish I now had some hair to cut). Well-wishers I’m sure, they would suggest I change the way I think, or feel, or behave, to match their own preferences about the human existence. I even had a good friend who would intentionally, but playfully say, “Speaking officially for God…” then proceed to correct my mistakes according to the good Dr. S.P.H.

Perhaps as we begin this journey it would be good to remind one another, me to you, and you to me, what Jesus spoke to the crowds one day about how we should pray. But first, let’s remember the specific words he used, “Pray, then, in this way.” Many teachers and preachers have ascribed to the idea that this is some kind of magical or mystical prayer, which when recited verbatim obligates God in some way to hear their prayers for anything else they might desire. I am not so naive, and I don’t want you to be either. He spoke this introduction as a way to clarify his previous maxim. Listen again to what he said before this instruction.

“And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8) In such a simplistic way the Master is telling the crowd, God is all-knowing, all-seeing, all-aware of everything about you. Meaningless repetitions does not sway Him or His will.

So Jesus, the Master, gives us a MODEL of how to pray.

Acknowledge Him, revere His name.
Ask for His kingdom, and His will right now, right here, wherever here is.
Ask only for what we need today.
Forgive people.
Keep us from temptation.

Five simple thoughts of how true Christ-Followers are supposed to order their lives. But let’s just focus on the one critical verse in the model, verse 10 in Matthew chapter 6.

“… (Father)…Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

In it’s essence, the one praying must understand the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-aware attributes of God’s nature in order to align the prayer’s will with the will of God. You see, Jesus knew something these early listeners didn’t, so He was breaking new ground with them. He was teaching them to think outside the box of their normal conventional Hebraic thinking that had been compromised by local pagan practices. Pray it loud, and use as many words as you can possibly utter, and maybe God will hear you. Jesus was telling them that God was tired of His own people not really understanding the nature of dialogue with their own Father.

They all knew the ancient scriptures passed down in both oral and written ways. For instance these are just a few things they already knew about God their Father.

Ancient Teachings

Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You.

Isaiah 45:5
I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides ME there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known ME.

Isaiah 40:26
Raise your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the ONE who brings out their multitude by number, He calls them by name. Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing.

Yes, all those Jewish listeners knew the scriptures by heart. They heard these truths from the rabbis teaching endlessly in schools and synagogues, “Beit Kneset” or “house of gathering.” They were so familiar with the words that when God the Son came right up next to them on the hillside that day, they still didn’t recognize Him as Messiah.

Where do we go from here?

The Master went slowly with those who should have recognized Him but didn’t. He taught them what the elders of the Hebrew faith should have been teaching but weren’t. How to have a meaningful dialogue with the Creator of the Universe. So, I’m going to take this lesson to heart for this study. I’m going to go slowly. I may suggest you examine some things that may be uncomfortable. I long for and hope to make these truths, perhaps revelations to some, interesting and not boring.

I started this introduction with the Apostle Paul addressing the Church in Corinth. “”Who has known the mind of the LORD, that he will instruct Him?” Now let’s look at the good part. The last part of this verse says:

“But we have the mind of Christ.”

What Jesus was communicating to the Hebrew people on the mountain that day is, “I’m right here, let’s talk about what is important to you.” He didn’t say it that way, that’s my own interpretation. I truly believe He was suggesting to those who really needed to hear it that God cared about them more than they could possibly imagine. The same message is true today.

The beauty of God the Father’s plan, in sending God the Son to earth, was to open an endless communication agency for all mankind to the Creator. In Jesus’ actions, His death and resurrection, His teachings, His healings, His forgiveness and His grace, God the Father was saying “See, I’m right here. And I care more than you could possibly ever understand.”

The Mind of Christ

The “understanding” of what Jesus was teaching then and now is for those who are “In Christ.” The “world” referred to in Scripture, are those folks who have never believed nor trusted in the free gift of Grace offered in Jesus. These folks often go on about their lives not believing there is a God, or if there is, that He doesn’t care about them personally. It is for certain a sad and miserable existence.

“But God…”, I love those words.

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

But God… in fact, does want us to know exactly how to communicate with him. That’s why Jesus gave this model prayer to the Hebrews… but also to us. NOT as a mantra. Not as a magical incantation. Not as some mystical process of existentialism. What a great word huh? No, Jesus gave us this prayer as a model because this is how Jesus always prayed, and always lived while on earth.

