Saturday & Sunday I was suffering from a downturn in chemicals. My depression had crept up on me and was making me unhappy. I decided to fast and pray about this on Monday and had a fantastic response, both in mind and socially. So when i cracked open my reading for today I was pleasantly surprised to read Isaiah 55:8-9.
This section was telling me that God's thoughts and ways are not mine. Thank goodness! It's telling me that His ways are higher than mine. The studying of this passage just continued the encouragement and learning from yesterday, which was totally unexpected.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Psalm 130:5 with a Daniel 4:34-35 chaser
Just one verse, but so much encouragement. In His word I put my hope. There is nothing you can count on more than the Word of God and all things will come to pass in His perfect timing. I was planning to and am praying over some things today and to wake to this verse...It was so targeted to me. It's awesome.
The amazing story of Nebuchadnezzar and today's reminder of how God used him gives me hope. It's hard to explain or put into words, I just find it comforting.
The amazing story of Nebuchadnezzar and today's reminder of how God used him gives me hope. It's hard to explain or put into words, I just find it comforting.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Practical to very practical!
Ephesians 5:16-20
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This just makes sense. MAXIMIZE our Christian walks here people! The problem is that I don't always understand his will and often decide my will then try to make it his. He clearly says this is foolish, and to understand his will first and foremost. Lord, help me to remember in each life decision to not be foolish and to seek your will first. Amen.
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This just makes sense. MAXIMIZE our Christian walks here people! The problem is that I don't always understand his will and often decide my will then try to make it his. He clearly says this is foolish, and to understand his will first and foremost. Lord, help me to remember in each life decision to not be foolish and to seek your will first. Amen.
Friday, July 20, 2007
This a post, I'm posting this, this was posted by me
Romans 6:5-9
I'm not usually a fan of Paul's technique of saying the same thing 3 times in 5 straight verses. By the time I got to the end, I was like, "okay, I get it already, 'alike in Christ's death, alike in Christ's resurrection'...wait a minute...now I get it!" If our life with Christ comes through our death with Christ, what a sweet death that is! No doubt, dying to sin and dying to self on a daily basis can be tough. However, anything that causes me to die "in the likeness of His death" should NOT be seen as a somber end, but a glorious opportunity to "live with Him." I guess sometimes our finite minds need to hear something 3 times to really grasp it--especially when it's something as counterintuitive as rejoicing in our own death!
I'm not usually a fan of Paul's technique of saying the same thing 3 times in 5 straight verses. By the time I got to the end, I was like, "okay, I get it already, 'alike in Christ's death, alike in Christ's resurrection'...wait a minute...now I get it!" If our life with Christ comes through our death with Christ, what a sweet death that is! No doubt, dying to sin and dying to self on a daily basis can be tough. However, anything that causes me to die "in the likeness of His death" should NOT be seen as a somber end, but a glorious opportunity to "live with Him." I guess sometimes our finite minds need to hear something 3 times to really grasp it--especially when it's something as counterintuitive as rejoicing in our own death!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Hebrews 13:1-6
The entire chapter is written as a closing to a letter; as if the author made all his points and just wanted to make sure some things were emphasised. It's very reminiscent of heading out the door as a child with your mom shouting those last few words of reminder, "Don't forget to say thank you. Don't forget....."
It might just be due to my prep for tonight's study, but there are also subtle echos of caution against judgement. The verses about those in prison, about strangers, they suggest to me an open heart. Full of love and compassion, free from judgement.
It might just be due to my prep for tonight's study, but there are also subtle echos of caution against judgement. The verses about those in prison, about strangers, they suggest to me an open heart. Full of love and compassion, free from judgement.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Proverbs 3:1-8
The way David wrote in metaphors in the section I was reading today really spoke to me. The tablet of your heart, binding character traits around your neck; both of those phrases bring up a certain mental images. Binding something around your neck could be seen both as a yoke and as a sign, one controlling your actions and the other advertising your beliefs. If there is something to be known for you can pick less attractive traits than love and faithfulness.
Do not be wise in your own eyes is a great cautionary word to Christians. So often we decide that we know God's will, that we know what is best both for ourselves and others. 'Small' risks are incidental, temptations that we can handle. Too often it is the seeds that these risks and temptations plant that grow into faith-choking issues.
The best defense against leaning on human knowledge in my experience is surrounding yourself with brothers that you can be open and honest with. Brothers that do not fear telling you what needs to be said without having to worry if you will take offense. Brothers that are committed to you and your growth as much as you are committed to theirs.
