(Psalms 142:4 NLT) “I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.”
One of the first things noticed about the follower of Christ by the world is Christ’s great love! This love embraces the broken and the downcast regardless of current personal situations but all too often we get stuck on how people are different. Remember how scary change was prior to coming to Christ? Some have never dealt with how they look at change, once they switched to the other side of the track all that apprehension for change was directed at who they use to be. Before we came to Christ we too were different but now we’ve made a lifestyle out of going to church, reading our bibles, and our friends do the same. Unfortunately, if we are not careful we begin to think that is why we are different but that’s not it! We are different through Christ alone and daily we must stay in Him! For only He can change a broken and contrite heart. Instead of allowing our pre-Christ experiences compel us towards compassion for others somehow we’ve become too comfortable where we are at and thus our impact for Christ has dwindled to a handshake and stiff smile on Sunday mornings.
This message is first and foremost for me, I am quite by nature and if I am not careful can be seen as unfriendly, even though that is not the intent. For some to be warm and inviting takes more work but that does not mean we do not try, people are depending upon you, especially you, loving them closer to Christ Jesus whether they realize it or not. Regardless of the talents you have been given loving others is something we can all do!
Jesus said, (Matthew 7:3-4 NLT) “And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye?”
Lord, thank you for first loving me, even before I knew you. Thank you for your tender ways and for loving me into relationship with you. You do call me to change daily but your love is not based on performance, if it were I would surely fall away. What is it in me that makes it so easy to judge others? Help me Lord to be more like you each day. Give my eyes the ability to see how your heart is moved with compassion for people who don’t know you yet. You said that you being the Good Shepherd would leave the ninety-nine to rescue the one and that all heaven rejoices when just one makes the decision to follow you. Break away this hard outer shell around my heart O, Lord and make it new again. It’s difficult to go through life with the doors of your heart wide open but that was the example you gave us when you walked this earth. Thank you for that and help me to be mindful of it each day and give me strength to do the same, in Jesus name I pray, amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Character
(Matthew 7:24 NLT) “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”
There are no shortcuts to a godly character. What is godly character – following Jesus and forsaking all things that would hold you back. One who has character knows right from wrong (as he follows Christ) and does what is right, regardless of the cost. He does it no matter if people are watching or if he is alone. Jesus said it would cost you everything to follow Him, so consider the cost! (Luke 14:33 MKJV) “So then, everyone of you who does not forsake all his possessions, he cannot be My disciple.”
With reckless abandonment the disciples left all they ever knew to follow Jesus. Still others gave up the opportunity to follow Him because of comforts and riches they had accumulated. (Luke 18:22-25 NLT) “When Jesus heard his answer, He said, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich. When Jesus saw this, He said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"
(Luke 16:13 NLT) "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Still others do not even care to follow Jesus or ever intend to, for they are too busy seeking pleasures or simply living life. (Luke 14:18-20 NLT) “But they all began making excuses. One said, 'I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I now have a wife, so I can't come.'”
Jesus told the crowd that day, (Luke 14:26 NLT) “If you want to be My disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison--your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be My disciple.”
Yes we have responsibilities but they are not our priorities! Again and again God’s Word tells us make Him our only priority! (Matthew 6:31-34 NLT) “So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.”
If godly character requires that we follow Jesus then to follow Him we must have faith – faith that Jesus is who He says He is, faith that He is good and intends good for us. We must understand that in order to prepare us for all that He has planned sometimes we must go through difficult things in this life because this life is just a journey. How we live this journey will determine how we live eternity! Yes, godly character is costly but living our own lives apart from God is more costly!
There are no shortcuts to a godly character. What is godly character – following Jesus and forsaking all things that would hold you back. One who has character knows right from wrong (as he follows Christ) and does what is right, regardless of the cost. He does it no matter if people are watching or if he is alone. Jesus said it would cost you everything to follow Him, so consider the cost! (Luke 14:33 MKJV) “So then, everyone of you who does not forsake all his possessions, he cannot be My disciple.”
With reckless abandonment the disciples left all they ever knew to follow Jesus. Still others gave up the opportunity to follow Him because of comforts and riches they had accumulated. (Luke 18:22-25 NLT) “When Jesus heard his answer, He said, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich. When Jesus saw this, He said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"
(Luke 16:13 NLT) "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Still others do not even care to follow Jesus or ever intend to, for they are too busy seeking pleasures or simply living life. (Luke 14:18-20 NLT) “But they all began making excuses. One said, 'I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I now have a wife, so I can't come.'”
Jesus told the crowd that day, (Luke 14:26 NLT) “If you want to be My disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison--your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be My disciple.”
Yes we have responsibilities but they are not our priorities! Again and again God’s Word tells us make Him our only priority! (Matthew 6:31-34 NLT) “So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.”
If godly character requires that we follow Jesus then to follow Him we must have faith – faith that Jesus is who He says He is, faith that He is good and intends good for us. We must understand that in order to prepare us for all that He has planned sometimes we must go through difficult things in this life because this life is just a journey. How we live this journey will determine how we live eternity! Yes, godly character is costly but living our own lives apart from God is more costly!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Stick with it and you'll win
(2 Samuel 23:9-10 NIV) “Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.”
If our lives are given to us by The Creator of all Life then who are we to give up when faced with opposition? All the work of God has purpose and I for one am excited to see what He has planned for my life. Yes there will be difficulties and trials and yes as long as I try to control my life I will fall short of God’s plan but if I will trust Him enough to give Him control then the possibilities are endless! I use to wonder what “giving my life as a living sacrifice” looked like but I know now it is simply knowing God by spending time with Him (because I want to), reading His Word on a daily basis, consistent prayer, and a heart filled with worship and thankfulness. A life that is lived this way is a life that is prepared to hear God speak, it is a life that is kept pliable and open to doing God’s will. This life is pleasing to the Father of Lights and if I do nothing more than please my Heavenly Father then in this life I have done enough.
(Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV) “Let 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Don’t lose heart for the night is darkest just before dawn. Every morning brings with the sunshine new hope and the reminder of God’s love for His children. There is purpose in all that you face and when is all is said and done you will stand before God. Each battle you overcome here below will be a jewel in the crown above and on that day you will lay your crown at Jesus’ feet because the ultimate goal is not what you will receive but in knowing the Savior of all mankind, the real prize is in Him!
If our lives are given to us by The Creator of all Life then who are we to give up when faced with opposition? All the work of God has purpose and I for one am excited to see what He has planned for my life. Yes there will be difficulties and trials and yes as long as I try to control my life I will fall short of God’s plan but if I will trust Him enough to give Him control then the possibilities are endless! I use to wonder what “giving my life as a living sacrifice” looked like but I know now it is simply knowing God by spending time with Him (because I want to), reading His Word on a daily basis, consistent prayer, and a heart filled with worship and thankfulness. A life that is lived this way is a life that is prepared to hear God speak, it is a life that is kept pliable and open to doing God’s will. This life is pleasing to the Father of Lights and if I do nothing more than please my Heavenly Father then in this life I have done enough.
(Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV) “Let 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Don’t lose heart for the night is darkest just before dawn. Every morning brings with the sunshine new hope and the reminder of God’s love for His children. There is purpose in all that you face and when is all is said and done you will stand before God. Each battle you overcome here below will be a jewel in the crown above and on that day you will lay your crown at Jesus’ feet because the ultimate goal is not what you will receive but in knowing the Savior of all mankind, the real prize is in Him!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Fliers, Runners, and Walkers
(Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV) “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.”
Following Christ and believing He is good doesn’t keep us from experiencing different seasons in our life but it does enable us to go through each situation victoriously! In each person’s walk with Jesus there will be times when they experience blessings beyond explanation. Things seem to just fall into place and there is forward momentum with little resistance. Other times you may not be flying and you are aware of the cost but there are still great strides to run your race. Still other times the enemy presses in and opposition seems to be from every side but Christ gives strength that comes from deep inside propelling you to the mark. Don’t compare yourself to others who may be doing better or you might get discouraged. Don’t compare yourself to others who are struggling for pride comes before a fall but don’t be frozen with indifference either for the Father’s heart is filled with compassion. Jesus said, “If you have seen me then you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) and if Jesus lives in you then you will be moved with compassion that comes from the heart of the Father. When a brother or sister asks for help, as a follower of Christ we are compelled to help them, not only that but Jesus said to love our enemies! (Matthew 5:47 NLT) “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”
So be glad in the Lord for this day He has given. If you are flying high above the earth in His goodness or if you are walking through the valley with darkness all around be mindful for God is with you! You are living in an age of grace – God is with you and you are covered in the love of Jesus! No longer must we go to the temple and see what God’s will is by means of a priest for Jesus intercedes for us in the throne room of God and He sent the Holy Spirit to live within each of our hearts! So be bold, I pray that God increases your territory for His glory, so that others might come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the work He has done so that they too may have relationship with Him.
