Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
(1 Timothy 1:19 NLT)
Keeping my conscience clear and clinging to my faith is one in the same, for keeping a clear conscience means I must have faith to hear the leading of the Lord so that I may obey, which therefore causes me to cling to my faith all the more so that my spiritual eyes may remain open.
If someone were to ask me if I hear from God my reply would be, “Of course I do, don’t you?” but that’s not because of anything I have done but instead it comes from allowing God’s Holy Spirit to have His way and allowing the insignificant to become small. As I read God’s Word my spirit and soul begin to recognize the character of God, for Jesus said in John 14:9 “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” and as I am faithful to read God’s Word He is faithful to plant seeds of faith in the soil of my heart. With these seeds God’s Holy Spirit points to the little things such as a person’s willingness to forgive or the love someone has for another, for these things would go unnoticed if it were not for the Holy Spirit bringing it to my attention. Someone might say but this only requires being sensitive and listening. Really, what does that sound like? Who allows one to be sensitive and to listen to that which cannot be heard? God’s Holy Spirit will speak to us in a small still voice. Was it not Elijah that stood before the Lord and a mighty wind hit the mountain with terrible blasts even tearing the rocks loose and then an earthquake, followed by a fire? Yet the Lord’s voice was not in these. Then these things passed and Elijah heard a gentle whisper immediately causing him to cover his face because he recognized the holy presences of the Lord (read 1 Kings 19). You see, when you seek after God whole heartedly it is the same as opening the door to Him and Jesus said, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20). Jesus is waiting but so many are unable or unwilling to listen because they are too busy and they have not the faith or time to sit at the Lord’s table long enough to know Him, causing their spirit to remain hungry and empty. Inside each of us is a God-shaped hole and though we try to fill it with different things nothing but Jesus will satisfy its yearning.
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, O God.
(Psalms 42:1 NLT)
But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.
(Psalms 42:8 NLT)
Monday, January 20, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
To those unwilling to work
Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat." Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people's business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don't think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.
(2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 NLT)
Entitlement, not those who are unable to work or those who can’t find work but those who think they deserve what they have not worked for, to those your feet are on the wrong path and it is time to wake up and look around you and see the world that you live in. The thought, “make the most of your situation” or “make the system work for you” is a trap because somewhere there are people working not only their share of the load but yours too. You are not maximizing the system you are using people but the fault is not all yours for society cannot differentiate between those who can’t work and those who won’t so it enables people to use the good will of others but just because you can use the system doesn’t mean you should. For, there is an unseen price that is demanded of you by the way you think and the lies you have believed. You have to believe a lie to justify your actions and it is your actions that condemn you. Read Luke 16:19-31 (the rich man and poor man) and Matthew 25:14-31 (to the three who the master gave talents) and Matthew 25:32-46 (as you have done to the least of these, so have you done to me) and Colossians 3:23 (work as unto the Lord).
You see the idea of entitlement keeps us from seeing the work the Lord of hosts has given us to do and one day we will be required to give an account of what we have done and what we have not done. So here on earth it is possible to “maximize the system” so that you can be comfortable without giving back but you are short-sighted because one day you will have to answer why you lived that way and we, your brothers and sisters in Christ, also have to answer why we did not confront you with the truth in love and to those who are doing right by working to earn what you receive do not respond in anger when you see someone using the system, more to the point using you but respond in love (Proverbs 15:1) “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Remembering God’s Word does not return void but it accomplishes that which pleases God (read Isaiah 55:11).
But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.
