Divine Union

Chapter 18 

This past week has been what seemed like an emotional roller coaster ride for me. Hopefully, I am coming back into the platform and can walk down the ramp to the solid ground alongside the tracks. A few weeks back my doctor prescribed a new medication to help with elevated cholesterol (this is my 6th or 7th attempt at finding an effective drug). Each medication prior to this adversely affected me physically; this one however seems to have wreaked havoc with me emotionally. Finally realizing the connection, I googled the side effects and read, “may cause sadness, anxiety, and irritability.” It listed many more potential side effects, but those three stood out as I was feeling their full weight. Thankfully, after a few days of not taking the medicine, I feel more comfortable in my skin. 

On Sunday I asked the elders to pray over me. As they did, I had a thought: “The pain in your joints were heightened by the medicine. Is it possible that the sadness, anxiety, and anger were present before but were also because of the medicine?”. I confessed to the elders that deep down below the surface, where most people can’t see, I control/manage these emotions. I told them that I would appreciate their prayers in overcoming these areas of struggle in my life. 

What does this have to do with chapter eighteen’s theme of “Divine Union” in Hannah Whitall Smith’s book? Smith shares how “feelings” are not reliable indicators of our true reality with God through Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit. I can feel happy, secure and peaceful on the surface when I manage my emotions. We can feel all of the positive emotions when life gives us lemon-aid in place of lemons. There will be times in this life when we come face-to-face with the enemy of our soul or when we wallow in the sin of our own life and then experience a deep sadness that is unshakable. We also, like the apostle Paul, can feel the uncomfortableness of a trial and yet tell of the unspeakable joy that overflows our hearts. Point is, feelings are unreliable gauges of our reality in Jesus. In this chapter, Smith warns us to not put too much stock in our feelings but rather focus on the reality of biblical truth and the changed character we experience because of it. 

After reading this chapter last night I shared this tweet: 

“Our feelings influence attitudes that can cause others to question our Christian sincerity. John, through the words of Jesus, encourages us (John 10:37–38) to focus on One’s service as proof of faith. … Would you pray that through our good works Christ would even transform our attitudes and feelings to glorify the Father.” 

My take-away from the chapter and my past week’s trial is: As we are on journey with Christ, make a point of surrendering our will by leaning in and engaging with what we know is the Father’s will—do His good works—and His Spirit will transform our attitudes and feelings to His liking. 

You may find a slightly different take-away as you read the chapter and are led by the Holy Spirit in your personal journey. Find a Christian brother or sister, have a conversation, and share what the Lord is teaching you. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• How would you explain Smith’s statement that our “union with Christ is not a matter of emotions, but of character”?

• If we follow the author’s advice, 

“…lay down [your] life that His life may be lived in [you]; have no interests but His interests, to share His riches, to enter into His joys, to partake of His sorrows, to manifest His likeness, to have the same mind as He had, to think and feel and act and walk as He did”,  

what stops our journey from becoming a demonstration of DOING rather than a process of BECOMING who He desires us to be? 

• How does (or should) the belief of the indwelling Holy Spirit impact us to live differently?

The Joy of Obedience

Chapter 17  

Today's post by Karen Spurling.

As I read this chapter I was reminded of one of my favorite verses, Psalms 16:11, “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” This verse communicates a truth that I have held to over many years and that is true joy cannot be experienced apart from the Father. Hannah Whitall Smith echoes this sentiment and goes even further as she describes the joy found in our obedience to Christ. 

In the chapter, Whitall Smith’s main point is we can experience immeasurable joy if we surrender ourselves completely in obedience to God. However, she noted that many of us shrink from going all in with God. She stated, 

“To be measurably obedient you desire, to be perfectly obedient appalls you.” 

In her opinion, many believers are afraid of completely yielding themselves to God and instead treat the relationship like a casual friendship. Instead of abandoning ourselves to God, we look at those who take a more casual approach to their relationship with Christ and wonder why is it necessary for us to be zealous when they are not? But I love the question she asked, 

“Is it a cause for regret that your soul is brought into such near and intimate relations with your Master that He is able to tell you things which those who are farther of may not know? 

So I suppose the question is, are we satisfied with a casual relationship with the Lord where the relationship is pleasant enough and we aren’t really bothered by the emotional distance or lack of involvement in each other’s lives? Or do we want the kind of relationship where we meet “His measureless devotion for you with a measureless devotion to Him.” This kind of mutual devotion leads to us a place of enthusiastic joy as we delight in Him and “spring out to meet His lovely will with an eager joy.” His commands are not a burden and instead we consider them a privilege because they are an opportunity to showcase our love for and devotion to our Father. 

This “spiritual romance” with the Father is ongoing and it should motivate us to fearlessly and whole heartedly commit ourselves to Him and His will. In so doing, we will experience a precious joy that those who take a more casual approach to their relationship with Christ will sadly never experience…the joy of obedience. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction

• Whitall Smith opened the chapter with this saying, “Perfect obedience should be perfect happiness if only we had perfect confidence in the power we were obeying.” According to this saying, why is there often times a disconnect between obedience and happiness in our relationship with Christ? 

