Life is fragile, this I know, for my body is weak and my destination distant. Hope comes because of the light shining forth from my destination, for it is as a great city in the night calling out to all who belong there, yet many unseen snares and pitfalls lie between the traveler and his destination. Then I remember, looking down I see that same light also lives within me and in the distance I can see other small individual lights, all converging in the same place. Now even though my footsteps are taken in darkness my path is sure and my balance is secure because of this one thing – my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What do I have to fear? For either He will lead me so I know where to step or He will carry me but either way my home He has promised and I have no doubt He will take me there. Though these unknown dangers await the unsuspecting traveler they cannot touch the spirit for I know to enter that city this weak and fragile body must first be laid down. Though I would rather lay it down at a time of my choosing, really what does it matter if my spirit remains in Christ? But care must be taken because fear can cause the heart to turn away from the deliberate path Jesus illuminates. In this journey each citizen must turn away from fear so that their spiritual eyes do not grow dim and they lose their way, for the night has swallowed all who has turned from Jesus. For He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Jesus.
In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven's Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There He will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against His land and people. The LORD has spoken!
(Isaiah 25:6-8 NLT)
And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God.
(Luke 13:29 NLT)
Friday, February 21, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Remembering our need
Yesterday I spoke of doing right and the blessings from God that followed and the consequences of doing what we feel is right instead of following Jesus’ example. Yes, we do have an enemy that tirelessly pursues us but in the end he can only tempt but it is our choice that either sets us up for God’s blessings or the fall that comes before the change. One thing I did not talk about was what Paul referred to as the “thorn in my flesh” cause and effect.
If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
(2 Corinthians 12:6-7 NLT)
As strange as it may seem Paul indicates that God allowed him to have some sort of weakness so that he may be reminded of his own need. Many think it is sickness or some physical limitation but the truth is Paul never gives the details that would support or deny this. The reader is left wondering what he meant, had Paul provided details that would answer the very old question it is possible the reader would have missed the point all together and dwelled on the one thing that beset Paul but the truth is there is more than one tool in the enemy’s shed and he is adverse in using them all. We do know that in Romans chapter seven Paul again gives another hint about the human ability or lack thereof to do what is right.
I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
(Romans 7:22-24 NLT)
In the end we are left with no doubt that we need Jesus. Regardless of our circumstances He meets us in our need, lifting our eyes, and reminding us who we are and all we need to do is remain humble and willing to accept what He has offered. This is why pride is so dangerous, it blinds us to our own need! No one ever said it was easy, if it were would we really need Jesus? Think about all Jesus suffered so that we might be free and understand the punishment He endured for us was equal to the debt that was owed. Now do you still wonder why the war between spirit and flesh rages like it does? Yes, Jesus conquered but so must we for the slave is not greater than the master, Jesus did not die so we could live the life of luxury but so that our souls would be set free from the clutches of sin and death and that we might tell others what He has done, we must follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of Me, for they have rejected the One who sent Me.”
(John 15:18-21 NLT)
If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
(2 Corinthians 12:6-7 NLT)
As strange as it may seem Paul indicates that God allowed him to have some sort of weakness so that he may be reminded of his own need. Many think it is sickness or some physical limitation but the truth is Paul never gives the details that would support or deny this. The reader is left wondering what he meant, had Paul provided details that would answer the very old question it is possible the reader would have missed the point all together and dwelled on the one thing that beset Paul but the truth is there is more than one tool in the enemy’s shed and he is adverse in using them all. We do know that in Romans chapter seven Paul again gives another hint about the human ability or lack thereof to do what is right.
I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
(Romans 7:22-24 NLT)
In the end we are left with no doubt that we need Jesus. Regardless of our circumstances He meets us in our need, lifting our eyes, and reminding us who we are and all we need to do is remain humble and willing to accept what He has offered. This is why pride is so dangerous, it blinds us to our own need! No one ever said it was easy, if it were would we really need Jesus? Think about all Jesus suffered so that we might be free and understand the punishment He endured for us was equal to the debt that was owed. Now do you still wonder why the war between spirit and flesh rages like it does? Yes, Jesus conquered but so must we for the slave is not greater than the master, Jesus did not die so we could live the life of luxury but so that our souls would be set free from the clutches of sin and death and that we might tell others what He has done, we must follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of Me, for they have rejected the One who sent Me.”
