Run With Horses

How is Your Conscience?

Back episodes are available at rwh.podbean.com and www.runwithhorses.netThe Run With Horses Radio Show is also on KRRB Revelalation Radio (https://www.revelationradio.net)
How is your Conscience?inspired by J. Oswald Sanders in his book, A Spiritual Clinic
Sanders calls conscience "an apparent special activity of the intellect and feelings which enables a man to judge between good and evil, to perceive moral distinctions."Interestingly knowledge and emotions are both included there.
Another interesting thought from Sanders. He says, "The word signifies a knowledge held in conjunction with another - in this instance with God - and carries the idea of man being co-witness with God for or against himself  according to his own estimate of his actions."
Where does the conscience come from? Sanders says that it is part of our essential nature. What does it do? He says nothing originates in the conscience but that it is like a thermometer, which detects the temperature but doesn't act to change it. Paul tells us that even natural, unregenerate men have a conscience in Romans 2. Conscience points out sin but has no power to make a man do right or wrong. It "delivers its judgment, produces the appropriate emotion, but leaves it to the will of man to act in light of its verdict."
So conscience gives you information about your own actions, a built in feedback loop to help you train yourself to live right. But your conscience isn't infallible.I have heard people say that they live by their conscience. But what if your conscience is wrong? Is that even possible? Check out 1 Corinthians 4:4. Paul says, "I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." So Paul acknowledged that his conscience was clear but that didn't make him sinless in God's sight. Conscience can miss something.
You conscience operates by a standard of some kind. The standard can be wrong which cause your conscience to lead you astray. Sanders tells the story of a Hindu who once told an British officer, " 'Our conscience tells us it is right to burn our widows on the pyre of their husbands.' 'Yes,' replied the officer, 'and our conscience tells us it is right to hang you if you do.'"  The two men each had a conscience that operated by a different standard!
A faulty standard will allow flagrant abuse without protest. Your conscience requires training to a standard to operate as God intends. This is seen in many new believers as their former way of life becomes detestable to them and they change as they conform to a new standard, the standard of Christ.
Sanders gives a great illustration of how this works. If you have ever used a rifle with open sights, you quickly learn that you can't hit your target unless the front and rear sights are in alignment. In the same way, unless your conscience is in alignment with the Word of God, you won't be able to rely on your conscience to be a reliable guide. Here we once again find ourselves in the place of saying we really have to be immersed in God's Word on a daily basis. The combination of Bible reading, study and meditation combined with the work of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of the church body combine to be powerful teachers for our conscience.
I can't say it often enough, we need the body of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit and the constant encouragement and correction of the Bible to grow in Christ-likeness. How are you doing? Is your conscience being pricked a little? I know mine is.
Your conscience can either condemn your actions or commend them. Your conscience can  be weak, like any muscle seldom used. A weak conscience my waver between to points without a clear judgment, floating on the breeze of public opinion and waiting on others to decide on a course of action. This might be another good argument for hanging around with strong Christians who can direct you as you develop your own convictions and conscience!It is worthwhile noting that your conscience could be weak because it is untrained, too little knowledge of God's Word and work in the world; or because it is not surrendered to Christ at all, leaving you an enemy of God with a conscience who constantly fights against Him.
You can progress down the path of the weak conscience and end up with a defiled conscience. One where the conscience has been injured and no longer works properly, like a compass with a broken needle that is always a little off. If you continue down this path it will eventually lead to a conscience that is seared and no longer functions at all. Not a good place to be.
But our goal and hope is to have a pure conscience. One that does not condemn us but that is sensitive to the leading fo the Holy Spirit in our lives and constantly monitors our heart for signs of wandering.
Ultimately we will have a perfect conscience, cleansed eternally by the blood of Christ. In the meantime, as Paul challenged the Corinthians,   "let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)There is work that we can and should do in training and maintaining a pure conscience. Quick confession and repentance of sin and asking forgiveness when we wrong another go a long way toward helping us. But, ultimately, the blood of Christ cleanses us and frees us from the tyranny of sin.
You might struggle with your conscience in this life, but in eternity God promises you release from the struggle and will give you the mind of Christ. What a great hope we have! And great motivation to keep on keeping on throughout the journey of faith that is the Christian Life.
 