• Whitall Smith uses the analogies of a casual friendship and a passionate romance to describe our relationship with the Father. Which relationship better decribes your relationship with the Father? 

• How can our obedience be a joy and not a drudgery?

It's Practical Results in the Daily Walk and Conversation

Chapter 16

Today's excerpt is brought to you by pastor Nick Willke—one of my partners in arms here at Kapahulu Bible Church. Before you read further I'd encourage you to take some time to talk to the Lord. Ask Him to shine the light of His truth as a floodlight onto your life and practice so that He can create a new and clean heart in you today.  

“The standard of practical holy living has been so low among Christians that the least degree of real devotedness of life and walk is looked upon with surprise, and often even with disapproval, by a large portion of the Church. And for the most part the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are satisfied with a life so conformed to the world, and so like it in almost every respect, that to a casual observer no difference is discernible.” 

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

 
What a powerful statement by our author here. She cites the verse from 1st Peter 2:11 here, I believe she is on to something with this verse and statement. Do our lives look different than our non-believing family, friends, or co-workers? I have to ask myself daily: Is my life satisfied and conformed to the world in the practice of how I live? What is different about my actions since I claim to view life through the lens of Scripture. 

“Have you not begun to feel uneasy with some of your habits of life, and to wish that you could do differently in certain respects? Have not paths of devotedness and of service begun to open out before you, with the longing thought, ‘Oh that I could walk in them!’ All these questions and doubts and this inward yearning are the voice of the Good Shepherd in your heart, seeking to call you out of that which is contrary to His will. Let me entreat of you not to turn away from His gentle pleadings! You little know the sweet paths into which He means to lead you by these very steps, nor the wonderful stores of blessedness that lie at their end, or you would spring forward with an eager joy to yield to every one of His requirements.” 

I believe this is a great question to ask of ourselves, but it requires honesty, not only with ourselves but with God. God is longing for us to examine ourselves, to practice and to evaluate if our lives align with His calling for us as believers. God has the power to help change and transform our lives, He is seeking those who can fully surrender everything to Him, even if it means we change our jobs because it pulls us away from Him, the body, church. It may mean changing our spending habits in order to tithe. It requires sacrifice in order for our lives to look different than the world. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• Does your life look different than non-believers around you? 

• What is God asking you to change, even if it's the smallest of details in order for your life to align with his purpose? 

• Do you find God speaking to you daily, day by day? How does this practically impact your life?

Let's Not Get Political

1st Corinthians 3:1–9 

www.mission119.org

I wrote this and sent it out to our elders the day I read the above passage and listened to John Soper's (mission119.org) commentary for my personal devotions (5/16).  

It is important in our cultural context to avoid the arguments (vitriol) that are being promoted within the political scene of our country. It is possible that this was not a problem in the past as it is today; the Christ-follower could have discussed their politics while still maintaining a proper focus (aka HOPE) in our ultimate answers coming from God’s Word and His agenda. But today, I am convinced the average person is unable to do that. 

People struggle separating their political thoughts from God’s plan. We are OK sacrificing our views of a particular sin because there is a “greater” platform agenda point in a particular party that outweighs our concern. It would seem (to me) that people are placing their hope in the government and a political platform’s agenda above God—that is idolatry. 

This passage and John’s teaching was a reminder that we as leaders must keep our focus and priority on Jesus and God’s plan. One of my personal take-aways is we should point our people to God’s solution and help them see that the government of the United States (or anywhere else) is not His ultimate remedy. So, I repeat the text I wrote here for a broader exhortation for the church. 

“This morning I was reading and listening to Mission119 (1st Corinthians 1–3) and was reminded by John Soper that disunity in the Church is a great sin. Our political alignment and promotion (republican or democrat) can cause sinful interactions with others that will stifle honest seekers of God’s grace. 

All disagreement within the church are not necessarily disunity. We don’t have to be in agreement on every point. But we do have to be ONE. The rallying point for our ONENESS is that our minds be found in Christ Jesus—being likeminded in Christ. 

Soper’s commentary reminded me that Paul spoke against a fractured church that breaks into little parties to follow Paul, Peter, or Apollos. “That is Crazy! Don’t be fools,” he said. My thought on that exhortation is we have not been saved to follow Biden, Trump, republicans or democrats. 

I implore you to bring the message back to Christ and the hope we have in Him. Preach Christ crucified. Encourage a conversation that centers on Christ in the believer—the hope of all glory—no matter what the cultural milieu dictates. That is the focus, we as leaders of the church, should be fighting to keep in view. 

