Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
(2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT)
Do you have a difficult person in your life? Is that person someone you cannot get away from such as a coworker, business partner, family member, spouse, or teen? A difficult person you can avoid is one thing but when you have to see him or her every day it can push your ability to tolerate difficult situations to the limit. You actually begin to lose your ability to start fresh with that person each day but instead their stubborn persistence wears on you until you become hyper-sensitive to the point even the slightest thing wrong becomes a test of your will and self-control. I have been there and several times I have been told by those closest to me “don’t sweat the small stuff” and it works temporarily because it helps refocus your thoughts and priorities but the more room you seem to give the more they take until you feel your back in the corner. It’s only been recently that I’ve learned to combat this situation. How, you ask? With genuine, pure love that does not come from within me but my Heavenly Father from above. This is what Paul is telling Timothy when says be kind and be able to teach and be patient with difficult people. For Paul knew there would be people in the church that would try to persuade others to follow the wrong path and that Timothy would do himself no favors by having what Paul called “ignorant arguments”.
My ability to cope was tied directly to my ability to control the situation and when I could not do that I began to unravel but God says, “No”. It has nothing to do with my ability to control but to see that God is in charge and the only person I can control is I. To keep my focus on Jesus, not the difficult person who is making my life miserable is my only responsibility. In the end if I do what I know is right, look to Jesus as my source of hope and strength, and allow Jesus to love that person through me He can and will change them and the unexpected thing is that I change too. As much as I want to see them change the outcome is not mine to own, for they belong to The Master and I am but His vessel. Show God’s love (1 Corinthians 13), pray, and be willing to be obedient to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit and you will have the person you are longing for, it won’t happen overnight, as a matter of fact as you love them you will be accused of not playing fair because they are used to you arguing as you have always done but that is only evidence real change is coming. While this change is happening in your relationship with this person there will also be a change inside of you. There will still be moments when you want to argue but don’t give in. When things are at their worst tell that person, “I love you” and watch what happens. It doesn’t matter that you are the person with authority or if that’s how it was done when you were the one learning, you have to let go of your right to be right for the sake of the other person. If they are in the devil’s trap as Paul said and you ever loved that person what would you be willing to give up in order to rescue them? You’ve tried to reason with them and it has failed and continuing to do the same thing over expecting different results is the definition of insanity, it is time to lay this burden down and stop getting in the way of real victory, which only comes through the power of Jesus blood and resurrection.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
(Proverbs 15:1 NLT)
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Recognizing God's presence in others
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
(2 Timothy 1:7 TNIV)
Powerful, loving, and self-discipline have you ever known someone with these qualities? I’ve known people who have displayed one or even two but to show all three consistently regardless of the situation points to their relationship with someone bigger than themselves (read God). You may ask why, the reason is because we’ve not been given the capacity to render these qualities from within. Though we can choose to mimic all three of these separately or in short periods together the difference is that when we do it out of our own strength it is like putting on garments that must eventually be removed and cleaned but when these qualities come from God it is from a source that is unending and pure.
Lastly, Paul tells Timothy to “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1:14 TNIV). These things are evidence of your relationship with God and witness to what He is doing in your life. By telling Timothy to guard them it is implied that Timothy watches out for compromise. Paul then goes on to tell about those who have deserted him because of where his unwavering convictions have led him. Paul speaks from his heart as he warns his spiritual son where this path will lead Timothy as well. You can hear the concern and compassion in Paul’s words knowing this river that must be crossed and the dangerous current that Timothy will surely face as each footstep takes him into deeper water.
Live this day knowing what is being asked of you and cling to the One who is bringing about this change from within. Though the journey maybe difficult at times, there will come a time when you look back and realize it was all worth it. Someone asked of Jesus if only a few people were going to be saved, to which He responded…
People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
(Luke 13:29 TNIV)
And each who does take part in that feast will be an overcomer, this is not simply a title but it is descriptive of what was entrusted to them and how they guarded it.
For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
(Psalms 47:2 TNIV)
(2 Timothy 1:7 TNIV)
Powerful, loving, and self-discipline have you ever known someone with these qualities? I’ve known people who have displayed one or even two but to show all three consistently regardless of the situation points to their relationship with someone bigger than themselves (read God). You may ask why, the reason is because we’ve not been given the capacity to render these qualities from within. Though we can choose to mimic all three of these separately or in short periods together the difference is that when we do it out of our own strength it is like putting on garments that must eventually be removed and cleaned but when these qualities come from God it is from a source that is unending and pure.
