2 Tim 2:13 "if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself."
This verse really struck me this morning in two ways during my quiet time:
1) I am truly IN him- by believing upon Christ, I am literally a part of Christ. I am part of himself! How encouraging as I look at my shoddy track record of being faithful. As 1Peter2:11 states I'm so much a part of Christ that I am an "alien and stranger in this world", and as 1 Cor 7:23 says I was "bought at a price". I am IN Christ no matter how I perform.
2) God is at work in our lives, even if we don't see it- even w/o any faith, he will REMAIN FAITHFUL to HIMSELF (US)! God is at work in our relationships with unsaved friends and family. He's at work in that area that seems insurmountable. Just because you or I don't have faith this current second, be assured that he is remaining faithful, and at work behind the spiritual scenes.
Lord, thank you for great love and your perfect, never ending faithfulness! Help me to rest in that today, Amen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
What's the Use!?
1 Timothy1:14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Grace, why can't I get it? I often struggle with subtely trying to earn the joy of the Lord. It's grace freely given where my joy rests, yet I often forget it.
I like how Oswald Chamber's puts it in today's devo: "We should quit asking ourselves, "Am I of any use (to God)?"and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time."
If I want the joy of the Lord and to have confidence at his work in me and through me, all he wants me to know is "Jamie, you are of value to me, and Jamie stay close, rest in my Grace, and I will lead you and use more than you can even imagine." Thank you Lord for reminding me of your grace, and my value to you in your eyes. Amen.
Grace, why can't I get it? I often struggle with subtely trying to earn the joy of the Lord. It's grace freely given where my joy rests, yet I often forget it.
I like how Oswald Chamber's puts it in today's devo: "We should quit asking ourselves, "Am I of any use (to God)?"and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time."
If I want the joy of the Lord and to have confidence at his work in me and through me, all he wants me to know is "Jamie, you are of value to me, and Jamie stay close, rest in my Grace, and I will lead you and use more than you can even imagine." Thank you Lord for reminding me of your grace, and my value to you in your eyes. Amen.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Turning over a new lead
I've been learning from multiple places that I need to be sensitive to the Spirit's leadings--even in the small things. I tend to not do something unless I can do it full on. That is why I don't write in the blog much. It takes time and effort to put together a thought train that I feel is a blog-worthy. Basically, I'm being led by my perfectionism.
Today, I practiced following the "leads" that came to me throughout the day. "Do the dishes instead of just sitting in front of the tv." "Call ahead for a car appointment instead of hoping they will have an opening." Little, simple things that seem insignificant. However, the lessons learned in those little moments of listening to "voice inside my heart" will help me avoid sin and stay on track with the Lord when temptation is calling. "Don't check Facebook now, go to bed." "Commit your day to the Lord in prayer before rolling out of bed." "Check out the blog even though you don't think you have anything to say.
I have to admit, it's tough taking actions before being able to set up my plans perfectly. However, my perfectionism has not exactly led me to a vibrant, fulfilling life. Instead of following the lead of my own desires, I want to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-17 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
Today, I practiced following the "leads" that came to me throughout the day. "Do the dishes instead of just sitting in front of the tv." "Call ahead for a car appointment instead of hoping they will have an opening." Little, simple things that seem insignificant. However, the lessons learned in those little moments of listening to "voice inside my heart" will help me avoid sin and stay on track with the Lord when temptation is calling. "Don't check Facebook now, go to bed." "Commit your day to the Lord in prayer before rolling out of bed." "Check out the blog even though you don't think you have anything to say.
I have to admit, it's tough taking actions before being able to set up my plans perfectly. However, my perfectionism has not exactly led me to a vibrant, fulfilling life. Instead of following the lead of my own desires, I want to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-17 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
Monday, February 2, 2009
What are YOU Withholding?
Genesis 22:1-19
1 ... God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. . .
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. ..
15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Earlier in Gen, God promised both Abraham and Sarah that they would be the mom and pops of nations, and specifically to Sarah that her son (meaning Isaac) would be the root for that. Imagine the pain, confusion, and suffering that Abraham musta' felt. . .why God why? Well, even though the circumstances were bleak and disheartening, Abe stayed faithful.
