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 ).
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Grace and Mercy
If it were not for God's grace and mercy, none of us could stand. Grace is a gift from the Lord, through Christ's work on the cross, ministered to us through the Holy Spirit and is something that no one can earn and thus no one deserves. Mercy is a gift given in the same way as grace, it is withholding judgement and death that we all have earned. "Lord help me to receive today Your grace and mercy, that I might extend grace and mercy to another."
Often we may think that we ourselves 'deserve' grace and mercy, but someone else doesn't. We may think that certainly they somehow have acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy. If this were so, than you and I would be that one - that one who has "acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy." But it isn't so - THANK GOD - that there is not 'one who is righteous' and there is not one who is condemned outside of God's love that extends His grace and His mercy (rjc).
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the god of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
"When we are going through hard times, God comforts us with grace, and that grace has a divine influence upon our hearts. Often he uses someone else to help bring that grace to us. And He comforts us in ALL of our trials. Then, further down the road, when we meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time, the grace that God poured into our lives is now reflected into their life – so that further down the road, when they meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time… And on and on it goes.
Life is tough. Struggles, trials and hard times will come. When they do, look around you. God is probably bringing someone along side of you to pour grace into your life. Grace to turn your life around — so that one day you can help turn someone else’s life around"(http://www.aacc.net/2011/03/29/real-soul-care/)
Often we may think that we ourselves 'deserve' grace and mercy, but someone else doesn't. We may think that certainly they somehow have acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy. If this were so, than you and I would be that one - that one who has "acted in ways that are outside of God's grace and mercy." But it isn't so - THANK GOD - that there is not 'one who is righteous' and there is not one who is condemned outside of God's love that extends His grace and His mercy (rjc).
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the god of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
"When we are going through hard times, God comforts us with grace, and that grace has a divine influence upon our hearts. Often he uses someone else to help bring that grace to us. And He comforts us in ALL of our trials. Then, further down the road, when we meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time, the grace that God poured into our lives is now reflected into their life – so that further down the road, when they meet someone else who is going through ANY hard time… And on and on it goes.
Life is tough. Struggles, trials and hard times will come. When they do, look around you. God is probably bringing someone along side of you to pour grace into your life. Grace to turn your life around — so that one day you can help turn someone else’s life around"(http://www.aacc.net/2011/03/29/real-soul-care/)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Recognizing Grace
Galatians 2
"James, Peter, and John, those reputed pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the Jews" (vs 9).
Paul continued to make a defense for the Gospel he preached - this time more for his message rather than for his right to preach it (as to the Corinthians). He defended the message because the Judizers - Jews Christians (professed) - sought to hold Gentiles (non-jews) to being circumcised and to following the Law, in order to follow Christ. In other words, the Judizers taught and lived a message of Jesus plus the Law, in order to be saved. This is the background to the happenings in Galatia to which Paul addressed.
But God. The verse that leaped out on the page of my heart was, "...they recognized the grace given to me." My immediate thought was, "do people recognize the grace of Jesus given to me, working through me? In the way I walk In the way I talk. In the decisions I make?
There are several powerful realities in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me." First, grace is a gift from God. What is grace? It is an approach that gives me what I didn't earn and don't deserve. Primarily grace is highlighted as the activity through which salvation comes. The gift of salvation is by grace through faith. By grace - salvation is a gift that I didn't earn, work for, or deserve - nor could I have even if I wanted to! And what does a gift cost the one who receives it? Nothing. Even though it can cost the giver much; the Giver of Salvation counted the cost, death, and gave His Life.
The second reality that jumps out to me in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me" - real grace is recognized by others that see me, hear me, live with me, and watch me. One way to affirm the grace which I claim to have received is that others can see it! They experience grace through me! As in Paul's case, through his teaching and preaching, through his wisdom and decisions - in the way that he carried himself. Do others recognize God's grace in my life, in your life?
Thirdly, notice the response to the recognition of God's grace in Paul. The Apostles - the pillars of 1st Century Christianity - James, Peter, and John embraced Paul (and Barnabas). They offered them "the right hand of fellowship." They accepted Paul and Barnabas as one, as one of them!
It was God's grace in and through Paul and Barnabas that caused the Body of Christ, in this case Peter, James, and John, to receive Paul and Barnabas. What causes you and I to accept others as close allies - as brothers and sisters? Who do we look to for direction, wisdom, and acceptance?
If it is anything other than the recognition of God's grace working in and through them - we ought to take note. The world gives recognition, acceptance, and accolades to those who display wealth, prominence, prosperity, success, and prestige. For what do you and I want to be recognized?
