Isaiah 1:18.
'Come now, let us reason together,' 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 like wool.'
Its amazing to me that this was written MANY years before this truth was revealed to us in Jesus Christ. Written in a time that salvation to many was a repertoire of legalistic requirements and ceremonies. And here in this verse, the Lord says, "let us reason" yet it is reason and logic that often brings about legalism.
I love this verse because it's quite simple. The Lord tells us that even though in our own right we are dirty, nasty and unclean, HE will make us clean; no conditions. This is a clear picture of God's grace and when that is put into context, we can surely reason with one another. We can reason past non essential doctrine that so entangles us in endless unfruitful debates.
If we see the greatness of this verse, we can reason past all the senseless legalism that continues to condemn saved Christians into thinking they can mess up and loose their salvation. People do all kinds of things "in the name of Jesus" thinking they secure their salvation or gain God's favor.
So let's reason with one another and come to the conclusion that we are saved because of his grace through a very simple act of faith which is believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and he died to pay for your penalty for your sins.
God does the rest of the work of salvation!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Pray for Obama?
1 Timothy 2:1-2.
I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is a message to all of you that are not quite happy with our President. Brought to you by God!
Its interesting that this message was written by St Paul during a time that was ruled by a very oppressive ruler in Rome. Nero made Hitler look like a pansy!
Yet Paul urged the people to pray for him? How many of us pray for President Obama? Is that such a tough pill to swallow? What's the alternative? To harbor anger because you don't agree with his policies?
What about a boss you don't care for? You have three choices, retaliate, leave or pray.
To pray, as this verse does yields a promise at the end of this verse. Note that is says "so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives..."
I like that, I want to have peace and quiet. Every time I try to fight authority I'm on the wrong end of the stick. I don't believe this is telling us to give up submit to be abused by authority. It is a call to prayer, that in earnest we ask God to guide those people over us.
But those who founded our country, in faith and in prayer were called by God to resist those in authority and create this great nation. The created this nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.
So let's pray for Obama to be willing and open to God's word as he faces challenges. In the same token, let's pray for God to give of the wisdom needed to sift through politics and identify the works of the enemy which are hell bent on destroying liberty in this great nation.
I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is a message to all of you that are not quite happy with our President. Brought to you by God!
Its interesting that this message was written by St Paul during a time that was ruled by a very oppressive ruler in Rome. Nero made Hitler look like a pansy!
Yet Paul urged the people to pray for him? How many of us pray for President Obama? Is that such a tough pill to swallow? What's the alternative? To harbor anger because you don't agree with his policies?
What about a boss you don't care for? You have three choices, retaliate, leave or pray.
To pray, as this verse does yields a promise at the end of this verse. Note that is says "so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives..."
I like that, I want to have peace and quiet. Every time I try to fight authority I'm on the wrong end of the stick. I don't believe this is telling us to give up submit to be abused by authority. It is a call to prayer, that in earnest we ask God to guide those people over us.
But those who founded our country, in faith and in prayer were called by God to resist those in authority and create this great nation. The created this nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.
So let's pray for Obama to be willing and open to God's word as he faces challenges. In the same token, let's pray for God to give of the wisdom needed to sift through politics and identify the works of the enemy which are hell bent on destroying liberty in this great nation.
Friday, November 6, 2009
God is in control, if you want him to be.
Ephesians 1:9-10.
He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
The Father knows the begining through the end. He created his plan outside the bounds of what we know as time and this verse says he did all this according to his "good pleasure."
In addition, this verse tells us that there will be a time when His plan will be fulfilled. When heaven and earth are reconciled under "one head."
It goes right along with how Jesus taught us to pray "your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven."
To me that means that he is working every day, every moment to bring this world under his authority, "one head." But then I think to myself, that means there are aspects of this world that are under someone else's authority, the enemy.
So while it is nice to think "God is in control" perhaps he is not always in control? It's obvious that in his plan he allows us to go astray and perhaps be under the enemy's control only to ultimately bring us closer to him.
I think that is a sobering thought that sparks all kinds of other thoughts. I think of words like "your name is a strong tower" and the imagery that in order to have safety in the strong tower you must consiously run inside. So currently in this world, God is in control of the people who willingly seek him. But those who consiously walk away from him can find themselves in the belly of a whale.
So God is in control, if you want him to be.
He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
The Father knows the begining through the end. He created his plan outside the bounds of what we know as time and this verse says he did all this according to his "good pleasure."
In addition, this verse tells us that there will be a time when His plan will be fulfilled. When heaven and earth are reconciled under "one head."
It goes right along with how Jesus taught us to pray "your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven."
To me that means that he is working every day, every moment to bring this world under his authority, "one head." But then I think to myself, that means there are aspects of this world that are under someone else's authority, the enemy.
So while it is nice to think "God is in control" perhaps he is not always in control? It's obvious that in his plan he allows us to go astray and perhaps be under the enemy's control only to ultimately bring us closer to him.
I think that is a sobering thought that sparks all kinds of other thoughts. I think of words like "your name is a strong tower" and the imagery that in order to have safety in the strong tower you must consiously run inside. So currently in this world, God is in control of the people who willingly seek him. But those who consiously walk away from him can find themselves in the belly of a whale.
So God is in control, if you want him to be.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The word of God is more powerful than you!
Hebrews 4:12.
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Just recently, I was on a Dallas Area Rapid Transit train and in the midst of a very crowded train, about three rows from me I heard a very irate woman yelling at a man. I'll spare you the details of her graphic language but she continued berating this man that was standing next to me for at least 15 minutes. At some point I had to finally say something, in which all the sudden I felt her anger focused toward me. Then I looked deep in her eyes as she readied her self for me to say something that would fuel more of her anger.
Then I said: "Jesus loves you!"
At first she rolled her eyes and said "I know that, you don't have to tell me, mind your own business!" Then immediately, the man next to me, the subject of her tirade, quickly moved down the aisle and out of her sight.
I was amazed! The name of Jesus is so powerful! Just three words, "Jesus loves you" diffused a situation that could have gotten very ugly. As his name escaped my mouth, it instantly breathed peace into the situation, it penetrated joints and marrow, it was sharper than a double edged sword.
This was one of those God moments which let you know, he is real, he is relevant, he is our powerful ally that will fight our battles when called upon, he is our Jehovah Makkeh, the Lord who strikes our enemies (Ezekiel 7:9).
So next time you find yourself in a potentially bad situation, remember this, the word of God is more powerful than you! It is a weapon that activates His will in our lives and can make things happen, sometimes instantly!
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Just recently, I was on a Dallas Area Rapid Transit train and in the midst of a very crowded train, about three rows from me I heard a very irate woman yelling at a man. I'll spare you the details of her graphic language but she continued berating this man that was standing next to me for at least 15 minutes. At some point I had to finally say something, in which all the sudden I felt her anger focused toward me. Then I looked deep in her eyes as she readied her self for me to say something that would fuel more of her anger.
Then I said: "Jesus loves you!"
At first she rolled her eyes and said "I know that, you don't have to tell me, mind your own business!" Then immediately, the man next to me, the subject of her tirade, quickly moved down the aisle and out of her sight.
I was amazed! The name of Jesus is so powerful! Just three words, "Jesus loves you" diffused a situation that could have gotten very ugly. As his name escaped my mouth, it instantly breathed peace into the situation, it penetrated joints and marrow, it was sharper than a double edged sword.
This was one of those God moments which let you know, he is real, he is relevant, he is our powerful ally that will fight our battles when called upon, he is our Jehovah Makkeh, the Lord who strikes our enemies (Ezekiel 7:9).
So next time you find yourself in a potentially bad situation, remember this, the word of God is more powerful than you! It is a weapon that activates His will in our lives and can make things happen, sometimes instantly!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Do you struggle with your inperfections?
1 Peter 3:8
Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
The world responds to this message with an emphatic "are you kidding me?" That's right, the idea behind this message seems too "good" for this world. We live in a world that most times rewards the opposite behavior.
Harmony with one another gives away to bickering with one another. In direct defiance with this idea, shows like Jerry Springer somehow remain in business.
To be sympathetic is an idea that remains a nice idea in theory but succumbs to the wrath we often exhibit when others do not fit the mold we would like them to fit.
To love as brothers is often forgotten as our sense of self preservation kicks in and all the sudden we feel more important than our fellow brothers and sisters.
Being compassionate is easy as long as it is comfortable for us to be compassionate. However, when trouble comes our way, compassion is often a luxury we expense off so we can focus on solving our own problems.
And finally, to be humble in this world is often considered to be weak. Why be humble and humiliated when you can stand tall in your pride?
So why does Peter gives us this seemingly rose colored message? After what I've painted here so far, it seems like a "command" that would doom us for failure right from the start. To add to this challenge, the passages before this are the ones where Peter says "wives, submit to your husbands."
All these passages are often misused and become the anchor to legalistic behavior that is very damaging to the church and Christians.
So what are we to do with this passage? The way I look at it is simple.
When we look at ourselves and others we see all the obvious imperfections. Then we set out on a path of self improvement only to see that no matter how hard we work at it, we still see and feel our imperfections. Frustrated, we begin to compensate in ways that ultimately are destructive.
A simpler way is to realize that God put this whole plan together so that when he sees us, he sees perfection. After all, we are his workmanship and his workmanship is nothing but perfect.
So where we see imperfections he sees perfections in his plan. In other words, somethings we are not happy with might be exactly what he needs to get us to move one way or another.
So now when we look at the verse, we can realize that "in Christ" we can "Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." Think about it, despite wars, arguments, strife and struggle, things continue to move and you can see God's hands at work every day.
When we shed the guilt and condemnation of not feeling perfect in our own strength, and embrace the perfection of ourselves within God's control, then we can finally feel a freedom to embrace God's acceptance of us and go on to "Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Christ's veil of equality
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
In the political discourse in this country I heard some people allege that the founding fathers of this country allowed and brought on slavery. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The founding fathers of this country were undeniably committed to the word of God. I'm sure this verse played a big part in their thinking. They wrote the Constitution with the idea that we are all one in Christ. No matter the color, sex or race we have our rights from God who sees no difference between us.
