"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -- Romans 8:37-39
It would surprise most people who have known me to hear me say I have always been a very lonely individual. For as long as I can remember, I have had a loneliness in my heart that nothing could overcome.
As a very young child, I played outside of my house from early morning until dark. When I was old enough to start spending the night out, I would, as much as possible. I would never have anyone to my house to spend the night. As I have mentioned, my Father was Bi-Polar and an alcoholic. I never knew when he would go off on a rampage...screaming, violence...so I made sure not to invite people to my house and I tried to escape as much as possible.
After my Father left, when I was a teenager, I still spent most of my time trying to escape my house. My Mother, God rest her soul, worked very hard to support us, but she also spent a good bit of her energy in bitter regret of what her life had become. I couldn't stand being there and seeing it. I can remember spending weekends away with friends and then upon my return home feeling an overwhelming suffocating loneliness. It was palpable. Oh how I hated that feeling.
When I grew up, I became a leader in everything I did. I wanted respect and love from people. I thought if I could establish myself as a leader, I could get the admiration I longed for.
In my first marriage, I remember feeling like my husband just couldn't love me enough. No matter what I did, I never felt really truly loved. I left him because I wasn't happy, and I couldn't logically explain why.
I spent the next ten years looking for a love I just couldn't seem to find. I found myself in very destructive relationships, did things I am extremely ashamed of, all on the quest for someone to love me.
I threw myself into a career where I excelled so I could garner admiration. Neglecting my family in my attempt to feel something I always knew was missing.
I finally found myself married to a wonderful man but still feeling incredibly alone. I couldn't understand. I should have been so happy but I wasn't. The loneliness that had been with me from my earliest remembrances wouldn't let go. What was wrong with me?
Finally, one August morning, I was so desperately alone I was physically hyperventilating. I had taken two Xanac and could get no relief. I had called my sister on the phone, crying hysterically but not able to tell her what was wrong. I hung the phone up and right then, not knowing what else to do or where else to turn, I hit my knees and cried out to God.
I listed out every bad thing I had done, and like I said, that list was long and shameful. I told him I had no idea what I was doing nor did I think I deserved forgiveness, but I asked him to please take away the pain in my heart, the all consuming loneliness. I begged for peace.
God met me right there. He told me to get up look on my computer and he found someone to help me. In one click, I found Kay Arthur and her Precepts for Life. She was doing a bible study on the Holy Spirit!! I watched everyone episode.
God showed me clearly in the days and months that followed exactly what I was missing. It was His love my heart was aching for. We were made to love and be loved by God. Without that relationship we whither and die.
I can now say the empty space in my heart has been filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. I know with absolute certainty I will never be alone again. I will never suffer those feelings again. For God so loved me, He gave His Son to die for me (Jn 3:16). All those awful things I had done in search for love were forgiven. I was born anew in Christ.
Sure I will face hardship and disappointments, but God will be right there with me. I now walk with Jesus everyday. I have a newfound purpose in life. I am complete!!
I know God will use all of my life experiences for His good. My experiences, as shameful as they might be, can be used to help others who are feeling that same loneliness. My New Year's resolution is to tell my story and reach out to those who need to find the peace and love only God can give them. For I understand first hand what it feels like to be consumed with loneliness.
"And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The greatest of these is Love
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." --
Ephesians 2:14-19
Oh how I wish I had heard this verse five Christmases ago...
Christmas 2004 was the worst of my life, for you see, I was living a worldly life of sin and paying the price. I had been involved with a married man for over a year, believing he would leave his wife and we would live happily ever after. I loved him with all of my heart. He gave me the attention I had always longed for. I believed he loved me more than anyone had ever loved me.
In early December of that year, my world came crashing down. His wife had found out about us and he had chosen to stay with her. He told me it was over. Broken hearted doesn't begin to explain the feelings I had hearing those words. In all my life I had never suffered that kind of heartbreak. It was suffocating. How could he do this to me, I gave him everything.
That Christmas, my children spending it with their father, I found myself alone for the first time in my life. Waking up alone Christmas morning was torture. The house deftly silent. There was no joy. I cried and I actually prayed that God would change his mind and he would miraculously show up at my door. I think about that prayer and think Jesus must have been shaking his head and saying that poor girl, if she would only truly turn to me, I would give her peace.
But I didn't. By that night Christmas night I was out with friends in a bar, drinking away the pain and flirting with the next guy in my long list. Unfortunately, not even the sinful devastation of that experience turned my heart to God. It took four and a half more years of loneliness and sin before I finally realized what I was missing all along....the love of Christ. A love which would never forsake nor disappoint.
This Christmas is the happiest I have ever celebrated. Not because we have a lot of gifts or decorations, it isn't in the material. No, this Christmas I have received for the first time the true gift of Christmas, the love of Jesus Christ. I no longer look for love in others, because God has filled me to the measure with his abounding love. Sure, I love my family more than words could express, but the love of God is even greater than that and makes this Christmas and the love I have for them the richest of my life.
I am sad for the Christmases lost, but I know God saved me in his time, so I could use all of my experiences for His good. I hope sharing this very personal story will help someone out there realize the love they are searching for is the free gift of God. It is right there for the taking, open the bible and drink it up!!
Merry Christmas to all. I love you.
"Lord, thank you for your love, a love which has no measure and has no cost other than faith in you. Help me to pour that love out on others so they too may know the peace and joy that comes from loving you. Amen."
Ephesians 2:14-19
Oh how I wish I had heard this verse five Christmases ago...
Christmas 2004 was the worst of my life, for you see, I was living a worldly life of sin and paying the price. I had been involved with a married man for over a year, believing he would leave his wife and we would live happily ever after. I loved him with all of my heart. He gave me the attention I had always longed for. I believed he loved me more than anyone had ever loved me.
In early December of that year, my world came crashing down. His wife had found out about us and he had chosen to stay with her. He told me it was over. Broken hearted doesn't begin to explain the feelings I had hearing those words. In all my life I had never suffered that kind of heartbreak. It was suffocating. How could he do this to me, I gave him everything.
That Christmas, my children spending it with their father, I found myself alone for the first time in my life. Waking up alone Christmas morning was torture. The house deftly silent. There was no joy. I cried and I actually prayed that God would change his mind and he would miraculously show up at my door. I think about that prayer and think Jesus must have been shaking his head and saying that poor girl, if she would only truly turn to me, I would give her peace.
But I didn't. By that night Christmas night I was out with friends in a bar, drinking away the pain and flirting with the next guy in my long list. Unfortunately, not even the sinful devastation of that experience turned my heart to God. It took four and a half more years of loneliness and sin before I finally realized what I was missing all along....the love of Christ. A love which would never forsake nor disappoint.
This Christmas is the happiest I have ever celebrated. Not because we have a lot of gifts or decorations, it isn't in the material. No, this Christmas I have received for the first time the true gift of Christmas, the love of Jesus Christ. I no longer look for love in others, because God has filled me to the measure with his abounding love. Sure, I love my family more than words could express, but the love of God is even greater than that and makes this Christmas and the love I have for them the richest of my life.
I am sad for the Christmases lost, but I know God saved me in his time, so I could use all of my experiences for His good. I hope sharing this very personal story will help someone out there realize the love they are searching for is the free gift of God. It is right there for the taking, open the bible and drink it up!!
Merry Christmas to all. I love you.
"Lord, thank you for your love, a love which has no measure and has no cost other than faith in you. Help me to pour that love out on others so they too may know the peace and joy that comes from loving you. Amen."
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Yes, I'm ready....are you?
"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." - John 3:16
How many times this week have you heard or you yourself asked someone, "So, are you ready for Christmas?" I would guess many as it seems to be the thing to say during this week before Christmas. The "how about this weather?" of late December.
This is the first year I have ever really stopped to think about that common question. People asking if you have all the shopping done, all the cooking done...do you have everything necessary before they close the stores and you are put on the spot Christmas morning without a gift for someone or missing an ingredient to the favorite family recipe. The question implies a sense of panic before the big day.
Funny when you stop and think about it. I mean Christmas is the celebration of God's entry into our world. His fulfillment of a covenant made long before. Christ was God's gift of salvation to us. It is so simple it can be summed up in that one simple but most beautiful verse of John 3:16.
However, my point today is "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey used to say. While most people who have ever been exposed to any church have heard John 3:16, how many have read the rest? I hadn't. In those next verses lies the answer to the question, "Are you ready?"
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3: 17-18
During this Christmas season examine your heart. Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, submitting your life to His will? Have you put aside the world? Have you come into the light? When you hear "Are you ready for Christmas?" in the next couple of days will your answer be "Yes, I am ready."
Lord, help me to understand the true gift of Your Son. Let me examine my life so that I can honestly say "I am ready"...ready to live a life worthy of Christ. Worthy of the gift you gave. Let me wake up each day and seek Your will, not mine, so that I may serve You. In Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
How many times this week have you heard or you yourself asked someone, "So, are you ready for Christmas?" I would guess many as it seems to be the thing to say during this week before Christmas. The "how about this weather?" of late December.
This is the first year I have ever really stopped to think about that common question. People asking if you have all the shopping done, all the cooking done...do you have everything necessary before they close the stores and you are put on the spot Christmas morning without a gift for someone or missing an ingredient to the favorite family recipe. The question implies a sense of panic before the big day.
Funny when you stop and think about it. I mean Christmas is the celebration of God's entry into our world. His fulfillment of a covenant made long before. Christ was God's gift of salvation to us. It is so simple it can be summed up in that one simple but most beautiful verse of John 3:16.
However, my point today is "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey used to say. While most people who have ever been exposed to any church have heard John 3:16, how many have read the rest? I hadn't. In those next verses lies the answer to the question, "Are you ready?"
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3: 17-18
During this Christmas season examine your heart. Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, submitting your life to His will? Have you put aside the world? Have you come into the light? When you hear "Are you ready for Christmas?" in the next couple of days will your answer be "Yes, I am ready."
Lord, help me to understand the true gift of Your Son. Let me examine my life so that I can honestly say "I am ready"...ready to live a life worthy of Christ. Worthy of the gift you gave. Let me wake up each day and seek Your will, not mine, so that I may serve You. In Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gift of Hope
"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." -- Jeremiah 29:11
What was the best Christmas gift you ever received? Was it a bike, a doll, a video game, a ring?" I used to think the brand new ten speed I got when I was 9 was the greatest gift I ever received. You see, my childhood as the daughter of a bi-polar father was up and down. Sometimes we had, and sometimes we didn't.
The year and a half prior to that Christmas had been rough in my family. My Dad was in a depression cycle. We had moved to Mobile from Birmingham for a great job. It didn't last long...six months into our new home in Mobile, we had lost our house and moved into a little apartment, all seven of us!!
I had the greatest purple bike with a banana seat. I loved that bike. I used to ride it all the time. Well, we had a bully in the apartment complex and one day he took my bike and broke it, beyond repair. I was heartbroken. Even at that young age, I knew we didn't have the money for a new bike.
Over the next year, life was tough, my Dad stayed in the bed most of the time. We didn't have much. However, I really wanted a new bike. I knew my only hope was Santa. Would he bring me a new bike? Maybe if I was good enough...I hoped.
By Christmas morning, life was better, we had moved out of the small apartment and into a house. When I woke up Christmas morning, I rushed to the living room and stopped at the door. What if Santa hadn't brought it? I was no stranger to disappointment. I hoped...I peeked in and there it was. I think that was the happiest I had ever been...my hope didn't disappoint!!
I look back on that Christmas and smile, the innocence of a child, placing all her hope in a man (Santa) she had never seen.
Now, as a newly saved Christian, I feel the same way. After so many years of suffering alone, I have been given the enormous gift of hope. Hope in Jesus Christ. Hope that everything will work out for good. Hope that I will see my deceased loved ones again. Hope of eternal life with my Lord and Savior. A hope that doesn't disappoint!
I equate my feelings of elation with the child like-thrill of that new bike. Out of despair, I am new again with the hope of a glorious and blessed future. All because God sent His Son to become man, to become sin so that we could live and have hope...Amen.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 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." -- Romans 5:2-5
What was the best Christmas gift you ever received? Was it a bike, a doll, a video game, a ring?" I used to think the brand new ten speed I got when I was 9 was the greatest gift I ever received. You see, my childhood as the daughter of a bi-polar father was up and down. Sometimes we had, and sometimes we didn't.
The year and a half prior to that Christmas had been rough in my family. My Dad was in a depression cycle. We had moved to Mobile from Birmingham for a great job. It didn't last long...six months into our new home in Mobile, we had lost our house and moved into a little apartment, all seven of us!!
I had the greatest purple bike with a banana seat. I loved that bike. I used to ride it all the time. Well, we had a bully in the apartment complex and one day he took my bike and broke it, beyond repair. I was heartbroken. Even at that young age, I knew we didn't have the money for a new bike.
Over the next year, life was tough, my Dad stayed in the bed most of the time. We didn't have much. However, I really wanted a new bike. I knew my only hope was Santa. Would he bring me a new bike? Maybe if I was good enough...I hoped.
By Christmas morning, life was better, we had moved out of the small apartment and into a house. When I woke up Christmas morning, I rushed to the living room and stopped at the door. What if Santa hadn't brought it? I was no stranger to disappointment. I hoped...I peeked in and there it was. I think that was the happiest I had ever been...my hope didn't disappoint!!
I look back on that Christmas and smile, the innocence of a child, placing all her hope in a man (Santa) she had never seen.
Now, as a newly saved Christian, I feel the same way. After so many years of suffering alone, I have been given the enormous gift of hope. Hope in Jesus Christ. Hope that everything will work out for good. Hope that I will see my deceased loved ones again. Hope of eternal life with my Lord and Savior. A hope that doesn't disappoint!
I equate my feelings of elation with the child like-thrill of that new bike. Out of despair, I am new again with the hope of a glorious and blessed future. All because God sent His Son to become man, to become sin so that we could live and have hope...Amen.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 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." -- Romans 5:2-5
Monday, December 21, 2009
God's People
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:3-5
As I read the Christmas story, I am filled with wonder at the simplicity of God's entry into this world. Amazed at the people he chose to use in His plan to save mankind. He didn't come into this world with pomp and circumstance, which He certainly had the power to do, he came in quietly, announced by angels to the least of men.