"Lord thank You for the gift of grace - thank You for salvation and Your continued grace toward me and those reading this - grace that without it we wouldn't be able to stand. I pray God that as I receive Your grace, it would be extend through me to all those I encounter. Lord let my, let our speech, decisions, teaching, and relationships be overrun with Your Grace - recognized as grace given by You. Thank You Lord."
"James, Peter, and John, those reputed pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the Jews" (vs 9).
Paul continued to make a defense for the Gospel he preached - this time more for his message rather than for his right to preach it (as to the Corinthians). He defended the message because the Judizers - Jews Christians (professed) - sought to hold Gentiles (non-jews) to being circumcised and to following the Law, in order to follow Christ. In other words, the Judizers taught and lived a message of Jesus plus the Law, in order to be saved. This is the background to the happenings in Galatia to which Paul addressed.
But God. The verse that leaped out on the page of my heart was, "...they recognized the grace given to me." My immediate thought was, "do people recognize the grace of Jesus given to me, working through me? In the way I walk In the way I talk. In the decisions I make?
There are several powerful realities in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me." First, grace is a gift from God. What is grace? It is an approach that gives me what I didn't earn and don't deserve. Primarily grace is highlighted as the activity through which salvation comes. The gift of salvation is by grace through faith. By grace - salvation is a gift that I didn't earn, work for, or deserve - nor could I have even if I wanted to! And what does a gift cost the one who receives it? Nothing. Even though it can cost the giver much; the Giver of Salvation counted the cost, death, and gave His Life.
The second reality that jumps out to me in this little phrase, "they recognized the grace given to me" - real grace is recognized by others that see me, hear me, live with me, and watch me. One way to affirm the grace which I claim to have received is that others can see it! They experience grace through me! As in Paul's case, through his teaching and preaching, through his wisdom and decisions - in the way that he carried himself. Do others recognize God's grace in my life, in your life?
Thirdly, notice the response to the recognition of God's grace in Paul. The Apostles - the pillars of 1st Century Christianity - James, Peter, and John embraced Paul (and Barnabas). They offered them "the right hand of fellowship." They accepted Paul and Barnabas as one, as one of them!
It was God's grace in and through Paul and Barnabas that caused the Body of Christ, in this case Peter, James, and John, to receive Paul and Barnabas. What causes you and I to accept others as close allies - as brothers and sisters? Who do we look to for direction, wisdom, and acceptance?
If it is anything other than the recognition of God's grace working in and through them - we ought to take note. The world gives recognition, acceptance, and accolades to those who display wealth, prominence, prosperity, success, and prestige. For what do you and I want to be recognized?
"Lord thank You for the gift of grace - thank You for salvation and Your continued grace toward me and those reading this - grace that without it we wouldn't be able to stand. I pray God that as I receive Your grace, it would be extend through me to all those I encounter. Lord let my, let our speech, decisions, teaching, and relationships be overrun with Your Grace - recognized as grace given by You. Thank You Lord."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Praising God for you!
Dear Ones,
Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!! May the Love of God, the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be experienced by you! God love you more than you could possibly grasp!
I love you too!
Your sister,
Robin
Galatians 1
"They only heard the report: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy'" (vs 1:23). ...!!
Wow, do you know of whom this verse above speaks?
The Apostle Paul, the writer God used to write 13 books, one book shy of half, of the New Testament! Paul, as we have read, was a chief Jew, following the Law we read of in the Old Testament. He went after Jewish Christian converts (Jews were the first Christians...), he hunted them to have them ultimately imprisoned or killed because Paul believed they were blaspheming God! Then if you recall, Acts 9 records Paul's (then Saul) conversion...Jesus revealed Himself to Paul so clearly, Paul was blinded and knocked off his horse! Jesus spoke to Paul as he was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" (Acts 9:1)! Jesus said to Paul, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?...I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting...Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9 4-6).
Paul continues in the book of Galatians to defend the Gospel, as he defends himself from whom the Gospel was preached to his hearers in Galatia. Some of the Galatians, like the Corinthians believers, were being led astray. The Galatian believers were being confused because some of the them were instructing others of them to continue to follow the Law in addition to believing in Jesus. This situation is likened to our present day situation in which some believers teach other believers that they must do 'good works' or follow certain rules in order to be saved - in addition to believing in Jesus and His work of forgiveness through Grace, on His Cross...
