Romans 9
Paul continues to focus on what the nature of having a relationship with God through Christ is like. He raises the issue that it is not a relationship that one inherits - Israel was God's chosen race/people and the focus throughout the Old Testament (secondary to God). Paul points out that being an Israelite - one of God's chosen - is not about ethnicity, race, heritage, "...It is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring [God's children]" (9:8).
Paul is pleading for the ethnic Israelites to recognize that just because they are Israeli by birth, does not mean they are God's chosen...he has gone so far as to say if it were possible for him to give up his "in Christ" status he would, if it meant that they would accept Jesus and be born-again, of the Spirit not of the flesh.
Have you ever thought that way? Have you ever felt such agony in knowing that others don't know Jesus and thus they are missing out on the fellowship of Christ, both here and in eternity? It is not possible for us to give up our salvation so that others would be saved. But I pray that each one of us would be so impassioned in our relationship with Jesus, recognizing the lostness of those who are not in Christ (yet!), that we would pray and act in ways that will plead for them before God and with them,
"be reconciled with God through Christ, come to Jesus, come home."
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
It's Who You Know That Counts
Romans 8 (continued)
Yesterday we focused on the fact that because God initiated a reconciled relationship with us through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf according to God's will and Jesus prays for us from His position of authority at the right-hand of God (Romans 8:27,34) !!! Thank You Lord!
One thought that came to me from yesterday's focus relates to how the world views relationships. We know that God is the Creator of everyone and everything that exists, that is created! We as people, and Satan and his demons can't create anything original - all that is created has its origin in God. In this world people often say that, "it isn't what you know, it is who you know" that helps us achieve.
I have viewed this idea of it's "who you know" as primarily negative because it can leave a lot of people in the dust who would otherwise be successful if they just "knew the right people." The concept also can elevate a lot of folks, who really don't have what it is required for a particular purpose or who have ill-will and purposes of harm to others because of selfishness, to be in positions of authority.
However, it struck me that this worldly concept of "it's who you know" actually is a perversion of a reality that GOD CREATED!! Yes, God Himself carries this idea forward in giving us His Son and calling us into a relationship with Himself through Jesus. When we are in relationship with Jesus...when we know Jesus personally (it's who you know), we can count on the Holy Spirit praying God's will through our prayers! We can count on Jesus interceding on our behalf, continually before the Father!!
So, we see that once again, the world - apart from God - has taken the very priority and necessity of relationship, relationship with God - and perverted for ill-gain and all kinds of negativity that God does not intend.
It really is "who you know" that counts. "The one who has (knows) Jesus has Life, the one who does not know Jesus does not have Life" (1 John 5:12).
Do you have Jesus? Are you counting your relationship with Jesus as the single most important relationship above all other relationships? Do you know that your relationship with Jesus makes you "somebody"? That when you seek Jesus as #1 in your life, than your life will be what God intends for you, through all the pitfalls, trials, and trouble you encounter in this earthly life?
"Lord, help each one of us to count You as # 1 in our lives; then all the other relationships and necessities of this earthly life will be added to us (Matthew 7:19-34)....here and in the life to come."
Yesterday we focused on the fact that because God initiated a reconciled relationship with us through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf according to God's will and Jesus prays for us from His position of authority at the right-hand of God (Romans 8:27,34) !!! Thank You Lord!
One thought that came to me from yesterday's focus relates to how the world views relationships. We know that God is the Creator of everyone and everything that exists, that is created! We as people, and Satan and his demons can't create anything original - all that is created has its origin in God. In this world people often say that, "it isn't what you know, it is who you know" that helps us achieve.
I have viewed this idea of it's "who you know" as primarily negative because it can leave a lot of people in the dust who would otherwise be successful if they just "knew the right people." The concept also can elevate a lot of folks, who really don't have what it is required for a particular purpose or who have ill-will and purposes of harm to others because of selfishness, to be in positions of authority.
However, it struck me that this worldly concept of "it's who you know" actually is a perversion of a reality that GOD CREATED!! Yes, God Himself carries this idea forward in giving us His Son and calling us into a relationship with Himself through Jesus. When we are in relationship with Jesus...when we know Jesus personally (it's who you know), we can count on the Holy Spirit praying God's will through our prayers! We can count on Jesus interceding on our behalf, continually before the Father!!
So, we see that once again, the world - apart from God - has taken the very priority and necessity of relationship, relationship with God - and perverted for ill-gain and all kinds of negativity that God does not intend.
It really is "who you know" that counts. "The one who has (knows) Jesus has Life, the one who does not know Jesus does not have Life" (1 John 5:12).
Do you have Jesus? Are you counting your relationship with Jesus as the single most important relationship above all other relationships? Do you know that your relationship with Jesus makes you "somebody"? That when you seek Jesus as #1 in your life, than your life will be what God intends for you, through all the pitfalls, trials, and trouble you encounter in this earthly life?
"Lord, help each one of us to count You as # 1 in our lives; then all the other relationships and necessities of this earthly life will be added to us (Matthew 7:19-34)....here and in the life to come."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Relationship
Romans 8
The Apostle Paul continues to focus on what it means to be in a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today in this reading verse 27 and 34 rise to the surface of my heart, mind, and in my spirit. “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will…Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.”
Wow, the Holy Spirit, - the Spirit of Truth lives within each of us who are saved the grace of God through Jesus Christ’s forgiveness bore on the Cross – prays God’s will for us to the Father as we pray!! The Holy Spirit translates, if you will, God’s will for us as we pray!! Did you get that? Have you ever worried whether or not you were praying for or in the way of what was best (I certainly have)? Have you ever not known how to pray, or just didn’t have the words to verbalize the cry of your heart (I certainly have)?
Well, God knew that we would wonder and worry and not have the words…when we are in relationship with God, when we have been born-again by the Spirit through the blood of Christ, the Holy Spirit has our back (from living inside of us)! He translates our moans and groans, our lack of understanding, our not knowing prayers – according to the will of God, which we know is best. Thank You Holy Spirit!
