Food for Life

Embracing

2011-08-26T14:12:00.001-04:00

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.

"Do Not Worry About Tomorrow"

2011-06-06T09:53:00.000-04:00

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!"

Wisdom is Proved Right by Her Actions

2011-06-03T09:34:00.000-04:00

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!"

2011-04-25T07:51:00.000-04:00

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!

"It Is Finished...He Is Risen...He Is Risen Indeed!"

2011-04-23T11:34:00.001-04:00

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)

Faith In...Who?

2011-04-19T10:30:00.001-04:00

"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.

With Our Whole Heart

2011-04-13T12:21:00.000-04:00

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 ).

Praying Scripture

2011-04-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

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

Grace and Mercy

2011-04-02T09:36:00.000-04:00

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/)

From the Inside Out

2011-03-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

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.."

You Who Are Spiritual

2011-03-08T08:50:00.001-05:00

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).

Fruit of the Spirit

2011-03-04T10:02:00.001-05:00

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."

2011-03-04T10:01:00.001-05:00

Freedom to Love not Indulge

2011-03-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

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."

Christ Formed in You

2011-02-18T10:05:00.000-05:00

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!"

One in Christ

2011-02-17T10:45:00.001-05:00

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!"

Recognizing Grace

2011-02-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

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."

Praising God for you!

2011-02-14T09:12:00.000-05:00

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!"

All Sufficient Grace

2011-02-08T09:57:00.001-05:00

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!"

The Angel of Light

2011-02-07T14:05:00.002-05:00

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!"

To God be the Glory!

2011-02-04T10:17:00.002-05:00

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!"

Divinely Powerful Weapons

2011-02-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

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!"

Sowing and Reaping

2011-02-01T10:07:00.000-05:00

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!"

Giving Generously

2011-01-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

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."

Godly vs. Worldy Sorrow

2011-01-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

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."

The Promises of God and Contamination

2011-01-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

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!"

The Same Direction, Same Foundation

2011-01-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

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."

Whatever Circumstance

2011-01-24T08:35:00.000-05:00

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).

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."

Now is the Time

2011-01-22T15:27:00.000-05:00

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!"

Saint or Sinner?

2011-01-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

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!"

The Compelling Love of Christ

2011-01-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

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!"

Live By Faith, Not By Sight

2011-01-06T12:25:00.000-05:00

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!"

Created for Purpose

2011-01-04T09:16:00.001-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

"Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (vs. 5).

For this very purpose. Have you wondered, "What is my purpose for being?" Yes, of course. We all have and do from time to time; and it is right that we do - for then we are positioned to seek. To seek God. God is so good, for throughout Scripture we can read some of the purposes for which we were created. And, by the Holy Spirit, we can be told, guided, and directed into the fulfillment of our purpose! It is heard said, "I wish there was an instruction manual to life!" There is! It is not blow by blow, detail by detail - it is written in such a way that each person can read it, meditate on it, study it, and ask the Holy Spirit to interpret for and empower each one of us into the general and specific purpose God has! Yes, the manual of Life is the Bible. The Holy Spirit is it's interpreter.

What is one purpose Paul speaks to in this portion of Scripture? He tells us in the preceding verses. We who are born-again are moaning and groaning with longing. Do you moan with longing? Perhaps you even are able to put a descriptor on your longing. You might say it is for a particular person, or for there to be a particular person in your life. You might say it is for a particular occupation or a $ amount in performing your particular occupation. You might say it is to be rid of some menacing thought, feeling, or habit that controls you.

Whatever label we put on our longings, if we follow the root of it - it is "to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling!" We who are saved, long to be face to face with our Savior! To be rid of this mortal body - which is dying! Which has aches, pains, needs, and ailments! Which prevents us from being totally free! This earth bound life! Each one of us was created to live with God forever in His dwelling! "Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose...!"

I am confident that each one of you, if you are honest (with yourself) and others - has moments when you think, "I was made for greatness! I was made for something better than this!" Some of us may even be striving, strategizing, seeking to position ourselves for greatness. The truth is, at the core of this thought...is reality! You really were created for greatness! So was the person you are looking at! How much greater can it get than to live face to face with the Creator of all that exists?!

In the meantime, "Lord I pray that for each one of us - You would help us realize the greatness for which You have created and called us. Lord, each one of us have gifts that were given by You, and You intend for us to live out of them...which will bring You Honor, will be for our good, and for the good of others. Then one day, a day that only You know, You will take each of us to be with You face to face, forever. These mortal bodies, will turn to immortality, death will be swallowed up with Life, and our longing, will finally be 100% fulfilled! Until then Lord, help each one of us to experience Your Presence within us and all around us. Help us to know, develop, and fulfill the gifts You've given each one of us. Thank You so much Lord. We love You. Thank You for Loving us."

Do Not Lose Heart

2011-01-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" (vs. 16).

The Apostle Paul is so amazing...he would say it is not him who is amazing, but the Treasure that dwells within him! And so, you and I can be amazing too, because we have the same Treasure, as believers, living within us! Paul was one of the most persecuted and trial-laden Christians in history. He describes his trials and persecutions as a servant of Christ in 2 Corinthians 11:25 - "I have ...been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was ship wrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches."

This brother is the one who writes, "Therefore do not lose heart." If anyone had reason to lose heart, it was Paul! Sometimes we (wrongly) assume that the writers of Scripture write what they do because somehow it was easier in life for them and/or easier for them to walk with the Lord...so not true. Paul not only had severe physical persecutions, but he also experienced difficult emotional stress as he thought about the well-being of the church folks! If all this wasn't enough, he describes some ailment that was so severe, he asked the Lord to take it away three times. The Lord did not. Paul then writes that it was actually a messenger of Satan, given (by God!) in order to keep him humble because he had received also from the Lord such great revelations (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In this too, he proclaims thanksgiving because he states that the weaker he is, the stronger he is - because God perfects His power in (human) weakness!

Paul doesn't lose heart, because he is being renewed inside, by the Holy Spirit, by Christ. His body may be wasting away, from all the trials and persecutions of this life, but he is being built up within...and it is this part of him that will live forever in eternity. The outward part of him will actually be changed into a glorified body in eternity.

Paul's perspective is what makes the difference between loosing heart, giving up, and throwing in the towel. Quiting. He looks first at God and eternity. He looks at the end - in order to endure the present. He turns over all this hardship to Christ, who lives within him - the weaker he is, the stronger Christ becomes within him. So it is with you and I.

Today there are a few situations that need to be addressed and I feel soooooooo adequate to do so. Not only that, I really don't want to deal with them because, from a human perspective, I am at 'the mercy' of people who work in institutions...who are not concerned about the impact of the circumstances on me, but are concerned about their business. More importantly, today, I am also concerned for some loved ones that are in great difficulty, also 'out of my control.' And so, I could easily lose heart.

But God, through Paul, encourages me to not lose heart. To not give in to my weakness. To not set my sight on the earthly reality of situations. God calls me to put these things in perspective. In light of eternity. In light of the Treasure who lives within me. In light of the One who sits on the Throne and on the throne of my heart. The One who holds kings and nations in His hand.

Today, you and I can see our problems and cares as "light and momentary troubles that are gaining for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, let us fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (vs17,18).

Pressing Toward the Goal

2011-01-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

Blessed Happy New Year to each one of you and your loved ones! While I'm not one that makes New Year resolutions, I am impressed of the Lord this 1.1.11 with this exhortation from the Apostle Paul. I pray that you would join me in this declaration and ambition - fueled by the Holy Spirit. "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"(Philippians 3:10,13b,14).

We are call to know/be one with Christ in both the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings - often we would like to only share in His resurrection power...But, that is not possible. If we are to experience the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit (who raised Him from the dead, and who lives in us!), then we must also share in the sufferings - the cost of discipleship - the cost of what it is to live in this world but not of this world. When you and I stand up for Christ, or lay down (walk in humility, be humiliated, persecuted, chided, picked-on or picked over) THEN we at the same time will experience the power of Christ within.

Power (of Christ) and Suffering (in /of Christ) go together. And the Power is much greater than the sufferings! We don't choose our own sufferings...the Lord chooses them for us and if He chooses them for us (allows them or orchestrates them) then He WILL give us His Power to endure and triumph in them!

So, as this year unfolds, with it's joys and sorrows, successes and failures, challenges and mountain-tops - please join with me in seeking to know Christ in His fullness - in His resurrection power and in His sufferings - that we would be made mature and complete here and in eternity!

"Lord, let it be, let it be - stir our hearts toward You, and the strength in You to stand with You in all things. Thank You Lord."

Blessings of Joy and Love in Christ to each of you and yours!

The Treasure Within

2010-12-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God, and not ourselves. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed" (vs 7,8,9).

Paul continues to highlight, vigorously, how any power that is revealed in and through him is not in and of himself. It is from God! It is God! Paul is just like a jar of clay. He has been created, molded and shaped by God. It is the deposit of the Holy Spirit within him, the jar of clay, the treasure of Christ Himself, that dwells in Paul which displays His power and might! THIS is why Paul is not crushed, despaired, abandoned, or destroyed.

And so it is with you and me. You and I are "jars of clay." We did not create ourselves - God created us. We have not molded and shaped ourselves (the idea of a 'self-made man' is hogwash....!). God has molded and shaped us. God is molding and shaping and keeping us. As believers and followers of Christ, we also with Paul, have the treasure - Christ Himself - living inside of us by the Holy Spirit! So, when the pressures of this earthly life are pressing in on us from all sides...we are not crushed. So, when we are perplexed in our thinking because of the situations swirling on around us, we are not in despair. So, when we are being persecuted either through the actions of others or in our reputations, we are not abandoned [by God]. And when we receive blow after blow as we walk day to day, we are not destroyed.

For in Christ the world, flesh, and/or devil can not CRUSH, DESPAIR, cause God to ABANDON, or DESTROY us!! Listen, without the Holy Spirit in us - we depend on others, situations, and ourselves. And when others, situations, and ourselves are depended upon - then they can also crush, despair, abandon, and destroy us.

Case in point - in seasons past, I was part of a small band of brothers and sisters. We lived life together in Christ. We broke bread together. We served one another. We laughed together. We cried together. We experienced being hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck-down together. And then something happened. The world, flesh, and devil made an entrance. I found myself being the object of being hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck-down by accusations from one of our band! It was painful. It brought much grief. And it caused separation. BUT GOD.
Another case in point - in seasons past, I was engaged to be married. And then something happened. I was told I 'wasn't the one God had' for my fiancee. I was loved but not 'the one.' I found myself being hard-pressed, perplexed, and struck-down by the one with whom I was to become one! It was painful. It brought much grief. And it caused separation. BUT GOD.
Another case in point - in seasons past, I was ministering in a place of need - receiving acolades and excellent evaluative reviews on job performance. And then something happened. I was fired. I found myself being the object of lies and accusations through the same ones who were giving me acolades and excellent job performance reviews. It was painful. It brought much grief. And it caused separation. BUT GOD.

Because the Treasure within me could not be touched - because I was not dependent on the band, the fiancee, or the boss, but on the One within me - I was not destroyed or crushed or despaired or abandoned (by God). Had the band, the fiancee or the boss been my sustenance, my life-support, the air that I breath - I most certainly would have been destroyed. While each was certainly an integral part of my life in those seasons, each was not The Treasure. For that I am most thankful; for as important as they were, they were not The Treasure within.

How about you? Have you had experiences that drew blows? Perhaps you are experiencing that now. I pray that you see the treasure within you is indeed The Treasure. And that you call out God, allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain you. Mold you. Shape you. Transform you. "Let it be Lord, You in our lives, let it be. Thank You Lord."

The god of This World

2010-12-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (vs 4).

Have you experienced this reality; either recalling when you didn't believe and didn't follow Christ or in the lives of loved ones, friends, or an infamous unbeliever? I mean, no matter what is said, done, revealed. No matter how a life has changed...even your own! No matter what apologetic is read. No matter how well articulated is the historicity and authentic-ness of Christ birth, death, and resurrection. A person just shakes his/her head. S/he says, "well, whatever works for you." Or, "you really believe that stuff?" Or perhaps the person has his/her own apologetic for what s/he believes.

It is as if they just don't see. As if logic even flies out the window...they sooner believe in psychic reading, tea leaves, horoscopes, or any other superstitious belief. But not Jesus.

I have a dear loved one. This beloved has heard the Gospel message from loved ones, preachers, and Billy Graham. This dear one has experienced the grace, mercy, and unconditional love of Jesus in tangible and sustained ways - from loved ones and 'strangers.' Books have been read, churches have been visited, prayers have been prayed, tears have been shed, various actions of tough love and not so tough love have been given and [seemingly] received. Debate has taken place, views have been shared, understandings have been pored through, changed lives have been witnessed, generosity has been abundant, forgiveness has been extended and asked of, and speaking the truth in love has been voiced.

It is as if there is a stopper in the ears, a wall surrounding the heart, mind shut, and eyes closed. Indeed that is what is taking place, as near as one can know! "The god of this world (Satan, the Devil, the Evil One) has blinded this dear one's mind so that s/he cannot see the light." It is with the mind that one sees. Not the brain. The mind. The part of us that sees with the eyes of our hearts, the spirit within us that knows.

I can't tell you how often I have cried, deep, agonizing, broken tears for this loved one. What can I do? What can we do? We can continue to pray. We can continue to love. We can continue to speak. We can continue to "live lives worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 4:1). "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are divine. They are able to tear down every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:4). We can pray against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places that blind the eyes of those who will not see. Command, in the Name of Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, from our position in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, for the god of this world to cease and desist; to let go and be inoperative in our dear one's life. Call on the Name of the Lord to enter in, and unblock the mind and open the eyes of the heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw that loved one to Himself.

Persistent prayer leave footprints in our minds...and creates a deep grove in our souls (Paul Miller, A Life of Prayer). Let us pour out our anxieties, fears, frets, disappoints, and hopes before the Lord continually on behalf of those who are blinded by the god of this world. God is the only One that can break through! And He is able!

Love to you and yours as you seek Him in this coming New Year!,
Robin

The Veil is Removed

2010-12-20T10:07:00.000-05:00

Food for Life:
2 Corinthians 3:7-18

"But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away" (vs 15,16).

Paul is teaching the believers at Corinth (and us!) that when someone is not born-again by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' Name, and the Father's will and they hear the reading of Old Testament (the Scrolls/the book of the Law, for Paul and his audience), their heart is closed to the God - a veil is still separating them from the True and Living God. This is how it was when Moses received the Law and revealed it to the Jews. They had to hide their faces when seeing Moses, after he had been with God! God's passing Glory through Moses was too much for folks to endure!

BUT GOD. Paul goes on to explain that once someone 'turns to the Lord'; once someone acknowledges, 'yes, I need a Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. I am a sinner, please forgive me Jesus, I receive Your Forgiveness Lord, fill me with Your Spirit, I repent - I turn toward You!!" ... they can see! The veil is removed! They are one with Christ!

The Christmas Story is still the same. It is about God with us...Emmanuel. Jesus has come in the flesh, He has made a way for us, He is present with us even now, through the Holy Spirit which lives within all who have turned/who turn to Him.

Merry Christmas! This is the reason for the season. Emmanuel, God is with us! The veil has been lifted! Is it lifted in your life? If so, Praise the Lord of all Creation! If not, let this moment, this hour, this day be the day when your eyes are opened, when you turn toward the One Who Loves You with an everlasting, never-changing, more than life itself, Love! Let the veil be lifted for you personally!

Share this with those you love. Share the Christ Story. Share Emmanuel. When you give gifts, when you receive them, when you meet and greet folks, when you share in 'holiday' cheer....Christmas Glory! Let others have the opportunity to know and receive the reason for the season. Christmas Joy...Jesus is with us!

"Lord, please move in our hearts to share You with others - that others too would really know what 'Merry Christmas" is all about - and experience Emmanuel, God with us. Thank You Lord!"

Our Competence Comes from Whom?

2010-12-17T13:09:00.001-05:00

Food for Life:
2 Corinthians 3:1-6

"...but our competence comes from God" (vs 5b).

Paul knew from where his giftedness, ability, strength, accomplishments - competence came. He knew that whatever good came from him and through him was given him from God. I really like Paul's reminder of this reality. Have you ever accomplished something and thought, 'wow, alright, look what I did!" Period?

It is such a temptation to commend ourselves in the achievements we experience in this life. Even if, until this point in time, you have always recognized, acknowledged, and known that your achievements are God-given and Holy Spirit empowered...be careful. None of us is above any temptation. And especially when it comes to (seeking) gaining our significance from the giftedness, accomplishments, and successes of this life. When we do so, we quickly find that it is true..."Pride comes before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

The issue of taking credit, without also acknowledging and thanking God for what He has done and what He has given us first, ("Thank you, I thank the Lord for enabling me!) is something that can come so 'naturally', that we don't realize it! Soon, we can start to actually think that we are 'all that'....only to discover, then, at some point, "no...I guess I'm not all that." Usually the discovery comes from a painful, humbling experience.

Thank God. Thank the Lord that He loves us enough to help us not have a false sense of ourselves. The Apostle Paul said that God gave him a 'messenger from Satan' in order to buffet him...so as to not think more highly of himself than he ought (Romans 12:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9). The root of our false pride or self-importance comes from Satan himself. He is the one who started it. He was the most spectacular angel - messenger and minister on God's behalf - and he decided he wanted to be like God or even above God! God said - well not sure God said anything exactly, but just acted by booting him from His presence in Glory - him and 1/3 of all the angels because they had the same thoughts as Satan...

So, we get this struggle within, through inheritance (Adam and Eve), and can carry it on quite nicely on our own. The recourse is not to think of ourselves as 'dirty dogs' or worthless...after all Christ died for us! The Scripture tells us to think of ourselves as we ought - not too lowly or highly, but in measure. Really, as those who need... God. We need God's favor and deposit and on-going activity in our lives. And we need one another. We need the body of Christ (recall 1 Corinthians 12 and 13).

