Psalm 119:57-64
You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
Yes, Lord, come today and be my portion. As I struggle just to make it through the day with my sanity, I need all that You have to offer. Having a kid sick with the flu, a husband away hunting, and a sweet little girl that needs more time and attention than I have to offer, I need Your portion – no other portion will do! Come, and “be gracious to me according to Your promise.”
Couldn’t we all use some of God’s grace? Oh, that He would come and fill us, as He is our portion. We can obey His words. We can seek His face with all our hearts. We must consider our ways and turn to His statutes, not following our own way, our own paths, our own desires. We must hasten and not delay to obey His commands, not forgetting His law. We can give Him thanks. We must fear Him, and be friends of those who fear Him. But in the end, we must remember, it is God who is our portion. It is He who reaches down and offers us His grace according to His promise. Not according to our works, but according to His promise. If He has promised it, we can count on it! And grace is one thing He has promised to all who ask.
Do you need some grace today? Go to the throne, and just ask. Let Him pour out all He has to offer, and then-some, on you as you seek His glorious, beautiful face.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
News
Dearest Friends,
I am sorry for my absence this last week from writing. Nolan, my little guy, had a sinus infection and would only sleep if mommy held him, and then we moved him into his new big-boy bed, and he has been trying to adjust to that change. Though it took a few nights, he really seems to like his new arrangements and is actually sleeping better than before! All praise and glory to God!!
Otherwise I am quite busy trying to edit the study I am currently working through with my Bible study here in Mesa, and working to get everything in-line for the next study, so that I can rest during the month of December and just celebrate Christmas. For some reason it always seems everything comes up at once, and that it is how it is going for me right now. Perhaps that is God's way of keeping me clinging to Him, because it will truly be by His grace that I get any of this done in the midst of all the activities filling my calendar.
In headline news, I actually get to spend Christmas in God's country this year, as we are traveling to Wyoming for the holiday. I am quite excited and am believing God for snow - lots of fluffy, white, perfect snow that will force me to stay inside with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, reading a book. I can't wait to see Nolan as he experiences the wonder snow for the first time, and listen to Regann whine to go outside and then complain because she's cold. I can't wait to hear my husband, Chris, grump and mope around because of the wintry wonder of snow, and then offer to shovel the walk. Oh what an occasion!! As you can see, I am quite looking forward to freezing my fingers off, as it really isn't Christmas without a little frostbite!!
Anyway, I'll talk to you soon, as we continue through Psalm 119 together. In the mean-time, pray that I will get rested up so that my brain can properly process words again. (You wouldn't believe it, but it has taken me about 25 minutes to write this e-mail.)
OK then, see ya later! Much love - Andrea
I am sorry for my absence this last week from writing. Nolan, my little guy, had a sinus infection and would only sleep if mommy held him, and then we moved him into his new big-boy bed, and he has been trying to adjust to that change. Though it took a few nights, he really seems to like his new arrangements and is actually sleeping better than before! All praise and glory to God!!
Otherwise I am quite busy trying to edit the study I am currently working through with my Bible study here in Mesa, and working to get everything in-line for the next study, so that I can rest during the month of December and just celebrate Christmas. For some reason it always seems everything comes up at once, and that it is how it is going for me right now. Perhaps that is God's way of keeping me clinging to Him, because it will truly be by His grace that I get any of this done in the midst of all the activities filling my calendar.
In headline news, I actually get to spend Christmas in God's country this year, as we are traveling to Wyoming for the holiday. I am quite excited and am believing God for snow - lots of fluffy, white, perfect snow that will force me to stay inside with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, reading a book. I can't wait to see Nolan as he experiences the wonder snow for the first time, and listen to Regann whine to go outside and then complain because she's cold. I can't wait to hear my husband, Chris, grump and mope around because of the wintry wonder of snow, and then offer to shovel the walk. Oh what an occasion!! As you can see, I am quite looking forward to freezing my fingers off, as it really isn't Christmas without a little frostbite!!
Anyway, I'll talk to you soon, as we continue through Psalm 119 together. In the mean-time, pray that I will get rested up so that my brain can properly process words again. (You wouldn't believe it, but it has taken me about 25 minutes to write this e-mail.)
OK then, see ya later! Much love - Andrea
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Our Suffering
Psalm 119:49-56
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Yesterday we talked of the persecution so many of our brothers and sisters experience across the globe. We are pretty lucky in this country, as any persecution we experience pales in comparison. However, when we are the ones who suffer, suddenly it becomes very personal and very painful, regardless of the scale.
No matter where we live, no matter what our stage in life, age in life, income level, status in society, etc. we will suffer. And when we do, God alone can give us the hope we need. His promises are the only salve that can soothe and strengthen us.
You and I need to diligently search His Word for His sweet promises, for His promises preserve our life. We need to learn them, believe them, and make them a part of every day. We need to remember His name in the night, as we lay on our beds longing for peace and rest. Because, ultimately, what will get us through is our focus – not on the here-and-now, on temporary things, but on eternity. Whatever we suffer, it will not last forever, praise His holy name!
So, let’s go to God, tell Him our heartaches, struggles, and pains. He will hold us, strengthen us, and remind us of His great promises. Look to Him, dear friend, for He is our hope in times of need.
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Yesterday we talked of the persecution so many of our brothers and sisters experience across the globe. We are pretty lucky in this country, as any persecution we experience pales in comparison. However, when we are the ones who suffer, suddenly it becomes very personal and very painful, regardless of the scale.
No matter where we live, no matter what our stage in life, age in life, income level, status in society, etc. we will suffer. And when we do, God alone can give us the hope we need. His promises are the only salve that can soothe and strengthen us.
You and I need to diligently search His Word for His sweet promises, for His promises preserve our life. We need to learn them, believe them, and make them a part of every day. We need to remember His name in the night, as we lay on our beds longing for peace and rest. Because, ultimately, what will get us through is our focus – not on the here-and-now, on temporary things, but on eternity. Whatever we suffer, it will not last forever, praise His holy name!
So, let’s go to God, tell Him our heartaches, struggles, and pains. He will hold us, strengthen us, and remind us of His great promises. Look to Him, dear friend, for He is our hope in times of need.
Friday, November 10, 2006
A Little Pressure
Psalm 119:41-48
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
This last weekend at our church we had a service for the persecuted church. There were many things that touched me about the service, and I am always so thankful to be reminded of the wonderful freedoms we have here in America.
Yet there was one thing that really got me, and is sticking with me. I can’t stop thinking about it, and that’s definitely a good thing. It is remarkable how the people in these countries cling to the Word of God! Some of them do not (or at least should not) even have access to a Bible, yet it is so dear and precious. They have outsiders bring Bibles to them, or recite entire books from memory (try doing that one!). They themselves have much of the Word memorized. They love it, consume it, drink it in. They are passionate about the Word. They are passionate about Jesus. And they are willing to die for both.
One thing said that has really made me think and reflect on my own life and habits, is that these people always make time to read and reflect upon God’s Word. No matter how tired they are, they still make the time to take it in. They spend hours, sometimes all night long, just worshipping God in secret, in the dark so as not to be caught. And when they are caught, they fearlessly proclaim Christ to their captors, sometimes to their own demise, sometimes to the demise of their family. They boldly speak of the One for whom they gladly suffer! One boy even said (after losing his ENTIRE family in a church fire) that it’s not hard being a Christian, because we have Jesus.
WOW!
Sometimes I wonder if a little persecution wouldn’t be good for the American church. Not that I desire it, as I truly enjoy the freedom to worship, serve, and speak freely of my Jesus. But it seems that it might do us some good – push us to our knees, pull us into the Word, and make us choose which side we’re really on.
A Church under pressure is one that will explode with the love of Christ!
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
This last weekend at our church we had a service for the persecuted church. There were many things that touched me about the service, and I am always so thankful to be reminded of the wonderful freedoms we have here in America.
Yet there was one thing that really got me, and is sticking with me. I can’t stop thinking about it, and that’s definitely a good thing. It is remarkable how the people in these countries cling to the Word of God! Some of them do not (or at least should not) even have access to a Bible, yet it is so dear and precious. They have outsiders bring Bibles to them, or recite entire books from memory (try doing that one!). They themselves have much of the Word memorized. They love it, consume it, drink it in. They are passionate about the Word. They are passionate about Jesus. And they are willing to die for both.
One thing said that has really made me think and reflect on my own life and habits, is that these people always make time to read and reflect upon God’s Word. No matter how tired they are, they still make the time to take it in. They spend hours, sometimes all night long, just worshipping God in secret, in the dark so as not to be caught. And when they are caught, they fearlessly proclaim Christ to their captors, sometimes to their own demise, sometimes to the demise of their family. They boldly speak of the One for whom they gladly suffer! One boy even said (after losing his ENTIRE family in a church fire) that it’s not hard being a Christian, because we have Jesus.
WOW!
Sometimes I wonder if a little persecution wouldn’t be good for the American church. Not that I desire it, as I truly enjoy the freedom to worship, serve, and speak freely of my Jesus. But it seems that it might do us some good – push us to our knees, pull us into the Word, and make us choose which side we’re really on.
A Church under pressure is one that will explode with the love of Christ!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Contentment
Psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
This time of the year always seems to breed discontentment in me. With the generosity of the season, I want to give, give, give, and our bank account just won’t allow it. That is when I begin to look around and notice all the people who have more than me and who can (seemingly) just go out and spoil all the people within their circle of influence.
Oh, how I wish that could be me! Gift-giving is definitely my love language, and I really don’t get to express it much, being a stay-at-home mom and all. So, rather than looking out, at all that I want and do not have, I need to look up. Up to the One who has everything. Yes, the One who is and has all that I need.
Verses 36-37, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word,” has become a passage very familiar and very dear to me. I cry these words from the very depths of my heart every time I begin to complain about our small house, or our not-so-new cars, or my “outdated” wardrobe, or our depleted bank account. Such stupid things, really – “worthless.”
When I read and meditate on this passage, and allow God to turn me toward His truth and His Word, I find that the discontentment fades, and I begin to see that there are at least twice as many people out there (probably many of you reading this) who are worse off than Chris and me! How lucky we are to even own a house! How lucky we are to have 2 working cars! How lucky we are to have the health of every single person under this roof! How lucky we are to have a family that loves each other (even the kids!), and looks out for each other, and prays for each other, and enjoys each other! How lucky we are to have Christ and His Word so easily accessible! How lucky we are!
How lucky, indeed.
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
This time of the year always seems to breed discontentment in me. With the generosity of the season, I want to give, give, give, and our bank account just won’t allow it. That is when I begin to look around and notice all the people who have more than me and who can (seemingly) just go out and spoil all the people within their circle of influence.
Oh, how I wish that could be me! Gift-giving is definitely my love language, and I really don’t get to express it much, being a stay-at-home mom and all. So, rather than looking out, at all that I want and do not have, I need to look up. Up to the One who has everything. Yes, the One who is and has all that I need.
Verses 36-37, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word,” has become a passage very familiar and very dear to me. I cry these words from the very depths of my heart every time I begin to complain about our small house, or our not-so-new cars, or my “outdated” wardrobe, or our depleted bank account. Such stupid things, really – “worthless.”
When I read and meditate on this passage, and allow God to turn me toward His truth and His Word, I find that the discontentment fades, and I begin to see that there are at least twice as many people out there (probably many of you reading this) who are worse off than Chris and me! How lucky we are to even own a house! How lucky we are to have 2 working cars! How lucky we are to have the health of every single person under this roof! How lucky we are to have a family that loves each other (even the kids!), and looks out for each other, and prays for each other, and enjoys each other! How lucky we are to have Christ and His Word so easily accessible! How lucky we are!
How lucky, indeed.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Laid Low in the Dust
Psalm 119:25-32
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
We’ve all been here, haven’t we? Big or small, our mistakes have a wonderful way of humbling us – “laying us low in the dust.” I was just there, as you know, and am still working my way out. God has definitely “preserved my life according to His Word.” Praise His holy name!
Tonight, this makes me think of Rev. Ted Haggard, who I really don’t know much about apart from the media frenzy that has surrounded him the last couple of days. He was, apparently, a very influential Christian leader, and it has been discovered that he has been maintaining a secret homosexual relationship for quite a while. In his apology to his church, he wrote “there is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life.”
I’m sure there are many Christians who are outraged, repulsed, and many other descriptive words over this whole incident. I, myself, am sad and so sorry for Mr. Haggard and his family. He was in Satan’s crosshairs, and like so many of us, he went down when he was hit. I think those of us who can see our own “repulsive and dark” sides will be sad for him and his family. Everyone else, well, in my opinion they are just turning a blind eye to their “repulsive and dark” side, because we all have them.
That is why we must be in the Word, not just for study, not just for discussion or to mark it off our list of things to do. No, we need to be consuming the Word, and letting its fire consume us. We need to ask God to preserve our lives and to strengthen us according to His Word. And when we see a brother or sister fall, we need to get down in the dust with them, take an elbow and help to lift them to their feet again. If it wasn’t them, it may have been us.
You see, it is in keeping our eyes on Christ and in the Word that we keep ourselves from worshiping and idolizing our Christian leaders. Then, if they stumble, rather than being disappointed and discouraged in our faith, we can simply walk beside them remembering that they are made out of dust, just like you and me. We can encourage them, and help to restore them.
Let’s pray for Rev. Haggard and his family – pray that God would preserve their lives, and strengthen them; pray that God would use this for His great glory, redeeming this situation in ways you and I could never imagine! And let’s pray for any other brothers or sisters who have fallen prey to the enemy’s flaming arrows – so swift and accurate. I pray that it not be one of us next time.
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
We’ve all been here, haven’t we? Big or small, our mistakes have a wonderful way of humbling us – “laying us low in the dust.” I was just there, as you know, and am still working my way out. God has definitely “preserved my life according to His Word.” Praise His holy name!