Can a Spiritually Mature Christian be Depressed?

Back episodes are available at rwh.podbean.com and www.runwithhorses.netThe Run With Horses Radio Show is also on KRRB Revelalation Radio (https://www.revelationradio.net)
Can a Spiritually Mature Christian Be Depressed?inspired by J. Oswald Sanders book, A Spiritual Clinic
Depression and mental breakdowns are seemingly more common than ever before. I don't know if that is because they are more common or because people are more willing to talk about them and admit it than ever before. But, I do know that this is not a new thing! Even some of the giants of the Biblical record were knocked down by depression occasionally. We should all be aware that we have a very real enemy who is working to drag us down and discouragement and depression are frequent weapons in the spiritual battle.
If you are one who is or has struggled with the twin monsters of despair and depressions, I hope today's show will give you hope. At the least, you should know that you are not alone and that is isn't necessarily a sign of spiritual immaturity (though it could be, sometimes, sorry...).
Sanders gives us some thoughts on both the cause of depression in an otherwise healthy mature believer as well as some ideas on where to look for help in our time of need.
First lets look at three men in the Bible. Here are there words to God.
Moses  - Numbers11:14-15 I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now—if I have found favor in Your sight—and do not let me see my wretchedness!”
Elijah - 1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
Jonah - Jonah 4:3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”
Wow, three great men of God who were so beaten down that they all three prayed for death!  Sanders mentions that it is probably significant that these three men are great prophets and yet God reveals their weakness. How much more can a nobody like me be subject to feelings of despair and insignificance. They are example of the reality of this kind of pain, even in the midst of a successful ministry, as well as examples of God's provision for our weakness. His grace is sufficient.
Moses had lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and  and seen God work astounding miracles on their behalf. And yet, after suffering long with their continued complaints and rebellion against him and against God, Moses was tired. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Moses had tried to carry the burden of leadership alone and crumbled under the pressure. Moses was carrying a weight that he wasn't meant to bear.
Elijah was hot off of one of the most dramatic victories against the prophets of Baal in the Old Testament. He had just received fresh confirmation of God's hand on him and God's faithfulness to His Word. And yet, in an instant, his courage fled and he ended up hiding under a juniper tree as Jezebel threatened his life. From the highest of highest to the lowest of lows so quickly. Does that sound familiar to you? And yet, God's grace is sufficient.
Jonah, after fleeing from God, being traumatized by an ocean voyage and it's abrupt end, finished well. Sharing God's message and seeing the whole city of Nineveh repent! One of the biggest celebrations in history, right? Not exactly. Jonah had other ideas and they were thwarted by God's grace. He ended up sitting alone and complaining, eventually succumbing to the temptation of self-pity and praying for death.
Why did each of these men turn so easily from God's marvelous hand at work in, through and around them?  Here are four potential reasons that you may be able to relate to as well.
First, they were in a very real spiritual battle with a very real enemy.
Second, they were physically tired from the battle.
Third, they judged success by what they could see and know about their part of the spiritual battle and felt defeated.
Fourth, they took their eyes off of God for just an instant, and the temptation to selfishness and defeatism took hold.
How did God work in each man's life?Moses received the help of 70 men who would share in his burden of leadership.Elijah received solitude and refreshment form God along with the news that 7,000 others had not bowed to Baal. He was not alone!Jonah received a lesson on God's mercy in the form of a plant.
What are our takeaways?Depression can follow spiritual success or spiritual failure.Our physical condition can open us up to spiritual attack.Taking our eyes off of God, even for an instant, can be devastating to our faith.Take solace in the Jethros and thousands of others who are in the fight with you.God cares. His grace is with you even in the depths of despair,
 

