So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
(Ephesians 4:17-18 NIV)
We once lived for selfish desires but the law given to us by God pointed out to us our own short comings and God’s Holy Spirit then led us to Jesus Christ who died for our sakes so that we might be saved and once again fellowship with God the Father. Being made new creatures in Christ Jesus our spirits which was once dead came to life as Christ arose from the grave. This caused a division between our newly born spirit and our flesh which once ruled supreme over our action, thoughts, and words and the battle ground is our souls.
For here in verses seventeen and eighteen we find Paul describes what this battle of the soul looks like. Without knowing it our flesh followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air (read Eph. 2:2). But now that our spirits have been awakened and God has shown His light on the dark corners of our hearts the war has begun and you have been called to be courageous as you are faithful to follow Christ. I am thankful that God, through Paul, also tells us how to combat the flesh.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
(Ephesians 4:15 NIV)
Now that we know the truth we must always speak the truth and in doing that we will become the body of Christ, for which He is the head. We will stumble and we will fall but Christ has appointed His grace unto us (read Eph. 4:7). Paul again repeats the importance of telling the truth.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
(Ephesians 4:25 NIV)
Secondly, we are directed to not sin when we become angry but if you do make it right before you lay down at night lest you open the door to the devil (read Eph. 4:26-27). I reminded looking back on my own life the times when I was the most angry not being honest was at the core of the matter. I don’t have trouble telling the truth and disciplined myself so the telling the truth is my first reaction. I have learned as a child telling the truth is the better way but just because I don’t lie doesn’t mean I am always honest. When someone does something selfish and it affects me I should make them aware of what they have done and how it has impacted me and others around them but I usually don’t, not wanting confrontation but that’s not being honest! The issue is not resolved and becomes like an infected wound, as it will not heal and usually grows more painful the more you try to ignore it. For me the lesson to be learned, is telling the truth in love and therefore avoid the confrontation and at the same time win my brother or sister. Once again this is a war and as enlisted soldiers of Christ we have been given spiritual sight so we may see these things. We are no longer blind for the truth has set us free!
Paul directs us in a few other things as well. Do not steal and the second part of that is work! Everyone can contribute, everyone has something to give. Volunteer to help feed the poor, serve the church or your community. You and I have been given so much how is it that we don’t feel the need to give back? Next, watch your mouth. The words that come out of it are they the same wherever you go or do they change based on your current location? Do you talk differently at work than you do at church? Do you tell dirty jokes with one group and not another? You do realize the words that come out of your mouth indicate what is in your heart, right?
All these things grieve the Holy Spirit of God, the very One that brought you to salvation and the One that keeps you until such time you are called home! I don’t want any regrets on that terrible day for the Lord of Hosts is holy and righteous. But all of Christ is more than enough for all of me and in Him alone do I trust. Loving God I desire that my body be obedient. Paul ends this chapter by telling us this…
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV)
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
(Psalms 25:12-14 NIV)
Friday, November 29, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
He's waiting for you to ask
Heaven and earth has been moved so that you may know the love and mercy of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus himself came to earth to live among us, died, and arose so that we might believe and know there is a better way still in the abundance of all this we must humble ourselves, come before the Heavenly Father, and ask – it is about the condition of our hearts and the preparation there of. The door to a new world has been opened to us, it is a door that we could not move yet if we allow ourselves to see by faith all that awaits us our hearts would be overwhelmed. The question is this, are we merely spectators or have we been given purpose that is beyond our abilities and if that is true then the reason for the unmovable door being opened to us becomes abundantly clear. Jesus said that we would do even greater works than He.
(John 14:12 MKJV) Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes on Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father.
Jesus spent His life for us to show us how to live, even unto death, not for the healthy but the sick and those who did not know Him did He die. Now if His only purpose was to die for us so we might go to heaven then why not open a window to heaven and allow us to see the sacrifice that He made from a far? Our purpose can be found in His life, it was not only the destination but the journey, for He pointed the way so that we might know how to live; not only that but all the saints that have lived before us have shown us we can mimic Christ’s work and now they watch with anticipation a people compelled and directed by God so that His glory might be known by all the earth and this is done to prepare the world for His second coming. One day the race will be ran and we will stand with Him victorious in battle and we will have won crowns because of the life that we lived but we know Jesus is the reason and so we willingly lay our crowns at His feet. All of this will happen as the Bible tells us and Jesus provided the way but we must begin by asking for His help, His help to live the way He lived and to selflessly lay down our lives for those who do not yet know Him.
so that now to the rulers and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through His faith.
(Ephesians 3:10-12 MKJV)
Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates; even lift up, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.
(Psalms 24:8-10 MKJV)
(John 14:12 MKJV) Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes on Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father.
