We are most driven when the unnecessary has been stripped from us. I believe most fear this place but those who have been realize the value of it and allow it to propel them to do that which they would not have been able to do otherwise. Look at Job, Noah, Moses, Abraham, David, Ruth and all the Old Testament people God used to see if this is not true. Now look at Paul who was Saul, Peter, Luke, John and the ones who started the church, many were martyrs for Christ yet they did not back down, no instead they become more determined and so must we if we are to be followers of Christ.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be My disciple must follow Me, because My servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves Me.
(John 12:24-26 NLT)
The early church was scattered because of persecution but they could not be silenced, for what drove their spirit was stronger than what their flesh feared. Most Christians today have lost sight of the eternal and have surrounded themselves with things and people that make them feel good about who they are but a time is coming when the true followers of Christ will be called to let go of the temporary to gain the eternal. Those who have already done so without waiting for the trumpet to sound will be honored by God.
Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.
(Acts 11:19-21 NLT)
One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in His side." Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. "Peace be with you," He said. Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Put your hand into the wound in My side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!" "My Lord and my God!" Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me."
(John 20:24-29 NLT)
Jesus said, “You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.” What will it take to fully surrender to the Lord Jesus? Must we see Him face to face first or is the presence of His Holy Spirit enough? I pray that the Lord Jesus causes the church to rise to their feet so that we may serve His purpose now and not wait until he reveals Himself in physical form. How much greater the reunion will be for those who have been faithful and depended upon the leading of God’s Holy Spirit then those who had to be convinced.
Are you tired of losing battles? Look to Jesus and to Him alone. Discipline your mind so that it doesn’t wonder and train your eyes that they remain focused. In a world of multi-tasking Jesus calls us back to be single minded and whole hearted.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
The perfect delivered through the flawed
The Word of God is within His children but it is by their faith and the leading of God’s Holy Spirit that the words they read come to life and form a unending well on the inside. For many have read the Bible and did not see any difference from other history or story books.
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
(2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT)
How clear our understanding of scripture is in direct relation to how much we get out of our own way and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s purpose. Without realizing it we believe God to be a certain way and that understanding of who we think God is bends our perception of the meaning of His Word (God’s Word does not change but our understanding or what we allow ourselves to believe does change with time). It is life that shapes and molds each of us and therefore our view on the world and on heaven is tinted, it is because of this each perspective is unique but not complete. We are then introduced to Jesus and as new Christians we are fed the milk of His Word. As we grow so does our understanding of His Word. It has been proven that we learn more rapidly and are more willing to believe as babes than any other time in our lives but we also lack experience and we have yet to understand our own need. As mature Christians we have the experience of seeing God make a way where one did not exist and we have the understanding of what it is like to fail and therefore know our need for Jesus but we become set in our ways and all too often we tend to box God in or compartmentalize how life should go because we don’t have the energy we once had. Now think about how our understanding of God’s Word changes and grows with us as we get older. When two Christians who love God, one older and the other younger have different views this is what is going on and Jesus makes reference to it in Luke chapter 5.
Then Jesus gave them this illustration: "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn't even match the old garment. "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. 'The old is just fine,' they say."
(Luke 5:36-39 NLT)
All this points to one truth ~ throughout life we must look to and trust fully our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to lead us by His Holy Spirit. We must also understand that our view or understanding is not like standing on a watchtower but instead like looking through a crack in a wall in that we see just glimpses of God’s glory that one day will be revealed in whole. There are times God calls us to sound an alarm and He uses us as a watchman but if you think you can camp there to keep other Christians on the straight and narrow you’ve missed the mark and when you open your eyes you’ll find yourself alone in the middle of a field somewhere (recognize your need and repent) but that’s ok because God’s grace is more than enough and that’s part of the experience that must be gained. Younger Christians don’t disregard the experiences of older Christians and older Christians don’t box God in causing younger Christians to doubt. God knows exactly what we need no matter where we are in our walk with Him. Do we really think our view is so complete that we can disregard how God has led someone else?
Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 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 13:9-13 NLT)
Be quick to forgive and never let go of love. The list of things that are sure is also short but they become clouded by things that have no guarantee so know God that you might sense His leading and practice obedience that you might be pleasing to Him and He may renew your strength.