SO, in Paul's defense, he recounts the events prior to and following his encounter with Jesus and salvation. He includes what those who witnessed his before and after, said regarding him. "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (vs 23). The recorded verse after verse 23, describes the astonishing response of those who heard about Paul...
"And they praised God because of me."
I wonder. What do people say about me - those who knew me before being born-again, before Jesus saved me? Like Paul, do they look at my before, and after (and by the Grace of Jesus, continuing!) and praise the Lord for me? Or do they notice anything different? Or do they say, "if that is what it means to be saved...no thanks." Or, do they even see a difference?
And what about you? What is revealed to you as you ask yourself the same question? Better still, let's ask God this question about ourselves. The Lord's heart toward you and toward me is only Good. God has your best interest and mine in His heart. So, let's not be afraid to ask the Lord this question about ourselves. God is not seeking to condemn you or me. God is not seeking to kick us to the curb. God will reveal to us the reality of our situation/ourselves related to this question in a life-giving way! Whether God rebukes us, or commends us - or a little of both - it is only for our encouragement and good!
"Lord, who do people say You are as they look at my/our life before I/we received Your Salvation and now. God, help me/us by Your Spirit to yield to You, and in that I/we will let go of anything that hinders. Thanks for loving me/us Lord, I Love You!"
Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!! May the Love of God, the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be experienced by you! God love you more than you could possibly grasp!
I love you too!
Your sister,
Robin
Galatians 1
"They only heard the report: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy'" (vs 1:23). ...!!
Wow, do you know of whom this verse above speaks?
The Apostle Paul, the writer God used to write 13 books, one book shy of half, of the New Testament! Paul, as we have read, was a chief Jew, following the Law we read of in the Old Testament. He went after Jewish Christian converts (Jews were the first Christians...), he hunted them to have them ultimately imprisoned or killed because Paul believed they were blaspheming God! Then if you recall, Acts 9 records Paul's (then Saul) conversion...Jesus revealed Himself to Paul so clearly, Paul was blinded and knocked off his horse! Jesus spoke to Paul as he was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" (Acts 9:1)! Jesus said to Paul, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?...I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting...Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9 4-6).
Paul continues in the book of Galatians to defend the Gospel, as he defends himself from whom the Gospel was preached to his hearers in Galatia. Some of the Galatians, like the Corinthians believers, were being led astray. The Galatian believers were being confused because some of the them were instructing others of them to continue to follow the Law in addition to believing in Jesus. This situation is likened to our present day situation in which some believers teach other believers that they must do 'good works' or follow certain rules in order to be saved - in addition to believing in Jesus and His work of forgiveness through Grace, on His Cross...
SO, in Paul's defense, he recounts the events prior to and following his encounter with Jesus and salvation. He includes what those who witnessed his before and after, said regarding him. "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (vs 23). The recorded verse after verse 23, describes the astonishing response of those who heard about Paul...
"And they praised God because of me."
I wonder. What do people say about me - those who knew me before being born-again, before Jesus saved me? Like Paul, do they look at my before, and after (and by the Grace of Jesus, continuing!) and praise the Lord for me? Or do they notice anything different? Or do they say, "if that is what it means to be saved...no thanks." Or, do they even see a difference?
And what about you? What is revealed to you as you ask yourself the same question? Better still, let's ask God this question about ourselves. The Lord's heart toward you and toward me is only Good. God has your best interest and mine in His heart. So, let's not be afraid to ask the Lord this question about ourselves. God is not seeking to condemn you or me. God is not seeking to kick us to the curb. God will reveal to us the reality of our situation/ourselves related to this question in a life-giving way! Whether God rebukes us, or commends us - or a little of both - it is only for our encouragement and good!
"Lord, who do people say You are as they look at my/our life before I/we received Your Salvation and now. God, help me/us by Your Spirit to yield to You, and in that I/we will let go of anything that hinders. Thanks for loving me/us Lord, I Love You!"
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
All Sufficient Grace
2 Corinthians 12
" 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This is one of my most relied upon gifts from the Lord. His grace being enough for me, revealing His power in my weakness; knowing that in this, when I'm weak, I am strong! So opposite, antithetical to the world's way! In fact, how like the Lord to communicate through His Word directly to us relevant to even today's affairs! I have been praying over a matter that is a great opportunity offered to me, but for which I feel quite inadequate to carry out! SO - I'm trusting that by God's grace, my weakness/inadequacies will be fueled by God's perfect power - and that He will 'prove' Himself as He has time and time again. Not to mention - how wonderful of God to present opportunities for (my) faith to be deepened as dependence on God is needed!
