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.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
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.
Friday, August 22, 2014
The apple of God's eye
For so says Jehovah of Hosts: He has sent me after glory, to the nations who stripped you; for he who touches you touches the pupil of His eye. For behold, I will shake My hand over them, and they shall be a prize for their servants. And you shall know that Jehovah of Hosts has sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion. For lo, I come, and I will dwell in your midst, says Jehovah. And many nations shall be joined to Jehovah in that day, and shall be My people; and I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that Jehovah of Hosts has sent me to you. And Jehovah shall possess Judah, His portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. Be silent, all flesh, before Jehovah; for He has risen out of His holy dwelling place.
(Zec 2:8-13 MKJV)
God’s people are precious to Him and what He reserves unto himself no man can defeat or conquer because they fight not man but God himself! God does not change, what He calls holy remains holy, what once had meaning to Him does not lose His interest later. One day God’s might will be displayed to the nations but we His people will be His instruments of peace until such a time. For as the Jews who waited for their Redeemer so must we wait for His second coming and this time He will not come as a baby in a manger but as a great king and with Him will be the hosts of Heaven. This only makes our work all the more important and what is it we are to be doing, you ask.
And Jesus answered and said to them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many will come in My name, saying, I am Christ, and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must occur; but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in different places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to be afflicted and will kill you. And you will be hated of all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, and will betray one another, and will hate one another. And many false prophets will rise and deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will become cold. But he who endures to the end, the same shall be kept safe. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.
(Mat 24:4-14 MKJV)
“The love of many will become cold. But he who endures to the end, the same shall be kept safe. And the gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.” It is clear that God will keep and be with His people through all that must happen on the earth to prepare for the end so they might serve as a witness to all He has said and done and then the end will come. But we should not fear because God is with us and perfect love casts out all fear, for nothing can separate us from His love. Surely He will provide all that we need to endure to the end and not only that but He will use those who surrender themselves to His will to be a witness to the rest of the world so all will know. And when judgment comes the world will remember how they chose hatred and how it moved them to do evil things to the servants the King sent to tell of His invitation, thereby sealing their own fate. God does not condemn people to hell people choose it by following the deceiver who causes their flesh to feel good and the ignorant people give up their birthright for what makes them feel good in that moment.
And Jacob boiled soup. And Esau came from the field, and he was faint. And Esau said to Jacob, I beg you, Let me eat of the red, this red soup, for I am faint. Therefore his name was called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me your birthright today. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point of dying, and what profit shall this birthright be to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day. And he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and soup of lentils. And he ate and drank, and rose up and went his way. And Esau despised his birthright.
(Gen 25:29-34 MKJV)
(Zec 2:8-13 MKJV)
God’s people are precious to Him and what He reserves unto himself no man can defeat or conquer because they fight not man but God himself! God does not change, what He calls holy remains holy, what once had meaning to Him does not lose His interest later. One day God’s might will be displayed to the nations but we His people will be His instruments of peace until such a time. For as the Jews who waited for their Redeemer so must we wait for His second coming and this time He will not come as a baby in a manger but as a great king and with Him will be the hosts of Heaven. This only makes our work all the more important and what is it we are to be doing, you ask.
And Jesus answered and said to them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many will come in My name, saying, I am Christ, and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must occur; but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in different places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to be afflicted and will kill you. And you will be hated of all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, and will betray one another, and will hate one another. And many false prophets will rise and deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will become cold. But he who endures to the end, the same shall be kept safe. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.
(Mat 24:4-14 MKJV)
“The love of many will become cold. But he who endures to the end, the same shall be kept safe. And the gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.” It is clear that God will keep and be with His people through all that must happen on the earth to prepare for the end so they might serve as a witness to all He has said and done and then the end will come. But we should not fear because God is with us and perfect love casts out all fear, for nothing can separate us from His love. Surely He will provide all that we need to endure to the end and not only that but He will use those who surrender themselves to His will to be a witness to the rest of the world so all will know. And when judgment comes the world will remember how they chose hatred and how it moved them to do evil things to the servants the King sent to tell of His invitation, thereby sealing their own fate. God does not condemn people to hell people choose it by following the deceiver who causes their flesh to feel good and the ignorant people give up their birthright for what makes them feel good in that moment.
And Jacob boiled soup. And Esau came from the field, and he was faint. And Esau said to Jacob, I beg you, Let me eat of the red, this red soup, for I am faint. Therefore his name was called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me your birthright today. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point of dying, and what profit shall this birthright be to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day. And he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and soup of lentils. And he ate and drank, and rose up and went his way. And Esau despised his birthright.