Think about it. Remember it. Do it.

Acknowledge Him, revere His name.
Ask for His kingdom, and His will right now, right here, wherever here is.
Ask only for what we need today.
Forgive people.
Keep us from temptation.

This is the Mind of Christ. This is the Will of God… to align my will to His. Not His will to mine.

Next time…

How does the image above reflect the Sovereignty of God?
Having the Mind of Christ will help us see this image differently….

Breath of Heaven

Dr. J.D. Wilkins2 Comments

Christmas season is always a joy-filled time for me. Everything about it… beginning with the story itself of God’s great love for all mankind. The characters, Mary & Joseph, Elizabeth and Zachariah, the shepherds, the angels, the Magi, all centered around this baby boy born to lie in a feed trough outside of Bethlehem… the Lord of Heaven, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Amy Grant was inspired to write the lyrics and perform this song in 1992, and from that moment it became one of my all-time favorites among the plethora of great lyrical pieces all capturing the spirit of Christmas. According to Amy Grant these words explore “the journey of Mary, mother of Jesus, as she contemplates her role and the immense responsibility of giving birth to the Son of God.”

This past week my wife shared something from a friend of hers on Facebook. The post was written on November 23rd this year by Izabella Fabrizio, of whom I know absolutely nothing except the words of this post. Yet, these words ring true from all my personal study regarding the names of God revealed in Scripture.

If possible, I’d like for you to read these words through the lens of that baby boy leaving Mary’s womb, taking His first breath, snuggling close to His mother’s heart, and the mystery of His personal destiny on the cross.

Here is what Izabella Frabrizio wrote:

“There was a moment when Moses had the nerve to ask God what His name is. God was gracious enough to answer, and the name He gave is recorded in the original Hebrew as YHWH. Over time we’ve arbitrarily added an ‘a’ and an ‘e’ in there to get YaHWeH, presumably because we have a preference for vowels.

But scholars and Rabi’s have noted that the letters YHWH represent breathing sounds, or aspirated consonants. When pronounced without intervening vowels, it actually sounds like breathing.

YH (inhale: WH (exhale).

So baby’s first cry, His first breath, speaks the name of God.

A deep sigh calls His name – or a groan or gasp that is too heavy for mere words.

Even an atheist would speak His name, unaware that their very breath is giving constant acknowledgment to God.

Likewise, a person leaves this earth with their last breath, when God’s name is no longer filling their lungs.

So when I can’t utter anything else, is my cry calling our His name?

Being alive means I speak His name constantly.
So, is it heard the loudest when I’m the quietest?

In sadness, we breath heavy sighs.
In joy, our lungs fell almost like they will burst.
In fear we hold our breath and have to be told to breathe slowly to help us calm down.
When we’re about to do something hard, we take a deep breath to find our courage.

When I think about it, breathing is giving him praise. Even in the hardest moments!

This is so beautiful and fills me with emotion every time I grasp the thought. God chose to give Himself a name that we can’t help but speak every moment we’re alive.

All of us, always, everywhere.
Waking, sleeping, breathing, with the name of God on our lips.”

______________________

What amazing words and thoughts.

It was a very short 30+ years from the first breath of Jesus breathing in and out the name of God, until he hung from a Roman cross, having come to die for all Mankind.

And with His dying breath he uttered these words, “It is finished”

The Breath of Heaven’s work was complete.

Rusty Routines

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

via Ordinary

Ode to Simon Peter

PeterIn my mind’s eye, I’m just an ordinary guy.
The sun rises and sets, everyday I clean my nets.
Some days the fish bite early, on others I just go home surly.
Then along comes a man, who seems more than just a man.
He lifts me from from the pallor, He fills my life with color.
No longer satisfied, to move in and out with the tide,
I now reside, inside … the circle of this extraordinary man.

 

For years and years I got up early, went immediately to the shower, got dressed like a warrior to do battle in a suit.  Routines were important.  Routines kept me focused on the next task, so that when the tasks of the day were complete, I could sleep again.  Rest again. It wasn’t always such a dreary life as to wish I had another.  Moving from one career to another over time seemed natural and normal, ordinary.  The routines all felt ordinary.  The days, months, and years, now looking back, all seemed just so ordinary.  It was what it was.

