"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
Hebrews 12:7&8
Everyone undergoes discipline. This is a painful, yet true fact of life. As I was growing up, I definitely was disciplined by my father. Yet, I somehow always knew he loved me. Every time I was disciplined it was for my good. I knew I had done something wrong or inconsiderate. Therefore, I deserved the discipline I received.
I remember one incident. When I was four years old, I determined that I was fed up with living at home. I don't know my reasoning, but I packed a few things in a handkerchief, hung it on a pole in the style of the old hobos, and walked out the door. I proceeded to mount my tricycle and ride down the lane toward the busy highway a couple of blocks away. When I arrived there, an elderly lady was waiting for me. She ran out to me, turned my tricycle around and sent me back the direction I had come from. Obviously, she had called my parents, for when I got within sight of our house, I saw my dad in the front yard. He had cut a 'switch' from the tree there and was waiting for me to arrive. When I came to the house, I kept on riding past. My father ran after me, caught me, and brought me home. Then I received the discipline with the 'switch' being applied to my rear end.
I have never forgotten this story. As I recall it though, I realize that my dad was disciplining me for my own safety. Had I reached the highway, I could have been hurt or killed by the vehicles. God loves all of us enough to discipline us as sons and daughters. I did not understand the need for the discipline at the time, but now I do. The same is true of us. God may discipline us by putting us through difficult circumstances and trials. Generally, we do not understand the reasons why he would do it. But later, we will see the results and all will become clear.
If you are struggling through a trial right now, know the truth: God is disciplining you as a son or daughter, because he loves you so much. He knows that the trial will result in greater faith, perseverance, and character. He knows that this discipline, if received and completed, will lead to your becoming more like Christ.
His discipline is based on his unfathomable love for us. Receive discipline as love. After all, he is treating us as sons and daughters. What a privilege to have a father that cares for us so much!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A Thousand Generations
"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."
Deuteronomy 7:9
Within the covenant of love that God has made with us lies many other invaluable things to all believers. God's love includes grace and mercy, faithfulness, and protection. He has promised these things to us and he always keeps his promises.
The Bible tells us that generational sins and curses may endure to the third or fourth generation within a family or nation. But God promises that his love and faithfulness will endure for a thousand generations. These are his blessings and we are storing them up for our children, children's children and beyond. I believe that we must stop generational curses and sins. Draw a line and say, "this sin stops here." But God's blessings will continue far beyond what we can see or perceive.
God's grace means that he gives us what we do not deserve. His mercy means that he does not give us what we do deserve. We deserve to be separated from him, but he gives us the right to be in his presence because of his incredible grace. We deserve to die, but his mercy keeps us everyday.
We must understand the fact that God loves us now, and that love will extend to a thousand generations after us. He is faithful to us and to those who will follow. Receive his love and blessing today. It is for you and for the next generations of your families.
So many times, it seems that we are wrapped up in our own troubles. We beseech God to fix our problems, deliver us from prison, rescue us from our circumstance and raise us up for greater purposes. These things are good, but remember that we are storing up God's mercy for generations to come as well. Our lives are much bigger than our little self-centered worlds. God is a builder. He will build his faithfulness through us to the next generation and beyond. Receive his love and faithfulness. Know that his covenant will remain forever. There is a peace that will prevail within our souls. It is so much bigger than the problems of the moment or the day. His love endures to a thousand generations!
Deuteronomy 7:9
Within the covenant of love that God has made with us lies many other invaluable things to all believers. God's love includes grace and mercy, faithfulness, and protection. He has promised these things to us and he always keeps his promises.
The Bible tells us that generational sins and curses may endure to the third or fourth generation within a family or nation. But God promises that his love and faithfulness will endure for a thousand generations. These are his blessings and we are storing them up for our children, children's children and beyond. I believe that we must stop generational curses and sins. Draw a line and say, "this sin stops here." But God's blessings will continue far beyond what we can see or perceive.
God's grace means that he gives us what we do not deserve. His mercy means that he does not give us what we do deserve. We deserve to be separated from him, but he gives us the right to be in his presence because of his incredible grace. We deserve to die, but his mercy keeps us everyday.
We must understand the fact that God loves us now, and that love will extend to a thousand generations after us. He is faithful to us and to those who will follow. Receive his love and blessing today. It is for you and for the next generations of your families.
So many times, it seems that we are wrapped up in our own troubles. We beseech God to fix our problems, deliver us from prison, rescue us from our circumstance and raise us up for greater purposes. These things are good, but remember that we are storing up God's mercy for generations to come as well. Our lives are much bigger than our little self-centered worlds. God is a builder. He will build his faithfulness through us to the next generation and beyond. Receive his love and faithfulness. Know that his covenant will remain forever. There is a peace that will prevail within our souls. It is so much bigger than the problems of the moment or the day. His love endures to a thousand generations!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Too Much Work
"Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
John 6:29
It seems that we spend our whole lives working. This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it is important to note that Adam and Eve, while in the Garden of Eden, did not work. God supplied all of their needs. This is the perfect plan of the kingdom of God. But after the fall of man, we were destined to be people who work. It is one matter to work for the purpose of providing for one's daily needs. It is another matter to feel the need to work for God.
We must recognize that the work we do in the secular world is to be done as if we are working for God himself. This is good and proper. We are all called to this purpose. The Apostle Paul even wrote that slaves should submit to their masters as though submitting to God. So, do your daily work as if you are working for God.
The matter of feeling that we must work to earn a place in God's kingdom is a lie that must be overcome. The simple truth is; we must do what we are called to do. If you are called to teach, then teach. If you are called to serve food to the poor, then do that with all your heart. But never work for God just because you feel you must. When you approach things in this way, you will not only burn out with exhaustion, but you will end up violating the very precept God wants you to uphold. He does not want you as a slave. He wants you to be free and fulfilled in the work you are doing within the kingdom.
Jesus answered the Pharisees questions about work. The Pharisees promoted the idea that you must work to earn God's favor and follow every letter of the law in order to be righteous. Jesus came to destroy that ideology and offer a single sacrifice, so freedom could be offered freely . So he said, The work of God is to believe in me.
Please be released from the false idea that you must do some kind of work to earn God's favor. His favor is freely given to you. The only work you must do is; believe in Jesus with all your heart, and then live your life with the zeal that flows from your relationship with him. Be free from the curse of working. God's kingdom is available as it was in the Garden of Eden. He will supply your spiritual needs...Enjoy the ride!
John 6:29
It seems that we spend our whole lives working. This is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it is important to note that Adam and Eve, while in the Garden of Eden, did not work. God supplied all of their needs. This is the perfect plan of the kingdom of God. But after the fall of man, we were destined to be people who work. It is one matter to work for the purpose of providing for one's daily needs. It is another matter to feel the need to work for God.
We must recognize that the work we do in the secular world is to be done as if we are working for God himself. This is good and proper. We are all called to this purpose. The Apostle Paul even wrote that slaves should submit to their masters as though submitting to God. So, do your daily work as if you are working for God.
The matter of feeling that we must work to earn a place in God's kingdom is a lie that must be overcome. The simple truth is; we must do what we are called to do. If you are called to teach, then teach. If you are called to serve food to the poor, then do that with all your heart. But never work for God just because you feel you must. When you approach things in this way, you will not only burn out with exhaustion, but you will end up violating the very precept God wants you to uphold. He does not want you as a slave. He wants you to be free and fulfilled in the work you are doing within the kingdom.
Jesus answered the Pharisees questions about work. The Pharisees promoted the idea that you must work to earn God's favor and follow every letter of the law in order to be righteous. Jesus came to destroy that ideology and offer a single sacrifice, so freedom could be offered freely . So he said, The work of God is to believe in me.
Please be released from the false idea that you must do some kind of work to earn God's favor. His favor is freely given to you. The only work you must do is; believe in Jesus with all your heart, and then live your life with the zeal that flows from your relationship with him. Be free from the curse of working. God's kingdom is available as it was in the Garden of Eden. He will supply your spiritual needs...Enjoy the ride!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
This Too, Shall Pass
"He will call on me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."
