There is something about going to scripture and finding comfort in knowing that God uses people in spite of their faults and human frailties. This is not intended to diminsh my sin or failures but rather to encourage you and I that no matter what we have done (or will do) God can and will use us as long as we surrender to His will and authority.
In Exodus 2 Moses kills an Egyptian. After committing murder he fled from Egypt to Midian and was there forty years. In Exodus 3 Moses stands in the very presence of God. God calls him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. God performed many miracles through Moses and not only freed the Israelites but led them into a land of abundance.
David, the man after God's own heart, committed adultery, orchestrated a murder due to his adultery and lost a child due to his actions (2 Samuel 12). He repented and God sought to give him another son, Solomon, who would later become king and be granted wisdom than all others. (I Kings 3 & 4).
Saul (who later became Paul) persecuted the early Christians--he even held coats while Stephen was stoned to death. Acts 7 (by the way Acts 7 is a great summary of Old Testament patriarchs Moses, Joseph, and Abraham as told by Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power.) After Saul's encounter with Christ on the way to Damascus he became Paul and began his missionary journey to spread the gospel. His letters can be found in Galatians, Corinthians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and many others.
I didn't intend for this to be a history lesson on the bible however this only notes four men in scripture that had gotten off track at some point in their life and God still saw fit to use them. Moses knew from a young age God called him, David was anointed to be king as a teenager, Saul was a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; persecuting the church. (Philippians 3)
Each one of them faultered and was shown God's grace and forgiveness. What's amazing to me is that their lessons are still teaching you and I today. I certainly don't want all of my mistakes announced at the pulpit but I have learned that each one of us has a story--a Glory Story. Your Glory Story is your life experience of getting off track and God gently calling you back to Himself and using your life as evidence of His glory, grace and mercy that He extends even today.
It amazes me how patient God is with me. I am sure I give Him a chuckle in my silliness. I'm a slow learner. He usually sends messages in threes (sometimes 4) to get His message across. I tend to turn much more quickly when I get off track but....I still get off track on occassion.
Whether you are a Moses, David, Abraham or EVE (the mother of sin) God forgives it all. Praise God that He knows and forgives the sins that we will commit tomorrow. Repent immediately and get back on track.
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:10-16
Get back on track today and press on toward the goal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_DMuahD5o
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Privledge of Prayer
Pray(er) (ing) is mentioned over 500 times in scripture. I must confess that my prayer life is lacking most days. It's not that it is difficult to pray or that you have to say something special or eloquent, it is taking the time to come before a holy God. Prayer is simply talking to God. We do need to remember to listen as well.
What a privledge we have to go to God in prayer. He repeatedly asks us to come to Him in prayer, to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. These are some of my favorite
Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Luke 11:10 says, For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15
Knowing and believing all of the above (which I do) why wouldn't I pray? It is very humbling to come before God Almighty. If you aren't familiar with praying or haven't done it in a while the best thing to do is present your requests to God--seriously, that's it--it doesn't have to be complicated or formal. Let me just say that God is NOT a genie in a bottle to grant our every wish. He is the sovereign Lord who loves us immeasurably and desires us to come to Him for all of our needs. It is important to pray for our leaders and country, for the church body and its' leaders, family and friends as well as your personal needs.
When I was growing up I thought that I should only go to God for the 'big' stuff in life. I'm not sure where I drew this perception from but scripturally it is wrong. God wants us to come to Him with EVERYTHING.
I struggled with a situation last night and cried out to God--He knew my hurt and my pain and was there to comfort me. He also provided incredible friends, sisters in Christ that joined me in prayer. As trivial as my situation was in the grand scheme of things God cared and was right there with me. What an amazing God we serve!
Offer up your prayers to God tonight. They are a fragrant offering to the One who hears and cares.
This is a little long (7 minutes) and old but it is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttS7FH8X4n4
What a privledge we have to go to God in prayer. He repeatedly asks us to come to Him in prayer, to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. These are some of my favorite
Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Luke 11:10 says, For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15
Knowing and believing all of the above (which I do) why wouldn't I pray? It is very humbling to come before God Almighty. If you aren't familiar with praying or haven't done it in a while the best thing to do is present your requests to God--seriously, that's it--it doesn't have to be complicated or formal. Let me just say that God is NOT a genie in a bottle to grant our every wish. He is the sovereign Lord who loves us immeasurably and desires us to come to Him for all of our needs. It is important to pray for our leaders and country, for the church body and its' leaders, family and friends as well as your personal needs.
When I was growing up I thought that I should only go to God for the 'big' stuff in life. I'm not sure where I drew this perception from but scripturally it is wrong. God wants us to come to Him with EVERYTHING.
I struggled with a situation last night and cried out to God--He knew my hurt and my pain and was there to comfort me. He also provided incredible friends, sisters in Christ that joined me in prayer. As trivial as my situation was in the grand scheme of things God cared and was right there with me. What an amazing God we serve!
Offer up your prayers to God tonight. They are a fragrant offering to the One who hears and cares.
This is a little long (7 minutes) and old but it is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttS7FH8X4n4
Sunday, October 14, 2012
FOCUS
Ok, I'll admit it....I'm a little ADD sometimes. The world bombards us with all sorts of things--what you should look like, what to buy, what to where, where to live.....it's endless. It is easy to get caught up in the rat race/keeping up with the Joneses mentality. This is not a new problem; it has existed since time began. God knew how easily we could lose focus and sight of what is important.
In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." In Deuteronomy 11:18 it tells us, Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. God knows we lose focus easily my friends. He stresses that we need to be talking about it continually.