This is a sin (disunity on worldly political alignment) that will continue to keep our church stalled and lacking in joy. When the conversations get political and conspiracy-theory-driven remember this study and gently, lovingly remind your brothers and sisters in Christ that our hope lies in Him alone. 

Service

Chapter 15

KBC Ohana serving those in need at River of Life Mission.

The striking relevance of chapter sixteen of this book, written almost one hundred fifty years ago, demonstrates that it falls into the category of a timeless classic. Whereas the language has shifted—I think there is a better choice of words that could be used in place of “idiot asylum”—the topic of service burnout and its applications is unquestionably fitting for today. So, if you have not yet read the chapter, stop now and do so before reading further. 

Whitall explains in the second paragraph that service, which “at the first may have been a joy and a delight, become after a while weary tasks, performed faithfully, perhaps, but with much secret disinclination (that is reluctance), and many confessed or unconfessed wishes that they need not be done at all, or at least that they need not be done so often.” I am certain there would be as many nodding heads or raised hands as there are people reading this blog if I asked who agreed with her sentiment. There was a time or two when I thought to myself “Why didn’t I save myself the hassle and become a pizza delivery guy or a Walmart greeter instead of a pastor?” Thankfully those are not frequent thoughts today (22 years into full-time Christian service), but I would not be truthful to say the thought never crosses my mind. 

What hope does Smith offer the reader in correcting course and returning to the joy that was their first encounter with Christ? Basically, she encourages us to continue where we began by surrendering anew every day. The picture she paints of the mental health facility (isn’t that better?) beautifully illustrates what maintaining our joy should look like. 

One little girl … made perfect movements. Not a jar or a break disturbed the harmony of her exercises. And the reason was, not that she had more strength than the others, but that she had no strength at all. She could not so much as close her hands over the dumbbells, nor lift her arms, and the master had to stand behind her, and do it all. She yielded up her members as instruments to him, and his “strength [was] made perfect” in her weakness.

This is exactly what God wants of us. We grow tired in our “doing” as we seek affirmation and meaning from our activity. Can you picture God’s Holy Spirit off to the side as we struggle to make the Christian life “work” for us? Can you imagine what He would say? I hear Him say, “My child, stop striving and surrender all to me. Let me guide you and be the one who lifts you up and gives you strength.” 

KBC Youth serving with conservationists in cleaning up the beach

In this chapter, the author encourages us to consider how God is ordering our steps and how He has designed us for particular tasks in the life of the Church—not for all the tasks. The service she encourages us towards is Holy Spirit directed and empowered. 

Please take time to read through this chapter and then seek out a brother and/or sister in Christ with whom you can discuss your experiences in serving and encourage one another to walk in the good works the Lord has put in your path to enjoy. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• Why do many people find Christian service a heavy burden?

• If you, as a Christ-follower, are in bondage to or burnt out because of your Christian service, what could you do to resolve that?

• How can you find “rest for your soul” even in the midst of what seems to be ceaseless activity?

Growth

Chapter 14

Whitall Smith demonstrates in this chapter how we have allowed the world’s understanding of words like “love” and “grace” to redefine God’s definitions. Hannah started out this week describing an argument commonly espoused against the happy life she is outlining. She wrote about those who claim freedom and the growth that comes with it are a result of God’s grace on not a person’s practices. Personally I’ve come up against similar arguments within the Church today. It’s interesting to note how people over the past 150 years have not changed much. 

How often is GRACE relied on when people are called to: 

• Read their Bible every day 
• Be in prayer continually 
• Attend Church weekly 
• Don’t date and then marry non-Christians 
• Maintain your virginity until marriage 

I can almost hear the same words that the “intelligent lady” spoke to Whithall Smith, “Ah, but, Mrs. Smith, I believe in growing in grace.” 

When we teach the disciplines above—and many more biblically grounded practices—we are not taking away from God’s Amazing Grace, but we are emphasizing Jesus’s teaching from John 8:31–32, 

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Or His statement in John 15:5, 

“I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” 

Our acceptance of God’s truth is what gives us the freedom and sets us apart for eternity with Him. When we believe and practice His truth we then are changed and become people who offer that same change to others—we bear fruit. Faith will have the accompanying application of His truth. When we become part of the work that God is doing—when once our lives were meaningless in the grand scheme—it is nothing other than God’s amazing grace. 

Growing in grace does not mean that we grow experience God’s unmerited favor no matter without actions; that’s the world’s definition. We grow in grace in the kingdom of God when we leave the leading and the process to Him to control. 

Many Christians do not mature because they want to maintain control of the process. This is a rejection of God’s teaching of grace for a worldly understanding and definition of grace. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• What was Mrs. Smith emphasizing when she referred to many Christians who are both the garden and the gardener? 
  
  
• How might identify biblical disciplines (applicational truths) of our faith in Mrs. Smith's the garden illustration? 

• What expectations or experiences do we add to our growing processes that move us away from God’s grace? 

• How can we insure that our “strivings” are healthy practices that keep us centered in God’s grace?

