Mark 9:14-24 (New International Version)
The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. 22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Have you ever noticed the words believe and faith are almost exclusively New Testament terms. They occur almost 550 times and possibly constitute the single most frequent command or instruction in the New Testament. You might think, given it's prominence in scripture, it would be one of the most understood concepts in Christendom.
However, I think most of you will probably agree this is not case. In fact, my thoughts are Jesus knew how hard it was going to be. He knew we would have great difficulty relinquishing control and truly submitting ourselves to him through faith. He knew we would need constant lessons and instruction on living in faith and believing Him. He knew we would need His help. The story in Mark points it out beautifully, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
The Greek word for faith is pistis (noun) and believe is translated pistevo, which is a verb. The true translation of believe is far meatier than our simple translation gives credit. The word believe (Greek verb "pistevo"), means adheres to, trusts in, relies on, clings to. It truly is an action word.
As I am learning in my spiritual walk it is one thing to "believe in God" but truly another to "believe God". I think Jesus, in His many admonitions for us to "believe" and "have faith", was recognizing our human nature which makes it hard to turn the noun of faith loose allowing the verb of belief to rule our lives. We are going to need Him and His power to walk out belief and it is OK to ask for help in this area to admit we are weak. He wants us to ask Him to help us overcome our unbelief and He fully intends to give you the power to do it.
Take comfort in knowing, He understands our need for help. He gives us the reassurance of this in Ephesians 1:18-20:
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead."
The awesome truth is, God wields "incomparably great power" for those who choose to believe. If you have just a little faith He will amplify that in His mighty power to enable you move mountains (Matt 17:20; Matt 21:21). God gives us the same power He used to raise Jesus from the dead. With power like that, nothing is impossible!!
Take this lesson forward with you today. Ask God to use his word to overcome whatever stronghold is crippling your life and keeping you from living it to the fullest in Christ Jesus. Share this note with someone who might need a word of encouragement to overcome a stronghold in their life.
Next we will look at the freedom which comes from believing God (notice I didn't say "believing in").
Blessings all!!
"Father God, Your Word declares that we, Your people, are Your witnesses and Your servants whom You have chosen, that we may know and believe You and understand that You are He. Before You no god was formed, nor will there be one after You (Isaiah 43:10). You have chosen me, God, for the express purpose of knowing and believing You. I can't really begin to know You until I choose to believe You! Make me a person of belief, Lord." (prayer taken from Beth Moore's Praying God's Word)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
"It is all in your head"
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (New International Version)
"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. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Have you ever known anyone to have irrational fears about something? A child who thinks the boogyman is going to get them. Have you ever heard someone say to them, or perhaps you said it or have had it said to you "It is all in your head"? Oh, how right they were!!
As I continue to struggle with the stronghold of worry and anxiety in my life, God has led me to this next lesson in my journey. The things that make me worry and anxious are all in my head. More literally, it is the devil trying to keep me from the peace of knowing I can do everything through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
The primary battlefied of our faith is in our mind. However, we must remember, when we are born again in Christ Jesus, our transformation comes with a renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). Paul knew if our thoughts were left unchecked, they would cause all kinds of problems. We all know what happens when we are left to dwell on something too long. We can think of the worst kind of things. The devil takes every opportunity to use our thoughts against us. We must understand this fully, and use the weapons of God's word and our prayers to constantly gaurd our hearts and mind (Philippians 4:7).
In fact, the ONLY way we can overcome these feelings is to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). Take note that all of the armour is defensive EXCEPT the sword, which is the Word of God. Right after Paul notes the sword being the word, he says we are to pray. In fact, the offense we need to regularly mount against the power of the devil's invasion of our mind is power of God's word and prayer.
By searching for answers to questions of our mind in the Word of God, we know we will never be led astray. In fact, Jesus gave us the ultimate example of overcoming the devil with the word in Matthew chapter 4. In knowing that, think how effective it would be in our battle to overcome our strongholds by praying God's word. (I highly recommend Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word")
Finally, consider Paul's words "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." (Philippians 4:8). Every time you feel your mind being pulled by the devil into negative thoughts, immediately think of all the awesome things God has graced your life with. Start counting your blessings right then and there and the devil will flee. It takes some effort to form the habit of taking your thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. However, with the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. And consider the reward, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
So, you see, it really is all in your mind!!
"Lord, thank You for showing me how to win the battle for my thoughts. Thank You for providing Your word and for allowing me a personal relationship with You so I can bring everything to You in prayer and bring my thoughts captive and obedient to Christ. Help me to seek out Your word as a weapon against the negative thoughts which invade my mind. With Your word in my heart and on my lips, I can overcome anything. In Jesus Name, Amen."
"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. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Have you ever known anyone to have irrational fears about something? A child who thinks the boogyman is going to get them. Have you ever heard someone say to them, or perhaps you said it or have had it said to you "It is all in your head"? Oh, how right they were!!
As I continue to struggle with the stronghold of worry and anxiety in my life, God has led me to this next lesson in my journey. The things that make me worry and anxious are all in my head. More literally, it is the devil trying to keep me from the peace of knowing I can do everything through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
The primary battlefied of our faith is in our mind. However, we must remember, when we are born again in Christ Jesus, our transformation comes with a renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). Paul knew if our thoughts were left unchecked, they would cause all kinds of problems. We all know what happens when we are left to dwell on something too long. We can think of the worst kind of things. The devil takes every opportunity to use our thoughts against us. We must understand this fully, and use the weapons of God's word and our prayers to constantly gaurd our hearts and mind (Philippians 4:7).
In fact, the ONLY way we can overcome these feelings is to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). Take note that all of the armour is defensive EXCEPT the sword, which is the Word of God. Right after Paul notes the sword being the word, he says we are to pray. In fact, the offense we need to regularly mount against the power of the devil's invasion of our mind is power of God's word and prayer.
By searching for answers to questions of our mind in the Word of God, we know we will never be led astray. In fact, Jesus gave us the ultimate example of overcoming the devil with the word in Matthew chapter 4. In knowing that, think how effective it would be in our battle to overcome our strongholds by praying God's word. (I highly recommend Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word")
Finally, consider Paul's words "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." (Philippians 4:8). Every time you feel your mind being pulled by the devil into negative thoughts, immediately think of all the awesome things God has graced your life with. Start counting your blessings right then and there and the devil will flee. It takes some effort to form the habit of taking your thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. However, with the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. And consider the reward, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
So, you see, it really is all in your mind!!
"Lord, thank You for showing me how to win the battle for my thoughts. Thank You for providing Your word and for allowing me a personal relationship with You so I can bring everything to You in prayer and bring my thoughts captive and obedient to Christ. Help me to seek out Your word as a weapon against the negative thoughts which invade my mind. With Your word in my heart and on my lips, I can overcome anything. In Jesus Name, Amen."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Jesus
“ 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12-2-3
I will tell you, Hebrews 12:2 is a verse I recall often. In my efforts to overcome the feelings of this world, I often find my self quoting this verse in my head, a circling of the horses so to speak.
These last few weeks have been rough. I have been enduring some trial I would rather not have to face. Struggling to stay focused on God, to draw close to him for strength, I have been unable to release the worry and the feelings of anxiety. To be frank, I have felt like He wasn’t there. I kept looking at my circumstance trying to figure out quickly what it was He was trying to get me to understand, so it could stop!
Then, as I was studying my Pastor’s sermon notes on Sunday evening, I was reviewing 2 Corinthians 4, specifically the last paragraph. Just then my heavenly epiphany came in a seemingly random question from my husband. As I answered him using Hebrews 12:2 as an example, I stopped in my tracks. All of a sudden, I understood the lesson God was trying to get me to understand.
I know for certain God used my husband’s question to make me stop and look at what I was reading in relation to the verse I use so often to cope with the struggles of life. He brought all the things I had been reading the past few weeks together in one moment of clarity and there was no doubt it was Him doing it.
So, what was the big break through?
Let me try to relate what finally came to my understanding in an analogy we are all familiar with. Most of us have experienced the joy of a babies first steps. If you haven’t yet, I am sure you have seen it. One parent holding the baby in a standing position, the other a few feet away urging the child on, “come on, come to me, you can do it, come on”.
In that moment, what is the baby doing? The baby is solely focused on the person in front of him or her. He is smiling and looking at the person who loves him waiting to wrap him in there arms with hugs and kisses. He isn’t looking down at the path his feet are going to take. He just wants to get to the smiling, loving face of his Mom or Dad whom he trusts.
That is exactly what God was trying to get me to understand. Fixing our eyes on Jesus should allow us NOT TO LOOK DOWN. I was looking at my path, trying to figure out the right and wrong steps and stumbling all over the rocky path. My focus wasn’t truly on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, I was worried about the path. Jesus didn’t focus on the pain he was going to endure. His focus was on the end result, the will if the Father. He endured his rocky path joyfully focusing only on the end, His Father. He knew his short scary walk would lead to His rightful seat next to His loving, faithful Father.
As I type it out now, it seems so obvious but I was missing it. God had to remind me NOT to look at the path, to show me exactly what he meant when he instructed Paul to write “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus”. We are to trust Him fully and He will make all our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6). In my moment of Godly clarity, I looked back down at the passage I was studying before the fateful question which prompted my answer from Hebrews 12. I read the following:
“16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Wow, when God wants me to get a point, he really drives it home. Of course, He knows how hard headed I am! So, today, I am living with my eyes looking ahead to Jesus, not at the troubles on my path. I am trusting on the seen, knowing God will take care of the rest. Whatever “light affliction” I might encounter will only be temporary, so I wont lose heart or my focus. What an awesome promise from a faithful God.
“Lord, I thank you for loving me so much to teach me the lessons I need to learn in Your word. You are a loving, faithful, perfect parent who will never let me fall. Help me to always remember to focus on You and not the rocky path I might be on. Help me to endure ALL with the joy of knowing my eyes are always on You and Your promise of our eternal reward. In Jesus name, Amen.”
I will tell you, Hebrews 12:2 is a verse I recall often. In my efforts to overcome the feelings of this world, I often find my self quoting this verse in my head, a circling of the horses so to speak.
These last few weeks have been rough. I have been enduring some trial I would rather not have to face. Struggling to stay focused on God, to draw close to him for strength, I have been unable to release the worry and the feelings of anxiety. To be frank, I have felt like He wasn’t there. I kept looking at my circumstance trying to figure out quickly what it was He was trying to get me to understand, so it could stop!
Then, as I was studying my Pastor’s sermon notes on Sunday evening, I was reviewing 2 Corinthians 4, specifically the last paragraph. Just then my heavenly epiphany came in a seemingly random question from my husband. As I answered him using Hebrews 12:2 as an example, I stopped in my tracks. All of a sudden, I understood the lesson God was trying to get me to understand.
I know for certain God used my husband’s question to make me stop and look at what I was reading in relation to the verse I use so often to cope with the struggles of life. He brought all the things I had been reading the past few weeks together in one moment of clarity and there was no doubt it was Him doing it.
So, what was the big break through?
Let me try to relate what finally came to my understanding in an analogy we are all familiar with. Most of us have experienced the joy of a babies first steps. If you haven’t yet, I am sure you have seen it. One parent holding the baby in a standing position, the other a few feet away urging the child on, “come on, come to me, you can do it, come on”.
In that moment, what is the baby doing? The baby is solely focused on the person in front of him or her. He is smiling and looking at the person who loves him waiting to wrap him in there arms with hugs and kisses. He isn’t looking down at the path his feet are going to take. He just wants to get to the smiling, loving face of his Mom or Dad whom he trusts.