Theologans say that when the Angel of the Lord said "abraham, abraham" that was a statement of urgency, meaning that Abraham must have just been about to plunge the knife into the son promised him by God. TALK ABOUT MAKING NO SENSE! It's pathetic for us to even compare our lives being unfair or nonsensical compared to this. But look at vs.16 "because you have not withheld" . . .are we withholding from God right now? Are we staying faithful even if our life situation isn't as favorable as we'd like it to be? Let's take from this example that even when it's really bad, God's still in the end going to bless us as he promises in Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Father, help us to stay FAITHFUL no matter where we're at today! Amen.
1 ... God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. . .
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. ..
15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Earlier in Gen, God promised both Abraham and Sarah that they would be the mom and pops of nations, and specifically to Sarah that her son (meaning Isaac) would be the root for that. Imagine the pain, confusion, and suffering that Abraham musta' felt. . .why God why? Well, even though the circumstances were bleak and disheartening, Abe stayed faithful.
Theologans say that when the Angel of the Lord said "abraham, abraham" that was a statement of urgency, meaning that Abraham must have just been about to plunge the knife into the son promised him by God. TALK ABOUT MAKING NO SENSE! It's pathetic for us to even compare our lives being unfair or nonsensical compared to this. But look at vs.16 "because you have not withheld" . . .are we withholding from God right now? Are we staying faithful even if our life situation isn't as favorable as we'd like it to be? Let's take from this example that even when it's really bad, God's still in the end going to bless us as he promises in Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Father, help us to stay FAITHFUL no matter where we're at today! Amen.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"Drinking" is Good, But From Which Cup?
John 18:10-11
10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Peter, trying to control the situation as the soldiers came to collect Jesus, struck out in wrath, in defense; it's hardly a stretch for us to put ourselves in Peter's shoes. Defend the one you love! We don't know for sure, but I seriously doubt Peter prayed or was led by God to cut off the servant's ear. He was acting on his own power. But Jesus says: "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" So on one end we have Peter acting in his own power trying to control an outcome that isn't his to control (drinking from his own cup); and on the other hand we have Jesus drinking from the right cup the one his Father gave him. . .
Let us today abandon our self-controlling ways of our lives by putting down our cup, and drink out of the cup the Father has given us! Even though in Jesus' case, it wasn't to be a particularly pleasant experience, it was God's will, and he did so much through it. Trust that God's cup in our lives will be used to accomplish his purposes as well.
10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
Peter, trying to control the situation as the soldiers came to collect Jesus, struck out in wrath, in defense; it's hardly a stretch for us to put ourselves in Peter's shoes. Defend the one you love! We don't know for sure, but I seriously doubt Peter prayed or was led by God to cut off the servant's ear. He was acting on his own power. But Jesus says: "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" So on one end we have Peter acting in his own power trying to control an outcome that isn't his to control (drinking from his own cup); and on the other hand we have Jesus drinking from the right cup the one his Father gave him. . .
Let us today abandon our self-controlling ways of our lives by putting down our cup, and drink out of the cup the Father has given us! Even though in Jesus' case, it wasn't to be a particularly pleasant experience, it was God's will, and he did so much through it. Trust that God's cup in our lives will be used to accomplish his purposes as well.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Fill me up
Every once and awhile, I have a flashback to how poorly I handled things in my last dating relationship. The cause of the flashback this time was something that Dr. Tom Barrett shared at First Light this week. He talked about what a toll it takes on a family when they never know what mood you are going to be in when you come home from work. Although I've never had the true experience of being the man of the house, I did have a simulated version for almost 2 years. Most of the time that I was dating Ohio (kind of like raising Arizona but with less responsibility), I headed straight to her family's house from work. It was the easiest way for us to hang out, and I got a lot of free meals. In hindsight, this was hard for an introvert with a stressful job. I brought a lot of my frustrations there with me. I could usually put on a good face for the fam, but a lot of days my demeanor toward the one I was closest too--the girl--was miserable.
It got my attention when she would bring it up, but I didn't really think too much about it back then--we had other problems and I justified my demeanor by my crappy job. It hit hard, however, when I had the flashback on Wednesday. I felt hopeless seeing my past and looking to the future. Was the way I acted then--up one day and dour the next--the inevitability of any future family experience that I might have? Life has ups and downs--how in the world was I going to always put a consistent, joyful face on as I walked in the door from work? Then it hit me--it's possible with God's help. I know, I deserve a trophy for such an ingenious idea--everything is possible with God...but it goes a little deeper than that.