Jesus spent His life for us to show us how to live, even unto death, not for the healthy but the sick and those who did not know Him did He die. Now if His only purpose was to die for us so we might go to heaven then why not open a window to heaven and allow us to see the sacrifice that He made from a far? Our purpose can be found in His life, it was not only the destination but the journey, for He pointed the way so that we might know how to live; not only that but all the saints that have lived before us have shown us we can mimic Christ’s work and now they watch with anticipation a people compelled and directed by God so that His glory might be known by all the earth and this is done to prepare the world for His second coming. One day the race will be ran and we will stand with Him victorious in battle and we will have won crowns because of the life that we lived but we know Jesus is the reason and so we willingly lay our crowns at His feet. All of this will happen as the Bible tells us and Jesus provided the way but we must begin by asking for His help, His help to live the way He lived and to selflessly lay down our lives for those who do not yet know Him.
so that now to the rulers and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through His faith.
(Ephesians 3:10-12 MKJV)
Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates; even lift up, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.
(Psalms 24:8-10 MKJV)
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Salvation is not a reward
(Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT) God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Have you ever seen a child that boasts to others the amount or types of toys he has? The ideal that “my dad is better than your dad” is for some reason a common boast among children. Did you ever have someone say that to you? Do you remember how it made you feel? If you are honest with yourself it immediately put you on the defensive regardless of who had the better gifts. When we boast of our gift of salvation what do you think that breeds in the heart of others? Have you made friends or enemies? Have you turned their heart towards or away from God?
(Ephesians 2:2 NLT) You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Remember from where you came and the hollow desperation inside that called out for help, now remember was there someone there leading you to God or pushing you towards the ledge? Salvation is not given so we can play games or form cliques or to wrap ourselves in exclusivity, how short-sighted is that! If this is what we are about then one day we will awake to find we are the ones standing outside in the cold and we will hear God say, “Depart from me for I never knew you” (Mat. 7:23). But God’s mercy is great and while it is still day we can return to the calling that has been placed on us to love others, including those who have never known God’s love and those who have just alike.
(Psalms 23:1-6 MKJV) A Psalm of David. Jehovah is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah forever.
Have you ever seen a child that boasts to others the amount or types of toys he has? The ideal that “my dad is better than your dad” is for some reason a common boast among children. Did you ever have someone say that to you? Do you remember how it made you feel? If you are honest with yourself it immediately put you on the defensive regardless of who had the better gifts. When we boast of our gift of salvation what do you think that breeds in the heart of others? Have you made friends or enemies? Have you turned their heart towards or away from God?
(Ephesians 2:2 NLT) You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Remember from where you came and the hollow desperation inside that called out for help, now remember was there someone there leading you to God or pushing you towards the ledge? Salvation is not given so we can play games or form cliques or to wrap ourselves in exclusivity, how short-sighted is that! If this is what we are about then one day we will awake to find we are the ones standing outside in the cold and we will hear God say, “Depart from me for I never knew you” (Mat. 7:23). But God’s mercy is great and while it is still day we can return to the calling that has been placed on us to love others, including those who have never known God’s love and those who have just alike.
(Psalms 23:1-6 MKJV) A Psalm of David. Jehovah is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah forever.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Chosen in advance
(Ephesians 1:5 NLT) God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.
I’ve known many people that struggle with the ideal of God knowing in advance which ones would be called His. Surely, this means we are predestined to heaven or hell and therefore it doesn’t matter what we do in this life because our fate has already been determined. This is a lie straight from the enemy ultimately meant to destroy the very souls Jesus came to save. Within this lie is the ability to separate those who find it hard to believe God would love someone such as themselves from those who have not come to terms with their own sin and cannot see why God would deny them anything. Not only does this lie keep the broken hearted at bay but it also gives the self-righteous an excuse to continue in their decadence. How is it with one arrow the enemy can keep both camps from knowing God but the truth reveals God’s glory that cannot be hidden from view of those seeking it. For it is the self-centeredness of mankind to think he can know the mind of God or compare God’s ways to man’s own reasoning, it is utterly ridiculous! It would be the same as asking a toddler to explain the theory of relativity – it can’t be done. If we know anything of God it is only because His Holy Spirit has revealed it to us and not because of our own abilities.
(Job 38:1-21 NLT) Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? "Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, 'This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!' "Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night's wickedness? As the light approaches, the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal; it is robed in brilliant colors. The light disturbs the wicked and stops the arm that is raised in violence. "Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you explored their depths? Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell Me about it if you know! "Where does light come from, and where does darkness go? Can you take each to its home? Do you know how to get there? But of course you know all this! For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced!
So where does that leave us? Does God know our future? Yes! Will that cause us to doubt His present involvement in our lives? It shouldn’t! This life is a race, a test for something we know not of in the future, does that cause us to run with any less zeal? It should make us run all the more knowing the God holds our future and it rest not on our own ability to get where we are going.