Jesus repeats this message twice in the New Testament. Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. and again in Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
When Jesus shared this He had been questioned about the most important commandment. I've always found it interesting that it says HEART, SOUL, MIND and STRENGTH. The message is clear--we are to love the Lord completely.
If I learn to focus on ONE thing it should be God--with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength. There was a movie a while back (90's I think) called City Slickers. It had a group of men going on a cattle drive led by a ranch hand. The ranch hand was rugged and menacing-looking and befriended one of the city slickers. On the trip he taught him to focus on ONE thing. I thought that was great--our ONE thing in life--is God-worshiping Him with all that we have/are.
Make God your ONE focus in life.
In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." In Deuteronomy 11:18 it tells us, Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. God knows we lose focus easily my friends. He stresses that we need to be talking about it continually.
Jesus repeats this message twice in the New Testament. Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. and again in Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
When Jesus shared this He had been questioned about the most important commandment. I've always found it interesting that it says HEART, SOUL, MIND and STRENGTH. The message is clear--we are to love the Lord completely.
If I learn to focus on ONE thing it should be God--with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength. There was a movie a while back (90's I think) called City Slickers. It had a group of men going on a cattle drive led by a ranch hand. The ranch hand was rugged and menacing-looking and befriended one of the city slickers. On the trip he taught him to focus on ONE thing. I thought that was great--our ONE thing in life--is God-worshiping Him with all that we have/are.
Make God your ONE focus in life.
Friday, October 12, 2012
L - O - V - E
Love--such a small word with intense meaning. I went to Webster's for my definition. There were many definitions for love; here are a few: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another; strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; a person's adoration of God
So many use I Corinthians 13 in their wedding vows--even those who are not Christian or who have no relationship with Christ. I Corinthians says, If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. We are nothing without love...but we are incapable of loving on our own--truly loving. Then, the part that everyone uses: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. As I said, we cannot possess these qualities on our own--they are only through the Holy Spirit.
True love is sacrificial--so few understand. Our ultimate example of love - is Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 As a Christian one of the first verses memorized is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. I don't know about you but I have one daughter and I love her dearly. I can't imagine sacrificing her for another. I learned several years ago that I had to give her back to God as she was His first but to make that sacrifice to another....well I don't think I could do it.
Scripture is laced with sacrifices made to atone for our sins. From the time that God killed the animals to provide covering to Adam and Eve through the cross blood was shed. That, my friends, is intense love. Now I'm not saying that you must shed blood to love but what I am saying is that for us we truly cannot love without God--we are incapable. We love because he first loved us. I John 4:19
Thousands of songs have been written about love. There is one song that I sing that goes like this: "We love you with the love of the Lord.....we see in you the glory of our King, yes we love you with the love of the Lord." It makes my heart soar whenever I sing it.
God's Word is a love story from beginning to end....His great love for us--his children. Respond to Him today with all the love that you have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW5O_Z5tMx4
So many use I Corinthians 13 in their wedding vows--even those who are not Christian or who have no relationship with Christ. I Corinthians says, If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. We are nothing without love...but we are incapable of loving on our own--truly loving. Then, the part that everyone uses: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. As I said, we cannot possess these qualities on our own--they are only through the Holy Spirit.
True love is sacrificial--so few understand. Our ultimate example of love - is Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 As a Christian one of the first verses memorized is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. I don't know about you but I have one daughter and I love her dearly. I can't imagine sacrificing her for another. I learned several years ago that I had to give her back to God as she was His first but to make that sacrifice to another....well I don't think I could do it.
Scripture is laced with sacrifices made to atone for our sins. From the time that God killed the animals to provide covering to Adam and Eve through the cross blood was shed. That, my friends, is intense love. Now I'm not saying that you must shed blood to love but what I am saying is that for us we truly cannot love without God--we are incapable. We love because he first loved us. I John 4:19
Thousands of songs have been written about love. There is one song that I sing that goes like this: "We love you with the love of the Lord.....we see in you the glory of our King, yes we love you with the love of the Lord." It makes my heart soar whenever I sing it.
God's Word is a love story from beginning to end....His great love for us--his children. Respond to Him today with all the love that you have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW5O_Z5tMx4
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Total Surrender-Raise Your White Flag
I recently attended a weekend with a group of incredible women all seeking and serving to be more Christ-like. I relish my time with them and grateful for the ministry that provides the avenue for spiritual growth with my sisters in Christ.
This past weekend's theme was Surrender. As is my habit, I wanted to find out what the bible says about surrender. Each time it is used, it' reference is in battle. At first, I found this odd. It appeared to be a sign of weakness and defeat. Webster defines surrender as "to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand. Cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority."
If Christ is Lord of your life you will be compelled to surrender to His authority in your life. What baffles my mind is that there is this ongoing urge to resist submitting to Him. According to Jeremiah 29:11 He has a plan for my life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. And in Romans 8:28 ...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Why on earth would I not want to surrender?
Unfortunately my sin nature is right there with me. In Genesis 4:7b it says sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The only way to overcome sin in our lives is to surrender to the Authority of Christ. Only He can cover the sin. Isn't it marvelous that the One that calls us to surrender to Him is the very One that frees us from our sin/selves?
Surrender must be a daily, moment by moment action. As I aim to put my body and spirit back into balance I think of I Corinthians 9:27 "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Physically, mentally and spiritually we must be willing to deny ourselves, to release our body, soul and spirit to the Authority of Christ.
So raise your white flag with me and surrender to the One who is Lord over all!