Bondage and Liberty

Today's post is brought to you by Pastor Nick Willke. 

Chapter 13

“We are, however, continually tempted to forget that it is not what we do that is the vital matter but rather what we are. In Christ Jesus neither legal observances avail anything, nor the omission of legal observances, ‘but a new creature.’ God is a great deal more concerned about our really being ‘new creatures’ than about anything else. He knows that if we are right as to our inward being, we shall certainly do right as to our outward actions. We may, in fact, sometimes even do right without being right at all. But it is very evident that no doing of this kind has any vitality in it, nor is of any real account. The essential thing, therefore, is character; and doing is valuable only as it is an indication of being.” 

This is a powerful excerpt from our author here. To know who we are versus identifying with what we do is crucial in living a victorious walk with Christ. The book gives a great breakdown of law versus gospel. Galatians 3:24 is the heart of this idea. We are no longer bound by the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. The sooner we can comprehend and let this sink into our minds and hearts, the sooner we can begin to experience victory and progress in our maturity with Christ. 

“Sometimes I think that the whole secret of the Christian life that I have been trying to describe is revealed in the child relationship. Nothing more is needed than just to believe that God is as good a Father as the best ideal earthly father, and that the relationship of a Christian to Him is just the same as that of a child to its parent in this world. Children do not need to carry about in their own pockets the money for their support. If the father has plenty, that satisfies them, and is a great deal better than if it were in the child's own possession, since in that case it might get lost. In the same way it is not necessary for Christians to have all their spiritual possessions in their own keeping. It is far better that their riches should be stored up for them in Christ, and that when they want anything they should receive it direct from His hands. 'But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption' (1 Corinthians 1:30). Apart from Him, we have nothing.” 

I can’t overstate this verse from 1 Corinthians enough, truly apart from Christ, we have nothing. All of our works are because of Him, and our lives are the vessels in which God chooses to work. He doesn’t have to use us; He chooses to out of His mercy and grace. All that is to say this, we have to believe that what God does for us is the best and all we need, this is the life of liberty. We do not have to strive but can soak in the presence of the Father as He guides, directs, and loves us. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• How do you experience the freedom and liberty of Christ in your life? 

• Do you see yourself serving God as a response of obedience or a response of indebtedness? Which response is an expression of freedom and which is bondage?

• How can you daily experience freedom with God as a good Father in your life as His child?

Is God in Everything?

Today's entry was written by Karen Spurling. 

In this chapter, Hannah Whitall’s claim is simple but yet profound. Her answer to the question “Is God in everything?” is 

“Yes. To the children of God, everything comes directly from their Father’s hand, no matter who or what may have been the apparent agents. There are no second causes for them.” 

If we as believers desire to have a happy life, marked by peace and contentment, then we must recognize that God is present in every situation in our lives and nothing happens to us outside of His will. Whiteall cited an abundance of Scripture to demonstrate that creator God is in control of every sparrow, every king, every situation and certainly the lives of His children.

She also spent time addressing the mindset of “second causes” where trials and difficulties enter our lives because of other people. Whitall’s take on this matter is that even though second causes originates from man, even the sin of man, they are still under God’s control and 

“not one of them can touch us except with His knowledge and His permission.” 

Joseph’s life, as pointed out by Whitall was a perfect illustration of this truth. God used the evil actions of his brothers ultimately for Joseph’s good. This truth should bring us comfort to know that our lives are always in God’s hands. He can use all things for our good, even when those things may have originated from an evil source. So great is God’s power and His love and care for us.

Adopting the mindset and heartset that my life is totally in God’s hands and He is involved in the minutia of my life have practical implications. It can enable us to “live in the present moment” free from the worries of tomorrow. It helps us to be grateful for the presence of others in our lives, no matter how difficult they are, because we know that God is using those people to make us more like Him. Also when difficulties come into our lives, we can experience joy knowing that God is having His way in our lives and as a good Father He is working things out for our good. Isn’t it good to know when we surrender ourselves to His will we will always be on the winning side because His will is ultimately what will be accomplished. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• How can our faith be derailed if we see the circumstances of our life being from man rather than God?

• Why is it important for you to believe “everything comes directly from the Father’s hands?

• Consider a situation you may be experiencing right now, how does it affect you to know that God is actively engaged in your circumstances?

The Empty Tomb Before Sunday

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”... Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb.” John 20:1–2, 11

By and large we approach the empty tomb of Sunday morning with a rush to celebrate because of the benefits we have in a living Savior. However, prior to the sun breaking through the darkness of Sun- day morning, Mary’s grief continued and even increased because of the empty tomb. Today we live with the knowledge the tomb is empty, but the light of Sunday morning has not yet fully been real- ized. In John 16:20–21, Jesus taught us we would experience temporary sadness prior to permanent joy. Before we rush to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, is there a lesson from the empty tomb that we could consider prior to the next day’s sun rise?

