The Lord My Refuge

For the second time I am working through a devotional titled "No Senhor Me Refugio," written originally in English by Dane Ortlund, and subsequently translated into Portuguese. He writes comments and observations on each of the 150 Psalms. Today's commentary was on Psalm 138. He writes (my translation from the Portuguese) "You want to glorify God? Here is one of the principle manners of doing this- allow that He love you." For many years I have believed that glorifying God is His supreme purpose and why everything was created. I hadn't put the idea of receiving His love as a primary way of fulfilling that purpose. As we say in English, maybe an old dog can learn new tricks.

Titus 1:1-7

Last night began facilitating a Bible study in the book of Titus using the English Standard Version, or ESV. ATMt the request of a long time friend and reader I will give some details of the study. Bear in mind that some of my perspectives are not mainstream although I believe them to be supported by Scripture. Titus is mentioned about a dozen other times in the NT, primarily in 2 Corinthians. As is his invariable practice, Paul refers to himself as an apostle, one of the ascension gifts given by the Lord Jesus. Cf Ephesians 4:7-11. We never see in Scripture the wording "the apostle Paul" which would indicate a title rather than a gift. If. Matthew 23:8-11 where 3 times Jesus shows us not to have titles. I believe only the Lord Jesus Christ should have a title. Verse 4, which refers to Titus as "my true child, (some versions say son) indicates the depth of their relationship. (also illustrated in 2 Corinthians 2:12-13). In fact, of all Paul's coworkers and companions, only Timothy and Titus are referred to us (spiritual) sons. verse 5 To put things in God's order it is necessary for Titus to appoint elders (plural) On this and 15 other references, e.g. Acts 14:23 I submit that church government is horizontal humanly speaking, with a plurality of Biblically qualified elders, none of whom is above the others. This view is in direct opposition to the vertical approach used in almost all American congregations. I don't expect my understanding to be accepted although I have experienced it working quite well in some churches in Brazil. verse 6, above reproach means no legitimate accusation can be lodged. husband of one wife. I am aware of at least six different interpretations of this verse. Take your pick. Children are believers, not guilty of debauchery or insubordination shows that a man with younger children should not be an elder. The primary qualification is godly character which sums up the specific requirements.

Philemon

Last night, New Year's Eve, had the pleasure of facilitating a Bible study in the book of Philemon. Two major themes emerged. The more obvious was the "appeal" approach that Paul uses in contrast to using his apostolic authority to command Philemon to do what would please God. cf. verses 8,9,10. The second is the unfolding of the close brotherly relationship that Paul and Philemon share. We read Paul praying for Philemon in verse 4, and of Philemon 's prayers for Paul in verse 22. We also see Paul's courage in going against the prevailing culture of slavery in the Roman Empire of his era urging Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ rather than as a slave. May the Lord Jesus Christ abundantly bless all of my readers in this New Year!

New England travels

Adjusting to the reality of New England winter with its snow, cold wind and freezing temperatures as I travel about in the small faithful car that the Lord has entrusted to me. From Connecticut to Maine to visit my favorite farming family came first. We had a feast in a rustic cabin with no electricity or plumbing. Later that day shared on the theme of joy as a fruit of the Spirit. Then down to the northern Massachusetts coast to visit another close friend. We walked along the beach in a frigid wind, watching the waves break on the sand. People in wetsuits were surfing. Later received a tour of Rockport. Thankful to return to the land of my roots. Even though not a true Yankee because I was born elsewhere, I have lived most of my life in New England.

The Three Way Covenant

One wonders why pre marital counseling is not required for Christian couples. Are we still in the Middle Ages? What might we discuss? The perpetuating of the powerful romantic fantasy engendered by our society that says if we just find the right person, our lives will be perfect bliss. How about the reality that life is hard, even for authentic believers. John 16:33 Another topic could be the reality that men and womens primary needs are different. Men need respect, women need love. Ephesians 5:33. We tend to give what we need rather than what the other needs. The idea that God brings two people together who are very different to balance one another out. Each bri gs their own strengths into the marriage. The most important for believers in Jesus Christ is the truth that the covenant of marriage is not just the man and the woman but with God Himself who created and brought them together. Do we want to break covenant with the One who loves us more than anyone else ever could, proving that decisively on the cross through the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins and rebellion?

1800 miles

Or 2,900 kilometers. This is the distance that I just finished driving from Texas to Connecticut in two and a half days in a car that looks so bad a junkyard would reject it. I find it difficult to rid myself of a car that just keeps running well with no problems and good gas mileage, although it did receive a new battery and brakes recently My journey began in south Texas thru Arkansas, the entire width of Tennessee before heading north through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania before making an eastward pivot through New York state, and finally to the northeast corner of Connecticut. Some portions of the interstate highways are well maintained; others not so much. Roughly three of every five vehicles are semis or similar size huge trucks once one is outside metro areas. They clog up the roads. The most common were FedEx trucks. For me, it is an endurance contest. I hope not to do it again any time soon. My little car and I need a break.

Ruminating

Some stray thoughts from recent days follow. Ephesians 5:26 in a passage comparing Christ to a husband speaks of washing the church, or wife, with the water of the Word. In other words, a godly husband should minister the truth and love of the Bible to his wife. This reminds me of plants, which especially in warmer climates, need to be watered regularly. Also thinking about trust, which I believe is the foundation of any good relationship, whether with God, a spouse, a friend or anyone. The challenge with trusting is we will get hurt, sooner or later. This leads to the necessity of forgiveness which isn't primarily about the person who offended us, but about our spiritual and emotional health, and relationship with God. Oftentimes the offender doesn't care whether we forgive them or not. If we don't forgive we end up wearing invisible chains.