Read 1 Peter 5:7
Although we may know this verse in 1 Peter by memory, when we reflect on the life situations we've faced over the past year it doesn't make it any easier to handle does it? While God wants you and I to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us, we often have a difficult time with this because what we've faced has been so difficult.
Anyone had a tough year? 2011 may have been a tough time but God is bigger than everything we've faced and He will ultimately redeem it for His own glory. The hard part, at least for me, is figuring out how. How is He going to redeem it? And when? You know what I mean?
Listen, writing this doesn't mean I get it right every time. Truth is what I write is more often than not something I'm continuing to learn and apply in my own life. But maybe together we can be encouraged and be reminded of the faithfulness of our God. He is not only faithul but He's able to do much more than all we think, ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wisdom
Read 1 Kings 3:1-15
Solomon was made King after his father David's death. God appeared to Solomon and said, "Ask! What shall I give you?"
What would you ask from God if He were to tell you what He told Solomon? I'm not sure about you and I but Solomon made a decision packed with wisdom. He asked God for an understanding and discerning heart to judge God's people so that he would know what is good and evil. Friends we see something in Solomon that we often don't see in people today; and that's the willingness to admit his shortcomings. Earlier in the text he said "since I am only a child" I'm asking you God for your wisdom to help me rule over your people. He didn't allow his position to blind him from the fact that he needed God's wisdom to do what is right.
The same is true for us. We need God's wisdom in every area of our lives. The case can be made that we are either following God's wisdom or the world's wisdom in every decision we make. Choosing to make wise decisions begins with acknowledging God is wiser and much more capable of helping us with everything we face in this life. But then it continues with all of us recognizing our need for God one moment at a time in every situation we find ourselves.
Be in prayer that our wisdom comes from heaven above not just some of the time, but all of the time.
Solomon was made King after his father David's death. God appeared to Solomon and said, "Ask! What shall I give you?"
What would you ask from God if He were to tell you what He told Solomon? I'm not sure about you and I but Solomon made a decision packed with wisdom. He asked God for an understanding and discerning heart to judge God's people so that he would know what is good and evil. Friends we see something in Solomon that we often don't see in people today; and that's the willingness to admit his shortcomings. Earlier in the text he said "since I am only a child" I'm asking you God for your wisdom to help me rule over your people. He didn't allow his position to blind him from the fact that he needed God's wisdom to do what is right.
The same is true for us. We need God's wisdom in every area of our lives. The case can be made that we are either following God's wisdom or the world's wisdom in every decision we make. Choosing to make wise decisions begins with acknowledging God is wiser and much more capable of helping us with everything we face in this life. But then it continues with all of us recognizing our need for God one moment at a time in every situation we find ourselves.
Be in prayer that our wisdom comes from heaven above not just some of the time, but all of the time.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Why are You here?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:11-17
Have you ever asked that question? Why am I here? The apostle Paul thought he knew why he was here. We can look at his life in the book of Acts and see that he was heading down a path of power and devotion against Christians and then God got a hold of him and turned his life around.
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 11-17. Here we find Paul telling the Corinthians that Christ didn't send him to baptize believers but to preach the gospel. Paul went from being an enemy to an ambassador for Christ. Paul was crystal clear why he was here - to preach the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.
I'll ask it again - why are You here? God has equipped every one of us with different gifts and personalities, and He's given us different experiences and opportunities. What each of us needs to do is realize like Paul why we are here. The short answer is - we are here to give glory, honor and praise to Jesus with our lives. The long answer, now that's specific to each and every person along with what and how God plans to use us.
Last few questions, do you know your answer to this question? If you do are you living it out? If you don't know why you are here, are you willing to take a chance and trust one day at a time that maybe for you your first acknowledgment needs to be this Christmas season is that maybe you are here to come into a relationship with Jesus Christ? If you're still not sure why you are here - please ask God, talk with Him and ask Him to show you His son. Visit a local church like Hope Community Church that teaches the word of God and who Jesus is.
May this season be a season in your life that you come to truly engage why you are here.
Have you ever asked that question? Why am I here? The apostle Paul thought he knew why he was here. We can look at his life in the book of Acts and see that he was heading down a path of power and devotion against Christians and then God got a hold of him and turned his life around.
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 11-17. Here we find Paul telling the Corinthians that Christ didn't send him to baptize believers but to preach the gospel. Paul went from being an enemy to an ambassador for Christ. Paul was crystal clear why he was here - to preach the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.
I'll ask it again - why are You here? God has equipped every one of us with different gifts and personalities, and He's given us different experiences and opportunities. What each of us needs to do is realize like Paul why we are here. The short answer is - we are here to give glory, honor and praise to Jesus with our lives. The long answer, now that's specific to each and every person along with what and how God plans to use us.
Last few questions, do you know your answer to this question? If you do are you living it out? If you don't know why you are here, are you willing to take a chance and trust one day at a time that maybe for you your first acknowledgment needs to be this Christmas season is that maybe you are here to come into a relationship with Jesus Christ? If you're still not sure why you are here - please ask God, talk with Him and ask Him to show you His son. Visit a local church like Hope Community Church that teaches the word of God and who Jesus is.
May this season be a season in your life that you come to truly engage why you are here.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Seized with fear
Read Acts 19:11-20
A little known story happens in Acts 19:11-20 that should cause every follower of Jesus to take notice. We should be seized with fear just like the men in this story anytime we invoke the name of Jesus, without it actually being God's power.
This can be a difficult thing to discern but what we learn from this text is this: be sure if you are making claims and requests such as these Seven Sons of Sceva where they said - "In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." You see these men weren't men of God, they were claiming power they didn't have; they were claiming ability which only God can give to drive out demons and heal illnesses.
While we don't see people too often making these claims these days, it's important for us to be aware, to be aware that we follow God; He doesn't follow us. When we pray and act in His name be sure it is by His power and name that we are operating under. He is our Lord and our Savior. Let's remember to Him belongs all the glory, honor and praise.
A little known story happens in Acts 19:11-20 that should cause every follower of Jesus to take notice. We should be seized with fear just like the men in this story anytime we invoke the name of Jesus, without it actually being God's power.
This can be a difficult thing to discern but what we learn from this text is this: be sure if you are making claims and requests such as these Seven Sons of Sceva where they said - "In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." You see these men weren't men of God, they were claiming power they didn't have; they were claiming ability which only God can give to drive out demons and heal illnesses.
While we don't see people too often making these claims these days, it's important for us to be aware, to be aware that we follow God; He doesn't follow us. When we pray and act in His name be sure it is by His power and name that we are operating under. He is our Lord and our Savior. Let's remember to Him belongs all the glory, honor and praise.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Living it out
Read Romans 13:8-14
The law of love is expressed in Romans 13:8-14. It's a law of continuing in the debt of loving one another because when we love one another we fulfill the law. Paul tells the Romans the commands are summed up in this one rule - Love your neighbor as yourself.
Wouldn't life really be a whole lot simpler if we really understood this godly principle and lived it out with the power and help of the Holy Spirit? Now let's be honest, life isn't all that simple because people have issues. You have issues, I have issues, everybody has issues. But Paul concludes his thoughts this way - whatever happens let's clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our foundation and our strength; our hope and our ability to living it out - the law of love.
The only ongoing debt we are told in Scripture to keep is this continuing debt to love one another. A word of caution - loving others doesn't always mean we do what they want, give what they want, jump when they say jump. Loving others is taking the word of God, listening and learning and following the Spirit of God as He directs you and me to live out our faith. There is no formula for what this looks like, when to act or when not to. But there is the word of God that informs and instructs and tells us what we need to know to live holy and godly lives. Loving God and loving people is what our faith is all about. Follow Him in actions and attitudes and trust that God will lead us to live it out one day at a time.
The law of love is expressed in Romans 13:8-14. It's a law of continuing in the debt of loving one another because when we love one another we fulfill the law. Paul tells the Romans the commands are summed up in this one rule - Love your neighbor as yourself.
Wouldn't life really be a whole lot simpler if we really understood this godly principle and lived it out with the power and help of the Holy Spirit? Now let's be honest, life isn't all that simple because people have issues. You have issues, I have issues, everybody has issues. But Paul concludes his thoughts this way - whatever happens let's clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our foundation and our strength; our hope and our ability to living it out - the law of love.
The only ongoing debt we are told in Scripture to keep is this continuing debt to love one another. A word of caution - loving others doesn't always mean we do what they want, give what they want, jump when they say jump. Loving others is taking the word of God, listening and learning and following the Spirit of God as He directs you and me to live out our faith. There is no formula for what this looks like, when to act or when not to. But there is the word of God that informs and instructs and tells us what we need to know to live holy and godly lives. Loving God and loving people is what our faith is all about. Follow Him in actions and attitudes and trust that God will lead us to live it out one day at a time.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Generous on Every Occasion
Read 2 Corinthians 6:9-11
God's desire is that on every occasion we would be generous with what we have. This biblical principle reflects the character and nature of God. As followers it should also reflect our character and nature as believers desiring to be the people God wants us to be.