For a good part of that life I often found my nose pressed in one particular book called the Bible.  Actually the Bible is a collection of 66 different books by almost as many authors.  Taken as a whole it describes a great and extraordinary kind of love, demonstrated to all men and women, ordinary and great, regardless of race, color, or nationality.  Having now spent the best part of my life studying, preaching and teaching from this collection of Books on God’s love, I find in myself an unusual sense of peace.

I don’t get up at the same time every day.  I eat when I’m hungry, not on a predetermined schedule.  Some days I don’t shave.  Some weeks I don’t shave for several days in a row.  This feels normal, ordinary even.  I read, a lot.  Having read for years in preparation for the next speaking opportunity, now my reading has expanded to other topics of interest.  I’m investigating new technology gadgets, new recipes to try,  and new training methods for my golf swing.  For me, this is the new normal.  Some days I’m content in this place, while other times I look back almost fondly, through a misty fog, on the rusty routines of a younger life as me.

The Ode to Simon Peter (above) came to me just this morning.  The picture I’ve loaded is not by accident.  Peter lived such an ordinary life before Jesus showed up one day while Peter and Andrew were cleaning their nets.  On that day, their lives changed forever.  Peter would never tell us today that his life after that day was ever ordinary.  In fact, I suggest that Peter would tell us now, as he looks back on his life with the Master, that this one image is a perfect reflection of how his relationship with Jesus looked… every single day.

Jesus is in the saving business.  Peter was just an ordinary man, an ordinary fisherman, who needed Jesus to provide, protect, lead, and yes, save him, every day.  This my friends is the very definition of grace.  We are all so ordinary.  God is so extraordinary.  His hand reaches out to us, and by His hand we are saved.  I so readily identify with Peter in this way.  I realize with ultimate clarity that my whole life past, has been about God’s saving grace, for an undeserving ordinary man, me.  I have no illusions about my present, or my future.  I’ll continue to be very ordinary.  In this way, I will also continue to need Jesus offering His hand to save me.  Yet, I will always be, what God called me to be, like He called Peter to be, a fisher of men.

Mark 1:17
“Follow Me”, Jesus told them, “and I will make you become fishers of men.”

 

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Nature’s Way

Dr. J.D. WilkinsLeave a comment

via Instinct

When you hear, “Once upon a time…,” what immediately comes to mind?  Fairy Tells? Mythology? A television show?  Children’s stories?  What about this phrase, “In the beginning…”?  So often I’ve heard people say the origins of our earth and universe were creations of chance, without logic or reason, or a Creator… it was just a Big Bang.  Yet there is this document that having stood the test of time continues to be one of the best selling books of all time.  In it is found the narrative of creation, including the universe, the atmosphere surrounding the earth, the water and the mountains, all plant life, the fish and the birds, and every living animal or creature, including the human species. While there are those who continue to proclaim this document’s narrative is no truer than the average fairy tale, children’s story, or epic mythological account of time, what exactly determines the veracity of this story over the others?  There is no other tale, story, or myth that goes on to explain the meaning of life in such vivid detail, with such historical accuracy, or with such future promise as does the Bible. In fact, in the Bible is found the explanation for all the other narratives.

Romans 1:18-23
For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them.For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.

So here’s the thing.  You can’t ask a tree if the tree believes in the Creator, because the only “voice” the tree has is it’s instinctive knowledge of the seasonal changes the Creator instituted, and the tree’s own presence to demonstrate this truth.  So every season the tree’s leaves change color, the tree goes to sleep, then bears new leaves or fruit in it’s time of new life.  It’s wired this way.  It’s instinctive.  But if the trees, or the rivers, or the mountains and the hills did have a voice…

Isaiah 55:12
You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

All of nature makes its way to glorify the Creator within itself.  Animals, birds, fish, plants, trees, the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars of the universe, all point to the Creator and say, “what a great God we serve!”  They all act on instinct – that innate, fixed pattern of behavior with which they were created to act.  But NOT the human species.  We are different.  While the Roman’s passage above tells us that we are capable of recognizing God’s handiwork, in the sense that we “instinctively” know God exists, we humans get to choose to worship and bring Him glory.  Or not.  Choice, that’s the difference.  We are not hard-wired in our DNA to specific actions or reactions based on certain stimuli, without reason or deduction.  Our minds think, then choose, then act.  It’s nature’s way.  It’s how the Creator made us different from every other creature on earth.