The Blessings of Suffering

The Blessings of Sufferinginspired by and largely taken from J. Oswald Sanders, A Spiritual Clinic
Did  you ever wonder why there is pain and suffering in the world? If you haven't, then you haven't really lives yet! Everyone experiences pain and suffering. It goes along with life.
I have been reading Providence by John  Piper. One thought he shares that I had not considered is that in a world without suffering, Jesus could not have gone to the cross. Without Jesus and his accomplished work on the cross, made possible because suffering exists, I would be forever separated from God. God's eternal plan was to redeem us through the suffering of Jesus. Let that sink in. Suffering is a necessary component of salvation.Does that put your suffering in a different light?
But, we still want to know why WE need to suffer, right? That's not so easy for us to take.
In 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Paul gives us a glimpse of his own growth regarding how to view suffering in this life. His lesson centered around a specific "thorn in the flesh" that God had given him.
Paul pleaded with God for release but God left that prayer unanswered. Have you ever been in that position? Sure that God needs to grant your request for the good of your ministry, your health, your sanity maybe.  I like the way Sanders talks about this aspect.
Paul "had not yet learned that there is no such thing as purposeless pain to God's children."This is part of our issue with God, right? We want to know WHY. And we want to know now.  It is hard for us to see how any pain or discomfort is justifiable. 
"Although He did not answer the specific words of his request, He did respond to the cry of His heart. Paul's deepest desire of his heart was that his ministry would not be hindered by this thorn. God answered by assuring him that his ministry would be enriched if the thorn remained."
Maybe our struggle with the thorns in life is that we are often more concerned about our comfort than our ministry. Our heart is not aligned with the heart of God so we pray at cross purposes. Augustine wrote,:"We ask for strength that we might achieve; we are made weak that we might obey. We ask for health that we might do greater things; we are given infirmity that we may do things better. We ask for power that we may win the praise of men; we are given weaknesses that we may feel our need for God. We ask for all things that we may enjoy life; we ar given life that we may enjoy all things."
What did God give Paul in order to balance out the thorn in his life? God gave His all-sufficient grace.  Sanders writes that our thorns " are blessings in disguise if they cause us to lay hold on God's sufficient grace." Where the world will tell you that you must endure those things that can't be taken away or cured, Paul states that he will boast in his infirmities, understanding God's all sufficient grace and the glory that God receives through them.
God promises that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Not in our strength. Not in our success in life. Not in the praise we receive from men. But in our weakness.
 

Developing and Sustaining the Mind of Christ

Developing and Sustaining the Mind of Christ
Simple summary - Garbage in, garbage out. . .The goal is to fill you mind with the thoughts of Jesus. The world's goal is to fill your mind. . .with ANYTHING else. God's Part and Our PartGod's part - The work of the Holy SpiritWhat is it?
Isaiah 11:1-2 ; John 14:26God's people, we aren't in this alone! - the gifts and relationships in the local church - God uses others in  your life.Who? fellow followers of JesusHow? using their gifts in an ongoing relationship. Living out the One Another's of the NT in a close, Chris-centered relationship.Eph. 4:11
God's plan - God's Word at work in our livesHow? Get in it and stay in it!Read - have a daily Bible reading plan and plan a time to follow it. Set yourself up for success. Prepare ahead of time. Know the time and place, have your Bible, pen and notebook ready to go, clear your schedule for the most important part of your day with the most important person in your day.Study - look up words you don't know, write down questions you have and loo up the answers and/or talk to people in your church about the passage. Be ready to put in some work, it is worth it!Meditate - think long and deep about what God has to say. Consider how the original reader felt and reacted to the text. What did they learn from it? What does it tell you about God, Man, Sin, etc?  Is there a command to follow or a sin to avoid? What should you do because this is true?Journal - write out the lessons you are learning and what you plan to do with them. Make an intentional effort to live out what you learn.Simply Journal can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/author/j.norman.smithMemorize - select key verses that are especially significant to you or important in helping you follow Jesus and commit them to memory. Make a plan to learn and remember them. Verselocker (https://scripturememory.com/verselocker/app/)Talk about - initiate spiritual conversations with your friends and family. Look for opportunities to share with others what you are learning. Pray! - talk to God about what He has to say.Listen to it - mp3 Bible, sermons, good Christian music, etc
Bottom line? Spend as much time in and with God's Word as possible! It is worth the effort!Homepage and all episodes can be found at:www.runwithhorses.netrwh.podbean.com