Then as if that wasn’t enough, we are told a few verses later that Jesus Christ is also interceding for us from His position of ultimate authority - from the right hand of God! Have you ever wondered from where the term, “my right-hand man” comes? You know what it means – the right-hand man is indispensable and is as powerful as if it was coming from the one in charge himself, right? So, Jesus Christ also has our back!!
The next time you aren’t sure what to do, or which way to turn, or what is right…remember that as you turn to God in prayer, the Holy Spirit is translating even your imperceptible moanings into God’s will for you and for whomever you are praying! If that isn’t enough to recall, remember too that Jesus Christ is already praying for you before the Father!
“Thank You God! Thank You Holy Spirit! Thank You Jesus! Help us to remember that You are praying for us, and Your prayers are right and true! Thank You as we are in relationship with You, we can count on You! Hallelujah, what a Savior!”
Next we will consider from where the world’s concept of ‘who you know matters’ in getting ahead in this world comes!
The Apostle Paul continues to focus on what it means to be in a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today in this reading verse 27 and 34 rise to the surface of my heart, mind, and in my spirit. “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will…Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.”
Wow, the Holy Spirit, - the Spirit of Truth lives within each of us who are saved the grace of God through Jesus Christ’s forgiveness bore on the Cross – prays God’s will for us to the Father as we pray!! The Holy Spirit translates, if you will, God’s will for us as we pray!! Did you get that? Have you ever worried whether or not you were praying for or in the way of what was best (I certainly have)? Have you ever not known how to pray, or just didn’t have the words to verbalize the cry of your heart (I certainly have)?
Well, God knew that we would wonder and worry and not have the words…when we are in relationship with God, when we have been born-again by the Spirit through the blood of Christ, the Holy Spirit has our back (from living inside of us)! He translates our moans and groans, our lack of understanding, our not knowing prayers – according to the will of God, which we know is best. Thank You Holy Spirit!
Then as if that wasn’t enough, we are told a few verses later that Jesus Christ is also interceding for us from His position of ultimate authority - from the right hand of God! Have you ever wondered from where the term, “my right-hand man” comes? You know what it means – the right-hand man is indispensable and is as powerful as if it was coming from the one in charge himself, right? So, Jesus Christ also has our back!!
The next time you aren’t sure what to do, or which way to turn, or what is right…remember that as you turn to God in prayer, the Holy Spirit is translating even your imperceptible moanings into God’s will for you and for whomever you are praying! If that isn’t enough to recall, remember too that Jesus Christ is already praying for you before the Father!
“Thank You God! Thank You Holy Spirit! Thank You Jesus! Help us to remember that You are praying for us, and Your prayers are right and true! Thank You as we are in relationship with You, we can count on You! Hallelujah, what a Savior!”
Next we will consider from where the world’s concept of ‘who you know matters’ in getting ahead in this world comes!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Under Grace
Happy First Day of Summer!!
Romans 7
Chapter 7 is so powerful and necessary for our understanding and growth in Christ! Paul discusses the difference between 'being under the Law (the Ten Commandments or other 'laws' that we and other's (try) to put upon us) and being under the Holy Spirit (being under Grace, under the blood of Freedom through Jesus Christ's precious salvation!).
Paul uses a simple example/illustration for us to grasp. He compares being under the Law to a person who is married - when one is married and then marries another - thus commits adultery - sin ( I'm not wanting to get into the whole issue of divorce here). This is what it is like when we take the Law and try to keep it, as a way to be right before God...we sin every time b/c it is impossible for any person to do.
BUT, when someone is married and the spouse dies, then that one is freely able to marry, and is not sinning! This is the life lived under the Power of the Holy Spirit, under Grace, under the blood of Jesus. We are freed from paying the price for our inability to live up to the full extend of the Law...which would be called perfection. We are free, in receiving the gift of God's Grace through Jesus Christ - which is what makes us right before God - reconciled.
Paul also describes the 'fight' we have within - as we battle against sin - our OLD NATURE - we don't have a sinful nature any longer, after receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ and infilling of the Holy Spirit. BUT we are tempted by our old ways, old nature, sin...the devil and his demons, to go against God. If we try to overcome this temptation in our own strength, apart of from the Holy Spirit, we will eventually fail....just like trying to follow the Law. We can't do it.
BUT GOD - Paul says, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord" who has saved us, made a way for us, and is 'fighting' for us!
"God, I pray that each one of us would call upon Your Name, more and more, to be filled continually with Your Holy Spirit - to yield continually to Your Holy Spirit, to recognize that apart from You, we cannot live the Life for which You have created and chosen us. Thanks be to You oh Lord, for making the way for us, for we cannot make it our own way. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."
Romans 7
Chapter 7 is so powerful and necessary for our understanding and growth in Christ! Paul discusses the difference between 'being under the Law (the Ten Commandments or other 'laws' that we and other's (try) to put upon us) and being under the Holy Spirit (being under Grace, under the blood of Freedom through Jesus Christ's precious salvation!).
Paul uses a simple example/illustration for us to grasp. He compares being under the Law to a person who is married - when one is married and then marries another - thus commits adultery - sin ( I'm not wanting to get into the whole issue of divorce here). This is what it is like when we take the Law and try to keep it, as a way to be right before God...we sin every time b/c it is impossible for any person to do.
BUT, when someone is married and the spouse dies, then that one is freely able to marry, and is not sinning! This is the life lived under the Power of the Holy Spirit, under Grace, under the blood of Jesus. We are freed from paying the price for our inability to live up to the full extend of the Law...which would be called perfection. We are free, in receiving the gift of God's Grace through Jesus Christ - which is what makes us right before God - reconciled.
Paul also describes the 'fight' we have within - as we battle against sin - our OLD NATURE - we don't have a sinful nature any longer, after receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ and infilling of the Holy Spirit. BUT we are tempted by our old ways, old nature, sin...the devil and his demons, to go against God. If we try to overcome this temptation in our own strength, apart of from the Holy Spirit, we will eventually fail....just like trying to follow the Law. We can't do it.
BUT GOD - Paul says, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord" who has saved us, made a way for us, and is 'fighting' for us!