That is exactly what God was trying to get me to understand. Fixing our eyes on Jesus should allow us NOT TO LOOK DOWN. I was looking at my path, trying to figure out the right and wrong steps and stumbling all over the rocky path. My focus wasn’t truly on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith, I was worried about the path. Jesus didn’t focus on the pain he was going to endure. His focus was on the end result, the will if the Father. He endured his rocky path joyfully focusing only on the end, His Father. He knew his short scary walk would lead to His rightful seat next to His loving, faithful Father.
As I type it out now, it seems so obvious but I was missing it. God had to remind me NOT to look at the path, to show me exactly what he meant when he instructed Paul to write “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus”. We are to trust Him fully and He will make all our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6). In my moment of Godly clarity, I looked back down at the passage I was studying before the fateful question which prompted my answer from Hebrews 12. I read the following:
“16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Wow, when God wants me to get a point, he really drives it home. Of course, He knows how hard headed I am! So, today, I am living with my eyes looking ahead to Jesus, not at the troubles on my path. I am trusting on the seen, knowing God will take care of the rest. Whatever “light affliction” I might encounter will only be temporary, so I wont lose heart or my focus. What an awesome promise from a faithful God.
“Lord, I thank you for loving me so much to teach me the lessons I need to learn in Your word. You are a loving, faithful, perfect parent who will never let me fall. Help me to always remember to focus on You and not the rocky path I might be on. Help me to endure ALL with the joy of knowing my eyes are always on You and Your promise of our eternal reward. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Power of Prayer in Seemingly Hopeless Situations
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5: 14 - 15
As those of us on the Gulf Coast watch in horror as the hole in the sea floor pumps out 5,000 barrels of oil each day, endangering not only our beautiful beaches and wildlife but our very economic existence, we wonder what we can do. I volunteered on the phone bank Saturday, taking calls from all over the country, people just wanting to help. Many people are praying, and that is a GREAT thing and I encourage everyone to pray.
However, what are the prayers? Are we asking God to help the people and animals through this trial or are we asking God to STOP THE SPILL. I told someone yesterday my prayer was for God to reach His hand down from Heaven and plug the hole. They said to me "The experts say they can't plug the hole for a month of more."
It hit me then, are we praying to God with the confidence he requires?
I was reminded of Exodus 14. The Israelites literally had their "backs against the wall". The Red Sea on one side and the approaching Egyptian army on the other. They were scared and saw no way out, crying out to Moses "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:12b)
What did Moses say, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14) The lesson, God can deliver us from ANYTHING. Nothing is too big for God.
I notice when we pray, we sometimes seem to be shy about asking for the miracles. As we look at scripture it seems clear God wants us to ask, and he wants us to ask with confidence, not hesitation! (1 John 3:22) In fact, he has commanded us to believe and not doubt, advising that those who pray with doubt in their heart will not receive anything. (James 1:6-8) God has told us, "ask and you will receive" (John 16:24b). He is the God of power and might, do you doubt his ability to stop the oil, to turn it away from our shores? Are you afraid or hesitant to ask Him to do that?
Today, I ask ALL of you to pray for an END to this Oil Spill. Pray for God to safely remove the oil, keep it from the shores. Pray for the miracle, confidently knowing "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Please share this message with as many people as you can. We need the biggest prayer chain ever to push this oil back in the ground and plug the hole!! Thank you and God Bless you all!!
As those of us on the Gulf Coast watch in horror as the hole in the sea floor pumps out 5,000 barrels of oil each day, endangering not only our beautiful beaches and wildlife but our very economic existence, we wonder what we can do. I volunteered on the phone bank Saturday, taking calls from all over the country, people just wanting to help. Many people are praying, and that is a GREAT thing and I encourage everyone to pray.
However, what are the prayers? Are we asking God to help the people and animals through this trial or are we asking God to STOP THE SPILL. I told someone yesterday my prayer was for God to reach His hand down from Heaven and plug the hole. They said to me "The experts say they can't plug the hole for a month of more."
It hit me then, are we praying to God with the confidence he requires?
I was reminded of Exodus 14. The Israelites literally had their "backs against the wall". The Red Sea on one side and the approaching Egyptian army on the other. They were scared and saw no way out, crying out to Moses "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:12b)
What did Moses say, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14) The lesson, God can deliver us from ANYTHING. Nothing is too big for God.
I notice when we pray, we sometimes seem to be shy about asking for the miracles. As we look at scripture it seems clear God wants us to ask, and he wants us to ask with confidence, not hesitation! (1 John 3:22) In fact, he has commanded us to believe and not doubt, advising that those who pray with doubt in their heart will not receive anything. (James 1:6-8) God has told us, "ask and you will receive" (John 16:24b). He is the God of power and might, do you doubt his ability to stop the oil, to turn it away from our shores? Are you afraid or hesitant to ask Him to do that?
Today, I ask ALL of you to pray for an END to this Oil Spill. Pray for God to safely remove the oil, keep it from the shores. Pray for the miracle, confidently knowing "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Please share this message with as many people as you can. We need the biggest prayer chain ever to push this oil back in the ground and plug the hole!! Thank you and God Bless you all!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
"May the Lord make his face shine upon you and give you peace"
"For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." - Colossians 1:19-20
When I was a kid, growing up in a Lutheran church with all it's liturgy, my favorite part of the service was the benediction...
"May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace."
I didn't know what countenance meant but I do remember thinking those were the most beautiful words..."may the Lord make His face to shine upon you...and give you peace". It always made me smile!
Granted, I had no idea what that peace really meant and it wasn't until this Easter, my first as a "born again" Christian, when I truly understood what it meant for my Lord to "give me peace." In fact, even though I am no longer a practicing Lutheran, I went to a Lutheran service on Easter just to hear those words again. This go around it was AWESOME!!
Let's consider the peace of the risen Christ. What were the first words Jesus spoke to the disciples? "Peace be with you!" In fact, those were the second words as well. And when he showed up the first time Thomas was present, his first words to our doubting friend were also "Peace be with you!". (John 20:19-27)
While some skeptics might say, "That was a common greeting among Jews of that time" and not give it much significance, they are wrong. The greeting was intentional and had significant meaning. For there was really NEVER any peace until Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
What do I mean? Jesus' death broke down the barrier between us and God (Matthew 27:51). Through Jesus' shed blood, we were given the ability to approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14). We were justified through Christ's blood (Romans 5:9), reconciled to our Father (Romans 5:10) and set free from the punishment of sin, which was death (Romans 6:23). Only now can we have true peace over the thing that scares us the most, death (1 Corinthians 15:26).
Friends, today, I want you to to know Jesus' death, burial and resurrection has saved you. It has brought with it a peace which those who have yet to know and receive the Lord can't comprehend or understand. Today, you are blessed to walk in the resurrection peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Radiate that peace, share it with a friend, a co-worker, a member of your family who has yet to experience it. It wasn't a gift to be horded but to be shared!!
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7
When I was a kid, growing up in a Lutheran church with all it's liturgy, my favorite part of the service was the benediction...
"May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace."
I didn't know what countenance meant but I do remember thinking those were the most beautiful words..."may the Lord make His face to shine upon you...and give you peace". It always made me smile!
Granted, I had no idea what that peace really meant and it wasn't until this Easter, my first as a "born again" Christian, when I truly understood what it meant for my Lord to "give me peace." In fact, even though I am no longer a practicing Lutheran, I went to a Lutheran service on Easter just to hear those words again. This go around it was AWESOME!!
Let's consider the peace of the risen Christ. What were the first words Jesus spoke to the disciples? "Peace be with you!" In fact, those were the second words as well. And when he showed up the first time Thomas was present, his first words to our doubting friend were also "Peace be with you!". (John 20:19-27)
While some skeptics might say, "That was a common greeting among Jews of that time" and not give it much significance, they are wrong. The greeting was intentional and had significant meaning. For there was really NEVER any peace until Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
What do I mean? Jesus' death broke down the barrier between us and God (Matthew 27:51). Through Jesus' shed blood, we were given the ability to approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14). We were justified through Christ's blood (Romans 5:9), reconciled to our Father (Romans 5:10) and set free from the punishment of sin, which was death (Romans 6:23). Only now can we have true peace over the thing that scares us the most, death (1 Corinthians 15:26).
Friends, today, I want you to to know Jesus' death, burial and resurrection has saved you. It has brought with it a peace which those who have yet to know and receive the Lord can't comprehend or understand. Today, you are blessed to walk in the resurrection peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Radiate that peace, share it with a friend, a co-worker, a member of your family who has yet to experience it. It wasn't a gift to be horded but to be shared!!
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Great Commission
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10:14-15
Sunday we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!! What an awesome event. I went to two church services, both filled to the brim with people in their new dresses, suits, hats. Easter is a day to dress up, be with family and attend church. As I looked around the churches, I was overwhelmed with Joy at the number of people who show up on Easter Sunday. I don't judge and question why it is the only day of the year they come. I praised God that they DID come and asked Him to open there hearts and minds so they would hear something that would bring them back!!
However, as the days march on and we get back into the habits of our daily life, I am saddened that we seem to lose the final message of Christ on earth. Why do we let those people who only come to church once a year slip back into the habit of not coming? Is is not our duty to now go out and preach the Good News of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Is that not the final command given to us by our Lord and Savior? That is our Great Commission as believers in Jesus Christ. ( Matthew 28:19-20)
Let us pray for God to soften the hearts and minds of those who have not found the great peace His resurrection brings. Let us spread the Good News. Let us not be silent and wait another year for Easter to come and go. It is our duty as Christians to reach out and touch the lives of others. To be salt and light to the world. We cannot sit back and hope someone else will do it.
Each of you who are compelled to read this post, I encourage you to share this note. Ask people to subscribe to this BLOG or join us on Facebook. Help spread the good news of Jesus. Over the next few weeks, I want to explore the peace of Jesus. The resurrection peace that comes from His death, burial and resurrection. There are so many people out there hurting, suffering, searching for that peace. Let us fulfill our responsibility to the Lord Jesus Christ, to spread the Good News of the Gospel and reach people who are hungry for His peace.
Join me today. Let's grow this page, let's spread the word.
Lord, thank you for leading people to this page and this note, please set their hearts and minds on Your commission to "make disciples of all nations". Fill us with the Holy Spirit, giving us the strength to overcome persecution for our beliefs and thereby spreading your good news. Help us to reach someone who is hurting, suffering, lonely, someone who needs to hear your word. Lord, use us to bring the sheep of your flock home. In Jesus name, Amen.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power and the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all." Acts 4:32-33
Sunday we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!! What an awesome event. I went to two church services, both filled to the brim with people in their new dresses, suits, hats. Easter is a day to dress up, be with family and attend church. As I looked around the churches, I was overwhelmed with Joy at the number of people who show up on Easter Sunday. I don't judge and question why it is the only day of the year they come. I praised God that they DID come and asked Him to open there hearts and minds so they would hear something that would bring them back!!
However, as the days march on and we get back into the habits of our daily life, I am saddened that we seem to lose the final message of Christ on earth. Why do we let those people who only come to church once a year slip back into the habit of not coming? Is is not our duty to now go out and preach the Good News of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Is that not the final command given to us by our Lord and Savior? That is our Great Commission as believers in Jesus Christ. ( Matthew 28:19-20)
Let us pray for God to soften the hearts and minds of those who have not found the great peace His resurrection brings. Let us spread the Good News. Let us not be silent and wait another year for Easter to come and go. It is our duty as Christians to reach out and touch the lives of others. To be salt and light to the world. We cannot sit back and hope someone else will do it.