Take Mary and Joseph, who couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 at the time. Very young and Jews, certainly not the most powerful or respected tribe in the world. They lived simply and worked hard. Zachariah and Elizabeth, both well beyond their prime....face it they were just OLD.
Jesus was born in a stable, had a manger for a bed. No castle fit for a king. Sure, God sent his heavenly host to gloriously announce the birth of His son, an announcement fit for a king....but He sent them to shepherds in the field. Shepherds!! They were about the lowest of the low when it came to the social strata of Israel. Yes, kings did come and brought gifts fit for the King. But these kings were foreigners. We all know about foreigners from the east!!
So, God chose to send His Son into the world, simply, humbly and relatively quite. Why?
I believe there are two big reasons. The first being, our salvation, while a gift from God, freely given, comes through faith. If God had sent His Son to earth on a cloud with all the hosts of heaven escorting Him, it would have been obvious who he was and there wouldn't be much faith in believing it. I mean, to believe the King of Kings was born an innocent baby, in a manger, announced to shepherds, raised a Jewish carpenter, and followed by fishermen. That takes faith on the our part, the faith necessary for salvation!!
Second, God wanted everyone to understand His gift was sent to everyone. Not just the rich and famous. He sent His Son to save the entire world. Jews, gentiles, rich, poor, famous, unknown....He came as a simple servant, humbled himself to be a servant, to let us know He came for all of us....thank God!!
Lord, help me to realize that while your coming was simple, its magnitude changed our world forever. You sent Your Son, to live among us as an ordinary man, so He could save us from ourselves. You could have made it clear to all who He was, however, you continue to allow us the choice, life through faith in Jesus Christ, or death in sin. Thank you for giving me the choice and for opening my eyes to Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:3-5
As I read the Christmas story, I am filled with wonder at the simplicity of God's entry into this world. Amazed at the people he chose to use in His plan to save mankind. He didn't come into this world with pomp and circumstance, which He certainly had the power to do, he came in quietly, announced by angels to the least of men.
Take Mary and Joseph, who couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 at the time. Very young and Jews, certainly not the most powerful or respected tribe in the world. They lived simply and worked hard. Zachariah and Elizabeth, both well beyond their prime....face it they were just OLD.
Jesus was born in a stable, had a manger for a bed. No castle fit for a king. Sure, God sent his heavenly host to gloriously announce the birth of His son, an announcement fit for a king....but He sent them to shepherds in the field. Shepherds!! They were about the lowest of the low when it came to the social strata of Israel. Yes, kings did come and brought gifts fit for the King. But these kings were foreigners. We all know about foreigners from the east!!
So, God chose to send His Son into the world, simply, humbly and relatively quite. Why?
I believe there are two big reasons. The first being, our salvation, while a gift from God, freely given, comes through faith. If God had sent His Son to earth on a cloud with all the hosts of heaven escorting Him, it would have been obvious who he was and there wouldn't be much faith in believing it. I mean, to believe the King of Kings was born an innocent baby, in a manger, announced to shepherds, raised a Jewish carpenter, and followed by fishermen. That takes faith on the our part, the faith necessary for salvation!!
Second, God wanted everyone to understand His gift was sent to everyone. Not just the rich and famous. He sent His Son to save the entire world. Jews, gentiles, rich, poor, famous, unknown....He came as a simple servant, humbled himself to be a servant, to let us know He came for all of us....thank God!!
Lord, help me to realize that while your coming was simple, its magnitude changed our world forever. You sent Your Son, to live among us as an ordinary man, so He could save us from ourselves. You could have made it clear to all who He was, however, you continue to allow us the choice, life through faith in Jesus Christ, or death in sin. Thank you for giving me the choice and for opening my eyes to Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
FREE....best holiday deal of the season!!
"the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." --Romans 6:23b
As I look at all the ads for Christmas shoppers, I notice all these enticements to buy something and get something else for free. You can buy a suit and get another suit free. Or buy a pair of earrings and get a necklace free. Whatever it is, advertisers know shoppers love to get something for free and they will line up to get it.
Yet, how many of them are lining up to get the greatest gift of all, absolutely free?! Our awesome gift from God is salvation, freely given through His son Jesus Christ, who saved us from the death of sin and gave us eternal life in Heaven with Him. You don't have to get up before dawn, fight for a parking space, nor stand in line to receive this gift. All that is required to receive it is faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God doesn't ask us to buy the law and He will throw in salvation as a free gift. He tells us clearly, our gift of salvation is simply obtained through grace, His grace, not our deeds..."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8.
So, if you find yourself scouring the advertisements for the best Christmas deal, remember, THE greatest Christmas gift of all is always free and never runs out. I don't know about you, it is the best deal I have ever found and if I have to pay full price for everything else the rest of my life, I won't mind.
"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11b
"to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One he loves." -- Ephesians 1:6
Lord, help me to remember every day that I have already received the best bargain there is, salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
As I look at all the ads for Christmas shoppers, I notice all these enticements to buy something and get something else for free. You can buy a suit and get another suit free. Or buy a pair of earrings and get a necklace free. Whatever it is, advertisers know shoppers love to get something for free and they will line up to get it.
Yet, how many of them are lining up to get the greatest gift of all, absolutely free?! Our awesome gift from God is salvation, freely given through His son Jesus Christ, who saved us from the death of sin and gave us eternal life in Heaven with Him. You don't have to get up before dawn, fight for a parking space, nor stand in line to receive this gift. All that is required to receive it is faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God doesn't ask us to buy the law and He will throw in salvation as a free gift. He tells us clearly, our gift of salvation is simply obtained through grace, His grace, not our deeds..."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8.
So, if you find yourself scouring the advertisements for the best Christmas deal, remember, THE greatest Christmas gift of all is always free and never runs out. I don't know about you, it is the best deal I have ever found and if I have to pay full price for everything else the rest of my life, I won't mind.
"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11b
"to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One he loves." -- Ephesians 1:6
Lord, help me to remember every day that I have already received the best bargain there is, salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas Isn't Merry For Everyone
"The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 4:4
With the commercialism of Christmas, we now rush around to spend some $450B on a holiday that has gotten far off track from the celebration of our Savior's birth. In the rush to get everything done, all the presents, food, lights, it easy to see why for many, this is not a joyful holiday. Many people suffer from disappointment, hurt, bad memories, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Last December 17, my Mother went into the hospital for a heart cath. During the procedure, she coded and they performed emergency open heart surgery which she barely survived. She made it out of surgery and we spent our holiday season with my Mother in ICU, not knowing from day to day if she would make it or not. She never woke up and died on New Years Eve.
I remember going through the motions of Christmas last year. I remember, at times, just wanting to yell out, stop this madness, my Mother is dying!! There was no holiday cheer for me or my family. I wonder just how many people are out there, feeling the same way. No holiday cheer for whatever reason. Maybe they lost a loved one during the holidays or they have lost their job or they just don't have the means to give the gifts expected. Whatever hurt or affliction, they aren't feeling the Joy of Christmas.
I am deeply saddened for those people. They are allowing something worldly to steal their Joy. The god of this world is working very hard to take away our Christ of Christmas. The god of this world looks to put hurt and despair in the hearts of God's children. ("the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" 1 John 5:19). I allowed it to happen to me.
For you see, if we remember what Christmas really is....remember the Christ of Christmas...we would know we are never alone, know there is no hurt He can't heal. If we let go of all the glitz and glamour of the commercial Christmas, and remembered the gift of our Lord and Savior, there is no pain, no sorrow, no disappointment, no memory, no loneliness, no depression and no anxiety we could not overcome. Jesus was born into our world to shine His light on all our darkness. If we believe that and have faith in His grace and our Salvation, then no god of this world could ever steal the Joy of Christmas.
I know many people think I should be sad this Christmas....since my Mother died during the holidays. I have had people very kindly ask if I am getting through it OK. I think perhaps they are taken aback when I say I am FANTASTIC!! For you see, this is my first real Christmas. The first Christmas when I truly get the story. My first Christmas as a born again Christian. I feel joy like a child. I can't be sad, this is the celebration of the birth of my Lord and Savior. I want everyone to feel like I do....to know, really know and understand what this all means.
The only sadness I feel is for those people who don't get it yet. Who haven't accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the ones who are still stuck in the sadness and desperation of a holiday that doesn't make any sense to them. I would love to reach each and every one of them and give them the greatest gift I have ever received...Jesus Christ!!!
"God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness' is the One who was shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for opening my eyes to the true joy of Christmas. Help me to shine brightly for You. To show others the true Christ of Christmas so they too can overcome their hurt and have a very merry Christmas. In Jesus name, Amen.
With the commercialism of Christmas, we now rush around to spend some $450B on a holiday that has gotten far off track from the celebration of our Savior's birth. In the rush to get everything done, all the presents, food, lights, it easy to see why for many, this is not a joyful holiday. Many people suffer from disappointment, hurt, bad memories, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Last December 17, my Mother went into the hospital for a heart cath. During the procedure, she coded and they performed emergency open heart surgery which she barely survived. She made it out of surgery and we spent our holiday season with my Mother in ICU, not knowing from day to day if she would make it or not. She never woke up and died on New Years Eve.
I remember going through the motions of Christmas last year. I remember, at times, just wanting to yell out, stop this madness, my Mother is dying!! There was no holiday cheer for me or my family. I wonder just how many people are out there, feeling the same way. No holiday cheer for whatever reason. Maybe they lost a loved one during the holidays or they have lost their job or they just don't have the means to give the gifts expected. Whatever hurt or affliction, they aren't feeling the Joy of Christmas.
I am deeply saddened for those people. They are allowing something worldly to steal their Joy. The god of this world is working very hard to take away our Christ of Christmas. The god of this world looks to put hurt and despair in the hearts of God's children. ("the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" 1 John 5:19). I allowed it to happen to me.
For you see, if we remember what Christmas really is....remember the Christ of Christmas...we would know we are never alone, know there is no hurt He can't heal. If we let go of all the glitz and glamour of the commercial Christmas, and remembered the gift of our Lord and Savior, there is no pain, no sorrow, no disappointment, no memory, no loneliness, no depression and no anxiety we could not overcome. Jesus was born into our world to shine His light on all our darkness. If we believe that and have faith in His grace and our Salvation, then no god of this world could ever steal the Joy of Christmas.
I know many people think I should be sad this Christmas....since my Mother died during the holidays. I have had people very kindly ask if I am getting through it OK. I think perhaps they are taken aback when I say I am FANTASTIC!! For you see, this is my first real Christmas. The first Christmas when I truly get the story. My first Christmas as a born again Christian. I feel joy like a child. I can't be sad, this is the celebration of the birth of my Lord and Savior. I want everyone to feel like I do....to know, really know and understand what this all means.
The only sadness I feel is for those people who don't get it yet. Who haven't accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the ones who are still stuck in the sadness and desperation of a holiday that doesn't make any sense to them. I would love to reach each and every one of them and give them the greatest gift I have ever received...Jesus Christ!!!
"God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness' is the One who was shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for opening my eyes to the true joy of Christmas. Help me to shine brightly for You. To show others the true Christ of Christmas so they too can overcome their hurt and have a very merry Christmas. In Jesus name, Amen.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? Part 4
"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She rapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." -- Luke 2:6-7
THIS is the Christ of Christmas most of us are familiar with. The baby born and placed in a manger. The star, the shepherds, the kings....yes, that is the image most Christians think of when they think of Christmas.
Has it become so familiar, to Christians and non-Christians alike that we forget the utter magnitude of it?
I am awestruck at the thought of our Sovereign God, ruler of ALL creation, reigning supreme in Heaven one minute, stepping off His mighty throne to be born a helpless baby the next. And not a baby born in a castle fit for Him, but born in a stable, placed in a manger. Our awesome Lord and Savior, humbling Himself to this and for what? TO SAVE YOU AND ME FROM OUR OWN SIN AND DEATH!!
God sent His Son to live as an ordinary man among the very people who had broken His heart and turned from Him. He sent Him to fulfill a promise He made to us centuries before. He sent Him to save us from our unrighteousness.
He could have come as anyone, a King, a Prince, a Noble. He could have been born in a much nicer place. He could have lived a more opulent life. However, God chose to humble himself as a servant for our benefit....
"Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" -- Philippians 2:6-8
But that my friends isn't the end of the story....yes, Jesus humbled himself as a servant and came into this world as an ordinary man. But because He was obedient to the Father, He didn't end that way....
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -- Philippians 2:9-11
That is the Christ of Christmas!!
THIS is the Christ of Christmas most of us are familiar with. The baby born and placed in a manger. The star, the shepherds, the kings....yes, that is the image most Christians think of when they think of Christmas.
Has it become so familiar, to Christians and non-Christians alike that we forget the utter magnitude of it?
I am awestruck at the thought of our Sovereign God, ruler of ALL creation, reigning supreme in Heaven one minute, stepping off His mighty throne to be born a helpless baby the next. And not a baby born in a castle fit for Him, but born in a stable, placed in a manger. Our awesome Lord and Savior, humbling Himself to this and for what? TO SAVE YOU AND ME FROM OUR OWN SIN AND DEATH!!
God sent His Son to live as an ordinary man among the very people who had broken His heart and turned from Him. He sent Him to fulfill a promise He made to us centuries before. He sent Him to save us from our unrighteousness.
He could have come as anyone, a King, a Prince, a Noble. He could have been born in a much nicer place. He could have lived a more opulent life. However, God chose to humble himself as a servant for our benefit....
"Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" -- Philippians 2:6-8
But that my friends isn't the end of the story....yes, Jesus humbled himself as a servant and came into this world as an ordinary man. But because He was obedient to the Father, He didn't end that way....
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -- Philippians 2:9-11
That is the Christ of Christmas!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? - Part 3
Acts 7:54-59
The Stoning of Stephen
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Have you ever wondered or been asked as a Christian, if Jesus is real, where is he when bad things happen to innocent people? I will admit is isn't an easy question and one I think many people avoid or simply glaze over. Let's look at the scripture for our answer.
Stephen was murdered in the most brutal kind of attack. As bad as anything we see on the news in our day. He was stoned to death. Can you imagine the horror? Can you imagine the pain, the fear? I can't and that is how I feel when I see a news report of someone brutally murdered. A child taken and found in a trash dump. How awful there last moments on this earth must have been? Where was Jesus, why did he not protect them?
