But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
(James 3:17-18 NLT)
So you desire true righteousness, your heart yearns to be the person God intends, then make peace and do not be jealous or have selfish ambitions. To chase after the things that would build up an earthly kingdom is to relinquish that which is eternal. In your training to be a follower of Christ Jesus you must be single minded and whole hearted, undivided in your determination because all your efforts will be required as you move forward. The closer you get the more opportunities you will have to be distracted, as you begin to teach others the things you have learned the more criticism you will receive and the more prepared you must be. As you stand up to reclaim what the enemy has stolen not only do you make yourself a target from frontal attacks, which you are no doubt prepared for but also from behind, which will take you by surprise. There are many who choose to live in the land of familiar and come against any who would disturb their false peace and sense of security. It’s not good enough that they live there but they want everyone they know to remain in this place with them, numb and desensitized to the call of the unfamiliar.
In this journey let your heart be your guide and fight to listen to it, even when others would tell you that you have missed the mark. Make peace with them but remain determined, for the call that you hear has also called to them but they have let it die. Failures in battle cause us to lose the war unless we remain determined. As you continue you must realize the call is beyond you, it may be your dream but it did not originate from you and should you fail others will rise to continue where you left off so do not let go, even when you feel you cannot go on. Something inside you tells you it is the pearl of great price that you have always hoped for and something you could never obtain on your own but that it has been given to you. You are making progress so be encouraged even when you cannot see past the rock faced mountain in front of you. The seeds of peace you have planted will produce a bountiful harvest and rest will be provided before the journey’s end. Remember this, righteousness and victory cannot be separated, it is not by strength the war is won but by the spirit which led you to this place.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
O, God give me mercy!
Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws.
(James 2:8-10 NLT)
Where love is concerned, by preferring one over another or loving this one and rejecting that one you fall to sin. It does not matter by which means you justify your actions, by hating one you are just as guilty as a person who hates all. You could keep all of God’s commandments save one and of that one keep it completely except for one instance and you are still as guilty as the person who breaks all of God’s commandments!
More hate is born out of judging others than anything else, yet we still do it. This is so ingrained into who we have become as a people that we judge others because they themselves judge others but we cannot see that we are just like them! Mercy is unknown by those who hate but hate doesn’t always take the form you expect. Hate can be disguised with kindness or being polite to the very person that consumes you because society says we should be polite and we want to be accepted by others. Still God knows our heart and it is our heart that gives away our true feelings. Only the blood of Jesus can make us clean and it is the Holy Spirit that convicts us by God’s own law given to His people, whether we know it or not. Those who choose to obey rather than sacrifice seek out God’s will by reading His Word, praying, and spending time alone with Him quietly waiting to hear His voice. Those are the ones who cry out to the Lord for mercy who shall receive it.
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you.
(James 2:13 NLT)
(James 2:8-10 NLT)
Where love is concerned, by preferring one over another or loving this one and rejecting that one you fall to sin. It does not matter by which means you justify your actions, by hating one you are just as guilty as a person who hates all. You could keep all of God’s commandments save one and of that one keep it completely except for one instance and you are still as guilty as the person who breaks all of God’s commandments!
More hate is born out of judging others than anything else, yet we still do it. This is so ingrained into who we have become as a people that we judge others because they themselves judge others but we cannot see that we are just like them! Mercy is unknown by those who hate but hate doesn’t always take the form you expect. Hate can be disguised with kindness or being polite to the very person that consumes you because society says we should be polite and we want to be accepted by others. Still God knows our heart and it is our heart that gives away our true feelings. Only the blood of Jesus can make us clean and it is the Holy Spirit that convicts us by God’s own law given to His people, whether we know it or not. Those who choose to obey rather than sacrifice seek out God’s will by reading His Word, praying, and spending time alone with Him quietly waiting to hear His voice. Those are the ones who cry out to the Lord for mercy who shall receive it.
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you.