(Psalms 22:24-26 NLT) For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. I will praise You in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship You. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
I’ve known many people that struggle with the ideal of God knowing in advance which ones would be called His. Surely, this means we are predestined to heaven or hell and therefore it doesn’t matter what we do in this life because our fate has already been determined. This is a lie straight from the enemy ultimately meant to destroy the very souls Jesus came to save. Within this lie is the ability to separate those who find it hard to believe God would love someone such as themselves from those who have not come to terms with their own sin and cannot see why God would deny them anything. Not only does this lie keep the broken hearted at bay but it also gives the self-righteous an excuse to continue in their decadence. How is it with one arrow the enemy can keep both camps from knowing God but the truth reveals God’s glory that cannot be hidden from view of those seeking it. For it is the self-centeredness of mankind to think he can know the mind of God or compare God’s ways to man’s own reasoning, it is utterly ridiculous! It would be the same as asking a toddler to explain the theory of relativity – it can’t be done. If we know anything of God it is only because His Holy Spirit has revealed it to us and not because of our own abilities.
(Job 38:1-21 NLT) Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? "Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, 'This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!' "Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night's wickedness? As the light approaches, the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal; it is robed in brilliant colors. The light disturbs the wicked and stops the arm that is raised in violence. "Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you explored their depths? Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell Me about it if you know! "Where does light come from, and where does darkness go? Can you take each to its home? Do you know how to get there? But of course you know all this! For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced!
So where does that leave us? Does God know our future? Yes! Will that cause us to doubt His present involvement in our lives? It shouldn’t! This life is a race, a test for something we know not of in the future, does that cause us to run with any less zeal? It should make us run all the more knowing the God holds our future and it rest not on our own ability to get where we are going.
(Psalms 22:24-26 NLT) For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. I will praise You in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship You. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
Friday, November 22, 2013
God directs us to a choice
Those who follow Christ Jesus do so by the spirit, it is by the spirit that we are led to a choice. If the spirit is strong we will choose to remain in the spirit but if the spirit is weak the flesh will overcome. In the spirit we care for each other, lift up the needs of others to the Father but in the flesh we are selfish, putting ourselves before others. Paul instructs us to not be deceived for God cannot be mocked, you will reap what you sow.
(Galatians 6:8 TNIV) Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
It is right to go to church and support those whom God has placed in our lives to help us walk out this journey, so that our faith might be increased. There we will have opportunity to show others what we have learned as we help the needy, pray for each other, and put our faith into action. The Holy Spirit of God leads us to choices but it is our decision which choice we make. If you think you are something because you were led to this place by God’s Holy Spirit you should know on your own you are nothing and if you are not careful you will allow yourself to be deceived but if you choose righteousness your spirit man will grow and your spiritual territory will increase. Joshua saw this choice and told the people under his care this,
(Joshua 24:14-15 TNIV) "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
For he knew what was right and what led to life and nothing was going to get in his way of serving God. If we do not have the same resolve slowly, bit by bit, our convictions will erode until we are no longer led by God’s Holy Spirit and even the choices we once had will be taken from us because of our own sinful nature.
King David was beside himself in amazement when he spoke of what the Lord had done on his behalf.
(Psalms 21:6 TNIV) Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
David made many mistakes but not lose sight of God’s leading and it was because of that he was blessed by God.
(Galatians 6:8 TNIV) Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
It is right to go to church and support those whom God has placed in our lives to help us walk out this journey, so that our faith might be increased. There we will have opportunity to show others what we have learned as we help the needy, pray for each other, and put our faith into action. The Holy Spirit of God leads us to choices but it is our decision which choice we make. If you think you are something because you were led to this place by God’s Holy Spirit you should know on your own you are nothing and if you are not careful you will allow yourself to be deceived but if you choose righteousness your spirit man will grow and your spiritual territory will increase. Joshua saw this choice and told the people under his care this,
(Joshua 24:14-15 TNIV) "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
For he knew what was right and what led to life and nothing was going to get in his way of serving God. If we do not have the same resolve slowly, bit by bit, our convictions will erode until we are no longer led by God’s Holy Spirit and even the choices we once had will be taken from us because of our own sinful nature.
King David was beside himself in amazement when he spoke of what the Lord had done on his behalf.
(Psalms 21:6 TNIV) Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
David made many mistakes but not lose sight of God’s leading and it was because of that he was blessed by God.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
All or nothing
Paul told the Galatians that if they choose the law over the leading of God’s Holy Spirit then they would have to obey the law completely!
(Galatians 5:3 GNB) Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law.