White Flag Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1jgD69WzMY
This past weekend's theme was Surrender. As is my habit, I wanted to find out what the bible says about surrender. Each time it is used, it' reference is in battle. At first, I found this odd. It appeared to be a sign of weakness and defeat. Webster defines surrender as "to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand. Cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority."
If Christ is Lord of your life you will be compelled to surrender to His authority in your life. What baffles my mind is that there is this ongoing urge to resist submitting to Him. According to Jeremiah 29:11 He has a plan for my life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. And in Romans 8:28 ...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Why on earth would I not want to surrender?
Unfortunately my sin nature is right there with me. In Genesis 4:7b it says sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The only way to overcome sin in our lives is to surrender to the Authority of Christ. Only He can cover the sin. Isn't it marvelous that the One that calls us to surrender to Him is the very One that frees us from our sin/selves?
Surrender must be a daily, moment by moment action. As I aim to put my body and spirit back into balance I think of I Corinthians 9:27 "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Physically, mentally and spiritually we must be willing to deny ourselves, to release our body, soul and spirit to the Authority of Christ.
So raise your white flag with me and surrender to the One who is Lord over all!
White Flag Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1jgD69WzMY
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sin...ALL have sinned
I attended a bible study tonight and someone brought up different 'degrees of sin' i.e. little sin (white lie) vs. murder (big sin). As you can imagine the discussion was very lively. We had a group of about 20 single men and women, all Christians but with different religious backgrounds and maturity levels.
As I listened I noticed each person had a different perception of sin. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit convicts me when I sin. I know what it is however I like to review definitions when I study. Sin is defined as "a transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate. Theology. a. deliberate disobedience to the known will of God."
One of the guys in the group, who is an archer, mentioned that the word sin was used in archery to signify missing the mark (or bulls eye). The bulls eye is in the center of the target and the archers' goals is to hit the bulls eye. As God's creation he calls us to live holy and righteous lives. We miss this mark daily due to sin. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
One lady in the group did not think that everyone sins. Her perception was the different "degrees" or "levels" of sin and that some do not sin. I can't imagine being able to keep all of God's laws. God's Word is clear: Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
If we go back to Webster's definition of sin it says "deliberate". I believe we can sin unintentionally as well. In Psalms 19:12-13 David says "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression." David knew about sin--willful and unwillful. He pours His heart out to God in the Psalms. We are told in scripture that David was a man after God's own heart. David was not without sin--however, he was blameless and innocent in God sight as he repented of his transgressions.
One thing that I have found, the closer I stick to the Lord the more clearly I can see the sin in my life and confess immediately. When I lack of prayer, study and reading my sin (transgressions) do not seem so bad (degrees).
Lastly, if we are measuring sin we are doing it by human standards and we will look good to the next guy (or someone else) but the reality is our sin is judged next to a Holy and Righteous God--none can compare or stand up to that. Once we see our sin next to God we will immediately want to rid ourselves of it. Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Father forgive me for not seeing my sin clearly and for comparing myself to others. May I be sensitive to my sin against you and confess immediately.
I am so grateful my God forigves ALL sin!! Jeremiah 33:8 says, "I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me."
I am holy and righteous through the blood of Christ!
As I listened I noticed each person had a different perception of sin. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit convicts me when I sin. I know what it is however I like to review definitions when I study. Sin is defined as "a transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate. Theology. a. deliberate disobedience to the known will of God."
One of the guys in the group, who is an archer, mentioned that the word sin was used in archery to signify missing the mark (or bulls eye). The bulls eye is in the center of the target and the archers' goals is to hit the bulls eye. As God's creation he calls us to live holy and righteous lives. We miss this mark daily due to sin. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
One lady in the group did not think that everyone sins. Her perception was the different "degrees" or "levels" of sin and that some do not sin. I can't imagine being able to keep all of God's laws. God's Word is clear: Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
If we go back to Webster's definition of sin it says "deliberate". I believe we can sin unintentionally as well. In Psalms 19:12-13 David says "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression." David knew about sin--willful and unwillful. He pours His heart out to God in the Psalms. We are told in scripture that David was a man after God's own heart. David was not without sin--however, he was blameless and innocent in God sight as he repented of his transgressions.
One thing that I have found, the closer I stick to the Lord the more clearly I can see the sin in my life and confess immediately. When I lack of prayer, study and reading my sin (transgressions) do not seem so bad (degrees).
Lastly, if we are measuring sin we are doing it by human standards and we will look good to the next guy (or someone else) but the reality is our sin is judged next to a Holy and Righteous God--none can compare or stand up to that. Once we see our sin next to God we will immediately want to rid ourselves of it. Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Father forgive me for not seeing my sin clearly and for comparing myself to others. May I be sensitive to my sin against you and confess immediately.
I am so grateful my God forigves ALL sin!! Jeremiah 33:8 says, "I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me."
I am holy and righteous through the blood of Christ!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Hibernation?
While I hadn't walked away from the Lord I've been reminded recently that I haven't been blogging about all that He has done in my life and His faithfulness. I'm on notice--I'm back and will be blogging again.....yay God!!
As the cool weather hit I thought of the bears that hibernate and birds that fly south for the winter. It is amazing to me how God takes care of every detail. I have found myself in hybernation mode. Life can quickly get away from you if you aren't careful.
Our God is a graceful God and meets us right where we are today. I'm thankful for the mercy and grace that is extended to me daily. As I 'wake' from my hibernation I'm seeking to know my Lord more deeply to become Spiritually Fat and starting a new fitness program to become Physically Fit.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV
As the cool weather hit I thought of the bears that hibernate and birds that fly south for the winter. It is amazing to me how God takes care of every detail. I have found myself in hybernation mode. Life can quickly get away from you if you aren't careful.