Lastly, Paul tells Timothy to “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1:14 TNIV). These things are evidence of your relationship with God and witness to what He is doing in your life. By telling Timothy to guard them it is implied that Timothy watches out for compromise. Paul then goes on to tell about those who have deserted him because of where his unwavering convictions have led him. Paul speaks from his heart as he warns his spiritual son where this path will lead Timothy as well. You can hear the concern and compassion in Paul’s words knowing this river that must be crossed and the dangerous current that Timothy will surely face as each footstep takes him into deeper water.
Live this day knowing what is being asked of you and cling to the One who is bringing about this change from within. Though the journey maybe difficult at times, there will come a time when you look back and realize it was all worth it. Someone asked of Jesus if only a few people were going to be saved, to which He responded…
People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
(Luke 13:29 TNIV)
And each who does take part in that feast will be an overcomer, this is not simply a title but it is descriptive of what was entrusted to them and how they guarded it.
For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
(Psalms 47:2 TNIV)
Friday, January 31, 2014
Longing to be rich
After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
(1 Timothy 6:7-8 NLT)
Society has seemed to accept the ideal of being rich is good and desirable for the purpose of driving people’s ambitions and our economy but it doesn’t talk about the costs involved on the way there nor the rewards once obtained.
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
(1 Timothy 6:9-10 NLT)
Some claw their way to the top, while others are born rich or come into an inheritance but once accustomed to the life style, if they are not careful, they get a “me first” attitude. For a period of about three years I worked as a professional home theatre installer. Most of my client base had more money than could be imagined. The special rooms that would be made to entertain were astounding and the display of money and power was evident from the cars that were parked in the multi-car, heated garages, to furnishings and paintings hanging on the walls. You would have thought someone with that much money would loosen up a little but they were some of the tightest people, in regards to money, I have ever met. The general feel was that they had to protect what was theirs and I am sure there were people in their lives who were present because of their worth because that is the foundation they built upon. It should also be said a select few were generous and seemed to be able to handle their worth better than most but even they had grown accustomed to a life-style of being served instead of serving others, which we know is the currency of God’s kingdom.
In my youth I would day dream about things I wanted when I became an adult. As an adult learning to live within my means was and is sometimes still a difficult lesson but the older I get the more I realize I am okay with this life God has provided. It’s kind of like having just enough to eat, for if you eat too much you want to unbutton your jeans, lay back in your easy chair and watch TV but if you have an edge of hunger you will work and you will be alert to your surroundings. In the same way I don’t want to be like the rich man in Luke 12 that was going to tear down his barns to build bigger ones so he could sit back and take it easy. Without being aware he had totally locked God out of his life and assumed this life he had was somehow brought about because of his own good fortune but God called him a fool because he died that night and lost everything he had and as a reward received all that he had worked for in the life to come. You see, we are here for a purpose, God’s purpose and His Holy Spirit will lead us to that purpose no matter how long it takes, for God is patient. Some will realize what that purpose is while they are still young and others won’t understand it until they are old and God knows and understand our capacity to do the work He has for us. However, we cannot afford to chase this hunger away with riches because it leads us to God. Money is the root of all kinds of evil and if money is what we are serving then we have either willingly or unwillingly rejected God. This rich man in Luke 12 did not appear to have evil intentions, as a matter of fact I’m sure his plans would have provided work for many, allowing them to make a life for themselves either as slaves or free men. This is the attitude the world has today – let the rich become richer and those with less will benefit from it but God says these people are broke and without true riches. So young man, young woman, which path do you want to take in preparation for your adult life?
"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
(Luke 12:21 NLT)
"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
(Psalms 46:10-11 NLT)
Lord, in you I will trust. May my soul remain just hungry enough to make my feet follow where You lead. Please don’t let me look to what you have provided to save me but may this passion inside of me remain for You alone.
(1 Timothy 6:7-8 NLT)
Society has seemed to accept the ideal of being rich is good and desirable for the purpose of driving people’s ambitions and our economy but it doesn’t talk about the costs involved on the way there nor the rewards once obtained.