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT)
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
(2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT)
How clear our understanding of scripture is in direct relation to how much we get out of our own way and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s purpose. Without realizing it we believe God to be a certain way and that understanding of who we think God is bends our perception of the meaning of His Word (God’s Word does not change but our understanding or what we allow ourselves to believe does change with time). It is life that shapes and molds each of us and therefore our view on the world and on heaven is tinted, it is because of this each perspective is unique but not complete. We are then introduced to Jesus and as new Christians we are fed the milk of His Word. As we grow so does our understanding of His Word. It has been proven that we learn more rapidly and are more willing to believe as babes than any other time in our lives but we also lack experience and we have yet to understand our own need. As mature Christians we have the experience of seeing God make a way where one did not exist and we have the understanding of what it is like to fail and therefore know our need for Jesus but we become set in our ways and all too often we tend to box God in or compartmentalize how life should go because we don’t have the energy we once had. Now think about how our understanding of God’s Word changes and grows with us as we get older. When two Christians who love God, one older and the other younger have different views this is what is going on and Jesus makes reference to it in Luke chapter 5.
Then Jesus gave them this illustration: "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn't even match the old garment. "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. 'The old is just fine,' they say."
(Luke 5:36-39 NLT)
All this points to one truth ~ throughout life we must look to and trust fully our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to lead us by His Holy Spirit. We must also understand that our view or understanding is not like standing on a watchtower but instead like looking through a crack in a wall in that we see just glimpses of God’s glory that one day will be revealed in whole. There are times God calls us to sound an alarm and He uses us as a watchman but if you think you can camp there to keep other Christians on the straight and narrow you’ve missed the mark and when you open your eyes you’ll find yourself alone in the middle of a field somewhere (recognize your need and repent) but that’s ok because God’s grace is more than enough and that’s part of the experience that must be gained. Younger Christians don’t disregard the experiences of older Christians and older Christians don’t box God in causing younger Christians to doubt. God knows exactly what we need no matter where we are in our walk with Him. Do we really think our view is so complete that we can disregard how God has led someone else?
Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 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 13:9-13 NLT)
Be quick to forgive and never let go of love. The list of things that are sure is also short but they become clouded by things that have no guarantee so know God that you might sense His leading and practice obedience that you might be pleasing to Him and He may renew your strength.
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT)
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Wars and rumors of war
Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in My name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately.
(Matthew 24:4-6 NLT)
Jesus was preparing not only those who were following Him that day but He leads us even today, as His Word does in every other part of the Bible because it is alive and not dead. He said these things so that we might understand what the end will look like and know that God is in control regardless of what situations may seem but that does not mean things will be easy, as a matter of fact, we will know before it’s over the difference between needs and wants not unlike Job did. This will cause the true church to awaken and with their eyes no longer closed in slumber they will walk through the fire that purifies them with lamps full of oil and wicks trimmed and ready.
Are we not hearing about wars and rumors of war even now? Governments are busy crafting problems so its people will support their plans to go to war. As the populations fall in line their government prepares for devastating effects knowing many of the casualties will be their own people. You may ask why but it is all very simple the strong pull of power and money and it will be centralized in the oil rich countries of the Middle East. Look at how many people replay the videos of terrorists killing US reporters on Facebook, to what avail? Do we not help promote the original intent the terrorists had each time someone views it? The New World Order is sold as a package of goods by leaders so that one body can govern over all the nations, while agencies at home prepare for countless deaths by stacking plastic coffins in plain view and have already started tagging people to be marked like cattle in the name of convenience for the individual. Religious leaders are no better, seeing what is forming and instead of warning the people they also jockey for position for the opportunity to be a major power in this new rule. If the Anti-Christ is going to have the impact that is intended does he not need a stage for the whole world to view him from?
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(1Timothy 6:10 KJV)
Make no mistake World War III will be Armageddon and the nations are volleying for the upper hand even now. There is no turning back or backing down, the stage is under construction and what’s more the world leaders have the backing of the people because the people have been conditioned to accept the ideal of war but it will not go according to the plan of man or the government of man but according to what Jesus spoke to His disciples about in Matthew chapter 24. Jesus said these things must happen “but the end is not yet”. Not only will war be on everyone’s mind but the earth itself will have birthing pains in the form of earthquakes and massive unexplained storms. In verse 8 Jesus lets us know this is just the beginning and we, His children, must go through it for His sake.
