"For it is: do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there."
Isaiah 28:10
I have been a Christian for 36 years. Two years ago, I discovered that I have lived most of my Christian life stuck in a problem. The problem was religion. Have you noticed that many people, when they discover you are a Christian, will call you 'religious?' There is a vast difference between being a Christian and being religious.
When Jesus was ministering on the earth, he was not opposed by the government or the ungodly people of the day. He was opposed, beaten, tortured and killed by the religious community. This is because religion opposes everything Christ stands for.
In my life, the religion I had embraced, had been taught to me by men. They were good men and they did not intend to teach evil. In fact, they taught good things. But I took these things and built my life around them. These religious things required me to DO things for God in order to earn his love and respect. It required me to follow rules that were instituted by men. These rules continually reminded me that if I participated in something that was outside the rule, I would surely die. Therefore, I lived in a constant state of feeling like a failure, because I could not follow the rules adequately.
Then one day, two years ago, God used this very scripture from Isaiah 28 to show me that I had allowed religion to grow bigger in my life than my relationship with him. That day, I repented and experienced a freedom that has moved me into a whole new life. My life is found in Christ, not religion. He is liberating. He is forgiving. He is altogether loving. Having a relationship with him is incomparable to anything else.
Today, examine your Christianity. Are you head over heels in love with Jesus, or are you living by a set of rules, dos and don'ts, and meager expectations? Find out who you are in Christ, eliminate the rest, and experience the overwhelming freedom found in the simplicity of relationship with Jesus.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Living in God's Favor
"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts for a lifetime; weeping may last for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
Psalm 30:5
I live under the favor of God! What an incredible thing it is to understand that not only does the God of the universe think about me, talk to me, and walk with me; he also favors me. When I think about it from my point of view, this means, I am his favorite son! And you are his favorite son or daughter. He favors you. If there are several choices in God's mind about where you will go and what you will do, he will always choose the one that is best for you because he favors you.
Having the favor of God in our lives does not guarantee we will not have to go through difficult things. What it does mean is, we can be assured that God will go through those things with us. He said it himself, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So when we are experiencing really difficult circumstances, we should not say that the favor of God has left us. It has not. In fact, it is what carries us through those times.
Sometimes, we weep. We weep for the difficulties we are encountering. We weep because it feels as if God has deserted us. But, I am assured that this weeping will only last for a night. Tomorrow, we will rejoice because we will recognize that the favor of God is upon us.
There is so much difficulty, so much pain and sickness, so much poverty, that we must absolutely cling to the reality that God is with us through these things. I cannot answer the questions. I do not always know why we must endure hardship. But this I know, God favors us, and this will last for our entire life.
So, stand up straight, look up to heaven with a smile on your face, believe it in your heart, and say it with confidence: "I am God's favorite person!" Rejoicing is bound to follow.
Psalm 30:5
I live under the favor of God! What an incredible thing it is to understand that not only does the God of the universe think about me, talk to me, and walk with me; he also favors me. When I think about it from my point of view, this means, I am his favorite son! And you are his favorite son or daughter. He favors you. If there are several choices in God's mind about where you will go and what you will do, he will always choose the one that is best for you because he favors you.
Having the favor of God in our lives does not guarantee we will not have to go through difficult things. What it does mean is, we can be assured that God will go through those things with us. He said it himself, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So when we are experiencing really difficult circumstances, we should not say that the favor of God has left us. It has not. In fact, it is what carries us through those times.
Sometimes, we weep. We weep for the difficulties we are encountering. We weep because it feels as if God has deserted us. But, I am assured that this weeping will only last for a night. Tomorrow, we will rejoice because we will recognize that the favor of God is upon us.
There is so much difficulty, so much pain and sickness, so much poverty, that we must absolutely cling to the reality that God is with us through these things. I cannot answer the questions. I do not always know why we must endure hardship. But this I know, God favors us, and this will last for our entire life.
So, stand up straight, look up to heaven with a smile on your face, believe it in your heart, and say it with confidence: "I am God's favorite person!" Rejoicing is bound to follow.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Painfully Exalted
"But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."
Genesis 45:7
I have been enjoying, again, reading the story of Joseph. Remember, his brothers sold him into slavery and he was carried off to Egypt. After suffering many years in prison, being falsely accused, he was exalted to a place equal to Pharaoh himself. It was with much pain that Joseph reached his dream. You see, God had told him many years before, that even his brothers and father would bow before him. Yet the struggles that ensued seemed to speak the opposite.
Have you ever thought that the difficult things you now go through may be a pathway of life and deliverance for others? I think so. Joseph was exalted to a place of rulership, not for his own ego, but to provide deliverance for others. He saved nations from starvation. But perhaps the most important thing he accomplished was the reconciliation of himself to his brothers. As a result, his whole family was saved the agony of losing everything through severe famine.
So think of your life as a possibility. You are the possibility of deliverance for your family, friends and community. This great result often comes through suffering before the exaltation is revealed. In fact, the exaltation may not even come in this life. But if you will persevere through suffering and live your life knowing that it is about others as much as it is about yourself, you will wear the crowns of victory.
Like Joseph, you and I have the great privilege of enduring a little suffering for the sake of our families and friends. When people look at our lives, they must see people who endured for the cause of Christ. When they see that, they will want to come along for the ride. Imagine the joy of entering into eternity with your family and friends following. And all this because you lived so they could be delivered. Pain...deliverance...exaltation, this is the blessing of living in Christ. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Romans 8:17
Genesis 45:7
I have been enjoying, again, reading the story of Joseph. Remember, his brothers sold him into slavery and he was carried off to Egypt. After suffering many years in prison, being falsely accused, he was exalted to a place equal to Pharaoh himself. It was with much pain that Joseph reached his dream. You see, God had told him many years before, that even his brothers and father would bow before him. Yet the struggles that ensued seemed to speak the opposite.
Have you ever thought that the difficult things you now go through may be a pathway of life and deliverance for others? I think so. Joseph was exalted to a place of rulership, not for his own ego, but to provide deliverance for others. He saved nations from starvation. But perhaps the most important thing he accomplished was the reconciliation of himself to his brothers. As a result, his whole family was saved the agony of losing everything through severe famine.
So think of your life as a possibility. You are the possibility of deliverance for your family, friends and community. This great result often comes through suffering before the exaltation is revealed. In fact, the exaltation may not even come in this life. But if you will persevere through suffering and live your life knowing that it is about others as much as it is about yourself, you will wear the crowns of victory.
Like Joseph, you and I have the great privilege of enduring a little suffering for the sake of our families and friends. When people look at our lives, they must see people who endured for the cause of Christ. When they see that, they will want to come along for the ride. Imagine the joy of entering into eternity with your family and friends following. And all this because you lived so they could be delivered. Pain...deliverance...exaltation, this is the blessing of living in Christ. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Romans 8:17
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Daily Resolution
"I've resolved to give God everything I've got. Then I'll leave the results up to him."