Think about the ocean floor. Basically, there's a whole other world down there with mountains and trenches--miles and miles worth of ups and down. But what does it look like from above--pretty flat, right? The water fills in perfectly so that the top is consistently flat (well, except for that pesky moon and it's effect on the tides). I saw my life that same way (sans pesky moon): my internal emotional ups and downs may be as extreme as the ocean floor; however, if I allow the Spirit to fill me up each day, I can present a level surface to those who see me from the outside. Suddenly, it was possible to be different--to not have to relive the past failures of being a question mark as I pulled into the driveway every day.
So now the challenge is to let the Spirit have enough access to my life so that He can fill every trench and cover every mountain with His presence. I need to be so close to the Lord that He fills me completely and my own strivings never rise above the presence of His peace in my life.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
It got my attention when she would bring it up, but I didn't really think too much about it back then--we had other problems and I justified my demeanor by my crappy job. It hit hard, however, when I had the flashback on Wednesday. I felt hopeless seeing my past and looking to the future. Was the way I acted then--up one day and dour the next--the inevitability of any future family experience that I might have? Life has ups and downs--how in the world was I going to always put a consistent, joyful face on as I walked in the door from work? Then it hit me--it's possible with God's help. I know, I deserve a trophy for such an ingenious idea--everything is possible with God...but it goes a little deeper than that.
Think about the ocean floor. Basically, there's a whole other world down there with mountains and trenches--miles and miles worth of ups and down. But what does it look like from above--pretty flat, right? The water fills in perfectly so that the top is consistently flat (well, except for that pesky moon and it's effect on the tides). I saw my life that same way (sans pesky moon): my internal emotional ups and downs may be as extreme as the ocean floor; however, if I allow the Spirit to fill me up each day, I can present a level surface to those who see me from the outside. Suddenly, it was possible to be different--to not have to relive the past failures of being a question mark as I pulled into the driveway every day.
So now the challenge is to let the Spirit have enough access to my life so that He can fill every trench and cover every mountain with His presence. I need to be so close to the Lord that He fills me completely and my own strivings never rise above the presence of His peace in my life.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What, me worry?
Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Brothers, let this passage wash over you when you're anxious or feeling impatient with life's circumstances. Pray and with thanksgiving believe God. He will help you find peace no matter whats going on. You won't necessarily be able to understand or explain why you have that peace, but it'll be there.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Brothers, let this passage wash over you when you're anxious or feeling impatient with life's circumstances. Pray and with thanksgiving believe God. He will help you find peace no matter whats going on. You won't necessarily be able to understand or explain why you have that peace, but it'll be there.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Truth Speaks Us Out of Confusion
John 16:12-15: 12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."
I know we've discussed amongst us some degree of confusion and haziness about where God is calling us and what he's taking us through right now in our walks with him. This passage is very encouraging as it reminds us that the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, that he will tell us what is yet to come, that he will make known to us what is God's. Those truths, bring encouragement and renewed patience in a time that can feel lacking in that department. Lord, help us to press into your holy spirit. Let us journal to You, let us pray to You, let us press into you by faith, and hear that still small voice. Help us to trust our next step for your light is right here with us, Amen.
I know we've discussed amongst us some degree of confusion and haziness about where God is calling us and what he's taking us through right now in our walks with him. This passage is very encouraging as it reminds us that the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, that he will tell us what is yet to come, that he will make known to us what is God's. Those truths, bring encouragement and renewed patience in a time that can feel lacking in that department. Lord, help us to press into your holy spirit. Let us journal to You, let us pray to You, let us press into you by faith, and hear that still small voice. Help us to trust our next step for your light is right here with us, Amen.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Heroes, Heroines, and the Holy Spirit
I want to be a hero. I love the story lines of the unassuming and unnoticed guy who is capable of tackling any obstacle in order to save the day. Even better, these heroes usually have a hot to quite hot girl who plays a significant role in their heroism. She's often in trouble and he, just as often, seems to be in the right place at the right time. She's often the only one who knows his true identity, making the bond between hero and hottie even stronger. She's often the motivation behind his greatest triumphs--one glimpse of her in need is all he needs to crank up the hero-juice just enough to once again be the hero.