All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
(Matthew 24:8-9 KJV)
But those who are killed will be the fortunate ones, for those who remain will surely see even worse things as the hearts of people grow cold and turn inward as they claw their way to be on top. Even then there will be those that will cling to Jesus and He promises to be with those who seek Him all the way to the end, just before the final out poring of His wrath. Again for the purpose of making the final announcement so the world will know to come in from the darkness before it’s too late but very few will listen and even fewer will be able to hold on to their faith in the face of such an enemy.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
(Matthew 24:13-14 KJV)
“…and then shall the end come.” It is at this point God’s wrath will be known and all who have accepted God’s invitation will be brought in from the darkness that is about to overtake the earth and the season of grace will be no more. The plans of man will fall and as those who thought they were able to manipulate countless millions will only now realize it was they themselves that were manipulated to play a part they did not understand but it will be too late as they seek the end but cannot find it.
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
(Matthew 24:15-22 KJV)
But fear not for though we face trouble that cannot be adequately described God will not depart and if we fear let us fear God who can destroy both the soul and the body in hell knowing man can only take the body but cannot touch the soul. It is not ours to understand why God said certain things must be so but only that we trust Him with our whole being and know that a day is coming when righteousness will prevail and evil will be no more.
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
(Psalms 23:1-6 KJV)
(Matthew 24:4-6 NLT)
Jesus was preparing not only those who were following Him that day but He leads us even today, as His Word does in every other part of the Bible because it is alive and not dead. He said these things so that we might understand what the end will look like and know that God is in control regardless of what situations may seem but that does not mean things will be easy, as a matter of fact, we will know before it’s over the difference between needs and wants not unlike Job did. This will cause the true church to awaken and with their eyes no longer closed in slumber they will walk through the fire that purifies them with lamps full of oil and wicks trimmed and ready.
Are we not hearing about wars and rumors of war even now? Governments are busy crafting problems so its people will support their plans to go to war. As the populations fall in line their government prepares for devastating effects knowing many of the casualties will be their own people. You may ask why but it is all very simple the strong pull of power and money and it will be centralized in the oil rich countries of the Middle East. Look at how many people replay the videos of terrorists killing US reporters on Facebook, to what avail? Do we not help promote the original intent the terrorists had each time someone views it? The New World Order is sold as a package of goods by leaders so that one body can govern over all the nations, while agencies at home prepare for countless deaths by stacking plastic coffins in plain view and have already started tagging people to be marked like cattle in the name of convenience for the individual. Religious leaders are no better, seeing what is forming and instead of warning the people they also jockey for position for the opportunity to be a major power in this new rule. If the Anti-Christ is going to have the impact that is intended does he not need a stage for the whole world to view him from?
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(1Timothy 6:10 KJV)
Make no mistake World War III will be Armageddon and the nations are volleying for the upper hand even now. There is no turning back or backing down, the stage is under construction and what’s more the world leaders have the backing of the people because the people have been conditioned to accept the ideal of war but it will not go according to the plan of man or the government of man but according to what Jesus spoke to His disciples about in Matthew chapter 24. Jesus said these things must happen “but the end is not yet”. Not only will war be on everyone’s mind but the earth itself will have birthing pains in the form of earthquakes and massive unexplained storms. In verse 8 Jesus lets us know this is just the beginning and we, His children, must go through it for His sake.
All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
(Matthew 24:8-9 KJV)
But those who are killed will be the fortunate ones, for those who remain will surely see even worse things as the hearts of people grow cold and turn inward as they claw their way to be on top. Even then there will be those that will cling to Jesus and He promises to be with those who seek Him all the way to the end, just before the final out poring of His wrath. Again for the purpose of making the final announcement so the world will know to come in from the darkness before it’s too late but very few will listen and even fewer will be able to hold on to their faith in the face of such an enemy.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
(Matthew 24:13-14 KJV)
“…and then shall the end come.” It is at this point God’s wrath will be known and all who have accepted God’s invitation will be brought in from the darkness that is about to overtake the earth and the season of grace will be no more. The plans of man will fall and as those who thought they were able to manipulate countless millions will only now realize it was they themselves that were manipulated to play a part they did not understand but it will be too late as they seek the end but cannot find it.
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
(Matthew 24:15-22 KJV)
But fear not for though we face trouble that cannot be adequately described God will not depart and if we fear let us fear God who can destroy both the soul and the body in hell knowing man can only take the body but cannot touch the soul. It is not ours to understand why God said certain things must be so but only that we trust Him with our whole being and know that a day is coming when righteousness will prevail and evil will be no more.