Well, take a closer look and you will discover the miracle in the horror....Jesus WAS right there!! He made SURE Stephen could see him. He made SURE Stephen knew he was not alone. He wasn't sitting at the right hand of God. He was standing, not a passive gesture, but a protective posture. The scripture doesn't say it, but knowing my Christ of Christmas, I know He was weeping as well, his heart breaking at the horror befalling Stephen.
You see, Jesus, God, doesn't leave us alone in our darkest hour. He is there, and he let's us know he is there, giving us comfort to withstand the pain, the horror, the fear. He wraps His arms around that child in those most frightening moments, weeping with them and for them. Ready to take them home to His house where there will be no more pain.
God didn't put sin and death into this world. He created us to live with Him in peace and harmony. God doesn't do bad things. God is kind. God is loving. God is merciful. God created a world free of sin and death. However, he gave us the free choice to love. In that free choice, WE brought sin and death into the world and broke God's original design.
Because of our choice to sin, God willing sent his own Son to suffer a horrific death, to suffer the most painful death, so we could have eternal life.So, never forget this gem, God knows the pain of horrible loss just as the parents of the child brutally murdered. He knows what it is like to see His innocent Son suffer and die a tragic death. But he also knew the resurrection would follow and THAT my friend, is the Christ of Christmas.
Those of us who chose to believe, have faith in our Risen Lord, the true Christ of Christmas have been saved from the world of death and sin. So, no matter what horrible things may happen to us, we can take comfort in knowing Jesus will be right there with us, to take us home to His Heavenly Kingdom, where death and suffering live no more.
John 11:32-33
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." (NIV)
John 11:35
"Jesus wept." (NIV)
Dear Lord, it is so hard to understand the horrific events that happen. Thank You for this reminder in Stephen's story. Even though we may never have answers on this side of eternity we can still stand on the truth that You are good even when life isn't. But Lord Jesus, please pour out Your loving comfort and reassurances. Be our Christ of Christmas everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The Stoning of Stephen
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Have you ever wondered or been asked as a Christian, if Jesus is real, where is he when bad things happen to innocent people? I will admit is isn't an easy question and one I think many people avoid or simply glaze over. Let's look at the scripture for our answer.
Stephen was murdered in the most brutal kind of attack. As bad as anything we see on the news in our day. He was stoned to death. Can you imagine the horror? Can you imagine the pain, the fear? I can't and that is how I feel when I see a news report of someone brutally murdered. A child taken and found in a trash dump. How awful there last moments on this earth must have been? Where was Jesus, why did he not protect them?
Well, take a closer look and you will discover the miracle in the horror....Jesus WAS right there!! He made SURE Stephen could see him. He made SURE Stephen knew he was not alone. He wasn't sitting at the right hand of God. He was standing, not a passive gesture, but a protective posture. The scripture doesn't say it, but knowing my Christ of Christmas, I know He was weeping as well, his heart breaking at the horror befalling Stephen.
You see, Jesus, God, doesn't leave us alone in our darkest hour. He is there, and he let's us know he is there, giving us comfort to withstand the pain, the horror, the fear. He wraps His arms around that child in those most frightening moments, weeping with them and for them. Ready to take them home to His house where there will be no more pain.
God didn't put sin and death into this world. He created us to live with Him in peace and harmony. God doesn't do bad things. God is kind. God is loving. God is merciful. God created a world free of sin and death. However, he gave us the free choice to love. In that free choice, WE brought sin and death into the world and broke God's original design.
Because of our choice to sin, God willing sent his own Son to suffer a horrific death, to suffer the most painful death, so we could have eternal life.So, never forget this gem, God knows the pain of horrible loss just as the parents of the child brutally murdered. He knows what it is like to see His innocent Son suffer and die a tragic death. But he also knew the resurrection would follow and THAT my friend, is the Christ of Christmas.
Those of us who chose to believe, have faith in our Risen Lord, the true Christ of Christmas have been saved from the world of death and sin. So, no matter what horrible things may happen to us, we can take comfort in knowing Jesus will be right there with us, to take us home to His Heavenly Kingdom, where death and suffering live no more.
John 11:32-33
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." (NIV)
John 11:35
"Jesus wept." (NIV)
Dear Lord, it is so hard to understand the horrific events that happen. Thank You for this reminder in Stephen's story. Even though we may never have answers on this side of eternity we can still stand on the truth that You are good even when life isn't. But Lord Jesus, please pour out Your loving comfort and reassurances. Be our Christ of Christmas everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? - Part 2
John 1:4-14
4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God spoke through his prophets for centuries laying out the coming of the Messiah, the fulfillment of his covenant to save the world for the darkness of sin. The signs of his coming where everywhere. Daniel had laid out the reign of the rules prior to his coming, for 400 years the prophets were silent, but the prophecies where being fulfilled. John the Baptist appeared, proclaiming his arrival, just as the prophets had foretold. Wow, the time of salvation had arrived....their should have been huge celebration....right?
Well, as we know, Jesus was not received with open arms or celebration. God sent his son to a world that did not recognize him. He sent Christ to His own, but they did not receive him. Where they CRAZY!! He was the Messiah, all the signs pointed to it, the prophecies where revealed.....what were they thinking!!
Well, as John so eloquently writes in John 3:19-20 "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."
How true is that today. How many people still refuse to truly believe in the Christ of Christmas because they think it means they have to become a prude, give up all their "fun", live like a monk? Too many people I know are what I call "convenient Christians", let me be honest, I was one too. Sure, I was baptized and confirmed. I had my children baptized. I would have told anyone who asked I was a Christian, I believed Jesus was born, died and I would have even told you he rose again on the third day. Sounds great, I was "in" right.
Oh how wrong I was!!
If you refuse to see the light of God, the light he sent into the world in His son Jesus Christ, then you really aren't a Christian. What does that mean? Light is good, it is God. If you truly accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you allow His light to shine in every nook and cranny of your life. You allow it to expose all the sin and bad things you were hanging on to...all those "fun" things you thought you never wanted to give up. I won't get into the specifics, you know what I am talking about. The sin you liked to do and didn't want anyone to take away from you, not God, not Jesus not anyone.
You see, the Christ of Christmas came to shine his light and snuff out the darkness (sin) once and for all. He offers us salvation from our sin, the light of eternal glory in his kingdom. All we are required to do is accept Him as the Messiah, believe He is the fulfillment of the prophecy, the light of the world. And in so doing, we gain the right to become children of God, receiving all the gifts that wonderful distinction entails. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't trade the gifts of my new life in Jesus for that so called "fun" life I was leading before for anything in this world (or beyond). How about you?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for shining Your light into my life and exposing it for what it really was. Thank You for leading me out of temptation and delivering me from the evil of the dark world. I am so much happier with the light shining on me, warming my heart and my soul. This Christmas allow me to share the light of Your Son, our gifted Savior, with the world. Amen
4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God spoke through his prophets for centuries laying out the coming of the Messiah, the fulfillment of his covenant to save the world for the darkness of sin. The signs of his coming where everywhere. Daniel had laid out the reign of the rules prior to his coming, for 400 years the prophets were silent, but the prophecies where being fulfilled. John the Baptist appeared, proclaiming his arrival, just as the prophets had foretold. Wow, the time of salvation had arrived....their should have been huge celebration....right?
Well, as we know, Jesus was not received with open arms or celebration. God sent his son to a world that did not recognize him. He sent Christ to His own, but they did not receive him. Where they CRAZY!! He was the Messiah, all the signs pointed to it, the prophecies where revealed.....what were they thinking!!
Well, as John so eloquently writes in John 3:19-20 "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."
How true is that today. How many people still refuse to truly believe in the Christ of Christmas because they think it means they have to become a prude, give up all their "fun", live like a monk? Too many people I know are what I call "convenient Christians", let me be honest, I was one too. Sure, I was baptized and confirmed. I had my children baptized. I would have told anyone who asked I was a Christian, I believed Jesus was born, died and I would have even told you he rose again on the third day. Sounds great, I was "in" right.
Oh how wrong I was!!
If you refuse to see the light of God, the light he sent into the world in His son Jesus Christ, then you really aren't a Christian. What does that mean? Light is good, it is God. If you truly accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you allow His light to shine in every nook and cranny of your life. You allow it to expose all the sin and bad things you were hanging on to...all those "fun" things you thought you never wanted to give up. I won't get into the specifics, you know what I am talking about. The sin you liked to do and didn't want anyone to take away from you, not God, not Jesus not anyone.
You see, the Christ of Christmas came to shine his light and snuff out the darkness (sin) once and for all. He offers us salvation from our sin, the light of eternal glory in his kingdom. All we are required to do is accept Him as the Messiah, believe He is the fulfillment of the prophecy, the light of the world. And in so doing, we gain the right to become children of God, receiving all the gifts that wonderful distinction entails. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't trade the gifts of my new life in Jesus for that so called "fun" life I was leading before for anything in this world (or beyond). How about you?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for shining Your light into my life and exposing it for what it really was. Thank You for leading me out of temptation and delivering me from the evil of the dark world. I am so much happier with the light shining on me, warming my heart and my soul. This Christmas allow me to share the light of Your Son, our gifted Savior, with the world. Amen
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? - Part 1
John 1:1-10
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Who is the Christ of Christmas? We all know the stories of the Angel appearing to Mary, the virgin birth, the Star of Bethlehem. Matthew, Mark and Luke begin their Gospels at the time just around and prior to Christ's birth as the Son of Man. John, however, tells us the whole story about the Messiah.
John's Gospel begins, interestingly enough, just as the Bible begins, "In the beginning"...
John, who to me is the most straight forward writers in the New Testament, tells it like it is. Jesus was with God, in the beginning. He was there before man was ever created!! I don't know about you, but that message is HUGE to me and it tells a much larger picture of who Jesus, my Lord and Savior, really is.
If you ever doubted the sovereignty of our God, then look at this text. Jesus was the Word, and the Word was with God, IN THE BEGINNING. God knew before he ever made us that we would sin and break his heart and need a Savior!! Even knowing that, he still created us...out of his incomprehensible love and his desire to have an intimate relationship with us. He knew, well before any hair was formed on any of our heads, that we would need Jesus to be made man, come to live among us and save us from our sin!
Jesus has always been with God, as has the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Son of God and the Son of Man. God knew this and planned this before we were ever created!! Christ, a member of the Triune Godhead reigns supreme over all creation, and has since the beginning. He wasn't an afterthought of God, He IS God. Today, as you go about your daily routine, think about this message. The message of Christmas that is not the one usually told. Consider the profoundness of knowing that Jesus was with God from the beginning. I hope it brings you as much Joy as it does me.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
-- Colossians 1:15-17
Prayer:
Lord, I sit in awestruck wonder at your sovereignty. You are truly an awesome God. Help me to wrap my feeble little human brain around the glory of you as Father, Son and Holy Ghost...all one God, since the beginning, who loves us so much you created us even knowing the heart ache we would bring to you. In the knowledge that Jesus existed with you from the beginning, help me to find true appreciation in just who the Christ of Christmas is and celebrate it with more Joy and fervour than ever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Who is the Christ of Christmas? We all know the stories of the Angel appearing to Mary, the virgin birth, the Star of Bethlehem. Matthew, Mark and Luke begin their Gospels at the time just around and prior to Christ's birth as the Son of Man. John, however, tells us the whole story about the Messiah.
John's Gospel begins, interestingly enough, just as the Bible begins, "In the beginning"...
John, who to me is the most straight forward writers in the New Testament, tells it like it is. Jesus was with God, in the beginning. He was there before man was ever created!! I don't know about you, but that message is HUGE to me and it tells a much larger picture of who Jesus, my Lord and Savior, really is.
If you ever doubted the sovereignty of our God, then look at this text. Jesus was the Word, and the Word was with God, IN THE BEGINNING. God knew before he ever made us that we would sin and break his heart and need a Savior!! Even knowing that, he still created us...out of his incomprehensible love and his desire to have an intimate relationship with us. He knew, well before any hair was formed on any of our heads, that we would need Jesus to be made man, come to live among us and save us from our sin!
Jesus has always been with God, as has the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Son of God and the Son of Man. God knew this and planned this before we were ever created!! Christ, a member of the Triune Godhead reigns supreme over all creation, and has since the beginning. He wasn't an afterthought of God, He IS God. Today, as you go about your daily routine, think about this message. The message of Christmas that is not the one usually told. Consider the profoundness of knowing that Jesus was with God from the beginning. I hope it brings you as much Joy as it does me.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
-- Colossians 1:15-17
Prayer:
Lord, I sit in awestruck wonder at your sovereignty. You are truly an awesome God. Help me to wrap my feeble little human brain around the glory of you as Father, Son and Holy Ghost...all one God, since the beginning, who loves us so much you created us even knowing the heart ache we would bring to you. In the knowledge that Jesus existed with you from the beginning, help me to find true appreciation in just who the Christ of Christmas is and celebrate it with more Joy and fervour than ever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It IS this simple....
"The righteous will live by faith." -- Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38
Someone asked me yesterday, "How do you know you are right? People have been getting God wrong for centuries, so how do you know you are doing it right now?" Well, that is an honest question. One I used to ask a lot before I truly figured out the answer. And it isn't complicated.
I think throughout history people have tried to over complicate the true meaning of being a Christian. It seems beneficial to organized religion and Churches to over complicate the issue. Because if it was really simple would we need religious leaders, would they somehow become less powerful.
That one line from the Old Testament, which God felt was so important it was repeated three times in the New Testament, is a line that changed the face of Religion as we know it. For that is the line of scripture which hit Martin Luther with such force as to bring about the Protestant Reformation!!
Luther, who had spent many, many years trying to be righteous and please God but always falling short, was in the depths of despair in front of God. And what did God do, he brought to his remembrance a line of scripture Luther had been lucky enough to see once in a bible chained in a library. You see, in those days, the bible was not readily available to be read by the average human. They relied on the teachings of the church to figure out Christianity. I won't go into the corruption which ensued through humans being entrusted with that responsibility, that is for another time.
However, the light which was turned on for Martin Luther in the simplicity of this scripture "The righteous live by faith" would forever change him and in turn the course of Christianity. For in those five words, Christianity is summed up. It isn't about you or me or our good deeds. It is about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It IS that simple. We are Christians because we have faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have faith that God sent his only Son to become sin and shed his blood for our salvation. Period. The good works and righteous living come out of that, not the other way around. It isn't complicated. We don't need scholars to interpret it for us.
