God's Masterpiece

 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV).

 

As you know, I enjoyed woodworking. The picture I’ve included is a “before and after” of a candlestick I made on the wood lathe from a piece of Mesquite I chose from the woodpile. Kyle and I have the woodpile for both the fireplace and smokers. The wood came from some of the burn piles on a friend’s ranch. He needed to clear some of the land for planting more pasture for his cattle. The wood was scheduled to simply be burned as it served no purpose for his needs. Perhaps one of the most satisfying things about making this piece was the changing of a piece of wood designated for destruction into something of beauty and usefulness. Our reading today says we are like that in God’s masterful hands. We are God’s masterpiece; God’s workmanship; God’s handiwork; God’s creatures – we are God’s new creation in Christ Jesus.

 

But being so rich in mercy, in His gracious loving-kindness God loved us, and even though we were in the pitiable state of death because of our sins, He gave us life in Christ. Our present condition is irredeemable – for a fallen creature can never change – but when He raised Christ from the dead, God exchanged our old life in Adam for our new life in Christ, for when He died we died and when Christ was risen we too were raised from our state of death into newness of life.

 

We must never forget that it is only by God's grace that we have been saved. It is only by God's grace that we have salvation and we access that salvation - through faith. For by grace we are saved, through faith, and not of ourselves lest we boast for salvation is a gift of God’s grace.

 

But we have not been raised to newness of life for no purpose - we are made God’s masterpiece in Christ Jesus in order that we may be able to perform the good acts and good works, which God prepared for us to do, before we were even born. He has given us this new life to be useful. Just as no two things I make in my wood shop are “identical,” neither are we. God has designed and made us into these beautiful, unique masterpieces for a work only we can do. Don’t concern yourself with what others are doing… do what God has created you to do!

 

Hatchet Jack's Rifle

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-7 ESV).

 

Robert Redford played the role of Jeremiah Johnson in the movie by that name. It has long been one of my favorites in the genre. The picture I’ve included with today’s devotional is John Johnston’s Hawken and Bowie knife, displayed at the Cody Arms Museum. John Johnston was the real historical figure the movie “Jeremiah Johnson” was based upon. It’s hard to separate truth from myth. We know he was born John Garrison in Little York, New Jersey in 1824. He went to sea, then later enlisted in and deserted from the Navy during his service in the war with Mexico. At some point he went west, where he fought Indians with the Army, trapped, traded, mined and sold whiskey and was a deputy sheriff. Legends grew up around him. The character in the movie is presented in somewhat of a better light than history. There is one scene that sticks in my mind. He is wandering through the rugged mountains, nearly starving because he did not have an adequate weapon. He stumbles on the frozen body of “Hatchet Jack” leaning against a tree in the snow with the .50 caliber Hawken still clutched in his hands. The note penned by Hatchet Jack says: “I, Hatchet Jack, being of sound mind and broke legs, do hereby leaveth my bear rifle to whatever finds it, Lord hope it be a white man. It is a good rifle, and killt the bear that killt me. Anyway, I am dead. Yours truly, Hatchet Jack.” Taking the rifle it become Johnson’s salvation.

 

Our reading today is so clear. Paul says we were dead before the grace of God brought us life. As good as that rifle might have been, Hatchet Jack was still dead. Whatever we might think of our possessions, power, or position, none of these things can bring life. That only comes from God in the grace won by Jesus Christ. By Him comes life. Is it time for you to accept this life as the gift God desires it to be? Jesus “killt the bear” called death so that we could never fear it again!

Immeasurable Greatness

 

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:15-21 ESV).

 

A galaxy consists of billions of stars, planets, moons, nebulae, dark matter, black holes, light, and energy. The universe is home to at least 100 billion galaxies, and they are distributed unevenly, in clusters and superclusters. There are three main types of galaxies, named for their shapes: spiral, elliptical, and irregular. Gravity holds all of a galaxy’s matter together, and causes it to orbit around the center of the galaxy. Our galaxy is a spiral galaxy called the Milky Way, and our solar system is located about halfway out one of its arms. Each arm rotates around the galaxy’s bulging center, but some individual stars move faster than others, like the way cars move through highway traffic jams. In total, the Milky Way has 100-400 billion stars of all different types — including every star that we can see with the naked eye — and many of them have their own solar systems. The entire galaxy measures about 100,000 light-years in diameter.