Psalm 91:15
God is always with us! That is something we have heard for most of our lives, isn't it? There are times when it is easy to believe it, but there are times when it is very difficult. In times of trouble, it may be a challenge to believe this simple truth. But God's word is true. He promises us that he is always with us.
We would much rather not go through trouble. Wouldn't it be easier if we sailed through life without struggle? But God, in his providence, allows us to go through difficult times. However, he does not expect us to face these circumstances on our own. He will walk through the trial with us. We need to take comfort in the fact that God is right beside us as we walk through hard times.
While we walk through the difficulties, we need to remember to call on God. We may get so entangled in the circumstance that we forget to pray and acknowledge God. But, we must! His promise is that he will answer us when we call. Jesus said, "You do not have, because you do not ask." So, don't forget to call on God and allow him to answer during times of trouble.
The struggle will pass, it always does. God will walk with us through the valley and he will deliver us out the other end. He did it for the Israelites in the desert, Peter in prison, Paul and Silas in prison, and many others. And he will do it for us. There is a deliverance coming to those who are struggling.
Today, know that God has not forgotten about you. He is walking beside you and he intends to answer and deliver you from the trial. In fact, he is going to honor you. I believe that as we faithfully walk through difficulties, other people will see it and marvel at the grace by which God brings us through. You will be honored as you victoriously live through rough times. But even more, you will be honored by God. You will be given the right to sit on the throne of Jesus along with him. Rest easy, the trials of this day will soon pass.
Psalm 91:15
God is always with us! That is something we have heard for most of our lives, isn't it? There are times when it is easy to believe it, but there are times when it is very difficult. In times of trouble, it may be a challenge to believe this simple truth. But God's word is true. He promises us that he is always with us.
We would much rather not go through trouble. Wouldn't it be easier if we sailed through life without struggle? But God, in his providence, allows us to go through difficult times. However, he does not expect us to face these circumstances on our own. He will walk through the trial with us. We need to take comfort in the fact that God is right beside us as we walk through hard times.
While we walk through the difficulties, we need to remember to call on God. We may get so entangled in the circumstance that we forget to pray and acknowledge God. But, we must! His promise is that he will answer us when we call. Jesus said, "You do not have, because you do not ask." So, don't forget to call on God and allow him to answer during times of trouble.
The struggle will pass, it always does. God will walk with us through the valley and he will deliver us out the other end. He did it for the Israelites in the desert, Peter in prison, Paul and Silas in prison, and many others. And he will do it for us. There is a deliverance coming to those who are struggling.
Today, know that God has not forgotten about you. He is walking beside you and he intends to answer and deliver you from the trial. In fact, he is going to honor you. I believe that as we faithfully walk through difficulties, other people will see it and marvel at the grace by which God brings us through. You will be honored as you victoriously live through rough times. But even more, you will be honored by God. You will be given the right to sit on the throne of Jesus along with him. Rest easy, the trials of this day will soon pass.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Come and See
"'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. 'Come and see,' said Phillip."
John 1:46
Nathanael had a difficult time believing that anything good could come from a place called Nazareth. Prejudices existed in the days of Jesus as surely as they exist now. Nazareth was a place known as a small town with poor people who would never amount to anything. Yet Phillip knew that he had seen the Messiah. He believed it to the point that he was absolutely convinced. Rather than attempt to explain it to his friend, he gave him the most simple of answers, "Come and see!"
There comes a time when words are not enough. I have found that many times, I cannot explain what Jesus has done for me. I try, but somehow words are inadequate to show what Jesus has done. The only words that really work are, "Come and see!" By saying these words, I am inviting others to look at what Jesus has done in my life. You see, if it isn't visible, if people can't see what he has done, then nothing has really happened. It may be just another figment of my imagination or a misunderstanding about what God has said.
I have come to understand that I must display the work of Jesus in my life. I am a man of words. I write, I speak, and I share with many people. But words are not enough. People must see the changes in my life. This is what validates the ministry of Jesus. Phillip didn't try to explain to Nathanael who Jesus was, he invited him to see for himself. So I must be confident enough in the changes that are being made in my life, to invite others to see them for themselves. In this way, they will understand the possibilities for change in their own lives through the powerful ministry of Jesus. I don't just want to talk about it, I want people to see it!
Consider the truth of this little story of Nathanael and Phillip. If you want people to see Jesus, invite them to see him through you. Saint Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel at all times--If necessary, use words." How true it is. Let's radiate the light of Christ!
John 1:46
Nathanael had a difficult time believing that anything good could come from a place called Nazareth. Prejudices existed in the days of Jesus as surely as they exist now. Nazareth was a place known as a small town with poor people who would never amount to anything. Yet Phillip knew that he had seen the Messiah. He believed it to the point that he was absolutely convinced. Rather than attempt to explain it to his friend, he gave him the most simple of answers, "Come and see!"
There comes a time when words are not enough. I have found that many times, I cannot explain what Jesus has done for me. I try, but somehow words are inadequate to show what Jesus has done. The only words that really work are, "Come and see!" By saying these words, I am inviting others to look at what Jesus has done in my life. You see, if it isn't visible, if people can't see what he has done, then nothing has really happened. It may be just another figment of my imagination or a misunderstanding about what God has said.
I have come to understand that I must display the work of Jesus in my life. I am a man of words. I write, I speak, and I share with many people. But words are not enough. People must see the changes in my life. This is what validates the ministry of Jesus. Phillip didn't try to explain to Nathanael who Jesus was, he invited him to see for himself. So I must be confident enough in the changes that are being made in my life, to invite others to see them for themselves. In this way, they will understand the possibilities for change in their own lives through the powerful ministry of Jesus. I don't just want to talk about it, I want people to see it!
Consider the truth of this little story of Nathanael and Phillip. If you want people to see Jesus, invite them to see him through you. Saint Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel at all times--If necessary, use words." How true it is. Let's radiate the light of Christ!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Cleanse Me with Hyssop
"A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on the stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
John 19:29-30
Who would ever give the hyssop plant a second thought? Who would even think that it has anything to do with us? In fact, unless you are educated in herbs and remedies, you may not have even heard of it. But the hyssop plant is used in the Bible to bring us to a knowledge of the forgiveness of God, and the incredible work that was accomplished at the cross of Christ.
The hyssop plant first appears in the book of Exodus. When God was about to deliver the final plague on the Egyptians, he instructed Moses to have the Hebrew people place the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of their houses. This is known as the Passover. The death angel would pass by those houses with the blood there. The instructions were clear, they were to apply the blood using a hyssop plant. This foreshadowed the death of Christ as our ultimate sacrificial Lamb.
In Psalm 51: 7 David said, "Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean." This of course, was part of David's amazing prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. Finally, at the cross, the hyssop plant shows up again. It was used to give Jesus one final drink before he gave up his spirit.
Hyssop is used to aid in defending our bodies against many diseases. In fact, it has been directly linked with success against 81 different illnesses. It is also used in purification ceremonies within Judaism.
Today, remember that the ultimate purification has been accomplished. Jesus gave everyone of us the opportunity to be pure through him. He died for us. He took the idea of the hyssop plant and made it an eternal reality. We are no longer cleansed by hyssop, we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, who died for us. When Jesus died, he declared, "It is finished!" And it was. We had been redeemed, Satan had been defeated, the kingdom of God had been restored, and the promise of eternal life was returned to mankind. It's better than hyssop, it is the blood of Jesus, shed for us. Remember!
John 19:29-30
Who would ever give the hyssop plant a second thought? Who would even think that it has anything to do with us? In fact, unless you are educated in herbs and remedies, you may not have even heard of it. But the hyssop plant is used in the Bible to bring us to a knowledge of the forgiveness of God, and the incredible work that was accomplished at the cross of Christ.
The hyssop plant first appears in the book of Exodus. When God was about to deliver the final plague on the Egyptians, he instructed Moses to have the Hebrew people place the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of their houses. This is known as the Passover. The death angel would pass by those houses with the blood there. The instructions were clear, they were to apply the blood using a hyssop plant. This foreshadowed the death of Christ as our ultimate sacrificial Lamb.