Tonight, this makes me think of Rev. Ted Haggard, who I really don’t know much about apart from the media frenzy that has surrounded him the last couple of days. He was, apparently, a very influential Christian leader, and it has been discovered that he has been maintaining a secret homosexual relationship for quite a while. In his apology to his church, he wrote “there is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life.”
I’m sure there are many Christians who are outraged, repulsed, and many other descriptive words over this whole incident. I, myself, am sad and so sorry for Mr. Haggard and his family. He was in Satan’s crosshairs, and like so many of us, he went down when he was hit. I think those of us who can see our own “repulsive and dark” sides will be sad for him and his family. Everyone else, well, in my opinion they are just turning a blind eye to their “repulsive and dark” side, because we all have them.
That is why we must be in the Word, not just for study, not just for discussion or to mark it off our list of things to do. No, we need to be consuming the Word, and letting its fire consume us. We need to ask God to preserve our lives and to strengthen us according to His Word. And when we see a brother or sister fall, we need to get down in the dust with them, take an elbow and help to lift them to their feet again. If it wasn’t them, it may have been us.
You see, it is in keeping our eyes on Christ and in the Word that we keep ourselves from worshiping and idolizing our Christian leaders. Then, if they stumble, rather than being disappointed and discouraged in our faith, we can simply walk beside them remembering that they are made out of dust, just like you and me. We can encourage them, and help to restore them.
Let’s pray for Rev. Haggard and his family – pray that God would preserve their lives, and strengthen them; pray that God would use this for His great glory, redeeming this situation in ways you and I could never imagine! And let’s pray for any other brothers or sisters who have fallen prey to the enemy’s flaming arrows – so swift and accurate. I pray that it not be one of us next time.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Longing For God's Word
Psalm 119:17-24
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Back to Psalm 119, though not out of “sharing my struggles mode.” I love Psalm 119, and am drawn to it when I find my passion for God’s Word dwindling, as I said on October 26. I especially love this section, as it reminds me that I need to be “consumed with longing for God’s laws at all times.” (emphasis mine) I don’t know about you, but that does not describe me, as much as I wish it did.
Actually, I guess that I am consumed with a longing for God’s Word quite frequently. I walk through my day desiring to spend some alone time with Him, somehow, sometime. However, it is in the follow-through that I tend to fall short – dramatically short. Somehow I can find time to study for my writing and my teaching, but with two little ones (who don’t like to sleep late in the morning, or much during the night sometimes), and a hubby with a strange work schedule, and, well, life in general, I find that it is my time in the Word with Jesus that tends to slip first. Since my second little guy has come along, I have had so much trouble getting back into this vital habit. I know how terribly important it is. I know how much better I feel when I go to Him first thing in the morning. I also can tell you that I am tired, and feel as though I am burning the candle at both ends most of the time.
I wonder how I am supposed to do all that I am called to do, and still find time for the rest that God commands of us. I am consumed with longing for God’s Word, because I do not get near enough time to just soak it up and consume it. I want God to open my eyes that I would see wonderful things in His Word. I want His statutes to be my delight and my counselors. I want these things so bad I can taste it. Yet, to my shame and dismay, I can tell you that today, once again, I have desired them only and not tasted at all.
Something’s got to give! I wish I had some answers here, but I don’t. I don’t know if this is something you struggle with, or not. I know I meet countless people who know the importance of a daily devotional time, but like me have trouble “working it in.” You and I cannot do what we are called to do if our roots do not go deep into the Word, into Jesus, into His truth, into His life-giving waters. Pray for me friends! And I will pray for you, that God would make a way, give us the energy, and draw us into a daily, maintainable time with Him. Deal?
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Back to Psalm 119, though not out of “sharing my struggles mode.” I love Psalm 119, and am drawn to it when I find my passion for God’s Word dwindling, as I said on October 26. I especially love this section, as it reminds me that I need to be “consumed with longing for God’s laws at all times.” (emphasis mine) I don’t know about you, but that does not describe me, as much as I wish it did.
Actually, I guess that I am consumed with a longing for God’s Word quite frequently. I walk through my day desiring to spend some alone time with Him, somehow, sometime. However, it is in the follow-through that I tend to fall short – dramatically short. Somehow I can find time to study for my writing and my teaching, but with two little ones (who don’t like to sleep late in the morning, or much during the night sometimes), and a hubby with a strange work schedule, and, well, life in general, I find that it is my time in the Word with Jesus that tends to slip first. Since my second little guy has come along, I have had so much trouble getting back into this vital habit. I know how terribly important it is. I know how much better I feel when I go to Him first thing in the morning. I also can tell you that I am tired, and feel as though I am burning the candle at both ends most of the time.
I wonder how I am supposed to do all that I am called to do, and still find time for the rest that God commands of us. I am consumed with longing for God’s Word, because I do not get near enough time to just soak it up and consume it. I want God to open my eyes that I would see wonderful things in His Word. I want His statutes to be my delight and my counselors. I want these things so bad I can taste it. Yet, to my shame and dismay, I can tell you that today, once again, I have desired them only and not tasted at all.
Something’s got to give! I wish I had some answers here, but I don’t. I don’t know if this is something you struggle with, or not. I know I meet countless people who know the importance of a daily devotional time, but like me have trouble “working it in.” You and I cannot do what we are called to do if our roots do not go deep into the Word, into Jesus, into His truth, into His life-giving waters. Pray for me friends! And I will pray for you, that God would make a way, give us the energy, and draw us into a daily, maintainable time with Him. Deal?
Friday, November 03, 2006
Encouragment
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
My goodness! The e-mails just came pouring in after I poured my heart out to you all. What a blessing! I can’t believe the encouragement and support you all poured out on me . . . I’m speechless. Well, almost. :)
I was thinking today about how it is so easy for me to look at Scripture and tell you what it means and how we should live accordingly. But I’ve gotten out of the habit, for the most part, of just sharing my heart with you, and what’s going on in my life. We need that, don’t we? Satan has a way of convincing us we’re all alone in our fights and struggles – we’re the only one’s who every mess up or make this kind of bad choice. When that is not the case at all!
This verse in Hebrews has been and still is my “call to action” verse for Morning SonRise. I want to encourage you daily, and I think one way I can do that is to share my struggles, disappointments, and failings with you. In this way, you will know that you are not alone! You are not the only one who messes up, and wonders when you’ll get it right. Not that I am giving excuses and saying it’s OK to mess up. We still need to fight the good fight, and do our best to grow ever-closer to Christ, in His likeness. However, we cannot allow Satan to corner us, and separate us from each other, hardening us through the lies he piles on top of the bad choices we make.
Find encouragement, then, dear friend, that I am not perfect – I am actually so far from perfect that I wonder how God could use me. It is only through His grace and by His mercy that I am allowed to work with Him, because I think I get more wrong then I do right, sometimes!
So, don’t be surprised to hear more of my life and the struggles I am wrestling with. Perhaps together we can walk this path and grow in Christ, supporting and encouraging each other as long as it is called Today.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
My goodness! The e-mails just came pouring in after I poured my heart out to you all. What a blessing! I can’t believe the encouragement and support you all poured out on me . . . I’m speechless. Well, almost. :)
I was thinking today about how it is so easy for me to look at Scripture and tell you what it means and how we should live accordingly. But I’ve gotten out of the habit, for the most part, of just sharing my heart with you, and what’s going on in my life. We need that, don’t we? Satan has a way of convincing us we’re all alone in our fights and struggles – we’re the only one’s who every mess up or make this kind of bad choice. When that is not the case at all!
This verse in Hebrews has been and still is my “call to action” verse for Morning SonRise. I want to encourage you daily, and I think one way I can do that is to share my struggles, disappointments, and failings with you. In this way, you will know that you are not alone! You are not the only one who messes up, and wonders when you’ll get it right. Not that I am giving excuses and saying it’s OK to mess up. We still need to fight the good fight, and do our best to grow ever-closer to Christ, in His likeness. However, we cannot allow Satan to corner us, and separate us from each other, hardening us through the lies he piles on top of the bad choices we make.
Find encouragement, then, dear friend, that I am not perfect – I am actually so far from perfect that I wonder how God could use me. It is only through His grace and by His mercy that I am allowed to work with Him, because I think I get more wrong then I do right, sometimes!
So, don’t be surprised to hear more of my life and the struggles I am wrestling with. Perhaps together we can walk this path and grow in Christ, supporting and encouraging each other as long as it is called Today.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
From the (clogged) Heart
I have no verse from which I write today, just my heart . . . and my stomach. I have messed up - made a bad choice - and now, as I wait for the axe to fall, it seems to be all I can think about. I can't wrap my mind around Scripture, or what I'm supposed to be preparing for this week's lesson in Bible study. My stomach is sick and I feel like I have something stuck in my throat. It doesn't help that I feel it's being blown out-of-proportion, though it may not be. I don't know - I'm probably a little too close to the situation to really know.
I accept all blame and culpability. It was my choice, done in the knowledge (though not consciously) that it wasn't the way things are supposed to work, and I take all the blame. So, why is it so hard to accept the consequences? I mean, if I know I screwed up, I know I made a bad choice, why is it so hard to then accept that there are repercussions of those bad choices? I find myself playing in my head any number of scenarios, and what I would say in each one. On the one-hand I want to lash-out, and show them that there are certain things outside of my control that lead me to this choice. However, it was still my choice to make and I chose wrong. On the other hand, I want desperately to do what Jesus wants me to do. I just know, from experience, that that path is almost always the more difficult.
As I think about this, and look over what I am writing, it occurs to me that I could very well be talking about some big, bad moral sin. HA-HA! If I told you the circumstances, which I do not feel at liberty to do just yet, you'd probably laugh and wonder why I'm freaking out so bad. I don't know. Perhaps that is why I am writing this . . . it is what is in my heart - a big log stuck in there, blocking all other reason and thought. It could also be James 5:16 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%205:16;&version=31;) speaking here - getting this off my chest and hoping it will free me to focus on what I really need to be doing.
So, what do I do in the mean-time? I find myself asking God, "What do You have for me in this?" Surely, there is something here for me to learn, and to walk away with. More humility for one, and that's always a plus (as much as it hurts). But what else? I don't know, I suppose I have to wait and see. I just pray that I can walk through this with integrity, honesty, and with the light of Jesus shining forth.
I could sure use your prayers. And hopefully this will be over soon, and I can walk away looking a little more like my Man, Jesus.
I accept all blame and culpability. It was my choice, done in the knowledge (though not consciously) that it wasn't the way things are supposed to work, and I take all the blame. So, why is it so hard to accept the consequences? I mean, if I know I screwed up, I know I made a bad choice, why is it so hard to then accept that there are repercussions of those bad choices? I find myself playing in my head any number of scenarios, and what I would say in each one. On the one-hand I want to lash-out, and show them that there are certain things outside of my control that lead me to this choice. However, it was still my choice to make and I chose wrong. On the other hand, I want desperately to do what Jesus wants me to do. I just know, from experience, that that path is almost always the more difficult.
As I think about this, and look over what I am writing, it occurs to me that I could very well be talking about some big, bad moral sin. HA-HA! If I told you the circumstances, which I do not feel at liberty to do just yet, you'd probably laugh and wonder why I'm freaking out so bad. I don't know. Perhaps that is why I am writing this . . . it is what is in my heart - a big log stuck in there, blocking all other reason and thought. It could also be James 5:16 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%205:16;&version=31;) speaking here - getting this off my chest and hoping it will free me to focus on what I really need to be doing.
So, what do I do in the mean-time? I find myself asking God, "What do You have for me in this?" Surely, there is something here for me to learn, and to walk away with. More humility for one, and that's always a plus (as much as it hurts). But what else? I don't know, I suppose I have to wait and see. I just pray that I can walk through this with integrity, honesty, and with the light of Jesus shining forth.
I could sure use your prayers. And hopefully this will be over soon, and I can walk away looking a little more like my Man, Jesus.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Pure Ways
Psalm 119:9-16
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
It seems to me there are four things listed in this passage that will ignite a passion within us for God and His Word, helping us to live pure lives.
First, we need to hide His Word in our hearts. Scripture memorization is so helpful in so many ways. It aides us when we are facing temptation, doubt, or deception. We can use it when helping or teaching others, or when the Spirit is helping and teaching us. We must hide God’s Word in our hearts, giving us the tools to build up ourselves and those around us whenever and wherever the Spirit provides the opportunity.
Second, we need to recount, verbally, all God’s laws and precepts. We need to talk about what God is teaching us and what we are learning. We need to have those we can talk to about all that God is doing in our lives, reminding ourselves of His amazing activity. We need to teach God’s laws, His Word, and all He is doing to our children and their children. There is just something about verbalizing such things that makes it more real and vibrant.
Third, we need to meditate on God’s precepts, and consider His ways. I think this goes hand-in-hand with #2, above. When we have time to stop and think, instead of letting our minds wander to our to-do list, to things that are perhaps unhealthy or stressful, or whatever, we should let our minds focus on God and His ways. Consider what He has done and is doing. Consider the passage of Scripture you read recently and what God is trying to teach you, personally, in it. Meditate on God’s precepts, consider His marvelous ways!
Fourth, we must not neglect God’s Word. Nothing can spark a fire in us like the Word of God, itself… Himself. No amount of Scripture memorization and meditation, of talking about God and His works, of thinking about His Word and focusing on Him can replace time in the Word, with the Word. So, find 10 minutes today when you can sit quietly down, and open up your Bible. Jesus will meet you there – expect the miraculous!
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
It seems to me there are four things listed in this passage that will ignite a passion within us for God and His Word, helping us to live pure lives.
First, we need to hide His Word in our hearts. Scripture memorization is so helpful in so many ways. It aides us when we are facing temptation, doubt, or deception. We can use it when helping or teaching others, or when the Spirit is helping and teaching us. We must hide God’s Word in our hearts, giving us the tools to build up ourselves and those around us whenever and wherever the Spirit provides the opportunity.