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
(1 Timothy 6:9-10 NLT)
Some claw their way to the top, while others are born rich or come into an inheritance but once accustomed to the life style, if they are not careful, they get a “me first” attitude. For a period of about three years I worked as a professional home theatre installer. Most of my client base had more money than could be imagined. The special rooms that would be made to entertain were astounding and the display of money and power was evident from the cars that were parked in the multi-car, heated garages, to furnishings and paintings hanging on the walls. You would have thought someone with that much money would loosen up a little but they were some of the tightest people, in regards to money, I have ever met. The general feel was that they had to protect what was theirs and I am sure there were people in their lives who were present because of their worth because that is the foundation they built upon. It should also be said a select few were generous and seemed to be able to handle their worth better than most but even they had grown accustomed to a life-style of being served instead of serving others, which we know is the currency of God’s kingdom.
In my youth I would day dream about things I wanted when I became an adult. As an adult learning to live within my means was and is sometimes still a difficult lesson but the older I get the more I realize I am okay with this life God has provided. It’s kind of like having just enough to eat, for if you eat too much you want to unbutton your jeans, lay back in your easy chair and watch TV but if you have an edge of hunger you will work and you will be alert to your surroundings. In the same way I don’t want to be like the rich man in Luke 12 that was going to tear down his barns to build bigger ones so he could sit back and take it easy. Without being aware he had totally locked God out of his life and assumed this life he had was somehow brought about because of his own good fortune but God called him a fool because he died that night and lost everything he had and as a reward received all that he had worked for in the life to come. You see, we are here for a purpose, God’s purpose and His Holy Spirit will lead us to that purpose no matter how long it takes, for God is patient. Some will realize what that purpose is while they are still young and others won’t understand it until they are old and God knows and understand our capacity to do the work He has for us. However, we cannot afford to chase this hunger away with riches because it leads us to God. Money is the root of all kinds of evil and if money is what we are serving then we have either willingly or unwillingly rejected God. This rich man in Luke 12 did not appear to have evil intentions, as a matter of fact I’m sure his plans would have provided work for many, allowing them to make a life for themselves either as slaves or free men. This is the attitude the world has today – let the rich become richer and those with less will benefit from it but God says these people are broke and without true riches. So young man, young woman, which path do you want to take in preparation for your adult life?
"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
(Luke 12:21 NLT)
"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
(Psalms 46:10-11 NLT)
Lord, in you I will trust. May my soul remain just hungry enough to make my feet follow where You lead. Please don’t let me look to what you have provided to save me but may this passion inside of me remain for You alone.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Godly instruction
As Paul instructs Timothy how to conduct himself in regards to dealing with other people in the church we find life applications for everyday living.
Always show respect to people who are older than you. Paul did not give Timothy rules on which elders should be respected but he said “Never speak harshly to an older man but appeal to him respectfully”. Why, because he knew for Timothy to gain respect he would have to show it.
Next he instructs him to take care of the elderly who have no one else to take care of them but if they have family who are capable of taking care of them then they should do so before the church does. In verse eight Paul said, “But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” He also told Timothy the age of the widow makes a difference how you care for them. The younger ones should be encouraged to remarry while the older ones should supported by the church.
The next one has importance to me because I have been there for which I am grateful because it also helps me understand the importance of giving. Verse seventeen, “Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.” Notice Paul didn’t say “only those who both preach and teach”. I have seen too many times the church that expects services provide for free and I am fully aware that non-believers have noticed also. As one who served the church for many years above beyond the level of volunteer, as one who has worked for the church providing installation and professional advice for their A/V needs, as a professional engineering consultant, and being in contact with others who do the same things I can tell you too many churches have a bad reputation for taking advantage of people when it comes to financial obligations. It should be made known not all churches are this way but so many are that all but an elite few are looked upon in a bad light. Being responsible with the finances you are given is a big job and not to be taken lightly but not paying what you owe just because you can hurts in ways unseen.
How many like to be the subject of other people’s conversations, accused without the opportunity to explain or defend your position? It is no fun, feelings get hurt, and friendships broken. For this reason Paul instructs not to believe an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. And I would say if it is confirmed by many you should go to that person first and present them with the news you received and provide them the opportunity to explain. Only then can it be confirmed by you and once you have done this and the person should but refuses to repent then they must be brought before the church for the purpose of all knowing. How many times has an elder done something wrong only to be covered up by the leaders of the church so that the church will not lose members or their support? I just heard it in the news this past week, again it doesn’t take many bad apples to make the whole cart bad. Paul goes on to say, “Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” Don’t make hasty decisions but pray about everything, sometimes the wrong decision can be worse than not making a decision at all.