However, when governments and men begin to believe they are the authority that provides rights, Christ's veil of equality is lifted and the human nature of competition, pride and prejudice takes over. Our rights therefore begin to erode and soon we fall pray to man's rules which are supposed to restore our rights.
A good example of this is affirmative action. A government initiative designed to restore the rights of those who have been historically discriminated against. Problem with this? It does it at the expense of others.
I'm Hispanic and the last thing I want is special treatment because of my race. In the eyes of God I'm no different. I want to be considered on the merits of my work and experience, not my skin color of heritage.
When we all begin to take this attitude and dependence on God given rights not those manufactured by men, we will find true freedom. The type of freedom. The founding fathers had in mind.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
In the political discourse in this country I heard some people allege that the founding fathers of this country allowed and brought on slavery. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The founding fathers of this country were undeniably committed to the word of God. I'm sure this verse played a big part in their thinking. They wrote the Constitution with the idea that we are all one in Christ. No matter the color, sex or race we have our rights from God who sees no difference between us.
However, when governments and men begin to believe they are the authority that provides rights, Christ's veil of equality is lifted and the human nature of competition, pride and prejudice takes over. Our rights therefore begin to erode and soon we fall pray to man's rules which are supposed to restore our rights.
A good example of this is affirmative action. A government initiative designed to restore the rights of those who have been historically discriminated against. Problem with this? It does it at the expense of others.
I'm Hispanic and the last thing I want is special treatment because of my race. In the eyes of God I'm no different. I want to be considered on the merits of my work and experience, not my skin color of heritage.
When we all begin to take this attitude and dependence on God given rights not those manufactured by men, we will find true freedom. The type of freedom. The founding fathers had in mind.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
You are created for good works
Ephesians 2:10
We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
When I read this verse I think of God's workmanship in non-human terms. Think of the awesomeness of a huge mountain. In 2007 I made frequent trips to Seattle and often saw Mt. Rainier from the airplane. What an awesome workmanship! Then on a clear day in Seattle you see the mountain and it reveals its prowess over the whole region. How can one look at. a mountain like that and not believe in God is beyond me!
I think of other works of God that simply take your breath away. From Niagara Falls to the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean. From the intricate design of a spider's web to the incredible array of stars that drape a moon less night. Evidence of God's workmanship is all around us!
All that is topped by the great work he has done in us to restore us from brokenness to perfection. Oh yeah, I know we don't often feel perfect but the key to remember is that in God's eyes, we are perfect in Christ.
So even in our own state of brokeness, we can find ourselves as the perfect solution for someone else. This is really the key of today's verse.
God can use us no matter what we think of ourselves. He delights in giving us an opportunity to be his hands and feet and we just have to realize that while we may be flawed and broken in our minds, God sees us perfect for a number of particular jobs.
So here is a question for you today; Will you think of yourself as God's perfect workmanship to do good works or will you be filled with condemnation and allow your mind to thing you can't do God's work?
We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
When I read this verse I think of God's workmanship in non-human terms. Think of the awesomeness of a huge mountain. In 2007 I made frequent trips to Seattle and often saw Mt. Rainier from the airplane. What an awesome workmanship! Then on a clear day in Seattle you see the mountain and it reveals its prowess over the whole region. How can one look at. a mountain like that and not believe in God is beyond me!
I think of other works of God that simply take your breath away. From Niagara Falls to the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean. From the intricate design of a spider's web to the incredible array of stars that drape a moon less night. Evidence of God's workmanship is all around us!
All that is topped by the great work he has done in us to restore us from brokenness to perfection. Oh yeah, I know we don't often feel perfect but the key to remember is that in God's eyes, we are perfect in Christ.
So even in our own state of brokeness, we can find ourselves as the perfect solution for someone else. This is really the key of today's verse.
God can use us no matter what we think of ourselves. He delights in giving us an opportunity to be his hands and feet and we just have to realize that while we may be flawed and broken in our minds, God sees us perfect for a number of particular jobs.
So here is a question for you today; Will you think of yourself as God's perfect workmanship to do good works or will you be filled with condemnation and allow your mind to thing you can't do God's work?
Monday, August 10, 2009
His strength will carry you through
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
There is one thing that's almost universal. Whenever people are in there most troubled moments, they cry out to God. Whether it is out of a deep rooted believe that God can actually help or as a last ditch effort, calling out to him when in trouble is commonplace.
But in the verse above it says that he is our ever-present help in trouble. That doesn't mean that he waits till you are in deep trouble and you call out to him. He is "ever-present", he is there with you now and always.
In other words; he was there when your trouble started and he will be there when it ends. He allowed trouble to come into your life and he will resolved it when he has you where you need to be.
That's why he is our refuge and strength because he is ever-present. His watchful eye is there to keep us under his wings of protection.
So do you find yourself in trouble today? Think of why you have this trouble. Can you see God's protective hand despite your trouble? Why is God allowing this particular trouble in your life? What does he want you to learn or achieve?
You probably know the answers already but like me, you are either to proud or selfish to admit them. Your trouble could very well be there to get you to admit them!
But rest assured that his strength will carry you through.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
There is one thing that's almost universal. Whenever people are in there most troubled moments, they cry out to God. Whether it is out of a deep rooted believe that God can actually help or as a last ditch effort, calling out to him when in trouble is commonplace.
But in the verse above it says that he is our ever-present help in trouble. That doesn't mean that he waits till you are in deep trouble and you call out to him. He is "ever-present", he is there with you now and always.
In other words; he was there when your trouble started and he will be there when it ends. He allowed trouble to come into your life and he will resolved it when he has you where you need to be.
That's why he is our refuge and strength because he is ever-present. His watchful eye is there to keep us under his wings of protection.
So do you find yourself in trouble today? Think of why you have this trouble. Can you see God's protective hand despite your trouble? Why is God allowing this particular trouble in your life? What does he want you to learn or achieve?
You probably know the answers already but like me, you are either to proud or selfish to admit them. Your trouble could very well be there to get you to admit them!
But rest assured that his strength will carry you through.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Are the flood waters up to your neck?
Hebrews 11:1
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Is your faith based on what you see? Maybe you want to have faith that God can deliver you from your financial problems but the bills keep coming and your faith continues to take a hit. You see the stack of bills and no end in sight and you continue to wonder why you are not out of the woods yet.
Today's verse helps us in this department. When we have more confidence in the hope that God brings us rather than the evidence in front of us, we have a powerful ally in faith.
I look at it this way, there is a fine line between faith and denial and that is why people have a lot of problems with faith. Denial is disconnecting oneself from reality. The reality is that by ourselves, we can be stuck in a quagmire of problems. If we tell ourselves that we have no problem, yet we are in the midst of trouble, we are in denial.
The difference with faith is that you realize that you are in trouble and own up to the fact that you need God to get you out of it and you begin to believe God's hand will reach down to rescue you. So even though you are not experiencing the rescue, your hope and confidence in God sustains you.
I think a perfect picture of what I'm talking about is found in Psalm 69 where David says "Save me, O God, for the flood waters are up to my neck." Have you felt that way before?
David goes on to say: "Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me."
David is at the point of utter despair and he has three choices; he can give up, he can get into denial or he can have faith.
So he gets real in his conversation with God: "O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you." That should be our first step in activating faith, be real with God!
In the Psalm David explains how people think he is a fool but he declares his faith clearly: "But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation.
If you feel your faith faltering today, I encourage you to read Psalm 69 in its entirety. Its one of my favorites because it reveals how much faith David had in God despite serious troubles.
I look back in my life and every time I've held unto my own strength to get through problems I've just created more problems. The minute I let go and believe God can and will help, the flood waters begin to recede and I can finally enjoy life the way God meant for me to enjoy it!
Are the flood waters up to your neck? Have faith!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Do not hinder them, instead, help them!
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
In those days, people weren't very tolerant of children (sometimes, the same can be said for today!) It reminds me of my time in Germany. I didn't see a lot of Germans taking their kids out to dinner. In fact, whenever I took my kids out to a restaurant I would get a lot of stares. The kids' laughter would somehow make them more irritated.
In this verse, Jesus was speaking to his disciples because they seem to be irritated at the children and they were trying to keep the children from "bothering" Jesus.
You see the disciples dismissed the children's laughter and energy as a bother and Jesus puts them in their place. "Let the children come to me..." I'm sure that wasn't a soft spoken command! I can see Jesus' face with a righteous anger directed at those who would rob children of their innocence and genuine love for God.
Think about your life and the children around you. Have you ever had a callous moment when you felt kids were bothering you? Or the reverse, think of a time, an encounter with a child where you felt the presence of God in their cute little eyes?
There is no doubt in my mind that children hold a very special place in God's heart. Yet why is the world so hell bent against them. Just in my lifetime being a child has changed so much. The kids today think they live in freedom but they have no idea.
I remember freedoms I had as a child that don't exist today. My friends and I roamed the city of Orlando hours, free to ride our bikes everywhere for miles with no fear. Parents didn't need to check with us, no cell phones, freedom. Today, our children must have cell phones and check with us on every hour!
Despite all that, the kids in the United States have it very easy. Every morning, over 25,000 children around the world don't wake up. They die of a needless death due to malnutrition, sickness or senseless violence. Do we even care? We go on about our daily business, the rat race. Yet Jesus says "let the children come to me" and we are increasingly oblivious to the fact that these children around the world are denied access to their Lord and Savior!
What can we do about it? Years ago I learned of a ministry called Compassion International. They are committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name, one child at a time. Now our family's life is forever changed because we sponsor children which would otherwise be forgotten and kept away from Jesus.
I invite you to do something to help children in this world. I invite you to look at Compassion as a possible way to do what Jesus did in revealing his heart for the children that were being kept away from him. It is an easy thing to do but a great blessing on the child as well as you. I urge you to go to www.sponsorachildforjesus.com today!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Your next 24 hours
Colossians 2:9-10
In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
I think most people (specially "Christians") have either never read this verse, don't understand it, or flat out, don't believe it.
Think of your last 24 hours. Have you lived it in full agreement with this verse? What would your next 24 hours look like if you do?
When a wave of worry and anxiety come into your mind, if you really believed this verse, how would that change your attitude? How about when someone offends you, how will you respond "in Christ"?