(Gen 25:29-34 MKJV)
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Suffering used for good
So You handed them over to their enemies, who made them suffer. But in their time of trouble they cried to You, and You heard them from heaven. In Your great mercy, You sent them liberators who rescued them from their enemies.
(Nehemiah 9:27 NLT)
It is not God’s will that we suffer but that we are obedient and do everything with a thankful heart but sometimes our path becomes bent and our attention becomes fixed on things other than God. It is in these times that He allows us to suffer or by His grace we recognize our current state and allow God’s Holy Spirit to lead us back to our first love and avoid the suffering that was surely headed our way.
But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
(1Sa 15:22 NLT)
Is it that God needs our attention, God is in need of nothing! Could it be God our Creator knows what is best for that which He has created? And is He not worthy of all adoration? Why then does my heart wonder? What is it I am looking for that cannot be found in Christ, my Savior and Redeemer? I have experienced His joy and presence in my life and feel as though I could dwell there forever. I have also suffered from my own bad decisions and pride and I don’t want to go there again still I struggle with doing things that will take me to even worse places. I do know this, the condition of my soul is more important than the comfort of my flesh; meaning if my flesh must suffer in order for my soul to be set back on the narrow path and my focus back on God then it’s not hard to imagine why He would allow it.
Our ultimate goal is to make it to that heavenly home and hear the Father say, “Well done, my faithful servant.” But I also believe it’s what we allow God to do through us in this life that determines our purpose in the next.
The greatest among you must be a servant.
(Mat 23:11 NLT)
Look at the apostils they gave their lives to show others the way. Do you not think their reward will be greater (read Luke 19:12-26)? I don’t know about you but I don’t want to barely make it by living a life filled with my wants right up to the very end and then recognizing my need for Jesus with my last breath. This life with all the good and bad is our time to walk with Jesus, to really know Him, to understand He is there when trouble comes, and to laugh with Him when it is time to rejoice and to be His witnesses so others can share the life you have found. So you see obedience is better that sacrifice.
Lord, thank you for this life though I do not always appreciate it. I am guilty of allowing my eyes and heart to wonder which bring about many struggles, please forgive me. Won’t You help me live a life that is pleasing to You by renewing my mind and strengthening my spirit so that I might better listen to Your leading. Lead me into paths of righteousness so that I might know Your purpose and see Your direction. May Your grace cover me so that I am not crushed by the enemy and may Your Holy Spirit fill me so that I respond to my enemy in love. Lord, You see how very fragile I am yet You hold me with all assurance - I am Yours and nothing can remove me from Your hand. You have also given me free will, may I always choose You and remain close to my first love.
(Nehemiah 9:27 NLT)
It is not God’s will that we suffer but that we are obedient and do everything with a thankful heart but sometimes our path becomes bent and our attention becomes fixed on things other than God. It is in these times that He allows us to suffer or by His grace we recognize our current state and allow God’s Holy Spirit to lead us back to our first love and avoid the suffering that was surely headed our way.
But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
(1Sa 15:22 NLT)
Is it that God needs our attention, God is in need of nothing! Could it be God our Creator knows what is best for that which He has created? And is He not worthy of all adoration? Why then does my heart wonder? What is it I am looking for that cannot be found in Christ, my Savior and Redeemer? I have experienced His joy and presence in my life and feel as though I could dwell there forever. I have also suffered from my own bad decisions and pride and I don’t want to go there again still I struggle with doing things that will take me to even worse places. I do know this, the condition of my soul is more important than the comfort of my flesh; meaning if my flesh must suffer in order for my soul to be set back on the narrow path and my focus back on God then it’s not hard to imagine why He would allow it.
Our ultimate goal is to make it to that heavenly home and hear the Father say, “Well done, my faithful servant.” But I also believe it’s what we allow God to do through us in this life that determines our purpose in the next.
The greatest among you must be a servant.
(Mat 23:11 NLT)
Look at the apostils they gave their lives to show others the way. Do you not think their reward will be greater (read Luke 19:12-26)? I don’t know about you but I don’t want to barely make it by living a life filled with my wants right up to the very end and then recognizing my need for Jesus with my last breath. This life with all the good and bad is our time to walk with Jesus, to really know Him, to understand He is there when trouble comes, and to laugh with Him when it is time to rejoice and to be His witnesses so others can share the life you have found. So you see obedience is better that sacrifice.