In this time of Christmas, try to remember the simplicity of it all. Jesus was born to take away the sin of the world. Period. As I said yesterday, He was born, so He could die and we could live. Let the simplicity take hold of your heart and change the way you live today!!
And don't forget, share this message with someone today. You never know who's life could be changed forever!
"For it is by grace your have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - " -- Ephesians 2:8
Prayer:
Lord, help me to understand, I am not saved by my works, this is not about me, I am saved through Your grace and Your grace alone. I have done nothing to deserve salvation but through the blessed gift of Your Son, my Savior. Keep those five words "The righteous live by faith" always in my mind, so I never forget the awesome gift I have been given. In Jesus name, Amen.
Someone asked me yesterday, "How do you know you are right? People have been getting God wrong for centuries, so how do you know you are doing it right now?" Well, that is an honest question. One I used to ask a lot before I truly figured out the answer. And it isn't complicated.
I think throughout history people have tried to over complicate the true meaning of being a Christian. It seems beneficial to organized religion and Churches to over complicate the issue. Because if it was really simple would we need religious leaders, would they somehow become less powerful.
That one line from the Old Testament, which God felt was so important it was repeated three times in the New Testament, is a line that changed the face of Religion as we know it. For that is the line of scripture which hit Martin Luther with such force as to bring about the Protestant Reformation!!
Luther, who had spent many, many years trying to be righteous and please God but always falling short, was in the depths of despair in front of God. And what did God do, he brought to his remembrance a line of scripture Luther had been lucky enough to see once in a bible chained in a library. You see, in those days, the bible was not readily available to be read by the average human. They relied on the teachings of the church to figure out Christianity. I won't go into the corruption which ensued through humans being entrusted with that responsibility, that is for another time.
However, the light which was turned on for Martin Luther in the simplicity of this scripture "The righteous live by faith" would forever change him and in turn the course of Christianity. For in those five words, Christianity is summed up. It isn't about you or me or our good deeds. It is about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It IS that simple. We are Christians because we have faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have faith that God sent his only Son to become sin and shed his blood for our salvation. Period. The good works and righteous living come out of that, not the other way around. It isn't complicated. We don't need scholars to interpret it for us.
In this time of Christmas, try to remember the simplicity of it all. Jesus was born to take away the sin of the world. Period. As I said yesterday, He was born, so He could die and we could live. Let the simplicity take hold of your heart and change the way you live today!!
And don't forget, share this message with someone today. You never know who's life could be changed forever!
"For it is by grace your have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - " -- Ephesians 2:8
Prayer:
Lord, help me to understand, I am not saved by my works, this is not about me, I am saved through Your grace and Your grace alone. I have done nothing to deserve salvation but through the blessed gift of Your Son, my Savior. Keep those five words "The righteous live by faith" always in my mind, so I never forget the awesome gift I have been given. In Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, December 4, 2009
What does putting Christ back in Christmas really mean?
"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." -- Deuteronomy 15:11
"Jesus answered, "if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." -- Matthew 19:21
In this time of Christmas, many of us get wrapped up in the secular world. We think it important to get our children everything they ask for. We want to have the best and the brightest decorations on the street. We stress over getting everything done, fighting crowds to get the best bargain around. We spend more than we have to try and make it the "happiest time of the year".
What do you think God feels about all of this. Is the kind of celebration he would condone for His Son's birth. I read something this morning which made me stop in my tracks and think hard about what we are doing...."Jesus was born to die, so that we could live." Wow, what a simplified yet profound message of Christmas.
I think Jesus would be more pleased to see us celebrate His birth by giving to those who are in need. Not to our own families who already have way too much, but to all those in our society who are struggling just to put food on the table. God didn't just ask us to help the poor, he commanded it. Jesus' message on this earth was for us to help out neighbors, to love them as ourselves, to give of ourselves for the good of others.
I ask each one of you to examine, in total honesty, your celebration of Christmas. We are all fighting to keep Christ in Christmas, holding fast to the "Merry Christmas" so many want to take away from us. But are we doing it in word only? Keeping Christ in Christmas means living as Christ commanded us, giving of ourselves not to those who have but to those who need. Would it be so awful if your children got only three small gifts this year and you spent the rest of the money helping those who need food. Would it be so awful if you spent those hours you usually devoted to getting ready for Christmas, shopping, decorating, cooking, volunteering for a worthy cause.
We all have something to give, time, money, both.....Consider if every one of us truly dedicated ourselves to putting Christ back into Christmas, in both word and action. The benefit would far surpass just helping those in need, but also would project the true spirit of Christmas to a world of non-believers who could not help but stop and say "Wow, look at those Christians, perhaps they have something worth looking into." Wouldn't that be the most awesome gift of all.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand what putting Christ back into Christmas really means. Help us to celebrate the awesome birth of Your Son in a manner pleasing to You, befitting the magnitude of the blessing You bestowed on us. Lord, I am sorry for missing it all these years, for putting the "things" of the holiday before You. Help us to show the world what we are truly celebrating, the birth of our Lord and Savior, a God who wants us to love our neighbor, to help those in need and to be a beacon of light in the world.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
"Jesus answered, "if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." -- Matthew 19:21
In this time of Christmas, many of us get wrapped up in the secular world. We think it important to get our children everything they ask for. We want to have the best and the brightest decorations on the street. We stress over getting everything done, fighting crowds to get the best bargain around. We spend more than we have to try and make it the "happiest time of the year".
What do you think God feels about all of this. Is the kind of celebration he would condone for His Son's birth. I read something this morning which made me stop in my tracks and think hard about what we are doing...."Jesus was born to die, so that we could live." Wow, what a simplified yet profound message of Christmas.
I think Jesus would be more pleased to see us celebrate His birth by giving to those who are in need. Not to our own families who already have way too much, but to all those in our society who are struggling just to put food on the table. God didn't just ask us to help the poor, he commanded it. Jesus' message on this earth was for us to help out neighbors, to love them as ourselves, to give of ourselves for the good of others.
I ask each one of you to examine, in total honesty, your celebration of Christmas. We are all fighting to keep Christ in Christmas, holding fast to the "Merry Christmas" so many want to take away from us. But are we doing it in word only? Keeping Christ in Christmas means living as Christ commanded us, giving of ourselves not to those who have but to those who need. Would it be so awful if your children got only three small gifts this year and you spent the rest of the money helping those who need food. Would it be so awful if you spent those hours you usually devoted to getting ready for Christmas, shopping, decorating, cooking, volunteering for a worthy cause.
We all have something to give, time, money, both.....Consider if every one of us truly dedicated ourselves to putting Christ back into Christmas, in both word and action. The benefit would far surpass just helping those in need, but also would project the true spirit of Christmas to a world of non-believers who could not help but stop and say "Wow, look at those Christians, perhaps they have something worth looking into." Wouldn't that be the most awesome gift of all.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand what putting Christ back into Christmas really means. Help us to celebrate the awesome birth of Your Son in a manner pleasing to You, befitting the magnitude of the blessing You bestowed on us. Lord, I am sorry for missing it all these years, for putting the "things" of the holiday before You. Help us to show the world what we are truly celebrating, the birth of our Lord and Savior, a God who wants us to love our neighbor, to help those in need and to be a beacon of light in the world.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
He already has....
Romans 8: 37-38
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As I stated yesterday, the one question we need to answer in order to obtain salvation from God is "I am....Do you believe this?" And really, what does that mean? My husband made a comment to me the other day. We are facing some persecutions that seem relentless and like they will never end. He, in a heated moment, said "Jesus is not going to save you from this!" Do you know how I responded to his outburst....very calmly I said, "He already has."
My husband is consumed with worry, fear and anger in the situation and sees my calm as "not caring" or "rolling over" and letting someone walk all over us, but as he is not a true Christ Follower. He doesn't understand the peace you receive when you believe in Christ Jesus. Some people think of it as a false sense of security and a careless attitude that is not productive in times of struggles.
Many of you may recall a recent attack on Sarah Palin about her faith. She made a comment about "putting her faith in God's will". This led some in the media to insinuate that she left everything up to God and couldn't make her own decisions. It makes me sad when people don't get it. It isn't about giving up the fight. It is about that extra power and strength you get from knowing you are never alone in your fight. The power of the Holy Spirit living within you.
You know David was scared when he went out to fight Goliath. He was human. But he did not allow the fear to consume him. He was not anxious. In fact, fear paralized the army, who had no faith. David, on the other hand, knew he was not fighting alone. He had faith in God.
So, as I explained to my husband, it isn't that I sit back and think God will fix everything. It is simply that I have faith. Faith in a God who will never leave me and who works everything for good. Yes, I will stand and fight, but I will not allow the fight to cripple me with fear and anxiety, because if I do, then I am not truly faithful and evil wins. My faith and love are with a God who has already taken care of it all....I know how the story ends.... and WE WIN .
Does someone you know need this message today? I have shared it with my husband, who do you know who needs to find strength in God today....share it with them too.
"Blessed is the man who persevers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -- Joshua 1:9
"The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." -- Psalm 69:32
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember always that You are by my side in every battle. You will never leave me to fight alone. Also, Lord, help me to remain faithful to You, leaving anxiety and fear at Your feet. I do believe "I am", and that knowledge means I have already won. In Jesus name, Amen.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As I stated yesterday, the one question we need to answer in order to obtain salvation from God is "I am....Do you believe this?" And really, what does that mean? My husband made a comment to me the other day. We are facing some persecutions that seem relentless and like they will never end. He, in a heated moment, said "Jesus is not going to save you from this!" Do you know how I responded to his outburst....very calmly I said, "He already has."
My husband is consumed with worry, fear and anger in the situation and sees my calm as "not caring" or "rolling over" and letting someone walk all over us, but as he is not a true Christ Follower. He doesn't understand the peace you receive when you believe in Christ Jesus. Some people think of it as a false sense of security and a careless attitude that is not productive in times of struggles.
Many of you may recall a recent attack on Sarah Palin about her faith. She made a comment about "putting her faith in God's will". This led some in the media to insinuate that she left everything up to God and couldn't make her own decisions. It makes me sad when people don't get it. It isn't about giving up the fight. It is about that extra power and strength you get from knowing you are never alone in your fight. The power of the Holy Spirit living within you.
You know David was scared when he went out to fight Goliath. He was human. But he did not allow the fear to consume him. He was not anxious. In fact, fear paralized the army, who had no faith. David, on the other hand, knew he was not fighting alone. He had faith in God.
So, as I explained to my husband, it isn't that I sit back and think God will fix everything. It is simply that I have faith. Faith in a God who will never leave me and who works everything for good. Yes, I will stand and fight, but I will not allow the fight to cripple me with fear and anxiety, because if I do, then I am not truly faithful and evil wins. My faith and love are with a God who has already taken care of it all....I know how the story ends.... and WE WIN .
Does someone you know need this message today? I have shared it with my husband, who do you know who needs to find strength in God today....share it with them too.
"Blessed is the man who persevers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -- Joshua 1:9
"The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." -- Psalm 69:32
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember always that You are by my side in every battle. You will never leave me to fight alone. Also, Lord, help me to remain faithful to You, leaving anxiety and fear at Your feet. I do believe "I am", and that knowledge means I have already won. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, November 30, 2009
"I am....Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
I would venture to guess we all know the story of Lazarus. Jesus standing at his tomb and stating "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43) and out came a man who had been dead for four days. A grand miracle performed by the Son of God in front of many witnesses.
I think, however, the real message in the story of Lazarus to born again Christ Followers is not the miracle itself but the story leading up to the miracle. When you read the story, you know that Martha sent word to Jesus "Lord, the one you love is sick." (John 11:3). We know Jesus received the message, "Yes when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." (John 11:6) We know that Jesus knew Lazarus was dead before he went back to Judea, "Lazarus is dead" (John 11:14). We know Martha went out to meet Jesus and was distressed that he did not come when he was called "Lord...if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)
Based on just those things, did Jesus fail his friends? Why did he not come when he was called to help those he loved? Well you will probably say no because you know the end of the story. However, in that moment, all Martha knew is Jesus didn't come and her brother was dead.
I know there are many times in our lives when we ask something of God and do not get a response. Does that make you feel like God has abandoned you? That he does not care about your particular problem?
Our human problem is we see things as being about us when in fact, they are not about us at all. How many of us out there are Martha's. Martha, we know from scripture is a very take charge type of person. She is a committee of one. She knows what needs to be done and takes things into her own hands to get them done. We can infer she is the oldest sibling of Mary and Lazarus and seems to have taken care of them. She is successful, for they appear to be well off. Even in her message to Jesus, we know she is succinct and to the point, "Lord, the one you love is sick." She says what she means and means what she says.
Does Martha sound familiar to you? The type of person who tells God their problems, asking for his help, but would like to tell him exactly how to solve the problem. How many times we forget, it is God's will not ours. God works everything for his good, not ours.
Look at the same scripture again. What did Jesus say when he heard of Lazarus' illness, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified thougth it" (John 11:4). We know Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus (John 11:5), not the kind of love we know but the love of God.
What did Jesus say to the disciples after he told them Lazarus was dead, "and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe." (John 11:15) When Martha met him on the road, she told him she knew she would see her brother in the resurrection of the last day. How did Jesus respond? He said "I am..." the rest of what he says is awesome but I believe the true meaning of it is simple....Jesus says, "I am...Do you believe this?"
We must remember that even though God may not work on our time, the most important thing is his statement..."I am". He is our sovereign Lord, One who is wise and holy beyond our finite understanding...
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Be mindful that it does not say "all things are good". We know they are not. But God will use every circumstance, good or evil, for good. And guess what, it may not be what we had in mind!!!
As you go out and face the day, with whatever struggles you are facing, whatever you have asked God to help you with, remember, his answer may not be what you wanted or expected. However, find great joy in knowing, it is all for the greater good of God and be obedient to his decisions.
"See now that I, I am He,
And there is no god besides Me;
It is I who put to death and give life.
I have wonded and it is I who heal.
And there is no one who can deliver from
My hand."
(Deuteronomy 32:39)
Prayer:
Pray Psalm 118, it is my favorite and helps me remember that with God nothing of this world can hurt me!!