From the movie Facing the Giants
Sherwood Pictures
This is maybe the most simple, yet profound statement I have ever heard when it comes to managing my own relationship with God. It's not a deep theological treatise. It's not an emotional sermon or song. This is simply a basic direction for how I am to live my Christian life.
First, I have to resolve to give God everything I have. This is much deeper than I have ever thought before. Yes, I must give him all of my heart. I must also give him my mind, the way I think and the things I think about. I must give him my body, the things I do, the things I eat, the things I allow my eyes to see and my ears to hear. But I must also give him my attitudes, the way I think about people, the way I talk to them, the way I act toward them. And finally, I must give him my stuff. The things I have are not my own, they have been given to me by God. Ultimately, they are still his. I simply use them.
Then, I must leave the results up to him. This is where grace comes in. I often read postings for potential jobs. Sometimes the requirements for the job say, "Results driven person." This may be fine for the job, but I know that I cannot govern the results of giving all I've got to God. If I try, all I am really doing is attempting to earn my way into heaven. It doesn't work! When I try that, I end up further behind in my spiritual life than I was before. No, I must leave the results up to God and then...trust him.
Could we make this a conscious daily decision? Let's say to God today, "I'm giving everything I've got to you, and I'm leaving the results up to you." That removes pressure from us because we no longer have to 'perform' for God. We simply do what we can do, and then trust him for the best outcome.
I've never been excited about New Year's resolutions. But this is a daily one that I can grab ahold of. Let's give it all to him and see what happens!
From the movie Facing the Giants
Sherwood Pictures
This is maybe the most simple, yet profound statement I have ever heard when it comes to managing my own relationship with God. It's not a deep theological treatise. It's not an emotional sermon or song. This is simply a basic direction for how I am to live my Christian life.
First, I have to resolve to give God everything I have. This is much deeper than I have ever thought before. Yes, I must give him all of my heart. I must also give him my mind, the way I think and the things I think about. I must give him my body, the things I do, the things I eat, the things I allow my eyes to see and my ears to hear. But I must also give him my attitudes, the way I think about people, the way I talk to them, the way I act toward them. And finally, I must give him my stuff. The things I have are not my own, they have been given to me by God. Ultimately, they are still his. I simply use them.
Then, I must leave the results up to him. This is where grace comes in. I often read postings for potential jobs. Sometimes the requirements for the job say, "Results driven person." This may be fine for the job, but I know that I cannot govern the results of giving all I've got to God. If I try, all I am really doing is attempting to earn my way into heaven. It doesn't work! When I try that, I end up further behind in my spiritual life than I was before. No, I must leave the results up to God and then...trust him.
Could we make this a conscious daily decision? Let's say to God today, "I'm giving everything I've got to you, and I'm leaving the results up to you." That removes pressure from us because we no longer have to 'perform' for God. We simply do what we can do, and then trust him for the best outcome.
I've never been excited about New Year's resolutions. But this is a daily one that I can grab ahold of. Let's give it all to him and see what happens!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
No More Tears
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'"
Revelation 21:4&5a
I cry...a lot. I don't know, since I have reached my mid-life, I can't stop the flow. I cry over movies, things people say, verses in the Bible, prayer times and even thoughts that come. Most of these tears are productive. They are manifestations of the things God is doing in my own heart.
But sometimes, I cry because things are difficult. The world is a painful place. People get hurt, there is death and suffering, tragedy and pain. We are all subjected to the slow death this world is suffering as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve. Even though we belong to Christ, we still live in a decaying world. Even our bodies are wasting away.
Still, there is a great hope for us. These scriptures found in Revelation, tell us that there is coming a day when we will cry no more. Pain is going to end. Tragedy, sickness, disease and suffering will be distant memories. All the old things that we now must endure are going to pass away. We will live in the glorious presence of God himself! His glory will be enough to provide all the light we need.
He says, " I am making EVERYTHING NEW! The apostle Paul said that we are to comfort and encourage one another with the fact that Jesus is coming and he will make all things new. I don't know about you, but this makes me slide down in my chair and breathe a peaceful "Ahhhh."
Today, be encouraged with the knowledge that the old will pass and God will make all things new. This is our hope, this is our comfort, this is our encouragement. And remember, there will be no more tears! Ahhhhhh!
Revelation 21:4&5a
I cry...a lot. I don't know, since I have reached my mid-life, I can't stop the flow. I cry over movies, things people say, verses in the Bible, prayer times and even thoughts that come. Most of these tears are productive. They are manifestations of the things God is doing in my own heart.
But sometimes, I cry because things are difficult. The world is a painful place. People get hurt, there is death and suffering, tragedy and pain. We are all subjected to the slow death this world is suffering as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve. Even though we belong to Christ, we still live in a decaying world. Even our bodies are wasting away.
Still, there is a great hope for us. These scriptures found in Revelation, tell us that there is coming a day when we will cry no more. Pain is going to end. Tragedy, sickness, disease and suffering will be distant memories. All the old things that we now must endure are going to pass away. We will live in the glorious presence of God himself! His glory will be enough to provide all the light we need.
He says, " I am making EVERYTHING NEW! The apostle Paul said that we are to comfort and encourage one another with the fact that Jesus is coming and he will make all things new. I don't know about you, but this makes me slide down in my chair and breathe a peaceful "Ahhhh."
Today, be encouraged with the knowledge that the old will pass and God will make all things new. This is our hope, this is our comfort, this is our encouragement. And remember, there will be no more tears! Ahhhhhh!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Grace, Love, and Fellowship
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
2 Corinthians 13:14
I have been on a quest to strengthen my relationship with God. I can honestly say that I want to know him in all his fullness. I don't want to miss anything about him. He is the reason for my life and my one true desire. I am not ashamed to say I love him. In my weakness, I find strength in him. In my poverty, I find riches in him. In my sorrow, I find joy in him.
I am so thankful for the grace of Jesus. My relationship with him is built on the solid foundation of his grace. He covered my sin and chooses to look at me, not through the black shadow cast by sin, but through eyes of love and grace that is much greater than all my sin. It is not a one sided relationship. Yes, I love him, but he loves me so much more, enough that he would disregard my failing and shower me with grace.
I am blessed by the love of God. No one in my entire lifetime will ever love me as much as he does. It is not that he DID love me. He DOES love me. He has proven that over and over again. He sent his only Son to redeem me and he continues to redeem and rescue me today. There is no greater love than this.
I am blessed every day to live in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. He comforts me, counsels me, strengthens me, and reveals God the Father and Jesus to me. I appreciate him because he doesn't bring glory to himself, he points it all to Jesus and my Father. He personally delivers the love of the Father and the grace of Jesus to me every moment of every day.