Following Christ and believing He is good doesn’t keep us from experiencing different seasons in our life but it does enable us to go through each situation victoriously! In each person’s walk with Jesus there will be times when they experience blessings beyond explanation. Things seem to just fall into place and there is forward momentum with little resistance. Other times you may not be flying and you are aware of the cost but there are still great strides to run your race. Still other times the enemy presses in and opposition seems to be from every side but Christ gives strength that comes from deep inside propelling you to the mark. Don’t compare yourself to others who may be doing better or you might get discouraged. Don’t compare yourself to others who are struggling for pride comes before a fall but don’t be frozen with indifference either for the Father’s heart is filled with compassion. Jesus said, “If you have seen me then you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) and if Jesus lives in you then you will be moved with compassion that comes from the heart of the Father. When a brother or sister asks for help, as a follower of Christ we are compelled to help them, not only that but Jesus said to love our enemies! (Matthew 5:47 NLT) “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”
So be glad in the Lord for this day He has given. If you are flying high above the earth in His goodness or if you are walking through the valley with darkness all around be mindful for God is with you! You are living in an age of grace – God is with you and you are covered in the love of Jesus! No longer must we go to the temple and see what God’s will is by means of a priest for Jesus intercedes for us in the throne room of God and He sent the Holy Spirit to live within each of our hearts! So be bold, I pray that God increases your territory for His glory, so that others might come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the work He has done so that they too may have relationship with Him.
Monday, April 26, 2010
A sense of awe
(Isaiah 40:26 MSG) Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name --so magnificent! so powerful!-- and never overlooks a single one?
You don’t have to look very far to realize the earth and all of creation points to the marvelous work of the Creator. Creation itself is witness to the fact of a Creator. From the smallest insect to the largest creature each life is full of wonder. It would be harder to disbelieve than to believe. The book of Job tells of a righteous man who loved God yet God allowed Satan to test him. Though Job did nothing wrong he lost everything but his life. Towards the end Job questioned God’s purpose, this was God’s response…
(Job 38:1-7 NIV) “Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-- while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”
Job regained his sense of awe and was greatly rewarded far beyond what he had before. We are to never forget God’s authority, even though He is our closest friend and He knows the inner most workings of our hearts, He is still God!
(Proverbs 1:7 NIV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
When the Bible speaks of fearing the Lord it refers to having the highest regard and reverence for Him. Only then will we begin to understand the things He would have us know. By keeping your sense of awe you stay connected to God’s direction, without it you are left to your own devices. Look at the condition of the world today for many have set out on their own in seek of knowledge but their path leads to destruction. Those who know God, their path is illuminated and leads to life abundant and eternal.
You don’t have to look very far to realize the earth and all of creation points to the marvelous work of the Creator. Creation itself is witness to the fact of a Creator. From the smallest insect to the largest creature each life is full of wonder. It would be harder to disbelieve than to believe. The book of Job tells of a righteous man who loved God yet God allowed Satan to test him. Though Job did nothing wrong he lost everything but his life. Towards the end Job questioned God’s purpose, this was God’s response…
(Job 38:1-7 NIV) “Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-- while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”
Job regained his sense of awe and was greatly rewarded far beyond what he had before. We are to never forget God’s authority, even though He is our closest friend and He knows the inner most workings of our hearts, He is still God!
(Proverbs 1:7 NIV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
When the Bible speaks of fearing the Lord it refers to having the highest regard and reverence for Him. Only then will we begin to understand the things He would have us know. By keeping your sense of awe you stay connected to God’s direction, without it you are left to your own devices. Look at the condition of the world today for many have set out on their own in seek of knowledge but their path leads to destruction. Those who know God, their path is illuminated and leads to life abundant and eternal.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Learn to laugh
(Proverbs 17:22 MSG) A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
Some lean toward the side of melancholy, some are deep thinkers and enjoy time alone but to always be gloomy tells others something is out of alignment. Instead of leading others to Christ this person pushes people away! If we believe God is in control and God is good, if we believe that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28) then we need to learn to laugh in the face of trouble. Have you ever done all you can do and it still not be enough, then in the midst of striving the Holy Spirit reminds you that God is in control and you just begin to laugh? Others will see you and wonder what’s going on – they cannot understand it. Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
Today practice laughing though trouble surrounds you and do not forget that God’s joy is your strength. (Psalms 28:7 NIV) “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
When the law was read to the people of Israel terror was struck in their hearts and because of sin they began to weep but Nehemiah told them not to, in fact he said this, (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV) “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
This is a wise lesson and a key ingredient to living a Godly life. So when people come against you do not do likewise but return to them the love that God has given you and draw your strength from God’s joy that passes understanding. If you are called by God to be set apart from the world then expect God to show you a different way to live. The right thing doesn’t always feel natural and therefore we choose to be obedient regardless of our feelings, only then will God’s blessings flow. The children of Israel did not feel like rejoicing but were told to do it anyway. It was only after being obedient that they were blessed. You want a healthy life – God says be cheerful!
Some lean toward the side of melancholy, some are deep thinkers and enjoy time alone but to always be gloomy tells others something is out of alignment. Instead of leading others to Christ this person pushes people away! If we believe God is in control and God is good, if we believe that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28) then we need to learn to laugh in the face of trouble. Have you ever done all you can do and it still not be enough, then in the midst of striving the Holy Spirit reminds you that God is in control and you just begin to laugh? Others will see you and wonder what’s going on – they cannot understand it. Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
Today practice laughing though trouble surrounds you and do not forget that God’s joy is your strength. (Psalms 28:7 NIV) “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
When the law was read to the people of Israel terror was struck in their hearts and because of sin they began to weep but Nehemiah told them not to, in fact he said this, (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV) “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
This is a wise lesson and a key ingredient to living a Godly life. So when people come against you do not do likewise but return to them the love that God has given you and draw your strength from God’s joy that passes understanding. If you are called by God to be set apart from the world then expect God to show you a different way to live. The right thing doesn’t always feel natural and therefore we choose to be obedient regardless of our feelings, only then will God’s blessings flow. The children of Israel did not feel like rejoicing but were told to do it anyway. It was only after being obedient that they were blessed. You want a healthy life – God says be cheerful!
Friday, April 23, 2010
How's your prayer life?
(Psalms 55:1617 MKJV) I, even I, will call to God, and Jehovah will save me. Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice.
What does praying mean to you? The Pharisees used it as an opportunity to show how much knowledge they had of the law but were their prayers effective? (Matthew 6:5 MKJV) “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.”
Some pray only when faced with great opposition, like the student who prays right before a test is handed out but does it change the outcome of the test? Prayer is meant to be so much more! The ability to come before the Creator of all life and offer our thoughts, concerns, and requests is mind-blowing! Jesus said, he is the only way to the Father! (John 14:6 MKJV) “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.”
If you know Christ, if you have relationship with the Savior of mankind then you have a friend in God. In this life there will be opposition and heart-ache. We all face these things some will fill the emptiness with stuff, some will be brought to their knees, and some still will find hope beyond all of their hopes and dreams. Prayer isn’t a “have to” it’s a “get to”. It is an honor to walk out your days here on earth with the One who has redeemed your soul, knowing that one day all of God’s children will be called home and on that day you will be able to say I know Jesus and then to see him face to face will be overwhelming and the reward of all that you have endured will be met in that moment!
When Jesus went up in the clouds, after His resurrection, He told how He must return to the Father but He said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.”
(John 14:12-19 NIV) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”
Sometimes prayer is pouring out your heart to God, sometimes it is being silent in His presence but know this He is with you! Draw closer to Him and He will draw close to you. Walking with Christ is not for the weak but I say for the strong for it is in Him true strength is found!
What does praying mean to you? The Pharisees used it as an opportunity to show how much knowledge they had of the law but were their prayers effective? (Matthew 6:5 MKJV) “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.”
Some pray only when faced with great opposition, like the student who prays right before a test is handed out but does it change the outcome of the test? Prayer is meant to be so much more! The ability to come before the Creator of all life and offer our thoughts, concerns, and requests is mind-blowing! Jesus said, he is the only way to the Father! (John 14:6 MKJV) “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.”