Second, we need to recount, verbally, all God’s laws and precepts. We need to talk about what God is teaching us and what we are learning. We need to have those we can talk to about all that God is doing in our lives, reminding ourselves of His amazing activity. We need to teach God’s laws, His Word, and all He is doing to our children and their children. There is just something about verbalizing such things that makes it more real and vibrant.
Third, we need to meditate on God’s precepts, and consider His ways. I think this goes hand-in-hand with #2, above. When we have time to stop and think, instead of letting our minds wander to our to-do list, to things that are perhaps unhealthy or stressful, or whatever, we should let our minds focus on God and His ways. Consider what He has done and is doing. Consider the passage of Scripture you read recently and what God is trying to teach you, personally, in it. Meditate on God’s precepts, consider His marvelous ways!
Fourth, we must not neglect God’s Word. Nothing can spark a fire in us like the Word of God, itself… Himself. No amount of Scripture memorization and meditation, of talking about God and His works, of thinking about His Word and focusing on Him can replace time in the Word, with the Word. So, find 10 minutes today when you can sit quietly down, and open up your Bible. Jesus will meet you there – expect the miraculous!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Obedience
Psalm 119:4-8
You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
As we continue our journey into Psalm 119, we see one of the keys to the victorious Christian walk – obedience. I love the second sentence here, as it is my heart’s cry – “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees!” I couldn’t have said it any better. That last sentence, however, should say something a little more like, “I will try to obey your decrees…” Try seems to be about all I can muster most days. I would imagine a lot of people feel the same.
I wonder if we’re too hard on ourselves. I know I have many friends who say that about me, and I’m beginning to see how it could be true. I took this weekend “off.” With having a cold, my little guy still fighting a nasty cold and not sleeping, and my husband out-of-town, I decided to take it easy and just relax. Yet all weekend long I fought guilt, thinking I was slacking and not doing enough – devotionals to write, messages to prepare, and books to read. I wonder if sometimes I confuse overwork and getting everything done I think needs to be done, with obedience. That’s definitely something I’m going to need to pray about.
How about you? Do you sometimes confuse obedience with working too hard, doing all the right things (though with wrong motive or attitude), finishing your “to do” list, going to all the right church functions . . . . this list could be endless, couldn’t it. I think we need to remember that God is looking at our hearts more than our actions. And when our hearts are in the right place, our actions will easily follow.
And so, “I will praise Him with an upright heart as I learn His righteous laws.” That’s something I can do. How about you?
You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
As we continue our journey into Psalm 119, we see one of the keys to the victorious Christian walk – obedience. I love the second sentence here, as it is my heart’s cry – “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees!” I couldn’t have said it any better. That last sentence, however, should say something a little more like, “I will try to obey your decrees…” Try seems to be about all I can muster most days. I would imagine a lot of people feel the same.
I wonder if we’re too hard on ourselves. I know I have many friends who say that about me, and I’m beginning to see how it could be true. I took this weekend “off.” With having a cold, my little guy still fighting a nasty cold and not sleeping, and my husband out-of-town, I decided to take it easy and just relax. Yet all weekend long I fought guilt, thinking I was slacking and not doing enough – devotionals to write, messages to prepare, and books to read. I wonder if sometimes I confuse overwork and getting everything done I think needs to be done, with obedience. That’s definitely something I’m going to need to pray about.
How about you? Do you sometimes confuse obedience with working too hard, doing all the right things (though with wrong motive or attitude), finishing your “to do” list, going to all the right church functions . . . . this list could be endless, couldn’t it. I think we need to remember that God is looking at our hearts more than our actions. And when our hearts are in the right place, our actions will easily follow.
And so, “I will praise Him with an upright heart as I learn His righteous laws.” That’s something I can do. How about you?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
God's Word
Psalm 119:1-3
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.
I have been seeking to fan the flame of my desire for God’s Word these days, and have therefore been drawn to Psalm 119. I love how this Psalm reminds us of the beauty and benefits of being in the Word, and following its statutes. In this time of stress and high-activity it is good for me to remember the sweet joy of simply spending time with God in Scripture. Not for study, not for writing, just for the pure enjoyment of Jesus.
Immediately, Psalm 119 reminds us that we are blessed when we walk according to the Word, when we keep God’s statutes and seek Him. In all that we do, we must look to Him and His Word for guidance.
This passage tells us our ways should be blameless when walking “according to the law of the LORD.” In fact, we are blameless in the sight of God, thanks to the work of Christ on the cross. As a result of that work, our thankfulness and love should give us motivation to keep His statutes and to continue seeking Him with all our hearts. When we walk in His ways, we do nothing wrong…if only we could do this every moment of every day! Amen?
Run to the Word of God, find hope, encouragement, and strength in the sweet pages of Scripture. Seek God with all your heart, and let His Word guide your every step today!
Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.
I have been seeking to fan the flame of my desire for God’s Word these days, and have therefore been drawn to Psalm 119. I love how this Psalm reminds us of the beauty and benefits of being in the Word, and following its statutes. In this time of stress and high-activity it is good for me to remember the sweet joy of simply spending time with God in Scripture. Not for study, not for writing, just for the pure enjoyment of Jesus.
Immediately, Psalm 119 reminds us that we are blessed when we walk according to the Word, when we keep God’s statutes and seek Him. In all that we do, we must look to Him and His Word for guidance.
This passage tells us our ways should be blameless when walking “according to the law of the LORD.” In fact, we are blameless in the sight of God, thanks to the work of Christ on the cross. As a result of that work, our thankfulness and love should give us motivation to keep His statutes and to continue seeking Him with all our hearts. When we walk in His ways, we do nothing wrong…if only we could do this every moment of every day! Amen?
Run to the Word of God, find hope, encouragement, and strength in the sweet pages of Scripture. Seek God with all your heart, and let His Word guide your every step today!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
God's Wondrous Works
Psalm 104:24
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
I went to the Grand Canyon this week with my family for the very first time. Yes, I have lived in Arizona for over 8 years, and have just visited the state’s most recognizable feature. Oh how I wish I had gone sooner.
I can’t stop thinking about it.
It has captivated my mind and thoughts since I set eyes on it. It has touched me deep within, as I imagine my Creator speaking it into existence. Yes, Jesus has captured my heart, once again, with this amazing piece of workmanship.
Psalm 104:24 is the verse I found on a plaque on one of the buildings. When I read it, it so perfectly described how I felt that it brought me to tears. I was so blessed to see that it had not been removed for fear of offending someone, rather it publicly proclaimed the Artist whose hand had carved the very wonder everyone was there to experience!
I cannot even fully express how it has affected me. Even now I am in tears thinking about how magnificent it was. . . almost too precious to share.
So, I will leave you with the poem that followed this verse on the plaque:
“Father Almighty, wonderful Lord, Wondrous Creator, be ever adored; Wonders of nature sing praises to You, Wonder of wonders - I may praise too!” MB
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
I went to the Grand Canyon this week with my family for the very first time. Yes, I have lived in Arizona for over 8 years, and have just visited the state’s most recognizable feature. Oh how I wish I had gone sooner.
I can’t stop thinking about it.
It has captivated my mind and thoughts since I set eyes on it. It has touched me deep within, as I imagine my Creator speaking it into existence. Yes, Jesus has captured my heart, once again, with this amazing piece of workmanship.
Psalm 104:24 is the verse I found on a plaque on one of the buildings. When I read it, it so perfectly described how I felt that it brought me to tears. I was so blessed to see that it had not been removed for fear of offending someone, rather it publicly proclaimed the Artist whose hand had carved the very wonder everyone was there to experience!
I cannot even fully express how it has affected me. Even now I am in tears thinking about how magnificent it was. . . almost too precious to share.
So, I will leave you with the poem that followed this verse on the plaque:
“Father Almighty, wonderful Lord, Wondrous Creator, be ever adored; Wonders of nature sing praises to You, Wonder of wonders - I may praise too!” MB
Friday, October 20, 2006
All We Need
Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
Wisdom and understanding – something we all truly need. It seems so illusive, doesn’t it? As though something never to be gotten or attainted. Yet, we look for it – we search in schools, books, magazines, the starts – everywhere. Rather ironic, isn’t it, that the very book from which these words come is the very book in which we will find wisdom and understanding.
They are not something we can attain or achieve; rather we receive them through the person of Jesus Christ. He is all the wisdom and understanding we need, after all, He’s the smartest man ever. He knows all things, so with Him, we can know all that we need! Isn’t that an amazing thought? I love the idea that He is truly all we need, even when it comes to knowledge.
And look at all that we get through the wisdom and understanding afforded us in Christ – profit more than silver, better returns that gold! We will have something more precious than rubies, long life, riches, and honor. We will have pleasant ways, following paths of peace. Truly, we will be blessed if we follow these ways!
What do you desire in life? Wisdom? “Nothing you desire can compare to her.”
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
Wisdom and understanding – something we all truly need. It seems so illusive, doesn’t it? As though something never to be gotten or attainted. Yet, we look for it – we search in schools, books, magazines, the starts – everywhere. Rather ironic, isn’t it, that the very book from which these words come is the very book in which we will find wisdom and understanding.
They are not something we can attain or achieve; rather we receive them through the person of Jesus Christ. He is all the wisdom and understanding we need, after all, He’s the smartest man ever. He knows all things, so with Him, we can know all that we need! Isn’t that an amazing thought? I love the idea that He is truly all we need, even when it comes to knowledge.
And look at all that we get through the wisdom and understanding afforded us in Christ – profit more than silver, better returns that gold! We will have something more precious than rubies, long life, riches, and honor. We will have pleasant ways, following paths of peace. Truly, we will be blessed if we follow these ways!
What do you desire in life? Wisdom? “Nothing you desire can compare to her.”
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Bragin' on Our Jesus
Galatians 6:14
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
Boasting in Christ. How often do we boast in Christ? How often do we go around boasting about what Christ is doing in our lives, our churches, our families? Not very often, I would be willing to bet, at least for most of us. Sure, it’s easy to boast about the achievements of our children, our spouse, even ourselves, but start to mention Jesus and most people shut-down or put up the thickest wall of defense we’ve ever seen. And so, Jesus is not someone we tend to mention much is He?
I wonder what it would take to get you and me to start talking about Jesus everyday, in ordinary ways (not that Jesus is ordinary – far from it! But to talk about Him as though He is a constant part of our lives). I read an e-mail some time ago about how our lives would be so much different if we would treat our Bibles the way we treat our cell phones – always with us, always in it, always consulting it when we have extra time or a problem, etc. It makes me wonder how much of the world really has seeped into my pores.
So, I look at myself in the mirror and wonder – am I a new creation? Yes! Praise God, I am!! I am not the person I was – even compared to 3 years ago! So, is the rest of life reflecting that newness? Or am I still caught up in the habits of the old creation, like a butterfly stuck in his cocoon? Am I truly dead to the world and all its trappings? Is the world truly dead to me, holding no appeal or luster? And is Jesus the one person I am truly proud of? I don’t know.
These are tough questions I need to ask myself. I need to spend some time reflecting and ask God to reveal the truth to me. I wonder, would you ask them of yourself along with me? Then we can face the answers together and work side-by-side to become those who truly desire to brag about Jesus and all that He is!
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
Boasting in Christ. How often do we boast in Christ? How often do we go around boasting about what Christ is doing in our lives, our churches, our families? Not very often, I would be willing to bet, at least for most of us. Sure, it’s easy to boast about the achievements of our children, our spouse, even ourselves, but start to mention Jesus and most people shut-down or put up the thickest wall of defense we’ve ever seen. And so, Jesus is not someone we tend to mention much is He?
I wonder what it would take to get you and me to start talking about Jesus everyday, in ordinary ways (not that Jesus is ordinary – far from it! But to talk about Him as though He is a constant part of our lives). I read an e-mail some time ago about how our lives would be so much different if we would treat our Bibles the way we treat our cell phones – always with us, always in it, always consulting it when we have extra time or a problem, etc. It makes me wonder how much of the world really has seeped into my pores.
So, I look at myself in the mirror and wonder – am I a new creation? Yes! Praise God, I am!! I am not the person I was – even compared to 3 years ago! So, is the rest of life reflecting that newness? Or am I still caught up in the habits of the old creation, like a butterfly stuck in his cocoon? Am I truly dead to the world and all its trappings? Is the world truly dead to me, holding no appeal or luster? And is Jesus the one person I am truly proud of? I don’t know.
These are tough questions I need to ask myself. I need to spend some time reflecting and ask God to reveal the truth to me. I wonder, would you ask them of yourself along with me? Then we can face the answers together and work side-by-side to become those who truly desire to brag about Jesus and all that He is!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Just Like . . .
Galatians 6:12-13
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
There are those, even in Christendom, who want to be popular. Hey, we all want to be liked, right? But these people will take it step further – maybe even two or three steps. Or one giant leap. These are the people who are going to start preaching to us and teaching us that we need to be like them. They want a little fan club, with people they can point to and say, “Look at all the people who are just like me! See how much they love me?”
You and I need to be cautious when we come across teachers and preachers who begin to set themselves up as the standard, instead of Christ. When these people begin to tell us that we need to be just like them, and try to step-up as the example we are to live up to, great big bells and whistles should start sounding in every cell of our bodies. Christ, alone, is our standard, and we need to seek to be like Him and no one else. Of course, if we all are trying to be like Christ, then it seems to reason that we’ll start looking similar. However, it is Jesus we look to, Jesus we praise, Jesus we look like, and Jesus who gets all the credit. No one else.
You and I need to steer-clear of those teachers who would tell us to look and act like them. And we need to watch ourselves, that we don’t get drawn into the game of wanting everyone to look and act like us. Jesus loves diversity, and so should we!
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
There are those, even in Christendom, who want to be popular. Hey, we all want to be liked, right? But these people will take it step further – maybe even two or three steps. Or one giant leap. These are the people who are going to start preaching to us and teaching us that we need to be like them. They want a little fan club, with people they can point to and say, “Look at all the people who are just like me! See how much they love me?”