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
I would venture to guess we all know the story of Lazarus. Jesus standing at his tomb and stating "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43) and out came a man who had been dead for four days. A grand miracle performed by the Son of God in front of many witnesses.
I think, however, the real message in the story of Lazarus to born again Christ Followers is not the miracle itself but the story leading up to the miracle. When you read the story, you know that Martha sent word to Jesus "Lord, the one you love is sick." (John 11:3). We know Jesus received the message, "Yes when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." (John 11:6) We know that Jesus knew Lazarus was dead before he went back to Judea, "Lazarus is dead" (John 11:14). We know Martha went out to meet Jesus and was distressed that he did not come when he was called "Lord...if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)
Based on just those things, did Jesus fail his friends? Why did he not come when he was called to help those he loved? Well you will probably say no because you know the end of the story. However, in that moment, all Martha knew is Jesus didn't come and her brother was dead.
I know there are many times in our lives when we ask something of God and do not get a response. Does that make you feel like God has abandoned you? That he does not care about your particular problem?
Our human problem is we see things as being about us when in fact, they are not about us at all. How many of us out there are Martha's. Martha, we know from scripture is a very take charge type of person. She is a committee of one. She knows what needs to be done and takes things into her own hands to get them done. We can infer she is the oldest sibling of Mary and Lazarus and seems to have taken care of them. She is successful, for they appear to be well off. Even in her message to Jesus, we know she is succinct and to the point, "Lord, the one you love is sick." She says what she means and means what she says.
Does Martha sound familiar to you? The type of person who tells God their problems, asking for his help, but would like to tell him exactly how to solve the problem. How many times we forget, it is God's will not ours. God works everything for his good, not ours.
Look at the same scripture again. What did Jesus say when he heard of Lazarus' illness, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified thougth it" (John 11:4). We know Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus (John 11:5), not the kind of love we know but the love of God.
What did Jesus say to the disciples after he told them Lazarus was dead, "and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe." (John 11:15) When Martha met him on the road, she told him she knew she would see her brother in the resurrection of the last day. How did Jesus respond? He said "I am..." the rest of what he says is awesome but I believe the true meaning of it is simple....Jesus says, "I am...Do you believe this?"
We must remember that even though God may not work on our time, the most important thing is his statement..."I am". He is our sovereign Lord, One who is wise and holy beyond our finite understanding...
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Be mindful that it does not say "all things are good". We know they are not. But God will use every circumstance, good or evil, for good. And guess what, it may not be what we had in mind!!!
As you go out and face the day, with whatever struggles you are facing, whatever you have asked God to help you with, remember, his answer may not be what you wanted or expected. However, find great joy in knowing, it is all for the greater good of God and be obedient to his decisions.
"See now that I, I am He,
And there is no god besides Me;
It is I who put to death and give life.
I have wonded and it is I who heal.
And there is no one who can deliver from
My hand."
(Deuteronomy 32:39)
Prayer:
Pray Psalm 118, it is my favorite and helps me remember that with God nothing of this world can hurt me!!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
My Thanksgiving Message
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Happy Thanksgiving all my Closer Walk friends!!
This morning I have spent a great deal of time thinking about how my life has changed in the past year. Last Thanksgiving, I cooked for the very first time in my life for my Mother, who had just a few weeks earlier suffered a heart attack. We had always thought of my Mother as our pillar of strength....she was the strongest woman I have ever known and I never thought she would be sick.
After dinner, we sat on my front porch for a long time and talked....a bit of a rarity for us. You see, I was always the standoffish, none emotional, no sentiment daughter. My Mother used to tell me all the time "You will miss me when I am gone."
Little did I know that day my Mother would be dead before the New Year. And you know something, she was so right....I miss her like crazy.
I have spent this morning considering just how hard this year has been, losing my Mother, financial worries, etc. Yet today, I am filled with a joy, a peace, a love, like I have never experienced. Because you see, this year I woke up to the fact that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. In the midst of all my pain and sorrows, I have found the word of God and in that word, I found salvation.
Oh, I am so thankful today. I thank God for filling me with the Holy Spirit, giving me a helper to get me through every day, to take that next right step. I make it "one step at a time"....with Jesus in me every minute. I understand I will NEVER be alone. I don't' have to do anything alone. What joy that brings!!
Today, I hope you too feel that same joy. The peace that surpasses all understanding. We have the greatest gift of all....Jesus Christ died for our sins so we can have eternal life. Live today with the joy of that knowledge. Remember those you have lost fondly, thanking God for the beautiful memories you have of them and know this is only a stop on our journey. Have faith and know we will be together in his kingdom.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " -- Philippians 4:4-7
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will received the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12
This is a day of great Thanksgiving....thank you Lord!!
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Happy Thanksgiving all my Closer Walk friends!!
This morning I have spent a great deal of time thinking about how my life has changed in the past year. Last Thanksgiving, I cooked for the very first time in my life for my Mother, who had just a few weeks earlier suffered a heart attack. We had always thought of my Mother as our pillar of strength....she was the strongest woman I have ever known and I never thought she would be sick.
After dinner, we sat on my front porch for a long time and talked....a bit of a rarity for us. You see, I was always the standoffish, none emotional, no sentiment daughter. My Mother used to tell me all the time "You will miss me when I am gone."
Little did I know that day my Mother would be dead before the New Year. And you know something, she was so right....I miss her like crazy.
I have spent this morning considering just how hard this year has been, losing my Mother, financial worries, etc. Yet today, I am filled with a joy, a peace, a love, like I have never experienced. Because you see, this year I woke up to the fact that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. In the midst of all my pain and sorrows, I have found the word of God and in that word, I found salvation.
Oh, I am so thankful today. I thank God for filling me with the Holy Spirit, giving me a helper to get me through every day, to take that next right step. I make it "one step at a time"....with Jesus in me every minute. I understand I will NEVER be alone. I don't' have to do anything alone. What joy that brings!!
Today, I hope you too feel that same joy. The peace that surpasses all understanding. We have the greatest gift of all....Jesus Christ died for our sins so we can have eternal life. Live today with the joy of that knowledge. Remember those you have lost fondly, thanking God for the beautiful memories you have of them and know this is only a stop on our journey. Have faith and know we will be together in his kingdom.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " -- Philippians 4:4-7
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will received the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12
This is a day of great Thanksgiving....thank you Lord!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Alive Again - Healing the Hurt
There are so many people in this world who are hurt and broken. They might be in a marriage that is dead, they have lost their job, looking for love they find themselves pregnant and alone, in an effort to ease their pain they are addicted to alcohol or drugs....this list could go on and on. These people might be you, your neighbor, your co-worker, the barista who fixes your Starbucks every morning. You sit next to them or pass them everyday. There are so many people in this world who are hurt and broken, who need Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord Who Heals).
God heals our hurts in many ways. He can bring comfort and peace when we think we can find none. All we need to do is to turn to Him, trust in Him and let Him be the Lord Who Heals, Jehovah-Rapha.
First, God heals our hurts by His presence. God will never leave us. He is with us in our darkest hours. Hang on to that knowledge and allow Him to walk with you and give you the strength you need to overcome anything.
Isaiah 43:2 (New International Version)
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalm 23:4 (New International Version)
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Second, God heals our hurts by His promise. God has promised us to deliver us from any pain, any trouble. All he requires is we believe in Him, believe in His son and believe He saved us from all our sins through His death on the cross. Yes, there will be times of suffering, but if we are faithful, he promises to see us through that suffering and offers us great reward. Take the first chapter of Joel, imagine standing there watching your crops, abundant and plentiful, laid to waste in a very short time, locust eating everything. You have lost everything, there are no stores (savings), nothing. However, in the very next chapter God gives us his promise....
Joel 2:25-26 (New International Version)
25 "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm [a]—
my great army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Joshua 21:45 (New International Version)
45 Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Next, God heals our hurts through His people. Consider Paul, his suffering in the name of Jesus was great. However, he was able to use his suffering to speak directly to the hurts of others, to help heal them through the word of God. I know God saved me when He did so that I would have the sin and suffering I endured outside of Him to use in my dealings with others. I consider what I went through as my PhD level training on suffering. Who better to tell someone of the healing powers of God than someone who has experienced it themselves. Someone who has been there and can attest to them first hand.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6 (New International Version)
The God of All Comfort
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
Finally, God heals our hurts through his own suffering. Yes, God suffers. In fact, God took on our greatest suffering, our sin. He bore our suffering to save us, the greatest healing of all.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (New International Version)
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
That last line says it all....BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED!!!
If you are suffering today, take comfort in knowing God is with you, He will never leave you. He promises to bring you through it and reward you greatly on the other side. He will provide fellowship with others to help you through. People who have been where you are and who, through the grace of God, survived to be a better person in Christ. Finally, God knows your suffering because He bore the ultimate suffering for us, He saved us!!
Prayer:
Lord, Thank You for Your presence, promises, people and Your own sufferings to heal me. I endure suffering help me to know You are always with me, show me Your presence, let me feel Your protective arms around me. Bring Christian people into my life for fellowship and help in my worst times. Heal me Lord, Heal me through Your love and Your knowledge of suffering. Use my pain to help others. I trust in you. In Jesus name, Amen.
God heals our hurts in many ways. He can bring comfort and peace when we think we can find none. All we need to do is to turn to Him, trust in Him and let Him be the Lord Who Heals, Jehovah-Rapha.
First, God heals our hurts by His presence. God will never leave us. He is with us in our darkest hours. Hang on to that knowledge and allow Him to walk with you and give you the strength you need to overcome anything.
Isaiah 43:2 (New International Version)
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalm 23:4 (New International Version)
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Second, God heals our hurts by His promise. God has promised us to deliver us from any pain, any trouble. All he requires is we believe in Him, believe in His son and believe He saved us from all our sins through His death on the cross. Yes, there will be times of suffering, but if we are faithful, he promises to see us through that suffering and offers us great reward. Take the first chapter of Joel, imagine standing there watching your crops, abundant and plentiful, laid to waste in a very short time, locust eating everything. You have lost everything, there are no stores (savings), nothing. However, in the very next chapter God gives us his promise....
Joel 2:25-26 (New International Version)
25 "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarm [a]—
my great army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Joshua 21:45 (New International Version)
45 Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Next, God heals our hurts through His people. Consider Paul, his suffering in the name of Jesus was great. However, he was able to use his suffering to speak directly to the hurts of others, to help heal them through the word of God. I know God saved me when He did so that I would have the sin and suffering I endured outside of Him to use in my dealings with others. I consider what I went through as my PhD level training on suffering. Who better to tell someone of the healing powers of God than someone who has experienced it themselves. Someone who has been there and can attest to them first hand.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6 (New International Version)
The God of All Comfort
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
Finally, God heals our hurts through his own suffering. Yes, God suffers. In fact, God took on our greatest suffering, our sin. He bore our suffering to save us, the greatest healing of all.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (New International Version)
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
That last line says it all....BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED!!!
If you are suffering today, take comfort in knowing God is with you, He will never leave you. He promises to bring you through it and reward you greatly on the other side. He will provide fellowship with others to help you through. People who have been where you are and who, through the grace of God, survived to be a better person in Christ. Finally, God knows your suffering because He bore the ultimate suffering for us, He saved us!!
Prayer:
Lord, Thank You for Your presence, promises, people and Your own sufferings to heal me. I endure suffering help me to know You are always with me, show me Your presence, let me feel Your protective arms around me. Bring Christian people into my life for fellowship and help in my worst times. Heal me Lord, Heal me through Your love and Your knowledge of suffering. Use my pain to help others. I trust in you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Being God's Vessel
Jeremiah 18:2-6 (New International Version)
2 "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Psalm 73:26 (New International Version)
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 121:7 (New International Version)
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
Hebrews 12:7-11 (New International Version)
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
When I was about nine I got a pottery wheel for Christmas. I used to love placing a wet piece of clay on the wheel and to feel it spinning under my fingers. I would form a shape, then smash it and start forming something else. I would spend more time just building something up and then smashing it and starting over than actually making something. I loved the process more than the finished product. I did eventually make a few things and when they were fired and painted I would give them to my Mother and she would think they were beautiful, even though they really weren't!
Today's scripture makes me think of that story in a different light. God puts us on the potter's wheel and uses his hands to form us into the vessel he wills....be it a pot to hold a plant with strong roots, a vessel to pour out love or knowledge, a cup to hold the tea of friendship, a casserole dish to feed others. Each lump of clay becomes something different and unique. God is the Master Potter who shapes our lives.
However, there are times in our lives when we turn away from that purpose....something causes us to jump off that potter's wheel. We place a lid on the vessel God has created and place it on a shelf and it becomes dusty and is pushed behind other "more important" things on that shelf. We become sidetracked.
It is not God who has sidetracked us. It wasn't God who placed the vessel on the shelf. We are the ones who tightened the lid and and put ourselves on the shelf. I read a saying once, "If you feel far from God, guess who moved?". We are the ones who need to become obiedent to God , the Master Potter. He is still there ready to remold us with his Master plan...into the vessel of his will. He wants us to become as beautiful as that flawed piece of pottery my Mother displayed so proudly!!
Prayer:
Lord, You are the potter and I am the clay. Make me into a vessel of Your love, into the person You want me to be. I place my trust in You, as my ultimate parent. You know where my talent is needed. You know what vessel I need to be to best serve you. My clay is not perfect, but mold it into the best servant of Your word I can be. I know You love me and are concerned about me. Thank you for taking the time to mold me in Your image. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
2 "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Psalm 73:26 (New International Version)
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 121:7 (New International Version)
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
Hebrews 12:7-11 (New International Version)
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
When I was about nine I got a pottery wheel for Christmas. I used to love placing a wet piece of clay on the wheel and to feel it spinning under my fingers. I would form a shape, then smash it and start forming something else. I would spend more time just building something up and then smashing it and starting over than actually making something. I loved the process more than the finished product. I did eventually make a few things and when they were fired and painted I would give them to my Mother and she would think they were beautiful, even though they really weren't!
Today's scripture makes me think of that story in a different light. God puts us on the potter's wheel and uses his hands to form us into the vessel he wills....be it a pot to hold a plant with strong roots, a vessel to pour out love or knowledge, a cup to hold the tea of friendship, a casserole dish to feed others. Each lump of clay becomes something different and unique. God is the Master Potter who shapes our lives.
