I love the book of Nehemiah. Those of you who were with us for our first four weeks will recall how it is one of my favorites. In my daily reading this morning, I was in the neighboring book of Ezra. If Nehemiah is about rebuilding the wall, then Ezra is about rebuilding the Temple. Though these descriptions are accurate, I would contend they are more about rebuilding a spiritual relationship than they are about rebuilding physical structures.

When Ezra arrives in Jerusalem in Chapter 7 the way he is described in verse 10 caused me to stop and reflect on my own life. It is my prayer you will do the same. Let's look at it together.

Ezra 7:10 Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statues and ordinances in Israel.

This is such a simple and essential description of not only those who lead others, but everyone who is determined to follow Jesus. Remember, even though we are not under the Law of Moses, we follow our Savior who fulfilled the Law of Moses!

Though we live in the grace and freedom Christ has given, we are not excused from the "determination" mentioned in Ezra 7:10. Paul shares what might be described as the "New Testament Ezra 7:10" in 2Timothy 2:15. It says, "Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth."

If we are to be like Ezra (and I believe we are), we must glean three key truths about God's Word.

1) We must be determined to study it. This is an unavoidable truth. When I am in a pastoral counseling session talking about struggles, sin, conflict, hurt, depression, frustration etc... My first question is going to be: "Have you devoted time to examining the truth of God's Word?"

 I don't do this to hide my head in the sand. I am not saying I believe all difficulty will melt away because we checked "quiet time" off the list. There is a place for wise counsel, mental health, personal boundaries and prescribed medication.

But if we believe God's Word is the eternal, living and active Word of God... If we believe it is true... If we believe it reveals the nature of God and mankind... WHY DON'T WE DEVOTE TIME TO STUDYING IT? Please, my precious friends. If reading and studying God's word is a trial and chore, I beg you to reach out to me. I want to lovingly show you how it can be a sustenance and a joy. Please... determine to study the Bible. Your life depends on it.

2) We must obey it. Reading the instructions on how to put together your child's Christmas present will do nothing if you put the seat where the handlebars are supposed to be. The knowledge of God's Word, does not bring the blessing of obedience. We must obey what we read. Please be at peace. We can never obey perfectly. How do we walk in obedience when we have just walked in disobedience? How do we walk in obedience after we have failed? We confess the sin in prayer and enjoy the beautiful freedom of forgiveness. If we keep on failing in the same way, ask for some help! Tell someone you trust about the struggle... You know what you will probably find? They are struggling too and need your help and accountability. We must obey God's Word!

3) We must teach it. Maybe you think that sharing the truth of God's Word is for pastors only. When it comes to the local church there might be some contexts where that is true, but please know this: YOU ARE DESIGNED TO SHARE GOD'S WORD. I promise! And it can be a joy for you! If you are a spouse or a parent, you are to speak of the truth of God's Word in your home. If you are a teacher, influencer, neighbor, manager, leader or co-worker, you are designed to share the truth of God's Word. It may be a simple truth like: God created the earth. It may be an encouragement in a hospital room about the possibility of eternal life and perfect healing etc. The applications are endless, but please know this: When you study and obey God's Word, it will flow out of your life in shareable ways and teaching opportunities.

That is how God's Word worked in Ezra's life. May it do its perfect work in our lives as well. I want to help you with every step of this transformative journey in God's Word! You cannot live without it.

You are so very loved.

Pastor Fraser

Here is some midweek encouragement for you from God's Word.

I was reading Psalm 144 and got stuck (in a good way) on verse 1.

Psalm 144:1
Blessed be the Lord, my rock who trains my hands for battle and my fingers for warfare.

Not only did the warrior King David pen this verse from his "giant slaying" perspective, but I'm pretty sure Barry Pepper recited this verse while he was sniping Nazi's in Saving Private Ryan. While these verses might be exactly what a Marine in harm's way needs to read at the beginning and end of his day, what are we to do with these Old Testament passages which seem violent and unnecessary to New Testament believers?

Allow me to shake you (and me) awake with an unsettling reminder. WE. ARE. AT. WAR. There may not be bullets flying, or physical wounds, but our adversary the devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. If we forget the nature of the spiritual combat in which we are to engage, we likely are losing the battle... maybe even the war.

