"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."
Ephesians 6:14a
There are a couple of words that define God. One of those is love. God is love. Another word that describes him is truth. God is truth. He does not lie. He cannot lie. Everything he says, we can absolutely count on. You cannot separate the concept of truth from the nature of God. He lives, breathes, and exudes truth. So when he instructs us to put on the belt of truth, we know that it is vitally important to our well-being each day. This belt is the first piece of the armor of God.
The clothing of a Roman soldier consisted of a long undergarment and tunic. In order to keep these robes from getting in the way during battle, they wore a belt around their waists. This was used to tuck the long tunic and robes into, to keep them out of the way. The belt literally held the soldier's clothing together. This is the imagery, Paul the apostle used when he described this piece of the armor.
At the time Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians, he spent his days chained to a Roman soldier. He was imprisoned in Rome although he had not been charged with any crime. So he was intimately aware of the armor worn by the Romans.
Like the image of the Roman soldier, our lives are held together by the truth that we find in God. It is in him that we live and move and have our being. Each day, we must be aware of the truth that flows from the throne of God. It is this truth that will always keep us on a steady path. It will allow us to stand firm.
Today, when you put on the armor, thank God for the fact that he is the absolute truth. Proclaim the truths that you know: He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. These are the kinds of things we need to proclaim as we put on the spiritual belt of truth. Jesus often prefaced the things he said with this phrase, "I tell you the truth..." Yes, he does! Let's be people of the truth.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Days of Our Lives
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:13
The Psalmist said, "The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad." (Psalm 118:23&24) I believe we are to apply this verse everyday.Each day is a day in which God brings things that are marvelous. We are called to rejoice in every day God has made. As we continue to think about the armor of God, we must have a foundation of faith that tells us that God is victorious. We need to have a change of mind about the way we face our days.
I know there are days when it seems like we are not winning the battle. So the key is; never lose any ground to the enemy. It is certain that we will face days that can best be described as 'evil.' Yet, even in those times, we are to stand firm in the strength that we have in Christ.
The way we stand firm is to put on the full armor of God. This is the only way to not lose spiritual ground to the enemy. The day of evil may come in the form of an argument with your spouse, friend, or co-worker. It may come in the form of sin that the enemy parades in front of you. Usually, these temptations strike at the weakest areas of your life. The evil day may come with depression, anguish, or anxiety. These are the times when you must arm yourself to stand firmly in the strength of the Lord.
Notice the last part of Ephesians 6:13, It says, "After you have done everything...to stand." What does this mean? It means, put on the full armor of God. This is you do 'everything.' It doesn't mean that we should try everything else and then, when that fails, come back and put on the full armor. No, we should put on the armor first, and once that is completed, stand firm.
God never gives us direction that doesn't work. The things he speaks to us through his Word will work for our good. We need to apply these truths and allow them to change our lives. We are Christians. We are not defeated, neither do we cower in the face of the enemy. We advance, we move forward to take back what the enemy has stolen from us. There may be some days, when it seems that advancement isn't possible. In those days, stand firm!
Ephesians 6:13
The Psalmist said, "The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad." (Psalm 118:23&24) I believe we are to apply this verse everyday.Each day is a day in which God brings things that are marvelous. We are called to rejoice in every day God has made. As we continue to think about the armor of God, we must have a foundation of faith that tells us that God is victorious. We need to have a change of mind about the way we face our days.
I know there are days when it seems like we are not winning the battle. So the key is; never lose any ground to the enemy. It is certain that we will face days that can best be described as 'evil.' Yet, even in those times, we are to stand firm in the strength that we have in Christ.
The way we stand firm is to put on the full armor of God. This is the only way to not lose spiritual ground to the enemy. The day of evil may come in the form of an argument with your spouse, friend, or co-worker. It may come in the form of sin that the enemy parades in front of you. Usually, these temptations strike at the weakest areas of your life. The evil day may come with depression, anguish, or anxiety. These are the times when you must arm yourself to stand firmly in the strength of the Lord.
Notice the last part of Ephesians 6:13, It says, "After you have done everything...to stand." What does this mean? It means, put on the full armor of God. This is you do 'everything.' It doesn't mean that we should try everything else and then, when that fails, come back and put on the full armor. No, we should put on the armor first, and once that is completed, stand firm.
God never gives us direction that doesn't work. The things he speaks to us through his Word will work for our good. We need to apply these truths and allow them to change our lives. We are Christians. We are not defeated, neither do we cower in the face of the enemy. We advance, we move forward to take back what the enemy has stolen from us. There may be some days, when it seems that advancement isn't possible. In those days, stand firm!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Armed and Dangerous
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:11&12
I have learned importance of being completely clothed in the armor of God everyday. I was taught about the armor of God from the time I was a child, but I didn't realize my overwhelming need to actually do it each day. A little over two years ago, I realized that I must participate in this incredible blessing that God has given all believers. So I made a decision to never go one day without praying and applying the armor to my life for that day.
I don't just put on a few pieces of the armor. I wear all of it. The admonition is clear, all believers must wear all of the armor. Each piece of the armor has become an important part of my life. Although I am not going to talk about the actual pieces today, I will be covering them piece by piece in the coming days.
Today, let's understand a couple of very important things. I don't give the devil any credit, but he is still in the business of trying to steal, kill and destroy. So I must arm myself against that. He is a schemer. I have looked back at some of the schemes he has perpetrated in my life and been amazed at the complexity of the plan. Now I know that I can stop those schemes before they ever get started, simply by wearing God's armor each day.
Our struggle is never against people. It is always against the evil one. There are evil rulers, authorities, and powers at work in the world today. They are not men, they are spiritual beings, and they are behind all of the evil that invades the earth daily. This army of the enemy is assigned to attempt to destroy us. This gets personal. You must realize that Satan wants to destroy you. When you realize that, you will understand the importance of being fully armed to fight the daily battle.
Start a new habit today. Tell the Lord that you are putting on the whole armor. Even if you can't name all of the pieces, do it anyway. He knows. When you do that, you can be fully assured that you are prepared for the battle that is sure to come that day. Once you put on the full armor of God, you are, without a doubt, armed and dangerous. You are dangerous to the enemy. When you take hold of this discipline and stand against the enemy, you will have days of victory and hope. The Bible tells us this: "Resist the devil and he will flee." This is absolutely true. Resist the devil and behold the victory of the Lord...everyday!
Ephesians 6:11&12
I have learned importance of being completely clothed in the armor of God everyday. I was taught about the armor of God from the time I was a child, but I didn't realize my overwhelming need to actually do it each day. A little over two years ago, I realized that I must participate in this incredible blessing that God has given all believers. So I made a decision to never go one day without praying and applying the armor to my life for that day.
I don't just put on a few pieces of the armor. I wear all of it. The admonition is clear, all believers must wear all of the armor. Each piece of the armor has become an important part of my life. Although I am not going to talk about the actual pieces today, I will be covering them piece by piece in the coming days.
Today, let's understand a couple of very important things. I don't give the devil any credit, but he is still in the business of trying to steal, kill and destroy. So I must arm myself against that. He is a schemer. I have looked back at some of the schemes he has perpetrated in my life and been amazed at the complexity of the plan. Now I know that I can stop those schemes before they ever get started, simply by wearing God's armor each day.
Our struggle is never against people. It is always against the evil one. There are evil rulers, authorities, and powers at work in the world today. They are not men, they are spiritual beings, and they are behind all of the evil that invades the earth daily. This army of the enemy is assigned to attempt to destroy us. This gets personal. You must realize that Satan wants to destroy you. When you realize that, you will understand the importance of being fully armed to fight the daily battle.
Start a new habit today. Tell the Lord that you are putting on the whole armor. Even if you can't name all of the pieces, do it anyway. He knows. When you do that, you can be fully assured that you are prepared for the battle that is sure to come that day. Once you put on the full armor of God, you are, without a doubt, armed and dangerous. You are dangerous to the enemy. When you take hold of this discipline and stand against the enemy, you will have days of victory and hope. The Bible tells us this: "Resist the devil and he will flee." This is absolutely true. Resist the devil and behold the victory of the Lord...everyday!