Next comes a dividing line within the church. Paul tells Timothy not to drink only water but a little wine for the sake of his health. When the church is asked about this they are quick to point out that Timothy was sick often and the wine helped settle his stomach also the water at that time and place was not clean and healthy like the tap water we have today. Well there is no way of proving that the water Timothy was drinking was bad or not but here is the question I lay on the table. If drinking wine is a sin would Paul have Timothy sin in order maintain health in his body?
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
(Ephesians 5:17-19 NLT)
Ephesians 5:18 tells us not to get drunk but does not say don’t drink. People call drinking alcohol a sin because they’ve seen what drunken people do and because the drinking leads to drunkenness they are one in the same but I’m not sure that is how God sees it. The sin comes whenever we give up the control we are to have over our own being and that is true with anger, drugs, alcohol, and many, many other things. We know anger is not a sin in itself because the Bible tells us Jesus was angry, look at John 11:33-38 and Matthew 21:12. Ephesians 4:26 tells us not to sin by letting anger control you. It is made clear it is not anger that is a sin but the act of letting it control you is the actual sin. The easiest way to make sure you never sin in this area is simply never get angry but is that what God intended? Each person who loves God has to do what they believe is right and they will only know that by reading the Bible, praying, and being sensitive to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. Still many make judgments without doing these things first. This is right and true it is a sin to call something a sin and it not be a sin. Though intentions maybe good those who do this are missing the mark. If God has called you not to drink wine or eat meat then you should not do that but don’t condemn others because they do. I personally can’t get past the thought of the animal that has an endless supply of green pastures as far as the eye can see but spends all of it’s time pushing up against the fence that defines where it should not go.
Lastly, Paul reminds Timothy the sins of some are obvious but the sins of others will not be revealed until a later time. The same is true with good deeds, which leads us to not judge others for only God knows the heart.
Always show respect to people who are older than you. Paul did not give Timothy rules on which elders should be respected but he said “Never speak harshly to an older man but appeal to him respectfully”. Why, because he knew for Timothy to gain respect he would have to show it.
Next he instructs him to take care of the elderly who have no one else to take care of them but if they have family who are capable of taking care of them then they should do so before the church does. In verse eight Paul said, “But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” He also told Timothy the age of the widow makes a difference how you care for them. The younger ones should be encouraged to remarry while the older ones should supported by the church.
The next one has importance to me because I have been there for which I am grateful because it also helps me understand the importance of giving. Verse seventeen, “Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.” Notice Paul didn’t say “only those who both preach and teach”. I have seen too many times the church that expects services provide for free and I am fully aware that non-believers have noticed also. As one who served the church for many years above beyond the level of volunteer, as one who has worked for the church providing installation and professional advice for their A/V needs, as a professional engineering consultant, and being in contact with others who do the same things I can tell you too many churches have a bad reputation for taking advantage of people when it comes to financial obligations. It should be made known not all churches are this way but so many are that all but an elite few are looked upon in a bad light. Being responsible with the finances you are given is a big job and not to be taken lightly but not paying what you owe just because you can hurts in ways unseen.
How many like to be the subject of other people’s conversations, accused without the opportunity to explain or defend your position? It is no fun, feelings get hurt, and friendships broken. For this reason Paul instructs not to believe an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. And I would say if it is confirmed by many you should go to that person first and present them with the news you received and provide them the opportunity to explain. Only then can it be confirmed by you and once you have done this and the person should but refuses to repent then they must be brought before the church for the purpose of all knowing. How many times has an elder done something wrong only to be covered up by the leaders of the church so that the church will not lose members or their support? I just heard it in the news this past week, again it doesn’t take many bad apples to make the whole cart bad. Paul goes on to say, “Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” Don’t make hasty decisions but pray about everything, sometimes the wrong decision can be worse than not making a decision at all.
Next comes a dividing line within the church. Paul tells Timothy not to drink only water but a little wine for the sake of his health. When the church is asked about this they are quick to point out that Timothy was sick often and the wine helped settle his stomach also the water at that time and place was not clean and healthy like the tap water we have today. Well there is no way of proving that the water Timothy was drinking was bad or not but here is the question I lay on the table. If drinking wine is a sin would Paul have Timothy sin in order maintain health in his body?