Lord, thank you for this life though I do not always appreciate it. I am guilty of allowing my eyes and heart to wonder which bring about many struggles, please forgive me. Won’t You help me live a life that is pleasing to You by renewing my mind and strengthening my spirit so that I might better listen to Your leading. Lead me into paths of righteousness so that I might know Your purpose and see Your direction. May Your grace cover me so that I am not crushed by the enemy and may Your Holy Spirit fill me so that I respond to my enemy in love. Lord, You see how very fragile I am yet You hold me with all assurance - I am Yours and nothing can remove me from Your hand. You have also given me free will, may I always choose You and remain close to my first love.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Understanding our need for Christ
Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.
(Matthew 5:17 NLT)
God gave the law so that we might know how to live but the law could not be satisfied through our own abilities and therefore points to our need. The Word was made flesh and came to live among us to fulfill the law and show us the heart of the Father so that the truth would set us free. Jesus said that if you have seen me you have already seen the Father (John 14:9). It is in our failures, our struggles, our coming face to face with our own desperate situations that keeps us from being blinded by pride, which is the enemy of God’s people. The man who falls then puffs out his chest and says, “it wasn’t me” instead of admitting his guilt only pushes the truth, the very freedom he longs for, further away. With that being said I am a strong believer in the ideal that just because I’m wrong doesn’t make you right. You see all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God and no man can come to the Father but through Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? "
(Matthew 7:1-3 NLT)
What difference does it make if you can persuade people to believe what you believe if the standard by which all men will be judged is not man’s standard but God’s? Are we so blind that we’ve convinced ourselves if I can get more people to believe what I’m saying then I must be right? Where is God in the judgment you’ve been handing out? Are you not afraid of God’s righteousness, even at the end? And what of those who cause God’s children to stumble? Jesus said this,
But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.
(Mark 9:42 NLT)
My friend be careful about offering advice when you only know one side of the story, for if that one is misled and your advice only supports their way of thinking have you not kept them from knowing the truth? I tell you many Christians tread on thin ice unaware all in the name of compassion and in the end only deceive themselves. God was, is, and shall be judge - do not place yourself in a position higher than you ought.
When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, He gave them this advice: "When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, 'Give this person your seat.' Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! "Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 'Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
(Luke 14:7-11 NLT)
It is clear that God will bless those who do not exalt themselves. Those who progress in spirit and truth do so at the cost of their own flesh and though it appears the enemy has defeated them because they are not what the world would call successful or leaders but look at who God selected to be king over Israel ~ David, not his older brothers but a poor shepherd boy.
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.
(Matthew 5:3-12 NLT)
(Matthew 5:17 NLT)
God gave the law so that we might know how to live but the law could not be satisfied through our own abilities and therefore points to our need. The Word was made flesh and came to live among us to fulfill the law and show us the heart of the Father so that the truth would set us free. Jesus said that if you have seen me you have already seen the Father (John 14:9). It is in our failures, our struggles, our coming face to face with our own desperate situations that keeps us from being blinded by pride, which is the enemy of God’s people. The man who falls then puffs out his chest and says, “it wasn’t me” instead of admitting his guilt only pushes the truth, the very freedom he longs for, further away. With that being said I am a strong believer in the ideal that just because I’m wrong doesn’t make you right. You see all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God and no man can come to the Father but through Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? "
(Matthew 7:1-3 NLT)
What difference does it make if you can persuade people to believe what you believe if the standard by which all men will be judged is not man’s standard but God’s? Are we so blind that we’ve convinced ourselves if I can get more people to believe what I’m saying then I must be right? Where is God in the judgment you’ve been handing out? Are you not afraid of God’s righteousness, even at the end? And what of those who cause God’s children to stumble? Jesus said this,
But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.
(Mark 9:42 NLT)
My friend be careful about offering advice when you only know one side of the story, for if that one is misled and your advice only supports their way of thinking have you not kept them from knowing the truth? I tell you many Christians tread on thin ice unaware all in the name of compassion and in the end only deceive themselves. God was, is, and shall be judge - do not place yourself in a position higher than you ought.
When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, He gave them this advice: "When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, 'Give this person your seat.' Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! "Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 'Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
(Luke 14:7-11 NLT)
It is clear that God will bless those who do not exalt themselves. Those who progress in spirit and truth do so at the cost of their own flesh and though it appears the enemy has defeated them because they are not what the world would call successful or leaders but look at who God selected to be king over Israel ~ David, not his older brothers but a poor shepherd boy.
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.
(Matthew 5:3-12 NLT)
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