(Psalms 42:8 NLT)
(2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 NLT)
Entitlement, not those who are unable to work or those who can’t find work but those who think they deserve what they have not worked for, to those your feet are on the wrong path and it is time to wake up and look around you and see the world that you live in. The thought, “make the most of your situation” or “make the system work for you” is a trap because somewhere there are people working not only their share of the load but yours too. You are not maximizing the system you are using people but the fault is not all yours for society cannot differentiate between those who can’t work and those who won’t so it enables people to use the good will of others but just because you can use the system doesn’t mean you should. For, there is an unseen price that is demanded of you by the way you think and the lies you have believed. You have to believe a lie to justify your actions and it is your actions that condemn you. Read Luke 16:19-31 (the rich man and poor man) and Matthew 25:14-31 (to the three who the master gave talents) and Matthew 25:32-46 (as you have done to the least of these, so have you done to me) and Colossians 3:23 (work as unto the Lord).
You see the idea of entitlement keeps us from seeing the work the Lord of hosts has given us to do and one day we will be required to give an account of what we have done and what we have not done. So here on earth it is possible to “maximize the system” so that you can be comfortable without giving back but you are short-sighted because one day you will have to answer why you lived that way and we, your brothers and sisters in Christ, also have to answer why we did not confront you with the truth in love and to those who are doing right by working to earn what you receive do not respond in anger when you see someone using the system, more to the point using you but respond in love (Proverbs 15:1) “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Remembering God’s Word does not return void but it accomplishes that which pleases God (read Isaiah 55:11).
But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.
(Psalms 42:8 NLT)
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Strength to do what is right
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 GNB)
I have found that the Christian life usually falls into one of two camps - doing what feels right or doing what the Bible says. The “doing what feels right” camp is filled with Christians with good intentions but do not take time to know God intimately. They have an understanding based on their upbringing and/or the lessons they hear at church, as a matter of fact the act of going to church has become very important to them as it is their life-line to knowing about God but their interest in God seems to stop there. Outside of church their lives are filled with the business of being a parent or spouse or grandparent or a good employee, one who is active in their community and social gatherings. Somewhere along the lines they fall into the trap that the decisions they make are good because they love going to church, their family, and friends but where is God in the equation?
The second camp “doing what the Bible says” is not as large but the people in it have more depth in their spiritual lives and therefore they are more sensitive to the moving of God’s Holy Spirit. Daily they connect with the One who is responsible for all life, their time with God is priceless, and if they miss their time alone with Him their whole day is off kilter and they can’t wait for their next chance to be alone with Him. These love church too but not for the social value but for the opportunity to be involved in corporate worship and to serve their community alongside others who desire to see God’s will happening among them. Missing church is not as devastating to them because they sense God is with them wherever they go but they are also mindful of those around them and do things that witness to their spirits what is right and good, as Paul talks about not eating meat or drinking wine for the sake of his brother (Romans 14:21).
In our lives we must recognize the difference between what feels right and actual righteousness. Righteousness will always require more thought, more sensitivity to God’s leading, and the flesh will always resist. The very things that have kept us from following righteousness in the first place, will become indicators to those who now follow the unseen. Unlike others they are not doing what feels right or hoping by process of osmosis that they make the right decisions because they have surrounded themselves with people who talk about doing right. No, these indicators have only become useful because they have put God first, as they hunger for His righteousness, and as they daily strive to step in His footsteps. Another indicator is this, after doing what feels right you are often left with a thought other than pleasing God. You are proud of what you have done for someone else or you wish they would get their act together so you wouldn’t have to keep doing for them what they should do for themselves but if you have actually done what God has instructed your overwhelming thought is that you have pleased God – this is why Jesus emphasized motives of the heart. So pay attention to these signs and see which camp you fall in, I have been in both but I want to live in “doing what the Bible says” camp and for that I pray for strength to do what is right and I pray the same for you.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that You have made me listen, I finally understand—You don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, "Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart."
(Psalms 40:4-8 NLT)
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 GNB)
I have found that the Christian life usually falls into one of two camps - doing what feels right or doing what the Bible says. The “doing what feels right” camp is filled with Christians with good intentions but do not take time to know God intimately. They have an understanding based on their upbringing and/or the lessons they hear at church, as a matter of fact the act of going to church has become very important to them as it is their life-line to knowing about God but their interest in God seems to stop there. Outside of church their lives are filled with the business of being a parent or spouse or grandparent or a good employee, one who is active in their community and social gatherings. Somewhere along the lines they fall into the trap that the decisions they make are good because they love going to church, their family, and friends but where is God in the equation?