God reminds us through Paul that our competence from Him. Elsewhere we are reminded that we 'have been given EVERYTHING pertaining to life and Godliness through His divine power according to our knowledge of Him that called us to His glory and goodness, (2 Peter 1:3). We are also told that 'we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us' (Philippians 4:13). Praise the Lord for giving us all things and empowering us through His Spirit!

"Lord, please forgive me (us) when I think my competence comes from myself and not You. Lord, please forgive me (us) when I either think more of myself or less of myself than seeing my identity and significance as Your child/daughter (son)/beloved. Lord, please help me (us) to recognize all You have given me, to be thankful to You, and give You the glory! Thank You Lord!"

God's Grace in Our Weakness

2010-12-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

In the first few verses of this section the Apostle Paul writes that God opened a door for him to preach in Troas. God made a way, went before him, to Troas, preparing the way for Paul to minister. Paul then says that because his brother (in the Lord) Titus wasn't there....he left! Paul knew he had an open door from the Lord, but he chose not to enter...this is surprising to me. When I think of Paul, I don't think about the fact that he made mistakes like this - knowing God opened a door but not going through it!

I have done that before. My guess is that you have done so as well. But, I just don't think of Paul as doing so! I wonder why the Lord included this of Paul's recording, in Scripture. Maybe to show us that even the Apostle Paul made (what I consider) serious missteps...it's not just me who does so. The recording of this, among other points, speaks to God's grace toward us. I get really disturbed at myself when I see that God has spoken to me, opened a door, given me guidance and direction - and I don't follow. I kick myself. I ask God to forgive me. I determine to do better; to follow the Lord's leading; to not only recognize answer to prayer but to be the answer, as God allows.

But God. I'm glad to know that the chief Apostle Paul had times of (deliberately!) not going through doors God opens. Not that I rejoice that he did so, but that God forgave him, that God still used him, and perhaps used him in spite of himself. Because God perhaps takes weakness (Paul's and mine...and yours) to perfect His power through (2 Corinthian 12:9) ...revealing Paul's, my, your need to depend on God more. Always. Forever.

"Lord, thank You for revealing in Your Word the weakness of even the greatest of Yours, so that I, we can see that You work through our weakness too. Thank You that You redeem even our worst mistakes/sin for Your Glory and Good. You are so gracious, kind, and good. Your Love endures forever. The gates of hell will not prevail against You, Your will, and Your way. Thank You Lord that Paul and we are part of Your Story. We love You Lord."

Repentance, Forgiveness, Embrace

2010-12-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

"The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient...Now instead, you out to forgive and comfort him....I urge you therefore to reaffirm your love for him...If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him....I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes" (vs. 7a,8,10,11).

Paul continues to exhort and instruct the Corinthian believers (and the Lord, us through Paul) about how to approach, relate, and be proactive toward a brother (or sister) who has sinned (Paul is referring to the brother described in 1 Corinthians 5) in their fellowship - their local church body. Paul describes what has taken place - the church exercised discipline - "punishment" and it is clear that the man was sorrowful and repentant. Paul would not have extended forgiveness along with the church folks, if the offender had not repented. For Paul then instructs the body that it is now time to reaffirm their love for the brother, so that he doesn't become overwhelmed.

Paul is seeking to see that the body follows Christ's example - if not, when the brother was repentant, if forgiveness and love (restoration) was not extended, the brother could have then been given to despair. The last verse indicates that Satan loves to take advantage of us going off course. In this example, Satan would take a stronghold or foothold in a situation in which a believer is disciplined, repentant but not forgiven and embraced. Despair and even suicide could be the stronghold perpetuated by Satan toward the offender. Within the church body where unforgiveness dwells, where grace is not extended, and Godly love expressed (which actually is part of and to be evident through the whole process of discipline and restoration) then Satan will wreak havoc within the congregation.

Please note the order of the process. Paul was not instructing the believers to turn a blind eye to this brother's sin/offense. He was not encouraging 'cheap grace' - grace that ignores and condones sinful actions - for that is not grace or love for another at all. To ignore a destructive (sinful) action or inaction of mine, would not be showing your love for me. It would be showing a lack of love and care, in the face of me offending God, destroying myself and others around me.

No, Paul sees that the body loved this brother enough to call attention and speak the truth in love to him. They demonstrated love by carrying out church discipline (we aren't told exactly what they did, but if you recall/read 1 Corinthians, you will note Paul's instruction); the brother repented, and they then demonstrated love through embrace and forgiveness.

Please note: discipline described is toward one who confesses Jesus as Lord and is part of the Body of Christ gathered - the local church; and it is the Body of Christ that is carrying out the discipline (present day this would be guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit through the leadership of the local church).

People who do not confess Christ are not subject to the Christ or the local fellowship. Also, Paul is not speaking to the broader issue of forgiveness. We are to forgive before God, someone who personally sins against us, even if they don't repent or ask for forgiveness. This type of forgiveness is more releasing the one who has been sinned against and giving the offender to God for His intervention. this act of forgiveness is an act of our will and also a process of healing within us...an (important) topic for another day.

"Lord, thank You for how You have provided an avenue for us to restore and be restored within the Body of Christ. Than You Holy Spirit that You help us to do that which is not natural for us in our humanness. Thank You that You empower us to carry out the path of grace and mercy - of love - that is from You."

Causing grief out of Love

2010-12-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 2:1-4
"For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you" (vs 4).

The Apostle Paul is expressing his reasoning for his actions - writing to the Corinthian group/body of believers first before meeting/visiting them. He said that he wanted to write to them about the actions and decisions of some (as we read in 1 Corinthians) along with how to address folks who were acting in ways unbecoming Believers - sinning. He wrote that he was confident that the body would correct/act rightly in the face of the issues, so that when he came to visit, things would be as they should.

What strikes me about his approach is what he said in verse 4. His reason for writing before visiting came from his "depth of love" for the people - his brothers and sisters in Christ. So deep was his love, that his confrontation to them, because of their sin, brought tremendous grief for him - to the point of experiencing 'great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears."

As I think about the confrontations and challenges I have experienced, the approach someone uses with me makes all the difference. If I sense that someone who challenges me does so out of his/her love for me, I am able to receive the challenge much more readily. Conversely, when I've challenged someone out of love - love for the person and love for Christ - the interaction has a much different tone. Even if the person isn't able//doesn't receive the challenge with 'thanks so much for caring' (LOL - most of the time this doesn't happen...but it does sometimes!), I still am able to have peace in the midst of heartache. In the midst of heartache because I know what I'm saying causes grief, but a grief that has (the potential) for greater good. But if confrontation is done out of...jealous, envy, superiority, inferiority, strife, hatred, and selfishness...then the grief brought about is grief without good.

How about you? Have you experienced being challenged out of love and out of - not love? Have you challenged out of love and not out of love? Isn't there a difference?

"Lord, please forgive us for the times we are critical, point fingers, challenge others out of selfishness rather than love. Lord, fill us with your Spirit in such a way that Your Love is manifested in our hearts - a heart of love and compassion - that can 'speak the truth in love' - and bring about Your good in the lives of others. Help us to follow the example of the Apostle Paul. And let those around us, those hearing the challenge, hear more loudly the Love. Thank You Lord."

Yes in Christ

2010-12-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 1:12-24

"For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are YES...Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge...for in your faith you are standing firm" (vs 20a,21,24b).

The Apostle Paul is letting the Corinthian believers know, he is reassuring them (even as he is, us) that unlike people - you and me - God does not waiver. God's yes, is yes. In Christ, we can count on the Lord to fulfill His promises - His promises to us who believe, to us who belong to Him through Christ. Whether is it the promise of Salvation (He fills us with His Spirit when we are born-again; His pledge of the promise that we will spend now and eternity with God), or the many promises seen in Scripture.

God's promises are true. We don't have to wonder, "well, I know God said He would 'provide for all of my needs according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus'...but will He really make a way for my provision of need?" Check out Philippians 4:19 for this promise.

Another promise, "We know that God hears our prayer, and if He hears our prayer, He answers our prayer" (1 John 5:14-15)....sometimes we don't believe this promise, because God doesn't answer according to what we think should be the answer....His answer is according to what is best...and our Father does know best... .

Challenge: look through Scripture - Old and New Testaments - and see how many of God's promises you can find. They are all true. One note. Be sure you understand who God is speaking to (believers or non-believers) as well as exactly what is being said. The context of God's promises (all of Scripture) is important - many times we don't think God keeps His promise(s) because we have not understood what is being said. One misinterpretation - or just plain taking it out of context - is this "all things happen for a reason." Many times people say this as an explanation for trials and heartache. They go on to think that "it was meant to be."

Well, actually, we will not find in Scripture either of these two statements. We do find Romans 8:28 - which states that God works all things out for the good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This is not saying, "all things happen for a reason, or it was meant to be." It is saying that God takes all things that do happen and brings good from them, for - not all people - but for people who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Do you love God? Are you called? How are you responding?

"Lord, thank You for Loving us. Thank You that all Your promises are Yes/Amen, are true. Thank You that You are not a man that You should lie, but that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You that we can count on You. Lord, please increase my faith. Lord, please increase our faith. Thank You Lord. Let my yes be yes and my no be no. Let our yes be yes and our n o be no."

Despair, Hope, and Prayer

2010-12-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

"We don't want you to be uniformed brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia."
Paul, a chief apostle, had lots of troubles in the part of Asia in which he was traveling and preaching/teaching the Gospel.

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself." Wow, Paul was under such great pressure, it was way beyond his ability to bear it! Have you experienced anything that you thought, "man, this is just too much for me to handle?" YES, and so have I! Paul was so stressed he actually was suicidal! This just hit me, as many times as I''ve read this - it didn't strike me, that the Apostle Paul (and those accompanying him) were suicidal. They 'despaired of life itself.' Like folks who do commit suicide, the Apostle Paul was in great despair, so much so that he felt like life wasn't even worth living! So much for folks who say that Christians who feel suicidal or are depressed just don't have enough faith; or real Christians don't get depressed.... Paul and his companions even thought and felt, "Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death." They thought that death was their destiny in the pressurized situation in which they found themselves!

BUT GOD. The difference between Paul et al and those who commit suicide is perspective....one Person...one Hope. Paul goes on. "But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." So, Paul recognized, "yeah, I really don't have what it takes, yes, this is WAY beyond me, yes, if left on my own and if this was up to me...I really do despair and have a death sentence because, 'I can't do it.' BUT GOD. Paul wasn't all there was - he goes on, "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On HIm we have set our hope that HE will continue to deliver us..." He wasn't just hoping against hope or wishing or in denial. He knew whom He had believed, and knew who it was that had the power of life and death in His hands...the One who raised from the dead, the One who dwelt within him! The Only Hope!

But that isn't all. Paul writes, "...as you help us by your prayers. !!! The brothers and sisters he was writing to, it was they who prayed and Paul testified that through their prayers, they were delivered! We don't know exactly how this works, but Paul testifies that God moves through the prayers of the saints! You and me! He continues, "Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

Your prayers matter. Of course it matters to whom you pray! To God the Father, through Jesus His Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit - who dwells within all believers.These prayers are connected to 'the comfort' wrote of in the preceding verses in 2 Corinthians 1. Your prayers and mine are powerful to comfort and see movement (God is at work even if we can't see what is happening) in peoples lives all around us, near and far. People and situations are better off as a consequence of the saints and our prayers...not because of who we are, but because of Whose we are. Because of the One who lives within us. You are a bearer of Hope!

"Lord, thank You that in and through You, we are bearers of Hope - Hope that is needed by individuals, families, communities, yeah even the world! The only Hope for (us) the world today is Jesus. We are Your image bearers and the bearers of Hope. Help us to see the end of ourselves, so that the real Hope will begin, and today minister to one who is in despair of even life itself - whether it be one who is reading this, or one who we know. Thank You Lord, we love You. Let us become more and more men and women of prayer. Hope Bearers."

Sufferings and Comfort

2010-11-29T12:36:00.001-05:00

2 Corinthians 1:5-7

This is such an important part of Scripture - as many of us wonder about the troubles of this life...the why's and wherefore's. We wonder 'how come this is happening to me?" Or, "how come that is happening to them, or in the world?" Many times we will not have a specific answer..perhaps we will in eternity...however I'm thinking we won't have the same questions then. So let's look at a few of these verses individually.

"For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." Paul is telling us that there is a relationship between the sufferings we experience in this life, and the comfort we receive from Christ. We will receive the portion of comfort needed...actually abundantly...to the sufferings. Thank You Lord. Note something else. Paul experienced tremendous, abundant sufferings...for Christ sake. As he preached and taught the Scripture, and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, and exercised the gift of the Spirit given him (healing, prophecy, wisdom, exhortation, rebuke, teaching etc.) he experienced sufferings. ....What are my sufferings related to? How many of them are related to the cause of Christ?...What about you?

I'm thankful to the Lord because the sufferings I experience here, even if I bring them on myself, through confession,repentance, receiving forgiveness and cleansing...God's comfort abounds. He may not take away the earthly consequences, but He carries me with His grace and mercy and does a Romans 8:28 (look it up if you aren't familiar:)).

"If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer." Wow, Paul as minister of Jesus, states his distress is for believers he is ministering to. His distress is used for their comfort because he shares the same comfort he receives from God, with them when they are distressed. He also is distressed/persecuted for (Christ sake) them so that they may know the way of salvation! He then states that when they are comforted by God, it helps them endure, with patience, their trials - their sharings of the sufferings that Paul suffers. Brothers and Sisters - and so it is with you and me. We experience distress in walking with and ministering in Jesus, we experience comfort from the Lord in the distress, we pass that on to others, and we are helped to endure with patience, sufferings of this life. Hallelujah, what a Savior! Hallelujah, what a Comforter (the Holy Spirit)!

"And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." We receive hope which is firm, in this reality! The reality of the relationship between the sufferings for Christ, the sufferings of this life, and the comfort we receive. For ourselves and for others. This is part of what it means to be the Body of Christ, such as we are, the church.

"Thank You Lord. Help us to see with Your eyes, the sufferings and comfort from You of this life. Let us share Your/our sufferings and Comfort, producing patient endurance for this life on earth....and for what awaits us in Glory!"

The God of All Comfot

2010-11-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 1:1-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

Did you know that when God comforts you in your troubles, He does so, so that we in turn can comfort others in their troubles, with the same comfort we have received from the Lord? Awesome, isn't it? Awesome, isn't He? Just think of it. When I'm experiencing pain, difficulty, trouble, confusion, heartache, depression, and devastation - and turn to the Lord in it - God comforts me. God speaks to me. God reassures me that God is trustworthy, faithful, able, all wise, all knowing, all powerful, everywhere all at the same time (omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent :)), and only good. Paul guarantees us, (I guarantee you :)), that in turning to the Lord and staying before Him, somehow, in a way that only God can do, we will receive comfort from Him.

And then, just as we have, God will then use us to share God's comfort with others. You don't need to know the answers (although sometimes you will), you don't need to 'fix it' (although sometimes you can), you don't need to remove the trouble (although sometimes you will be able to)...BUT GOD...by His grace and mercy, by His ever-present goodness - working through you - you will be able to give comfort as you have been comforted by the Lord.

So, I so grateful to the Lord for His comfort. And I'm so grateful that when I don't know what to do (many times :)), I can seek the Lord and just ask Him to help me offer the same comfort to a hurting, confused, pained one - that He gave to this hurting, confused, and pained one.

"Lord, thank You that You always give comfort, You always give Yourself to me in trouble. And thank You Lord that You then are able and purposing for me to be used by You to do so unto others, as You have done to me. I love you Lord, thank You for loving me, thank You for Loving us."

Do everything in Love

2010-11-26T20:30:00.000-05:00

1 Corninthians 16

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (vs. 13,14).

I’m so grateful to the Lord for how He’s insured to be recorded in Scripture the very things we need ‘for life and Godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). I’m so thankful that not only is Scripture relevant, pertinent, necessary, and spot-on for life on earth, and a glimpse of Glory; But God, through His Spirit, through fellowship with the Body of Christ, has empowered us with what we need to live for God!

Paul tells the Corinthians in these verses, ‘Be on your guard.’ He has instructed them in many things throughout his previous writings in 1 Corinthians. These verses are his wrap up. So, he exhorts them, to be vigilant, to be alert, in the things he has shared, so that they are not deceived. To guard themselves by practicing the spiritual disciplines which position them (us) to meet the Lord and receive continually His empowerment. – For us – read and study the Word and meditate on it, seeking the Lord’s presence in it; be prayerful, be in fellowship with brothers and sisters who also are seeking the Lord, serve the Lord with the spirituals gifts He has given you, and put on the full armor of God (Ephesisan 6:10-18).

God has had this recorded in the Word because He knew we would need to (be reminded) guard ourselves.

Paul exhorts us to stand firm in the faith. As we practice the spiritual disciplines above (there are other spiritual disciplines as well, really anything that helps position ourselves to grow in the Lord) we are enabled to stand firm, as our faith is continually strengthened. Stand firm, don’t waiver, don’t be carried away by what is not of the Lord. Sometimes deception is the most rational, logical, practical argument…and opposite of what God’s design is for us.

God has had this recorded in the Word because He knew we would need to (be reminded) stand firm in the faith.

Be courageous. Paul tells us to be courageous…knowing that there would be much in this world to fear in and of ourselves…one can only be courageous – courage is only revealed – in the face of what is fearful, difficult, dangerous, and cause for shrinking back. Only with the assurance of God’s presence, protection, and guidance can we be courageous.

God has had this recorded in the Word because He knew we would need to (be reminded) be courageous.