Paul continues "to boast" to the Corinthians, out of love, in response to their teetering on letting go of what Paul has taught them and turning to false beliefs through false teaching! Yet, in this portion of Scripture, Paul turns to non-worldly standards....he shares with the Corinthians about the unbelievable, other-worldly revelations received by him from God! He then goes on to say that because of such super-natural displays of God to him, God sent "a messenger of Satan to torment" him (vs 7)! Paul prayed to have this "thorn in the flesh" removed, but alas, God did not remove it. Paul saw the thorn as God's intervention to help Paul remain humble (grateful, dependent on God and not himself). THIS is the point at which Paul saw God's power through him perfected in his weakness (the thorn in his flesh).
We don't see God's power perfected until we see our weakness. Not before....thank God for the testimony of the saints! Saints of old (Paul) and present day saints - you and I! Grace is not something stored up to keep for a rainy day - grace is given just in the moment it is needed! That is a powerful way God reveals our need to depend on Him and not ourselves! God comes through every time. He promises.
So join me today in asking God to reveal our weaknesses (not a request of manufacturing them or to purposely 'be weak'), those areas of our lives where we are prone to think and feel (perceived or real!) inadequate, don't measure up, don't have what it takes, our stresses/anxieties/worries - and ask God to show us, by His grace,....Himself!
"Lord, please reveal Your grace in our weaknesses today. Help us to depend on You more and more - and to see that You are more than enough. That You indeed have given us 'everything pertaining to life and Godliness" and today there isn't anything You have called upon us for that is too much for us - for us in You....Thank You Lord!"
" 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This is one of my most relied upon gifts from the Lord. His grace being enough for me, revealing His power in my weakness; knowing that in this, when I'm weak, I am strong! So opposite, antithetical to the world's way! In fact, how like the Lord to communicate through His Word directly to us relevant to even today's affairs! I have been praying over a matter that is a great opportunity offered to me, but for which I feel quite inadequate to carry out! SO - I'm trusting that by God's grace, my weakness/inadequacies will be fueled by God's perfect power - and that He will 'prove' Himself as He has time and time again. Not to mention - how wonderful of God to present opportunities for (my) faith to be deepened as dependence on God is needed!
Paul continues "to boast" to the Corinthians, out of love, in response to their teetering on letting go of what Paul has taught them and turning to false beliefs through false teaching! Yet, in this portion of Scripture, Paul turns to non-worldly standards....he shares with the Corinthians about the unbelievable, other-worldly revelations received by him from God! He then goes on to say that because of such super-natural displays of God to him, God sent "a messenger of Satan to torment" him (vs 7)! Paul prayed to have this "thorn in the flesh" removed, but alas, God did not remove it. Paul saw the thorn as God's intervention to help Paul remain humble (grateful, dependent on God and not himself). THIS is the point at which Paul saw God's power through him perfected in his weakness (the thorn in his flesh).
We don't see God's power perfected until we see our weakness. Not before....thank God for the testimony of the saints! Saints of old (Paul) and present day saints - you and I! Grace is not something stored up to keep for a rainy day - grace is given just in the moment it is needed! That is a powerful way God reveals our need to depend on Him and not ourselves! God comes through every time. He promises.
So join me today in asking God to reveal our weaknesses (not a request of manufacturing them or to purposely 'be weak'), those areas of our lives where we are prone to think and feel (perceived or real!) inadequate, don't measure up, don't have what it takes, our stresses/anxieties/worries - and ask God to show us, by His grace,....Himself!
"Lord, please reveal Your grace in our weaknesses today. Help us to depend on You more and more - and to see that You are more than enough. That You indeed have given us 'everything pertaining to life and Godliness" and today there isn't anything You have called upon us for that is too much for us - for us in You....Thank You Lord!"
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Now is the Time
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Why put off until tomorrow, what you can do today? You've heard that expression. Some have turned it the other way around...Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Often this is a light-hearted way to handle procrastination and to encourage ourselves (or others) to "just do it!" Have you wondered where the expression originated? Well, I think it might have been Paul! Although the Apostle Paul's exhortation in these 2 verses of focus in our reading, is not light-hearted. The matter at hand for the Corinthians was a matter of life and death. And in our days for our ways, is today, a matter of life and death for us!
"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.'
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (vs 1,2)! (emphasis mine).
Paul is highlighting, strongly, the reality that there are times and seasons for certain movements of God - and tomorrow really may be too late! Perhaps the Corinthians were waffling, doubting, questioning the experience, witnessing, or hearing of God's grace. Whatever the circumstance, it was cause for Paul to warn those within his hearing. He wanted to assure them that God's grace and favor was real and now. That as they were under God's ministry of Grace, that it was in that moment their salvation was to be received from God!