So what gets in our way? What blocks us from being generous with what God has freely blessed us with? While the answers abound, the few that come immediately to mind are selfishness and mindlessness. So often we get wrapped up in our own lives and what we need and want that we forget about others. It happens more than we'd like to admit. And quite frankly, we focus on ourselves with our needs and wants while missing that so many of us are blessed beyond belief.
One of the real dilemmas we face is we think this is about the other guy. We think it's the other guy who is blessed beyond belief while we are just trying to get by. However, when we stop and evaluate our abundance it's a quick reminder that we have so much in life and God wants us to bless others so that they might come to know Him. Listen, we're talking about blessing others so that through generosity the result will be thanksgiving to God. Let's not ever miss that.
This Thanksgiving - consider how you might be a blessing to others. Maybe it's through a physical need, an emotional need, a relational need or some combination of the these needs. Whatever it is - be generous on every occasion because God is good; because God is worthy to be praised. So let's live our lives with generosity on every occasion giving thanks to God in every way possible.
God's desire is that on every occasion we would be generous with what we have. This biblical principle reflects the character and nature of God. As followers it should also reflect our character and nature as believers desiring to be the people God wants us to be.
So what gets in our way? What blocks us from being generous with what God has freely blessed us with? While the answers abound, the few that come immediately to mind are selfishness and mindlessness. So often we get wrapped up in our own lives and what we need and want that we forget about others. It happens more than we'd like to admit. And quite frankly, we focus on ourselves with our needs and wants while missing that so many of us are blessed beyond belief.
One of the real dilemmas we face is we think this is about the other guy. We think it's the other guy who is blessed beyond belief while we are just trying to get by. However, when we stop and evaluate our abundance it's a quick reminder that we have so much in life and God wants us to bless others so that they might come to know Him. Listen, we're talking about blessing others so that through generosity the result will be thanksgiving to God. Let's not ever miss that.
This Thanksgiving - consider how you might be a blessing to others. Maybe it's through a physical need, an emotional need, a relational need or some combination of the these needs. Whatever it is - be generous on every occasion because God is good; because God is worthy to be praised. So let's live our lives with generosity on every occasion giving thanks to God in every way possible.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Know that I am God
Read Psalm 46
We are so inundated with life and all the happenings going on around us that we get so caught up in our lives that we forget these important words in Psalm 46:10.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Listen knowing God is the greatest, most important thing you and I can ever do. Who He is and how we respond determines everything about us. His proclamation - I will be exalted above the nation, I will be exalted in the earth - is so important for you and I to meditate about. He will be exalted - period.
May the prayer of our life be that we exalt Him with our actions and attitudes. May others see us and see a reflection of who God is because we follow the exalted and Most High God.
We are so inundated with life and all the happenings going on around us that we get so caught up in our lives that we forget these important words in Psalm 46:10.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Listen knowing God is the greatest, most important thing you and I can ever do. Who He is and how we respond determines everything about us. His proclamation - I will be exalted above the nation, I will be exalted in the earth - is so important for you and I to meditate about. He will be exalted - period.
May the prayer of our life be that we exalt Him with our actions and attitudes. May others see us and see a reflection of who God is because we follow the exalted and Most High God.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Responding in kind?
Read 1 Peter 2:21-25
So often we respond in kind to others just as they respond to us. Sometimes that's good and sometimes that's not so good - you know what I mean?!
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:21-25 how Jesus responded. When He suffered, he left us an example to follow. Now I'm going to be completely honest with you - His example is hard to follow. Verse 23a is what hits me the hardest. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Question - is this how we respond? When someone insults you or me, what's our natural response? When we suffer, do we seek revenge?
Peter tells us Jesus' response was supernatural. He neither retaliated, nor did He make threats. Verse 23b tells us - Instead, he (Jesus) entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Now that's how I want to respond but my natural self says - no way! But you and I, once we come into a relationship with Jesus, when we call ourselves Christians it means we are followers of Jesus. This means we are to follow His example. And that means we can respond supernaturally. We can turn our attention to God who judges all things justly and we can entrust ourselves to God to take care of everything we face. Listen, this doesn't mean we will never want to retaliate or seek revenge when we are wronged. What it means is believers can respond in kind by following the example of Jesus because we have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
So often we respond in kind to others just as they respond to us. Sometimes that's good and sometimes that's not so good - you know what I mean?!
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:21-25 how Jesus responded. When He suffered, he left us an example to follow. Now I'm going to be completely honest with you - His example is hard to follow. Verse 23a is what hits me the hardest. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Question - is this how we respond? When someone insults you or me, what's our natural response? When we suffer, do we seek revenge?
Peter tells us Jesus' response was supernatural. He neither retaliated, nor did He make threats. Verse 23b tells us - Instead, he (Jesus) entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Now that's how I want to respond but my natural self says - no way! But you and I, once we come into a relationship with Jesus, when we call ourselves Christians it means we are followers of Jesus. This means we are to follow His example. And that means we can respond supernaturally. We can turn our attention to God who judges all things justly and we can entrust ourselves to God to take care of everything we face. Listen, this doesn't mean we will never want to retaliate or seek revenge when we are wronged. What it means is believers can respond in kind by following the example of Jesus because we have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
The Little Things...
Read Judges 2
So often we quarrel about the little things, we think they really don't matter. And generally speaking that is so true. But when reading through the book of Judges recently (and admittedly after reading through Joshua as well) it is quite clear the little things matter.
While preparing to speak at Hope's recent annual Men's Weekend retreat, it was clear studying Joshua's life and Israel's history that God cares about the little things. Time after time we see Israel missing the little things and consequences follow. When Moses chose to strike the rock instead of obeying God who told Moses to speak to the rock so that water would come out for the Israelites, Moses suffered the consequences. Then in Joshua when the Israelites didn't completely listen to God in Joshua 7 and 9, again consequences came when they skipped over the little things. Now in Judges we see Israel not following the little things God required of them.
Listen, what seems like little things to you and me are not so little to God. He is a holy, just, and righteous God who desires that our lives follow Him without skipping over the little things. We can all admit this is hard, but God doesn't call us to do what He doesn't equip us to do.
Spend time reading and learning from the mistakes made by the Israelites in Judges 2. And let's not skip over the little things in our lives but consider even these little things to be big in God's sight.
So often we quarrel about the little things, we think they really don't matter. And generally speaking that is so true. But when reading through the book of Judges recently (and admittedly after reading through Joshua as well) it is quite clear the little things matter.
While preparing to speak at Hope's recent annual Men's Weekend retreat, it was clear studying Joshua's life and Israel's history that God cares about the little things. Time after time we see Israel missing the little things and consequences follow. When Moses chose to strike the rock instead of obeying God who told Moses to speak to the rock so that water would come out for the Israelites, Moses suffered the consequences. Then in Joshua when the Israelites didn't completely listen to God in Joshua 7 and 9, again consequences came when they skipped over the little things. Now in Judges we see Israel not following the little things God required of them.
Listen, what seems like little things to you and me are not so little to God. He is a holy, just, and righteous God who desires that our lives follow Him without skipping over the little things. We can all admit this is hard, but God doesn't call us to do what He doesn't equip us to do.
Spend time reading and learning from the mistakes made by the Israelites in Judges 2. And let's not skip over the little things in our lives but consider even these little things to be big in God's sight.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The Word of God
Read Psalm 119:105-112
There's something Joshua, Jesus and Paul all had in common. Their ministry success was based on the word of God. Yes it's true others in scripture were committed and successful because they followed the word of God, but these three men specifically come to mind when one thinks of the word and its impact in their lives.
First their is Joshua. He is told as he is ready to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land the importance of the word of God. He's told in Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Jesus says in Mark 1:38 - Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. And Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel - not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
You see, over and over again we're told how the word of God is so important to our faith and to life. With the word of God we are given direction and purpose. It also tells us everything we need to know (note - not everthing there is to know).
Take time this week and spend time in His word. We all have our own ideas and thoughts and yet God wants us following His. We do this best when we are in the word which gives us what we need when we need it.
There's something Joshua, Jesus and Paul all had in common. Their ministry success was based on the word of God. Yes it's true others in scripture were committed and successful because they followed the word of God, but these three men specifically come to mind when one thinks of the word and its impact in their lives.
First their is Joshua. He is told as he is ready to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land the importance of the word of God. He's told in Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Jesus says in Mark 1:38 - Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. And Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel - not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
You see, over and over again we're told how the word of God is so important to our faith and to life. With the word of God we are given direction and purpose. It also tells us everything we need to know (note - not everthing there is to know).