You and I need to be cautious when we come across teachers and preachers who begin to set themselves up as the standard, instead of Christ. When these people begin to tell us that we need to be just like them, and try to step-up as the example we are to live up to, great big bells and whistles should start sounding in every cell of our bodies. Christ, alone, is our standard, and we need to seek to be like Him and no one else. Of course, if we all are trying to be like Christ, then it seems to reason that we’ll start looking similar. However, it is Jesus we look to, Jesus we praise, Jesus we look like, and Jesus who gets all the credit. No one else.
You and I need to steer-clear of those teachers who would tell us to look and act like them. And we need to watch ourselves, that we don’t get drawn into the game of wanting everyone to look and act like us. Jesus loves diversity, and so should we!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Mocking God
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
This one is pretty clear, isn’t it? I’m not sure I really even need to say anything.
Let’s just spend some time reflecting on our current “state of affairs.” Are we mocking God and His tremendous gift of grace? Are we spitting upon the gift of Jesus and His blood? With what we are sowing today, what will we reap tomorrow?
I pray that each of us will be reaping eternal life (and all that goes with it), rather than destruction.
Are you mocking God? Scary thought, isn’t it?
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
This one is pretty clear, isn’t it? I’m not sure I really even need to say anything.
Let’s just spend some time reflecting on our current “state of affairs.” Are we mocking God and His tremendous gift of grace? Are we spitting upon the gift of Jesus and His blood? With what we are sowing today, what will we reap tomorrow?
I pray that each of us will be reaping eternal life (and all that goes with it), rather than destruction.
Are you mocking God? Scary thought, isn’t it?
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Our Instructors
Galatians 6:6
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
Here we have one verse of many that supports our having paid pastors and teachers. We would like to think that our pastors and teachers should be willing to work and study and learn all for free. Yet, when it comes to our jobs we can readily see that we need compensation (and most everyone would say they don’t get what they deserve – whatever that may be). We tend to think that this is a new concept, paying our leaders, and wonder if it is even Biblical. Well, as you can see, it is.
It was Biblical even before Christ. The Israelites were commanded to take their tithes to the temple, and the Levites (those set aside to do the work of the Lord) were then fed and taken care of through those offerings. Now, you and I could give groceries, or land, or houses, or cars, or whatever (and I’ve heard of people doing this), but really, it’s much easier to give a tithe of our income, and let that go to take care of our modern-day Levites.
I like that this verse says that we “must share all good things” (emphasis mine). Not our leftovers, the things we don’t like anymore, the things that we are debating throwing away and think that maybe the church would like them instead. Even the Israelites were told to give the first fruits of their crops – the first, the best, not whatever is left unwanted. These brothers and sisters share their time, energy, and talents with us, and so we should be willing (and eager) to share with them, don’t you agree?
This could even go beyond the church to other ministries we have been blessed by. I can think of so many that God has used to bless my life. Perhaps you don’t have money to give, but I’m sure you have something else you could offer. I bet we’d be surprised at what God can do with our gifts and talents when we offer them to Him.
Let’s go to God today and ask what He would have us share. I’m sure we can each name one or two people in our lives that have blessed us immensely with their teaching and insight. Let’s go to God today and ask how we can return the blessing to them! (And guess what? We’ll probably be blessed right back again! Isn’t God wonderful?!)
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
Here we have one verse of many that supports our having paid pastors and teachers. We would like to think that our pastors and teachers should be willing to work and study and learn all for free. Yet, when it comes to our jobs we can readily see that we need compensation (and most everyone would say they don’t get what they deserve – whatever that may be). We tend to think that this is a new concept, paying our leaders, and wonder if it is even Biblical. Well, as you can see, it is.
It was Biblical even before Christ. The Israelites were commanded to take their tithes to the temple, and the Levites (those set aside to do the work of the Lord) were then fed and taken care of through those offerings. Now, you and I could give groceries, or land, or houses, or cars, or whatever (and I’ve heard of people doing this), but really, it’s much easier to give a tithe of our income, and let that go to take care of our modern-day Levites.
I like that this verse says that we “must share all good things” (emphasis mine). Not our leftovers, the things we don’t like anymore, the things that we are debating throwing away and think that maybe the church would like them instead. Even the Israelites were told to give the first fruits of their crops – the first, the best, not whatever is left unwanted. These brothers and sisters share their time, energy, and talents with us, and so we should be willing (and eager) to share with them, don’t you agree?
This could even go beyond the church to other ministries we have been blessed by. I can think of so many that God has used to bless my life. Perhaps you don’t have money to give, but I’m sure you have something else you could offer. I bet we’d be surprised at what God can do with our gifts and talents when we offer them to Him.
Let’s go to God today and ask what He would have us share. I’m sure we can each name one or two people in our lives that have blessed us immensely with their teaching and insight. Let’s go to God today and ask how we can return the blessing to them! (And guess what? We’ll probably be blessed right back again! Isn’t God wonderful?!)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Comparisons
Galatians 6:3-5
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
We’ve talked about others sinning, and our helping to carry their burdens, but now the focus comes right back around to us. It is generally more difficult to look at ourselves honestly, than it is to look at others, isn’t it? I wonder why that is.
I think that most of us have one of two reactions to an inward look – we are either too soft, or too harsh. We can sugar-coat everything, convincing ourselves that our motives are pure, and our actions are God-centered. Or we can just beat ourselves up for each and every little thing we do wrong, always assuming the worst of ourselves. Which do you lean toward? I know exactly where I land.
Neither is a healthy way of living, and it takes a lot of time, practice, and help to get to the point where honest introspection comes naturally. Honesty is so important, as is resisting the urge to compare ourselves to others (which is another thing we like to do – both good and bad). However, when we get to the point where we can finally look at and test our actions, and see them for what they truly are, we will be able to look to God for any adjustments we will need, and go on our way. We will be able to see what He wants of us, and whether or not that is the direction we are headed. Easier said than done, isn’t it? Then we can be proud about what God is doing in and through us. Not a haughty pride, but a pride that looks into the face of God, and declares His great glory every step of the way.
Why should we work toward this? Because God has something He wants to do in and through each and every one of us. And each adventure is different. Completely different. We cannot compare, because there is no way to do so and have it really work. What God is asking of me will not be what He asks of you. And each of us needs to “carry his own load,” because there is no one else in the same position to be as effective. There is no one else uniquely and perfectly equipped to do what God has designed us to do.
So let’s step-up, look at ourselves honestly, and ask God what He would have us do next. Let’s not worry about next year, next week, or even tomorrow, only what He wants us to do today. Will you join me?
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
We’ve talked about others sinning, and our helping to carry their burdens, but now the focus comes right back around to us. It is generally more difficult to look at ourselves honestly, than it is to look at others, isn’t it? I wonder why that is.
I think that most of us have one of two reactions to an inward look – we are either too soft, or too harsh. We can sugar-coat everything, convincing ourselves that our motives are pure, and our actions are God-centered. Or we can just beat ourselves up for each and every little thing we do wrong, always assuming the worst of ourselves. Which do you lean toward? I know exactly where I land.
Neither is a healthy way of living, and it takes a lot of time, practice, and help to get to the point where honest introspection comes naturally. Honesty is so important, as is resisting the urge to compare ourselves to others (which is another thing we like to do – both good and bad). However, when we get to the point where we can finally look at and test our actions, and see them for what they truly are, we will be able to look to God for any adjustments we will need, and go on our way. We will be able to see what He wants of us, and whether or not that is the direction we are headed. Easier said than done, isn’t it? Then we can be proud about what God is doing in and through us. Not a haughty pride, but a pride that looks into the face of God, and declares His great glory every step of the way.
Why should we work toward this? Because God has something He wants to do in and through each and every one of us. And each adventure is different. Completely different. We cannot compare, because there is no way to do so and have it really work. What God is asking of me will not be what He asks of you. And each of us needs to “carry his own load,” because there is no one else in the same position to be as effective. There is no one else uniquely and perfectly equipped to do what God has designed us to do.
So let’s step-up, look at ourselves honestly, and ask God what He would have us do next. Let’s not worry about next year, next week, or even tomorrow, only what He wants us to do today. Will you join me?
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Burdens
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We talked yesterday about gently restoring a fellow brother or sister when they have sinned. This verse brings us to the next part of that thought. Not only should we restore those who have sinned, but we also need to carry each other’s burdens. We need to help each other when we are suffering, weary, struggling with temptation or with life in general. We need to be Jesus with skin-on.
Here’s the thing. In order to be able to bear each other’s burdens (and have our own burdens shared), we need to be involved in each other’s lives. We can’t bear the burden of another person if we do not even know they have a burden to bear.
This also means we need to be willing to open up to those around us, share our struggles, pain, disappointments, hopes, and dreams. We must let them come beside us and help us, strengthen us, challenge us, encourage us, speak into our lives, and even sacrifice for us, just as we would do for them.
Do you have people in your life with whom you are living life? Are you building the kind of relationship with them that allows you to open up to them and them to you? Are you willing to sacrifice for them, be inconvenienced for them? Are you willing to humble yourself and let them sacrifice and be inconvenienced for you?
God created us to live in fellowship with one-another. We will not grow and experience all that He has for us if we are not living intimately with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If you have people like this in your life, praise God for them today, and seek Him (and them) to discover if there is a burden of theirs that you can help them carry. If not, pray that God would bring those people into your life. Since it is His desire that we would live like this, I’m sure He has just the right people in mind for each and every one of us!
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We talked yesterday about gently restoring a fellow brother or sister when they have sinned. This verse brings us to the next part of that thought. Not only should we restore those who have sinned, but we also need to carry each other’s burdens. We need to help each other when we are suffering, weary, struggling with temptation or with life in general. We need to be Jesus with skin-on.
Here’s the thing. In order to be able to bear each other’s burdens (and have our own burdens shared), we need to be involved in each other’s lives. We can’t bear the burden of another person if we do not even know they have a burden to bear.
This also means we need to be willing to open up to those around us, share our struggles, pain, disappointments, hopes, and dreams. We must let them come beside us and help us, strengthen us, challenge us, encourage us, speak into our lives, and even sacrifice for us, just as we would do for them.
Do you have people in your life with whom you are living life? Are you building the kind of relationship with them that allows you to open up to them and them to you? Are you willing to sacrifice for them, be inconvenienced for them? Are you willing to humble yourself and let them sacrifice and be inconvenienced for you?
God created us to live in fellowship with one-another. We will not grow and experience all that He has for us if we are not living intimately with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If you have people like this in your life, praise God for them today, and seek Him (and them) to discover if there is a burden of theirs that you can help them carry. If not, pray that God would bring those people into your life. Since it is His desire that we would live like this, I’m sure He has just the right people in mind for each and every one of us!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Restoration
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Ah yes, someone else being caught in a sin. Juicy gossip. Righteous outrage. Judgmental stares. Apparently, that isn’t what God wants us to do. OK, so now what?
We restore them. “Restore them?!?” Yes, restore them gently.
The Greek word for “restore” is translated “to mend, to repair; to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be.” Wow! That’s quite different from the approach we often take, isn’t it? Many times, in our churches, we throw them out, distance ourselves from them, pretending we have every right to do so. Now, if this person has been caught and refuses to repent, continuing in their sin, that’s a whole different scenario. However, when the person admits that they are in the wrong, and begin taking steps toward healing and forgiveness, we need to be there to help them, to mend and repair them, to strengthen them, to make them what they ought to be. And we need to do so gently, not being harsh and cruel. Just as we would re-set a child’s broken arm, so we need to be when we are helping to re-set a sister or brother’s broken spirit.
Is this the approach we take when we see a sister or brother fall? Or do we react more harshly, judgmentally? Let’s be the ones to give them help, to love on them, to support them, to pray for them. Let’s be the ones that do not talk about them and their failures. After all, next time, it could be us!
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Ah yes, someone else being caught in a sin. Juicy gossip. Righteous outrage. Judgmental stares. Apparently, that isn’t what God wants us to do. OK, so now what?
We restore them. “Restore them?!?” Yes, restore them gently.
The Greek word for “restore” is translated “to mend, to repair; to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be.” Wow! That’s quite different from the approach we often take, isn’t it? Many times, in our churches, we throw them out, distance ourselves from them, pretending we have every right to do so. Now, if this person has been caught and refuses to repent, continuing in their sin, that’s a whole different scenario. However, when the person admits that they are in the wrong, and begin taking steps toward healing and forgiveness, we need to be there to help them, to mend and repair them, to strengthen them, to make them what they ought to be. And we need to do so gently, not being harsh and cruel. Just as we would re-set a child’s broken arm, so we need to be when we are helping to re-set a sister or brother’s broken spirit.
Is this the approach we take when we see a sister or brother fall? Or do we react more harshly, judgmentally? Let’s be the ones to give them help, to love on them, to support them, to pray for them. Let’s be the ones that do not talk about them and their failures. After all, next time, it could be us!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Swept Away
Galatians 5:25-26
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
We have been talking about living in the Spirit – watching for Him every day in everything we do, everywhere we go. This is a tough habit to form, isn’t it? We tend to be so easily distracted with what we need to get done, where we are supposed to be, etc. It takes practice, conscious practice. And when we find our minds have strayed, we need to stop and re-focus, asking God to bring our focus back to Him.
Yet, this is not all. We must take it a step further. We must not only look for Him, but we must then participate with Him in whatever work He is doing. We can see His hand leading us to a needy person, but we must then step-up and help that person out. We must be the hands of Jesus. And we must grasp His hand, and follow His lead. It is not enough to merely recognize His presence and movement. We must allow ourselves to be swept up by His Spirit, and be carried away with Him.
Otherwise, as it says, we may “become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” There’s that enemy tactic again – getting us to fight with each other, so that we ignore him and the world completely. Again, I just think that it comes back to the fact that when we stop focusing on God, we begin to focus on ourselves, and that just never ends up good.