But Paul knew that was a dead end and therefore urged them to follow as God led them. He told them a little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise and the part-truth that they could please God by works spread throughout their ranks and took their eyes off of the truth very quickly. As people our nature is to go to extremes, which is not all bad except within us is also the nature to be selfish. If we obey the law then we do so blinded to the leading of the Holy Spirit and if we set out to obey God’s leading we abandon the law but do so selfishly, hurting others and ourselves and once again blinded to the ways of God. The truth is that when we obey God He leads us into things that the law has no rule against. If our flesh truly died with Christ then the rights we once held that demanded we be treated fairly are done away with as well, for it is no long I that lives but Christ that lives in me. We no longer spend time or energy protecting our own flesh but through loving others as Christ loves us neither are we door mats. As a father I could demand respect of my children because I provide for them in every way and I do so faithfully. I could demand that they do what is right but it creates resentment and rebellion. However, if I did not demand this respect and obedience then they would become unruly and selfish and I would become as a door mat but with Christ’s love I give up the right to demand respect but it’s a love that goes so deep that they cannot run from it, wherever they go they are reminded of it and whatever they do it is there reminding them of what is right. When my children are disrespectful they are no longer disrespecting me but Christ, if I remain in Him and so it is with us as we interact with family, friends, co-workers, church, and wherever we go and whomever we meet. Only when we follow Christ's leading completely is He glorified completely.
(Galatians 5:19--26 GNB) What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
(Psalms 20:1-9 MSG) A David psalm. GOD answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! That clinches it--help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out. See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for GOD our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame-- and we'll be on our feet, standing tall. Make the king a winner, GOD; the day we call, give us your answer.
(Galatians 5:3 GNB) Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law.
But Paul knew that was a dead end and therefore urged them to follow as God led them. He told them a little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise and the part-truth that they could please God by works spread throughout their ranks and took their eyes off of the truth very quickly. As people our nature is to go to extremes, which is not all bad except within us is also the nature to be selfish. If we obey the law then we do so blinded to the leading of the Holy Spirit and if we set out to obey God’s leading we abandon the law but do so selfishly, hurting others and ourselves and once again blinded to the ways of God. The truth is that when we obey God He leads us into things that the law has no rule against. If our flesh truly died with Christ then the rights we once held that demanded we be treated fairly are done away with as well, for it is no long I that lives but Christ that lives in me. We no longer spend time or energy protecting our own flesh but through loving others as Christ loves us neither are we door mats. As a father I could demand respect of my children because I provide for them in every way and I do so faithfully. I could demand that they do what is right but it creates resentment and rebellion. However, if I did not demand this respect and obedience then they would become unruly and selfish and I would become as a door mat but with Christ’s love I give up the right to demand respect but it’s a love that goes so deep that they cannot run from it, wherever they go they are reminded of it and whatever they do it is there reminding them of what is right. When my children are disrespectful they are no longer disrespecting me but Christ, if I remain in Him and so it is with us as we interact with family, friends, co-workers, church, and wherever we go and whomever we meet. Only when we follow Christ's leading completely is He glorified completely.
(Galatians 5:19--26 GNB) What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
(Psalms 20:1-9 MSG) A David psalm. GOD answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! That clinches it--help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out. See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for GOD our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame-- and we'll be on our feet, standing tall. Make the king a winner, GOD; the day we call, give us your answer.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
What was meant to keep you can enslave you
Jews were given the law so that they might know of their need for a savior; the Jewish people were chosen by God so that He might display His power before the kings of this world. Jesus came not to abolish the law but to complete its purpose. Under the new covenant He brought with Him not only the Jew could be saved but the Gentile as well, God’s gift of salvation was no longer for a single race but for all mankind but change was as difficult for some Jews of that day as it is for the addict today. Yes their customs and rituals were as needles and drugs and they would do anything to keep feeding their addictions, including binding the minds of the newly freed so they might live under the bondage of the law as well.
(Galatians 4:22-26 NLT) The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife. The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God's promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God's own fulfillment of His promise. These two women serve as an illustration of God's two covenants. The first woman, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where people received the law that enslaved them. And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia, because she and her children live in slavery to the law. But the other woman, Sarah, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the free woman, and she is our mother.
(Galatians 4:29 NLT) But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit.
I believe it is good to learn how God led His people in the Old Testament because He does not change and the respect and obedience He demanded then He still demands today, for God does not nor can He change. I also believe in the work Jesus came to do, being born of man He was the Godman who lived among us to show us how we are to live, He then died for us so that we might be free to love Him without restraint. We are not to lose the awe and reverence He commanded through the display of His might in the Old Testament neither are we to try to live under the old covenant, for to do so would be to disregard what Jesus came to do!
(Psalms 19:1-2 GNB) How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly it shows what he has done! Each day announces it to the following day; each night repeats it to the next.
