Embracing
“–verb (used with object)
1.to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.
2.to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea.
3.to avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity.
4.to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.): to embrace Buddhism.
5.to take in with the eye or the mind.
6.to encircle; surround; enclose.
7.to include or contain: An encyclopedia embraces a great number of subjects.
(online dictionary 4.19.2010).
Embracing (verb) the will of God (object). Embracing (verb) God (object).
Embracing God.
It does happen. There is a moment that can be experienced. The moment of transformation when the spirit, mind, emotion, heart, will is transformed into God’s Spirit, Mind, Emotion, Heart, and Will.
Two weeks ago this transformational moment occurred. I can remember it vividly or at least I can remember the moment when my will was set in one direction and then the moment when my will changed and embraced God’s will. How do I know this happened? - Because I was struggling, fussing, tossing and turning, and in flux. Not all at once, in fact, I was putting one foot in front of the other, taking steps to (continue) to bloom where I was planted, and experiencing moments of contentment where the Lord had placed me. But from time to time lapses of discontent would enter in, betraying my contentment.
Prayer would come. I would continue to ask the Lord for direction, for change, for it to look like this or look like that – and end with “I am willing Lord for whatever it is You have God…just let me know it’s You. I don’t want to go where You aren’t taking me; I don’t want to stay where You are keeping me. Thank You Lord.”
After living in my current location for approximately 6 years, my prayer was one more time, “I have open hands Lord, my heart is open, if this is where You want me to be, then I receive You here.” And then … peace (Psalm 46:4). And amazement. As if the whirlpool had ceased and the water was calm. Transformation happened (Romans 12:2).
So, is the will of God that I continue to live at my current location? Is this transformation about a location, a gifting, or a particular ministry? Well, it may be. However, this transformation is more about embracing what the Lord is doing in and through me and what He wants to do in and through me. Embracing the reality that God’s ways aren’t mine, and that my life is not mine, and my preferences aren’t the Preferred Option.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
"Do Not Worry About Tomorrow"
Food for Life:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"(Matthew 6:33.34)
Have you ever read Scripture, heard a sermon or teaching, or been part of a conversation and thought, "that doesn't apply to me" or just a feeling or sense that you couldn't relate to what you were reading or hearing? I have (too). Usually I think this or have a sense of it because I haven't (yet) experienced what is being illustrated.
And yet - there isn't ANYTHING in Scripture that is not applicable for me and life on earth. Sooner or later, what I read, applies to me - whether I 'see it' or not. It either relates to me directly or indirectly.
Early this morning before rising, as I was thinking and meditating, I had moments of anxiety and worry. I was thinking about what I will do when I'm no longer able to work - and thus, have no income. Not being someone who has established retirement accounts and other advisable acts for an older age, this has crossed my mind from time to time.
As I read the Word, Matthew 6:33, 34 was highlighted! You see, I have not yet experienced not having food, clothing, or shelter - but it is possible that someday I might! However, this Word says that I need not worry about it, because as a child of God, God will take care of my needs. AS I SEEK FIRST God, God's righteousness/His Kingdom - this is where my security lies - in Christ.
Saints, even if we have jobs, retirement accounts, and investments - it is possible to loose those things...But God - as we continue to seek God first, and be about the 'business' of God - God will take care of us. In fact, when we are working, saving, and investing, it still is God who takes care of us, if through those activities. It can be easy to forget that it is God who sustains us when we have our health, strength, and youth - but when this isn't the case...what then?
"Do not put your security and trust in anything you can loose"....this is the reality of Matthew 6:33, 34...this is reality of life for you and for me. Today.
"Lord I pray for my loved ones and those I don't know today who are experiencing worry because they have lost their jobs, they have health challenges, they have lost their homes. I ask that Your Holy Spirit would usher in a sense of Your Presence that would fill them with peace in the middle of the storm. God that You would help each one of us to focus on You and Your ways - seeing You as the One who sustains and gives us our daily bread. Thank You Lord!"
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"(Matthew 6:33.34)
Have you ever read Scripture, heard a sermon or teaching, or been part of a conversation and thought, "that doesn't apply to me" or just a feeling or sense that you couldn't relate to what you were reading or hearing? I have (too). Usually I think this or have a sense of it because I haven't (yet) experienced what is being illustrated.
And yet - there isn't ANYTHING in Scripture that is not applicable for me and life on earth. Sooner or later, what I read, applies to me - whether I 'see it' or not. It either relates to me directly or indirectly.
Early this morning before rising, as I was thinking and meditating, I had moments of anxiety and worry. I was thinking about what I will do when I'm no longer able to work - and thus, have no income. Not being someone who has established retirement accounts and other advisable acts for an older age, this has crossed my mind from time to time.
As I read the Word, Matthew 6:33, 34 was highlighted! You see, I have not yet experienced not having food, clothing, or shelter - but it is possible that someday I might! However, this Word says that I need not worry about it, because as a child of God, God will take care of my needs. AS I SEEK FIRST God, God's righteousness/His Kingdom - this is where my security lies - in Christ.
Saints, even if we have jobs, retirement accounts, and investments - it is possible to loose those things...But God - as we continue to seek God first, and be about the 'business' of God - God will take care of us. In fact, when we are working, saving, and investing, it still is God who takes care of us, if through those activities. It can be easy to forget that it is God who sustains us when we have our health, strength, and youth - but when this isn't the case...what then?
"Do not put your security and trust in anything you can loose"....this is the reality of Matthew 6:33, 34...this is reality of life for you and for me. Today.
"Lord I pray for my loved ones and those I don't know today who are experiencing worry because they have lost their jobs, they have health challenges, they have lost their homes. I ask that Your Holy Spirit would usher in a sense of Your Presence that would fill them with peace in the middle of the storm. God that You would help each one of us to focus on You and Your ways - seeing You as the One who sustains and gives us our daily bread. Thank You Lord!"
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wisdom is Proved Right by Her Actions
Matthew 11:19
"...Wisdom is proved right by her actions."
This hit me this morning as I spent some time with the Lord in the Word. Who doesn't want to be wise? What is wisdom? (http://www.pbministries.org/books/pink/Miscellaneous/fear_of_the_lord.htm) ; Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10, Jo:28:28, Psalm 111:10 states similarly). Revering, fearing, recognizing the Majesty, Splendor, Power, Might - the All-ness of God - that is only the BEGINNING of wisdom!
Rightly applying knowledge and understanding from God's point of view, in everyday life, is wisdom. And then the Scripture, Jesus Himself stated, that the proof of wisdom is revealed in actions...what is the result of my action today? Will it prove (today or in the day's to come) to be wise - or foolish? Will my actions prove to be self-centered or Christ-centered? Will my actions prove to be worthy of eternity or will they be burned up in the last days?
Will you join me in asking these questions of ourselves today? Ask God. He will be please to show us. Do you need wisdom today? YES, I do! James says that if we ask God for wisdom...God will give it to us generously and without reproach (w/o blaming, shaming, or calling into question) (James 1:5).
"Lord thank You that You are the One who holds all wisdom. Thank You, All-Wise One, that You not only are All-Wise but that You will give wisdom to me, to us when we ask! James tell us our approach in asking is key, we must ask You and not doubt that You are able and will give us Wisdom! We believe Lord, help our unbelief!"
"...Wisdom is proved right by her actions."
This hit me this morning as I spent some time with the Lord in the Word. Who doesn't want to be wise? What is wisdom? (http://www.pbministries.org/books/pink/Miscellaneous/fear_of_the_lord.htm) ; Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10, Jo:28:28, Psalm 111:10 states similarly). Revering, fearing, recognizing the Majesty, Splendor, Power, Might - the All-ness of God - that is only the BEGINNING of wisdom!
Rightly applying knowledge and understanding from God's point of view, in everyday life, is wisdom. And then the Scripture, Jesus Himself stated, that the proof of wisdom is revealed in actions...what is the result of my action today? Will it prove (today or in the day's to come) to be wise - or foolish? Will my actions prove to be self-centered or Christ-centered? Will my actions prove to be worthy of eternity or will they be burned up in the last days?
Will you join me in asking these questions of ourselves today? Ask God. He will be please to show us. Do you need wisdom today? YES, I do! James says that if we ask God for wisdom...God will give it to us generously and without reproach (w/o blaming, shaming, or calling into question) (James 1:5).
"Lord thank You that You are the One who holds all wisdom. Thank You, All-Wise One, that You not only are All-Wise but that You will give wisdom to me, to us when we ask! James tell us our approach in asking is key, we must ask You and not doubt that You are able and will give us Wisdom! We believe Lord, help our unbelief!"
Monday, April 25, 2011
2 Corinthians 5 (Assurance of the Resurrection)
"He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (vs.21).
In reading one of my daily devotionals, I was reminded of the above verse. And then, this whole chapter...how fitting as we have just celebrated Holy Week...ending with Resurrection (Easter) Sunday! I love how God fits things together - how He rivets our (my) attention to what He wants us to hear, receive, and walk in ('we walk by faith and not by sight' is also contained in this chapter portion of Scripture).
In order for you and I to be clothed with righteousness, to be clothed with Jesus, thus everything Christ is and represents, Jesus had to take on that in which we were clothed....unrighteousness - sin. Deitrich Bonfoeffer said it this way, "When God's Son took on flesh, He truly and bodily took on, out of pure grace, our being, our nature, ourselves. This was the eternal counsel of the triune God. Now we are in Him. Where He is, we are too, in the incarnation, on the Cross, and in His resurrection. We belong to Him because we are in Him. That is why the Scriptures call us the Body of Christ" (p. 116, "All I Need", MM Suggs).
How could you and I grasp this reality, except that we accept to 'walk by faith and not by sight'? I pray today, for you and I, that we walk by faith (in the Living Christ) and not by sight. Walking by faith in what is set before us this day - in our homes, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our relationships, in the projects, and endeavors of this day. We not only have been given new (Christ's disposition) but the mind of Christ filled with all wisdom, understanding, and knowledge for today!
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
"He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (vs.21).
In reading one of my daily devotionals, I was reminded of the above verse. And then, this whole chapter...how fitting as we have just celebrated Holy Week...ending with Resurrection (Easter) Sunday! I love how God fits things together - how He rivets our (my) attention to what He wants us to hear, receive, and walk in ('we walk by faith and not by sight' is also contained in this chapter portion of Scripture).
In order for you and I to be clothed with righteousness, to be clothed with Jesus, thus everything Christ is and represents, Jesus had to take on that in which we were clothed....unrighteousness - sin. Deitrich Bonfoeffer said it this way, "When God's Son took on flesh, He truly and bodily took on, out of pure grace, our being, our nature, ourselves. This was the eternal counsel of the triune God. Now we are in Him. Where He is, we are too, in the incarnation, on the Cross, and in His resurrection. We belong to Him because we are in Him. That is why the Scriptures call us the Body of Christ" (p. 116, "All I Need", MM Suggs).
How could you and I grasp this reality, except that we accept to 'walk by faith and not by sight'? I pray today, for you and I, that we walk by faith (in the Living Christ) and not by sight. Walking by faith in what is set before us this day - in our homes, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our relationships, in the projects, and endeavors of this day. We not only have been given new (Christ's disposition) but the mind of Christ filled with all wisdom, understanding, and knowledge for today!
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
"It Is Finished...He Is Risen...He Is Risen Indeed!"
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Below is a devotion that is powerful, describing the events that are the most important and life changing of all of human history - past, present, and future! And they are the events that we remember and celebrate this week...Holy Week and what we call Easter. Blessings of Love to you and yours,
Robin
"He is Risen
April 22 – April 24
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” -Apostle Paul
His story…
THE Passion. “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.” (Luke 22:44 ESV) The Garden. A place where Jesus had come many times before to pray. But this time was different. This time He was in an agony. What’s interesting is that this is the only time this phrase is used in all of scripture. It was not just agony. It was an agony. A battle… a fight… a struggle in deep anguish. “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me…” Lying on His face, prostrate before His Father. Crying out in such deep distress that the capillaries under his skin burst and “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (vs. 44). Typically this kind of agony can cause brain damage, or even death. But Jesus lived on… to die…
THE Punishment. “But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV) Being hung on a cross to die was common in those days. But this was different. Before the actual crucifixion, Jesus was brutally beaten. Burly Roman soldiers used their clenched fists and pounded His face over and over again “we esteemed Him stricken” (vs. 4). Handfuls of His beard were yanked out. Onlookers walked up to him, cleared their throats, and spit in His face. A crown of thorns was placed on His head, and then driven deep into His skull with wooden reeds “He was afflicted” (vs. 7). Stripped naked, He was scourged with a cat of nine tails — so named because there were nine strands, and on the end of those nine strands were pieces of metal or bone, designed to dig into the skin and rip it open. Normally a man was whipped with 39 lashes. 39 lashes with 9 strands. Do the math. When they were done Jesus’ lacerated flesh hung from His body in long strips, exposing muscle, sinew and even bone — “with His stripes we are healed” (vs. 5) After all of that, He was then made to carry His own cross “Surely He has born our griefs and carried our sorrows” (vs. 4). Nailed to the cross, the One who knew no sin, became sin for us “and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (vs. 6).
THE Proclamation. Hours of wretched suffering. One last time Jesus pushed up against the nail in His feet to take the pressure off of His diaphragm so He could take His final breath. Burning lungs filled with air, and then from a parched throat, through swollen, broken bleeding lips, the very Son of God cried out, “It — Is — Finished!” Every Jew within earshot knew those words. They were the words the high priest used every year to proclaim that their sins had once again been atoned for, by the sacrificing of a spotless, unblemished lamb. But this was different. The Lamb of God — the perfect Passover Lamb — who came to take away the sin of the world, (John 1:29) was proclaiming for all to hear, that once and for all, the final sacrifice had been made. “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by the means of the blood of goats and calves, but by the means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12 ESV) Then He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit…
THE Promise. A few days before, Jesus had told His disciples that He was about to die. Sensing the fear and anxiety that they were experiencing, He gave them this promise, “I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3 NASV) A dead god could never keep that promise. Surely He couldn’t mean that He would actually die. But then, albeit from distant hiding places, they watched Him do just that — die. Now what? Hopes, dreams and promises dashed upon the stone placed and sealed at the entrance of His borrowed tomb. Hear these words. In them you will find the hope of His promise — “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James… came to the tomb… and looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away… they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, ‘Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here!!‘” (Mark 16:1-6 NASV) Up from the grave He arose… with a mighty triumph o’er His foes! We do not believe in a God who was once alive and now He is dead. We follow after a God who once was dead and now He is alive. Life is no longer a hopeless end… it is an endless hope.
The death, burial and resurrection of Christ were a moment in time – no, it was THE moment in time — that changed the course of humanity. A perfect offering presented. That which had been spoken of by the prophets in Scripture, fulfilled. God’s gift of love, freely given to all who will receive.
In the great “Resurrection Chapter”, Paul presents the gospel — “…Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures… and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain…” (1 Corinthians 15 ESV). These words are not a defense of the resurrection. They are in effect a declaration of the most important words in Christianity… He is risen! Words that turned the world around.
Our response? He is risen indeed! Our opportunity? To “know Him… and the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10 ESV)
Happy Easter!" (AACC.net devotional)
Below is a devotion that is powerful, describing the events that are the most important and life changing of all of human history - past, present, and future! And they are the events that we remember and celebrate this week...Holy Week and what we call Easter. Blessings of Love to you and yours,
Robin
"He is Risen
April 22 – April 24
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” -Apostle Paul
His story…
THE Passion. “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.” (Luke 22:44 ESV) The Garden. A place where Jesus had come many times before to pray. But this time was different. This time He was in an agony. What’s interesting is that this is the only time this phrase is used in all of scripture. It was not just agony. It was an agony. A battle… a fight… a struggle in deep anguish. “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me…” Lying on His face, prostrate before His Father. Crying out in such deep distress that the capillaries under his skin burst and “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (vs. 44). Typically this kind of agony can cause brain damage, or even death. But Jesus lived on… to die…
THE Punishment. “But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV) Being hung on a cross to die was common in those days. But this was different. Before the actual crucifixion, Jesus was brutally beaten. Burly Roman soldiers used their clenched fists and pounded His face over and over again “we esteemed Him stricken” (vs. 4). Handfuls of His beard were yanked out. Onlookers walked up to him, cleared their throats, and spit in His face. A crown of thorns was placed on His head, and then driven deep into His skull with wooden reeds “He was afflicted” (vs. 7). Stripped naked, He was scourged with a cat of nine tails — so named because there were nine strands, and on the end of those nine strands were pieces of metal or bone, designed to dig into the skin and rip it open. Normally a man was whipped with 39 lashes. 39 lashes with 9 strands. Do the math. When they were done Jesus’ lacerated flesh hung from His body in long strips, exposing muscle, sinew and even bone — “with His stripes we are healed” (vs. 5) After all of that, He was then made to carry His own cross “Surely He has born our griefs and carried our sorrows” (vs. 4). Nailed to the cross, the One who knew no sin, became sin for us “and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (vs. 6).