Monday, March 28, 2011
In the Stillness
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."
Exodus 14:13-15a
Why do I seem to like to fight my own battles? It generally turns out to be a losing effort. At best, a compromise may be reached. But there is a lesson that God wants me to hear today. This is a lesson taught by a nation that was not at all equipped to fight the greater nation that was bent on their destruction. Yet, a monumental victory was won, and all they really needed to do was be still.
God was about to part the Red Sea so the Israelites could pass through. The Egyptian army was in hot pursuit, ready to capture them and return them to a life of slavery. But God intervened. He didn't ask them to do anything. They never drew a sword or spear. God fought the battle for them.
The same is true today. If we attempt to fight our own battles with this dark world, we will surely fail. We have a much greater destiny ahead of us. If we expend our energy fighting daily battles with the disappointments, the negativity, and the self-serving nature of the world, we will succumb to its draw, because in ourselves, we have little strength. But if we will do what God asks us to do, we will be victorious, because no opposition can stand against Almighty God.
We are called to simply be still and know that he is God. If there is direction, he will tell us. If no direction comes, we need to be still and see the deliverance that God will provide. This does not mean that we do nothing. In fact, we are to pray and release the power of God into our daily lives. But under no circumstances, are we to take matters into our own hands.
God told the Israelites that they would never see the Egyptians again. It would be a total victory. He told them not to be afraid for they would see their deliverance. All this came through the hand of God. No Israelite raised a weapon. God won the battle.
Today, when the battle for your attention rages between the draw of the world and the glory of the kingdom of Heaven, be still and listen to the voice of the Lord as he draws you to himself. The evil of the world has already been defeated. Be quiet and behold the victory that is won...in the stillness.
Exodus 14:13-15a
Why do I seem to like to fight my own battles? It generally turns out to be a losing effort. At best, a compromise may be reached. But there is a lesson that God wants me to hear today. This is a lesson taught by a nation that was not at all equipped to fight the greater nation that was bent on their destruction. Yet, a monumental victory was won, and all they really needed to do was be still.
God was about to part the Red Sea so the Israelites could pass through. The Egyptian army was in hot pursuit, ready to capture them and return them to a life of slavery. But God intervened. He didn't ask them to do anything. They never drew a sword or spear. God fought the battle for them.
The same is true today. If we attempt to fight our own battles with this dark world, we will surely fail. We have a much greater destiny ahead of us. If we expend our energy fighting daily battles with the disappointments, the negativity, and the self-serving nature of the world, we will succumb to its draw, because in ourselves, we have little strength. But if we will do what God asks us to do, we will be victorious, because no opposition can stand against Almighty God.
We are called to simply be still and know that he is God. If there is direction, he will tell us. If no direction comes, we need to be still and see the deliverance that God will provide. This does not mean that we do nothing. In fact, we are to pray and release the power of God into our daily lives. But under no circumstances, are we to take matters into our own hands.
God told the Israelites that they would never see the Egyptians again. It would be a total victory. He told them not to be afraid for they would see their deliverance. All this came through the hand of God. No Israelite raised a weapon. God won the battle.
Today, when the battle for your attention rages between the draw of the world and the glory of the kingdom of Heaven, be still and listen to the voice of the Lord as he draws you to himself. The evil of the world has already been defeated. Be quiet and behold the victory that is won...in the stillness.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tearing Heaven Open
"As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove."
Mark 1:10
Jesus was being baptized by John the Baptist. This had to be done in order for him to begin his ministry on earth. But something of even greater importance happened in that moment. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. Although Jesus was fully God, he still needed the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life to help him overcome his humanity and complete the work he was sent here to do.
Jesus became the first-fruit of something God had been planning since before the foundations of the world were set. God always intended to bring his Holy Spirit to dwell in men. The redemption of man accomplished by Jesus made it possible for all of us to receive this indescribable gift.
What I am most intrigued about in this story, is the fact that heaven was torn open. The more I experience the Holy Spirit and his influence in my life, the more I experience the things of heaven. There is an element of the kingdom of heaven that allows for violence (Matthew 11:12). It seems to me that the tearing open of heaven is a violent thing, and the Holy Spirit did just that when he descended on Jesus.
When the Holy Spirit descended on the church in Acts 2, it was also violent. He came as "tongues of fire" that landed on each person in attendance. This fire came from heaven and riding in the fire was the Holy Spirit himself. He came to indwell the believers. He is still doing the same thing today.
I am not suggesting that you and I can literally tear open heaven. But I do believe that the Holy Spirit has indeed torn heaven open already! He is the connection between heaven and earth. He allows us to peer into heaven and behold the glories found there. He is the one who gives us open access to the Father and the Son. He is the connecting point between God and man. He is God and he lives within us, bringing the glory of God into our lives.
Today, understand that you have within you, the one who has torn heaven open and allowed you to have access. He will show you things that you cannot possibly imagine. He will do, through you, things that are beyond your understanding. All of this began the day God sent the Holy Spirit to join with Jesus to bring salvation, healing, deliverance, and power to all who would receive him. Do you believe it? Turn your ear toward heaven and hear the wondrous things the Holy Spirit will reveal.
Mark 1:10
Jesus was being baptized by John the Baptist. This had to be done in order for him to begin his ministry on earth. But something of even greater importance happened in that moment. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. Although Jesus was fully God, he still needed the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life to help him overcome his humanity and complete the work he was sent here to do.
Jesus became the first-fruit of something God had been planning since before the foundations of the world were set. God always intended to bring his Holy Spirit to dwell in men. The redemption of man accomplished by Jesus made it possible for all of us to receive this indescribable gift.
What I am most intrigued about in this story, is the fact that heaven was torn open. The more I experience the Holy Spirit and his influence in my life, the more I experience the things of heaven. There is an element of the kingdom of heaven that allows for violence (Matthew 11:12). It seems to me that the tearing open of heaven is a violent thing, and the Holy Spirit did just that when he descended on Jesus.
When the Holy Spirit descended on the church in Acts 2, it was also violent. He came as "tongues of fire" that landed on each person in attendance. This fire came from heaven and riding in the fire was the Holy Spirit himself. He came to indwell the believers. He is still doing the same thing today.
I am not suggesting that you and I can literally tear open heaven. But I do believe that the Holy Spirit has indeed torn heaven open already! He is the connection between heaven and earth. He allows us to peer into heaven and behold the glories found there. He is the one who gives us open access to the Father and the Son. He is the connecting point between God and man. He is God and he lives within us, bringing the glory of God into our lives.
Today, understand that you have within you, the one who has torn heaven open and allowed you to have access. He will show you things that you cannot possibly imagine. He will do, through you, things that are beyond your understanding. All of this began the day God sent the Holy Spirit to join with Jesus to bring salvation, healing, deliverance, and power to all who would receive him. Do you believe it? Turn your ear toward heaven and hear the wondrous things the Holy Spirit will reveal.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Slow to Fast?
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: To loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
Isaiah 58:6
I have never been one to speak much about fasting. In fact, for most of my life, I have been a miserable failure in my attempts to fast. But I am learning the value of this spiritual exercise. I have discovered that it works. I don't know exactly why God honors fasting the way he does, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that we give up the loud cries of our bodies in order to cry out to him. I was challenged to participate in fasting when I read what the apostle Paul said, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)
There is something about the willingness to give up our bodies in order to seek God and his righteousness. Isaiah tells us that many things are accomplished through fasting, justice is done, chains are broken, yokes are loosened, and the oppressed are set free. These may be things that you need to have happen in your own life. If so, fasting will release the needed breakthrough. As we see injustice and tyranny around us, we may fast to see those things broken.
God goes on to say, through Isaiah, that his kind of fasting is also for us to provide food for the hungry, shelter for the wanderer, and clothing for the naked. When we do these things, our healing will come quickly and God's righteousness will shine. True fasting accomplishes much in the kingdom of God, much more than we may see with our own eyes.