If you know Christ, if you have relationship with the Savior of mankind then you have a friend in God. In this life there will be opposition and heart-ache. We all face these things some will fill the emptiness with stuff, some will be brought to their knees, and some still will find hope beyond all of their hopes and dreams. Prayer isn’t a “have to” it’s a “get to”. It is an honor to walk out your days here on earth with the One who has redeemed your soul, knowing that one day all of God’s children will be called home and on that day you will be able to say I know Jesus and then to see him face to face will be overwhelming and the reward of all that you have endured will be met in that moment!
When Jesus went up in the clouds, after His resurrection, He told how He must return to the Father but He said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.”
(John 14:12-19 NIV) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”
Sometimes prayer is pouring out your heart to God, sometimes it is being silent in His presence but know this He is with you! Draw closer to Him and He will draw close to you. Walking with Christ is not for the weak but I say for the strong for it is in Him true strength is found!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
You need discernment
(Hebrews 5:12-14 NLT) You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
The maturity of your spiritual life has nothing to do with how long ago you accepted Jesus as Savior but instead with how much you practice His presence! Those who MAKE time to read His Word, pray, worship, and be obedient are the same that are growing and learning to live by faith. I like what Bob Gass said, “You’ll never have real discernment as long as you’re ruled by reasoning.” Your mind cannot understand that of the spirit and therefore will always be opposed to walking by faith but it is by faith that you make progress on this spiritual journey. No wonder God tells us in Hebrews this, (Hebrews 11:5-6 NLT) “It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"he disappeared, because God took him." For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”
As we walk by faith God, through His Holy Spirit gives us discernment, it is how He leads His people but those who are saved and do not have it are as babes who need milk. My friend God wants to take you places that are unknown but whether you get there or not is up to you – will you live by faith or cling to temporary things that bring comfort for but a day? One day all will pass away and only what was done for God will remain, we spend many of our resources investing for tomorrow hear on earth but what happens after that is gone? Have we invested in eternity? I am with you and though I love God with my whole heart I can still give more!
Lord, help me to separate the temporary from the eternal in my daily walk with you. When I hear you call me to step out of the boat and come to you help me not to fear the stormy waters but to step out in faith and when I operate in faith give to me discernment so that I may know which way to go. I know discernment comes through spending time with You, help me not to forsake or trade my time with You for anything! When I’m weak O, Lord carry me for I can walk this path if you are with me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
The maturity of your spiritual life has nothing to do with how long ago you accepted Jesus as Savior but instead with how much you practice His presence! Those who MAKE time to read His Word, pray, worship, and be obedient are the same that are growing and learning to live by faith. I like what Bob Gass said, “You’ll never have real discernment as long as you’re ruled by reasoning.” Your mind cannot understand that of the spirit and therefore will always be opposed to walking by faith but it is by faith that you make progress on this spiritual journey. No wonder God tells us in Hebrews this, (Hebrews 11:5-6 NLT) “It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"he disappeared, because God took him." For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”
As we walk by faith God, through His Holy Spirit gives us discernment, it is how He leads His people but those who are saved and do not have it are as babes who need milk. My friend God wants to take you places that are unknown but whether you get there or not is up to you – will you live by faith or cling to temporary things that bring comfort for but a day? One day all will pass away and only what was done for God will remain, we spend many of our resources investing for tomorrow hear on earth but what happens after that is gone? Have we invested in eternity? I am with you and though I love God with my whole heart I can still give more!
Lord, help me to separate the temporary from the eternal in my daily walk with you. When I hear you call me to step out of the boat and come to you help me not to fear the stormy waters but to step out in faith and when I operate in faith give to me discernment so that I may know which way to go. I know discernment comes through spending time with You, help me not to forsake or trade my time with You for anything! When I’m weak O, Lord carry me for I can walk this path if you are with me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Keep on keeping on
(1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT) So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Today I feel the weight of responsibility as a husband, father, and even what one would consider a “Christian” ~ meaning I know in God there is joy and His joy is our strength but I guess selfishly I’ve been waiting on God to move in a certain area of my life and I have seen no movement. I try to move on my own and I feel something holding me, as if He is saying, “Wait.” Part of me wants to be free from all this spiritual growing and get on with my life. It’s not that I doubt His purpose in all of this but I feel I need a mountain top experience soon. The only thing I can do is “keep on keeping on” knowing that He is good and my deliverer is coming soon.
God, I pray that you will replenish me from the inside out. Refresh my soul and bring strength to my spirit so that I might endure to the end of this test. Also renew my mind for it is centered on self-preservation but your Holy Spirit reminds me that my salvation lies not in my hands but yours. Now help me do what feels unnatural and trust you with my whole life. Lord, give me your dream for my life. Allow me to glimpse the grandeur of your purpose and tell me how you have a plan for my life. Help me forget, just for a moment, all the other voices so that I will have a clear connection to the only one that matters in the midst of all of this haze. Lord, carry me away in your arms, even if only for a short while for I need to reconnect with you this day. I will wait upon you for you are my all in all and in you I am complete. Thank you Lord for making me your son for I am in need of nothing outside of you. Only in Jesus can I come to you and let my needs be known, thank you for that. Amen.
Today I feel the weight of responsibility as a husband, father, and even what one would consider a “Christian” ~ meaning I know in God there is joy and His joy is our strength but I guess selfishly I’ve been waiting on God to move in a certain area of my life and I have seen no movement. I try to move on my own and I feel something holding me, as if He is saying, “Wait.” Part of me wants to be free from all this spiritual growing and get on with my life. It’s not that I doubt His purpose in all of this but I feel I need a mountain top experience soon. The only thing I can do is “keep on keeping on” knowing that He is good and my deliverer is coming soon.
God, I pray that you will replenish me from the inside out. Refresh my soul and bring strength to my spirit so that I might endure to the end of this test. Also renew my mind for it is centered on self-preservation but your Holy Spirit reminds me that my salvation lies not in my hands but yours. Now help me do what feels unnatural and trust you with my whole life. Lord, give me your dream for my life. Allow me to glimpse the grandeur of your purpose and tell me how you have a plan for my life. Help me forget, just for a moment, all the other voices so that I will have a clear connection to the only one that matters in the midst of all of this haze. Lord, carry me away in your arms, even if only for a short while for I need to reconnect with you this day. I will wait upon you for you are my all in all and in you I am complete. Thank you Lord for making me your son for I am in need of nothing outside of you. Only in Jesus can I come to you and let my needs be known, thank you for that. Amen.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Furnace faith
(Daniel 3:17-18 MKJV) If it is so that our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, then He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods nor worship the golden image which you have set up.
Is there something you believe God for but haven't seen it come to pass yet? Do you find yourself being strong and unshakable one moment then struggling and moody the next? As the pressure becomes greater do you draw closer to God or fall away? If you answered, “Pull closer to Him.” Then you are on the right track. If you find yourself falling away then consider carefully the cost of your choice. God wants to sure up your faith; He is working on building your trust in Him. We can say we believe but until we actually go through a situation that exercises our faith we don’t know how much. We must remember God cannot love us any more than He does right now and He will not love us any less. God’s love for His people is unchanged by their spiritual growth. With this unmerited favor (grace) we stand complete but not finished! We are His work and made whole in Him, yet He changes us. We come to Him as we are but He calls us to more. Through this change we will experience growing pains, no doubt but think about who you were before you knew Christ as your savior – I for one do not want to stay the same as I was. He brings us into new territory and just like a guide who we put our trust in as he leads us through the wilds of Africa we must also trust Jesus Christ as He leads us through this wild adventure of the spirit. So hold tightly to Him regardless how hot the fire gets. Ultimately we will be with Him and one day His work in us will be complete!
(Philippians 1:6 NLT) And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Is there something you believe God for but haven't seen it come to pass yet? Do you find yourself being strong and unshakable one moment then struggling and moody the next? As the pressure becomes greater do you draw closer to God or fall away? If you answered, “Pull closer to Him.” Then you are on the right track. If you find yourself falling away then consider carefully the cost of your choice. God wants to sure up your faith; He is working on building your trust in Him. We can say we believe but until we actually go through a situation that exercises our faith we don’t know how much. We must remember God cannot love us any more than He does right now and He will not love us any less. God’s love for His people is unchanged by their spiritual growth. With this unmerited favor (grace) we stand complete but not finished! We are His work and made whole in Him, yet He changes us. We come to Him as we are but He calls us to more. Through this change we will experience growing pains, no doubt but think about who you were before you knew Christ as your savior – I for one do not want to stay the same as I was. He brings us into new territory and just like a guide who we put our trust in as he leads us through the wilds of Africa we must also trust Jesus Christ as He leads us through this wild adventure of the spirit. So hold tightly to Him regardless how hot the fire gets. Ultimately we will be with Him and one day His work in us will be complete!