Be strong. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His Might/in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Paul exhorts us to be strong. Really, if we are on guard, if we stand firm in the faith, if we are courageous, we will be strong. This is how we become strong. The essence of which is revealed through our dependence the Lord’s mighty, divine power.

God has had this recorded in the Word because He knew we would need to (be reminded) be strong.

And finally, Paul reminds the Corinthians and us that everything is to be done in love. Love is the common denominator. Love is the motivator – both of the one loving and being blessed with love. God is love. We hear from Paul that love is the most excellent way (1 Corinthians 13). In fact, Paul could very well have stated (again) that if you are on guard, if you stand firm in faith, if you are courageous, if you are strong, but it is not in love…it is all for naught, it is worthless.

God has had this recorded in the Word because He knew we would need to (be reminded) do everything in love.

“Lord thank You that You have provided me (us) as Your sons and daughters, everything we need to be on guard, to stand firm in faith, to be courageous, to be strong, and to do all in love. Please show me (us) ways in which we could follow these reminders more fully. Even so Maran atha – Come Lord – we love You.”

Death Has No Victory!

2010-11-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?...Therefore, dear ones, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain"(vs 55,58).

Paul continues to confirm that Christ's resurrection and thus our resurrection is reality, an eternal reality, and the very reality that gives us hope, the only hope for this current world system! He explains that while we don't know, we are not told, the exact details of our resurrected bodies, when Christ returns, we can know some things. We know that we who are in Christ, will be resurrected when Jesus calls/returns and that those who are still physically alive on this earth when Christ raptures/calls for us - we will all be changed - we will have 'glorified' bodies - bodies that were physically mortal and inevitably readied for destruction through disease, decay, and death (perishable) - will be raised up and changed to imperishable bodies; bodies like the body of Jesus when he rose from the grave. Bodies that are recognizable yet will never die, will never decay, will not be destroyed! Bodies with no aliments, disabilities, or physical limitations.

And then, because of Jesus' resurrection - that which the Devil meant for death - was/is actually victory, because Jesus rose from the dead! Jesus overcame the destruction and death-wish of Satan...and so, therefore will we!!! Paul says in Romans that we are MORE than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37)!

And because this (present world) is 'not all there is'...because we will live on with Christ in eternity after our earthly demise, we have hope! We have a forever hope - therefore Paul admonishes, exhorts, encourages - he tells us to stand firm (in Christ). Don't let anything (of this earth/world system/the Devil) move us from our firm standing in Christ. Don't think that our labor/work/ministry in and for the Lord is in vain, for nothing. Even though we can't see the fruit, the victory right now...know that we DO have the victory and we will experience it in eternity and for eternity with Christ! God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11)!

"Lord, help us to 'see' Reality, Your Reality which is also ours in Christ. Sometimes we are so weighed down by what we see and experience in these earthly bodies...life can be really hard. BUT GOD, help us by Your Spirit to see Reality - reality of eternity, here and forever with You. Lord, Help the Spiritual Reality of You and eternity be more powerful in our current lives...than our current circumstances - and the circumstances swirling around us. We have a higher calling. Help us to live it. Thank You Lord. Be glorified in our lives now, as we will be glorified in Yours for eternity."

"Is This All There Is"

2010-11-22T11:01:00.001-05:00

1 Corinthians 15:12-34
"If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die'" (vs 32).

There is an older pop song, you may or may not remember or have heard it - because it was before your time for most that are reading this :) The song had this refrain, "If that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing, let's bring out the booze, and have a ball, if that's all there is...." This is what the Apostle Paul is saying in this Scripture. His premise is likely different than that of Peggy Lee's rendition of, "Is This All There Is?"; but the conclusion is the same.

Peggy is singing about the tragedies of life that have befallen the subject of the song. She is lamenting that if all there is to this life on earth is heartache, sorrow, and suffering, then - why not - why not just 'live it up'? Who cares? Why not just live with reckless abandon with a lifetime of partying?

Paul is saying - if all there is, is this EARTHLY life; if there is not eternal life after this earthly body is dead, if there is no resurrection unto glorified bodies, living forever with Jesus....then why risk my life in fighting wild beasts....in risking my life for Christ? Paul says, if Christ was not raised from the dead, and thus you and I looking forward to being raised up (after this earthly life) with Christ - to live forever with Him...then, let's just continually fill our fleshly, earthly appetites; like eating and drinking until we die!

Of course, Paul is speaking rhetorically - he is chastising/rebuking those of his day who once heard and believed of Christ's resurrection, but were carried away by other (false) teachings and started believing that there was no resurrected Christ, and that neither would they be resurrected.

And so, the Lord says to us. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. As read in the Word (even vs 1-11), believe the Jesus Christ as recorded in Scripture. Believe in the testimonies of not only those who saw Jesus first hand (as recorded in Scripture) but believe present day testimonies of the saints (that is you and I who are saved!) of how God has worked in and through their (our) lives! Don't live today as if this is 'all there is.' Don't squander your lives with drinking, partying, fulfilling earthly appetites...wasting the precious life God has given you today - for the sake of Christ and others who need Jesus!

In eternity, our lives on this earth will matter. They matter today but they also matter for ETERNITY!

"Oh God, please forgive me for the ways I've squandered, lived less than who You created me to be. For the ways in which I've lived that have said, "this is all there is", instead of 'my life matters, my life counts, I count for today and for eternity...for God!' Lord, help us today to see the ways in which we are living for the things of this earth alone, rather than for You. Thank You Lord. Help us by Your Spirit. We need You today...be glorified Lord. Thank You."

God knows the way I take.

2010-11-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

Job 23:10

"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold."

Dear Ones, This morning I woke to a reality of alone-ness. You know, the feeling that creeps upon us sometimes. The feeling that is not dependent on our circumstances, on those who are around us or not around us; that is not a respecter of persons. The alone-liness that is part of the human condition and will not be fully extinguished until we see Him face to face in glory.

The first thing this morning, however, the feeling didn't hit me as described above. It first hit me as, "I feel lonely." Thinking that I feel lonely because of the circumstances of (my) life today. I thought, "I wish Lord you would tell me Your point (of my circumstances)..?" Almost immediately, I heard, "But I know the way you take, and when I have tested you, you will come forth as (pure) gold."

Wow. So I knew this was what Job had written. I googled the exact verse, and then opened my Bible to Job 23:10. And then tears welled up in my eyes, as an overflow of my heart (even as I write this), because God spoke (is speaking) to me. And, you know how this is (I hope), that I am experiencing both comfort and an unsettledness, at the same time. That is the cross of Christ...isn't it? Both suffering and glory...at the same time. Only in Christ. Only in Christ is this true - conflicting (seemingly) emotions - both true at the same time.

Now, in using this example, of the Cross of Christ, I am not comparing myself or (my) life to that of Jesus. Nor is (my) life anywhere near the circumstances of Job's (as described in his book); nor am I seeing my walk with Jesus, as Job's was with God (Job is described as a man who "was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1).

The point is, that God has given His Word and preserved it for us so that we can see Who He is, who we are as people, how He works in the affairs of people, and thus how He moves in our present day lives. And how He speaks to us today, through His Spirit which indwells us who believe and are saved, according to His Word.

So, when I asked the Lord this morning, or actually just made a statement to God, "I wish I knew Your point," He spoke very clearly to me. "I know the way you take" - so regardless of how I feel or what I think, or what my present circumstance, God knows me intimately - God knows every point in every second of my life, today....He knows the way I take.

And then, "when I have tested you." - God is using the circumstances of my life to deepen the gift of faith in Christ that He has given me; to burn off the dross/the surface rust, KEEPING me by His Grace the entire time.

And then the outcome, the goal, the end....the point of it all, "you will come forth as (pure) gold." Wow. The example of the most lasting earthly element...just as a comparison that I (we) can understand. And the "point of it all" ultimately, (is to) brings Glory to God.

So here I sit. Experiencing the presence of the Christ, His precious Holy Spirit, with me. Have circumstances changed? No. Will I experience the aloneness, loneliness again? Yes, and I hope so. Because, God used (uses) that to bring me to Himself. To remind me. To remind me of Who God is, what God has done, what God is doing, and the relationship we have (God and I) because of Christ and the Holy Spirit.

How about you? What is God's point in your present circumstance and the thoughts and feelings you experience? Ask God. And wait for God's answer. Wait for God's Presence...which actually is even better than the answer.

"Lord, I pray that how You have revealed Yourself to me this morning would speak to those reading this today - please take my feeble attempt to describe how You have spoken to me, to reach the heart and spirit of the dear ones reading - giving them hope, encouragement, and a spurring on in their present circumstances. For Your Glory, our good, and the good of others. Thanks for loving us Lord."

The rest of the subsequent verses Job 23:10-17).

" My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. But H stands alone, and who can oppose Him? He does whatever He pleases, He carries out His decree against me, and many such plans He sill has in store. That is why I am terrified before Him; when I think of all this, I fear Him. God has made my heart faint; and the Almighty has terrified me. Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face"
(vs 10-17).

The Gospel of Grace

2010-11-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

"By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain"(vs2).

The Gospel and Grace. These are the themes of this portion of Scripture. Actually, the Theme of the Word of God - we are saved by Grace through faith, not a work of our own that we can boast (Ephesians 2:8). Paul is confirming and affirming to the folks he is preaching/writing to that the Gospel (vs 3-7, the gospel in a nutshell :)) he has preached, they have heard and believed, is the Word for them to hold on to...least they believe in vain.

Others were preaching that there is no resurrection from the dead....Christ did not raise from the dead. Paul makes it clear that Christ's resurrection was/is an historical fact. He cites those that walked with Christ in the flesh, and then those same and others (including himself at a later date) who saw Christ when He appeared to them AFTER His resurrection.

Paul explains that he works 'harder than all others' because of his past. Because he was one who actually chased after, captured, persecuted 'followers of the way'; ....and then he was knocked of his horse and blinded by the Light....Jesus appeared to him and set him straight. Jesus saved him. Jesus went on to tell him that he would suffer and be persecuted himself in light of his actions, and many would be saved as a result. Paul makes it clear however, that it wasn't that he was high and mighty because he 'worked harder', but it was because of and through GOD'S GRACE that he was saved and enable to do so.

Paul is BIG on grace. I recall a dear one who said, "I've done so many bad things, I can't be saved." He was then led to hear about and read about the Apostle Paul; persecutor of Believers, 'chief of sinners', saved by God's Grace and turned into God's man. This dear one, with tears in his eyes then said, 'oh, I guess I can be saved...what must I do.' He was then led to pray, confess, repent, received Christ's forgiveness, filled with the Holy Spirit, be born-again. What a rejoicing moment - not only of those present, but of the angels in heaven.

I am big on grace too. How about you. If it were not for God's grace I would not be able to stand....neither would you. Even if a one does not recognize God's grace toward him/her...it does not change the fact. It is only by God's grace that we...are. What do you see today that requires an extra measure of God's grace? "Lord, I need your grace today. I'm tired and weary. Troubled in my sleep with the cares of this world and loved ones. OH GOD. I receive Your Grace today - in this moment. You say that 'Your grace is sufficient for Your power is perfected in my weakness...I am weak...You are strong...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Dear One, I pray you make this your prayer now - in whatever form and circumstance of life you find yourself in today. Love and prayers, Robin

Edifying the Church Gathered

2010-11-18T10:11:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 14

Paul continues to speak to the Corinthians about order in the church - public gathering - and the reasons for spiritual gifts. There was a need for him to speak about the gift of tongues and prophecy specifically. His point is that the time of public gathering of the church is for the purpose of worshipping God and the spiritual gifts are for the purpose of edifying - building up - the body of Christ.

Spiritual gifts are given to individuals to be used in the context of the gathered church. If tongues (unknown languages and/or utterances) is used in the gathered church, then it must be understood by those gathered - it must be interpreted. So, believers gathered would be encouraged, taught, exhorted, rebuked - and unbelievers would see/hear the power of God in their midst, and (prayerfully) believe in Christ!

Prophecy is the same - the preaching and teaching of the Word - and/or folks sharing something God has given them for the particular believers gathered - also must be clearly spoken for those gathered. Otherwise, it is for naught. In the last part of this chapter - vs34,35 - is (also) controversial, but need not be. Is Paul saying that women should not speak in church? No - read 11:5; and chapter 12-14 - clearly women are gifted by God to prophesy and speak and pray in public worship. Paul is speaking to this particular congregation, where in, apparently there was much disorder and disunity. In the Corinthian culture women weren't allowed to question men in public, and in the church this was happening with questions that could easily have been answered 'at home' (p2085, NIV Life Application Study Bible).

"God, help us to seek You with pure hearts, to desire unity, purpose, and building up of Your Kingdom, in the midst of the church gathered. Forgive us for the times we strive to 'have our own way', to show off and show up; fill us to overflowing with the 'rivers of Living Water', such that the "words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts would be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight" (Ps 19:14); and would be for the building up, edifying toward salvation for those unbelievers, and growth for those who are saved. Thank You Lord."

The Greatest of These

2010-11-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

"Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love" (vs8, 13).

"She doesn't love me anymore. He doesn't love her anymore. I love hot dogs. I love that car. I love BBQ chicken." Today, like in the Corinthian church, folks were very confused about love - the nature of love and what love really means. This one really gets me, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Wow - actually, it is just the opposite, it is very important to say we are sorry for hurting, offending, falling short of loving those that are in our family, the family of God, and our friends.

Our society, our culture, and in the church at large - we don't really know what love is. The tendency is to use the word love for infatuation, lust, hormonal feelings, and the appetite of our eyes and our taste buds. That is why we can say, "I don't love you anymore; I use to love you, the 'feeling' is gone...." That is why we can say we love food - because it tastes good. Or we love a Porsche because it looks good, or we can say we don't love a spouse anymore, because the romantic feelings that begin a relationship are gone.

As we read 1 Corinthians 13, we discover quickly that none of those above understandings of love are the real deal. For marriage, God certainly has given us what we need to be attracted to a potential husband or wife, and those feelings can be roused throughout marriage (and should be) but those feelings aren't the foundation of love.

Love is patient, it is kind, seeks the other's best, isn't rude....love never fails. Love is an action word. It is a verb, not a noun. It is God given (God is Love 1 John 4:8, Romans 5:5)) and Jesus procured (John 15:13) and Holy Spirit maintained (Galatians 5:22,23). This is why Love never fails. Love has its origins in God, is given to us through Jesus and helps us to pass it on to others through the Holy Spirit. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God has always been, is, and willl always be. It is out of Love that we even exist - that we were created. It is out of Love that Jesus died, to set us free so that we could blossom into the people God created us to be and we have been given the Holy Spirit in Whom and through Whom we live on this now and forever in eternity.

So, all the gifts, including those described in 1 Corinthians 13 will pass away, as this known earth passes away, but Love will last forever. We experience love through the gift of Faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8), we receive Hope through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) and because of these two, Faith and Hope, we can Love.

"Lord, forgive me (us) for the ways we have defined love. Forgive me (us) Lord for taking on the surrounding culture's definition of love. Thank You for making a way for me (us) to be loved, receive love, and give love. Help me (us) to receive more and more of Your Love so that I (we) in turn can love the way You love. And it will last forever. Thank You Lord."

Real Love

2010-11-05T10:30:00.001-04:00

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Paul continues to describe what Love really looks like - which easily helps us discover how far the distance is between real love, unconditional love - and love as defined and acted out by the world today. The people of Paul's day must also have had the wrong understanding of love, even as we do today in our society.

So the question is, "How am I doing in the 'real love' department?" How does the way I actively display love reflect the descriptives in Paul's declaration? Well....I have a long way to go to love. I need the Holy Spirit to continually empower me to love. As I grow in Christ, I will reflect, more and more, the way of Love. Without which, nothing else really matters.... How about you?

As I read and meditate on these verses, some really stick out to me...Love is patient - this is probably one of the most difficult for me...Love isn't self-seeking....this is another one - loving simply because God is Love, not an issue of being loved in return or what I will receive from the one I'm loving... How about you? Which aspect(s) of Love in these verses seem to be the biggest challenge for you?

"Lord, please forgive me for my times of impatience; for not laying aside 'myself' in loving others. God, I cannot Love apart from receiving Your Love and without the power of the Holy Spirit's continued transformation - Help me to love like You Lord....that You will be glorified, others will experience Your Love, and for my own good. Thank You Lord."

But Have No Love

2010-11-04T09:25:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

Wow...basically the Apostle Paul is telling us that we could have all kinds of gifts/talents from the Holy Spirit, we could do all kinds of good works empowered by the Holy Spirit - but unless we have a heart of love, unless we carry out these great feats with a heart of love - then it not only amounts to nothing - but it is quite irritating (like listening to a gong or clanging...) - worth nothing, and in fact I am nothing....

I think this is enough to meditate on for now! Next time we will turn to the rest of the passage that describes exactly what Love looks like....

"Lord please forgive me (us) for the times that I minister/help/take action that is good, but without a spirit of love, compassion, and kindness - without the 'best interests' of the other in my heart. Lord, I (we) need You to fill me (us) with Your unconditional love - I (we) can't muster it up myself (ourselves) - You have to do that within. I (we) need Your help in receiving, continually the Love You have for me (us) so that I (we) can give Love to others. The measure of Love I (we) am/are able to receive from You, is the measure I (we) can give to others. Thank You Lord that You are able. Thank You for giving me (us) the desire to do/act all things out of Love. And not to just love others that love me (us), because that is not love, that is selfish motivation. But to love because You first loved me (us) and gave Yourself up for me (us). Thank You Lord."

One body, many parts

2010-10-27T12:14:00.001-04:00

1 Corinthians 12:12-29

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body" (vs 12).