 

In our reading today the Apostle Paul uses the adjective “immeasurable” to describe the greatness of God’s power (v. 19). Some translations use the word “unsearchable” here. Regardless it is a description of the vastness of this power. It is so great we cannot fully understand it nor grasp it. Think of that for a moment. This great power is “to us”… it is directed toward our behalf as the children of God.

 

When I casually read about what scientists have discovered about our galaxy leaving more questions than answers, I think of the Creator, our God and Father, and begin to feel the depth of His plan and purpose for me. Comparing that to any experience, whether easy or difficult, pleasant or painful, I am left with the overwhelming understanding and feeling of being blessed. Whatever you may face remember who your Father is ... nothing is greater than Him!

 

Marked and Sealed

 

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV).

 

It is certainly not as common today as it has been in past decades, but a wax seal has been used for centuries to indicate security. Documents and other important communications were often stamped and secured with seals in ancient times. Molten wax was dropped onto scrolls and a signet ring belonging to a king or person in high authority was pressed into the wax, resulting in an impression of the signet ring on the scroll.

 In the verse above, Apostle Paul stated that believers in Christ have been marked and sealed with The Holy Spirit. It has become more of a novelty today and perhaps has led to a lack of understanding of our reading today as the apostle says, “… sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (v. 14).

 

God seals us with His Spirit demonstrating that we are His prized possession. We belong to Him, we are His children. Therefore, we can face life with faith and confidence knowing that our lives belong to The Almighty God who will lovingly watch over us and take care of us. It’s also a sign of Gods authority. It shows that we bear the emblem of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It also speaks of authenticity. An unbroken seal on a king’s edict was a sign that the enclosed message was authentic and genuine. In other words, it had not been manipulated or tampered with. And, it indicates that a contract has been signed and completed. Just like a down-payment is made by a buyer purchasing a house or piece of property assuring the seller that the rest of the money will be received, The Holy Spirit is a guaranteed pledge of our future inheritance in heaven with God.

 

He is “our deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” There can be no doubt as to the end result. All of the promises of God are irrevocable, which includes so much more than heaven. We cannot be stolen away by anything or anyone (cf. Romans 8:31-37). What an awesome God! HE has marked and sealed us forever!

 

The Riches of His Grace

 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV).

 

It is not often that I am writing so close to actual publication; however, today is actually New Year’s Day. We are planning a late lunch with Kyle, Brandy, Faith, and Logan and I am smoking some pork tenderloin. I’ve discovered the ease of smoking with my Weber Kettle Grill. I hope it will be as good as the turkey I did for Thanksgiving. Since I’ve got a bit of time between next preparations I decided to write a bit. Writing is my favorite pastimes. I love to be in the shop creating something from wood; and, I always enjoy being outdoors hunting or fishing, though that’s more of a rarity these days. I’ve grown not to trust myself to be alone in the woods and the schedules of others are complicated enough that I haven’t imposed on their time to “baby-sit” and old man.

 

At any rate, I am drawn to a specific phrase today from our reading: “… according to the riches of His grace” (v. 7). I have heard many talk about God’s riches in reference to His glory; however, the Apostle Paul specifically using God’s “grace” to describe the riches of God. This took me back to some of the sunsets I have experienced in the Smoky Mountains (pictured). “Grace” is a word that means “unmerited favor.” It is the ultimate get-one-free in life. Mary and I have been on the loop in Cades Cove many times. If you’ve been there, you will recognize the spot from which this photo was taken. It is from the east side of the loop looking across the cove with the mountains as a backdrop for the sun to set behind them creating a magnificent display of color.