If you have been slow to fast, like I have, perhaps it is time to give it a try. If you need breakthrough, I can guarantee that progress will be made. There is something powerful about fasting. There is something even more powerful about fasting and praying. When you fast, don't forget to pray. This is the purpose. It is not to lose a few pounds or prove that you have self control. It is much bigger than that. God is watching...and listening, for those who will fast.
Isaiah 58:6
I have never been one to speak much about fasting. In fact, for most of my life, I have been a miserable failure in my attempts to fast. But I am learning the value of this spiritual exercise. I have discovered that it works. I don't know exactly why God honors fasting the way he does, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that we give up the loud cries of our bodies in order to cry out to him. I was challenged to participate in fasting when I read what the apostle Paul said, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)
There is something about the willingness to give up our bodies in order to seek God and his righteousness. Isaiah tells us that many things are accomplished through fasting, justice is done, chains are broken, yokes are loosened, and the oppressed are set free. These may be things that you need to have happen in your own life. If so, fasting will release the needed breakthrough. As we see injustice and tyranny around us, we may fast to see those things broken.
God goes on to say, through Isaiah, that his kind of fasting is also for us to provide food for the hungry, shelter for the wanderer, and clothing for the naked. When we do these things, our healing will come quickly and God's righteousness will shine. True fasting accomplishes much in the kingdom of God, much more than we may see with our own eyes.
If you have been slow to fast, like I have, perhaps it is time to give it a try. If you need breakthrough, I can guarantee that progress will be made. There is something powerful about fasting. There is something even more powerful about fasting and praying. When you fast, don't forget to pray. This is the purpose. It is not to lose a few pounds or prove that you have self control. It is much bigger than that. God is watching...and listening, for those who will fast.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
To the Overcomer
Dear Overcomer,
I thought I would take a few moments to tell you the things I have prepared for you. These are important things that are yet to come. I know you are still in the process, but I also know that you will be successful and will overcome the world. So be encouraged by these things.
I will give you the right to eat from the tree of life that stands in my paradise. Unfortunately, I could not allow those who came before you to eat its fruit. But I am giving you free access to eat all you would like. I also want you to know that you will not be hurt at all by the death that awaits those who are evil. In fact, I am going to have you rule over the nations with me.
I have two special gifts awaiting you. I am going to give you some of my hidden manna. This is much more satisfying than the manna I gave the Israelites. I also want to give you a stone. On it will be written a new name that I have given you. Don't mention this to anyone else, the name is for you only. Others will have their own.
I have saved the best news for last. I am going to make you a pillar in my temple. So everyone will know, I intend to write my name on you. This way, all will know that you are mine. I intend to move this temple to the new Jerusalem, so you may live in my city with me. And this is what I am most excited about; I am going to invite you to sit on my throne with me. My Father did the same thing for me when I overcame, so I have decided you should sit with me also.
So take courage! You are just beginning to see some of these promises unfold. The rest are for you to look forward to. But remember this, I always do exactly as I say. So you can count on everything happening the way I described. And one more thing, encourage the other overcomers with these things. I will do the same things for them.
I love you,
Jesus
Revelation 2:7,11,17,26. 3:12&21
I thought I would take a few moments to tell you the things I have prepared for you. These are important things that are yet to come. I know you are still in the process, but I also know that you will be successful and will overcome the world. So be encouraged by these things.
I will give you the right to eat from the tree of life that stands in my paradise. Unfortunately, I could not allow those who came before you to eat its fruit. But I am giving you free access to eat all you would like. I also want you to know that you will not be hurt at all by the death that awaits those who are evil. In fact, I am going to have you rule over the nations with me.
I have two special gifts awaiting you. I am going to give you some of my hidden manna. This is much more satisfying than the manna I gave the Israelites. I also want to give you a stone. On it will be written a new name that I have given you. Don't mention this to anyone else, the name is for you only. Others will have their own.
I have saved the best news for last. I am going to make you a pillar in my temple. So everyone will know, I intend to write my name on you. This way, all will know that you are mine. I intend to move this temple to the new Jerusalem, so you may live in my city with me. And this is what I am most excited about; I am going to invite you to sit on my throne with me. My Father did the same thing for me when I overcame, so I have decided you should sit with me also.
So take courage! You are just beginning to see some of these promises unfold. The rest are for you to look forward to. But remember this, I always do exactly as I say. So you can count on everything happening the way I described. And one more thing, encourage the other overcomers with these things. I will do the same things for them.
I love you,
Jesus
Revelation 2:7,11,17,26. 3:12&21
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
We Have Overcome
"But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
1 John 4:3&4
We know that Jesus has overcome the enemy. He has overcome the world. But did you know that we have overcome the enemy as well? I think it is about time that we begin to understand who we are. Because we are from God, we have also overcome the enemy.
I often hear Christians say that the enemy has had his way in their lives. They believe that bad things have happened to them because of the devil's work. While I am not discounting the reality that Satan does interfere with our lives, I firmly believe that we have overcome him. We need to stand in the victory that has already been accomplished by Jesus and appropriate that truth in our everyday living.
Satan has one objective; to kill, steal and destroy. This mission is not limited to any one group of people. Christians and non-Christians alike are subjected to his wrath. As Christians, we have an authority that was given to us by Christ himself to overcome and even defeat the enemy. It does not matter what his schemes are, we can defeat them. In fact, we already have.
How can I be so confident to say that we have already defeated the enemy? It is because Jesus defeated him through the cross and resurrection. There is a single reality that we must understand today: The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Jesus lives in us through the presence of his Holy Spirit, and that power is much greater than any power the enemy can muster up against us.
So the next time, the enemy attempts to come against your life, square your shoulders and proclaim the greatness of the one who lives within you. He is greater, so much greater, than anyone or anything that can oppose you. We have overcome!
1 John 4:3&4
We know that Jesus has overcome the enemy. He has overcome the world. But did you know that we have overcome the enemy as well? I think it is about time that we begin to understand who we are. Because we are from God, we have also overcome the enemy.
I often hear Christians say that the enemy has had his way in their lives. They believe that bad things have happened to them because of the devil's work. While I am not discounting the reality that Satan does interfere with our lives, I firmly believe that we have overcome him. We need to stand in the victory that has already been accomplished by Jesus and appropriate that truth in our everyday living.
Satan has one objective; to kill, steal and destroy. This mission is not limited to any one group of people. Christians and non-Christians alike are subjected to his wrath. As Christians, we have an authority that was given to us by Christ himself to overcome and even defeat the enemy. It does not matter what his schemes are, we can defeat them. In fact, we already have.
How can I be so confident to say that we have already defeated the enemy? It is because Jesus defeated him through the cross and resurrection. There is a single reality that we must understand today: The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Jesus lives in us through the presence of his Holy Spirit, and that power is much greater than any power the enemy can muster up against us.
So the next time, the enemy attempts to come against your life, square your shoulders and proclaim the greatness of the one who lives within you. He is greater, so much greater, than anyone or anything that can oppose you. We have overcome!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Jesus has Overcome
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
It is an undeniable truth: In this world, we will have trouble. I know of no one who could disagree with that statement. God never promised to keep us from trouble. Living the Christian life is not a cure all to troubles. Many people have fallen away from the faith because they believed their problems would be over after receiving Christ. Yes, even Christians have troubles.
God did make some amazing promises to us, however. He said that we would have peace in the midst of trouble. The key is to remain in him. Only there is peace found. Our own lives can be tumultuous. The world is a violent place and is continuing to degrade further. So this amazing peace that we are promised comes only as we make daily decisions to live in Christ.
Everything Jesus said while he was on the earth, was spoken so that we would know peace through him. If we attempt to find peace by any other source, we will be disappointed. Believe me. I have tried and I can tell you that there is no peace in depending on the things of the world. But we take heart in the fact that there is perfect peace found in a growing relationship with Jesus.