Take time this week and spend time in His word. We all have our own ideas and thoughts and yet God wants us following His. We do this best when we are in the word which gives us what we need when we need it.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
From Alienation to Reconciliation
Read Colossians 1:21-23
The gospel is mentioned throughout the New Testament; by Jesus and His followers. But really what is it? What's the message of the gospel?
While in seminary one professor referenced 1 Corinthians 15 where the Apostle Paul writes the gospel is about Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection as a great passage to help explain what the gospel is. And for years it's been where I've turned for perhaps one of the best explanations of what the gospel is all about. However, the other day I read Colossians 1:21-23 and saw something perhaps even better (if that's even possible to compare one part of scripture as "better" than another).
Paul writes to the Christians at Colosse and says the gospel is simply this - before you came to know Jesus as the forgiver of your sins and leader of your lives you were alienated, living as enemies of Christ because of our evil and sinful behavior. But now God has reconciled our relationship with God by the physical death of Jesus. He writes anyone who believes this is "holy in his sight" because by faith we've accepted Jesus' work on the cross, His paying for our sins sacrifically what we could never pay by our own effort.
Friends this is the gospel that was proclaimed in Jesus and Paul's day; and it's this gospel we are to share today with every creature under heaven. Listen, God desires that no one should perish and experience eternal separation from Him. So let's be part of sharing this message so all mankind can go from alienation to reconciliation with our heavenly Father.
The gospel is mentioned throughout the New Testament; by Jesus and His followers. But really what is it? What's the message of the gospel?
While in seminary one professor referenced 1 Corinthians 15 where the Apostle Paul writes the gospel is about Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection as a great passage to help explain what the gospel is. And for years it's been where I've turned for perhaps one of the best explanations of what the gospel is all about. However, the other day I read Colossians 1:21-23 and saw something perhaps even better (if that's even possible to compare one part of scripture as "better" than another).
Paul writes to the Christians at Colosse and says the gospel is simply this - before you came to know Jesus as the forgiver of your sins and leader of your lives you were alienated, living as enemies of Christ because of our evil and sinful behavior. But now God has reconciled our relationship with God by the physical death of Jesus. He writes anyone who believes this is "holy in his sight" because by faith we've accepted Jesus' work on the cross, His paying for our sins sacrifically what we could never pay by our own effort.
Friends this is the gospel that was proclaimed in Jesus and Paul's day; and it's this gospel we are to share today with every creature under heaven. Listen, God desires that no one should perish and experience eternal separation from Him. So let's be part of sharing this message so all mankind can go from alienation to reconciliation with our heavenly Father.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
My Soul Sings
Read Psalm 57
What is it that makes your heart sing? Do you know what I mean? What is it that lifts you up and gives you a sense of hope and possibility even when your circumstances appear to be calling for doubt and frustration?
The Psalmist in Psalm 57 gives us great wisdom. He gives us direction to trust in God in our troubles and to allow our soul to sing the praises of God Most High. Psalm 57:2 tells us to cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. Think about that. It is God's purpose for us that He is working out in our lives. He sends His love and his faithfulness at all times, no matter what. And while verse six describes people spreading traps to trip us up, ultimately they will receive their due; their own traps will ensnare them.
We are called to be steadfast - like a rock, unwavering in times of trouble because our trust is in the One who can be trusted. Will you praise Him in your storm? Will you exalt His Holy name, desiring His holy name and glory to reign over your life? No one is immune from the trappings of life, where people are attacking our character, our faith, our families, and even our God. But when we wake up every morning and commit to live with the response - My Soul Sings - we can face everything because our trust in God rises above all these trappings in life. Allow your soul to sing His praises when you face trouble. Allow your soul to sing when people try and trip you up. And allow your soul to sing because our God is greater than everything we face; He has a purpose for our lives and He deserves our praise. Father God receive our praise this week. Amen!
What is it that makes your heart sing? Do you know what I mean? What is it that lifts you up and gives you a sense of hope and possibility even when your circumstances appear to be calling for doubt and frustration?
The Psalmist in Psalm 57 gives us great wisdom. He gives us direction to trust in God in our troubles and to allow our soul to sing the praises of God Most High. Psalm 57:2 tells us to cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. Think about that. It is God's purpose for us that He is working out in our lives. He sends His love and his faithfulness at all times, no matter what. And while verse six describes people spreading traps to trip us up, ultimately they will receive their due; their own traps will ensnare them.
We are called to be steadfast - like a rock, unwavering in times of trouble because our trust is in the One who can be trusted. Will you praise Him in your storm? Will you exalt His Holy name, desiring His holy name and glory to reign over your life? No one is immune from the trappings of life, where people are attacking our character, our faith, our families, and even our God. But when we wake up every morning and commit to live with the response - My Soul Sings - we can face everything because our trust in God rises above all these trappings in life. Allow your soul to sing His praises when you face trouble. Allow your soul to sing when people try and trip you up. And allow your soul to sing because our God is greater than everything we face; He has a purpose for our lives and He deserves our praise. Father God receive our praise this week. Amen!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
What's Our Ministry?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Second Corinthians 5:11-21 answers the question what's our ministry. It tells us we are to be in ministry trying to persuade people to fear the Lord. This phrase fear the Lord is familiar in the Old Testament and conveys the image of awe and reverence. It's about putting God first in our lives and then being compelled by Christ's love, living for Him.
Writing to the Corinthian believers in this second letter, Paul reminds them and ultimately us that we are not to regard anyone from a worldly point of view. Instead since we ourselves are a new creation because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we are to be compelled by the same love Jesus has for us. Compelled to love others so much that we are God's ambassadors willing to do whatever it takes to help others in this world know what God's word says. In other words, since we have been reconciled to God (since we now have a right relationship with God because of faith in Jesus) we are to help others be reconciled as well.
Listen, our ministry is simple - preach and teach and model Jesus Christ. Motivated by Jesus' love for us, we are to love others in this world so much that our ministry is to persuade people to come into a reconciled relationship with God through faith in Christ.
Will this ministry be easy? No. Will it be received by everyone? No. Will our ministry glorify God? Yes. Because we are living for Him and doing what He has asked us to do, helping people become rightly related to our living God as we learn to place our faith and trust in Jesus as the forgiver of our sins and leader of our lives.
Second Corinthians 5:11-21 answers the question what's our ministry. It tells us we are to be in ministry trying to persuade people to fear the Lord. This phrase fear the Lord is familiar in the Old Testament and conveys the image of awe and reverence. It's about putting God first in our lives and then being compelled by Christ's love, living for Him.
Writing to the Corinthian believers in this second letter, Paul reminds them and ultimately us that we are not to regard anyone from a worldly point of view. Instead since we ourselves are a new creation because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we are to be compelled by the same love Jesus has for us. Compelled to love others so much that we are God's ambassadors willing to do whatever it takes to help others in this world know what God's word says. In other words, since we have been reconciled to God (since we now have a right relationship with God because of faith in Jesus) we are to help others be reconciled as well.
Listen, our ministry is simple - preach and teach and model Jesus Christ. Motivated by Jesus' love for us, we are to love others in this world so much that our ministry is to persuade people to come into a reconciled relationship with God through faith in Christ.
Will this ministry be easy? No. Will it be received by everyone? No. Will our ministry glorify God? Yes. Because we are living for Him and doing what He has asked us to do, helping people become rightly related to our living God as we learn to place our faith and trust in Jesus as the forgiver of our sins and leader of our lives.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Make it our goal...
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
The Apostle Paul writes some pretty deep stuff - have you ever noticed that? Second Corinthians 5 is no exception.
Writing to the Corinthian believers he compares our lives saying now we live in these temporary bodies, in tents; but what awaits us is our eternal house in heaven, our future heavenly home. We are to live by faith, not by sight confident in knowing what is to come. We are to make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. Because all of us will one day face judgment. Believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ where we will receive what is due us for the things done while in the body. I told you these were some deep things.
Paul encourages these believers to remember that what we do matters for our future because all of us will face judgment for what we do, whether good or bad. Now before we mistake what Paul is and is not saying, let's start with what he is not saying. He is not saying what we do determines our eternal destiny, because we can't earn our way into heaven. What he is saying is there will be judgment (he writes about this kind of judgment in 1 Corinthians 3 if you'd like to read more about this) where rewards in heaven will be received or lost based on our faithfulness to Christ now in this life. So no matter what we are to always make it our goal to please who? That's right - Jesus Christ.
Today, this week, let's take a life inventory and determine if there's anything getting in our way of making it our goal to please the Lord. If there is, what's it going to take to release it and let it go? Remember the Christian life is about declaring the praises of God, living and doing and being about what is pleasing in God's sight. May His glory always be our first goal.
The Apostle Paul writes some pretty deep stuff - have you ever noticed that? Second Corinthians 5 is no exception.
Writing to the Corinthian believers he compares our lives saying now we live in these temporary bodies, in tents; but what awaits us is our eternal house in heaven, our future heavenly home. We are to live by faith, not by sight confident in knowing what is to come. We are to make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. Because all of us will one day face judgment. Believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ where we will receive what is due us for the things done while in the body. I told you these were some deep things.