Each of you who are compelled to read this post, I encourage you to share this note. Ask people to subscribe to this BLOG or join us on Facebook. Help spread the good news of Jesus. Over the next few weeks, I want to explore the peace of Jesus. The resurrection peace that comes from His death, burial and resurrection. There are so many people out there hurting, suffering, searching for that peace. Let us fulfill our responsibility to the Lord Jesus Christ, to spread the Good News of the Gospel and reach people who are hungry for His peace.
Join me today. Let's grow this page, let's spread the word.
Lord, thank you for leading people to this page and this note, please set their hearts and minds on Your commission to "make disciples of all nations". Fill us with the Holy Spirit, giving us the strength to overcome persecution for our beliefs and thereby spreading your good news. Help us to reach someone who is hurting, suffering, lonely, someone who needs to hear your word. Lord, use us to bring the sheep of your flock home. In Jesus name, Amen.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power and the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all." Acts 4:32-33
Friday, April 2, 2010
Is there a cross in your life?
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. 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 on a cross! 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 2:5-11
This morning, I stood looking in the mirror at the two crosses hanging around my neck. One mine, the other my Mother's, both beautiful. I never take them off. They are very special to me. However, on this Good Friday my thoughts went back to the day our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. In those Roman times, there was nothing beautiful about the cross. It was an instrument of punishment for the most vile of criminals. It was beyond cruel, a slow death with great suffering for all to witness. Scripture even notes the shame of death by crucifixion. (Hebrews 12:2)
The cross was absolutely essential to God's plan. Only through the witness of the cross could God show the world His uncompromising love. He sacrificed His son in the most vile and shameful way so we might grasp "how wide and long and high and deep" His love is for us (Ephesians 3:18). It was the only way we could be rescued from death that is sin.
Jesus' death on the cross was our only hope for reconciliation with the Father. "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14
So, as I look at the two beautiful golden crosses around my neck, I am reminded through the power of God, something so vile, so ugly, is transformed into something of great beauty. Isn't that exactly what happens to us at the moment we accept Jesus Christ into our lives? We are transformed from an ugly sinner to a beautiful child of God!!
So, today my friend, ask yourself, is there a cross in your life?
This morning, I stood looking in the mirror at the two crosses hanging around my neck. One mine, the other my Mother's, both beautiful. I never take them off. They are very special to me. However, on this Good Friday my thoughts went back to the day our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. In those Roman times, there was nothing beautiful about the cross. It was an instrument of punishment for the most vile of criminals. It was beyond cruel, a slow death with great suffering for all to witness. Scripture even notes the shame of death by crucifixion. (Hebrews 12:2)
The cross was absolutely essential to God's plan. Only through the witness of the cross could God show the world His uncompromising love. He sacrificed His son in the most vile and shameful way so we might grasp "how wide and long and high and deep" His love is for us (Ephesians 3:18). It was the only way we could be rescued from death that is sin.
Jesus' death on the cross was our only hope for reconciliation with the Father. "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14
So, as I look at the two beautiful golden crosses around my neck, I am reminded through the power of God, something so vile, so ugly, is transformed into something of great beauty. Isn't that exactly what happens to us at the moment we accept Jesus Christ into our lives? We are transformed from an ugly sinner to a beautiful child of God!!
So, today my friend, ask yourself, is there a cross in your life?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
God's Due Time
"Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way." Matthew 26:53-54
"But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfil lied." Matthew 26:56
As we read the accounts of Jesus' life, death, and Resurrection, we see references over and over to Old Testament prophecy. Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise thousands of years in the making. God, through his mighty sovereignty set the course for our salvation before the formation of the world. He knew Adam and Eve would sin, he knew we would be bound by death unless He provided the means of our salvation.
Do you know where the first prophecy of Jesus appears? In Genesis 3!! God, admonishing the serpent says, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15) Her offspring would be Jesus....who would deal a fatal blow to the head of sin and death but only after Satan had struck His heal (crucifixion is the only form of corporal punishment that bruised the heal!!).
If you were like me and ignorant to this passage and it's significance, take a moment to let the magnitude of it soak in. God knew from the moment sin entered the world how and when it would be conquered once and for all!! From that point on, there are many references to the coming Christ throughout the Old Testament, some more subtle than others. Most notably Isiah 53, written some 600 years before the coming of Christ and ending with Malachi 4:6, when God shut His mouth and the people waited.....for 400 years!!
The perfect solution to conquering sin and death once and for all took time and great patience. God knew what He was doing, creating the exact moment when all the prophecies would be fulfilled and we would be given THE promise. Many people question why God would take so long, if He is the Sovereign Lord or all, why he didn't just kill the serpent in the Garden and be done with it? Why allow sin and death in His world at all?
Well, let me say, I don't think our little pea brains have the capacity to comprehend or understand God's grand plan. We are not God. That being said, I believe everything was designed so that faith would be our key. God took the time to lay out His plan so we could see promises made and promises fulfilled thereby building a faith in us which would be the key to salvation.
"But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:22-29
I don't know about you, but God's abundant grace in patiently and perfectly laying out the plan for our salvation, for our reconciliation with Him, shows me just how much He loves us and wants a relationship with us. In His final appearing to the Apostles, Jesus said to them,"This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms,"..."This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise form the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these of these things." Luke 24:44-48
For 2,000 years the faithful have been charged with spreading the Gospel of Jesus, so that "none will be lost." In God's due time, we, the faithful, will rule and reign with our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Jerusalem!!!
"But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfil lied." Matthew 26:56
As we read the accounts of Jesus' life, death, and Resurrection, we see references over and over to Old Testament prophecy. Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise thousands of years in the making. God, through his mighty sovereignty set the course for our salvation before the formation of the world. He knew Adam and Eve would sin, he knew we would be bound by death unless He provided the means of our salvation.
Do you know where the first prophecy of Jesus appears? In Genesis 3!! God, admonishing the serpent says, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15) Her offspring would be Jesus....who would deal a fatal blow to the head of sin and death but only after Satan had struck His heal (crucifixion is the only form of corporal punishment that bruised the heal!!).
If you were like me and ignorant to this passage and it's significance, take a moment to let the magnitude of it soak in. God knew from the moment sin entered the world how and when it would be conquered once and for all!! From that point on, there are many references to the coming Christ throughout the Old Testament, some more subtle than others. Most notably Isiah 53, written some 600 years before the coming of Christ and ending with Malachi 4:6, when God shut His mouth and the people waited.....for 400 years!!
The perfect solution to conquering sin and death once and for all took time and great patience. God knew what He was doing, creating the exact moment when all the prophecies would be fulfilled and we would be given THE promise. Many people question why God would take so long, if He is the Sovereign Lord or all, why he didn't just kill the serpent in the Garden and be done with it? Why allow sin and death in His world at all?
Well, let me say, I don't think our little pea brains have the capacity to comprehend or understand God's grand plan. We are not God. That being said, I believe everything was designed so that faith would be our key. God took the time to lay out His plan so we could see promises made and promises fulfilled thereby building a faith in us which would be the key to salvation.
"But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:22-29
I don't know about you, but God's abundant grace in patiently and perfectly laying out the plan for our salvation, for our reconciliation with Him, shows me just how much He loves us and wants a relationship with us. In His final appearing to the Apostles, Jesus said to them,"This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms,"..."This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise form the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these of these things." Luke 24:44-48
For 2,000 years the faithful have been charged with spreading the Gospel of Jesus, so that "none will be lost." In God's due time, we, the faithful, will rule and reign with our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Jerusalem!!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Jesus Knew
"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." - Matthew 26:36-39
The eve before He was to be crucified, Jesus was "sorrowful and troubled". He was standing at the precipice of humanity, knowing what laid ahead. Knowing he would take on the darkest, ugliest, most vile sins of mankind, suffer brutally at the hands of evil men and hang until dead on a cross. He knew.
As if that weren't enough to be "sorrowful and troubled" about, Jesus knew he would be separated from God. He knew God, in all his Holiness, could not be in the presence of sin, so Jesus knew He would have to endure the hardest thing imaginable, separation from God, His Father. Jesus, who had always walked in oneness with God the Father, knew He would be alone. He knew.
Jesus asked God three times to let this cup pass from Him. To find another way. However, He also knew it was God's will not His. When it became clear God's answer was NO, Jesus obediently submitted to the will of the Father, for He knew the prophecies must be fulfilled. The Kingdom of God was at hand. He knew.
I know it sounds crazy to say it brings me great peace to know Jesus, while facing the ultimate sacrifice, was "sorrowful and troubled" and probably a bit frightened. However, the knowledge that He was human, that He experienced in the flesh just how hard it is for us, gives me an everlasting peace. Because He endured the cross at the will of God, suffered great pain, great loneliness, separation from His Father, He builds a perfect bridge for mine and your relationship with God,our Father.
As I face the struggles of my day, wondering sometimes how I will make it through my current situation, the reminder that Jesus knows, HE KNOWS, is all I need to take the next right step.
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" - Revelation 5:12
The eve before He was to be crucified, Jesus was "sorrowful and troubled". He was standing at the precipice of humanity, knowing what laid ahead. Knowing he would take on the darkest, ugliest, most vile sins of mankind, suffer brutally at the hands of evil men and hang until dead on a cross. He knew.
As if that weren't enough to be "sorrowful and troubled" about, Jesus knew he would be separated from God. He knew God, in all his Holiness, could not be in the presence of sin, so Jesus knew He would have to endure the hardest thing imaginable, separation from God, His Father. Jesus, who had always walked in oneness with God the Father, knew He would be alone. He knew.
Jesus asked God three times to let this cup pass from Him. To find another way. However, He also knew it was God's will not His. When it became clear God's answer was NO, Jesus obediently submitted to the will of the Father, for He knew the prophecies must be fulfilled. The Kingdom of God was at hand. He knew.
I know it sounds crazy to say it brings me great peace to know Jesus, while facing the ultimate sacrifice, was "sorrowful and troubled" and probably a bit frightened. However, the knowledge that He was human, that He experienced in the flesh just how hard it is for us, gives me an everlasting peace. Because He endured the cross at the will of God, suffered great pain, great loneliness, separation from His Father, He builds a perfect bridge for mine and your relationship with God,our Father.
As I face the struggles of my day, wondering sometimes how I will make it through my current situation, the reminder that Jesus knows, HE KNOWS, is all I need to take the next right step.
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" - Revelation 5:12
Friday, March 26, 2010
Great Faith
""And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
My journey to release worry and anxiety has been truly tested. As I have found out, when we try to obtain a better understanding of God, the devil works hard to interfere with our quest. I have been dealt a few things in the past few weeks which have pushed me to the edge and I have been fighting very, very, very hard to remain committed to releasing it to God. Praying for guidance.
And my faithful, merciful and loving God has answered, as He always does. He has spoken to me through His word. Brought it right to me, a mirror reflecting back the message He wants me to hear. The key to releasing the worry and anxiety is having GREAT FAITH.
First, He brought me to the lesson in Numbers 13 and 14. If you don't recall the story, I would suggest you stop and read it now. God has brought the Israelites out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, sustained them through the desert and brought them right to the border of the promised land. God directed Moses to send spies into the land, which he did. The spies came back and advised it was indeed a land of milk and honey as promised but there was no way they could take the land because it was inhabited by giants and people of great strenght. They spread this bad news to all the people.