(John 15:18-21 NLT)
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Doing what is right
Doing what is right sounds simple enough until you start to live it out. Seeking God as you pray and study His Word, loving your neighbor, keeping your mind on that which is right and good by listening to Christian music, are all things that are easily accomplished but something happens in maintaining that is unplanned. The mind and flesh begin to long for the smallest of things, things that seem to have no bearing on your state of mind or your ability to do what is right. You know what they are as you have been down this road a thousand times. It may start by listening to a song that takes your mind other places than on Jesus or your coworker says something that causes you to think unkind thoughts and you would be justified in feeling that way if Jesus hadn’t shown you the better way.
This happens to us all but it’s what we do next that matters most. Do we continue down this path leading further away from the instructions Paul gives Titus in chapters two and three or do we confess our sin and turn back to Jesus? We either don’t know the value of doing what is righteous or we have forgotten but to truly be in a place where God blesses your every step simply because you have kept His commandments is a wonderful place indeed and more than worth the effort put forth to do what is right but this place is seldom obtained. Rather we live life according to what we decide is right and when trouble comes along we cry out to God to save us. God being full of grace and mercy does intervene many times but the more we venture away from God's will the more we find that we need Him until one day something happens that causes us to focus on the face of God. God did not do this to you but bad decisions have led you to this point and God allowed it to bring you to a place of change but still it is up to us to follow Him, surrendering our will or continue down the same old path we have been walking. Isn’t it time for something new, not just a new coat of paint but new living waters springing up from the deepest part, from within?
As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.
(Titus 2:1 NLT)
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
(Titus 2:11-13 NLT)
But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love.
(Psalms 52:8 NLT)
This happens to us all but it’s what we do next that matters most. Do we continue down this path leading further away from the instructions Paul gives Titus in chapters two and three or do we confess our sin and turn back to Jesus? We either don’t know the value of doing what is righteous or we have forgotten but to truly be in a place where God blesses your every step simply because you have kept His commandments is a wonderful place indeed and more than worth the effort put forth to do what is right but this place is seldom obtained. Rather we live life according to what we decide is right and when trouble comes along we cry out to God to save us. God being full of grace and mercy does intervene many times but the more we venture away from God's will the more we find that we need Him until one day something happens that causes us to focus on the face of God. God did not do this to you but bad decisions have led you to this point and God allowed it to bring you to a place of change but still it is up to us to follow Him, surrendering our will or continue down the same old path we have been walking. Isn’t it time for something new, not just a new coat of paint but new living waters springing up from the deepest part, from within?
As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.
(Titus 2:1 NLT)
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
(Titus 2:11-13 NLT)
But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love.
(Psalms 52:8 NLT)
Sunday, February 16, 2014
The Promise
This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.
(Titus 1:2 NLT)
How is it that God promised His people something before the world began? Did He promise Himself in our stead until we could hear or did He speak to us directly? We debate with abortionist that life begins at conception; they argue it begins at birth but what if both sides are wrong?
"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)
King David said of the Lord that His eyes saw David’s unformed body and all the days ordained for him were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psa 139:16), pointing out that we have been created before being born. We are made in God’s image, is God flesh and blood? Jesus is God made man being born of the virgin Mary but that is not when He began, for God has no beginning and no end, He is the Great I Am. God is not created but the Creator. We being His creation did have a beginning but it was not at conception or even at birth but sometime before.
So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground."