A Transformed Mind - The Mind of Christ

A Transformed Mind - The Mind of Christ
taken largely from J. Oswald Sanders, A Spiritual Clinic (1958)
The mind of Christ can be summarized as His thoughts, desires, motives and all of the governing impulses of His life. - Sanders
Sanders said that the reason we have so little influence in the world today is because we Christians manifest so little of the mind of Christ. "Men see little in our lives which would make it worth while sacrificing what they already have."
He goes on to list three essential qualities, or attitudes of mind, that mark the mind of Christ, Moses and Paul, that we seldom possess in any great quantity today.
First, in their counting. Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. Phil. 2:6-7Moses choose the ill-treatment of the Israelites to the pleasures of Pharaoh's palace. Heb. 11:25-26Paul counted all things loss  for the sake of Christ. Phil. 3:7-9
They did not cling to their "rights" but gladly renounced them in the interests of others. That sounds a lot like the exact opposite of what we often hear from people today, in and out of the church!
Second in their self-abasement.  Merriam-Webster defines abasement as: to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem. The word we would typically think of is humble. Jesus humbled Himself taking on the form of a servant. Phil. 2:7Moses humbled himself, choosing to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Heb. 11:25Paul called himself a bondslave of Christ. Romans 1:1
No matter how you look at it, humility is to be a mark of a follower of Jesus. It is no surprise then that the world promotes the exact opposite at every turn.
Third, in their self-oblation. Again Merriam-Webster defines oblation as 1. the act of making a religious offering or 2.something offered in worship or devotion : a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine.Jesus choose death, even death on a cross, as a sacrifice for all mankind. Phil. 2:7-11. Moses asked God to blot him out His book if rather than not forgive Israel's sin. Exodus 32:31-32.Paul showed his love for Israel as well when he wished that he could be accursed instead of Israel. Rom. 9:3.
All three men showed their love for others in their willingness to sacrifice their own lives. Jesus did offer His life as a sacrifice and both Moses and Paul were willing to offer their lives and did in many ways.
Our attitude, our mind, is seen clearly in the things that we run after. Position, Power and Money seem to be at the top of many people and unfortunately the church is not immune to the temptation to follow self. Sanders mention that when one "influential and worthy" pulpit fell vacant there were 250 applicants! And yet there are many small churches around the world without a pastor willing to serve. What were those 250 men seeking? Surely not humble, self-sacrificial service.
Today, our desire is to be served by others. Often wealth is seen as a means of securing the praise, adulation and service of others. Jesus came to serve.The mind of Christ is usually the opposite of the mind of the world. The two are at battle and only a complete transformation of our mind will change us. Jesus' mind led him to the cross. Where will the mind of Christ lead you?
"There is no other spiritual law of fruitfulness. We musts prepare to die once and for all to do the things which appear indispensable to the earthly mind. Only as we consent to die will we live again in others. To take up the cross daily and follow our master in self-abasement and self oblation may not seem an alluding prospect, but when we dare to do it we will find, with Samuel Rutherford, that the cross will be to us just such a burden as wings to a bird."
So how do we develop, promote and sustain the mind of Christ in the midst of a broken world that fights against the things of God at every turn? That my friends, will be the topic of our next show. Until then, Keep Running!

Living an Authentic Christian Life

Living an Authentic Life
 
authentic: of undisputed origin; genuine.
authenticity: means you're true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you're under to act otherwise. You're honest with yourself and with others, and you take responsibility for your mistakes. Your values, ideals, and actions align.
 
