Meditations

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:15

“Christ’s presence and employment in heaven lays a strong engagement on God to bring His whole force and power into the field upon all occasions for His saints’ defense. One special end of His journey to heaven, and abode there, is that He might, as the saints’ solicitor, be ever interceding for such supplies and succors of His Father as their exigencies call for; and the more to assure us of the same before He went, He did, as it were, tell us what heads He meant to go upon His intercession when He should come there; one of which was this, that His Father should keep his children while they were to stay in the world from the evil thereof. Neither doth Christ take upon Him this work of His own head, but hath the same appointment of His Father for what He now prays in heaven, as He did for what He suffered on earth.”

William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 18) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).

As we focus on the work of Christ for us this week, we should see it not as an end but a beginning. He did not suffer and stop. He serves as our solicitor to this day.

He never ceases to intercede to the Father for whatever supplies and succors we need. That ranges from provision to protection. Pause to thank Him for that as we enter Holy Week.

His desire for us to live lives of rich Christian generosity find roots in His unending intercession for us. Let this give confidence to the living out of our faith.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10

“What it is to ‘be strong in the power of His might.’ To be strong in the power of the Lord’s might, implies two acts of faith. First, a settled firm persuasion that the Lord is almighty on power. ‘Be strong in the power of His might,’ that is, be strongly rooted in your faith, concerning this one foundation truth, that God is almighty. Second, it implies a further act of faith, not only to believe that God is almighty, but also that this almighty power of God is engaged for its defense; so as to bear up in the midst of all trials and temptations undauntedly, leaning on the arm of God Almighty, as it were his own strength.

For that is the apostle’s drift, as to beat us off from leaning on our own strength, so to encourage the Christian to make use of God’s almighty power, as freely as if it were his own, whenever assaulted by Satan in any kind. As a man set upon by a thief stirs up all the force and strength he hath in his whole body to defend himself and offend his adversary; so the apostle bids the Christian “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,” that is, Soul, away to thy God, whose mighty power is all intended and devoted by God himself for thy succor and defense.

Go strengthen and entrench thyself in it by a steadfast faith, as that which shall be laid out to the utmost for thy good. From whence these two notes [or doctrines], I conceive, will draw out the fatness of the words. (1) That it should be the Christian’s great care and endeavor in all temptations and trials to strengthen his faith on the almighty power of God. (2) The Christian’s duty and care is not only to believe that God is almighty, but strongly by faith to rest on this almighty power of God, as engaged for his help and succor in all his trials and temptations.”

William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 6-7) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Might is a term associated in Scripture with all the capacity we can muster.

The athlete or the soldier relies on physical strength. The professor or researcher depends on mental strength. The business person or wealthy bloke often relies on financial strength.

Gurnall wants us to locate a greater power or strength.

Consider the faithful and generous steward. On which might should he or she depend? That’s our focus here. It starts with believing that God is all powerful and relying on or literally resting in His might and not our own.

Here would be the test. Ask yourself this question.

On what might do you rely on to do good or to find rest? Only you can answer. Often we as Christians function on feeble capacity because we are strong in our own resources and capacities.

How does the Scripture and Gurnall’s words challenge you on this Palm Sunday?

When our Lord entered Jerusalem and embarked on the activities of Passion Week or Holy Week, He did it relying on God’s might. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead (cf. Romans 8:11) can empower us for every good work.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

“The believer is to persevere in his Christian course to the end of his life: his work and his life must go off the stage together. This adds weight to every other difficulty of the Christian’s calling. We have known many who have gone into the field, and liked the work of a soldier for a battle or two, but soon have had enough, and come running
home again, but few can bear it as a constant trade. Many are soon engaged in holy duties, easily persuaded to take up a profession of religion, and as easily persuaded to lay it down, like the new moon, which shines a little in the first part of the night, but is down before half the night is gone—lightsome professors in their youth, whose old age is wrapped up in thick darkness of sin and wickedness.