This verse is a power packed punch to the Christian life. You either live a miserable work based life full of condemnation, guilt and worry because of your thoughts of worthlessness or you live "in Christ" knowing that the FULL power of God is within you.
So I ask again, if you truly start to believe this verse, will the next 24 hours of your life look any different?
In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
I think most people (specially "Christians") have either never read this verse, don't understand it, or flat out, don't believe it.
Think of your last 24 hours. Have you lived it in full agreement with this verse? What would your next 24 hours look like if you do?
When a wave of worry and anxiety come into your mind, if you really believed this verse, how would that change your attitude? How about when someone offends you, how will you respond "in Christ"?
This verse is a power packed punch to the Christian life. You either live a miserable work based life full of condemnation, guilt and worry because of your thoughts of worthlessness or you live "in Christ" knowing that the FULL power of God is within you.
So I ask again, if you truly start to believe this verse, will the next 24 hours of your life look any different?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Old stinky pair of sweats...
James 1:21
Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Ever notice how little clothing marathon runners wear? Baggy shorts, sweat pants, large shirts, all these things would be a great hinderance to a marathon runner.
So in the marathon of our lives, are we dressed right? Our verse today gives us the dress code. What are we wearing today as we walk out the door? Is it clothing fit for the marathon or will we be dragged down by that old stinky pair of sweats?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
So when was the last time you gave up?
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
How many times do we think God is slow at delivering what we need? Or better said, delivering what we want? I would say quite often.
But if we are honest with ourselves, we know the truth. And the truth as shown in today's verse is that God is much more patient with us than we are with him.
We ask him for things we want, yet when we hear his prompting, we often don't listen. Then we wonder why he doesn't deliver what we want, when we want it.
Keep in mind that he is just no matter what we do. But we are often the ones who keep ourselves from the things we want because we try to get them in our own strength and through our own ways. We try it without Him, the one who can do all things and deliver everything we need according to his riches in glory.
The bottom line: God will let us try it our on way. He patiently awaits for us to finaly give up and let him be the one to deliver. But as long as we want to do it on our own, he is faithful and will let us wallow in the mud if that's what we want. Eventualy, we realize the futility of not letting him do the work and then he is quick to respond to our need and do his wonderful work in us.
So when was the last time you gave up?
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
How many times do we think God is slow at delivering what we need? Or better said, delivering what we want? I would say quite often.
But if we are honest with ourselves, we know the truth. And the truth as shown in today's verse is that God is much more patient with us than we are with him.
We ask him for things we want, yet when we hear his prompting, we often don't listen. Then we wonder why he doesn't deliver what we want, when we want it.
Keep in mind that he is just no matter what we do. But we are often the ones who keep ourselves from the things we want because we try to get them in our own strength and through our own ways. We try it without Him, the one who can do all things and deliver everything we need according to his riches in glory.
The bottom line: God will let us try it our on way. He patiently awaits for us to finaly give up and let him be the one to deliver. But as long as we want to do it on our own, he is faithful and will let us wallow in the mud if that's what we want. Eventualy, we realize the futility of not letting him do the work and then he is quick to respond to our need and do his wonderful work in us.
So when was the last time you gave up?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Have you been digging in your soul bank?
Mark 8:36
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his very soul?
The world is mine to take! I'm on top of the world! I'm living the dream.
We live in times when world domination is a desired goal in many levels. Bill Gates wanted to dominate the world of PCs. Steve Jobs beg to differ. Oprah wants to dominate the world of entertainment. So on and so on.
Take it down to our personal lives and all of us have some measure of wanting to dominate our own world. We rely on our own efforts to achieve domain over things and people around us. We strive for influence, recognition and pride.
But our verse today implies something quite sobering. In the end of every effort where we try to gain something in this world, there is always the danger of having to trade part of your soul for it.
Think about it, think about your past. I've been cashing in my soul for earthly gains all my life! Even when it is obvious, I still do it.
But think again, can you see any time where it was ultimately worth it to exchange part your soul for a temporal earthly gain? You may deny that, sometimes I would like to deny it too because of convenience. But we know the truth don't we? I do. Yet we continue to play the game.
Having said all that, I'm so overjoyed that our Lord God does not treat us in accordance to our performance. His grace transcends our ability to screw up. And we surely need it!
Nevertheless, we should ask God to remind us of this verse next time we go into our soul bank to cash in what we think is a treasure in this world.
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his very soul?
The world is mine to take! I'm on top of the world! I'm living the dream.
We live in times when world domination is a desired goal in many levels. Bill Gates wanted to dominate the world of PCs. Steve Jobs beg to differ. Oprah wants to dominate the world of entertainment. So on and so on.
Take it down to our personal lives and all of us have some measure of wanting to dominate our own world. We rely on our own efforts to achieve domain over things and people around us. We strive for influence, recognition and pride.
But our verse today implies something quite sobering. In the end of every effort where we try to gain something in this world, there is always the danger of having to trade part of your soul for it.
Think about it, think about your past. I've been cashing in my soul for earthly gains all my life! Even when it is obvious, I still do it.
But think again, can you see any time where it was ultimately worth it to exchange part your soul for a temporal earthly gain? You may deny that, sometimes I would like to deny it too because of convenience. But we know the truth don't we? I do. Yet we continue to play the game.
Having said all that, I'm so overjoyed that our Lord God does not treat us in accordance to our performance. His grace transcends our ability to screw up. And we surely need it!
Nevertheless, we should ask God to remind us of this verse next time we go into our soul bank to cash in what we think is a treasure in this world.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Think of today not an unknown future.
Revelation 21:2-4
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of thing has passed away.
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of thing has passed away.
The Book of Revelation has been the source of so many in depth Bible studies. Its also been the subject of much controversy and misunderstanding. I read today's verse and I feel the potential for all kinds of debate and difficult discussion. Right now as I'm writing this, I'm reading this verse several times and I'm asking the Holy Spirit to give me guidance.
Most of the time when people talk about the Book of Revelation it is widely understood to be in the future. The "Left Behind" series became popular and literally scared people into changing their life for fear of being "left behind." So the context of most discussions about this book is about something WE must do to assure we are saved or not left behind. That seems totally contrary of the Gospel!
In the middle of today's verse, there is something that hits me right between the eyes. "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them." Is this present or future? Just reading this portion I think every Christian would agree that this has happened already.
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our comforter and on the day of Pentacost God came to dwell in us.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19 it says "Your Body, His Temple - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"
So why would part of this verse be in the present and another be in the future? Could it be that it is talking about the present?
Now let me now throw together some thoughts to provoke you into thinking about this verse and your Christian life today.
- "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them."
This is obviously talking about today, God is with us. The Bible says He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. - 1 John 4:4
- "They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."
This is exactly what Jesus promised when he said "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever" John 14:16
- "He will wipe every tear from their eyes."
Do you let the Holy Spirit wipe your tears today or are you under the impression that you are here to suffer on your own until Christ comes back?
- "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain"
What kind of death is this talking about? Our bodies will surely die and decay but our soul and spirit have eternal life. If we know this, and REALLY believe it, would there be any reason to cry and mourn?
- "for the old order of thing has passed away."
Look at your past. Don't you see that the old order of thing has changed?
In closing, the way I look at this verse is in the now. Its not meant to give me hope that one day I may escape the awful circumstances I might be in right now. It is a promise for today.
So I challenge you to walk in faith today, we can accept this truth wholeheartedly and gain the freedom that is meant for us TODAY. Get out of living in a quagmire hoping that one day you will be snatched out of your existence to live in the eternal realm of God's perfection.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
How do you view Jesus in your life?
Acts 20:24
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
I had to read this verse several times in different versions. What is Paul talking about?
As I understand it in simple terms, you can reach the highest of your career goals but it is all worthless if you are not using what you have gained for the glory of God.
This verse reminds me of Rich Mullins. A great musician who is most notably known for his song "Awesome God" which has been covered by many bands. He died prematurely in a car accident in 1997 but he left a legacy of someone who was fully dedicated to being a witness for Jesus.
Despite his success he lived a simple life to concentrate his devotion to Jesus. He struggled with the differences between Catholics and Protestants but concluded that the most important thing was to follow Jesus.
Today, lifes are still being changed through his music. He truly was a man who saw Jesus as worth more than anything else.
How do you view Jesus in your life?
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
I had to read this verse several times in different versions. What is Paul talking about?
As I understand it in simple terms, you can reach the highest of your career goals but it is all worthless if you are not using what you have gained for the glory of God.
This verse reminds me of Rich Mullins. A great musician who is most notably known for his song "Awesome God" which has been covered by many bands. He died prematurely in a car accident in 1997 but he left a legacy of someone who was fully dedicated to being a witness for Jesus.
Despite his success he lived a simple life to concentrate his devotion to Jesus. He struggled with the differences between Catholics and Protestants but concluded that the most important thing was to follow Jesus.
Today, lifes are still being changed through his music. He truly was a man who saw Jesus as worth more than anything else.
How do you view Jesus in your life?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Four Way Test
James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
These are obviously great words to live by. Abe Lincoln often said "better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."
I remember the early days of email in the late 90's. People would quickly respond to emails in anger and it would spread like wildfire. "Flame-o-grams" became a daily ritual for many including yours truly. These emails would be so incendiary that they surely lived up to the name and accomplished little but strife.
Then on day I came across Rotary Club's "Four-Way Test." As stated on Rotary's website, this test, has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
I posted these in next to my computer so I would look at them every time I was about to send an email.
We should ask God to remind us of this "test" whenever we have an opportunity to be offended. When offended, let's put our reaction to this test and we will find that we will be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
These are obviously great words to live by. Abe Lincoln often said "better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."
I remember the early days of email in the late 90's. People would quickly respond to emails in anger and it would spread like wildfire. "Flame-o-grams" became a daily ritual for many including yours truly. These emails would be so incendiary that they surely lived up to the name and accomplished little but strife.
Then on day I came across Rotary Club's "Four-Way Test." As stated on Rotary's website, this test, has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
I posted these in next to my computer so I would look at them every time I was about to send an email.
We should ask God to remind us of this "test" whenever we have an opportunity to be offended. When offended, let's put our reaction to this test and we will find that we will be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Be free to serve one another!
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
I read this verse and think of a really good question. Is it possible to serve one another in love while at the same time indulging in sinful nature?