In Psalm 51: 7 David said, "Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean." This of course, was part of David's amazing prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. Finally, at the cross, the hyssop plant shows up again. It was used to give Jesus one final drink before he gave up his spirit.
Hyssop is used to aid in defending our bodies against many diseases. In fact, it has been directly linked with success against 81 different illnesses. It is also used in purification ceremonies within Judaism.
Today, remember that the ultimate purification has been accomplished. Jesus gave everyone of us the opportunity to be pure through him. He died for us. He took the idea of the hyssop plant and made it an eternal reality. We are no longer cleansed by hyssop, we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, who died for us. When Jesus died, he declared, "It is finished!" And it was. We had been redeemed, Satan had been defeated, the kingdom of God had been restored, and the promise of eternal life was returned to mankind. It's better than hyssop, it is the blood of Jesus, shed for us. Remember!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
No Longer Scarlet
"Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool."
Isaiah 1:18
One of my most cherished childhood memories is going to Vacation Bible School. I began attending when I was seven years old. Each year after school adjourned for the summer, the local Baptist church would invite all of us to attend. One of my favorite things there was the flannel board. They would use it to teach lessons with pictures that they stuck to the board.
One of these lessons was about our hearts. The teacher would put a big black heart on the board. She would explain that this was our hearts filled with sin. Then she would attach a red heart directly over the black one. She would tell us that this represented the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin and covers our black hearts. Finally, she would place a white heart over the others and tell us that this is what our hearts look like after we have received Jesus. Although this is a simple visual, it is a strong representation of what actually happens in a life that yields to Jesus and receives his forgiveness. It is a vivid memory of mine and I will never forget it.
God's promise to us is exactly like the message on the flannel board. We are stained by sin. It has blackened our hearts. But he will make us white as snow. There will be no hint of leftover sin in his eyes. All we have to do is receive his forgiveness by believing that he loves us and confessing our sin before him, allowing him to cover it with his shed blood.
This is a simple message today, yet it has eternal implications. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sin, do it today. Confess your sin before him, ask him to forgive you, receive what he did through his death on the cross, and be made completely clean. If you have been a Christian for a long time, the message still pertains. Confess your sin today and receive his forgiveness. When we do this, we grow in our relationship with him and move closer to an amazing eternity living in his presence. Remember the flannel board and be made white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18
One of my most cherished childhood memories is going to Vacation Bible School. I began attending when I was seven years old. Each year after school adjourned for the summer, the local Baptist church would invite all of us to attend. One of my favorite things there was the flannel board. They would use it to teach lessons with pictures that they stuck to the board.
One of these lessons was about our hearts. The teacher would put a big black heart on the board. She would explain that this was our hearts filled with sin. Then she would attach a red heart directly over the black one. She would tell us that this represented the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin and covers our black hearts. Finally, she would place a white heart over the others and tell us that this is what our hearts look like after we have received Jesus. Although this is a simple visual, it is a strong representation of what actually happens in a life that yields to Jesus and receives his forgiveness. It is a vivid memory of mine and I will never forget it.
God's promise to us is exactly like the message on the flannel board. We are stained by sin. It has blackened our hearts. But he will make us white as snow. There will be no hint of leftover sin in his eyes. All we have to do is receive his forgiveness by believing that he loves us and confessing our sin before him, allowing him to cover it with his shed blood.
This is a simple message today, yet it has eternal implications. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sin, do it today. Confess your sin before him, ask him to forgive you, receive what he did through his death on the cross, and be made completely clean. If you have been a Christian for a long time, the message still pertains. Confess your sin today and receive his forgiveness. When we do this, we grow in our relationship with him and move closer to an amazing eternity living in his presence. Remember the flannel board and be made white as snow.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Promise
"I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered."
Psalm 89:33&34
We have all received many promises from God. The Bible is full of words that flow from the heart of God to us. He wants us to know his personality, his thoughts toward us, and his plans for our future. In order for us to receive words from God, we must have confidence in him. Words can be empty if not backed up by strong character. A person may use words to make promises and declare future plans, but then, not follow through. We are then left with distrust for them. God understands our predicament and assures us by making an incredible promise that reveals his character.
God wants us to know that he will never take his love from us. I realize that emotions and circumstances sometimes cause us to question whether he really loves us, but we need to have a confident assurance that he will never withhold his love. After all, he does say that we are the apple of his eye.
We must know that God is completely faithful to us. We never need to question whether God will be there. He always is. Living in a world where there is so much unfaithfulness, causes us to misunderstand the concept of faithfulness. When God says that he will never betray us, he means NEVER! He won't slip one time, he won't even consider leaving us.
We live within a covenant with God. A covenant is akin to a contract. It is an unbreakable promise. Perhaps the best example we can see, is the marriage covenant. When we marry, we make public promises to love and take care of each other for a lifetime. God has said these same words to us. He created the covenant, and he is faithful to his promises. The words God has uttered will never be taken back by him. They will never be changed. They will never be altered to fit a situation. His covenant with us is firmly established.
Dear ones, I know that we sometimes doubt. But today, rest assured that God will never leave you, nor forsake you. He will never remove his love or be unfaithful to us. He has spoken words within a covenant, and all of them are true. The promise he gives us reveals his true nature. Meditate on the promise and find peace.
Psalm 89:33&34
We have all received many promises from God. The Bible is full of words that flow from the heart of God to us. He wants us to know his personality, his thoughts toward us, and his plans for our future. In order for us to receive words from God, we must have confidence in him. Words can be empty if not backed up by strong character. A person may use words to make promises and declare future plans, but then, not follow through. We are then left with distrust for them. God understands our predicament and assures us by making an incredible promise that reveals his character.
God wants us to know that he will never take his love from us. I realize that emotions and circumstances sometimes cause us to question whether he really loves us, but we need to have a confident assurance that he will never withhold his love. After all, he does say that we are the apple of his eye.
We must know that God is completely faithful to us. We never need to question whether God will be there. He always is. Living in a world where there is so much unfaithfulness, causes us to misunderstand the concept of faithfulness. When God says that he will never betray us, he means NEVER! He won't slip one time, he won't even consider leaving us.
We live within a covenant with God. A covenant is akin to a contract. It is an unbreakable promise. Perhaps the best example we can see, is the marriage covenant. When we marry, we make public promises to love and take care of each other for a lifetime. God has said these same words to us. He created the covenant, and he is faithful to his promises. The words God has uttered will never be taken back by him. They will never be changed. They will never be altered to fit a situation. His covenant with us is firmly established.
Dear ones, I know that we sometimes doubt. But today, rest assured that God will never leave you, nor forsake you. He will never remove his love or be unfaithful to us. He has spoken words within a covenant, and all of them are true. The promise he gives us reveals his true nature. Meditate on the promise and find peace.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A Love Story
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth--for your love is more delightful than wine."
Song of Solomon 1:2
There are many aspects of our relationship with God. There is the Father-son relationship with God, the brother relationship with Jesus, the mentor-student relationship with the Holy Spirit, to name a few. But we sometimes forget that God loves us in a very intimate way. He quite literally, is our Lover.
It is built within the human nature that God has given us, to long for a romantic love relationship. We begin this pursuit, often when we are children. God has placed a desire within us to have a loving husband or wife. He has expressed his love very clearly to us. He wants us to receive his love and return it with the same passion that we feel for the person we love the most. Ephesians 5:25 instructs us, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." In these words, God is again expressing his love for us by comparing it to the deep love we have between a husband and wife.
To those who are married, God says, "I love you more deeply than you can possibly love your mate." To those who are single, he says, "I AM your husband (or wife). I love you with a passion that you cannot even imagine!" We must never overlook the love of God. It is deeper, wider, higher, and more intimate than we can know. Even though we cannot possibly love him that much, he asks for our love in return. How amazing it is that the God of the universe loves us and desires us to love him back.