(Galatians 4:22-26 NLT) The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife. The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God's promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God's own fulfillment of His promise. These two women serve as an illustration of God's two covenants. The first woman, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where people received the law that enslaved them. And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia, because she and her children live in slavery to the law. But the other woman, Sarah, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the free woman, and she is our mother.
(Galatians 4:29 NLT) But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit.
I believe it is good to learn how God led His people in the Old Testament because He does not change and the respect and obedience He demanded then He still demands today, for God does not nor can He change. I also believe in the work Jesus came to do, being born of man He was the Godman who lived among us to show us how we are to live, He then died for us so that we might be free to love Him without restraint. We are not to lose the awe and reverence He commanded through the display of His might in the Old Testament neither are we to try to live under the old covenant, for to do so would be to disregard what Jesus came to do!
(Psalms 19:1-2 GNB) How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly it shows what he has done! Each day announces it to the following day; each night repeats it to the next.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Because of your love for Christ
The law was given from God to Moses and from Moses to the Israelites for the purpose of showing their (our) need for a Savior. For the law magnified the fact that they (we) contained no good thing within. The Israelites sacrificed doves and lambs without blemish as a precursor to the one sacrifice that would end all others. In doing so they learned blood was required to atone for the shortcomings of the law’s requirements. Still their only connection to God was through the priest, so that even if they obeyed the law to the best of their abilities they could not petition God for anything, thereby reminding them they were unholy and a veil separated them from God, which was and is holy. Today people still try to live by the law in order to be closer to God but our righteousness is as filthy rags and the more we try the more we miss the mark.
(Isaiah 64:6 NLT) We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
Yet others argue why try to keep the law at all if we are only going to fall short. As Paul said, “For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me.” But he goes on to say, “So I died to the law – I stopped trying to meet all its requirements – so that I might live for God.” (Galatians 2:19 NLT). To abandon the law is to turn from God’s purpose for mankind. You see God desires to bring us back to himself, to commune with Him as Adam and Eve once did in the garden but only He knows the way back and it begins with the law and ends with His grace and mercy offered to us through His Son Jesus Christ but why would we turn to Jesus and lay down our lives and our will if we did not understand our own need for a Savior? This is the process by which we are saved. To recognize our sin, to be drawn to that which we were created for so that when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are made new, even though we still have the same bodies we now live by what once was dead but now alive through Christ. Our flesh dies with Christ, surrendering control so that our spirit may live, even as Christ lives! Paul says it better…
(Galatians 2:19-21 NLT) For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Yet Jesus said this, (Matthew 5:17 NLT) "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”
You see once we lay down our lives to follow Christ Jesus we don’t simply ignore the law but in fact it is the only way to fulfill the law, yet we live not for the law but for Christ Jesus. Only in loving Him is the requirement of the law met! Not once does God’s Word contradict itself but it comes full circle so that we might understand He is who He says He is and He is faithful to complete the work He has begun. This life on this earth is in fact a journey and we are made not to walk it alone but with the very One who created us and gave us purpose and in return we give Him glory and honor for His mighty power to save.
(Romans 3:31 NLT) Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
(Psalms 18:28-30 NLT) You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.
(Isaiah 64:6 NLT) We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
Yet others argue why try to keep the law at all if we are only going to fall short. As Paul said, “For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me.” But he goes on to say, “So I died to the law – I stopped trying to meet all its requirements – so that I might live for God.” (Galatians 2:19 NLT). To abandon the law is to turn from God’s purpose for mankind. You see God desires to bring us back to himself, to commune with Him as Adam and Eve once did in the garden but only He knows the way back and it begins with the law and ends with His grace and mercy offered to us through His Son Jesus Christ but why would we turn to Jesus and lay down our lives and our will if we did not understand our own need for a Savior? This is the process by which we are saved. To recognize our sin, to be drawn to that which we were created for so that when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are made new, even though we still have the same bodies we now live by what once was dead but now alive through Christ. Our flesh dies with Christ, surrendering control so that our spirit may live, even as Christ lives! Paul says it better…
(Galatians 2:19-21 NLT) For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.
Yet Jesus said this, (Matthew 5:17 NLT) "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”
You see once we lay down our lives to follow Christ Jesus we don’t simply ignore the law but in fact it is the only way to fulfill the law, yet we live not for the law but for Christ Jesus. Only in loving Him is the requirement of the law met! Not once does God’s Word contradict itself but it comes full circle so that we might understand He is who He says He is and He is faithful to complete the work He has begun. This life on this earth is in fact a journey and we are made not to walk it alone but with the very One who created us and gave us purpose and in return we give Him glory and honor for His mighty power to save.