We have perfect peace knowing that Christ has overcome the world. I have come to understand that we cannot begin to fathom the victories that were won by Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection. With that one act, he redeemed mankind, defeated sin, took away the keys of death, and removed any heavenly authority the enemy had. This is so great a victory, that we cannot comprehend the magnitude.
Rest assured today in this fact, Jesus has overcome the world. You will find peace in that. So take heart! The world has not won the battle, the enemy of our souls has not won the battle, and sin has not overcome us. Jesus has overcome!
John 16:33
It is an undeniable truth: In this world, we will have trouble. I know of no one who could disagree with that statement. God never promised to keep us from trouble. Living the Christian life is not a cure all to troubles. Many people have fallen away from the faith because they believed their problems would be over after receiving Christ. Yes, even Christians have troubles.
God did make some amazing promises to us, however. He said that we would have peace in the midst of trouble. The key is to remain in him. Only there is peace found. Our own lives can be tumultuous. The world is a violent place and is continuing to degrade further. So this amazing peace that we are promised comes only as we make daily decisions to live in Christ.
Everything Jesus said while he was on the earth, was spoken so that we would know peace through him. If we attempt to find peace by any other source, we will be disappointed. Believe me. I have tried and I can tell you that there is no peace in depending on the things of the world. But we take heart in the fact that there is perfect peace found in a growing relationship with Jesus.
We have perfect peace knowing that Christ has overcome the world. I have come to understand that we cannot begin to fathom the victories that were won by Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection. With that one act, he redeemed mankind, defeated sin, took away the keys of death, and removed any heavenly authority the enemy had. This is so great a victory, that we cannot comprehend the magnitude.
Rest assured today in this fact, Jesus has overcome the world. You will find peace in that. So take heart! The world has not won the battle, the enemy of our souls has not won the battle, and sin has not overcome us. Jesus has overcome!
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Call
"The Spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1
Jesus was sent to do everything the prophet Isaiah said here. We are now called to do these same things. I'm afraid that many of us do not understand the concept that we are called. We feel like this is reserved for the pastor or other person who is in full-time ministry. Listen, we are the body of Christ and we are called to do the same things he did when he walked the earth.
We need to have the Spirit of the sovereign Lord in us. The New Testament tells us time and time again that we are to be full of the Holy Spirit. We are to keep in step with him and be immersed in relationship with him. Only then, will we begin to fulfill the call that all of us have.
We need to be anointed by God to be fully equipped for his service. The word, 'anointed' really means, to be set apart. This is much like David was anointed by Samuel to be the king of Israel. He was young and it took time for the anointing to be fulfilled, but it happened and he became the most beloved king of Israel. To be anointed also means that we must be willing to take up the call. What if Elisha had never picked up the mantle that fell from Elijah's fiery chariot when he was taken to heaven? He never would have accomplished what God had already destined him to do. Like these men, we need to receive an anointing.
We also need to be sent. God has already prepared the territory that we are to be sent into. His heart is to use us to speak to nations, help struggling people, and minister to captives and prisoners. The only thing left is for us to say, "Lord, send us!" This is what Isaiah said when he had a vision of heaven. He heard the Lord say, "Whom shall I send?" To this call, Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me"
I hear the call in my own life. It is a call to be full of the Holy Spirit, take up the anointing he has given me, and allow him to send me to do what he has called me to do. I don't know what he has called you to do, but I'm sure you have dreams and plans that God has given you. Follow through with them. Let him use you. He is calling. Answer him with an exuberant, "Send me!"
Isaiah 61:1
Jesus was sent to do everything the prophet Isaiah said here. We are now called to do these same things. I'm afraid that many of us do not understand the concept that we are called. We feel like this is reserved for the pastor or other person who is in full-time ministry. Listen, we are the body of Christ and we are called to do the same things he did when he walked the earth.
We need to have the Spirit of the sovereign Lord in us. The New Testament tells us time and time again that we are to be full of the Holy Spirit. We are to keep in step with him and be immersed in relationship with him. Only then, will we begin to fulfill the call that all of us have.
We need to be anointed by God to be fully equipped for his service. The word, 'anointed' really means, to be set apart. This is much like David was anointed by Samuel to be the king of Israel. He was young and it took time for the anointing to be fulfilled, but it happened and he became the most beloved king of Israel. To be anointed also means that we must be willing to take up the call. What if Elisha had never picked up the mantle that fell from Elijah's fiery chariot when he was taken to heaven? He never would have accomplished what God had already destined him to do. Like these men, we need to receive an anointing.
We also need to be sent. God has already prepared the territory that we are to be sent into. His heart is to use us to speak to nations, help struggling people, and minister to captives and prisoners. The only thing left is for us to say, "Lord, send us!" This is what Isaiah said when he had a vision of heaven. He heard the Lord say, "Whom shall I send?" To this call, Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me"
I hear the call in my own life. It is a call to be full of the Holy Spirit, take up the anointing he has given me, and allow him to send me to do what he has called me to do. I don't know what he has called you to do, but I'm sure you have dreams and plans that God has given you. Follow through with them. Let him use you. He is calling. Answer him with an exuberant, "Send me!"
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Unveiling
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 3:18
Moses went up on the mountain to receive the ten commandments. There he met with the Lord. When he came down, his face shone so brightly that the people could not look on him. The glory of the Lord was all over him. So he placed a veil over his face so the people could look at him. Over time, the glory faded.
I read the scripture above several days ago. I was struck by the stark difference between the days of Moses and today. Moses had to cover his face, we are to unveil our faces. God's glory faded on Moses, it is intended to continue to shine through us. We are to reflect the glory of the Lord.
So where do we get God's glory? We receive it when we encounter him. It comes in times of prayer, times of worship and times of thanksgiving. These are encounters, they are meetings with Almighty God. When you meet with him, you cannot help but get some of his glory on you. It is guaranteed that the glory of the Lord will fade from us if we are not having regular encounters with God. If you don't pray, worship, or give thanks, his glory, given to you, will fade.
Here is the good news. God's glory is available to us. His glory consists of his light. It is heaven poured into our lives, not after we die, now! When we are faithful to spend time with God, we will reflect his glory. And the most exciting thing is; "we are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory." If we are becoming like Christ, his glory rubs off on us. The more we encounter Jesus, the more his glory comes.
Our purpose is to reflect his glory. The moon reflects the glory of the sun. In the same way, we are to reflect God's glory for all to see. When Jesus walked the earth, he gave up his glory to walk among men. But he still reflected the glory of God to the world. He was God and everyone saw it. We are sons and daughters of God. Is his glory being revealed through us? Go and meet with him. When you get back, don't wear a veil, let your light shine before men.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Moses went up on the mountain to receive the ten commandments. There he met with the Lord. When he came down, his face shone so brightly that the people could not look on him. The glory of the Lord was all over him. So he placed a veil over his face so the people could look at him. Over time, the glory faded.
I read the scripture above several days ago. I was struck by the stark difference between the days of Moses and today. Moses had to cover his face, we are to unveil our faces. God's glory faded on Moses, it is intended to continue to shine through us. We are to reflect the glory of the Lord.
So where do we get God's glory? We receive it when we encounter him. It comes in times of prayer, times of worship and times of thanksgiving. These are encounters, they are meetings with Almighty God. When you meet with him, you cannot help but get some of his glory on you. It is guaranteed that the glory of the Lord will fade from us if we are not having regular encounters with God. If you don't pray, worship, or give thanks, his glory, given to you, will fade.
Here is the good news. God's glory is available to us. His glory consists of his light. It is heaven poured into our lives, not after we die, now! When we are faithful to spend time with God, we will reflect his glory. And the most exciting thing is; "we are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory." If we are becoming like Christ, his glory rubs off on us. The more we encounter Jesus, the more his glory comes.