THE Proclamation. Hours of wretched suffering. One last time Jesus pushed up against the nail in His feet to take the pressure off of His diaphragm so He could take His final breath. Burning lungs filled with air, and then from a parched throat, through swollen, broken bleeding lips, the very Son of God cried out, “It — Is — Finished!” Every Jew within earshot knew those words. They were the words the high priest used every year to proclaim that their sins had once again been atoned for, by the sacrificing of a spotless, unblemished lamb. But this was different. The Lamb of God — the perfect Passover Lamb — who came to take away the sin of the world, (John 1:29) was proclaiming for all to hear, that once and for all, the final sacrifice had been made. “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by the means of the blood of goats and calves, but by the means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12 ESV) Then He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit…
THE Promise. A few days before, Jesus had told His disciples that He was about to die. Sensing the fear and anxiety that they were experiencing, He gave them this promise, “I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3 NASV) A dead god could never keep that promise. Surely He couldn’t mean that He would actually die. But then, albeit from distant hiding places, they watched Him do just that — die. Now what? Hopes, dreams and promises dashed upon the stone placed and sealed at the entrance of His borrowed tomb. Hear these words. In them you will find the hope of His promise — “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James… came to the tomb… and looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away… they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, ‘Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here!!‘” (Mark 16:1-6 NASV) Up from the grave He arose… with a mighty triumph o’er His foes! We do not believe in a God who was once alive and now He is dead. We follow after a God who once was dead and now He is alive. Life is no longer a hopeless end… it is an endless hope.
The death, burial and resurrection of Christ were a moment in time – no, it was THE moment in time — that changed the course of humanity. A perfect offering presented. That which had been spoken of by the prophets in Scripture, fulfilled. God’s gift of love, freely given to all who will receive.
In the great “Resurrection Chapter”, Paul presents the gospel — “…Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures… and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain…” (1 Corinthians 15 ESV). These words are not a defense of the resurrection. They are in effect a declaration of the most important words in Christianity… He is risen! Words that turned the world around.
Our response? He is risen indeed! Our opportunity? To “know Him… and the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10 ESV)
Happy Easter!" (AACC.net devotional)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Faith In...Who?
"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name....Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (John 20:30,31; Hebrews 11:1).
Many people talk about having faith today. "Just have faith, keep up the faith..." But the real issue is, as you know, is, "Faith in what....really, faith in Whom?" We don't start with faith. Faith begins with the Object of the faith; in the person of the faith that one holds.
The above Scripture defines well the meaning of Christian Faith. Faith in Whom? Faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus walked the earth, He did many miracles - more than those contained in the pages of Scripture. Why? So that those who witnessed the miracles, the disciples, would believe, so that they would have believe in Jesus as He walked among them and more importantly, they would have faith in Christ when He left them - physically!
That is where we are today. Faith means being sure of what we hope for (where is your hope?). And faith means being certain of what we do not see (if you can see physically see it, it doesn't require faith).
As we celebrate Jesus in the Holy Week...I pray that the "eyes of your (and my) heart would be enlightened - that our eyes of faith would increase, that we would know the hope to which Christ has called us, that hope which has in store a glorious inheritance in the saints, and that we would know His incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18,19).
Lord we believe, help our unbelief.
Many people talk about having faith today. "Just have faith, keep up the faith..." But the real issue is, as you know, is, "Faith in what....really, faith in Whom?" We don't start with faith. Faith begins with the Object of the faith; in the person of the faith that one holds.
The above Scripture defines well the meaning of Christian Faith. Faith in Whom? Faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus walked the earth, He did many miracles - more than those contained in the pages of Scripture. Why? So that those who witnessed the miracles, the disciples, would believe, so that they would have believe in Jesus as He walked among them and more importantly, they would have faith in Christ when He left them - physically!
That is where we are today. Faith means being sure of what we hope for (where is your hope?). And faith means being certain of what we do not see (if you can see physically see it, it doesn't require faith).
As we celebrate Jesus in the Holy Week...I pray that the "eyes of your (and my) heart would be enlightened - that our eyes of faith would increase, that we would know the hope to which Christ has called us, that hope which has in store a glorious inheritance in the saints, and that we would know His incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18,19).
Lord we believe, help our unbelief.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
With Our Whole Heart
Psalm 139; Psalm 19:12
"The sin that we cover, He will uncover — the sin that we uncover, He will cover. Surrender your whole heart to Him. Without a doubt, it will turn your life around."
The quote above struck me this morning. Particularly because of recent events in the life of our local church body - we have been rocked by sin uncovered...but now covered by the Lord - we are in a process which I believe is part of God bringing revival to His Church and thus extending the Kingdom of God in the community. That is how God works. He brings about repentance and life to His people (we all need to repent as part of our daily walk). And then those who are not yet part of God's Kingdom, see how God's people respond to the grace and mercy of the Lord toward themselves - us, God's people!
With this, yesterday, last night and this morning, the Lord has had me focused on 'the heart - relationship with Him', our hearts, my heart. What does it mean to "love God with all of our (my) heart..."? My WHOLE heart? The more my whole heart is toward, with God, the more fulness of walking in the Holy Spirit I will experience and the less giving in to temptation - going my own way - will materialize.
Let's face it. If there was any way I could walk in the Lord on my own - without my entire heart/being in relationship with God - then Jesus died for nothing. I wouldn't need Jesus if I could do it on my own. Neither would you. We can't. We need Jesus and He needs our whole heart and we need to give Him our whole heart. By God's grace, through the Holy Spirit, because of Jesus death, burial and resurrection - we can give Him our whole heart.
Our Whole Heart
“What a man [a woman] is before God, that he [she] is and nothing more.” -St. Francis of Assisi
Delilah said to him, “How can you say you ‘I love you’ when your heart is not with me?… So Sampson told her all that was in his heart… when Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lord of the Philistines… and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair… she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Sampson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had abandoned him. (Judges 16)
Sampson. Powerful and strong. It is interesting that his strength was not really in his hair. His strength was in his heart. He was a Nazirite. The Hebrew word nazir means consecrated or separated. And it was by choice. His mother Manoah had dedicated him to this Nazirite vow before his birth. However, Hebrew law required that when he was old enough to understand, he recommit his life… permanently… to this vow. His heart belonged solely to his God. Until he gave it up to Delilah.
In a similar story, Amaziah served as king in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 25:2 records this indictment, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.” Again, the original Hebrew language gives incredible insight into this verse. The word perfect (shalem), denotes complete… full… finished. Most of Amaziah’s heart was God’s. But he had saved out a little portion for himself. In the end, he was defeated and captured by Joash.
Could it be that many of the struggles in our Christian walk can be traced back to the same issue that Sampson and Amaziah had? A heart that is not “perfect” toward God. Those tiny areas that we hang onto for ourselves. The hidden parts. It has been said, “You’re only as sick as your secrets”. Perhaps that is why the Psalmist David pleaded “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me.” Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) Again in Psalm 19:12 “… cleanse thou me from secret faults.” (KJV)
The “grace” piece in all of this, is that God will do just that. He will show you the fragment of your heart that is not His. His Light will shine in the dark places of your heart to reveal the “secret place”. The sin that we cover, He will uncover — the sin that we uncover, He will cover. Surrender your whole heart to Him. Without a doubt, it will turn your life around. (Our Whole Heart is from aacc.net ).
"The sin that we cover, He will uncover — the sin that we uncover, He will cover. Surrender your whole heart to Him. Without a doubt, it will turn your life around."
The quote above struck me this morning. Particularly because of recent events in the life of our local church body - we have been rocked by sin uncovered...but now covered by the Lord - we are in a process which I believe is part of God bringing revival to His Church and thus extending the Kingdom of God in the community. That is how God works. He brings about repentance and life to His people (we all need to repent as part of our daily walk). And then those who are not yet part of God's Kingdom, see how God's people respond to the grace and mercy of the Lord toward themselves - us, God's people!
With this, yesterday, last night and this morning, the Lord has had me focused on 'the heart - relationship with Him', our hearts, my heart. What does it mean to "love God with all of our (my) heart..."? My WHOLE heart? The more my whole heart is toward, with God, the more fulness of walking in the Holy Spirit I will experience and the less giving in to temptation - going my own way - will materialize.
Let's face it. If there was any way I could walk in the Lord on my own - without my entire heart/being in relationship with God - then Jesus died for nothing. I wouldn't need Jesus if I could do it on my own. Neither would you. We can't. We need Jesus and He needs our whole heart and we need to give Him our whole heart. By God's grace, through the Holy Spirit, because of Jesus death, burial and resurrection - we can give Him our whole heart.
Our Whole Heart
“What a man [a woman] is before God, that he [she] is and nothing more.” -St. Francis of Assisi
Delilah said to him, “How can you say you ‘I love you’ when your heart is not with me?… So Sampson told her all that was in his heart… when Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lord of the Philistines… and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair… she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Sampson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had abandoned him. (Judges 16)
Sampson. Powerful and strong. It is interesting that his strength was not really in his hair. His strength was in his heart. He was a Nazirite. The Hebrew word nazir means consecrated or separated. And it was by choice. His mother Manoah had dedicated him to this Nazirite vow before his birth. However, Hebrew law required that when he was old enough to understand, he recommit his life… permanently… to this vow. His heart belonged solely to his God. Until he gave it up to Delilah.
In a similar story, Amaziah served as king in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 25:2 records this indictment, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.” Again, the original Hebrew language gives incredible insight into this verse. The word perfect (shalem), denotes complete… full… finished. Most of Amaziah’s heart was God’s. But he had saved out a little portion for himself. In the end, he was defeated and captured by Joash.
Could it be that many of the struggles in our Christian walk can be traced back to the same issue that Sampson and Amaziah had? A heart that is not “perfect” toward God. Those tiny areas that we hang onto for ourselves. The hidden parts. It has been said, “You’re only as sick as your secrets”. Perhaps that is why the Psalmist David pleaded “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me.” Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV) Again in Psalm 19:12 “… cleanse thou me from secret faults.” (KJV)
The “grace” piece in all of this, is that God will do just that. He will show you the fragment of your heart that is not His. His Light will shine in the dark places of your heart to reveal the “secret place”. The sin that we cover, He will uncover — the sin that we uncover, He will cover. Surrender your whole heart to Him. Without a doubt, it will turn your life around. (Our Whole Heart is from aacc.net ).
Monday, April 11, 2011
Praying Scripture
Ephesians 1:15-19
"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of you heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe..."
Wow. This is a declaration and prayer of Paul for the Ephesian believers. There is so much in this prayer - would you join me in praying this prayer for the next 30 days - through May 11, for this Food for Life group, and others that you would include? Let's pray this, expecting God to move in these ways described above - that God would give each of us the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we would know Him better; that our eyes of our hearts would be enlightened in order that we would know the hope to which He has called us (which is the glorious inheritance in the saints); and that we would know His incomparable great power that works in and through us!
Let us know if you will join us...it is such an encouragement to know that others are praying for us! Let's see what God will do!
Praying in the Power of the Holy Spirit and Love!,
Robin
"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of you heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe..."
Wow. This is a declaration and prayer of Paul for the Ephesian believers. There is so much in this prayer - would you join me in praying this prayer for the next 30 days - through May 11, for this Food for Life group, and others that you would include? Let's pray this, expecting God to move in these ways described above - that God would give each of us the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we would know Him better; that our eyes of our hearts would be enlightened in order that we would know the hope to which He has called us (which is the glorious inheritance in the saints); and that we would know His incomparable great power that works in and through us!
Let us know if you will join us...it is such an encouragement to know that others are praying for us! Let's see what God will do!
Praying in the Power of the Holy Spirit and Love!,
Robin
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Grace and Mercy
If it were not for God's grace and mercy, none of us could stand. Grace is a gift from the Lord, through Christ's work on the cross, ministered to us through the Holy Spirit and is something that no one can earn and thus no one deserves. Mercy is a gift given in the same way as grace, it is withholding judgement and death that we all have earned. "Lord help me to receive today Your grace and mercy, that I might extend grace and mercy to another."
Often we may think that we ourselves 'deserve' grace and mercy, but someone else doesn't. We may think that certainly they somehow have acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy. If this were so, than you and I would be that one - that one who has "acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy." But it isn't so - THANK GOD - that there is not 'one who is righteous' and there is not one who is condemned outside of God's love that extends His grace and His mercy (rjc).
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the god of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
"When we are going through hard times, God comforts us with grace, and that grace has a divine influence upon our hearts. Often he uses someone else to help bring that grace to us. And He comforts us in ALL of our trials. Then, further down the road, when we meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time, the grace that God poured into our lives is now reflected into their life – so that further down the road, when they meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time… And on and on it goes.
Life is tough. Struggles, trials and hard times will come. When they do, look around you. God is probably bringing someone along side of you to pour grace into your life. Grace to turn your life around — so that one day you can help turn someone else’s life around"(http://www.aacc.net/2011/03/29/real-soul-care/)
Often we may think that we ourselves 'deserve' grace and mercy, but someone else doesn't. We may think that certainly they somehow have acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy. If this were so, than you and I would be that one - that one who has "acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy." But it isn't so - THANK GOD - that there is not 'one who is righteous' and there is not one who is condemned outside of God's love that extends His grace and His mercy (rjc).
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the god of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
"When we are going through hard times, God comforts us with grace, and that grace has a divine influence upon our hearts. Often he uses someone else to help bring that grace to us. And He comforts us in ALL of our trials. Then, further down the road, when we meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time, the grace that God poured into our lives is now reflected into their life – so that further down the road, when they meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time… And on and on it goes.
Life is tough. Struggles, trials and hard times will come. When they do, look around you. God is probably bringing someone along side of you to pour grace into your life. Grace to turn your life around — so that one day you can help turn someone else’s life around"(http://www.aacc.net/2011/03/29/real-soul-care/)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
From the Inside Out
Galatians 6:11-18
"Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are tying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ" (vs 12).
From the inside out. This is the process by which God, through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, transforms us into the image of Christ! We who are saved, we who say, "yes, I believe in Jesus, I am a follower of Christ, I am a Christian" are all going through this transformation. And will be so until the day of Jesus - He either coming for us here on earth, or we going to Him!
So Paul continues to teach and exhort the believers in Galatia to NOT continue in the Jewish law as a way of looking good on the outside...for outward appearance. I'm reminded of the Scripture that speaks to a people who "honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me." Some Jewish religious leaders and others were commanding that the new non-Jewish believers - Gentiles - should follow the Jewish law in addition to believing.
Paul exposed those who commanded this as those who were not only trying to 'look good on the outside' but in fact, trying to avoid being persecuted by the religious Jews all around them - leaders who did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Also, perhaps those who did believe Jesus was the Messiah but wrongly thought that they needed to continue with the Law as a way to righteousness.
You and I could fill in a different word(s) in verse 12 above to substitute for "circumcision." There are those, perhaps we ourselves, who say or think that going to church every Sunday, Bible Study during the week, praying 3 times a day, giving a certain amount or percentage of money, and not doing a whole list of certain activities, are the ways that we either prove we are saved, or even are necessary as part of our salvation.
However, this line of thinking is backwards...putting the 'cart before the horse." Such things actually can help position us to grow in Christ! Especially as new believers, it can be really helpful to practice many of the things (they can be called 'spiritual disciplines") in order to help us start living new lives in Christ - to help us grow in relationship with the Lord! I remember as a new believer, back in the 1980's...these things were really helpful for me!