This is a love story. This is a romance that cannot be matched. When you feel alone or abandoned, remember how much God loves you. His eyes are on you. He is romancing you. This is the Song of Songs, the love poem written on your heart. He is more precious than anything you have or could ever want. Receive his love today and then, tell him that you love him, too. This is just the beginning of an eternal romance!
Song of Solomon 1:2
There are many aspects of our relationship with God. There is the Father-son relationship with God, the brother relationship with Jesus, the mentor-student relationship with the Holy Spirit, to name a few. But we sometimes forget that God loves us in a very intimate way. He quite literally, is our Lover.
It is built within the human nature that God has given us, to long for a romantic love relationship. We begin this pursuit, often when we are children. God has placed a desire within us to have a loving husband or wife. He has expressed his love very clearly to us. He wants us to receive his love and return it with the same passion that we feel for the person we love the most. Ephesians 5:25 instructs us, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." In these words, God is again expressing his love for us by comparing it to the deep love we have between a husband and wife.
To those who are married, God says, "I love you more deeply than you can possibly love your mate." To those who are single, he says, "I AM your husband (or wife). I love you with a passion that you cannot even imagine!" We must never overlook the love of God. It is deeper, wider, higher, and more intimate than we can know. Even though we cannot possibly love him that much, he asks for our love in return. How amazing it is that the God of the universe loves us and desires us to love him back.
This is a love story. This is a romance that cannot be matched. When you feel alone or abandoned, remember how much God loves you. His eyes are on you. He is romancing you. This is the Song of Songs, the love poem written on your heart. He is more precious than anything you have or could ever want. Receive his love today and then, tell him that you love him, too. This is just the beginning of an eternal romance!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sands Through the Hourglass
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitudes of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:22-24
All of us have two selves. We have the old one which existed in us before we came to Christ, and we have the new one which we have been given by God because of our relationship with him. The battle continues to rage in our lives, as the old nature attempts to maintain control, while the new nature demands the holiness of Christ.
We are clearly instructed about how we are to handle the situation. First, we must put off the old self. This must happen in order for us to move forward. We cannot live both lives. The old nature is deceitful. It is corrupted by the enemy and the sin of the world. We must not succumb to its desires.
Second, we are to be renewed in the attitude of our minds. Here is where change is actually made. We must change our minds and make a conscious choice to no longer agree with the old nature. Think of your life as an hourglass. One end is filled with the old nature, with its deceit and corruption. The other end contains the new nature, which is being perfected to be like Christ in righteousness and holiness. The middle, where the sand passes through, is your mind. Your will controls the hour glass. If you allow the old nature to control, the thoughts of the evil nature will sift through your mind. But if you choose to be controlled by the new nature which is becoming like Christ, the thoughts that pass through your mind will be the things of God. The mind is the key. With it, we choose to be like Christ or to live the same old corrupt life.
Finally, we are to put on the new self. We have been created to be like Christ. Yes, we are new creations. The Bible tells us that the old is gone and the new has come. Christ paid the price which bought this for us. But still, we must choose to participate in it every day. We must change our attitudes. If we are angry, we must change our attitude. If we lie, we must change our attitude about that and put on truth. Really, it is nothing more than a series of decisions we make. Will we choose the new self or the old one? Think about it. Think about your attitudes. Do they need to be changed? This is the practicality of the Christian life, and the beauty of God's relationship with man...We have choices. Make the right ones.
Ephesians 4:22-24
All of us have two selves. We have the old one which existed in us before we came to Christ, and we have the new one which we have been given by God because of our relationship with him. The battle continues to rage in our lives, as the old nature attempts to maintain control, while the new nature demands the holiness of Christ.
We are clearly instructed about how we are to handle the situation. First, we must put off the old self. This must happen in order for us to move forward. We cannot live both lives. The old nature is deceitful. It is corrupted by the enemy and the sin of the world. We must not succumb to its desires.
Second, we are to be renewed in the attitude of our minds. Here is where change is actually made. We must change our minds and make a conscious choice to no longer agree with the old nature. Think of your life as an hourglass. One end is filled with the old nature, with its deceit and corruption. The other end contains the new nature, which is being perfected to be like Christ in righteousness and holiness. The middle, where the sand passes through, is your mind. Your will controls the hour glass. If you allow the old nature to control, the thoughts of the evil nature will sift through your mind. But if you choose to be controlled by the new nature which is becoming like Christ, the thoughts that pass through your mind will be the things of God. The mind is the key. With it, we choose to be like Christ or to live the same old corrupt life.
Finally, we are to put on the new self. We have been created to be like Christ. Yes, we are new creations. The Bible tells us that the old is gone and the new has come. Christ paid the price which bought this for us. But still, we must choose to participate in it every day. We must change our attitudes. If we are angry, we must change our attitude. If we lie, we must change our attitude about that and put on truth. Really, it is nothing more than a series of decisions we make. Will we choose the new self or the old one? Think about it. Think about your attitudes. Do they need to be changed? This is the practicality of the Christian life, and the beauty of God's relationship with man...We have choices. Make the right ones.
Friday, April 15, 2011
It's a Brand New Day
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
Isaiah 43:18&19
There is a wealth of direction and encouragement in this scripture. God is imploring us to understand that he is first of all, creative. He is always doing new things. He is offering us a spectacular future. All we have to do is see, perceive, and enter into the new things.
We must forget the former things. God does not want us to live in the past. I remember hearing a traveling preacher one time many years ago. The message was strong and impacting. Two years later, the preacher returned to our church. Although the words were slightly different, the message was exactly the same as two years before. the impact was minimal. I thought, what is new about this message? This man was still living on a revelation that came several years before.
We must be sure to build 'altars.' This means we must document and remember the things God has said. But we cannot continue to live in the same spot. Imagine what would have happened if the Israelites, being led by Moses, would have stopped and lived permanently in the desert after crossing the Red Sea. They had seen God do an incredible miracle, but if they had chosen to stay there, they would have lived for generations in the heart of the desert wilderness. But God had something better for them. He led them through the desert, performed many more miracles, and brought them into the promised land of Canaan. So, we must remember what God has done, but we cannot continue to live there. We must move into the new things that he is doing. He is leading us on a path of blessing that lasts a lifetime.
I challenge you today, to look at what God is doing in your life right now. Do you perceive it? Do you see the new things that are springing up around you? Don't live in the past. If you do, your relationship with God will be stuck in an old place. He is creating new things for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you these things and then allow God to permeate your life with his new creation for you. Do not dwell on the past, move on into the glorious present and future, that God is revealing to you.
Isaiah 43:18&19
There is a wealth of direction and encouragement in this scripture. God is imploring us to understand that he is first of all, creative. He is always doing new things. He is offering us a spectacular future. All we have to do is see, perceive, and enter into the new things.
We must forget the former things. God does not want us to live in the past. I remember hearing a traveling preacher one time many years ago. The message was strong and impacting. Two years later, the preacher returned to our church. Although the words were slightly different, the message was exactly the same as two years before. the impact was minimal. I thought, what is new about this message? This man was still living on a revelation that came several years before.
We must be sure to build 'altars.' This means we must document and remember the things God has said. But we cannot continue to live in the same spot. Imagine what would have happened if the Israelites, being led by Moses, would have stopped and lived permanently in the desert after crossing the Red Sea. They had seen God do an incredible miracle, but if they had chosen to stay there, they would have lived for generations in the heart of the desert wilderness. But God had something better for them. He led them through the desert, performed many more miracles, and brought them into the promised land of Canaan. So, we must remember what God has done, but we cannot continue to live there. We must move into the new things that he is doing. He is leading us on a path of blessing that lasts a lifetime.
I challenge you today, to look at what God is doing in your life right now. Do you perceive it? Do you see the new things that are springing up around you? Don't live in the past. If you do, your relationship with God will be stuck in an old place. He is creating new things for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you these things and then allow God to permeate your life with his new creation for you. Do not dwell on the past, move on into the glorious present and future, that God is revealing to you.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Let All My Kingdoms Fall
"Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name."