Our purpose is to reflect his glory. The moon reflects the glory of the sun. In the same way, we are to reflect God's glory for all to see. When Jesus walked the earth, he gave up his glory to walk among men. But he still reflected the glory of God to the world. He was God and everyone saw it. We are sons and daughters of God. Is his glory being revealed through us? Go and meet with him. When you get back, don't wear a veil, let your light shine before men.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Thankful Leper
"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan."
Luke 17:15&16
Jesus healed ten men who had leprosy that day. Each one was completely healed. However, nine of the men never came back to thank Jesus for what he had done for them. One did...and he was a Samaritan.
Jews and Samaritans hated each other in those days. But when you have leprosy, that doesn't matter. In the ten, some were Jews and at least one was a Samaritan. You see, suffering and isolation know no colors, creeds, or nationalities. Fortunately, neither does the grace of God. Yet only one, the lowly Samaritan leper, came back to give thanks.
I have resolved that I will never be like the nine, I will be the one. I will never allow a blessing, healing, or deliverance that God has provided, to pass without returning to thank him. It would be rude and self-centered to allow such marvelous blessings come and go without returning a simple, "Thank you" to the one who provided. No, I will never be like the nine!
What has God done for you lately? Did you thank him? It never ceases to amaze me that the God of everything only asks two things of us; worship him and thank him. It's simple, it's easy. In fact, it's just plain old proper manners. Why would we treat God as less than the waitress who brings us coffee? We are careful to thank her. What about God?
Today, make a choice to be thankful. Be the one, not the nine. God smiles when you are thankful, whether you feel like a lowly Samaritan or one of God's chosen people. Throw yourself at Jesus' feet and thank him!
Luke 17:15&16
Jesus healed ten men who had leprosy that day. Each one was completely healed. However, nine of the men never came back to thank Jesus for what he had done for them. One did...and he was a Samaritan.
Jews and Samaritans hated each other in those days. But when you have leprosy, that doesn't matter. In the ten, some were Jews and at least one was a Samaritan. You see, suffering and isolation know no colors, creeds, or nationalities. Fortunately, neither does the grace of God. Yet only one, the lowly Samaritan leper, came back to give thanks.
I have resolved that I will never be like the nine, I will be the one. I will never allow a blessing, healing, or deliverance that God has provided, to pass without returning to thank him. It would be rude and self-centered to allow such marvelous blessings come and go without returning a simple, "Thank you" to the one who provided. No, I will never be like the nine!
What has God done for you lately? Did you thank him? It never ceases to amaze me that the God of everything only asks two things of us; worship him and thank him. It's simple, it's easy. In fact, it's just plain old proper manners. Why would we treat God as less than the waitress who brings us coffee? We are careful to thank her. What about God?
Today, make a choice to be thankful. Be the one, not the nine. God smiles when you are thankful, whether you feel like a lowly Samaritan or one of God's chosen people. Throw yourself at Jesus' feet and thank him!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Building Altars
"Joshua set up twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day."
Joshua 4:9
After a long time in the desert, the Israelites finally crossed the Jordan River. God did a miraculous thing and they walked across on dry land. Joshua set up the twelve stones to be an altar, a memorial before God. He told the people that when their children and children's children asked what the stones were, they would always remember that this was where God performed a miracle, the place where they were delivered and brought into the promised land.
I have times and places in my life where I have seen the miraculous hand of God. These were times when we needed him to show up and he did, times of breakthrough and deliverance. I have learned to set up altars. These altars need to be strong enough to withstand time and distance. They must be visible to me at all times, so I can say, "This was the time God delivered me." I set up altars by writing the event down on paper. For me, this is how I remember what God has done.
I know that all of us have memories of when God did something amazing for us. Go back and set up altars to commemorate those times and places. Show the altars to your children, loved ones, and friends. Let them be visible enough that you never forget what God has done. You will be blessed, your children will be blessed and generations to follow will remember the legacy you left...remembering God.
Joshua 4:9
After a long time in the desert, the Israelites finally crossed the Jordan River. God did a miraculous thing and they walked across on dry land. Joshua set up the twelve stones to be an altar, a memorial before God. He told the people that when their children and children's children asked what the stones were, they would always remember that this was where God performed a miracle, the place where they were delivered and brought into the promised land.
I have times and places in my life where I have seen the miraculous hand of God. These were times when we needed him to show up and he did, times of breakthrough and deliverance. I have learned to set up altars. These altars need to be strong enough to withstand time and distance. They must be visible to me at all times, so I can say, "This was the time God delivered me." I set up altars by writing the event down on paper. For me, this is how I remember what God has done.
I know that all of us have memories of when God did something amazing for us. Go back and set up altars to commemorate those times and places. Show the altars to your children, loved ones, and friends. Let them be visible enough that you never forget what God has done. You will be blessed, your children will be blessed and generations to follow will remember the legacy you left...remembering God.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Go! I Am with You
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19&20
These words of instruction came from Jesus after he had been crucified and resurrected. They were some of the last words he spoke to his disciples before he took his place at the right hand of our Father. This is often called, "The Great Commission." Jesus wanted us to know that he was leaving us with a mission. We are called for a purpose.
Some people use this to motivate Christians to tell people about Christ and the free salvation he brought. This is good and we should be doing it. But we need to understand that what Jesus was saying is much more involved than a quick conversation and a prayer. He is asking us to make disciples. We are called to lead others into a deeper relationship with Jesus. We are to go to the nations of the earth and spend time with people, lead them to salvation, and then raise them up in the faith.
This involves a deeper commitment than we have had in the past. It means that we must be in a growing, strong relationship with God ourselves. We must be able to share with people the very things that God is putting in our hearts. When we do this, we have the promise that Jesus will be with us...for as long as it takes.
So take a look at yourself. Are you in a growing and deepening relationship with Jesus? If so, get out there and start making disciples!
Matthew 28:19&20
These words of instruction came from Jesus after he had been crucified and resurrected. They were some of the last words he spoke to his disciples before he took his place at the right hand of our Father. This is often called, "The Great Commission." Jesus wanted us to know that he was leaving us with a mission. We are called for a purpose.
Some people use this to motivate Christians to tell people about Christ and the free salvation he brought. This is good and we should be doing it. But we need to understand that what Jesus was saying is much more involved than a quick conversation and a prayer. He is asking us to make disciples. We are called to lead others into a deeper relationship with Jesus. We are to go to the nations of the earth and spend time with people, lead them to salvation, and then raise them up in the faith.
This involves a deeper commitment than we have had in the past. It means that we must be in a growing, strong relationship with God ourselves. We must be able to share with people the very things that God is putting in our hearts. When we do this, we have the promise that Jesus will be with us...for as long as it takes.
So take a look at yourself. Are you in a growing and deepening relationship with Jesus? If so, get out there and start making disciples!
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Shepherd
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalm 23
I rarely hear this Psalm read or quoted. Although it is one of the most treasured poems ever written, we usually only hear it read at funerals. But the message of the poetry touches all of us today as surely as it touched King David himself.
These are days of pestilence. Earthquakes are occurring all over the world, floods, and natural disasters of all kinds are manifesting. Yet the Bible assures us that these are "birth pangs." Creation is groaning for the appearing of Christ and the revealing of the Sons of God. I have never been one to spend a lot of time preaching that these are the last days, but I know in my spirit that indeed, we are in the waning moments of the current world.
This can be difficult. But in his grace, God speaks a word to us with love and care. He shepherds us. He brings us peace. He restores our souls. Even though it seems like we are staring death in the face, he strengthens us. But the best news is this: He is preparing a table before us. We will dwell in his house forever and we will overflow with love, joy, and peace.
Take comfort in these words, no matter what your circumstances are. No matter how much pain you see around you, God is preparing a table for you. And by the way, comfort others with these same words. Through the struggles of life and the issues of the world, He is always with us.
Psalm 23
I rarely hear this Psalm read or quoted. Although it is one of the most treasured poems ever written, we usually only hear it read at funerals. But the message of the poetry touches all of us today as surely as it touched King David himself.