(Romans 3:31 NLT) Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
(Psalms 18:28-30 NLT) You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Easily followed
Not everyone’s motives are pure, still others mislead because they have believed a lie themselves. Continually we are to compare and test ideals, thoughts, and motivations against the Word of God so that we are not led astray. Paul said this to the churches of Galatia.
(Galatians 1:6-7 NLT) I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to Himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
How important it is to read God’s Word and pray so that you might know Him. As you invest your time, sincerely seeking Him, your harvest will be the ability to recognize God’s leading or His touch in a certain area of your life and it is given fresh every morning. It is not a one-time gift that stays with you because you drew close to God five years ago. Through offering yourself as a living sacrifice God reveals the unseen, affectively pulling back the veil between the physical and the spiritual so that you can see clearly His purpose. The things not revealed to us, God has asked that we have faith in Him until such a time of His choosing.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT) 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.
I ask you is the Lord of Hosts a God of convenience or a God of mysteries? Is He easily ignored or does he bore you? Are your interest quickly pulled to something else? If so you don’t know Him and you have been led astray.
Which has the greater responsibility – the messenger or the ones to whom the message is delivered? Is not the messenger the vessel God has purified through the fire so that what it contains would not be tainted? Paul was able to recognize false teaching because he himself remained desperately close to God knowing who he is on his own was not someone worthy of carrying God’s message to the people. Though his messages seem harsh they are for the good of the reader and he is aware of the result that will be brought about because he has already walked through these things in his life.
(Psalms 18:15-17 NLT) Then at Your command, O LORD, at the blast of Your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
(Galatians 1:6-7 NLT) I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to Himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
How important it is to read God’s Word and pray so that you might know Him. As you invest your time, sincerely seeking Him, your harvest will be the ability to recognize God’s leading or His touch in a certain area of your life and it is given fresh every morning. It is not a one-time gift that stays with you because you drew close to God five years ago. Through offering yourself as a living sacrifice God reveals the unseen, affectively pulling back the veil between the physical and the spiritual so that you can see clearly His purpose. The things not revealed to us, God has asked that we have faith in Him until such a time of His choosing.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT) 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.
I ask you is the Lord of Hosts a God of convenience or a God of mysteries? Is He easily ignored or does he bore you? Are your interest quickly pulled to something else? If so you don’t know Him and you have been led astray.
Which has the greater responsibility – the messenger or the ones to whom the message is delivered? Is not the messenger the vessel God has purified through the fire so that what it contains would not be tainted? Paul was able to recognize false teaching because he himself remained desperately close to God knowing who he is on his own was not someone worthy of carrying God’s message to the people. Though his messages seem harsh they are for the good of the reader and he is aware of the result that will be brought about because he has already walked through these things in his life.
(Psalms 18:15-17 NLT) Then at Your command, O LORD, at the blast of Your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
God where are you?
How is it that we do all these things for God yet He seems so distant at times? We go to church, we volunteer to help the needy, we work hard for our employer, and we try to show our children right from wrong but do we diligently seek out God’s heart for us? Are we too busy to stop and listen or even ask for direction when decisions stand in front of us? Do we make a habit out of deciding for ourselves or do we really understand the impact of placing God first?
If you are like me we all too often take the easy road because, well it’s easy. You don’t have to consider anyone else or even the impact your decisions have on your own life and living this way continues from day to day as you make a habit out of taking the easy road but when you hit rocky ground you call out to God for His help and surprise – you can’t hear His voice. We see Paul instructing the Corinthians (2 Corinthians chp.13) and giving them a stern warning for living this way. He also gives them the opportunity to make the necessary corrections before he arrives so he wouldn’t have to be tough on them, as they know from previous teaching right from wrong. However, we can see into Paul’s heart for the Corinthians as he provides the secret for getting back on the right track.
(2Co 13:11 NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
This is nothing new to the church but instead a simple reminder of who they are to be and it applies to us today. If we do these things Paul instructed the Corinthians to do then when we call out to God for His help we won’t be left wondering where He is.
(Psa 18:2-3 NLT) The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies.
(Psa 18:30 NLT) God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.
If you are like me we all too often take the easy road because, well it’s easy. You don’t have to consider anyone else or even the impact your decisions have on your own life and living this way continues from day to day as you make a habit out of taking the easy road but when you hit rocky ground you call out to God for His help and surprise – you can’t hear His voice. We see Paul instructing the Corinthians (2 Corinthians chp.13) and giving them a stern warning for living this way. He also gives them the opportunity to make the necessary corrections before he arrives so he wouldn’t have to be tough on them, as they know from previous teaching right from wrong. However, we can see into Paul’s heart for the Corinthians as he provides the secret for getting back on the right track.
(2Co 13:11 NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
This is nothing new to the church but instead a simple reminder of who they are to be and it applies to us today. If we do these things Paul instructed the Corinthians to do then when we call out to God for His help we won’t be left wondering where He is.