Wait a minute...who's the hero again? Is it the guy smashing up the town with the villians, or is it the girl who is motivating him? Something I had failed to see before, is how the girl in the hero's life is actually his hero--or rather, his heroine. This stood out to me as I watched the Incredible Hulk. When Dr. Elizabeth Ross jumped on the Hulk during Mr. Blue's antidote party, I was jealous. She put her life on the line in an attempt to save Bruce, and I thought--"I want that." I don't just want someone to save...I want someone who will save me too. I wish I had a girl who had my back: track me down in the rain, give me some cash for a bus ride, and buy me some purple stretchy pants. Well, I could do without the pants...but the point is, I realized that as much as I want to be a hero, I want to have a hero.
Then it struck me...I do have someone who plays that role in my life. It's not a hottie, however. It's the Holy Spirit. If I'm looking for a hero, I have to look no further than the part of the triune God who lives inside of me. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living in us. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (I Cor 6:19). I act like I don't know this--far too often for being a veteran believer. When am I going to stop looking for someone to save me and start looking to the One who already has? When am I going to realize that everything I need or want can be supplied by the Source that lives within me? Whenever I do, I'm confident that I will find the true satisfaction--the true salvation--for which I've always craved.
There is a Hero living inside of me... If I latch on to that reality, there is nothing worthwhile that I won't be able to do, and there is nothing that I will crave but loving Him more and bringing Him glory.
Wait a minute...who's the hero again? Is it the guy smashing up the town with the villians, or is it the girl who is motivating him? Something I had failed to see before, is how the girl in the hero's life is actually his hero--or rather, his heroine. This stood out to me as I watched the Incredible Hulk. When Dr. Elizabeth Ross jumped on the Hulk during Mr. Blue's antidote party, I was jealous. She put her life on the line in an attempt to save Bruce, and I thought--"I want that." I don't just want someone to save...I want someone who will save me too. I wish I had a girl who had my back: track me down in the rain, give me some cash for a bus ride, and buy me some purple stretchy pants. Well, I could do without the pants...but the point is, I realized that as much as I want to be a hero, I want to have a hero.
Then it struck me...I do have someone who plays that role in my life. It's not a hottie, however. It's the Holy Spirit. If I'm looking for a hero, I have to look no further than the part of the triune God who lives inside of me. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living in us. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (I Cor 6:19). I act like I don't know this--far too often for being a veteran believer. When am I going to stop looking for someone to save me and start looking to the One who already has? When am I going to realize that everything I need or want can be supplied by the Source that lives within me? Whenever I do, I'm confident that I will find the true satisfaction--the true salvation--for which I've always craved.
There is a Hero living inside of me... If I latch on to that reality, there is nothing worthwhile that I won't be able to do, and there is nothing that I will crave but loving Him more and bringing Him glory.
Monday, May 26, 2008
(Let the Spirit) Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps
This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 3:2-3
I love the way Paul breaks this down. No true believer thinks that he was saved by anything other than faith in Christ. Yet, when it comes to growing and maturing in our Christian walks, so many of us rely on our own efforts. It's foolish to think that even though we begin our spritual walk by the Spirit that we would be able to sustain it by any of the "good" that we do.
We need to go through each day in the power of the Spirit. This is how we grow...this is how we live powerfully in obedience to our Lord. Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:16 that if you "walk by the Spirit...you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."
Trying to get an area of your spiritual life on track? Give up trying and give it over to God. If He has the power to save us, He has the power to perfect us.
I love the way Paul breaks this down. No true believer thinks that he was saved by anything other than faith in Christ. Yet, when it comes to growing and maturing in our Christian walks, so many of us rely on our own efforts. It's foolish to think that even though we begin our spritual walk by the Spirit that we would be able to sustain it by any of the "good" that we do.
We need to go through each day in the power of the Spirit. This is how we grow...this is how we live powerfully in obedience to our Lord. Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:16 that if you "walk by the Spirit...you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."
Trying to get an area of your spiritual life on track? Give up trying and give it over to God. If He has the power to save us, He has the power to perfect us.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Either Or
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
I want to be a servant of Christ, but this passage makes it clear that it is not possible to be a servant of Christ while still trying to please men. Wow. I know being a people-pleaser is not a good thing, but I hadn't seen it as being in direct competition with my ability to serve Christ until this morning.
I think this realization will help me when as I look for opportunities to share my faith. Holding back in conversation is a means of trying to please people and that holds me back from being a true servant of Christ.