Tomorrow was not promised to them in their day, and tomorrow is not promised to you and I. Even as you read this message, today is the day of salvation. Today is the moment of receiving God's grace in your situation. Today. Now. Not later. Now.
"Lord, thank You for Your Precious Grace that is for each one of us in this moment. Lord, please move by Your Spirit, in each heart of the ones reading this now. However it is one needs to receive the grace You are extending, let him/her receive You Lord. For salvation. For forgiveness. For pardon. For direction. For patience. For understanding. For seeing. For clarity. For assurance. For ...whatever it is - now is the time. Thank You Lord!"
Why put off until tomorrow, what you can do today? You've heard that expression. Some have turned it the other way around...Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Often this is a light-hearted way to handle procrastination and to encourage ourselves (or others) to "just do it!" Have you wondered where the expression originated? Well, I think it might have been Paul! Although the Apostle Paul's exhortation in these 2 verses of focus in our reading, is not light-hearted. The matter at hand for the Corinthians was a matter of life and death. And in our days for our ways, is today, a matter of life and death for us!
"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.'
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (vs 1,2)! (emphasis mine).
Paul is highlighting, strongly, the reality that there are times and seasons for certain movements of God - and tomorrow really may be too late! Perhaps the Corinthians were waffling, doubting, questioning the experience, witnessing, or hearing of God's grace. Whatever the circumstance, it was cause for Paul to warn those within his hearing. He wanted to assure them that God's grace and favor was real and now. That as they were under God's ministry of Grace, that it was in that moment their salvation was to be received from God!
Tomorrow was not promised to them in their day, and tomorrow is not promised to you and I. Even as you read this message, today is the day of salvation. Today is the moment of receiving God's grace in your situation. Today. Now. Not later. Now.
"Lord, thank You for Your Precious Grace that is for each one of us in this moment. Lord, please move by Your Spirit, in each heart of the ones reading this now. However it is one needs to receive the grace You are extending, let him/her receive You Lord. For salvation. For forgiveness. For pardon. For direction. For patience. For understanding. For seeing. For clarity. For assurance. For ...whatever it is - now is the time. Thank You Lord!"
Thursday, December 16, 2010
God's Grace in Our Weakness
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."
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."
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Gospel of Grace
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
"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
Monday, June 21, 2010
Under Grace
Happy First Day of Summer!!
Romans 7
Chapter 7 is so powerful and necessary for our understanding and growth in Christ! Paul discusses the difference between 'being under the Law (the Ten Commandments or other 'laws' that we and other's (try) to put upon us) and being under the Holy Spirit (being under Grace, under the blood of Freedom through Jesus Christ's precious salvation!).
Paul uses a simple example/illustration for us to grasp. He compares being under the Law to a person who is married - when one is married and then marries another - thus commits adultery - sin ( I'm not wanting to get into the whole issue of divorce here). This is what it is like when we take the Law and try to keep it, as a way to be right before God...we sin every time b/c it is impossible for any person to do.
BUT, when someone is married and the spouse dies, then that one is freely able to marry, and is not sinning! This is the life lived under the Power of the Holy Spirit, under Grace, under the blood of Jesus. We are freed from paying the price for our inability to live up to the full extend of the Law...which would be called perfection. We are free, in receiving the gift of God's Grace through Jesus Christ - which is what makes us right before God - reconciled.
Paul also describes the 'fight' we have within - as we battle against sin - our OLD NATURE - we don't have a sinful nature any longer, after receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ and infilling of the Holy Spirit. BUT we are tempted by our old ways, old nature, sin...the devil and his demons, to go against God. If we try to overcome this temptation in our own strength, apart of from the Holy Spirit, we will eventually fail....just like trying to follow the Law. We can't do it.
BUT GOD - Paul says, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord" who has saved us, made a way for us, and is 'fighting' for us!
"God, I pray that each one of us would call upon Your Name, more and more, to be filled continually with Your Holy Spirit - to yield continually to Your Holy Spirit, to recognize that apart from You, we cannot live the Life for which You have created and chosen us. Thanks be to You oh Lord, for making the way for us, for we cannot make it our own way. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."
Romans 7
Chapter 7 is so powerful and necessary for our understanding and growth in Christ! Paul discusses the difference between 'being under the Law (the Ten Commandments or other 'laws' that we and other's (try) to put upon us) and being under the Holy Spirit (being under Grace, under the blood of Freedom through Jesus Christ's precious salvation!).
