May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 GNB)
I have found that the Christian life usually falls into one of two camps - doing what feels right or doing what the Bible says. The “doing what feels right” camp is filled with Christians with good intentions but do not take time to know God intimately. They have an understanding based on their upbringing and/or the lessons they hear at church, as a matter of fact the act of going to church has become very important to them as it is their life-line to knowing about God but their interest in God seems to stop there. Outside of church their lives are filled with the business of being a parent or spouse or grandparent or a good employee, one who is active in their community and social gatherings. Somewhere along the lines they fall into the trap that the decisions they make are good because they love going to church, their family, and friends but where is God in the equation?
The second camp “doing what the Bible says” is not as large but the people in it have more depth in their spiritual lives and therefore they are more sensitive to the moving of God’s Holy Spirit. Daily they connect with the One who is responsible for all life, their time with God is priceless, and if they miss their time alone with Him their whole day is off kilter and they can’t wait for their next chance to be alone with Him. These love church too but not for the social value but for the opportunity to be involved in corporate worship and to serve their community alongside others who desire to see God’s will happening among them. Missing church is not as devastating to them because they sense God is with them wherever they go but they are also mindful of those around them and do things that witness to their spirits what is right and good, as Paul talks about not eating meat or drinking wine for the sake of his brother (Romans 14:21).
In our lives we must recognize the difference between what feels right and actual righteousness. Righteousness will always require more thought, more sensitivity to God’s leading, and the flesh will always resist. The very things that have kept us from following righteousness in the first place, will become indicators to those who now follow the unseen. Unlike others they are not doing what feels right or hoping by process of osmosis that they make the right decisions because they have surrounded themselves with people who talk about doing right. No, these indicators have only become useful because they have put God first, as they hunger for His righteousness, and as they daily strive to step in His footsteps. Another indicator is this, after doing what feels right you are often left with a thought other than pleasing God. You are proud of what you have done for someone else or you wish they would get their act together so you wouldn’t have to keep doing for them what they should do for themselves but if you have actually done what God has instructed your overwhelming thought is that you have pleased God – this is why Jesus emphasized motives of the heart. So pay attention to these signs and see which camp you fall in, I have been in both but I want to live in “doing what the Bible says” camp and for that I pray for strength to do what is right and I pray the same for you.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that You have made me listen, I finally understand—You don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, "Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart."
(Psalms 40:4-8 NLT)
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
What attracts me
As a person who is dedicated to following Christ Jesus I find there are certain people in my life that I am attracted to. These people are often teachers, pastors, and elders but obtaining these positions is not where it’s at because sadly most of these people’s lives do not call out to me but those who do have allowed God to have His way in their lives, not just once in the distant past but even today have they been in communion with my Lord and Savior and I think wow if my testimony was more like theirs, they have faced their battles and have come through victoriously and are now telling others what they have found. The discipline in their lives allows them to be the person God has purposed for them to be and they are bold about broadcasting Truth to all who will listen, telling others about the things the Lord has done which has brought them to that point. Their eyes are set on Christ and their feet are faithful to follow, it’s these things that I long for in my life and here are people living it and their lives catch my soul’s attention!
The Lord has allowed me to know this one thing, these people are not attractive because of something that has transpired in their lives years ago for I too have conquered and continue to follow Christ but it is because of the consistent time spent with the Lord every morning, they seek diligently the will of Christ, they battle daily for the souls of others and they set aside all things that would distract them from His purpose, their sight is not of the carnal but of the spirit for I am attracted not to people but the very character of God in them, which is evident in their lives because of their willingness to put God first in all they do. If you ask them they will tell you God has delivered them from certain death and without God they are helpless to change, even after all they have learned. For these people know their own desperation for God’s presence in their lives and unlike the rich young ruler, they are willing to sell everything to follow Him. Everything else becomes as empty words pointing with a crooked finger the way in which they think you should go but what attracts me is to see my brother or sister up ahead walking, living, eating, breathing the very life, partaking the very existence I have been called to and walking the path on which I am traveling and my hope is that in some small way I too reflect the light of Christ for He has allowed me to see my own desperation and He has set my feet on straight and narrow and my spirit knows without Christ I would surely die. Though my flesh calls out with all the distractions of the world my spirit knows it is by Christ alone this change in my heart will be evident to others as my feet are faithful to follow where He leads me each day.