(Philippians 1:6 NLT) And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Growing through loss and change Part I
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 MKJV) To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pull up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Losing something that is dear to us is painful whether it is a loved one, a relationship, or career. Change is never easy and God understands our grief He has felt loss too. When His Son Jesus died on the cross, while it was still morning darkness came over the whole land. (Matthew 27:45-46 MKJV) “And from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is, My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”
God says there is a time for grieving. Through allowing your heart to feel the weight of loss God ushers in healing, if we will allow Him in. We have to trust God beyond what our eyes tell us, beyond what our mind says – God is good all the time! Will ultimately trust Him with eternity but do we trust Him in the now? I am reminded that this life is temporary and if I am tested now it is because something greater awaits me. Will I pass the test or will I turn from God and lose my way?
(Deuteronomy 34:7-8 MKJV) “And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eye was not dim, nor had he lost any of his natural strength. And the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. And the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.”
(Psalms 147:3 MKJV) He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.
God is everlasting and His days have no end! Place your trust in Him and be made whole. (Romans 8:28 MKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Losing something that is dear to us is painful whether it is a loved one, a relationship, or career. Change is never easy and God understands our grief He has felt loss too. When His Son Jesus died on the cross, while it was still morning darkness came over the whole land. (Matthew 27:45-46 MKJV) “And from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is, My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”
God says there is a time for grieving. Through allowing your heart to feel the weight of loss God ushers in healing, if we will allow Him in. We have to trust God beyond what our eyes tell us, beyond what our mind says – God is good all the time! Will ultimately trust Him with eternity but do we trust Him in the now? I am reminded that this life is temporary and if I am tested now it is because something greater awaits me. Will I pass the test or will I turn from God and lose my way?
(Deuteronomy 34:7-8 MKJV) “And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eye was not dim, nor had he lost any of his natural strength. And the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. And the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.”
(Psalms 147:3 MKJV) He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.
God is everlasting and His days have no end! Place your trust in Him and be made whole. (Romans 8:28 MKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Thursday, April 15, 2010
God's favor
(Esther 2:17 MKJV) And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she rose in grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins. And he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther won the king’s favor. Reading this book points out three things she did that we can learn as we seek God’s favor in our own lives.
1) She took the time necessary to prepare her self. Twelve months of preparation was required before meeting the king. In the same way we are to study to let God know we are serious about seeking His approval. (2 Timothy 2:15 MKJV) “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”
2) She wanted to please only the king. If she won the approval of the king surely she could have won the hearts of many others but that did not matter to her. In the same way we must be set apart, dividing right from wrong, good from the best, and our purpose from God’s. (Luke 16:13 MKJV) “No servant can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
3) She had a purpose that went beyond her self. Haman, one of the king’s men planned to wipeout the Jewish people but God purposed for Esther to be over Haman as his queen, still Haman was very powerful and influential and when it was time Esther risked her life to serve God. In the same way we have been given a purpose that goes beyond having a dream home, car, even family. God has placed within you the answer to someone’s question, just as He did Esther. If we allow ourselves to be distracted by the things of this world and temporary comforts we will lose our birthright given to us by the King. (Genesis 25:29 MKJV) “And Jacob boiled soup. And Esau came from the field, and he was faint. And Esau said to Jacob, I beg you, Let me eat of the red, this red soup, for I am faint. Therefore his name was called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me your birthright today. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point of dying, and what profit shall this birthright be to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day. And he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and soup of lentils. And he ate and drank, and rose up and went his way. And Esau despised his birthright.”
Esther won the king’s favor. Reading this book points out three things she did that we can learn as we seek God’s favor in our own lives.
1) She took the time necessary to prepare her self. Twelve months of preparation was required before meeting the king. In the same way we are to study to let God know we are serious about seeking His approval. (2 Timothy 2:15 MKJV) “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”
2) She wanted to please only the king. If she won the approval of the king surely she could have won the hearts of many others but that did not matter to her. In the same way we must be set apart, dividing right from wrong, good from the best, and our purpose from God’s. (Luke 16:13 MKJV) “No servant can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
3) She had a purpose that went beyond her self. Haman, one of the king’s men planned to wipeout the Jewish people but God purposed for Esther to be over Haman as his queen, still Haman was very powerful and influential and when it was time Esther risked her life to serve God. In the same way we have been given a purpose that goes beyond having a dream home, car, even family. God has placed within you the answer to someone’s question, just as He did Esther. If we allow ourselves to be distracted by the things of this world and temporary comforts we will lose our birthright given to us by the King. (Genesis 25:29 MKJV) “And Jacob boiled soup. And Esau came from the field, and he was faint. And Esau said to Jacob, I beg you, Let me eat of the red, this red soup, for I am faint. Therefore his name was called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me your birthright today. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point of dying, and what profit shall this birthright be to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day. And he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and soup of lentils. And he ate and drank, and rose up and went his way. And Esau despised his birthright.”
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
What is your excuse? Part II
(Luke 14:16-18 NIV) Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
One of my excuses was the idea that if I could control my circumstances everything would be fine. So you know what happened God allowed me the opportunity to do just that and things started falling apart. It got so bad that I gave up on the idea and came running back to my Heavenly Father. When I asked Him what was going on He gently reminded me of my pride and shortsightedness and how it led me to choices made. With each wrong choice I planted a seed when that seed came to maturity I reaped a life independent from God’s principles. I could have been angry with God and turned from Him but He knew exactly what I needed. He knew that my heart was bent towards Him and soon I would let go of my pride and come to Him for help. Somehow He know I would not blame Him but instead see Him as my only salvation from myself. Today I am working through the effect of my ideals and as I do I see more and more each day that God is my source, my constant provider, and the keeper of my faith! He has filled me with hope and each new day with Him brings me closer to the person He has made me to be but none of this would be possible if I didn’t stop making excuses.
So what is you excuse? What keeps you from having a deeper relationship with the only One who matters. When we understand that everything else is so much less than our relationship with our Creator an unstoppable hunger from inside begins to grow to experience all He has. Jesus told the following crowd, (Luke 14:26-27 NIV) “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Truly following God will take everything you have and it is of the utmost importance that your heart understands this, eternity depends upon it. Consider this, whatever you hold dearest to you apart from God it will be asked of you.
(Genesis 22:1-14 MSG) “After all this, God tested Abraham. God said, "Abraham!" "Yes?" answered Abraham. "I'm listening." He said, "Take your dear son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I'll point out to you." Abraham got up early in the morning and saddled his donkey. He took two of his young servants and his son Isaac. He had split wood for the burnt offering. He set out for the place God had directed him. On the third day he looked up and saw the place in the distance. Abraham told his two young servants, "Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I are going over there to worship; then we'll come back to you." Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and gave it to Isaac his son to carry. He carried the flint and the knife. The two of them went off together. Isaac said to Abraham his father, "Father?" "Yes, my son." "We have flint and wood, but where's the sheep for the burnt offering?" Abraham said, "Son, God will see to it that there's a sheep for the burnt offering." And they kept on walking together. They arrived at the place to which God had directed him. Abraham built an altar. He laid out the wood. Then he tied up Isaac and laid him on the wood. Abraham reached out and took the knife to kill his son. Just then an angel of GOD called to him out of Heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Yes, I'm listening." "Don't lay a hand on that boy! Don't touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn't hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me." Abraham looked up. He saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. Abraham named that place GOD-Yireh (GOD-Sees-to-It). That's where we get the saying, "On the mountain of GOD, he sees to it.”
All of our dreams and hopes will be asked of us and when we finally let go God surprises us with His immeasurable goodness!
One of my excuses was the idea that if I could control my circumstances everything would be fine. So you know what happened God allowed me the opportunity to do just that and things started falling apart. It got so bad that I gave up on the idea and came running back to my Heavenly Father. When I asked Him what was going on He gently reminded me of my pride and shortsightedness and how it led me to choices made. With each wrong choice I planted a seed when that seed came to maturity I reaped a life independent from God’s principles. I could have been angry with God and turned from Him but He knew exactly what I needed. He knew that my heart was bent towards Him and soon I would let go of my pride and come to Him for help. Somehow He know I would not blame Him but instead see Him as my only salvation from myself. Today I am working through the effect of my ideals and as I do I see more and more each day that God is my source, my constant provider, and the keeper of my faith! He has filled me with hope and each new day with Him brings me closer to the person He has made me to be but none of this would be possible if I didn’t stop making excuses.