O, this persevering is a hard word! This taking up the cross daily, this praying always, this watching night and day, and never laying aside our clothes and armour, I mean indulging ourselves, to remit and unbend in our holy waiting on God, and walking with God. This sends many sorrowful away from Christ, yet this is a saint’s duty, to make religion his every-day work, without any vacation from one end of the year to the other. These few instances are enough to show what need the Christian hath of resolution. The application follows. This gives us reason why there are so many professors and so few Christians indeed; so many that run and so few obtain; so many go into the field against Satan, and so few come out conquerors; because all have a desire to be happy, but few have courage and resolution to grapple with the difficulties that meet them in the way to their happiness.”

William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 6-7) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Upon arrival at home from Pakistan, I learned that our tulip bulbs from Amsterdam may blossom soon.

See the header photo. Soon we will have beautiful flowers. These durable buds that come out in early Spring offer a helpful image of our topic today: perseverance.

Perseverance may represent one of the most important aspects of generosity. Let me explain.

People need to see “holy duties” not just once or twice. They need to see us staying the course in our living, giving, serving, and loving especially in hard times.

Gurnall is right when he says there are so many professors and so few Christians.

They want the happiness but are not willing to pay the price to get it. Gurnall points the way with ironic language. Notice the pathway to growing in perseverance.

It requires waiting and walking with God. Or like the tulip, waiting for moisture and looking to the sun.

“This taking up the cross daily, this praying always, this watching night and day, and never laying aside our clothes and armour, I mean indulging ourselves, to remit and unbend in our holy waiting on God, and walking with God.”

Today marks a special day. We celebrate with our granddaughters that Eve is 3 this month and Ellie is 1.

I think the theme of the party is donuts so it will surely be a sweet time. My prayer for both of them is holy waiting on God and walking with God so like blossoming flowers, they can persevere and find true happiness.

I am learning that my job is to persevere and show them the way.

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32

“Now, Christian, if thou meanest thus courageously to bear up against all opposition, in the march to heaven, as thou shouldst do well to raise thy spirit with such generous and soul-ennobling thoughts, so in an especial manner look thy principles be well fixed, or else thy heart will be unstable, and an unstable heart is weak as water, it cannot excel in courage.

Two things are required to fix our principles. First, an established judgement in this truth of God. He that knows not well what or whom he fights for [may] soon be persuaded to change his side, or at least stand neutral… Blind zeal is soon put to a shameful retreat, while holy resolution, built on fast principles, lifts up its head like a rock in the midst of waves. “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.’ Daniel 11:32…

The angel told Daniel who were the men that would stand to their tackling, and bear up for God in that hour, both of temptation and persecution… only a few of fixed principles, who knew their God whom they served, and were grounded in their religion, these should be strong, and do exploits: that is, to flatteries they should be incorruptible, and to power and force unconquerable.

Second, a sincere aim at the right end of our profession. Let a man be never so knowing in the things of Christ, if his aim is not right in his profession, that man’s principles will hang loose; he will not venture much or far for Christ, no more, no further than he can save his own stake. A hypocrite may show some mettle at hand, some courage for a spurt in conquering some difficulties; but he will show himself a jade at length.”

William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 8) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Now find myself back in another great Puritan work. This one examines the war the saints wage against the devil. Having experienced spiritual warfare and victory in Pakistan, I want to read and learn to be strong and do more exploits.

The Scripture that Gurnall referenced stood out to me. It reminds us that when our principles are fixed and our heart is stable, we can withstand the attacks from the enemy and have great victory by the grace of God.

Gurnall connects fixed principles and a stable heart with “generous and soul-ennobling thoughts.” This implies that when we aim “to bear up against all opposition” with fixed principles and a stable heart, we ready ourselves for victory.

I have returned safely home. Thanks for your prayers. I will rest on the weekend, then I must raise my spirit with “generous and soul-ennobling thoughts.” I will need it as I return to Poland and Ukraine after Easter.

For now, I pray for the courage of Daniel. And, as Passion Week fast approaches, watching the courage of Jesus will give me the “generous and soul-ennobling thoughts” I need to be strong and do exploits.

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 1 Timothy 3:1-7

“As I had proposed to myself to be short, I shall now conclude, and pass over in silence other things less important. But I cannot conclude this little work without saying that every bishop should be convinced that in receiving the mitre he loads his conscience with a great burden, so that if he wishes to save his soul he must necessarily resolve on entering upon the government of his See, to embrace a life, not of ease and of rest, but a life of crosses, of trials, and of labors; a life which St. John Chrysostom calls “a sea of labors, an abyss of troubles.”