The Israelites, instead of relying on their faith in a God who had seen them through their flight from Egypt and through the desert. A God who was constantly visible to them as a pillar of cloud and fire. A God who had proven His majesty and faithfulness in countless miracles. Their faith was not strong enough to believe He could deliver the land He promised.
In His wrath, God would not allow them to enter the promised land. In fact, He would have struck them all dead had Moses not intervened. God said to them "Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert."
At first I read that story and though, what a bunch of daft folks. How could they doubt the God who had brought them so far. How could they not know he would deliver on what He promised. Then the light bulb went off...."you daft girl, you are doing the same thing. You worry, you doubt God will bring you out of this!".
After that realization, I was brought back to Hebrews 11, which begins, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." This chapter shows all of God's most faithful. How they persevered in their faith and how they were rewarded for remaining faithful to God.
If you research references to God's commands for us not to worry or be anxious but to be strong and courageous, you will find it is the most repeated command in the scriptures. Why do you suppose that is?
God knows how hard our life here on earth is....Jesus certainly knows it first hand. He knows we need great faith to remain on the path of righteousness. He has given us abundant examples of that kind of faithfulness. Mentors in our quest for great faith. I bet if you look around your church or community you can find people you know who exhibit this kind of faith. Seek them out, talk to them, understand how they get through the worries of life. God gave us each other for a reason!!
I heard someone the other day wrap this up in a nutshell. They said "fear is the opposite of faith". When I heard her say it, I knew how right she was. Overcoming fear strengthens our faith. As we continue on our journey to be a person of "great faith", fear will release its hold on us. This is my goal. I know I can't do it, but God can. I am asking him to forgive my fear and to fill me to the brim with His spirit, so I too can become a person of GREAT FAITH.
Lastly, I saw these points written out in a blog and found them helpful....
"Great faith isn't given to some and not to others. It is a choice we make to trust and pursue God even when at first there appears to be no response.
* Great faith leads to great undertakings
* Great faith brings about great expectations
* Great faith awakens great earnestness
* Great faith conquers great difficulties
* Great faith achieves great victories"
So, today let us all pray for God to help us be a person of great faith. Let's also pray for everyone who is on this journey with us.....everyone here at A Closer Walk....that God will continue to guide us in His word on our quest.
Peace and love to you all and thank you so much for praying for me....I certainly did feel it!!
My journey to release worry and anxiety has been truly tested. As I have found out, when we try to obtain a better understanding of God, the devil works hard to interfere with our quest. I have been dealt a few things in the past few weeks which have pushed me to the edge and I have been fighting very, very, very hard to remain committed to releasing it to God. Praying for guidance.
And my faithful, merciful and loving God has answered, as He always does. He has spoken to me through His word. Brought it right to me, a mirror reflecting back the message He wants me to hear. The key to releasing the worry and anxiety is having GREAT FAITH.
First, He brought me to the lesson in Numbers 13 and 14. If you don't recall the story, I would suggest you stop and read it now. God has brought the Israelites out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, sustained them through the desert and brought them right to the border of the promised land. God directed Moses to send spies into the land, which he did. The spies came back and advised it was indeed a land of milk and honey as promised but there was no way they could take the land because it was inhabited by giants and people of great strenght. They spread this bad news to all the people.
The Israelites, instead of relying on their faith in a God who had seen them through their flight from Egypt and through the desert. A God who was constantly visible to them as a pillar of cloud and fire. A God who had proven His majesty and faithfulness in countless miracles. Their faith was not strong enough to believe He could deliver the land He promised.
In His wrath, God would not allow them to enter the promised land. In fact, He would have struck them all dead had Moses not intervened. God said to them "Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert."
At first I read that story and though, what a bunch of daft folks. How could they doubt the God who had brought them so far. How could they not know he would deliver on what He promised. Then the light bulb went off...."you daft girl, you are doing the same thing. You worry, you doubt God will bring you out of this!".
After that realization, I was brought back to Hebrews 11, which begins, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." This chapter shows all of God's most faithful. How they persevered in their faith and how they were rewarded for remaining faithful to God.
If you research references to God's commands for us not to worry or be anxious but to be strong and courageous, you will find it is the most repeated command in the scriptures. Why do you suppose that is?
God knows how hard our life here on earth is....Jesus certainly knows it first hand. He knows we need great faith to remain on the path of righteousness. He has given us abundant examples of that kind of faithfulness. Mentors in our quest for great faith. I bet if you look around your church or community you can find people you know who exhibit this kind of faith. Seek them out, talk to them, understand how they get through the worries of life. God gave us each other for a reason!!
I heard someone the other day wrap this up in a nutshell. They said "fear is the opposite of faith". When I heard her say it, I knew how right she was. Overcoming fear strengthens our faith. As we continue on our journey to be a person of "great faith", fear will release its hold on us. This is my goal. I know I can't do it, but God can. I am asking him to forgive my fear and to fill me to the brim with His spirit, so I too can become a person of GREAT FAITH.
Lastly, I saw these points written out in a blog and found them helpful....
"Great faith isn't given to some and not to others. It is a choice we make to trust and pursue God even when at first there appears to be no response.
* Great faith leads to great undertakings
* Great faith brings about great expectations
* Great faith awakens great earnestness
* Great faith conquers great difficulties
* Great faith achieves great victories"
So, today let us all pray for God to help us be a person of great faith. Let's also pray for everyone who is on this journey with us.....everyone here at A Closer Walk....that God will continue to guide us in His word on our quest.
Peace and love to you all and thank you so much for praying for me....I certainly did feel it!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Submitting Without Resistance
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30
(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) - Numbers 12:3
Last week we looked at meekness in the eyes of God. What it means and how, when we stop fighting against our circumstance, we realize God is sovereign and in control of everything. If we will call upon El Elyon (Most High God) any time we feel that tug of worry or anxiety creeping in, we can find peace in knowing He is in control.
This week I would like to look at two people in the bible who were considered models of meekness. How can we study their reactions to stressful situations and apply it to our lives?
I asked you to read Numbers 12. In this chapter, Moses was facing persecution by Miriam and Aaron. However, Moses didn't rise up against them. In his meekness, he did not rebel against his situation or circumstance, he left it up to God. Did God take care of him? You bet He did!! And after God had taken up for Moses and put Miriam in her place, Moses in his meek and gentle nature, asked God to spare her. Would you have asked God to spare someone who treated you like that? This is a great lesson in what it means to be meek, gentle and humble before the Lord.
Next, we look at the example of Jesus. His entire life was that of being meek and humble before God. Jesus endured great persecution and suffering but he never once rebelled against His circumstance. He never once resisted the will of God. He did not worry or fret. Sure there were times he asked to be relieved of the burden, but he accepted the answer and proceeded to carry out the will of God.
You see, anxiety and worry come from us trying to figure out ways to change our circumstance; trying to control the will of God instead of letting the will of God control us. When we learn to submit to God's will and understand that God uses everything for His good, we can find peace in any circumstance. Yes, we endure things that aren't pleasant, situations we would rather forgo. However, if we truly understand that whatever we are going through, it is for God's greater plan, we can find a peace in even the worst circumstance.
I realize it is hard. It takes great faith. It takes giving up control and placing all your requests, concerns, hopes, desires, dreams....everything at the feet of your Lord and saying "Your will, not mine Lord".
Over the next week, let's look at the rewards God promises for submitting to his Sovereignty and allowing Him to be the Lord of our lives.
Peace and God Bless.
(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) - Numbers 12:3
Last week we looked at meekness in the eyes of God. What it means and how, when we stop fighting against our circumstance, we realize God is sovereign and in control of everything. If we will call upon El Elyon (Most High God) any time we feel that tug of worry or anxiety creeping in, we can find peace in knowing He is in control.
This week I would like to look at two people in the bible who were considered models of meekness. How can we study their reactions to stressful situations and apply it to our lives?
I asked you to read Numbers 12. In this chapter, Moses was facing persecution by Miriam and Aaron. However, Moses didn't rise up against them. In his meekness, he did not rebel against his situation or circumstance, he left it up to God. Did God take care of him? You bet He did!! And after God had taken up for Moses and put Miriam in her place, Moses in his meek and gentle nature, asked God to spare her. Would you have asked God to spare someone who treated you like that? This is a great lesson in what it means to be meek, gentle and humble before the Lord.
Next, we look at the example of Jesus. His entire life was that of being meek and humble before God. Jesus endured great persecution and suffering but he never once rebelled against His circumstance. He never once resisted the will of God. He did not worry or fret. Sure there were times he asked to be relieved of the burden, but he accepted the answer and proceeded to carry out the will of God.
You see, anxiety and worry come from us trying to figure out ways to change our circumstance; trying to control the will of God instead of letting the will of God control us. When we learn to submit to God's will and understand that God uses everything for His good, we can find peace in any circumstance. Yes, we endure things that aren't pleasant, situations we would rather forgo. However, if we truly understand that whatever we are going through, it is for God's greater plan, we can find a peace in even the worst circumstance.
I realize it is hard. It takes great faith. It takes giving up control and placing all your requests, concerns, hopes, desires, dreams....everything at the feet of your Lord and saying "Your will, not mine Lord".
Over the next week, let's look at the rewards God promises for submitting to his Sovereignty and allowing Him to be the Lord of our lives.
Peace and God Bless.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Humbly Submitting
"Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." - Jeremiah 6:16
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" - Matthew 5:5
As you know, I have declared to give up worry and anxiety for lent and forever. It isn't an easy task in this world, with all the pressures we face, not to worry and not to be anxious. I have found it an almost impossible task. As much as I try, circumstances still cause me to worry, to be anxious.
God has finally opened my eyes to the recognition I can never accomplish this goal on my own. More specifically, it is the fact that I try to control the circumstances which actually causes the worry and anxiety. The only way for me to release these things is to realize I must totally submit to God. I must place all my trust in His sovereignty. He rules and reigns over EVERYTHING including MY LIFE!!
Through the study of His word, I have discovered the peace I am looking for only comes from Him and only by understanding what it means to be meek, humble, gentle...to have complete poverty of spirit. To put all my own thoughts, ways, desires and will under the complete control of my Lord and Savior.
What does meekness mean? Many people equate it with weakness, which couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, meekness is power under control. Literally defined, meekness is an attitude of heart that prostrates itself before the throne of God's sovereignty in faith's submission to the will of God. It is a pliability; it means not resisting God's will, not fighting against our circumstance, not retaliating when we feel wronged. It is a recognition of God's sovereignty, a recognition that brings rest and peace, for we understand God rules us and not our circumstances.
When we stop fighting against the circumstances, the things of this world and realize we need to submit to the will of God and to totally trust Him to take care of us, then we finally are released from the worry and anxiety that comes from our trying to manipulate the external circumstances of life. As the Jeremiah verse above reminds us, we must always ask God. If we do, he will give us the answers. he will never lead us down the wrong path.
As we read this past week, there are many instances where God commands us to "be strong and courageous" or "do not worry" "do not be anxious", all of those are preceded by His promise to give us strength, to never leave us, to give us peace and rest. As Matthew 5:5 says "the meek will inherit the earth". Wow, what a promise. And let me ask you this, Has God ever gone back on His word? Our God is faithful and if we follow Him and acknowledge Him as our sovereign Lord, He will give us everything He has promised.
There is so much scripture on what it is to be meek and humble. I urge you to use your concordance and study it for yourself. I believe you will be richly rewarded for the time spent.
"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant." - Psalm 25:9-10
We will cover more next week looking at Moses and Jesus as examples of humility and the gifts we receive by humbling ourselves to God.