BUT the danger is in thinking that this is what earns us a relationship with Jesus; thinking that these things translate into salvation and that we can judge our own walk with the Lord and judge OTHERS in their walk with the Lord.
The truth is: going to church, studying and meditating on the Bible, praying, not engaging in harmful/potentially destructive activities for my body, mind and soul, acts of service - even writing this meditation - these are the FRUIT or the OUTCOME of my relationship with Christ. These (type) things help grow and strengthen my relationship with the Lord and are (to be) an indication of my desire to know Christ more and more. And so, for you as well.
"Lord please forgive me, please forgive us, when we judge ourselves and others by what we do instead of seeking You in our hearts. Help us to grow from the inside out. Help us Lord to recognize when we are thinking and acting in ways that cause us to look one way on the outside but really on the inside, we are far from You. Lord, you know we struggle because we are in this world. But the struggle isn't the issue - how we relate to You is the issue.. really, You are 'the issue." I pray God that each one of us would more and more reflect who You are - from the inside out. Thanks for Loving us Lord. Help us to love You more.."
"Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are tying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ" (vs 12).
From the inside out. This is the process by which God, through Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, transforms us into the image of Christ! We who are saved, we who say, "yes, I believe in Jesus, I am a follower of Christ, I am a Christian" are all going through this transformation. And will be so until the day of Jesus - He either coming for us here on earth, or we going to Him!
So Paul continues to teach and exhort the believers in Galatia to NOT continue in the Jewish law as a way of looking good on the outside...for outward appearance. I'm reminded of the Scripture that speaks to a people who "honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me." Some Jewish religious leaders and others were commanding that the new non-Jewish believers - Gentiles - should follow the Jewish law in addition to believing.
Paul exposed those who commanded this as those who were not only trying to 'look good on the outside' but in fact, trying to avoid being persecuted by the religious Jews all around them - leaders who did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Also, perhaps those who did believe Jesus was the Messiah but wrongly thought that they needed to continue with the Law as a way to righteousness.
You and I could fill in a different word(s) in verse 12 above to substitute for "circumcision." There are those, perhaps we ourselves, who say or think that going to church every Sunday, Bible Study during the week, praying 3 times a day, giving a certain amount or percentage of money, and not doing a whole list of certain activities, are the ways that we either prove we are saved, or even are necessary as part of our salvation.
However, this line of thinking is backwards...putting the 'cart before the horse." Such things actually can help position us to grow in Christ! Especially as new believers, it can be really helpful to practice many of the things (they can be called 'spiritual disciplines") in order to help us start living new lives in Christ - to help us grow in relationship with the Lord! I remember as a new believer, back in the 1980's...these things were really helpful for me!
BUT the danger is in thinking that this is what earns us a relationship with Jesus; thinking that these things translate into salvation and that we can judge our own walk with the Lord and judge OTHERS in their walk with the Lord.
The truth is: going to church, studying and meditating on the Bible, praying, not engaging in harmful/potentially destructive activities for my body, mind and soul, acts of service - even writing this meditation - these are the FRUIT or the OUTCOME of my relationship with Christ. These (type) things help grow and strengthen my relationship with the Lord and are (to be) an indication of my desire to know Christ more and more. And so, for you as well.
"Lord please forgive me, please forgive us, when we judge ourselves and others by what we do instead of seeking You in our hearts. Help us to grow from the inside out. Help us Lord to recognize when we are thinking and acting in ways that cause us to look one way on the outside but really on the inside, we are far from You. Lord, you know we struggle because we are in this world. But the struggle isn't the issue - how we relate to You is the issue.. really, You are 'the issue." I pray God that each one of us would more and more reflect who You are - from the inside out. Thanks for Loving us Lord. Help us to love You more.."
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
You Who Are Spiritual
Galatians 6:1-10
Sometimes Scripture is just so direct and clear that writing a devotional thought or exposition seems less than necessary or helpful! Such is the case with today's reading.
Just a few points to highlight - "you who are spiritual" in verse one is specifically speaking of those who are born again by the Holy Spirit, because of Christ's work of grace and mercy (forgiveness) on the Cross as ordained by God the Father - Christians who are walking in the Spirit. I highlight this because in today's world the word "spiritual" often defines spiritual as one's own definition or opinion.
The second highlight is "Let us not become weary in doing good" in verse nine. The reason you and I can be encouraged when we are tired of 'doing the right thing' - in the face of ingratitude, rejection, slap in the face, and even negative consequence and unreward - is because the reward that awaits us in eternity, for eternity is a reward that we cannot even comprehend or grasp it is so awesome!!!
Thirdly, "anyone who thinks he is something" verse three. Paul recognizes that it is easy for us to think we are above a certain sin that we are helping someone else with...he reminds us that we all are vulnerable to any sin the world, flesh, or devil offers - so we need to be careful of forgetting this, as forgetting sets us up to actually carry out that sin!
Fourthly, verse six, "share all good things" reminds us not to take for granted those who preach, teach, and show us the way of the Lord.
Here is today's reading - let's munch, mull, meditate, and marvel:
"Brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him [her] gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he [she] is something when he [she] is nothing, he [she]deceives himself [herself]. Each one should test his [her] own actions. Then he [she] can take pride in himself [herself], without comparing himself [herself] to somebody else, for each one should carry his [her] own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good thing with his [her] instructor.
Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man [woman] reaps what he [she] sows. The one who sows to please his [her] sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction, the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:1-10).
Sometimes Scripture is just so direct and clear that writing a devotional thought or exposition seems less than necessary or helpful! Such is the case with today's reading.
Just a few points to highlight - "you who are spiritual" in verse one is specifically speaking of those who are born again by the Holy Spirit, because of Christ's work of grace and mercy (forgiveness) on the Cross as ordained by God the Father - Christians who are walking in the Spirit. I highlight this because in today's world the word "spiritual" often defines spiritual as one's own definition or opinion.
The second highlight is "Let us not become weary in doing good" in verse nine. The reason you and I can be encouraged when we are tired of 'doing the right thing' - in the face of ingratitude, rejection, slap in the face, and even negative consequence and unreward - is because the reward that awaits us in eternity, for eternity is a reward that we cannot even comprehend or grasp it is so awesome!!!
Thirdly, "anyone who thinks he is something" verse three. Paul recognizes that it is easy for us to think we are above a certain sin that we are helping someone else with...he reminds us that we all are vulnerable to any sin the world, flesh, or devil offers - so we need to be careful of forgetting this, as forgetting sets us up to actually carry out that sin!
Fourthly, verse six, "share all good things" reminds us not to take for granted those who preach, teach, and show us the way of the Lord.
Here is today's reading - let's munch, mull, meditate, and marvel:
"Brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him [her] gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he [she] is something when he [she] is nothing, he [she]deceives himself [herself]. Each one should test his [her] own actions. Then he [she] can take pride in himself [herself], without comparing himself [herself] to somebody else, for each one should carry his [her] own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good thing with his [her] instructor.
Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man [woman] reaps what he [she] sows. The one who sows to please his [her] sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction, the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:1-10).
Friday, March 4, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:16-25
"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" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Galatians 5:16-25
"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" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:16-25
"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" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Galatians 5:16-25
"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" (vs 22,23).
This Scripture verse highlighting the Fruit of the Spirit is a familiar one...as it describes how we might distinguish whether or not the Holy Spirit is evident in our lives! Notice a couple of important realities. This is one fruit. It isn't like we would exhibit one or the other - as if the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself through you in kindness and in me joy. The Holy Spirit is all of these virtues. Now if you are like me, you may see (usually others see) one or more that seem to be less obvious through you. Patience comes immediately to my mind.
I do not think that I exhibit near as much patience as is becoming. Even if I may appear on the outside to be patient - some of those times I am feeling very impatient! I ask the Holy Spirit to bring about His patience, that it would well up within me; that my thoughts would be those that would bring about patience instead of an impatient critical spirit. This leads to another important reality. I can't produce the Fruit of the Spirit any more than I can produce the fruit of an apple tree... no matter how hard I try, I can not produce an apple!
So, how about you? Are there aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit that you see through your life and others that you would like to see more of? I imagine yes. If so, how will this happen?
Paul tells us..."live by the Spirit." First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit! This filling only comes through salvation, and then prayerfully, continually committing ourselves - praying, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, now!" In the moment (when it is clear that I need patience!). "Lord, continually abide in and through me. Please Lord, convict me of what is not like You, please forgive me, work through me Your love!" "Oh, God, produce within me Your Joy, in the midst of this storm!"
Reading God's Word and meditating on God in the Word! "Lord, how do I not walk in this "envy" (vs.21)? "Lord, forgive me for this "fit of rage" or "for this drunkenness" (vs.21). Help me Lord to desire to be "filled with Your Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) instead of wine (beer, whiskey...whatever one's drug of choice might be)! We can ask the Lord to show us what steps to take and then ask for God's power to do so, with any temptation that causes us to walk in sin instead of the Spirit. The Lord is pleased to help us!
"Lord, thank You that You are the One who works in and through us to be able to walk in the Holy Spirit and not in ourselves, in our flesh, in sin. Thank You that You are ever-ready to be our aide and helper. Thanks for loving us. We love You."
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Freedom to Love not Indulge
Dear Ones,
It has been a few weeks since I've written to you via Food for Life! I apologize and ask your forgiveness for not alerting you first that I wouldn't be writing for a bit - as I usually do when I can't write. I have been away and working on transitioning into some new ministry/work responsibilities - prayers are welcomed and appreciated :) In this, there was a wonderful surprise gift...my dear friends gave birth (early) to their 5th child...I was able to be there to welcome Tessa Spring into this world!!! What a delight!
I pray that you all experience the everyday blessings and joy of Jesus that we often overlook or take for granted.
You are a joy to me!,
Robin
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:1-15
"You, brothers [and sisters], were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' IF you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other" (vs 13-15).
It always amazes me how relevant Paul's (and the other Biblical writers) instructions/admonitions/exhortations are for me, for you, today! Sometimes I think that today's culture as a whole, and the culture of Christ Followers (that is you and me) is so different. Often I think that today's society is far more ungodly than in Biblical times. Not so. In the interest of keeping these Food for Life readings short, I encourage you to do some historical readings (or in reading the Bible, stop and think about the state of the culture as described) and you will see the ungodly nature of their day!
Paul tells the Galatians, as God speaks through him to us - you are free in Christ, so don't put rules and regulations on yourselves and others as a way to be saved or to keep your salvation! You can't add anything to the grace through faith which you have received from Christ on the cross!
At the same time, use your freedom for good, Godly benefit; not for giving in to temptation, sin, and ungodly practices - as it relates to yourself or others! Paul restates Jesus' Words that pointedly tell his followers, "love your neighbor/one another as yourself" and that fulfills, completes, is more than anyone could ever do in trying to keep the law of the Old Testament!
He emphasizes this reality by highlighting to them that if they continue to NOT love one another (biting and devouring each other!!) they will surely destroy one another... in what ways do you see this happening today? How is NOT loving one another, destroying us within the Body of Christ? And as a result, deterring others from becoming part of the Body of Christ?
"Lord, forgive me, forgive us for the ways we do not show love for one another - through our thoughts, words, and actions or inactions. Show each of us individually ways that we are not loving and could love better. Show us God ways that we can contribute to our brothers and sisters, one another, as a whole to love our neighbor as ourselves. Even as we love You with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Thank You Lord."
It has been a few weeks since I've written to you via Food for Life! I apologize and ask your forgiveness for not alerting you first that I wouldn't be writing for a bit - as I usually do when I can't write. I have been away and working on transitioning into some new ministry/work responsibilities - prayers are welcomed and appreciated :) In this, there was a wonderful surprise gift...my dear friends gave birth (early) to their 5th child...I was able to be there to welcome Tessa Spring into this world!!! What a delight!
I pray that you all experience the everyday blessings and joy of Jesus that we often overlook or take for granted.
You are a joy to me!,
Robin
Food for Life:
Galatians 5:1-15
"You, brothers [and sisters], were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' IF you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other" (vs 13-15).
It always amazes me how relevant Paul's (and the other Biblical writers) instructions/admonitions/exhortations are for me, for you, today! Sometimes I think that today's culture as a whole, and the culture of Christ Followers (that is you and me) is so different. Often I think that today's society is far more ungodly than in Biblical times. Not so. In the interest of keeping these Food for Life readings short, I encourage you to do some historical readings (or in reading the Bible, stop and think about the state of the culture as described) and you will see the ungodly nature of their day!
Paul tells the Galatians, as God speaks through him to us - you are free in Christ, so don't put rules and regulations on yourselves and others as a way to be saved or to keep your salvation! You can't add anything to the grace through faith which you have received from Christ on the cross!
At the same time, use your freedom for good, Godly benefit; not for giving in to temptation, sin, and ungodly practices - as it relates to yourself or others! Paul restates Jesus' Words that pointedly tell his followers, "love your neighbor/one another as yourself" and that fulfills, completes, is more than anyone could ever do in trying to keep the law of the Old Testament!
He emphasizes this reality by highlighting to them that if they continue to NOT love one another (biting and devouring each other!!) they will surely destroy one another... in what ways do you see this happening today? How is NOT loving one another, destroying us within the Body of Christ? And as a result, deterring others from becoming part of the Body of Christ?
"Lord, forgive me, forgive us for the ways we do not show love for one another - through our thoughts, words, and actions or inactions. Show each of us individually ways that we are not loving and could love better. Show us God ways that we can contribute to our brothers and sisters, one another, as a whole to love our neighbor as ourselves. Even as we love You with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Thank You Lord."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Christ Formed in You
Galatians 4
"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..." (vs 19).
Paul continues to speak in this writing so personally to the believers at Galatia! His love, commitment, and hope for them is not only seen through the words he speaks/writes, but his actions. The goal of his love, commitment, and hope is that "Christ be formed" within them! That was the heart of God for the Galatians...that is God's heart toward you and me!
It struck me in a new way this morning of how personal, how close, Paul's heart and manner was toward the Galatians. How much more intimate can one be than when a woman is in childbirth and experiencing the pain of the birthing process! Mothers who have given birth, can you say AMEN! Paul seemed to use this illustration - comparing how he felt toward the Galatians and his desire to see "Christ formed in them" and childbirth - because it most portrayed his experience in pastoring the Galatians!
All of us can think of situations and experiences that were so grueling that they could be likened to childbirth. Parents with children, raising them in ways that your hope is for them to be Godly, healthy, content - making positive and life-giving choices for themselves! Perhaps starting a project or developing an idea or having a dream and seeking to see them through to the desired end! Perhaps there is a personal issue - a health issue, a personality issue, some (perceived or real deficit) that you experience - You've been seeking to overcome, compensate or change. You find it is extremely painful and difficult.
Paul is equating his work on behalf of the Galatians to see Christ formed in them, to see them walking in the freedom to which they have been called in Christ, to see them walking in the Truth - to childbirth pains.
What is amazing is that as much as Paul experienced this pain, he did so for the joy! There is a correlation between pain and joy. To the degree we experience pain for Christ's sake, for the things of Christ's heart, we will also experience Joy! And so, that is like childbirth isn't it? Childbirth is not gone through with the expectation of - it's just pain for the sake of pain. It is pain for the sake of seeing a new life, a gift from God, come into this world!
And that was Paul's expectation. As Christ was formed in the Galatians, they would live out their calling as sons and daughters of God! "Because you are sons [and daughters], God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father" (vs 4:6). Abba means 'daddy', how personal is that! I have heard it said and have seen the reaction when father's hear their children call out "daddy!" with joy, expectation, seeking safety, seeking comfort, guidance and direction. No greater thrill for a father! No greater thrill for God, our perfect parent!
My prayer for all of you, is to see "Christ formed in you, the Hope of Glory!" While I am by no means equating myself to the Apostle Paul - I can say that the reason I write these devotionals, that partly reflect how God is working in and through my life, I do so for the sole reason of seeing Christ formed in you - in any that would read!