Hence arises for bishops the extreme danger of losing their souls, and this has filled many holy men with so great a fear, that they found themselves as it were forced even to fail in obedience to their Superiors by refusing to take upon themselves such a burden. And one cannot regard as vain such a fear if the saying of St Augustine is true, namely, that it is very difficult for a bishop to be saved, because it is very difficult for him to comply with his grave responsibilities.

Most terrible is, besides, what St. John Chrysostom says, and I do not think that he is wrong, namely: “I believe that among the bishops not many will be saved, but many more will be lost.” And here the holy Doctor speaks of those that are truly called to the episcopate and are forced to accept it; he speaks quite differently of those that ambitiously seek after it, for he says: “I wonder whether any one of them will be saved.”

Whether in this matter there is any exaggeration, I know not; but I know that when Pius V. was elected Pope he was seen to tremble and to grow pale; and when asked the reason, he answered as follows: “When I was a religious I had great hopes of saving my soul; having become a bishop, I began to fear; now having been chosen Pope, I feel nearly desperate.”

All these considerations should, however, not discourage good bishops, nor fill them with diffidence, but should excite in them great watchfulness in regard to their duties; should fill them with zeal, and at the same time with holy hopes; for they know that if the chastise ment of negligent bishops is to be great, much greater will be the reward that an infinitely good and generous God will give to those that are zealous.”

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 471-473.

I’m en route home. On my last day in Pakistan I spent time with Khurram Younis, GTP Country Coordinator for Pakistan, discussing goverannce matters. Today’s post makes a strong connection between governance and generosity.

Most Christians do not talk much about Paul’s warning that overseers can fall under the same judgment as the devil. Those are really, really strong words. If we fail at this service, the consequences are indescribably great.

Why does God care so much about governance and the service of overseers? The answer is simple. As governance goes, so goes the church or ministry. Bad governance means everything goes bad. That’s why it matters so much.

So I guess this post relates to everyone in current or future governance roles. And it marks my final post from this classic writing. The work will be hard: “a sea of labors and an abyss of troubles.” But for those zealous to do good, I have good news.

“The reward that an infinitely good and generous God will give to those that are zealous” will be unimaginable. Avoiding failure here is worth the effort. In that light, good oversight may be one of the most generous things you can contribute.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11

“It is, besides, the special duty of the bishop to remove his flock from a wicked life by means of correction; He is obliged to do so even if it cost his life: The good shepherd giveth His life for His sheep. Otherwise he will have to render an account to Jesus Christ of all the evils that will happen, and that he could have prevented by correction.

This is the great burden which makes holy bishops tremble. Monsignor Sanfelice, of happy memory, said to me one day in a trembling voice: “Don Alphonso, how can I sleep quietly when I know that one of my flock is living in disgrace with God?” St. Gregory condemns the bishops who corrects no one as guilty of the same crime that the malefactor commits.

But in order that the correction may be suitable the following rules should be observed:
1. The correction should be administered in charity; and if in extreme cases severity becomes necessary, we should always mix wine with oil, that is, severity with kindness; hence it is expedient not to administer correction when one is excited; for then one easily falls into excess.

2. We should correct others with prudence: the same remedy that is good for one may not be good for another, especially when the culprit is blinded by passion, which does not permit him to acknowledge his fault nor profit by the correction.

3. It is true that in order to administer a useful correction we should wait for the opportune moment; but when the moment has come, we should correct the guilty one with promptness, without delay. We should remedy the evil as soon as we can; for the fire is easily extinguished when it is only a spark, but not when it has become a flame.

4. We must administer correction in secret, especially when the fault is hidden. He that has lost his reputation easily gives himself up entirely to vice.”

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 469-470.

Imagine what churches would look like today if overseers gave correction at the cost of their lives. The church would be pure and without blemish. So how do we get there?

We don’t normally think of “correction” as the object of our giving. Perhaps because we don’t do it right! Alphonsus offers the formula. Do it with charity, prudence, promptness, and in secret. What if you did this?

We need to stop serving people and hoping they will like us and start serving them hoping they will fear God and keep His commandments and standards which point the way to life.

They also position individual stewards as well as institutions like churches and ministries for flourishing. That’s something worth giving our lives for!