Talking about OUR indulgence in sin is not something we like to do. We would like the answer to the question above to be "yes" and we come up with all kinds of rationalization to help us justify our indulgence.
Freedom is also at question in this verse. What is this freedom that is talked about? Freedom to some people is free choice, to do whatever they want. But I believe the freedom this verse is talking about is freedom from the law of sin.
Meaning, its not freedom from having to abide by the law but freedom from condemnation because God put a plan in place for our redemption through the ultimate sacrifice of his son. In other words, God knows our sins past, present and future and has already paid the penalty which is death. Hence we have freedom from the law, only by his grace, not anything we do.
So in this verse the disciple Paul (the chief of all sinners as he called himself) is telling us to use our freedom to serve one another in love. Can we do this while indulging in sin? I believe not because sin violates the love we have for one another. Sin often puts us in a state of hypocrisy and that is surely a stumbling block when attempting to serve one another.
For example, if we indulge in the habitual sin of worry, how can we help another with their worries? What if they find out you worry just as much? Then your freedom is snatched away by a wave of condemnation.
Be free to serve one another!
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
I read this verse and think of a really good question. Is it possible to serve one another in love while at the same time indulging in sinful nature?
Talking about OUR indulgence in sin is not something we like to do. We would like the answer to the question above to be "yes" and we come up with all kinds of rationalization to help us justify our indulgence.
Freedom is also at question in this verse. What is this freedom that is talked about? Freedom to some people is free choice, to do whatever they want. But I believe the freedom this verse is talking about is freedom from the law of sin.
Meaning, its not freedom from having to abide by the law but freedom from condemnation because God put a plan in place for our redemption through the ultimate sacrifice of his son. In other words, God knows our sins past, present and future and has already paid the penalty which is death. Hence we have freedom from the law, only by his grace, not anything we do.
So in this verse the disciple Paul (the chief of all sinners as he called himself) is telling us to use our freedom to serve one another in love. Can we do this while indulging in sin? I believe not because sin violates the love we have for one another. Sin often puts us in a state of hypocrisy and that is surely a stumbling block when attempting to serve one another.
For example, if we indulge in the habitual sin of worry, how can we help another with their worries? What if they find out you worry just as much? Then your freedom is snatched away by a wave of condemnation.
Be free to serve one another!
Monday, May 18, 2009
The freedom that is meant for you...
Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
This weekend my wife and I met someone and we had a discussion about fearing God. This person kept insisting that God must be feared and that was the only way to make sure that you are doing the right things because the end of times are upon us and we better not get caught not being "right with God" when the day of rapture comes and we are "left behind".
However, when you read today's verse, you get a whole different picture of how God feels about this. God is not unjust, he knows your heart and if you really believe in your heart that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) you have nothing to fear.
If you live in constant fear that God will strike you down for the things you do then you are really missing out on the freedom the Gospel offers. Everyone can recognize John 3:16 but the verses that follow are incredibly important in understanding what is this freedom we have in Christ.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." John 3:17-20
So do you feel free? Can you relate to Romans 8:1 which says "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." If you can't, then maybe it is time to ask God to examine your heart and draw you to him so you can truly experience the freedom that is meant for you.
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
This weekend my wife and I met someone and we had a discussion about fearing God. This person kept insisting that God must be feared and that was the only way to make sure that you are doing the right things because the end of times are upon us and we better not get caught not being "right with God" when the day of rapture comes and we are "left behind".
However, when you read today's verse, you get a whole different picture of how God feels about this. God is not unjust, he knows your heart and if you really believe in your heart that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) you have nothing to fear.
If you live in constant fear that God will strike you down for the things you do then you are really missing out on the freedom the Gospel offers. Everyone can recognize John 3:16 but the verses that follow are incredibly important in understanding what is this freedom we have in Christ.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." John 3:17-20
So do you feel free? Can you relate to Romans 8:1 which says "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." If you can't, then maybe it is time to ask God to examine your heart and draw you to him so you can truly experience the freedom that is meant for you.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Today is the day of your salvation.
Romans 10:9-10
If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Every religion has some path to salvation but this verse separates Christianity from all others. Salvation is not up to us, its not some checklist of things we must do to qualify. Its quite simple. It can happen in the privacy of your own closet. You don't need rituals, ceremonies, or any other display of religious activity, it is simple.
Whereas others might endure a lifelong quests to achieve an enlightened states or perfection, Christianity is about a simple prayer which states your core belief.
That belief is that Christ did all the work of salvation at the cross, that he was the ultimate sacrifice to pay for the debt of sin in all humanity across all times. Its believing that the God of this universe who is able to arrange a beautiful display of starts a night raised Jesus from his tomb to fulfill his ultimate plan.
So what is the alternative?
Don't believe this and you are left with "me, myself and I". Don't believe this and give yourself a promotion to Chief Salvation Officer of yourself. Are you ready for your new job? Do you want it? How much ambition do you have?
It reminds me of a video I've seen titled "A man fell in a hole."
The video describes how the man was told by different travelers different things about his state and what to do; meditate, pray five times a day, etc. None of their suggestions helped him out of the hole. Then a man came down to him and carried him out of the hole and saved him.
That's such a great illustration of our salvation.
If you've never looked at it this way, I hope today is the day of your salvation!
If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Every religion has some path to salvation but this verse separates Christianity from all others. Salvation is not up to us, its not some checklist of things we must do to qualify. Its quite simple. It can happen in the privacy of your own closet. You don't need rituals, ceremonies, or any other display of religious activity, it is simple.
Whereas others might endure a lifelong quests to achieve an enlightened states or perfection, Christianity is about a simple prayer which states your core belief.
That belief is that Christ did all the work of salvation at the cross, that he was the ultimate sacrifice to pay for the debt of sin in all humanity across all times. Its believing that the God of this universe who is able to arrange a beautiful display of starts a night raised Jesus from his tomb to fulfill his ultimate plan.
So what is the alternative?
Don't believe this and you are left with "me, myself and I". Don't believe this and give yourself a promotion to Chief Salvation Officer of yourself. Are you ready for your new job? Do you want it? How much ambition do you have?
It reminds me of a video I've seen titled "A man fell in a hole."
The video describes how the man was told by different travelers different things about his state and what to do; meditate, pray five times a day, etc. None of their suggestions helped him out of the hole. Then a man came down to him and carried him out of the hole and saved him.
That's such a great illustration of our salvation.
If you've never looked at it this way, I hope today is the day of your salvation!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A state of love bankruptcy
Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Wow. We sometimes think nothing about racking up monetary debt but what about the continual debt of love to our friends and neighbors?
I don't think I've ever thought about this or felt that I owe love to anyone I come across. Just think about that for a minute. This verse is telling us that the LAW is fulfilled by continually paying the debt of love to one another.
So in my interpretation of this I come to this sobering conclusion. How many people live a live of bondage trying to fulfill the law on their own when all they have to do is pay they debt of love?
In other words, at some point in my life I was in total bondage of checking off all the things I thought made me "qualified" for God's love; go to church, sunday school, pray, study Bible, etc.
Yet I withheld the payment of love to certain people. I didn't think they deserved it because they weren't involved in the same religious activities as me or perhaps didn't have the same ideals?
And while racking up monetary debt, I was hording love for myself instead of freely making love payments to my fellowman.
Hmmm, here is a sobering thought. Are you racking up monetary debt to love yourself while your fellowman sees you in a state of love bankruptcy?
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Wow. We sometimes think nothing about racking up monetary debt but what about the continual debt of love to our friends and neighbors?
I don't think I've ever thought about this or felt that I owe love to anyone I come across. Just think about that for a minute. This verse is telling us that the LAW is fulfilled by continually paying the debt of love to one another.
So in my interpretation of this I come to this sobering conclusion. How many people live a live of bondage trying to fulfill the law on their own when all they have to do is pay they debt of love?
In other words, at some point in my life I was in total bondage of checking off all the things I thought made me "qualified" for God's love; go to church, sunday school, pray, study Bible, etc.
Yet I withheld the payment of love to certain people. I didn't think they deserved it because they weren't involved in the same religious activities as me or perhaps didn't have the same ideals?
And while racking up monetary debt, I was hording love for myself instead of freely making love payments to my fellowman.
Hmmm, here is a sobering thought. Are you racking up monetary debt to love yourself while your fellowman sees you in a state of love bankruptcy?
Monday, April 13, 2009
What if I Fall?
Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
I like the way The Message puts this verse:
No matter how many times you trip them up,
God-loyal people don't stay down long;
Soon they're up on their feet,
while the wicked end up flat on their faces.
I put together a bible study a couple of years ago based on this verse. Today I came across it while cleaning the office and felt compelled to share it with you.
God gives us THE STRENGTH to get back up.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
So what if we fall?
No fall is GREAT ENOUGH to keep us down!
Psalm 40:2 (NKJV)
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
No matter how stuck you feel, rejoice for God has already laid out your path to victory.
How hard can we fall?
Psalm 69:1-3 (NIV)
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched.
My eyes fail, looking for my God.
Do you feel like you’ve come into deep waters?
Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)
When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
Peter was a righteous man who fell seven times and rose again.
1. Peter sinks in the water. Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV)
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
Peter chose FEAR over FAITH.
2. Peter rebukes Jesus. Matthew 16:21-23 (NIV)
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Peter chose the WILL OF MAN over the WILL OF GOD.
3. Peter refuses to have Jesus wash his feet. John 13:7-10 (NIV)
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you."
Peter chose PRIDE over HUMILITY.
4. Peter denies Christ. Matthew 26:75 (NIV)
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Peter chose DENIAL over TRUTH.
5. Peter falls asleep while Jesus prayed. Matthew 26:40-41
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
Peter chose PLEASURE over OBEDIENCE.
6. Peter draws his sword. Matthew 26:51-52 (NIV)
… one of Jesus' companions (Peter) reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Peter chose CARNAL WARFARE over SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
7. Peter goes fishing. John 21:3
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Peter chose OLD HABITS ove GOOD WORKS.
The Lord not only helps us to rise again but commands us to do so.
John 21:15-17 (NIV)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Finally, Peter gets back up with the STRENGTH OF THE LORD.