(Genesis 1:27-28 NLT)
The Bible says God created human beings in His own image. Notice “human beings” is plural, we are all created in God’s image, and He created every one of us. Then God blessed them (Adam and Eve), telling them to be fruitful and multiply. Indicating those whom He created had not yet been born but still they had already begun, awaiting their mission. As we are born we lose the ability to remember what was before but that does not release us of the responsibility given to be carried out in this life. How might we do that task if we can’t remember what it was we are to do? As children we dreamed of what we wanted to be, remember, but as we became adults that dream became more and more distant as we were faced with the “reality” of a career, a place to live, transportation, bills, food, clothing, a family, and many, many other things and the enemy played his part with the wound while we were yet vulnerable, assuring that dream is all but abandoned. What if that dream was remnants of the task that was given to us by God, before we were born and the only way to rediscover it was to awaken from the slumber of this life and follow the leading of God’s Holy Spirit? What if our eternal spirits praised and worshipped God because He created us and in response we said that we loved Him and He said, “prove it” and then we were born in flesh and blood but as we passed through that portal we also started with a clean slate, not remembering the promise we made? So God sent His Son to remind us and show us how to live and love, then He died and was resurrected and returned to the Father but before He left He gave us a promise, that His Holy Spirit would be with us reminding us who we are and who’s we are, yet there were promises yet to be discovered. As we follow God’s Holy Spirit He leads us to fulfill the promise we made when the world was just beginning.
So many people get hung up on the trappings of this world but God told Isaiah, the prophet, to remind the people that they are like grass which withers and their beauty fades quickly like flowers in a field (read Isaiah 40). We become so consumed by being consumers, we hoard and lay up treasures when all along we become blind and deaf to the call of God’s Holy Spirit and for what purpose? Even before this life is over we grow tired of the toys we work so hard to obtain and before long we are putting all our efforts into the next new thing that promises happiness. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over but expecting different results, do we not all do this at least once in our life? Those who are wise, those who’s spirits are reminded of the promise, will stop the mindless chase and begin the journey home. For time is short and we have yet to prove what we said was true. This journey home begins with a turning from our will to His, as king David realized his best was not good enough he cried out to the Lord, “But You desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psa 51:6-7). It’s only in this state of mind that we can make real progress, so be encouraged, God is with us and if we are careful to listen He will guide our steps assuring life to the fullest!
(Titus 1:2 NLT)
How is it that God promised His people something before the world began? Did He promise Himself in our stead until we could hear or did He speak to us directly? We debate with abortionist that life begins at conception; they argue it begins at birth but what if both sides are wrong?
"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)
King David said of the Lord that His eyes saw David’s unformed body and all the days ordained for him were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psa 139:16), pointing out that we have been created before being born. We are made in God’s image, is God flesh and blood? Jesus is God made man being born of the virgin Mary but that is not when He began, for God has no beginning and no end, He is the Great I Am. God is not created but the Creator. We being His creation did have a beginning but it was not at conception or even at birth but sometime before.
So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground."
(Genesis 1:27-28 NLT)
The Bible says God created human beings in His own image. Notice “human beings” is plural, we are all created in God’s image, and He created every one of us. Then God blessed them (Adam and Eve), telling them to be fruitful and multiply. Indicating those whom He created had not yet been born but still they had already begun, awaiting their mission. As we are born we lose the ability to remember what was before but that does not release us of the responsibility given to be carried out in this life. How might we do that task if we can’t remember what it was we are to do? As children we dreamed of what we wanted to be, remember, but as we became adults that dream became more and more distant as we were faced with the “reality” of a career, a place to live, transportation, bills, food, clothing, a family, and many, many other things and the enemy played his part with the wound while we were yet vulnerable, assuring that dream is all but abandoned. What if that dream was remnants of the task that was given to us by God, before we were born and the only way to rediscover it was to awaken from the slumber of this life and follow the leading of God’s Holy Spirit? What if our eternal spirits praised and worshipped God because He created us and in response we said that we loved Him and He said, “prove it” and then we were born in flesh and blood but as we passed through that portal we also started with a clean slate, not remembering the promise we made? So God sent His Son to remind us and show us how to live and love, then He died and was resurrected and returned to the Father but before He left He gave us a promise, that His Holy Spirit would be with us reminding us who we are and who’s we are, yet there were promises yet to be discovered. As we follow God’s Holy Spirit He leads us to fulfill the promise we made when the world was just beginning.