Wow, envision the body of Christ, all believers, as one body - like your body is one and mine is one. Our physical bodies have many parts - eyes, ears, elbows, feet, etc. So what if you had a really painful earache? How would that effect the rest of your body? You would feel really lousy, wouldn't you? You would find it hard to really be active because you hurt so much!

The Apostle Paul analogizes the body of Christ, the church, as being just like our physical bodies. When one part of the body is suffering, it effects every other part...when one person is suffering, it (should) effect us all. Our physical bodies are not divided, we don't think, "well, I don't really need this hand, I'll just lobe it off!" Yet, when we judge, talk against, gossip other believers or whole local gatherings/churches of believers - it is like hurting or dismembering a part of our own physical bodies! WOW.

Also, Paul points out that each member of believers has been given at least one spiritual gift - a gift, something given by the Holy Spirit to be used in building up and helping the whole body of believers grow/heal/be fed/etc. He lists some of those gifts in 27-31; this is not an exhaustive list. Other Scripture speaks to additional gifts God gives, in Roman 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:11-13 for example. Paul states that just like individual members of the body of Christ, each gift is needed - no one gift is "better or more important" than another gift. That goes against our worldly thinking, doesn't it?

If we are honest, each one of us has thought, "oh, I'm glad I have this ____ instead of ____; or, I wish I could _____like him/her." When we do that we discount how God has made others and ourselves. We actually discount God. Each one of us are needed, valued, and necessary. In fact, Paul points out that unlike the world that thinks those who are weak/dishonorable can be put away or forgotten, the body of Christ is to actually honor those who are weak!! .....And all of us have weakness - the Scripture says, in fact, that we 'can boast in our weakness, for God's power is perfected in our weakness, then when we are weak, we are strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)!!!

"Lord, forgive us for putting others down, ourselves up as well as ourselves down and others up. Forgive us Lord for shunning those members and gifts that we think are less honorable or weak or less important. God, heal our minds in such ways that we think the way You do, that we honor others as well as ourselves in the body of Christ. That we know, realize, and accept/receive that each one of us are 'fearfully and wonderfully made; that each one is valuable and precious" (Psalm 139). Oh God, give us Your eyes to see, Your heart to know, and Your Spirit to live. Thanks for loving us God. We love You. More Lord, more."

Many Gifts, the Same Holy Spirit

2010-10-19T11:54:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

"Now about spiritual gifts, brothers [and sisters], I do not want you to be ignorant...There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men [people]" (1 Corinthians 12:1,4,5,6).

This chapter of Scripture is one of the most controversial in the church. It is interesting that this is so, because in reading the words of this chapter, it seems quite clear. The only phrase that may not be quite as clear is "to another speaking in different kinds of tongues" (vs 10). Some interpret this to mean different known languages (English, Spanish, Aramaic, Greek, Hebrew etc.) that one speaks without having learned them. Others interpret it as a language that is not decipherable to people, but is a heavenly language that must be interpreted by someone who has a gift of interpreting the heavenly language, if it is spoken in the midst of the assembly. For the purposes of this meditation, I'm not going to outline the reasoning behind these different interpretations. If you are interested in understanding more (and I hope you are), let me know and I will recommend some commentary to you.

Perhaps the most controversial issue related to spiritual gifts, is whether or not some gifts of the Holy Spirit are operable today - whether or not God still moves in the gifts of physical healing as well as words of knowledge and wisdom, and prophecy. What some might think of as the more miraculous gifts.

Simply stated (because there are reasonings behind these positions that are quite involved, which you can read much more about if you are inclined - let me know and I can sent you some references to check out), there are believers who think that God has ceased to move in many of the ways described in the book of Acts (and in this chapter) - that God has certain dispensations (theological term) in which He acts throughout the ages. Others think that God acts in the same ways today as He did in the past and will in the future.

One of the greatest difficulties for believers to deal with is how there are many abuses and missuses of gifts of healing as well as signs and wonders. Therefore, instead of "testing the spirits" (1 John 4:1-6) to discern whether or not the supernatural acts are from God, the demonic or the flesh, some believers dismiss the manifestation of the Spirit in these ways altogether (because we have the flesh and the demonic who can mimic God's movement through healing, prophecy, words of knowledge and wisdom). It can be very uncomfortable and scary to be in the midst of signs and wonders, and not be sure if it is God, the demonic, or the flesh - people 'faking' it for all kinds of reasons.

John Piper has stated that:
“So what I think I can say for our guidance is this, [Are Signs and Wonders for Today?]:

1. On the one hand, we ought to honor the uniqueness of Jesus and the apostles and of that revelatory moment in history that gave us the foundational doctrines of faith and life in the New Testament.
2. On the other hand we ought to be open to the real possibility that this too might be a unique moment in history, and in this moment it may well be God's purpose to pour out his Spirit in unprecedented revival—revival of love to Christ and zeal for worship and compassion for lost people and a missionary thrust with signs and wonders.

I want to have my keel [center structure,frame (of a ship)]deep and stable in the once-for-all biblical revelation of God, and I want to have my sails unfurled to every movement of God's Spirit upon the deeps” (http://desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/are-signs-and-wonders-for-today).

I join John Piper, stating that I want to keep my footing firmly rooted in the revealed Word - Jesus and the Apostles - and be open to God's movement by the Holy Spirit in and through people, even as was true in Paul's day - as recorded in the book of Acts and written of in 1 Corinthians 12. Scripture says that the Gospel message is not about words, but power - see for example: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 1:5.

What gift(s) have you been given by God? Are you yielding to the Holy Spirit to see these gifts used through you to the body of Christ and others for the common good?

"Lord, forgive us for times that we have relied on our own strength and abilities, convictions and commitments, understandings and tradition, instead of on Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, in the full counsel of God. Have Your way Lord - thanks Jesus for leaving so that the Holy Spirit would be sent by the Father...even so Come Holy Spirit, Come (John 14:15-27).

"Doing more Harm than Good"

2010-10-17T21:23:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 11:17-33
"For the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it" (1 Corinthians 11:17, 18).

Paul has continued his instruction regarding issues that were brought to his attention, in order that he might help resolve them. Paul is quite direct, as is his style and pattern as we read his letters. He tells the gathered at Corinth that when they come together to celebrate the Lord's Supper - Communion as we call it in the church - it does more harm [for them] than good!

The purpose of them coming together for the Lord's Supper was, and is today, to strength their fellowship of faith in Christ, reminding them of what Christ did on their behalf. In Corinth, the practice of the culture was to come together for a meal and then the Lord's Supper. Paul describes some as coming to the meal and being gluttonous as well as some getting "drunk"! There were some who didn't get anything to eat. And then, in those frames of mind and heart, they would proceed to the Lord's Supper.

Paul's exhortation was that no one ought to come to the Lord' Supper "in an unworthy manner" because they would be "sinning against the body and blood of Jesus" (vs 27). While it is not the general practice to eat a meal as the gathered church before partaking in the Lord's Supper, there are many other ways in which we could come to the Lord's Supper in an "unworthy manner."

If we come with unconfessed (known) sin in our hearts - having discord and dissension with another, having an offense that is unresolved - unresolved as it concerns ourselves ( we cannot 'make' another person reconcile, but we can practice Matthew 5:23-25 which instructs us to go, ask forgiveness and be at peace as far as it concerns us), then we would be coming to the Lord's Supper in a manner unworthy. This is how the Corinthians were coming to the Lord's Supper...and Paul said it not only was not good, it caused [them] harm!

Today, there are differing interpretations of what Christ meant when He said, "This is my body." Some believe the the wine and bread actually become Christ's physical blood and body (transubstantiation). Others believe that the bread and wine remain unchanged, but Christ is spiritually present with the bread and wine. Still others believe that the bread and wine symbolize Christ's body and blood (transignification). However, Christians generally agree that participating in the Lord's Supper is an important element, in the Christian faith and that Christ's presence, in some way, strengthens us spiritually. (p2080 NIV Study Bible).

"Lord please forgive us for the times we have come together as Your people, and done 'more harm than good.' Lord, alert us by Your Spirit as individuals when we approach Your Table with attitudes, actions, thoughts that are not of You. We know God that we will not be perfect on this earth, but You have made away for us to have a clean heart and conscience - through the blood and body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit for new life. Thank You Lord."

"Follow me as I follow Christ"

2010-10-11T09:33:00.000-04:00

Food for Life:
1 Corinthians 11:1-16

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1:1).

Paul continued to respond to questions as well as actions/behavior/attitudes in the Corinthian Church. Recalling that the Word was not written as the New Testament at this time, folks who were new believers - from Jewish and Greek tradition - couldn't pick up the Word and learn of and from Christ in that manner. So, Paul exhorts them to follow his example, of action/behavior/attitude, as he follows the example of Christ. Wow, talk about the awesome responsibility Paul had - folks couldn't go to the written Word to discern and judge what was of Christ and not; they had to rely on a living Apostle.

Today, we ought to be able to say as Paul, "follow me as I follow Christ." And yet, we know that our imperfection and sin is not the 'final word' by example, of what it means to follow Christ (although we ought to be as concerned about our testimony of Christ in our lives) - folks have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit Presence to guide, direct, follow, walk along side, and within!

The verses following 1:1 - 16, focus on public/congregational worship. Apparently headcoverings were an issue of the day in society - "In Corinth long hair on men was thought to be a sign of male prostitution in the pagan temples. And women with short hair were labeled prostitutes" (p 2079 NIV Study Bible). Paul was instructing the new believers about how to be set apartby appearance from the pagan culture. These verse are not a command about our present day appearance related to long and short hair and hats.

Paul speaks to issues of 'headship'; which today is an explosive issue within and outside the church. Paul's focus was inside the Corinthian Church; he was not speaking about marriage or any other relationship. Among his issues of focus - which are most important for us today are: respect for one's spouse, reverence and appropriateness in worship, and God being the number one focal point of our lives. "In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God (vs 11).

"Lord thank You that Jesus Christ came to earth for our salvation and as an example of how to walk with You our God. Thank You that we, by the power of the Holy Spirit, can also say with Paul, "Follow me as I follow Christ." Thank You that You have given us Your Word, which when empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are able to live out here on earth. Thank You that as men and women we are interdependent, and that we all are dependent upon You. We love You Lord, Thank You for Loving us. Use our lives to draw others, by Your Spirit, to Yourself, thank You Lord."

A Way Out

2010-10-08T09:26:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 10

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (vs 11-13).

Good News! The verses that come before - 'these things happened' - are from the Old Testament saints experiences...when they set their hearts on evil, we see what happened.

And now, we who live in the 'fulfillment of the ages'...which is the age in which Jesus has come; salvation has been accomplished through the God & Man Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has been given...we do well to not take pride in ourselves in thinking we stand (apart from Christ) and will not give in to temptation. We are all vulnerable.

Yet, Paul assures us that we will not encounter any temptation, that others before us have not encountered (including the Man Jesus Christ - who did so without sin, without giving in). Paul reaffirms that God is faithful! God will be with us in any temptation we encounter - not just watching and waiting to see what we will do - sin or not - BUT God is faithful and is with us, showing us a way OUT of the temptation, so that we do not have to give in!! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

"Lord, I pray this day for You to give me eyes to see where You are and the way out You are providing, when I encounter temptation today. Lord, reveal Yourself in the Spirit to my brothers and sister too, that they will see You and Your way out. Because, temptation WILL come today, for each one of us...You are more powerful and fully faithful, to empower us through the way out, to not give in, but to say YES Lord....and run, walk, turn, jump, whatever it takes. Lord, let us be a people of 'whatever it takes', to follow You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Even today, fill us Lord. We love You."

Free

2010-10-07T16:56:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 9

"...I have emptied out my cup, so that You can fill it up, now I'm free, I just want to be, more available to You. Lord, I'm available to You, my storage is empty, and I am available to You. Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 reminds me of this song. It is a song of prayer, emptying of self, asking for the in-filling of the Holy Spirit, and making a commitment to the Lord to be available. In His Power, in His Strength, by His Leading and Direction.
Paul is telling the Corinthians that he belongs to " no man", no person owns him, he is free. And he states that because he is free [free in Christ] he chooses to make himself "a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible" (vs 19)!! He is compelled by the love of Christ, and what Christ did for him, to go and do likewise! To empty himself out, to choose not to exercise all his freedoms, but to exercise them in way a that he 'becomes all things to all people!" He is determined to be used by the Lord with anyone and everyone God give him to...to the weak he shares his weakness, to those under the law - he puts himself under the law, to those not having the law - he becomes like one not having the (Jewish) law.

Paul is determined to put away anything that may be seen as dividing, separating, putting walls between him and others....because of Christ. This is why I thought of the song from which the above excerpt comes. The picture is of one who is SOLD OUT. Giving up all rights for the purpose of Christ. Emptying self of self with all it's particulars. Asking the Holy Spirit to fill, and be available. No conditions. No criteria. No qualifications or preferences. "I will not do that, I will not go there, that isn't my style, I couldn't possibly be in the midst of that...." No. Paul said "whatever", meaning "whatever You say Lord, wherever You lead Lord...in another portion of Scripture, Paul says, "I've been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20).

Are you in a place that is perhaps not your preference? I've been there. Are you doing something that you'd rather not be doing? I've done that. Are you among a people not of your choosing? I've lived that. Have you found yourself in a position that you've said or thought, "I will never!" I've been there too.

Chances are any one of us may be experiencing the above right now! Or you have. Or you will. It is called life on this earth. What is your response? Are you bucking it? I have done that before. God help me. God help you. Today, will you join me in asking the Lord to help you at whatever point you are at with this?

" Lord, I empty myself, Lord would you help me to empty myself? Lord, please fill me with Yourself. Help me like Paul, to be so compelled by You that I will be willing and be all things to all people that some might be won. I'm available Lord, Help me Lord to wanna' be available, help me to be available. Use me Lord - to show someone the way... Thank You Lord."

Love and Freedom

2010-10-06T10:40:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 8

"So the weak brother [sister], for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers [sisters] in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother [sister] to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him [her] to fall" (vs 11-13).

Paul is talking about the freedom we have in Christ, and how to walk in wisdom, as we walk in our freedom. All of us have what Paul may call 'weak' areas. The things that tempt me are not the same things that tempt you. Particularly when I was a new believer, I had things that if more mature believers exercised their freedom in certain areas, would have caused me to stumble, fall, and/or sin. But even as a more mature believer, each of us have 'blind spots', areas in which we are particularly vulnerable. Wisdom would tell us that it is important for us to know those areas for ourselves. And yet, Paul is pointing to an area of responsibility, which is predicated - in the context of - Christian Love, in the Love of Christ as the body of Christ. Paul highlights that walking in Love for others, is more important than walking in our freedom! It is more important to Love than to have the last word, or win the argument....(ouch).

By way of illustration (like Paul illustrates his point through the eating of foods/meat, sacrificed to idols - which was clear to the folks of his day), I share with you about the 'red dress.' This experience is from years ago. I was part of a body of believers in which my church tradition was different...actually, I didn't really have a church tradition because I was not raised attending church.

One Sunday, a dear 'mother of the church' came up to me quite serious and with a warning in her voice. She is now gone to be with the Lord. At the time she was @ 65 ish years of age, a matriarch of the community, raised in an African-American church tradition. This dear Mother pulled me aside and said, "only 'ladies of the night' wear red...never wear a red dress to church!" "Ladies of the night' is my translation of Mama's phrase which was in her own, Mother style :):). (some of you are saying, "Mother of the church...what is that?...because you are from a different tradition than one in which their are older women who are viewed as 'mother's of the church body" :)).

I was stunned, felt really sorry that I offended her, and didn't quite know what to say! I think I stammered and apologized. I had never heard of this understanding. Yet, as I prayed about the situation, I was led to not wear a red dress to the church again! At the time I'm not sure if I came to that decision because I wanted to 'fit in' or if I didn't want to offend this dear one, or anyone else who thought that way. The outcome however, relates to Paul's admonition. If my red dress, caused Mother to think about brothels and the like, then I didn't want to be a stumbling block to her! One may argue that she needed to 'understand' that wearing a red dress, just like Paul's illustration of eating meat, didn't mean anything....But - it was likely that this ingrained idea in Mother's mind was not going to change. I was "free in Christ" to wear a red dress... but really, was it more important for me to wear a red dress, or for Mother's mind and heart to be focused on Christ?

So, what is it today, that is cause for others to stumble, that is part of my Christian liberty? How about you, is there something that if you ceased, would be cause to help another continue to grow in their walk w/Jesus? This is a matter of prayer - because there isn't one 'rule', instead it is something that through prayer, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you and to me.

"Lord, show each of us today, anything that, while I'm free in You to engage in, it does not edify another and actually is cause for anothers stumbling. Give me the wisdom and grace to see this, and with humility follow You in it. Lord, help me not to judge another in this, but instead to act in and through Love...because while I pray over this/these situations, others are praying to not be a stumbling block for me. The ground at the cross is level, and we all stand there. Thank You Lord."

Married or Single follow-up

2010-10-05T08:18:00.000-04:00

Dear Ones,
Below is a reply I received based on yesterday's thoughts from 1 Corinthians 7. Under that response is my reply. It is so good to receive responses to the readings and devotionals. Please feel free to respond with your insights, comments, questions, etc. Hit 'reply all' if it is something you'd be willing to share with everyone. Otherwise, I can take out any identifying information and share it so others can benefit!
Blessings of God's grace and forgiveness, His Love and Compassion today! May you call on His empowering Presence to address, walk through, respond to whatever today presents!

Excerpt from a dear one:
"sometimes I think I would be able to do more for God unmarried, but I know that it is like a mirror. I am constantly aware of my shortcomings while I am with my spouse...it is a character building life for sure...and a blessing in many ways that I don't even understand yet..."

