“But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” – 1 Corinthians 12:31

Before I get into more details of the confluence between Testing and Practicing mentioned in my last post I’d like to share a word about God’s gifting.

What Kind of Gift is This?

I once received a gift of a 12 by 10 ft. gazeebo for our back yard. It was something I really desired and was excited when the large 3 boxes were delivered. When I opened the boxes to see the thousands of pieces required to put it together it was a good thing I was not on top of a high-rise building. I would have jumped.

What kind of gift is this? Yes, I desired the gift but did I really want to go through all the work it would take to see it realized?

God’s gifts come in many packages – Physical, Emotional and Spiritual.

When we speak of the Spiritual Gifts detailed in the Bible many of us think of them as being given in a supernatural, miraculous and immediate way (I have no doubt that in some cases they are) – something like Paul being hit by a bolt of lightning. But, as far as I can tell those that exercise Spiritual gifts more often go through a process something like when we receive a gift that is valuable but requires discovery and learning and exercise to fully master the use of the gift.

Take a valuable but complicated machine or instrument as an example:

You receive the gift that you have desired. It is fully wrapped in wonderful packaging. What is required of you? You must first receive and open the gift. If it requires assembly, you must study the instruction (not a particular strength of mine) and assemble it. Then you must study how to use it – perhaps studying those who have become accomplished in the gift. Then you will practice with it and test your ability to effectively use it. As you practice you’ll fail and learn how to exercise the gift more effectively as you patiently persevere.

All of this is to master the gift you have been supernaturally given. This involves – receiving, studying/observing, exercising/practicing, testing, patiently persevering, to then be in-practice.

Back to the Apostle Paul

Even though Paul experienced a dramatic conversion, his gifts for ministry were developed over years of scripture study under the esteemed scholar Gamaliel before Paul’s conversion. And, even though Paul immediately preached in Damascus after his conversion, he spent three years, likely in prayer and study of the Scriptures while testing the gifts of God before embarking on his famous three missionary journeys that forever changed the world.

Testing to Testimony

If our desire is to display the gifts of God in their full glory then earnestly desiring God’s gifts requires dedication and persistence. Our God rewards those that diligently seek Him.

Psalm 122:4 – Where the tribes go up, The tribes of the Lord, To the Testimony of Israel, To give thanks to the name of the Lord.

As we raise up the level of the testing of our faith, we give testimony and thanksgiving to the God who responds!

---

Thanksgiving – For this past year what do I give thanks for?

In spite of these turbulent times, I give thanks this year for . . .

• For Family and friends who God has sustained through another year of pandemic.
• For my closest family who I see God continuing to surround with demonstrations of His love and provision.
• For the sweet memories of those we have loved and lost.
• For a major change in our lives and the adventure of discovering the next phase of our journey
• For the Place of peace and hope that our community of faith provides to one another and to everyone who passes through our church doors.
• For God’s faithfulness and reality – particularly for those brothers and sisters who encourage me and each other to stretch our faith to see God show up in greater ways.
• For the truth that God has already overcome Bizarro World as Jesus declares in John 16:33 – “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

One particular example of God’s faithfulness we give thanks for is with our good neighbors Steve & Virginia who I highlighted in past posts. They experienced a devastating loss of their daughter Olivia in childbirth, but pressed on to give birth to beautiful Fiona. And now, this year they gave birth to a healthy baby boy!

I do not fully understand how all this works but I count all that is good to a faithful, loving God to whom today I humbly give all thanks.

Have a Wonderful Day of Giving Thanks!

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Bizarro World

When I was a kid growing up in the 60’s I used to read the original classic DC Comic books – Superman, Batman, Spider Man, Flash, Green Lantern, Thor, etc. Then a new series came on the scene to shock my senses – It was known as Bizarro World.

The Bizarro World comics are about a fictional cube-shaped planet being the home to Bizarro and his companions – all alter egos of the major Super heroes. They were complete opposites of the Super Heroes I had grown to love. For me, it was all too strange. I think it was about then that I gave up on comic books.

In popular culture, “Bizarro World” has come to mean a situation or setting which is weirdly inverted or opposite to expectations.

Well, I don’t know about you but there is no doubt in my mind we are living in the age of “Bizarro World”. In our world, what was good is now bad, true is now false, right is now wrong, up is now down, fact is now fiction as well as all of that in reverse. Many that proclaim they know the truth and ‘follow the science’ demonstrate that they often make it up as they go. Each side declares the other’s truth as dastardly disinformation.

We have fallen into a world of confusion and tribulation. And, things have flipped so fast it shocks the senses leading many to feelings of anxiety, depression and hopelessness.

Bizarro World is not a place where humans are meant to live.