 

Here’s the point. We just happened to be at that place, at that time, and were given that sight. We didn’t do anything to earn it, or deserve it. Even if we had tried, we couldn’t have reproduced the beauty of that moment. It was a gift from the One who creates every sunset. The apostle says, “… he lavished” this grace upon us bring us redemption (v. 7). The smallest of things… meat to cook, a grill to cook with, mesquite wood to produce a pleasant flavor, herbs and spices, and everything else that I experience in this day is but a gift from our great God. But the greatest of all these gifts is redemption. Death, as awful as the pain for those left behind is nothing to those who go home to an eternal life of God’s grace! Hide that in your heart and ponder it through this new year!

 

Chosen

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. (Ephesians 1:1-4 ESV).

 

For the next few days in this New Year we’re going to explore some of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Our reading today is taken from the very first few verses of that letter. I want to focus on one phrase where the apostle says we are “chosen” by God “that we should be holy and blameless before him” (v. 4).

 

In order to get the idea of what he is saying I thought I’d begin with the day Mary and I “chose” Teddy (pictured here). As you can tell from the dress, I was working in the shop one warm Tennessee afternoon, when Mary called from PetsMart where Russell Rescue had brought some of their dogs for people to adopt. She told me she had found the perfect dog for us. Our previous dog had grown very old and developed canine dementia, ultimately leading to his death. We had him for over fourteen years and of course were very fond of him. Another dog was not a topic I was willing to take up yet, though as with most things, Mary knew best. She came back to pick me up and hurried me to the rescue site. I met Teddy and immediately saw the mischief in his eyes and thought: “This one’s going to be a challenge for sure.” But, as you can see we fell in love with him immediately and brought him home.

 

I was right about that mischievous look belying a challenge in him. And, Mary was right about him being the perfect dog for us. I could go on and on about the escapades we have enjoyed both in Tennessee and now in Texas, though my point is that we are like him. We all are in need of rescue. God has known that “since before the foundation of the world” and he sent Jesus to accomplish just that. He chose us knowing we couldn’t make it on our own and that we would be challenging and mischievous in our future. He loved us and continues to love us leading us to be holy and blameless in our journey.

 

I’m not sure how Teddy’s previous owners could “give him up.” We couldn’t then or now. Can I remind you that you, like me, have a heavenly Father who feels immeasurably more so toward you? God’s love for you goes deeper and farther than you could imagine. He CHOSE you! Take that thought and let it bear fruit into this New Year!

  

Happy New Year!

 

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. (Isaiah 43:18-21 ESV).

 

Happy New Year! One of the great things about the New Year following Christmas is that most of us begin the year with some new things. For many children they begin with new toys. As we get older the toys seem to be replaced with clothing, but it is still new. Of course we start the year with a new calendar, new bills, and new resolutions for the days ahead. This picture attached is last year’s celebration from Fort Worth, Texas, which is only a few miles from us. I must confess I do not go to see the show in person any longer. I find it much better on television. I don’t worry about driving in the crowds, parking and walking to get a good spot, or the weather!

 

With all the new things and new excitement of a new year, we should not forget some of the old things. I’ve chosen a reading from the Old Testament to emphasize how the promise of God is for a “new thing” (v. 18). He wants to do new things in the lives of His children. He desires to teach us new truths about Himself, provide new opportunities for ministering to others, take us to higher levels of worship and deeper levels of trust. But too often we’re like the Israelites when they were traveling in the wilderness. God promised to provide for them by raining down bread from heaven six days a week. He instructed them to gather only enough manna for each day, except for the day before the Sabbath when they were allowed to store up two days’ worth. When some of the people disobeyed and tried to hoard extra manna, it became rotten and full of worms by the next morning.

 

We’re like that sometimes. God wants to do new, fresh things in our lives, but often we try to hold on to yesterday’s stale manna. We don’t want to let go of what is comfortable and familiar. It may be some old way of thinking, a certain way of doing things, or our usual area of service to Him. We may miss new and exciting things God has planned for us if we don’t fully trust His guidance, even when He seems to be leading us down unfamiliar paths. As you celebrate the New Year, let go of anything that has gone stale or rotten. Then begin to live each day expecting new, fresh things for the One who promises, “I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5)!