Author Archives: lrbartel

Jun 23 2016
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Devos

Getting a grasp… and some “praise on” about two theological words – “Transcendent” and “Immanent”

You have to be careful when you use big, technical theological words… You lose people!

Sorry though; I’ve got to use them this morning! So here’s to broadening (and hopefully deepening) your theological vocabulary… and in the process giving you one more wonderful reason to praise the Lord!

The two words? “Transcendent” and “Immanent.”

Webster defines “transcendent” as “extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience.” Millard Erickson says this of a “transcendent God” – “A God who is separate and even somewhat remote from nature, history, and humanity.” In other words He is “other” – He is above and beyond His creation.

The other word? “Immanent” – which Webster defines as “being within the limits of possible experience or knowledge.” Millard Erickson defines it as “God’s presence and activity within creation and human history.”

My point? God exhibits both characteristics as the same time! There is something about Him that is “other” – that is beyond our comprehension and grasp. Yet at the same time He reveals Himself to us and manifests Himself among us!

I am still rejoicing and praising Him because of a wonderful passage I read this morning that proclaims both truths… introduced by the words, “Praise the Lord!” So here goes… (and by the time you’ve read what I’ve posted I hope you’ll be praising the Lord as well!!)

“Praise the LORD! Praise Him, O servants of the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!

[His “transcendence”] “The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?

[His “immanence”] “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes… He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!” (from Psalm 113)

What a wonderful, awesome God!!! Praise the Lord!!!

Jun 21 2016
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Devos

“Give no opportunity to the devil!”

Give Satan an inch
You’ve probably heard the expression used of certain individuals who have a reputation of taking advantage of others… “Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile!” Well, I was reminded of that this morning as I read these words in the Bible… “Give no opportunity to the devil!” (Ephesians 4:27)
 
If you open the door just a crack that evil “father of lies,” “master of deception,” deviser of temptation and all that is evil will slip in! Then, my friend, you have a problem!
 
The context in Ephesians seems to point out some areas where we should be especially careful – some areas where he will take advantage of the opportunity if we give him a chance…
 
In the area of truthfulness…
 
In the area of anger…
 
In the area of pilfering (i.e. taking what is not ours – stealing)…
 
In the area of honest work (our work-ethic)…
 
In the area of our speech…
 
In the area of doing anything that would “grieve the Holy Spirit”…
 
And finally in the area of human relationships – the way we treat one another one another…
 
(I mean, read it for yourself in Ephesians 4:25-32!)
 
All areas (and believe me, there are more) where if you give the ol’ devil an “an inch, he’ll take a mile!”
 
Think I’ll put what the Bible says on a card as a reminder… Better yet, it’s short enough to memorize: “Give no opportunity to the devil!”
Jun 20 2016
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Devos

Persistent problems that just won’t go away… When we can’t, He can!

It’s Monday… And sometimes on Monday you’re faced with persistent problems that just won’t go away! They didn’t disappear over the weekend – you hoped they would have, but they didn’t! In fact, they may even have seemed to have gotten worse!
 
Luke 9:37-43 tells the story of a concerned father with a demonically controlled son! The father had helplessly watched as it appeared the demon was trying to destroy the boy. He had come to Jesus’ disciples and asked if they could help the boy – they tried everything they knew, but couldn’t! Finally, in desperation, he brought his son to Jesus and begged for help! And wouldn’t you know that at that very moment things got worse! The Bible says, “The demon threw the boy to the ground and convulsed Him (in fact one account – Mark’s – says the attack left the boy looking like a corpse – dead! Mark 9:14-29). Can you imagine what the boy’s father must have been feeling at that moment?
 
But when others couldn’t help – even the apostles of Jesus – Jesus could! In fact, Jesus encouraged the father of the boy by saying, “All things are possible for the one who believes!” To which the father responded, “Oh, I believe! Help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24) At that moment Jesus addressed the demon and commanded him to come out and never enter the boy again! And the boy was immediately delivered and supernaturally healed!
 
Authentic followers of Jesus always want to help others – at least they should! Jesus’ disciples were no different! They were puzzled and frustrated by their inability. So when it was all over they asked Jesus, “Why could we not cast the demon out?” (Mark 9:28) Jesus encouraged them to buttress the effectiveness of their faith with prayer – much prayer! (cp. Matthew 17:20 and Mark 9:29)
 
I don’t know about you, but as a follower of Jesus I want to be able to help people! I am fully aware there are a lot of problems beyond my human ability to solve – even with more money, better education, and available resources! Problems that seem impossible! Problems that are persistent – they just won’t go away! Problems that leave you feeling helpless and leave others frustrated! But when we can’t – He can! Nothing is impossible for him. But I never want to use my inability as an excuse… I intend to buttress my faith with prayer! Prayer works! Jesus encouraged His followers in the private meeting following the miracle, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move! And nothing will be impossible for you!” (Matthew 9:20-21)
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