Psalm 79:6
I have learned much about the kingdom of God over the past few years. One thing I have learned is that God is jealous. He has one kingdom and he longs for us to live there with him. He does not want other kingdoms to get in the way of our entering into his. Therefore, there is some self-examination required on our parts.
I understand that we have interests, desires, talents, and other things we enjoy. God created all of these things and has presented them to us to enjoy. So the issue is not; can we do things that bring us pleasure? The real question is; do we honor God while we are doing them? God is not jealous toward things that are pleasureful. He is jealous of things that become kingdoms in our lives.
I have been challenged by the Lord to destroy all the other kingdoms in my life. These kingdoms were things that became so important to me that they demanded my time, thoughts and attention. For me, it comes down to the first commandment, You shall have no other gods before (or besides) me. If these other interests become kingdoms, I have a problem.
In many cases, it did not require me to give up the activity, but to reorganize my priorities. In other words, I had to remove the 'kingdom status' from the things. I am a sports lover and I follow the University of Oregon football with fervor. I came to realize that this became a kingdom. I was giving up time with God to watch, read, and listen to things centered around the Oregon Ducks football team. I thought about it, dreamed about it, and suffered anxiety over it. So when I realized that I had made this another god, I had to rearrange things. I still follow the team and enjoy the season, but it no longer rules me.
So what are the things that have become kingdoms in your life? God is not necessarily asking you to stop participating in these activities or interests, he is asking you to put them in their place. They absolutely cannot become gods. We have one kingdom to enter, it is God's kingdom. All others must fall. Check your priorities and take the appropriate action. You will realize new benefits that only come from being a subject in the kingdom of heaven.
Psalm 79:6
I have learned much about the kingdom of God over the past few years. One thing I have learned is that God is jealous. He has one kingdom and he longs for us to live there with him. He does not want other kingdoms to get in the way of our entering into his. Therefore, there is some self-examination required on our parts.
I understand that we have interests, desires, talents, and other things we enjoy. God created all of these things and has presented them to us to enjoy. So the issue is not; can we do things that bring us pleasure? The real question is; do we honor God while we are doing them? God is not jealous toward things that are pleasureful. He is jealous of things that become kingdoms in our lives.
I have been challenged by the Lord to destroy all the other kingdoms in my life. These kingdoms were things that became so important to me that they demanded my time, thoughts and attention. For me, it comes down to the first commandment, You shall have no other gods before (or besides) me. If these other interests become kingdoms, I have a problem.
In many cases, it did not require me to give up the activity, but to reorganize my priorities. In other words, I had to remove the 'kingdom status' from the things. I am a sports lover and I follow the University of Oregon football with fervor. I came to realize that this became a kingdom. I was giving up time with God to watch, read, and listen to things centered around the Oregon Ducks football team. I thought about it, dreamed about it, and suffered anxiety over it. So when I realized that I had made this another god, I had to rearrange things. I still follow the team and enjoy the season, but it no longer rules me.
So what are the things that have become kingdoms in your life? God is not necessarily asking you to stop participating in these activities or interests, he is asking you to put them in their place. They absolutely cannot become gods. We have one kingdom to enter, it is God's kingdom. All others must fall. Check your priorities and take the appropriate action. You will realize new benefits that only come from being a subject in the kingdom of heaven.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Martha! Martha! Martha!
"'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered. 'You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'"
Luke 10:41&42
You may remember the story referenced here. Jesus had gone to the house of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They were sisters and brother. You may also remember that Lazarus later died and was raised from the grave after four days. But this was the first time Jesus had met the family. Mary was sitting at his feet and listened to everything he said. Martha, meanwhile, was doing all the work. She was preparing the meal, cleaning the house and taking care of the general earthly duties. In Martha's mind, she was serving Jesus. But Mary was enjoying him.
Martha took issue with the fact that Mary was not helping her. She thought it rude of her to sit at the Lord's feet while she took care of the household needs. But Jesus wanted her to know that it was much more important for Mary to learn from him and enjoy his presence than to participate in the duties. I think this lesson speaks volumes to us as we go about our everyday lives.
Jesus told Martha that she was worried and upset about many things. Does that describe us? We are often so caught up in the worries and struggles of everyday life that we spend our time being upset. God wants us to know that there is a much better way.
Mary had chosen a higher path. She chose better things than being upset. She chose to be in the presence of Jesus. We need to make the same choice. If we spend our time being concerned about the earthly things, they will consume us. The result is bitterness, envy, and anger. But if we choose to be like Mary, we will find ourselves in the presence of the Lord. All of the other things will lose their importance. You see, there is no eternal value in being upset about the day. There is tremendous eternal value in sitting at the feet of Jesus and soaking in his presence. That will change our lives now and bring an eternal blessing.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus gives us something that cannot be taken away. People can't steal it, the enemy can't destroy it, and circumstances can't take away the joy. Make a choice today, to be like Mary. Enjoy the presence of Jesus. The work will wait. The chores will still need tending to. But for now, enjoy Jesus!
Luke 10:41&42
You may remember the story referenced here. Jesus had gone to the house of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They were sisters and brother. You may also remember that Lazarus later died and was raised from the grave after four days. But this was the first time Jesus had met the family. Mary was sitting at his feet and listened to everything he said. Martha, meanwhile, was doing all the work. She was preparing the meal, cleaning the house and taking care of the general earthly duties. In Martha's mind, she was serving Jesus. But Mary was enjoying him.
Martha took issue with the fact that Mary was not helping her. She thought it rude of her to sit at the Lord's feet while she took care of the household needs. But Jesus wanted her to know that it was much more important for Mary to learn from him and enjoy his presence than to participate in the duties. I think this lesson speaks volumes to us as we go about our everyday lives.
Jesus told Martha that she was worried and upset about many things. Does that describe us? We are often so caught up in the worries and struggles of everyday life that we spend our time being upset. God wants us to know that there is a much better way.
Mary had chosen a higher path. She chose better things than being upset. She chose to be in the presence of Jesus. We need to make the same choice. If we spend our time being concerned about the earthly things, they will consume us. The result is bitterness, envy, and anger. But if we choose to be like Mary, we will find ourselves in the presence of the Lord. All of the other things will lose their importance. You see, there is no eternal value in being upset about the day. There is tremendous eternal value in sitting at the feet of Jesus and soaking in his presence. That will change our lives now and bring an eternal blessing.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus gives us something that cannot be taken away. People can't steal it, the enemy can't destroy it, and circumstances can't take away the joy. Make a choice today, to be like Mary. Enjoy the presence of Jesus. The work will wait. The chores will still need tending to. But for now, enjoy Jesus!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
How Long, Lord?
"How Long, Lord? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
Psalm 79:5
Do you ever feel like telling God exactly how you feel? Do you ever want to get in his face and tell him just how bad you are hurting? There are times when all of us want to 'fight it out' with God. How do we do that and still honor him? If we are to fear and respect him, how can we go to him with such emotions and anger?
For most of my life, I never allowed my own anger to come through when I was praying. I felt that it would be disrespectful to him to talk that way. But now I have a different point of view. This psalm was written by Asaph. David also wrote many things to the Lord that vented his anger, frustration, disappointment and sorrow. So I have come to the conclusion that the overriding principle is this: Be honest with God.
God knows us better than we know ourselves. When we are hurting or angry, he knows it. There is no point in hiding it. It is much better to vent with him than to take it out on others. God is big, really big. He can handle our emotional eruptions. In fact, I have experienced his responses to my outbursts.
I had an incredibly bad day one time. I got in the car, went for a drive and proceeded to just unload all my emotions on God. I cried, got angry, screamed and wailed. In fact, I remember saying, "Why don't you just kill me now!" I honestly thought this would be a better solution than dealing with the horrible circumstance I was facing. But by the next morning, God had responded to my emotional prayer. The need was met, disaster was averted and my life went on.