Peter led the people in the upper room to choose a replacement for Judas
Acts 1:15 (NIV)
Now on one of those days Peter arose among the brethren, the whole number of whom gathered together was about a hundred and twenty.
Peter now chose OBEDIENCE rather than a PLEASURE.
Peter delivered the first sermon after Jesus’ crucifixion.
Acts 2:14 (NIV)
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: You Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be [explained] to you so that you will know and understand; listen closely to what I have to say.
Peter now chose FAITH rather tha FEAR.
Peter heals a lame man.
Acts 3:6-8 (NIV)
But Peter said, Silver and gold (money) I do not have; but what I do have, that I give to you: in [the [a]use of] the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! Then he took hold of the man's right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady, And leaping forth he stood and [b]began to walk, and he went into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
Peter now chose SUPERNATURAL over NATURAL.
Peter preaches again and glorifies God.
Acts 3:11-12 (NIV)
Now while he [still] firmly clung to Peter and John, all the people in utmost amazement ran together and crowded around them in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's. And Peter, seeing it, answered the people, You men of Israel, why are you so surprised and wondering at this? Why do you keep staring at us, as though by our [own individual] power or [active] piety we had made this man [able] to walk?
Peter now chose HUMILITY over PRIDE.
Peter is arrested and spoke boldly to the Sanhedrin and marveled them.
Acts 4:8-10 (NIV)
Then Peter, [because he was] filled with [and controlled by] the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and members of the council (the Sanhedrin), If we are being put on trial [here] today and examined concerning a good deed done to benefit a feeble (helpless) cripple, by what means this man has been restored to health, Let it be known and understood by all of you, and by the whole house of Israel, that in the name and through the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, [but] Whom God raised from the dead, in Him and by means of Him this man is standing here before you well and sound in body.
Peter now chose TRUTH over DENIAL.
Peter and the Apostles get arrested again.
Acts 5:29-31 (NIV)
Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men. The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree (cross). God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Leader and Savior and Deliverer and Preserver, in order to grant repentance to Israel and to bestow forgiveness and release from sins.
Peter now chose THE WILL OF GOD over THE WILL OF MAN.
The enemy tempts you to fall and when you fall then he scourges you for it.
How will you react after your next fall?
How will it shape your ministry? Your life?
For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
I like the way The Message puts this verse:
No matter how many times you trip them up,
God-loyal people don't stay down long;
Soon they're up on their feet,
while the wicked end up flat on their faces.
I put together a bible study a couple of years ago based on this verse. Today I came across it while cleaning the office and felt compelled to share it with you.
God gives us THE STRENGTH to get back up.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
So what if we fall?
No fall is GREAT ENOUGH to keep us down!
Psalm 40:2 (NKJV)
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
No matter how stuck you feel, rejoice for God has already laid out your path to victory.
How hard can we fall?
Psalm 69:1-3 (NIV)
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched.
My eyes fail, looking for my God.
Do you feel like you’ve come into deep waters?
Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)
When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
Peter was a righteous man who fell seven times and rose again.
1. Peter sinks in the water. Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV)
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
Peter chose FEAR over FAITH.
2. Peter rebukes Jesus. Matthew 16:21-23 (NIV)
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Peter chose the WILL OF MAN over the WILL OF GOD.
3. Peter refuses to have Jesus wash his feet. John 13:7-10 (NIV)
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you."
Peter chose PRIDE over HUMILITY.
4. Peter denies Christ. Matthew 26:75 (NIV)
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Peter chose DENIAL over TRUTH.
5. Peter falls asleep while Jesus prayed. Matthew 26:40-41
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
Peter chose PLEASURE over OBEDIENCE.
6. Peter draws his sword. Matthew 26:51-52 (NIV)
… one of Jesus' companions (Peter) reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Peter chose CARNAL WARFARE over SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
7. Peter goes fishing. John 21:3
"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Peter chose OLD HABITS ove GOOD WORKS.
The Lord not only helps us to rise again but commands us to do so.
John 21:15-17 (NIV)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Finally, Peter gets back up with the STRENGTH OF THE LORD.
Peter led the people in the upper room to choose a replacement for Judas
Acts 1:15 (NIV)
Now on one of those days Peter arose among the brethren, the whole number of whom gathered together was about a hundred and twenty.
Peter now chose OBEDIENCE rather than a PLEASURE.
Peter delivered the first sermon after Jesus’ crucifixion.
Acts 2:14 (NIV)
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: You Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be [explained] to you so that you will know and understand; listen closely to what I have to say.
Peter now chose FAITH rather tha FEAR.
Peter heals a lame man.
Acts 3:6-8 (NIV)
But Peter said, Silver and gold (money) I do not have; but what I do have, that I give to you: in [the [a]use of] the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! Then he took hold of the man's right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady, And leaping forth he stood and [b]began to walk, and he went into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
Peter now chose SUPERNATURAL over NATURAL.
Peter preaches again and glorifies God.
Acts 3:11-12 (NIV)
Now while he [still] firmly clung to Peter and John, all the people in utmost amazement ran together and crowded around them in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's. And Peter, seeing it, answered the people, You men of Israel, why are you so surprised and wondering at this? Why do you keep staring at us, as though by our [own individual] power or [active] piety we had made this man [able] to walk?
Peter now chose HUMILITY over PRIDE.
Peter is arrested and spoke boldly to the Sanhedrin and marveled them.
Acts 4:8-10 (NIV)
Then Peter, [because he was] filled with [and controlled by] the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and members of the council (the Sanhedrin), If we are being put on trial [here] today and examined concerning a good deed done to benefit a feeble (helpless) cripple, by what means this man has been restored to health, Let it be known and understood by all of you, and by the whole house of Israel, that in the name and through the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, [but] Whom God raised from the dead, in Him and by means of Him this man is standing here before you well and sound in body.
Peter now chose TRUTH over DENIAL.
Peter and the Apostles get arrested again.
Acts 5:29-31 (NIV)
Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men. The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree (cross). God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Leader and Savior and Deliverer and Preserver, in order to grant repentance to Israel and to bestow forgiveness and release from sins.
Peter now chose THE WILL OF GOD over THE WILL OF MAN.
The enemy tempts you to fall and when you fall then he scourges you for it.
How will you react after your next fall?
How will it shape your ministry? Your life?
Friday, April 10, 2009
The War is Over
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
I think this verse sets people apart. It divides people because either you believe it or you don't. On one side of this verse you have people who believe and are confident that Jesus is Lord and their savior. On the other you have people who think that Jesus was just a great prophet and someone who achieved the spiritual level we should all strive for.
So Jesus, as portrayed in the Bible and this verse is God humbling himself as a human being to come to earth to not only to be our model of perfection but actually be a sacrifice to serve as a way to fulfill the punishment we deserve for our lack of compliance with the law.
So I've been wondering lately, how do we reconcile these sides? Wars have been fought for thousands of years as a result of these opposing views. While I don't even consider the possibility of putting this issue or argument to bed, I would like to offer my views.
Let's start with common areas of agreement:
1. Does God exist?
Many people in the world can agree that their is a God or at least a supreme being who created this universe. I'm a believer that it actually takes more faith to believe there is no God. When you go outside on a dark star filled night and look up, to not believe there is a God is amazing to me. If you fall in this category maybe you would have hit the back button already.
Try Google search for "does God exist" and you will see lots of support (even scientific) for God's existence.
2. Did Jesus model God's intent for us perfectly?
Even non-Christians will agree that Jesus is a great person to model and he is a perfect example of compassion, humility, love and purpose. Many agree that if our society exemplified the traits Jesus modeled, the world would be a much better place.
There are many examples of great men and women (including non-Christians) who not only understood these traits but lived them through their actions (Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, etc)
Now for some more challenging questions:
1. Was Jesus God in the form of a human?
Today's verse addresses this directly with an emphatic yes. But so many do not consider this to be true. From their perspective questions arise such as why would God do such a thing?
One way I explain this is with an analogy of an ant hill. Let's say you are God and you have created an ant colony. A vibrant place full of activity in which you gave all the ants free will. You want to see them flourish, grow and do great things, and most of all, worship you.
But when you see their endless toil and quest for self reliance, you have two choices. You could destroy them. I remember as a kid using a magnifying glass and frying ants. That would be fitting punishment for some of us!
It would be easy to stomp on the hill and drown the ants in water and insecticide. As God, you could just start all over.
Or you could make yourself into an ant, personally talk to your creation, model a perfect life and be sacrificed for all their wrong doings.
Its a very simplistic example but after all, I don't think the concept of Christianity shouldn't be complex at all.
2. Was Jesus perfect?
Yes. He never sinned. That doesn't mean that he wasn't tempted. He was charismatic & attractive, I'm sure he was tempted specially by many women who were involved in his ministry.
He was tempted more than any of us will ever be, but never sinned. That means if a beautiful woman was walking by, he was tempted with all kinds of thoughts but he never succumbed to them.
3. Did he actually die for our sins and resurrect? Why would God come up with a plan like this?
Very much the same as a parent would rather take chemo themselves rather than see their baby suffer from a battle with cancer, our father in heaven could not stand to see us pay for our sinful ways.
So at the very moment of the cross, Jesus took on every sin, all sickness and all poverty with him. In other words, he became our sin, our sickness and our poverty and it was nailed to the cross.
4. But you may ask: why are those three things still around today?
Jesus paid the ultimate price for these three things which is death. This act of love ended the war but battles still rage.
History is filled with accounts of wars that have been declared over but battles and skirmishes continue to flare afterward. The devil and his demons would like us to think that the war is not over. So to a great extent, we live our lives believing lies and deceptions that draw us into these battles.
One day, we will know for sure that the war is over. We will know the extent of the lies that have caused us so much hate, so much sickness and trouble.
(Note: This message took me over two weeks to compose. I meditated over issues that separate so many people. I don't believe my opinions are always perfect so I welcome comments. )
Friday, March 20, 2009
So step aside, let the Master do his work.
Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
As I read this verse I think of a dear friend of mine Bill Loveless from Christ Is Life Ministries. He always says that for 30 years he tried to produce good fruit and he is lucky if he even managed to get a plastic grape out.
Religious people love lists, specially when they are straight out of the Bible. This one is among the favorites. You do all these things and like it says, "againsts such things there is no law". A recipe for success in your religious walk. No thanks.