The second camp “doing what the Bible says” is not as large but the people in it have more depth in their spiritual lives and therefore they are more sensitive to the moving of God’s Holy Spirit. Daily they connect with the One who is responsible for all life, their time with God is priceless, and if they miss their time alone with Him their whole day is off kilter and they can’t wait for their next chance to be alone with Him. These love church too but not for the social value but for the opportunity to be involved in corporate worship and to serve their community alongside others who desire to see God’s will happening among them. Missing church is not as devastating to them because they sense God is with them wherever they go but they are also mindful of those around them and do things that witness to their spirits what is right and good, as Paul talks about not eating meat or drinking wine for the sake of his brother (Romans 14:21).
In our lives we must recognize the difference between what feels right and actual righteousness. Righteousness will always require more thought, more sensitivity to God’s leading, and the flesh will always resist. The very things that have kept us from following righteousness in the first place, will become indicators to those who now follow the unseen. Unlike others they are not doing what feels right or hoping by process of osmosis that they make the right decisions because they have surrounded themselves with people who talk about doing right. No, these indicators have only become useful because they have put God first, as they hunger for His righteousness, and as they daily strive to step in His footsteps. Another indicator is this, after doing what feels right you are often left with a thought other than pleasing God. You are proud of what you have done for someone else or you wish they would get their act together so you wouldn’t have to keep doing for them what they should do for themselves but if you have actually done what God has instructed your overwhelming thought is that you have pleased God – this is why Jesus emphasized motives of the heart. So pay attention to these signs and see which camp you fall in, I have been in both but I want to live in “doing what the Bible says” camp and for that I pray for strength to do what is right and I pray the same for you.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that You have made me listen, I finally understand—You don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, "Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart."
(Psalms 40:4-8 NLT)
Sunday, January 12, 2014
What attracts me
As a person who is dedicated to following Christ Jesus I find there are certain people in my life that I am attracted to. These people are often teachers, pastors, and elders but obtaining these positions is not where it’s at because sadly most of these people’s lives do not call out to me but those who do have allowed God to have His way in their lives, not just once in the distant past but even today have they been in communion with my Lord and Savior and I think wow if my testimony was more like theirs, they have faced their battles and have come through victoriously and are now telling others what they have found. The discipline in their lives allows them to be the person God has purposed for them to be and they are bold about broadcasting Truth to all who will listen, telling others about the things the Lord has done which has brought them to that point. Their eyes are set on Christ and their feet are faithful to follow, it’s these things that I long for in my life and here are people living it and their lives catch my soul’s attention!
The Lord has allowed me to know this one thing, these people are not attractive because of something that has transpired in their lives years ago for I too have conquered and continue to follow Christ but it is because of the consistent time spent with the Lord every morning, they seek diligently the will of Christ, they battle daily for the souls of others and they set aside all things that would distract them from His purpose, their sight is not of the carnal but of the spirit for I am attracted not to people but the very character of God in them, which is evident in their lives because of their willingness to put God first in all they do. If you ask them they will tell you God has delivered them from certain death and without God they are helpless to change, even after all they have learned. For these people know their own desperation for God’s presence in their lives and unlike the rich young ruler, they are willing to sell everything to follow Him. Everything else becomes as empty words pointing with a crooked finger the way in which they think you should go but what attracts me is to see my brother or sister up ahead walking, living, eating, breathing the very life, partaking the very existence I have been called to and walking the path on which I am traveling and my hope is that in some small way I too reflect the light of Christ for He has allowed me to see my own desperation and He has set my feet on straight and narrow and my spirit knows without Christ I would surely die. Though my flesh calls out with all the distractions of the world my spirit knows it is by Christ alone this change in my heart will be evident to others as my feet are faithful to follow where He leads me each day.