So many people get hung up on the trappings of this world but God told Isaiah, the prophet, to remind the people that they are like grass which withers and their beauty fades quickly like flowers in a field (read Isaiah 40). We become so consumed by being consumers, we hoard and lay up treasures when all along we become blind and deaf to the call of God’s Holy Spirit and for what purpose? Even before this life is over we grow tired of the toys we work so hard to obtain and before long we are putting all our efforts into the next new thing that promises happiness. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over but expecting different results, do we not all do this at least once in our life? Those who are wise, those who’s spirits are reminded of the promise, will stop the mindless chase and begin the journey home. For time is short and we have yet to prove what we said was true. This journey home begins with a turning from our will to His, as king David realized his best was not good enough he cried out to the Lord, “But You desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psa 51:6-7). It’s only in this state of mind that we can make real progress, so be encouraged, God is with us and if we are careful to listen He will guide our steps assuring life to the fullest!
Friday, February 14, 2014
The fall and forgiveness
No one likes to face the idea that within him or herself lies no good. We pretend we are better than this one or that one based on our outward behavior but have we forgotten the Bible tells us that our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6)? Why do we spend so much time and effort pointing to the sins of others when within our very hearts is enough sin to destroy us, are we not concerned for our own spiritual welfare? Would not the wiser course of action be to work on our own salvation as Paul told the Philippians (Php 2:12)? Those who fall and fall hard, though they are quickly labeled by society, have taken one step closer to true salvation. Why? Because if they are honest with themselves they know their best was not good enough and it was not because of a lack of effort. You see those who haven’t hit bottom still believe the lie, “I’ve just got to try harder, do better and everything will be alright.” What’s even sadder is that most get really good at keeping appearances up and even though they feel something is not right on the inside they chase their “acting career” until not only do people around them start to believe it but they do as well. This person is further from God’s salvation than the drug addict who has spent his last dime, who has lost his family, house, career, and now wears the scarlet letter on his chest for all to see. Can’t you see this person knows just how very desperate they are for a Savior! While the average “Christian” thinks he or she is doing their part by going to church each week and putting a twenty in the offering plate.
Many times have I seen “Christians”, even pastors and spiritual leaders have to fall before God and the people they have worked so hard to maintain their image with before true change could guide them to be the real person God meant for them to be, their failure acts as a doorway that only a few ever cross. All that stuff that was so important only served to distract and limit their ability to follow the unseen God. Do you think that God’s purpose is so small a human can twist and manipulate it to fit their life-style? Not the God I serve, the One True God of the Bible, my friends He is bigger than greatest minds of all time could ever imagine and His purpose for us goes beyond our social positioning so we can look good in front of others. If God could be manipulated would He be worthy of our praise, would following Him be of value to us?
So if our God, Jehovah-Jireh – The Lord Who Provides, Jehovah-Rapha – The Lord Who Heals, Jehovah-Nissi – The Lord Our Banner, if this God of Exodus is the God we serve and we see how He delivered Israel from Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth, why do we doubt His ability to lead His people today? In this body we will fail, we will fall, we will hurt and be hurt, yet we act surprised when we see it happen and somehow we use the mistakes of others to promote self. Know this all who are short on vision for this is all that matters – that our failures turns our faces to the work Jesus Christ did on the cross, that we humble ourselves, relinquish our will for His, that we love God with all of our hearts, minds, and strength, and that we love others the way He loves us. Those who have been able to maintain your balancing act don’t forget the hidden hate in your heart is as murder and the lustful eye that looks when no one is watching is adultery, for you will be judged also and on that day not only will your community know your sin but all of mankind. To those who have fallen before others here and now make the most of it, now that others know you have failed let go of the pride that took you to this place, stand up, keep your eyes on Jesus, and begin to walk in the forgiveness that has been so freely given. For you are beginning a new journey free from the things that bound you so easily before. Don’t look back when people remind you of your failures but point to the work Jesus has done to set you free.