So what is you excuse? What keeps you from having a deeper relationship with the only One who matters. When we understand that everything else is so much less than our relationship with our Creator an unstoppable hunger from inside begins to grow to experience all He has. Jesus told the following crowd, (Luke 14:26-27 NIV) “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Truly following God will take everything you have and it is of the utmost importance that your heart understands this, eternity depends upon it. Consider this, whatever you hold dearest to you apart from God it will be asked of you.
(Genesis 22:1-14 MSG) “After all this, God tested Abraham. God said, "Abraham!" "Yes?" answered Abraham. "I'm listening." He said, "Take your dear son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I'll point out to you." Abraham got up early in the morning and saddled his donkey. He took two of his young servants and his son Isaac. He had split wood for the burnt offering. He set out for the place God had directed him. On the third day he looked up and saw the place in the distance. Abraham told his two young servants, "Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I are going over there to worship; then we'll come back to you." Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and gave it to Isaac his son to carry. He carried the flint and the knife. The two of them went off together. Isaac said to Abraham his father, "Father?" "Yes, my son." "We have flint and wood, but where's the sheep for the burnt offering?" Abraham said, "Son, God will see to it that there's a sheep for the burnt offering." And they kept on walking together. They arrived at the place to which God had directed him. Abraham built an altar. He laid out the wood. Then he tied up Isaac and laid him on the wood. Abraham reached out and took the knife to kill his son. Just then an angel of GOD called to him out of Heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Yes, I'm listening." "Don't lay a hand on that boy! Don't touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn't hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me." Abraham looked up. He saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. Abraham named that place GOD-Yireh (GOD-Sees-to-It). That's where we get the saying, "On the mountain of GOD, he sees to it.”
All of our dreams and hopes will be asked of us and when we finally let go God surprises us with His immeasurable goodness!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
What is your excuse? Part I
(Luke 14:16-18 NIV) Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
There are so many things that keep us busy and many of them are even good things such as family and work but the one thing we must realize is that everything in this life is temporary. Even if we live to be one hundred years old that is but a vapor when compared to eternity. (Psalms 103:15-16 NIV) “As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”
It is natural to hold on to things we value in this life for that is all we have known but don’t let the “good” get in the way of God’s “best”. In other words I can get so wrapped up in family and work (like those Jesus told about in Luke chapter 14) that I become short-sighted and miss what God has for me. This life is an opportunity – will we choose to serve God or ourselves? One way leads to abundant life and the other way leads to death.
God made provisions for us to be part of His family through His Son Jesus Christ. (John 3:16-18 NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”
But it is up to us to accept the gift He has given to us. It would be like finding a big, beautiful gift on Christmas morning with our name on it but not opening it because we were too busy with lesser things. God made us and desires to have relationship with us but because of Adam’s sin all humanity has been separated from God. However, because of Jesus Christ all humanity has the opportunity to walk with God once again but like Adam we have been given the gift of freewill. Jesus says He waits for us to accept Him… (Revelation 3:20 NIV) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
What is your excuse?
There are so many things that keep us busy and many of them are even good things such as family and work but the one thing we must realize is that everything in this life is temporary. Even if we live to be one hundred years old that is but a vapor when compared to eternity. (Psalms 103:15-16 NIV) “As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”
It is natural to hold on to things we value in this life for that is all we have known but don’t let the “good” get in the way of God’s “best”. In other words I can get so wrapped up in family and work (like those Jesus told about in Luke chapter 14) that I become short-sighted and miss what God has for me. This life is an opportunity – will we choose to serve God or ourselves? One way leads to abundant life and the other way leads to death.
God made provisions for us to be part of His family through His Son Jesus Christ. (John 3:16-18 NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”
But it is up to us to accept the gift He has given to us. It would be like finding a big, beautiful gift on Christmas morning with our name on it but not opening it because we were too busy with lesser things. God made us and desires to have relationship with us but because of Adam’s sin all humanity has been separated from God. However, because of Jesus Christ all humanity has the opportunity to walk with God once again but like Adam we have been given the gift of freewill. Jesus says He waits for us to accept Him… (Revelation 3:20 NIV) “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
What is your excuse?
Monday, April 12, 2010
The breaking process
(Matthew 6:10 NLT) “May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
God’s purpose in brokenness is not to destroy you but to gain your undivided attention. Without it we become self-reliant and blind to the truth that God is the center – not us! God knows us by heart, He knows our weaknesses before we fall yet He loves us and waits for us with arms wide open but if we don’t experience our own brokenness we never see our need for a Savior. Once we understand our frailty God’s Holy Spirit leads us to repentance, through the doorway of repentance we find God’s discipline.
(Hebrews 12:5-10 NLT) “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when He corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness.”
On the other side of His discipline is the ultimate prize – intimacy with God but to stay there shows maturity, for many times in this life we pass through this cycle of brokenness, discipline, and intimacy with God. The wise recognize this cycle and begin to live a disciplined life that pleases God, not because He is needy but because He knows what is best for His children and we desire intimacy with Him.
God’s purpose in brokenness is not to destroy you but to gain your undivided attention. Without it we become self-reliant and blind to the truth that God is the center – not us! God knows us by heart, He knows our weaknesses before we fall yet He loves us and waits for us with arms wide open but if we don’t experience our own brokenness we never see our need for a Savior. Once we understand our frailty God’s Holy Spirit leads us to repentance, through the doorway of repentance we find God’s discipline.
(Hebrews 12:5-10 NLT) “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when He corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness.”
On the other side of His discipline is the ultimate prize – intimacy with God but to stay there shows maturity, for many times in this life we pass through this cycle of brokenness, discipline, and intimacy with God. The wise recognize this cycle and begin to live a disciplined life that pleases God, not because He is needy but because He knows what is best for His children and we desire intimacy with Him.
Become a gracious receiver
(Matthew 10:8 MKJV) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. You have received freely, freely give.
Balance is the key to a God-centered life. Giving and receiving is just one area where balance is required but we tend to be good at one or the other. One will freely give advise, encouragement, or money while another can receive those things but for one reason or another cannot seem to give them. In receiving we acknowledge our dependence upon God and other people and in giving we practice God’s love but these lessons are only learned if we are focused on Him. In every case when a life is out of balance in one area or another it points to our focus being on something other than God and presents an opportunity for growth. The giver who cannot receive misses the mark because the giving is more about self-worth instead of God being the source. When the receiver cannot give its because he has not listened to who God says he is. God has provided an abundant life and we receive His mercies new every morning how can we not give in return – we cannot out give God! (Luke 6:38 MSG) “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
In the same way receiving helps us learn we are not self-sufficient and it empowers others to practice God’s presence in their life. So walk today with your eyes wide open looking for opportunities to give in abundance and receive graciously!
Balance is the key to a God-centered life. Giving and receiving is just one area where balance is required but we tend to be good at one or the other. One will freely give advise, encouragement, or money while another can receive those things but for one reason or another cannot seem to give them. In receiving we acknowledge our dependence upon God and other people and in giving we practice God’s love but these lessons are only learned if we are focused on Him. In every case when a life is out of balance in one area or another it points to our focus being on something other than God and presents an opportunity for growth. The giver who cannot receive misses the mark because the giving is more about self-worth instead of God being the source. When the receiver cannot give its because he has not listened to who God says he is. God has provided an abundant life and we receive His mercies new every morning how can we not give in return – we cannot out give God! (Luke 6:38 MSG) “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
In the same way receiving helps us learn we are not self-sufficient and it empowers others to practice God’s presence in their life. So walk today with your eyes wide open looking for opportunities to give in abundance and receive graciously!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
What's your dream? Part II
(Genesis 40:5 MKJV) And they dreamed a dream, both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison.
Forgiving and forgetting are the keys to freedom. Those who will not be free from past hurts and wrongs are tied down like a dog tied to a tree, just as they think they are going somewhere the chain jerks them back. By holding onto their pain they soon wear out a path in the grass, pacing back and forth wanting to be free, not realizing freedom belongs to them through Christ Jesus and all they have to do is let go. If we are to let go we must identify the wound not dismiss it, then ask for God to take control and bring healing. In this healing we find that our Heavenly Father gives to us a new name, which calls out in us His purpose.