Paul encourages these believers to remember that what we do matters for our future because all of us will face judgment for what we do, whether good or bad. Now before we mistake what Paul is and is not saying, let's start with what he is not saying. He is not saying what we do determines our eternal destiny, because we can't earn our way into heaven. What he is saying is there will be judgment (he writes about this kind of judgment in 1 Corinthians 3 if you'd like to read more about this) where rewards in heaven will be received or lost based on our faithfulness to Christ now in this life. So no matter what we are to always make it our goal to please who? That's right - Jesus Christ.
Today, this week, let's take a life inventory and determine if there's anything getting in our way of making it our goal to please the Lord. If there is, what's it going to take to release it and let it go? Remember the Christian life is about declaring the praises of God, living and doing and being about what is pleasing in God's sight. May His glory always be our first goal.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Chosen People
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10
Did you read 1 Peter 2:9-10? If not please stop and take a minute to read it before continuing.
Now that you've read the passage - take a second look at Peter's words. One word describes my feelings and thoughts when I come across this passage - powerful. Did you see what we are? We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people belonging to God. Wow! That is just so powerful.
That the God of all creation would choose us, call us a royal priesthood and holy nation and claim us as people belonging to Him - I can't wrap my head around the magnitude of that. We are the chosen people of God and while we can get stopped dead in our tracks, amazed at the connection we have with God, I love even more what Peter says next. He tells us what we are to do as a result of being God's chosen people.
He says we are all these things so that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light. The question I believe God wants us answering every day is how are we declaring His praises. Are we declaring His praises every day, no matter what's happening in our lives?
What helps you and I declare God's praises is remembering. Remembering we are God's chosen people; remembering we were once in darkness but now we're in His light; and remembering we have received God's mercy. It's by His mercy that we are the people of God. Let's praise Him with everything we have because after all that is why we are here and what we are called to do.
Did you read 1 Peter 2:9-10? If not please stop and take a minute to read it before continuing.
Now that you've read the passage - take a second look at Peter's words. One word describes my feelings and thoughts when I come across this passage - powerful. Did you see what we are? We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people belonging to God. Wow! That is just so powerful.
That the God of all creation would choose us, call us a royal priesthood and holy nation and claim us as people belonging to Him - I can't wrap my head around the magnitude of that. We are the chosen people of God and while we can get stopped dead in our tracks, amazed at the connection we have with God, I love even more what Peter says next. He tells us what we are to do as a result of being God's chosen people.
He says we are all these things so that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light. The question I believe God wants us answering every day is how are we declaring His praises. Are we declaring His praises every day, no matter what's happening in our lives?
What helps you and I declare God's praises is remembering. Remembering we are God's chosen people; remembering we were once in darkness but now we're in His light; and remembering we have received God's mercy. It's by His mercy that we are the people of God. Let's praise Him with everything we have because after all that is why we are here and what we are called to do.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Always Remember
Read Psalm 77
September 11, 2001 is a day to always remember. We will always remember the horror, the hurt and the disbelief of that historical day 9/11.
Yet as believers we need to always remember that our God is greater than anything we will ever face. In times of chaos, times of pain and times of loss we are called to always remember that our God is able to do more than we can think or imagine.
The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 77 what he did as he wrestled in his time of chaos and pain and loss. First, he cried out to God for help and for God to hear him. In his anxiety he stretched out his hands and yet he was still without comfort and he grew weary.
Next he rattled off question after question - Will the Lord reject forever? Will He never show His favor again? Has His unfailing love vanished forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has He in anger withheld His compassion?
Now before we're too hard on the Psalmist, stop and consider what we do when tough times come our way. Do we take it in stride or do we begin asking all kinds of questions just like the Psalmist?
But then the Psalmist appeals to the goodness of God. He remembers who God is, the deeds He has done in the past. He recalls the miracles of long ago and begins meditating on all God's mighty works. And what happens next is what we see in sports when momentum shifts. The Psalmist turns a corner and begins rallying in spirit because of who God is!
He rejoices in God because He is holy; because no one is so great as our God. He praises His miracles, His power among the peoples and the redemption He brought the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. All nature responded to God's power - the waters, the clouds and skies, the thunder and lightning and the earth trembled and quaked. And the Psalmist closes with verse 20 recalling how God led His people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
When tough times come what do you do? Do you ask questions? Do you demand answers? All these are natural for us. Yet the Psalmist teaches what is so important - always remember our God is greater. Always remember to worship - rejoice and declare His praises - in the good times and bad.
September 11, 2001 is a day to always remember. We will always remember the horror, the hurt and the disbelief of that historical day 9/11.
Yet as believers we need to always remember that our God is greater than anything we will ever face. In times of chaos, times of pain and times of loss we are called to always remember that our God is able to do more than we can think or imagine.
The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 77 what he did as he wrestled in his time of chaos and pain and loss. First, he cried out to God for help and for God to hear him. In his anxiety he stretched out his hands and yet he was still without comfort and he grew weary.
Next he rattled off question after question - Will the Lord reject forever? Will He never show His favor again? Has His unfailing love vanished forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has He in anger withheld His compassion?
Now before we're too hard on the Psalmist, stop and consider what we do when tough times come our way. Do we take it in stride or do we begin asking all kinds of questions just like the Psalmist?
But then the Psalmist appeals to the goodness of God. He remembers who God is, the deeds He has done in the past. He recalls the miracles of long ago and begins meditating on all God's mighty works. And what happens next is what we see in sports when momentum shifts. The Psalmist turns a corner and begins rallying in spirit because of who God is!
He rejoices in God because He is holy; because no one is so great as our God. He praises His miracles, His power among the peoples and the redemption He brought the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. All nature responded to God's power - the waters, the clouds and skies, the thunder and lightning and the earth trembled and quaked. And the Psalmist closes with verse 20 recalling how God led His people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
When tough times come what do you do? Do you ask questions? Do you demand answers? All these are natural for us. Yet the Psalmist teaches what is so important - always remember our God is greater. Always remember to worship - rejoice and declare His praises - in the good times and bad.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Worry Knots
Read Matthew 6:25-34
Think about this - have you every met anyone who likes to, wants to be restricted? Ever met anyone who prefers limited movement instead of unlimited. Here's the point - when it comes to worry, worry ties all of us up in knots. Worry knots keep us from the experiencing the freedom we were meant to have as new creations in Christ.
Worry simply gets in our way, restricts us and prevents us from being the people God intends us to be. Yet so many of us live with one worry or another and we allow it (whatever it is) to rent space in our heads.
Read Matthew 6:25-34 this week and spend time meditating on these great words from Jesus. Instead of focusing on worry, focus on God's kingdom and His righteousness and the worry slips away, far away from the space it was never intended to rent in the first place.
Think about this - have you every met anyone who likes to, wants to be restricted? Ever met anyone who prefers limited movement instead of unlimited. Here's the point - when it comes to worry, worry ties all of us up in knots. Worry knots keep us from the experiencing the freedom we were meant to have as new creations in Christ.
Worry simply gets in our way, restricts us and prevents us from being the people God intends us to be. Yet so many of us live with one worry or another and we allow it (whatever it is) to rent space in our heads.
Read Matthew 6:25-34 this week and spend time meditating on these great words from Jesus. Instead of focusing on worry, focus on God's kingdom and His righteousness and the worry slips away, far away from the space it was never intended to rent in the first place.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
God Works
Read Romans 8:28-31
We spend so much of our time working - working at our vocation, at home with our home projects, and we spend a lot of time working on relationships and our hobbies as well. What we tend to miss is how God works in our lives.
Romans 8:28-31 has a powerful message for us regarding how God works on our behalf. Paul writes to the Romans that God works for the good of those who love him in all things, especially those called according to God's purpose. God's plan for all of us is that we would be conformed to the likeness of his Son. And as this conforming process happens, we are going to face challenges to our faith. Times when people let us down and times when we ourselves don't follow what we know God wants. Now for us to believe the truth about God in times of difficulty and personal struggles we must take Paul's question in verse 31 and commit them to memory. He writes - If God is for us, who can be against us?
Take time and meditate on the truths about God - that He works on our behalf and that He is for us (not against us). God is at work in our lives all the time. Take comfort, peace and joy from this eternal truth that God loves us with this unconditional commitment.
We spend so much of our time working - working at our vocation, at home with our home projects, and we spend a lot of time working on relationships and our hobbies as well. What we tend to miss is how God works in our lives.
Romans 8:28-31 has a powerful message for us regarding how God works on our behalf. Paul writes to the Romans that God works for the good of those who love him in all things, especially those called according to God's purpose. God's plan for all of us is that we would be conformed to the likeness of his Son. And as this conforming process happens, we are going to face challenges to our faith. Times when people let us down and times when we ourselves don't follow what we know God wants. Now for us to believe the truth about God in times of difficulty and personal struggles we must take Paul's question in verse 31 and commit them to memory. He writes - If God is for us, who can be against us?