(James 2:13 NLT)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Our expectations of God
He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession.
(James 1:18 NLT)
We are God’s prized possession out of all creation and because of that a great adventure awaits us. In this adventure we will be tested and tried so that we might become what He has purposed not only for His perfect will but for our own good as well, regardless of what our own eyes may tell us. As we travel this journey our relationship with Father God is such that we can boldly ask for help anytime or place but we must believe that He will do what He promised. Without faith it is impossible to please God, faith bridges the gap between the Creator and the created and simply is required if we are to become who we were made to be. You see it is not enough that God created us, what He desires is relationship with us and He has already given everything to make it possible but it is up to us to accept His invitation or not.
Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
(James 1:17 NLT)
So this transformation comes only by having relationship with our Heavenly Father but it is not enough to only listen but we must act upon what has been said. To listen and not obey only deceives one’s self into believing they are standing on solid ground. Too often I have seen “mature” Christians listen and then instead obey use what they have heard to judge others because putting someone else down is always easier than doing what is right yourself. Through James God says you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless! Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (James 1:27 NLT)
So listen yes but be led by God’s Holy Spirit into loving kindness and gentle meekness so that God’s work within you has all authority to shape and mold you into the person He made you to be. Then our full expectations of God will be met as we take new steps in faith each day, bringing us closer to our destination.
(James 1:18 NLT)
We are God’s prized possession out of all creation and because of that a great adventure awaits us. In this adventure we will be tested and tried so that we might become what He has purposed not only for His perfect will but for our own good as well, regardless of what our own eyes may tell us. As we travel this journey our relationship with Father God is such that we can boldly ask for help anytime or place but we must believe that He will do what He promised. Without faith it is impossible to please God, faith bridges the gap between the Creator and the created and simply is required if we are to become who we were made to be. You see it is not enough that God created us, what He desires is relationship with us and He has already given everything to make it possible but it is up to us to accept His invitation or not.
Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
(James 1:17 NLT)
So this transformation comes only by having relationship with our Heavenly Father but it is not enough to only listen but we must act upon what has been said. To listen and not obey only deceives one’s self into believing they are standing on solid ground. Too often I have seen “mature” Christians listen and then instead obey use what they have heard to judge others because putting someone else down is always easier than doing what is right yourself. Through James God says you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless! Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (James 1:27 NLT)
So listen yes but be led by God’s Holy Spirit into loving kindness and gentle meekness so that God’s work within you has all authority to shape and mold you into the person He made you to be. Then our full expectations of God will be met as we take new steps in faith each day, bringing us closer to our destination.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
That which lies ahead
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name. And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
(Hebrews 13:14-16 NLT)
Though we live and operate in this world we do not belong to it. More often than not we forget to whom we belong. I find with myself it is a continual training not to think first of the physical but the spiritual, to feel things not by touch but with the heart, and to see not with my eyes but by the spirit within me. Why do I listen more to songs about Jesus than anything else, because it reminds me to whom I belong. Why do I go to church, to remember the things that are pleasing to my Lord. Why do I serve, so my hands and feet become accustomed to being obedient.
All these things are not for our glory but rather to train us and prepare us for a home to which we have never been. You should not be surprised to learn the things that often seem mundane are actually opportunities to prove your love for our Lord and Savior. Therefore do everything as if you are doing unto Him. Give your whole self, holding nothing back. Sometimes we will fall short and other times our efforts will be recognized but regardless if you do it as unto the Lord His blessings will be upon you. We have a Heavenly Father that blesses those who are obedient and prepares for them a homecoming of epic proportions even though they are unaware of all He has done.
(Hebrews 13:14-16 NLT)
Though we live and operate in this world we do not belong to it. More often than not we forget to whom we belong. I find with myself it is a continual training not to think first of the physical but the spiritual, to feel things not by touch but with the heart, and to see not with my eyes but by the spirit within me. Why do I listen more to songs about Jesus than anything else, because it reminds me to whom I belong. Why do I go to church, to remember the things that are pleasing to my Lord. Why do I serve, so my hands and feet become accustomed to being obedient.