By identifying the wound we are closer to the dream than we ever imagined! You see the enemy fears whom you will become when you are alive in Christ. Therefore his arrows point to your very purpose! On the March 30th blog I told how as a child I was labeled shy and backward – that was a wound and if I would have held onto it bitterness would have consumed me while limiting my ability to function in day to day life, even more so it limited my ability to pursue the purpose that God had for me but on July 25, 2003 God spoke this message of forgiveness to my heart through another man who had come alive in Christ – Dave Rankin. God purposed for him to teach men about this truth on weekend retreats he called “Fight for Freedom” and I am forever thankful. There I allowed God to heal me – I forgave and forgot (let go) of past wrongs. I still remember incidents from my childhood that caused pain but now it’s seen through eyes of compassion knowing those who delivered the wound were also wounded themselves and though the wound came by way of man the arrow was shot directly from the bow of the enemy of God. With healing came a new name, this name for the most part is something just between you and your Heavenly Father (Matthew 7:6) and often He will remind you of it as He leads you on your journey. This same freedom awaits you but you must go through this process of forgiveness and letting go. Only God can bring true healing and only you can choose to trust Him. This forgetful forgiveness are the first steps in your pursuit of the dream. If you need more information about this process read the book “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge.
Forgiving and forgetting are the keys to freedom. Those who will not be free from past hurts and wrongs are tied down like a dog tied to a tree, just as they think they are going somewhere the chain jerks them back. By holding onto their pain they soon wear out a path in the grass, pacing back and forth wanting to be free, not realizing freedom belongs to them through Christ Jesus and all they have to do is let go. If we are to let go we must identify the wound not dismiss it, then ask for God to take control and bring healing. In this healing we find that our Heavenly Father gives to us a new name, which calls out in us His purpose.
By identifying the wound we are closer to the dream than we ever imagined! You see the enemy fears whom you will become when you are alive in Christ. Therefore his arrows point to your very purpose! On the March 30th blog I told how as a child I was labeled shy and backward – that was a wound and if I would have held onto it bitterness would have consumed me while limiting my ability to function in day to day life, even more so it limited my ability to pursue the purpose that God had for me but on July 25, 2003 God spoke this message of forgiveness to my heart through another man who had come alive in Christ – Dave Rankin. God purposed for him to teach men about this truth on weekend retreats he called “Fight for Freedom” and I am forever thankful. There I allowed God to heal me – I forgave and forgot (let go) of past wrongs. I still remember incidents from my childhood that caused pain but now it’s seen through eyes of compassion knowing those who delivered the wound were also wounded themselves and though the wound came by way of man the arrow was shot directly from the bow of the enemy of God. With healing came a new name, this name for the most part is something just between you and your Heavenly Father (Matthew 7:6) and often He will remind you of it as He leads you on your journey. This same freedom awaits you but you must go through this process of forgiveness and letting go. Only God can bring true healing and only you can choose to trust Him. This forgetful forgiveness are the first steps in your pursuit of the dream. If you need more information about this process read the book “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge.
Friday, April 9, 2010
What's your dream? Part I
(Genesis 37:9 MKJV) And he dreamed still another dream, and told it to his brothers. And he said, Behold, I have dreamed another dream. And behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars bowed down to me.
Recognize your dream given to you by God. First the dream is going to come from inside you, it will be uniquely yours and it will come out of something God has already blessed you with. So don’t look to others for your dream but remember what it was you dreamed of as a child, before the world told you it couldn’t be done. Secondly, this dream will always align with God’s Word. If your dream is to be rich for the sake of having stuff try again. This dream will be full of purpose and remember it will come in the form of an answer. Think of it this way “your dream” is a puzzle piece to God’s big plan for humanity and God’s top priority is that all will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ His Son. Your gift is unique and you hold just what someone needs in order for them to come closer to God. Some are missionaries, some are teachers, while some are business owners but all bring glory to God. Thirdly, your dream is bigger than you! It will require others coming on board and you inspiring them and empowering them as you go. As you lead you will find you must first take the stand and then you will find this dream is contagious, spreading to the hearts of your constituents. If this is not the case and your dream only concerns you then there is still more and you need to seek God for the rest of it because when you come alive you won’t be able to help but impact others!
Today the discussion is about keeping the dream alive once you’ve discovered it. It will be tested in many ways once you finally make up your mind to leave the familiar behind. The first opposition will come from an unlikely place – your friends! Your friends, for the most part, though well meaning are use to seeing you and think they have you figured out but they don’t know the dream God has placed inside of you. People don’t like change because it requires work and causes discomfort and most will fight to not change but God usually places at least one person in your life that has pursued the dream for themselves and though he or she may not know your dream they do know what it is like to pursue it. Right now it is most important that you hold onto your dream otherwise you will spend the rest of your life wondering what could have happened. Even Jesus experienced this opposition… (Matthew 13:57 NLT) And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family."
Lastly, there will be those who deliberately will set themselves against you, many times because it makes them look bad for not pursuing their own dream. Instead of going for it they allowed fear to tie them down and they will use the same to try and keep you where you are. The Bible is very clear on this… (Matthew 7:6 MKJV) Do not give that which is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and tear you.
Join me tomorrow and let’s see where this journey takes us.
Recognize your dream given to you by God. First the dream is going to come from inside you, it will be uniquely yours and it will come out of something God has already blessed you with. So don’t look to others for your dream but remember what it was you dreamed of as a child, before the world told you it couldn’t be done. Secondly, this dream will always align with God’s Word. If your dream is to be rich for the sake of having stuff try again. This dream will be full of purpose and remember it will come in the form of an answer. Think of it this way “your dream” is a puzzle piece to God’s big plan for humanity and God’s top priority is that all will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ His Son. Your gift is unique and you hold just what someone needs in order for them to come closer to God. Some are missionaries, some are teachers, while some are business owners but all bring glory to God. Thirdly, your dream is bigger than you! It will require others coming on board and you inspiring them and empowering them as you go. As you lead you will find you must first take the stand and then you will find this dream is contagious, spreading to the hearts of your constituents. If this is not the case and your dream only concerns you then there is still more and you need to seek God for the rest of it because when you come alive you won’t be able to help but impact others!
Today the discussion is about keeping the dream alive once you’ve discovered it. It will be tested in many ways once you finally make up your mind to leave the familiar behind. The first opposition will come from an unlikely place – your friends! Your friends, for the most part, though well meaning are use to seeing you and think they have you figured out but they don’t know the dream God has placed inside of you. People don’t like change because it requires work and causes discomfort and most will fight to not change but God usually places at least one person in your life that has pursued the dream for themselves and though he or she may not know your dream they do know what it is like to pursue it. Right now it is most important that you hold onto your dream otherwise you will spend the rest of your life wondering what could have happened. Even Jesus experienced this opposition… (Matthew 13:57 NLT) And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family."
Lastly, there will be those who deliberately will set themselves against you, many times because it makes them look bad for not pursuing their own dream. Instead of going for it they allowed fear to tie them down and they will use the same to try and keep you where you are. The Bible is very clear on this… (Matthew 7:6 MKJV) Do not give that which is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and tear you.
Join me tomorrow and let’s see where this journey takes us.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Living a sanctified life
(1 Thessalonians 4:3 MKJV) “For this is the will of God, your sanctification, for you to abstain from fornication,”
Webster’s definition of sanctified is to set apart to a sacred purpose, to set free from sin, to impart or impute sacredness, to make a productive of holiness.
Being sanctified points to our becoming more like Jesus, it’s not about being saved; it’s about us as vessels being molded, prepared, and set apart by the Master for His purpose. Just as some vessels in a mansion are made for honor and some for ordinary use, those for honor are cleaned and prepared regularly for the Master’s use. This is not about destiny, some being ordinary and some of honor but instead about those who lay down their will to please self and choose instead to please God. As each one spends more time with Christ he/she should be able to point to areas in their life that are changing to be more like Him. Think about it does my life today look like my life when I was saved years ago? What about just a year ago? What about yesterday? I remember once speaking with an older Christian about the “Wild at Heart” book by John Eldredge though his life was filled with physical adventure his spiritual one never really got started. Do I believe he is saved? Yes but not sanctified. What stands in the way of you starting this spiritual journey today?
Webster’s definition of sanctified is to set apart to a sacred purpose, to set free from sin, to impart or impute sacredness, to make a productive of holiness.