There are many scriptures which help us understand spiritual warfare and our offensive and defensive posture as believers. Today I would like to focus on how the Apostle Paul addresses this topic in his letter to the Corinthian Church:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

If anyone read Psalm 144:1 and thought, "Cool... time to put on my brass knuckles." That person is definitely misunderstanding his/her assignment as a spiritual warrior. Here are some truths about waging war well according 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

This is not a physical fight. Spiritual warfare is not physical. This is obvious, given the term, "spiritual warfare." But it is so easy to forget. Your problem with that one person over there, is not a physical problem. It is division, dysfunction and disunity caused by the nature of sin. Since our enemy is not flesh and blood, neither are our weapons or the way we use them. So if we can't fight the way that comes naturally (physically), what are we to do?

We must fight spiritually. Spiritual warfare is not only different because it is not physical. It is also different in that it is made powerful by God. We are not relying on our own strength when we wage spiritual warfare. We could never win by our own power. It is Father, Son and Spirit who give spiritual warfare its potent strength. Strongholds are demolished! The enemy's base of operations, his fortresses, his communication and supply lines... They are all leveled by the power of God when we rely on His strength and engage in spiritual warfare.

It starts with a thought. We want the spiritual victory! We want the strongholds demolished. So what is the first step? Taking control of every single proud, arrogant lie the enemy whispers. Isn't that what Paul is encouraging? Track you thoughts, consider your motives, question your purpose... Is any of it arrogant? Does any of it form an idol? Does any of it go against the teachings of Jesus? Does it disobey God's Word? Does it go against what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do? This sort of self examination takes time, energy and effort. But this is where spiritual warfare is waged.

Ask Father God to equip you to examine your heart and mind. He will show you what is true in His Word and by the Power of the Holy Spirit. I am in your corner when the fight gets difficult. He has equipped your hands to wage this war well!

You are so very loved,

Pastor Fraser

My daily reading took me to the book Deuteronomy. This final book of the Pentateuch is all about renewal, as a new generation of God's people is on the edge of the promised land. Moses addresses the Israelites, recounting every painful aspect of God's faithfulness to them and their unfaithfulness to Him. As they proceed into the promised land, the first time reader might wonder: is this new generation's pledge to obey God genuine, or are they destined to repeat the same sinful pattern which was handed down to them?

A beautiful passage is found in Deuteronomy 8:3. Moses is reminding the nation of a specific trial the people endured in the wilderness because of their disobedience.

Deuteronomy 8:3
"He (God) humbled you by letting you go hungry; then he gave you manna to eat, which you and your ancestors had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

Beloved brothers and sisters. When we feed on what is not God's best for us, we will be hungry. And God our Father will allow it. This is insulting to our self sufficiency and pride. And God our Father will allow it. This causes spiritual malnutrition. And God our Father will allow it. This often leads to pain, loss, disillusionment, depression, chaos... And God our Father will allow it.

Why? Because he wants us to turn away from Him once and for all? No. Because He is cruel? No. Because He's the ultimate perfectionist waiting around for His children to fail? No.

Why? Why does He allow us to go hungry?

So that we might be filled with something other than earthly bread. So that we may be fed by WHAT He provides, WHEN He provides, and HOW he provides.

We will only feast this way when we are humbled. We will only feast this way when our desire for the bread we can get for ourselves has failed us. We will only feast upon manna/Bread of heaven/The Word of God, when the bread of our own procuring leaves us hungry and unfulfilled.

What was Jesus' response to the tempter when he was hungry in the wilderness? When Satan told Him to procure bread of His own making Jesus said (Deut. 8:3) "Man will not live on bread alone, but on even word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

Conclusion

1) Our spiritual hunger leads to humility When we feast on what is not God's best for us we will be spiritually emaciated and hungry. God allows the hunger to bring us to our knees before Him. It is only when we have stopped trying to feed ourselves with everything else that we are able to feast on the riches of His Word.

2) God provides what is needed for sustenance Manna was just what is needed for a wilderness diet. God provided what was needed, when it was needed and how it was needed. He will do the same for us by His Word and Spirit.