Let’s walk by the Spirit today, keeping in step with Him. Let Him sweep you up and carry you away. Look for Him, loved one, as He is relentlessly pursuing you!
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
We have been talking about living in the Spirit – watching for Him every day in everything we do, everywhere we go. This is a tough habit to form, isn’t it? We tend to be so easily distracted with what we need to get done, where we are supposed to be, etc. It takes practice, conscious practice. And when we find our minds have strayed, we need to stop and re-focus, asking God to bring our focus back to Him.
Yet, this is not all. We must take it a step further. We must not only look for Him, but we must then participate with Him in whatever work He is doing. We can see His hand leading us to a needy person, but we must then step-up and help that person out. We must be the hands of Jesus. And we must grasp His hand, and follow His lead. It is not enough to merely recognize His presence and movement. We must allow ourselves to be swept up by His Spirit, and be carried away with Him.
Otherwise, as it says, we may “become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” There’s that enemy tactic again – getting us to fight with each other, so that we ignore him and the world completely. Again, I just think that it comes back to the fact that when we stop focusing on God, we begin to focus on ourselves, and that just never ends up good.
Let’s walk by the Spirit today, keeping in step with Him. Let Him sweep you up and carry you away. Look for Him, loved one, as He is relentlessly pursuing you!
Friday, October 06, 2006
A Little Fruit for Thought
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
When we are living by the Spirit, and allowing Him to change us, as we have discussed the last two days, the fruit that is produced in our lives will be magnificent! When we have the fruit of the Spirit, people begin to take notice that we are different. Different from the world around us, and different from how we used to be.
I’m sure each and every one of us could look at this list and see all the areas in which we fall short. Yet, what a beautiful thing it is when we begin to see the Spirit’s work in us each and every day, in each and every little situation. We see the fruit He is producing, and begin to marvel that He is changing us little-by-little. When we begin looking for God in all things, every day, walking in the Spirit, these fruits will be the result of the cultivation of that relationship. And “against such things there is no law.” In other-words we can practice these things as much as we want, as much as we can. We can have an abundant crop, and still have room for more.
Today, let’s each take the time to look at the fruit God has been producing in us. I know that many times we are urged to look at this list and take stock of what we need to work on, but I think we get plenty of that. Sometimes we need to see how far we’ve come, instead of how far we have to go. (I think we’re all acutely aware that we’ve each got a LONG way!) So let’s look at our “branches” and see what is growing there, praising God for the miraculous work in us!
Walk today in the knowledge that God is doing a great, miraculous, and beautiful work in you!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
When we are living by the Spirit, and allowing Him to change us, as we have discussed the last two days, the fruit that is produced in our lives will be magnificent! When we have the fruit of the Spirit, people begin to take notice that we are different. Different from the world around us, and different from how we used to be.
I’m sure each and every one of us could look at this list and see all the areas in which we fall short. Yet, what a beautiful thing it is when we begin to see the Spirit’s work in us each and every day, in each and every little situation. We see the fruit He is producing, and begin to marvel that He is changing us little-by-little. When we begin looking for God in all things, every day, walking in the Spirit, these fruits will be the result of the cultivation of that relationship. And “against such things there is no law.” In other-words we can practice these things as much as we want, as much as we can. We can have an abundant crop, and still have room for more.
Today, let’s each take the time to look at the fruit God has been producing in us. I know that many times we are urged to look at this list and take stock of what we need to work on, but I think we get plenty of that. Sometimes we need to see how far we’ve come, instead of how far we have to go. (I think we’re all acutely aware that we’ve each got a LONG way!) So let’s look at our “branches” and see what is growing there, praising God for the miraculous work in us!
Walk today in the knowledge that God is doing a great, miraculous, and beautiful work in you!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Sinful Nature
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If you’re like me you probably skimmed over this list and thought, “Yep! That’s how ‘they’ live!” Yet if we take a closer look, we will find that we are described in here too. “Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy…” I wish I could say that not a single one of these describes me, but then I would be lying, and that’s sinful too, so what’s the point of pretending?
I’m sure you noticed the last sentence of this passage, reminding us that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This is where we begin to panic, wondering if our sin means that we won’t be heirs with Christ. Don’t panic. This passage is telling us that it is a life of sin that does not inherit God’s kingdom. It is when sin is a way of life, a constant and consistent way of reacting and living that we must then take a look inside ourselves and begin to ask the tough questions. “Do I desire to change?” “If not, why? Is it that I am lacking conviction from the Holy Spirit, evidence of no relationship with Christ?” “If I have the desire to change, what can I do to allow Christ to begin that process within me?”
If sin is not the way of life for you, then you can probably see the conviction of the Spirit in your life, and the process of change He is leading you through. Yet, we must continue to watch ourselves and our attitudes. Many of the sins we tend to leave un-checked are some of the ones that can be most damaging, because they are subtle and often left to their own devices. If left to simmer and grow they can ruin friendships, relationships, ministries, families, even entire churches. We must listen to the Spirit, and allow Him to guide us and change us, one day, one moment at a time. This means we must be willing to see and admit to our mistakes, wrong thoughts, and negative attitudes.
Is there an attitude or thought that the Holy Spirit has been nagging you about? We need to begin by admitting our sin to God, and asking for forgiveness and help to change. Then we need to find a friend or two with whom we can build an accountability relationship – a safe place to share, grow, and be challenged to change. If you have no one with whom you feel safe, begin by asking God to send someone your way, and watch for His quick (though possibly unexpected) answer.
When we watch for God and follow His lead each day, we will begin to taste of all that He has for us. This, in turn, will keep us from living lives of sin, as we are led in righteousness through God’s Spirit. Let’s start today, together!
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
If you’re like me you probably skimmed over this list and thought, “Yep! That’s how ‘they’ live!” Yet if we take a closer look, we will find that we are described in here too. “Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy…” I wish I could say that not a single one of these describes me, but then I would be lying, and that’s sinful too, so what’s the point of pretending?
I’m sure you noticed the last sentence of this passage, reminding us that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This is where we begin to panic, wondering if our sin means that we won’t be heirs with Christ. Don’t panic. This passage is telling us that it is a life of sin that does not inherit God’s kingdom. It is when sin is a way of life, a constant and consistent way of reacting and living that we must then take a look inside ourselves and begin to ask the tough questions. “Do I desire to change?” “If not, why? Is it that I am lacking conviction from the Holy Spirit, evidence of no relationship with Christ?” “If I have the desire to change, what can I do to allow Christ to begin that process within me?”
If sin is not the way of life for you, then you can probably see the conviction of the Spirit in your life, and the process of change He is leading you through. Yet, we must continue to watch ourselves and our attitudes. Many of the sins we tend to leave un-checked are some of the ones that can be most damaging, because they are subtle and often left to their own devices. If left to simmer and grow they can ruin friendships, relationships, ministries, families, even entire churches. We must listen to the Spirit, and allow Him to guide us and change us, one day, one moment at a time. This means we must be willing to see and admit to our mistakes, wrong thoughts, and negative attitudes.
Is there an attitude or thought that the Holy Spirit has been nagging you about? We need to begin by admitting our sin to God, and asking for forgiveness and help to change. Then we need to find a friend or two with whom we can build an accountability relationship – a safe place to share, grow, and be challenged to change. If you have no one with whom you feel safe, begin by asking God to send someone your way, and watch for His quick (though possibly unexpected) answer.
When we watch for God and follow His lead each day, we will begin to taste of all that He has for us. This, in turn, will keep us from living lives of sin, as we are led in righteousness through God’s Spirit. Let’s start today, together!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Living by the Spirit
Galatians 5:16
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
We always hear teachers and preachers telling us to “live by the Spirit,” but what exactly does that mean? It seems like it should be so simple, so why are we always struggling against “the desires of the sinful nature”?
I won’t pretend to have the answer here, but let’s take a moment to look at this together. When I read this in context, Paul seems to be intimating that it is about our focus. Just as we have been talking, are we focused inward or outward? Are we focused on Christ and others, or us, us, us? We’ve pretty-much hashed that one out, haven’t we?
So what else do we need to be conscious of? One thing that God seems to be driving home with me these days is living NOW. Not focusing on the past or even the future, but living today, enjoying today, solving today’s problems, experiencing God today.
It is so easy for me to wonder and think of all that God has in-store for my future, thinking and day-dreaming about all the different possibilities. When I do this, I believe that I steal from myself the present moment and all that God has in-store for me today. Of course we need to plan for and take care-of the future as much as we can. But we also need to be aware that God’s plans often are not our own.
It seems that when I spend so much time wallowing in (or else glorifying) the past, or dreaming about the future, the little things of each day tend to take me by surprise. Hence, it’s much easier to fall prey to the desires of the sinful nature. I forget to walk with God today, to talk to Him, to listen to Him, and to just be aware of Him at each moment. I am looking forward to experiencing Him instead of experiencing Him right now.
Let’s start by “practicing the presence of God” today. Be aware of His presence, and what He may be telling us at any given moment. We can go to the Word and discover what He wants us to know for today. He desires to be in relationship with us all the time, each and every moment of each and every day. He is seeking to envelop us in His love and grace and mercy, and I think that so often we miss it! Live for God today, friend, for you will never live this moment again!
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
We always hear teachers and preachers telling us to “live by the Spirit,” but what exactly does that mean? It seems like it should be so simple, so why are we always struggling against “the desires of the sinful nature”?
I won’t pretend to have the answer here, but let’s take a moment to look at this together. When I read this in context, Paul seems to be intimating that it is about our focus. Just as we have been talking, are we focused inward or outward? Are we focused on Christ and others, or us, us, us? We’ve pretty-much hashed that one out, haven’t we?
So what else do we need to be conscious of? One thing that God seems to be driving home with me these days is living NOW. Not focusing on the past or even the future, but living today, enjoying today, solving today’s problems, experiencing God today.
It is so easy for me to wonder and think of all that God has in-store for my future, thinking and day-dreaming about all the different possibilities. When I do this, I believe that I steal from myself the present moment and all that God has in-store for me today. Of course we need to plan for and take care-of the future as much as we can. But we also need to be aware that God’s plans often are not our own.
It seems that when I spend so much time wallowing in (or else glorifying) the past, or dreaming about the future, the little things of each day tend to take me by surprise. Hence, it’s much easier to fall prey to the desires of the sinful nature. I forget to walk with God today, to talk to Him, to listen to Him, and to just be aware of Him at each moment. I am looking forward to experiencing Him instead of experiencing Him right now.
Let’s start by “practicing the presence of God” today. Be aware of His presence, and what He may be telling us at any given moment. We can go to the Word and discover what He wants us to know for today. He desires to be in relationship with us all the time, each and every moment of each and every day. He is seeking to envelop us in His love and grace and mercy, and I think that so often we miss it! Live for God today, friend, for you will never live this moment again!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Biting and Devouring
Galatians 5:14-15
The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
This verse piggy-backs yesterday’s thought – looking out for each other, building unity, and living in harmony. We are to love each other, just as Christ has loved us.
Yet, “biting and devouring” is often a great way to describe what goes on within the church walls, isn’t it? We all know that this isn’t what God desires, but let’s take a look at what it accomplishes. I believe it is one of the enemy’s greatest tactics to divide the Church, getting us to fight with each other and bringing each other down, for a couple of reasons.
First, it goes back to the simple concept of divide and conquer. When we are separated and focused on fighting each other, we do not work together and fight as a team. It’s easier for the enemy to attack us in our weakened state. We begin to see each other as the enemy, tearing down our fellow brothers and sisters in a futile effort to build ourselves up. Eventually, we will destroy ourselves and everyone around us in the process.
The second thing I believe this accomplishes is pushing those in the world away from our churches. Why would they want to be a part of something that is really no different than that which they already have? They can get gossip, backstabbing, and in-fighting in their workplace, other organizations, and even their homes.
However, when we are working together, supporting each other, helping each other to heal and grow, the world will see that we have something they deeply desire. They will want to be a part of it, even at-first simply to be loved and accepted as they are. We will be able to fight for each other, and band together to fight the enemy – if two is better than one, imagine the effect of 2 million!
Let’s work together, support each other, and love each other, just as we discussed yesterday. Let’s band together to build a healthy Body, drawing those who are not yet a part of us into our loving Arms, helping them to recognize their need for the love and life found in Christ.
The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
This verse piggy-backs yesterday’s thought – looking out for each other, building unity, and living in harmony. We are to love each other, just as Christ has loved us.
Yet, “biting and devouring” is often a great way to describe what goes on within the church walls, isn’t it? We all know that this isn’t what God desires, but let’s take a look at what it accomplishes. I believe it is one of the enemy’s greatest tactics to divide the Church, getting us to fight with each other and bringing each other down, for a couple of reasons.
First, it goes back to the simple concept of divide and conquer. When we are separated and focused on fighting each other, we do not work together and fight as a team. It’s easier for the enemy to attack us in our weakened state. We begin to see each other as the enemy, tearing down our fellow brothers and sisters in a futile effort to build ourselves up. Eventually, we will destroy ourselves and everyone around us in the process.
The second thing I believe this accomplishes is pushing those in the world away from our churches. Why would they want to be a part of something that is really no different than that which they already have? They can get gossip, backstabbing, and in-fighting in their workplace, other organizations, and even their homes.
However, when we are working together, supporting each other, helping each other to heal and grow, the world will see that we have something they deeply desire. They will want to be a part of it, even at-first simply to be loved and accepted as they are. We will be able to fight for each other, and band together to fight the enemy – if two is better than one, imagine the effect of 2 million!
Let’s work together, support each other, and love each other, just as we discussed yesterday. Let’s band together to build a healthy Body, drawing those who are not yet a part of us into our loving Arms, helping them to recognize their need for the love and life found in Christ.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Lukewarmness
Galatians 5:9
"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
Are there any bakers out there? If so, then you will understand this concept, probably better than even I do.