I am starting my long journey home soon. Thanks for your prayers for safe travel from Islamabad to Istanbul to Denver.

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

“The bishop should avoid being familiar, and should not give too much confidence to any one of his subjects, so as not to be deceived by him nor criticized by others; but, on the other hand, he should hear and treat every one with the greatest kindness. He is a father, and lie should treat his subjects as his children, and not as his servants.”

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 469.

What a great word picture for each of us from the apostle Paul. Imagine you get dressed with shirt, underwear, pants, sox, shoes, and maybe a sweater. In the same way we put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

As overseers of homes, churches, and/or ministries we get to treat everyone with the greatest kindness. We don’t Lord over them as servants but treat subjects as children. In that light our aim is their growth and self-sufficiency.

Many create dependency in their homes, churches, and/or ministries instead. Because of their own weak character issues, they want their subjects to depend on them, need them rather than launch from them as fruitful disciples.

How can you in your home, church, or ministry show the greatest kindness to your subjects? What might need to change to avoid dependency, treating them children with the goal of helping them grow to maturity as fruitful disciples?

Thanks for your continued prayers for me. I am back in Islamabad, Pakistan, and wrapping up a very trip that has had a range of great opposition and tremendous victory. But it’s not over yet.

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion.” Luke 10:30-33

“Except during the time of prayer, of Mass, of necessary rest, the bishop should be ready to give audience to everyone and at every hour. He belongs not only to his church, but to his flock. For this purpose the bishop should specially recommend to his servants to announce to him those that have come; above all, if they are parish priests; because these, as has been said above, are the most occupied, and have charge of the most important affairs. If we once delay in giving them an audience, they will afterwards neglect to come by pleading in excuse that they could not obtain an audience; and thus the good of souls and the interests of the glory of God will have to suffer.”

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 469.

I read the Good Samaritan story today alongside this exhortation from the Alphonsus to overseers everywhere. The overseer needs not to have such a full schedule that he cannot move toward those in need with compassion.

Think about this story. We have read it many times and our focus goes to the hero, the Samaritan who, moved with compassion, moves toward the broken and needy person and, in so doing, models love of neighbor for the world.

But today, my focus is the priest and the Levite. They did not have time. They had busy schedules. They could not stop their work to serve the person in need. Today’s message is for anyone who thinks their time is theirs.

Why is it so hard to be ready to give an audience to everyone and at every hour? Why is it so hard for some readers to believe that the overseer belongs to his flock. I can think of at least three reasons.

First, we think our time belongs to us. So, we reason to give a portion of it to others and keep the majority for ourselves, when in reality it all belongs to God. We belong to God.

Second, we fill our schedules with so many good things, and we have no margin to help others. In short, we have forgotten the we cost of discipleship, namely, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.

Third, we settle for good when we could have unspeakably great. Whenever we move toward those in need we find brokenness and blessing, hurt and hope, indescribable pain and unspeakable joy. And, we find Jesus there. Are you ready to give an audience?

I am sitting in Pakistan activating two new team members who thanked me last night for taking the time to give them an audience. To shuffle my full schedule to come half way around the world to be with them.

Upon arrival I learned that an influential worker had replicated Stations of Generosity with many people in Lahore. They already have plans to replicate it with others. This marks only one of the blessings I have received since returning.

Pray with me for our 250+ trained workers in Pakistan. Pray for our two new GTP staff here. Pray God’s blessings on the 3 million Christian is a sea of about 250 Muslim and Hindu neighbors.

In the words of Alphonsus, pray for “the good of souls” and “the glory of God.”

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

“The bishop should weigh well every order before giving it, and not be too quick in taking resolutions, especially in the heat of passion and in matters of importance. It would, generally speaking, even be expedient, when entering upon the governance of his church, not to do anything else than note the defects that exist, and search after remedies that might be used.

He may then begin the work, being more fixed in his resolutions after having taken the necessary information concerning men and things of his diocese. During the progress of his governance he should take counsel first of God in prayer, then of prudent men; after that let him act with firmness, not only in giving opportune orders, but in maintaining them and seeing that they be punctually carried out, otherwise it would be better not to give them.