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
(Ephesians 5:17-19 NLT)
Ephesians 5:18 tells us not to get drunk but does not say don’t drink. People call drinking alcohol a sin because they’ve seen what drunken people do and because the drinking leads to drunkenness they are one in the same but I’m not sure that is how God sees it. The sin comes whenever we give up the control we are to have over our own being and that is true with anger, drugs, alcohol, and many, many other things. We know anger is not a sin in itself because the Bible tells us Jesus was angry, look at John 11:33-38 and Matthew 21:12. Ephesians 4:26 tells us not to sin by letting anger control you. It is made clear it is not anger that is a sin but the act of letting it control you is the actual sin. The easiest way to make sure you never sin in this area is simply never get angry but is that what God intended? Each person who loves God has to do what they believe is right and they will only know that by reading the Bible, praying, and being sensitive to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. Still many make judgments without doing these things first. This is right and true it is a sin to call something a sin and it not be a sin. Though intentions maybe good those who do this are missing the mark. If God has called you not to drink wine or eat meat then you should not do that but don’t condemn others because they do. I personally can’t get past the thought of the animal that has an endless supply of green pastures as far as the eye can see but spends all of it’s time pushing up against the fence that defines where it should not go.
Lastly, Paul reminds Timothy the sins of some are obvious but the sins of others will not be revealed until a later time. The same is true with good deeds, which leads us to not judge others for only God knows the heart.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Spiritual fittness
"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
(1 Timothy 4:8-10 NLT)
The older I get the more important it is that I eat right and exercise regularly but as important as that is it all means nothing if my spirit man is starving. Diet and exercise will extend my life and the quality of it but it only pushes back the inevitable a little while.
Grass withers and flowers fade when the LORD sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass.
(Isaiah 40:7 GNB)
I am convinced that this life serves this purpose: to allow those who say they love God to prove what they say is true. How many times did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him?
A third time He asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You." Jesus said, "Then feed My sheep. "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go."
(John 21:17-18 NLT)
Jesus indicated each time Peter replied something was required of him so that he may prove his love for Jesus. It is no less true with us. I love this life God gave me because I know Jesus walks with me, it is my time to try. And as I do I will fall, it’s not about being perfect but in falling I come to a better understanding of God’s love for me. He lifts me up, dusts me off, and helps me to stand once again. If I went to heaven as soon as I accepted Christ Jesus into my heart I would not know His great love, nor would I be given the opportunity to show my love for Him. Yes, it is good to stay healthy but don’t forsake your spiritual health because of short sightedness. Your physical health means you get to experience God’s presence longer and that is good but without your spiritual health your beauty, your talents, your efforts will all fade quickly in the light of eternity.
I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the One who gives us victory over our enemies; You disgrace those who hate us.
(Psalms 44:6-7 NLT)
And Lord I do not trust in my ability to stay healthy but trust you with my life here below and look to You for leading me home so that I may be with you for eternity. Provide me the courage to try and the faith to believe you will pick me up when I fall. For it is only in the doing that I come to understand You won’t leave me. If I don’t experience Your love for myself then all that I’ve heard about You are just stories and though stories can ignite passion for life its only in the doing , the living life, that the stories turn into relationship and relationship into love for You. I thought I loved You when You saved me but I love You more today.
(1 Timothy 4:8-10 NLT)
The older I get the more important it is that I eat right and exercise regularly but as important as that is it all means nothing if my spirit man is starving. Diet and exercise will extend my life and the quality of it but it only pushes back the inevitable a little while.
Grass withers and flowers fade when the LORD sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass.
(Isaiah 40:7 GNB)
I am convinced that this life serves this purpose: to allow those who say they love God to prove what they say is true. How many times did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him?
A third time He asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You." Jesus said, "Then feed My sheep. "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go."
(John 21:17-18 NLT)
Jesus indicated each time Peter replied something was required of him so that he may prove his love for Jesus. It is no less true with us. I love this life God gave me because I know Jesus walks with me, it is my time to try. And as I do I will fall, it’s not about being perfect but in falling I come to a better understanding of God’s love for me. He lifts me up, dusts me off, and helps me to stand once again. If I went to heaven as soon as I accepted Christ Jesus into my heart I would not know His great love, nor would I be given the opportunity to show my love for Him. Yes, it is good to stay healthy but don’t forsake your spiritual health because of short sightedness. Your physical health means you get to experience God’s presence longer and that is good but without your spiritual health your beauty, your talents, your efforts will all fade quickly in the light of eternity.
I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the One who gives us victory over our enemies; You disgrace those who hate us.