These are days of pestilence. Earthquakes are occurring all over the world, floods, and natural disasters of all kinds are manifesting. Yet the Bible assures us that these are "birth pangs." Creation is groaning for the appearing of Christ and the revealing of the Sons of God. I have never been one to spend a lot of time preaching that these are the last days, but I know in my spirit that indeed, we are in the waning moments of the current world.
This can be difficult. But in his grace, God speaks a word to us with love and care. He shepherds us. He brings us peace. He restores our souls. Even though it seems like we are staring death in the face, he strengthens us. But the best news is this: He is preparing a table before us. We will dwell in his house forever and we will overflow with love, joy, and peace.
Take comfort in these words, no matter what your circumstances are. No matter how much pain you see around you, God is preparing a table for you. And by the way, comfort others with these same words. Through the struggles of life and the issues of the world, He is always with us.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Only in America
"But Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.' And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."
Matthew 13:57&58
I love being an American. I am proud of our nation and the things we have stood for over the years. I am proud of our troops who protect us and go beyond the call of duty to protect democracy and keep the peace in lands half a world away. Yet, I believe our nation has a problem. Of course, some of you would say, "we have many problems!" This is true, but I am talking about a God problem.
The verses referenced are taken from a story in which Jesus returned to his hometown. He began to teach and preach, just like he always did everywhere he went. But something was different. Something was wrong. The people there knew him. They saw him grow up and begin to help his father as a carpenter. They knew his brothers and sisters. This promoted a lack of faith that stopped Jesus from doing what he went there to do. He did not heal people or do many miracles.
I am afraid that this same scenario has happened to America. We have watered down Jesus. To many, he is just an historical figure. We have so much religion that we have forgotten the Author of Life. We have so many doctors, lawyers, and policemen, that dependence on God seems ludicrous to many. The doctor can heal us, the lawyer can fight for us, and the policemen can protect us. Where is our faith?
We need to be 'nation-changers.' We need to be people of faith. We need to pray for the sick and distressed, and then expect God to show up. It is a trap, friends, to fall into the same unbelief that a majority of our nation espouses. Be strong, take a stand for Jesus, and be ready to allow him to use you to bring forth healing and miracles.This is our call, this is our responsibility. We are THE CALLED!
Matthew 13:57&58
I love being an American. I am proud of our nation and the things we have stood for over the years. I am proud of our troops who protect us and go beyond the call of duty to protect democracy and keep the peace in lands half a world away. Yet, I believe our nation has a problem. Of course, some of you would say, "we have many problems!" This is true, but I am talking about a God problem.
The verses referenced are taken from a story in which Jesus returned to his hometown. He began to teach and preach, just like he always did everywhere he went. But something was different. Something was wrong. The people there knew him. They saw him grow up and begin to help his father as a carpenter. They knew his brothers and sisters. This promoted a lack of faith that stopped Jesus from doing what he went there to do. He did not heal people or do many miracles.
I am afraid that this same scenario has happened to America. We have watered down Jesus. To many, he is just an historical figure. We have so much religion that we have forgotten the Author of Life. We have so many doctors, lawyers, and policemen, that dependence on God seems ludicrous to many. The doctor can heal us, the lawyer can fight for us, and the policemen can protect us. Where is our faith?
We need to be 'nation-changers.' We need to be people of faith. We need to pray for the sick and distressed, and then expect God to show up. It is a trap, friends, to fall into the same unbelief that a majority of our nation espouses. Be strong, take a stand for Jesus, and be ready to allow him to use you to bring forth healing and miracles.This is our call, this is our responsibility. We are THE CALLED!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Dirty Mouth?
"I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
Psalm 17:3c
Okay, it is time to get personal. I don't talk about sin very much. It seems to me that we all know we have issues and we are all doing our best to deal with them through the grace of God. But I think this one should be talked about. You see, the old dirty mouth gets us in trouble more than anything else.
I have learned the importance of words. My words can be powerful, life-giving things, or they can be horribly destructive and dishonoring to God. This is not just about swearing. I have little issue with that. This has to do with the things I say to people, the tone of my voice, the intent of my heart. The apostle James said, "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." How true is that? And yet, even though I know the truth, I continue to wrestle with taming my tongue.
I doubt that I am the only one who has these issues. When you examine the things you say and put them to the test, what is the verdict? It is sobering to realize that we will give an account for every word we speak, not before men, but before God himself. What we say is incredibly important.
So, what is the answer? 'Think before you speak' comes to mind as a potential for success. Resolve to not allow your mouth to sin. Let's use our mouths to bless and not curse. Let's create good things with our words, not destroy. We should use our mouths to pray and not complain. Jesus said, "When you pray, SAY..." He said this to introduce the Lord's prayer. We are not to think it, we are to speak it out.
If we will allow the Holy Spirit to guide the things we say, we will speak blessings. Would you curse, complain, belittle, or mock, if you were standing at the throne of Jesus? I don't think so. We are in the presence of the King all the time, because he lives in us through the person of the Holy Spirit. So, if you have a dirty mouth, clean it up! All we have to do is apply the grace of Jesus to our tongues, and remember that he is listening. There is no excuse for a dirty mouth.
Psalm 17:3c
Okay, it is time to get personal. I don't talk about sin very much. It seems to me that we all know we have issues and we are all doing our best to deal with them through the grace of God. But I think this one should be talked about. You see, the old dirty mouth gets us in trouble more than anything else.
I have learned the importance of words. My words can be powerful, life-giving things, or they can be horribly destructive and dishonoring to God. This is not just about swearing. I have little issue with that. This has to do with the things I say to people, the tone of my voice, the intent of my heart. The apostle James said, "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." How true is that? And yet, even though I know the truth, I continue to wrestle with taming my tongue.
I doubt that I am the only one who has these issues. When you examine the things you say and put them to the test, what is the verdict? It is sobering to realize that we will give an account for every word we speak, not before men, but before God himself. What we say is incredibly important.
So, what is the answer? 'Think before you speak' comes to mind as a potential for success. Resolve to not allow your mouth to sin. Let's use our mouths to bless and not curse. Let's create good things with our words, not destroy. We should use our mouths to pray and not complain. Jesus said, "When you pray, SAY..." He said this to introduce the Lord's prayer. We are not to think it, we are to speak it out.
If we will allow the Holy Spirit to guide the things we say, we will speak blessings. Would you curse, complain, belittle, or mock, if you were standing at the throne of Jesus? I don't think so. We are in the presence of the King all the time, because he lives in us through the person of the Holy Spirit. So, if you have a dirty mouth, clean it up! All we have to do is apply the grace of Jesus to our tongues, and remember that he is listening. There is no excuse for a dirty mouth.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sometimes, Jesus is Scary
"When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 'It's a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."
Matthew 14:26&27
Sometimes, we find ourselves in circumstances that seem treacherous. In this story, the disciples were in a boat that was being buffeted by the wind. Jesus came out to them, walking on the water. Seeing Jesus coming seemed to be more scary than the situation they found themselves in. But the reality of the situation was, Jesus was coming to save them from the onslaught of the storm.
I find myself in a quandary. I don't always know if the circumstances I am in, have been orchestrated by God or if I have simply found my way into trouble. I can't honestly say I always know the answer. But, I do know that the Bible tells me that "God works all things together for the good of those who love him." So, I suppose it really doesn't matter how I got here, what counts is that Jesus is coming for me.
I am in the same place the disciples were. They were in trouble, and they saw Jesus coming. They were fearful when they saw him, thinking he was a ghost. I'm not a ghost fearing kind of guy. However, I am a God fearing kind of guy. So, while I am not afraid of ghosts, I am still apprehensive about what is going to happen when Jesus comes. I think this is a healthy kind of fear. The kind that keeps me on my toes and gives God respect and glory.
Faith tells us that Jesus is coming. But the future may still look a little scary. When he comes, there is sometimes, uncertainty. We don't know or understand what is about to happen. But, he always is coming to rescue us, not to harm us. We can be certain of that. He got in the boat with the disciples and immediately the wind was stilled. This is exactly what we can expect when he comes for us. It may appear a little scary, but the outcome will be full of peace and safety.