Yeast, often used to describe sin in the Bible, is actually a living thing, a fungus that grows rapidly and wildly under the right circumstances. In fact, it takes lukewarm water (and a little bit of sugar) to activate it and begin its growth process. Revelation 3:15-16 talks about the deeds of Laodicea, how they are not cold or hot, but lukewarm. I think of cold deeds being cool, refreshing, encouraging, and energizing. Where-as hot deeds would be warm, comforting, soothing, and calming. Lukewarm deeds would be neither, probably self-centered, self-righteous, and judgmental – a perfect place for the yeast of sin to grow and spread.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes it only takes one person to get a while group of people riled up? Gossip, backstabbing, division, and dissention often start with only one person and it grows from there.
So, how can we protect ourselves from this? We need to have hot or cold deeds – cold deeds won’t activate the yeast, and hot deeds kill it off. Instead of being self-focused, we need to be focused on Jesus and others. When we are consumed with serving others, lifting them up, comforting them, and helping them out, we don’t have the time (or generally the desire) to allow yeast to get in the way and ruin the wonderful things we have going on.
Let’s start today by thinking of someone we can help soothe and comfort, or encourage and refresh. Send them a card, take them a meal, make them some cookies, or even just give them a call or a hug. We were designed to live in community with each other, and this is one of the many reasons why.
"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
Are there any bakers out there? If so, then you will understand this concept, probably better than even I do.
Yeast, often used to describe sin in the Bible, is actually a living thing, a fungus that grows rapidly and wildly under the right circumstances. In fact, it takes lukewarm water (and a little bit of sugar) to activate it and begin its growth process. Revelation 3:15-16 talks about the deeds of Laodicea, how they are not cold or hot, but lukewarm. I think of cold deeds being cool, refreshing, encouraging, and energizing. Where-as hot deeds would be warm, comforting, soothing, and calming. Lukewarm deeds would be neither, probably self-centered, self-righteous, and judgmental – a perfect place for the yeast of sin to grow and spread.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes it only takes one person to get a while group of people riled up? Gossip, backstabbing, division, and dissention often start with only one person and it grows from there.
So, how can we protect ourselves from this? We need to have hot or cold deeds – cold deeds won’t activate the yeast, and hot deeds kill it off. Instead of being self-focused, we need to be focused on Jesus and others. When we are consumed with serving others, lifting them up, comforting them, and helping them out, we don’t have the time (or generally the desire) to allow yeast to get in the way and ruin the wonderful things we have going on.
Let’s start today by thinking of someone we can help soothe and comfort, or encourage and refresh. Send them a card, take them a meal, make them some cookies, or even just give them a call or a hug. We were designed to live in community with each other, and this is one of the many reasons why.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Love
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
I think this verse is pretty clear and self-explanatory. Not really all that much to say here, so I will just re-iterate what I said a few days ago. Faith is the way we experience our relationship with Jesus – if we have a relationship we have faith, and if we have faith in Christ we have a relationship with Him. It is not mere head-knowledge that constitutes faith in Jesus – it’s deeper than that.
That relationship, at its most basic level, is expressed through love. We could boil the entire Bible down to that one word. Love. God made us to love us. He gave us a choice so that we would truly love Him. He loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to earth for us. Jesus loved us so much that He suffered and died for us after living a perfectly blameless life. In love, He pursues and woos us into a love relationship, through faith. We are to love Him enough that we obey Him. We are to love Him with all that we have, and all that we are – with our minds, our hearts, our bodies, our souls – our thoughts, our emotions, our physical bodies, and our spirit. And because of His love for us, and our love for Him, we will overflow onto those around us, loving our friends, our enemies, our family, our neighbors. Everyone we come into contact with should sense the love flowing from our very pores. Not our love. The love of Christ Jesus. It is as if we are a conduit, a hose, and when we are hooked up to the source, we can’t help but pour out that which is being poured in.
Let’s look to Jesus today, and ask Him to fill us with His love, to pour our His love to us and through us to each and every person we come into contact with. And after today, let’s do the same thing tomorrow. And the next day. Until each-and-every-day we are spreading the love of Jesus to a needy, yet unsuspecting world!
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
I think this verse is pretty clear and self-explanatory. Not really all that much to say here, so I will just re-iterate what I said a few days ago. Faith is the way we experience our relationship with Jesus – if we have a relationship we have faith, and if we have faith in Christ we have a relationship with Him. It is not mere head-knowledge that constitutes faith in Jesus – it’s deeper than that.
That relationship, at its most basic level, is expressed through love. We could boil the entire Bible down to that one word. Love. God made us to love us. He gave us a choice so that we would truly love Him. He loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to earth for us. Jesus loved us so much that He suffered and died for us after living a perfectly blameless life. In love, He pursues and woos us into a love relationship, through faith. We are to love Him enough that we obey Him. We are to love Him with all that we have, and all that we are – with our minds, our hearts, our bodies, our souls – our thoughts, our emotions, our physical bodies, and our spirit. And because of His love for us, and our love for Him, we will overflow onto those around us, loving our friends, our enemies, our family, our neighbors. Everyone we come into contact with should sense the love flowing from our very pores. Not our love. The love of Christ Jesus. It is as if we are a conduit, a hose, and when we are hooked up to the source, we can’t help but pour out that which is being poured in.
Let’s look to Jesus today, and ask Him to fill us with His love, to pour our His love to us and through us to each and every person we come into contact with. And after today, let’s do the same thing tomorrow. And the next day. Until each-and-every-day we are spreading the love of Jesus to a needy, yet unsuspecting world!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Freedom
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Freedom, as a Biblical concept, can be a little difficult for Americans to grasp. We tend to see freedom as the freedom to do something, where-as Biblical freedom generally refers to freedom from something.
The first sentence of this verse seems a little silly at first, doesn’t it? Of course, Christ set us free for freedom – DUH!! If we’ve been set free, then we obviously have freedom, right? Unfortunately, I think there are so many of us who have been set free who are not living in freedom. It’s as if we are in prison – a damp, musty cell, wasting away, and Jesus comes along and opens the cell door. We are free!! Free from all the horrors prison life has cast our way. Yet we still have to be the ones to stand up and walk out that door. I wonder how many Christians are still sitting in their cells, just staring at the open door wondering why they aren’t experiencing freedom.
You and I must follow Jesus out the door into the great unknown! It can be so scary, not knowing exactly what to expect, but we can be sure of one thing – it will be MUCH better than where we were before. And when things get tough, or temptation comes our way, we must stand firm, and not run back to that which we know best, where we think we are more comfortable; we cannot run back into our prison cell. You and I must be diligent about reforming new habits to replace the old ones. We must create new “comfort places” that are far from our prison cells.
Yes they were familiar and seemingly easy, but “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” not so we can wallow in our misery, while staring at the open door and whining that we just can’t get free. Let’s stand up and walk out that door! One step-at-a-time, we can walk away from the bondage and into glorious freedom! Won’t you join me?
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Freedom, as a Biblical concept, can be a little difficult for Americans to grasp. We tend to see freedom as the freedom to do something, where-as Biblical freedom generally refers to freedom from something.
The first sentence of this verse seems a little silly at first, doesn’t it? Of course, Christ set us free for freedom – DUH!! If we’ve been set free, then we obviously have freedom, right? Unfortunately, I think there are so many of us who have been set free who are not living in freedom. It’s as if we are in prison – a damp, musty cell, wasting away, and Jesus comes along and opens the cell door. We are free!! Free from all the horrors prison life has cast our way. Yet we still have to be the ones to stand up and walk out that door. I wonder how many Christians are still sitting in their cells, just staring at the open door wondering why they aren’t experiencing freedom.
You and I must follow Jesus out the door into the great unknown! It can be so scary, not knowing exactly what to expect, but we can be sure of one thing – it will be MUCH better than where we were before. And when things get tough, or temptation comes our way, we must stand firm, and not run back to that which we know best, where we think we are more comfortable; we cannot run back into our prison cell. You and I must be diligent about reforming new habits to replace the old ones. We must create new “comfort places” that are far from our prison cells.
Yes they were familiar and seemingly easy, but “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” not so we can wallow in our misery, while staring at the open door and whining that we just can’t get free. Let’s stand up and walk out that door! One step-at-a-time, we can walk away from the bondage and into glorious freedom! Won’t you join me?
Thursday, September 28, 2006
New Clothes
Galatians 3:26-27
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
What does it mean to be clothed with Christ? What should that look like?
Now, granted, I’m a woman, so when I think of clothing, I think of it as being one of the first things I notice on a person. Clothing is one of the ways we express ourselves – our likes, interests, priorities. We can tell a lot about a person, generally speaking, just by their clothes. I wonder, does Christ express who we are? More importantly, I think, do we express who Christ is to a dying, desperate, and hopeless world?
I believe to be clothed with Christ means that we walk in the knowledge of who we are, of whose we are. Our likes, dislikes, and priorities mirror the likes, dislikes, and priorities of Christ. When we are clothed with Christ, it shouldn’t take long for those around us to notice that there is something different about us.
Interestingly, the Greek word for “clothed,” enduo, means “to sink into, put on…” and it’s from the root word duno, meaning “to go into, enter, be plunged into…” Wow! We need to sink into Christ, plunging into Him. What a wonderful thought! Like a pair of silky pajamas, and the softest comfy chair, we need to sink into Christ, and just let Him consume us – consume our thoughts, our desires, our focus, our priorities… the list could be endless. We need to let Him consume all that we have and all that we are, until He is the very expression of all that we are, and all that we desire to be.
When people look at you and me, do they see Christ? I guess a better question to ask ourselves would be, do they see the truth of Christ, or do they see our idea of Him? As Christians we represent the One whose name we bear. I just wonder if I am showing off the real thing, a priceless treasure, or a cheap imitation? Let’s sink into Jesus today, and let Him begin to change us stitch-by-stitch!
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
What does it mean to be clothed with Christ? What should that look like?
Now, granted, I’m a woman, so when I think of clothing, I think of it as being one of the first things I notice on a person. Clothing is one of the ways we express ourselves – our likes, interests, priorities. We can tell a lot about a person, generally speaking, just by their clothes. I wonder, does Christ express who we are? More importantly, I think, do we express who Christ is to a dying, desperate, and hopeless world?
I believe to be clothed with Christ means that we walk in the knowledge of who we are, of whose we are. Our likes, dislikes, and priorities mirror the likes, dislikes, and priorities of Christ. When we are clothed with Christ, it shouldn’t take long for those around us to notice that there is something different about us.
Interestingly, the Greek word for “clothed,” enduo, means “to sink into, put on…” and it’s from the root word duno, meaning “to go into, enter, be plunged into…” Wow! We need to sink into Christ, plunging into Him. What a wonderful thought! Like a pair of silky pajamas, and the softest comfy chair, we need to sink into Christ, and just let Him consume us – consume our thoughts, our desires, our focus, our priorities… the list could be endless. We need to let Him consume all that we have and all that we are, until He is the very expression of all that we are, and all that we desire to be.
When people look at you and me, do they see Christ? I guess a better question to ask ourselves would be, do they see the truth of Christ, or do they see our idea of Him? As Christians we represent the One whose name we bear. I just wonder if I am showing off the real thing, a priceless treasure, or a cheap imitation? Let’s sink into Jesus today, and let Him begin to change us stitch-by-stitch!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Faith, Not Law
Galatians 3:23-25
Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
Ah, the law. A difficult one this can be. (Oh man, I’m beginning to sound like Yoda – yikes!) We like knowing the rules, our boundaries, and we like the thought that as long as we stay within them we’ll be OK. Following the rules, obedience, that’s what this Christian life is about, right??
I don’t think it is.
I think God is more interested in our heart than our obedience. He is looking for love and a relationship, and that relationship is experienced and expressed through faith.
The law was put into place to “lead us to Christ,” to let us know that we fall terribly short and need help. It is not to show us that we need Christ, and then show us what we need to do to maintain that relationship. We do not have to follow a list of things “to do” in order to stay in relationship with Christ. Isn’t that a freeing thought?
I think the best way to look at it is to think about a parent’s relationship with a child, as that is often how our relationship with God is described. A child is a child, whether they are rebellious or obedient, and generally they are loved either way, as well. However, parents do ask certain things of their children. Sometimes they obey because they know they need to, “or else,” and so it is with us. There are just some rules we’d better not break, or the consequences could send us reeling. However, the times a parent delights in their child the most are the times when the child does something not because they were asked a hundred times (or more – UGH!), not because the parent stood over them and forced them, but because they knew the gesture would delight the parent. And so it does. It is delightful when a child does the right thing because they love their mom or dad, because they want to make them happy, make them smile.
So, I believe, it is with God. He is delighted when our obedience is an expression of our love for Him. And as we focus on Christ and follow Him each day, He will teach us His discipline, not our own, after all that is what it means to be a “disciple.” We are disciples of Christ, because we place ourselves under His teaching to learn His disciplines, the way He does things. This is much more delightful than following a set of rules, isn’t it?
Do your disciplines – Bible reading and study, prayer, fasting, etc. – result from following a list of things to do, or are they an expression of your relationship with Christ, a natural extension of all that He is teaching you? That’s a pretty tough question to answer isn’t it? I find that even I am having trouble knowing, for sure. Let’s spend some time talking to God about it today, and discover where each of us needs to go from here.
Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
Ah, the law. A difficult one this can be. (Oh man, I’m beginning to sound like Yoda – yikes!) We like knowing the rules, our boundaries, and we like the thought that as long as we stay within them we’ll be OK. Following the rules, obedience, that’s what this Christian life is about, right??
I don’t think it is.
I think God is more interested in our heart than our obedience. He is looking for love and a relationship, and that relationship is experienced and expressed through faith.