However, there are times in our lives when we turn away from that purpose....something causes us to jump off that potter's wheel. We place a lid on the vessel God has created and place it on a shelf and it becomes dusty and is pushed behind other "more important" things on that shelf. We become sidetracked.
It is not God who has sidetracked us. It wasn't God who placed the vessel on the shelf. We are the ones who tightened the lid and and put ourselves on the shelf. I read a saying once, "If you feel far from God, guess who moved?". We are the ones who need to become obiedent to God , the Master Potter. He is still there ready to remold us with his Master plan...into the vessel of his will. He wants us to become as beautiful as that flawed piece of pottery my Mother displayed so proudly!!
Prayer:
Lord, You are the potter and I am the clay. Make me into a vessel of Your love, into the person You want me to be. I place my trust in You, as my ultimate parent. You know where my talent is needed. You know what vessel I need to be to best serve you. My clay is not perfect, but mold it into the best servant of Your word I can be. I know You love me and are concerned about me. Thank you for taking the time to mold me in Your image. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Finding Favor with God
Genesis 6:8-22 (New International Version)
8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
9 This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress [a] wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. [b] 16 Make a roof for it and finish [c] the ark to within 18 inches [d] of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them."
22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Psalm 19:14 (New International Version)
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Philippians 2:12-15 (New International Version)
Shining as Stars
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
When I sit back and watch the world, I notice so many people looking to find favor in the eyes of their fellow man. Politicians always making a power grab, trying to find favor with the world. Actors, musicians, business men, athletes, doctors....on and on you could go. Award shows, honors, man finding favor with man. I was on that road, working to find favor and move up a ladder....but how often do we try to find favor with man only to end up falling on our face in rejection?
It warms my heart to watch an award show and see a celebrity thank God before thanking anyone else. How much richer would this world be is people stopped trying to find favor in man but started trying to find favor in God.
It is an awesome thought to think you find favor in God, but when we accept God into our lives and allow him to walk with us daily, we DO find favor in the Lord. And there is never rejection from God.
When you read the story of Noah, it doesn't seem that far off from the world we are dealing with, full of sin and corruption. People out for themselves. Noah was alone in his walk with God. Do you ever feel that way? Do you feel like you are alone walking with God and the rest of the world is out there walking for their own success and accolades. Living a Godly life in today's world can often be very lonely. However, as God showed Noah, the rewards are great. Those living without God find death, Noah was spared, as are we through the Resurrection of our Lord.
God asks us to have a genuine faith, not a perfect faith. It isn't our surroundings that keep us in close fellowship with God, it is our heart that qualifies us to find friendship in God. Allowing the Holy Spirit to reside in our heart allows us to find favor with God. Through the Grace of God we never have to feel alone in a world that most of the time seems to be spinning out of control. God gives us grace to live victoriously!!
Prayer:
Father God, oh may I find favor with you. What an honor for Noah to be favored by You, yet I realize that he was obedient to Your Word. Give me a hunger to fall in love with Your Word and put it to work in my life. you are worthy of praise. Amen
8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
9 This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress [a] wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. [b] 16 Make a roof for it and finish [c] the ark to within 18 inches [d] of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them."
22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Psalm 19:14 (New International Version)
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Philippians 2:12-15 (New International Version)
Shining as Stars
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
When I sit back and watch the world, I notice so many people looking to find favor in the eyes of their fellow man. Politicians always making a power grab, trying to find favor with the world. Actors, musicians, business men, athletes, doctors....on and on you could go. Award shows, honors, man finding favor with man. I was on that road, working to find favor and move up a ladder....but how often do we try to find favor with man only to end up falling on our face in rejection?
It warms my heart to watch an award show and see a celebrity thank God before thanking anyone else. How much richer would this world be is people stopped trying to find favor in man but started trying to find favor in God.
It is an awesome thought to think you find favor in God, but when we accept God into our lives and allow him to walk with us daily, we DO find favor in the Lord. And there is never rejection from God.
When you read the story of Noah, it doesn't seem that far off from the world we are dealing with, full of sin and corruption. People out for themselves. Noah was alone in his walk with God. Do you ever feel that way? Do you feel like you are alone walking with God and the rest of the world is out there walking for their own success and accolades. Living a Godly life in today's world can often be very lonely. However, as God showed Noah, the rewards are great. Those living without God find death, Noah was spared, as are we through the Resurrection of our Lord.
God asks us to have a genuine faith, not a perfect faith. It isn't our surroundings that keep us in close fellowship with God, it is our heart that qualifies us to find friendship in God. Allowing the Holy Spirit to reside in our heart allows us to find favor with God. Through the Grace of God we never have to feel alone in a world that most of the time seems to be spinning out of control. God gives us grace to live victoriously!!
Prayer:
Father God, oh may I find favor with you. What an honor for Noah to be favored by You, yet I realize that he was obedient to Your Word. Give me a hunger to fall in love with Your Word and put it to work in my life. you are worthy of praise. Amen
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Humbling yourself to Love
Matthew 5:38-48 (New International Version)
An Eye for an Eye
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[a] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[b] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[c] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Human nature and our world tell us to demand our rights. If we are wronged, we should strike back, take up for ourselves, look out for number one. Perhaps you need to reevaluate who is number one in your life!!
Jesus calls us to demonstrate his love, always.
Matthew 22:37-40 (New International Version)
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Did you get that? Jesus tells us the "first and greatest commandment" is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. But he didn't stop there, "the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." God commands us to love. He puts high value on our ability to react to people, all people, with love. We are to live on a higher plane of love.
Yes, being up there on that higher plane can be difficult. It often allows others to take advantage of us, to hurt us. However, is that any different than the world's treatment of God himself? Is God not taken advantage of on a daily basis? However, He has never allowed that to alter his character and he calls us to live the same way. We cannot allow the treatment we receive from others to alter our character, alter who we have become through the Holy Spirit. We must remain steadfast in His love and portray that love to the world, all of the world, in return.
Love expands itself. It gives the ultimate and in it's giving it disarms the enemy. Love even loves its enemies and in compassion prays for those who persecute it. Love cannot restrain its affection - not if it is God's love. Love lives on a higher plane.
Whenever you turn the other cheek, or give away your coat, or walk an extra mile, or give to the one who wants to borrow, you must remember that you are doing it out of love. Love does not demand its rights or ask for its just reward. Love is the true intent of our Lord's words.
Prayer:
"My human nature rebels against the thought of allowing someone to take advantage of me. Help me to remember, Father, that You are molding me into the image of Your Son, who humbled Himself in obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). I pray that my life, my words, my responses, my relationships, will be controlled by the love of Christ expressed through me. Help me to walk in meekness, offering mercy and grace rather than demanding justice. In Jesus name we pray, Amen"
An Eye for an Eye
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[a] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[b] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[c] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Human nature and our world tell us to demand our rights. If we are wronged, we should strike back, take up for ourselves, look out for number one. Perhaps you need to reevaluate who is number one in your life!!
Jesus calls us to demonstrate his love, always.
Matthew 22:37-40 (New International Version)
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Did you get that? Jesus tells us the "first and greatest commandment" is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. But he didn't stop there, "the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." God commands us to love. He puts high value on our ability to react to people, all people, with love. We are to live on a higher plane of love.
Yes, being up there on that higher plane can be difficult. It often allows others to take advantage of us, to hurt us. However, is that any different than the world's treatment of God himself? Is God not taken advantage of on a daily basis? However, He has never allowed that to alter his character and he calls us to live the same way. We cannot allow the treatment we receive from others to alter our character, alter who we have become through the Holy Spirit. We must remain steadfast in His love and portray that love to the world, all of the world, in return.
Love expands itself. It gives the ultimate and in it's giving it disarms the enemy. Love even loves its enemies and in compassion prays for those who persecute it. Love cannot restrain its affection - not if it is God's love. Love lives on a higher plane.
Whenever you turn the other cheek, or give away your coat, or walk an extra mile, or give to the one who wants to borrow, you must remember that you are doing it out of love. Love does not demand its rights or ask for its just reward. Love is the true intent of our Lord's words.
Prayer:
"My human nature rebels against the thought of allowing someone to take advantage of me. Help me to remember, Father, that You are molding me into the image of Your Son, who humbled Himself in obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). I pray that my life, my words, my responses, my relationships, will be controlled by the love of Christ expressed through me. Help me to walk in meekness, offering mercy and grace rather than demanding justice. In Jesus name we pray, Amen"
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Living in the Spirit
Joel 2:28-32 (New International Version)
28 "And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance,
as the LORD has said,
among the survivors
whom the LORD calls.
Acts 2:1-4 (New International Version)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
Galatians 5:16-26 (New International Version)
Life by the Spirit
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
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.
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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
I know I have included some long scripture verses today. However, I think these three are KEY to being a Christ follower truly living in the Spirit. I told you a story yesterday about my morning and how I had allowed God to walk with me through all the mundane craziness that mornings at my house can bring and how he showed me that he noticed by making sure my path was clear....all my lights were green.
I told that story to my daughter and she said "Mom, I think God has more important things to do than to make sure you have green lights".
You know, I used to think just like her. I used to think that God only had time for important things, why would he waste time on simple little prayers. Well that was what I thought until I truly received the Holy Spirit into my heart. You see, I was living a religion not a relationship with God. I had gone to church as a child, kind of fell out of it as an adult having sporadic fits of attending church but never finding a home. I never studied the bible.
I was one of those people who thought God didn't really intervene in our lives, he gave us free will and if we lived a "good" "clean" life we would be OK. I thought God had a finite amount of time and ability and only intervened in extreme circumstance.
Well let me say this, I have found out how wrong I was. Living the way I was thinking was NOT living in the Spirit. It allowed me to chose what I thought was right or wrong which leads to "bending" the rules. I was also under the false impression that living by the "law" was how you would get into Heaven. Well guess what I was headed right down a path of destruction....my life was spinning out of control, I had no direction and I felt lost and alone.
I found myself asking God for help....and indeed he did help. He led me right to what I needed to hear. I woke up one day and was truly led to the bible studies and devotions I needed to hear. He was showing me that I could NOT be truly saved until I had received the Holy Spirit into my heart....and that alone was salvation. If I ever meet Kay Arthur in person, I will kiss her right on the spot. She showed me, right in the words of the bible that God sent his son Jesus to die for our sins and our salvation and Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to guide us in his absence until we meet again. Living and walking with the Spirit is the only way to attain salvation.
I also discovered that God's power is infinite, not finite. Him turning my lights green yesterday morning did not lessen his ability to help a patient dying of cancer. With the Holy Spirit truly inside of us, God is with us during every task, no matter how small or how large. Living in the Spirit also compels us to live as Christ...keeping the Law wont get us into Heaven, but living in the Spirit gives us to power to live a Christ like life, and leads us away from the "sins" he died for and toward the fruits of the Spirit. The Spirit is power over sin!!
Galatians 5 shows us what is like to live without the Spirit and in turn the contrast, what Life in the Spirit is....it is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All of these I have received and it has literally CHANGED MY LIFE!! I turned 43 yrs old last month but God never gave up on me. I missed out on a lot of years not living in the Spirit and I paid a price....but all that is in the past, God has forgiven me and I am looking so forward to my future living the fruits of the Spirit....read that list again....all I can say is WOW.
I pray everyday that my displaying what it is like to live in the Spirit, I can change someone else's life and give them the gifts I have received. Perhaps someone is reading this and God will lead them to the Spirit. Please share this message with someone you think might need it today, or share it with all your friends.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you, thank you for showing me what life can be like living in the Spirit. I want to be led by the Spirit in everything I do, showing others those fruits so they can find the same blessings I have. Amen"
28 "And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance,
as the LORD has said,
among the survivors
whom the LORD calls.
Acts 2:1-4 (New International Version)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
Galatians 5:16-26 (New International Version)
Life by the Spirit
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 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. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
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.
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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
I know I have included some long scripture verses today. However, I think these three are KEY to being a Christ follower truly living in the Spirit. I told you a story yesterday about my morning and how I had allowed God to walk with me through all the mundane craziness that mornings at my house can bring and how he showed me that he noticed by making sure my path was clear....all my lights were green.
I told that story to my daughter and she said "Mom, I think God has more important things to do than to make sure you have green lights".
You know, I used to think just like her. I used to think that God only had time for important things, why would he waste time on simple little prayers. Well that was what I thought until I truly received the Holy Spirit into my heart. You see, I was living a religion not a relationship with God. I had gone to church as a child, kind of fell out of it as an adult having sporadic fits of attending church but never finding a home. I never studied the bible.
I was one of those people who thought God didn't really intervene in our lives, he gave us free will and if we lived a "good" "clean" life we would be OK. I thought God had a finite amount of time and ability and only intervened in extreme circumstance.
Well let me say this, I have found out how wrong I was. Living the way I was thinking was NOT living in the Spirit. It allowed me to chose what I thought was right or wrong which leads to "bending" the rules. I was also under the false impression that living by the "law" was how you would get into Heaven. Well guess what I was headed right down a path of destruction....my life was spinning out of control, I had no direction and I felt lost and alone.
I found myself asking God for help....and indeed he did help. He led me right to what I needed to hear. I woke up one day and was truly led to the bible studies and devotions I needed to hear. He was showing me that I could NOT be truly saved until I had received the Holy Spirit into my heart....and that alone was salvation. If I ever meet Kay Arthur in person, I will kiss her right on the spot. She showed me, right in the words of the bible that God sent his son Jesus to die for our sins and our salvation and Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to guide us in his absence until we meet again. Living and walking with the Spirit is the only way to attain salvation.
I also discovered that God's power is infinite, not finite. Him turning my lights green yesterday morning did not lessen his ability to help a patient dying of cancer. With the Holy Spirit truly inside of us, God is with us during every task, no matter how small or how large. Living in the Spirit also compels us to live as Christ...keeping the Law wont get us into Heaven, but living in the Spirit gives us to power to live a Christ like life, and leads us away from the "sins" he died for and toward the fruits of the Spirit. The Spirit is power over sin!!
Galatians 5 shows us what is like to live without the Spirit and in turn the contrast, what Life in the Spirit is....it is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All of these I have received and it has literally CHANGED MY LIFE!! I turned 43 yrs old last month but God never gave up on me. I missed out on a lot of years not living in the Spirit and I paid a price....but all that is in the past, God has forgiven me and I am looking so forward to my future living the fruits of the Spirit....read that list again....all I can say is WOW.