For if it is seen that the bishop bears without resentment the non-observance of any of his orders, it will happen that the rest of his orders will be disregarded. This is what St. Paul gave Titus to understand when he wrote to him that he should see that his commands be fulfilled: “Exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise.”

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 468.

James served as the chair of the proverbial board of the church in Jerusalem. He epistle urges us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. He wants us to “weigh well every order.” Great advice for everyone, especially board members!

Alphonsus proclaims this counsel in his call for prudent governance. In his era, the work of governance took the form of giving orders. Today, boards give orders in the form of setting policy. But what does governance have to do with generosity? Let me explain.

When board members “weigh well every order” and make sure God’s work is administrated following standards and governed with diligent oversight, it positions the church for growth and flourishing. To ensure observance, all God’s servants need training.

At GTP we orient staff in part by reading our Board Policies Manual or BPM. See a sample here. It maps the roles and responsibilities of the board and CEO in one document. It shows the roles of committees and reports. The same reports the staff help generate.

The staff soon discover how “everything is connected to everything else” and that faithful administration and governance is not despised but cherished as it fosters sustainable ministry. And it’s so highly valued, it draws people to participate in God’s work with you.

Please notice that Alphonsus went back to Paul’s words to Titus in encouraging good governance. At GTP we do too. Why? Without good governance, God’s work struggles. With good governance, it achieves local support and sustainability.

What were Paul’s orders to Titus precisely? Let’s read it again. “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Titus 1:5

When we bring order and oversight to a setting it changes everything. How can you bring order and oversight where you are? Can you pause to pray for our GTP Pakistan team as they bring it to this much needed nation?

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:5-9

“So many ones in the towns cry for bread, and there is no one to break it to them. Woe, woe to sleeping bishops. It is therefore advisable that the bishop should have a mission given every three years in every village, however small it may be. This I say, because there are missionaries who, in districts where small villages are close to one another, are accustomed to give a mission in a central place for all of them at the same time.

I respect their zeal in wishing to sanctify all these souls at the same time; but I do not approve of their mode of action, and I would ask the bishops for the love that they have for the glory of Jesus Christ not to be satisfied with missions thus given in groups: they should take care that each place, however small it may be, may have its special mission, which is to last at least for eight days.

For we know that if a mission is given in a place for several neighboring parishes, the faithful who go there are those that need it the least. Those, on the contrary, who are laden with sin the most, and are consequently less careful of their salvation, do not attend it at all, under the pretext that it is too far, or that the sermon is over too late, or that the weather is bad, etc.

And so they remain at home and lead the same wicked lives, while if the mission, had been given in their own church they would have been compelled to attend it at least out of human respect, fearing to be looked upon as reprobates. I speak from experience. We have seen many places where it was said a mission had been given; but because it had been given in some central church, or because it had been given in too short a time, we found there people really abandoned, as if no mission had been given there.”

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 465.

In Today’s Scripture, Paul exhorts Titus to put order and oversight in every city. About 1,700 years later, Alphonsus exhorts the bishops to wake up from their sleep and fulfill their missional calling. It’s a similar exhortation!

In this excerpt, Alphonsus specifically wants them to show up and do work in “every town” where the gospel is needed. This mirrors the exact same language as Paul. It’s easy to minister where the gospel is widely known.

Alphonsus calls for a mission every 3 years for at least 8 days. Why study this? I am in Pakistan for 8 days. I have found that such a visit that spans more than a week makes a difference in empowering workers.

By activating and deploying staff and volunteers to countries every 3 years, there’s built in accountability to put to work what you learn until the next visit. How are these missions funded? God’s people serve as senders.

At GTP, I praise God that our 18 staff and hundreds of volunteers now freely serve missional workers in 146 countries and territories (and counting). See the GTP at 6 infographic here for more details.

Also, as the infographic notes, we have 874 givers over the past 6 years sending gifts from 86 countries. That’s not a typo! Those that have been blessed, pass the blessing on to others. It’s God’s design to help mission go forth.

Related to your generosity, how might you support those who brought the gospel to you? How are you investing in the spreading of the good news to others? If you want to serve as a GTP sender, click here to give.

Whether you support GTP, consider also going on mission somewhere for at least 8 days every 3 years. And if you are an overseer, do you need to wake up and mobilize people to go on mission?