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
(Psalms 23:1-6 KJV)
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Set apart
If we are to be leaders let us first be leaders in prayer for the world has its fair share of leaders who are accomplished in their own ways but the leader who values God’s direction is not limited by the boundaries of man but looks to Him to do the unexpected. And if we pray let it lead us to inner godliness so the world may know we are different, not because we say so but because we are. Paul told Timothy this…
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
(1Timothy 1:5 NLT)
Which was contrary to the status quo for Paul knew when God’s people were sensitive to God’s leading the result would be polarizing. There would be those who were attracted and there would be those who would come against what God was doing but all would take notice. It was not because of the vessel but because of what was contained within and it is the same still today. There will always be someone better trained, better equipped, or more skilled but few choose to practice their ability to be led by the unseen God.
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)
As we draw closer to God the course that He leads us on, regardless of what it looks like, will cause us to lead others; not to show our abilities or that we know more but simply because God wants to use you as an example of what being a vessel of His looks like. Do not turn away leadership opportunities because you have not been formally trained as a leader but instead trust that God knows what He is doing and be obedient to His call. In this way you will be set apart for the purpose of bringing glory to the Master and you will find that lesser things will fall away as they lose the value they once had in your life.
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
(1Timothy 1:5 NLT)
Which was contrary to the status quo for Paul knew when God’s people were sensitive to God’s leading the result would be polarizing. There would be those who were attracted and there would be those who would come against what God was doing but all would take notice. It was not because of the vessel but because of what was contained within and it is the same still today. There will always be someone better trained, better equipped, or more skilled but few choose to practice their ability to be led by the unseen God.
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)
As we draw closer to God the course that He leads us on, regardless of what it looks like, will cause us to lead others; not to show our abilities or that we know more but simply because God wants to use you as an example of what being a vessel of His looks like. Do not turn away leadership opportunities because you have not been formally trained as a leader but instead trust that God knows what He is doing and be obedient to His call. In this way you will be set apart for the purpose of bringing glory to the Master and you will find that lesser things will fall away as they lose the value they once had in your life.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
The two sons
Once a father had two sons, one rarely asked for things but when he did quite often the father would provide it for him and that son always showed his gratitude, which pleased the father’s heart. The second son asked for things quite often and because he asked so much the father was selective about which requests he provided; the father was not unfair but responded according the need of each son and not the want. This made the second son bitter and full of resentment, he would often compare the fact that only a few of his request were noticed by the father while it seemed the other had every request answered but even when the second son demanded things of the father and the father provided because of the need this son refused to show his thankfulness or even acknowledge the father’s provisions, as if he had deserved it.
If we are honest we have acted out both attitudes before our Heavenly Father, even if it is where no one else can see. Which do you think brings a smile to God’s face? Which do you think will receive the better blessing? And which attitude lets the Father know our eyes are not on our own wants but instead trust Him to meet our needs?
Being perfect or making it on your own or accomplishing great tasks is not where it’s at but a heart of gratitude for what has been freely offered, regardless of whether it is deserved is what God wants us to learn. Jesus did something for us that we cannot repay and the Father wants thankful hearts not bitterness, strife, and unforgiveness.
He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast--barbecued beef!--because he has him home safe and sound.' "The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends?
(Luk 15:27-29 MSG)
What a sad condition of the heart, this son was so centered on his own wants (and what he believed to be needs) that he couldn’t see how the father provided for both of them, unconditionally! His focus kept him from seeing what the father offered to not only his brother but to him as well, for the father’s blessings were far beyond material things. Not only that this son had a second focus – how undeserving his younger brother was because he did not “do” all the things he did. Again it is not as much about the deed as it is the attitude.
This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
(Mat 5:23-24 MSG)
Do you think that once this son received his inheritance it gave him peace? If his attitude didn’t change it would have continued to prevent him from enjoying any blessing, even the one he had been waiting his whole life for, because he was too concerned about whether things were equal between him and his sibling, according to his values. Don’t let your heart get caught up in this way of thinking because it is a deep hole to climb out of. The older brother was so concerned about all the “bad” the younger did or the splinter in his eye that he could not see the log in his own eye, it is a game that cannot be won! Therefore pray for those who have been trapped by the enemy in this way that God will open their eyes and that their heart will experience the full freedom of the Father so that His peace may replace bitterness received from the enemy.