So what is the problem with this list you might ask me? The list is great, however I think that most readers who consider this as a list of things they should strive to do to be "holy" completely miss the beginning of the verse.
Let me ask you something. Does the verse say, "The fruit of the believer is love ..."? Are these fruits that WE produce? Among my favorite of these fruits is self-control. How I wish I could produce this fruit!
But the fruit of the SPIRIT comes from the Spirit not us. Our flesh is not capable of producing any of these fruits. On the contrary, the flesh finds comfort in hate, despair, worry, impatience, selfishness, wrongdoing, doubt, ruthlessness and .irresponsibility. Now this is a list that looks familiar to me. I can knock this one out before my feet even hit the floor in the morning!
So what am I to do with today's verse? Let's look at one of the fruits as an example. Do I wake up in the morning and pray "please Lord, give me patience today."? Certainly not!
Instead my prayer is "Lord, I have this situation in front of me today and I'm quite impatient about it. Lord I know that the Spirit in me is greater than this situation. I ask that in the power of your infinitely patient Spirit you work through me to solve this problem."
I'm still impatient but its God's patience, not mine that will get me through this thing. I'm stepping my impatient self aside so God can make the move through me.
One might think of this a matter of semantics but I don't think so. Its the difference between thinking that you are capable of handling things on your own or calling upon a higher authority to step in with the benefit of these fruits to do the work.
Furthermore, it is a matter of us admitting our shortfalls and letting someone who is capable do the job.
So step aside, let the Master do his work.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Will they find God's love and hope in our church?
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When I read this verse, I had to go back and read the beginning of chapter 15. The context of this verse from the disciple Paul is about "gentiles." Gentiles in those days were despicable people who in a jew's mind, despised the law, the established religion and therefore God.
I know that most Christians are technically "gentiles" but just go along with me here. So if we were to draw a parallel today, who would qualify as a modern day "gentile" in today's "Christian" view?
Someone who doesn't go to church, unbelievers, drunks, gays and lesbians, prostitutes, abortionists, top-less dancers, etc.? Basically, anyone who is constantly told they are going to hell and that heaven is out of their reach.
NEWSFLASH: This verse is for them!
Attention gentiles: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So while this verse offers hope, Paul begins this chapter with "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Meaning, we who are strong, we who have Jesus in our heart, we who have the assurance of eternity in our minds, we in the church, should be looking at the "gentiles" in terms of support and love.
Unfortunately, too many people in today's church do the exact opposite. We don't bear the failings of the weak, instead we frown upon those who don't fit our mold. Their hope, dashed by judgment, hate and pride.
Gentiles are looking for hope. Hope that is provisioned by God's love. The key question we should ask: Will they find God's love and hope in our church?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When I read this verse, I had to go back and read the beginning of chapter 15. The context of this verse from the disciple Paul is about "gentiles." Gentiles in those days were despicable people who in a jew's mind, despised the law, the established religion and therefore God.
I know that most Christians are technically "gentiles" but just go along with me here. So if we were to draw a parallel today, who would qualify as a modern day "gentile" in today's "Christian" view?
Someone who doesn't go to church, unbelievers, drunks, gays and lesbians, prostitutes, abortionists, top-less dancers, etc.? Basically, anyone who is constantly told they are going to hell and that heaven is out of their reach.
NEWSFLASH: This verse is for them!
Attention gentiles: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So while this verse offers hope, Paul begins this chapter with "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Meaning, we who are strong, we who have Jesus in our heart, we who have the assurance of eternity in our minds, we in the church, should be looking at the "gentiles" in terms of support and love.
Unfortunately, too many people in today's church do the exact opposite. We don't bear the failings of the weak, instead we frown upon those who don't fit our mold. Their hope, dashed by judgment, hate and pride.
Gentiles are looking for hope. Hope that is provisioned by God's love. The key question we should ask: Will they find God's love and hope in our church?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Available for free!
Colossians 3:12
As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
I read this an I wonder. Clothe ourselves? Does that mean that without these clothes we conduct ourselves with the opposite of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?
Do we have the strength everyday to put on these clothes? We wake up in the morning and it doesn't take but a few seconds before something offends us and we get caught naked without these clothes.
I think most of us don't think we are worthy of this top of the line designer wardrobe. Instead, we wake up and we grab our trusty pair of ruthlessness and anger pants. We think it has served us well over the years.
But this verse is telling us to shed those old clothes because we have been chosen. Chosen as models to go down the runway of life, outfitted with top of the line clothing, designed by the best designer ever!
As people see us modeling compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience they will step up to the register and will want to order the same clothing.
To their surprise, they will find out, that the entire collection is available to them for free!
As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
I read this an I wonder. Clothe ourselves? Does that mean that without these clothes we conduct ourselves with the opposite of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?
Do we have the strength everyday to put on these clothes? We wake up in the morning and it doesn't take but a few seconds before something offends us and we get caught naked without these clothes.
I think most of us don't think we are worthy of this top of the line designer wardrobe. Instead, we wake up and we grab our trusty pair of ruthlessness and anger pants. We think it has served us well over the years.
But this verse is telling us to shed those old clothes because we have been chosen. Chosen as models to go down the runway of life, outfitted with top of the line clothing, designed by the best designer ever!
As people see us modeling compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience they will step up to the register and will want to order the same clothing.
To their surprise, they will find out, that the entire collection is available to them for free!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
My Offensive Ways
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
This may be a tough verse, or it may be an easy verse for you. How many people have "offensive ways" and they don't even know it? I think most of us may fall in that category but either we don't know it or don't want to know it.
This is right where the psalmist is headed in this very well needed prayer for all of us. Think about it, God is all knowing, he knows your "offensive ways." If we ask him, he will reveal them for us.
But a word of caution should be given to those who pray this prayer. You might not like what God will reveal to you. You may have spent most of your life in the indoctrination of some tradition or ideology which is offensive by its very nature, and you don't even know it!
Pastor James (the half brother of Jesus) talked in his letter about double mindedness. Jesus called the Pharasies "brood of vipers." Why? These people thought they were dignified and saw no offense in their often suppresive actions.
Can I get real with you for a minute?
Have you asked God to make an inventory of your "offensive ways" lately? I have, and been shocked at what I've learned. I've been learning that in the name of "righteousness" I've concocted a maddening cocktail of hate, anger and insensitivity for others who don't particularly fit my view of the world.
Ask God to take inventory in your life and expose those "offensive ways" and you might be totally surprised at what you learn about yourself.
In the end, love triumphs over everything. Love is the essence of the way God works his miracles. Everything is driven from his Agape love. And soon you will find that your "offensive ways" don't mix well with his Love.
So ask God to search even the deepest darkest places of your soul. Ask Him to create in you a clean heart that knows nothing but his love. And you might be surprised when you wake up the next morning.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
This may be a tough verse, or it may be an easy verse for you. How many people have "offensive ways" and they don't even know it? I think most of us may fall in that category but either we don't know it or don't want to know it.
This is right where the psalmist is headed in this very well needed prayer for all of us. Think about it, God is all knowing, he knows your "offensive ways." If we ask him, he will reveal them for us.
But a word of caution should be given to those who pray this prayer. You might not like what God will reveal to you. You may have spent most of your life in the indoctrination of some tradition or ideology which is offensive by its very nature, and you don't even know it!
Pastor James (the half brother of Jesus) talked in his letter about double mindedness. Jesus called the Pharasies "brood of vipers." Why? These people thought they were dignified and saw no offense in their often suppresive actions.
Can I get real with you for a minute?
Have you asked God to make an inventory of your "offensive ways" lately? I have, and been shocked at what I've learned. I've been learning that in the name of "righteousness" I've concocted a maddening cocktail of hate, anger and insensitivity for others who don't particularly fit my view of the world.
Ask God to take inventory in your life and expose those "offensive ways" and you might be totally surprised at what you learn about yourself.
In the end, love triumphs over everything. Love is the essence of the way God works his miracles. Everything is driven from his Agape love. And soon you will find that your "offensive ways" don't mix well with his Love.
So ask God to search even the deepest darkest places of your soul. Ask Him to create in you a clean heart that knows nothing but his love. And you might be surprised when you wake up the next morning.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
It is your choice.
Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
How many marvelous things do you see every day? Every month or year? I was at a place called Camp Eagle last year and I went out to the lake in the middle of the night and saw the stars reflected on the perfectly glassy water. It was as if God had laid a giant mirror for us to stand there and marvel at the clear reflection of the stars.
When you think of the great expanse of the universe, the perfect coordination of force, alignment and movement of the earth to keep it habitable, you can't help but marvel at the greatness of God.
But nothing as complex as the universe can just happen by chance or some process of elimination. It has to be a carefully orchestrated plan that was designed by the creator from start to finish. Nothing left to chance, all pre-designed, all a perfect plan carefully and faithfully executed by God.
You can believe this and be in awe of God, willing to exalt him and praise his name every day. Or you can believe that we are the product of chance and natural selection. The product of random events which evolved into our existence.
In my opinion, it takes more faith to believe that God is not a person, deeply interested in each of us. God loves us so much, he even lets us choose what to believe!
So bottom line, it is your choice.
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
How many marvelous things do you see every day? Every month or year? I was at a place called Camp Eagle last year and I went out to the lake in the middle of the night and saw the stars reflected on the perfectly glassy water. It was as if God had laid a giant mirror for us to stand there and marvel at the clear reflection of the stars.
When you think of the great expanse of the universe, the perfect coordination of force, alignment and movement of the earth to keep it habitable, you can't help but marvel at the greatness of God.
But nothing as complex as the universe can just happen by chance or some process of elimination. It has to be a carefully orchestrated plan that was designed by the creator from start to finish. Nothing left to chance, all pre-designed, all a perfect plan carefully and faithfully executed by God.
You can believe this and be in awe of God, willing to exalt him and praise his name every day. Or you can believe that we are the product of chance and natural selection. The product of random events which evolved into our existence.
In my opinion, it takes more faith to believe that God is not a person, deeply interested in each of us. God loves us so much, he even lets us choose what to believe!
So bottom line, it is your choice.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Those nasty leaks...
Isaiah 55:8-9
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Even in my best days anger and hate manage to seep out of my flesh.