Thank God I have such brothers!
Do not be wise in your own eyes is a great cautionary word to Christians. So often we decide that we know God's will, that we know what is best both for ourselves and others. 'Small' risks are incidental, temptations that we can handle. Too often it is the seeds that these risks and temptations plant that grow into faith-choking issues.
The best defense against leaning on human knowledge in my experience is surrounding yourself with brothers that you can be open and honest with. Brothers that do not fear telling you what needs to be said without having to worry if you will take offense. Brothers that are committed to you and your growth as much as you are committed to theirs.
Thank God I have such brothers!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
KC or JC Masterpiece?
Ephesians 2:1-10
"1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, . . . obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. . . 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
So, I'm sinful and tend to always want to follow my passionate desires and inclinations of my sin nature. Sometimes we see things that seem unfair or easy to slip into from our sin natures' perspective and it's hard to reconcile why we need not pursue that "low hanging fruit." For me the key is in vs. 10 we are God's MASTERPIECE. Not because we're perfect or even pretty, but because of our inate failure in all areas of our lives, are we masterfully painted into a work of art by God as we allow our Holy Artist to mold us and paint us into his work. His use of us makes us a masterpiece. So, in that tempting "low hanging fruit" moment, be reminded that God can't create a masterpiece if the paint tries to place itself on the master's canvas.
Lord, thank you for reminding me to patiently wait on you. Thank you for reminding me that a masterpiece am I as I allow you to work your creation in me and through me. Thank you for your peace upon me as I see others around me not wait on you for I know your masterpiece will be better than anything else created by human hands. Amen.
"1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, . . . obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. . . 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
So, I'm sinful and tend to always want to follow my passionate desires and inclinations of my sin nature. Sometimes we see things that seem unfair or easy to slip into from our sin natures' perspective and it's hard to reconcile why we need not pursue that "low hanging fruit." For me the key is in vs. 10 we are God's MASTERPIECE. Not because we're perfect or even pretty, but because of our inate failure in all areas of our lives, are we masterfully painted into a work of art by God as we allow our Holy Artist to mold us and paint us into his work. His use of us makes us a masterpiece. So, in that tempting "low hanging fruit" moment, be reminded that God can't create a masterpiece if the paint tries to place itself on the master's canvas.
Lord, thank you for reminding me to patiently wait on you. Thank you for reminding me that a masterpiece am I as I allow you to work your creation in me and through me. Thank you for your peace upon me as I see others around me not wait on you for I know your masterpiece will be better than anything else created by human hands. Amen.
Colossians 3:12-14
The line that I have meditating on today has been verse 14, Love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
The depth of meaning in that verse alone is astounding. Imagine if we actually lived that verse out. Imagine if anyone tried to live that out. I hang my head in shame with the degree to which I fail that daily. And still there is forgiveness abundant for me.
Forgiveness in abstract has been on my mind for the last two posts. Perhaps I'll have to put a study together about that also.
The depth of meaning in that verse alone is astounding. Imagine if we actually lived that verse out. Imagine if anyone tried to live that out. I hang my head in shame with the degree to which I fail that daily. And still there is forgiveness abundant for me.
Forgiveness in abstract has been on my mind for the last two posts. Perhaps I'll have to put a study together about that also.
Monday, July 9, 2007
James 4:11-12
It's good to come back after an awesome week and know God has more in store for you. Last week I felt I was walking a thin line between slandering a brother and guarding hearts. I'm still not sure what side of that line I came down on, however if I'm unsure it means I have more learning and growing to do.
It is not my responsibility or duty to judge another, that is entirely God's providence. It is one thing to rebuke a brother, to help correct an action, but it is an entirely other thing to pass judgement. I have passed judgement many times in the past, and as I sit here I find more and more moments springing to mind. The Lord had already forgiven me, some of these people I need to seek out and ask forgiveness for, but all of them I need to let go of and just remind myself not to do so in the future.
Praise our forgiving and loving God!
It is not my responsibility or duty to judge another, that is entirely God's providence. It is one thing to rebuke a brother, to help correct an action, but it is an entirely other thing to pass judgement. I have passed judgement many times in the past, and as I sit here I find more and more moments springing to mind. The Lord had already forgiven me, some of these people I need to seek out and ask forgiveness for, but all of them I need to let go of and just remind myself not to do so in the future.