Many times have I seen “Christians”, even pastors and spiritual leaders have to fall before God and the people they have worked so hard to maintain their image with before true change could guide them to be the real person God meant for them to be, their failure acts as a doorway that only a few ever cross. All that stuff that was so important only served to distract and limit their ability to follow the unseen God. Do you think that God’s purpose is so small a human can twist and manipulate it to fit their life-style? Not the God I serve, the One True God of the Bible, my friends He is bigger than greatest minds of all time could ever imagine and His purpose for us goes beyond our social positioning so we can look good in front of others. If God could be manipulated would He be worthy of our praise, would following Him be of value to us?
So if our God, Jehovah-Jireh – The Lord Who Provides, Jehovah-Rapha – The Lord Who Heals, Jehovah-Nissi – The Lord Our Banner, if this God of Exodus is the God we serve and we see how He delivered Israel from Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth, why do we doubt His ability to lead His people today? In this body we will fail, we will fall, we will hurt and be hurt, yet we act surprised when we see it happen and somehow we use the mistakes of others to promote self. Know this all who are short on vision for this is all that matters – that our failures turns our faces to the work Jesus Christ did on the cross, that we humble ourselves, relinquish our will for His, that we love God with all of our hearts, minds, and strength, and that we love others the way He loves us. Those who have been able to maintain your balancing act don’t forget the hidden hate in your heart is as murder and the lustful eye that looks when no one is watching is adultery, for you will be judged also and on that day not only will your community know your sin but all of mankind. To those who have fallen before others here and now make the most of it, now that others know you have failed let go of the pride that took you to this place, stand up, keep your eyes on Jesus, and begin to walk in the forgiveness that has been so freely given. For you are beginning a new journey free from the things that bound you so easily before. Don’t look back when people remind you of your failures but point to the work Jesus has done to set you free.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The last days
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
(2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT)
I’ve heard it from the time of a small boy, “Surely the returning of the Lord is near”. For in my parent’s eyes there were happenings that were in such contrast to the way they had been taught that it could only mean Jesus’ coming is soon. Soon to a seven year old boy was not the same as soon to a rationalizing adult who understood and felt the time is at hand and even if they lived out their life without seeing the Lord’s return that in no way lessoned what they knew to be true in their heart of hearts.
I am no longer a boy but a middle-aged man and now standing where my parents stood all those years ago. I too feel the Lord’s returning will be “soon” knowing God’s measurement of time is a little different than our own. King David said this about the Lord, “For You, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours.” (Psa 90:4) yet that doesn’t take away from the urgency that has been placed within my own heart. What has changed that led me to this place, you may ask. Look around you do not difficulties grow at an alarming rate? People make decisions without regard for others and seem to be ever scheming to put more money in their pockets or to get even for the wrongs they have endured. They are boastful and proud and they disregard the wisdom of their parents regardless of their calls in this spiritual darkness. Pleasure is sought after instead of righteousness but this has been going on for generations you say, as far back as the recorded history of man. Yes, but each time man became bold and brazen in his self-righteousness God was there to prove man was not all that he thought himself to be. Remember the Israelites and those who opposed them, remember their endless wondering in the wilderness, remember Noah and the flood, and many more Old and New Testament examples. Are we not stepping out on the plank today? Have we not walked up the steps to the hangman’s noose? Yet we become all the more arrogant shaking our fists at the sky. The mercy of our God is great and His Holy Spirit directs His people into prayer, effectively holding the door open to those who would humble themselves before the will of the One who commands the great storm on the horizon.
So those with spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear what your parents heard all those years ago do not be surprised at the difficulties in your life or the happenings in the local news for they are but reminders of what our spirits already knew – Jesus’ returning is close. How do you prepare yourself and your family for the coming storm? Know God’s Word and remain obedient, do not be led by your eyes but know the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. This flesh that our spirits now inhabit is only temporary God knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb, for we were created in His image. God is not flesh and blood but of the spirit and so is it for us. Once this temporary home returns to the dust we will once again see clearly whom we have been made to be. The question at hand is will we awaken to remember who we are in time or will we remain blind by the wants and desires of the temporary and allow the everlasting to wither in the dark corner, chained, moaning for salvation, the ray of hope that can restore it to God’s purpose? This temporary life has been given so that we can choose whom we will serve – ourselves or God. One brings about spiritual death and darkness and the other brings hope and salvation. You see it is not good enough to say we will serve God but we must show him by this very life He gave us, this is our opportunity to prove what our own spirits long to say but first we must awaken from this slumber.
Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:12-17 NLT)
Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave.
(Psalms 49:14-15 NLT)
(2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT)
I’ve heard it from the time of a small boy, “Surely the returning of the Lord is near”. For in my parent’s eyes there were happenings that were in such contrast to the way they had been taught that it could only mean Jesus’ coming is soon. Soon to a seven year old boy was not the same as soon to a rationalizing adult who understood and felt the time is at hand and even if they lived out their life without seeing the Lord’s return that in no way lessoned what they knew to be true in their heart of hearts.
I am no longer a boy but a middle-aged man and now standing where my parents stood all those years ago. I too feel the Lord’s returning will be “soon” knowing God’s measurement of time is a little different than our own. King David said this about the Lord, “For You, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours.” (Psa 90:4) yet that doesn’t take away from the urgency that has been placed within my own heart. What has changed that led me to this place, you may ask. Look around you do not difficulties grow at an alarming rate? People make decisions without regard for others and seem to be ever scheming to put more money in their pockets or to get even for the wrongs they have endured. They are boastful and proud and they disregard the wisdom of their parents regardless of their calls in this spiritual darkness. Pleasure is sought after instead of righteousness but this has been going on for generations you say, as far back as the recorded history of man. Yes, but each time man became bold and brazen in his self-righteousness God was there to prove man was not all that he thought himself to be. Remember the Israelites and those who opposed them, remember their endless wondering in the wilderness, remember Noah and the flood, and many more Old and New Testament examples. Are we not stepping out on the plank today? Have we not walked up the steps to the hangman’s noose? Yet we become all the more arrogant shaking our fists at the sky. The mercy of our God is great and His Holy Spirit directs His people into prayer, effectively holding the door open to those who would humble themselves before the will of the One who commands the great storm on the horizon.
So those with spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear what your parents heard all those years ago do not be surprised at the difficulties in your life or the happenings in the local news for they are but reminders of what our spirits already knew – Jesus’ returning is close. How do you prepare yourself and your family for the coming storm? Know God’s Word and remain obedient, do not be led by your eyes but know the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. This flesh that our spirits now inhabit is only temporary God knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb, for we were created in His image. God is not flesh and blood but of the spirit and so is it for us. Once this temporary home returns to the dust we will once again see clearly whom we have been made to be. The question at hand is will we awaken to remember who we are in time or will we remain blind by the wants and desires of the temporary and allow the everlasting to wither in the dark corner, chained, moaning for salvation, the ray of hope that can restore it to God’s purpose? This temporary life has been given so that we can choose whom we will serve – ourselves or God. One brings about spiritual death and darkness and the other brings hope and salvation. You see it is not good enough to say we will serve God but we must show him by this very life He gave us, this is our opportunity to prove what our own spirits long to say but first we must awaken from this slumber.
Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:12-17 NLT)
Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave.
(Psalms 49:14-15 NLT)
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Ignorant arguments
Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
(2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT)
Do you have a difficult person in your life? Is that person someone you cannot get away from such as a coworker, business partner, family member, spouse, or teen? A difficult person you can avoid is one thing but when you have to see him or her every day it can push your ability to tolerate difficult situations to the limit. You actually begin to lose your ability to start fresh with that person each day but instead their stubborn persistence wears on you until you become hyper-sensitive to the point even the slightest thing wrong becomes a test of your will and self-control. I have been there and several times I have been told by those closest to me “don’t sweat the small stuff” and it works temporarily because it helps refocus your thoughts and priorities but the more room you seem to give the more they take until you feel your back in the corner. It’s only been recently that I’ve learned to combat this situation. How, you ask? With genuine, pure love that does not come from within me but my Heavenly Father from above. This is what Paul is telling Timothy when says be kind and be able to teach and be patient with difficult people. For Paul knew there would be people in the church that would try to persuade others to follow the wrong path and that Timothy would do himself no favors by having what Paul called “ignorant arguments”.