"God, You know how much I am struggling with proclaiming the Gospel to those around me. Thank you for showing me what's really at stake. I want to serve You, and my fear of people is keeping me from doing that adequately. I come before you too weak to do this on my own. But I know from 2 Cor. 12:10 that "when I am weak I am strong" in You. Empower me to be the man I need to be for Your glory. Amen."
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
I want to be a servant of Christ, but this passage makes it clear that it is not possible to be a servant of Christ while still trying to please men. Wow. I know being a people-pleaser is not a good thing, but I hadn't seen it as being in direct competition with my ability to serve Christ until this morning.
I think this realization will help me when as I look for opportunities to share my faith. Holding back in conversation is a means of trying to please people and that holds me back from being a true servant of Christ.
"God, You know how much I am struggling with proclaiming the Gospel to those around me. Thank you for showing me what's really at stake. I want to serve You, and my fear of people is keeping me from doing that adequately. I come before you too weak to do this on my own. But I know from 2 Cor. 12:10 that "when I am weak I am strong" in You. Empower me to be the man I need to be for Your glory. Amen."
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Being IN STEP
Galatians 5:22-24 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit"
I especially liked the last part, which reminds me a life with desire/and my passions crucified, and with proper fruit of the Spirit HAS TO BE IN STEP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. This just reinforces the desperate must for us to stay in the scripture and prayer, and to spend consistent daily time with God. We MUST stay in step w/ him! So discipline up!
I especially liked the last part, which reminds me a life with desire/and my passions crucified, and with proper fruit of the Spirit HAS TO BE IN STEP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. This just reinforces the desperate must for us to stay in the scripture and prayer, and to spend consistent daily time with God. We MUST stay in step w/ him! So discipline up!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Before and After
Nehemiah 2:8 And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.
Remember this guy? Good old Nehemiah. I remember one of the nuggets of that book was Nehemiah's constant willingness to give God the cred. When I read his words in v.8 (and similar words in v.18), it seems legit. However, when I often hear rappers or athletes saying the same things after a recent success, it seems a little...less than legit. What's the difference?
I think the difference is what happens before. We see in Nehemiah 2:4 that when faced with a chance to request help from the king for rebuilding Jerusalem, he paused and went to God in prayer before he went into action. Then the king said to me, "What would you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven (Nehemiah 2:4). It was natural for Nehemiah to give God credit after a success because he had actually gone to God for help before he entered the playing field.
What about me? Am I simply paying lip service to God when something good happens, or am I setting myself up to legitimately give God the glory in everything I do? I need to pay more attention to the "before" so I can more appropriately give God the glory "after".
Remember this guy? Good old Nehemiah. I remember one of the nuggets of that book was Nehemiah's constant willingness to give God the cred. When I read his words in v.8 (and similar words in v.18), it seems legit. However, when I often hear rappers or athletes saying the same things after a recent success, it seems a little...less than legit. What's the difference?
I think the difference is what happens before. We see in Nehemiah 2:4 that when faced with a chance to request help from the king for rebuilding Jerusalem, he paused and went to God in prayer before he went into action. Then the king said to me, "What would you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven (Nehemiah 2:4). It was natural for Nehemiah to give God credit after a success because he had actually gone to God for help before he entered the playing field.
What about me? Am I simply paying lip service to God when something good happens, or am I setting myself up to legitimately give God the glory in everything I do? I need to pay more attention to the "before" so I can more appropriately give God the glory "after".
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
EZEKIEL: Connecting to Intencity
Ezekiel 36: 24-26 - "For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
So we learned last night to pray intercessorily for compassion/desire for the poor. In Ezekiel, God promises to take away our heart of stone and give us a fleshly, feeling heart. We need to believe the Lord for this. Also, God promises to cleanse our diseased thinking and impurities. He gives us continually/daily a new heart and a new spirit. Do you believe that today you are really a NEW PERSON spiritually in Christ? We need to. . .what holds us back? Disbelief, shame, fear? Lord, my prayer is that today you remove all impurities and idols from me literally, and give me a heart of flesh. May your love invade my heart in a new way today. In Jesus name, Amen.