Our God is a graceful God and meets us right where we are today. I'm thankful for the mercy and grace that is extended to me daily. As I 'wake' from my hibernation I'm seeking to know my Lord more deeply to become Spiritually Fat and starting a new fitness program to become Physically Fit.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV
Monday, August 22, 2011
DUBLEV - Do You Believe?
DUBLEV - that's my license plate. I've had it for years. It is intended to mean "Do you believe?" It's been a neat way to share Christ with people over the years . Although, one time I had someone think it was for Cher's song "Do You Believe In Love?" No, I'm not a Cher worshipper--I'm a Jesus Christ worshipper. When asking someone, 'do you believe in Christ?' I have found that many say they believe in Christ. What I find disconcerting is that although many believe in Christ they choose not to have a relationship with Him or live as though they do.
Christ's sacrifice alone should compel us to live life holy and set apart. What an incredible sacrifice and gift we received and yet we do not live a life that reflects this wonderful gift. It perplexes me how a holy God can go through such great lengths to make a way for us to be restored to a relationship with Him by sacrificing His one and only Son and we still respond very filpantly. It saddens me because I'm just as guilty.
God knew our sinful hearts and bent toward selfish ambition and still chose to go through with His plan of salvation (thank you Lord).
In Deteronomy 6:5 it says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. He wants us to love Him with everything in us. He created us to love Him and to worship Him. In Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; When we choose to trust Him and be certain that we are on the right path. Proverbs 3:6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Through Jesus Christ God has given us everything that we need to live out our life here on earth. 2 Peter 1:3 says, His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Do you believe? Are you living like you believe?
Christ's sacrifice alone should compel us to live life holy and set apart. What an incredible sacrifice and gift we received and yet we do not live a life that reflects this wonderful gift. It perplexes me how a holy God can go through such great lengths to make a way for us to be restored to a relationship with Him by sacrificing His one and only Son and we still respond very filpantly. It saddens me because I'm just as guilty.
God knew our sinful hearts and bent toward selfish ambition and still chose to go through with His plan of salvation (thank you Lord).
In Deteronomy 6:5 it says, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. He wants us to love Him with everything in us. He created us to love Him and to worship Him. In Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; When we choose to trust Him and be certain that we are on the right path. Proverbs 3:6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Through Jesus Christ God has given us everything that we need to live out our life here on earth. 2 Peter 1:3 says, His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Do you believe? Are you living like you believe?
Complacent Faith
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11 is often described as the 'Hall of Fame' that tells of many of the patriarchs who took God at His Word. Hebrews 11:3 says, By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
I put my faith in Jesus Christ when I was eleven years old. Romans 10:17 says, Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
I believed that He was the Son of God (John 20:31), was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:22), died on the cross for my sins (John 19:33) and rose again on the third day (John 20:17) having victory over death. (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Having faith means putting your trust in God. Trusting God involves obeying Him even when it doesn't make sense. He knows what is best for us and has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. As we grow up we sometimes get too big for our own britches and make decisions that are not best for us. As a follower of Jesus Christ I have the luxury (yes, luxury) of having the Holy Spirit living within me to guide me. All too often I become complacent in my relationship with God and my faith wanes. Complacent is defined as: marked by self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.
My faith becomes complacent when I choose not to obey God. Isaiah 32:9 warns, You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say! We need to always be willing to listen when God speaks as well as those that He sends to us to speak truth (friends, family, etc.)
One way to avoid complacent faith is to obey immediately when God calls.
I put my faith in Jesus Christ when I was eleven years old. Romans 10:17 says, Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
I believed that He was the Son of God (John 20:31), was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:22), died on the cross for my sins (John 19:33) and rose again on the third day (John 20:17) having victory over death. (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Having faith means putting your trust in God. Trusting God involves obeying Him even when it doesn't make sense. He knows what is best for us and has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. As we grow up we sometimes get too big for our own britches and make decisions that are not best for us. As a follower of Jesus Christ I have the luxury (yes, luxury) of having the Holy Spirit living within me to guide me. All too often I become complacent in my relationship with God and my faith wanes. Complacent is defined as: marked by self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.
My faith becomes complacent when I choose not to obey God. Isaiah 32:9 warns, You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say! We need to always be willing to listen when God speaks as well as those that He sends to us to speak truth (friends, family, etc.)
One way to avoid complacent faith is to obey immediately when God calls.
Divided Heart
You hear the famous quote "Follow your heart" from Napolean Dynomite. We all follow after something. We choose what it will be filled with--cars, homes, stuff, people but it gets filled. The difference is what you choose to fill it with. There is only one thing than can fill it and keep you satisfied--God and only God--everything else will keep you unfulfilled. God created us with an inner desire for Him. Our heart becomes divided when we choose other things over God. Ezekiel 11:19 says, I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
You will remain unfulfilled if you choose to give God half-hearted worship. Any area of your life that is closed off to people is closed off to God. I had closed off certain areas of my heart to 'protect' me over the years and continued to worship God but could not fully worship Him wholly. As God has restored me I have found that He has enlarged my heart and worship has taken on a whole new meaning for me. As a result, I now find myself overwhelmed with emotion as I've given Him my heart fully.
Ezekiel 36:26 says, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I can truly say that I have a new heart and a new spirit within me. I don't have to tell anyone--they can see it in my actions, my smile, my demeanor.