3) God's Word is a defense against the attacks of the enemy Even as Jesus combatted Satan with the truth of God's Word so must we. When the enemy tries to take you to any other form of Spiritual sustenance, remember, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word which comes from the Father!"

Please let me know if there is any way I can serve you.

You are so very loved,

Pastor Fraser

Let's dig in to some mid-week encouragement from God's Word.

In my daily reading, I reread the incredible Hebrews 11. Many will call this chapter the Hall of Faith because it recounts the incredible history of faith in God and those who were wise enough to believe in His promises. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses etc... all of these imperfect people believed in a perfect, powerful and promise keeping God. Our faith in God is not indigenous to us. It has a rich and vibrant history.

I think sometimes we run the risk of missing what is right before and after some of the most famous passages of Scripture. Hebrews 11 is famous for a reason. It is an incredibly encouraging record of people's faith and God's faithfulness. But I often jokingly say that my favorite thing about Hebrews 11 is found in Hebrews 12. Let's look at the first few verses together

Hebrews 12:1-2  Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What a rich conclusion! Since all of these patriarchs have gone before us, and since God has proven unwaveringly faithful, KEEP GOING! Don't quit! Don't stop! Don't let your faith waiver! He who began the good work, will see it through to completion! And remember all those examples of people who had faith? Look past them... look to Christ and Christ alone for your example. May His endurance inspire our own... because our endurance would be impossible if it weren't for His.

Conclusion:

1) Imperfect people can have faith in a perfect God

2) God's faithfulness has always been tested, but has never failed

3) Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith and the perfect example of endurance

Please reach out if there is any way we can serve you or pray for you.

You are so very loved,

Pastor Fraser

Let's dive into God's Word for some midweek encouragement.

Scripture is such a cohesive true story. In my weekly reading I re-read the story of Stephen. This servant of the early church was the first person to lose their life because he proclaimed the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His testimony is recorded in Acts chapter 7. In this chapter he recounts Israel's history from Abraham to Jesus. There are so many important truths to glean from this passage, but one verse stood out to me and I had to read it several times. Recounting how God had delivered His people from Egypt, Stephen expressed Israel's ongoing disobedience in a heartbreaking way:

Acts 7:39 Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him. Instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.

Stephen is talking about how the Israelites rejected Moses (and in turn God) by not following his leadership or walking in obedience to God's commands. Tragically, "their hearts turn back to Egypt."

Even after God's miraculous deliverance. Even after the slavery, toil and hardship... Even after the plagues with which God judged the Egyptians... Even after the riches they carried out of Egypt... Even after the parting of the waves at the Red Sea... "Their hearts turn back to Egypt." They never went back... but in many ways their hearts never left and, at the first sign of difficulty, were ready to return.

Beloved, this can be so true of us. We become so accustomed to being enslaved to sin, that we have no idea what to do with the freedom Christ provides. And though we may never physically return to where we were. Our wandering hearts will always want to return to where they have been. We pick up the same old burdens Christ died to remove. And then we sit around and wonder why God feels distant and we lack peace and joy.

Conclusions

1) Never forget the nature of your deliverance Just like Stephen, you and I need to rehearse and be ready to speak about the story of our deliverance! Our freedom story is our testimony. And if we ever lose track of what God is doing, it's probably because we have forgotten what He has already done. Has Christ saved you? Has He changed you? Write it down. Mark it on the calendar. Share it with your friends and family. You have been powerfully delivered by the same God of Moses and Stephen. Christ has set you free!

2) Never forget the nature of your sin Who the Son has set free, is free indeed! Don't submit again to a yoke of slavery. We must understand it is always within our nature to allow our hearts to return to Egypt. It is easy for our flesh to fail.

3) Repent Since our flesh will always fail, and our hearts will often turn back to the sin which once enslaved us, we must be quick to repent. Good news. When we do, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness!

You are so very loved,

Pastor Fraser

If I was helping a brand new disciple get into the habit of reading his/her Bible, I probably would send them to the book of Mark, or maybe one of the Apostle John's letters to the church... I probably wouldn't send them the short, yet heavy, book of the prophet Joel.