The Lord has allowed me to know this one thing, these people are not attractive because of something that has transpired in their lives years ago for I too have conquered and continue to follow Christ but it is because of the consistent time spent with the Lord every morning, they seek diligently the will of Christ, they battle daily for the souls of others and they set aside all things that would distract them from His purpose, their sight is not of the carnal but of the spirit for I am attracted not to people but the very character of God in them, which is evident in their lives because of their willingness to put God first in all they do. If you ask them they will tell you God has delivered them from certain death and without God they are helpless to change, even after all they have learned. For these people know their own desperation for God’s presence in their lives and unlike the rich young ruler, they are willing to sell everything to follow Him. Everything else becomes as empty words pointing with a crooked finger the way in which they think you should go but what attracts me is to see my brother or sister up ahead walking, living, eating, breathing the very life, partaking the very existence I have been called to and walking the path on which I am traveling and my hope is that in some small way I too reflect the light of Christ for He has allowed me to see my own desperation and He has set my feet on straight and narrow and my spirit knows without Christ I would surely die. Though my flesh calls out with all the distractions of the world my spirit knows it is by Christ alone this change in my heart will be evident to others as my feet are faithful to follow where He leads me each day.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Like a thief in the night
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:8-18 NLT)
What must I do to be ready for the Lord’s return? Read 1 Thessalonians 5 and you will know, acknowledge the work Jesus did, who He is (God’s Son sent to earth to show us how to live), humble yourself so that you may accept Him as Lord, and then obey His Word. Though prophecies for told Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection we could not see it until it happened and many even after it happened refused to believe it, even still. He is coming again and like before His coming is for told but this time we must be ready for Him, if we are not we will miss His plan for our lives and the final opportunity to live with Him forever closes quickly.
Everyone has their battles and struggles what does it profit us if we spend all our time pointing out other’s mistakes and short-comings? Will that prepare us to meet our Lord and Savior? Only one thing will prepare us for that day – knowing Jesus Christ, for it is not enough to know of Him, even the devil and all his demons know of Jesus. So did all the Pharisees and teachers of the law but that was not enough to save them. The great thing about it is no matter who we are, rich or poor, of lofty influence or a beggar on the street, regardless of race or ethnicity, we all can know Jesus. As a matter of fact the only thing that can keep us from Him is our own will, for even nature is witness to His mighty work!
I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.
(Psalms 38:17-18 NLT)
Do not abandon me, O LORD. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.
(Psalms 38:21-22 NLT)
(1 Thessalonians 5:8-18 NLT)
What must I do to be ready for the Lord’s return? Read 1 Thessalonians 5 and you will know, acknowledge the work Jesus did, who He is (God’s Son sent to earth to show us how to live), humble yourself so that you may accept Him as Lord, and then obey His Word. Though prophecies for told Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection we could not see it until it happened and many even after it happened refused to believe it, even still. He is coming again and like before His coming is for told but this time we must be ready for Him, if we are not we will miss His plan for our lives and the final opportunity to live with Him forever closes quickly.
Everyone has their battles and struggles what does it profit us if we spend all our time pointing out other’s mistakes and short-comings? Will that prepare us to meet our Lord and Savior? Only one thing will prepare us for that day – knowing Jesus Christ, for it is not enough to know of Him, even the devil and all his demons know of Jesus. So did all the Pharisees and teachers of the law but that was not enough to save them. The great thing about it is no matter who we are, rich or poor, of lofty influence or a beggar on the street, regardless of race or ethnicity, we all can know Jesus. As a matter of fact the only thing that can keep us from Him is our own will, for even nature is witness to His mighty work!
I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.
(Psalms 38:17-18 NLT)
Do not abandon me, O LORD. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.