"God, I pray that each one of us would call upon Your Name, more and more, to be filled continually with Your Holy Spirit - to yield continually to Your Holy Spirit, to recognize that apart from You, we cannot live the Life for which You have created and chosen us. Thanks be to You oh Lord, for making the way for us, for we cannot make it our own way. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."
Friday, June 18, 2010
Real Life
Romans 6
The 3rd Scripture in the "Roman's Road" of which was mentioned a few weeks ago, is 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." As a refresher, the first two Scriptures of the Roman's Road are 3:23, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
So I, you and I, deserve death because of sin, BUT GOD has a gift, which is eternal life, as we receive forgiveness through Christ Jesus our Lord! Hallelujah!!!
Eternal life is not just for when we physically die/leave this earth. It is for today. Eternity is actually something we will all experience. Eternity separated from God, here and after we leave here, is just Eternity. Eternity with God, is Eternal Life. Life is not attached to Eternity unless it is with God because real Life is only received in Christ! Have you ever heard the 'walking dead' expression? Well, before receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, before being born again, before when I (we) were 'dead in our transgressions and sin', I (we) didn't have life, I was walking around dead. My spirit was dead...I was not 'alive in Christ.'
So, when I was walking around dead, Paul explains in Romans 6 that I was a slave to sin. That I could not help but sin. It was my nature because I was born that way, I inherited that sinful nature from my ancestry - Adam and Eve. They are your ancestry too. I had the 'I can't help' its. You did too.
BUT GOD. Now I have been 'made alive' in Christ. I have new ancestry, God's ancestry! I no longer have that sinful nature. I've been given a new nature, the very nature of a Holy God, the Holy Spirit living inside me. I don't have the 'I can't help' its any longer. Neither do you, if you have received salvation from Christ. We can help it...actually we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to say Yes to God and No to Sin. Sometimes we 'forget'. Sometimes we struggle with who we once were, sometimes we remember and think we are still that person, sometimes we linger in that thought too long and then we sin. BUT GOD, we can help it...God will help us as we look to Him. As we practice living in His Presence and His Holy Spirit Presence within us.
I am not who I used to be. You are not who you used to be.
"Lord thank You that we don't have to be slaves to sin, but in You we are slaves to You/slaves to righteousness. Thank You for the Life giving breath You have breathed into us when we were saved by You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit living inside of us. Help us today to lean into You, to be refreshed and renewed by Your Life Giving Spirit within us. We can say Yes to You."
The 3rd Scripture in the "Roman's Road" of which was mentioned a few weeks ago, is 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." As a refresher, the first two Scriptures of the Roman's Road are 3:23, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
So I, you and I, deserve death because of sin, BUT GOD has a gift, which is eternal life, as we receive forgiveness through Christ Jesus our Lord! Hallelujah!!!
Eternal life is not just for when we physically die/leave this earth. It is for today. Eternity is actually something we will all experience. Eternity separated from God, here and after we leave here, is just Eternity. Eternity with God, is Eternal Life. Life is not attached to Eternity unless it is with God because real Life is only received in Christ! Have you ever heard the 'walking dead' expression? Well, before receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, before being born again, before when I (we) were 'dead in our transgressions and sin', I (we) didn't have life, I was walking around dead. My spirit was dead...I was not 'alive in Christ.'
So, when I was walking around dead, Paul explains in Romans 6 that I was a slave to sin. That I could not help but sin. It was my nature because I was born that way, I inherited that sinful nature from my ancestry - Adam and Eve. They are your ancestry too. I had the 'I can't help' its. You did too.
BUT GOD. Now I have been 'made alive' in Christ. I have new ancestry, God's ancestry! I no longer have that sinful nature. I've been given a new nature, the very nature of a Holy God, the Holy Spirit living inside me. I don't have the 'I can't help' its any longer. Neither do you, if you have received salvation from Christ. We can help it...actually we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to say Yes to God and No to Sin. Sometimes we 'forget'. Sometimes we struggle with who we once were, sometimes we remember and think we are still that person, sometimes we linger in that thought too long and then we sin. BUT GOD, we can help it...God will help us as we look to Him. As we practice living in His Presence and His Holy Spirit Presence within us.
I am not who I used to be. You are not who you used to be.
"Lord thank You that we don't have to be slaves to sin, but in You we are slaves to You/slaves to righteousness. Thank You for the Life giving breath You have breathed into us when we were saved by You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit living inside of us. Help us today to lean into You, to be refreshed and renewed by Your Life Giving Spirit within us. We can say Yes to You."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Desire
Dear Ones,
All desire is rooted in God given desire to be fulfilled by Him. The problem arises when we take our desires and try to fulfill them in our own way...that is called sin, and it is sin because we are depending on ourselves for fulfillment instead of seeking the Lord, allowing Him to direct our paths, and waiting upon Him to fill us. And depending first on myself, brings destruction to myself and all those involved, all those around me...
It is counter-cultural for me to say that I'm not depending on myself. That I'm not self-sufficient, self-reliant, and independent.
This does not mean I depend first on others for my sufficiency, reliance, and dependency. This means I first depend on God. I look to God to be my sufficiency, my reliance, and dependence. Then I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to do what He has called me to do - to utilized the gifts He has given me.
I also am called to be inter-dependent. That means that I need you and you need me...and we both need God.
"Lord, help us to see ourselves in You, depending on You first, going forth in power, empowered, by Your Holy Spirit, and then walking with each other as we walk with Jesus. Thank You Lord."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Holy Longing
The whole life of the good Christian," said Augustine, "is a holy longing." Sadly, many of us have been led to feel that somehow we ought to want less, not more. We have this sense that we should atone for our longings, apologize that we feel such deep desire. Shouldn't we be more content? Perhaps, but contentment is never wanting less; that's the easy way out. Anybody can look holy if she's killed her heart; the real test is to have your heart burning within you and have the patience to enjoy what there is now to enjoy, while waiting with eager anticipation for the feast to come. In Paul's words, we "groan inwardly as we wait eagerly" (Rom. 8:23). Contentment can only happen as we increase desire, let it run itself out toward its fulfillment, and carry us along with it. And so George Herbert prayed,
Immortal Heat, O let thy greater flame
Attract the lesser to it: let those fires,
Which shall consume the world, first make it tame;
And kindle in our hearts such true desires,
As may consume our lusts, and make thee way.