Have you ever been to the Arizona Memorial in Honolulu? More than 60 years after its demise at the bottom of Pearl Harbor you can see the oil seeping from the sunken ship. Tiny drops make their way to the surface every few minutes. Its a totally random event yet a constant phenomenon.
That's how my ways are, they are certainly not His ways. His ways are all focused on heaven, 100% good and my ways are like the nasty oil that keeps oozing up hour after hour, year after year. Just when you thought you saw the last drop, here comes another.
So what's my point in all this? We are a society that fancies itself in self help. We think we can clean up our act yet the goop seeps from us despite our best efforts. Then we take to identifying other people's leaks yet ignore our own leaks?
God's ways are not our ways. If we let God be the one that directs our ways then we have a chance to actually be able to love one another without the nasty leaks that often hamper our relationships.
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Even in my best days anger and hate manage to seep out of my flesh.
Have you ever been to the Arizona Memorial in Honolulu? More than 60 years after its demise at the bottom of Pearl Harbor you can see the oil seeping from the sunken ship. Tiny drops make their way to the surface every few minutes. Its a totally random event yet a constant phenomenon.
That's how my ways are, they are certainly not His ways. His ways are all focused on heaven, 100% good and my ways are like the nasty oil that keeps oozing up hour after hour, year after year. Just when you thought you saw the last drop, here comes another.
So what's my point in all this? We are a society that fancies itself in self help. We think we can clean up our act yet the goop seeps from us despite our best efforts. Then we take to identifying other people's leaks yet ignore our own leaks?
God's ways are not our ways. If we let God be the one that directs our ways then we have a chance to actually be able to love one another without the nasty leaks that often hamper our relationships.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Forsake all?
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
This is a tough verse. The psalmist lays it all out before God and forsakes all earthly pleasures for Him.
But what about that new HDTV we desire? Is it wrong to want to watch your movies in the ultimate home cftheatre experience? Is it wrong to want to ride in style with a new car with wonderful smell of new leather?
Is it wrong to want to go on that wonderful cruise?
Thousand of years before the death of Christ this psalmist understood the New Testament. He understood that his flesh is not capable of such devotion to the Father but understood that God can give our hearts the strength to glorify Him even at the cost of forsaking earthly things.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
No Fear
2 Timothy 1:7
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
Another translation says he did not give us the spirit of fear. In other words, fear and timidity are not from God.
You might read the Old Testament and wonder about this verse since everyone seemed to live in fear of God. But we must simply understand that we now live under the New Testament.
On this side of salvation, we now have the benefit of knowing more of God's plan. Its not that he changed his plan but his plan was and is in effect from day one.
In the days of the Old Testament God was showing his people a way to realize how far from God they had traversed. To show them the way to the cross, the ultimate triumphant fulfillment of his plan.
His plan all along and still today is not for us to live in fear and despair but to live in Christ who works through us with the full capacity of the Father.
Ephesians 4:32 says Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Notice the end of the verse; "just as in Christ God forgave you." God forgave us through Christ so that we could live a life with no fear.
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
Another translation says he did not give us the spirit of fear. In other words, fear and timidity are not from God.
You might read the Old Testament and wonder about this verse since everyone seemed to live in fear of God. But we must simply understand that we now live under the New Testament.
On this side of salvation, we now have the benefit of knowing more of God's plan. Its not that he changed his plan but his plan was and is in effect from day one.
In the days of the Old Testament God was showing his people a way to realize how far from God they had traversed. To show them the way to the cross, the ultimate triumphant fulfillment of his plan.
His plan all along and still today is not for us to live in fear and despair but to live in Christ who works through us with the full capacity of the Father.
Ephesians 4:32 says Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Notice the end of the verse; "just as in Christ God forgave you." God forgave us through Christ so that we could live a life with no fear.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Words and steps should go together.
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
If there is a verse you want to grab unto this is it! Lots of people want to be eloquent in their words and flattery but their actions ultimately speak.
Jesus said, out of the abundance of your heart your mouth speaks. In other words, you speak love words and act in hate, so your heart is full of deceit!
I think this area is particularly tough for men. We are given to be posers. We like to cover up and be "macho" then we fail to realize that our actions are not even matching the promises we are professing.
So friends, let's really take in this verse today as we walk in truth. Let's think about what we say as we watch our steps match everyone of our words.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Shine like stars
1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Think about it, that's a lot of love God has for us. Despite knowing that we are not perfect, that we will falter and sin against him. He loved us so much that he gave up his own son so that our lives be secured eternally.
I can't even think of an analogy that will give this act any justice. I believe that our salvation is one of God's greatest miracles.
He knew everything I was going to do wrong in my entire life even before I was conceived. Yet he watched me be born and smiled as he knew that even in my transgressions, he had secured eternal life free from the bondage of sin.
Now its up to us to realize that we are living our eternal life right now, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus. In other words, our eternal life is now, not when we die and go to heaven.
This is the realization we need to give us strength in our daily lives as Paul states in Philippians 2:14-16 we can shine like stars. As we hold out the word of this eternal life.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Think about it, that's a lot of love God has for us. Despite knowing that we are not perfect, that we will falter and sin against him. He loved us so much that he gave up his own son so that our lives be secured eternally.
I can't even think of an analogy that will give this act any justice. I believe that our salvation is one of God's greatest miracles.
He knew everything I was going to do wrong in my entire life even before I was conceived. Yet he watched me be born and smiled as he knew that even in my transgressions, he had secured eternal life free from the bondage of sin.
Now its up to us to realize that we are living our eternal life right now, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus. In other words, our eternal life is now, not when we die and go to heaven.
This is the realization we need to give us strength in our daily lives as Paul states in Philippians 2:14-16 we can shine like stars. As we hold out the word of this eternal life.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Do you love your neighbor?
Matthew 22:37-39
Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Christianity is supposed to be simple. When asked about commandments Jesus responded with today's verse. Then he added that ALL the law is fulfilled in these two commandments.
That's simple. No complex rituals and traditions, no checklists of religious activities you MUST do to be in good graces. It means that you simply love your God and love your neighbor unconditionally.
So that should provoke us to think: if we really loved our neighbor, then we would not look at someone who is different than us with disdain, anger or hate.
Your gay neighbor is one of God's children who has the same measure of grace bestowed upon them (unlimited) as you do. In the same token, your redneck neighbor is one of God's children who also has the same measure of grace as you do.
God loves Democrats and Republicans equally, liberals and conservatives as well. He loves the pastor who has been dillingently serving his church for 30 years as he loves the drunk adulterous man who just walked into the church asking for help.
This is hard for a lot of people. You see, we are proud of our accomplishments. We don't have much patience and understanding for the neighbor that seems to be irresponsible and can't keep up with credit problems. We don't seem to be able to put ourselves in the same realm or world as the octo mom.
But God is clear, he is no respector of human abilities or status (Acts 10:34). In reality, we all fall short of his glory (Rom 3:23). Despite this, he sent his son to boldly declare his love for all of us.
For this reason, Jesus commanded us to be the same way, to love all ALL neighbors regardless of who we think they are.
Bo Lora
210-259-3020
Subscribe to my blog @ www.iwantanewplan.com
-- sent via Blackberry
Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Christianity is supposed to be simple. When asked about commandments Jesus responded with today's verse. Then he added that ALL the law is fulfilled in these two commandments.
That's simple. No complex rituals and traditions, no checklists of religious activities you MUST do to be in good graces. It means that you simply love your God and love your neighbor unconditionally.
So that should provoke us to think: if we really loved our neighbor, then we would not look at someone who is different than us with disdain, anger or hate.
Your gay neighbor is one of God's children who has the same measure of grace bestowed upon them (unlimited) as you do. In the same token, your redneck neighbor is one of God's children who also has the same measure of grace as you do.
God loves Democrats and Republicans equally, liberals and conservatives as well. He loves the pastor who has been dillingently serving his church for 30 years as he loves the drunk adulterous man who just walked into the church asking for help.
This is hard for a lot of people. You see, we are proud of our accomplishments. We don't have much patience and understanding for the neighbor that seems to be irresponsible and can't keep up with credit problems. We don't seem to be able to put ourselves in the same realm or world as the octo mom.
But God is clear, he is no respector of human abilities or status (Acts 10:34). In reality, we all fall short of his glory (Rom 3:23). Despite this, he sent his son to boldly declare his love for all of us.
For this reason, Jesus commanded us to be the same way, to love all ALL neighbors regardless of who we think they are.
Bo Lora
210-259-3020
Subscribe to my blog @ www.iwantanewplan.com
-- sent via Blackberry
Monday, February 23, 2009
You have favor from God already
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
This is along the same lines of what I wrote the other day. Do we believe that God wants to punish us?
Let me ask that again just to make sure you understand the question. Do YOU believe that God wants to punish you?
If you do, then you don't understand his perfect love for you? Then you are taking for granted that he gave up his only begotten son so he could give you his perfect love.
So if you believe that God should punish you, you are believing a terrible lie. You are living under the bondage of punishment. You see, whatever we do, always falls short of the perfection of God. Yet he loved us SO much he forsaked his son and in that act of love, he fulfilled his plan to make us perfect.
So in Christ, we are more than conquerors. In Christ, we are made perfect and we are righteous.
But we get tied up with religious activity thinking that it will earn us favor from God. We fail to realize that we already have favor from God which was granted to us almost 2000 years ago at the cross.
Bo Lora
210-259-3020
Subscribe to my blog @ www.iwantanewplan.com
-- sent via Blackberry
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
This is along the same lines of what I wrote the other day. Do we believe that God wants to punish us?
Let me ask that again just to make sure you understand the question. Do YOU believe that God wants to punish you?
If you do, then you don't understand his perfect love for you? Then you are taking for granted that he gave up his only begotten son so he could give you his perfect love.
So if you believe that God should punish you, you are believing a terrible lie. You are living under the bondage of punishment. You see, whatever we do, always falls short of the perfection of God. Yet he loved us SO much he forsaked his son and in that act of love, he fulfilled his plan to make us perfect.
So in Christ, we are more than conquerors. In Christ, we are made perfect and we are righteous.
But we get tied up with religious activity thinking that it will earn us favor from God. We fail to realize that we already have favor from God which was granted to us almost 2000 years ago at the cross.