Take time and meditate on the truths about God - that He works on our behalf and that He is for us (not against us). God is at work in our lives all the time. Take comfort, peace and joy from this eternal truth that God loves us with this unconditional commitment.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Thirsting for God
Read Psalm 63
David had quite a way about him. He was a man of many words as attested to in the Psalms. So when we read his words we should take the time to allow his words to pour over us as we listen in on his thoughts, especially when it comes to his relationship with God.
Psalm 63 is a great example of his personal relationship with God. He talks of thirsting for God, seeing God's power and glory and knowing that since God's love is better than life he would glorify and praise God as long as he lives. King David inspires; he inspires us with his ability to capture the intensity of his relationship with Almighty God.
Now it's important to realize, David isn't writing this Psalm in easy times. In fact, verse 9 indicates people were seeking to take his life. Yet King David remains strong in faith, strong in worshiping God's name.
Where does your help come from? May it come from the maker of heaven and earth, who desires and deserves our praise. And may we come like King David to rejoice in God at all times.
David had quite a way about him. He was a man of many words as attested to in the Psalms. So when we read his words we should take the time to allow his words to pour over us as we listen in on his thoughts, especially when it comes to his relationship with God.
Psalm 63 is a great example of his personal relationship with God. He talks of thirsting for God, seeing God's power and glory and knowing that since God's love is better than life he would glorify and praise God as long as he lives. King David inspires; he inspires us with his ability to capture the intensity of his relationship with Almighty God.
Now it's important to realize, David isn't writing this Psalm in easy times. In fact, verse 9 indicates people were seeking to take his life. Yet King David remains strong in faith, strong in worshiping God's name.
Where does your help come from? May it come from the maker of heaven and earth, who desires and deserves our praise. And may we come like King David to rejoice in God at all times.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
What to do when you're in trouble...
Read James 5:13-18
James is a straight shooter, tells it like it is. In James 5:13 he says if anyone is in trouble, if anyone is sick we should turn to God in prayer.
Many think of prayer as a last resort. But God tells us it's not supposed to be this way. Throughout scripture we're told to go to God with all things. Communication is the key to every relationship. Our relationship with God is no different. Closing out verse 16 James writes - The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Then he uses the example of Elijah who he says was a man just like us.
Technically speaking, this Old Testament prophet had no advantage over you or me. He's human, just like us. But he was faithful in going to God with his concerns and God answered.
Whatever is troubling you today, learn to go to God. I've found I forget this simple truth more than I'd like to admit. So often when I do this, God reminds me to remember His word and allow His word to direct me. The other day God did this and revealed to me the need to allow the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing in His sight. This is straight from Psalm 19:14 and gives confidence in trying times.
Whatever it is for you, trust that prayer (conversation with God) is the first place God wants us to go. The Christian life isn't about the absence of trouble but the presence of trust in God. Talk with Him about everything that's going on in your life - the good, the bad and the ugly. He really does care and so much more than that He's capable of helping in our time of need.
James is a straight shooter, tells it like it is. In James 5:13 he says if anyone is in trouble, if anyone is sick we should turn to God in prayer.
Many think of prayer as a last resort. But God tells us it's not supposed to be this way. Throughout scripture we're told to go to God with all things. Communication is the key to every relationship. Our relationship with God is no different. Closing out verse 16 James writes - The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Then he uses the example of Elijah who he says was a man just like us.
Technically speaking, this Old Testament prophet had no advantage over you or me. He's human, just like us. But he was faithful in going to God with his concerns and God answered.
Whatever is troubling you today, learn to go to God. I've found I forget this simple truth more than I'd like to admit. So often when I do this, God reminds me to remember His word and allow His word to direct me. The other day God did this and revealed to me the need to allow the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing in His sight. This is straight from Psalm 19:14 and gives confidence in trying times.
Whatever it is for you, trust that prayer (conversation with God) is the first place God wants us to go. The Christian life isn't about the absence of trouble but the presence of trust in God. Talk with Him about everything that's going on in your life - the good, the bad and the ugly. He really does care and so much more than that He's capable of helping in our time of need.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Shepherds Heart
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4
Peter writes this passage to believers who were enduring times of difficulty. Their lives weren't set on cruise control. They were having tough times because of nothing they had done wrong. In times like this Peter appeals to the elders to care for the flock that is under their care, to shepherd them willingly and with eagerness. He wants them to be examples of Christ to those they are leading knowing when the Chief Shepherd appears they will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Leaders today are not usually seen in a positive light. As Peter mentions many lead with bad intentions: lording it over those entrusted to them and being greedy for money. One of the distinctions that's so apparent in Scripture is God's calling to believers to live in truth and love. When we follow God's way leading looks a whole lot different than when we follow the way of the world.
God's desire is that we live in loving relationship with Him and one another. This is why Jesus said believers would be known by the love they share with one another. This family kind of love is what sets us apart. We love because He first loved us and we can love like this because we know the Father's love for us because of Jesus.
Jesus is our Chief Shepherd with the perfect shepherds heart. When we are in the body of Christ together, no matter our role we are to pattern our attitudes and actions after our Chief Shepherds heart. Consider Jesus' life. Think about all He said and did on behalf of others, especially His disciples. And ask the Spirit of God to guide you into being part of leading God's people with this same kind of love.
Peter writes this passage to believers who were enduring times of difficulty. Their lives weren't set on cruise control. They were having tough times because of nothing they had done wrong. In times like this Peter appeals to the elders to care for the flock that is under their care, to shepherd them willingly and with eagerness. He wants them to be examples of Christ to those they are leading knowing when the Chief Shepherd appears they will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Leaders today are not usually seen in a positive light. As Peter mentions many lead with bad intentions: lording it over those entrusted to them and being greedy for money. One of the distinctions that's so apparent in Scripture is God's calling to believers to live in truth and love. When we follow God's way leading looks a whole lot different than when we follow the way of the world.
God's desire is that we live in loving relationship with Him and one another. This is why Jesus said believers would be known by the love they share with one another. This family kind of love is what sets us apart. We love because He first loved us and we can love like this because we know the Father's love for us because of Jesus.
Jesus is our Chief Shepherd with the perfect shepherds heart. When we are in the body of Christ together, no matter our role we are to pattern our attitudes and actions after our Chief Shepherds heart. Consider Jesus' life. Think about all He said and did on behalf of others, especially His disciples. And ask the Spirit of God to guide you into being part of leading God's people with this same kind of love.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Serving Like Moses?
Read Exodus 18:9-27
Why are you doing that? It's a question many of us have been asked and many of us ask of others. It's interesting because this question is asked of Moses by his father-in-law Jethro. Moses is the leader of Israel and each day he took his seat to serve as judge for the people. And he did this from morning til evening.
Jethro speaks up and causes Moses to realize what he's doing isn't good. He will wear himself out while all these others, those who are capable are standing by not participating in any way to help Moses.
The church can be like this - we have lots of capable and godly people who just need to be asked to serve, to step up and lead, much like the leaders who Moses eventually chose to help him serve the people. People will always need to be served but what's also true is the instruction Moses received from Jethro, especially verses 19-23. Take some time and read this passage. Here's Moses' instruction from Jethro:
1. the work is too hard for you (ever feel that way?)
2. teach the people the word of God, the law; show them the way to live and the duties they can help you with
3. select capable men who fear God and are trustworthy, hating dishonest gain
4. have them serve as judges with you while you handle the tougher cases.
Easy enough but necessary to remember when we work together as a body of believers we can accomplish so much more than wearing ourselves out trying to do it all ourselves. Let's remember to invite others to participate with us in ministry all for the glory of God. When we do we'll realize God equips the called, and we are all called to serve our faithful Father.
Why are you doing that? It's a question many of us have been asked and many of us ask of others. It's interesting because this question is asked of Moses by his father-in-law Jethro. Moses is the leader of Israel and each day he took his seat to serve as judge for the people. And he did this from morning til evening.
Jethro speaks up and causes Moses to realize what he's doing isn't good. He will wear himself out while all these others, those who are capable are standing by not participating in any way to help Moses.
The church can be like this - we have lots of capable and godly people who just need to be asked to serve, to step up and lead, much like the leaders who Moses eventually chose to help him serve the people. People will always need to be served but what's also true is the instruction Moses received from Jethro, especially verses 19-23. Take some time and read this passage. Here's Moses' instruction from Jethro:
1. the work is too hard for you (ever feel that way?)
2. teach the people the word of God, the law; show them the way to live and the duties they can help you with
3. select capable men who fear God and are trustworthy, hating dishonest gain
4. have them serve as judges with you while you handle the tougher cases.