How about you? Do you seek to see Christ formed not only in yourself, but in others with whom you come in to contact? Your children? Your sisters and brothers? Your husbands and wives? Your family members and friends? Your church family and neighbors?
"Lord thank You that You are at work through Your Spirit to see Christ formed in each one of us. Thank You that Your heart is for us to be saved and then continually transformed into the image of Christ, starting from the inside and working to the outside. Thank You for examples like our brother, the Apostle Paul! For his tirelessness, as recorded in Scripture, his love and commitment to those You put in his path. I pray God that each one of us would seek to take Paul's example and ask You Lord to show us how to 'go and do likewise' in our time and Your ways. Thanks for loving us Lord. "Christ in us, the Hope of Glory!"
"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you..." (vs 19).
Paul continues to speak in this writing so personally to the believers at Galatia! His love, commitment, and hope for them is not only seen through the words he speaks/writes, but his actions. The goal of his love, commitment, and hope is that "Christ be formed" within them! That was the heart of God for the Galatians...that is God's heart toward you and me!
It struck me in a new way this morning of how personal, how close, Paul's heart and manner was toward the Galatians. How much more intimate can one be than when a woman is in childbirth and experiencing the pain of the birthing process! Mothers who have given birth, can you say AMEN! Paul seemed to use this illustration - comparing how he felt toward the Galatians and his desire to see "Christ formed in them" and childbirth - because it most portrayed his experience in pastoring the Galatians!
All of us can think of situations and experiences that were so grueling that they could be likened to childbirth. Parents with children, raising them in ways that your hope is for them to be Godly, healthy, content - making positive and life-giving choices for themselves! Perhaps starting a project or developing an idea or having a dream and seeking to see them through to the desired end! Perhaps there is a personal issue - a health issue, a personality issue, some (perceived or real deficit) that you experience - You've been seeking to overcome, compensate or change. You find it is extremely painful and difficult.
Paul is equating his work on behalf of the Galatians to see Christ formed in them, to see them walking in the freedom to which they have been called in Christ, to see them walking in the Truth - to childbirth pains.
What is amazing is that as much as Paul experienced this pain, he did so for the joy! There is a correlation between pain and joy. To the degree we experience pain for Christ's sake, for the things of Christ's heart, we will also experience Joy! And so, that is like childbirth isn't it? Childbirth is not gone through with the expectation of - it's just pain for the sake of pain. It is pain for the sake of seeing a new life, a gift from God, come into this world!
And that was Paul's expectation. As Christ was formed in the Galatians, they would live out their calling as sons and daughters of God! "Because you are sons [and daughters], God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father" (vs 4:6). Abba means 'daddy', how personal is that! I have heard it said and have seen the reaction when father's hear their children call out "daddy!" with joy, expectation, seeking safety, seeking comfort, guidance and direction. No greater thrill for a father! No greater thrill for God, our perfect parent!
My prayer for all of you, is to see "Christ formed in you, the Hope of Glory!" While I am by no means equating myself to the Apostle Paul - I can say that the reason I write these devotionals, that partly reflect how God is working in and through my life, I do so for the sole reason of seeing Christ formed in you - in any that would read!
How about you? Do you seek to see Christ formed not only in yourself, but in others with whom you come in to contact? Your children? Your sisters and brothers? Your husbands and wives? Your family members and friends? Your church family and neighbors?
"Lord thank You that You are at work through Your Spirit to see Christ formed in each one of us. Thank You that Your heart is for us to be saved and then continually transformed into the image of Christ, starting from the inside and working to the outside. Thank You for examples like our brother, the Apostle Paul! For his tirelessness, as recorded in Scripture, his love and commitment to those You put in his path. I pray God that each one of us would seek to take Paul's example and ask You Lord to show us how to 'go and do likewise' in our time and Your ways. Thanks for loving us Lord. "Christ in us, the Hope of Glory!"
Thursday, February 17, 2011
One in Christ
Galatians 3
"You are all sons [daughters] of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28). This is the foundational equality reality. Level ground at the Cross.
Thank the Lord for how He has made a way for each and every person; for each and every one of us! Contrary to the world's standards of equality: where you were born, what gender you are, what race you are, what economic state you are in, what you look like, who and what your parents were and did, what talents and abilities you possess or don't possess - God's standards and reality are not the same as the world's!
Even in Paul's day, there were some [Jewish men] who would awaken with a prayer like this: "Lord, I thank You that I am not a Gentile (non-Jew), a slave, or a woman" (NIV Study Bible p. 2121). Imagine that! There are many today, who have the same thought (if not prayer), "Lord thank You that I am not ____________________." Jesus - who was a Jewish man - literally broke the power of any such prayer, thought, or notion. He displayed not only in His speech, but His actions (as recorded in Scripture) that "all people were created equal" (not by their governmental constitution or declaration of independence, but by their Creator God!).
Paul continues to speak to the believer's in Galatia. They wanted to follow teachings of those who put the Law on the back of the Jew and non-Jew alike. Paul raises the reality of God's promise to Abraham...which is the promise of Christ, to all those who are in Christ - because, you see, Christ comes from Abraham's line, Abraham's "seed."
This was God's promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:2-3).
There are some earthly realities to this promise, in terms of what took place in Abraham's earthly life time and as some theologians agree in times to come. The focus of Paul in Galatia and what is on my heart has to do with the spiritual inheritance of this promise! Through the promise of God to Abraham, came Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ, in whom our faith resides, is our blessing, the blessing lives inside of us through the Holy Spirit, and causes us to be one in Christ! Co-heirs also to everything that Christ inherited!
Paul's point in this portion of Scripture? We are one in Christ through faith (by grace through faith you have been saved, not a work of your own that anyone should boast, Ephesians 2) alone. Period. No "Christ plus" program. He was reminding the Galatians of this promise of God's...and he reminds us, of God's promise through Abraham, through Christ, to us who believe by faith!
"Lord God, thank You for the promise to Abraham long ago, that is for us today through Christ our Savior! Lord, help each one of us to be convinced by faith of what we receive/ed in You. Let us go and do likewise - by Your grace and mercy. Thank You Lord!"
"You are all sons [daughters] of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28). This is the foundational equality reality. Level ground at the Cross.
Thank the Lord for how He has made a way for each and every person; for each and every one of us! Contrary to the world's standards of equality: where you were born, what gender you are, what race you are, what economic state you are in, what you look like, who and what your parents were and did, what talents and abilities you possess or don't possess - God's standards and reality are not the same as the world's!
Even in Paul's day, there were some [Jewish men] who would awaken with a prayer like this: "Lord, I thank You that I am not a Gentile (non-Jew), a slave, or a woman" (NIV Study Bible p. 2121). Imagine that! There are many today, who have the same thought (if not prayer), "Lord thank You that I am not ____________________." Jesus - who was a Jewish man - literally broke the power of any such prayer, thought, or notion. He displayed not only in His speech, but His actions (as recorded in Scripture) that "all people were created equal" (not by their governmental constitution or declaration of independence, but by their Creator God!).
Paul continues to speak to the believer's in Galatia. They wanted to follow teachings of those who put the Law on the back of the Jew and non-Jew alike. Paul raises the reality of God's promise to Abraham...which is the promise of Christ, to all those who are in Christ - because, you see, Christ comes from Abraham's line, Abraham's "seed."
This was God's promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:2-3).
There are some earthly realities to this promise, in terms of what took place in Abraham's earthly life time and as some theologians agree in times to come. The focus of Paul in Galatia and what is on my heart has to do with the spiritual inheritance of this promise! Through the promise of God to Abraham, came Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ, in whom our faith resides, is our blessing, the blessing lives inside of us through the Holy Spirit, and causes us to be one in Christ! Co-heirs also to everything that Christ inherited!
Paul's point in this portion of Scripture? We are one in Christ through faith (by grace through faith you have been saved, not a work of your own that anyone should boast, Ephesians 2) alone. Period. No "Christ plus" program. He was reminding the Galatians of this promise of God's...and he reminds us, of God's promise through Abraham, through Christ, to us who believe by faith!
"Lord God, thank You for the promise to Abraham long ago, that is for us today through Christ our Savior! Lord, help each one of us to be convinced by faith of what we receive/ed in You. Let us go and do likewise - by Your grace and mercy. Thank You Lord!"
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Recognizing Grace
Galatians 2
"James, Peter, and John, those reputed pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the Jews" (vs 9).
Paul continued to make a defense for the Gospel he preached - this time more for his message rather than for his right to preach it (as to the Corinthians). He defended the message because the Judizers - Jews Christians (professed) - sought to hold Gentiles (non-jews) to being circumcised and to following the Law, in order to follow Christ. In other words, the Judizers taught and lived a message of Jesus plus the Law, in order to be saved. This is the background to the happenings in Galatia to which Paul addressed.
But God. The verse that leaped out on the page of my heart was, "...they recognized the grace given to me." My immediate thought was, "do people recognize the grace of Jesus given to me, working through me? In the way I walk In the way I talk. In the decisions I make?
There are several powerful realities in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me." First, grace is a gift from God. What is grace? It is an approach that gives me what I didn't earn and don't deserve. Primarily grace is highlighted as the activity through which salvation comes. The gift of salvation is by grace through faith. By grace - salvation is a gift that I didn't earn, work for, or deserve - nor could I have even if I wanted to! And what does a gift cost the one who receives it? Nothing. Even though it can cost the giver much; the Giver of Salvation counted the cost, death, and gave His Life.
The second reality that jumps out to me in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me" - real grace is recognized by others that see me, hear me, live with me, and watch me. One way to affirm the grace which I claim to have received is that others can see it! They experience grace through me! As in Paul's case, through his teaching and preaching, through his wisdom and decisions - in the way that he carried himself. Do others recognize God's grace in my life, in your life?
Thirdly, notice the response to the recognition of God's grace in Paul. The Apostles - the pillars of 1st Century Christianity - James, Peter, and John embraced Paul (and Barnabas). They offered them "the right hand of fellowship." They accepted Paul and Barnabas as one, as one of them!
It was God's grace in and through Paul and Barnabas that caused the Body of Christ, in this case Peter, James, and John, to receive Paul and Barnabas. What causes you and I to accept others as close allies - as brothers and sisters? Who do we look to for direction, wisdom, and acceptance?
If it is anything other than the recognition of God's grace working in and through them - we ought to take note. The world gives recognition, acceptance, and accolades to those who display wealth, prominence, prosperity, success, and prestige. For what do you and I want to be recognized?
"Lord thank You for the gift of grace - thank You for salvation and Your continued grace toward me and those reading this - grace that without it we wouldn't be able to stand. I pray God that as I receive Your grace, it would be extend through me to all those I encounter. Lord let my, let our speech, decisions, teaching, and relationships be overrun with Your Grace - recognized as grace given by You. Thank You Lord."
"James, Peter, and John, those reputed pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the Jews" (vs 9).
Paul continued to make a defense for the Gospel he preached - this time more for his message rather than for his right to preach it (as to the Corinthians). He defended the message because the Judizers - Jews Christians (professed) - sought to hold Gentiles (non-jews) to being circumcised and to following the Law, in order to follow Christ. In other words, the Judizers taught and lived a message of Jesus plus the Law, in order to be saved. This is the background to the happenings in Galatia to which Paul addressed.
But God. The verse that leaped out on the page of my heart was, "...they recognized the grace given to me." My immediate thought was, "do people recognize the grace of Jesus given to me, working through me? In the way I walk In the way I talk. In the decisions I make?
There are several powerful realities in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me." First, grace is a gift from God. What is grace? It is an approach that gives me what I didn't earn and don't deserve. Primarily grace is highlighted as the activity through which salvation comes. The gift of salvation is by grace through faith. By grace - salvation is a gift that I didn't earn, work for, or deserve - nor could I have even if I wanted to! And what does a gift cost the one who receives it? Nothing. Even though it can cost the giver much; the Giver of Salvation counted the cost, death, and gave His Life.
The second reality that jumps out to me in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me" - real grace is recognized by others that see me, hear me, live with me, and watch me. One way to affirm the grace which I claim to have received is that others can see it! They experience grace through me! As in Paul's case, through his teaching and preaching, through his wisdom and decisions - in the way that he carried himself. Do others recognize God's grace in my life, in your life?
Thirdly, notice the response to the recognition of God's grace in Paul. The Apostles - the pillars of 1st Century Christianity - James, Peter, and John embraced Paul (and Barnabas). They offered them "the right hand of fellowship." They accepted Paul and Barnabas as one, as one of them!
It was God's grace in and through Paul and Barnabas that caused the Body of Christ, in this case Peter, James, and John, to receive Paul and Barnabas. What causes you and I to accept others as close allies - as brothers and sisters? Who do we look to for direction, wisdom, and acceptance?
If it is anything other than the recognition of God's grace working in and through them - we ought to take note. The world gives recognition, acceptance, and accolades to those who display wealth, prominence, prosperity, success, and prestige. For what do you and I want to be recognized?
"Lord thank You for the gift of grace - thank You for salvation and Your continued grace toward me and those reading this - grace that without it we wouldn't be able to stand. I pray God that as I receive Your grace, it would be extend through me to all those I encounter. Lord let my, let our speech, decisions, teaching, and relationships be overrun with Your Grace - recognized as grace given by You. Thank You Lord."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Praising God for you!
Dear Ones,
Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!! May the Love of God, the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be experienced by you! God love you more than you could possibly grasp!
I love you too!
Your sister,
Robin
Galatians 1
"They only heard the report: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy'" (vs 1:23). ...!!
Wow, do you know of whom this verse above speaks?
The Apostle Paul, the writer God used to write 13 books, one book shy of half, of the New Testament! Paul, as we have read, was a chief Jew, following the Law we read of in the Old Testament. He went after Jewish Christian converts (Jews were the first Christians...), he hunted them to have them ultimately imprisoned or killed because Paul believed they were blaspheming God! Then if you recall, Acts 9 records Paul's (then Saul) conversion...Jesus revealed Himself to Paul so clearly, Paul was blinded and knocked off his horse! Jesus spoke to Paul as he was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" (Acts 9:1)! Jesus said to Paul, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?...I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting...Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9 4-6).
Paul continues in the book of Galatians to defend the Gospel, as he defends himself from whom the Gospel was preached to his hearers in Galatia. Some of the Galatians, like the Corinthians believers, were being led astray. The Galatian believers were being confused because some of the them were instructing others of them to continue to follow the Law in addition to believing in Jesus. This situation is likened to our present day situation in which some believers teach other believers that they must do 'good works' or follow certain rules in order to be saved - in addition to believing in Jesus and His work of forgiveness through Grace, on His Cross...
SO, in Paul's defense, he recounts the events prior to and following his encounter with Jesus and salvation. He includes what those who witnessed his before and after, said regarding him. "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (vs 23). The recorded verse after verse 23, describes the astonishing response of those who heard about Paul...
"And they praised God because of me."
I wonder. What do people say about me - those who knew me before being born-again, before Jesus saved me? Like Paul, do they look at my before, and after (and by the Grace of Jesus, continuing!) and praise the Lord for me? Or do they notice anything different? Or do they say, "if that is what it means to be saved...no thanks." Or, do they even see a difference?
And what about you? What is revealed to you as you ask yourself the same question? Better still, let's ask God this question about ourselves. The Lord's heart toward you and toward me is only Good. God has your best interest and mine in His heart. So, let's not be afraid to ask the Lord this question about ourselves. God is not seeking to condemn you or me. God is not seeking to kick us to the curb. God will reveal to us the reality of our situation/ourselves related to this question in a life-giving way! Whether God rebukes us, or commends us - or a little of both - it is only for our encouragement and good!
"Lord, who do people say You are as they look at my/our life before I/we received Your Salvation and now. God, help me/us by Your Spirit to yield to You, and in that I/we will let go of anything that hinders. Thanks for loving me/us Lord, I Love You!"
Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!! May the Love of God, the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be experienced by you! God love you more than you could possibly grasp!
I love you too!
Your sister,
Robin
Galatians 1
"They only heard the report: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy'" (vs 1:23). ...!!
Wow, do you know of whom this verse above speaks?