Then shall our hearts pant thee. (Love)
There may be times when all we have to go on is a sense of duty. But in the end, if that is all we have, we will never make it. Our Hero is the example. He's run on before us and he's made it; he's there now. His life assures us it can be done, but only through passionate desire for the joy set before us.
(The Sacred Romance , 199-200)
All desire is rooted in God given desire to be fulfilled by Him. The problem arises when we take our desires and try to fulfill them in our own way...that is called sin, and it is sin because we are depending on ourselves for fulfillment instead of seeking the Lord, allowing Him to direct our paths, and waiting upon Him to fill us. And depending first on myself, brings destruction to myself and all those involved, all those around me...
It is counter-cultural for me to say that I'm not depending on myself. That I'm not self-sufficient, self-reliant, and independent.
This does not mean I depend first on others for my sufficiency, reliance, and dependency. This means I first depend on God. I look to God to be my sufficiency, my reliance, and dependence. Then I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to do what He has called me to do - to utilized the gifts He has given me.
I also am called to be inter-dependent. That means that I need you and you need me...and we both need God.
"Lord, help us to see ourselves in You, depending on You first, going forth in power, empowered, by Your Holy Spirit, and then walking with each other as we walk with Jesus. Thank You Lord."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Holy Longing
The whole life of the good Christian," said Augustine, "is a holy longing." Sadly, many of us have been led to feel that somehow we ought to want less, not more. We have this sense that we should atone for our longings, apologize that we feel such deep desire. Shouldn't we be more content? Perhaps, but contentment is never wanting less; that's the easy way out. Anybody can look holy if she's killed her heart; the real test is to have your heart burning within you and have the patience to enjoy what there is now to enjoy, while waiting with eager anticipation for the feast to come. In Paul's words, we "groan inwardly as we wait eagerly" (Rom. 8:23). Contentment can only happen as we increase desire, let it run itself out toward its fulfillment, and carry us along with it. And so George Herbert prayed,
Immortal Heat, O let thy greater flame
Attract the lesser to it: let those fires,
Which shall consume the world, first make it tame;
And kindle in our hearts such true desires,
As may consume our lusts, and make thee way.
Then shall our hearts pant thee. (Love)
There may be times when all we have to go on is a sense of duty. But in the end, if that is all we have, we will never make it. Our Hero is the example. He's run on before us and he's made it; he's there now. His life assures us it can be done, but only through passionate desire for the joy set before us.
(The Sacred Romance , 199-200)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Faith, Hope, and Love
Romans 5:1-5
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love" (1 Corinthians 13:13a). This is Paul's summary of his chapter on 'the most excellent way, Love.' These three - faith, hope, and love are highlighted in 5:1-5 of Romans:
"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Faith, Hope, and Love.
The progression starts with the gift of faith that God has given us. We have hope because of the glory of God and that hope grows as we walk through the trials and troubles of this earthly life by faith (faith in the hope of the glory of God!). And having this hope (JESUS is our hope!), increasingly, we are not disappointed because God has given us His love, He poured out His love into our hearts (and does so continually) by the power of the Holy Spirit.....who lives within us!
Faith, Hope, and Love - "God thank you for these gifts - faith, hope, and love that originate in You and grow by the power of Your Holy Spirit within us as we walk through the terrain of this earthly place. I pray that these gifts would increase within each one of us, as we depend and trust in You. Then Lord, along the way, help us to convey these three to all we meet, that they too would have Faith, Hope, and Love. Thank You Lord!"
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love" (1 Corinthians 13:13a). This is Paul's summary of his chapter on 'the most excellent way, Love.' These three - faith, hope, and love are highlighted in 5:1-5 of Romans:
"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Faith, Hope, and Love.
The progression starts with the gift of faith that God has given us. We have hope because of the glory of God and that hope grows as we walk through the trials and troubles of this earthly life by faith (faith in the hope of the glory of God!). And having this hope (JESUS is our hope!), increasingly, we are not disappointed because God has given us His love, He poured out His love into our hearts (and does so continually) by the power of the Holy Spirit.....who lives within us!
Faith, Hope, and Love - "God thank you for these gifts - faith, hope, and love that originate in You and grow by the power of Your Holy Spirit within us as we walk through the terrain of this earthly place. I pray that these gifts would increase within each one of us, as we depend and trust in You. Then Lord, along the way, help us to convey these three to all we meet, that they too would have Faith, Hope, and Love. Thank You Lord!"
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Faith Alone
Romans 4
By Faith alone - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (4:7,8).
Paul continues to stress that it is not by works, by obligation, by our deeds, our own effort that we are saved. It is by believing. It is by faith. It is by believing faith in the person of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is because of Christ's great love and by His works/His obedience to the point of death on the cross, that we are saved.
Paul stresses that there is not a sin that is too great for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ to cover. And remember, when we receive forgiveness, it is because of God's kindness (evidenced ultimately by the Cross) and that leads us to repentance...God looks at our hearts. God knows our sincerity. God knows the difference between attitudes of "well God will forgive me, so I can ________" as opposed to "oh God, again this struggle/giving into this temptation has happened, have mercy on me Lord, forgive me, help me...what is it that keeps me repeating this over and over again?!"
God knows our struggle. God knows our temptations. God is merciful, kind, forgiving, is able to bring healing and wholeness...God wants our hearts. The difference in our hearts can be seen in that prior to receiving Jesus' forgiveness and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude toward sin, toward destructive behaviors (which we may not have even seen as such) was often one of 'not caring' or not thinking we wanted to walk any differently, usually not remorse before the Lord. After Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts and consciences become more and more sensitive to God's ways vs. our own way - and while we may struggle, our hearts and minds and spirits long to follow God and not dishonor God.
And God knows the difference. And we know the difference.