"Yes ! I've heard many say that in marriage, it is discovered how selfish we are (although I certainly see that through singleness as well :)). Marriage is ordained and called by God - He uses marriage relationship as illustrative of Christ's relationship with us, the church. Paul was speaking to folks that were in the midst of having received Christ and wondering....should I marry, should I divorce (to focus on God!!) - Paul was exhorting them to 'stay as they were' - if married, married; if single, single (pointing out the serious commitment of marriage...)
One of the first human relationships Satan attacks is marriage b/c of it's importance in God's Kingdom...the relationship that is to promulgate the Kingdom through raising children in Christ...God help us today - it is a battle for the hearts and minds of our children...
Well, bless you my sister in the Strong Name of Jesus as you seek the Lord in your marriage and family - yours is an awesome responsibility and joy, with the empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit, who is able!"

Married or Single?

2010-10-04T13:52:00.000-04:00

Food for Life:
1 Corinthians 7

Please read this chapter prayerfully and thoughtfully. It is power-packed and easily misunderstood. A few observations, by way of summary are in order. Paul had been asked by the church at Corinth many questions pertaining to daily life - living as Believers. There culture was similar to ours today - much immorality and sexual temptation at every turn...."whatever" goes. Paul's basic premise and exhortation was - whatever situation you find yourself in, stay that way for the present - if married, stay married, if single stay single.
He even stated that he would prefer everyone be as he was, single - because those who are married need to be concerned about the affairs of spouse, children, and home. Single folks had time to for more devoted focus on the Lord's work and ministry.
However, he was NOT criticizing marriage...marriage is ordained by God! He did stress the utmost importance of prayerfully considering marriage, before marrying - marriage is a life-long commitment through the trials and joys of relationship and life!
Once one is married, it is then imperative to focus on your spouse, children, and home only second to your love relationship with Jesus.
Both singleness and marriedness bring the same life issues, only in different context - in both states of life people struggle with the same issues: loneliness, sexual temptation, satisfaction of one's deepest emotional needs, life difficulties. The commentary author wrote, "Marriage alone does not hold two people together, but commitment does - commitment to Christ and to each other despite conflicts and problems. As wonderful as it is, marriage does not automatically solve every problem" (p 2072).
As a single person, Paul's admonition resonates with me, "An unmarried woman is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world - how she can please her husband" (vs 34). I have found this to be true. does this mean I've not had the desire to be married? No. It does mean tho' that as long as I'm single, my time is devoted singly focused rather than divided by the affairs of husband and home.
Paul goes on to say, An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs - how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world - how he can please his wife - and his interests are divided" (vs 33.34). Paul is letting single folks know how life changes when married - as far as focus - and rightly so! A married man or woman, after their first love with Jesus, is to love, respect, care for, provide, nurture, raise, their families.
SO - if you are single, how are you spending your time? If you are married, how are you spending your time? What are the priorities?
As we read through this chapter we see Paul giving very clear answers - directions and guidance - to the questions posed to him regarding marriage, singleness, divorce, remarriage, sexual temptation - we would do well to ponder the admonitions.
"Lord, thank You that there is nothing of this life that You have left up to us to 'figure out' apart from Your Word, and Your Holy Spirit to empower us to carry out. This life on earth is not heaven. Jesus said there would be trouble here, but we can 'take heart' and 'be of good courage' because He has overcome this world. You help us on the path we are on and making choices along the way that will bring Honor and Glory to You, will be for our good, and for the good of others. Thank You Lord."

Everything is permissible, but not profitable

2010-09-29T11:23:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 6

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6: 19,20).

Paul's focus in this portion of his letter relates to how believers are to approach disputes between one another and how believers are to view choices about how to conduct themselves. Paul admonishes believers to handle disputes among themselves, instead of taking their disputes before a worldly court system. Matthew 18:15-17 describes how we are to approach one another.

The second focus, which comes to my focus this morning is how we as believers ought to approach our choices. Paul points out that "Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me - but I will not be mastered by anything"" (vs 12). He then describes current Corinthian society situations to illustrate his point.

I would like to use an example that is current for us today. The Bible does not forbid the drinking of wine. Ephesians 5:18 does point out however that to be drunk with wine is dissipation; instead we ought to be filled with the Holy Spirit - drunk with the Holy Spirit - intoxicated not with alcohol, but with the Spirit - pneuma-holics (pheuma - Greek for 'breath' breath of God or the Spirit of God - Holy Spirit holics). Throughout Scripture we read how drunkenness has caused great havoc and destruction.

In our day, drunkenness causes great havoc and destruction - from the famous, to you and me. We have families that have been separated because of drunkenness; children have been abused at the hands of drunkenness; lives squandered; horrific life choices. Drunkenness is usually a symptom of an underlying issue(s) that is being handled through drinking - and handled poorly, leading to bigger issue(s) than the original issue!

Everything is permissible - it is not sin to have a glass of wine. Everything is not profitable - so much destruction takes place in wine/alcohol consumption...perhaps it isn't beneficial to have one drink...? so many folks turn to alcohol to handle problems, so many folks are tempted to indulge to intoxication....why even go there? So many become 'mastered' by the drink. What is the benefit as believers? How does this honor God?

These are my questions. This is one of my 'I'm permitted, but what is the benefit? Does any benefit outweigh the possible destruction? Personally, I have seen the devastation of drinking being used to handle struggles...and it caused much more destruction in addition to the original struggle. Professionally, in the field of child abuse and neglect - I have seen people die from too much drink; children abused; families neglected; lives destroyed.

So, for me, drinking is an example of something that is permissible, not but not beneficial. Not just non-beneficial, but destructive. How about you? What in your life is permissible, but not profitable for you or for others around you?

"Lord, I pray for each one of us today that you would reveal to us what may not be beneficial in how we are making choices. God, fill us so with Your Holy Spirit that the Spirit overrides whatever we would choose that is not beneficial, that does not bring You Honor and Glory. More Lord, more of You. Quench our thirst with Yourself. You are the Only True thirst Quencher and Satisfier of our hunger. Help us to then be portraits of Grace to others; even as we are now portraits of Your Grace, such as we are. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."

Grace, Mercy and Sin

2010-09-28T13:41:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 5
"But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat" (1 Corinthians 5:11).

The operative word here is "brother." This admonition is directed toward a body of believers, who has in their fellowship someone who confesses Christ and at the same time is living in sin which s/he is 'proud of' - which s/he is publicly open about, reveals that s/he knows it is sin, and has every intention to continue in it.

This is not directed to believers who have in fellowship someone who is struggling with (a) sin which is debilitating, in which s/he is broken over and is seeking to put away, but hasn't been able to, as of yet. Otherwise, all of us, at one point or another would find ourselves outcast. This is not about judging the heart or motivation or intention of someone; it isn't about being legalistic or ungracious or unmerciful. This is not about categorizing people and dividing people. This is not about not associating with people who do not profess Christ - who are in sin.

One commentary has this to say about this verse: "Paul makes it clear that we should not disassociate ourselves from unbelievers - otherwise, we could not carry out Christ's command to tell them about salvation (Matt. 28:18-19). But we are to distance ourselves from the person who claims to be a Christian, yet indulges in sins explicitly forbidden in Scripture and then rationalizes his or her actions. By rationalizing sin, a person harms others for whom Christ died and dims the image of God in himself or herself... Church leaders must be ready to correct, in love, for the sake of spiritual unity" (p2068, NIV Life Application Bible).

"God, help us by Your Spirit to walk in such a way that reveals growth, healing, and wholeness in You; individually and corporately. Help us to be People of Presence - people who are filled with Your Spirit - who evidence Your Fruit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22). We then will be able to act loving - according to Your Love - to all around us - within and outside the body of Christ. Thank You Lord."

Talk or Power?

2010-09-27T09:02:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthian 4
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power" (1 Corinthians 4:20).

Faith and the power of God is not only or even primarily a cognitive discourse or exercise. Yes, we are to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind" but the Scripture doesn't end there. Paul's continues to write "THEN you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2). Renewing our mind is not only a cognitive exercise, our minds are the part of us which reasons, thinks, feels, wills, perceives, judges... We ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us (yes, the Holy Spirit speaks today - audibly?, no (although don't rule that out...God moves in any way He deems fit..), but He 'speaks' in ways so loudly sometimes, or so softly sometimes - through our conscience, through impressions and senses, through others - all in accordance with the Scripture - that it seems audible.

Do you know what I mean? Have you heard from the Lord in a way that you just knew it was God? That is the Holy Spirit. That is the God of the universe(s) who knows you so intimately that He knows just what you need and how you need it....better than you know yourself. God knows how He has gifted you, how He wants to use you in the working out of His plan and purpose, in your story and in the bigger story around you, History, His story.

The power of God is manifested in many ways. All you need to do is to read Scripture and you can see how God moved in the lives of the folks portrayed and recorded in the Word. Does God manifest Himself in the same ways He did in years and centuries before us? There is debate among believers about this - there is great theological (study of God) discussion about this.

I am simple. As I read the Scripture of the New Testament, I see God moving in supernatural ways through and around His people...and through and around those who do not confess Him! I do not read that He does not act in the same ways...with power...as He did in previous days. I do not read that He has ceased His activity - in fact Jesus said that the disciples (which includes us) will do 'even greater things' than Jesus did....God is still supernatural.

So, if we are not seeing the power of God in, through, and around us...who changed? Or where is the hindrance? "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). God does not change (James 1:17).

The kingdom of God is not about talk but about power. There is a difference between talking about God, and believing and experiencing God. Paul said that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead...lives inside of us (those who have been regenerated, born-again, through the Spirit) (Romans 8:11). When was the last time you saw, sensed, the power - the presence of God - in, through, and around you?

"Lord, forgive us for relying and believing more in talk and our own thinking, than in You. Help us to think Your thoughts and to rely in Your moving of the Holy Spirit - in, through, and around us. Help us not to first focus on Your power, but as we focus on You, and we ask for eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to know, we will see You move in power. Thank You Lord."

United We Stand

2010-09-24T17:01:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 3

United We Stand, Divided We Fall...

"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God [is SOMETHING], who makes things grow" (1 Corinthians 3:7).

Paul is addressing the divisions through quarreling and jealousy that was taking place in the Corinthian Church. He chalked this up to the believers being in their infancy, spiritual infancy, which Paul equated with 'worldliness' rather than spiritual maturity - Godliness... Ouch.

So, when we are divided through disagreeing that leads to quarreling, bickering, judging, one upsmanship...we display our immaturity as believers. Paul exhorts believers to grow by graduating to the feeding of the meat of the Word - Paul points out that their viewpoint is to realize that what is important is God - who causes the growth. No matter who is doing the teaching, baptizing, leading....that is not the emphasis (which the believers were arguing about ...kinda like, "I'm a Baptist, I'm a Non-denominational, I'm a Methodist, I'ma I'ma I'ma....).

When I was at Rock of Our Salvation Evangelical Free Church (!!) in Chicago for many years, we had a focus of first helping reconcile people to God through Jesus and then helping breakdown walls of division between races; particularly black and white in the church. Some of us joined the Pastor in going to different churches to share the message of reconciliation - we would sing a song called "We Will Stand" by Russ Taff (check it out on youtube :) The lyrics focused on the fact that as believers, we are brothers and sisters - regardless of our differences - that most important reality was that we were one because of what Jesus did on the cross, and what the Holy Spirit did in our lives by drawing us to God through Jesus....that is what causes (d) us to stand.

As the Church goes, so does the world...if the Church - people of God - are united and intent on one purpose (Philippians 2:1-11) then we will be a powerful force for good, for God throughout the world. If we are divided, then we are revealing that the world is having more impact on us.

How do you see the Church's impact on our world today? How do you see your impact on those around you today?

"God, please forgive me and forgive us as Your people for the divisiveness and division we are perpetrating today...either by acts of commission (things we are doing) or acts of omission (things we are not doing). Lord, move by Your Spirit, help us to mature in Christ, moving from the milk of the Word to the meat of the Word (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Give us as individuals and as a body the deep desire to be closer and closer to You. This is a desire that You will fulfill and that You will empower us to step into by our activities and actions. Show us the spiritual disciplines that will help position us for greater transformation, continual transformation into the Image of Your Son Jesus, the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Thank You Lord."

God's Wisdom and the Holy Spirit

2010-09-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

1 Corinthians 2

This chapter is one of my favorites! There is so much packed into 16 verses! Paul is continuing to break-down the differences between God's wisdom, human wisdom, and who is able to discern/know the difference between the two. Further, Paul explains that unless one has the Spirit of God living within him/her, one can not know God's wisdom...indeed it is foolishness to him/her!

"The (wo)man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him/her, and s/he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Have you encountered folks who, in hearing Scripture or interpretation and application of Scripture either say they don't understand or say, "that is ridiculous, that is foolish, that makes no sense?" Perhaps upon hearing their reply, you have tried to explain the Word to them, and try as you may, it just 'doesn't make sense' to them. Perhaps you have gotten really frustrated and thought that they are either numb or just hopeless.

The reality that Paul is pointing out to us is clear. He is saying simply that when someone is not born-again and thus does not have the Holy Spirit living within, then the Word of God and it's expression or living out of it, is incomprehensible to him/her! S/he is NOT ABLE to get it...no matter how hard s/he tries. So, all your 'explaining' is for naught, until the Spirit lives within them.

So what are we, 'who are spiritual' (1 Corinthians 2:15) to do? Like Paul, we are to humbly approach others who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit - not in persuasive words (1 Corinthians 2:1) - sharing with them the Love of Christ, the power of sin, and Christ's overcoming sin through His shed blood on the cross, and His resurrection. For them. For you. For me.

One needs to receive the love and forgiveness of the cross, before understanding the wisdom of God. We need to rely on and trust in the Lord to convey this reality to folks, as we prayerfully 'share Christ and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2). Some time ago we talked about the 'order of things.' There is a way in which things work, even as revealed through God's Creation of natural order.

And so it is with the wisdom of God. One must have the Holy Spirit within, BEFORE understanding the things of God - until then God's wisdom is foolishness...

"Lord, thank You that You have made a way for us to know You and thus to understand, increasingly, Your Wisdom. I pray that all who are reading these words now, have the Your Spirit within. If not, right now Lord, move by Your Spirit, drawing each one to Yourself - filling with Your Holy Spirit unto salvation and growth in You Lord. Then, help us 'who are spiritual' exercise 'the mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16) which You have given us, in all things. We love You Lord. Thank You for loving us."

Wisdom vs. Foolishness

2010-09-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

Food for Life:
We are focusing on a new book beginning today - Paul's (strong and straightforward) letter to the church at Corinth (written @ A.D. 55, Paul's third year/missionary journey in Ephesus). There were issues of immorality and idolatry in the church - as folks struggled to live out their faith in Christ in the midst of the corrupt and worldly city of Corinth! It appears that Corinth may have been a society much like we find ourselves in today in the USA!

Paul's focus was to assist believers in Corinth, and for us today, to identify the issues (jealousy, divisiveness, sexual immorality, and failure of the church to discipline members), offer solutions to the problems, and teach how to live as 'believers in a corrupt society" (NIV Study Bible p2059).

1 Corinthians 1
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God....For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of god is stronger than man's strength...Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" (1:18,25, 31).

Has anyone ever said to you or communicated to you non-verbally that: the God-Man Jesus dying on the cross for you (your sin and theirs) and then rising from the dead and now living and will be returning again - is foolish? And that you are foolish for believing such? Or maybe you once thought it foolish.

This is the point of Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 1. That without faith, which is through God's grace, folks think it foolish to believe in the Gospel message that Christ came, was crucified, rose again, and is coming back - all for you because w/o Christ doing so, you and I would be lost. This world would be it for us. We wouldn't know the joy of real life here, and we wouldn't know the joy of Eternity with Christ. We would only have ourselves to boast in - our works, our accomplishments, our intelligence, our talents, our our our - me, myself, and I.

Without faith in Christ, we have it backwards at best. The reality is human's highest intelligence and wisdom is like God's 'foolishness.' Now, we know that there is no foolishness in God...but if there were, it would be more wise than we could possibly achieve!

And so, Paul is stressing to the believers at Corinth, and us, that we have no reason to be braggarts in ourselves or any one person - which ultimately cause divisions, quarrels, jealousies, and discord. Paul exhorts, calls them and us to 'boast in the Lord' if we are going to boast.

Boasting in anyone or anything apart from Christ, except for God, is...foolish.

"Lord, thank You for the reality and message of Christ. Thank You for all the gifts, talents, abilities, and blessings we have in our lives...they all are from You. You are the source of EVERYTHING that is good. Help us to recognize our dependence on You in all matters in this life and Eternity; and have grateful hearts for all the good that comes from within us...because You live...because You live in and through us. We love You Lord."

Created for and with Purpose

2010-09-20T09:07:00.000-04:00

This devotional encourages and confirms the gifting God has given to women. It encourages me as a woman who has not been married nor given birth to children. I experience what the writer is speaking of however, in 'giving birth' in writing, ministry offerings, pouring into others lives....relishing in seeing others grow and blossom as they grow in their relationship with the Lord!
I pray that for you today, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances of life, that today would be a day when you experience the deep Love of God for yourself. In God's deep Love I pray you get a glimpse of who you are created to be, and that the reality of who you are in Christ breaks forth to another level.
Blessings and joy to you today,
Robin

Sunday, September 19, 2010
To Mother
As large as the role our mothers have played, the word "mother" is more powerful when used as a verb than as a noun. All women are not mothers but all women are called to mother. To mother is to nurture, to train, to educate, to rear. As daughters of Eve, all women are uniquely gifted to help others in their lives become more of who they truly are - to encourage, nurture and mother them towards their true selves. In doing this, women partner with Christ in the vital mission of bringing forth life.