Scripture teaches us our life will be a journey of sadness and gladness cradled in the certain hope of a beautiful future that sustains our joy. Our ultimate hope enables us to say along with Paul that we, “Rejoice in the Lord always. [We] will say it again: [We] Rejoice! ... The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4–5). The empty tomb is proof for us our Savior is alive, and He is near presently; never leaving us. He is also imminently near, returning at any moment. However, in this fallen world we do experience pain that bring tears, mourning, and grief. The hope we have during those times of sadness motivates us to intentionally move toward Him and the picture He has given us of our future. It is in those move- ments that our sadness can be transformed into gladness.

Before the next morning sun rises, take time to grieve and look to the Lord for His help in prayer. Maybe you have a family member or close friend who has yet to put their faith in Christ; their lost- ness brings you sadness. Perhaps the condition of the world so full of division locally, nationally, and globally is causing your heart to ache. Or maybe your heart like mine is heavy for those we personal- ly know who are suffering from sickness and disease. All of these sad situations are only the way they are because the tomb is empty, and the King has yet to return in His full glory which will bend every knee and replace our temporary suffering with His eternal joy.

Today before the sun breaks forth on Sunday, join me in lamenting these temporary circumstances. Join me in moving toward Him in prayer as we ask for His salvation, peace, and healing that comes today and more fully in the beautiful future that awaits.

Prayer: Father God, Lord Jesus, indwelling Spirit break my heart for what breaks yours. As I cry out to you in joyful sadness, directt my thoughts towards the requests that are in line with your perfect will. Holy Spirit, bring to mind the empty tomb sadness so that I can minister to those in trouble before I celebrate the empty tomb gladness. I want to experience every bit of you today. Guide me. In your Son’s name—Jesus—Amen!

Difficulties Concerning Failure

Chapter 11 

Chapter eleven begins with a statement similar to what I was teaching in this past Sunday’s message (“It Is Finished” April 10, 2022).” You may remember me saying, “I’m going to get a little ‘nerdy’ on you this morning.” I then explained the present perfect tense of the verb used in the sixth statement of Christ from the cross. This verb tense communicates action having taken place in the past, being resolved in the present. Jesus crushing Satan’s head was an action beginning in the past (Genesis 3:20) and completed on the cross. Christian’s who place their faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross theoretically are empowered to live life sinlessly. 

This is what Hannah Whitall Smith was referencing when she wrote in the opening paragraph,

“The very title of this chapter may perhaps startle some. ‘Failures?’ they will say. ‘We thought there were no failures in this life of faith!’ To this I would answer that there ought not to be, and need not be; but, as a fact, there sometimes are, and we must deal with facts and not with theories.” 

Since Satan was defeated by Christ on the cross, sin should have no effect on those who place their faith in Jesus as Savior. The apostle Peter explains this beautiful biblical truth when he writes, 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2nd Peter 1:3, NIV). 

And the apostle Paul sheds light on the unfortunate fact that there is a battle raging against this beautiful truth when he writes, 

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1st John 1:8). 

Friend—brother and sister in Christ—in my opinion this chapter is the most vital chapter to this point in the book for those looking for “success” measured by “happiness” in the Christian life. If you have or are struggling with doubt, discouragement or depression causing your spiritual life to come to a standstill, take the time to read and prayerfully consider this chapter. As the author points out, our temptation when faced with these spiritual obstacles is always to “lie down and be discouraged,” whereas God’s command to us is always get up and be sanctified! (Joshua 7:13). 

Get together with a Christian friend and talk about the potential we have been given in Christ. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• Make a list of all the Old Testament Israelite characters you can think of who did not finish well because of sin. And then make a list of all the post resurrection New Testament followers of Christ who did not finish well because of sin. Why, do you believe, there are way more OT characters than NT characters that come to mind? 

• Pastor J has frequently said that conviction is the gentle voice of God encouraging you to do what is best for you. How does his advice to embrace conviction fit in with this chapter and the book’s theme of a Christian’s Happy Life? 

• Karen Spurling has often said that embracing conviction means turning away from unrighteousness towards righteousness. Every time we turn away from something we need to replace it with something we turn towards? What could the following people have turned towards to experience victory rather than defeat? 

Cain (Genesis 4:1–12)    

King Saul (1st Samuel 15) 

Samson (Judges 16) 

Rehoboam (1st Kings 12:1–17) 

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11) 

• What would you counsel fellow believers struggling with the following sins to replace them with? 

Selfishness 

Materialism 

Sexual Immorality 

Bitterness 

Discontent 

Anger 

Laziness 

• Is there anything that is holding you back from finishing well today?

Difficulties Concerning Temptation

Today's edition was written by Pastor Nick Willke. Thank you brother! 

Chapter 10

“First of all, people seem to expect that after the soul has entered into rest in the Lord, temptations will cease. They think that the promised deliverance is to be not only from yielding to temptation, but even also from being tempted.”  