God Bless!!
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" - Matthew 5:5
As you know, I have declared to give up worry and anxiety for lent and forever. It isn't an easy task in this world, with all the pressures we face, not to worry and not to be anxious. I have found it an almost impossible task. As much as I try, circumstances still cause me to worry, to be anxious.
God has finally opened my eyes to the recognition I can never accomplish this goal on my own. More specifically, it is the fact that I try to control the circumstances which actually causes the worry and anxiety. The only way for me to release these things is to realize I must totally submit to God. I must place all my trust in His sovereignty. He rules and reigns over EVERYTHING including MY LIFE!!
Through the study of His word, I have discovered the peace I am looking for only comes from Him and only by understanding what it means to be meek, humble, gentle...to have complete poverty of spirit. To put all my own thoughts, ways, desires and will under the complete control of my Lord and Savior.
What does meekness mean? Many people equate it with weakness, which couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, meekness is power under control. Literally defined, meekness is an attitude of heart that prostrates itself before the throne of God's sovereignty in faith's submission to the will of God. It is a pliability; it means not resisting God's will, not fighting against our circumstance, not retaliating when we feel wronged. It is a recognition of God's sovereignty, a recognition that brings rest and peace, for we understand God rules us and not our circumstances.
When we stop fighting against the circumstances, the things of this world and realize we need to submit to the will of God and to totally trust Him to take care of us, then we finally are released from the worry and anxiety that comes from our trying to manipulate the external circumstances of life. As the Jeremiah verse above reminds us, we must always ask God. If we do, he will give us the answers. he will never lead us down the wrong path.
As we read this past week, there are many instances where God commands us to "be strong and courageous" or "do not worry" "do not be anxious", all of those are preceded by His promise to give us strength, to never leave us, to give us peace and rest. As Matthew 5:5 says "the meek will inherit the earth". Wow, what a promise. And let me ask you this, Has God ever gone back on His word? Our God is faithful and if we follow Him and acknowledge Him as our sovereign Lord, He will give us everything He has promised.
There is so much scripture on what it is to be meek and humble. I urge you to use your concordance and study it for yourself. I believe you will be richly rewarded for the time spent.
"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant." - Psalm 25:9-10
We will cover more next week looking at Moses and Jesus as examples of humility and the gifts we receive by humbling ourselves to God.
God Bless!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Do not worry....really?!
"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." - Phillippians 4:4-7
When I first met Jesus, really met Jesus, I was taking three to four Xanax a day. My anxiety was suffocating. I really thought my heart might literally beat out of my chest. It was bad.
The Philippians verse is one of the first verses God led me to. I knew He was speaking directly to me. The passage jumped off the page and I read and re-read it. I then thought about it in its true context. Paul, writing to the church in Philippi while he was chained to a Roman centurion. He knew his end was coming. What in the world did he have to be rejoicing about?!! He certainly had every right to be anxious!!
At the time, it gave me great strength to read his words and realize the Lord was indeed near. There was peace in that. I was freed from my daily need for Xanax only using them to sleep occasionally. But I found it impossible to completely give up worry. To not be anxious about certain things. The pressures of life that led me to this place were still there. There were still too many bills and a declining economy.
Over the past few weeks the worry has started to mount a bit more, and I even though I kept going back to that passage, I didn't really think the peace Paul wrote about was attainable, at least not in my current situation. I considered getting my prescription refilled.
I started looking up every reference to worry, anxiety, fear, etc. in the bible. As I wrote the passages down and started to read and re-read them, I kept coming back to the same thing. Almost everywhere you find those words in the bible, it says "do not" before them.
"This is what the Lord says to you: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." - 2 Chronicles 20:15
"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
"So, do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
"Peace I leave you with, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27
I recognized that God wasn't requesting we not be anxious or worried, He was telling us NOT to be. Wow, so now my anxious thoughts and worry are a sin. I also noticed in all the passages when we are told not to worry, we are told that our God is there, giving us strength. Well, I read them and yes, I understand God is with me, but still the worry and anxiety creep in and steal that promised peace.
So, where do I go from here. Well, I took it to my Lord. I went straight to the source and asked Him. "Lord, as I see it, anxiety and worry are a sin. I don't want to sin against your but I don't know how to stop the worry. It seems to be a natural effect of my circumstance. Please Lord, help me. Show me what you mean when you say I will receive a peace that transcends all understanding. Please Lord, show me the way."
Well, our God being totally faithful, has given me answers. He has spoken directly to my question since I asked it, showing me scripture and putting lessons in front of me. My righteous Lord is giving me my request. My joy is being established, truly established.
How you ask? Let me start with this, the day after putting my anxiety question to God, I heard a lesson on the Philippians 4 verses. In that lesson, the pastor pointed out "the peace doesn't come in the answers but in the conversation."
As I wrote that in the margin of my bible next to the verse, I heard God say loud and clear...."Sweetie, you can talk to Me about anything. Any worry, any anxious thought, bring it to Me like an old friend, your Mother, your spouse. But I unlike them, am your Lord and I have the power to do something about them. I alone can give you the strength to overcome."
I realized right then, my anxiety came from not trusting God with my problems. I was not giving him the credit of the conversation, of laying it all out to Him. I was not intimately going to Him with all of my worries and fears, no matter how big or how small. But most importantly, I had not humbled myself completely and totally to Him. I had not submitted every ounce of my own will to Him. The anxiety came because I felt out of control, when I never was intended to be in control. I felt like I ought to the one to solve my problems, forgetting that everything...everything is from God.
I have now turned my study to what it is to be meek. What it is to have poverty of spirit. What it is to totally, I mean totally, submit my life to God. As we embark on the Lenten season, I have made it my Lenten promise to ask God to show me the areas of my life that I am still trying to control. The things I refuse to turn over to him. Over the next few weeks, I would love for you to join me in the exploration. I will be posting my Lenten messages on Wednesday nights (I know, I am a day late already!). I hope you will join me.
Much love and God Bless.
Michelle
When I first met Jesus, really met Jesus, I was taking three to four Xanax a day. My anxiety was suffocating. I really thought my heart might literally beat out of my chest. It was bad.
The Philippians verse is one of the first verses God led me to. I knew He was speaking directly to me. The passage jumped off the page and I read and re-read it. I then thought about it in its true context. Paul, writing to the church in Philippi while he was chained to a Roman centurion. He knew his end was coming. What in the world did he have to be rejoicing about?!! He certainly had every right to be anxious!!
At the time, it gave me great strength to read his words and realize the Lord was indeed near. There was peace in that. I was freed from my daily need for Xanax only using them to sleep occasionally. But I found it impossible to completely give up worry. To not be anxious about certain things. The pressures of life that led me to this place were still there. There were still too many bills and a declining economy.
Over the past few weeks the worry has started to mount a bit more, and I even though I kept going back to that passage, I didn't really think the peace Paul wrote about was attainable, at least not in my current situation. I considered getting my prescription refilled.
I started looking up every reference to worry, anxiety, fear, etc. in the bible. As I wrote the passages down and started to read and re-read them, I kept coming back to the same thing. Almost everywhere you find those words in the bible, it says "do not" before them.
"This is what the Lord says to you: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." - 2 Chronicles 20:15
"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
"So, do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
"Peace I leave you with, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27
I recognized that God wasn't requesting we not be anxious or worried, He was telling us NOT to be. Wow, so now my anxious thoughts and worry are a sin. I also noticed in all the passages when we are told not to worry, we are told that our God is there, giving us strength. Well, I read them and yes, I understand God is with me, but still the worry and anxiety creep in and steal that promised peace.
So, where do I go from here. Well, I took it to my Lord. I went straight to the source and asked Him. "Lord, as I see it, anxiety and worry are a sin. I don't want to sin against your but I don't know how to stop the worry. It seems to be a natural effect of my circumstance. Please Lord, help me. Show me what you mean when you say I will receive a peace that transcends all understanding. Please Lord, show me the way."
Well, our God being totally faithful, has given me answers. He has spoken directly to my question since I asked it, showing me scripture and putting lessons in front of me. My righteous Lord is giving me my request. My joy is being established, truly established.
How you ask? Let me start with this, the day after putting my anxiety question to God, I heard a lesson on the Philippians 4 verses. In that lesson, the pastor pointed out "the peace doesn't come in the answers but in the conversation."
As I wrote that in the margin of my bible next to the verse, I heard God say loud and clear...."Sweetie, you can talk to Me about anything. Any worry, any anxious thought, bring it to Me like an old friend, your Mother, your spouse. But I unlike them, am your Lord and I have the power to do something about them. I alone can give you the strength to overcome."
I realized right then, my anxiety came from not trusting God with my problems. I was not giving him the credit of the conversation, of laying it all out to Him. I was not intimately going to Him with all of my worries and fears, no matter how big or how small. But most importantly, I had not humbled myself completely and totally to Him. I had not submitted every ounce of my own will to Him. The anxiety came because I felt out of control, when I never was intended to be in control. I felt like I ought to the one to solve my problems, forgetting that everything...everything is from God.
I have now turned my study to what it is to be meek. What it is to have poverty of spirit. What it is to totally, I mean totally, submit my life to God. As we embark on the Lenten season, I have made it my Lenten promise to ask God to show me the areas of my life that I am still trying to control. The things I refuse to turn over to him. Over the next few weeks, I would love for you to join me in the exploration. I will be posting my Lenten messages on Wednesday nights (I know, I am a day late already!). I hope you will join me.
Much love and God Bless.
Michelle
Friday, February 12, 2010
Flesh is hard
"For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." - Hebrews 2:17-18
As I reflect back over the last few weeks, looking at how I handled my "dance with the devil" God has spoken to me through scripture. As I have chastised myself for not handling the situations better, I am reminded I have an advocate in Jesus who understands just how hard it is resist the temptations of the flesh. A faithful friend who gets it and can intervene for me with God. A savior who endured the pain and fear of this world so that I would never have to pay the true wages of my sin.
As I have prayed over the past few days, I have physically seen Jesus putting his mighty hands under my arms and lifting me above the muck of this world. He has lifted me up and allowed me to approach the throne of grace. I have sat at His feet while God the Father is at His side and been filled with the feeling of adoption into His family. And as I have gotten ready to face a new day, He gently picks me up embracing me with a loving hug and kiss on the forehead. He sends me out to face the world with the knowledge that I am not alone and the strength that comes from knowing with Him all things are possible. Even facing down the devil and those things that want to tear at my flesh.
Our God is an awesome God. Let us never forget how He understands the world we live in and the temptations of the flesh. He lived it as a Son of God and Son of Man. He is there to help us succeed and intercede when we stumble.
Can I get an AMEN to that!!!
"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." - Hebrews 2:14-15
As I reflect back over the last few weeks, looking at how I handled my "dance with the devil" God has spoken to me through scripture. As I have chastised myself for not handling the situations better, I am reminded I have an advocate in Jesus who understands just how hard it is resist the temptations of the flesh. A faithful friend who gets it and can intervene for me with God. A savior who endured the pain and fear of this world so that I would never have to pay the true wages of my sin.
As I have prayed over the past few days, I have physically seen Jesus putting his mighty hands under my arms and lifting me above the muck of this world. He has lifted me up and allowed me to approach the throne of grace. I have sat at His feet while God the Father is at His side and been filled with the feeling of adoption into His family. And as I have gotten ready to face a new day, He gently picks me up embracing me with a loving hug and kiss on the forehead. He sends me out to face the world with the knowledge that I am not alone and the strength that comes from knowing with Him all things are possible. Even facing down the devil and those things that want to tear at my flesh.