The Apostle Paul, the writer God used to write 13 books, one book shy of half, of the New Testament! Paul, as we have read, was a chief Jew, following the Law we read of in the Old Testament. He went after Jewish Christian converts (Jews were the first Christians...), he hunted them to have them ultimately imprisoned or killed because Paul believed they were blaspheming God! Then if you recall, Acts 9 records Paul's (then Saul) conversion...Jesus revealed Himself to Paul so clearly, Paul was blinded and knocked off his horse! Jesus spoke to Paul as he was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" (Acts 9:1)! Jesus said to Paul, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?...I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting...Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9 4-6).
Paul continues in the book of Galatians to defend the Gospel, as he defends himself from whom the Gospel was preached to his hearers in Galatia. Some of the Galatians, like the Corinthians believers, were being led astray. The Galatian believers were being confused because some of the them were instructing others of them to continue to follow the Law in addition to believing in Jesus. This situation is likened to our present day situation in which some believers teach other believers that they must do 'good works' or follow certain rules in order to be saved - in addition to believing in Jesus and His work of forgiveness through Grace, on His Cross...
SO, in Paul's defense, he recounts the events prior to and following his encounter with Jesus and salvation. He includes what those who witnessed his before and after, said regarding him. "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (vs 23). The recorded verse after verse 23, describes the astonishing response of those who heard about Paul...
"And they praised God because of me."
I wonder. What do people say about me - those who knew me before being born-again, before Jesus saved me? Like Paul, do they look at my before, and after (and by the Grace of Jesus, continuing!) and praise the Lord for me? Or do they notice anything different? Or do they say, "if that is what it means to be saved...no thanks." Or, do they even see a difference?
And what about you? What is revealed to you as you ask yourself the same question? Better still, let's ask God this question about ourselves. The Lord's heart toward you and toward me is only Good. God has your best interest and mine in His heart. So, let's not be afraid to ask the Lord this question about ourselves. God is not seeking to condemn you or me. God is not seeking to kick us to the curb. God will reveal to us the reality of our situation/ourselves related to this question in a life-giving way! Whether God rebukes us, or commends us - or a little of both - it is only for our encouragement and good!
"Lord, who do people say You are as they look at my/our life before I/we received Your Salvation and now. God, help me/us by Your Spirit to yield to You, and in that I/we will let go of anything that hinders. Thanks for loving me/us Lord, I Love You!"
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
All Sufficient Grace
2 Corinthians 12
" 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This is one of my most relied upon gifts from the Lord. His grace being enough for me, revealing His power in my weakness; knowing that in this, when I'm weak, I am strong! So opposite, antithetical to the world's way! In fact, how like the Lord to communicate through His Word directly to us relevant to even today's affairs! I have been praying over a matter that is a great opportunity offered to me, but for which I feel quite inadequate to carry out! SO - I'm trusting that by God's grace, my weakness/inadequacies will be fueled by God's perfect power - and that He will 'prove' Himself as He has time and time again. Not to mention - how wonderful of God to present opportunities for (my) faith to be deepened as dependence on God is needed!
Paul continues "to boast" to the Corinthians, out of love, in response to their teetering on letting go of what Paul has taught them and turning to false beliefs through false teaching! Yet, in this portion of Scripture, Paul turns to non-worldly standards....he shares with the Corinthians about the unbelievable, other-worldly revelations received by him from God! He then goes on to say that because of such super-natural displays of God to him, God sent "a messenger of Satan to torment" him (vs 7)! Paul prayed to have this "thorn in the flesh" removed, but alas, God did not remove it. Paul saw the thorn as God's intervention to help Paul remain humble (grateful, dependent on God and not himself). THIS is the point at which Paul saw God's power through him perfected in his weakness (the thorn in his flesh).
We don't see God's power perfected until we see our weakness. Not before....thank God for the testimony of the saints! Saints of old (Paul) and present day saints - you and I! Grace is not something stored up to keep for a rainy day - grace is given just in the moment it is needed! That is a powerful way God reveals our need to depend on Him and not ourselves! God comes through every time. He promises.
So join me today in asking God to reveal our weaknesses (not a request of manufacturing them or to purposely 'be weak'), those areas of our lives where we are prone to think and feel (perceived or real!) inadequate, don't measure up, don't have what it takes, our stresses/anxieties/worries - and ask God to show us, by His grace,....Himself!
"Lord, please reveal Your grace in our weaknesses today. Help us to depend on You more and more - and to see that You are more than enough. That You indeed have given us 'everything pertaining to life and Godliness" and today there isn't anything You have called upon us for that is too much for us - for us in You....Thank You Lord!"
" 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This is one of my most relied upon gifts from the Lord. His grace being enough for me, revealing His power in my weakness; knowing that in this, when I'm weak, I am strong! So opposite, antithetical to the world's way! In fact, how like the Lord to communicate through His Word directly to us relevant to even today's affairs! I have been praying over a matter that is a great opportunity offered to me, but for which I feel quite inadequate to carry out! SO - I'm trusting that by God's grace, my weakness/inadequacies will be fueled by God's perfect power - and that He will 'prove' Himself as He has time and time again. Not to mention - how wonderful of God to present opportunities for (my) faith to be deepened as dependence on God is needed!
Paul continues "to boast" to the Corinthians, out of love, in response to their teetering on letting go of what Paul has taught them and turning to false beliefs through false teaching! Yet, in this portion of Scripture, Paul turns to non-worldly standards....he shares with the Corinthians about the unbelievable, other-worldly revelations received by him from God! He then goes on to say that because of such super-natural displays of God to him, God sent "a messenger of Satan to torment" him (vs 7)! Paul prayed to have this "thorn in the flesh" removed, but alas, God did not remove it. Paul saw the thorn as God's intervention to help Paul remain humble (grateful, dependent on God and not himself). THIS is the point at which Paul saw God's power through him perfected in his weakness (the thorn in his flesh).
We don't see God's power perfected until we see our weakness. Not before....thank God for the testimony of the saints! Saints of old (Paul) and present day saints - you and I! Grace is not something stored up to keep for a rainy day - grace is given just in the moment it is needed! That is a powerful way God reveals our need to depend on Him and not ourselves! God comes through every time. He promises.
So join me today in asking God to reveal our weaknesses (not a request of manufacturing them or to purposely 'be weak'), those areas of our lives where we are prone to think and feel (perceived or real!) inadequate, don't measure up, don't have what it takes, our stresses/anxieties/worries - and ask God to show us, by His grace,....Himself!
"Lord, please reveal Your grace in our weaknesses today. Help us to depend on You more and more - and to see that You are more than enough. That You indeed have given us 'everything pertaining to life and Godliness" and today there isn't anything You have called upon us for that is too much for us - for us in You....Thank You Lord!"
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Angel of Light
2 Corinthians 11
"Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!...Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their action deserves" (vs 11,14,15).
These verses stand out to me as I prayerfully read chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians. Paul continues to record his experience with the Corinthian church as they battle between how they first believed - based on Paul's preaching and teaching and the drawing of them by the Holy Spirit - and these false teachers and waxing eloquent speakers who were 'fronting' Paul! Paul found it necessary to recount not only the trials he went through in order to minister the Gospel to the Corinthians, but also to be "foolish" as the false teachers by recounting his royal birth, credentials, and worldy accolades! Foolish in the sense that Paul needed to let the Corinthians as well as the false teachers know that he actually was as qualified if not more so, according to the worldly standards that the false teachers were using, even if his presentation wasn't as catchy as theirs!
It is clear from the reading that Paul was uncomfortable in "boasting" in his earthly credentials - but he did so because of his great love for the Corinthians! Acting in love sometimes is uncomfortable! It isn't always easy to act in the best interest of those we love! Yet Paul recorded earlier that he became all things to all people if it would help to win even a few! And so it was in the boasting - he went toe-to-toe with the false teachers in order to prove along the lines of their standards, that he was qualified and could be trusted! Now, does this mean that we should do this when we find ourselves in similar situations? It depends. It depends on how the Holy Spirit leads us - sometimes yes, sometimes no. Always though, in humility and gratefulness...and out of Love! Love for God and those we are serving.
The second reality that struck me, is Paul's exposing of Satan in the mix of the Corinthians being led away in error. Satan was masquerading as an angel of light - he was looking attractive and appealing to the Corinthians, through the false teachers. Paul exposes the demonic activity through the false teachers, and then lets folks know what their end will be...Satan, his demons, and the false teachers....their actions will reveal their deserved end.
The world, the flesh, and the devil were at work, together in deceiving the Corinthian believers. As it is with any (of us!) today who would be deceived by false teaching and preaching. Beware...we must seek the Lord in the Holy Spirit and read the Word of God ourselves in order to measure the truth being taught to and around us. We don't have to be familiar with the details of the false teaching and/or evil. We just need to know the Truth in the Spirit through the Word - and we will be able to distinguish the "angel of light" when, not if, we encounter him.
"Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to us! Thank You for residing within us through Your Spirit! Thank You for the Word that aides us in growing in relationship with You! All Glory and Honor to You! Thank You for Loving us! Help us God to go and do likewise!"
"Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!...Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their action deserves" (vs 11,14,15).
These verses stand out to me as I prayerfully read chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians. Paul continues to record his experience with the Corinthian church as they battle between how they first believed - based on Paul's preaching and teaching and the drawing of them by the Holy Spirit - and these false teachers and waxing eloquent speakers who were 'fronting' Paul! Paul found it necessary to recount not only the trials he went through in order to minister the Gospel to the Corinthians, but also to be "foolish" as the false teachers by recounting his royal birth, credentials, and worldy accolades! Foolish in the sense that Paul needed to let the Corinthians as well as the false teachers know that he actually was as qualified if not more so, according to the worldly standards that the false teachers were using, even if his presentation wasn't as catchy as theirs!
It is clear from the reading that Paul was uncomfortable in "boasting" in his earthly credentials - but he did so because of his great love for the Corinthians! Acting in love sometimes is uncomfortable! It isn't always easy to act in the best interest of those we love! Yet Paul recorded earlier that he became all things to all people if it would help to win even a few! And so it was in the boasting - he went toe-to-toe with the false teachers in order to prove along the lines of their standards, that he was qualified and could be trusted! Now, does this mean that we should do this when we find ourselves in similar situations? It depends. It depends on how the Holy Spirit leads us - sometimes yes, sometimes no. Always though, in humility and gratefulness...and out of Love! Love for God and those we are serving.
The second reality that struck me, is Paul's exposing of Satan in the mix of the Corinthians being led away in error. Satan was masquerading as an angel of light - he was looking attractive and appealing to the Corinthians, through the false teachers. Paul exposes the demonic activity through the false teachers, and then lets folks know what their end will be...Satan, his demons, and the false teachers....their actions will reveal their deserved end.
The world, the flesh, and the devil were at work, together in deceiving the Corinthian believers. As it is with any (of us!) today who would be deceived by false teaching and preaching. Beware...we must seek the Lord in the Holy Spirit and read the Word of God ourselves in order to measure the truth being taught to and around us. We don't have to be familiar with the details of the false teaching and/or evil. We just need to know the Truth in the Spirit through the Word - and we will be able to distinguish the "angel of light" when, not if, we encounter him.
"Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to us! Thank You for residing within us through Your Spirit! Thank You for the Word that aides us in growing in relationship with You! All Glory and Honor to You! Thank You for Loving us! Help us God to go and do likewise!"
Friday, February 4, 2011
To God be the Glory!
Dear Ones,
This song at this address came to my mind as I was reading and meditating on today's Scripture. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jhBK6bnyXg&feature=related ;
2 Corinthians 10:7-18
"But, 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not the one who commends oneself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends"(17,18).
Paul continues to defend his right to write and speak the way that he does to and among the Corinthian believers. He recounts to the nay-sayers - the false teachers and those opposed to him (jealous of him?) - that not only does he have authority as God's man, but he was the one who introduced the Gospel to the Corinthians!
He also points out that those who are basically saying they are better than he in their speech - they are comparing themselves with one another and with him. He was in good company if his oratory was not eloquent - like Moses and Jeremiah! And God used them (too) mightily!
It is interesting isn't it, that when we compare ourselves with others, there is always those who are better than us in areas, worse than us, or equal! Paul calls his opponents (and God, us!) to compare ourselves with the True Standard, God...if we are going to compare ourselves at all!
And so, what happens when we compare ourselves to Jesus? Our eyes will be on the One who has called us, who has gifted us, who works in and through us...so - if I boast then, of whom and what do I boast?
And from whom do I seek praise? Do I boast about myself? Do I seek praise from others? If so, I will most often be disappointed and...the praise from others or myself is a dead-end. It lasts as long as the moment. Have you found that to be true? I have.
Accolades usually are forgotten quickly..."remember when" doesn't last very long. BUT GOD. When I seek the Lord and recognize any good that I have and give originates in God to and through me...then "To God Be the Glory!" We can rejoice ourselves in seeing what the Lord does in and through us because we see that it isn't in and of ourselves. We can rejoice when we see the good in and through others as well, because we see it comes from God! No boasting here.
Wait for the Lord to commend/praise/affirm you...and when the Lord does - whether or not others follow, will not matter because God's commendation does not fade - it is for now and eternity!
"Lord, all that I am, all that we are; all that I am not, all that we are not; everything of the past, present, and future - is all of You and to You Lord! Forgive me, forgive us, when we seek praise of another - even though Lord it is 'natural' and we need affirmation - help us Lord to first seek our affirmation in and from You. Remind us Lord when we forget that "it is all about You"...and when it is all about You then I and we can not help but to be filled with boasting and pride and fulfillment....because boasting is given to You and Your Glory! Thank You Lord!"
This song at this address came to my mind as I was reading and meditating on today's Scripture. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jhBK6bnyXg&feature=related ;
2 Corinthians 10:7-18
"But, 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not the one who commends oneself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends"(17,18).
Paul continues to defend his right to write and speak the way that he does to and among the Corinthian believers. He recounts to the nay-sayers - the false teachers and those opposed to him (jealous of him?) - that not only does he have authority as God's man, but he was the one who introduced the Gospel to the Corinthians!
He also points out that those who are basically saying they are better than he in their speech - they are comparing themselves with one another and with him. He was in good company if his oratory was not eloquent - like Moses and Jeremiah! And God used them (too) mightily!
It is interesting isn't it, that when we compare ourselves with others, there is always those who are better than us in areas, worse than us, or equal! Paul calls his opponents (and God, us!) to compare ourselves with the True Standard, God...if we are going to compare ourselves at all!
And so, what happens when we compare ourselves to Jesus? Our eyes will be on the One who has called us, who has gifted us, who works in and through us...so - if I boast then, of whom and what do I boast?
And from whom do I seek praise? Do I boast about myself? Do I seek praise from others? If so, I will most often be disappointed and...the praise from others or myself is a dead-end. It lasts as long as the moment. Have you found that to be true? I have.
Accolades usually are forgotten quickly..."remember when" doesn't last very long. BUT GOD. When I seek the Lord and recognize any good that I have and give originates in God to and through me...then "To God Be the Glory!" We can rejoice ourselves in seeing what the Lord does in and through us because we see that it isn't in and of ourselves. We can rejoice when we see the good in and through others as well, because we see it comes from God! No boasting here.
Wait for the Lord to commend/praise/affirm you...and when the Lord does - whether or not others follow, will not matter because God's commendation does not fade - it is for now and eternity!
"Lord, all that I am, all that we are; all that I am not, all that we are not; everything of the past, present, and future - is all of You and to You Lord! Forgive me, forgive us, when we seek praise of another - even though Lord it is 'natural' and we need affirmation - help us Lord to first seek our affirmation in and from You. Remind us Lord when we forget that "it is all about You"...and when it is all about You then I and we can not help but to be filled with boasting and pride and fulfillment....because boasting is given to You and Your Glory! Thank You Lord!"
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Divinely Powerful Weapons
2 Corinthians 10:1-6
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (vs 3-5).
In chapters 10-13 Paul is defending his authority, given to him by God, (just as God gives each one of us authority in Him!) toward a minority of Corinthians who were criticizing him as someone who was not impressive in his preaching - but more powerful (to them) in his writing. He speaks to his standing in Christ - which also speaks to our standing, in the verses above. He writes that although we live in this world, we aren't of it (for more insight - http://www.gotquestions.org/in-but-not-of-world.html). Since we aren't of it, we don't see, understand, nor act in the ways of the world.