So really, God loves me, extends grace to me and fellowships with me in spite of the fact that I sin, rebel, and even prove to be unfaithful to him. So I wonder; if God treats me like that, shouldn't I treat others the same way? What would Christianity be like if we loved, extended grace, and fellowshipped with one another without regard for the shortcomings of our brothers and sisters? And in an even more radical move; what would happen if we treated all the people of the world that way? He does. I think I'll try it today. In fact, let's do it together.
2 Corinthians 13:14
I have been on a quest to strengthen my relationship with God. I can honestly say that I want to know him in all his fullness. I don't want to miss anything about him. He is the reason for my life and my one true desire. I am not ashamed to say I love him. In my weakness, I find strength in him. In my poverty, I find riches in him. In my sorrow, I find joy in him.
I am so thankful for the grace of Jesus. My relationship with him is built on the solid foundation of his grace. He covered my sin and chooses to look at me, not through the black shadow cast by sin, but through eyes of love and grace that is much greater than all my sin. It is not a one sided relationship. Yes, I love him, but he loves me so much more, enough that he would disregard my failing and shower me with grace.
I am blessed by the love of God. No one in my entire lifetime will ever love me as much as he does. It is not that he DID love me. He DOES love me. He has proven that over and over again. He sent his only Son to redeem me and he continues to redeem and rescue me today. There is no greater love than this.
I am blessed every day to live in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. He comforts me, counsels me, strengthens me, and reveals God the Father and Jesus to me. I appreciate him because he doesn't bring glory to himself, he points it all to Jesus and my Father. He personally delivers the love of the Father and the grace of Jesus to me every moment of every day.
So really, God loves me, extends grace to me and fellowships with me in spite of the fact that I sin, rebel, and even prove to be unfaithful to him. So I wonder; if God treats me like that, shouldn't I treat others the same way? What would Christianity be like if we loved, extended grace, and fellowshipped with one another without regard for the shortcomings of our brothers and sisters? And in an even more radical move; what would happen if we treated all the people of the world that way? He does. I think I'll try it today. In fact, let's do it together.
Friday, February 18, 2011
God's Voice
"The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic."
Psalm 29:4
Does God still speak to people? In the Old Testament, he physically met with people, spoke audibly to them, sent angels, and even wrote on the wall of a king's palace. In the gospels, he spoke to us through his Son, Jesus, who became man for us. In Acts, he spoke audibly to Saul, leading him to salvation. In Revelation, he showed the Apostle, John, incredible things, literally opening up heaven for him to peer into. But, what about now?
Yes, God does still speak to men. Christians live in continual communication with the Holy Spirit, who is God, living within us. We are special. People in the Old Testament had to wait for the occasional 'voice' to come. In Jesus' time, people would have to come from all over the region to see the ONE man who was God's voice. But now, we have the constant voice of the Lord within us. He speaks everyday. You know his voice. You have heard it before. It is the voice of counsel, comfort, peace, direction, and revelation. This is God's voice.
If you listen, you will hear. The more you listen, the louder his voice becomes. Then suddenly, it will dawn on you that his voice is powerful and majestic. It thunders within you.
I resolve today, to listen to his voice. I need direction, counsel and comfort. These words don't come from men, they come from God, and he is actually living within me.
So, pay attention. Listen for his voice. When you do, I guarantee it will become louder. It will change your day, your week and your life. Speak Lord, speak!
Psalm 29:4
Does God still speak to people? In the Old Testament, he physically met with people, spoke audibly to them, sent angels, and even wrote on the wall of a king's palace. In the gospels, he spoke to us through his Son, Jesus, who became man for us. In Acts, he spoke audibly to Saul, leading him to salvation. In Revelation, he showed the Apostle, John, incredible things, literally opening up heaven for him to peer into. But, what about now?
Yes, God does still speak to men. Christians live in continual communication with the Holy Spirit, who is God, living within us. We are special. People in the Old Testament had to wait for the occasional 'voice' to come. In Jesus' time, people would have to come from all over the region to see the ONE man who was God's voice. But now, we have the constant voice of the Lord within us. He speaks everyday. You know his voice. You have heard it before. It is the voice of counsel, comfort, peace, direction, and revelation. This is God's voice.
If you listen, you will hear. The more you listen, the louder his voice becomes. Then suddenly, it will dawn on you that his voice is powerful and majestic. It thunders within you.
I resolve today, to listen to his voice. I need direction, counsel and comfort. These words don't come from men, they come from God, and he is actually living within me.
So, pay attention. Listen for his voice. When you do, I guarantee it will become louder. It will change your day, your week and your life. Speak Lord, speak!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Here Comes that Dreamer
"'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to each other."
Genesis 37:19
The Old Testament of Joseph is well known. But this little part of it is sometimes overlooked. Joseph was a BIG dreamer. The verse above references what his eleven brothers said when they saw him coming. They were planning to kill him simply because he had big dreams. They did not relish the idea that Joseph's dreams foretold that they would be in subjection to him.
Here's the thing, Joseph's dreams were fulfilled. God had given him those dreams and when that happens, the fulfillment happens. Joseph not only ruled over his brothers, he ruled over many nations, all because God had planted dreams in him.
What are your dreams? Are any of them planted in you by God himself? If so, you need to know this one incredible fact about God; He does not lie! If he has given you a dream or dreams, he has every intention of fulfilling them. In fact, you can count it as already done.
Often times, the issue is timing. God doesn't use the same clock or calendar we do. We want it now. We want to point to a date on the calendar and say, "This is when it will happen." But, his plan for each of us is set, and he has given us the dreams for that plan to be realized. God gives us dreams because he wants us to have HOPE. "Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:24&25)
God has given you dreams. Remember them, wait patiently for them to be fulfilled, and above all, hope for them. God is no liar!
Genesis 37:19
The Old Testament of Joseph is well known. But this little part of it is sometimes overlooked. Joseph was a BIG dreamer. The verse above references what his eleven brothers said when they saw him coming. They were planning to kill him simply because he had big dreams. They did not relish the idea that Joseph's dreams foretold that they would be in subjection to him.
Here's the thing, Joseph's dreams were fulfilled. God had given him those dreams and when that happens, the fulfillment happens. Joseph not only ruled over his brothers, he ruled over many nations, all because God had planted dreams in him.
What are your dreams? Are any of them planted in you by God himself? If so, you need to know this one incredible fact about God; He does not lie! If he has given you a dream or dreams, he has every intention of fulfilling them. In fact, you can count it as already done.
Often times, the issue is timing. God doesn't use the same clock or calendar we do. We want it now. We want to point to a date on the calendar and say, "This is when it will happen." But, his plan for each of us is set, and he has given us the dreams for that plan to be realized. God gives us dreams because he wants us to have HOPE. "Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:24&25)
God has given you dreams. Remember them, wait patiently for them to be fulfilled, and above all, hope for them. God is no liar!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
God Changes Everything
"Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."