Allow God to do heart surgery on you--His transplants are always successful and well worth it!
You will remain unfulfilled if you choose to give God half-hearted worship. Any area of your life that is closed off to people is closed off to God. I had closed off certain areas of my heart to 'protect' me over the years and continued to worship God but could not fully worship Him wholly. As God has restored me I have found that He has enlarged my heart and worship has taken on a whole new meaning for me. As a result, I now find myself overwhelmed with emotion as I've given Him my heart fully.
Ezekiel 36:26 says, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I can truly say that I have a new heart and a new spirit within me. I don't have to tell anyone--they can see it in my actions, my smile, my demeanor.
Allow God to do heart surgery on you--His transplants are always successful and well worth it!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Joy
Joy is defined as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. And the expression or display of glad feeling.
I read somewhere recently that joy is not merely happiness but rather an unshakable confidence that God is in control. Wow! I love that. Do I believe it? Yes! Do you? Do I live it? Not always. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 51. Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit. I find that I need my joy restored often and I meditate on 'grant me a willing spirit'.
So often I find myself not doing the things that I truly want to and doing the very things that I don't want to do. Paul said it best in Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Essentially because of my sinful nature I need God's help to have a willing spirit. I cannot do anything good in my own strength. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through him(Christ) who gives me strength."
Knowing the source of where your joy comes from is a start. John 15:11 says "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." and John 16:24 says, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." Joy is ours!
If we find our happiness in our possessions, status, bank account, etc. we will find our joy is like a roller coaster--up and down. However, when our joy comes from Christ it is constant and consistent no matter what the circumstances.
I learned Philippians 4:8 as a young girl but did not recognize the significance of the verse until recently. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. If I am meditating on these things I am certain I will be filled with unshakable joy.
May your joy be complete and unshakable in Christ Jesus.
I read somewhere recently that joy is not merely happiness but rather an unshakable confidence that God is in control. Wow! I love that. Do I believe it? Yes! Do you? Do I live it? Not always. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 51. Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit. I find that I need my joy restored often and I meditate on 'grant me a willing spirit'.
So often I find myself not doing the things that I truly want to and doing the very things that I don't want to do. Paul said it best in Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Essentially because of my sinful nature I need God's help to have a willing spirit. I cannot do anything good in my own strength. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through him(Christ) who gives me strength."
Knowing the source of where your joy comes from is a start. John 15:11 says "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." and John 16:24 says, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." Joy is ours!
If we find our happiness in our possessions, status, bank account, etc. we will find our joy is like a roller coaster--up and down. However, when our joy comes from Christ it is constant and consistent no matter what the circumstances.
I learned Philippians 4:8 as a young girl but did not recognize the significance of the verse until recently. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. If I am meditating on these things I am certain I will be filled with unshakable joy.
May your joy be complete and unshakable in Christ Jesus.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Prodigal Returns
dictionary.com defines prodigal as: Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. A person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way.
There is a story (parable) in the gospel of Luke 15 about a prodigal son. The parable tells of a father with two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance. The father gave him the share of inheritance and the son went away with his wealth. He squandered his money and became destitute--as far as desiring the scraps of pigs. He realized his father's servants were well fed and a better state than he. He decided to go to his father and seek to become a servant as he felt unworthy to be called son. As he returned his father saw him from a distance and went to him. The father threw a big party and celebrated the sons return.
This parable came to mind as my daughter has returned home. I'm grateful for her to be home and received her with open arms. Her story is a bit different than the prodigal son's but there was also similarity. It seemed more appealing at the time to live in another city with her father. The reality was much different. As I thought about this it occurred to me that we are all live the prodigal son and my daughter. We all desire what we 'think' is the better option when in reality God knows what is best for us. 1 Samuel 15:22 says But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. God desires our obedience...He demands it. Jeremiah 7:23 says "but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you."
As a fallen woman (man) we all stumble at times. Praise God we have a loving Father that will receive us when we come to our senses and repent. God receives us with open arms and celebrates our return. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 tells us But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
Whether you find yourself as the father or the prodigal today remember to seek God first. Matthew 6:33 says But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. and Matthew 7:6-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
My heavenly Father is ready to receive you and through a party in celebration of your return!
There is a story (parable) in the gospel of Luke 15 about a prodigal son. The parable tells of a father with two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance. The father gave him the share of inheritance and the son went away with his wealth. He squandered his money and became destitute--as far as desiring the scraps of pigs. He realized his father's servants were well fed and a better state than he. He decided to go to his father and seek to become a servant as he felt unworthy to be called son. As he returned his father saw him from a distance and went to him. The father threw a big party and celebrated the sons return.
This parable came to mind as my daughter has returned home. I'm grateful for her to be home and received her with open arms. Her story is a bit different than the prodigal son's but there was also similarity. It seemed more appealing at the time to live in another city with her father. The reality was much different. As I thought about this it occurred to me that we are all live the prodigal son and my daughter. We all desire what we 'think' is the better option when in reality God knows what is best for us. 1 Samuel 15:22 says But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. God desires our obedience...He demands it. Jeremiah 7:23 says "but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you."
As a fallen woman (man) we all stumble at times. Praise God we have a loving Father that will receive us when we come to our senses and repent. God receives us with open arms and celebrates our return. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 tells us But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
Whether you find yourself as the father or the prodigal today remember to seek God first. Matthew 6:33 says But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. and Matthew 7:6-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
My heavenly Father is ready to receive you and through a party in celebration of your return!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Joining the Battle
Have you ever thought about the difference between a battle and war? A war is a series of battles. A battle is an encounter with opposing forces. Both terms describe hostile military forces engaging one another. Now think about yourself--body, soul and spirit. Our body (physical) will perish one day. Our soul is dead without Christ Jesus. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. Colossians 2:13 Our spirit--Christ Jesus gives us life in the spirit. Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. How amazing: our physical bodies will perish, our souls have been made alive in Christ and our spirit will live on with Christ.