As Jesus said to the disciples, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Let's hear those words today and obey them. Be courageous, do not fear, and wait for him to get in the boat with us. The result will be perfect peace.
Matthew 14:26&27
Sometimes, we find ourselves in circumstances that seem treacherous. In this story, the disciples were in a boat that was being buffeted by the wind. Jesus came out to them, walking on the water. Seeing Jesus coming seemed to be more scary than the situation they found themselves in. But the reality of the situation was, Jesus was coming to save them from the onslaught of the storm.
I find myself in a quandary. I don't always know if the circumstances I am in, have been orchestrated by God or if I have simply found my way into trouble. I can't honestly say I always know the answer. But, I do know that the Bible tells me that "God works all things together for the good of those who love him." So, I suppose it really doesn't matter how I got here, what counts is that Jesus is coming for me.
I am in the same place the disciples were. They were in trouble, and they saw Jesus coming. They were fearful when they saw him, thinking he was a ghost. I'm not a ghost fearing kind of guy. However, I am a God fearing kind of guy. So, while I am not afraid of ghosts, I am still apprehensive about what is going to happen when Jesus comes. I think this is a healthy kind of fear. The kind that keeps me on my toes and gives God respect and glory.
Faith tells us that Jesus is coming. But the future may still look a little scary. When he comes, there is sometimes, uncertainty. We don't know or understand what is about to happen. But, he always is coming to rescue us, not to harm us. We can be certain of that. He got in the boat with the disciples and immediately the wind was stilled. This is exactly what we can expect when he comes for us. It may appear a little scary, but the outcome will be full of peace and safety.
As Jesus said to the disciples, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Let's hear those words today and obey them. Be courageous, do not fear, and wait for him to get in the boat with us. The result will be perfect peace.
Monday, March 7, 2011
God Doesn't Make Junk
"Moses said to the Lord, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.' The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?'"
Exodus 4:10&11
How many times do we complain to the Lord about the way he made us? We feel we are too short, too tall, too fat, too thin, not smart enough, not pretty or handsome enough, not talented enough, not rich enough or popular enough. But there is a reality that all of us must come to understand. God didn't make any junk!
The Bible tells us that before the foundations of the world were set, God knew us. He created us and destined us before anything was made. This is incredible. This is what makes us unique and special. Think about the fact that God thought of you before he created anything. That should give you a new perspective about yourself.
We all have issues that we believe make us inferior. Really? Inferior to whom? You are uniquely created and formed by the God who created everything. It doesn't matter if you 'don't talk good,' or you don't consider yourself as pretty as the girl on the magazine cover. You are special to God. He knows you personally. Furthermore, he has made you a prince or princess in his kingdom.
So the next time you think of yourself as imperfect, inferior, or undesirable, Consider this: There is absolutely nothing; not your handicaps, not your intelligence or lack of it, not your stunning looks or lack of it, nothing, that can separate you from the love of Christ! He made you, and he made you perfectly. In simple English this means, God doesn't make any junk!
Exodus 4:10&11
How many times do we complain to the Lord about the way he made us? We feel we are too short, too tall, too fat, too thin, not smart enough, not pretty or handsome enough, not talented enough, not rich enough or popular enough. But there is a reality that all of us must come to understand. God didn't make any junk!
The Bible tells us that before the foundations of the world were set, God knew us. He created us and destined us before anything was made. This is incredible. This is what makes us unique and special. Think about the fact that God thought of you before he created anything. That should give you a new perspective about yourself.
We all have issues that we believe make us inferior. Really? Inferior to whom? You are uniquely created and formed by the God who created everything. It doesn't matter if you 'don't talk good,' or you don't consider yourself as pretty as the girl on the magazine cover. You are special to God. He knows you personally. Furthermore, he has made you a prince or princess in his kingdom.
So the next time you think of yourself as imperfect, inferior, or undesirable, Consider this: There is absolutely nothing; not your handicaps, not your intelligence or lack of it, not your stunning looks or lack of it, nothing, that can separate you from the love of Christ! He made you, and he made you perfectly. In simple English this means, God doesn't make any junk!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Giving Away Our Burdens
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
All of us have burdens. Sometimes they seem so big that we cannot bear them any longer. I am in a place like that right now. Right in the middle of my struggle, the Holy Spirit pointed out this passage to me. I cannot bear this burden alone. I cannot bear it even with the help of others who pray for me and reach out to me. I have to give it to Jesus and take his instead.
I have not always understood this. Recently, I heard someone speaking about going to a third-world country where they were using oxen to pull heavy wagons. He said that he saw them team a powerful, large oxen with a scrawny, small one. He asked the people why they did this. It seemed to go against everything logical. The team should be equally yoked, right? The answer was simple. They did this so the young ox could learn and follow the stronger, bigger one. Then he would be equipped to team with another ox and carry the weight equally.The young ox had a light burden and an easy yoke.
Jesus is asking me to give him the burden I am trying to bear myself and allow him to carry the weight of it. I will be yoked with him, but because he carries the burden, my part is easier. My responsibility is to learn to be gentle and humble in heart, as he is. then I can bear a heavier burden. But I must never forget that I am always in the care and tutelage of Jesus himself.
Sometimes, we need rest. When we are in the constant battle of carrying a heavy burden, we cannot be at peace. When we give it all to Jesus, he will give us the rest we need. This is not simply a physical rest, it is truly rest for our souls. It removes the confusion in our minds, the stress, and the pain of bearing it ourselves. There is also a time for bearing one another's burdens. When someone is carrying a heavy load, it is comforting when other brothers and sisters come alongside and help. Since we are Christ in the world, we can join him in taking the burdens of others and helping to carry them.
It's not always easy, but today I have decided to give my burden to Christ. I need rest for my soul. Join me. There is plenty of room for all of us to cast our burdens upon him. Together, we will rest as we walk with Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30
All of us have burdens. Sometimes they seem so big that we cannot bear them any longer. I am in a place like that right now. Right in the middle of my struggle, the Holy Spirit pointed out this passage to me. I cannot bear this burden alone. I cannot bear it even with the help of others who pray for me and reach out to me. I have to give it to Jesus and take his instead.
I have not always understood this. Recently, I heard someone speaking about going to a third-world country where they were using oxen to pull heavy wagons. He said that he saw them team a powerful, large oxen with a scrawny, small one. He asked the people why they did this. It seemed to go against everything logical. The team should be equally yoked, right? The answer was simple. They did this so the young ox could learn and follow the stronger, bigger one. Then he would be equipped to team with another ox and carry the weight equally.The young ox had a light burden and an easy yoke.
Jesus is asking me to give him the burden I am trying to bear myself and allow him to carry the weight of it. I will be yoked with him, but because he carries the burden, my part is easier. My responsibility is to learn to be gentle and humble in heart, as he is. then I can bear a heavier burden. But I must never forget that I am always in the care and tutelage of Jesus himself.
Sometimes, we need rest. When we are in the constant battle of carrying a heavy burden, we cannot be at peace. When we give it all to Jesus, he will give us the rest we need. This is not simply a physical rest, it is truly rest for our souls. It removes the confusion in our minds, the stress, and the pain of bearing it ourselves. There is also a time for bearing one another's burdens. When someone is carrying a heavy load, it is comforting when other brothers and sisters come alongside and help. Since we are Christ in the world, we can join him in taking the burdens of others and helping to carry them.
It's not always easy, but today I have decided to give my burden to Christ. I need rest for my soul. Join me. There is plenty of room for all of us to cast our burdens upon him. Together, we will rest as we walk with Jesus.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
In the Presence of The King
"Do not be in a hurry to leave the King's presence."
Ecclesiastes 8:3
It seems that we are always in a hurry. We have schedules to keep, places to be, appointments to be kept. It seems that this is a curse of the days in which we live. We have a 'right now' mentality. We don't have to wait for the answer, we can look it up on the internet. We don't have to wait til we have the money, we can put it on the credit card.