The Lord has allowed me to know this one thing, these people are not attractive because of something that has transpired in their lives years ago for I too have conquered and continue to follow Christ but it is because of the consistent time spent with the Lord every morning, they seek diligently the will of Christ, they battle daily for the souls of others and they set aside all things that would distract them from His purpose, their sight is not of the carnal but of the spirit for I am attracted not to people but the very character of God in them, which is evident in their lives because of their willingness to put God first in all they do. If you ask them they will tell you God has delivered them from certain death and without God they are helpless to change, even after all they have learned. For these people know their own desperation for God’s presence in their lives and unlike the rich young ruler, they are willing to sell everything to follow Him. Everything else becomes as empty words pointing with a crooked finger the way in which they think you should go but what attracts me is to see my brother or sister up ahead walking, living, eating, breathing the very life, partaking the very existence I have been called to and walking the path on which I am traveling and my hope is that in some small way I too reflect the light of Christ for He has allowed me to see my own desperation and He has set my feet on straight and narrow and my spirit knows without Christ I would surely die. Though my flesh calls out with all the distractions of the world my spirit knows it is by Christ alone this change in my heart will be evident to others as my feet are faithful to follow where He leads me each day.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Like a thief in the night
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:8-18 NLT)
What must I do to be ready for the Lord’s return? Read 1 Thessalonians 5 and you will know, acknowledge the work Jesus did, who He is (God’s Son sent to earth to show us how to live), humble yourself so that you may accept Him as Lord, and then obey His Word. Though prophecies for told Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection we could not see it until it happened and many even after it happened refused to believe it, even still. He is coming again and like before His coming is for told but this time we must be ready for Him, if we are not we will miss His plan for our lives and the final opportunity to live with Him forever closes quickly.
Everyone has their battles and struggles what does it profit us if we spend all our time pointing out other’s mistakes and short-comings? Will that prepare us to meet our Lord and Savior? Only one thing will prepare us for that day – knowing Jesus Christ, for it is not enough to know of Him, even the devil and all his demons know of Jesus. So did all the Pharisees and teachers of the law but that was not enough to save them. The great thing about it is no matter who we are, rich or poor, of lofty influence or a beggar on the street, regardless of race or ethnicity, we all can know Jesus. As a matter of fact the only thing that can keep us from Him is our own will, for even nature is witness to His mighty work!
I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.
(Psalms 38:17-18 NLT)
Do not abandon me, O LORD. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.
(Psalms 38:21-22 NLT)
(1 Thessalonians 5:8-18 NLT)
What must I do to be ready for the Lord’s return? Read 1 Thessalonians 5 and you will know, acknowledge the work Jesus did, who He is (God’s Son sent to earth to show us how to live), humble yourself so that you may accept Him as Lord, and then obey His Word. Though prophecies for told Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection we could not see it until it happened and many even after it happened refused to believe it, even still. He is coming again and like before His coming is for told but this time we must be ready for Him, if we are not we will miss His plan for our lives and the final opportunity to live with Him forever closes quickly.
Everyone has their battles and struggles what does it profit us if we spend all our time pointing out other’s mistakes and short-comings? Will that prepare us to meet our Lord and Savior? Only one thing will prepare us for that day – knowing Jesus Christ, for it is not enough to know of Him, even the devil and all his demons know of Jesus. So did all the Pharisees and teachers of the law but that was not enough to save them. The great thing about it is no matter who we are, rich or poor, of lofty influence or a beggar on the street, regardless of race or ethnicity, we all can know Jesus. As a matter of fact the only thing that can keep us from Him is our own will, for even nature is witness to His mighty work!
I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.
(Psalms 38:17-18 NLT)
Do not abandon me, O LORD. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.