(Psalms 44:6-7 NLT)
And Lord I do not trust in my ability to stay healthy but trust you with my life here below and look to You for leading me home so that I may be with you for eternity. Provide me the courage to try and the faith to believe you will pick me up when I fall. For it is only in the doing that I come to understand You won’t leave me. If I don’t experience Your love for myself then all that I’ve heard about You are just stories and though stories can ignite passion for life its only in the doing , the living life, that the stories turn into relationship and relationship into love for You. I thought I loved You when You saved me but I love You more today.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The unresting enemy
God’s children have an enemy that is ceaseless in activity, ever toiling for the destruction of what God has set forth to be good and right. Only as we seek God with our whole being do we come to realize the flood that is rising against us, reminding us of what is to come.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
(1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
For one day God’s righteousness will be removed and what the enemy now does in the shadows will one day be done in broad daylight. And on that day though the sun may shine no eye will be able to see what is happening because it is God’s Holy Spirit that allows us to discern righteousness from evil.
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.
(Romans 1:28 NLT)
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
(Proverbs 14:12 NLT)
In the end all roads points to Jesus, for man was not created so that he can save himself but only a righteous, holy God that loved us enough to send His only Son who knew no sin yet was offered as a sacrifice to die so that our debts may be erased. All that is asked of us in return is that we love God above all else and love our neighbor like ourselves so they may also know God’s love. Don’t allow yourself to be blinded by the concerns and worries of this world but be transformed so that the talents and resources entrusted to you may be spent on the eternal not the temporary.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
(1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
For one day God’s righteousness will be removed and what the enemy now does in the shadows will one day be done in broad daylight. And on that day though the sun may shine no eye will be able to see what is happening because it is God’s Holy Spirit that allows us to discern righteousness from evil.
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.
(Romans 1:28 NLT)
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
(Proverbs 14:12 NLT)
In the end all roads points to Jesus, for man was not created so that he can save himself but only a righteous, holy God that loved us enough to send His only Son who knew no sin yet was offered as a sacrifice to die so that our debts may be erased. All that is asked of us in return is that we love God above all else and love our neighbor like ourselves so they may also know God’s love. Don’t allow yourself to be blinded by the concerns and worries of this world but be transformed so that the talents and resources entrusted to you may be spent on the eternal not the temporary.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
The disciplined life
The Christian who lives a disciplined life is a Christian that recognizes the holy. Allow me to explain, in order to stay healthy I decided to take an opportunity that came my way to start seeing a nutritionist for this coming year, I knew I needed help with eating right for a while now and though I was doing the best I knew to do I still wasn’t getting it right. In just one day I felt a big change in my energy level and alertness, which were two of the biggest issues I wanted to address but in spite of that I found the urge to search and destroy a bag of chips my wife brought home almost irresistible. Now before your eyes get too big it was a medium size bag and my youngest son liked them as much as I did but still within 24 hours I ate half a bag of chips! Then the Lord reminded me of something in a dream last night…
"This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it." When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" "Here I am!" Moses replied. "Do not come any closer," the LORD warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.
(Exodus 3:3-6 NLT)
It wasn’t for the burning bush that Moses covered his face and removed his sandals but it was because of God’s presence and the holiness that surrounded Him. Then the Lord reminded me my own heart, soul, mind, and body are holy too because He dwells there and I am also required to remove what is not holy. I knew instantly that meant things I’ve been spending time with like video games and Facebook, I also knew it was things I wasn’t doing like the pile of paper work on my desk that needs to be filed and more importantly spending more time with my wife and children. It seems we, God’s people, get so caught up in the rewards of this life that what seems mundane or boring gets pushed off to the side but these things that entertain us also trap us like a drug and we keep returning to feel that high but in the end everything becomes a chore. The needs pile up while we search for more ways to be in a continual state of bliss but even the highs eventually become just moments of normalcy. However, if we were disciplined enough to keep up with the “mundane” like paperwork we would find so much freedom to come into God’s presence, can you imagine finding God even in the little things all throughout your day instead of just an hour in the morning? Like eating right all day long makes you have more energy and allows you to be alert, being in God’s presence all day long would surely have a dramatic impact on your life that not only is noticed by you but by everyone you come in contact with! Yes, it is the disciplined life that I am searching for but the world’s enticements have a very real pull and this is part of the battle that we followers of Christ Jesus must face, for the battle is unknown by us until our eyes have been opened. Is it any wonder why this unseen journey is described as wild and adventurous? I may never climb a mountain or dive in the deep but my spirit has fought battles unseen and my soul recognizes the still quiet voice of the invisible God, for He has given me spiritual ears to hear His call and spiritual eyes to see the path He has placed me on but it remains my choice to follow and for that I pray for His strength, wisdom, understanding, and faith to do the things He teaches me is right, at all times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)