Understanding body, soul and spirit let's get back to the battle vs. the war. At the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of you. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
There is a famous quote "You may have one the battle, but not the war." The moment that Christ gave up His last breath and said, "It is finished" (John 19:30) we were given victory over death. 1 Corinthians 15:54 says, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
Although the war for our soul has already been won through the blood of Christ there are battles we must fight daily. We must be willing to engage in battle with the enemy. Paul describes it perfectly in Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Although we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us we still have a sinful nature. This is where the battle begins--within each of us. Sometimes I feel completely defeated for not doing the things that I want to do. I must remember that victory is mine through Christ Jesus and I must persevere. Romans 5:3-5 says, Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
When we allow God to fight our battles for us we can be confident we will gain new strength. Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I have felt defeated, tired and weary over the last few months. It took me a while to see that I was trying to fight my battles in my own strength and not allowing God to fight them on my behalf. Join the battle for your soul today but make sure you go forward in the strength of God--not your own and claim victory in Jesus' name daily.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Understanding body, soul and spirit let's get back to the battle vs. the war. At the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of you. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
There is a famous quote "You may have one the battle, but not the war." The moment that Christ gave up His last breath and said, "It is finished" (John 19:30) we were given victory over death. 1 Corinthians 15:54 says, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
Although the war for our soul has already been won through the blood of Christ there are battles we must fight daily. We must be willing to engage in battle with the enemy. Paul describes it perfectly in Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Although we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us we still have a sinful nature. This is where the battle begins--within each of us. Sometimes I feel completely defeated for not doing the things that I want to do. I must remember that victory is mine through Christ Jesus and I must persevere. Romans 5:3-5 says, Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
When we allow God to fight our battles for us we can be confident we will gain new strength. Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I have felt defeated, tired and weary over the last few months. It took me a while to see that I was trying to fight my battles in my own strength and not allowing God to fight them on my behalf. Join the battle for your soul today but make sure you go forward in the strength of God--not your own and claim victory in Jesus' name daily.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Be Still And Know
Most people are familiar with the verse Psalm 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God; (but are not as familiar with the remainder of the verse) I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. I memorized this verse many years ago but God brought it to mind recently.
God used a colleague and an acquaintance to bring this verse to my attention. The verse came from both of them the same day. Has God ever done that to you? God has a knack for repeating messages when we don't get it the first time--He does this with me alot. I am so grateful that He knows me so well...and loves me so much to persist. As I meditated over this scripture and thought about being still it sounded simple enough but when I tried to 'be still' and quiet myself before the Lord I found very difficult. I learned something about myself that my friends, family and co-worker already knew--I'm a little ADD.
and know that I am God here again I meditate and begin reflecting on what I 'know' about God. Knowing God, relationally, requires time alone with God. Jeremiah 29:13 says You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I've known who God is most of my life but haven't known Him intimately. Intimacy requires an investment of time and commitment.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
When I've truly been still before the Lord I've trusted Him with my life. I've learned that to be still I must seek Him first, commit to follow Him wherever He may lead me and trust Him to guide me.
God used a colleague and an acquaintance to bring this verse to my attention. The verse came from both of them the same day. Has God ever done that to you? God has a knack for repeating messages when we don't get it the first time--He does this with me alot. I am so grateful that He knows me so well...and loves me so much to persist. As I meditated over this scripture and thought about being still it sounded simple enough but when I tried to 'be still' and quiet myself before the Lord I found very difficult. I learned something about myself that my friends, family and co-worker already knew--I'm a little ADD.
and know that I am God here again I meditate and begin reflecting on what I 'know' about God. Knowing God, relationally, requires time alone with God. Jeremiah 29:13 says You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I've known who God is most of my life but haven't known Him intimately. Intimacy requires an investment of time and commitment.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
When I've truly been still before the Lord I've trusted Him with my life. I've learned that to be still I must seek Him first, commit to follow Him wherever He may lead me and trust Him to guide me.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Carrying The Burden
In Galatians 6:2 it says, Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Many years ago a read a book that opened my eyes to this scripture. The author spoke of her friend who was going through a very difficult time. She very lovingly told her friend that she would take on a portion of the burden. What a tremendous act of love! To willingly take on the burden of another person personifies Christ.
I shared this with a friend several years ago and had taken on a portion of a burden she was carrying at the time. It had an impact on her and she has also chosen to carry the burdens of others. We talked about our burdens and carrying those of another and how we can easily be weighed down. While we are called to carry one another's burdens God does not intend for us to hold onto them. He does not call us to hold onto our own, and in the same way He does not intend for us to hold onto anothers.
When we carry one another's burdens we simply taken it on in order to carry it to the cross on behalf of another. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28 to “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Carrying burdens (our own or another persons) will wear us out. It is not a load that God intends for us to carry (long term). When we carry a burden for another we need to remember that Christ implores us to come to Him with them.
Proverbs 11:25 says, A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.God blesses those that choose to refresh others by carrying their burdens. I have a friend that has a tagline that reads, "May the blessing your receive today be the blessing that you need the most". We receive blessings daily. When we give new strength to another God strengthens us. As we pour into the lives of others by sharing Christ, God will continue to pour back into us.