While God's sovereignty and responsibility to respond to sin can be inspiring and even encouraging, plagues of locusts and stern "judgement for the nations" can be a bit overwhelming for a new believer. But even in these short books characterized by sin and judgement, God's grace and mercy are clearly evident. I want to encourage you today with Joel 2:12-13.

Joel 2:12-13 Even now-This is the Lord's declaration-turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.

Here are some truths to glean from this passage:

"The Lord's Declaration." As we are reading through the Scriptures (in particular the prophets) we will see this phrase. It is helpful because it awakens us. It grabs our attention. It is God's Word most likely revealing the foundational truth of the passage. Often the rest of the passage revolves around proving or demonstrating this truth. Pay attention to the "Lord's declarations" in Scripture.

TURN The whole heart is required when we are turning to God and turning away from sin. You and I both know when we are holding something back. God knows it too. He can tell when our "turning" is partial. Fast. Weep. Mourn... All of these physical reactions may result when we turn from sin and turn to God. We cannot turn in repentance and not experience some sort of noticeable change in our behavior.

TEAR There will always be a physical signs of spiritual repentance. But physical actions that look like repentance are no substitute for true repentance. Appearing to abandon sin is not the same as abandoning sin.  The Lord declares that "tearing your clothes" is not enough. The customary sign of repentance and humility in the Bible was to tear your clothes (much like the pharisees did when Jesus spoke of the nature of His earthly ministry). But God has seen many of His followers over the course of history tear their clothes with hard hearts that are far from repentance. May this never be us. May we never pray a prayer with our lips that does not resonate in our hearts. It is very easy to fake repentance in the presence of other people, but God is never deceived.

Conclusion God is so gracious! He is so compassionate! He is patient! He is abounding in love! My friends, HE IS WORTHY OF OUR ONGOING REPENTANCE. Turn to Him. Tear your heart in preparation for His forgiveness and spiritual healing. He can be trusted. And because of the completed work of Jesus Christ, He is faithful and He is just to forgive us of our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Join me and the rest of Field Church in ongoing repentance before God!

You are so very loved!

Pastor Fraser

My personal devotions took me to 2 Chronicles 14. In this chapter we see the mostly successful reign of Judah's king Asa. Given the disobedience of so many of Israel and Judah's kings, the ministry of Asa is a refreshing time of comparable peace for God's people in the southern kingdom.

I had to slow down and read 2 Chronicles 14:11 more than once. It was so encouraging and powerful! During the invasion of a million man Cushite army, Asa (whose troops numbered about 500 thousand), prays a prayer which should inspire our own.

2 Chronicles 14:11 Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, "Lord, there is no one besides you to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, Lord our God, for we depend on you, and in your name we have come against this large army. Lord, you are our God. Do not let a mere mortal hinder you."

Here are three truths for you to glean from this prayer:

The Lord your God is the helper of the "mighty and those without strength." Our help comes from the Lord whether we are perceivably strong or blatantly weak. All strength and help comes from The Lord God. Praise Him in every circumstance!

We "wage war" under the banner of a mighty God. Easy there, trigger... Hear me out. Remember, we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. "Doing battle" in God's name looks vastly different for us than it did for King Asa. In light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ours is a spiritual battle against sin instead of a physical battle against people. But it is still a battle! There is defensive armor to be worn, and offensive weapons to be wielded in obedience to God's Word and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We march under the banner of Jesus Christ, and engaging in spiritual battle must always be done in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. The enemy is real! Sin is powerful! Flesh is so strong! But my precious friends, our commander is the risen King Jesus! He has already won and He has shared victory with us and anyone else who calls upon Jesus to be saved.

God is never hindered by mere mortals. This is a humbling and beautiful truth. We serve a God whose ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are higher than our own. He remains faithful even when mankind is faithless. He is always working. He has always been. He always will be. Resting in His identity as God, requires us recognizing that we are merely human. Understanding this should always cause us to worship.

Don't know what to pray? Try praying a prayer much like King Asa! We serve the same powerful God!

You are so very loved,

Pastor Fraser

We are from His Field, In His Field, and For His Field!

We are His Field! 
1 Corinthians 3:9