Paul uses the analogy of war. Our weapons aren't like the world's weapons - our weapons are of divine power! Our weapons can tear down strongholds - grips and attacks of Satan, the flesh (our own sin), and the world (system)! Guns, cons, manipulation, beating down, persuasive words and glitter, intelligence and debate - these worldly ways do not have divine power - God's power. They are an end in themselves. They last as long as the next time. They are selfish, self-centered, and ultimately no match for God's power.
Paul was being criticized/evaluated by a few according to their standards - Greek eloquence and superiority (in their own eyes!). Paul let them know that their standards did not match up with God's wisdom and ways. Paul was "God's guy"...he was seeking to be and do according to God's ways. The Holy Spirit, Faith, Prayer, Hope, Love, and God's Word - these were Paul's weapons - these are our weapons...the world, the flesh or the devil are no match to God's weapons - for God's people (Ephesians 6:13-18).
How about you? What about me? Are we depending on God and His weapons? God's ways and wisdom in this world for our time? Or are we depending on the world's way - our own strategies, strengths, abilities, - matching, going tow-to-tow with our opponents?
"Lord, thank You for Your Holy Spirit, Faith, Prayer, Hope, Love, and Your Word - thank You for the relationship we have with You - that You have initiated and that by Your grace we continually seek to be before You. Speak to each one of us about areas where we are depending on ourselves and the world's ways rather than Yours. Thanks for loving us God, we love You...help us to love You more and more!"
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (vs 3-5).
In chapters 10-13 Paul is defending his authority, given to him by God, (just as God gives each one of us authority in Him!) toward a minority of Corinthians who were criticizing him as someone who was not impressive in his preaching - but more powerful (to them) in his writing. He speaks to his standing in Christ - which also speaks to our standing, in the verses above. He writes that although we live in this world, we aren't of it (for more insight - http://www.gotquestions.org/in-but-not-of-world.html). Since we aren't of it, we don't see, understand, nor act in the ways of the world.
Paul uses the analogy of war. Our weapons aren't like the world's weapons - our weapons are of divine power! Our weapons can tear down strongholds - grips and attacks of Satan, the flesh (our own sin), and the world (system)! Guns, cons, manipulation, beating down, persuasive words and glitter, intelligence and debate - these worldly ways do not have divine power - God's power. They are an end in themselves. They last as long as the next time. They are selfish, self-centered, and ultimately no match for God's power.
Paul was being criticized/evaluated by a few according to their standards - Greek eloquence and superiority (in their own eyes!). Paul let them know that their standards did not match up with God's wisdom and ways. Paul was "God's guy"...he was seeking to be and do according to God's ways. The Holy Spirit, Faith, Prayer, Hope, Love, and God's Word - these were Paul's weapons - these are our weapons...the world, the flesh or the devil are no match to God's weapons - for God's people (Ephesians 6:13-18).
How about you? What about me? Are we depending on God and His weapons? God's ways and wisdom in this world for our time? Or are we depending on the world's way - our own strategies, strengths, abilities, - matching, going tow-to-tow with our opponents?
"Lord, thank You for Your Holy Spirit, Faith, Prayer, Hope, Love, and Your Word - thank You for the relationship we have with You - that You have initiated and that by Your grace we continually seek to be before You. Speak to each one of us about areas where we are depending on ourselves and the world's ways rather than Yours. Thanks for loving us God, we love You...help us to love You more and more!"
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sowing and Reaping
2 Corinthians 9
Paul continues to speak the truth in love to the Corinthian believers...even as God uses Paul to speak to you and I - out of God's love for each of us! God so desires for us to relate to Him and one another out of love - a relationship of love. My recent reading outside of the Bible, has been calling (me) to think more about relationship - the reality that God is revealing Himself through the Scripture in order to draw us into a deeper still relationship with Him!
The Bible is words on a page without experiencing a relationship with our Creator, Maker, Savior, and Sustainer of our lives! Before the Bible was - God was! The Bible isn't God (sounds silly, doesn't it?), the Bible isn't first about authority (God's) and submission (ours). It is first to draw us into relationship with the Lover of our souls - the One in Whose heart and mind we were...before we were!
So, with this reality in mind - we hear Paul saying through his words, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what s/he has decided in his/her heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace about to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (vs. 6-8).
Paul was able to share this admonition about giving, because he had a vital, life-giving, love relationship with God - through Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit - AND he had a relationship with the believers at Corinth! He knew God - God's heart and character; and he knew the Corinthians. He was being used by the Lord to connect further the Corinthians to the Lord. He was using the example of God's generosity, which is (to be) displayed through God's people - in giving. Just as God loves to give and be generous, without expecting anything in return, God enables us to do the same. The reason we can do this is because God (the Holy Spirit) lives in us who are saved, we experience God's generosity (God's grace) time and time again, and we are enabled to 'go and do likewise.'
Paul can assure the believers at Corinth that their cheerful giving will be poured back onto them in abundance through God's grace. The important aspect for God is the condition of their hearts in giving - not the amount. It is funny, isn't it - that when we have the desire to give from the heart, we do have a cheerfulness and gladness in it...and often give more than we think is possible! Paul is speaking of money in this portion of Scripture - but giving is not limited to money. Giving of ourselves, talents, gifts, abilities, time and self is to be generous!
And in our relationship with the Lord, through our relationship with the Lord, generosity is not only possible, but is forth coming - as a natural (super-natural) outgrowth of our relationship with God and all that God does and has done and will continue to do in our relationship with Him!
"Lord, thank You for such great generosity You show to me, to us. God, I ask that You give each one of us a greater capacity to see You in relationship with us - Your giving, kindness, graciousness, mercy, and abundance - that we in turn would display generosity, as an overflow of our relationship with You! Thank You Lord!"
Paul continues to speak the truth in love to the Corinthian believers...even as God uses Paul to speak to you and I - out of God's love for each of us! God so desires for us to relate to Him and one another out of love - a relationship of love. My recent reading outside of the Bible, has been calling (me) to think more about relationship - the reality that God is revealing Himself through the Scripture in order to draw us into a deeper still relationship with Him!
The Bible is words on a page without experiencing a relationship with our Creator, Maker, Savior, and Sustainer of our lives! Before the Bible was - God was! The Bible isn't God (sounds silly, doesn't it?), the Bible isn't first about authority (God's) and submission (ours). It is first to draw us into relationship with the Lover of our souls - the One in Whose heart and mind we were...before we were!
So, with this reality in mind - we hear Paul saying through his words, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what s/he has decided in his/her heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace about to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (vs. 6-8).
Paul was able to share this admonition about giving, because he had a vital, life-giving, love relationship with God - through Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit - AND he had a relationship with the believers at Corinth! He knew God - God's heart and character; and he knew the Corinthians. He was being used by the Lord to connect further the Corinthians to the Lord. He was using the example of God's generosity, which is (to be) displayed through God's people - in giving. Just as God loves to give and be generous, without expecting anything in return, God enables us to do the same. The reason we can do this is because God (the Holy Spirit) lives in us who are saved, we experience God's generosity (God's grace) time and time again, and we are enabled to 'go and do likewise.'
Paul can assure the believers at Corinth that their cheerful giving will be poured back onto them in abundance through God's grace. The important aspect for God is the condition of their hearts in giving - not the amount. It is funny, isn't it - that when we have the desire to give from the heart, we do have a cheerfulness and gladness in it...and often give more than we think is possible! Paul is speaking of money in this portion of Scripture - but giving is not limited to money. Giving of ourselves, talents, gifts, abilities, time and self is to be generous!
And in our relationship with the Lord, through our relationship with the Lord, generosity is not only possible, but is forth coming - as a natural (super-natural) outgrowth of our relationship with God and all that God does and has done and will continue to do in our relationship with Him!
"Lord, thank You for such great generosity You show to me, to us. God, I ask that You give each one of us a greater capacity to see You in relationship with us - Your giving, kindness, graciousness, mercy, and abundance - that we in turn would display generosity, as an overflow of our relationship with You! Thank You Lord!"
Friday, January 28, 2011
Giving Generously
2 Corinthians 8
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" (vs 9).
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers about how generous other churches - groups of believers - had been in giving to 'in need' believers in Jerusalem. This encouragement/exhortation from Paul included pointing out that those who gave in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea gave beyond what was expected! What was expected in that they were in poverty themselves! Yet they gave sacrificially and with a desire to give! They weren't feeling guilty, they weren't giving to get in return, they weren't lording it over others...they gave out of their own need!
Paul also shared with the Corinthians that these churches, in a certain way, were following their Savior. Paul elaborates that out of God's grace (which is how the churches gave so generously out of what they didn't have), Jesus Christ became poor so that through His poverty, believers could become rich! It wasn't that Jesus while on earth in His humanity was necessarily poorer than most first century Palestinians - it was that Jesus left the riches of heaven and glory - He set aside His rights and privileges of being...God! - and came to earth. Came to earth to live among us. And believe me, the wealthiest person who has ever lived and will ever live on this earth is less than a grain of sand in all the earth privileged and with rights, compared to Jesus in Glory. Jesus did that so that believers, all who would receive Him, would be come rich - rich as to real life, rich as to eternity, rich as to have everything we need for life and Godliness.
If Jesus had not become poor, if He had not come - Corinthians, you and I would have been/be lost and undone. SO, for those in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessolinica, and Berea) to give sacrificially was a (super) natural act as being receptors of God's glorious grace and riches!
Have you ever given sacrificially? Out of what you didn't have? I haven't...I live frugally, simply, not seeking what Americans would consider luxurious, I don't spend money I don't have (by God's grace I don't have any debt...nor do I have great savings :)), and I get joy out of giving and being generous...as some might consider generous. BUT, I have not given as the Macedonian believers are recorded as highlighted by Paul. I have not given accordingly as the 'widows mite' - "but she, being poor as she is, has given everything she has to live on" (Mark 12:41-44).
I have not given 'being poor, everything I have to live on.' Have you? Like Jesus? Like the Macedonian believers? Like the widow?
"Lord please forgive me and forgive us for ways we have not been as generous as You have called us to be. You reveal, through the Apostle Paul, how giving and generosity is a matter of our hearts, which works out on a practical level. Your Spirit is able, willing, and wanting to reveal to each one of us just how generous Jesus has and is to us, and how generous You would have each one of us to be. The outward manifestation of this giving is not the point, however the heart of the matter is revealed in the outward manifestation. Speak to my heart Holy Spirit. Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit. Fill me, fill us Lord with greater faith and trust in You. Help us to be free...free to give. Thanks for loving us Lord, we love You."
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" (vs 9).
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers about how generous other churches - groups of believers - had been in giving to 'in need' believers in Jerusalem. This encouragement/exhortation from Paul included pointing out that those who gave in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea gave beyond what was expected! What was expected in that they were in poverty themselves! Yet they gave sacrificially and with a desire to give! They weren't feeling guilty, they weren't giving to get in return, they weren't lording it over others...they gave out of their own need!
Paul also shared with the Corinthians that these churches, in a certain way, were following their Savior. Paul elaborates that out of God's grace (which is how the churches gave so generously out of what they didn't have), Jesus Christ became poor so that through His poverty, believers could become rich! It wasn't that Jesus while on earth in His humanity was necessarily poorer than most first century Palestinians - it was that Jesus left the riches of heaven and glory - He set aside His rights and privileges of being...God! - and came to earth. Came to earth to live among us. And believe me, the wealthiest person who has ever lived and will ever live on this earth is less than a grain of sand in all the earth privileged and with rights, compared to Jesus in Glory. Jesus did that so that believers, all who would receive Him, would be come rich - rich as to real life, rich as to eternity, rich as to have everything we need for life and Godliness.
If Jesus had not become poor, if He had not come - Corinthians, you and I would have been/be lost and undone. SO, for those in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessolinica, and Berea) to give sacrificially was a (super) natural act as being receptors of God's glorious grace and riches!
Have you ever given sacrificially? Out of what you didn't have? I haven't...I live frugally, simply, not seeking what Americans would consider luxurious, I don't spend money I don't have (by God's grace I don't have any debt...nor do I have great savings :)), and I get joy out of giving and being generous...as some might consider generous. BUT, I have not given as the Macedonian believers are recorded as highlighted by Paul. I have not given accordingly as the 'widows mite' - "but she, being poor as she is, has given everything she has to live on" (Mark 12:41-44).
I have not given 'being poor, everything I have to live on.' Have you? Like Jesus? Like the Macedonian believers? Like the widow?
"Lord please forgive me and forgive us for ways we have not been as generous as You have called us to be. You reveal, through the Apostle Paul, how giving and generosity is a matter of our hearts, which works out on a practical level. Your Spirit is able, willing, and wanting to reveal to each one of us just how generous Jesus has and is to us, and how generous You would have each one of us to be. The outward manifestation of this giving is not the point, however the heart of the matter is revealed in the outward manifestation. Speak to my heart Holy Spirit. Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit. Fill me, fill us Lord with greater faith and trust in You. Help us to be free...free to give. Thanks for loving us Lord, we love You."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Godly vs. Worldy Sorrow
2 Corinthians 7:2-16
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation [and life!] and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" ( vs 10, [ ]added by me). This is a profound Truth that each one of us has gone through or has had the opportunity to experience. There are two realities that strike me in what Paul is writing in this chapter. The first has to do with speaking (or writing) the Truth in Love. The second has to do with the difference between 'being sorry' because of an offense that is against God, others, and ourselves, and 'being sorry' because of the earthly effects of an offense and our pride being pricked in 'getting caught' in our sin.
Paul loved these Corinthian folk! It is so evident in his description of the process of his rebuke of them in the sin that was committed (look back at chapter 2 for a refresher...and it seems there was a third letter Paul wrote which is lost to us and not recorded in Scripture), his description of how he feels about them, and the actions he has taken toward them and on behalf of them. Paul spoke the Truth in Love. The folks heard him because it was first evident that Paul loved them and that he was rebuking them "out of" his love for them; not for any other reason.
Doesn't that make a difference to you? I know it does for me. Someone who loves me can say the same thing to me that someone who doesn't (seem) to love me - my response is very different to the one who loves me, than the one who doesn't....even if what is being said is true. (By God's grace, we can receive the truth by whoever speaks it and it will be for our good...but that is for another writing)!
The other striking reality is the motivation behind my response matters in the outcome of the sorrowfulness or repentance! Inside, if my thinking is focused on the destructive or negative effects of my action in getting caught - or my pride being exposed that I acted wrongly or sinfully, then the result is death! The result is just a dead-end..wallowing in the earthly components with no life-giving change!
BUT GOD - if the motivation behind my responsive sorrow is the recognition that I've caused destruction in hurting others, myself, and acted against God - the lover of my soul(!), then my repentance will usher in healing, growth, and good fruit...life!
Have you experienced the difference in these two motivations and outcomes? I have. When I am sorrowful that my hopes have been dashed because I got 'caught', then I end up repeating the same scenerio! The dressing might be different, but the thread is the same! When my sorrow is because of my relationship with God, others, and myself - the hurt and pain caused, then I experience God's (and other's) grace, forgiveness, and strength within to not go down that path again! The inside has changed, which was the cause of the action in the first place!
"Lord, even as I reflect on this part of Paul's story with the Corinthian believers, I know that there is something here that You want to reveal to me. I know that there is something You want to reveal to all reading this reflection. God, help us to open our hearts, spirits, minds to receive You in this Scripture - Godly sorrow leads to repentance and life; earthly sorrow leads to death. Show us Your Life Lord, and any areas where each of us need to see this difference. Thanks for loving us Lord. We love You."
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation [and life!] and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" ( vs 10, [ ]added by me). This is a profound Truth that each one of us has gone through or has had the opportunity to experience. There are two realities that strike me in what Paul is writing in this chapter. The first has to do with speaking (or writing) the Truth in Love. The second has to do with the difference between 'being sorry' because of an offense that is against God, others, and ourselves, and 'being sorry' because of the earthly effects of an offense and our pride being pricked in 'getting caught' in our sin.