The nurturing of life is a high and holy calling. And as a woman, it is yours. Yes, it takes many shapes and has a myriad of faces. Yes, men are called to this as well. But uniquely and deeply, this calling makes up part of the very fiber of a woman's soul - the calling to mother.

All women are called to mother. And all women are called to give birth. Women give birth to all kinds of things - to a book (it's nearly as hard as a child, believe me), to a church or to a movement. Women give birth to ideas, to creative expressions, to ministries. We birth life in others by inviting them into deeper realms of healing, to deeper walks with God, to deeper intimacy with Jesus. A woman is not less of a woman because she is not a wife or has not physically born a child. The heart and life of a woman is much vaster than that. All women are made in the image of God in that we bring forth life. When we enter into our world and into the lives of those we love and offer our tender and strong feminine hearts, we cannot help but mother them.

The capacity of a woman's heart for meaningful relationships is vast. There is no way your husband or your children can ever provide the intimacy and relational satisfaction you need. A woman must have women friends.

It is here, in the realm of relationship that women receive the most joy and the profoundest sorrows. The friendships of women inhabit a terrain of great mystery. There is a fierce jealousy, a fiery devotion and a great loyalty between women friends. Our friendships flow in the deep waters of the heart where God dwells and transformation takes place. It is here, in this holy place that a woman can partner with God in impacting another and be impacted by another for lasting good. It is here that she can mother, nurture, encourage and call forth Life.

To have a woman friend is to relax into another soul and be welcomed in all that you are and all that you are not. To know that, as a woman, you are not alone. Friendships between women provide a safe place to share in the experiences of life as a woman.

(Captivating, 176-180)

2010-09-20T09:05:00.001-04:00

Truth vs. a lie

2010-09-20T09:05:00.000-04:00

Food for Life
Romans 16
"I urge you, {sisters and} brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving the Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. That grace of our Lord Jesus be with you" (16:17-21)

This is the last chapter in the book of Romans. Paul summarizes his teachings, admonitions, warnings, instruction, and encouragement in this Scripture by reminding the believers to be responsible and accountable for themselves in knowing the Truth of Scripture. The way for them, and us, to do this is to be reading, meditating, studying, and practicing Scripture ourselves. So, when we hear, read, or in other ways are presented with teaching that is contrary to Scripture, we will be able to detect this ourselves - we will not be deceived by flattery, charisma, persuasion, or debate; which then leads to division and obstacles among us.

The ending of Paul's letter to the Romans records his admonition to be "wise in what is good, and innocent about what is evil." Wow, I love this. We are exhorted/called to be wise in all things good, and to veer so far away from evil, that we are just innocent, un-knowledgeable or even naive about the details of evil...Let it be Lord.

You may have heard that in order for money handlers to be able to distinguish real money from counterfeit, they are expert in real money. So, when they see counterfeit, they know it is counterfeit b/c it veers from the real...not b/c they know all the details of counterfeit. As you may imagine, there are so many ways to make money counterfeit that it really would be impossible to know them all and identify them. BUT real money is real money. As it is with God's way...God's Truth...if we know the Truth then we will easily detect when something is amiss...even if we can't describe all the ways something is amiss, or even if we can't actually 'put our finger on it', we just know that it isn't the Truth.

"Lord, I pray You would move in each one of our hearts and minds in such a way that we would increasingly thirst and hunger after You; in reading and meditating on Your Word and seeking the Holy Spirit to reveal all Truth to us. Thank You that You are able. Thank You that in You, Satan is and will be crushed under our feet, and that even now, we can receive Your Grace Lord Jesus. Thank You Lord."

Commitment

2010-09-17T10:29:00.000-04:00

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do it " Psalm 37:5).

Without this commitment, commitment to the Lord, all other commitments will eventually extinguish...here or in Glory.

"Lord, help us to see our need for You and for Your ways, help us to see the need we for relationship commitment to You as #1...let us today be in greater fellowship commitment with You than we were yesterday...and not as much as tomorrow :), thank You Lord"

Hope that doesn't disappoint

2010-09-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

Dear Ones,
Today is a day of great (earthly) trial...there are so many serious issues going on with the house in which I live, and I have little understanding and no ability to actually correct/fix the issues! Yet, in the midst, by God's grace, I see the opportunity to lean on the Lord, to depend and trust Him to work these things out...whatever 'working these things out' means...it may not be worked out according to my understanding...BUT GOD...I trust His understanding and ask the Lord for 'ears to hear, eyes to see, and heart and mind to follow' where God is leading in the matters at hand.
By God's grace I already see how the Holy Spirit is working in me and through me as I respond to the situation and interact with those involved. It amazes me that I'm not 'loosing my patience or temper' and at the same time able to articulate clearly what needs to be said. That is God...and I thank Him.
I'm not sure what this testimony has to do with the Scripture that is our focus today - except that Hope is being spoke of - and I know that the situation I find myself in today is only possible to 'endure and find encouragement' in is because the God of the Scripture is my 'only Hope.'
How about you? do you have Hope today? If so, what is the source of your Hope? If not, I pray you find the only Hope that is sure..Our Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and Holy Spirit...

Romans 15: 2-6 :"Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.' For everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement o the Scriptures we might have hope. MAY the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Righteousness, Peace, Joy in the Holy Spirit

2010-09-11T09:26:00.001-04:00

Remembering those who died on Sept 11, 2001 in terror-ism. Also remembering their families and friends who miss them.
Food for Life:
Romans 14

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing God and approved by men" (Romans 14:17,18).

Paul is addressing the quarrels and disagreements and down right judgments that believers often place on one another - even against ourselves! He knew that folks of that time, as of today, would go beyond what Scripture says; that we would have a tendency to place our preferences and opinions on others and call it sin in matters where we are free to choose! Paul uses the example of eating and drinking because during his time-period folks would prepare food and drink as offerings to their gods - their idols.

Today we might call what Paul was addressing legalism. As you may know, legalism is when a person, a group, a local church, or even denomination takes a stand on something that may be a wise and good thing, or merely a preference, and call it a command or mandate of Scripture - which if not followed is sin. You might be able to think of some of those things.

A personal illustration has to do with music. When I first became a believer, I immediately got rid of all the music I listened to and started to only listen to music that was distinctly worship music or music whose lyrics were about God. Now, this was a personal choice/conviction of mine because I found that the music that I use to listen to took me to places in my mind and heart that were not edifying - it drew me thoughts away from Godly things. And it seemed to me, that for me, I would be sinning because of the music's effect on me. So - if I then took my conviction further and also took the position that EVERYONE must do what I did - they must only listen to "Christian" music - this would be what Paul is speaking against. "...everything that does not come from faith is sin" (14:23). For me, this issue was a matter of faith...I could not in good-conscious listen to the music I use to listen to. Does that mean, however, that everyone must give up all the music they use to listen to when they are born-again? Not necessarily. If there is music that folks listen to that builds them up in faith - that is enjoyable, that is artful and creative, and does not bring their minds to places of temptations - then it would be totally acceptable and even praiseworthy to do so!

An excerpt from Bible commentary is instructive: 14:1, "Who is weak in faith and who is strong? We are all weak in some areas and strong in others. Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with sinners without falling into their patterns. It is weak in an area if we must avoid certain activities, people or places in order to protect our spiritual life. It is important to take a self-inventory in order to find out our strengths and weaknesses. Whenever in doubt, we should ask, "Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them?" In areas of strength, we should not fear being defiled by the world; rather we should go and serve God. In areas of weakness, we need to be cautious. IF we have a strong faith but shelter it, we are not doing Christ's work in the world. If we have a weak faith but expose it, we are being extremely foolish" (p2053 NIV Study Bible).

"Lord, help us to have wisdom to know where we are in You. To know that which builds us up and others around us, and that which compromises and tears down. Lord, help us to ask, "Does this bring You Glory, Lord" and then be willing to follow You in what we hear. Help us to take our liberty in Christ and live fully and richly; help us to not take our liberty in Christ and squander it on that which does not honor You. Thank You Lord. We love you."

"The hour has come.."

2010-09-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

Romans 13 (continued)

"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11).

What are we "to do?" As we reflected last writing, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love as in 1 Corinthians 13 style. Love as in acting in the best interest of another (which, as you know, is not always what one is asking for, or always in agreeing with someone...BUT whatever action is taken or word spoken - is always in love). Love as in thinking of another before ourselves - that doesn't mean we don't think about ourselves, as in not respecting ourselves...but as in not being selfish, self-centered, and "I'm # 1 attitude...

"...understanding this present time." What is this present time? How can Paul mean the same thing in @ AD 57 and we read this in AD 2010, as 'this present time?' How can 'the hour has come' in 57 and 2010? Paul is speaking from God's perspective - in God one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. There are volumes of commentary written on just this verse - and my approach is very simplistic. However, when it comes right down to it, simplicity is how we live out the Word of God day to day. Simply put, we are told that we don't know the hour of Jesus' return. We don't know when 'life as we know it (on this earth), will end. But we DO KNOW that we are to be ready...and in this present time, Jesus could come....even before you read this writing.

Additionally, today is the day, this moment is the moment to 'love our neighbor as ourselves'; today is the day to wake up from our slumber - each moment is precious - today 'our salvation (the 2nd coming of Jesus) is nearer now than when we first believed'...

Are you and I living in expectation of meeting Jesus face to face, right now? Are we 'putting aside the deeds of darkness and putting on the armor of light? Are we behaving decently...not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery ("excessive indulgence in sensual pleasure"), not in dissension ("Strong disagreement or contention, discord") and jealousy'(13:12,13)?
Instead of these things, are we 'clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (the qualities of Jesus - love, humility, truth, servant-heart) and not thinking about how to gratify desires of the sinful nature'(13:14)?

"Dear Lord, please forgive us for anyways we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves (show us these things individually Lord). What have we not done that we ought, and what have we done that we ought not have done? We are sorry. Please help us to live today in light of seeing You face to face any moment; help us to love as You love us, putting on the qualities of You - we need Your Holy Spirit to help us - we can't do these thing, love the way You do, in our own power or strength. We can't really even want to love as You do, without You giving us the desire. Thank You Lord for Your continue grace and mercy, which enables us to grow in You. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."

The Law of Love

2010-09-08T10:18:00.000-04:00

Food for Life:
Romans 13

Today let's stop at 13:1, because if you are like me, you read that and had a lot of questions...especially when looking at the present state of governing authorities throughout the world; and past governing authorities! Let's read a short commentary on 13:1...and prayerfully we will hear the Lord speak to our questions related to 13:1.

Romans 13:1, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

"Christians understand Romans 13 in different ways. All Christians agree that we are to live at peace with the state as long as the stat allow us to live by our religious convictions. For hundreds of years, however, there have been at least three interpretations of how e are to do this:
1) Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that Christians should have a s little to do with it as possible. Although they should be good citizens as long as they can do so without compromising their beliefs, they should not work for the government, vote in elections, or serve in the military.
2) Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in other areas. Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either. They should not, however, confuse the wot. In this view, church and state are concerned with two totally different sphere - the spiritual and the physical - and thus complement each other but do not work together.
3) Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. They can do this politically, by electing Christian or other high-principled leaders. They can also do this morally, by serving as an influence for good in society. In this view, church and state ideally work together for the good of all.
None of these views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government's laws or regulations unless those laws clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God. Wherever we find ourselves, we must be responsible citizens, as well as responsible Christians" (p2052 NIV Study Bible).

We read farther down in Romans 13:8-10 - "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to his neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

As followers of Christ, we can be sure we are following the laws of the state and our higher governing authority, God - by loving others...which is a 'debt' we can never repay. This debt of love we owe because of the Love God showed us through Jesus Christ. And what if there is a state law that is apart from God's law of Love? I think of slavery, I think of abortion - those are not the only two, but they are what comes to mind. Slavery - enslaving another human being as being less than human - is clearly against God and God's law of Love. Abortion - taking the life of an innocent one in the womb - is clearly against God and God's law of Love.
So, whether slavery (was legal in the US at one time) or abortion (which is legal NOW in the US) is the law of the governing authorities or not; as believers, we are to obey God - the law of Love and denounce both - even if it is legal....

"God help us to hear Your voice above the din of our surrounding culture, the voices of loved ones, and our own voice - help us to read and meditate on You in Your Word in a way that makes a difference in the way we think, feel, and act out the precious lives You have given us to live, today. Thank You for loving each one of us. We love You."

Overcome evil with good.

2010-09-07T08:56:00.000-04:00

Often Paul writes so clearly that explanation muddles! What is the Holy Spirit saying to you as you read these Words of Life?
" Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. IF it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:9-21).
"Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit in the things that are for each one of us today. I thank You that all this is possible in the power of Your Holy Spirit; none of it is possible in our own strength or will. Thank You for loving us Lord."

Salvation in no other Name

2010-08-27T10:48:00.001-04:00

Romans 11

This chapter is rich with theology based on Paul's reviewing and teaching on how God acted in History in the Israel nation. Paul is speaking to the Messianic Jews, Jews like himself who were born-again. He is pointing out to them that not all Jews had rejected Jesus; there was still a faithful remnant, and how God sent him to the Gentiles because of his fellow Jews (as a whole) had rejected Jesus. Paul also speaks to the future salvation of the Israelite nation - that there will be individual Jews who will be saved - saved in the same way as Gentiles (Romans 17-24). Paul emphasizes that whether Jew or Gentile, all are saved by grace through faith in Christ - no one is saved through cultural heritage.
There are differing interpretations of the future salvation of Israel, as taught by Paul. One author writes, "Some say the phrase "And so all Israel will be saved" means that the majority of Jews in the final generation befor Christ's return will turn to Christ for salvation. Others say that Paul is using the term 'Israel' for the "spiritual" nation of Israel made up of everyone - Jew and Gentile - who has received salvation through faith in Christ. Thus all Israel (or all believers) will receive God's promised gift of salvation. Still others say that all Israel means Israel as a whole will have a role in Christ's Kingdom. Their identity as a people won't be discarded. God chose the nation of Israel and He has never rejected it. He also chose the church, through Jesus Christ, and He will never reject it either. This does not mean, of course, that all Jews or all church members will be saved. It is possible to belong to a nation or to an organization without ever responding in faith. But just because some people have rejected Christ does not mean that God stops working with either Israel or the church. He continues to offer salvation freely to all. Still others say that the phrase "and so" means "in this way" or "this is how," referring to the necessity of faith in Christ" ( NIVp2048).
How does this teaching in Romans 11 impact you and me? It is by grace through faith we have been saved and this is not a work of our own, that any of us can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-11). The Jewish race, chosen by God, to usher in salvation through Jesus Christ, is not forgotten by God and what is happening in current events of the Middle East is not just for this earthly point in time, but has a place in the Revelation of God in Christ - has been prophesied for centuries, as written in the Word of God.
So, as we hear the news of today, let's prayerfully consider the times we are living in, from God's perspective as revealed in Scripture. Let's be 'wise as serpents and gentle as doves' (Matthew 10:16)...praying in the Spirit at all times everywhere for all the saints throughout the world (Ephesians 6:18). Let's pray that everyone who will come to Jesus, will come - even now.
"Lord, help us to be aware and understand the sign of our times, as revealed in Your Word and around us everyday, until Jesus, You come."

Romans 10

2010-08-24T08:22:00.001-04:00

"...my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved" (10:1). The Apostle Paul expresses his passionate prayer for the Israelites, that they would be saved. That they would know God through the Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many of them, like Paul (aka Saul) once was, were very zealous for God's law; they had rich tradition and religious practice. But Saul turned Paul when He literally saw the Light; Jesus Christ Himself spoke to Saul through revealing Himself to him...Saul was never the same...He was changed, He was saved, He became Paul. He was zealous for God's law, he persecuted and even advocated the killing of those who were followers of The Way...followers of the God-man, Christ.
Because of what God did in his life, Paul was now zealous for Jesus Christ, as a forgiven, new man. He had come to know personally, The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6) and his utmost earthly desire which was an eternally motivated and everlasting goal, was for his fellow-Israelites to be saved - to be born-again, to personally be in a transformational relationship with Jesus.
That is my deepest desire, for my loved ones, neighbors, acquaintances - whoever will - to be saved. My motivation to pray more fervently for this is renewed as I read of Paul's 'heart desire' - as I read Romans 10 which gives a clear message of how one is saved.'
How about you? Are you saved today? Is your ever-increasing heart's desire that your loved ones be saved? Let's commit ourselves before the Lord and one another to pray for their salvation. Today.
"Lord, thank You for how Your Word speaks to our hearts through Your Holy Spirit. I pray today Lord that if anyone reading this message is not saved, that today would be the day, now would be the moment when they would 'confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead. For it is with our heart that we believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth that we confess and are saved' (10:9 ,10). Thank You Lord. And Lord move by Your Spirit in a way that would continually increase our heart's desire for the salvation of loved ones and others, even Israel, to be saved and that our desire would be followed up with prayer and whatever actions You would have us to carry out. Thank You Lord."

To Whom Much is Given

2010-08-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

"To whom much is given, much is required", has been on my mind and heart lately. The Lord has been impressing upon me the necessity of sharing what I have been given. It's like the saying that "we are blessed to be a blessing." This is not a new reality for me, for the Lord has at different periods in my life called my attention to it. Luke 12:48 says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (NIV-New International Version). The NASB (New American Standard Bible) states it this way, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."

This parable of Jesus is used by Him to describe our action and attitude upon His arrival at His Second Coming. It conveys the obligation/expectation of a master/employer to the servant/employee as being illustrative of our relationship to what the Lord has given or entrusted to us and how we are to manage and be stewards over of these things.

These things are the talents, gifts, resources, treasures, skills, and things of this life that we possess. I write 'we possess' because that is often how we may view the assets for which we are responsible. But it is clear that 'all that we have' has been given and entrusted to us - including our lives - are not our own, but on loan from the Lover of our souls. As such, we are required to use them in blessing others! And the more we have been given, the more is asked of us!

