Selwyn continues to examine the escape mechanism of denial.
In today’s study, he draws specific attention to the issue of failed prophecy.
He writes: “I know of whole communities of Christians who are dazed and confused because prophecies made by seemingly reliable and mature Christians clearly have not come to pass.
I am convinced there is a pure stream of prophecy and healing flowing through the Church, but I have to say that some of the statements I have heard coming from the lips of Christians in the guise of prophecy appear to me to be immature and irresponsible.
Many things can contribute to this: a failure to discern between God’s voice and their own inner feelings; a desire for impact or prominence; or, even a longing to exercise greater faith. But the one common denominator in the extremism I am here describing is, in my opinion, a failure to recognise and deal with reality. Appearances mean nothing if they are not undergirded by truth.”
I’m not too sure how this topic of failed prophecy and the escape mechanism of denial – actually come together; either human prophecy comes to pass – or it does not, happen!
First off, I must say that I entirely agree with Selwyn when he states that there is a pure stream of prophecy and healing flowing through the Church. This ministry of the ‘Holy Spirit’; especially, in regard to healing - did not end with the death of the apostles.
I also agree with his statement that one of the main reasons for failed prophecy is a person inability to discern between God’s voice and their own inner feelings; it often appears a naturally good thing for God to do – to restore an ill person’s health. Usually, we want this outcome so much that we adopt this desire to the extent, we start to believe that God will do it – even though He has not said that He would.
I believe that God’s voice in the area of prophecy is clearly heard by His intended audience – that is, when He speaks directly to our spirit, there’s no doubt that it’s God, who has spoken. The Holy Spirit, through prayer helps us to discern the truth. Jesus loves us too much to leave us in a state of guessing about if we’ve heard His voice; or if what we heard, was a creation of our imagination. Our God in not One, who plays guessing games.
The verses, 1 Peter 4:12-19, set for reading and meditation were good, but I really enjoyed the previous 5 verses (1 Peter 4:7-11, NIV): “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
It’s interesting, in regard to prophecy: I do believe that the end of all things is very, very near. Yet, really – this should not change how we live our life – we should already be living, as if it was the last day.
Your views?
I think Selwyn introduction, sums up today’s study, in a very concise way; he writes: “Now we start to examine what I consider to be the most popular escape route that Christians run down when they are confronted by harsh or unpleasant reality – the escape route of denial. We duck down this escape route whenever we disguise or disown an unpleasant situation and persuade ourselves it does not exist.”
When we deny the existence of an unpleasant reality – it removes from our mind, the pressure, to do something about it. In the end, it doesn’t solve anything – the problem is still there and will make its presence felt in a variety of ways. More importantly, Jesus loves us so much that He will always find a way for our attention to be brought back into focus – so that we can see the issue, and then seek His assistance in dealing with the problem.
In many cases, the unpleasant reality has something to do with relationships between family or friends – there is often, a fear that if anything is done to resolve the issue then ‘it would only make matters worse’. And, perhaps there is some sense in that position if we were only operating with our own strength and discernment – but we have a God who is continuously working to turn our unpleasant issues into life-changing events – events, that can mould us into His image. So, we can face these difficulties – knowing that we have Jesus preparing a worthwhile path for us to follow. To act – however, requires a strong trust in God’s perfect love.
In Matthew 16:21-27 (NIV), we read: ‘From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
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. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. … ” ‘
These verses illustrate that sometimes the unpleasant realities of life, must be faced – to do nothing at these times, is really allowing Satan, an entry point.
In a very real way – we may be asked, to risk exposure to embarrassment and shame, in the eyes of other humans; to undertake what God wants us to do, for His Name.
Any comments?
In today’s study Selwyn talks about how God works in replacing our bad feelings with better ones. His main point is that while God will answer our prayers, but we often do not see a complete and instantaneous response from God.
He writes: “God is not a quick fix that immediately cancels out any unpleasant feelings that arise within us. Instead God supports us to bear those unpleasant feelings and brings along side them more acceptable and pleasant ones. Facing harsh and unpleasant reality can and will hurt – never forget that. In time, however, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit who resides in your heart will bring you comfort and control.
God’s solutions to life’s problems are sure solutions, but they are not always instant solutions.
Let us be clear on this issue lest we present to others a faith that is not consistent with reality.”
We should always be mindful that God does not ‘think’ in the same way as we do; in addition, our intellect is flawed and our ability to analyse our situation and act in accordance with God’s will, is hampered by our sinful nature. However, we can depend totally on God’s love – when His help is urgent, as seen through His eyes, He will immediately act. Nothing catches God by surprise – He knows in advance – what sort of help you will require and when it’s the best and perfect time to deliver assistance.
I like the following verses from Isaiah 55:8-13 (NIV): ‘ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.” ‘
These verses are fantastic in that they tell us that God’s Word (His actions in our world), will never fail – they will always achieve His intended purpose. It is God’s nature – to love us – and He loves us – with a love that endures forever. How great is that?
There will never be a time in your life – when God’s love is not focused on you. I find that thought, to be an amazing comfort while on this journey of following Jesus. Do you agree?