Bo Lora
210-259-3020
Subscribe to my blog @ www.iwantanewplan.com
-- sent via Blackberry
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Can you really screw up?
Romans 8:38-39
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is what the word says. Do you believe this? Are you as convinced?
I ask because there are many of us who seem to be obsessed with thinking they did something to cause God to punish them and not love them any more. Filled with worry that somehow we screwed up and didn't do what God wants us to do.
Yet this verse give us (who are in Christ), 100% assurance of the gift of God which is grace.
Thanks be to God.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
God's boundaries are a blessing.
While we have a good sense of what God's boundaries are, its our own made up boundaries which either keep us in the will of God or even stretch us beyond it.
© 2008 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.
(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)
Sometimes we think God has all sorts of boundaries for us and instead we fall into a world of bondage God never intended us to be in.
The fact is that God has put a plan in place. Left to our own accord, we can't stay in his boundaries even if we wanted to. Paul explains this clearly in Romans 7 (For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.)
However, I am so glad that God's grace is sufficient, even when matched with my pure inefficiency and brokenness! When you realize your own brokenness, that's when it is a good idea to come to God in all humbleness and ask for his assistance so that we can live a righteous life in Christ.
What does that kind of life look like? A life within God's boundaries that supplies every need we have according to His riches in glory. Boundaries that protect us from every weapon formed against us.
In all, God's boundaries are a blessing, not a curse.
© 2008 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.
(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)
Sometimes we think God has all sorts of boundaries for us and instead we fall into a world of bondage God never intended us to be in.
The fact is that God has put a plan in place. Left to our own accord, we can't stay in his boundaries even if we wanted to. Paul explains this clearly in Romans 7 (For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.)
However, I am so glad that God's grace is sufficient, even when matched with my pure inefficiency and brokenness! When you realize your own brokenness, that's when it is a good idea to come to God in all humbleness and ask for his assistance so that we can live a righteous life in Christ.
What does that kind of life look like? A life within God's boundaries that supplies every need we have according to His riches in glory. Boundaries that protect us from every weapon formed against us.
In all, God's boundaries are a blessing, not a curse.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Encouragement
2 Thessalonians 1:3
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
Throughout Paul's letters you see this kind of encouragement over and over. While he corrected the new Christians he made sure to also build them up with encouragement.
I think of calls that I get from some friends just to check on me and encourage me. We ought to do that with one another more often. To lift each other up in the name of the Lord.
I think this is what Church is all about. Not some checklist of religious activities but personal relationship with the Father through his son and personal relationships with one another. This matches up with the two commandments Jesus gave us which fulfills the entire law!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Worthless idols...
Jonah 2:8
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
There are two things to ponder in this verse; What are worthless idols? And can I loose my grace?
First my thoughts on idols:
I might think of an idol as a statue or figurine that worshipers pay tribute to. Certainly that is a clear picture of an idol but in America such obvious examples of idols are not really commonplace.
So what are idols? Things that replace God. They become other gods. False gods. For example, our selfish ambition in the pursuit of status and success is an idol. Alcohol can be an idol to many. Smoking a cigarette to me makes absolutely no sense yet millions wake up every morning to worship the god of tobacco. For what? Who knows...
The problem is that the devil would like to make us think that idolatry is just about statues and figurines. But I believe that idolatry is cloaked in common acceptable things which in fact are worthless yet seem valuable in this world.
Then let's look at the second part of this verse. It sound like there is something we can do to make God not love us any more. Can we screw up and fall out of grace and go to hell? Then I am reminded of the promise "nothing shall separate us from the love of God."
In the New Living Translation this verse says: Those who worship false gods, turn their backs on all God's mercies.
God's mercies are always there, the question is, do we have enough time to receive God's mercies? In other words, if we are too busy paying attention to false gods, are we missing out on Gods gifts to us.
So why do we do this? Some of us wish for God's healing yet got outside to "light it up." We might be needing to loose a few pounds and pray to God to do a work in us yet we can't pass by the Krispy Kreme box without paying homage to the god of fat laden donuts!
Why do we continue to worship these worthless idols when we know they can block the blessings that are bought and paid for already by the blood of Jesus Christ?
Here is my prayer today:
Lord, in Jesus' name please helps us, do a work in us and clearly speak in our minds so that every worthless idol in our life is exposed for the fraud it is and we can be empty so we can receive a full measure of your grace, we need it every day Lord!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Enjoy the promise
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
When asked about the most important commandment, Jesus recited this verse.
What is not evident in this verse without the context of many other verses is the incredible promises that go along with this verse. If we truely love the Lord his promises will provide us everything we need.
Jesus said "if you love me, you will keep my commandments." You can take this one of to ways:
- as a commandment; meaning "if you say you love me then you should show me by your obedience."
- as a promise; meaning "if you love me, I'll help you obey me."
I believe this is a promise. The command is to love him and believe him and the promise is the comforter we have in us who is the righteous one who helps us in every area of our lives.
So back to the verse and to my point: "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" means just that. That you have complete trust in him. It doesn't mean that you love him so much you have checked off your list of religious duties and did extra credit to earn his love.
It means you know that deep down, you are no good. You fall way short of the glory of God but you live in total dependence that he has bailed you out and gives you the power to live right, to live the life he means for you to live.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
When asked about the most important commandment, Jesus recited this verse.
What is not evident in this verse without the context of many other verses is the incredible promises that go along with this verse. If we truely love the Lord his promises will provide us everything we need.
Jesus said "if you love me, you will keep my commandments." You can take this one of to ways:
- as a commandment; meaning "if you say you love me then you should show me by your obedience."
- as a promise; meaning "if you love me, I'll help you obey me."
I believe this is a promise. The command is to love him and believe him and the promise is the comforter we have in us who is the righteous one who helps us in every area of our lives.
So back to the verse and to my point: "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" means just that. That you have complete trust in him. It doesn't mean that you love him so much you have checked off your list of religious duties and did extra credit to earn his love.
It means you know that deep down, you are no good. You fall way short of the glory of God but you live in total dependence that he has bailed you out and gives you the power to live right, to live the life he means for you to live.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Ther is no litmus tape.
Psalm 86:5
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on you.
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on you.
There is no litmus tape, no requirement for obtaining God's love and grace. It is free and available to anyone no matter who they are, no matter what they are.
Its there for you to plug into it, if there is any condition, it is that you ask for it by calling on him.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Where is your heart?
Matthew 6:19-20
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Wait a minute! We like treasures here on earth don't we? Our society surely has this verse backwards. I would like to think that have it straight but when I make an inventory of my thoughts, thoughts of the treasure here on earth does occupy more of my time that I would like it to.
Ever wonder where Judas was when Jesus spoke these words? Did Jesus make I contact with him? After all, he was the group's treasurer. Obsessed with money, he held on to the money bags for dear life. Then one afternoon he heard this verse. Did it cut him like a knife?
And then the last sentence give us some sobering thoughts. Where do we like to spend our money? That's where we find our hearts. That is so true.
Imagine a street drunk. He wants spends every dime on a bottle. That's where his heart his. The gambler has his heart in the casino. Anything else he does without heart.
Where is your very own heart? Right now to me it seems like mine is in mortgage and credit card payments (not that I like those!). That's definitely a place I don't want my heart to be in.
How about you?
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Wait a minute! We like treasures here on earth don't we? Our society surely has this verse backwards. I would like to think that have it straight but when I make an inventory of my thoughts, thoughts of the treasure here on earth does occupy more of my time that I would like it to.
Ever wonder where Judas was when Jesus spoke these words? Did Jesus make I contact with him? After all, he was the group's treasurer. Obsessed with money, he held on to the money bags for dear life. Then one afternoon he heard this verse. Did it cut him like a knife?
And then the last sentence give us some sobering thoughts. Where do we like to spend our money? That's where we find our hearts. That is so true.
Imagine a street drunk. He wants spends every dime on a bottle. That's where his heart his. The gambler has his heart in the casino. Anything else he does without heart.
Where is your very own heart? Right now to me it seems like mine is in mortgage and credit card payments (not that I like those!). That's definitely a place I don't want my heart to be in.
How about you?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Got Action?
1 Peter 1:13
Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
This is a great verse to begin the new year with! I don't typically participate in new years resolutions. I always think, why wait till the new year to resolve to do something?
But if you are going to have a resolution, this is as good as it gets. It is a really interesting verse to me because it provides clear guidance on how to be a person of action but is somewhat counter to the ways of this world.
In this world, people often find action in an out of control emotional response. Typically a response to a self induced crisis that's a result of procrastination, disobedience or carelessness (I know this quite well). In other words, when we feel the heat of our consequences we spring into surely action. Often, this action is either ill adviced, ineffective or wrong.
Our verse today teaches us what real action is. It is something born out of self-control and complete reliance on the grace of God not self.
So if we are going to make any new years resolution, may I suggest we begin with this verse? Begin with total reliance to God and ask him to give us the power to be self-controlled so that our first step today or any day is under his total power and grace.
Knowing this, we can take bold action today and every day when we prepare our minds as we acknowledge him and his mighty power that resides in us. We should no longer fear ineffective action because it is the all mighty God working through us that accomplishes the things we do for His glory.
Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
This is a great verse to begin the new year with! I don't typically participate in new years resolutions. I always think, why wait till the new year to resolve to do something?
But if you are going to have a resolution, this is as good as it gets. It is a really interesting verse to me because it provides clear guidance on how to be a person of action but is somewhat counter to the ways of this world.
In this world, people often find action in an out of control emotional response. Typically a response to a self induced crisis that's a result of procrastination, disobedience or carelessness (I know this quite well). In other words, when we feel the heat of our consequences we spring into surely action. Often, this action is either ill adviced, ineffective or wrong.
Our verse today teaches us what real action is. It is something born out of self-control and complete reliance on the grace of God not self.
So if we are going to make any new years resolution, may I suggest we begin with this verse? Begin with total reliance to God and ask him to give us the power to be self-controlled so that our first step today or any day is under his total power and grace.
Knowing this, we can take bold action today and every day when we prepare our minds as we acknowledge him and his mighty power that resides in us. We should no longer fear ineffective action because it is the all mighty God working through us that accomplishes the things we do for His glory.
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