(Psalms 38:21-22 NLT)
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
a thought
I am thankful for this life at all times, places, circumstances, and with all people because of this one thing – regardless of what I am going through this is my opportunity to prove that I will follow Jesus. For one day I will stand before my Maker and on that terrible day I want to be able to say, “Lord I followed You, even when it was difficult I did not turn aside.” Without difficulties my faith is not tested and my love is not proven not only to God and others but to myself. So Lord remind me of this the next time difficulties knock on my heart’s door, help me to be joyful in all that I do and say knowing You are with me and You are taking me through the Refiner’s fire. These things may not bring profit in this life but they will prove priceless in the next, without which I will stand before You empty handed left wanting.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Lives of impurity or holiness
God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and His ways.
(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NLT)
Holiness and impurity are like oil and water in that they do not mix, for a person cannot be holy on Sunday and impure throughout the week. If your mind is allowed to think impure thoughts then your whole being is impure but if you draw close to God and keep His commandments then you will be holy like He is holy. This I know, purity and victory are inseparable, for without one you cannot have the other. It is because victory is found in our Lord Jesus Christ alone and though He walked among us and He touched the leper and eat with the tax collector and allowed the once prostitute to wash his feet he remained holy and pure. Yes Jesus broke through our sin and disease to offer victory over sin and death yet He himself did not sin or become sick but too many times we try to serve two masters, attempting to holding on to one while trying to serve the other. Be assured of this within the Holy Trinity there is no division and impurity can cast no shadows in the light of our Savior and Lord. For if we are to accept the work that Jesus has done for us then we must also control our own bodies and choose lives of holiness and honor but if we allow our minds to think impure thoughts or allow our bodies to act upon lustful passions we do not know God and therefore victory cannot be known by us.
To combat the desires of the flesh exercise the mind of Christ and love people with God’s love. The flesh will wildly resist at first but the more you do it the smaller its voice becomes. However, you must always be alert and on guard daily seeking God’s will for the enemy is cunning and he lies quietly waiting for his snare to catch you unaware. Jesus warned there is no victory apart from him when He said this…
"Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me. "When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before."
(Luke 11:23-26 NLT)
But choose righteousness and seek humility knowing who you are and who’s you are then the Lord will meet you each morning showing you your portion for each day.
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.
(Psalms 37:23-25 NLT)
(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NLT)
Holiness and impurity are like oil and water in that they do not mix, for a person cannot be holy on Sunday and impure throughout the week. If your mind is allowed to think impure thoughts then your whole being is impure but if you draw close to God and keep His commandments then you will be holy like He is holy. This I know, purity and victory are inseparable, for without one you cannot have the other. It is because victory is found in our Lord Jesus Christ alone and though He walked among us and He touched the leper and eat with the tax collector and allowed the once prostitute to wash his feet he remained holy and pure. Yes Jesus broke through our sin and disease to offer victory over sin and death yet He himself did not sin or become sick but too many times we try to serve two masters, attempting to holding on to one while trying to serve the other. Be assured of this within the Holy Trinity there is no division and impurity can cast no shadows in the light of our Savior and Lord. For if we are to accept the work that Jesus has done for us then we must also control our own bodies and choose lives of holiness and honor but if we allow our minds to think impure thoughts or allow our bodies to act upon lustful passions we do not know God and therefore victory cannot be known by us.
To combat the desires of the flesh exercise the mind of Christ and love people with God’s love. The flesh will wildly resist at first but the more you do it the smaller its voice becomes. However, you must always be alert and on guard daily seeking God’s will for the enemy is cunning and he lies quietly waiting for his snare to catch you unaware. Jesus warned there is no victory apart from him when He said this…
"Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me. "When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before."
(Luke 11:23-26 NLT)
But choose righteousness and seek humility knowing who you are and who’s you are then the Lord will meet you each morning showing you your portion for each day.
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.
(Psalms 37:23-25 NLT)
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Remain strong in your faith
So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.