Selwyn writes in today’s study: “By now I hope you are convinced that we can never escape from reality. We can try to run away from it, of course, but really it is an exercise in futility. … Only by dealing with issues in the strength that God promises to provide can we” (live through the troubles, which will come our way and not feel defeated). [I've changed a part of his last sentence; hopefully, to make it clearer.]
I really love the letter to the Hebrews, as it fully explains the status of the old covenant with Israel and God’s new covenant with the world.
The verses set for reading and meditation are excellent, especially this part (Hebrews 12: 18-29, NIV): “You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Two aspects to think about: People, who do not have a relationship with God, will tremble with fear when Jesus returns; because they will come face to face with our God who will consume them with fire. The second aspect is to reflect upon the nature of modern ‘worship’ in many western churches – can you say that reverence and awe of God, is an obvious component?
Selwyn makes the good point that while we may not be depending on alcohol or tobacco to get through our day – there are a range of other habits, which some people have grown dependent upon. He asks the question: what about the excessive use of tea and coffee (is this an issue for you)? Selwyn’s question illustrates the point that there could be some things which we don’t treat seriously, because we think they are not important.
He goes on to say: ” … I feel we should be aware of the possibility of becoming reliant on them to buoy us up when we feel down or unable to cope with a situation in which we find ourselves, rather than turning to Jesus for strength. Everything we need for effective Christian living is to be found in Jesus, and we need nothing other than Him to cope with whatever comes our way.“
The verses set for reading and meditation are, Paul’s letter to the Colossians 2:1-10 (NIV): “I (Paul) want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”
Great verses, don’t you think? One danger, which Paul draws our attention to, is that we can be deceived by fine-sounding arguments. In these days of social unrest and turmoil; we hear lots of fine, sounding arguments against Christian views – views that are firmly supported by what’s written in Scripture. The western world, in particular, has lost contact with what it means to sin against God. In many ways, this outcome is to be expected – because many people no longer believe in the one, true God, who demands that His commands be followed.
It’s extremely sad, that there are masses of people seeking to justify their sinful ways by using fine-sounding arguments that in the end are hallow and deceptive. They may think that their lifestyle (based on their view of love and equality) is worth ignoring God for seventy odd years – but it’s the endless billions of years later on, when they will not be able to ignore the reality of His judgement.
Any comments?
I found Selwyn’s discussion on ‘sensuous’ pleasure, to be an interesting and thought-provoking one.
He writes: “Now we move on to examine another escape route we may take when seeking to get away from reality – the escape route of sensuous pleasure. Let me explain why I use the word ‘sensuous’ and not sensual’. In today’s climate, the word ‘sensual’ means appealing to the senses in a sexual way, but the word ‘sensuous’ means appealing to all the senses in a general way.
The search for sensuous pleasure and excitement is probably the most popular escape route down which (many) run in an effort to get away from reality.”
Selwyn then talks about how some people use tobacco or alcohol (or other drugs), as aids to help them get through their day, often it reaches the point where the use of these ‘crutches’ becomes a habit. These people become dependent on these aids to get through their day and, can’t live a ‘normal’ life, without them. I agree with Selwyn when he says that such people are not fully depending on Christ, to live.
In his conclusion, Selwyn states: “Somebody has said that our Christian maturity can be measured by asking ourselves the question: where do I place my dependence? Well, where do you place your dependence? In stimulants or depressants – or in the Saviour Himself?”
Perhaps, the same thought can be better expressed in reverse – those people who love God and are fully dependent on Jesus – don’t need any artificial aids; and they can live a life, free of mood-changing drugs.
Selwyn has chosen some verses from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, for today’s reading and meditation – here’s a small excerpt, where Paul is aware that he could be soon executed [Philippians 1:21-24, NIV]: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
It’s clear from these words, that death had lost its ‘sting’, for Paul; he had reached that point where he had totally surrendered his life to Jesus. Have you reached that same point?
Denial is a defence
Selwyn continues to focus on denial. He writes in today’s study: “We are still thinking about denial – the escape route we take when we distort, disguise or disown a situation or refuse to recognise its existence. In denial, we persuade ourselves that the particular stress or whatever we are facing does not exist and, as a consequence, there is nothing to cope with in that area. Denial, like most escape mechanisms, is a defence against fear – the fear of not being able to deal with a situation that has occurred or is likely to occur. …
Another form of denial, or a rather more extreme form, is the refusal to acknowledge what others say or do. … “
In the cases mentioned above, fear arises when we have doubts about the strength of God’s love. We know from Scripture that we will never be tested, in any way, that’s greater than what we can bear. The reality is that troubles will come our way; we cannot live like young children with no sense of the difficulties that life will bring. We should never entertain the thought that if God loves me then nothing bad will never happen to me. Because, in the Bible we are told that we will suffer in various ways: we will suffer because of the consequence of living in a fallen world, where sickness and disasters always occur; and, we will suffer in varying degrees because we follow Jesus.
Psalm 25, is simply a beautiful Psalm, here are the first 11 verses (NIV): “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. … “
In prayer, we can ask Jesus to clearly show us the issues that we are trying to avoid and to seek His guidance on how we can manage these difficult times, which we will all face.
Any comments?