All these things are not for our glory but rather to train us and prepare us for a home to which we have never been. You should not be surprised to learn the things that often seem mundane are actually opportunities to prove your love for our Lord and Savior. Therefore do everything as if you are doing unto Him. Give your whole self, holding nothing back. Sometimes we will fall short and other times our efforts will be recognized but regardless if you do it as unto the Lord His blessings will be upon you. We have a Heavenly Father that blesses those who are obedient and prepares for them a homecoming of epic proportions even though they are unaware of all He has done.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Only the unshakable
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
(Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT)
Have you ever watched a trainer push the one he is training? What about a drill sergeant in the military yelling at his new recruits? We have enough knowledge of these situations to understand there is purpose in what seems like unfair treatment of those under their instruction or command and therefore do not question it. Why then do we not understand that God allows us to be tested? With tender mercy He draws us in, cleans us and cares for us as a mother would for her new born child. I ask you this do we stay as infants or do we, like any other life, grow? If we are not growing the question needs to be asked exactly who it is we are following because The Lion of Judah is on the move and those who are with Him are moving too. We have allowed the world’s excuse for not following a God who would allow bad things to happen to good people saturate our own mind set.
If we are truly God’s then we own nothing not even rights to our own life because our life is no longer ours but His and if we are to be used by Him do you not think there is training to go through. Who are we to tell our Lord what that training should look like? Will tragedy beset you, will injury disable, will poverty cripple or by faith will these things make you more determined because you have just enough insight to know that God is good and like the trainer and drill sergeant the One we follow has a higher purpose even though we cannot see it with our own eyes. You see the things that are lost are not the things God needs and if you will just hold on you will see what the Master is building inside of you will propel you onto His good works and you will become an instrument of His glory!
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
(Hebrews 12:11-13 NLT)
Many have hardened their hearts towards God because they felt what He required was too much and instead took what they felt was needed now, like Esau they traded their birthright for a simple bowl of stew and even though he wept bitterly afterwards it was too late for repentance. The same will happen to those who turn from the Lord to take the easier route and on the day of judgment when all will give an account of what was done with the life God gave us for those even though they will see the error of their ways it will be too late.
Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! When God spoke from Mount Sinai His voice shook the earth, but now He makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.
(Hebrews 12:25-29 NLT)
(Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT)
Have you ever watched a trainer push the one he is training? What about a drill sergeant in the military yelling at his new recruits? We have enough knowledge of these situations to understand there is purpose in what seems like unfair treatment of those under their instruction or command and therefore do not question it. Why then do we not understand that God allows us to be tested? With tender mercy He draws us in, cleans us and cares for us as a mother would for her new born child. I ask you this do we stay as infants or do we, like any other life, grow? If we are not growing the question needs to be asked exactly who it is we are following because The Lion of Judah is on the move and those who are with Him are moving too. We have allowed the world’s excuse for not following a God who would allow bad things to happen to good people saturate our own mind set.
If we are truly God’s then we own nothing not even rights to our own life because our life is no longer ours but His and if we are to be used by Him do you not think there is training to go through. Who are we to tell our Lord what that training should look like? Will tragedy beset you, will injury disable, will poverty cripple or by faith will these things make you more determined because you have just enough insight to know that God is good and like the trainer and drill sergeant the One we follow has a higher purpose even though we cannot see it with our own eyes. You see the things that are lost are not the things God needs and if you will just hold on you will see what the Master is building inside of you will propel you onto His good works and you will become an instrument of His glory!
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
(Hebrews 12:11-13 NLT)
Many have hardened their hearts towards God because they felt what He required was too much and instead took what they felt was needed now, like Esau they traded their birthright for a simple bowl of stew and even though he wept bitterly afterwards it was too late for repentance. The same will happen to those who turn from the Lord to take the easier route and on the day of judgment when all will give an account of what was done with the life God gave us for those even though they will see the error of their ways it will be too late.
Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! When God spoke from Mount Sinai His voice shook the earth, but now He makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.
(Hebrews 12:25-29 NLT)
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
A shadow of what was and what will be
"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations."
(Jeremiah 1:5 NLT)
Have you ever had a desire or passion for something so strong it keeps resurfacing? You may put it down for a little while but it comes back again and again. It is not even necessarily the thing you do but it is as close as you can get to fulfilling that drive. What makes a mountain climber climb or a sky diver jump? What burning desire makes the person hike through the wilderness or dive into the ocean? What if these things were remnants of what was and what will be once again? What if your spirit is remembering something your mind can’t comprehend? What if this world has blinded you from the truth, would you give it all up and blindly step out if faith all because this hunger inside cannot be satisfied? Would you let go of the good for something even better?
Now take it a step further what if this adventure was placed in us by a loving Creator who through His great wisdom has given us purpose, not just for the life to come but for here and now. We know this, we are to love Him above all else and that love will compel us to tell others about Him but what isn’t discussed often is simultaneously He is preparing us for something even greater. For each one that is different and the same, all will glorify His name but He has not called us to become angels, nor do we sprout wings when we get to heaven. Neither does that mean we can lose sight of what He has given us to do right now but somewhere on the other side of Jordan something unexpected awaits us. Jacob said this…
I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness You have shown to me, Your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!
(Genesis 32:10 NLT)
And I believe it will be the same once again. This earth, for now is our home and if we love God the way He intended we truly have nothing except Him. You see Jacob was being prepared for something greater but like him when we cross that river Jordan all these shadows will materialize into the tangible, our faith will be increased, and doubt will be no more.
Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NLT)
Above all else protect what is eternal, for these are the life line that we hold to. By faith our eyes were opened and hope whispers of things to come but love changes and prepares us for that which our hope is set upon. Love the Lord your God, not in part but with your whole being. Do not offer your terms and conditions for being His but recklessly abandon all that you know for all that He is so that one day you may see Him face to face and you will thirst no longer. For on that day what will you be able to look back on and say it was worth holding onto even though it caused you to miss heaven? Your soul knows it to be true, the question becomes will you listen and can you make that leap of faith? Just as the skydiver steps out of the plane to experience something indescribable because he believes his equipment will save him, we have something even greater being offered but you will never experience it unless you take the first step and when you do don’t do it in part wishing to be back in the safety of plane but by faith take in the experience of the here and now and know this is only training for what is to come.
(Jeremiah 1:5 NLT)
Have you ever had a desire or passion for something so strong it keeps resurfacing? You may put it down for a little while but it comes back again and again. It is not even necessarily the thing you do but it is as close as you can get to fulfilling that drive. What makes a mountain climber climb or a sky diver jump? What burning desire makes the person hike through the wilderness or dive into the ocean? What if these things were remnants of what was and what will be once again? What if your spirit is remembering something your mind can’t comprehend? What if this world has blinded you from the truth, would you give it all up and blindly step out if faith all because this hunger inside cannot be satisfied? Would you let go of the good for something even better?
Now take it a step further what if this adventure was placed in us by a loving Creator who through His great wisdom has given us purpose, not just for the life to come but for here and now. We know this, we are to love Him above all else and that love will compel us to tell others about Him but what isn’t discussed often is simultaneously He is preparing us for something even greater. For each one that is different and the same, all will glorify His name but He has not called us to become angels, nor do we sprout wings when we get to heaven. Neither does that mean we can lose sight of what He has given us to do right now but somewhere on the other side of Jordan something unexpected awaits us. Jacob said this…
I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness You have shown to me, Your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!