I pray everyday that my displaying what it is like to live in the Spirit, I can change someone else's life and give them the gifts I have received. Perhaps someone is reading this and God will lead them to the Spirit. Please share this message with someone you think might need it today, or share it with all your friends.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you, thank you for showing me what life can be like living in the Spirit. I want to be led by the Spirit in everything I do, showing others those fruits so they can find the same blessings I have. Amen"
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Walking with God everyday!!
1 Samuel 17:37a (NIV)
"The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Deuteronomy 31:8,
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Phil 4:11b,
"for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Proverbs 3:5-6
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.
Luke 10:40-42 (New International Version)
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Psalm 139:23-24 (New International Version)
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the mundane? I often feel like I do the same things every day, get up, stress about getting the family up and off to school and work, go to the same job every day with all the stress it brings and then back home to cook, clean and just try to keep up. Where does the time go and what purpose does any of this serve to the greater good. Is this all I am meant to be?
I have been feeling a bit like this lately. Much of my prayer lately has been in asking God to show me the "purpose" of my life. You know what? God truly answers prayers and sometimes the answer is not what you expected at all.
This morning I was feeling particularly overwhelmed by the mundane as I awoke. I read my first devotion and it was like God had put it right in my hand....directly on point. He showed me how content David was with his life as a sheperd....watching over his flock and calling on God to help him with this mundane task. By asking God to walk with him everyday in even the most routine ways, David knew that God was with him when he needed him the most, fighting Goliath. He never doubted God's presence, even when his work was not all that interesting.
Then, I turned to my second devotional this morning....guess what that one was about today? You guessed it, feeling overwhelmed with the mundane. I smiled and knew right there, God was telling me, he is with me ALWAYS, even in the most common of circumstances. There is no shame in performing routine duties of daily life, what I need to remember is HE is still with me even in those tasks. I need to learn to ask him to walk with me in everything I do, whether it is getting the kids clothes ironed, lunches packed, or whatever. He is with me every step of the way. Learning to call on him even for the slightest task will make it that much easier to call on him in the "big" moments of life.
Well, I let God be with me this morning, and it was a morning where things didn't go that smoothly, but I didn't stress, I felt a calm come over me, knowing God was right there with me and everything would work out. The uniform I forgot to dry got done and on my child, we had to come back home for forgotten cheer clothes...I never got aggitated or upset...I remained calm and at peace knowing God was right there. We were going to be late, oh well. You know what happened....every light in my path this morning was green. That NEVER happens!!! As I went through the forth light that was green and we hadn't been stopped at one yet, a huge smile spread across my face. That was God answering me...."see I am here and if you trust me with the little crisis' in life, think what I can do in the big ones".
This is one of the "Ah hah" days for me. I have accepted the Holy Spirit into my life and he will NEVER leave me....not on an average day and not on a really bad day.....what JOY that brings. I probably wont quit smiling all day!!
"The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Deuteronomy 31:8,
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Phil 4:11b,
"for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Proverbs 3:5-6
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.
Luke 10:40-42 (New International Version)
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Psalm 139:23-24 (New International Version)
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the mundane? I often feel like I do the same things every day, get up, stress about getting the family up and off to school and work, go to the same job every day with all the stress it brings and then back home to cook, clean and just try to keep up. Where does the time go and what purpose does any of this serve to the greater good. Is this all I am meant to be?
I have been feeling a bit like this lately. Much of my prayer lately has been in asking God to show me the "purpose" of my life. You know what? God truly answers prayers and sometimes the answer is not what you expected at all.
This morning I was feeling particularly overwhelmed by the mundane as I awoke. I read my first devotion and it was like God had put it right in my hand....directly on point. He showed me how content David was with his life as a sheperd....watching over his flock and calling on God to help him with this mundane task. By asking God to walk with him everyday in even the most routine ways, David knew that God was with him when he needed him the most, fighting Goliath. He never doubted God's presence, even when his work was not all that interesting.
Then, I turned to my second devotional this morning....guess what that one was about today? You guessed it, feeling overwhelmed with the mundane. I smiled and knew right there, God was telling me, he is with me ALWAYS, even in the most common of circumstances. There is no shame in performing routine duties of daily life, what I need to remember is HE is still with me even in those tasks. I need to learn to ask him to walk with me in everything I do, whether it is getting the kids clothes ironed, lunches packed, or whatever. He is with me every step of the way. Learning to call on him even for the slightest task will make it that much easier to call on him in the "big" moments of life.
Well, I let God be with me this morning, and it was a morning where things didn't go that smoothly, but I didn't stress, I felt a calm come over me, knowing God was right there with me and everything would work out. The uniform I forgot to dry got done and on my child, we had to come back home for forgotten cheer clothes...I never got aggitated or upset...I remained calm and at peace knowing God was right there. We were going to be late, oh well. You know what happened....every light in my path this morning was green. That NEVER happens!!! As I went through the forth light that was green and we hadn't been stopped at one yet, a huge smile spread across my face. That was God answering me...."see I am here and if you trust me with the little crisis' in life, think what I can do in the big ones".
This is one of the "Ah hah" days for me. I have accepted the Holy Spirit into my life and he will NEVER leave me....not on an average day and not on a really bad day.....what JOY that brings. I probably wont quit smiling all day!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fruit of the Spirit - Self-Control
Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV)
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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
As you can see, we have made it to the last fruit of the Spirit. It isn't last because of it's lack of importance. In fact, I believe that without this one, we could never acheive the others. So, let's take a look at this fruit of self-control.
As we have seen throught these lessons, there is a biblical definition of these fruit and then a watered down easier cultural version. Self-control is no different. The biblical definition of self-control is the God given ability to bring our bodies, our minds and our appetites under control, but more specifically under the control of Christ. This is different than the cultural definition which simply has us trying to figure out how to get a grip on ourselves rather than submitting to Jesus.
Why does self-control matter?
First, by learning and developing self-control though God's Spirit, we are set free. This is in direct oppostion to the tyranny of being enslaved to something whether it be an alcohol additiction, eating problem, angry temper, being unable to control our spending, being consumed by worry and fear, etc, etc, etc....
Romans 6:6-7 (NIV)
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Second, self-control increases our productivity as a Christ follower. It keeps us from being unproductive and inffective as models of Christ. Our controlled actions bring honor to Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lastly, self-control is absolutely required for leadership in God's army. If you can't get a grip on the things in your life, if you can't control your body, mind or appetite you cannot be a resource for God.
Titus 1:6-9
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer[a] is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Let us consider what self-control isn't, at least not the biblical definition. It isn't trying hard. We can try as hard as we can but without the Spirit, without Christ, we will never gain self-control. It isn't "white knuckling" or holding on for dear life trying not to lose control. That isn't self control, it is just exhausting.
What biblical self-control is...
It is God given. It is a fruit of the Spirit. It isn't something you go do it is something that was given to us by God through prayer, quiet meditation and by asking. It is Spirit granted.
It is peaceful. With Christ in the center it yields peace. It is an enforced calm, knowing with the help of the Spirit we won't lose control. Consider Jesus in the sea of Galalee with the disciples, in the midst of a big and frightening storm. He said to the disciples "peace, be still". That is the peace you get from God given self-control.
Finally, it is the fruit of submission. God given self-control requires us to daily submit everything to God, asking him to reign over our lives completely. Consider the ultimate submission, Jesus on the cross. Do you recall when the guards were taunting him, saying "if you are God, then come down off the cross and show us". Don't you know during that agonizing taunting Jesus had to show the ultimate self-control in not doing just that. Sure he could have shown them, but that wasn't the job that needed to be done. It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross but his total submission to God the Father!!
So, how do we facilitate self-control in our own lives?
1. We acknowledge the struggle. We become completely honest with God, ourselves and those around us and quit pretending we have everything under control. We need to admit to God and to fellow Christ followers we trust that we aren't always in control and we need help. We need to allow them to circle around us and help us to grow.
Romans 7: 18-20
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
2. We need to change how we see ourselves. We need to begin to view ourselves and everything as belonging to God. We need to become slaves to Christ. We mistakenly think sin is natural, when in fact if we live acknowledge we belong to God then holiness, goodness and righteousness is what is truly natural. God has made us holy.
Romans 6:19-22
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.
3. Discipline your mind. Control your thoughts. Let go of the strongholds of negative thoughts that control your life because they steal your joy and rule you. Think as God would have you think. Read scripture. Train your brain.
2 Corinthians 10:2-4
I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Colosians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Philippians 4:8
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.
4. Discipline your body. Your body is the last bastion of self-control. Don't let your body own you, but own your body. Submit it to God. Put into your body the things that will bring you closer to God. Let God be your personal trainer!
1 Corinthians 9:24-26
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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
As we consider this last fruit, remember that self-control is not impossible but you can't accomplish it alone, you need God's help. Get over your pride and sense of perfection and invite help from God and fellow Christ followers.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for inspiring this series on the fruit of your Spirit. I pray that what You say and command in Your word will be true about us as Christ followers. I pray that the fruit of Your Holy Spirit will be freely manifest in us. I pray for love, that we will learn to enter into that unconditional acceptance and blessing of others, that covenant relationship that You model for us even in our sin. I pray for joy, that we will have that abounding Spirit that is not dictated by what is going on around us. I pray for peace like in the Sea of Galalee, calm by Your presence. I pray for patience, that we will learn longsuffering through You. I pray for kindness that changes lives, goodness that manifest Your activity in the world, faithfulness not to quit when things get hard and gentleness so that our strength and potiential will be yeilded to You. I pray for for this gift self-control that we won't be disqualified from serving You because we cannot submit our appetites and attitudes to you. Make us a fruit bearing people, I pray that You would make us love, talk, give, feel, invest and serve like Jesus did and make our heart like His. Thank You for these gifts, help them grow in us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
As you can see, we have made it to the last fruit of the Spirit. It isn't last because of it's lack of importance. In fact, I believe that without this one, we could never acheive the others. So, let's take a look at this fruit of self-control.
As we have seen throught these lessons, there is a biblical definition of these fruit and then a watered down easier cultural version. Self-control is no different. The biblical definition of self-control is the God given ability to bring our bodies, our minds and our appetites under control, but more specifically under the control of Christ. This is different than the cultural definition which simply has us trying to figure out how to get a grip on ourselves rather than submitting to Jesus.
Why does self-control matter?
First, by learning and developing self-control though God's Spirit, we are set free. This is in direct oppostion to the tyranny of being enslaved to something whether it be an alcohol additiction, eating problem, angry temper, being unable to control our spending, being consumed by worry and fear, etc, etc, etc....
Romans 6:6-7 (NIV)
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Second, self-control increases our productivity as a Christ follower. It keeps us from being unproductive and inffective as models of Christ. Our controlled actions bring honor to Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lastly, self-control is absolutely required for leadership in God's army. If you can't get a grip on the things in your life, if you can't control your body, mind or appetite you cannot be a resource for God.
Titus 1:6-9
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer[a] is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Let us consider what self-control isn't, at least not the biblical definition. It isn't trying hard. We can try as hard as we can but without the Spirit, without Christ, we will never gain self-control. It isn't "white knuckling" or holding on for dear life trying not to lose control. That isn't self control, it is just exhausting.
What biblical self-control is...
It is God given. It is a fruit of the Spirit. It isn't something you go do it is something that was given to us by God through prayer, quiet meditation and by asking. It is Spirit granted.
It is peaceful. With Christ in the center it yields peace. It is an enforced calm, knowing with the help of the Spirit we won't lose control. Consider Jesus in the sea of Galalee with the disciples, in the midst of a big and frightening storm. He said to the disciples "peace, be still". That is the peace you get from God given self-control.
Finally, it is the fruit of submission. God given self-control requires us to daily submit everything to God, asking him to reign over our lives completely. Consider the ultimate submission, Jesus on the cross. Do you recall when the guards were taunting him, saying "if you are God, then come down off the cross and show us". Don't you know during that agonizing taunting Jesus had to show the ultimate self-control in not doing just that. Sure he could have shown them, but that wasn't the job that needed to be done. It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross but his total submission to God the Father!!
So, how do we facilitate self-control in our own lives?
1. We acknowledge the struggle. We become completely honest with God, ourselves and those around us and quit pretending we have everything under control. We need to admit to God and to fellow Christ followers we trust that we aren't always in control and we need help. We need to allow them to circle around us and help us to grow.
Romans 7: 18-20
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
2. We need to change how we see ourselves. We need to begin to view ourselves and everything as belonging to God. We need to become slaves to Christ. We mistakenly think sin is natural, when in fact if we live acknowledge we belong to God then holiness, goodness and righteousness is what is truly natural. God has made us holy.
Romans 6:19-22
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.
3. Discipline your mind. Control your thoughts. Let go of the strongholds of negative thoughts that control your life because they steal your joy and rule you. Think as God would have you think. Read scripture. Train your brain.
2 Corinthians 10:2-4
I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Colosians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Philippians 4:8
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.
4. Discipline your body. Your body is the last bastion of self-control. Don't let your body own you, but own your body. Submit it to God. Put into your body the things that will bring you closer to God. Let God be your personal trainer!
1 Corinthians 9:24-26
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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
As we consider this last fruit, remember that self-control is not impossible but you can't accomplish it alone, you need God's help. Get over your pride and sense of perfection and invite help from God and fellow Christ followers.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for inspiring this series on the fruit of your Spirit. I pray that what You say and command in Your word will be true about us as Christ followers. I pray that the fruit of Your Holy Spirit will be freely manifest in us. I pray for love, that we will learn to enter into that unconditional acceptance and blessing of others, that covenant relationship that You model for us even in our sin. I pray for joy, that we will have that abounding Spirit that is not dictated by what is going on around us. I pray for peace like in the Sea of Galalee, calm by Your presence. I pray for patience, that we will learn longsuffering through You. I pray for kindness that changes lives, goodness that manifest Your activity in the world, faithfulness not to quit when things get hard and gentleness so that our strength and potiential will be yeilded to You. I pray for for this gift self-control that we won't be disqualified from serving You because we cannot submit our appetites and attitudes to you. Make us a fruit bearing people, I pray that You would make us love, talk, give, feel, invest and serve like Jesus did and make our heart like His. Thank You for these gifts, help them grow in us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
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.