So, I have an unsettledness within me, because it seems that I'm not 'doing all the more' that is asked and required of me, based on all that God has deposited, entrusted and given to me! At least this is what I'm thinking and it is causing me to feel dissatisfied with my current state of serving the Lord.

How about you? Do you understand that all your gifts, skills, talent, material possessions, and resources have been given to you, entrusted to you from the Lord? And so, as a steward - a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who manages anything as an agent of another or others - are you blessing others with those things, with your life? Are you returning the 'much more' that is asked of you based on all you have to manage?

"Lord, I thank You for the lives You have given each one of us. I thank You for how You have blessed us, entrusted us with Your blessings, that we in turn may bless others. I pray God that You would speak to each one of us in this area, and that You would reveal to me, and others, what You have given, what You require, and the grace and strength to carry out all that You ask... for Your Glory, for the good of others, and for our good; that Your Kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, I also ask that we would see all You have given and require as being based on Your Love relationship with us and others. Thank You Lord."

Natural vs. Supernatural

2010-06-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

Romans 9

Paul continues to focus on what the nature of having a relationship with God through Christ is like. He raises the issue that it is not a relationship that one inherits - Israel was God's chosen race/people and the focus throughout the Old Testament (secondary to God). Paul points out that being an Israelite - one of God's chosen - is not about ethnicity, race, heritage, "...It is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring [God's children]" (9:8).

Paul is pleading for the ethnic Israelites to recognize that just because they are Israeli by birth, does not mean they are God's chosen...he has gone so far as to say if it were possible for him to give up his "in Christ" status he would, if it meant that they would accept Jesus and be born-again, of the Spirit not of the flesh.

Have you ever thought that way? Have you ever felt such agony in knowing that others don't know Jesus and thus they are missing out on the fellowship of Christ, both here and in eternity? It is not possible for us to give up our salvation so that others would be saved. But I pray that each one of us would be so impassioned in our relationship with Jesus, recognizing the lostness of those who are not in Christ (yet!), that we would pray and act in ways that will plead for them before God and with them,

"be reconciled with God through Christ, come to Jesus, come home."

It's Who You Know That Counts

2010-06-23T09:34:00.000-04:00

Romans 8 (continued)

Yesterday we focused on the fact that because God initiated a reconciled relationship with us through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf according to God's will and Jesus prays for us from His position of authority at the right-hand of God (Romans 8:27,34) !!! Thank You Lord!

One thought that came to me from yesterday's focus relates to how the world views relationships. We know that God is the Creator of everyone and everything that exists, that is created! We as people, and Satan and his demons can't create anything original - all that is created has its origin in God. In this world people often say that, "it isn't what you know, it is who you know" that helps us achieve.

I have viewed this idea of it's "who you know" as primarily negative because it can leave a lot of people in the dust who would otherwise be successful if they just "knew the right people." The concept also can elevate a lot of folks, who really don't have what it is required for a particular purpose or who have ill-will and purposes of harm to others because of selfishness, to be in positions of authority.

However, it struck me that this worldly concept of "it's who you know" actually is a perversion of a reality that GOD CREATED!! Yes, God Himself carries this idea forward in giving us His Son and calling us into a relationship with Himself through Jesus. When we are in relationship with Jesus...when we know Jesus personally (it's who you know), we can count on the Holy Spirit praying God's will through our prayers! We can count on Jesus interceding on our behalf, continually before the Father!!

So, we see that once again, the world - apart from God - has taken the very priority and necessity of relationship, relationship with God - and perverted for ill-gain and all kinds of negativity that God does not intend.

It really is "who you know" that counts. "The one who has (knows) Jesus has Life, the one who does not know Jesus does not have Life" (1 John 5:12).

Do you have Jesus? Are you counting your relationship with Jesus as the single most important relationship above all other relationships? Do you know that your relationship with Jesus makes you "somebody"? That when you seek Jesus as #1 in your life, than your life will be what God intends for you, through all the pitfalls, trials, and trouble you encounter in this earthly life?

"Lord, help each one of us to count You as # 1 in our lives; then all the other relationships and necessities of this earthly life will be added to us (Matthew 7:19-34)....here and in the life to come."

Relationship

2010-06-22T11:55:00.000-04:00

Romans 8

The Apostle Paul continues to focus on what it means to be in a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today in this reading verse 27 and 34 rise to the surface of my heart, mind, and in my spirit. “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will…Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.”
Wow, the Holy Spirit, - the Spirit of Truth lives within each of us who are saved the grace of God through Jesus Christ’s forgiveness bore on the Cross – prays God’s will for us to the Father as we pray!! The Holy Spirit translates, if you will, God’s will for us as we pray!! Did you get that? Have you ever worried whether or not you were praying for or in the way of what was best (I certainly have)? Have you ever not known how to pray, or just didn’t have the words to verbalize the cry of your heart (I certainly have)?
Well, God knew that we would wonder and worry and not have the words…when we are in relationship with God, when we have been born-again by the Spirit through the blood of Christ, the Holy Spirit has our back (from living inside of us)! He translates our moans and groans, our lack of understanding, our not knowing prayers – according to the will of God, which we know is best. Thank You Holy Spirit!
Then as if that wasn’t enough, we are told a few verses later that Jesus Christ is also interceding for us from His position of ultimate authority - from the right hand of God! Have you ever wondered from where the term, “my right-hand man” comes? You know what it means – the right-hand man is indispensable and is as powerful as if it was coming from the one in charge himself, right? So, Jesus Christ also has our back!!
The next time you aren’t sure what to do, or which way to turn, or what is right…remember that as you turn to God in prayer, the Holy Spirit is translating even your imperceptible moanings into God’s will for you and for whomever you are praying! If that isn’t enough to recall, remember too that Jesus Christ is already praying for you before the Father!
“Thank You God! Thank You Holy Spirit! Thank You Jesus! Help us to remember that You are praying for us, and Your prayers are right and true! Thank You as we are in relationship with You, we can count on You! Hallelujah, what a Savior!”

Next we will consider from where the world’s concept of ‘who you know matters’ in getting ahead in this world comes!

Under Grace

2010-06-21T12:25:00.000-04:00

Happy First Day of Summer!!

Romans 7

Chapter 7 is so powerful and necessary for our understanding and growth in Christ! Paul discusses the difference between 'being under the Law (the Ten Commandments or other 'laws' that we and other's (try) to put upon us) and being under the Holy Spirit (being under Grace, under the blood of Freedom through Jesus Christ's precious salvation!).
Paul uses a simple example/illustration for us to grasp. He compares being under the Law to a person who is married - when one is married and then marries another - thus commits adultery - sin ( I'm not wanting to get into the whole issue of divorce here). This is what it is like when we take the Law and try to keep it, as a way to be right before God...we sin every time b/c it is impossible for any person to do.
BUT, when someone is married and the spouse dies, then that one is freely able to marry, and is not sinning! This is the life lived under the Power of the Holy Spirit, under Grace, under the blood of Jesus. We are freed from paying the price for our inability to live up to the full extend of the Law...which would be called perfection. We are free, in receiving the gift of God's Grace through Jesus Christ - which is what makes us right before God - reconciled.
Paul also describes the 'fight' we have within - as we battle against sin - our OLD NATURE - we don't have a sinful nature any longer, after receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ and infilling of the Holy Spirit. BUT we are tempted by our old ways, old nature, sin...the devil and his demons, to go against God. If we try to overcome this temptation in our own strength, apart of from the Holy Spirit, we will eventually fail....just like trying to follow the Law. We can't do it.
BUT GOD - Paul says, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord" who has saved us, made a way for us, and is 'fighting' for us!

"God, I pray that each one of us would call upon Your Name, more and more, to be filled continually with Your Holy Spirit - to yield continually to Your Holy Spirit, to recognize that apart from You, we cannot live the Life for which You have created and chosen us. Thanks be to You oh Lord, for making the way for us, for we cannot make it our own way. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."

Real Life

2010-06-18T10:39:00.001-04:00

Romans 6
The 3rd Scripture in the "Roman's Road" of which was mentioned a few weeks ago, is 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." As a refresher, the first two Scriptures of the Roman's Road are 3:23, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

So I, you and I, deserve death because of sin, BUT GOD has a gift, which is eternal life, as we receive forgiveness through Christ Jesus our Lord! Hallelujah!!!

Eternal life is not just for when we physically die/leave this earth. It is for today. Eternity is actually something we will all experience. Eternity separated from God, here and after we leave here, is just Eternity. Eternity with God, is Eternal Life. Life is not attached to Eternity unless it is with God because real Life is only received in Christ! Have you ever heard the 'walking dead' expression? Well, before receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, before being born again, before when I (we) were 'dead in our transgressions and sin', I (we) didn't have life, I was walking around dead. My spirit was dead...I was not 'alive in Christ.'

So, when I was walking around dead, Paul explains in Romans 6 that I was a slave to sin. That I could not help but sin. It was my nature because I was born that way, I inherited that sinful nature from my ancestry - Adam and Eve. They are your ancestry too. I had the 'I can't help' its. You did too.

BUT GOD. Now I have been 'made alive' in Christ. I have new ancestry, God's ancestry! I no longer have that sinful nature. I've been given a new nature, the very nature of a Holy God, the Holy Spirit living inside me. I don't have the 'I can't help' its any longer. Neither do you, if you have received salvation from Christ. We can help it...actually we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to say Yes to God and No to Sin. Sometimes we 'forget'. Sometimes we struggle with who we once were, sometimes we remember and think we are still that person, sometimes we linger in that thought too long and then we sin. BUT GOD, we can help it...God will help us as we look to Him. As we practice living in His Presence and His Holy Spirit Presence within us.

I am not who I used to be. You are not who you used to be.

"Lord thank You that we don't have to be slaves to sin, but in You we are slaves to You/slaves to righteousness. Thank You for the Life giving breath You have breathed into us when we were saved by You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit living inside of us. Help us today to lean into You, to be refreshed and renewed by Your Life Giving Spirit within us. We can say Yes to You."

Desire

2010-06-17T09:31:00.001-04:00

Dear Ones,
All desire is rooted in God given desire to be fulfilled by Him. The problem arises when we take our desires and try to fulfill them in our own way...that is called sin, and it is sin because we are depending on ourselves for fulfillment instead of seeking the Lord, allowing Him to direct our paths, and waiting upon Him to fill us. And depending first on myself, brings destruction to myself and all those involved, all those around me...

It is counter-cultural for me to say that I'm not depending on myself. That I'm not self-sufficient, self-reliant, and independent.

This does not mean I depend first on others for my sufficiency, reliance, and dependency. This means I first depend on God. I look to God to be my sufficiency, my reliance, and dependence. Then I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to do what He has called me to do - to utilized the gifts He has given me.

I also am called to be inter-dependent. That means that I need you and you need me...and we both need God.

"Lord, help us to see ourselves in You, depending on You first, going forth in power, empowered, by Your Holy Spirit, and then walking with each other as we walk with Jesus. Thank You Lord."

Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Holy Longing
The whole life of the good Christian," said Augustine, "is a holy longing." Sadly, many of us have been led to feel that somehow we ought to want less, not more. We have this sense that we should atone for our longings, apologize that we feel such deep desire. Shouldn't we be more content? Perhaps, but contentment is never wanting less; that's the easy way out. Anybody can look holy if she's killed her heart; the real test is to have your heart burning within you and have the patience to enjoy what there is now to enjoy, while waiting with eager anticipation for the feast to come. In Paul's words, we "groan inwardly as we wait eagerly" (Rom. 8:23). Contentment can only happen as we increase desire, let it run itself out toward its fulfillment, and carry us along with it. And so George Herbert prayed,

Immortal Heat, O let thy greater flame
Attract the lesser to it: let those fires,
Which shall consume the world, first make it tame;
And kindle in our hearts such true desires,
As may consume our lusts, and make thee way.
Then shall our hearts pant thee. (Love)

There may be times when all we have to go on is a sense of duty. But in the end, if that is all we have, we will never make it. Our Hero is the example. He's run on before us and he's made it; he's there now. His life assures us it can be done, but only through passionate desire for the joy set before us.

(The Sacred Romance , 199-200)

Faith, Hope, and Love

2010-06-10T08:41:00.000-04:00

Romans 5:1-5

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love" (1 Corinthians 13:13a). This is Paul's summary of his chapter on 'the most excellent way, Love.' These three - faith, hope, and love are highlighted in 5:1-5 of Romans:
"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Faith, Hope, and Love.

The progression starts with the gift of faith that God has given us. We have hope because of the glory of God and that hope grows as we walk through the trials and troubles of this earthly life by faith (faith in the hope of the glory of God!). And having this hope (JESUS is our hope!), increasingly, we are not disappointed because God has given us His love, He poured out His love into our hearts (and does so continually) by the power of the Holy Spirit.....who lives within us!

Faith, Hope, and Love - "God thank you for these gifts - faith, hope, and love that originate in You and grow by the power of Your Holy Spirit within us as we walk through the terrain of this earthly place. I pray that these gifts would increase within each one of us, as we depend and trust in You. Then Lord, along the way, help us to convey these three to all we meet, that they too would have Faith, Hope, and Love. Thank You Lord!"

Faith Alone

2010-06-09T10:10:00.002-04:00

Romans 4
By Faith alone - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (4:7,8).
Paul continues to stress that it is not by works, by obligation, by our deeds, our own effort that we are saved. It is by believing. It is by faith. It is by believing faith in the person of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is because of Christ's great love and by His works/His obedience to the point of death on the cross, that we are saved.
Paul stresses that there is not a sin that is too great for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ to cover. And remember, when we receive forgiveness, it is because of God's kindness (evidenced ultimately by the Cross) and that leads us to repentance...God looks at our hearts. God knows our sincerity. God knows the difference between attitudes of "well God will forgive me, so I can ________" as opposed to "oh God, again this struggle/giving into this temptation has happened, have mercy on me Lord, forgive me, help me...what is it that keeps me repeating this over and over again?!"

God knows our struggle. God knows our temptations. God is merciful, kind, forgiving, is able to bring healing and wholeness...God wants our hearts. The difference in our hearts can be seen in that prior to receiving Jesus' forgiveness and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude toward sin, toward destructive behaviors (which we may not have even seen as such) was often one of 'not caring' or not thinking we wanted to walk any differently, usually not remorse before the Lord. After Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts and consciences become more and more sensitive to God's ways vs. our own way - and while we may struggle, our hearts and minds and spirits long to follow God and not dishonor God.

And God knows the difference. And we know the difference.

"Lord please help us to see ourselves as You do - people whom You Love, people for whom You gave Your Son's Life, people for whom You long to shower mercy and grace upon and bring more and more into the fullness of who You created us to be. Thank You for Your Love. Thank You for Your power in our lives. Bless You Lord!"

Perfect Love

2010-06-09T10:10:00.001-04:00

Romans 5

The second Scripture in "Romans Road" is 5:8 - this is 5:6-8, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ die for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. BUT GOD demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Wow - Elaboration or commentary on these verses would only be for emphasis, perhaps giving some historical context as to why sacrifice (of Jesus) was something that folks in that day would embrace (the Old Testament clearly portrays the Jewish tradition of sacrificing for various acts of disobedience to the law and for atonement of sin).

We know it is true that 'rarely someone would die for a righteous or good person'; parents often say they would die for their children. Perhaps a spouse would die for his/her spouse. BUT GOD would sent His only Son to die for disobedient folks BECAUSE God's Love is a perfect Love of a Father for his son or daughter (you and me). God the Father's father/mother Love for us is that - and not only could we not pay the price for our disobedience to God/sin, but would not be the pure sacrifice, the Perfect Sacrifice, Jesus - God Himself, payment.

"Thank You Lord for Your deep, deep Love that You exercised on our (my) behalf and that You continue to do each day! This foundation of our relationship with You, the foundation of our faith in Jesus, never is passe or 'gettin' old'....let us receive You, receive Your Love through faith, even today with grateful, thankful hearts....and extend Your Love to others."

Judge Not

2010-06-05T10:06:00.000-04:00

Romans 2:1-4a
Yesterday we focused on the last part of 2:4; the Kindness of God leading us to repentance. Today we are looking at the proceeding verses, and the first half of verse 4. We hear a lot today about how we aren't suppose to judge others. Even those who do not proclaim Jesus as their Savior, even those who do not profess to seeing the Word of God as their standard, will use the Bible's admonition of 'not judging others' as their back-up to say 'don't judge me, don't call me out."

Most of the time when this phrase is used it is taken out of the context of Scripture. Often it is used as a way of saying to someone, "what I do is none of your business" or "what someone else does is none of your business." However, this sentiment is not the message of Scripture's 'not sitting in judgment of someone else." There are a many messages related to judging in the context of Scripture. Romans 2:1-4 speaks of judging others, calling another out for a wrong or sin when in fact the one doing the calling out/judging is doing the same thing. Paul is bringing out the fact that if I am pointing out your sin, I can be sure that if I'm engaging in the same/like practice, I will be held to the same standard as I'm pointing out to you.

Matthew 7:1-5 highlights a similar reality and perhaps is a more familiar verse even to those who don't read the Bible or take it's Truth to heart - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in our brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?...FIRST take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Among the primary point's of these verses is that we are not to be hypocritical. We actually are able to observe other's actions or hear their words and determine whether or not we are observing sin....and then we can speak the Truth IN LOVE in order to help another. However, we ought first evaluate our own actions and words, using the Word, Jesus as our standard. Then in grace and mercy, which we have received from the Lord, impart that to others. We are not able, however, to speak to another's motivation or intent of the heart....only God can see another's heart, only God really knows our own heart...God is the Judge of our hearts, and is even great than our hearts!