Paul uses a simple example/illustration for us to grasp. He compares being under the Law to a person who is married - when one is married and then marries another - thus commits adultery - sin ( I'm not wanting to get into the whole issue of divorce here). This is what it is like when we take the Law and try to keep it, as a way to be right before God...we sin every time b/c it is impossible for any person to do.
BUT, when someone is married and the spouse dies, then that one is freely able to marry, and is not sinning! This is the life lived under the Power of the Holy Spirit, under Grace, under the blood of Jesus. We are freed from paying the price for our inability to live up to the full extend of the Law...which would be called perfection. We are free, in receiving the gift of God's Grace through Jesus Christ - which is what makes us right before God - reconciled.
Paul also describes the 'fight' we have within - as we battle against sin - our OLD NATURE - we don't have a sinful nature any longer, after receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ and infilling of the Holy Spirit. BUT we are tempted by our old ways, old nature, sin...the devil and his demons, to go against God. If we try to overcome this temptation in our own strength, apart of from the Holy Spirit, we will eventually fail....just like trying to follow the Law. We can't do it.
BUT GOD - Paul says, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord" who has saved us, made a way for us, and is 'fighting' for us!
"God, I pray that each one of us would call upon Your Name, more and more, to be filled continually with Your Holy Spirit - to yield continually to Your Holy Spirit, to recognize that apart from You, we cannot live the Life for which You have created and chosen us. Thanks be to You oh Lord, for making the way for us, for we cannot make it our own way. We love You Lord, thank You for loving us."
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Faith Alone
Romans 4
By Faith alone - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (4:7,8).
Paul continues to stress that it is not by works, by obligation, by our deeds, our own effort that we are saved. It is by believing. It is by faith. It is by believing faith in the person of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is because of Christ's great love and by His works/His obedience to the point of death on the cross, that we are saved.
Paul stresses that there is not a sin that is too great for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ to cover. And remember, when we receive forgiveness, it is because of God's kindness (evidenced ultimately by the Cross) and that leads us to repentance...God looks at our hearts. God knows our sincerity. God knows the difference between attitudes of "well God will forgive me, so I can ________" as opposed to "oh God, again this struggle/giving into this temptation has happened, have mercy on me Lord, forgive me, help me...what is it that keeps me repeating this over and over again?!"
God knows our struggle. God knows our temptations. God is merciful, kind, forgiving, is able to bring healing and wholeness...God wants our hearts. The difference in our hearts can be seen in that prior to receiving Jesus' forgiveness and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude toward sin, toward destructive behaviors (which we may not have even seen as such) was often one of 'not caring' or not thinking we wanted to walk any differently, usually not remorse before the Lord. After Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts and consciences become more and more sensitive to God's ways vs. our own way - and while we may struggle, our hearts and minds and spirits long to follow God and not dishonor God.
And God knows the difference. And we know the difference.
"Lord please help us to see ourselves as You do - people whom You Love, people for whom You gave Your Son's Life, people for whom You long to shower mercy and grace upon and bring more and more into the fullness of who You created us to be. Thank You for Your Love. Thank You for Your power in our lives. Bless You Lord!"
By Faith alone - "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (4:7,8).
Paul continues to stress that it is not by works, by obligation, by our deeds, our own effort that we are saved. It is by believing. It is by faith. It is by believing faith in the person of Jesus Christ that we are saved. It is because of Christ's great love and by His works/His obedience to the point of death on the cross, that we are saved.
Paul stresses that there is not a sin that is too great for God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ to cover. And remember, when we receive forgiveness, it is because of God's kindness (evidenced ultimately by the Cross) and that leads us to repentance...God looks at our hearts. God knows our sincerity. God knows the difference between attitudes of "well God will forgive me, so I can ________" as opposed to "oh God, again this struggle/giving into this temptation has happened, have mercy on me Lord, forgive me, help me...what is it that keeps me repeating this over and over again?!"
God knows our struggle. God knows our temptations. God is merciful, kind, forgiving, is able to bring healing and wholeness...God wants our hearts. The difference in our hearts can be seen in that prior to receiving Jesus' forgiveness and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our attitude toward sin, toward destructive behaviors (which we may not have even seen as such) was often one of 'not caring' or not thinking we wanted to walk any differently, usually not remorse before the Lord. After Jesus comes into our lives, our hearts and consciences become more and more sensitive to God's ways vs. our own way - and while we may struggle, our hearts and minds and spirits long to follow God and not dishonor God.