No matter what you are facing, know that God is intimately involved in your life and circumstances. I don't know why he allows tragedy and crisis in our lives, except to perfect us. But I do know this, it is okay to vent your emotions to him. He knows us and he can deal with our anger and hurts. God is truth. He never lies or deceives. Do you honestly think he would want us to pretend everything is alright when it isn't? Would he have us cover up our emotions and put on a phony happy face? No, he values our honesty and he responds to it. He understands that true love often involves confrontation. It's okay, he still loves us!
Psalm 79:5
Do you ever feel like telling God exactly how you feel? Do you ever want to get in his face and tell him just how bad you are hurting? There are times when all of us want to 'fight it out' with God. How do we do that and still honor him? If we are to fear and respect him, how can we go to him with such emotions and anger?
For most of my life, I never allowed my own anger to come through when I was praying. I felt that it would be disrespectful to him to talk that way. But now I have a different point of view. This psalm was written by Asaph. David also wrote many things to the Lord that vented his anger, frustration, disappointment and sorrow. So I have come to the conclusion that the overriding principle is this: Be honest with God.
God knows us better than we know ourselves. When we are hurting or angry, he knows it. There is no point in hiding it. It is much better to vent with him than to take it out on others. God is big, really big. He can handle our emotional eruptions. In fact, I have experienced his responses to my outbursts.
I had an incredibly bad day one time. I got in the car, went for a drive and proceeded to just unload all my emotions on God. I cried, got angry, screamed and wailed. In fact, I remember saying, "Why don't you just kill me now!" I honestly thought this would be a better solution than dealing with the horrible circumstance I was facing. But by the next morning, God had responded to my emotional prayer. The need was met, disaster was averted and my life went on.
No matter what you are facing, know that God is intimately involved in your life and circumstances. I don't know why he allows tragedy and crisis in our lives, except to perfect us. But I do know this, it is okay to vent your emotions to him. He knows us and he can deal with our anger and hurts. God is truth. He never lies or deceives. Do you honestly think he would want us to pretend everything is alright when it isn't? Would he have us cover up our emotions and put on a phony happy face? No, he values our honesty and he responds to it. He understands that true love often involves confrontation. It's okay, he still loves us!
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Golden Rule
"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Luke 6:31
The other day, I was driving on the freeway. I was in the center lane of three. An impatient driver saw that the far left lane was actually going slower than the center lane, so he swerved into the right lane, passed several cars, and then cut directly in front of me, causing me to have to apply the brakes to keep from hitting him. Of course, I muttered to myself and went on my way. No damage, no problem, right?
Actually, there was a problem. The muttering I did to myself, includes some derogatory things about the driver of the other car. And then, as the Holy Spirit often does, he reminded me of this very scripture. Would I like to be called derogatory names if I had made a mistake? Of course not. I needed to treat the other driver the same way I would like to be treated if I had done it. People make mistakes. Sometimes they are stupid ones, but all of us do it. I have no right to point fingers at anyone.
This scripture concludes a discourse that Jesus brought to a crowd of people. He told them that he was giving them a new command to love their enemies and pray for them. He said to bless them and not curse. These are things that all of us have heard since we were children. Yet we overlook them. We want to move into the 'deep things' of the faith, but fail in these commands from God himself. I am guilty, are you?
We need to remember that the foundational truths that Jesus taught are building blocks to the 'deep' things. Every deep truth of God's word is built on the simple, foundational commands of God. We cannot expect to be super spiritual people if we cannot bless a misguided driver, or the slow checkout person at the grocery store, or the over-stressed gas station attendant.
This is what I love about God. He gives us simple things to do, and then gives us opportunities to respond. Love your enemies? Bless them and not curse? Do good to those who hate us? Can we actually obey these commands? These are radical concepts. Yet, God expects us to follow through on these so he can then bless us with more. We represent Christ on the earth. He loved others with a passion. What kind of example are we?
Luke 6:31
The other day, I was driving on the freeway. I was in the center lane of three. An impatient driver saw that the far left lane was actually going slower than the center lane, so he swerved into the right lane, passed several cars, and then cut directly in front of me, causing me to have to apply the brakes to keep from hitting him. Of course, I muttered to myself and went on my way. No damage, no problem, right?
Actually, there was a problem. The muttering I did to myself, includes some derogatory things about the driver of the other car. And then, as the Holy Spirit often does, he reminded me of this very scripture. Would I like to be called derogatory names if I had made a mistake? Of course not. I needed to treat the other driver the same way I would like to be treated if I had done it. People make mistakes. Sometimes they are stupid ones, but all of us do it. I have no right to point fingers at anyone.
This scripture concludes a discourse that Jesus brought to a crowd of people. He told them that he was giving them a new command to love their enemies and pray for them. He said to bless them and not curse. These are things that all of us have heard since we were children. Yet we overlook them. We want to move into the 'deep things' of the faith, but fail in these commands from God himself. I am guilty, are you?
We need to remember that the foundational truths that Jesus taught are building blocks to the 'deep' things. Every deep truth of God's word is built on the simple, foundational commands of God. We cannot expect to be super spiritual people if we cannot bless a misguided driver, or the slow checkout person at the grocery store, or the over-stressed gas station attendant.
This is what I love about God. He gives us simple things to do, and then gives us opportunities to respond. Love your enemies? Bless them and not curse? Do good to those who hate us? Can we actually obey these commands? These are radical concepts. Yet, God expects us to follow through on these so he can then bless us with more. We represent Christ on the earth. He loved others with a passion. What kind of example are we?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Man Covering
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:25
Since I have finished talking about the necessity of putting on the full armor of God, I feel I must speak to men regarding our relationships with our wives. Ladies, feel free to pass on this information to your husbands.
I have recently received a revelation that should not have been a surprise at all. I should have been doing this for my entire married life, but did not. It is simple, yet I continued to overlook it. God revealed to me that I need to be praying for my wife. I have always prayed for her, but what I now understand is this: Whenever I am praying about me, I am also praying about her. We are one. What affects me, affects her. What's important to me, is important to her. So I now pray for both of us.
For several years, I have been putting on the armor listed in Ephesians 6, everyday. I would take each piece, apply them to my life and pray the appropriate prayer surrounding each piece. I still do this each day, only now, I include my wife in every prayer. I am not only wearing the armor for myself, I am applying it to her life as well.
Men, I think sometimes, our wives may not be in the place to effectively put on the armor themselves. It is both our responsibility and our privilege to to do this for them. We are notoriously self-centered. We must stop making it about us and begin making it about our beautiful partners. We must pray for them, encourage them, lead them, and love them exactly the way Christ has done those things for us. It is something that God has placed deep within us. We are warriors, soldiers. Let's take up that call for our wives as well.
From now on, put on the armor. Do it everyday. But as you do, dress your wife with that same spiritual armor. Love her, protect her, and lead her into battle alongside you. Then, the strength of the Lord will overcome you both. Jesus has shown us the way, for he has loved us, prayed for us and given up his life for the sake of ours. Let's follow him and do the same for our wives.
Ephesians 5:25
Since I have finished talking about the necessity of putting on the full armor of God, I feel I must speak to men regarding our relationships with our wives. Ladies, feel free to pass on this information to your husbands.
I have recently received a revelation that should not have been a surprise at all. I should have been doing this for my entire married life, but did not. It is simple, yet I continued to overlook it. God revealed to me that I need to be praying for my wife. I have always prayed for her, but what I now understand is this: Whenever I am praying about me, I am also praying about her. We are one. What affects me, affects her. What's important to me, is important to her. So I now pray for both of us.
For several years, I have been putting on the armor listed in Ephesians 6, everyday. I would take each piece, apply them to my life and pray the appropriate prayer surrounding each piece. I still do this each day, only now, I include my wife in every prayer. I am not only wearing the armor for myself, I am applying it to her life as well.
Men, I think sometimes, our wives may not be in the place to effectively put on the armor themselves. It is both our responsibility and our privilege to to do this for them. We are notoriously self-centered. We must stop making it about us and begin making it about our beautiful partners. We must pray for them, encourage them, lead them, and love them exactly the way Christ has done those things for us. It is something that God has placed deep within us. We are warriors, soldiers. Let's take up that call for our wives as well.