animals

If we understand this difference between choice and instinct, we are better equipped then to accept that humans are responsible for their own choices.  No animal raises its eyes to heaven and says, “Why did you make me this way?”  Yet, it might be the very question more people should be asking their Creator.  His answer will be simple.  I believe the Creator would say to every person that asks (honestly – without a preconceived answer), “You are you, so you can know how much I love you, and how I want to show My glory through you.”  You get to choose whether this answer rings true to you or not.  Let these last verses guide you in that process.

John 3:16
For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Psalm 115:1
Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth.

Psalm 33:6-12
The heavens were made by the word of the LORD, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses. Let the whole earth tremble before the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence. The LORD frustrates the counsel of the nations; He thwarts the plans of the peoples.  The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation.  Happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh– the people He has chosen to be His own possession!


 

 

 

 

 

Created to Create

Dr. J.D. Wilkins1 Comment

via Craft

Communication has been my craft for most of my life.  By the time I was 16 years-old, I was speaking to small or large groups of students about the Word of God.  A friend of mine and I were a preacher/singer combo, going around the smaller towns of west Texas to preach “youth-led” worship services.  In retrospect, I’ve discovered many things about myself.  The most stark reality I face today is how imperfect I am in this craft.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely at rest where with I’ve been and the opportunities afforded me, and for having the great privilege of telling the Greatest Story Ever Told.

My skill was in simply creating an atmosphere or climate for someone to dive into the Word of God and see themselves as God sees them.  Then step back and allow The Holy Spirit to move their hearts and minds toward God in this process.  We always offered people an “invitation” to accept God’s grace, forgiveness, and salvation, right there on the spot.  We felt “called” to conduct the services in this way because of the gravity of the truth of the message.  From time to time I would be in the middle of speaking, when suddenly I would become aware of the words coming out of my mouth, and over the sound system, knowing they were being formed or created on my tongue by God’s Spirit. These were no “unintelligible” utterances, I’m not talking about “speaking in tongues.” I know for certain the words were given for someone in the room who needed to hear those very thoughts.

46 years later now, I yearn for the opportunity to once again speak with this same result. The tools of my craft included the Bible, commentaries, basic education and higher education, going to conferences, and listening to taped recordings of the world’s most recognized and gifted communicators.  From each of these resources I would make notes, script a sermon or Bible lesson, honing and trimming the excess or duplication of thoughts, until the day of the presentation.  I would then pray a simple prayer: “Lord, please use me one more time, just to speak Your truth, tell Your story – not mine, and trust Your Spirit to accomplish what my words never could.”

Other people, not me, would tell you whether or not I was successful in my craft.  My perspective is that I was doing the best I could in each moment I spoke.  Early days would clearly be evaluated as not nearly as effective as later years, but by definition I was not fully educated, or as practiced then as later years.  The Creator gave me the grand privilege of creating (or planting) a new church congregation in 2006.  11 years later, and now semi-retired from church staff work, God has planted in me the desire to continue my craft of communicating God’s word.

I am literally days away now from publishing my first book.  It will be a Bible Study book on the most confusing book in the Bible – Revelation.  It is being designed differently than any other book about this material on book shelves today.  The book will read more like a script than a history book, in that each paragraph is a single thought (sentence) on which the Bible student can make specific notes. In this way, the individual reader while studying God’s word, can question, make observations, notes, ideas, or write their own conundrums down for later discussion.

Another thing that makes this book different than any other is my approach of avoiding timelines, future dates, or obscure language to interpret these scriptures.  I will help the reader who truly wants to understand the meanings, to gain insights that have escaped others.  Here is the premise of the whole work:
I believe the Book of Revelation defines the exorbitant length to which God will go to seek and save those who will be saved in this era of human existence.  Revelation is 100% about Jesus Christ; and everything in the book is created to reveal Him in new and exciting ways not previously understood in any other book.  Revelation is about a loving God, a holy God, and a saving God.  Trust me, it’s worth the read.

My prayer is that God will use this book as the vehicle or tool to once again have an audience, and communicate the best I can -The Greatest Story Ever Told.

 

revelation-cover