Irenaeus of Lyons: To share in life

And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But,” He said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Exodus 33:19-20

“In His greatness and inexpressible glory no one can see God and live, for the Father is beyond all comprehension. But in His love and generosity and omnipotence He allows even this to those who love Him, that is, even to see God, as the prophets foretold… By His own powers man cannot see God, yet God will be seen by men because He wills it… As those who see light are in the light sharing its brilliance, so those who see God are in God sharing His glory, and that glory gives them life. To see God is to share in life.”

Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202) in Against Heresies as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 217.

Remember how close Irenaeus was to our Lord. Jesus discipled John, who discipled Polycarp, who discipled Irenaeus. And notice what Irenaeus says. He echoes Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” Matthew 5:8. Because of God’s generosity and His omnipotence, or in plain terms, because He is infinitely good and wants to share it and all-powerful and willing to wield it, we can see Him, We who were dead have been made alive. We who were blind now see.

John also comments on this. “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:21. Consider an implication of this for our generosity. It’s found in the last line: “To see God is to share in life.” People are trying to sort life and figure things out. Our generosity comes into view as showing them how to see God and grasp life. We do this by enjoying and sharing Him and the gifts He gives us.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

I am flying to Wisconsin today. So excited to see Linda Maris and Brent Eggers from NCF Wisconsin, Nick Breach from Compass Finances God’s way, Tim Dittloff with Full Sail Leadership Academy and Catalyst Ministry Solutions, and John Stanley with Generosity Gameplan. These people are fellow servants in God’s kingdom and dear friends who see God. They have taken hold of life and help others grow in their grasp of it. I am hoping to bless them and be blessed by the fellowship.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

“So you, the Lord is saying, must surrender everything but your faith: money, body, even life itself. For faith is the head and the root, keep that, and though you lose all else, you will get it back in abundance.”

John Chyrsostom (c. 347-407) in Matthew 33 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 210.

My travels in Africa in March were rigorous. A person close to me said that God was developing “new muscles” in me. Then in April it seemed that God wanted to “stretch” those muscles, enduring the suffering of cancelled bank accounts.

And lest you think that was an anomaly, check out the recent Washington Times article, “Franklin Graham warns of data, bank cancellations of Christian ministries.” The opposition against Christian causes is real in my country.

Anyway, now I feel God leading me to “use” my new muscles. Specifically, to trust Him to supply for the needs of GTP and undertake work in war-torn, underserved, and difficult places where Christians face persecution.

What about you? Is God giving you new muscles, stretching you, and calling you to surrender everything and face opposition and danger? If not, then invite you to support GTP, where workers on the front lines need help.

If you want more information about GTP program work in May and June in Laos, Ghana, Cambodia, Honduras, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Moldova, reply to this email. We are holding back nothing and trusting God for abundance.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

“As there are many kinds of persecution, so there are many kinds of martyrdom. Every day you are a witness of Christ. You were tempted by the spirit of fornication, but feared the coming judgment of Christ and did not want your purity of mind and body to be defiled; you are a martyr of Christ. You were tempted by the spirit of avarice, but remembered God’s law and saw your duty to give help, not act unjustly; you are a witness to Christ. You were tempted by the spirit of pride but saw the poor and the needy and looked with loving compassion on them, and love humility rather than arrogance: you are a witness to Christ. What is more, your witness was not in word only but in deed.”

Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397) in Psalm 118 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 535.

Today is Memorial Day in the USA.

We remember soldiers who gave their lives in service, and I also like to remember the saints whose witness led to their martyrdom. Both the soldiers and the saints gave their lives.

Thanks generosity with great love.

Notice Ambrose reminds us that when we resist the temptations to fornication, avarice, and pride, we appear as pure, generous, and humble. Let’s make that our aim in word and deed.

And let us also honor the fallen in Ukraine today.

As the war rages on, it could be easy for the troops to become discouraged or feel defeated. Jenni and I will travel to Ukraine and Moldova in June and July for strategic meetings, to offer relief, and encourage refugees.

Their situation reminds me of Theoden’s words in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

“Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end, as to be worthy of remembrance.”

While the Russians fight to win a war, the Ukrainians are fighting to defend their homeland.

And those who witness to Jesus Christ, also suffer in many places around the world for their faith right now. For a example as recent as last week, a GTP staff member witnessed this in Laos while doing program work there.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone.