And God knows the difference. And we know the difference.
"Lord please help us to see ourselves as You do - people whom You Love, people for whom You gave Your Son's Life, people for whom You long to shower mercy and grace upon and bring more and more into the fullness of who You created us to be. Thank You for Your Love. Thank You for Your power in our lives. Bless You Lord!"
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Blinded by the Light
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."
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."
Monday, May 3, 2010
Finishing the Race
Leviticus 21,22
Acts 20
Food for Life:
Leviticus 21, 22
More instructions for the priests to live out the holy position - the 'set apart' position - in which God has placed them!
Acts 20
"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace" (20:23,24). Wow. We are reminded of the persecution and outright death threats Paul faced at every turn, every city he was journeying with Jesus to, in order to share "the gospel of God's grace." Paul's 'however' here is like BUT GOD - this 'however' changes everything that came before it!
Last night I was tossing and turning as I thought about some ministry issues that were concerning to me. The sssues aren't (don't seem to be...) related to being persecuted for Christ's sake. They are mundane and really inconsequential compared to the matters Paul faced and the dynamics of his relationships. And yet, I am reminded by the Lord even this morning about what is important, what is priority as it concerns God's Kingdom. Even as I cried out to the Lord from Psalm 142,143, I am told by the Lord that He cares about all things pertaining to our lives. And that our lives in Him are about displaying His Glory, for our good, and the good of others.
So I can pour my heart out to the Lord with 'whatever concerns me today' because I am God's concern - you can pour out your heart today to the Lord about 'whatever concerns you today because you are God's concern. And then, the Lord will bring us to another place in Him, one that I believe Paul speaks of...being determined to 'know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2) and considering his 'life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.'
"Oh God, I pray today that I, like Paul - we, like Paul - would consider my/our life on this earth nothing compared to finishing the journey/race and 'good works that You created for me/us to walk in' (Ephesians 2:10) and that I,we would complete that work - even as You promise to 'complete the good work You have begun in us' (Philippians 1:6). Thank You Lord! Thank You that You are faithful! Thank You that You see the beginning from the end and that all things are present to You, You are outside of this human finite time and yet You work in and through us in this time! Your love is better than life Lord (Ps 63)!"
Acts 20
Food for Life:
Leviticus 21, 22
More instructions for the priests to live out the holy position - the 'set apart' position - in which God has placed them!
Acts 20
"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace" (20:23,24). Wow. We are reminded of the persecution and outright death threats Paul faced at every turn, every city he was journeying with Jesus to, in order to share "the gospel of God's grace." Paul's 'however' here is like BUT GOD - this 'however' changes everything that came before it!
Last night I was tossing and turning as I thought about some ministry issues that were concerning to me. The sssues aren't (don't seem to be...) related to being persecuted for Christ's sake. They are mundane and really inconsequential compared to the matters Paul faced and the dynamics of his relationships. And yet, I am reminded by the Lord even this morning about what is important, what is priority as it concerns God's Kingdom. Even as I cried out to the Lord from Psalm 142,143, I am told by the Lord that He cares about all things pertaining to our lives. And that our lives in Him are about displaying His Glory, for our good, and the good of others.
So I can pour my heart out to the Lord with 'whatever concerns me today' because I am God's concern - you can pour out your heart today to the Lord about 'whatever concerns you today because you are God's concern. And then, the Lord will bring us to another place in Him, one that I believe Paul speaks of...being determined to 'know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified' (1 Corinthians 2:2) and considering his 'life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.'
"Oh God, I pray today that I, like Paul - we, like Paul - would consider my/our life on this earth nothing compared to finishing the journey/race and 'good works that You created for me/us to walk in' (Ephesians 2:10) and that I,we would complete that work - even as You promise to 'complete the good work You have begun in us' (Philippians 1:6). Thank You Lord! Thank You that You are faithful! Thank You that You see the beginning from the end and that all things are present to You, You are outside of this human finite time and yet You work in and through us in this time! Your love is better than life Lord (Ps 63)!"
Monday, April 19, 2010
With All Your Heart
Leviticus 7
Acts 11
Food for Life:
Leviticus 7
When I read Leviticus, I'm reminded of the heart. "Do it with all your heart, put your heart into it, give it all you got!" Why do we use these expressions? What are we wanting to convey? It has to do with the difference between going through the motions, being on auto-pilot and putting our full weight, our whole being into whatever we are doing or saying. There is something about watching an athlete, a dramatic performance, or receiving an expression of thanks and gratitude that can be exhilarating and powerful ...or it can be dull, boring, and lifeless. The same words and actions can effect us differently when they are done from the heart - with passion as opposed to when they are done as perfunctory obligations or 'business as usual.'