There is a time and place we must learn to rest. When we are in the presence of the King of kings, we must not be in a hurry. I have learned to value the times I spend with him. I am also learning that it is valuable to spend extended times with him. I do this through spending time in prayer.
Imagine the privilege we have. We are given a wide-open opportunity to come before the ultimate King and spend as much time there as we wish. While there, he will not just go about business as usual. No, he will take time to sit with us and listen as we share our problems, defeats and victories. He laughs when we laugh, rejoices when we rejoice and cries when we cry. All this he does, because we share in the kingdom he leads. He always has time for the princes and princesses of his kingdom.
There is a great paradox between the world we live in and the kingdom of Heaven. Here, everything is in a hurry. In the kingdom, there is all the time we need. Here, there is turmoil. In the kingdom, there is perfect peace. So, why would I choose to live my life subjected to the tumultuous, maddening pace of this world when I could spend time in the presence of the King?
Choose today, to spend some time with the King. Don't be in a hurry, just relax in his presence. This is a place of privilege, of honor, of value. Don't take it lightly. Rest easy, my friends, in the presence of the King.
Ecclesiastes 8:3
It seems that we are always in a hurry. We have schedules to keep, places to be, appointments to be kept. It seems that this is a curse of the days in which we live. We have a 'right now' mentality. We don't have to wait for the answer, we can look it up on the internet. We don't have to wait til we have the money, we can put it on the credit card.
There is a time and place we must learn to rest. When we are in the presence of the King of kings, we must not be in a hurry. I have learned to value the times I spend with him. I am also learning that it is valuable to spend extended times with him. I do this through spending time in prayer.
Imagine the privilege we have. We are given a wide-open opportunity to come before the ultimate King and spend as much time there as we wish. While there, he will not just go about business as usual. No, he will take time to sit with us and listen as we share our problems, defeats and victories. He laughs when we laugh, rejoices when we rejoice and cries when we cry. All this he does, because we share in the kingdom he leads. He always has time for the princes and princesses of his kingdom.
There is a great paradox between the world we live in and the kingdom of Heaven. Here, everything is in a hurry. In the kingdom, there is all the time we need. Here, there is turmoil. In the kingdom, there is perfect peace. So, why would I choose to live my life subjected to the tumultuous, maddening pace of this world when I could spend time in the presence of the King?
Choose today, to spend some time with the King. Don't be in a hurry, just relax in his presence. This is a place of privilege, of honor, of value. Don't take it lightly. Rest easy, my friends, in the presence of the King.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A Person of Few Words
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God."
Ecclesiastes 5:2,3,7b
I have been thinking about prayer lately. I spend time in prayer each day, yet it seems to me that something is missing. Could it be that I spend too much time talking and not enough time listening? Jesus said, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:7&8) I wonder...Am I a man of too many words?
So many times, we come to God with all of our needs and requests. This is good, for he tells us to do that. The problem we face is the fact that for many of us, this comprises our entire prayer life. We are always asking, and not often listening.
I think God loves it when we pray. He wants to spend time in fellowship with us. This is the purpose for prayer. It is much less important to tell God our issues and problems than to just come to spend time with the God of all creation. God loves to speak to us. If we are doing all the talking, how can he get in a word? Besides, he knows what we need before we ask him.
So I have decided that I will come to God each day. I will ask him for my needs. I will present my problems to him and pray for others. Then, I will shut up! I will allow him the opportunity to comfort me, speak to me and declare his love to me. These are the things that have eternal value. After all, I intend to spend eternity with God. I think I should get to know him well before then.
We will be the bride in attendance at the great 'wedding supper of the Lamb.' Don't you think we should get to know the Groom first? Today, let us choose to be men and women of few words. Let's get in touch with Jesus and allow him to do most of the talking. Then we can rest, lean back against him, and taste the goodness of the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 5:2,3,7b
I have been thinking about prayer lately. I spend time in prayer each day, yet it seems to me that something is missing. Could it be that I spend too much time talking and not enough time listening? Jesus said, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:7&8) I wonder...Am I a man of too many words?
So many times, we come to God with all of our needs and requests. This is good, for he tells us to do that. The problem we face is the fact that for many of us, this comprises our entire prayer life. We are always asking, and not often listening.
I think God loves it when we pray. He wants to spend time in fellowship with us. This is the purpose for prayer. It is much less important to tell God our issues and problems than to just come to spend time with the God of all creation. God loves to speak to us. If we are doing all the talking, how can he get in a word? Besides, he knows what we need before we ask him.
So I have decided that I will come to God each day. I will ask him for my needs. I will present my problems to him and pray for others. Then, I will shut up! I will allow him the opportunity to comfort me, speak to me and declare his love to me. These are the things that have eternal value. After all, I intend to spend eternity with God. I think I should get to know him well before then.
We will be the bride in attendance at the great 'wedding supper of the Lamb.' Don't you think we should get to know the Groom first? Today, let us choose to be men and women of few words. Let's get in touch with Jesus and allow him to do most of the talking. Then we can rest, lean back against him, and taste the goodness of the Lord.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Have Mercy!
"Have mercy on me, O' God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a pure heart, O' God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:1,7,10
I have learned a secret. I don't know how I missed it for so long, but now it has been revealed. It is so easy, yet so life-changing. The secret is no longer a secret. In fact, I now proclaim it to all who will listen. The good news is the fact that we can all repent everyday.
This may not sound very exciting, but it is. You see, there is only one thing that can separate us from God and that is sin. All other obstacles have been completely removed. Jesus took all of our sins with him to the cross. However, if we continue to live in our sin, we choose not to participate in the cross, and we find ourselves separated from God.
King David knew this well. He wrote those words after he had sinned with Bathsheba and later had her husband, Uriah, killed. He needed forgiveness. He needed to make things right again with God. So he simply asked God to forgive him, cleanse him, and give him a new heart. The process is still the same today.
Repentance means; To change one's mind. Pretty simply, isn't it? Once we confess our sin and ask him to cleanse us, we need a new heart. We need a new mindset. We need to stop thinking the old sinful way, and begin thinking the new, righteous way. Imagine the simplicity of only having to recount one day's worth of sin before God instead of many. It is liberating!
I repent everyday, sometimes many times per day. I simply say the things David did. Then I change my mind about the sin and walk away from it.
Maybe I am a little like Jesus who said, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!" So I say, "repent, and experience full freedom!" Try it. Make it a habit. Each morning, come before the God of the universe and ask him to forgive the sins you committed over the last 24 hours. Then, change your mind!
Psalm 51:1,7,10
I have learned a secret. I don't know how I missed it for so long, but now it has been revealed. It is so easy, yet so life-changing. The secret is no longer a secret. In fact, I now proclaim it to all who will listen. The good news is the fact that we can all repent everyday.
This may not sound very exciting, but it is. You see, there is only one thing that can separate us from God and that is sin. All other obstacles have been completely removed. Jesus took all of our sins with him to the cross. However, if we continue to live in our sin, we choose not to participate in the cross, and we find ourselves separated from God.
King David knew this well. He wrote those words after he had sinned with Bathsheba and later had her husband, Uriah, killed. He needed forgiveness. He needed to make things right again with God. So he simply asked God to forgive him, cleanse him, and give him a new heart. The process is still the same today.
Repentance means; To change one's mind. Pretty simply, isn't it? Once we confess our sin and ask him to cleanse us, we need a new heart. We need a new mindset. We need to stop thinking the old sinful way, and begin thinking the new, righteous way. Imagine the simplicity of only having to recount one day's worth of sin before God instead of many. It is liberating!
I repent everyday, sometimes many times per day. I simply say the things David did. Then I change my mind about the sin and walk away from it.
Maybe I am a little like Jesus who said, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand!" So I say, "repent, and experience full freedom!" Try it. Make it a habit. Each morning, come before the God of the universe and ask him to forgive the sins you committed over the last 24 hours. Then, change your mind!
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