The law was put into place to “lead us to Christ,” to let us know that we fall terribly short and need help. It is not to show us that we need Christ, and then show us what we need to do to maintain that relationship. We do not have to follow a list of things “to do” in order to stay in relationship with Christ. Isn’t that a freeing thought?
I think the best way to look at it is to think about a parent’s relationship with a child, as that is often how our relationship with God is described. A child is a child, whether they are rebellious or obedient, and generally they are loved either way, as well. However, parents do ask certain things of their children. Sometimes they obey because they know they need to, “or else,” and so it is with us. There are just some rules we’d better not break, or the consequences could send us reeling. However, the times a parent delights in their child the most are the times when the child does something not because they were asked a hundred times (or more – UGH!), not because the parent stood over them and forced them, but because they knew the gesture would delight the parent. And so it does. It is delightful when a child does the right thing because they love their mom or dad, because they want to make them happy, make them smile.
So, I believe, it is with God. He is delighted when our obedience is an expression of our love for Him. And as we focus on Christ and follow Him each day, He will teach us His discipline, not our own, after all that is what it means to be a “disciple.” We are disciples of Christ, because we place ourselves under His teaching to learn His disciplines, the way He does things. This is much more delightful than following a set of rules, isn’t it?
Do your disciplines – Bible reading and study, prayer, fasting, etc. – result from following a list of things to do, or are they an expression of your relationship with Christ, a natural extension of all that He is teaching you? That’s a pretty tough question to answer isn’t it? I find that even I am having trouble knowing, for sure. Let’s spend some time talking to God about it today, and discover where each of us needs to go from here.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Human Effort
Galatians 3:2-3, 5
Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?...Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
We, as Christians, understand that we are brought into relationship with Jesus through our belief – our understanding of the truth and our willingness to submit to its authority over our lives. Saved by grace – the mighty grace of God. Yet, when it comes time to grow in Him and in faith, we decide to take matters into our own hands, generally.
We cannot become like Christ through our own efforts – nothing we do will mold us to be like Him. God, alone, can change us and make us more like Christ. He has many tools by which He does this – the Word, prayer, fasting, fellowship – yet He is the only One who can truly change us. Merely reading the Bible won’t do us much good, if we’re not reading it in the context of our relationship with God. Prayer isn’t much good if we simply rattle off a bunch of words and call it good for the day.
No, Jesus forms us to look like Him by hanging out with us. Spending time with God will begin to change our habits, our thinking, our talk, our ways. What are some ways you like to hang out with God? When you read your Bible, are you reading God’s letter to you, or just some old books that have some really wise sayings (sayings, consequently, that your spouse really should take to heart!)? When you pray, do you consider it a one-time event each day, a quick conversation and then you’re on your way? Let’s be honest – I won’t “read” your answer, if you won’t “read” mine.
Spend some time thinking about (and asking God) how you can make Him a part of everything you do, the most important part of your life. We can’t do this Christian life on our own, no matter how many spiritual disciplines we check off our lists, if we’re not doing them with the only One who has the power to change us dramatically, permanently, perfectly.
Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?...Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
We, as Christians, understand that we are brought into relationship with Jesus through our belief – our understanding of the truth and our willingness to submit to its authority over our lives. Saved by grace – the mighty grace of God. Yet, when it comes time to grow in Him and in faith, we decide to take matters into our own hands, generally.
We cannot become like Christ through our own efforts – nothing we do will mold us to be like Him. God, alone, can change us and make us more like Christ. He has many tools by which He does this – the Word, prayer, fasting, fellowship – yet He is the only One who can truly change us. Merely reading the Bible won’t do us much good, if we’re not reading it in the context of our relationship with God. Prayer isn’t much good if we simply rattle off a bunch of words and call it good for the day.
No, Jesus forms us to look like Him by hanging out with us. Spending time with God will begin to change our habits, our thinking, our talk, our ways. What are some ways you like to hang out with God? When you read your Bible, are you reading God’s letter to you, or just some old books that have some really wise sayings (sayings, consequently, that your spouse really should take to heart!)? When you pray, do you consider it a one-time event each day, a quick conversation and then you’re on your way? Let’s be honest – I won’t “read” your answer, if you won’t “read” mine.
Spend some time thinking about (and asking God) how you can make Him a part of everything you do, the most important part of your life. We can’t do this Christian life on our own, no matter how many spiritual disciplines we check off our lists, if we’re not doing them with the only One who has the power to change us dramatically, permanently, perfectly.
Remembering the Poor
Galatians 2:10
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
America, “Land of Opportunity.” This is the place where dreams are made and come true . . . for some. For others, however, life is not so good, dealing them a hand less desirable. It’s easy to think that because we are doing OK, everyone else should be too. If we can make a living, so should everyone else.
We have no idea the situations that lead to a person needing help. We probably couldn’t fathom the lives people have had, leading them to desperation. We’ve all made mistakes, and we should be thankful if ours have not given us over to a life on welfare or on the streets. If it has, well, then you can be sure that God has not forgotten you!
We, as Christians, are to remember the poor – what exactly does that mean? You know, the early Church, as it is often referred to, took care of each other. If there was someone poor among them, struggling to make ends-meat, they would help that person. When I think about that I often think of the LDS church. Now, I’m not advocating their beliefs by any-means, however, when it comes to remembering their poor, they have it figured out! They have a better “welfare” system than the government! They take care of each other, help each other find work, and get clothes and groceries. I am amazed at all they accomplish by simply remembering others, and acting on their behalf.
I have been marked by a study of the word “remember,” as I learned that when God remembers us it means that He is acting on our behalf. It is not as though He ever forgot us, it is just that He is taking our situation into consideration and doing something about it. (Conversely, when He “forgets” our sin, it means that He does not take it into consideration when dealing with us – praise His mercy!)
So, when we are told to remember the poor, it is not as though we are being asked to think about them, feel sorry for them, or wonder at their plight. Rather, we are being urged to do something for them – donate to the benevolence fund at our churches, donate time or money to our local rescue missions, take dinner to someone in need, give them clothes they may need. . . whatever the Lord may lay on our hearts! We should not be surprised at what He may give to others through us. And I would imagine that we will end up just as blessed (if not more) than those who are receiving!
Won’t you pray today and ask God whom He would have you remember today? Ask Him what He would have you do for that person, and then step out in faith and remember them! And know that if you need to be remembered, God is acting on your behalf this very moment, even if no one else on earth is.
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
America, “Land of Opportunity.” This is the place where dreams are made and come true . . . for some. For others, however, life is not so good, dealing them a hand less desirable. It’s easy to think that because we are doing OK, everyone else should be too. If we can make a living, so should everyone else.
We have no idea the situations that lead to a person needing help. We probably couldn’t fathom the lives people have had, leading them to desperation. We’ve all made mistakes, and we should be thankful if ours have not given us over to a life on welfare or on the streets. If it has, well, then you can be sure that God has not forgotten you!
We, as Christians, are to remember the poor – what exactly does that mean? You know, the early Church, as it is often referred to, took care of each other. If there was someone poor among them, struggling to make ends-meat, they would help that person. When I think about that I often think of the LDS church. Now, I’m not advocating their beliefs by any-means, however, when it comes to remembering their poor, they have it figured out! They have a better “welfare” system than the government! They take care of each other, help each other find work, and get clothes and groceries. I am amazed at all they accomplish by simply remembering others, and acting on their behalf.
I have been marked by a study of the word “remember,” as I learned that when God remembers us it means that He is acting on our behalf. It is not as though He ever forgot us, it is just that He is taking our situation into consideration and doing something about it. (Conversely, when He “forgets” our sin, it means that He does not take it into consideration when dealing with us – praise His mercy!)
So, when we are told to remember the poor, it is not as though we are being asked to think about them, feel sorry for them, or wonder at their plight. Rather, we are being urged to do something for them – donate to the benevolence fund at our churches, donate time or money to our local rescue missions, take dinner to someone in need, give them clothes they may need. . . whatever the Lord may lay on our hearts! We should not be surprised at what He may give to others through us. And I would imagine that we will end up just as blessed (if not more) than those who are receiving!
Won’t you pray today and ask God whom He would have you remember today? Ask Him what He would have you do for that person, and then step out in faith and remember them! And know that if you need to be remembered, God is acting on your behalf this very moment, even if no one else on earth is.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Perfect Timing
Galatians 1:15-16
When God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man.
It’s a difficult concept to grasp, that God has set us apart from birth and called us by His grace. We tend to think of the salvation “transaction” as one based upon our choosing Him, and neglect the fact that He has also chosen us. I will not even pretend to understand how that all works, and that is not the point here today.
What I love about this passage is how God makes it very clear that He reveals His Son to each and every person at just the right time – a time of His choosing. If you know the story of Paul’s conversion (his name was Saul at the time), you will know that he was converted after playing a vital role in the stoning to death of Steven, a Christian. Paul was taking it upon himself to persecute any and every Christian he could, all in the name of God! Finally, Jesus revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus, at just the perfect time, exactly when it pleased Him to do so. He could have revealed Himself before the death of Steven, and yet He did not, for whatever reason. I wonder if Paul ever thought about that, wishing Jesus had revealed Himself to him earlier.
I think you and I are the same way. We spend a lot of time wishing our past had not happened. “If only I had known Jesus just 2 years sooner.” “If only my husband had shared with me before we were married.” “If only I had understood what Jesus meant by _______ last year.” “If only…” Speculation is not going to do us any good. What has past is past, and it has become a part of who we are today.
God can reveal Himself to us at any time, and yet He chose just the right time, in order that our experiences would come together with His great power and make us the person He desires us to be. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? I marvel at the idea that all the good stuff and the bad stuff go together to make me the exact person God wanted. Of course, He’s still working, but for now, I am who I need to be, and I trust that God will continue working to make me who I will need to be next week, next year, 10 years from now... And so it is with you. You are who you are today because of your past, and that is exactly who God wants you to be. Let’s grow from here, following Christ to do what each of us, alone, is equipped to do.
When God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man.
It’s a difficult concept to grasp, that God has set us apart from birth and called us by His grace. We tend to think of the salvation “transaction” as one based upon our choosing Him, and neglect the fact that He has also chosen us. I will not even pretend to understand how that all works, and that is not the point here today.
What I love about this passage is how God makes it very clear that He reveals His Son to each and every person at just the right time – a time of His choosing. If you know the story of Paul’s conversion (his name was Saul at the time), you will know that he was converted after playing a vital role in the stoning to death of Steven, a Christian. Paul was taking it upon himself to persecute any and every Christian he could, all in the name of God! Finally, Jesus revealed Himself to him on the road to Damascus, at just the perfect time, exactly when it pleased Him to do so. He could have revealed Himself before the death of Steven, and yet He did not, for whatever reason. I wonder if Paul ever thought about that, wishing Jesus had revealed Himself to him earlier.
I think you and I are the same way. We spend a lot of time wishing our past had not happened. “If only I had known Jesus just 2 years sooner.” “If only my husband had shared with me before we were married.” “If only I had understood what Jesus meant by _______ last year.” “If only…” Speculation is not going to do us any good. What has past is past, and it has become a part of who we are today.
God can reveal Himself to us at any time, and yet He chose just the right time, in order that our experiences would come together with His great power and make us the person He desires us to be. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? I marvel at the idea that all the good stuff and the bad stuff go together to make me the exact person God wanted. Of course, He’s still working, but for now, I am who I need to be, and I trust that God will continue working to make me who I will need to be next week, next year, 10 years from now... And so it is with you. You are who you are today because of your past, and that is exactly who God wants you to be. Let’s grow from here, following Christ to do what each of us, alone, is equipped to do.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
A Love Letter
Galatians 1:12
I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Those of us who have never been to Bible college or seminary or any other such thing sometimes have trouble thinking that we can study the Word for ourselves. We cannot believe that God would ever reveal anything significant to us, or that we could ever understand what He is trying to say. So, we go to church, and we go to Bible study; we listen to the preacher tell us what it means, and we listen to the teacher tell us how to apply it to our lives. We read-along and wonder at their insight and passion.
Guess what. God has that for you and me, too! Yes, you and I can go directly to God and receive instruction, just as those who teach us do. God is not a respecter of persons – He will teach the lowliest and the highest, it does not matter to Him.
What does matter is our heart. Do we have a heart to seek Him? Do we long for Him? Are we driven to the Word in that deep longing to know Him? Are we letting Him speak to us there? Or are we reading the words and checking off “read Bible” on our list of “things-to-do”?
Simply reading the Bible will not produce a change in us. If I were to send you a letter from my husband, a deeply personal and passionate letter, you may read it and think “that’s nice,” but it will not mean anything to you, because it is devoid of the relationship. And so it is with the Word. We must go to Scripture and read it as the love letter that it is. We must read it in the context of our relationship with God and see it as a tool by which He is speaking to us, personally, privately, and passionately. We do not read the Word to simply read the words on the page, but to hear from our God, and to grow in our relationship with Him, expressed through faith.
Go to the Word today and let Him speak to you there. He has written it just for you, that you would get to know Him a little more each day.
I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Those of us who have never been to Bible college or seminary or any other such thing sometimes have trouble thinking that we can study the Word for ourselves. We cannot believe that God would ever reveal anything significant to us, or that we could ever understand what He is trying to say. So, we go to church, and we go to Bible study; we listen to the preacher tell us what it means, and we listen to the teacher tell us how to apply it to our lives. We read-along and wonder at their insight and passion.
Guess what. God has that for you and me, too! Yes, you and I can go directly to God and receive instruction, just as those who teach us do. God is not a respecter of persons – He will teach the lowliest and the highest, it does not matter to Him.
What does matter is our heart. Do we have a heart to seek Him? Do we long for Him? Are we driven to the Word in that deep longing to know Him? Are we letting Him speak to us there? Or are we reading the words and checking off “read Bible” on our list of “things-to-do”?