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 says This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
I shared this with a friend several years ago and had taken on a portion of a burden she was carrying at the time. It had an impact on her and she has also chosen to carry the burdens of others. We talked about our burdens and carrying those of another and how we can easily be weighed down. While we are called to carry one another's burdens God does not intend for us to hold onto them. He does not call us to hold onto our own, and in the same way He does not intend for us to hold onto anothers.
When we carry one another's burdens we simply taken it on in order to carry it to the cross on behalf of another. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28 to “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Carrying burdens (our own or another persons) will wear us out. It is not a load that God intends for us to carry (long term). When we carry a burden for another we need to remember that Christ implores us to come to Him with them.
Proverbs 11:25 says, A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.God blesses those that choose to refresh others by carrying their burdens. I have a friend that has a tagline that reads, "May the blessing your receive today be the blessing that you need the most". We receive blessings daily. When we give new strength to another God strengthens us. As we pour into the lives of others by sharing Christ, God will continue to pour back into us.
2 Corinthians 9:12-13 says This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Training For Life
I set out earlier this year with two goals in mind when I began this blog. The first was to deepen my spiritual walk with God (becoming Spiritually Fat) and adapting a consistent healthier lifestyle by losing weight, eating right and running (Physically Fit). As you can see from the trailing posts and lack of fitness updates I've flown through half year unsuccessful. I truly intend and desire these things but have lacked the self-discipline to follow through. I don't know if you've struggled in this area but it gets to me at the deepest level. Paul said it in Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
Then I came across 2 Timothy 1:7 and it says For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. There it was--God has given me a spirit of self-discipline. The interesting thing is I've been trying to do this whole thing in my own strength--which will never work. A verse that has been the foundation of my life is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I've been missing a key step to making this successful--full reliance on God as my strength.
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Corinthians 9:27 In order to do this I must be willing to submit my entire self to God's authority and allow Him to direct every step I take. Similarly, as I take each step in obedience walking in His will for my life, the physical steps that I take will get me closer to my goal of running a 5k then a 1/2 marathon.
Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." I don't think about it very often but this life we live now--it is a race. It is a race against time. We are given only so many days and I can tell you that I have personally wasted far too many. I do want the prize that Pauls speaks about in his letter.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 I must be willing to throw off (get rid of) anything that prevents me from moving forward in my walk with Christ and achieving my spiritual and physical goals. It means I have to take a long look in the mirror and be honest with myself. What is slowing me down? What entangles me? What keeps me from running the race? What about you?
Seek His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Then I came across 2 Timothy 1:7 and it says For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. There it was--God has given me a spirit of self-discipline. The interesting thing is I've been trying to do this whole thing in my own strength--which will never work. A verse that has been the foundation of my life is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I've been missing a key step to making this successful--full reliance on God as my strength.
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Corinthians 9:27 In order to do this I must be willing to submit my entire self to God's authority and allow Him to direct every step I take. Similarly, as I take each step in obedience walking in His will for my life, the physical steps that I take will get me closer to my goal of running a 5k then a 1/2 marathon.
Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." I don't think about it very often but this life we live now--it is a race. It is a race against time. We are given only so many days and I can tell you that I have personally wasted far too many. I do want the prize that Pauls speaks about in his letter.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 I must be willing to throw off (get rid of) anything that prevents me from moving forward in my walk with Christ and achieving my spiritual and physical goals. It means I have to take a long look in the mirror and be honest with myself. What is slowing me down? What entangles me? What keeps me from running the race? What about you?
Seek His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Obedience
It astounds me how stubborn I can be sometimes. Seriously! I think you can be so blinded that you don't even realize you are being stubborn.
Obedience is defined as 1. Compliance with someone's wishes or orders or acknowledgment of their authority. 2. Submission to a law or rule. Obey is found over two hundred times in the New International Version (NIV) Bible. God commands us to obey Him. Throughout the Old Testament God commands us to obey Him and we will receive great reward. There are also many warnings if we do not obey.
Obedience is not difficult but for many (myself included) we make it difficult. We do not like submitting to anoher's authority. We are self-rulers. We do not want to submit (as though it implies weakness). On the contrary, it takes great strength to submit to authority--God first, family, government, etc. Leviticus 25:18 “‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land.
Walk in obedience--what does that really mean? Obedience is a moment by moment, step by step process. Joshua 23:6 says “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. As we obey God will direct our steps. Psalms 27:11 says Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
As we walk in obedience we are strengthened by God. Jesus says in John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. Obedience is an act of love. 1 John 4:19 says "We love because He first loved us." 1 John 2:5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:
As you take each step remember to walk in obedience.
Obedience is defined as 1. Compliance with someone's wishes or orders or acknowledgment of their authority. 2. Submission to a law or rule. Obey is found over two hundred times in the New International Version (NIV) Bible. God commands us to obey Him. Throughout the Old Testament God commands us to obey Him and we will receive great reward. There are also many warnings if we do not obey.
Obedience is not difficult but for many (myself included) we make it difficult. We do not like submitting to anoher's authority. We are self-rulers. We do not want to submit (as though it implies weakness). On the contrary, it takes great strength to submit to authority--God first, family, government, etc. Leviticus 25:18 “‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land.
Walk in obedience--what does that really mean? Obedience is a moment by moment, step by step process. Joshua 23:6 says “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. As we obey God will direct our steps. Psalms 27:11 says Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
As we walk in obedience we are strengthened by God. Jesus says in John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. Obedience is an act of love. 1 John 4:19 says "We love because He first loved us." 1 John 2:5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:
As you take each step remember to walk in obedience.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Are You Who You Want To Be?