Let us remember with thanksgiving the service of soldiers and saints. Let us choose purity, generosity, and humility, so our lives honor their sacrifice and follow their example to shine like lights for Jesus in word and deed.

And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. Ezekiel 3:3

“Keep God’s Word in this way. Let it enter into your very being, let it take possession of your desires and your whole way of life. Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness… If you keep the Word of God in this way, it will also keep you.”

Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) in Advent 5 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 199.

What’s in your diet? I don’t mean fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein foods. Are you feeding on the goodness and generosity of the Scriptures, so that your both your body and spirit delight in its richness?

Bernard explains why this feeding is important. When we feed on goodness, our soul will delight in its richness. In plain terms, we will get what we need to flourish. It will enter our very being and transform our living.

When the Lord fed Ezekiel the scroll, it was sweet as honey in his mouth. That expression referred to the best tasting thing. And notice the Lord said to “feed your stomach and fill your body” which implies feeding both the material and immaterial self.

When we eat fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein foods it nourishes our body. When we feed on the goodness of the word, it strengthens us physically and spiritually. And it positions us for generous living, giving, loving, and serving.

And notice Bernard’s last line today. If you keep the Word in this way, the Word will keep you. Reminds me of the saying I wrote in my Bible when I was a small child. “This book will keep you from sin, and sin will keep you from this book.” Feed on goodness.

Pray for my wife, Jenni, as she heads to Black Rock Retreat near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for 2 weeks. She will speak and offer soul care practices for the summer staff to prepare them for abundant service: teaching them to feed on goodness and much more.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

“He is so good that He asks no recompense except our love: that is the only payment He desires… When I reflect on all these blessings, I am overcome by a kind of dread… at the very possibility of ceasing to love God and of bringing shame upon Christ because of my lack of recollection and my preoccupation with trivialities.”

Basil of Caesarea (330-379) in Rules as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 178.

Basil is known as “the great” for good reason. He states profound truths clearly and concisely in a manner that shakes and wakes us to our responsibilities as stewards.

Here he reminds us to obey the command of Jesus to love. It’s the only “payment” He desires. By this we show we are His disciples. But what causes us to fail to show love.

We either have “lack of recollection” or we fall prey to “preoccupation with trivialities” along the way. Lack of recollection is to forget. When we focus on ourselves, we forget Christ.

And “preoccupation with trivialities” relates to giving our heart to many other things. By this way, our love for God diminishes, and our actions bring shame upon Christ.

This relates to generosity in this way. Reflect on God’s blessings. Avoid the “dread” of allowing “lack of recollection” and “preoccupation with trivialities” to diminish your love.

Instead, resolve to love God and love others, including the undeserving, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and see how God deploys you and the resources in your stewardship.

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

“Share with your neighbor whatever you have, and do not say of anything, this is mine. If you both share an imperishable treasure, how much more must you share what is perishable.”

Barnabas of Cyprus (c. 540-604) in Letter as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 391.

Our granddaughter, Eve, is starting to talk. While her vocabulary is small, I am glad “mine” is not yet in her vocabulary. She will learn it soon enough.

From a young age we tend to claim things as our own. The culture teaches us this. While I know her parents will teach her good stewardship, she will learn the word “mine” at some point.

Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement” from Cyprus, who sold a tract land and set it at the Apostles feet declared otherwise with this act.

“That there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:34-37

He said “God’s!” rather than “Mine!” to that piece of land. What do you have? What would it look like to declare “God’s!” rather than “Mine!” today?

Why do this? In short, everything that we might say belongs to us is “perishable” so it’s senseless to hold on to it. Think of perishable foods like tomatoes or apples. Would you keep it for 5 years?

Of course not. But eternal truths, imperishable things, like Bible verses or timeless promises of God. Would we keep those 5 years? Sure. We can hold onto them for eternity. See the difference.

Don’t let your tomatoes and apples rot this side of heaven. Store them up for eternity while you can. That’s what Barnabas reminds us.