If we are honest we have acted out both attitudes before our Heavenly Father, even if it is where no one else can see. Which do you think brings a smile to God’s face? Which do you think will receive the better blessing? And which attitude lets the Father know our eyes are not on our own wants but instead trust Him to meet our needs?
Being perfect or making it on your own or accomplishing great tasks is not where it’s at but a heart of gratitude for what has been freely offered, regardless of whether it is deserved is what God wants us to learn. Jesus did something for us that we cannot repay and the Father wants thankful hearts not bitterness, strife, and unforgiveness.
He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast--barbecued beef!--because he has him home safe and sound.' "The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends?
(Luk 15:27-29 MSG)
What a sad condition of the heart, this son was so centered on his own wants (and what he believed to be needs) that he couldn’t see how the father provided for both of them, unconditionally! His focus kept him from seeing what the father offered to not only his brother but to him as well, for the father’s blessings were far beyond material things. Not only that this son had a second focus – how undeserving his younger brother was because he did not “do” all the things he did. Again it is not as much about the deed as it is the attitude.
This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
(Mat 5:23-24 MSG)
Do you think that once this son received his inheritance it gave him peace? If his attitude didn’t change it would have continued to prevent him from enjoying any blessing, even the one he had been waiting his whole life for, because he was too concerned about whether things were equal between him and his sibling, according to his values. Don’t let your heart get caught up in this way of thinking because it is a deep hole to climb out of. The older brother was so concerned about all the “bad” the younger did or the splinter in his eye that he could not see the log in his own eye, it is a game that cannot be won! Therefore pray for those who have been trapped by the enemy in this way that God will open their eyes and that their heart will experience the full freedom of the Father so that His peace may replace bitterness received from the enemy.
Monday, August 25, 2014
What does God expect from us?
Jesus taught us when to watch for God’s blessings. In doing His work Jesus knew it would bring us to a certain place and when it did He told His blessing would be there waiting.
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
(Mat 5:3-16 NLT)
While some seem to be blessed with position, wealth, and power those things will all end but God’s blessings know no end. While on this earth man strives for these things and those who obtain them are exalted among their own kind but the blessings of God enrich the soul and are seldom noticed by all but the one whom God blesses. God will use our skills, talents, and abilities but these are not the requirements that He demands.
When Jesus saw this, He said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"
(Luk 18:24-25 NLT)
Do not discount what God can do in our lives when we are poor, broken, and used for it is these things that the His Holy Spirit uses to bring us to God in the first place. Understanding God is sovereign, merciful, and in control is what keeps us. And seeing that the rest of the world needs Him as much as we do gives us vision. Remember God is with you as you spread the Good News to others along your journey and His blessings have been hidden by Him for you to find as you progress along the path He has intended and one day the ultimate blessing will be seeing Him face to face! For you do not strive to make it into heaven but instead you follow His leading and receive His blessings. So do not follow the world in their attempts to gain position, wealth, and power but instead seek God’s face in all that you do and depend upon Him to provide all that you need and His blessings will be more than you could ever imagine.
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
(Mat 5:3-16 NLT)
While some seem to be blessed with position, wealth, and power those things will all end but God’s blessings know no end. While on this earth man strives for these things and those who obtain them are exalted among their own kind but the blessings of God enrich the soul and are seldom noticed by all but the one whom God blesses. God will use our skills, talents, and abilities but these are not the requirements that He demands.
When Jesus saw this, He said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"
(Luk 18:24-25 NLT)
Do not discount what God can do in our lives when we are poor, broken, and used for it is these things that the His Holy Spirit uses to bring us to God in the first place. Understanding God is sovereign, merciful, and in control is what keeps us. And seeing that the rest of the world needs Him as much as we do gives us vision. Remember God is with you as you spread the Good News to others along your journey and His blessings have been hidden by Him for you to find as you progress along the path He has intended and one day the ultimate blessing will be seeing Him face to face! For you do not strive to make it into heaven but instead you follow His leading and receive His blessings. So do not follow the world in their attempts to gain position, wealth, and power but instead seek God’s face in all that you do and depend upon Him to provide all that you need and His blessings will be more than you could ever imagine.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Trust and Forgiveness
Show me a relationship where there is mutual trust and I will show you a relationship where there are no unresolved issue lying dormant, readied as a weapon against the other when compromise is required between the two. As God’s creation we desire trusting relationships but like anything else that is worth having it requires discipline and continual effort, remember if this is where you are headed then you are going up stream in today’s culture. The problem with most living in this modern world is that we’ve become accustomed to so many conveniences that along with poor time management skills have caused us to choose the path of least resistance in almost every area of our lives including relationships. Therefore, if it doesn’t come together easily separation becomes the obvious alternative but long before that takes place trust between the two dissolves and forgiveness fades.