Being sanctified points to our becoming more like Jesus, it’s not about being saved; it’s about us as vessels being molded, prepared, and set apart by the Master for His purpose. Just as some vessels in a mansion are made for honor and some for ordinary use, those for honor are cleaned and prepared regularly for the Master’s use. This is not about destiny, some being ordinary and some of honor but instead about those who lay down their will to please self and choose instead to please God. As each one spends more time with Christ he/she should be able to point to areas in their life that are changing to be more like Him. Think about it does my life today look like my life when I was saved years ago? What about just a year ago? What about yesterday? I remember once speaking with an older Christian about the “Wild at Heart” book by John Eldredge though his life was filled with physical adventure his spiritual one never really got started. Do I believe he is saved? Yes but not sanctified. What stands in the way of you starting this spiritual journey today?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Shout!
(Joshua 6:5 MKJV) And it shall be when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout. And the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up, each man straight before him.
Joshua told Israel to shout before they saw the victory. It was only after their act of faith through simple obedience that the walls fell. I wonder how many times that is the case in our own lives? We wait and wait for God to do something but He has already told us the victory is our’s, all we have to do is shout! You know what is really being asked of us - do we totally trust God? If you’re like me it’s not so much if I trust God but my ability to hear Him, which takes me back to the point of spending time with Him through prayer, study, and worship. God shares His heart with those whom He trust if I have not spent time with Him I should not expect to see Him move mountains. Every day it is important to offer my life as a sacrifice, that’s why it is so important to meet Him each morning – I must practice laying my life down, my wants, and my desires and trade them for His purpose. When I do that on a consistent basis I will see God’s hand move mountains, defeat enemies and do the “impossible” and I won’t be surprised because I already know Him and know fully that He is capable of that and more even through a vessel such as I.
Joshua told Israel to shout before they saw the victory. It was only after their act of faith through simple obedience that the walls fell. I wonder how many times that is the case in our own lives? We wait and wait for God to do something but He has already told us the victory is our’s, all we have to do is shout! You know what is really being asked of us - do we totally trust God? If you’re like me it’s not so much if I trust God but my ability to hear Him, which takes me back to the point of spending time with Him through prayer, study, and worship. God shares His heart with those whom He trust if I have not spent time with Him I should not expect to see Him move mountains. Every day it is important to offer my life as a sacrifice, that’s why it is so important to meet Him each morning – I must practice laying my life down, my wants, and my desires and trade them for His purpose. When I do that on a consistent basis I will see God’s hand move mountains, defeat enemies and do the “impossible” and I won’t be surprised because I already know Him and know fully that He is capable of that and more even through a vessel such as I.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
God's approval
(Philippians 3:8 NLT) Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
When I share the things that are important to me such as studying the Bible, prayer, and tithing with someone who does not believe in God I can see in their face the confusion and disbelief. “Surely your time and resources could be better spent”, seems to be the underlying message as they try to reason with me but the missing part of the equation is relationship with God. How do you express the overwhelming need to give back to the one who has given you everything until they experience it themselves? It’s not just the need to give back but once you understand just what has been done for you there is a burning desire to know more about this King of kings who gave His life and lives again so that you might live. Every day with Him is like breathing for the first time, every morning His mercies are new and opportunities abound to serve Him in new ways. With simple obedience I can see Him smile, for I know I have pleased Him. It is not always a walk through a rose garden but it is in the hard times that my relationship with Him grows the most, for I am a work in progress. As He leads me through the storm I become something that I was not before and on the other side I find His training has prepared me for battles that I will soon face. You see only after we step into Christ the real purpose we were born with takes action. Inside of each of us is placed an answer to someone’s question and if we don’t allow God to prepare us for His purpose that question will go unanswered. This question may belong to your neighbor and by answering the question (by living for Christ) they will one day come to know Jesus as their Savior or this question may be for a group of people. I have known many pastors and church leaders who point the way to Christ every day but whatever the answer looks like inside of you the road to fulfilling it is knowing Christ and walking in obedience. We all want to something big but that will never be realized until we are faithful with the baby steps before us today!
When I share the things that are important to me such as studying the Bible, prayer, and tithing with someone who does not believe in God I can see in their face the confusion and disbelief. “Surely your time and resources could be better spent”, seems to be the underlying message as they try to reason with me but the missing part of the equation is relationship with God. How do you express the overwhelming need to give back to the one who has given you everything until they experience it themselves? It’s not just the need to give back but once you understand just what has been done for you there is a burning desire to know more about this King of kings who gave His life and lives again so that you might live. Every day with Him is like breathing for the first time, every morning His mercies are new and opportunities abound to serve Him in new ways. With simple obedience I can see Him smile, for I know I have pleased Him. It is not always a walk through a rose garden but it is in the hard times that my relationship with Him grows the most, for I am a work in progress. As He leads me through the storm I become something that I was not before and on the other side I find His training has prepared me for battles that I will soon face. You see only after we step into Christ the real purpose we were born with takes action. Inside of each of us is placed an answer to someone’s question and if we don’t allow God to prepare us for His purpose that question will go unanswered. This question may belong to your neighbor and by answering the question (by living for Christ) they will one day come to know Jesus as their Savior or this question may be for a group of people. I have known many pastors and church leaders who point the way to Christ every day but whatever the answer looks like inside of you the road to fulfilling it is knowing Christ and walking in obedience. We all want to something big but that will never be realized until we are faithful with the baby steps before us today!
The sting has been removed
(1 Corinthians 15:55 NLT) O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
2010 will be the fourth consecutive year I will have read God’s Word on a daily basis. I don’t say that to brag but to let you know it changes your perspective on everything. This morning as I catch up on my reading from a busy weekend God reminds me once again just how temporary this life is! Because of that my thoughts go quickly to the question, “What can I do to make this time given to me matter, for soon this life will be over?” If God sees fit for my life to last ninety years on this earth that is still short when you think of eternity. Then it hits me – it does not matter what I have accumulated, yes I want to leave an inheritance for my children and I want to be a good provider now but the difference is where is my heart? What am I thinking of throughout the day? Is my heart on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ or is it on stuff and how to acquire it? Am I busy being a consumer or am I thinking of my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father? If my treasure is found in God then His Word tells me I need not fear death, for this life is my time to explore the depths of His love and mercy as I walk with Him. My love for Him will compel me to take action, in doing so I will miss the mark many times but it is only then that I will begin to understand His unfailing love for me. For God said this life is like a race and if I run faithfully finishing it I have a Heavenly Father waiting to welcome me home. I don’t know what heaven will be like but I know this time I have now is my time to know God personally, for if I will look for Him He has promised to walk with me, hand in hand and that is how my life will make a difference – following God and being faithful to obey for in doing so I will be given opportunities to encourage and empower others to do the same.
2010 will be the fourth consecutive year I will have read God’s Word on a daily basis. I don’t say that to brag but to let you know it changes your perspective on everything. This morning as I catch up on my reading from a busy weekend God reminds me once again just how temporary this life is! Because of that my thoughts go quickly to the question, “What can I do to make this time given to me matter, for soon this life will be over?” If God sees fit for my life to last ninety years on this earth that is still short when you think of eternity. Then it hits me – it does not matter what I have accumulated, yes I want to leave an inheritance for my children and I want to be a good provider now but the difference is where is my heart? What am I thinking of throughout the day? Is my heart on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ or is it on stuff and how to acquire it? Am I busy being a consumer or am I thinking of my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father? If my treasure is found in God then His Word tells me I need not fear death, for this life is my time to explore the depths of His love and mercy as I walk with Him. My love for Him will compel me to take action, in doing so I will miss the mark many times but it is only then that I will begin to understand His unfailing love for me. For God said this life is like a race and if I run faithfully finishing it I have a Heavenly Father waiting to welcome me home. I don’t know what heaven will be like but I know this time I have now is my time to know God personally, for if I will look for Him He has promised to walk with me, hand in hand and that is how my life will make a difference – following God and being faithful to obey for in doing so I will be given opportunities to encourage and empower others to do the same.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
His resurrection guarantees ours!
(1 Corinthians 15:54-57 MKJV) But when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and when this mortal shall put on immortality, then will take place the word that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we may know Him and one day we will reign with Him through out eternity! Fear not for God is not dead, nor does He sleep! He is alive and well and has gone ahead to prepare a place for us!
(Matthew 27:62-66 NLT) The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while He was still alive: 'After three days I will rise from the dead.' So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent His disciples from coming and stealing His body and then telling everyone He was raised from the dead! If that happens, we'll be worse off than we were at first." Pilate replied, "Take guards and secure it the best you can." So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
(Matthew 28:1-9 NLT) Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there. Remember what I have told you." The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.
What the Lord has done is beyond what we could even know to ask for, now death’s sting is done away with and the victory that the grave had is no more. Jesus now holds the keys and though our bodies that now house our spirits will one day die our spirits are alive in Him and one day soon Jesus will give us new bodies made whole and we will live never to thirst or know hunger again, for we will be with Him!