"Lord please help us to see ourselves as You do - people whom You Love, people for whom You gave Your Son's Life, people for whom You long to shower mercy and grace upon and bring more and more into the fullness of who You created us to be. Thank You for Your Love. Thank You for Your power in our lives. Bless You Lord!"
By Faith alone - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (4:7,8).
Paul continues to stress that it is not by works, by obligation, by our deeds, our own effort that we are saved. It is by believing. It is by faith. It is by believing faith in the person of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is because of Christ's great love and by His works/His obedience to the point of death on the cross, that we are saved.
Paul stresses that there is not a sin that is too great for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ to cover. And remember, when we receive forgiveness, it is because of God's kindness (evidenced ultimately by the Cross) and that leads us to repentance...God looks at our hearts. God knows our sincerity. God knows the difference between attitudes of "well God will forgive me, so I can ________" as opposed to "oh God, again this struggle/giving into this temptation has happened, have mercy on me Lord, forgive me, help me...what is it that keeps me repeating this over and over again?!"
God knows our struggle. God knows our temptations. God is merciful, kind, forgiving, is able to bring healing and wholeness...God wants our hearts. The difference in our hearts can be seen in that prior to receiving Jesus' forgiveness and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude toward sin, toward destructive behaviors (which we may not have even seen as such) was often one of 'not caring' or not thinking we wanted to walk any differently, usually not remorse before the Lord. After Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts and consciences become more and more sensitive to God's ways vs. our own way - and while we may struggle, our hearts and minds and spirits long to follow God and not dishonor God.
And God knows the difference. And we know the difference.
"Lord please help us to see ourselves as You do - people whom You Love, people for whom You gave Your Son's Life, people for whom You long to shower mercy and grace upon and bring more and more into the fullness of who You created us to be. Thank You for Your Love. Thank You for Your power in our lives. Bless You Lord!"
Perfect Love
Romans 5
The second Scripture in "Romans Road" is 5:8 - this is 5:6-8, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ die for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. BUT GOD demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Wow - Elaboration or commentary on these verses would only be for emphasis, perhaps giving some historical context as to why sacrifice (of Jesus) was something that folks in that day would embrace (the Old Testament clearly portrays the Jewish tradition of sacrificing for various acts of disobedience to the law and for atonement of sin).
We know it is true that 'rarely someone would die for a righteous or good person'; parents often say they would die for their children. Perhaps a spouse would die for his/her spouse. BUT GOD would sent His only Son to die for disobedient folks BECAUSE God's Love is a perfect Love of a Father for his son or daughter (you and me). God the Father's father/mother Love for us is that - and not only could we not pay the price for our disobedience to God/sin, but would not be the pure sacrifice, the Perfect Sacrifice, Jesus - God Himself, payment.
"Thank You Lord for Your deep, deep Love that You exercised on our (my) behalf and that You continue to do each day! This foundation of our relationship with You, the foundation of our faith in Jesus, never is passe or 'gettin' old'....let us receive You, receive Your Love through faith, even today with grateful, thankful hearts....and extend Your Love to others."
The second Scripture in "Romans Road" is 5:8 - this is 5:6-8, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ die for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. BUT GOD demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Wow - Elaboration or commentary on these verses would only be for emphasis, perhaps giving some historical context as to why sacrifice (of Jesus) was something that folks in that day would embrace (the Old Testament clearly portrays the Jewish tradition of sacrificing for various acts of disobedience to the law and for atonement of sin).
We know it is true that 'rarely someone would die for a righteous or good person'; parents often say they would die for their children. Perhaps a spouse would die for his/her spouse. BUT GOD would sent His only Son to die for disobedient folks BECAUSE God's Love is a perfect Love of a Father for his son or daughter (you and me). God the Father's father/mother Love for us is that - and not only could we not pay the price for our disobedience to God/sin, but would not be the pure sacrifice, the Perfect Sacrifice, Jesus - God Himself, payment.
"Thank You Lord for Your deep, deep Love that You exercised on our (my) behalf and that You continue to do each day! This foundation of our relationship with You, the foundation of our faith in Jesus, never is passe or 'gettin' old'....let us receive You, receive Your Love through faith, even today with grateful, thankful hearts....and extend Your Love to others."
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Judge Not
Romans 2:1-4a
Yesterday we focused on the last part of 2:4; the Kindness of God leading us to repentance. Today we are looking at the proceeding verses, and the first half of verse 4. We hear a lot today about how we aren't suppose to judge others. Even those who do not proclaim Jesus as their Savior, even those who do not profess to seeing the Word of God as their standard, will use the Bible's admonition of 'not judging others' as their back-up to say 'don't judge me, don't call me out."
Most of the time when this phrase is used it is taken out of the context of Scripture. Often it is used as a way of saying to someone, "what I do is none of your business" or "what someone else does is none of your business." However, this sentiment is not the message of Scripture's 'not sitting in judgment of someone else." There are a many messages related to judging in the context of Scripture. Romans 2:1-4 speaks of judging others, calling another out for a wrong or sin when in fact the one doing the calling out/judging is doing the same thing. Paul is bringing out the fact that if I am pointing out your sin, I can be sure that if I'm engaging in the same/like practice, I will be held to the same standard as I'm pointing out to you.
Matthew 7:1-5 highlights a similar reality and perhaps is a more familiar verse even to those who don't read the Bible or take it's Truth to heart - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in our brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?...FIRST take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Among the primary point's of these verses is that we are not to be hypocritical. We actually are able to observe other's actions or hear their words and determine whether or not we are observing sin....and then we can speak the Truth IN LOVE in order to help another. However, we ought first evaluate our own actions and words, using the Word, Jesus as our standard. Then in grace and mercy, which we have received from the Lord, impart that to others. We are not able, however, to speak to another's motivation or intent of the heart....only God can see another's heart, only God really knows our own heart...God is the Judge of our hearts, and is even great than our hearts!