Colossians 3:12 (New International Version)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Philippians 4:4-5 (New International Version)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
So, what exactly does Paul mean when he calls us to gentleness through the fruit of the Spirit. Well, first, I can tell you what gentleness is not. It is not weakness or meekness. This fruit is not frail and yielding, or wimpy as we might associate with the term.
The Greeks regarded gentleness very highly. They considered gentleness the picture of self control, powerful, strong, under control. In fact, Aristotle is quoted as saying "Gentleness is that good temper that resides somewhere in the middle of excessive anger and complete apathy." He put forward the idea that gentleness was our emotions being controlled by a force greater than ourselves, controlled power - tamed potential.
Well, that isn't too far off from the biblical definition of gentleness which is humble disposition that demonstrates that we are under the Spirits control. Through gentleness we surrender ourselves, turn ourselves over to the Spirit, yield to the Spirit. Gentleness means we don't have to prove ourselves, we know where we come from, know where we are going and we know who owns us. Through that humble disposition we are able to fulfill our potential and our power is control.
The examples of gentleness in scripture occur during out of control situations. For it is at those times we need the power of the Holy Spirit and the ability to demonstrate control and gentleness. In fact, we need to be the most gentle when we feel the least gentle.
As Christ Followers, there are times we are presented with situations where we need to display gentleness or Spirit filled power.
First, when we are questioned by a "seeker" to explain our faith to them. Most of the time, that scares us. We feel inadequate to answer their questions because we are just lay people. However, all Christ asks us to do is be prepared to tell our own story, with gentleness and respect tell the person how God has worked in our lives. How our personal relationship with Christ has improved our situation, attitude and life.
1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Second, we need to exhibit gentleness when someone tries to engage us in a argument over scripture.
1 Timothy 2:1-8
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Lastly, there are times when we are called to confront a Christ Follower who is entangled in sin. It is our duty to not write them off or try to overpower them but to help restore them, being firm yet forgiving, trophies of gentleness.
Galatians 6:1 (New International Version)
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.
So, finally we come to the question. How do we activate this fruit, gentleness, in our lives.
First, we acquire gentleness by pursuing it on a daily basis. Gentleness wont come to us as we sit on the couch, instead we should diligently pursue it and embrace it.
1 Timothy 6:11 (New International Version)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Second, we need to allow God's word to change us. This is where gentleness gets its traction. We should allow the Spirit to make us different people which is what this "fruit of the Spirit" is all about.
James 1:21 (New International Version)
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Lastly, and most important, look to Jesus as our role model for gentleness. The scripture is full of examples of Christ's gentle nature. He was certainly the most gentle human to ever inhabit this planet. Consider his actions in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked God if there was any way he could avoid this burden, he said "I will serve Your will Lord, not mine". On that same night the soldiers came and the others wanted to fight, Jesus pulled out a basin and said "let us wash each other's feet". Even when he was hanging from the cross Jesus exhibited great gentleness...."Father forgive them, they know not what they do". Wow!!
Matthew 11:29 (New International Version)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Gentleness is not weakness but controlled power granted to us through the Holy Spirit. Let us work daily to exhibit a Christ like gentleness to others in this world.
Prayer:
Father I am so humbled by Your word and what I have learned about gentleness, it is not something to be avoided or that compromises who we are. Thank You for Your modeling and demonstration of being tough yet tender, firm but forgiving. Help us Father as we follow in Your footsteps and through control in the Spirit we can be like You. Make us the kind of people who can be trophies of gentleness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
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.
Colossians 3:12 (New International Version)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Philippians 4:4-5 (New International Version)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
So, what exactly does Paul mean when he calls us to gentleness through the fruit of the Spirit. Well, first, I can tell you what gentleness is not. It is not weakness or meekness. This fruit is not frail and yielding, or wimpy as we might associate with the term.
The Greeks regarded gentleness very highly. They considered gentleness the picture of self control, powerful, strong, under control. In fact, Aristotle is quoted as saying "Gentleness is that good temper that resides somewhere in the middle of excessive anger and complete apathy." He put forward the idea that gentleness was our emotions being controlled by a force greater than ourselves, controlled power - tamed potential.
Well, that isn't too far off from the biblical definition of gentleness which is humble disposition that demonstrates that we are under the Spirits control. Through gentleness we surrender ourselves, turn ourselves over to the Spirit, yield to the Spirit. Gentleness means we don't have to prove ourselves, we know where we come from, know where we are going and we know who owns us. Through that humble disposition we are able to fulfill our potential and our power is control.
The examples of gentleness in scripture occur during out of control situations. For it is at those times we need the power of the Holy Spirit and the ability to demonstrate control and gentleness. In fact, we need to be the most gentle when we feel the least gentle.
As Christ Followers, there are times we are presented with situations where we need to display gentleness or Spirit filled power.
First, when we are questioned by a "seeker" to explain our faith to them. Most of the time, that scares us. We feel inadequate to answer their questions because we are just lay people. However, all Christ asks us to do is be prepared to tell our own story, with gentleness and respect tell the person how God has worked in our lives. How our personal relationship with Christ has improved our situation, attitude and life.
1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Second, we need to exhibit gentleness when someone tries to engage us in a argument over scripture.
1 Timothy 2:1-8
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Lastly, there are times when we are called to confront a Christ Follower who is entangled in sin. It is our duty to not write them off or try to overpower them but to help restore them, being firm yet forgiving, trophies of gentleness.
Galatians 6:1 (New International Version)
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.
So, finally we come to the question. How do we activate this fruit, gentleness, in our lives.
First, we acquire gentleness by pursuing it on a daily basis. Gentleness wont come to us as we sit on the couch, instead we should diligently pursue it and embrace it.
1 Timothy 6:11 (New International Version)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Second, we need to allow God's word to change us. This is where gentleness gets its traction. We should allow the Spirit to make us different people which is what this "fruit of the Spirit" is all about.
James 1:21 (New International Version)
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Lastly, and most important, look to Jesus as our role model for gentleness. The scripture is full of examples of Christ's gentle nature. He was certainly the most gentle human to ever inhabit this planet. Consider his actions in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked God if there was any way he could avoid this burden, he said "I will serve Your will Lord, not mine". On that same night the soldiers came and the others wanted to fight, Jesus pulled out a basin and said "let us wash each other's feet". Even when he was hanging from the cross Jesus exhibited great gentleness...."Father forgive them, they know not what they do". Wow!!
Matthew 11:29 (New International Version)
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Gentleness is not weakness but controlled power granted to us through the Holy Spirit. Let us work daily to exhibit a Christ like gentleness to others in this world.
Prayer:
Father I am so humbled by Your word and what I have learned about gentleness, it is not something to be avoided or that compromises who we are. Thank You for Your modeling and demonstration of being tough yet tender, firm but forgiving. Help us Father as we follow in Your footsteps and through control in the Spirit we can be like You. Make us the kind of people who can be trophies of gentleness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
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.
Psalm 31:23 (New International Version)
Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.
Psalm 117:2 (New International Version)
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD. [a]
Faithfulness by definition and translation infers trustworthiness, reliability or someone who can be counted on. It means keeping our commitments over the long haul and not giving up when things get tough. Faithfulness deals with our relationship with God and others. The relationship with God gives us the tools to help us remain faithful in the toughest times.
There are many times when we want to give up, when faithfulness becomes very, very hard. I know over the past few weeks, I have questioned whether this page or my efforts are worth it. Is anyone listening, does anyone care. Or like this morning when I spent an hour typing up today's message only for my computer to crash and I lost everything!! I also know over the years my "religion" has come in fits and starts. I will try to find a new church, go for a little while, become disillusioned and just stop going. There are many things that make faithfulness a challenge for us. Here are just some of them...
1. Faithfulness isn't always easy or fun. Is the thought of going to the beach, pool, hunting, fishing, etc sound more fun than spending your Sunday morning in church?
2. Faithfulness takes time, it takes an investment of time and energy on our part over the long haul. Faithfulness is more like a marathon than a sprint. How many of us have the endurance to see it through?
3. Faithfulness typically requires sacrifice. We usually have to give up something in order to remain faithful.
4. Faithfulness is not valued in our society. People leave jobs, teams, families to find "greener" grass on the other side regularly. Remaining faithful and loyal is no longer a noble concept in the world we live in.
5. Faithfulness waivers when times get hard. Bad things make us doubt and our faithfulness comes into question.
Well, given all the challenges we face in our efforts to remain faithful to God and those around us, the good news is, God wants us to succeed. He makes faithfulness attainable to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is with the Holy Spirit inside of us, we can remain faithful in this world.
Romans 7:18-19
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
There are things we can do to help build up our faithfulness.
1. We can hold on to the faithfulness of God. No matter how we have messed up or strayed God never gives up on us. He is always there to pick us up and help us on our journey.
2 Timothy 2:13 (New International Version)
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
1 John 1:9 (New International Version)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
2 . We can keep focused on doing good even when we don't feel like it. We can train ourselves for the marathon and not the sprint. We can keep promises and our word. We can show up when we say we will. We can say what we mean and mean what we say. We can produce top quality work. We can faithfully encourage our spouse, family and friends.
Psalm 37:28 (New International Version)
For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;
3. We can fully embrace the power God has given us through the Holy Spirit. God wants us to remain faithful and has given us the tools we need to stay the course. We just need to hang on to them and call on him for help.
Psalm 97:10 (New International Version)
Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
2 Timothy 3:15 (New International Version)
and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
4. Start or continue to do even small acts of faithfulness. If you are having trouble in your marriage or family life start doing the small things you used to do. Do small things that will restore your faith in God. Let God's power help you get back on track.
Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
5. Get someone else to help you stay faithful. We need the help and support of family and friends on our spiritual journey. God intended for us to be a family of believers, each helping the other along the way. Join a bible study, small group, get a pray partner or find a church.
Hebrews 3:12-14
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
6. Remember that being faithful is worth it!!! God is always there telling us to never give up, to never quit. He never told us it would be easy but he said we would get great reward for staying the course and remaining faithful!!
Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
So, when you think you can't go on another day, and your faith starts to falter, remember always that God has never given up on you. He loves you and wants you to succeed. He has offered us the greatest of help in the power of the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is grab on and stay the course and our reward will be awesome!!
Prayer:
Father, I thank You that You don't quit on us that You have not quit on me and that You haven't quit on anyone else reading out there. I thank You that You won't EVER quit on us. For great is Your faithfulness. You are big enough to take us through anything, You can take us to the goal line we we never thought we could finish the race. I put into Your hands all of us and that You will strength and challenge and whatever they need to be faithful to You, those around them and theirselves. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
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.
Psalm 31:23 (New International Version)
Love the LORD, all his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful,
but the proud he pays back in full.
Psalm 117:2 (New International Version)
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD. [a]
Faithfulness by definition and translation infers trustworthiness, reliability or someone who can be counted on. It means keeping our commitments over the long haul and not giving up when things get tough. Faithfulness deals with our relationship with God and others. The relationship with God gives us the tools to help us remain faithful in the toughest times.
There are many times when we want to give up, when faithfulness becomes very, very hard. I know over the past few weeks, I have questioned whether this page or my efforts are worth it. Is anyone listening, does anyone care. Or like this morning when I spent an hour typing up today's message only for my computer to crash and I lost everything!! I also know over the years my "religion" has come in fits and starts. I will try to find a new church, go for a little while, become disillusioned and just stop going. There are many things that make faithfulness a challenge for us. Here are just some of them...
1. Faithfulness isn't always easy or fun. Is the thought of going to the beach, pool, hunting, fishing, etc sound more fun than spending your Sunday morning in church?
2. Faithfulness takes time, it takes an investment of time and energy on our part over the long haul. Faithfulness is more like a marathon than a sprint. How many of us have the endurance to see it through?
3. Faithfulness typically requires sacrifice. We usually have to give up something in order to remain faithful.
4. Faithfulness is not valued in our society. People leave jobs, teams, families to find "greener" grass on the other side regularly. Remaining faithful and loyal is no longer a noble concept in the world we live in.
5. Faithfulness waivers when times get hard. Bad things make us doubt and our faithfulness comes into question.
Well, given all the challenges we face in our efforts to remain faithful to God and those around us, the good news is, God wants us to succeed. He makes faithfulness attainable to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is with the Holy Spirit inside of us, we can remain faithful in this world.
Romans 7:18-19
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
There are things we can do to help build up our faithfulness.
1. We can hold on to the faithfulness of God. No matter how we have messed up or strayed God never gives up on us. He is always there to pick us up and help us on our journey.
2 Timothy 2:13 (New International Version)
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
1 John 1:9 (New International Version)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
2 . We can keep focused on doing good even when we don't feel like it. We can train ourselves for the marathon and not the sprint. We can keep promises and our word. We can show up when we say we will. We can say what we mean and mean what we say. We can produce top quality work. We can faithfully encourage our spouse, family and friends.
Psalm 37:28 (New International Version)
For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever,
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;
3. We can fully embrace the power God has given us through the Holy Spirit. God wants us to remain faithful and has given us the tools we need to stay the course. We just need to hang on to them and call on him for help.
Psalm 97:10 (New International Version)
Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
2 Timothy 3:15 (New International Version)
and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
4. Start or continue to do even small acts of faithfulness. If you are having trouble in your marriage or family life start doing the small things you used to do. Do small things that will restore your faith in God. Let God's power help you get back on track.
Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
5. Get someone else to help you stay faithful. We need the help and support of family and friends on our spiritual journey. God intended for us to be a family of believers, each helping the other along the way. Join a bible study, small group, get a pray partner or find a church.
Hebrews 3:12-14
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
6. Remember that being faithful is worth it!!! God is always there telling us to never give up, to never quit. He never told us it would be easy but he said we would get great reward for staying the course and remaining faithful!!
Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
So, when you think you can't go on another day, and your faith starts to falter, remember always that God has never given up on you. He loves you and wants you to succeed. He has offered us the greatest of help in the power of the Holy Spirit. All we need to do is grab on and stay the course and our reward will be awesome!!
Prayer:
Father, I thank You that You don't quit on us that You have not quit on me and that You haven't quit on anyone else reading out there. I thank You that You won't EVER quit on us. For great is Your faithfulness. You are big enough to take us through anything, You can take us to the goal line we we never thought we could finish the race. I put into Your hands all of us and that You will strength and challenge and whatever they need to be faithful to You, those around them and theirselves. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