Praise our forgiving and loving God!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
New Every Day
I've been going through Romans at a snail's pace, trying to make sure that I can grasp each topic, rather than reading it with "professional Christian" eyes. I'm so used to knowing what a passage is supposed to say, that I often fail to dig deep and make sure that I really can connect with it and get the most out of it. Today's passage, Romans 6:1-4, was a little difficult to get my arms around, but one thing did stand out as applicable to my daily living: "walk in newness of life." I've been a Christian a long time--long enough to often forget that the new life I live wasn't just new after I first put my faith in Christ, but it's new every day. I need to keep this simple idea in mind as I wake up on Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday, and so on and so on, week after week, month after month, year after year. When I forget this concept of walking in newness of life, that is when life becomes stale and frustrating. If I genuinely seek to walk in the newness of life in Christ each day, then each day would be more fulfilling, more enjoyable, more efficient, more effective eternally, and more glorifying to God.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Beyond Definition
Romans 5:13-14a
For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses.
When the law was handed to Moses, sin was defined. However, this did not bring sin into existence, it only brought it to light. The concept that sin exists independent of it's definition has implications for our lives as well.
It is possible to be living in sin--that is, living in a way that is in opposition to God's law--without even knowing it. Just because we can't define something as wrong in no way excuses us from guilt before a holy God. So what are we to do? Are the cards impossibly stacked against us? No--but it does call us to a life of careful self-inspection. Is there any hidden sin in my life that I am overlooking?
We are not left alone to discover our hidden sins. Others can help point out the faults we can't see (Matthew 7:5). In addition, Ephesians 5:8-9 encourages us that if we walk as children of the light (i.e. biblical truth or holiness), we will find out what is acceptable to the Lord. So as we mature in our walk with the Lord, we become more aware of the sin that keeps us from drawing nearer to Him.
If we are serious about removing all sin from our lives--whether or not it's presently definable--it is imperative that we seek honest self-assessment, accountability with fellow believers, and a closer walk with our Lord.
For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses.
When the law was handed to Moses, sin was defined. However, this did not bring sin into existence, it only brought it to light. The concept that sin exists independent of it's definition has implications for our lives as well.
It is possible to be living in sin--that is, living in a way that is in opposition to God's law--without even knowing it. Just because we can't define something as wrong in no way excuses us from guilt before a holy God. So what are we to do? Are the cards impossibly stacked against us? No--but it does call us to a life of careful self-inspection. Is there any hidden sin in my life that I am overlooking?
We are not left alone to discover our hidden sins. Others can help point out the faults we can't see (Matthew 7:5). In addition, Ephesians 5:8-9 encourages us that if we walk as children of the light (i.e. biblical truth or holiness), we will find out what is acceptable to the Lord. So as we mature in our walk with the Lord, we become more aware of the sin that keeps us from drawing nearer to Him.
If we are serious about removing all sin from our lives--whether or not it's presently definable--it is imperative that we seek honest self-assessment, accountability with fellow believers, and a closer walk with our Lord.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Conflicting emotions?
Romans 5:8-9
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
The plethora of personal pronouns can make the passage a little tricky to follow, but in back to back verses, we see the love and the wrath that God the Father has towards us. In vs. 8, His love is demonstrated by the fact that He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. One verse later, we see that it is the death of Christ that saves us from the wrath of God. Does this make sense? Can God be that loving and that wrathful towards us all at the same time?
We have to view this in light of God's deity--not simply in light of human emotions. Because He is perfect, He can love perfectly; but because He is righteous and just, He must hate sin. So as natural-born sinners, we've naturally incurred His wrath. However, His love is perfect enough to find a way to spare us from the wrath we've brought upon ourselves. Praise God for making a way through Christ so God's wrath could be satisfied while we were spared in love!
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
The plethora of personal pronouns can make the passage a little tricky to follow, but in back to back verses, we see the love and the wrath that God the Father has towards us. In vs. 8, His love is demonstrated by the fact that He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. One verse later, we see that it is the death of Christ that saves us from the wrath of God. Does this make sense? Can God be that loving and that wrathful towards us all at the same time?
We have to view this in light of God's deity--not simply in light of human emotions. Because He is perfect, He can love perfectly; but because He is righteous and just, He must hate sin. So as natural-born sinners, we've naturally incurred His wrath. However, His love is perfect enough to find a way to spare us from the wrath we've brought upon ourselves. Praise God for making a way through Christ so God's wrath could be satisfied while we were spared in love!
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