So we learned last night to pray intercessorily for compassion/desire for the poor. In Ezekiel, God promises to take away our heart of stone and give us a fleshly, feeling heart. We need to believe the Lord for this. Also, God promises to cleanse our diseased thinking and impurities. He gives us continually/daily a new heart and a new spirit. Do you believe that today you are really a NEW PERSON spiritually in Christ? We need to. . .what holds us back? Disbelief, shame, fear? Lord, my prayer is that today you remove all impurities and idols from me literally, and give me a heart of flesh. May your love invade my heart in a new way today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Language Lesson
This Sunday, April 20th, Todd was talking about Isaiah 53. As he was teaching I noticed a peculiarity. Every time Jesus suffering and death was discussed it was in the past tense. These prophecies were talking about a man who was to appear 300 years in the future, but his death and payment for sins were being discussed as though they already happened.
In addition, any positive connotation had a present tense. Verse 10: he will see his offspring and prolong his days. Verse 11: ..he will see the light of life...my righteous servant will justify.
I wonder why that is? Is it because God isn't bound by time? Did they write in that manner because an event that was to happen in the future, to their eyes, had already taken place in God's eyes? If that is so, then they too were offered the gift of salvation through grace. As hard as it is for us to grasp the concept of someone dying in our past to save us from sins we are now committing, how much harder would it be to say, 'There is someone coming in the future who has already paid for my current sins.'
In addition, any positive connotation had a present tense. Verse 10: he will see his offspring and prolong his days. Verse 11: ..he will see the light of life...my righteous servant will justify.
I wonder why that is? Is it because God isn't bound by time? Did they write in that manner because an event that was to happen in the future, to their eyes, had already taken place in God's eyes? If that is so, then they too were offered the gift of salvation through grace. As hard as it is for us to grasp the concept of someone dying in our past to save us from sins we are now committing, how much harder would it be to say, 'There is someone coming in the future who has already paid for my current sins.'
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Putting Flesh on Christ (aka- My circumstance is not unique)
Hebrews 10-18: In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them (us) brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."And again, "I will put my trust in him."And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
First off, vs18 is one of my memory verses and really encapsulates the truth that Jesus really understands what I go through! It's faulty thinking to believe that culture and time have changed so much that Jesus can't relate. Clearly Jesus knows our nature and specifically helps us! Not only did God love us so much to give us eternal life, but he made his son suffer temptations (vs18) and be completely human in every way (16) so that Jesus would be able to minister to us perfectly as our High Priest! No longer can we think God can't SPECIFICALLY minister to us, because he was made human in everyway, he's been there, and more importantly he will provide the way out.
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
First off, vs18 is one of my memory verses and really encapsulates the truth that Jesus really understands what I go through! It's faulty thinking to believe that culture and time have changed so much that Jesus can't relate. Clearly Jesus knows our nature and specifically helps us! Not only did God love us so much to give us eternal life, but he made his son suffer temptations (vs18) and be completely human in every way (16) so that Jesus would be able to minister to us perfectly as our High Priest! No longer can we think God can't SPECIFICALLY minister to us, because he was made human in everyway, he's been there, and more importantly he will provide the way out.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Mental confusion
I have found that if I sit down to do a little quite time and my mind is too cluttered or frantic to grasp onto the words I'm reading, I probably need to read a bit more. Today, for instance, I'm trying to read 1 John 2:24-25. The verses themselves just flow over me like water, not taking hold and no understanding being presented. See, it's even hard to express how nothing is taking hold.
So I do when I don't grasp the verses I'm reading, I read the surrounding verses. A little context might shed enlightenment. But still no knowledge.
More time and prayer is all I can do. Hopefully God will calm my mind and share with me the truth He has for me to learn.
So I do when I don't grasp the verses I'm reading, I read the surrounding verses. A little context might shed enlightenment. But still no knowledge.
More time and prayer is all I can do. Hopefully God will calm my mind and share with me the truth He has for me to learn.
It's all about Faith and Reconcillia-che!
I was in Acts 15 today, and several points worth sharing came to mind:
#1 Acts 15:9, talking to the jews about God's view of the gentiles, Peter said: "He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith."
Simply this is a great reminder that our faith in God purifies our hearts and is a large part of the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Lord, purify our hearts today from any wrong thinking!
#2 The Power of God's Reconciliation Acts15:36-40 "Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."
Though Paul was upset and didn't want John Mark to come, by the time he was in prison in Cyprus during his last days, he wrote in 2Tim4:11 "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry."