(Psalms 38:21-22 NLT)
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
a thought
I am thankful for this life at all times, places, circumstances, and with all people because of this one thing – regardless of what I am going through this is my opportunity to prove that I will follow Jesus. For one day I will stand before my Maker and on that terrible day I want to be able to say, “Lord I followed You, even when it was difficult I did not turn aside.” Without difficulties my faith is not tested and my love is not proven not only to God and others but to myself. So Lord remind me of this the next time difficulties knock on my heart’s door, help me to be joyful in all that I do and say knowing You are with me and You are taking me through the Refiner’s fire. These things may not bring profit in this life but they will prove priceless in the next, without which I will stand before You empty handed left wanting.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Lives of impurity or holiness
God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and His ways.
(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NLT)
Holiness and impurity are like oil and water in that they do not mix, for a person cannot be holy on Sunday and impure throughout the week. If your mind is allowed to think impure thoughts then your whole being is impure but if you draw close to God and keep His commandments then you will be holy like He is holy. This I know, purity and victory are inseparable, for without one you cannot have the other. It is because victory is found in our Lord Jesus Christ alone and though He walked among us and He touched the leper and eat with the tax collector and allowed the once prostitute to wash his feet he remained holy and pure. Yes Jesus broke through our sin and disease to offer victory over sin and death yet He himself did not sin or become sick but too many times we try to serve two masters, attempting to holding on to one while trying to serve the other. Be assured of this within the Holy Trinity there is no division and impurity can cast no shadows in the light of our Savior and Lord. For if we are to accept the work that Jesus has done for us then we must also control our own bodies and choose lives of holiness and honor but if we allow our minds to think impure thoughts or allow our bodies to act upon lustful passions we do not know God and therefore victory cannot be known by us.
To combat the desires of the flesh exercise the mind of Christ and love people with God’s love. The flesh will wildly resist at first but the more you do it the smaller its voice becomes. However, you must always be alert and on guard daily seeking God’s will for the enemy is cunning and he lies quietly waiting for his snare to catch you unaware. Jesus warned there is no victory apart from him when He said this…
"Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me. "When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before."
(Luke 11:23-26 NLT)
But choose righteousness and seek humility knowing who you are and who’s you are then the Lord will meet you each morning showing you your portion for each day.
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.
(Psalms 37:23-25 NLT)
(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NLT)
Holiness and impurity are like oil and water in that they do not mix, for a person cannot be holy on Sunday and impure throughout the week. If your mind is allowed to think impure thoughts then your whole being is impure but if you draw close to God and keep His commandments then you will be holy like He is holy. This I know, purity and victory are inseparable, for without one you cannot have the other. It is because victory is found in our Lord Jesus Christ alone and though He walked among us and He touched the leper and eat with the tax collector and allowed the once prostitute to wash his feet he remained holy and pure. Yes Jesus broke through our sin and disease to offer victory over sin and death yet He himself did not sin or become sick but too many times we try to serve two masters, attempting to holding on to one while trying to serve the other. Be assured of this within the Holy Trinity there is no division and impurity can cast no shadows in the light of our Savior and Lord. For if we are to accept the work that Jesus has done for us then we must also control our own bodies and choose lives of holiness and honor but if we allow our minds to think impure thoughts or allow our bodies to act upon lustful passions we do not know God and therefore victory cannot be known by us.
To combat the desires of the flesh exercise the mind of Christ and love people with God’s love. The flesh will wildly resist at first but the more you do it the smaller its voice becomes. However, you must always be alert and on guard daily seeking God’s will for the enemy is cunning and he lies quietly waiting for his snare to catch you unaware. Jesus warned there is no victory apart from him when He said this…
"Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me. "When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before."
(Luke 11:23-26 NLT)
But choose righteousness and seek humility knowing who you are and who’s you are then the Lord will meet you each morning showing you your portion for each day.
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.
(Psalms 37:23-25 NLT)
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