(Psa 18:2-3 NLT) The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies.
(Psa 18:30 NLT) God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
If I love you more...
(2 Corinthians 12:15 MSG) I'd be most happy to empty my pockets, even mortgage my life, for your good. So how does it happen that the more I love you, the less I'm loved?
Have you ever given of yourself for the good of someone else only to be taken for granted? I have and it hurts and if I am completely honest my first reaction is to pull back to keep from being hurt anymore but looking at Paul’s example it becomes clear that advice is of the flesh, not the spirit. Still to love a person like this requires that you yourself are healthy and strong mentally, emotionally, and spiritually because you will be tested and if you are not careful you will enable the very things in that person that causes you the most pain and the more you continue offering what you believe to be love the more pain they give in return and as Paul shows us even offering Christ-centered love is not a guarantee you will be loved in return. If that be the case then what is the answer? Know the source of this love you offer, is it from you or is from Christ living in you?
What does healthy love look like? Love is tough sometimes; there will be situations when it requires that you stop chasing and allow that person to make their own choice, even if it is wrong. Did the father stop the prodigal son from leaving? If he had he would have saved the son much pain and his inheritance would not have been squandered on the foolish but what is not immediately apparent is that these things were the cost of the lesson the son had to learn and no amount of talking from the father could have taken the place of this lesson for the son. Other times love will require that you sacrifice your own feelings for the good of another, as we see Paul do time and time again. Still there are other times, other situations, other people where love requires boundaries. Some are bent on tearing down what the Lord would build up and you will know these people by the leading of God’s Holy Spirit within you. Paul’s tone may suggest he dealt with this type of person as well when he refers to the “super-apostles” who apparently amazed the people with signs and wonders but did so at a cost to the people, possibly even for their own benefit. I have known people like this as well. They make a great first impression but the more you get to know them the more it cost you until you realize the best thing to do is set boundaries and move on.
Healthy living and giving of yourself so that you inspire others to be healthy requires great discipline and I know of no better example than what the Bible provides. Aside from salvation you can stumble your way through life, haphazardly and things may turn out okay but you will have spent much time and resources on the mediocre only to fall far short of the purpose that has been placed on you and within you but to be a life-long student of the Lord Jesus Christ and to be obedient as He guides is where it’s at.
(Psalms 17:5-6 NLT) My steps have stayed on Your path; I have not wavered from following You. I am praying to You because I know You will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
Have you ever given of yourself for the good of someone else only to be taken for granted? I have and it hurts and if I am completely honest my first reaction is to pull back to keep from being hurt anymore but looking at Paul’s example it becomes clear that advice is of the flesh, not the spirit. Still to love a person like this requires that you yourself are healthy and strong mentally, emotionally, and spiritually because you will be tested and if you are not careful you will enable the very things in that person that causes you the most pain and the more you continue offering what you believe to be love the more pain they give in return and as Paul shows us even offering Christ-centered love is not a guarantee you will be loved in return. If that be the case then what is the answer? Know the source of this love you offer, is it from you or is from Christ living in you?
What does healthy love look like? Love is tough sometimes; there will be situations when it requires that you stop chasing and allow that person to make their own choice, even if it is wrong. Did the father stop the prodigal son from leaving? If he had he would have saved the son much pain and his inheritance would not have been squandered on the foolish but what is not immediately apparent is that these things were the cost of the lesson the son had to learn and no amount of talking from the father could have taken the place of this lesson for the son. Other times love will require that you sacrifice your own feelings for the good of another, as we see Paul do time and time again. Still there are other times, other situations, other people where love requires boundaries. Some are bent on tearing down what the Lord would build up and you will know these people by the leading of God’s Holy Spirit within you. Paul’s tone may suggest he dealt with this type of person as well when he refers to the “super-apostles” who apparently amazed the people with signs and wonders but did so at a cost to the people, possibly even for their own benefit. I have known people like this as well. They make a great first impression but the more you get to know them the more it cost you until you realize the best thing to do is set boundaries and move on.
Healthy living and giving of yourself so that you inspire others to be healthy requires great discipline and I know of no better example than what the Bible provides. Aside from salvation you can stumble your way through life, haphazardly and things may turn out okay but you will have spent much time and resources on the mediocre only to fall far short of the purpose that has been placed on you and within you but to be a life-long student of the Lord Jesus Christ and to be obedient as He guides is where it’s at.
(Psalms 17:5-6 NLT) My steps have stayed on Your path; I have not wavered from following You. I am praying to You because I know You will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
Monday, November 4, 2013
What drives you?