“Next, they make the mistake of looking upon temptation as sin, and of blaming themselves for suggestions of evil, even while they abhor them. This brings them into condemnation and discouragement. Discouragement, if continued in, always ends at last in actual sin. Sin makes an easy prey of a discouraged soul, so that we fall often from the very fear of having fallen.” 

Temptation is not sin, but like our author points out, it can easily discourage our souls when we are tempted. This discouragement can easily entangle us and lead to sin. I think to rephrase what the author is saying would sound like, “it is easy to think that when we become a Christian that our faith is going to be easy and our struggles will magically disappear.” When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, our life is on the trajectory of transformation. However, that does not mean that the world we live in changes—it will still be full of sin and temptation. The advantage we do experience in Christ is the proper tools and equipment to deal and live in a fallen world. 

Along with temptation can come discouragement. This, as our author points out, is how temptation can develop into sin. But one way we can combat this is with confidence that comes from the Spirit of God. That is why the Lord said so often to Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage;" "Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed;" "Only be thou strong and very courageous" (Joshua 1:9). And it is also the reason He says to us, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). We can have confidence in who God is, and who He is transforming and empowering us to be. It is important to recognize the difference between temptation and sin because we can then commit ourselves to the Lord for this victory. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction

• What are temptations that you face? 

• Is it possible that God is allowing these temptations to enter your life to grow your faith and trust in Him? If so, how so?

• What is stopping you from experience victory over temptation?

• Do you have others in your life with whom you share and battle these temptations?

 

Difficulties Concerning Doubts

Chapter 9

Moses was on Mount Sinai 40 days and 40 nights. The people already had the law stating THOU SHALT NOT HAVE ANY OTHER GODS BEFORE ME (Exodus 20:3), and yet God informed Moses,

“‘They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a cast metal calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’” Exodus 32:8

This week we are in chapter 9 of The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life. This chapter left me feeling a little uncomfortable; not because it’s not true, but because Hannah Whitall Smith wrote as if she were Moses on his first trip down the mountain with the ten commandments. She left no room for excuses to the person who struggles with doubt. Like the Levites, she took up her sword and shredded anyone who falls short in the faith department (Exodus 32:37). But in her approach, she got her point across. Our modern-day theology graciously indulges those who struggle with doubt while at the same time deals harshly with those who struggle with sins we think are more shameful (e.g. alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual sins, etc.). If we were to categorize sin—and we don’t want to make a habit of doing that because a sin is a sin. But indulge me, which is worse: not believing what God says or struggling with an addictive behavior? Smith shares her thoughts when she writes,

In the sight of God, I verily believe doubting is in some cases as displeasing as lying. It certainly is more dishonoring to Him, for it impugns his truthfulness and defames His character. John says that "he that believeth not God, hath made Him a liar" (1 John 5:10). It seems to me that hardly anything could be worse than thus to fasten on God the character of being a liar!

The sin of doubt is like Israel’s golden calf. It is a creation of the mind looking for a quick fix or explanation for our troubles rather than waiting on the Lord. Doubt is a self-comforting or a self-medicating practice we use to dull the pain of our unbelief.

When we struggle with our identity, that is to say who God says we are in Scripture, are we not on some level denying what God says is true? If one believes they are not worthy after having received Christ, and yet He makes it clear they are worthy, how does one come to terms with that? And how do we respond to the one struggling? 

In this chapter Hannah challenges us to encourage and exhort those who are struggling with doubt. And she gives us a strategy for overcoming those doubts. But you’ll have to read the book to discover her applications. 

By the way, Smith closes her chapter with a heart-felt and tender invitation to the reader. I don’t want to misrepresent Mrs.Whitall Smith as an uncaring person. Her motivation is the reader’s transformation and victory.

Here are some more questions to help you think through the chapter and even have a conversation with a friend.

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction

• “Doubt is a luxury” is a phrase introduced by Whitall Smith in chapter nine (bottom of page 105 in the edition we gifted at Christmas). How is doubt a luxury that requires self-denial as much as an addictive vice?  

• Explain what the author means when she writes, “Your very sinfulness and unworthiness are your chiefest claim upon His love and care.” (HINTS: the sick and the lost sheep). 

• How is Smith’s strategy to overcome NOT like an addict quitting cold turkey? 

• Are there any doubts that are stunting your growth? Could you share this chapter with a trusted friend and ask for their prayers and accountability to overcome? 

Difficulties Concerning Guidance

This morning in staff meeting Karen facilitated a discussion on chapter 8 of The Christian's
Secret to a Happy Life. Thank You Karen!

Chapter 8 

In this chapter, Whitall Smith addresses the challenge that faces every follower of Christ who desires to surrender his own will to the will of God; that is, how do we know what is God’s will for our lives? A desire to obey God’s will can often be derailed by doubt and uncertainty because as Whitall Smith posits, we 

“have not yet learned to know the voice of the Good Shepherd.” 

