"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!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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.
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