This has been the tagline on my dear sweet friends email for a long time. My sweet friend Julie has a contagious smile. She has an incredible personality, loves the Lord and life. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways. She has battled cancer fiercely for the past 10 months and went home to be with the Lord today.
I sit here full of sorrow and tears for the things that I will miss in my dear friend. I regret not spending more time with her these last several months, not talking as much, so many things. I serve and love my sovereign Lord and know that this was His plan to take her home to himself but oh how I struggle. I am grateful God allowed our paths to cross but deeply sorrowful because I will miss her. My heart aches for Regan. There are so many friends that have so many stories to tell him of his mother's wonderful and love and compassion for others. Her strength and resolve was incredible. She personified Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She lived life intentionally. I truly believe Julie was who she wanted to be....and who God wanted her to be. 2 Corinthians 5:7-9 says, Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. My precious friend, though she was young, fulfilled the purpose God had for her life which pleased Him and brought her home where she now rejoices. She is having her best party ever tonight....and she was a great party planner and hostess!
2 Timothy 4:8 says, Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Julie received her crown today; I can only imagine how many jewels were placed on it. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:31
Praise God sweet Jewels no longer suffers and is not in pain but oh how we mourn the loss of such an angel on earth. Heaven is singing praises to receive such an incredible woman today.
Continue to pray for her son Regan and the family. And remember, "Are you who you want to be?"--if you aren't make changes and start today. We are never promised a tomorrow. James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
I sit here full of sorrow and tears for the things that I will miss in my dear friend. I regret not spending more time with her these last several months, not talking as much, so many things. I serve and love my sovereign Lord and know that this was His plan to take her home to himself but oh how I struggle. I am grateful God allowed our paths to cross but deeply sorrowful because I will miss her. My heart aches for Regan. There are so many friends that have so many stories to tell him of his mother's wonderful and love and compassion for others. Her strength and resolve was incredible. She personified Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She lived life intentionally. I truly believe Julie was who she wanted to be....and who God wanted her to be. 2 Corinthians 5:7-9 says, Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. My precious friend, though she was young, fulfilled the purpose God had for her life which pleased Him and brought her home where she now rejoices. She is having her best party ever tonight....and she was a great party planner and hostess!
2 Timothy 4:8 says, Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Julie received her crown today; I can only imagine how many jewels were placed on it. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:31
Praise God sweet Jewels no longer suffers and is not in pain but oh how we mourn the loss of such an angel on earth. Heaven is singing praises to receive such an incredible woman today.
Continue to pray for her son Regan and the family. And remember, "Are you who you want to be?"--if you aren't make changes and start today. We are never promised a tomorrow. James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
True Freedom
Today is a day filled with celebration--celebrating our independance and freedom. Everyone celebrates July 4th but sometimes I think people forget about the significance of this day. The founding fathers of our country were men who founded this country on God's authority. As a nation we have drifted so far from recognizing God's authority. Thousands of men (and women) have fought for our freedom. We often forget the sacrifices made for freedom. True freedom does not come without sacrifice.
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. Through Christ's death on the cross we were freed from sin and restored in our relationship with God. Living in a free country we do not give much thought to slavery.
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:19-23
As we have been freed from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ and choose to walk in righteousness we become more like Christ.
May you not take your freedom in this country or in Christ for granted.
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. Through Christ's death on the cross we were freed from sin and restored in our relationship with God. Living in a free country we do not give much thought to slavery.
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:19-23
As we have been freed from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ and choose to walk in righteousness we become more like Christ.
May you not take your freedom in this country or in Christ for granted.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Blind Faith
I have always been mesmerized by Jesus' healing of the blind. Jesus healed many people with different diseases, demons, etc. and none were greater than any other but opening the eyes of the blind resonates with me. Each time, he healed a physical ailment but also a spiritual sickness. As I've grown in my walk with God I begin to understand we walk around blindly when we are not in fellowship with God.
In John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Once we understand that Jesus is the ONLY way to God. As a child of God, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That began a journey of spiritual growth that will continue until I die or Jesus comes.
John 9:39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 says for we walk by faith, not by sight— In this world we can't rely on what we see.
We can be easily deceived by the satan's schemes. We must have faith in Jesus Christ to walk with us through this life and into eternity.
I have one illustration that I learned as a young child that just stuck with me. If you have ever been camping deep in the woods you know how pitch black it will get after sunset. In order to get around you must carry a flashlight or lantern. As you use the flashlight/latern it only lights the path directly in front of you. Our eyes only need to be focused on the area that encompasses the light; it will keep us safe and give us direction. For us, Jesus is that light. He will guide our every step and keep us safe but we must be willing to daily surrender to His authority not our own. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
In John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Once we understand that Jesus is the ONLY way to God. As a child of God, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That began a journey of spiritual growth that will continue until I die or Jesus comes.
John 9:39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 says for we walk by faith, not by sight— In this world we can't rely on what we see.
We can be easily deceived by the satan's schemes. We must have faith in Jesus Christ to walk with us through this life and into eternity.
I have one illustration that I learned as a young child that just stuck with me. If you have ever been camping deep in the woods you know how pitch black it will get after sunset. In order to get around you must carry a flashlight or lantern. As you use the flashlight/latern it only lights the path directly in front of you. Our eyes only need to be focused on the area that encompasses the light; it will keep us safe and give us direction. For us, Jesus is that light. He will guide our every step and keep us safe but we must be willing to daily surrender to His authority not our own. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
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