Habakkuk 1:5
I believe that we are living in days that are absolutely unprecedented. Never before in my life have I felt the coming of the last days so strongly. I don't know when Jesus is coming or when some of the events in Revelation will take place, but I do believe that it is within us to 'discern the season.' It seems to me that the season of the day of the Lord is upon us.
These are the days when we will watch nations rise and fall. We will see things that are unprecedented in the history of the world. I don't know exactly how that looks, but it is a global change that God has in mind.
These changes also apply to you and me. I believe that the promise here in Habakkuk is for us as well. God is about to do something in our lives that is so unbelievable, that even if someone told us, we would not accept it. These are miraculous, supernatural things. I see God drawing people to himself. He is drawing me and I'm certain, since you are reading this, he is drawing you as well. He is changing things. He is changing people. Those of us who call ourselves Christians are being challenged by Jesus to 'take up his cross and follow him.' That means we need to have the willingness to do it with all that we have.
Indeed, the world is changing. The hand of God is moving across the world and nations are changing. With the same intensity, God is changing us as well. I have determined that nothing will stop me from entering into that relationship with him. I wonder if you have the same commitment? Because if you do, the resulting things that God does in us will be unbelievable! It's worth repeating; "I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." I didn't say that...God did!
Habakkuk 1:5
I believe that we are living in days that are absolutely unprecedented. Never before in my life have I felt the coming of the last days so strongly. I don't know when Jesus is coming or when some of the events in Revelation will take place, but I do believe that it is within us to 'discern the season.' It seems to me that the season of the day of the Lord is upon us.
These are the days when we will watch nations rise and fall. We will see things that are unprecedented in the history of the world. I don't know exactly how that looks, but it is a global change that God has in mind.
These changes also apply to you and me. I believe that the promise here in Habakkuk is for us as well. God is about to do something in our lives that is so unbelievable, that even if someone told us, we would not accept it. These are miraculous, supernatural things. I see God drawing people to himself. He is drawing me and I'm certain, since you are reading this, he is drawing you as well. He is changing things. He is changing people. Those of us who call ourselves Christians are being challenged by Jesus to 'take up his cross and follow him.' That means we need to have the willingness to do it with all that we have.
Indeed, the world is changing. The hand of God is moving across the world and nations are changing. With the same intensity, God is changing us as well. I have determined that nothing will stop me from entering into that relationship with him. I wonder if you have the same commitment? Because if you do, the resulting things that God does in us will be unbelievable! It's worth repeating; "I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." I didn't say that...God did!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Day of Hope
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
This verse may be familiar to many of you. To me, this is one of the most powerful statements in the Bible. In these few words, God sums up his thoughts about me.
The word 'plans' is also translated, 'thoughts.' I love the fact that the God of the universe thinks about me. He is the Creator and when he speaks things get created. He spoke the universe, the world, the animals, and humanity, into existence. Yet, even when God thinks about me, something is created.
My future is created by the thoughts of God. And that future is not one of harm, poverty, sickness, and failure. It is one filled with the prosperity of the Lord. He holds my spirit, soul and body in his care, and he loves me. God never abuses anything or anyone that is in his care. So I am assured of a bright and joyful future.
Even though I may not see it right now, I know that God has planned great things for me. Therefore, I have tremendous hope for the days to come. The victory is at hand, the current battle will give way to amazing breakthrough.
Would you join me today in rejoicing over the future? Join me in entertaining hope. No matter what is happening in your life today, you can rest assured that God has given you a future that is totally in his care. God has plans for us, BIG plans. They are birthed out of his thoughts toward us. It is not a day of despair, it is a day of hope! Let us live today, rejoicing in God, who holds us in the palm of his hand.
Jeremiah 29:11
This verse may be familiar to many of you. To me, this is one of the most powerful statements in the Bible. In these few words, God sums up his thoughts about me.
The word 'plans' is also translated, 'thoughts.' I love the fact that the God of the universe thinks about me. He is the Creator and when he speaks things get created. He spoke the universe, the world, the animals, and humanity, into existence. Yet, even when God thinks about me, something is created.
My future is created by the thoughts of God. And that future is not one of harm, poverty, sickness, and failure. It is one filled with the prosperity of the Lord. He holds my spirit, soul and body in his care, and he loves me. God never abuses anything or anyone that is in his care. So I am assured of a bright and joyful future.
Even though I may not see it right now, I know that God has planned great things for me. Therefore, I have tremendous hope for the days to come. The victory is at hand, the current battle will give way to amazing breakthrough.
Would you join me today in rejoicing over the future? Join me in entertaining hope. No matter what is happening in your life today, you can rest assured that God has given you a future that is totally in his care. God has plans for us, BIG plans. They are birthed out of his thoughts toward us. It is not a day of despair, it is a day of hope! Let us live today, rejoicing in God, who holds us in the palm of his hand.
Monday, February 14, 2011
I Surrender All
"All to Jesus, I surrender; All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust him, in His presence daily live."
I Surrender All
Judson W. VanDeVenter 1896
I am learning the truth of these words more each day. In fact, the words of this first verse of the old hymn are so packed with truth, that I think we need to look at it phrase by phrase:
"All to Jesus I surrender." Apparently, this means everything that I deal with must be surrendered to God; my flesh, my finances, my health, my relationships, my stuff...everything!
"All to Him I freely give." There is no one making me do it. God is not controlling me like a puppet. I must make a decision to freely give all that I am to Christ. This starts with the very basic things of my life; my personality, my longings, my past, my future, and even my sin.
"I will ever love and trust Him." If I freely surrender everything I have, everything I am, to Jesus, I must be absolutely willing to trust him with it all. This explains why every time I pray, his answer seems to be, "Trust me."
"In His presence daily live." Here is where the whole thing is summed up: I must choose every day, to live in his presence. If I choose to submit to the fears, temptations and struggles of my daily life in this world, I will have missed an opportunity to be in an intimate moment with the God of the universe. I think this is an incredible blessing that he has given to all of us who are Christians. We can actually live in his presence every day of our lives...if we choose to.
So, hum a few bars of this song today and remember the words. It just might change your attitude and your outlook on life. The God who created everything is asking you to hang out with him. How could you refuse so great an invitation?
I Surrender All
Judson W. VanDeVenter 1896
I am learning the truth of these words more each day. In fact, the words of this first verse of the old hymn are so packed with truth, that I think we need to look at it phrase by phrase:
"All to Jesus I surrender." Apparently, this means everything that I deal with must be surrendered to God; my flesh, my finances, my health, my relationships, my stuff...everything!
"All to Him I freely give." There is no one making me do it. God is not controlling me like a puppet. I must make a decision to freely give all that I am to Christ. This starts with the very basic things of my life; my personality, my longings, my past, my future, and even my sin.