In Romans 2:1-4a, we see Paul admonishing believer's in a similar manner as Jesus' admonishment sited above. Paul is pointing out that, in fact, when I call out another's sin, and am practicing the same/like sin, I actually am condemning myself! Also, that I am actually calling into contempt (disrespect, dishonor, disgrace,disdain, scorn, calling out in hatred of, worthless, in meanness, and vile!) "the richness of God's kindness, tolerance, and patience" which is meant to lead others and ourselves to repentance. WOW. So when I point my finger against another (and really myself) I can actually be interrupting, negating, defocusing, interfering with the movement of God to bring folks to repentance (and Life).

It is not that we should not call sin, sin - we have an obligation as brother's and sister's in Christ, out of love, to speak the Truth in Love... it is that we do not put ourselves above our brother or sister when doing so, and that we do not do it while hiding our own sin.

(We are not to do so for any other reason, however, and we are not to do so in any other manner, other than love. When people are not in Christ, our approach is to be very different, however, because they are not looking to Jesus, they are not filled with the Holy Spirit, and don't have the capacity within (which is the Holy Spirit) to NOT sin... It becomes a different conversation, but is still in love. It becomes first about God's great Love for them, and how destructive actions hurt them (which is also the case for believers, sin is destructive and hurts us AND is an offense to God - because it hurts (us) the very ones God created in His Image...!) - this is another topic which deserves much more consideration.)

"Lord help me (us) to extend the kindness, tolerance, and patience that You do toward me (us), to others - leaving space for the Holy Spirit to call others (and myself) to Yourself!"

God's Kindness

2010-06-04T07:51:00.000-04:00

Romans 2

This chapter contains one of the realities that I recall nearly everyday - because by God's grace I see and experience it many times a day - "...God's kindness..."(Romans 2:4). God's kindness is evident (as Romans 1 describes! ) generally, all around (me) us everyday. All kindness has it's origin in God. "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). (I) We also see specific, non-generalized, kindness toward us everyday - often we don't see it as such, or we don't recognize it as "God's Kindness", yet that does not change the reality - all kindness is God's kindness....Please feel free to debate this, I'd like to hear any opposing position!

But this isn't the whole of the reality - God's kindness. "...God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Did you know that God's kindness is not an end in itself, although it is a necessary and wonderful experience? There is an expected response to God's kindness...and expectation of the Giver of kindness. It is a response of repentance...a realization that I don't deserve God's kindness - I can't 'earn' God's kindness - unlike 1 + 1 = 2...God's kindness is not based on an equation. "If I _______(a good thing) then I will receive kindness in return." We can all recall situations when we have been kind to others, when we have done good things, and we have not received 'in kind' back, right? God's kindness isn't dependent on my being kind; God's kindness is dependent on God - because God is kind and because God loves us (God is Love) - that is why God is kind toward us.

However, what is my response to kindness? It is to reflect on the condition of my own actions/attitudes/...sin - and then because of God's kindness, I am led to say, "thank You Lord...please forgive me for__________; thank You for Your Kindness toward me, thank You for all the blessings in my life, thank You for Your provision, Your protection, Your Presence, Your kindness toward me, Your Love..."

And do you know what repentance leads to? Life. Real Life. Not only salvation - although that would be enough! Every time I am repentant I gain more freedom in real time.

It is likened to the principle that "I'm blessed to be a blessing." That when I receive blessing (God's kindness!), my response is to turn around and pass that blessing on to someone else, who in turn...

"Lord, help us to have eyes to see You, Your Kindness, to repent, and Live!"

Tomorrow's Bible Reading will focus on the first part of verse 4; and the previous verses in the chapter in order to see the context of this part of the verse! Stay tuned!

Increase My Faith Lord

2010-06-03T10:24:00.001-04:00

Romans 1

We start today with the book of Romans. It is speculated from historical, extra-Biblical literature that Paul was released from his Roman prison after 2 years, never going before Caesar - perhaps the prosecutors didn't get their legal accusations together in a timely manner...whatever the case, he didn't 'rot in jail' nor was he executed at that point (Acts 28)!

Romans 1 is a powerful apologetic for how the world is without acknowledgment and Lordship of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The state of our nation is reflected through the reading of Romans 1...not much 'new under the sun' - we could substitute 'anywhere' USA for Rome.

What struck me in the reading is the (saving) faith principle - the nature of faith (1:5, 12; Ephesians 2:8; Colossians 2:12-15; Hebrews 10:4). It is a gift from God. Faith in Christ cannot be earned, it has to be given by God and has to be received by us, through the grace of God. Today as I have often done and will continue to do, I ask God to increase my faith...to increase, add to, enlarge, the gift of faith that He has given me. Romans 1:17, "...the righteous will live by faith". I want the Lord to add to the gift of faith He has given me and I've received, such that my life - that is really His Life through me (Galatians 2:20) - will be a greater and greater walk of faith. So that I will decreasingly walk based on what my eyes see, my ears hear, my hands perform, my feelings reveal...but that increasingly my eyes will be the eyes of FAITH, my ears would be the ears of FAITH, my hands would be the hands of FAITH, and my feelings would reveal FAITH. That God will be Glorified!

Would you join me today in asking the Lord to increase your faith? "Lord, increase faith within me."

Journey and Destination

2010-06-02T11:19:00.000-04:00

Acts 28

Food for Life:

Acts 28

Through the book of Acts, through to this last chapter, Paul is traveling to a destination (in Acts 28, Rome) yet on his journey with Jesus, to his destination, he takes every opportunity to speak of/bring healing in the hope that lies within him...the Hope of Glory, Jesus Christ Himself! "For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain" (28:20). Even in chains, Paul takes opportunity, even ASKS for opportunity (first with his Father, and then the people) to speak about the Hope within him; the hope that is also "Israel" [Israel's]...even if they don't know it yet!

In reading, I began to think about my destinations(s) and my journey with Jesus. Do I take every opportunity and ask for the opportunity - through prayer and with those around me - to speak on the Hope of Glory, not only when I arrive to my intended destination, but all along the way, all along my journey with Jesus?

Paul found himself in all kinds of unintended places throughout his journey, toward his destination. I too experience that, do you? Do you find yourself in unintended, even undesirable places as you are striving/working toward/traveling to a destination? Do you find yourself not reaching your intended destination at times? I do.

What do you do with that? Sometimes I grumble and complain (within myself, to the Lord) and ask, "what am I doing here???" Do you? Sometimes I waste precious time with this questioning, rather than, like Paul, blooming where I'm planted; taking and asking for opportunity to testify through word and deed about the Hope that lies within me. I wonder how many people have not received of the Lord because I was busy "grumbling" instead of being busy about the things of the Lord?

What about you?

"Lord, forgive me/us for planting ourselves, at times, in our own ways and plans and then grumbling when they don't materialize. Instead, help us by Your Grace and Holy Spirit Power to recognize that You are about greater and higher things, in our places not planned (by us), than we can imagine! Help us to be so immersed in You that it really won't matter the when's and where's, but only about The One and Whose we are and Who You want to hear about and experience the Hope that lies within us. Thank You Lord for the Apostle Paul's example. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Thank You for Jesus!!"

The Weapons of our Warfare ( 2 Corinthians 10:4,5)

2010-06-01T08:51:00.000-04:00

Today I'm snagging another's devotional - as it is so necessary an understanding for us as we journey with Jesus! It comes from "Ransomed Heart" "Lord help us to see Life from Your viewpoint - to see the spiritual reality of our earthly lives, and call on You to do what only You can do! To remember that, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but Divine, and able to tear down every stronghold and lofty speculation raised up against the knowledge of God..." (2 Corinthians 10:4,5)!!

Tuesday, June 01, 2010
There Is No Escaping This War
Remember, when Jesus boiled his whole mission down to healing the brokenhearted and setting prisoners free from darkness, he was referring to all of us. Our modern, scientific, Enlightenment worldview has simply removed spiritual warfare as a practical category, and so it shouldn't surprise us that we can't see spiritual strongholds after we say they don't really exist.

If you deny the battle raging against your heart, well, then, the thief just gets to steal and kill and destroy. Some friends of mine started a Christian school together a few years ago. It had been their shared dream for nearly all their adult lives. After years of praying and talking and dreaming, it finally happened. Then the assault came . . . but they would not see it as such. It was "hassles" and "misunderstanding" at first. As it grew worse, it became a rift between them. A mutual friend warned them of the warfare, urged them to fight it as such. "No," they insisted, "this is about us. We just don't see eye-to-eye." I'm sorry to say their school shut its doors a few months ago, and the two aren't speaking to each other. Because they refused to fight it for the warfare it was, they got taken out. I could tell you many, many stories like that.

There is no war is the subtle-but pervasive-lie sown by an Enemy so familiar to us we don't even see him. For too long he has infiltrated the ranks of the church, and we haven't even recognized him.

Blinded by the Light

2010-05-27T07:19:00.000-04:00

Acts 26

Food for Life:

Acts 26
"Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently...I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me...I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds..that is why the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me."(26:3b, 17b-18, 20b).

I love the humility of Paul. He was a highly educated, well trained, accomplished man...who was knocked of his horse by the Presence of Christ through bright, blinding Light. He had every earthly reason to be puffed up...and perhaps he was until he was 'knocked of his horse.' After Jesus' intervention and transformation of his life, he was humble. "...I beg you to listen to me patiently", that is a powerful way to open up a defense. It recognizes that the person before him has a choice not to listen to him (and from an earthly perspective, Agrippa had the right to have him executed...). Paul knew that his life was in the Lord's hands, yet he was humbly respectful of the earthly position of Agrippa. More than that, Paul was humble before 'the least of these' with whom he interacted. Paul was being "[obedient ] to the vision from heaven" that was given to him directly from Jesus (19b). It was Jesus, it was the vision that he was given and the Holy Spirit's continued presence within him that enabled him to be humble in the face of impending death and in the face of those who had absolutely no power over him.

Humility. Being humble. Humility is recognizing who God is, who I am and the difference between the two. It is also recognizing that regardless of the earthly position one is in, we are all on a level field - we are all Image Bearers of God - and it is only by His Grace that we stand.

"Thank You Lord. Let the humility of Christ be pervasive in and through our lives - help us to 'see' the vision You have for each one of us, that we might be obedient to it, to You. Thanks for loving us Lord. I love You."

The Days Ordained for Us

2010-05-26T07:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Ones,
It has been several days since I've sent out the daily readings and comments! I apologize - I've been in Chicago the last 10 days and haven't been able to take the time to write and send out! I pray you all are experiencing growth and blessing to be a blessing to others in your journey with Jesus! I hope to write a piece on my time in Chicago as I went to work with Safe Families for Children, but also participated in the Memorial Service for a young man whose earthly journey with Jesus ended - his family and friends heartbroken - as is the case of those of us who are 'left behind' when a loved one goes on.
I'd love to hear from you!
Blessings and prayers,
Robin

Acts 25

Food for Life:

Acts 25
BUT GOD and Paul. In Acts 25 we see that Paul's trials continue - literally and spiritually! He continues to be brought before the politicians by the religious leaders and crowds. 2 years have gone by, he is still imprisoned and the Jewish leaders are still looking for a way to ambush/kill Paul. BUT GOD and Paul continue to thwart their plans! Because it is not yet Paul's time to go on to Jesus.

Saints, I do not understand how this works together, But God is sovereign, God's plan will prevail, even when people are working against God. The Word says that the times and places, the day's of our lives, are ordained by God, even before there was yet one (Psalm 139)! I don't know how that exactly works - I know that God is good and He does not plan for us to sin, be sinned against, for pain and suffering and heart ache to be part of our earthly experience. But it is. And yet, in this world we will have trouble, but (God), take heart because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)! This is our hope! And it is a hope that is anchored in The Anchor (Hebrews 6:19). It is the hope that is anchored in Truth. In the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)!

But God - I recall when my mom passed on to be with the Lord. I was living in New Jersey, she was in Maine. We (family, friends, medical folks) did not expect her to die. She had under gone successful surgery to remove cancer from her body. She was undergoing chemo-therapy treatments as a prevention mention. Something went wrong, very quickly. The hospital/medical personnel made errors - there was grave incompetence - within 5 days my mom went from being on the road to recovery, to death.

I was driving from New Jersey to Maine (11 hour drive) in the middle of the night, alone. I was praying and asking God to let her 'go home', to heal her and let her go home. I sensed a peace in the midst of tears that God had answered my prayer. I received a call, with still 6 hours to drive, that my mom died. I pulled over and wept. Crying out to the Lord. I didn't understand, this wasn't what I prayed!?! I didn't even get to say goodbye!

As time unfolded, I saw that indeed the Lord did answer my prayer. My mom was healed. And, she was home. She was/is experiencing no more pain and suffering or tears. She is where we are intended to be for eternity, where are citizenship resides. With Christ in God (Colossians 3:3,4). Weeping endures for a night (sometimes years) but Joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). I still miss my mom, but I know that one day I will be with her forever. In our True home. Our eternal home. Where we were created to live (Philippians 3:20).

But God. I don't understand how it all works together. I don't understand how human incompetence unto fatality fits into God's sovereignty and appointed time and place for each person's ordained days. But God. I know that God is True. And I know that God is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time (Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent). I know that God is in control and that our best is in God's heart - because He loves us.

What does my experience with my mom have to do with God and Paul as recorded in Acts 25? It has to do with your life and mine and the lives of our loved ones. God is Sovereign and Good. Paul's time was not dictated by those who were seeking to kill him. His time was dictated by God. Paul fit into God's story, History, His-story. Romans 8:28. We only know in part today (we only see in part) but one day we will see/understand completely (1 Corinthians 13:12).

"God, help us to trust You, help us to believe You, help us to see the way You do. We love You. Thank You for loving us. Even so come Lord Jesus come."

Of Great Value and Worth

2010-05-16T10:42:00.000-04:00

Leviticus 27
Acts 24

Food for Life:

Acts 24
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and all people" (24:16). What an excellent check and matter of prayer for God's grace to have this be so in our lives! In this chapter, once again, Paul is giving a defense for his actions and for the Hope he has within.

He is humble as he presents himself before the governmental and political authorities. He is respectful, he doesn't call names or sling accusations back at his accusers. He is positive and points out the praiseworthy aspects of the Felix's reign and his accomplishments. He is honest, he recounts how he was before Jesus apprehended him :), and how he has conducted himself after being brought into the Kingdom of Light. He seeks to be unifying, he speaks to the aspects of faith in which there is agreement with the very people who are calling for his killing. He brings an excellent defense for himself, but he is not defensive!

"Lord, I pray as you call us to be ready to give an answer in season and out, for the Hope which resides within us, we would take on the example of Paul - by Your Grace and Power. Thank You Lord. Please forgive us for the times when our individual or collective actions as believers has been less than Paul's example - and has actually given cause for others to accuse us. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."

Leviticus 27
The end of Leviticus!! Wow, we made it - this can be a difficult book to get through. I'm thankful to the Lord for help me and I trust you, to glean what He had for us that is used to help us 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!'

Redeeming what is the Lords'. This final chapter delineates, as most chapters in Leviticus, God's guidelines, commands, and instruction for the given subject. I am so thankful to Jesus that you and I do not have a value which can be counted as monetary. God revealed what value was and is placed on us as Image Bearer's of God. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself. "He who had no sin, became sin FOR US so that we could become the righteousness of God" ( ).

The next time you have a thought, or the demonic plagues you with a thought, or someone speaks or acts toward you in a manner that says, "you are worth nothing, you are no good, you are_________", I pray you and I recall, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, "no, that is a lie, the TRuth is that Jesus Christ laid down His life for me...I' m to DIE FOR!!!" As Image Bearer's of God, we are of immeasurable value and worth. Renounce the lie, and proclaim the Truth - allow the Holy Spirit to speak deeply in you spirit the specific Truth for the specific lie. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, He is the lie buster and effects what Jesus did on the Cross...setting us free!

Thank You Lord!!!

Blessing in Obedience

2010-05-15T08:06:00.000-04:00

Leviticus 26

Food for Life:

Leviticus 26
"But (God) if you will not listen to Me..."(26:14), "But (God ) if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers..."(26:40).

But God. Remember? God is the game changer. When He 'shows up', when He intervenes, when we consider Him, God changes everything. God never changes, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But God. He changes you, me, situations, outcomes, results, the journey, the heart. God is the Original Transformer; not transforming Himself (for He is Perfection), but changes you and me.

Remember God. Actually, that is what is being said in this chapter of Leviticus. God is letting the Israelites know how they were made to live, which would result in great blessing. It is quite logical in many ways. We were designed by God. We are God's Image Bearers. God knows precisely how we are made to live so that we blossom, grow, thrive, remain in joy, and bring Him Glory.

God also knows when we don't remember Him; when we don't follow Him, how destructive and harmful it is for us, for those around us, and even for those who are our inherit-ants. The Lord shows us how going off course from Him causes us to crash and burn (not always immediately, but inevitably); God also shows us, as He did the Israelites, time and time again, how to get back on course - 26:40 reveals that to confess our sin/repent/ turn/ renounce the disobedience/ and that "of our fathers", we will receive forgiveness, refreshing, revitalization. 1 John 1:9 is like this revelation - "If you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness."

What about the sins of "our fathers?" This reveals the reality that what we do effects those that come after us; and we are effected by those who went before us - our parents, grandparents... . Why confess their sin? Because in so doing, the power of the sin, the curse if you will, is broken - we can be set free of the destructive generational patterns (you know what I'm talking about) - and begin afresh and anew.

"THank You Lord for showing us Yourself and The Way. Thank You that we don't have to sin, that it isn't our destiny, and that through the Power of the Cross and the Holy Spirit, we can break the destructive patterns that came before us and we can walk in freedom - not passing them on down one more generation. Hallelujah! Thank You for Your great Love with which You love us..."