I must admit that even as a Christian knowing that we have a greater hope and true satisfaction is not found in the things of this world, I find myself emotionally and mentally recoiling with feelings of anger and frustration – tempted to look for the exit door.

In this culture, as a white, Christian male I’m increasingly feeling targeted as an enemy of the state.

Where do I go to escape?

Is there a safe place we can retreat to? As I search the world, considering places that might offer sanctuary from the craziness, each location has it’s own detractions. Is there such a place?

Finally, I’m brought back to the truth that this rest is not found in the “Where” but in the “Who”. The futile search reminds me that wherever I am I have access to a way of escape simply by spending more time engaging with the living God. Washing myself from the filth of this world with the Word of God. Engaging God through the Spiritual Disciplines and exercising God’s Spiritual gifts. In the midst of this world’s dysfunction, the way of escape is through relationally experiencing God’s refreshing Goodness, Righteousness and Truth.

The way of escape is close at hand – easily available but all too often not readily accessed.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation (testing) overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (tested) what you are able, but with the temptation (testing) also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Testing of our Faith

One of the most impactful scriptures in my life has been James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

It speaks of trials not of our own doing but that which we “fall into”. I feel that in these days we are falling into the great trial abyss of Bizarro World. But, the scriptures go on to teach that we count it joy that with patience and perseverance through these trials we will meet the true desires of our heart to be made into the more perfect image of Jesus.

It’s verse 3 that I recently read after having read it countless times before that I’m stuck on once again. I’ve debated and studied the issue of God testing us when later in James he uses the same word emphatically declaring that God does not tempt/test us with evil. There is a way to legitimately reconcile this to conclude that God does not author the testing (author’s being, The Enemy, the dysfunction of this world or our own selfish desires). God is in the business of not only making a way of escape from these trials but making something good from them.

But, now meditating on this scripture once again, for the first time I found myself considering there might be someone else at the source of the testing? Who is doing the testing here? Could it be that we are the ones doing the testing? Are we the ones to test God?

Whoa, testing God!?

The Hebrew word for “test” in the Bible is nacah. This word is used in Deuteronomy 6:16, a verse where God specifically commands the Israelites not to test Him. Oh well, I guess the idea of us testing God is off the table.

But, not so fast. I decided to not give up on the question of “who is testing our faith?”

It strikes me that I have and I do, on occasion, put God to the test.

I recall the day I was challenged to make a commitment to follow Jesus the living God. Stepping forward with certainty that the Gospel message I had heard was true but at the same time I had to admit I really didn’t know this person, Jesus. I was making a lifetime commitment to someone I really didn’t know. So, even as I came forward I said, “Here’s the deal. I’m stepping forward in faith. So, I fully expect you will show up and be as real as I’ve been promised. If not, the deal is off.”

43 years later and God still shows up when I practice my faith.

Practice My Faith? Then the question comes to mind, what does it mean to Practice my Faith? And, what is the connection between of Practicing my faith and the Testing of my faith?

Next week I’ll provide some further thoughts regarding the questions as to who’s Testing our Faith and what it means to Practice our Faith.

---

The Way of Escape – Ekbasis

Regardless of the source of our testing, I love God’s promise to make “the way of escape” for us. The Greek word for “way of escape” is Ekbasis – an egress, way out, exit. It is a passageway that will take you from where you are to where you want to be. The image for me is Jesus waving us out from the raging fire to an open escape hatch.

The Ekbasis of Don Treash

While Ekbasis is translated as a “way of escape” it is also used to refer to the outcome of one’s life. The manner in which a person closed out a well spent life. I guess it is God’s ultimate way of escape for the life-in-Christ well-lived. 

The only other time Ekbasis is used in the Bible is found in Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

So, today I want to take this time to remember and honor a beloved leader of our community – a teacher and a friend and his wonderful Ekbasis. The manner in which he led his life right up through to a good finish.

Don Treash went to be with our King in glory. Don spoke the word of God to me and to many of the Faithful as a great imitation of the character of Christ bearing the full fruit of the Spirit with love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, patience, faithfulness and self-control. Even as I write these words I’m struck with how I can’t think of many who exhibit the full Fruit of the Spirit as Don did so well.

Of course it is hard to say the name “Don” without adding “and Gloria” – the perfect partner in His Ekbasis. Your Community Group shares in the loss with you and your family and stands ready to fill in the gap as much as is possible.

As the writer of Hebrews implores those of us who knew Don, we would all do well to consider the outcome of his way of life as a loving husband and as a spiritual father, brother, mentor and friend and imitate his faith as he so well imitated Christ.

We miss you Don – until we make the final way of escape to glory and see you again.