"I will ever love and trust Him." If I freely surrender everything I have, everything I am, to Jesus, I must be absolutely willing to trust him with it all. This explains why every time I pray, his answer seems to be, "Trust me."
"In His presence daily live." Here is where the whole thing is summed up: I must choose every day, to live in his presence. If I choose to submit to the fears, temptations and struggles of my daily life in this world, I will have missed an opportunity to be in an intimate moment with the God of the universe. I think this is an incredible blessing that he has given to all of us who are Christians. We can actually live in his presence every day of our lives...if we choose to.
So, hum a few bars of this song today and remember the words. It just might change your attitude and your outlook on life. The God who created everything is asking you to hang out with him. How could you refuse so great an invitation?
Friday, February 11, 2011
What's Wrong with Me?
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Psalm 42:5
I am not always excited about life. Sometimes, it is difficult. Sometimes, it hurts. The fact is; we are created to be emotional people. That part of our lives is called the soul.
The soul is that part of us that includes our mind, will and emotions. Often, this is a very confusing place. One part of our soul is excited about what God is doing. We believe everything he says and look forward to the promised future he has for us. Then there is the other part of our soul, the part that is consumed with the realities of living in this world. Many times, there is a collision between the trusting, faith-filled soul and the troubled, downcast one.
King David knew this conflict very well. In fact, he wrote the words from Psalm 42:5, three total times. He knew that sometimes his emotions would get the better of him and he would find himself in that troublesome, downcast state of mind. It got to the point where he had to honestly ask himself this question: Why am I so downcast? This is the reality check that you and I must have. The answers are always going to have something to do with our circumstances or condition. These are 'world' things, physical things, life things. But after the reality check, we must realize the same things that David did. There is a hope, a greater hope than the struggle in which we are entangled.
Right now, in the midst of a downcast and disturbed soul, let us all say, "Put your hope in God! I will yet praise my Savior and my God!" When the collision between faith and fear happens, this is the solution. We may be pressed down, but we are not defeated. Our hope is firmly set on the One we praise, our Savior and our God.
Psalm 42:5
I am not always excited about life. Sometimes, it is difficult. Sometimes, it hurts. The fact is; we are created to be emotional people. That part of our lives is called the soul.
The soul is that part of us that includes our mind, will and emotions. Often, this is a very confusing place. One part of our soul is excited about what God is doing. We believe everything he says and look forward to the promised future he has for us. Then there is the other part of our soul, the part that is consumed with the realities of living in this world. Many times, there is a collision between the trusting, faith-filled soul and the troubled, downcast one.
King David knew this conflict very well. In fact, he wrote the words from Psalm 42:5, three total times. He knew that sometimes his emotions would get the better of him and he would find himself in that troublesome, downcast state of mind. It got to the point where he had to honestly ask himself this question: Why am I so downcast? This is the reality check that you and I must have. The answers are always going to have something to do with our circumstances or condition. These are 'world' things, physical things, life things. But after the reality check, we must realize the same things that David did. There is a hope, a greater hope than the struggle in which we are entangled.
Right now, in the midst of a downcast and disturbed soul, let us all say, "Put your hope in God! I will yet praise my Savior and my God!" When the collision between faith and fear happens, this is the solution. We may be pressed down, but we are not defeated. Our hope is firmly set on the One we praise, our Savior and our God.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Waiting...Waiting...Waiting
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 27:14
I can't think of anything more difficult than waiting. When I was a kid, it seemed like it took forever for Christmas to come. As I got older, it seemed like I had to wait for everything, the new car, the new house. But there is one great thing about waiting; it is a time full of anticipation. I have never heard anyone say, "I'm waiting for disaster to come" or "I'm waiting to get sick." Those aren't things we wait for. We wait for good things to happen. So, we long for it, we are excited about it, and we anticipate the advent of whatever we wait for.
Waiting for God should be the same. Often, we are waiting for God to come and deliver us from a situation. We wait for our healing or our escape from circumstances. I have noticed that sometimes, while I am waiting for God, I don't feel the anticipation or the excitement. I get so consumed by the current circumstance that the waiting seems almost impossible. In those times, I think I have forgotten the real reason for waiting. I have to sit back, relax, and realize that what I am waiting for from God is much better than anything that I have now. It is worth waiting for. Otherwise, I would be settling for second best.
Yes, waiting is difficult. But if we will understand that the answer God has for us is absolutely the perfect solution, we will begin to feel that excitement and anticipation again. When we are waiting with excitement, there is no sitting around, no moping, and no 'woe is me' attitude. No, we are giddy with joy. Every trip to the mail box, every prayer time, every meeting with friends becomes exciting, because we never know exactly how and when God is going to show up. He may come riding on an answered prayer. He may speak through the mouth of a friend or deliver an answer in the mail.
So, I say to myself, O' my soul, do not be discouraged! And don't you be discouraged either, because God is on the way. His answer has already been set in motion. Wait in anticipation. CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
Psalm 27:14
I can't think of anything more difficult than waiting. When I was a kid, it seemed like it took forever for Christmas to come. As I got older, it seemed like I had to wait for everything, the new car, the new house. But there is one great thing about waiting; it is a time full of anticipation. I have never heard anyone say, "I'm waiting for disaster to come" or "I'm waiting to get sick." Those aren't things we wait for. We wait for good things to happen. So, we long for it, we are excited about it, and we anticipate the advent of whatever we wait for.
Waiting for God should be the same. Often, we are waiting for God to come and deliver us from a situation. We wait for our healing or our escape from circumstances. I have noticed that sometimes, while I am waiting for God, I don't feel the anticipation or the excitement. I get so consumed by the current circumstance that the waiting seems almost impossible. In those times, I think I have forgotten the real reason for waiting. I have to sit back, relax, and realize that what I am waiting for from God is much better than anything that I have now. It is worth waiting for. Otherwise, I would be settling for second best.
Yes, waiting is difficult. But if we will understand that the answer God has for us is absolutely the perfect solution, we will begin to feel that excitement and anticipation again. When we are waiting with excitement, there is no sitting around, no moping, and no 'woe is me' attitude. No, we are giddy with joy. Every trip to the mail box, every prayer time, every meeting with friends becomes exciting, because we never know exactly how and when God is going to show up. He may come riding on an answered prayer. He may speak through the mouth of a friend or deliver an answer in the mail.
So, I say to myself, O' my soul, do not be discouraged! And don't you be discouraged either, because God is on the way. His answer has already been set in motion. Wait in anticipation. CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Becoming a Farmer
"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you."
Hosea 10:12
So often we forget that we have responsibilities in our Christian lives. We have come to depend on grace so heavily that we neglect the mission of moving toward holiness. Paul tells us that we are never to use grace as a license to continue sinning. So then, the call for each of us is to become farmers in our own lives.