Based on the conviction that God promises his Divine Guidance (James 10:3,4) and in His knowledge and wisdom, He alone knows which path is best for you, Whitall Smith suggests four means by which God reveals His will to us: 

1. through the Scriptures, 
2. through providential circumstances, 
3. through the convictions of our higher judgment, and 
4. through the inward impressions of the Holy Spirit on our minds. 

First and foremost, God’s guidance comes through His Word. Our first course of action whenever we are seeking God’s guidance is to “search out and obey the Scripture.” Whitall Smith warns,

“Until you have found and obeyed God’s will as it is therefore revealed, you must not ask or expect a separate, direct, personal revelation.” 

However, on those occasions when God’s Word does not provide clear guidance on a specific situation, Whitall suggests we can discern God’s will in the other 3 ways. She explains how God guides us through the conviction of our judgment. This involves the enlightenment of our human judgment, otherwise known as our common sense, by the Spirit of God. We can use our common sense to judge a situation in harmony with the principles of God’s Word. She adds He also leads us through providential circumstances where He goes before us and opens a way for us (John 10:4). And then she finishes describing how He guides us as His Spirit impresses upon the mind “a wish or desire to do or to leave undone certain things.” Whitall Smith warns that since God does not contradict Himself, then all four means will always be in harmony with each other. 

As we actively and doggedly seek the Lord’s guidance and remain steadfast in our faith, we can be sure that God will guide us. If in doubt about a course of action, it is better to wait upon the Lord until He gives more clarity as to what He desires of you. But at the end of the day, it is vitally important that we trust the Lord because “God cannot guide those souls who never trust Him enough to believe that He is doing it.” 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction 

• Can you recall a time when God revealed his will concerning a situation in your life? 

• Which of the ways mentioned above did God use to guide you in that situation?

Difficulties Concerning the Will

Today's post is brought to you by Pastor Nick Willke. Thank you brother! And CONGRATULATIONS to all the Willke's for the birth of baby Archie… so excited to have a new neighbor. 

Chapter 7 

“But there is nothing here which will not be very easily overcome when the Christian once thoroughly understands the principles of the new life, and has learned how to live in it. The common thought is that this life hid with Christ in God is to be lived in the emotions, and consequently all the attention of the soul is directed toward them, and if they are satisfactory or otherwise, the soul rests or is troubled. Now, the truth is that this life is not to be lived in the emotions at all, but in the will; and therefore, if only the will is kept steadfastly abiding in its center, God's will, the varying states of emotion do not in the least disturb or affect the reality of the life.” 

This is a powerful statement that is not only hard to realize in our lives but hard to let go, and to not let our emotions take over and fully govern our lives, and our relationship to Christ. Especially when living in a culture that says we should do what we feel is right, or trust what our heart and feelings are telling us. Our emotions are important, and it is crucial to understand them and recognize why we feel what we feel. But to allow our emotions to control and decide how we view ourselves, and let that determine how God views us will lead to living a defeated Christian life. 

“The secret lies just here—that our will, which is the spring of all our actions, has been in the past under the control of sin and self, and these have worked in us all their own good pleasure. But now God calls upon us to yield our wills up unto Him, that He may take the control of them, and may work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. If we will obey this call, and present ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice, He will take possession of our surrendered wills, and will begin at once to work in us "that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ," giving us the mind that was in Christ, and transforming us into His image (see Romans 12:1-2).” 

 

The author is right here with this verse from Romans 12, it is so crucial to have our minds transformed and renewed so that we know what God’s will is for our lives. It is a will that is not controlled by our emotions or how we feel, because that will change just like tides ebb and flow.

 

THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS FOR INTERACTION 

• Do your emotions control you? Do you evaluate the success of your day based upon how you feel moment-to-moment? 

• How are you giving your mind opportunity to transform so that you can understand God’s will for your life? 

• What words or phrases from William Hill’s letter were helpful to you? Why? 

• How can you change your life to allow it to be centered in our will, and through hat will our actions would be dictated by our will and not our emotions?

We All Need A Helper

CHAPTER 6

When Christians are faced with difficulties, temptations, trials (take your pick) Hannah Whitall Smith exhorts and encourages us to stop using phrases that suggest we have no hope. For example when we are struggling with a broken relationship it is easy to think or even say, “I have no hope this will ever turn around.” Smith suggests we teach ourselves to eliminate these thoughts by reconstructing the phrase to say, “I have no faith (or hope or trust) in… God.” She reminds us that Sovereign God is in control and ultimately He would be the one in whom we are losing hope. Even as I wrote that phrase down I felt the weight of self-incrimination; how could we ever blame God? The author is correct when she says the phase will “become so dreadful to you, that you will not dare to continue it.” 