(1 Thessalonians 3:7 NLT)
Whether you stand or fall never just impacts you but those who know you as well, for no man or woman is an island and in this life the choices you make, the places you go, the things you do and say, whether your faith is strong or you fold beneath the weight of the enemy’s tricks, all these things impact not only you but those around you as well. For we cannot live secret lives apart from who we are. The part of us that we allow others to see is of course part of who we are (or better yet who we could be) but so is the part we keep hidden. That’s why God desires a pure heart, a heart that admits when it is wrong and believes He has the power to change us and one that is willing to submit to His authority, regardless of what our eyes tell us or what our minds would have us believe. For we are not led by the physical but by the spirit within and it is by God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, that Truth will be revealed and those who remain in Him shall know Truth and it will set them free.
In this life we can choose to be a “Way Maker” or an “Obstacle” in other’s journey simply by our attitude, actions, and words. Of course we would all say the “Way Maker” is what we want to be but these three things often tell a different story. If we put on a happy face and speak kind words but harbor within our hearts bitterness and strife or if we speak evil of one and in favor of another for our own purpose which do you think we have become? I am speaking to myself first concerning these things but don’t be fooled every man, woman, and child needs to search their own hearts in as much as God has revealed Truth to them about what’s on the inside. If you cannot hear Him speaking then examine your own life. When was the last time you have set apart time from your busy schedule to be with God, to read His Word, to pray, and to worship? Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
Those who have fallen and have been labeled a “failure” by society, if they are willing to accept the Truth God has revealed to them about themselves they will always have an advantage over those who appear strong or righteous because the Truth is if we are depending on ourselves to be good then our abilities are very limited for human kindness is dark, deceitful, and self-serving but when we recognize God’s ability to change who we are and we are ready for that change and we give authority to Him to do so what He does through us, not only for our sake but for the sake of others is unlimited. So remain strong in the faith He has given you. Do not limit what God can do in your life by turning from Him but remain strong in faith, hope, and love.
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
(Psalms 37:7-9 NLT)
(1 Thessalonians 3:7 NLT)
Whether you stand or fall never just impacts you but those who know you as well, for no man or woman is an island and in this life the choices you make, the places you go, the things you do and say, whether your faith is strong or you fold beneath the weight of the enemy’s tricks, all these things impact not only you but those around you as well. For we cannot live secret lives apart from who we are. The part of us that we allow others to see is of course part of who we are (or better yet who we could be) but so is the part we keep hidden. That’s why God desires a pure heart, a heart that admits when it is wrong and believes He has the power to change us and one that is willing to submit to His authority, regardless of what our eyes tell us or what our minds would have us believe. For we are not led by the physical but by the spirit within and it is by God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, that Truth will be revealed and those who remain in Him shall know Truth and it will set them free.
In this life we can choose to be a “Way Maker” or an “Obstacle” in other’s journey simply by our attitude, actions, and words. Of course we would all say the “Way Maker” is what we want to be but these three things often tell a different story. If we put on a happy face and speak kind words but harbor within our hearts bitterness and strife or if we speak evil of one and in favor of another for our own purpose which do you think we have become? I am speaking to myself first concerning these things but don’t be fooled every man, woman, and child needs to search their own hearts in as much as God has revealed Truth to them about what’s on the inside. If you cannot hear Him speaking then examine your own life. When was the last time you have set apart time from your busy schedule to be with God, to read His Word, to pray, and to worship? Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
Those who have fallen and have been labeled a “failure” by society, if they are willing to accept the Truth God has revealed to them about themselves they will always have an advantage over those who appear strong or righteous because the Truth is if we are depending on ourselves to be good then our abilities are very limited for human kindness is dark, deceitful, and self-serving but when we recognize God’s ability to change who we are and we are ready for that change and we give authority to Him to do so what He does through us, not only for our sake but for the sake of others is unlimited. So remain strong in the faith He has given you. Do not limit what God can do in your life by turning from Him but remain strong in faith, hope, and love.
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
(Psalms 37:7-9 NLT)
Monday, December 30, 2013
His messenger
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too.