From now on, put on the armor. Do it everyday. But as you do, dress your wife with that same spiritual armor. Love her, protect her, and lead her into battle alongside you. Then, the strength of the Lord will overcome you both. Jesus has shown us the way, for he has loved us, prayed for us and given up his life for the sake of ours. Let's follow him and do the same for our wives.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Sword is Mightier...
"(Take the) sword of the Spirit which is the word of God."
Ephesians 6:17b
The sword has always been one of the most feared weapons in hand to hand combat. Throughout history, it has been the weapon of choice for soldiers on the battlefield. The sword is not merely a defensive weapon. It is used to strike the opposition, to take territory, and to push back the enemy.
We have been given the greatest sword of all. It is the word of God. It is through his word that we push back the enemy. It is his word that directs us, leads us, and helps us to advance in our Christian lives. This piece of the armor may surprise you, though. It has been given to us for daily, even moment to moment use. So should we carry our Bibles with us wherever we go? Although it is certainly a good idea,God will arm you with his word all the time, whether you have your Bible or not.
The Greek word used here in the phrase, "word of God," is rhema. This word can best be defined by the English word, revelation. When we are instructed to take the word of God, we are being told to listen to the voice of God every moment. The Holy Spirit is always speaking to us. He is guiding and leading, comforting and counseling, all the time. Our strong weapon that we use against the enemy, is the revelation of God in our hearts. Have you ever read a chapter in the Bible and a particular verse or phrase seems to 'jump off the page?' This is the revelation of God. He is giving you a new understanding, and these are life-changing moments. This is the sword we are to bear.
We can be assured that the Holy Spirit is with us at all times. He may speak to us through things we see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. He may speak to us through the written word. However he chooses to speak, the results are the same. We are strengthened to take territory from the enemy. We are equipped to take back what the devil has stolen. We are armed to live in freedom everyday.
Put on the full armor of God and don't forget your sword. Respond to the word that God reveals to you. He never uses empty words and he doesn't waste his words. They are powerful, creative, life-changing oracles. Sometimes, he screams, other times he whispers. Pay attention and you will hear his word. When the revelation comes, wield it as a sword, the sword of the Spirit. Use it and break through!
Ephesians 6:17b
The sword has always been one of the most feared weapons in hand to hand combat. Throughout history, it has been the weapon of choice for soldiers on the battlefield. The sword is not merely a defensive weapon. It is used to strike the opposition, to take territory, and to push back the enemy.
We have been given the greatest sword of all. It is the word of God. It is through his word that we push back the enemy. It is his word that directs us, leads us, and helps us to advance in our Christian lives. This piece of the armor may surprise you, though. It has been given to us for daily, even moment to moment use. So should we carry our Bibles with us wherever we go? Although it is certainly a good idea,God will arm you with his word all the time, whether you have your Bible or not.
The Greek word used here in the phrase, "word of God," is rhema. This word can best be defined by the English word, revelation. When we are instructed to take the word of God, we are being told to listen to the voice of God every moment. The Holy Spirit is always speaking to us. He is guiding and leading, comforting and counseling, all the time. Our strong weapon that we use against the enemy, is the revelation of God in our hearts. Have you ever read a chapter in the Bible and a particular verse or phrase seems to 'jump off the page?' This is the revelation of God. He is giving you a new understanding, and these are life-changing moments. This is the sword we are to bear.
We can be assured that the Holy Spirit is with us at all times. He may speak to us through things we see, hear, touch, smell, or taste. He may speak to us through the written word. However he chooses to speak, the results are the same. We are strengthened to take territory from the enemy. We are equipped to take back what the devil has stolen. We are armed to live in freedom everyday.
Put on the full armor of God and don't forget your sword. Respond to the word that God reveals to you. He never uses empty words and he doesn't waste his words. They are powerful, creative, life-changing oracles. Sometimes, he screams, other times he whispers. Pay attention and you will hear his word. When the revelation comes, wield it as a sword, the sword of the Spirit. Use it and break through!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Mind Games
"Take the helmet of salvation."
Ephesians 6:17a
The greatest ploy of Satan is to attack us in our weakest area. For most, this is the mind. You see, our minds are confusing places. In there dwell thoughts of God and the glory he has in store for us. But there are also thoughts of evil, lust, covetousness, revenge, and selfishness. So the mind becomes a melting pot of God stuff and evil stuff. How can you win in this difficult battle?
We must learn to daily renew our minds. The actions we take during a day are first conceived in our minds. If we are focused on the things of God, we will be more apt to act out the things the Holy Spirit has planned for us. If we, however, continue to dwell on other things...sin things, worldly things, selfish things, fear, or worry, we will live out our day in the defeat that flows from the preconceptions of our minds.
The act of putting on the helmet of salvation is a conscious choice to put off the old way of thinking and take hold of a new way. We make a decision to allow the Holy Spirit to instruct us in the way we should go and then do it. Remember that God does not author confusion. The enemy does. If we feel that confusion, it is due to the fact that we are still embracing the old, sinful ways of thinking while attempting to apply the new. It doesn't work! We must do away with the old way first, then allow God to fill our minds with his thoughts.
Try it. Look at the circumstances of your day through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, not through the distorted vision that comes from doubt, worry, and fear. You will have a new outlook on life. Confusion will disappear, and all those mind games the enemy attempts to play with you, will be removed. Then you will be able to truly say, "It is well with my soul."
Ephesians 6:17a
The greatest ploy of Satan is to attack us in our weakest area. For most, this is the mind. You see, our minds are confusing places. In there dwell thoughts of God and the glory he has in store for us. But there are also thoughts of evil, lust, covetousness, revenge, and selfishness. So the mind becomes a melting pot of God stuff and evil stuff. How can you win in this difficult battle?
We must learn to daily renew our minds. The actions we take during a day are first conceived in our minds. If we are focused on the things of God, we will be more apt to act out the things the Holy Spirit has planned for us. If we, however, continue to dwell on other things...sin things, worldly things, selfish things, fear, or worry, we will live out our day in the defeat that flows from the preconceptions of our minds.
The act of putting on the helmet of salvation is a conscious choice to put off the old way of thinking and take hold of a new way. We make a decision to allow the Holy Spirit to instruct us in the way we should go and then do it. Remember that God does not author confusion. The enemy does. If we feel that confusion, it is due to the fact that we are still embracing the old, sinful ways of thinking while attempting to apply the new. It doesn't work! We must do away with the old way first, then allow God to fill our minds with his thoughts.
Try it. Look at the circumstances of your day through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, not through the distorted vision that comes from doubt, worry, and fear. You will have a new outlook on life. Confusion will disappear, and all those mind games the enemy attempts to play with you, will be removed. Then you will be able to truly say, "It is well with my soul."
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Fully Shielded
"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
Ephesians 6:16
When you are wearing battle armor, you don't want to be without your shield. Although you don't wear this particular piece, it is invaluable to keeping the enemy at bay. The Roman soldier would carry a shield made of wood and covered with leather. The soldier would then soak the leather with water. In battle, when the flaming arrows of the enemy hit the shield, they were extinguished.
If you have ever watched a movie that acts out an ancient battle, you will have seen rows and rows of archers. When they were ordered to fire, the air would be full of arrows launched, in an attempt to hit any area of the opposing infantry. It seems as if this is a strategy of the devil as well. He always has flaming arrows of evil headed our direction. The arrow may not be specifically intended for you or me, but if it happens to hit us, it is a victory for him.
When we respond with the shield of faith in place, we will deflect those attacks as if they never happened. When I pray about the shield of faith, I see a 'bubble' of protection around me. I see, with my eyes of faith, an impenetrable force around me. I believe God has established protection for me on all sides. There is no way the weapons of the enemy can harm me. I believe he has established angels to walk with me wherever I go. They are my sentries and no demonic force would dare attack me because the forces that protect me are greater than those that come against me.