Knowledgeable - know God, know God's Word, know yourself and what God says about you and the world.
Honest - with yourself and others
Intentional - Know your values and priorities and make steps to live them out.
Humble - recognize our inability to succeed on our own. Admit your mistakes.
 
1.In your relationship with God
Knowledgeable- Pursue godliness. Spend time in His Word daily. Practice the presence of God.
Honest- Don't try to hide from Him, one- you can't, two- it isn't necessary or helpful
Intentional-Make plans to spend time with God, include Him in all activities of life, really make Him the center in action not just in word.
Humble- recognize that you need God daily, hourly
 
2.In your relationship with the church, God's family
Knowledgeable- Get to know what God says about His family generally, then really get to know your local church family.
Honest- Practice transparency and accountability with your church family. Be real, don't try to hide your struggle but don't feel that you need to share them with everyone publicly either. You need close relationships within the church.
Intentional- Seek out times to be with your church family outside of the official scheduled service times.
Humble- Don't judge or compare yourself. Love them all and try to help them all take a step toward Jesus.
 
3.In your relationship with the world
Knowledgeable- Know the enemy. Be wise in your dealings with the world. Be ready to give an answer for your hope.
Honest- Don't pretend you are perfect because unbelievers are around, acknowledge your struggles.
Intentional- Bring Jesus with you into every relationship and situation
Humble- Remember that without the grace of God you would be no different than the worst person you meet.
 
4.With yourself.
Knowledgeable- Know what God says about you. get to know your spiritual gifts. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Honest- Don't fool yourself and try to ignore either your sin or your spiritual fruit!
Intentional- Have a plan to grow!
Humble- Keep your eyes on Jesus. Remember that you need Him every day and every hour.

Incarnational Living - Being like Jesus Where You Are

 
Incarnational Living
I always talk about need to be Intentional in our life. But what are we intentionally living out? Today I want to look at one aspect of Intentionally living as a follower of Jesus. 
In the theology of Christ, the incarnation is where Jesus took on human nature.Read Millard Erickson.
As a disciple we use it to mean taking on the life of Christ, to living out Christ-like attitudes, behaviors, conversations and relationships in the world today. As Erickson said, God is in the world. As the church, we are his representatives taking His message wherever we go.
We are not really talking about local church ministry that happens when your church family meets for worship. We are talking about the work of the ministry from Ephesians 4 that builds up the body of Christ toward maturity and shines the light of Jesus in a dark world.
It is being responsible for others. Caring about their spiritual walk and willing to take a risk to be part of it.
What does it look like to live out Christ-likeness in your relationships?What networks of relationships do you have?HomeWorkFriendsChurch FamilyNeighborhoodA good way to think about it is to consider how you model Christ in each of these webs of relationships. There are different needs in each context. how can you be what is needed in each relationship?NT Examples:Jesus saw needs and met them. Barnabas helping Paul get accepted by other believers.Dorcas good works and acts of charity, making clothes etc.Aquilla and Priscilla helping Apollos with his understanding of the gospel.
A good question to ask yourself, What does this person or group need to take a step toward Jesus. How do they get closer to glorifying God in their actions, words, and relationships? How can you help? Do you have a role you can take in helping them take the next step?
Praying for others with the expectation that God will use you in their life. What is that right now?
If you have a need that someone has, are you willing to help meet it? Just pointing it out is not always helpful if you aren't willing to be part of the solution.
Susan - seeing needs on mission field, if you see need, you can't expect others to do it.Having hope, maintaining the faith that God can and will change people. Keep that hope in front of those around you. God is at work, point it out and keep Him in focus.

Lessons From Ruth - Part 6

We finish up Ruth 4 today and consider some of the applications for caregivers and followers of Jesus.

Lessons from Ruth - Part 5

Chapter 3 of Ruth

Lessons from Ruth - Part 4

Today we look at some applications so far from the book of Ruth!