In Romans 2:1-4a, we see Paul admonishing believer's in a similar manner as Jesus' admonishment sited above. Paul is pointing out that, in fact, when I call out another's sin, and am practicing the same/like sin, I actually am condemning myself! Also, that I am actually calling into contempt (disrespect, dishonor, disgrace,disdain, scorn, calling out in hatred of, worthless, in meanness, and vile!) "the richness of God's kindness, tolerance, and patience" which is meant to lead others and ourselves to repentance. WOW. So when I point my finger against another (and really myself) I can actually be interrupting, negating, defocusing, interfering with the movement of God to bring folks to repentance (and Life).
It is not that we should not call sin, sin - we have an obligation as brother's and sister's in Christ, out of love, to speak the Truth in Love... it is that we do not put ourselves above our brother or sister when doing so, and that we do not do it while hiding our own sin.
(We are not to do so for any other reason, however, and we are not to do so in any other manner, other than love. When people are not in Christ, our approach is to be very different, however, because they are not looking to Jesus, they are not filled with the Holy Spirit, and don't have the capacity within (which is the Holy Spirit) to NOT sin... It becomes a different conversation, but is still in love. It becomes first about God's great Love for them, and how destructive actions hurt them (which is also the case for believers, sin is destructive and hurts us AND is an offense to God - because it hurts (us) the very ones God created in His Image...!) - this is another topic which deserves much more consideration.)
"Lord help me (us) to extend the kindness, tolerance, and patience that You do toward me (us), to others - leaving space for the Holy Spirit to call others (and myself) to Yourself!"
Yesterday we focused on the last part of 2:4; the Kindness of God leading us to repentance. Today we are looking at the proceeding verses, and the first half of verse 4. We hear a lot today about how we aren't suppose to judge others. Even those who do not proclaim Jesus as their Savior, even those who do not profess to seeing the Word of God as their standard, will use the Bible's admonition of 'not judging others' as their back-up to say 'don't judge me, don't call me out."
Most of the time when this phrase is used it is taken out of the context of Scripture. Often it is used as a way of saying to someone, "what I do is none of your business" or "what someone else does is none of your business." However, this sentiment is not the message of Scripture's 'not sitting in judgment of someone else." There are a many messages related to judging in the context of Scripture. Romans 2:1-4 speaks of judging others, calling another out for a wrong or sin when in fact the one doing the calling out/judging is doing the same thing. Paul is bringing out the fact that if I am pointing out your sin, I can be sure that if I'm engaging in the same/like practice, I will be held to the same standard as I'm pointing out to you.
Matthew 7:1-5 highlights a similar reality and perhaps is a more familiar verse even to those who don't read the Bible or take it's Truth to heart - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in our brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?...FIRST take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Among the primary point's of these verses is that we are not to be hypocritical. We actually are able to observe other's actions or hear their words and determine whether or not we are observing sin....and then we can speak the Truth IN LOVE in order to help another. However, we ought first evaluate our own actions and words, using the Word, Jesus as our standard. Then in grace and mercy, which we have received from the Lord, impart that to others. We are not able, however, to speak to another's motivation or intent of the heart....only God can see another's heart, only God really knows our own heart...God is the Judge of our hearts, and is even great than our hearts!
In Romans 2:1-4a, we see Paul admonishing believer's in a similar manner as Jesus' admonishment sited above. Paul is pointing out that, in fact, when I call out another's sin, and am practicing the same/like sin, I actually am condemning myself! Also, that I am actually calling into contempt (disrespect, dishonor, disgrace,disdain, scorn, calling out in hatred of, worthless, in meanness, and vile!) "the richness of God's kindness, tolerance, and patience" which is meant to lead others and ourselves to repentance. WOW. So when I point my finger against another (and really myself) I can actually be interrupting, negating, defocusing, interfering with the movement of God to bring folks to repentance (and Life).
It is not that we should not call sin, sin - we have an obligation as brother's and sister's in Christ, out of love, to speak the Truth in Love... it is that we do not put ourselves above our brother or sister when doing so, and that we do not do it while hiding our own sin.
(We are not to do so for any other reason, however, and we are not to do so in any other manner, other than love. When people are not in Christ, our approach is to be very different, however, because they are not looking to Jesus, they are not filled with the Holy Spirit, and don't have the capacity within (which is the Holy Spirit) to NOT sin... It becomes a different conversation, but is still in love. It becomes first about God's great Love for them, and how destructive actions hurt them (which is also the case for believers, sin is destructive and hurts us AND is an offense to God - because it hurts (us) the very ones God created in His Image...!) - this is another topic which deserves much more consideration.)
"Lord help me (us) to extend the kindness, tolerance, and patience that You do toward me (us), to others - leaving space for the Holy Spirit to call others (and myself) to Yourself!"
Friday, June 4, 2010
God's Kindness
Romans 2
This chapter contains one of the realities that I recall nearly everyday - because by God's grace I see and experience it many times a day - "...God's kindness..."(Romans 2:4). God's kindness is evident (as Romans 1 describes! ) generally, all around (me) us everyday. All kindness has it's origin in God. "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). (I) We also see specific, non-generalized, kindness toward us everyday - often we don't see it as such, or we don't recognize it as "God's Kindness", yet that does not change the reality - all kindness is God's kindness....Please feel free to debate this, I'd like to hear any opposing position!
But this isn't the whole of the reality - God's kindness. "...God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Did you know that God's kindness is not an end in itself, although it is a necessary and wonderful experience? There is an expected response to God's kindness...and expectation of the Giver of kindness. It is a response of repentance...a realization that I don't deserve God's kindness - I can't 'earn' God's kindness - unlike 1 + 1 = 2...God's kindness is not based on an equation. "If I _______(a good thing) then I will receive kindness in return." We can all recall situations when we have been kind to others, when we have done good things, and we have not received 'in kind' back, right? God's kindness isn't dependent on my being kind; God's kindness is dependent on God - because God is kind and because God loves us (God is Love) - that is why God is kind toward us.
However, what is my response to kindness? It is to reflect on the condition of my own actions/attitudes/...sin - and then because of God's kindness, I am led to say, "thank You Lord...please forgive me for__________; thank You for Your Kindness toward me, thank You for all the blessings in my life, thank You for Your provision, Your protection, Your Presence, Your kindness toward me, Your Love..."