(1 Thessalonians 2:4-8 NLT)
The closer I get to the person God intended for me to be the more fierce the enemy becomes but I am not special for you too will taste of the enemy’s vengeance as you move closer to God's purpose for your life. Have you ever wondered if you were on the path God has planned for your life? You will know as the opposition increases, guarantied! It seems odd but the enemy, in this way, is predictable. If you are on a route that is less than what God has called you to do Satan will leave you alone but if you are stepping in the footsteps of Jesus often the enemy will know it sooner than you yourself realize it and he gives it away by his attacks. Many times these attacks will start in your dreams tempting to lead you off course and eventually threatening hopelessness and promising your past will also be your future but don’t take your eyes off of Jesus. On my own I am bound to repeat the same mistakes I have made before, for in me is brokenness but in my Savior is victory and I cannot not lose as long as I am careful to step where Jesus steps.
Image a winter scene where the trees and ground are covered with new snow yet untouched by man or beast and as you look out across the valley to mountains in the distance you marvel at the wonder of it all but you also realize on your own you could never reach your destination except for your guide that has promised to lead you through the wilderness. You trust Him completely because He spoke truth to you and told you of your need, which no one else could have known and even more important for the first time in your heart was born hope and peace like you’ve never known. Your guide instructs you to carefully step where he steps as you listen intently, for you know how easily you will sink in the deep snow, become cold and wet, and possibly freeze to death. If someone looked at where you two have been they would only see one set of tracks because each step you take is purposefully chosen. The enemy has been watching too and he knows if you venture off course you will lose your way, your heart will become cold and your strength will weaken and if you remain off course you will die. Why would he attack if you do his work for him but it is the one who follows the Guide closely whom he fears will reach their destination and therefore he attacks with the intention of distracting, even if only for a moment. At first the distractions will come seemingly innocently tempting but if that doesn’t work the tempting turns to threats so guard your soul because that is where the battleground begins and keep your eyes fixed on your guide – Jesus, for though He cannot be seen with human eye by His Spirit He leads you and it is by His Spirit you must learn to see. For this is the message, awakening all who would set out on the great adventure, come see what the Lord has done!
How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, letting them drink from Your river of delights. For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.
(Psalms 36:7-9 NLT)
(1 Thessalonians 2:4-8 NLT)
The closer I get to the person God intended for me to be the more fierce the enemy becomes but I am not special for you too will taste of the enemy’s vengeance as you move closer to God's purpose for your life. Have you ever wondered if you were on the path God has planned for your life? You will know as the opposition increases, guarantied! It seems odd but the enemy, in this way, is predictable. If you are on a route that is less than what God has called you to do Satan will leave you alone but if you are stepping in the footsteps of Jesus often the enemy will know it sooner than you yourself realize it and he gives it away by his attacks. Many times these attacks will start in your dreams tempting to lead you off course and eventually threatening hopelessness and promising your past will also be your future but don’t take your eyes off of Jesus. On my own I am bound to repeat the same mistakes I have made before, for in me is brokenness but in my Savior is victory and I cannot not lose as long as I am careful to step where Jesus steps.
Image a winter scene where the trees and ground are covered with new snow yet untouched by man or beast and as you look out across the valley to mountains in the distance you marvel at the wonder of it all but you also realize on your own you could never reach your destination except for your guide that has promised to lead you through the wilderness. You trust Him completely because He spoke truth to you and told you of your need, which no one else could have known and even more important for the first time in your heart was born hope and peace like you’ve never known. Your guide instructs you to carefully step where he steps as you listen intently, for you know how easily you will sink in the deep snow, become cold and wet, and possibly freeze to death. If someone looked at where you two have been they would only see one set of tracks because each step you take is purposefully chosen. The enemy has been watching too and he knows if you venture off course you will lose your way, your heart will become cold and your strength will weaken and if you remain off course you will die. Why would he attack if you do his work for him but it is the one who follows the Guide closely whom he fears will reach their destination and therefore he attacks with the intention of distracting, even if only for a moment. At first the distractions will come seemingly innocently tempting but if that doesn’t work the tempting turns to threats so guard your soul because that is where the battleground begins and keep your eyes fixed on your guide – Jesus, for though He cannot be seen with human eye by His Spirit He leads you and it is by His Spirit you must learn to see. For this is the message, awakening all who would set out on the great adventure, come see what the Lord has done!
How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, letting them drink from Your river of delights. For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.
(Psalms 36:7-9 NLT)
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