God clearly healed the upset Paul felt; God worked and grew Mark from deserter to useful instrument. God is the God of the 2nd thru the 1millioneth chance! And no matter how we mess up he will prune us and grow us if we let him. God is truly our reconciler and redeemer in every sense of the word!
#1 Acts 15:9, talking to the jews about God's view of the gentiles, Peter said: "He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith."
Simply this is a great reminder that our faith in God purifies our hearts and is a large part of the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Lord, purify our hearts today from any wrong thinking!
#2 The Power of God's Reconciliation Acts15:36-40 "Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."
Though Paul was upset and didn't want John Mark to come, by the time he was in prison in Cyprus during his last days, he wrote in 2Tim4:11 "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry."
God clearly healed the upset Paul felt; God worked and grew Mark from deserter to useful instrument. God is the God of the 2nd thru the 1millioneth chance! And no matter how we mess up he will prune us and grow us if we let him. God is truly our reconciler and redeemer in every sense of the word!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Inquiring Minds Want to Know...
First off, thanks to Jamie for the admonish to take a moment during the day and share what God is teaching me. Usually when I hit the blog, I make it more complex than it needs to be--do I have just the right verse, a clever title, a strong finish? Forget it. What God is doing in my life is good enough material...I don't have to be all USA Today about it. Now on to what God is doing in my life:
I Kings 22: 4-7
So he asked Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?" Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses." But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the LORD."
So the king of Israel brought together the prophets—about four hundred men—and asked them, "Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?" "Go," they answered, "for the Lord will give it into the king's hand."
But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?"
What God taught me this morning in the middle of my trek through Kings is that I should seek His will above all else in making my job decision. Like the King of Israel, I've been seeking input from all sorts of people who have been very encouraging. However, I need to be more like Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, and be persistent about seeking the Lord's will for my decision. I also find myself falling into the world's mentality of trying to pick the "best" job--the right opportunity, the easiest schedule, the most coin, etc.
All the pro-con lists in the world don't matter: I need to be where I can do the most to honor God. I believe He will lead me to that place if I earnestly, persistently ask Him to show me His will. So that's what I'm doing this morning: inquiring of the Lord as to where He would have me be employed.
I Kings 22: 4-7
So he asked Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?" Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses." But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the LORD."
So the king of Israel brought together the prophets—about four hundred men—and asked them, "Shall I go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?" "Go," they answered, "for the Lord will give it into the king's hand."
But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?"
What God taught me this morning in the middle of my trek through Kings is that I should seek His will above all else in making my job decision. Like the King of Israel, I've been seeking input from all sorts of people who have been very encouraging. However, I need to be more like Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, and be persistent about seeking the Lord's will for my decision. I also find myself falling into the world's mentality of trying to pick the "best" job--the right opportunity, the easiest schedule, the most coin, etc.
All the pro-con lists in the world don't matter: I need to be where I can do the most to honor God. I believe He will lead me to that place if I earnestly, persistently ask Him to show me His will. So that's what I'm doing this morning: inquiring of the Lord as to where He would have me be employed.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thoughts on 2 Cor:3-10
"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
Such a great passage! We have many obstacles we are called to overcome/endure: troubles, hardships, distresses, riots, beatings, sleepless nights, hunger. Some are more realistic for us today, and some are certainly harder to endure than others, yet let us not place stumbling blocks in anyone elses path on account of our own sufferings, but rather let us overcome these obstacles thru Christ! "Our weapons of righteousness" show God's truth amidst the world's circumstances: honor admist dishonor, good report though the world reports badly of us; rejoicing admist reasons to be sorrowful, having everything though the world would tell us otherwise, etc. Let us live to the truth of Christ today and continue to rejoice in our riches in Christ, and the realization that we truly possess everything!
In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God;
with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
Such a great passage! We have many obstacles we are called to overcome/endure: troubles, hardships, distresses, riots, beatings, sleepless nights, hunger. Some are more realistic for us today, and some are certainly harder to endure than others, yet let us not place stumbling blocks in anyone elses path on account of our own sufferings, but rather let us overcome these obstacles thru Christ! "Our weapons of righteousness" show God's truth amidst the world's circumstances: honor admist dishonor, good report though the world reports badly of us; rejoicing admist reasons to be sorrowful, having everything though the world would tell us otherwise, etc. Let us live to the truth of Christ today and continue to rejoice in our riches in Christ, and the realization that we truly possess everything!
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