It is so with our relationship with the Lord. God looks at our hearts and knows when we are playing a part, going through the motions, or when we are before Him putting our full weight before Him, seeking Him our whole heart.
"Lord, today fill us with Your Spirit, empowering us to seek with all our hearts. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect Your heart, fulfilling Your purposes and plan. Thank You Lord."
Acts 11
"When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (11:23,24).
Antioch, the city 3rd largest city in the Roman world, is where we were first called "Christians." It is where Barnabas was sent by Peter (and other disciples) after Peter explained to the believers in Jerusalem that God was also the God, and Jesus the Savior, of the Gentiles. Barnabas saw evidence of the grace of God in Antioch. Do we recognize the grace of God in our midst? In our own lives? And see it as evidence of the Presence of Christ unto salvation and growth in Christ - the spreading of the Kingdom of God?
What is grace? Grace is the gift of God that we can not earn; we don't have the ability to do so. Grace is "unmerited favor" from the Lord. The Scripture says that "where sin increased, grace [is able] increased more" (Romans 5:20)! Hallelujah!
I don't know about you, but I'm am so grateful and in awe of the grace of God! Just think, when I (you) was dead in my (your) sin, God loved me and extended His grace to me which when I received Him, I was made alive through forgiveness and set free, being filled with the Holy Spirit! And today, as I struggle with my own weakness/ temptation, as I look around and see the destruction, pain, and hurt swirling around me - in this world - I can call upon the Lord, asking for His grace (and mercy) to increase even as sin increases!
"Lord, just as in the days at Antioch, reveal Yourself in the midst of our sin - so that we might see Your grace increase...give us eyes to see where You are at work, what You are doing, and strengthen us to join You Lord! Help us to give to those around us even in the same way Barnabas gave to those around him. Let us see many brought to You Lord, through the power that lives within us and as You pour out Your Spirit. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."
Acts 11
Food for Life:
Leviticus 7
When I read Leviticus, I'm reminded of the heart. "Do it with all your heart, put your heart into it, give it all you got!" Why do we use these expressions? What are we wanting to convey? It has to do with the difference between going through the motions, being on auto-pilot and putting our full weight, our whole being into whatever we are doing or saying. There is something about watching an athlete, a dramatic performance, or receiving an expression of thanks and gratitude that can be exhilarating and powerful ...or it can be dull, boring, and lifeless. The same words and actions can effect us differently when they are done from the heart - with passion as opposed to when they are done as perfunctory obligations or 'business as usual.'
It is so with our relationship with the Lord. God looks at our hearts and knows when we are playing a part, going through the motions, or when we are before Him putting our full weight before Him, seeking Him our whole heart.
"Lord, today fill us with Your Spirit, empowering us to seek with all our hearts. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect Your heart, fulfilling Your purposes and plan. Thank You Lord."
Acts 11
"When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (11:23,24).
Antioch, the city 3rd largest city in the Roman world, is where we were first called "Christians." It is where Barnabas was sent by Peter (and other disciples) after Peter explained to the believers in Jerusalem that God was also the God, and Jesus the Savior, of the Gentiles. Barnabas saw evidence of the grace of God in Antioch. Do we recognize the grace of God in our midst? In our own lives? And see it as evidence of the Presence of Christ unto salvation and growth in Christ - the spreading of the Kingdom of God?
What is grace? Grace is the gift of God that we can not earn; we don't have the ability to do so. Grace is "unmerited favor" from the Lord. The Scripture says that "where sin increased, grace [is able] increased more" (Romans 5:20)! Hallelujah!
I don't know about you, but I'm am so grateful and in awe of the grace of God! Just think, when I (you) was dead in my (your) sin, God loved me and extended His grace to me which when I received Him, I was made alive through forgiveness and set free, being filled with the Holy Spirit! And today, as I struggle with my own weakness/ temptation, as I look around and see the destruction, pain, and hurt swirling around me - in this world - I can call upon the Lord, asking for His grace (and mercy) to increase even as sin increases!
"Lord, just as in the days at Antioch, reveal Yourself in the midst of our sin - so that we might see Your grace increase...give us eyes to see where You are at work, what You are doing, and strengthen us to join You Lord! Help us to give to those around us even in the same way Barnabas gave to those around him. Let us see many brought to You Lord, through the power that lives within us and as You pour out Your Spirit. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."
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