Paul loved these Corinthian folk! It is so evident in his description of the process of his rebuke of them in the sin that was committed (look back at chapter 2 for a refresher...and it seems there was a third letter Paul wrote which is lost to us and not recorded in Scripture), his description of how he feels about them, and the actions he has taken toward them and on behalf of them. Paul spoke the Truth in Love. The folks heard him because it was first evident that Paul loved them and that he was rebuking them "out of" his love for them; not for any other reason.
Doesn't that make a difference to you? I know it does for me. Someone who loves me can say the same thing to me that someone who doesn't (seem) to love me - my response is very different to the one who loves me, than the one who doesn't....even if what is being said is true. (By God's grace, we can receive the truth by whoever speaks it and it will be for our good...but that is for another writing)!
The other striking reality is the motivation behind my response matters in the outcome of the sorrowfulness or repentance! Inside, if my thinking is focused on the destructive or negative effects of my action in getting caught - or my pride being exposed that I acted wrongly or sinfully, then the result is death! The result is just a dead-end..wallowing in the earthly components with no life-giving change!
BUT GOD - if the motivation behind my responsive sorrow is the recognition that I've caused destruction in hurting others, myself, and acted against God - the lover of my soul(!), then my repentance will usher in healing, growth, and good fruit...life!
Have you experienced the difference in these two motivations and outcomes? I have. When I am sorrowful that my hopes have been dashed because I got 'caught', then I end up repeating the same scenerio! The dressing might be different, but the thread is the same! When my sorrow is because of my relationship with God, others, and myself - the hurt and pain caused, then I experience God's (and other's) grace, forgiveness, and strength within to not go down that path again! The inside has changed, which was the cause of the action in the first place!
"Lord, even as I reflect on this part of Paul's story with the Corinthian believers, I know that there is something here that You want to reveal to me. I know that there is something You want to reveal to all reading this reflection. God, help us to open our hearts, spirits, minds to receive You in this Scripture - Godly sorrow leads to repentance and life; earthly sorrow leads to death. Show us Your Life Lord, and any areas where each of us need to see this difference. Thanks for loving us Lord. We love You."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Promises of God and Contamination
2 Corinthians 7:1
"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
Since we have these promises... . I love Paul's reminder of the order of things. It isn't that we work hard to rid ourselves of every contaminate within and without and THEN we receive God's promises. It is that BECAUSE we have God's promises, that He has given to us first, freely, and in Love and sacrifice....we Want to be free of contamination from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Is this your experience? Do you know God's promises to you as His son or daughter? Specifically for Paul in this narrative is from verse 16: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." This promise fulfills all the other promises which are noted and recorded through the Old and New Testament. Emmanuel, God (is) with us. God is with you.
God is so Faithful and True that He not only Has initiated a life changing, eternal, and close relationship with us (how much closer can a relationship be than to have the One with whom you are in relationship with, live INSIDE of you???), He has not only recorded Who He is and His promises to us in a book called "The Bible" but He also allows us to experience Him, Who He is, our relationship with Him, and His promises to us.
We experience Him through the Holy Spirit, through relationships with the body of Christ, and through others around us. Sometimes one of the biggest issues is that we don't connect the experience of God and His promises in our lives, because we don't know the character of God or His promises. This is one reason why reading and meditating on God's Word in the Bible is so important. This spiritual discipline/practice helps us to know God, what to expect from God, and how God relates to us.
Check out these Scripture promises: Deuteronomy 31:6 - God is a;ways with you; Romans 8:28 - God is always working 'all things working for your good" plan; Psalm 27:13 - God is always Good; 1 Corinthians 10:13 - God is always faithful; Isaiah 54:15-17 - God is always victorious (paraphrased from message by James McDonald on 'The Promises of God').
"Lord thank You for You and for Your promises toward me/us. Thank You that it is because of Your Great Love that I am/we are not consumed; that we can call on You to enable us to be 'contamination free'...and we want to because of Who You are! We need You Jesus...we could not endure the world, flesh, and devil if it were not for YOU - thank You for being Emmanuel, God with us!"
"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
Since we have these promises... . I love Paul's reminder of the order of things. It isn't that we work hard to rid ourselves of every contaminate within and without and THEN we receive God's promises. It is that BECAUSE we have God's promises, that He has given to us first, freely, and in Love and sacrifice....we Want to be free of contamination from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Is this your experience? Do you know God's promises to you as His son or daughter? Specifically for Paul in this narrative is from verse 16: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." This promise fulfills all the other promises which are noted and recorded through the Old and New Testament. Emmanuel, God (is) with us. God is with you.
God is so Faithful and True that He not only Has initiated a life changing, eternal, and close relationship with us (how much closer can a relationship be than to have the One with whom you are in relationship with, live INSIDE of you???), He has not only recorded Who He is and His promises to us in a book called "The Bible" but He also allows us to experience Him, Who He is, our relationship with Him, and His promises to us.
We experience Him through the Holy Spirit, through relationships with the body of Christ, and through others around us. Sometimes one of the biggest issues is that we don't connect the experience of God and His promises in our lives, because we don't know the character of God or His promises. This is one reason why reading and meditating on God's Word in the Bible is so important. This spiritual discipline/practice helps us to know God, what to expect from God, and how God relates to us.
Check out these Scripture promises: Deuteronomy 31:6 - God is a;ways with you; Romans 8:28 - God is always working 'all things working for your good" plan; Psalm 27:13 - God is always Good; 1 Corinthians 10:13 - God is always faithful; Isaiah 54:15-17 - God is always victorious (paraphrased from message by James McDonald on 'The Promises of God').
"Lord thank You for You and for Your promises toward me/us. Thank You that it is because of Your Great Love that I am/we are not consumed; that we can call on You to enable us to be 'contamination free'...and we want to because of Who You are! We need You Jesus...we could not endure the world, flesh, and devil if it were not for YOU - thank You for being Emmanuel, God with us!"
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Same Direction, Same Foundation
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers...What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?...As God has said:'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people" (vs 14,15,16 - portions of each).
Folks in the Corinthian Church had lived as non-believers, and then came to faith in Christ, becoming born-again, becoming believers. They became folks (as all believers) who were the temples of the Holy Spirit, they had the Holy Spirit now living within them, taking up residence! What a difference in their lives, in their identities! They were no longer the same. They were new creations - as we read about in 2 Corinthians 5!
That is like many of us - in fact, while some may be younger in years than others when they are born-again, born of the Spirit; everyone has spent some time as unbelievers! When I received Jesus, was filled with His Spirit, became a new creation (I like emphasizing the super-natural act that God did!), I was 24 yrs of age.
At 24 yrs., I had been dating a young man - he and I were not believers, and we lived as non-believers. When I became a believer, he did not. We continued to date - and as a young believer, it took some time to walk in my new identity...I had some left-overs that needed to be shed - and by God's grace they were, in time :)
Well, I became increasingly convicted, by the Holy Spirit, that to continue to be joined with this young man, was not of God! Yet it was difficult for me to break away, because I loved him! After about 6 months, the Lord became stronger in me than my old ways...so once again I shared with this young man what happened in my life with God. My prayer and hope was that he too would become a believer. One more time I shared the Gospel of Salvation with him. Explaining that because of this, because of my relationship with Jesus, I couldn't continue to date him. I explained that he was walking down the road in one direction, and I was walking the opposite way. He looked at me very seriously and said, "it's OK...I will let you go to church... ."
He didn't get it. It wasn't and isn't about going to church...it isn't about different activities, or ideas. Sure, I began going to church, but that was because I had the desire to be around others who were seeking Jesus! My activities were different and my ideas, but not in and of themselves - my worldview was different! It was from above, not earthly. How can two walk together unless they are going in the same direction?
So, I let this young man go. It broke my heart, it broke his but also made him angry. I could not continue with him; what usually happens when a believer dates, marries, becomes business partners, or holds something tangible in common with an unbeliever? The believer usually ends up compromising his/her relationship with Jesus. No matter how moral, kind, considerate the unbeliever conducts him/herself - the foundation and worldview is other than Christ. Worse than oil and water....which does not mix.
SO - Paul says to the Corinthians, and God reminds us - "don't be unequally yoked"...it won't work. It will cause pain, heartache, and destruction. Even if it seems not to be so in the beginning...it is inevitable. Two can't walk together unless they are walking in the same direction. Believer's direction could not be more opposite that the unbeliever's....Believer's we ought not even "go there."
"Lord, help us as Your children to see this reality as described by the Apostle Paul. While we are to love others and seek their good - it isn't possible for us to be yoked/partnered/joined with those who are walking in the polar opposite direction...we will likely end up walking their way...not Yours. Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit. Strength us in our inner persons, to hear You and walk Your way. Thanks for loving us God."
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers...What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?...As God has said:'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people" (vs 14,15,16 - portions of each).
Folks in the Corinthian Church had lived as non-believers, and then came to faith in Christ, becoming born-again, becoming believers. They became folks (as all believers) who were the temples of the Holy Spirit, they had the Holy Spirit now living within them, taking up residence! What a difference in their lives, in their identities! They were no longer the same. They were new creations - as we read about in 2 Corinthians 5!
That is like many of us - in fact, while some may be younger in years than others when they are born-again, born of the Spirit; everyone has spent some time as unbelievers! When I received Jesus, was filled with His Spirit, became a new creation (I like emphasizing the super-natural act that God did!), I was 24 yrs of age.
At 24 yrs., I had been dating a young man - he and I were not believers, and we lived as non-believers. When I became a believer, he did not. We continued to date - and as a young believer, it took some time to walk in my new identity...I had some left-overs that needed to be shed - and by God's grace they were, in time :)
Well, I became increasingly convicted, by the Holy Spirit, that to continue to be joined with this young man, was not of God! Yet it was difficult for me to break away, because I loved him! After about 6 months, the Lord became stronger in me than my old ways...so once again I shared with this young man what happened in my life with God. My prayer and hope was that he too would become a believer. One more time I shared the Gospel of Salvation with him. Explaining that because of this, because of my relationship with Jesus, I couldn't continue to date him. I explained that he was walking down the road in one direction, and I was walking the opposite way. He looked at me very seriously and said, "it's OK...I will let you go to church... ."
He didn't get it. It wasn't and isn't about going to church...it isn't about different activities, or ideas. Sure, I began going to church, but that was because I had the desire to be around others who were seeking Jesus! My activities were different and my ideas, but not in and of themselves - my worldview was different! It was from above, not earthly. How can two walk together unless they are going in the same direction?
So, I let this young man go. It broke my heart, it broke his but also made him angry. I could not continue with him; what usually happens when a believer dates, marries, becomes business partners, or holds something tangible in common with an unbeliever? The believer usually ends up compromising his/her relationship with Jesus. No matter how moral, kind, considerate the unbeliever conducts him/herself - the foundation and worldview is other than Christ. Worse than oil and water....which does not mix.
SO - Paul says to the Corinthians, and God reminds us - "don't be unequally yoked"...it won't work. It will cause pain, heartache, and destruction. Even if it seems not to be so in the beginning...it is inevitable. Two can't walk together unless they are walking in the same direction. Believer's direction could not be more opposite that the unbeliever's....Believer's we ought not even "go there."
"Lord, help us as Your children to see this reality as described by the Apostle Paul. While we are to love others and seek their good - it isn't possible for us to be yoked/partnered/joined with those who are walking in the polar opposite direction...we will likely end up walking their way...not Yours. Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit. Strength us in our inner persons, to hear You and walk Your way. Thanks for loving us God."
Monday, January 24, 2011
Whatever Circumstance
2 Corinthians 6:3-13
No matter what comes my (our) way. Wow. The Apostle Paul and his co-laborers stood "firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10)! No matter what. This list of some of the life circumstances and his approach and response, bears repeating:
"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 imposters;
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" (vs 4a-10).
No matter what comes my (our) way. Wow. The Apostle Paul and his co-laborers stood "firm in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10)! No matter what. This list of some of the life circumstances and his approach and response, bears repeating:
"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 imposters;
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" (vs 4a-10).
These are the types of environments he and his co-laborers found themselves in as a result of preaching and teaching the Gospel to those to whom God had called them! It is clear that Paul didn't look solely at his circumstances as an indication of God's will for him! When Paul said that he "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" (Philippians 4:11), we can see by the above recording, that indeed, Paul learned through his experiences!
He later in this same chapter, states that his heart was opened wide to the Corinthians - to those to whom he was ministering and doubtless, found himself in some of these circumstances as he was ministering to them. If his heart was not opened wide to them, and in the Living Christ - the power of the Holy Spirit - he would not have (been able to) endured these circumstances. In an earlier reading we see that Paul was "compelled by the love of Christ." It had to be so. He has the "right" to ask the Corinthians, "open wide your hearts also." We trust that some did, and some did not, even as we read later on in 2 Corinthians.
So what about you and me? Are we learning to be content in whatever circumstance we are in, as we commend ourselves as ministers of the Gospel? You might be thinking, "I'm not a minister of the Gospel." Actually, you are...perhaps not in the same way as Paul - his life work and breath - but we read earlier in 2 Corinthians 5 that all of us who are saved, are "ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors of Christ, having God make His appeal through us, to others, to be reconciled (saved, receiving forgiveness through Christ, becoming new creations in Christ) to God through Christ.
"Lord, thank You for calling us to Yourself and for making us Your ambassadors. I pray that I, and we, would so find ourselves hidden in You, that we step out, regardless of circumstance, and appeal to others to be reconciled to You through Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord to get to the point of learning to be content in whatever circumstance, as we walk in You. Thank You Lord for the High Calling with which You have called us."
He later in this same chapter, states that his heart was opened wide to the Corinthians - to those to whom he was ministering and doubtless, found himself in some of these circumstances as he was ministering to them. If his heart was not opened wide to them, and in the Living Christ - the power of the Holy Spirit - he would not have (been able to) endured these circumstances. In an earlier reading we see that Paul was "compelled by the love of Christ." It had to be so. He has the "right" to ask the Corinthians, "open wide your hearts also." We trust that some did, and some did not, even as we read later on in 2 Corinthians.
So what about you and me? Are we learning to be content in whatever circumstance we are in, as we commend ourselves as ministers of the Gospel? You might be thinking, "I'm not a minister of the Gospel." Actually, you are...perhaps not in the same way as Paul - his life work and breath - but we read earlier in 2 Corinthians 5 that all of us who are saved, are "ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors of Christ, having God make His appeal through us, to others, to be reconciled (saved, receiving forgiveness through Christ, becoming new creations in Christ) to God through Christ.
"Lord, thank You for calling us to Yourself and for making us Your ambassadors. I pray that I, and we, would so find ourselves hidden in You, that we step out, regardless of circumstance, and appeal to others to be reconciled to You through Christ, in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us Lord to get to the point of learning to be content in whatever circumstance, as we walk in You. Thank You Lord for the High Calling with which You have called us."
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Now is the Time
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Why put off until tomorrow, what you can do today? You've heard that expression. Some have turned it the other way around...Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Often this is a light-hearted way to handle procrastination and to encourage ourselves (or others) to "just do it!" Have you wondered where the expression originated? Well, I think it might have been Paul! Although the Apostle Paul's exhortation in these 2 verses of focus in our reading, is not light-hearted. The matter at hand for the Corinthians was a matter of life and death. And in our days for our ways, is today, a matter of life and death for us!
"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.'
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (vs 1,2)! (emphasis mine).
Paul is highlighting, strongly, the reality that there are times and seasons for certain movements of God - and tomorrow really may be too late! Perhaps the Corinthians were waffling, doubting, questioning the experience, witnessing, or hearing of God's grace. Whatever the circumstance, it was cause for Paul to warn those within his hearing. He wanted to assure them that God's grace and favor was real and now. That as they were under God's ministry of Grace, that it was in that moment their salvation was to be received from God!
Tomorrow was not promised to them in their day, and tomorrow is not promised to you and I. Even as you read this message, today is the day of salvation. Today is the moment of receiving God's grace in your situation. Today. Now. Not later. Now.
"Lord, thank You for Your Precious Grace that is for each one of us in this moment. Lord, please move by Your Spirit, in each heart of the ones reading this now. However it is one needs to receive the grace You are extending, let him/her receive You Lord. For salvation. For forgiveness. For pardon. For direction. For patience. For understanding. For seeing. For clarity. For assurance. For ...whatever it is - now is the time. Thank You Lord!"