“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:31-33

“I would like to urge you to forsake everything but that I do not presume to do. Yet, if you cannot give up everything of this world, at least keep what belongs to the world in such a way that you yourself are not kept prisoner by the world. Whatever you possess must not possess you; whatever you own must be under the power of your soul; for if your soul is overpowered by the love of this world’s goods, it will be totally at the mercy of its possessions”

Gregory the Great (c. 540-604) in Gospels 36 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 379.

In today’s Scripture, Jesus uses the illustration of kings about to go to war with each other to illustrate that you must not wage a war you have inadequate resources to win. Instead he urges disciples to choose a pathway of peace.

Likewise, those who try to hold on to and depend on worldly goods enter a battle they simply cannot win. They will soon, in Gregory’s words, be overpowered. They will become prisoners of this world. How do we avoid becoming a prisoner of the world?

To put it simply, Gregory adds, “we must not allow our possessions to possess us.” This happens when we fail to acknowledge the war going on and rightly choose the path of peace. It is only found by surrendering worldly goods to our Lord as His disciple.

When we do, He does not leave us penniless. We experience peace and welcome His provision as His disciples and put whatever He supplies to work. So, if you possess any worldly goods, I suggest you put them to work through giving. Or get ready for life in prison.

Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

“Make room for Christ. When you possess Christ you are a rich man, for He is sufficient for you. He himself shall provide for you and faithfully administer all your cares.”

Thomas á Kempis (1380-1471) in Imitation of Christ as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 586.

I am going fly fishing next weekend in Wisconsin with my good friend, John Stanley. There I will cast flies for trout.

But today’s Scripture calls for a different kind of casting.

We must give our cares to the LORD. LORD in Hebrew is Yahweh which means “to be” meaning He is the God who incomparably exists.

Notice how that relates to us and our generosity.

When we give our cares to the one who incomparably exists, He sustains us. Or, as Thomas put it related to Christ, we are rich. He is sufficient for us.

If you have cares today, give them to the LORD.

And then, with unswerving focus, make room for Christ. He will not only supply your needs and sort your cares, He will resource you for rich generosity.

Interestingly, our worry regarding our “cares” is what hinders the generosity of most people.

Don’t let that be you. Cast your cares on the LORD. He will sustain you and not allow you to be shaken. He will provide everything you need to live, give, serve, and love generously.

The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. Psalm 145:8

“Do not despair of His mercy, no matter how great your sins, for great mercy will take away great sins. For the Lord is gracious and merciful and prefers the conversion of a sinner rather than his death. Patient and generous is His mercy, He does not give in to human impatience but is willing to wait a long time for our repentance.”

Jerome of Stridon (c. 347-420) in Sermon 15 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 193.

I needed this post today.

Have you ever been wronged in a significant way? In such situations, our fleshly tendency is to respond in anger or to defend ourselves. Instead, when we take our pain to the Lord, He invites us to be gracious and merciful, to be patient and generous toward the wrongdoer.

Overcoming human impatience is easier said than done.

But rather than feeling torn up inside about it, we fell peace after making this choice. This peace passes all comprehension. It makes no sense. But it’s the pathway to freedom. So, if you despair, fix your hope in the One who showed mercy to you. His lovingkindness fills me with love to pray for the wrongdoer.

God, thanks for your patient and generous mercy.

After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10

“The restoration of health and riches to Job prefigures the resurrection, which gives health and eternal life to those who believe in Christ… And just as Job fathered other sons, so too did Christ, for the apostles, the sons of the Lord, succeeded the prophets.”

Zeno of Verona (300-371) in Sermon 15 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 193.

If you find yourself in hard times, consider Job. He had good times, then the hardest of times, and then something happened. The Lord restored his fortunes. As Zeno notes, this story “prefigures of the resurrection” of Jesus Christ who gives health and life better than before to all who believe.

We must share this generous gift which brings hope to the hurting. God sees us in our brokenness and desires our flourishing. If you have not downloaded the devotional, FLOURISH, I recently co-authored with Jenni Hoag and Linda Maris, download it freely in English or Spanish from the GTP website today.

And I learned on Saturday that FLOURISH will soon be available in Ukrainian and Russian. This is great news in advance of my GTP travels and ministry in Ukraine and Moldova in June and July with my wife, Jenni. Few can relate to Job today more than war torn people of Ukraine or refugees that have flooded into countries like Moldova.

To support our efforts to bring hope and a vision of restoration to the hurting, please make a gift to GTP here today.