Our God is an awesome God. Let us never forget how He understands the world we live in and the temptations of the flesh. He lived it as a Son of God and Son of Man. He is there to help us succeed and intercede when we stumble.
Can I get an AMEN to that!!!
"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." - Hebrews 2:14-15
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Just when you think your safe
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:8
I know I have been missing in action for a few weeks and I apologize. I have been experiencing my first real trails as a new Christian. I have discovered that just when you feel the most confident and safe in your salvation, the devil makes his move to try and win you back to his side. And the power of this world is very, very, strong. And as I am discovering, the devil doesn't give up easily.
While our salvation is a free gift of God, I am finding out that the consequences of our past sin are not necessarily washed away with His blood. While I know my sin is forgiven and I have received salvation, there are still lessons to be learned from the "fall out" of the life we were leading. And, often times, Satan uses that "fall out" to try and lure us back into the muck Jesus washed away.
As I have discovered through Paul's story in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, God leaves us some of that "fall out" to remind us where we came from and the mess we made of our lives without him. We need to be reminded that His grace is sufficient and all we need to make it in this though, though world.
I don't think I have handled my testing as good as I could have, but I have learned valuable lessons. I know I don't control my world, God does. I know He knows what is best for me. I know there will be times He will make sure I remember those facts. I also know he loves me very much and is right there welcoming me with open arms when I realize I can't make it without Him.
"Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7,8a,10
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleased with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for your, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
"be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 2:1
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7
I know I have been missing in action for a few weeks and I apologize. I have been experiencing my first real trails as a new Christian. I have discovered that just when you feel the most confident and safe in your salvation, the devil makes his move to try and win you back to his side. And the power of this world is very, very, strong. And as I am discovering, the devil doesn't give up easily.
While our salvation is a free gift of God, I am finding out that the consequences of our past sin are not necessarily washed away with His blood. While I know my sin is forgiven and I have received salvation, there are still lessons to be learned from the "fall out" of the life we were leading. And, often times, Satan uses that "fall out" to try and lure us back into the muck Jesus washed away.
As I have discovered through Paul's story in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, God leaves us some of that "fall out" to remind us where we came from and the mess we made of our lives without him. We need to be reminded that His grace is sufficient and all we need to make it in this though, though world.
I don't think I have handled my testing as good as I could have, but I have learned valuable lessons. I know I don't control my world, God does. I know He knows what is best for me. I know there will be times He will make sure I remember those facts. I also know he loves me very much and is right there welcoming me with open arms when I realize I can't make it without Him.
"Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7,8a,10
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleased with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for your, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
"be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 2:1
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Monday, January 18, 2010
Changing Minds
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2
Did you make a New Year's resolution? Maybe to lose weight, get fit, be better organized, etc. Whatever it might have been, how is it going? I don't know about you, when I make resolutions, I usually start out strong but quickly fall back into the bad habits that make me want to change in the first place.
This year, my first new year as a "saved" christian, I asked God to help me with my resolutions. First, I wanted to consistently spend time in His word, learning as much I as can so I will be ready when called upon for His service. I also asked God to help me rid myself of the need to receive acclamation from others. I have a bad habit of needing to validate myself with other's good opinions. If I don't receive it, I feel less than adequate.
My resolutions might be different than yours. However, whatever the resolution, change can only take place by changing minds. I don't know about you, but I know change doesn't come easy and it is going to take help outside of myself. I spent 42 years forming ungodly habits, change is going to take a lot of help from God and the Holy Spirit within me.
Thank God we have His word to help us and show us how to do it. We need to constantly ask for His help to plant seeds of change. First, I have prayed for Him to reveal my problem, asking Him to clearly show me where I am messing up. Be ready, because when you ask, He is going to show you!! But what a blessing it is to be able to see it so much more clearly than you can on your own.
Psalm 139:23-24 "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."
Second, now that God has shown me the areas my thoughts need to be changed, I have asked Him to renew my thinking. To help me to bring every thought captive unto Him. God is teaching me to choose a new way of thinking and giving me strength to deal with and set aside my old nature.
Ephesians 4:22-24 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Romans 8:5-6 " Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;"
Next, I have asked God to turn my bad habits into good habits, Godly habits. I have realized I need to feed my thoughts with His word. The more time I spend in the word, the more my thoughts turn to Him. I find myself asking "would God be proud of this thought or that decision?". God wants us to concentrate on things worthy of our time, not the things of this world. Be careful where your mind wanders!
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
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."
Finally, I have asked God to seal in me His promise. His promise to give me His Holy Spirit that will dwell in me and give me the strength to overcome the thoughts of this world. With His power all things are possible and we can seek the heart of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-11 " However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
1 Corinthians 2:16 " 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?' but we have the mind of Christ."
As daunting as changing any of our old habits might be, isn't it awesome to know you have the power of the Spirit on your side. For with the Spirit all things are possible. Submit your habits to the Lord, ask him to help you change, to show you the way to live as He wants you to, in His will. Guess what, He will be so happy to comply!!
Lord, thank you for loving me so much, for being there to help me overcome my bad habits of this world. Continue to strengthen my resolve through your Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to change and do your will - your good, perfect and pleasing will. In Jesus name, Amen.
Did you make a New Year's resolution? Maybe to lose weight, get fit, be better organized, etc. Whatever it might have been, how is it going? I don't know about you, when I make resolutions, I usually start out strong but quickly fall back into the bad habits that make me want to change in the first place.
This year, my first new year as a "saved" christian, I asked God to help me with my resolutions. First, I wanted to consistently spend time in His word, learning as much I as can so I will be ready when called upon for His service. I also asked God to help me rid myself of the need to receive acclamation from others. I have a bad habit of needing to validate myself with other's good opinions. If I don't receive it, I feel less than adequate.
My resolutions might be different than yours. However, whatever the resolution, change can only take place by changing minds. I don't know about you, but I know change doesn't come easy and it is going to take help outside of myself. I spent 42 years forming ungodly habits, change is going to take a lot of help from God and the Holy Spirit within me.
Thank God we have His word to help us and show us how to do it. We need to constantly ask for His help to plant seeds of change. First, I have prayed for Him to reveal my problem, asking Him to clearly show me where I am messing up. Be ready, because when you ask, He is going to show you!! But what a blessing it is to be able to see it so much more clearly than you can on your own.
Psalm 139:23-24 "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."
Second, now that God has shown me the areas my thoughts need to be changed, I have asked Him to renew my thinking. To help me to bring every thought captive unto Him. God is teaching me to choose a new way of thinking and giving me strength to deal with and set aside my old nature.
Ephesians 4:22-24 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Romans 8:5-6 " Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;"
Next, I have asked God to turn my bad habits into good habits, Godly habits. I have realized I need to feed my thoughts with His word. The more time I spend in the word, the more my thoughts turn to Him. I find myself asking "would God be proud of this thought or that decision?". God wants us to concentrate on things worthy of our time, not the things of this world. Be careful where your mind wanders!
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
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."
Finally, I have asked God to seal in me His promise. His promise to give me His Holy Spirit that will dwell in me and give me the strength to overcome the thoughts of this world. With His power all things are possible and we can seek the heart of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-11 " However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
1 Corinthians 2:16 " 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?' but we have the mind of Christ."
As daunting as changing any of our old habits might be, isn't it awesome to know you have the power of the Spirit on your side. For with the Spirit all things are possible. Submit your habits to the Lord, ask him to help you change, to show you the way to live as He wants you to, in His will. Guess what, He will be so happy to comply!!
Lord, thank you for loving me so much, for being there to help me overcome my bad habits of this world. Continue to strengthen my resolve through your Holy Spirit. Give me the strength to change and do your will - your good, perfect and pleasing will. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Jesus - Politically Incorrect, Why?
"'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9
I am sure all of you have seen or heard the Brit Hume controversy. In his role as Fox News Contributor, Brit Hume, on national TV said that he felt Tiger Woods should convert to Christianity to find redemption through Jesus Christ. The audacity. How could he dare to utter the name of Jesus on national TV and dare further to suggest that Tiger could find forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ!
He has taken a lot of heat and received threatening emails. However, I saw him on Bill O'Reilly stating he was glad he said it and hoped somehow Tiger heard it or someone else got to him with the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.
God Bless you Brit Hume!! I didn't know his story prior to this, but Brit Hume's lost a son to suicide and that tragedy solidified his Christian faith. He has been in the pits and Jesus was his salvation! Who better to minister to Tiger Woods?!
As I watch other things in the media, how they cut off Colt McCoy's interview right before he starts to dare utter the fact that Jesus is his Rock and strength. Why is the world so scared to hear the name of Jesus. When did it get so politically incorrect to publicly state you have been "saved" or "born again"? Why are people so afraid of these things?
Fear comes in not knowing. I was the same way. I used to think people who talked openly about Jesus and being saved or born again where zealots. I was a bit nervous to be around them. I had no idea the bible actually used those terms ("Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17). I certainly had no knowledge of the absolute grace of God. I used to think if you lived a relatively good life, didn't sin too badly, you would go to heaven.
I believe people find some kind of comfort in that last statement. In their ignorance to the true word of God, they don't have to give up some of their worldly pleasures to have salvation. If they are relatively "nice" people and their sins aren't out there for the world to see, then everything will be OK. Ignorance is bliss. I was like that too.
It can be very scary to think about shining God's light into every nook and cranny of your soul when you don't know the word of God. Shameful to admit the things you are hiding. It isn't until I actually read His word that all the ignorance, breeding both fear and bliss, was lifted and I understood the awesome grace and redemptive power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21;"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trust in him will never be put to shame.'" Romans 10:10-11
So, we know people are afraid to hear the message of Jesus Christ's saving grace. Their fear comes from not knowing the word of God. We know if we stand up and proclaim His glory we will be ridiculed and admonished just as Mr. Hume was. However, we are also charged to do it. As the "saved" and "born again", we are compelled to proclaim the word of God, to give them the knowledge they lack so they can understand and have a chance at salvation.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless the are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news'." Romans 10:14-15
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Examine your heart. Look around. Are there people you know who are living a lie? Who need to hear about the redemptive power of Christ? Will you be brave enough to stand up and declare the name of Jesus, giving them hope for a future, salvation for eternity?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you stood up in the name of Jesus only to be ridiculed and put down? Do you think as I have heard so many times "religion is a personal thing"? Share with us your stories and thoughts.
Lord, thank you for sending your Son, Christ Jesus, to take on our sin and pay the final price for our salvation. Thank you for allowing me to be born again through the blood of Jesus. I am saved and not of myself but purely by your Grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Give me the strength to stand in a world who is afraid to hear Your message. Help me to proclaim Your word so they too might find peace in knowing we are all made new through You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I am sure all of you have seen or heard the Brit Hume controversy. In his role as Fox News Contributor, Brit Hume, on national TV said that he felt Tiger Woods should convert to Christianity to find redemption through Jesus Christ. The audacity. How could he dare to utter the name of Jesus on national TV and dare further to suggest that Tiger could find forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ!
He has taken a lot of heat and received threatening emails. However, I saw him on Bill O'Reilly stating he was glad he said it and hoped somehow Tiger heard it or someone else got to him with the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.
God Bless you Brit Hume!! I didn't know his story prior to this, but Brit Hume's lost a son to suicide and that tragedy solidified his Christian faith. He has been in the pits and Jesus was his salvation! Who better to minister to Tiger Woods?!