Paul was not shy about what drove him. He labored so that the Corinthians might know Christ Jesus and because of his concern for them his spirit was sensitive to things they were susceptible to. He not only led them to Christ but continued to watch over them as they grew in spirit. Like sheep we are, at times, easily led astray thinking we know the way, thinking we understand what this walk of faith is all about but unless we are rooted deeply in the Word of God then our eyes will deceive us.
Do you think Eve’s intentions were evil when she believed the serpent? Wasn’t she told she would be like God, knowing good and evil? Because of her lack of spiritual understanding she fell victim to the serpent’s lies and like Eve we fall prey to the promises of the world, as our flesh is enticed so our soul becomes enslaved. However, if we knew better the Word of God we would be able to combat the devil and the lies that come out of his mouth. This is why pastors lead congregations and parents are over children. It is not that Paul was better than the Corinthians but that God placed him there to be a spiritual guide so they might learn and grow, in the light. Likewise, people today are busy with their lives and do not always understand the importance of God’s leading – they have not yet come to the place of desperation for God and therefore have not been awakened to the depths of His love and purpose for them.
Israel demanded of Samuel a king to lead them (1 Samuel 8). Until then God led his people through prophets but Israel wanted a king like other nations and God gave them what they wanted but they lost something in the process, thankfully God is great in mercy and kindness.
(1 Samuel 8:6-9 TNIV) But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights."
And so it is today… So many depend on someone else to lead them so they might continue with the cares of their own lives and when they do that they give up something in return but God understands us better than we understand ourselves and He loves us. In terms of the parent and child there is an age of innocence where the parent cares for the child until he/she can make their own decisions. Once they are adults they are able to make up their own minds about following God’s leading or not and how much compromise they are willing to accept but today I’m talking about what drives the parent, the pastor, the spiritual elders. Paul said he does what he does because of love for those he leads and he is proud to present them to Christ Jesus pure and spotless as they remain in Christ and like a mother bear protecting her cubs Paul would fight to keep them on the straight and narrow until such a time they can see the path before them with their own eyes.
For those of us God has placed in the roll of leadership, whether parent, volunteer at church, pastor, friend, co-worker what is driving us? Have we set the cruise control and allowed those under our watch to be led astray or are we actively pursuing God’s will for our lives and the lives of those around us? Are you investing in others? Are you praying for them so they may learn to surrender to the authority of Christ as you lead the way in action? If God has truly given you this job to do then you must also be aware that one day you will stand before Him as He declares the type of work you have done.
In Jesus’ parable of the faithful and the evil servants he said this of the two, (Matthew 25:29 TNIV) For those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. As for those who do not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
Do you think Eve’s intentions were evil when she believed the serpent? Wasn’t she told she would be like God, knowing good and evil? Because of her lack of spiritual understanding she fell victim to the serpent’s lies and like Eve we fall prey to the promises of the world, as our flesh is enticed so our soul becomes enslaved. However, if we knew better the Word of God we would be able to combat the devil and the lies that come out of his mouth. This is why pastors lead congregations and parents are over children. It is not that Paul was better than the Corinthians but that God placed him there to be a spiritual guide so they might learn and grow, in the light. Likewise, people today are busy with their lives and do not always understand the importance of God’s leading – they have not yet come to the place of desperation for God and therefore have not been awakened to the depths of His love and purpose for them.
Israel demanded of Samuel a king to lead them (1 Samuel 8). Until then God led his people through prophets but Israel wanted a king like other nations and God gave them what they wanted but they lost something in the process, thankfully God is great in mercy and kindness.
(1 Samuel 8:6-9 TNIV) But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights."
And so it is today… So many depend on someone else to lead them so they might continue with the cares of their own lives and when they do that they give up something in return but God understands us better than we understand ourselves and He loves us. In terms of the parent and child there is an age of innocence where the parent cares for the child until he/she can make their own decisions. Once they are adults they are able to make up their own minds about following God’s leading or not and how much compromise they are willing to accept but today I’m talking about what drives the parent, the pastor, the spiritual elders. Paul said he does what he does because of love for those he leads and he is proud to present them to Christ Jesus pure and spotless as they remain in Christ and like a mother bear protecting her cubs Paul would fight to keep them on the straight and narrow until such a time they can see the path before them with their own eyes.
For those of us God has placed in the roll of leadership, whether parent, volunteer at church, pastor, friend, co-worker what is driving us? Have we set the cruise control and allowed those under our watch to be led astray or are we actively pursuing God’s will for our lives and the lives of those around us? Are you investing in others? Are you praying for them so they may learn to surrender to the authority of Christ as you lead the way in action? If God has truly given you this job to do then you must also be aware that one day you will stand before Him as He declares the type of work you have done.
In Jesus’ parable of the faithful and the evil servants he said this of the two, (Matthew 25:29 TNIV) For those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. As for those who do not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
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