And do you know what repentance leads to? Life. Real Life. Not only salvation - although that would be enough! Every time I am repentant I gain more freedom in real time.
It is likened to the principle that "I'm blessed to be a blessing." That when I receive blessing (God's kindness!), my response is to turn around and pass that blessing on to someone else, who in turn...
"Lord, help us to have eyes to see You, Your Kindness, to repent, and Live!"
Tomorrow's Bible Reading will focus on the first part of verse 4; and the previous verses in the chapter in order to see the context of this part of the verse! Stay tuned!
This chapter contains one of the realities that I recall nearly everyday - because by God's grace I see and experience it many times a day - "...God's kindness..."(Romans 2:4). God's kindness is evident (as Romans 1 describes! ) generally, all around (me) us everyday. All kindness has it's origin in God. "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). (I) We also see specific, non-generalized, kindness toward us everyday - often we don't see it as such, or we don't recognize it as "God's Kindness", yet that does not change the reality - all kindness is God's kindness....Please feel free to debate this, I'd like to hear any opposing position!
But this isn't the whole of the reality - God's kindness. "...God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Did you know that God's kindness is not an end in itself, although it is a necessary and wonderful experience? There is an expected response to God's kindness...and expectation of the Giver of kindness. It is a response of repentance...a realization that I don't deserve God's kindness - I can't 'earn' God's kindness - unlike 1 + 1 = 2...God's kindness is not based on an equation. "If I _______(a good thing) then I will receive kindness in return." We can all recall situations when we have been kind to others, when we have done good things, and we have not received 'in kind' back, right? God's kindness isn't dependent on my being kind; God's kindness is dependent on God - because God is kind and because God loves us (God is Love) - that is why God is kind toward us.
However, what is my response to kindness? It is to reflect on the condition of my own actions/attitudes/...sin - and then because of God's kindness, I am led to say, "thank You Lord...please forgive me for__________; thank You for Your Kindness toward me, thank You for all the blessings in my life, thank You for Your provision, Your protection, Your Presence, Your kindness toward me, Your Love..."
And do you know what repentance leads to? Life. Real Life. Not only salvation - although that would be enough! Every time I am repentant I gain more freedom in real time.
It is likened to the principle that "I'm blessed to be a blessing." That when I receive blessing (God's kindness!), my response is to turn around and pass that blessing on to someone else, who in turn...
"Lord, help us to have eyes to see You, Your Kindness, to repent, and Live!"
Tomorrow's Bible Reading will focus on the first part of verse 4; and the previous verses in the chapter in order to see the context of this part of the verse! Stay tuned!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Increase My Faith Lord
Romans 1
We start today with the book of Romans. It is speculated from historical, extra-Biblical literature that Paul was released from his Roman prison after 2 years, never going before Caesar - perhaps the prosecutors didn't get their legal accusations together in a timely manner...whatever the case, he didn't 'rot in jail' nor was he executed at that point (Acts 28)!
Romans 1 is a powerful apologetic for how the world is without acknowledgment and Lordship of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The state of our nation is reflected through the reading of Romans 1...not much 'new under the sun' - we could substitute 'anywhere' USA for Rome.
What struck me in the reading is the (saving) faith principle - the nature of faith (1:5, 12; Ephesians 2:8; Colossians 2:12-15; Hebrews 10:4). It is a gift from God. Faith in Christ cannot be earned, it has to be given by God and has to be received by us, through the grace of God. Today as I have often done and will continue to do, I ask God to increase my faith...to increase, add to, enlarge, the gift of faith that He has given me. Romans 1:17, "...the righteous will live by faith". I want the Lord to add to the gift of faith He has given me and I've received, such that my life - that is really His Life through me (Galatians 2:20) - will be a greater and greater walk of faith. So that I will decreasingly walk based on what my eyes see, my ears hear, my hands perform, my feelings reveal...but that increasingly my eyes will be the eyes of FAITH, my ears would be the ears of FAITH, my hands would be the hands of FAITH, and my feelings would reveal FAITH. That God will be Glorified!
Would you join me today in asking the Lord to increase your faith? "Lord, increase faith within me."
We start today with the book of Romans. It is speculated from historical, extra-Biblical literature that Paul was released from his Roman prison after 2 years, never going before Caesar - perhaps the prosecutors didn't get their legal accusations together in a timely manner...whatever the case, he didn't 'rot in jail' nor was he executed at that point (Acts 28)!
Romans 1 is a powerful apologetic for how the world is without acknowledgment and Lordship of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The state of our nation is reflected through the reading of Romans 1...not much 'new under the sun' - we could substitute 'anywhere' USA for Rome.
What struck me in the reading is the (saving) faith principle - the nature of faith (1:5, 12; Ephesians 2:8; Colossians 2:12-15; Hebrews 10:4). It is a gift from God. Faith in Christ cannot be earned, it has to be given by God and has to be received by us, through the grace of God. Today as I have often done and will continue to do, I ask God to increase my faith...to increase, add to, enlarge, the gift of faith that He has given me. Romans 1:17, "...the righteous will live by faith". I want the Lord to add to the gift of faith He has given me and I've received, such that my life - that is really His Life through me (Galatians 2:20) - will be a greater and greater walk of faith. So that I will decreasingly walk based on what my eyes see, my ears hear, my hands perform, my feelings reveal...but that increasingly my eyes will be the eyes of FAITH, my ears would be the ears of FAITH, my hands would be the hands of FAITH, and my feelings would reveal FAITH. That God will be Glorified!
Would you join me today in asking the Lord to increase your faith? "Lord, increase faith within me."
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Journey and Destination
Acts 28
Food for Life:
Acts 28
Through the book of Acts, through to this last chapter, Paul is traveling to a destination (in Acts 28, Rome) yet on his journey with Jesus, to his destination, he takes every opportunity to speak of/bring healing in the hope that lies within him...the Hope of Glory, Jesus Christ Himself! "For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain" (28:20). Even in chains, Paul takes opportunity, even ASKS for opportunity (first with his Father, and then the people) to speak about the Hope within him; the hope that is also "Israel" [Israel's]...even if they don't know it yet!