God causes us who have relationship with Him to work on these two things with those we share our home with, our work place, our churches, our schools, and all areas of our lives. How is it that we love God with our whole hearts yet struggle to love those we live with? It’s because when we fail and fall God holds us accountable AND He is faithful to forgive and because we have no doubt of His love for us we are bound to work on removing these things from our lives i.e. our own bad decisions because we can’t stand being separated from Him. Now if we truly love God He says we have to love others, even think of them before we think of ourselves but love is difficult and takes everything within us to keep it alive and well and everyone we come in contact with are broken and fail us many times over. God models what love is in the relationship we share with Him. One, He holds us accountable. He does not excuse our bad decisions or pretends not to notice. Two when He (the Holy Spirit) brings these things to our attention He doesn’t beat us over the head with it either but gently moves us toward repentance. Thirdly, when we admit our sin He is faithful to forgive us of it and He goes the extra mile by remembering it no more. That’s the difference between God’s conviction and man’s condemnation – once we confess it we are separated from it forever but condemnation will continue to beat on us long after we admit our guilt. If you have someone in your life that likes to keep bringing up the past then they either don’t know what forgiveness is or are unwilling to offer it and because of that there can be no trust between you two and until forgiveness happens any attempts at trust will only lead to further brokenness.
We are people and people are terribly complicated and instead of being black and white the principle of trust and forgiveness happens in shades of gray. I forgive you a little so I trust you a little. As I forgive you more I trust you more, the opposite is true as well. Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant when in Matthew 7:3 He tells us to remove the log from our own eye before removing the splinter from our brother’s? It’s way too easy (once again the path of least resistance) to blame your brother for unforgiveness when you clearly have trust issues yourself. In the end the only person you can control is yourself and that is fine because when you stand before God’s throne of judgment the only person you have to answer for is yourself and on that day we all will be asked about our ability to love.
God causes us who have relationship with Him to work on these two things with those we share our home with, our work place, our churches, our schools, and all areas of our lives. How is it that we love God with our whole hearts yet struggle to love those we live with? It’s because when we fail and fall God holds us accountable AND He is faithful to forgive and because we have no doubt of His love for us we are bound to work on removing these things from our lives i.e. our own bad decisions because we can’t stand being separated from Him. Now if we truly love God He says we have to love others, even think of them before we think of ourselves but love is difficult and takes everything within us to keep it alive and well and everyone we come in contact with are broken and fail us many times over. God models what love is in the relationship we share with Him. One, He holds us accountable. He does not excuse our bad decisions or pretends not to notice. Two when He (the Holy Spirit) brings these things to our attention He doesn’t beat us over the head with it either but gently moves us toward repentance. Thirdly, when we admit our sin He is faithful to forgive us of it and He goes the extra mile by remembering it no more. That’s the difference between God’s conviction and man’s condemnation – once we confess it we are separated from it forever but condemnation will continue to beat on us long after we admit our guilt. If you have someone in your life that likes to keep bringing up the past then they either don’t know what forgiveness is or are unwilling to offer it and because of that there can be no trust between you two and until forgiveness happens any attempts at trust will only lead to further brokenness.
We are people and people are terribly complicated and instead of being black and white the principle of trust and forgiveness happens in shades of gray. I forgive you a little so I trust you a little. As I forgive you more I trust you more, the opposite is true as well. Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant when in Matthew 7:3 He tells us to remove the log from our own eye before removing the splinter from our brother’s? It’s way too easy (once again the path of least resistance) to blame your brother for unforgiveness when you clearly have trust issues yourself. In the end the only person you can control is yourself and that is fine because when you stand before God’s throne of judgment the only person you have to answer for is yourself and on that day we all will be asked about our ability to love.
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