Why put off until tomorrow, what you can do today? You've heard that expression. Some have turned it the other way around...Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Often this is a light-hearted way to handle procrastination and to encourage ourselves (or others) to "just do it!" Have you wondered where the expression originated? Well, I think it might have been Paul! Although the Apostle Paul's exhortation in these 2 verses of focus in our reading, is not light-hearted. The matter at hand for the Corinthians was a matter of life and death. And in our days for our ways, is today, a matter of life and death for us!
"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.'
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (vs 1,2)! (emphasis mine).
Paul is highlighting, strongly, the reality that there are times and seasons for certain movements of God - and tomorrow really may be too late! Perhaps the Corinthians were waffling, doubting, questioning the experience, witnessing, or hearing of God's grace. Whatever the circumstance, it was cause for Paul to warn those within his hearing. He wanted to assure them that God's grace and favor was real and now. That as they were under God's ministry of Grace, that it was in that moment their salvation was to be received from God!
Tomorrow was not promised to them in their day, and tomorrow is not promised to you and I. Even as you read this message, today is the day of salvation. Today is the moment of receiving God's grace in your situation. Today. Now. Not later. Now.
"Lord, thank You for Your Precious Grace that is for each one of us in this moment. Lord, please move by Your Spirit, in each heart of the ones reading this now. However it is one needs to receive the grace You are extending, let him/her receive You Lord. For salvation. For forgiveness. For pardon. For direction. For patience. For understanding. For seeing. For clarity. For assurance. For ...whatever it is - now is the time. Thank You Lord!"
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Saint or Sinner?
Dear Ones,
Since last writing, I have been traveling from Maine to Ohio with stops on the way! Met with some folks in Nashua NH regarding Safe Families for Children and their desire to join the movement - Praise the Lord! Then on to Ashland Ohio where I was privileged to assist in training Pastors and church leaders in the Formational Prayer process...a process that helps folks who are hurting be positioned in the presence of the Healing Christ - the Holy Spirit! It is awesome - a 'front row seat' in seeing the Lord set folks free from false beliefs and lies, results of hurt/wounding they have experienced, which has hindered them in experiencing the fullness of life God has intended for them!....something from which we could all benefit!
In the midst, flu symptoms and bad cold caught me...BUT Praise the Lord, feeling much better today! And so glad, as I have missed writing to you through these little devotional meditations!
May you experience today the fullness of life that God intends for you as His beloved sons and daughters!
Robin
Food for Life:
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, s/he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!...God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might b3ecome the righteousness of God" (vs 17,21)
Paul continues to proclaim the "excellencies of Him who brought us out of darkness into the Kingdom of His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9)!! Recall, this portion of Scripture is focusing on the Treasure Who lives within us and the joy of eternity as the reality in which Believers live instead of the pain, suffering, trials, and difficulties of this earthly life. Otherwise, when we focus first on this earthly life, it is easy to "lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1).
Paul declares, in fact, that in Christ we are New Creations! Our identity is the New Creation we are in Christ - not the born sinner that we once were; who lived in our fallen natures with the fallen understanding, fallen desire, and fallen capabilities! Paul declares that the "old has gone, and the new has come!" Genesis 3:16-19 describes the curse of the fall on men and women, you and I - our bent human nature into which we were physically born. BUT GOD. When we are born-again; when we have received the forgiveness of Christ on the Cross and been filled with the Holy Spirit - (Paul declares) we are New Creations! We are no longer bound in our human nature with the curse of sin conceived through Adam and Eve! "Jesus, who knew no sin, BECAME sin for us, so that we would become the righteousness of God!"
Saints, this is SO important! Yes, you are called "saint" as a New Creation in Christ! That means your new nature! (I know you are thinking, "I am no saint!"). The meaning of Saint is 'one who is set apart' for God in Christ (http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html)! ; It is not a designation given because of one's behavior. It actually helps us to see ourselves, as New Creations - as those set apart, consecrated to God - by nature! That is your true identity! That is who you are!
As a result, we ask the Lord to help us LIVE out of our new natures, given by Him. We are not cursed, as in the fall. We are blessed. We have the Treasure living within us. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live according to our New Creation natures - saints; not our old natures as sinners!
"Lord, I pray for each one reading this (including the writer!) to grasp the reality of his/her new identity in Christ! What a difference this makes, You make, within us! Your Word says that we are no longer children of wrath, sinners, but "A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession..for we were once not a people who belonged to you, but now we are, we were once not shown mercy, but now we are people shown mercy..."(1 Peter 2:9,10,11). OH GOD, the world, ourselves(others), and the devil tell us all the time that we are lowly, "can't" people who don't have what it takes...those are lies from the pit for those who are in Christ! Lord, help us to see ourselves as You see us, and to live out of our position in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, as we walk in this world, but are not of this world. Thank You Lord!"
Since last writing, I have been traveling from Maine to Ohio with stops on the way! Met with some folks in Nashua NH regarding Safe Families for Children and their desire to join the movement - Praise the Lord! Then on to Ashland Ohio where I was privileged to assist in training Pastors and church leaders in the Formational Prayer process...a process that helps folks who are hurting be positioned in the presence of the Healing Christ - the Holy Spirit! It is awesome - a 'front row seat' in seeing the Lord set folks free from false beliefs and lies, results of hurt/wounding they have experienced, which has hindered them in experiencing the fullness of life God has intended for them!....something from which we could all benefit!
In the midst, flu symptoms and bad cold caught me...BUT Praise the Lord, feeling much better today! And so glad, as I have missed writing to you through these little devotional meditations!
May you experience today the fullness of life that God intends for you as His beloved sons and daughters!
Robin
Food for Life:
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, s/he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!...God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might b3ecome the righteousness of God" (vs 17,21)
Paul continues to proclaim the "excellencies of Him who brought us out of darkness into the Kingdom of His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9)!! Recall, this portion of Scripture is focusing on the Treasure Who lives within us and the joy of eternity as the reality in which Believers live instead of the pain, suffering, trials, and difficulties of this earthly life. Otherwise, when we focus first on this earthly life, it is easy to "lose heart" (2 Corinthians 4:1).
Paul declares, in fact, that in Christ we are New Creations! Our identity is the New Creation we are in Christ - not the born sinner that we once were; who lived in our fallen natures with the fallen understanding, fallen desire, and fallen capabilities! Paul declares that the "old has gone, and the new has come!" Genesis 3:16-19 describes the curse of the fall on men and women, you and I - our bent human nature into which we were physically born. BUT GOD. When we are born-again; when we have received the forgiveness of Christ on the Cross and been filled with the Holy Spirit - (Paul declares) we are New Creations! We are no longer bound in our human nature with the curse of sin conceived through Adam and Eve! "Jesus, who knew no sin, BECAME sin for us, so that we would become the righteousness of God!"
Saints, this is SO important! Yes, you are called "saint" as a New Creation in Christ! That means your new nature! (I know you are thinking, "I am no saint!"). The meaning of Saint is 'one who is set apart' for God in Christ (http://www.gotquestions.org/saints-Christian.html)! ; It is not a designation given because of one's behavior. It actually helps us to see ourselves, as New Creations - as those set apart, consecrated to God - by nature! That is your true identity! That is who you are!
As a result, we ask the Lord to help us LIVE out of our new natures, given by Him. We are not cursed, as in the fall. We are blessed. We have the Treasure living within us. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live according to our New Creation natures - saints; not our old natures as sinners!
"Lord, I pray for each one reading this (including the writer!) to grasp the reality of his/her new identity in Christ! What a difference this makes, You make, within us! Your Word says that we are no longer children of wrath, sinners, but "A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession..for we were once not a people who belonged to you, but now we are, we were once not shown mercy, but now we are people shown mercy..."(1 Peter 2:9,10,11). OH GOD, the world, ourselves(others), and the devil tell us all the time that we are lowly, "can't" people who don't have what it takes...those are lies from the pit for those who are in Christ! Lord, help us to see ourselves as You see us, and to live out of our position in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, as we walk in this world, but are not of this world. Thank You Lord!"
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Compelling Love of Christ
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all , that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again" (vs 14,15).
This is the heart of Paul's message and life. He actually wouldn't call it 'his life!' In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered Himself up for me." This is one of my most precious verses, one which I pray periodically, that it would be the reality of life on earth for me!
The love of Christ compels Paul. Christ's love, His dying on the cross for Paul - and all - is the reason Paul endured the trial, struggles, and persecutions of (his) earthly life. Christ's Love is the reason Paul preached, taught, ministered, prayed, rebuked, exhorted, and encouraged the folks! Paul explains that others of his time did what he did, but they were false teachers. They were not motivated by Christ's love, but selfish gain. Their motivation was wrong. They were doing it for their own glory, gain, and status - material gain even. Paul warned the folks to watch out for them!
Let us heed Paul's warning. Let us follow his example! "Lord fill us so that it would be Your Love that Compels us to not live for ourselves, but for You! When our motivation or direction gets skewed - when we have thoughts of self first - convict us, help us to recognize the difference between putting You first and ourselves first. Thank You Lord that You are more than able to do this and keep us! Thank You that You are well aware of the challenges and temptations we face within and all around us as we walk in this world! Thank You for Your Grace and Mercy, Your love that is ever toward us. Bless You Lord! Thank You! Give us discernment Lord!"
"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all , that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again" (vs 14,15).
This is the heart of Paul's message and life. He actually wouldn't call it 'his life!' In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered Himself up for me." This is one of my most precious verses, one which I pray periodically, that it would be the reality of life on earth for me!
The love of Christ compels Paul. Christ's love, His dying on the cross for Paul - and all - is the reason Paul endured the trial, struggles, and persecutions of (his) earthly life. Christ's Love is the reason Paul preached, taught, ministered, prayed, rebuked, exhorted, and encouraged the folks! Paul explains that others of his time did what he did, but they were false teachers. They were not motivated by Christ's love, but selfish gain. Their motivation was wrong. They were doing it for their own glory, gain, and status - material gain even. Paul warned the folks to watch out for them!
Let us heed Paul's warning. Let us follow his example! "Lord fill us so that it would be Your Love that Compels us to not live for ourselves, but for You! When our motivation or direction gets skewed - when we have thoughts of self first - convict us, help us to recognize the difference between putting You first and ourselves first. Thank You Lord that You are more than able to do this and keep us! Thank You that You are well aware of the challenges and temptations we face within and all around us as we walk in this world! Thank You for Your Grace and Mercy, Your love that is ever toward us. Bless You Lord! Thank You! Give us discernment Lord!"
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Live By Faith, Not By Sight
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
"We live by faith, not by sight" (vs. 7).
Do I? Do you? Live by faith, trusting God and not by what our eyes see and circumstances indicate?
Paul continues to focus our reading of the Word on living in the present but living for eternity - eternity which has been set in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, guaranteed by the Same. Paul's confidence rests in the reality of Christ in him, renewing him inwardly day by day through the hardships and joys of this earthly life....which are being stored up for him glory to come! Therefore, Paul writes, he lives by faith and not by sight. And it is the same with us.
This morning I was riveted by the Lord, even before reading and reflecting on this portion of Scripture. Riveted because while others have assessed/observed me to be faithful and to live as one who has [great faith], I heard from the Lord that in certain areas, lack of living by faith has kept me from stepping out in ways that God has called me to! You see, some choices and decisions I've made would appear to be made by faith and not sight - yet, within myself, they have been made by subconsciously thinking that I have a level of competence to do so. That I could see a level of 'safety' - thus there has been a calculated risk factor.
It is disheartening to me that this is so. I also feel some thankfulness that God has shown me this; and excitement...and some fear (!) to consider what this might mean now that God has shown me this ...again. I ask the Lord to please forgive me, because He has shown me this before. I pray this time I don't allow the fear to overcome faith...
You see, my living by faith looks different from yours. God has positioned, gifted, and planned for each of us different walks. So, what you may do with competence either because of how God has gifted you, you've been trained, educated, and encouraged to go forth in - I have not, and vice versa. You may look at me and say, 'wow, wish I had that faith' and I look at you saying, 'wow, wish I had that faith.' Yet, in our heart of hearts, as revealed by God, we know. Faith is a gift given to us by God as well. You and I have different measures of faith. Scripture bears out the reality that our faith increases as we exercise, step out in, the measure of faith God gives. I ask God to forgive me too, for not exercising fully the faith He has given me so that it increases. When you and I act in faith it glorifies the Giver of Faith. We glorify God by acting in faith..not so much in competence - competence that is also God given but we tend to trust in it instead of God.
How about you? Do you see anyways in which you have acted more in calculated risk and competence rather than faith? It is not always easy to discern. For faith is not devoid of exercising gifts, competence, knowledge, understanding, and counting the cost. For example, it would not be faith for me to conduct brain surgery...it would be foolish. For I'm not equipped to do so. But, it would be faith to embark on developing a new ministry of Formational Counseling or another similar area for which I have been equipped.
"Lord, thank You for how You speak to us sometimes so clearly that it is deafening. Thank You that You call us closer and closer to You, to live by faith and not sight. Really, until we are absent from this earthly body, You call us to greater and greater faith. We don't arrive until Glory. I ask for my brothers and sisters, and myself, that we would continue to exercise the faith You have given us, that You will be glorified, it will be for one another's good, and for our own. We love You Lord. Thanks for loving us!"
"We live by faith, not by sight" (vs. 7).
Do I? Do you? Live by faith, trusting God and not by what our eyes see and circumstances indicate?
Paul continues to focus our reading of the Word on living in the present but living for eternity - eternity which has been set in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, guaranteed by the Same. Paul's confidence rests in the reality of Christ in him, renewing him inwardly day by day through the hardships and joys of this earthly life....which are being stored up for him glory to come! Therefore, Paul writes, he lives by faith and not by sight. And it is the same with us.
This morning I was riveted by the Lord, even before reading and reflecting on this portion of Scripture. Riveted because while others have assessed/observed me to be faithful and to live as one who has [great faith], I heard from the Lord that in certain areas, lack of living by faith has kept me from stepping out in ways that God has called me to! You see, some choices and decisions I've made would appear to be made by faith and not sight - yet, within myself, they have been made by subconsciously thinking that I have a level of competence to do so. That I could see a level of 'safety' - thus there has been a calculated risk factor.
It is disheartening to me that this is so. I also feel some thankfulness that God has shown me this; and excitement...and some fear (!) to consider what this might mean now that God has shown me this ...again. I ask the Lord to please forgive me, because He has shown me this before. I pray this time I don't allow the fear to overcome faith...
You see, my living by faith looks different from yours. God has positioned, gifted, and planned for each of us different walks. So, what you may do with competence either because of how God has gifted you, you've been trained, educated, and encouraged to go forth in - I have not, and vice versa. You may look at me and say, 'wow, wish I had that faith' and I look at you saying, 'wow, wish I had that faith.' Yet, in our heart of hearts, as revealed by God, we know. Faith is a gift given to us by God as well. You and I have different measures of faith. Scripture bears out the reality that our faith increases as we exercise, step out in, the measure of faith God gives. I ask God to forgive me too, for not exercising fully the faith He has given me so that it increases. When you and I act in faith it glorifies the Giver of Faith. We glorify God by acting in faith..not so much in competence - competence that is also God given but we tend to trust in it instead of God.
How about you? Do you see anyways in which you have acted more in calculated risk and competence rather than faith? It is not always easy to discern. For faith is not devoid of exercising gifts, competence, knowledge, understanding, and counting the cost. For example, it would not be faith for me to conduct brain surgery...it would be foolish. For I'm not equipped to do so. But, it would be faith to embark on developing a new ministry of Formational Counseling or another similar area for which I have been equipped.
"Lord, thank You for how You speak to us sometimes so clearly that it is deafening. Thank You that You call us closer and closer to You, to live by faith and not sight. Really, until we are absent from this earthly body, You call us to greater and greater faith. We don't arrive until Glory. I ask for my brothers and sisters, and myself, that we would continue to exercise the faith You have given us, that You will be glorified, it will be for one another's good, and for our own. We love You Lord. Thanks for loving us!"
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