I know that righteousness comes by faith. It's absolutely true that we have right-standing with God when we confess sin (1 John 1:9), but we still have a responsibility to live a holy and godly life. We do this very simply, by doing what farmers do. We sow righteousness, reap unfailing love, and plow the unplowed areas of our lives.
You see, this is not about trying to work for our salvation. It is really just allowing God to have access to every area of our lives. This is where the unplowed ground is. It is the areas that we have allowed to become hard, weed infested, troublesome places. These areas often become so unkempt that we simply avoid them. But God wants all those areas. He is not satisfied with part of us, he wants all of our lives.
Becoming a farmer in our own lives is summed up perfectly by the prophet, Hosea: "For it is time to seek the Lord." So make a vow to God, today. " I choose to seek you, I choose to break up the unplowed areas of my life so they can be planted and watered by you. I choose to move toward holiness. If I fail, I will depend on your amazing grace." Do this today, and if you fall short, do it tomorrow...and the next day... and the next day!
Hosea 10:12
So often we forget that we have responsibilities in our Christian lives. We have come to depend on grace so heavily that we neglect the mission of moving toward holiness. Paul tells us that we are never to use grace as a license to continue sinning. So then, the call for each of us is to become farmers in our own lives.
I know that righteousness comes by faith. It's absolutely true that we have right-standing with God when we confess sin (1 John 1:9), but we still have a responsibility to live a holy and godly life. We do this very simply, by doing what farmers do. We sow righteousness, reap unfailing love, and plow the unplowed areas of our lives.
You see, this is not about trying to work for our salvation. It is really just allowing God to have access to every area of our lives. This is where the unplowed ground is. It is the areas that we have allowed to become hard, weed infested, troublesome places. These areas often become so unkempt that we simply avoid them. But God wants all those areas. He is not satisfied with part of us, he wants all of our lives.
Becoming a farmer in our own lives is summed up perfectly by the prophet, Hosea: "For it is time to seek the Lord." So make a vow to God, today. " I choose to seek you, I choose to break up the unplowed areas of my life so they can be planted and watered by you. I choose to move toward holiness. If I fail, I will depend on your amazing grace." Do this today, and if you fall short, do it tomorrow...and the next day... and the next day!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Be Strong Today
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power"
Ephesians 6:10
Do you ever have days when you don't even want to get out of bed and face the realities of life? I do, and those are difficult times. Some days, I think I can take on the world and live in absolute victory, other days, I feel weak and defeated. This is because I am human. We all are, and because of that, we live through a broad range of emotional ups and downs.
But, one thing remains constant in all of this. We have a God to lean on that supersedes our emotions. He is always steady, strong and loving. He is truly the rock on which we stand.
Consider a starfish. They are weak, slow, and defenseless little creatures, yet they thrive, even though they live in the pounding and punishing surfs of the oceans. They survive, because they know how to do one thing: They attach themselves to a rock. Not even the strongest of waves can move them, because all of those sticky little legs are hanging onto the rock with everything they have.
Today, I am choosing to live by being strong in the Lord. The Bible is clear about this. Though I am weak, he is strong, though I am powerless, he has all power. So, to choose to live in my own strength would prove to be the worst of decisions. But living in his strength gives me the courage to live today, and do it victoriously.
If you are weak today, choose to live in his strength. If you feel powerless, choose to receive his power. If you are poor, count yourself rich in the reality of God's presence in your life. It's okay. Get out of bed, get going with your day, and live in his mighty power. And say this to the crummy circumstances: "On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand." This is how you and I can be strong today.
Ephesians 6:10
Do you ever have days when you don't even want to get out of bed and face the realities of life? I do, and those are difficult times. Some days, I think I can take on the world and live in absolute victory, other days, I feel weak and defeated. This is because I am human. We all are, and because of that, we live through a broad range of emotional ups and downs.
But, one thing remains constant in all of this. We have a God to lean on that supersedes our emotions. He is always steady, strong and loving. He is truly the rock on which we stand.
Consider a starfish. They are weak, slow, and defenseless little creatures, yet they thrive, even though they live in the pounding and punishing surfs of the oceans. They survive, because they know how to do one thing: They attach themselves to a rock. Not even the strongest of waves can move them, because all of those sticky little legs are hanging onto the rock with everything they have.
Today, I am choosing to live by being strong in the Lord. The Bible is clear about this. Though I am weak, he is strong, though I am powerless, he has all power. So, to choose to live in my own strength would prove to be the worst of decisions. But living in his strength gives me the courage to live today, and do it victoriously.
If you are weak today, choose to live in his strength. If you feel powerless, choose to receive his power. If you are poor, count yourself rich in the reality of God's presence in your life. It's okay. Get out of bed, get going with your day, and live in his mighty power. And say this to the crummy circumstances: "On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand." This is how you and I can be strong today.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Pray More
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I am being challenged by the Lord. I pray a lot, but I am hearing a clear direction from the Holy Spirit to pray even more. In fact, if I am being honest, what he is saying to me is: "You aren't praying enough." this is much more involved than what it may appear on the surface. Personally, this means that I am to pray more when I am by myself. I am to extend my prayer times with him. I lead several groups of people and I know that this direction applies there as well. We just need to pray more!
I long to have the kind of relationship with God where I am connected at all times. Some of you are probably far ahead of me on this one. I am a compartmentalized person. When I am praying, I am praying, when I am working, I am working, when I am writing, I am writing. And the list goes on and on. I know that the Holy Spirit is in me and I am always with him. But I fail to pay attention all the time. To me, this is true prayer: It is being connected to God, always, by paying attention to the Holy Spirit inside me.
When I read the verses above, I see that joy, continual prayer and thanksgiving go together. If I am a praying, thankful person, I will be joyful. So, why do I sometimes fail at this? I think the answer is in that same passage. It says, "Give thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES." If I allow the circumstances to dictate whether I pray and be thankful, I may not follow through. But If I continue in Christ and his will, I will be prayerful and thankful in all things. When that happens, I will be praying continually.
Does that speak to you? Is God asking you to pray more? Let's follow through. If he is asking us to do this together, he must have incredible breakthroughs and victories for us. I think this is a season for prayer...do you?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I am being challenged by the Lord. I pray a lot, but I am hearing a clear direction from the Holy Spirit to pray even more. In fact, if I am being honest, what he is saying to me is: "You aren't praying enough." this is much more involved than what it may appear on the surface. Personally, this means that I am to pray more when I am by myself. I am to extend my prayer times with him. I lead several groups of people and I know that this direction applies there as well. We just need to pray more!
I long to have the kind of relationship with God where I am connected at all times. Some of you are probably far ahead of me on this one. I am a compartmentalized person. When I am praying, I am praying, when I am working, I am working, when I am writing, I am writing. And the list goes on and on. I know that the Holy Spirit is in me and I am always with him. But I fail to pay attention all the time. To me, this is true prayer: It is being connected to God, always, by paying attention to the Holy Spirit inside me.