(Genesis 32:10 NLT)
And I believe it will be the same once again. This earth, for now is our home and if we love God the way He intended we truly have nothing except Him. You see Jacob was being prepared for something greater but like him when we cross that river Jordan all these shadows will materialize into the tangible, our faith will be increased, and doubt will be no more.
Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NLT)
Above all else protect what is eternal, for these are the life line that we hold to. By faith our eyes were opened and hope whispers of things to come but love changes and prepares us for that which our hope is set upon. Love the Lord your God, not in part but with your whole being. Do not offer your terms and conditions for being His but recklessly abandon all that you know for all that He is so that one day you may see Him face to face and you will thirst no longer. For on that day what will you be able to look back on and say it was worth holding onto even though it caused you to miss heaven? Your soul knows it to be true, the question becomes will you listen and can you make that leap of faith? Just as the skydiver steps out of the plane to experience something indescribable because he believes his equipment will save him, we have something even greater being offered but you will never experience it unless you take the first step and when you do don’t do it in part wishing to be back in the safety of plane but by faith take in the experience of the here and now and know this is only training for what is to come.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
You have been conditioned
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
(Romans 8:28 NLT)
Not everything is for our benefit, we are free to make choices that lead away from God however, if we truly love God even when we fall to temptation and the devil means to harm and separate us from God our Heavenly Father can and will turn it around to work out for our own good. Even before we know God He reaches out to show us that we are loved and there is a better way. Remember Paul was Saul, you see people need to know their own need for God, they need to see where control over their own lives leads to, this is done by the law God gave Moses first and in Saul’s situation it took him being knocked to the ground and blinded until he was ready to truly see. He received a new name and new life but he did not forget what God had brought him out of, instead it was used to compel him toward the goal God had set for him. The point is God will get our attention and we will come face to face with a choice. If we make the decision to not change for a while God will keep showing up as our plans naturally fail and each time we will be presented with a choice but if we continue to turn from God eventually our heart grows hard and we stop hearing God’s call. However, If we decide at that point God knows the way better than we do change will come and then His forgiveness breaks the chains that bind but all that is past is not wasted but instead our weakness becomes His strength. Whatever you struggled with, whatever you have been delivered from, whatever you have battled and won that is where you will be compelled the most when speaking to others about what the Lord has done. Yes all things in this life do work together for our good if we love God and follow His calling for our lives. God does not take junk, meaning He wants our whole heart not just part. What it does not mean is that we have to clean ourselves up before coming to Him, we only need recognize we can’t do it on our own and He is good and true to complete the work He has started in us.
(Romans 8:28 NLT)
Not everything is for our benefit, we are free to make choices that lead away from God however, if we truly love God even when we fall to temptation and the devil means to harm and separate us from God our Heavenly Father can and will turn it around to work out for our own good. Even before we know God He reaches out to show us that we are loved and there is a better way. Remember Paul was Saul, you see people need to know their own need for God, they need to see where control over their own lives leads to, this is done by the law God gave Moses first and in Saul’s situation it took him being knocked to the ground and blinded until he was ready to truly see. He received a new name and new life but he did not forget what God had brought him out of, instead it was used to compel him toward the goal God had set for him. The point is God will get our attention and we will come face to face with a choice. If we make the decision to not change for a while God will keep showing up as our plans naturally fail and each time we will be presented with a choice but if we continue to turn from God eventually our heart grows hard and we stop hearing God’s call. However, If we decide at that point God knows the way better than we do change will come and then His forgiveness breaks the chains that bind but all that is past is not wasted but instead our weakness becomes His strength. Whatever you struggled with, whatever you have been delivered from, whatever you have battled and won that is where you will be compelled the most when speaking to others about what the Lord has done. Yes all things in this life do work together for our good if we love God and follow His calling for our lives. God does not take junk, meaning He wants our whole heart not just part. What it does not mean is that we have to clean ourselves up before coming to Him, we only need recognize we can’t do it on our own and He is good and true to complete the work He has started in us.
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