Whereas this practice may serve as a good defibrillation of our soul, the Father does not transform us by using the shock of shame and guilt. Hannah goes on to explain how we must apply God’s truth to grow faith by looking outside ourselves for the Holy Spirit’s help in overcoming all of life’s difficulties. 

It wasn’t until my college years that I finally learned that every struggling student who wants to advance must learn how to communicate their need for help to teachers, to those who are experts in the field of their study, or to their classmates who have recently grasped their own understanding of the subject matter. This lesson was not readily applied in my own personal journey because I did not like the implications. My belief was 1) the help I needed was not available to me, 2) I would be found out not to have all the answers, and 3) I was not convinced that the added uncomfortable work would bring the desired results in the end. 

Some Christ-followers who struggle to mature beyond their initial conversion, may be holding onto similar thoughts when it comes to their faith—I know I did. As a young believer I thought asking God for help would: 1) force me to do something too uncomfortable, unpopular, unnatural, and ultimately unavailable to me, 2) mean having to remind myself constantly of my short-comings, and 3) require me to believe that the alternative to my way of doing things would be better and less work than His way. 

If this is the way you are thinking, I encourage you to read through chapter six, reconsider God’s desire for you, and then trust Him as you cry out for help. 

Act on His truth. Believe what He says. Grow in faith. 

THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS FOR INTERACTION 

Our greatest problem is resolved by our response to God’s greatest remedy. We all had fallen short of God’s glory because of sin. But then we realized that forgiveness of sin was found by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior (His death on the cross becomes the substitute for our punishment when we believe). Our belief in that is our faith resulting in our salvation. 

• As Christ-followers we believe the above paragraph. Get together with a fellow believer and share how different your future is today because of the truth above. 

• Think about and jot down some current problems you are experiencing. Maybe you are struggling with finances, or broken relationships, or failing health… there are endless possibilities. 

• Now read again from page 74, 

“…remember that ‘though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations’ (1 Peter 1:6), it is only like going through a tunnel. The sun has not ceased shining because the traveller through the tunnel has ceased to see it; and the Sun of righteousness is still shining, although you in your dark tunnel do not see Him”  

and answer this: How does this tunnel illustration help you have faith, hope, and trust in God despite your difficult situation? 

• Pray with your believing friend for the Holy Spirit’s help in the journey of growth He is leaning you in.

Difficulties Concerning Consecration

CHAPTER 5 

Hannah Whitall Smith begins the second section of her book confronting difficulties that can cause us to stumble in the Christian walk. The difficulty introduced in chapter five made me think of a recent phenomenon I have experienced. 

I haven’t been diagnosed as a hypochondriac, however, throughout this pandemic, I have wondered if I would be if I saw a specialist. My wife has told me on more than one occasion that I’m certifiable. So, I wouldn’t be surprised. 

This past month I’ve had friends reach out to tell me they had tested positive for COVID. Prior to them telling me I felt fine. But within an hour or two after their phone call or text message, I began to feel symptomatic. I’ve been tested four times in the past month, each time I have tested negative. It is interesting, as soon as I get the negative result I feel 100% better. Isn’t it strange how a suggestion or a doubt can create a feeling that has no basis in reality? 

Mrs. Smith explains how doubt can create symptoms that present themselves as a weakened or a sick Christian life. She also prescribes the proper point of view and the cure for such attacks. She presented three stimuli that can affect one’s view of their position in Christ—feelings, fact, and faith. The reader is led to think through which came first (feelings, fact, or faith), and then second and which brings up the caboose of the F Train (btw, the F Train is the subway route that connects Queens to Brooklyn in New York City). Once you know where to get on the train, you are ensured to reach the desired destination. 

Enough with the train analogies. The point of Mrs. Smith is, once you know which should come first, you will be equipped to avoid the difficulty of doubt and on your way to the joyful life every follower of Christ is meant to experience. 

If you haven’t read chapter five yet, I encourage you to take some of your free time and spend it thinking through the topic she presents. And then call a Christian friend and talk through the following questions.

Have a blessed week! 

THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS FOR INTERACTION 

• Hannah Whithall Smith shares these three RESPONSES (Feelings, Fact, and Faith) to our decision to follow Christ. Which response did she say should come first, second and last? Why? 

"Today you have declared the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His ordinances, and listen to His voice. And the Lord has today declared you to be His people, His personal possession, just as He promised you, and that you are to keep all His commandments; and that He will put you high above all the nations which He has made, for glory, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken.” Deuteronomy 26:17–19 

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. If anyone sees his brother or sister committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will, for him, give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death; I am not saying that he should ask about that. 1st John 5:14–16 

• From the above passages, what is our role, and what does God do? 

        1.                                                         1. 

        2.                                                         2. 

        3.                                                         3. 

        4.                                                         4. 

        5.                                                         5. 

        6.                                                         6. 

• In what personal life situations do the above lists help you understand and advance in a sanctified life?