When I read the verses above, I see that joy, continual prayer and thanksgiving go together. If I am a praying, thankful person, I will be joyful. So, why do I sometimes fail at this? I think the answer is in that same passage. It says, "Give thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES." If I allow the circumstances to dictate whether I pray and be thankful, I may not follow through. But If I continue in Christ and his will, I will be prayerful and thankful in all things. When that happens, I will be praying continually.
Does that speak to you? Is God asking you to pray more? Let's follow through. If he is asking us to do this together, he must have incredible breakthroughs and victories for us. I think this is a season for prayer...do you?
Friday, February 4, 2011
So You Had a Bad Day
"Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help."
Psalm 30:10
Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever had a day when it seems like everything that can go wrong, does? How about a day when it seems like the entire weight of the world is on your shoulders? Well, I am having one of those kind of days. I suffered a computer meltdown, I'm broke and running on four hours of sleep.
On a day like today, I have found that the choices I make really dictate how the day will go. If I choose to wallow in the self pity or choose the role of the victim, chances are, I am going to have a really lousy day. So what is the answer? What can I do to overcome the worry, pain and unbelief? I have learned one thing, it is the same thing the psalmist knew when he wrote the verse above: My help comes from the Lord! I could look to people for my help, but I know that doesn't work. I could look to escape by watching movies, or TV. I could try to remove myself completely and just drive away somewhere for the day. But, through experience, I know that none of these things fix the problem.
The only thing that will help you and me get through these kinds of days, with victory, is to understand that our help comes from the Lord. He is the only source that will show mercy to us. "His mercies are new every morning," the Word says. So what shall we do? Like the psalmist, let's cry out to God and say, "Have mercy on me! Be my help today, O God!"
Repeat after me: "My help comes from the Lord! My help comes from the Lord! My help comes from the Lord!" There...don't we all feel better?
Psalm 30:10
Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever had a day when it seems like everything that can go wrong, does? How about a day when it seems like the entire weight of the world is on your shoulders? Well, I am having one of those kind of days. I suffered a computer meltdown, I'm broke and running on four hours of sleep.
On a day like today, I have found that the choices I make really dictate how the day will go. If I choose to wallow in the self pity or choose the role of the victim, chances are, I am going to have a really lousy day. So what is the answer? What can I do to overcome the worry, pain and unbelief? I have learned one thing, it is the same thing the psalmist knew when he wrote the verse above: My help comes from the Lord! I could look to people for my help, but I know that doesn't work. I could look to escape by watching movies, or TV. I could try to remove myself completely and just drive away somewhere for the day. But, through experience, I know that none of these things fix the problem.
The only thing that will help you and me get through these kinds of days, with victory, is to understand that our help comes from the Lord. He is the only source that will show mercy to us. "His mercies are new every morning," the Word says. So what shall we do? Like the psalmist, let's cry out to God and say, "Have mercy on me! Be my help today, O God!"
Repeat after me: "My help comes from the Lord! My help comes from the Lord! My help comes from the Lord!" There...don't we all feel better?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Mega Faith
"By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son."
Hebrews 11:17
I have learned a lot about faith over the past few years. I have realized that my struggle with faith caused me to be unwilling to respond and act on what I believed. Really, it was nothing more than fear. I may have been afraid of losing what I had instead of entering into what God had for me. But no longer. I know that responding to God's direction in faith accompanied by my action is powerful. It changes my own life and the lives of others when I am faithful to do this.
This verse from Hebrews is so incredible to me. Abraham chose to respond to God's direction to him. He was about to take his only son, who had been promised by God and was miraculously conceived, and sacrifice him on an altar before God. He had to have been thinking: Maybe God is going to give me another son. Maybe I won't have to sacrifice him at all. Why, God? Of course, we all know the end of the story. God provided a sacrifice and he did not have to sacrifice Isaac that day. But the incredible part of the story is Abraham's faith. Reading on in Hebrews 11, you see this incredible report about Abraham: "Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead." Are you kidding me? Abraham's faith was so great that he absolutely could not be backed into a corner. He didn't really think any of those things I mentioned above. He simply believed to the point of saying, "Well, if I sacrifice Isaac, God will just raise him from the dead!"
I want to have faith that is so strong that I cannot be backed into a corner. I want to respond to God, no matter how outlandish it appears. This is the test of faith: Do I really believe God can do absolutely anything? If I do, then I will not be afraid to do whatever he asks. Abraham believed God so much that he offered his only son to him. Am I willing to offer the stuff I have to him?
I am praying for this kind of faith to be manifested in Christians today. Imagine the possibilities. God can and will change everything if we are willing to be people of faith. We need a whole lot of little 'Abrahams.'
Hebrews 11:17
I have learned a lot about faith over the past few years. I have realized that my struggle with faith caused me to be unwilling to respond and act on what I believed. Really, it was nothing more than fear. I may have been afraid of losing what I had instead of entering into what God had for me. But no longer. I know that responding to God's direction in faith accompanied by my action is powerful. It changes my own life and the lives of others when I am faithful to do this.
This verse from Hebrews is so incredible to me. Abraham chose to respond to God's direction to him. He was about to take his only son, who had been promised by God and was miraculously conceived, and sacrifice him on an altar before God. He had to have been thinking: Maybe God is going to give me another son. Maybe I won't have to sacrifice him at all. Why, God? Of course, we all know the end of the story. God provided a sacrifice and he did not have to sacrifice Isaac that day. But the incredible part of the story is Abraham's faith. Reading on in Hebrews 11, you see this incredible report about Abraham: "Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead." Are you kidding me? Abraham's faith was so great that he absolutely could not be backed into a corner. He didn't really think any of those things I mentioned above. He simply believed to the point of saying, "Well, if I sacrifice Isaac, God will just raise him from the dead!"
I want to have faith that is so strong that I cannot be backed into a corner. I want to respond to God, no matter how outlandish it appears. This is the test of faith: Do I really believe God can do absolutely anything? If I do, then I will not be afraid to do whatever he asks. Abraham believed God so much that he offered his only son to him. Am I willing to offer the stuff I have to him?
I am praying for this kind of faith to be manifested in Christians today. Imagine the possibilities. God can and will change everything if we are willing to be people of faith. We need a whole lot of little 'Abrahams.'
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Revelation of the Gospel
"I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."
Galatians 1:11&12
I teach people about the gospel. I know that I am responsible to deliver the truth regarding God's Word every time I talk to people. This responsibility is one that I take very seriously. I never want to be a person who believes and speaks a tainted gospel. I want it to be "The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,so help me, God."
All of us are preachers of the gospel. If you have a growing relationship with Jesus, you cannot help but spill out the gospel to people you come in contact with. These truths that God has put in your heart get shared with other Christians. In that exchange, comes the sharpening of our souls. When you share your faith with people who do not yet know Christ, you are validating the truth of the Word through your own testimony. You make the words of the Bible jump off the page and literally speak to a person. It is what we were created to do.