Easy enough but necessary to remember when we work together as a body of believers we can accomplish so much more than wearing ourselves out trying to do it all ourselves. Let's remember to invite others to participate with us in ministry all for the glory of God. When we do we'll realize God equips the called, and we are all called to serve our faithful Father.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Hearing & Doing...
Read James 1:22-25
Messages bombard us everyday. Messages that have importance and messages that have little to no effect on the quality of our lives. And the truth be told, too many of us listen more to these latter messages than the messages that have true importance and impact in our daily lives.
James writes these words in James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Think about this - so many hear the word of God and 'merely listen.' We ignore doing what it says and James says when we do this we are deceiving ourselves. But how are we deceiving ourselves? Later in verse 26 he writes with using the example of someone who considers himself religious but doesn't keep a tight reign on his tongue, his words. He says the person who does this deceives himself and his religion/faith is worthless.
Never were we intended to merely hear the word of God. We were always intended to hear it and do it - this friends is faith; faith that is belief put into action. May we examine our faith today, this week and reflect on James' words. Ask ourselves, am I deceiving myself? Is my faith worthless?
At the end of verse 25 James says when we do not forget what we hear, but put our faith into action and do what it says we will be "blessed" in what we do. Take this blessing and receive it into your life. Be a person whose faith is hearing and doing for this is what pleases our Father.
Messages bombard us everyday. Messages that have importance and messages that have little to no effect on the quality of our lives. And the truth be told, too many of us listen more to these latter messages than the messages that have true importance and impact in our daily lives.
James writes these words in James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Think about this - so many hear the word of God and 'merely listen.' We ignore doing what it says and James says when we do this we are deceiving ourselves. But how are we deceiving ourselves? Later in verse 26 he writes with using the example of someone who considers himself religious but doesn't keep a tight reign on his tongue, his words. He says the person who does this deceives himself and his religion/faith is worthless.
Never were we intended to merely hear the word of God. We were always intended to hear it and do it - this friends is faith; faith that is belief put into action. May we examine our faith today, this week and reflect on James' words. Ask ourselves, am I deceiving myself? Is my faith worthless?
At the end of verse 25 James says when we do not forget what we hear, but put our faith into action and do what it says we will be "blessed" in what we do. Take this blessing and receive it into your life. Be a person whose faith is hearing and doing for this is what pleases our Father.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Better is One Day...
Read Psalm 84
We delight and rejoice in a lot of things. But probably something we neglect to delight in on a daily basis is our future. Specifically where we will spend eternity with God and enjoy His presence in the New Jerusalem.
Psalm 84 speaks about how amazing God's dwelling place is; how it is better to spend one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere. Think about that, do you anticipate with excitement living with God in eternity? Do you know what that will even be like?
God's word tells us so much about the house of God and where we'll spend eternity. But let's take a moment and focus on Psalm 84:10 - it says "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." That's powerful! And I believe it's because the Psalmist is anticipating the presence and holiness of God and being there to experience His great glory.
We're reminded of many things in the Bible - about God and about us. But the messages we're told over and over again about our future are filled with anticipation as we await heaven. Whatever you're facing today, allow this hope and excitement of what one day will be to overshadow these light and momentary trials.
We delight and rejoice in a lot of things. But probably something we neglect to delight in on a daily basis is our future. Specifically where we will spend eternity with God and enjoy His presence in the New Jerusalem.
Psalm 84 speaks about how amazing God's dwelling place is; how it is better to spend one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere. Think about that, do you anticipate with excitement living with God in eternity? Do you know what that will even be like?
God's word tells us so much about the house of God and where we'll spend eternity. But let's take a moment and focus on Psalm 84:10 - it says "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." That's powerful! And I believe it's because the Psalmist is anticipating the presence and holiness of God and being there to experience His great glory.
We're reminded of many things in the Bible - about God and about us. But the messages we're told over and over again about our future are filled with anticipation as we await heaven. Whatever you're facing today, allow this hope and excitement of what one day will be to overshadow these light and momentary trials.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Warnings...
Read 2 Peter 2
Scripture warns us about things. Warns us about the choices we make, deciding if we're going to live and honor Him with our lives. Warns us about falling back into sinful patterns of behavior. And warns us about the consequences to ourselves and others when we disobey the warnings of God. But probably the most important warning that's repeated in Scripture is all the warnings against false teachers.
2 Peter 2 speaks about the false prophets of the past as well as the false teachings of the present for the believers in Peter's day. Peter warns of their secretely introduced heresies and their destructive ways that many will follow. Question - why do so many follow these false teachings?
I believe it's because we simply don't know the word of God. Peter offers examples in 2 Peter 2:4-11 (examples like the angels who sinned and were cast into hell; the ancient world of the ungodly brought into the flood during the days of Noah; the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah turned into ashes as an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; the deliverance of Lot who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked).
These examples are intended to teach and help us not get caught up with the "many" who follow false teachings. Listen, false teachers exist. When they teach will you know they are teaching what is false? Or will you know the truth of God because you're in the word of God?
When in doubt always remember our foundation is in the truth of who God is and He tells us all about Himself and what He expects from us in the Bible. Let's learn from Him and always be prepared to know the truth and live it out.
Scripture warns us about things. Warns us about the choices we make, deciding if we're going to live and honor Him with our lives. Warns us about falling back into sinful patterns of behavior. And warns us about the consequences to ourselves and others when we disobey the warnings of God. But probably the most important warning that's repeated in Scripture is all the warnings against false teachers.
2 Peter 2 speaks about the false prophets of the past as well as the false teachings of the present for the believers in Peter's day. Peter warns of their secretely introduced heresies and their destructive ways that many will follow. Question - why do so many follow these false teachings?
I believe it's because we simply don't know the word of God. Peter offers examples in 2 Peter 2:4-11 (examples like the angels who sinned and were cast into hell; the ancient world of the ungodly brought into the flood during the days of Noah; the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah turned into ashes as an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; the deliverance of Lot who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked).
These examples are intended to teach and help us not get caught up with the "many" who follow false teachings. Listen, false teachers exist. When they teach will you know they are teaching what is false? Or will you know the truth of God because you're in the word of God?
When in doubt always remember our foundation is in the truth of who God is and He tells us all about Himself and what He expects from us in the Bible. Let's learn from Him and always be prepared to know the truth and live it out.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
God's Will...
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Writing to the Thessalonians Paul offers three choices for believers to make no matter what's happening in their lives. He says - be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. Any one of these challenges us as we think about our day to day lives. Being joyful always is a challenge because we're being called to express joy always. How is this possible?
Next he says to pray continually which is like saying no matter what let your thoughts go right into conversation with God with everything you're dealing with. Again, how is this possible?
Lastly Paul says to give thanks in all circumstances. Really Paul, in all circumstances? Seems quite impossible to accomplish doesn't it? Even selecting just one of these commands and attempting to live it out appears unreasonable.
However, Paul ends this verse by saying "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I know what you're thinking - great, I've wanted to know God's will for my life and now here it is. Always be joyful, pray without ceasing and be thankful in all situations. Now I don't know about you but I've been through some pretty tough times in my life, so when I read this passage it really catches my attention. Maybe it's caught your attention too.
But I believe God calls us to this way of living for Him for two reasons. First, it really is God's will for our lives. And second, He doesn't expect us to be able to accomplish this on our own. We're given the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity, that empowers us to focus our lives on the joy we have in Christ because of His sacrifice for us; empowers us to talk with God at all times about everything that's happening in our lives; and empowers us to realize, even when we don't understand, that God will use all our circumstances for His glory.
So let's submit to God's will for our lives and realize nothing is impossible with God. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Writing to the Thessalonians Paul offers three choices for believers to make no matter what's happening in their lives. He says - be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. Any one of these challenges us as we think about our day to day lives. Being joyful always is a challenge because we're being called to express joy always. How is this possible?
Next he says to pray continually which is like saying no matter what let your thoughts go right into conversation with God with everything you're dealing with. Again, how is this possible?
Lastly Paul says to give thanks in all circumstances. Really Paul, in all circumstances? Seems quite impossible to accomplish doesn't it? Even selecting just one of these commands and attempting to live it out appears unreasonable.
However, Paul ends this verse by saying "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I know what you're thinking - great, I've wanted to know God's will for my life and now here it is. Always be joyful, pray without ceasing and be thankful in all situations. Now I don't know about you but I've been through some pretty tough times in my life, so when I read this passage it really catches my attention. Maybe it's caught your attention too.
But I believe God calls us to this way of living for Him for two reasons. First, it really is God's will for our lives. And second, He doesn't expect us to be able to accomplish this on our own. We're given the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity, that empowers us to focus our lives on the joy we have in Christ because of His sacrifice for us; empowers us to talk with God at all times about everything that's happening in our lives; and empowers us to realize, even when we don't understand, that God will use all our circumstances for His glory.