(John 14:1-6 NLT) “Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where You are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.”
Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we may know Him and one day we will reign with Him through out eternity! Fear not for God is not dead, nor does He sleep! He is alive and well and has gone ahead to prepare a place for us!
(Matthew 27:62-66 NLT) The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while He was still alive: 'After three days I will rise from the dead.' So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent His disciples from coming and stealing His body and then telling everyone He was raised from the dead! If that happens, we'll be worse off than we were at first." Pilate replied, "Take guards and secure it the best you can." So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
(Matthew 28:1-9 NLT) Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there. Remember what I have told you." The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.
What the Lord has done is beyond what we could even know to ask for, now death’s sting is done away with and the victory that the grave had is no more. Jesus now holds the keys and though our bodies that now house our spirits will one day die our spirits are alive in Him and one day soon Jesus will give us new bodies made whole and we will live never to thirst or know hunger again, for we will be with Him!
(John 14:1-6 NLT) “Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where You are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.”
Friday, April 2, 2010
Crucifixion
(Mark 15:24-39 NLT) Then the soldiers nailed Him to the cross. They divided His clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece. It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified Him. A sign was fastened to the cross, announcing the charge against Him. It read, "The King of the Jews." Two revolutionaries were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left. [ And the Scripture was fulfilled that said, "He was counted among those who were rebels."] The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "Ha! Look at You now!" they yelled at Him. "You said You were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save Yourself and come down from the cross!" The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but He can't save Himself! Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe Him!" Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed Him. At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. Then at three o'clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?" Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought He was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to Him on a reed stick so He could drink. "Wait!" he said. "Let's see whether Elijah comes to take Him down!" Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. When the Roman officer who stood facing Him [heard His cry and] saw how He had died, he exclaimed, "This man truly was the Son of God!"
The crucifixion and the prior beating and whipping, not to mention the humiliation and false accusations were beyond comprehension; though the Romans were severe in their typical punishment Satan himself prodded the Romans and the crowd of Jews like never before. I believe anyone else would have died from the physical abuse before ever reaching the cross but Father God made provisions that brought Jesus to the cross because of the work of salvation and Old Testament prophesies would not have been complete without it. The enemy could almost taste victory as the Son of God was being tormented, blinded by his hate he forgot that which Jesus promised earlier, (John 2:19-21 MKJV) “Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. Then the Jews said, This temple was forty-six years building, and will you rear it up in three days? But He spoke of the temple of His body.”
Jesus not only died for us but He came to show us how to live – loving those who hate him, healing the broken, and giving hope to those who were marginalized by society but that was only the beginning! Though that alone would make him note worthy it was the fact that He conquered death and the grave by keeping His promise, for on the third day He arose victoriously! Easter is the celebration and the centerpiece of the work that Jesus came to do for all of mankind, old things have passed away and new life rising up in its place! Those who humble themselves and place their trust in Him are made new creatures in Christ and though we are all created in the image of God now those who believe have become His own, welcomed into a new family, a royal priesthood, and destined to reign with Christ as overcomers! For the church is the Bride of Christ and one day we will see Him face to face and on that glorious wedding day we will leave this world behind and go to that which He has prepared for us and we will be with him for all eternity!
The crucifixion and the prior beating and whipping, not to mention the humiliation and false accusations were beyond comprehension; though the Romans were severe in their typical punishment Satan himself prodded the Romans and the crowd of Jews like never before. I believe anyone else would have died from the physical abuse before ever reaching the cross but Father God made provisions that brought Jesus to the cross because of the work of salvation and Old Testament prophesies would not have been complete without it. The enemy could almost taste victory as the Son of God was being tormented, blinded by his hate he forgot that which Jesus promised earlier, (John 2:19-21 MKJV) “Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. Then the Jews said, This temple was forty-six years building, and will you rear it up in three days? But He spoke of the temple of His body.”
Jesus not only died for us but He came to show us how to live – loving those who hate him, healing the broken, and giving hope to those who were marginalized by society but that was only the beginning! Though that alone would make him note worthy it was the fact that He conquered death and the grave by keeping His promise, for on the third day He arose victoriously! Easter is the celebration and the centerpiece of the work that Jesus came to do for all of mankind, old things have passed away and new life rising up in its place! Those who humble themselves and place their trust in Him are made new creatures in Christ and though we are all created in the image of God now those who believe have become His own, welcomed into a new family, a royal priesthood, and destined to reign with Christ as overcomers! For the church is the Bride of Christ and one day we will see Him face to face and on that glorious wedding day we will leave this world behind and go to that which He has prepared for us and we will be with him for all eternity!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Jesus "Took the fall" for you
(1 Peter 3:18 MKJV) For Christ also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, indeed being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit;
It is difficult to imagine, any king would give his life so that I might live, much less the King of all kings! Jesus did this knowing there would be those who would accept the work He did and those who would not. Still He did not stop short but paid in full my debt and the debt of all who come to Him, regardless of the depths or heights of that which is owed. Even more so do I fail to understand the stubbornness of man’s heart? How can one deny such a priceless gift and continue on with their life as if they never knew any different. God’s glory was upon Jesus’ life while he walked the earth. There were those who recognized who He was, such as the woman who was made whole when she pushed through the crowd to touch but the edge of His garment. Though the crowd was pressing in all around Him He asked, “Who touched me?” as the power went out of Him.
(Mark 5:31-34 MKJV) And His disciples said to Him, You see the crowd pressing on You, and do You say, Who touched Me? And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done in her, came and fell down before Him and told Him all the truth. And He said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be whole from your plague.
You see my sin plagued me, from which I could not separate myself but Jesus did something wonderful. Even though His work was complete it was still up to me to reach out to Him. God gave man a wonderful gift from the beginning of time ~ free will! Because of this He will never force me to believe Him but the Holy Spirit does witness Truth to me about who He is over and over again, compelling me to come before Him. This is true for everyone, for we all are created with a God shaped hole in our hearts, which nothing else can fill. Some search all their lives only to miss the evidence of creation, God’s love and mercy, and the witness of the saints. To those who have been revealed much the same will be required of them but to those who little has been revealed little will be required. This is a warning to countries such as America, who have a church on every corner! Therefore, we as Christians we must seek God’s face and turn from our unrighteousness so that His light may shine through us in all that we do and say. We don’t have to worry about saying the right words at the appropriate time, if we love Him and know Him His Holy Spirit will come upon us, helping us to testify of the work He has done in our lives. This testimony shall confirm what God has been dealing in their hearts so that they too might know Him! Our job is to be obedient, for some will sow and some will reap but in as much all will glorify God.
It is difficult to imagine, any king would give his life so that I might live, much less the King of all kings! Jesus did this knowing there would be those who would accept the work He did and those who would not. Still He did not stop short but paid in full my debt and the debt of all who come to Him, regardless of the depths or heights of that which is owed. Even more so do I fail to understand the stubbornness of man’s heart? How can one deny such a priceless gift and continue on with their life as if they never knew any different. God’s glory was upon Jesus’ life while he walked the earth. There were those who recognized who He was, such as the woman who was made whole when she pushed through the crowd to touch but the edge of His garment. Though the crowd was pressing in all around Him He asked, “Who touched me?” as the power went out of Him.
(Mark 5:31-34 MKJV) And His disciples said to Him, You see the crowd pressing on You, and do You say, Who touched Me? And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done in her, came and fell down before Him and told Him all the truth. And He said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be whole from your plague.
You see my sin plagued me, from which I could not separate myself but Jesus did something wonderful. Even though His work was complete it was still up to me to reach out to Him. God gave man a wonderful gift from the beginning of time ~ free will! Because of this He will never force me to believe Him but the Holy Spirit does witness Truth to me about who He is over and over again, compelling me to come before Him. This is true for everyone, for we all are created with a God shaped hole in our hearts, which nothing else can fill. Some search all their lives only to miss the evidence of creation, God’s love and mercy, and the witness of the saints. To those who have been revealed much the same will be required of them but to those who little has been revealed little will be required. This is a warning to countries such as America, who have a church on every corner! Therefore, we as Christians we must seek God’s face and turn from our unrighteousness so that His light may shine through us in all that we do and say. We don’t have to worry about saying the right words at the appropriate time, if we love Him and know Him His Holy Spirit will come upon us, helping us to testify of the work He has done in our lives. This testimony shall confirm what God has been dealing in their hearts so that they too might know Him! Our job is to be obedient, for some will sow and some will reap but in as much all will glorify God.
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