Here is what I would like us to think about today. God has given each of us our own version of the gospel. I don't mean that he changes the truth, he simply gives each of us a unique perspective. You may talk to a person who will receive what you have to say with joy, because they can relate to who you are and what you have gone through. I may never reach that same person because my story is different and may be less relevant to them. The important thing is that each of us have the gospel placed deep within us.
The gospel that you have inside you must come via revelation from Jesus himself. You cannot ride the coattails of your parents, your friends, your pastor, or a TV preacher. You must have the revelation of Jesus deep inside you. Teaching is great. There are many gifted ones out there. If you follow the teachings of your pastor or others, you have a responsibility to listen and allow the Holy Spirit to take those words and make them a part of your spiritual life. Don't simply take the words and increase your knowledge. Allow God to give you your own gospel. One that is founded deep in him and is read to the entire world through the life you lead. I will leave you with a scripture. It is one taken from Revelation. The gospel that is in each of us has so much power that it not only has the ability to change the lives of others, but it will defeat the enemy as well. "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony." (Revelation 12:11) Now there is a living, breathing gospel!
Galatians 1:11&12
I teach people about the gospel. I know that I am responsible to deliver the truth regarding God's Word every time I talk to people. This responsibility is one that I take very seriously. I never want to be a person who believes and speaks a tainted gospel. I want it to be "The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,so help me, God."
All of us are preachers of the gospel. If you have a growing relationship with Jesus, you cannot help but spill out the gospel to people you come in contact with. These truths that God has put in your heart get shared with other Christians. In that exchange, comes the sharpening of our souls. When you share your faith with people who do not yet know Christ, you are validating the truth of the Word through your own testimony. You make the words of the Bible jump off the page and literally speak to a person. It is what we were created to do.
Here is what I would like us to think about today. God has given each of us our own version of the gospel. I don't mean that he changes the truth, he simply gives each of us a unique perspective. You may talk to a person who will receive what you have to say with joy, because they can relate to who you are and what you have gone through. I may never reach that same person because my story is different and may be less relevant to them. The important thing is that each of us have the gospel placed deep within us.
The gospel that you have inside you must come via revelation from Jesus himself. You cannot ride the coattails of your parents, your friends, your pastor, or a TV preacher. You must have the revelation of Jesus deep inside you. Teaching is great. There are many gifted ones out there. If you follow the teachings of your pastor or others, you have a responsibility to listen and allow the Holy Spirit to take those words and make them a part of your spiritual life. Don't simply take the words and increase your knowledge. Allow God to give you your own gospel. One that is founded deep in him and is read to the entire world through the life you lead. I will leave you with a scripture. It is one taken from Revelation. The gospel that is in each of us has so much power that it not only has the ability to change the lives of others, but it will defeat the enemy as well. "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony." (Revelation 12:11) Now there is a living, breathing gospel!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Dead Reckoning
"The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Romans 6:10&11
Chapters six, seven, and eight of the book of Romans are some of the most powerful words ever written to Christians. Chapter six tells us that we need to count or reckon ourselves dead to sin. In the same verse, we are encouraged to understand that we may be dead in sin, but we are alive in Christ Jesus. Chapter seven lets us know that this process is sometimes difficult. We may count ourselves dead to sin, but we still live in a sinful world that is reaping the destruction brought through man's sin. We also live in a body of flesh with a sometimes carnal soul, that is easily drawn back into sin. Even Paul, in his honesty, admitted that he struggled with the idea of being found in Christ yet living in a sinful body. Chapter eight brings all of this completely into focus by telling us that we need to live life by the Holy Spirit. If we do that, we have a future glory that is unparalleled, and we find ourselves living as "more than conquerors" through Christ.
This is a wonderful transition. The problem is, we must learn to reckon ourselves dead to sin in order to begin to live in the life of a conqueror. We are told that this reckoning is exactly like our baptism in water. We go into those waters as sinful people, the old man is buried there in the waters, and we are raised to new life in Christ. So now, we must learn to do that in our minds everyday. This is the kind of reckoning that must be consciously made each and every day of our lives. We tend to forget that we left that old man in the depths of the baptismal waters. We sometimes forget that Christ died, was buried and rose again for the very same reason, that all of our sins would be left in the grave.
When we reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, we are saying that we KNOW we are dead. Sin holds no more draw for us. In effect, we are saying, "We are done with sin." If we can do this and really understand the gravity of those decisions, we will find that living as an overcoming conqueror is no longer a pipe dream, it is a reality that is available each day.
Today, reckon yourself to be dead to sin. Live in the power of the Holy Spirit who assures that you are alive to God in Christ Jesus. We have things a little backwards. We think that we live and then we die. But in the kingdom of God the opposite is true. In order to fully live, we must die first. How then, can we possibly live in sin any longer?
Romans 6:10&11
Chapters six, seven, and eight of the book of Romans are some of the most powerful words ever written to Christians. Chapter six tells us that we need to count or reckon ourselves dead to sin. In the same verse, we are encouraged to understand that we may be dead in sin, but we are alive in Christ Jesus. Chapter seven lets us know that this process is sometimes difficult. We may count ourselves dead to sin, but we still live in a sinful world that is reaping the destruction brought through man's sin. We also live in a body of flesh with a sometimes carnal soul, that is easily drawn back into sin. Even Paul, in his honesty, admitted that he struggled with the idea of being found in Christ yet living in a sinful body. Chapter eight brings all of this completely into focus by telling us that we need to live life by the Holy Spirit. If we do that, we have a future glory that is unparalleled, and we find ourselves living as "more than conquerors" through Christ.
This is a wonderful transition. The problem is, we must learn to reckon ourselves dead to sin in order to begin to live in the life of a conqueror. We are told that this reckoning is exactly like our baptism in water. We go into those waters as sinful people, the old man is buried there in the waters, and we are raised to new life in Christ. So now, we must learn to do that in our minds everyday. This is the kind of reckoning that must be consciously made each and every day of our lives. We tend to forget that we left that old man in the depths of the baptismal waters. We sometimes forget that Christ died, was buried and rose again for the very same reason, that all of our sins would be left in the grave.
When we reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, we are saying that we KNOW we are dead. Sin holds no more draw for us. In effect, we are saying, "We are done with sin." If we can do this and really understand the gravity of those decisions, we will find that living as an overcoming conqueror is no longer a pipe dream, it is a reality that is available each day.
Today, reckon yourself to be dead to sin. Live in the power of the Holy Spirit who assures that you are alive to God in Christ Jesus. We have things a little backwards. We think that we live and then we die. But in the kingdom of God the opposite is true. In order to fully live, we must die first. How then, can we possibly live in sin any longer?
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