So let's submit to God's will for our lives and realize nothing is impossible with God. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Simply the Best
Read Malachi 1:6-14
"I'm doing the best I can" is a phrase uttered in virtually every relationship we can think of. It's said between husband and wife, parent and child, teacher and student, employer and employee, coach and player. Think about it, it's a saying we utter without giving it the thought it really demands. To say "I'm doing the best I can" is a bold statement. And it's a statement many followers of Christ might not want to admit we make, but whether we say it out loud or simply believe it inside, the truth is we don't always give God our best.
The prophet Malachi points out the imperfect sacrifices of the priests and people, demonstrating the content of their hearts. The people weren't sincere and Malachi confronted this attitude with the Word of God which was clearly calling for unblemished sacrifices and sincere hearts.
Malachi tells us in Malachi 1:6-14 how God feels when we give less than our best. God is the best of the best so what He wants from us, deserves from us is simply the best. Read this passage, then meditate on how all of us are called to give God our very best. Our very best attitude and effort in every way possible. Remember what God says in v. 14 - "For I am a great King" and "My name is to be feared among the nations."
"I'm doing the best I can" is a phrase uttered in virtually every relationship we can think of. It's said between husband and wife, parent and child, teacher and student, employer and employee, coach and player. Think about it, it's a saying we utter without giving it the thought it really demands. To say "I'm doing the best I can" is a bold statement. And it's a statement many followers of Christ might not want to admit we make, but whether we say it out loud or simply believe it inside, the truth is we don't always give God our best.
The prophet Malachi points out the imperfect sacrifices of the priests and people, demonstrating the content of their hearts. The people weren't sincere and Malachi confronted this attitude with the Word of God which was clearly calling for unblemished sacrifices and sincere hearts.
Malachi tells us in Malachi 1:6-14 how God feels when we give less than our best. God is the best of the best so what He wants from us, deserves from us is simply the best. Read this passage, then meditate on how all of us are called to give God our very best. Our very best attitude and effort in every way possible. Remember what God says in v. 14 - "For I am a great King" and "My name is to be feared among the nations."
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The Compassionate God
Read Psalm 86
It never matters how often we deal with it, it always stings. The death of a loved one is never easy and always we're in need of being consoled when we lose a loved family member or friend. God shows us in Psalm 86 we have a God who understands, a God we can turn to in all our difficult times and a God who always offers His great compassion and grace.
Psalm 86 reminds us that we can always turn to God in our time of need. No one is immune from needing God's help when we're facing difficult times. Take time and read Psalm 86 and reflect on how this prayer of David just might reveal your need to come before God and rely on His goodness, His forgiveness, His compassion.
Allow this Psalm to penetrate whatever it is you are facing this week and be reminded that God will answer you in your time of trouble because as verse 13 says "great is your love toward me."
It never matters how often we deal with it, it always stings. The death of a loved one is never easy and always we're in need of being consoled when we lose a loved family member or friend. God shows us in Psalm 86 we have a God who understands, a God we can turn to in all our difficult times and a God who always offers His great compassion and grace.
Psalm 86 reminds us that we can always turn to God in our time of need. No one is immune from needing God's help when we're facing difficult times. Take time and read Psalm 86 and reflect on how this prayer of David just might reveal your need to come before God and rely on His goodness, His forgiveness, His compassion.
Allow this Psalm to penetrate whatever it is you are facing this week and be reminded that God will answer you in your time of trouble because as verse 13 says "great is your love toward me."
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Focused Ministry
Read Acts 6:1-8
It happens in every ministry - people complain. In Acts 6 we catch a glimpse of the complaining going on between widows who were feeling like they were not being treated fairly. So the Twelve apostles gathered the disciples to devise a plan so they could remain focused on their ministry.
The plan - let us do what we have been called to do; so in the meantime let's choose seven men, known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom who will take over this responsibility of serving food to the Grecian and Hebraic Jews. They did this so their ministry of prayer and ministry of the word would continue.
Check out the results of their plan - "the proposal pleased the whole group" and the word of God spread as the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, while a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Focus yourself on the ministry God called you to and remember the results will draw people into commitment and obedience to Him.
It happens in every ministry - people complain. In Acts 6 we catch a glimpse of the complaining going on between widows who were feeling like they were not being treated fairly. So the Twelve apostles gathered the disciples to devise a plan so they could remain focused on their ministry.
The plan - let us do what we have been called to do; so in the meantime let's choose seven men, known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom who will take over this responsibility of serving food to the Grecian and Hebraic Jews. They did this so their ministry of prayer and ministry of the word would continue.
Check out the results of their plan - "the proposal pleased the whole group" and the word of God spread as the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, while a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Focus yourself on the ministry God called you to and remember the results will draw people into commitment and obedience to Him.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Message of Clarity
Read Matthew 9:1-8
All of us would agree, at least from time to time, that reading the words of Jesus recorded in the gospels often leave us scratching our heads. Case in point is Matthew 9:1-8. A man who is paralyzed is brought to Jesus and His response leaves us confused. After seeing their faith Jesus says, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Can you imagine hearing these words and thinking what was that all about?! I mean seriously why does He tell this man His sins are forgiven. What's that all about? Is it because of this man's sin that he was paralyzed is a question that comes to mind.
Yet Jesus doesn't leave us hanging for long. In verse five and six He explains. Tells those charging Him with blasphemy that for Him it's just as easy to say your sins are forgiven as it is to say get up and walk to a paralyzed man. He was giving them a sign, healing a man physically to show that He can do so much more than what's physical. He can heal us of our sin.
Don't miss the last verse. Matthew 9:8 tells us the crowd praised God for what Jesus had just done. This is so important - that not one of us neglects to praise God for His amazing gift, forgiving our sins!
All of us would agree, at least from time to time, that reading the words of Jesus recorded in the gospels often leave us scratching our heads. Case in point is Matthew 9:1-8. A man who is paralyzed is brought to Jesus and His response leaves us confused. After seeing their faith Jesus says, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Can you imagine hearing these words and thinking what was that all about?! I mean seriously why does He tell this man His sins are forgiven. What's that all about? Is it because of this man's sin that he was paralyzed is a question that comes to mind.
Yet Jesus doesn't leave us hanging for long. In verse five and six He explains. Tells those charging Him with blasphemy that for Him it's just as easy to say your sins are forgiven as it is to say get up and walk to a paralyzed man. He was giving them a sign, healing a man physically to show that He can do so much more than what's physical. He can heal us of our sin.
Don't miss the last verse. Matthew 9:8 tells us the crowd praised God for what Jesus had just done. This is so important - that not one of us neglects to praise God for His amazing gift, forgiving our sins!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Who?
Read Philippians 1:2-7
Who do you know as well as Paul knows the Philippians? People that you can say like Paul does about his friends in Philippi that they are partners together in the gospel?
Paul's words come across as great encouragement to the Philippians. He's confident of their faith, filled with joy because of their commitment to Christ and recognizes that God isn't done with the Philippians.
Friends, it's important for all of us to have a Paul in our life and be a Paul to someone else. We all need people to encourage us and partner with us and contend with us for the faith in Jesus Christ. This world throws a lot of discouragement and distraction when we want to live obedient to the word of God. So who is it you know that's cheering you on? Who is it you now that's celebrating when you're celebrating and praying with you when you need prayer? All of us are in this together and we need one another. God repeats Himself over and over with commands for us to come alongside one another as brothers and sisters in faith so that the word and work of God will be carried on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Pray this week for the people in your life. Thank God for those who have been like Paul to you and ask God to show you who you can be like Paul to.
Who do you know as well as Paul knows the Philippians? People that you can say like Paul does about his friends in Philippi that they are partners together in the gospel?
Paul's words come across as great encouragement to the Philippians. He's confident of their faith, filled with joy because of their commitment to Christ and recognizes that God isn't done with the Philippians.
Friends, it's important for all of us to have a Paul in our life and be a Paul to someone else. We all need people to encourage us and partner with us and contend with us for the faith in Jesus Christ. This world throws a lot of discouragement and distraction when we want to live obedient to the word of God. So who is it you know that's cheering you on? Who is it you now that's celebrating when you're celebrating and praying with you when you need prayer? All of us are in this together and we need one another. God repeats Himself over and over with commands for us to come alongside one another as brothers and sisters in faith so that the word and work of God will be carried on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Pray this week for the people in your life. Thank God for those who have been like Paul to you and ask God to show you who you can be like Paul to.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Impossible?
Read Mark 10:27
Jesus' disciples were perplexed. Ever felt that way when something doesn't make sense? If so then you know exactly how the disciples felt this day when speaking with Jesus.
He was answering the rich young man's question, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" After realizing what stood between him and eternal life and what Jesus required of Him, he went away said because he loved his great wealth more than God. What about us? What's in our life that we love more than God? Honestly.
Jesus makes it perfectly clear - inheriting eternal life on our own IS impossible. But He goes on to let everyone know - WITH GOD nothing is impossible.