In reading, I began to think about my destinations(s) and my journey with Jesus. Do I take every opportunity and ask for the opportunity - through prayer and with those around me - to speak on the Hope of Glory, not only when I arrive to my intended destination, but all along the way, all along my journey with Jesus?
Paul found himself in all kinds of unintended places throughout his journey, toward his destination. I too experience that, do you? Do you find yourself in unintended, even undesirable places as you are striving/working toward/traveling to a destination? Do you find yourself not reaching your intended destination at times? I do.
What do you do with that? Sometimes I grumble and complain (within myself, to the Lord) and ask, "what am I doing here???" Do you? Sometimes I waste precious time with this questioning, rather than, like Paul, blooming where I'm planted; taking and asking for opportunity to testify through word and deed about the Hope that lies within me. I wonder how many people have not received of the Lord because I was busy "grumbling" instead of being busy about the things of the Lord?
What about you?
"Lord, forgive me/us for planting ourselves, at times, in our own ways and plans and then grumbling when they don't materialize. Instead, help us by Your Grace and Holy Spirit Power to recognize that You are about greater and higher things, in our places not planned (by us), than we can imagine! Help us to be so immersed in You that it really won't matter the when's and where's, but only about The One and Whose we are and Who You want to hear about and experience the Hope that lies within us. Thank You Lord for the Apostle Paul's example. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Thank You for Jesus!!"
Food for Life:
Acts 28
Through the book of Acts, through to this last chapter, Paul is traveling to a destination (in Acts 28, Rome) yet on his journey with Jesus, to his destination, he takes every opportunity to speak of/bring healing in the hope that lies within him...the Hope of Glory, Jesus Christ Himself! "For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain" (28:20). Even in chains, Paul takes opportunity, even ASKS for opportunity (first with his Father, and then the people) to speak about the Hope within him; the hope that is also "Israel" [Israel's]...even if they don't know it yet!
In reading, I began to think about my destinations(s) and my journey with Jesus. Do I take every opportunity and ask for the opportunity - through prayer and with those around me - to speak on the Hope of Glory, not only when I arrive to my intended destination, but all along the way, all along my journey with Jesus?
Paul found himself in all kinds of unintended places throughout his journey, toward his destination. I too experience that, do you? Do you find yourself in unintended, even undesirable places as you are striving/working toward/traveling to a destination? Do you find yourself not reaching your intended destination at times? I do.
What do you do with that? Sometimes I grumble and complain (within myself, to the Lord) and ask, "what am I doing here???" Do you? Sometimes I waste precious time with this questioning, rather than, like Paul, blooming where I'm planted; taking and asking for opportunity to testify through word and deed about the Hope that lies within me. I wonder how many people have not received of the Lord because I was busy "grumbling" instead of being busy about the things of the Lord?
What about you?
"Lord, forgive me/us for planting ourselves, at times, in our own ways and plans and then grumbling when they don't materialize. Instead, help us by Your Grace and Holy Spirit Power to recognize that You are about greater and higher things, in our places not planned (by us), than we can imagine! Help us to be so immersed in You that it really won't matter the when's and where's, but only about The One and Whose we are and Who You want to hear about and experience the Hope that lies within us. Thank You Lord for the Apostle Paul's example. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Thank You for Jesus!!"
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Weapons of our Warfare ( 2 Corinthians 10:4,5)
Today I'm snagging another's devotional - as it is so necessary an understanding for us as we journey with Jesus! It comes from "Ransomed Heart" "Lord help us to see Life from Your viewpoint - to see the spiritual reality of our earthly lives, and call on You to do what only You can do! To remember that, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but Divine, and able to tear down every stronghold and lofty speculation raised up against the knowledge of God..." (2 Corinthians 10:4,5)!!
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
There Is No Escaping This War
Remember, when Jesus boiled his whole mission down to healing the brokenhearted and setting prisoners free from darkness, he was referring to all of us. Our modern, scientific, Enlightenment worldview has simply removed spiritual warfare as a practical category, and so it shouldn't surprise us that we can't see spiritual strongholds after we say they don't really exist.
If you deny the battle raging against your heart, well, then, the thief just gets to steal and kill and destroy. Some friends of mine started a Christian school together a few years ago. It had been their shared dream for nearly all their adult lives. After years of praying and talking and dreaming, it finally happened. Then the assault came . . . but they would not see it as such. It was "hassles" and "misunderstanding" at first. As it grew worse, it became a rift between them. A mutual friend warned them of the warfare, urged them to fight it as such. "No," they insisted, "this is about us. We just don't see eye-to-eye." I'm sorry to say their school shut its doors a few months ago, and the two aren't speaking to each other. Because they refused to fight it for the warfare it was, they got taken out. I could tell you many, many stories like that.
There is no war is the subtle-but pervasive-lie sown by an Enemy so familiar to us we don't even see him. For too long he has infiltrated the ranks of the church, and we haven't even recognized him.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
There Is No Escaping This War
Remember, when Jesus boiled his whole mission down to healing the brokenhearted and setting prisoners free from darkness, he was referring to all of us. Our modern, scientific, Enlightenment worldview has simply removed spiritual warfare as a practical category, and so it shouldn't surprise us that we can't see spiritual strongholds after we say they don't really exist.
If you deny the battle raging against your heart, well, then, the thief just gets to steal and kill and destroy. Some friends of mine started a Christian school together a few years ago. It had been their shared dream for nearly all their adult lives. After years of praying and talking and dreaming, it finally happened. Then the assault came . . . but they would not see it as such. It was "hassles" and "misunderstanding" at first. As it grew worse, it became a rift between them. A mutual friend warned them of the warfare, urged them to fight it as such. "No," they insisted, "this is about us. We just don't see eye-to-eye." I'm sorry to say their school shut its doors a few months ago, and the two aren't speaking to each other. Because they refused to fight it for the warfare it was, they got taken out. I could tell you many, many stories like that.
There is no war is the subtle-but pervasive-lie sown by an Enemy so familiar to us we don't even see him. For too long he has infiltrated the ranks of the church, and we haven't even recognized him.
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