Simply reading the Bible will not produce a change in us. If I were to send you a letter from my husband, a deeply personal and passionate letter, you may read it and think “that’s nice,” but it will not mean anything to you, because it is devoid of the relationship. And so it is with the Word. We must go to Scripture and read it as the love letter that it is. We must read it in the context of our relationship with God and see it as a tool by which He is speaking to us, personally, privately, and passionately. We do not read the Word to simply read the words on the page, but to hear from our God, and to grow in our relationship with Him, expressed through faith.
Go to the Word today and let Him speak to you there. He has written it just for you, that you would get to know Him a little more each day.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Pleasing to God
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
This is a verse that I have clung to and memorized as I step into a public ministry of writing and teaching. It would be very easy for me to slip into the habit of trying to please my leadership team, my Bible study, or those for whom I write. I like being liked, I really do, and so it would be easy to use this ministry as a platform for building my popularity. And yet, that is not really what I desire. I desire to be used of God as a catalyst in the lives of my fellow Christians (mainly women) to help them get to know Jesus ever more intimately, to love Him more passionately, and to become “radical and relevant Christians” in an evil and dying world. It’s a big dream, I know, and a dream that cannot be fulfilled even one little-bit by seeking to please the people I serve.
You and I must not worry about pleasing those around us. That is a fatal trap that will lead us no-where, and only end in the disappointment of someone – either us or them, probably both. Rather, we must seek to please God alone. He is our Master, therefore He gets to call the shots. I have discovered in my short-lived ministry life, that as I seek to please God and not men, I put myself out there, doing and saying some things that do not please some people. And so it must be with Christians who truly seek to serve and please God.
Look at the life of Jesus and the early church – they were not always liked. As a mater-of-fact, they were very frequently disliked! Many times, serving God with all that we are will mean losing the approval of men. It is dangerous ground, but I once had a good and wise friend tell me, “Dangerous ground isn’t always bad – Jesus walked on dangerous ground His entire ministry!”
However, I have noticed that the ones who usually disapprove the most are those already in the church. We have our set ways of doing things, sure that ours is the only right and Biblical way. When someone seeks to do things a little different, the religious sect screams “blasphemy” and goes running into their corners to pout and scheme.
Our God is a radical God, of radical means, who will do all He can to reach a dying world. Jesus, Himself, was radical – His ways, His thoughts, His words, His sacrifice – even the very idea of Jesus was radical. And look how the religious people of His time saw the whole thing. Actually, they missed it!! They missed all that God was trying to do for them, simply because they weren’t pleased with the way He was doing it.
Let’s not be those people. Let’s not be the ones trying to please men, and be popular. But let’s also not be the one’s who are concerned that we are not being pleased. God is working, friends, in His ways and His time, whether we like them or not. As the enemy steps it up, so does our God. Just like a chess match reaching its peak, God is setting it up to move His Man and proclaim “Check Mate!” Instead of looking on in a pout that He didn’t use the moves we would have, let’s step up and join Him, seeking to please Him in all that we do!
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
This is a verse that I have clung to and memorized as I step into a public ministry of writing and teaching. It would be very easy for me to slip into the habit of trying to please my leadership team, my Bible study, or those for whom I write. I like being liked, I really do, and so it would be easy to use this ministry as a platform for building my popularity. And yet, that is not really what I desire. I desire to be used of God as a catalyst in the lives of my fellow Christians (mainly women) to help them get to know Jesus ever more intimately, to love Him more passionately, and to become “radical and relevant Christians” in an evil and dying world. It’s a big dream, I know, and a dream that cannot be fulfilled even one little-bit by seeking to please the people I serve.
You and I must not worry about pleasing those around us. That is a fatal trap that will lead us no-where, and only end in the disappointment of someone – either us or them, probably both. Rather, we must seek to please God alone. He is our Master, therefore He gets to call the shots. I have discovered in my short-lived ministry life, that as I seek to please God and not men, I put myself out there, doing and saying some things that do not please some people. And so it must be with Christians who truly seek to serve and please God.
Look at the life of Jesus and the early church – they were not always liked. As a mater-of-fact, they were very frequently disliked! Many times, serving God with all that we are will mean losing the approval of men. It is dangerous ground, but I once had a good and wise friend tell me, “Dangerous ground isn’t always bad – Jesus walked on dangerous ground His entire ministry!”
However, I have noticed that the ones who usually disapprove the most are those already in the church. We have our set ways of doing things, sure that ours is the only right and Biblical way. When someone seeks to do things a little different, the religious sect screams “blasphemy” and goes running into their corners to pout and scheme.
Our God is a radical God, of radical means, who will do all He can to reach a dying world. Jesus, Himself, was radical – His ways, His thoughts, His words, His sacrifice – even the very idea of Jesus was radical. And look how the religious people of His time saw the whole thing. Actually, they missed it!! They missed all that God was trying to do for them, simply because they weren’t pleased with the way He was doing it.
Let’s not be those people. Let’s not be the ones trying to please men, and be popular. But let’s also not be the one’s who are concerned that we are not being pleased. God is working, friends, in His ways and His time, whether we like them or not. As the enemy steps it up, so does our God. Just like a chess match reaching its peak, God is setting it up to move His Man and proclaim “Check Mate!” Instead of looking on in a pout that He didn’t use the moves we would have, let’s step up and join Him, seeking to please Him in all that we do!
The Gospel Truth
Galatians 1:8
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
Amen! I’m not sure there’s really that much I need to say here…the gospel is the gospel, truth is truth. We live in an age when people like to think that truth is relative. Relative to what, I’d like to know? Relative to our own experiences? Relative to what we want them to be? Seems a little too sketchy for me.
Truth, in its very essence must be absolute, or else it really isn’t truth, is it? Gravity is true – whether we believe it or not, it’s there, and if we jump from a tall building we will still fall at the same rate and go splat in the end! It is truly there. We cannot see it, but we can see the effects of it. Even those who do not know what to call it, or how to explain it, know, instinctively, it is there.
And so it is with God. He is there, whether we believe it or not. We cannot see Him, but we can see the effects of His presence (more than you or I could possibly imagine). And even those who do not know Him, still know He is there, whether they would admit it or not.
So, if someone comes along and tries to convince you that gravity is all in your mind, you would think he was nuts. However, we are so easily convinced to give ear to those who would teach us something other than the steadfast truth of God. We must not listen, dear friend, as we discussed yesterday. We see here what will happen to those who try to turn us from God’s truth, even if it’s little-ol’-me (may it never be so!).
Hold fast, dear one, and keep Jesus directly in front of you. Hold the course, and do not let anyone, no matter how convincing they are, turn you from the solid truth found in God’s Word. Meet Him there, and let Him teach you truth – His perfect, beautiful truth.
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
Amen! I’m not sure there’s really that much I need to say here…the gospel is the gospel, truth is truth. We live in an age when people like to think that truth is relative. Relative to what, I’d like to know? Relative to our own experiences? Relative to what we want them to be? Seems a little too sketchy for me.
Truth, in its very essence must be absolute, or else it really isn’t truth, is it? Gravity is true – whether we believe it or not, it’s there, and if we jump from a tall building we will still fall at the same rate and go splat in the end! It is truly there. We cannot see it, but we can see the effects of it. Even those who do not know what to call it, or how to explain it, know, instinctively, it is there.
And so it is with God. He is there, whether we believe it or not. We cannot see Him, but we can see the effects of His presence (more than you or I could possibly imagine). And even those who do not know Him, still know He is there, whether they would admit it or not.
So, if someone comes along and tries to convince you that gravity is all in your mind, you would think he was nuts. However, we are so easily convinced to give ear to those who would teach us something other than the steadfast truth of God. We must not listen, dear friend, as we discussed yesterday. We see here what will happen to those who try to turn us from God’s truth, even if it’s little-ol’-me (may it never be so!).
Hold fast, dear one, and keep Jesus directly in front of you. Hold the course, and do not let anyone, no matter how convincing they are, turn you from the solid truth found in God’s Word. Meet Him there, and let Him teach you truth – His perfect, beautiful truth.
Monday, September 18, 2006
A Different Gospel...
Galatians 1:6
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.
While I think most of us would not believe this verse to be talking about us, perhaps we need to take a closer look at ourselves. Paul is telling the Christians in Galatia that they are “turning to a different gospel.” What do you suppose he means? I wonder what kind of gospel they were turning to.The gospel, meaning good news, is Jesus – He is our good news, our focus (as we discussed yesterday), our everything. I think, perhaps, these Christians were looking else-where, to someone or something else to save them, to bring them some good news. Pshaw! We would never do that!! Or would we? In this society of free-thinking, and opinions around every turn, it would be hard not to start veering off from time-to-time. We hear something here that makes sense, are told something there that feels good, think up something in bed that makes our hearts soar, and VOILA! we have ourselves a “new gospel.” A wrong gospel. Saved by grace but made like Christ through works – wrong! Saved by grace, therefore we can go out and do as we please – wrong! Saved by grace, so that we can return to earth as a new person, reincarnated – wrong! Really, the list could be endless.
We must remain in the Word of God, friends, allowing God to shape our beliefs. He is truth, and He desires that we would worship Him, alone. We must take everything our pastors and our teachers tell us (yes, even me…especially me – I’m no one special!) and compare it to the timeless words of Scripture. And not just one or two verses – the whole thing. It’s easy to take a word here and another there and make the Bible say what we want it to. No, we must work past that temptation and see beyond all that to what it does say, whether we like it or not, whether we agree or not, whether it makes sense or not.
Have some wrong beliefs crept into your heart and mind? It’s easy to let happen, little-by-little, bit-by-bit. Let’s start looking to Scripture, alone, and all that God teaches us there, what we know to be truth, to form our beliefs, and all that we live by.
Hurry, go open your Bible and make sure all of this holds up to the light of God’s Word!
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.
While I think most of us would not believe this verse to be talking about us, perhaps we need to take a closer look at ourselves. Paul is telling the Christians in Galatia that they are “turning to a different gospel.” What do you suppose he means? I wonder what kind of gospel they were turning to.The gospel, meaning good news, is Jesus – He is our good news, our focus (as we discussed yesterday), our everything. I think, perhaps, these Christians were looking else-where, to someone or something else to save them, to bring them some good news. Pshaw! We would never do that!! Or would we? In this society of free-thinking, and opinions around every turn, it would be hard not to start veering off from time-to-time. We hear something here that makes sense, are told something there that feels good, think up something in bed that makes our hearts soar, and VOILA! we have ourselves a “new gospel.” A wrong gospel. Saved by grace but made like Christ through works – wrong! Saved by grace, therefore we can go out and do as we please – wrong! Saved by grace, so that we can return to earth as a new person, reincarnated – wrong! Really, the list could be endless.
We must remain in the Word of God, friends, allowing God to shape our beliefs. He is truth, and He desires that we would worship Him, alone. We must take everything our pastors and our teachers tell us (yes, even me…especially me – I’m no one special!) and compare it to the timeless words of Scripture. And not just one or two verses – the whole thing. It’s easy to take a word here and another there and make the Bible say what we want it to. No, we must work past that temptation and see beyond all that to what it does say, whether we like it or not, whether we agree or not, whether it makes sense or not.
Have some wrong beliefs crept into your heart and mind? It’s easy to let happen, little-by-little, bit-by-bit. Let’s start looking to Scripture, alone, and all that God teaches us there, what we know to be truth, to form our beliefs, and all that we live by.
Hurry, go open your Bible and make sure all of this holds up to the light of God’s Word!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
This Present Evil Age
Galatians 1:4
[Jesus] gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.
When we think of the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us, we often think in terms of heaven and hell. He died so that we won’t have to suffer a “second death,” rising to new life so that you and I can also have new life for eternity. However, I think that we often over-look the fact that He has not saved us simply from an eternity in hell, He has also saved us from “the present evil age.”
What exactly does that mean? It means that He has given us a way out, a ray of hope, a protective shield against the evil this world flings at us daily. It means that He has given us that which we need when going through a divorce or bankruptcy; when dealing with the loss of a parent, a child, or a job; when wondering where our next meal will come from or how we will pay the mortgage payment that is now 3 months over-due. Jesus has rescued us from the turmoil and wreckage that the enemy of our souls would have us rot in.
We must keep our focus on Jesus and not our situations. There will always be something bad happening in our lives, to one degree or another, for that is how we are pruned, and strengthened, and brought to out knees. We cannot focus on that which desires to bring us down, and remove our hope. Rather we must focus on the One who offers us a hope that out-shines anything this “evil age” can muster.
Where is your focus today? Focus on Jesus. Focus on His passionate love for you. Focus on His desire to walk with you, and talk with you, and comfort you even in your suffering…especially in your suffering. Allow your pain to lift your chin and draw you close to the One who has come riding in on a white horse just to rescue you!
[Jesus] gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.
When we think of the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us, we often think in terms of heaven and hell. He died so that we won’t have to suffer a “second death,” rising to new life so that you and I can also have new life for eternity. However, I think that we often over-look the fact that He has not saved us simply from an eternity in hell, He has also saved us from “the present evil age.”
What exactly does that mean? It means that He has given us a way out, a ray of hope, a protective shield against the evil this world flings at us daily. It means that He has given us that which we need when going through a divorce or bankruptcy; when dealing with the loss of a parent, a child, or a job; when wondering where our next meal will come from or how we will pay the mortgage payment that is now 3 months over-due. Jesus has rescued us from the turmoil and wreckage that the enemy of our souls would have us rot in.
We must keep our focus on Jesus and not our situations. There will always be something bad happening in our lives, to one degree or another, for that is how we are pruned, and strengthened, and brought to out knees. We cannot focus on that which desires to bring us down, and remove our hope. Rather we must focus on the One who offers us a hope that out-shines anything this “evil age” can muster.
Where is your focus today? Focus on Jesus. Focus on His passionate love for you. Focus on His desire to walk with you, and talk with you, and comfort you even in your suffering…especially in your suffering. Allow your pain to lift your chin and draw you close to the One who has come riding in on a white horse just to rescue you!
Friday, July 07, 2006
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