As I watch other things in the media, how they cut off Colt McCoy's interview right before he starts to dare utter the fact that Jesus is his Rock and strength. Why is the world so scared to hear the name of Jesus. When did it get so politically incorrect to publicly state you have been "saved" or "born again"? Why are people so afraid of these things?
Fear comes in not knowing. I was the same way. I used to think people who talked openly about Jesus and being saved or born again where zealots. I was a bit nervous to be around them. I had no idea the bible actually used those terms ("Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17). I certainly had no knowledge of the absolute grace of God. I used to think if you lived a relatively good life, didn't sin too badly, you would go to heaven.
I believe people find some kind of comfort in that last statement. In their ignorance to the true word of God, they don't have to give up some of their worldly pleasures to have salvation. If they are relatively "nice" people and their sins aren't out there for the world to see, then everything will be OK. Ignorance is bliss. I was like that too.
It can be very scary to think about shining God's light into every nook and cranny of your soul when you don't know the word of God. Shameful to admit the things you are hiding. It isn't until I actually read His word that all the ignorance, breeding both fear and bliss, was lifted and I understood the awesome grace and redemptive power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21;"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trust in him will never be put to shame.'" Romans 10:10-11
So, we know people are afraid to hear the message of Jesus Christ's saving grace. Their fear comes from not knowing the word of God. We know if we stand up and proclaim His glory we will be ridiculed and admonished just as Mr. Hume was. However, we are also charged to do it. As the "saved" and "born again", we are compelled to proclaim the word of God, to give them the knowledge they lack so they can understand and have a chance at salvation.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless the are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news'." Romans 10:14-15
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Examine your heart. Look around. Are there people you know who are living a lie? Who need to hear about the redemptive power of Christ? Will you be brave enough to stand up and declare the name of Jesus, giving them hope for a future, salvation for eternity?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you stood up in the name of Jesus only to be ridiculed and put down? Do you think as I have heard so many times "religion is a personal thing"? Share with us your stories and thoughts.
Lord, thank you for sending your Son, Christ Jesus, to take on our sin and pay the final price for our salvation. Thank you for allowing me to be born again through the blood of Jesus. I am saved and not of myself but purely by your Grace. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Give me the strength to stand in a world who is afraid to hear Your message. Help me to proclaim Your word so they too might find peace in knowing we are all made new through You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Death in me...Life in You!
"We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. for we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4: 10-12
If you read my last blog, you know we talked about 2 Corinthians 4. I would ask you go back and read the blog from Jan 7 if you haven't already.
I don't know about you, but when God wants me to see something, He puts it in front of me over and over until I get it. Right after I was led to this chapter and wrote that blog, I went to my Precept for Life podcast and guess what Kay was preaching....you guessed it 2 Corinthians 4. Oh how I love those "God Moments".
I know now God wanted me to fully understand the lesson I was trying to convey. This chapter is about our ministry. As Christians, we are all called the minister the Gospel. We are called to show the conduct of God, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the bond servants of God. It is not about us, it is about Jesus and we are to preach that to everyone.
We are to open our lives to examination by those who are still living in this world. We are to show them that even when we face trials, we have died with Christ but also been raised with Christ. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
We are to speak the Gospel of Jesus, for all things are for the sake of others, to bring them to Christ. "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:13-15)
As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "I die every day - I mean that, brothers - just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In all of this, we are not to lose heart. We are fulfilling the ministry of God, living so the Gospel can be seen, we are bond servants of Christ, death works in us so life can work in others. Through our momentary afflictions, others see the glory of God, and we all get to live forever in the presence of Almighty God.
What an awesome charge and what a mighty reward. We are all charged with the duty of ministry. We are to live with the light of the spirit so others can see the light and come out of darkness. And though our work will be hard and we will have trials, we will be delivered to eternity with God.
I invite you to watch Kay's teachings on this awesome chapter, ss she is much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be. It is well worth the time you will invest.
You can find them at ligthsource.com Precepts for Life - NWC #5 and NWC #6 : Death in us Life in others Parts 1 and 2 (January 6 and 7, 2010) http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/precepts/20100107/
You can also find them on Itunes....Precepts for Life on Lightsource.com.
Also, visit www.prects.org for awesome Inductive Bible Study courses.
If you read my last blog, you know we talked about 2 Corinthians 4. I would ask you go back and read the blog from Jan 7 if you haven't already.
I don't know about you, but when God wants me to see something, He puts it in front of me over and over until I get it. Right after I was led to this chapter and wrote that blog, I went to my Precept for Life podcast and guess what Kay was preaching....you guessed it 2 Corinthians 4. Oh how I love those "God Moments".
I know now God wanted me to fully understand the lesson I was trying to convey. This chapter is about our ministry. As Christians, we are all called the minister the Gospel. We are called to show the conduct of God, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the bond servants of God. It is not about us, it is about Jesus and we are to preach that to everyone.
We are to open our lives to examination by those who are still living in this world. We are to show them that even when we face trials, we have died with Christ but also been raised with Christ. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
We are to speak the Gospel of Jesus, for all things are for the sake of others, to bring them to Christ. "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:13-15)
As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "I die every day - I mean that, brothers - just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord."
In all of this, we are not to lose heart. We are fulfilling the ministry of God, living so the Gospel can be seen, we are bond servants of Christ, death works in us so life can work in others. Through our momentary afflictions, others see the glory of God, and we all get to live forever in the presence of Almighty God.
What an awesome charge and what a mighty reward. We are all charged with the duty of ministry. We are to live with the light of the spirit so others can see the light and come out of darkness. And though our work will be hard and we will have trials, we will be delivered to eternity with God.
I invite you to watch Kay's teachings on this awesome chapter, ss she is much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be. It is well worth the time you will invest.
You can find them at ligthsource.com Precepts for Life - NWC #5 and NWC #6 : Death in us Life in others Parts 1 and 2 (January 6 and 7, 2010) http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/precepts/20100107/
You can also find them on Itunes....Precepts for Life on Lightsource.com.
Also, visit www.prects.org for awesome Inductive Bible Study courses.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
God is Good...All the time...a lesson for all of us.
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." -- 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10
I have a friend who is one of the hardest working, kind hearted, strong yet sweet souls I have ever known. She used to work for me. When I first met her she was very young with two small boys. She was always trying to get their dead beat Dad to pay her child support. She struggled daily to meet their needs, working harder than any single young mother I knew.
As time went on, she met a great man who loved her boys, they got married, and she got pregnant. Everything seemed to finally be going her way. A few weeks before she was to deliver their baby, tragedy struck. Her 29 year old husband had a massive stroke and was on the edge of death. While he was fighting for his life in one hospital, she was giving birth to their baby, alone in another. I remember thinking how incredibly unfair it all was and wondering why such a sweet person like her had to go through all this. She, however, always remained strong and I couldn't understand what kept her going.
She had an infant and a husband suffering all the physical conditions of a stroke patient, both needing constant care. She had to return to work to support the family yet still she was strong and positive. I couldn't believe it.
As the years went on, she continued to support and love her family. Her husband will likely never work again. She worked very hard and moved up in our company, despite not having the college degree. Things were looking up. She bought a home of her own and was so proud.
Then, our company downsized, she lost her job and her insurance, which as you can guess was much needed given her husbands condition. However, with her usual strength and determination she trudged on and overcame.
She has a new job, a new home and was pregnant again. Things were going well. Two days ago, she lost the baby. I will tell you honestly, when I heard that news, I actually prayed to God and asked "What more can you do to that poor girl? She is the dearest, kindest person I know and you keep heaping it on her. Please give her a rest, can't you find someone who deserves the pain and give it to them!"
Later that night, I was flipping through my bible. I will write things in the margin when I hear or see something that strikes me or explains a verse I don't understand. As I was flipping, I landed on 2 Corinthians 4, and I had written in the margin "deepest suffering defined as "light affliction" - nothing compared to what we WILL receive." Wow, with my friends seemingly unending trials on my mind, God had taken me right to what I needed to see.
I read Chapter 4 which ends as follows....
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -- 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
I read that and understood. While we don't always understand God's methods or why he seems to give some people more than most of us could handle, He does have a reason. What we see is our temporary circumstance. What we don't see are the rewards that will come from these circumstances.
As a non-believer, it was always easy to say "If God was really all they say, He would never allow bad things to happen to good people." I actually used to think God didn't have any hand in our living. He just put us her to live out our lives without his interference.
I know now, my friend finds her strength in the Lord and Savior. She has an understanding that all things work for good. Her faith is strong.
I am sure she has struggled with the whys, we all do. But through her faith in God she sets an example for those of us who watch her in sheer amazement. She may not know that her example shines God's light to those of us who watch her overcome, but God does. Her faith has strengthened mine and she is surely storing up treasures in heaven.
Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see your faithfulness at work. While we don't always understand why things happen, through you, we can understand there is an unseen purpose and if we remain faithful, those unseen glories will be revealed to us. Lord, bless my friend and give her the peace of knowing her example touches lives and changes hearts. Bless her and give her peace. Amen
I have a friend who is one of the hardest working, kind hearted, strong yet sweet souls I have ever known. She used to work for me. When I first met her she was very young with two small boys. She was always trying to get their dead beat Dad to pay her child support. She struggled daily to meet their needs, working harder than any single young mother I knew.
As time went on, she met a great man who loved her boys, they got married, and she got pregnant. Everything seemed to finally be going her way. A few weeks before she was to deliver their baby, tragedy struck. Her 29 year old husband had a massive stroke and was on the edge of death. While he was fighting for his life in one hospital, she was giving birth to their baby, alone in another. I remember thinking how incredibly unfair it all was and wondering why such a sweet person like her had to go through all this. She, however, always remained strong and I couldn't understand what kept her going.
She had an infant and a husband suffering all the physical conditions of a stroke patient, both needing constant care. She had to return to work to support the family yet still she was strong and positive. I couldn't believe it.
As the years went on, she continued to support and love her family. Her husband will likely never work again. She worked very hard and moved up in our company, despite not having the college degree. Things were looking up. She bought a home of her own and was so proud.
Then, our company downsized, she lost her job and her insurance, which as you can guess was much needed given her husbands condition. However, with her usual strength and determination she trudged on and overcame.
She has a new job, a new home and was pregnant again. Things were going well. Two days ago, she lost the baby. I will tell you honestly, when I heard that news, I actually prayed to God and asked "What more can you do to that poor girl? She is the dearest, kindest person I know and you keep heaping it on her. Please give her a rest, can't you find someone who deserves the pain and give it to them!"
Later that night, I was flipping through my bible. I will write things in the margin when I hear or see something that strikes me or explains a verse I don't understand. As I was flipping, I landed on 2 Corinthians 4, and I had written in the margin "deepest suffering defined as "light affliction" - nothing compared to what we WILL receive." Wow, with my friends seemingly unending trials on my mind, God had taken me right to what I needed to see.
I read Chapter 4 which ends as follows....
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -- 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
I read that and understood. While we don't always understand God's methods or why he seems to give some people more than most of us could handle, He does have a reason. What we see is our temporary circumstance. What we don't see are the rewards that will come from these circumstances.
As a non-believer, it was always easy to say "If God was really all they say, He would never allow bad things to happen to good people." I actually used to think God didn't have any hand in our living. He just put us her to live out our lives without his interference.
I know now, my friend finds her strength in the Lord and Savior. She has an understanding that all things work for good. Her faith is strong.
I am sure she has struggled with the whys, we all do. But through her faith in God she sets an example for those of us who watch her in sheer amazement. She may not know that her example shines God's light to those of us who watch her overcome, but God does. Her faith has strengthened mine and she is surely storing up treasures in heaven.
Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see your faithfulness at work. While we don't always understand why things happen, through you, we can understand there is an unseen purpose and if we remain faithful, those unseen glories will be revealed to us. Lord, bless my friend and give her the peace of knowing her example touches lives and changes hearts. Bless her and give her peace. Amen
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Biggest Loser
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40: 29-31
My favorite TV show started a new season last night....The Biggest Loser. I will admit, I am addicted to this show and I generally go through several Kleenex in the two hours it is on. The stories, struggles, everything these people face always amazes me. They are people who are crying out for help, putting themselves out their for the world to see, in hopes of changing their lives.
Last night, they arrived at the ranch, eleven couples, and were immediately taken to the gym for a challenge. They had to ride stationary bikes the equivalent distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) and the two teams that came in last were going home!! These people who were leading obese, sedentary lives, are thrown immediately into a grueling physical challenge the outcome of which meant staying and being sent home immediately. Can you imagine the fear and doubt they must have felt?
The remaining nine teams then spent their first week at the Ranch. Trainers Jillian and Bob working them harder than they had ever worked in their lives, getting right in their face exposing all their insecurity and fear. All of this, knowing at the end of the one of them would not measure up and be sent home.
These people who have never believed in themselves, who have been pushed down and ridiculed by those around them, would have to stand ready to get on the scale. Each knowing the scale doesn't lie....it is the mirror to their soul...Have they conquered the fear and self doubt? Have they overcome? Did they do enough to stay and continue their journey?
Last night, most of them lost an enormous amount of weight in the first week, 15, 20, 30 Ibs!! As they cried their tears of joy I cried with them and for the first time, as I sat their totally engrossed in their struggle, I finally related. I finally really truly got it. I am just like these contestants.
Now any of you who know me out there, hang on and hear me out. For those of you who don't, I am one of the fortunate few who is blessed with good genes. I can eat just about anything, work out very little and still wear a size 4. So, me saying I can relate to the contestants of the Biggest Loser sounds a bit crazy.
However, last night it finally hit me. I have been on my own Biggest Loser Ranch for the past six months, slowly getting rid of all my excess weight, my lonely messed up sinful past. God and the bible has been my Jillian and Bob, putting it all right in my face, forcing me to admit to things I didn't want to and wasn't proud of. Learning to flex my spiritual muscles and learn a whole new way of life and finally standing on that scale to see how I measure up.
None of us are very different. Sure we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, but we all face our own demons. We all have excess weight to shed. We all have to face a scale at some point in our life. The scale to our soul. The question is, will we have enough courage to face what we see, to take up the challenge of really changing our lives. Will we submit to God's will and change our destiny forever?
What I call my "salvation" chapter in the bible is Psalm 118. The first time I picked up my bible after crying out to the Lord for help, I turned to that Psalm, which spoke directly to me and where I was in my life. The verse that came to mind last night was from that passage....
"I was pushed back and about the fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song he has become my salvation." - Psalm 118:13-14
As I watched those people fight to change their lives, I realized we are all in the same boat. We all have to fight the pressures of this world everyday, exercising our relationship with God. We have to stay focused and keep our eye on the prize....eternal life with our Lord and Savior.
Lord, thank you for giving me the strength to meet the challenges of today. Thank you for being my strong tower, for not letting me fall. Keep me strong and energized, ready to meet each challenge that may come my way, with you by my side. Amen.
My favorite TV show started a new season last night....The Biggest Loser. I will admit, I am addicted to this show and I generally go through several Kleenex in the two hours it is on. The stories, struggles, everything these people face always amazes me. They are people who are crying out for help, putting themselves out their for the world to see, in hopes of changing their lives.
Last night, they arrived at the ranch, eleven couples, and were immediately taken to the gym for a challenge. They had to ride stationary bikes the equivalent distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) and the two teams that came in last were going home!! These people who were leading obese, sedentary lives, are thrown immediately into a grueling physical challenge the outcome of which meant staying and being sent home immediately. Can you imagine the fear and doubt they must have felt?
The remaining nine teams then spent their first week at the Ranch. Trainers Jillian and Bob working them harder than they had ever worked in their lives, getting right in their face exposing all their insecurity and fear. All of this, knowing at the end of the one of them would not measure up and be sent home.
These people who have never believed in themselves, who have been pushed down and ridiculed by those around them, would have to stand ready to get on the scale. Each knowing the scale doesn't lie....it is the mirror to their soul...Have they conquered the fear and self doubt? Have they overcome? Did they do enough to stay and continue their journey?
Last night, most of them lost an enormous amount of weight in the first week, 15, 20, 30 Ibs!! As they cried their tears of joy I cried with them and for the first time, as I sat their totally engrossed in their struggle, I finally related. I finally really truly got it. I am just like these contestants.
Now any of you who know me out there, hang on and hear me out. For those of you who don't, I am one of the fortunate few who is blessed with good genes. I can eat just about anything, work out very little and still wear a size 4. So, me saying I can relate to the contestants of the Biggest Loser sounds a bit crazy.
However, last night it finally hit me. I have been on my own Biggest Loser Ranch for the past six months, slowly getting rid of all my excess weight, my lonely messed up sinful past. God and the bible has been my Jillian and Bob, putting it all right in my face, forcing me to admit to things I didn't want to and wasn't proud of. Learning to flex my spiritual muscles and learn a whole new way of life and finally standing on that scale to see how I measure up.
None of us are very different. Sure we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, but we all face our own demons. We all have excess weight to shed. We all have to face a scale at some point in our life. The scale to our soul. The question is, will we have enough courage to face what we see, to take up the challenge of really changing our lives. Will we submit to God's will and change our destiny forever?
What I call my "salvation" chapter in the bible is Psalm 118. The first time I picked up my bible after crying out to the Lord for help, I turned to that Psalm, which spoke directly to me and where I was in my life. The verse that came to mind last night was from that passage....
"I was pushed back and about the fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song he has become my salvation." - Psalm 118:13-14
As I watched those people fight to change their lives, I realized we are all in the same boat. We all have to fight the pressures of this world everyday, exercising our relationship with God. We have to stay focused and keep our eye on the prize....eternal life with our Lord and Savior.
Lord, thank you for giving me the strength to meet the challenges of today. Thank you for being my strong tower, for not letting me fall. Keep me strong and energized, ready to meet each challenge that may come my way, with you by my side. Amen.
Monday, January 4, 2010
God's Vision for Our Life
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2
As you know, this last year, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I have been born anew through Jesus. "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20). Isn't it awesome, me who was so mired down in sin, has been born new in Christ through nothing other than his almighty Grace.
I also know that God wants me to work for his good. My life is no longer my own but His to do His will. I am to offer myself as a sacrifice. But what does that mean? Where do I start? How do I go about my daily life and live for God?
I find myself consistently praying for God to show me what it is He wants me to do, how He wants to use my life. I am so ready, so eager, I just need His vision for my life. Where do I start Lord, I am ready to go!!
He has given me direction and guidance but I have felt like it is all too slow. I am ready now, fill me up Lord and send me out!! However, in the past few weeks, God has been making it very clear to me that I need to slow down and take this one step at a time.
I have come to understand that God does have a vision for my life, for all or our lives and He wants us to actively ask for that vision. As he tells Jeremiah in Chapter 33, verses 2-3, "This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'"
God does give His vision to those who ask. However, you must first learn to ask from a place of selflessness. God won't give us great and mighty things if we seek them for ourselves or our own good. God wants us to have a passion for delighting in Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4). Many times the things we think we want to do are more for ourselves than for God.
In asking for my vision, I need to understand that most of God's bidding doesn't happen quickly. He requires us to be patient and stand firm making sure our ways are right and true and the vision can be properly fulfilled. "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him:" (Psalm 37:7); "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14). This is very hard for me. I feel like I need to be doing something right now, since I was 42 when I was saved, because half my life is already gone. However, God has shown me repeatedly it is more important to slow down, learn, and grow in Him, than to proceed with reckless abandon.
God's vision for our life does not come cheaply. Many times it will require great sacrifice. I believe God gives us our vision more slowly to make sure we are fully prepared to do His will, not ours. We don't get choice A, B, and C. This isn't "Let's Make a Deal." God has a plan for all of our lives and He will reveal it if we ask. But we need to be prepared to accept it, even though it might be hard and a bit scary.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:7-8)
Even though I know God has plans for me, I know I need to wait for Him to guide me at every step. I will continue to ask Him to show me everyday, but I will patiently wait for my right next step to be revealed, learning everything I can in the job He gives me today. For the Lord will trust us with the big things, once we have proven we can be faithful with the small tasks.
"Lord, You know the desires of my heart, You know I want to know what it is You have planned for me and I can be impatient in waiting for Your direction. Thank you for reminding me this is Your plan, not mine. Help me to remain steadfast in Your word, learning with each new task I am given and not always looking for the next. I do want to do Your will, I just need to be reminded to slow down and wait for You. Amen."
As you know, this last year, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I have been born anew through Jesus. "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20). Isn't it awesome, me who was so mired down in sin, has been born new in Christ through nothing other than his almighty Grace.
I also know that God wants me to work for his good. My life is no longer my own but His to do His will. I am to offer myself as a sacrifice. But what does that mean? Where do I start? How do I go about my daily life and live for God?
I find myself consistently praying for God to show me what it is He wants me to do, how He wants to use my life. I am so ready, so eager, I just need His vision for my life. Where do I start Lord, I am ready to go!!
He has given me direction and guidance but I have felt like it is all too slow. I am ready now, fill me up Lord and send me out!! However, in the past few weeks, God has been making it very clear to me that I need to slow down and take this one step at a time.
I have come to understand that God does have a vision for my life, for all or our lives and He wants us to actively ask for that vision. As he tells Jeremiah in Chapter 33, verses 2-3, "This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it - the Lord is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'"
God does give His vision to those who ask. However, you must first learn to ask from a place of selflessness. God won't give us great and mighty things if we seek them for ourselves or our own good. God wants us to have a passion for delighting in Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4). Many times the things we think we want to do are more for ourselves than for God.
In asking for my vision, I need to understand that most of God's bidding doesn't happen quickly. He requires us to be patient and stand firm making sure our ways are right and true and the vision can be properly fulfilled. "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him:" (Psalm 37:7); "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14). This is very hard for me. I feel like I need to be doing something right now, since I was 42 when I was saved, because half my life is already gone. However, God has shown me repeatedly it is more important to slow down, learn, and grow in Him, than to proceed with reckless abandon.
God's vision for our life does not come cheaply. Many times it will require great sacrifice. I believe God gives us our vision more slowly to make sure we are fully prepared to do His will, not ours. We don't get choice A, B, and C. This isn't "Let's Make a Deal." God has a plan for all of our lives and He will reveal it if we ask. But we need to be prepared to accept it, even though it might be hard and a bit scary.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:7-8)
Even though I know God has plans for me, I know I need to wait for Him to guide me at every step. I will continue to ask Him to show me everyday, but I will patiently wait for my right next step to be revealed, learning everything I can in the job He gives me today. For the Lord will trust us with the big things, once we have proven we can be faithful with the small tasks.
"Lord, You know the desires of my heart, You know I want to know what it is You have planned for me and I can be impatient in waiting for Your direction. Thank you for reminding me this is Your plan, not mine. Help me to remain steadfast in Your word, learning with each new task I am given and not always looking for the next. I do want to do Your will, I just need to be reminded to slow down and wait for You. Amen."
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