My ability to cope was tied directly to my ability to control the situation and when I could not do that I began to unravel but God says, “No”. It has nothing to do with my ability to control but to see that God is in charge and the only person I can control is I. To keep my focus on Jesus, not the difficult person who is making my life miserable is my only responsibility. In the end if I do what I know is right, look to Jesus as my source of hope and strength, and allow Jesus to love that person through me He can and will change them and the unexpected thing is that I change too. As much as I want to see them change the outcome is not mine to own, for they belong to The Master and I am but His vessel. Show God’s love (1 Corinthians 13), pray, and be willing to be obedient to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit and you will have the person you are longing for, it won’t happen overnight, as a matter of fact as you love them you will be accused of not playing fair because they are used to you arguing as you have always done but that is only evidence real change is coming. While this change is happening in your relationship with this person there will also be a change inside of you. There will still be moments when you want to argue but don’t give in. When things are at their worst tell that person, “I love you” and watch what happens. It doesn’t matter that you are the person with authority or if that’s how it was done when you were the one learning, you have to let go of your right to be right for the sake of the other person. If they are in the devil’s trap as Paul said and you ever loved that person what would you be willing to give up in order to rescue them? You’ve tried to reason with them and it has failed and continuing to do the same thing over expecting different results is the definition of insanity, it is time to lay this burden down and stop getting in the way of real victory, which only comes through the power of Jesus blood and resurrection.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
(Proverbs 15:1 NLT)
(2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT)
Do you have a difficult person in your life? Is that person someone you cannot get away from such as a coworker, business partner, family member, spouse, or teen? A difficult person you can avoid is one thing but when you have to see him or her every day it can push your ability to tolerate difficult situations to the limit. You actually begin to lose your ability to start fresh with that person each day but instead their stubborn persistence wears on you until you become hyper-sensitive to the point even the slightest thing wrong becomes a test of your will and self-control. I have been there and several times I have been told by those closest to me “don’t sweat the small stuff” and it works temporarily because it helps refocus your thoughts and priorities but the more room you seem to give the more they take until you feel your back in the corner. It’s only been recently that I’ve learned to combat this situation. How, you ask? With genuine, pure love that does not come from within me but my Heavenly Father from above. This is what Paul is telling Timothy when says be kind and be able to teach and be patient with difficult people. For Paul knew there would be people in the church that would try to persuade others to follow the wrong path and that Timothy would do himself no favors by having what Paul called “ignorant arguments”.
My ability to cope was tied directly to my ability to control the situation and when I could not do that I began to unravel but God says, “No”. It has nothing to do with my ability to control but to see that God is in charge and the only person I can control is I. To keep my focus on Jesus, not the difficult person who is making my life miserable is my only responsibility. In the end if I do what I know is right, look to Jesus as my source of hope and strength, and allow Jesus to love that person through me He can and will change them and the unexpected thing is that I change too. As much as I want to see them change the outcome is not mine to own, for they belong to The Master and I am but His vessel. Show God’s love (1 Corinthians 13), pray, and be willing to be obedient to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit and you will have the person you are longing for, it won’t happen overnight, as a matter of fact as you love them you will be accused of not playing fair because they are used to you arguing as you have always done but that is only evidence real change is coming. While this change is happening in your relationship with this person there will also be a change inside of you. There will still be moments when you want to argue but don’t give in. When things are at their worst tell that person, “I love you” and watch what happens. It doesn’t matter that you are the person with authority or if that’s how it was done when you were the one learning, you have to let go of your right to be right for the sake of the other person. If they are in the devil’s trap as Paul said and you ever loved that person what would you be willing to give up in order to rescue them? You’ve tried to reason with them and it has failed and continuing to do the same thing over expecting different results is the definition of insanity, it is time to lay this burden down and stop getting in the way of real victory, which only comes through the power of Jesus blood and resurrection.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
(Proverbs 15:1 NLT)
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