Today, take up the shield of faith. Believe that God has established absolute protection for you. Understand that "No weapon formed against you will prosper." The army of God has been dispatched to be your protection. Look with your eyes of faith and you will see that you are the victor, not the victim. You can walk with confidence, knowing that you are fully shielded from any attack.
Ephesians 6:16
When you are wearing battle armor, you don't want to be without your shield. Although you don't wear this particular piece, it is invaluable to keeping the enemy at bay. The Roman soldier would carry a shield made of wood and covered with leather. The soldier would then soak the leather with water. In battle, when the flaming arrows of the enemy hit the shield, they were extinguished.
If you have ever watched a movie that acts out an ancient battle, you will have seen rows and rows of archers. When they were ordered to fire, the air would be full of arrows launched, in an attempt to hit any area of the opposing infantry. It seems as if this is a strategy of the devil as well. He always has flaming arrows of evil headed our direction. The arrow may not be specifically intended for you or me, but if it happens to hit us, it is a victory for him.
When we respond with the shield of faith in place, we will deflect those attacks as if they never happened. When I pray about the shield of faith, I see a 'bubble' of protection around me. I see, with my eyes of faith, an impenetrable force around me. I believe God has established protection for me on all sides. There is no way the weapons of the enemy can harm me. I believe he has established angels to walk with me wherever I go. They are my sentries and no demonic force would dare attack me because the forces that protect me are greater than those that come against me.
Today, take up the shield of faith. Believe that God has established absolute protection for you. Understand that "No weapon formed against you will prosper." The army of God has been dispatched to be your protection. Look with your eyes of faith and you will see that you are the victor, not the victim. You can walk with confidence, knowing that you are fully shielded from any attack.
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Perfect Fitting Shoes
"(Stand firm then), with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."
Ephesians 6:15
Would you go hiking on a rocky mountain, wearing a pair of flip-flops on your feet? I doubt it. Not only would it be uncomfortable, but you would either wear them out or lose them in the adventure. When you are on treacherous terrain, having the right shoes is critically important.
Physical armor as well as spiritual, is of little value if we aren't wearing the proper shoes. If you can't move, you cannot defend against the enemy. You will not be able to strike the enemy if your spiritual feet are vulnerable. But God has given us spiritual shoes that are well suited to equip us for battle. Let's put those shoes on everyday.
As I pray each day and put on my spiritual armor, I make sure that I wear the shoes. I remember the prophet, Isaiah, when he saw a mission that needed to be completed, he offered himself to God. He exclaimed, "Here am I, send me!" I say the same thing to God when I am suiting up in his armor. You see, I want to be sent. I want to go where he leads me and accomplish what he wants me to accomplish. In order to do that, I need spiritual shoes that fit me perfectly and will hold up no matter what comes my way, or what kind of spiritual terrain I encounter.
Put on your shoes today. Take them and realize that they fit you perfectly. God has equipped you to do his will according to how he has gifted you. The shoes are provided by God, but you must put them on. You are then ready to not only stand, but move any direction the Lord will take you. These are perfect fitting shoes. Don't they feel good?
Ephesians 6:15
Would you go hiking on a rocky mountain, wearing a pair of flip-flops on your feet? I doubt it. Not only would it be uncomfortable, but you would either wear them out or lose them in the adventure. When you are on treacherous terrain, having the right shoes is critically important.
Physical armor as well as spiritual, is of little value if we aren't wearing the proper shoes. If you can't move, you cannot defend against the enemy. You will not be able to strike the enemy if your spiritual feet are vulnerable. But God has given us spiritual shoes that are well suited to equip us for battle. Let's put those shoes on everyday.
As I pray each day and put on my spiritual armor, I make sure that I wear the shoes. I remember the prophet, Isaiah, when he saw a mission that needed to be completed, he offered himself to God. He exclaimed, "Here am I, send me!" I say the same thing to God when I am suiting up in his armor. You see, I want to be sent. I want to go where he leads me and accomplish what he wants me to accomplish. In order to do that, I need spiritual shoes that fit me perfectly and will hold up no matter what comes my way, or what kind of spiritual terrain I encounter.
Put on your shoes today. Take them and realize that they fit you perfectly. God has equipped you to do his will according to how he has gifted you. The shoes are provided by God, but you must put them on. You are then ready to not only stand, but move any direction the Lord will take you. These are perfect fitting shoes. Don't they feel good?
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wearing the Righteousness of Christ
"(Stand firm then), with the breastplate of righteousness in place."
Ephesians 6:14b
As Paul observed the Roman soldier, he saw the breastplate that he wore. It was mail made of iron. The mail was made in horizontal strips that were woven to the strips above and below with iron links. all of this was sewn to a leather or fabric backing. This breastplate protected the soldier from the penetration of swords, spears, and arrows.
The second piece of our spiritual armor is the breastplate of righteousness. It is this spiritual breastplate that protects our hearts from the onslaught of the enemy. Righteousness means "to be in right-standing with God." Therefore, we must make sure that we wear the breastplate each day. This righteousness is not our own. Our own righteousness is worthless. It does not exist. No man or woman has ever been successfully righteous on their own, except one and his name was Jesus.
We wear the righteousness of Christ as our breastplate. We have it by his virtue, not ours. When we confess sin, he forgives us and then cleanses us from our unrighteousness. The way is made, and we have his righteousness. But we must do this each day. The Bible tells us that righteousness comes by faith. When we confess sin everyday, we believe, by faith, that our sins are forgiven and we have right-standing with God. This conscious decision allows us to put on the breastplate. Our heart is covered in righteousness and we are protected from any evil weapon that is formed against us.
King David asked God to give him an undivided heart. I have taken up this prayer daily. I always ask God to keep me from ever looking to another person, place, or thing to find my contentment. I am only content in Jesus. There is no room for anything else to share that place. Everything else bows at the feet of God.
Begin to regularly wear the breastplate of righteousness. You can have it by simply confessing sin and receiving righteousness. After that, make sure that you are wearing it all day long. Righteousness will keep you from sin. It will keep you focused on Jesus and sin will have no victory.
In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Aragorn encourages his army with these words: "A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day! An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all you hold dear, I bid you, stand!" Well put, Aragorn. Today we stand with our hearts covered and our place in Christ secure.
Ephesians 6:14b
As Paul observed the Roman soldier, he saw the breastplate that he wore. It was mail made of iron. The mail was made in horizontal strips that were woven to the strips above and below with iron links. all of this was sewn to a leather or fabric backing. This breastplate protected the soldier from the penetration of swords, spears, and arrows.
The second piece of our spiritual armor is the breastplate of righteousness. It is this spiritual breastplate that protects our hearts from the onslaught of the enemy. Righteousness means "to be in right-standing with God." Therefore, we must make sure that we wear the breastplate each day. This righteousness is not our own. Our own righteousness is worthless. It does not exist. No man or woman has ever been successfully righteous on their own, except one and his name was Jesus.
We wear the righteousness of Christ as our breastplate. We have it by his virtue, not ours. When we confess sin, he forgives us and then cleanses us from our unrighteousness. The way is made, and we have his righteousness. But we must do this each day. The Bible tells us that righteousness comes by faith. When we confess sin everyday, we believe, by faith, that our sins are forgiven and we have right-standing with God. This conscious decision allows us to put on the breastplate. Our heart is covered in righteousness and we are protected from any evil weapon that is formed against us.
King David asked God to give him an undivided heart. I have taken up this prayer daily. I always ask God to keep me from ever looking to another person, place, or thing to find my contentment. I am only content in Jesus. There is no room for anything else to share that place. Everything else bows at the feet of God.
Begin to regularly wear the breastplate of righteousness. You can have it by simply confessing sin and receiving righteousness. After that, make sure that you are wearing it all day long. Righteousness will keep you from sin. It will keep you focused on Jesus and sin will have no victory.
In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Aragorn encourages his army with these words: "A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day! An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all you hold dear, I bid you, stand!" Well put, Aragorn. Today we stand with our hearts covered and our place in Christ secure.
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