Praise Him, thank Him and commit to Him all that you have. Nothing compares to His glorious riches offered to us by His amazing grace. And love Him for making the impossible, possible in Christ alone.
Jesus' disciples were perplexed. Ever felt that way when something doesn't make sense? If so then you know exactly how the disciples felt this day when speaking with Jesus.
He was answering the rich young man's question, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" After realizing what stood between him and eternal life and what Jesus required of Him, he went away said because he loved his great wealth more than God. What about us? What's in our life that we love more than God? Honestly.
Jesus makes it perfectly clear - inheriting eternal life on our own IS impossible. But He goes on to let everyone know - WITH GOD nothing is impossible.
Praise Him, thank Him and commit to Him all that you have. Nothing compares to His glorious riches offered to us by His amazing grace. And love Him for making the impossible, possible in Christ alone.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Release
Read Acts 4:23-31
Peter and John had been arrested because of their faith and upon their release some interesting things happened. First, they were not deterred from praising God. They opened in prayer, praising God and then recalling David's words and how the nations plot against the King of Kings. They remember Herod and Pontius Pilate conspiring against God's holy servant Jesus. What a great description of Jesus - holy servant! It's who we are called to imitate by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And then as they continued praying, after asking God to perform miraculous signs and wonders, the place where they were meeting was filled with the Holy Spirit and the word of God was spoken boldly.
Friends, let's be ambassadors for the release and power of the Holy Spirit in our world today! We have God's power living in us, so let's not waiver or cowher to the plots and plans of man. But instead let's be men and women committed to abiding in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit so that the truth of God may be made known everywhere.
Peter and John had been arrested because of their faith and upon their release some interesting things happened. First, they were not deterred from praising God. They opened in prayer, praising God and then recalling David's words and how the nations plot against the King of Kings. They remember Herod and Pontius Pilate conspiring against God's holy servant Jesus. What a great description of Jesus - holy servant! It's who we are called to imitate by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And then as they continued praying, after asking God to perform miraculous signs and wonders, the place where they were meeting was filled with the Holy Spirit and the word of God was spoken boldly.
Friends, let's be ambassadors for the release and power of the Holy Spirit in our world today! We have God's power living in us, so let's not waiver or cowher to the plots and plans of man. But instead let's be men and women committed to abiding in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit so that the truth of God may be made known everywhere.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sheep Listen
Read John 10:22-30
You may or may not think so, but sheep are interesting. Think about it - they become so familiar with their shepherds voice that when they hear it they listen. And Jesus uses this truth to explain to a gathering of Jewish people that they in fact are not His sheep. How does He know this? Well of course because He's God, but also because He already told them He was the Christ and they didn't recognize His voice. See if they were His sheep they would have known He was their shepherd, their Messiah.
Now for many of us we have already identified Jesus as our Shepherd so we know His voice and we follow Him. But at times for all of us we confuse His voice for someone elses. And it's at these times we have to learn to block out the noise and really focus on the voice of God. Because if we don't we are following another shepherd and that shepherd doesn't have our best interest in mind.
Take time and consider areas of your life where you are hearing and following Jesus' voice. Isn't it wonderful to know God is with you, guiding and navigating you through the turns of life? But then take some additional time, and this really requires focused attention, and consider areas of your life where you aren't hearing and following Jesus' voice. Question - how's that working out for you? All of us need this reminder that we can only hear God's voice if He is our shepherd. Let's listen to His voice and follow Him.
You may or may not think so, but sheep are interesting. Think about it - they become so familiar with their shepherds voice that when they hear it they listen. And Jesus uses this truth to explain to a gathering of Jewish people that they in fact are not His sheep. How does He know this? Well of course because He's God, but also because He already told them He was the Christ and they didn't recognize His voice. See if they were His sheep they would have known He was their shepherd, their Messiah.
Now for many of us we have already identified Jesus as our Shepherd so we know His voice and we follow Him. But at times for all of us we confuse His voice for someone elses. And it's at these times we have to learn to block out the noise and really focus on the voice of God. Because if we don't we are following another shepherd and that shepherd doesn't have our best interest in mind.
Take time and consider areas of your life where you are hearing and following Jesus' voice. Isn't it wonderful to know God is with you, guiding and navigating you through the turns of life? But then take some additional time, and this really requires focused attention, and consider areas of your life where you aren't hearing and following Jesus' voice. Question - how's that working out for you? All of us need this reminder that we can only hear God's voice if He is our shepherd. Let's listen to His voice and follow Him.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Example of Ezra
Read Ezra 7:10
This one short verse says a lot about this man Ezra. It tells us he was a man devoted to the study of the Law of the Lord. But it tells us more. It tells us he was a man who was devoted to the observance of the Law of the Lord. And then it tells us one more thing, he was devoted to teaching the decrees of the Law of the Lord in Israel.
Imagine for a moment your name was going to be included in the Holy Scriptures. Think about that for a minute. What would you want it to say about you? Would it say the kind of things that were written about Ezra? Now take another moment and consider not what you would want it to say, but what would it actually say based on how and what you have devoted your life to? Would you be thankful for what was written about your devotion or would you prefer your name be left out because your devotion was placed in the wrong places.
Ezra's life with this one little verse gives us a great example of what and how we should devote our lives. Let's commit ourselves to full devotion. Full devotion to studying the word of God; full devotion to obeying the word and then full devotion to sharing the truth of God.
This one short verse says a lot about this man Ezra. It tells us he was a man devoted to the study of the Law of the Lord. But it tells us more. It tells us he was a man who was devoted to the observance of the Law of the Lord. And then it tells us one more thing, he was devoted to teaching the decrees of the Law of the Lord in Israel.
Imagine for a moment your name was going to be included in the Holy Scriptures. Think about that for a minute. What would you want it to say about you? Would it say the kind of things that were written about Ezra? Now take another moment and consider not what you would want it to say, but what would it actually say based on how and what you have devoted your life to? Would you be thankful for what was written about your devotion or would you prefer your name be left out because your devotion was placed in the wrong places.
Ezra's life with this one little verse gives us a great example of what and how we should devote our lives. Let's commit ourselves to full devotion. Full devotion to studying the word of God; full devotion to obeying the word and then full devotion to sharing the truth of God.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Who's Your Daddy
Read John 8:31-44
So often we have this image of Jesus and it's not exactly in line with what the Bible actually says. Sometimes we see Him as this soft spoken, kind, cordial and even tolerant teacher. Other times we see Him as this amazing miracle man from times past who simply came to preach and teach a message of forgiveness and acceptance. Yet in reading the gospels we see some things we often forget about His interactions with people who didn't think much about Him, who didn't care much about His teaching and preaching and miracles and everything else He brought to the table because He was challenging their belief. And if you've ever engaged in conversation with someone about whether or not their faith was right, you know what we're talking about.
Jesus had this conversation recorded in John 8:31-44 where He tells the religious leaders of His day God is not their father. Think about that. Today we hear people say things like we're all God's children. But that's not what Jesus says. In fact, He says not only isn't God their father but their father is the devil. Admittedly this seems extreme at first glance. But Jesus and the rest of scripture doesn't shy away from truth. We are either for Him or against Him.
None of us likes to hear we are enemies of God. But the truth is left to ourselves, without the atoning sacrifice of Christ's death on the cross, that's what we are. Because all sinners outside of Christ are enslaved, held captive by sin, and therefore, by definition, hostile to God.
That is why we should celebrate what Jesus did for us. By His sacrifice, sins are forgiven for everyone who believes. And by His sacrifice, our relationship with God the Father has changed from enemies of God to friends of God. Take time this week to praise God for this redeemed relationship offered to everyone who by faith believes Jesus is the Messiah.
So often we have this image of Jesus and it's not exactly in line with what the Bible actually says. Sometimes we see Him as this soft spoken, kind, cordial and even tolerant teacher. Other times we see Him as this amazing miracle man from times past who simply came to preach and teach a message of forgiveness and acceptance. Yet in reading the gospels we see some things we often forget about His interactions with people who didn't think much about Him, who didn't care much about His teaching and preaching and miracles and everything else He brought to the table because He was challenging their belief. And if you've ever engaged in conversation with someone about whether or not their faith was right, you know what we're talking about.
Jesus had this conversation recorded in John 8:31-44 where He tells the religious leaders of His day God is not their father. Think about that. Today we hear people say things like we're all God's children. But that's not what Jesus says. In fact, He says not only isn't God their father but their father is the devil. Admittedly this seems extreme at first glance. But Jesus and the rest of scripture doesn't shy away from truth. We are either for Him or against Him.
None of us likes to hear we are enemies of God. But the truth is left to ourselves, without the atoning sacrifice of Christ's death on the cross, that's what we are. Because all sinners outside of Christ are enslaved, held captive by sin, and therefore, by definition, hostile to God.
That is why we should celebrate what Jesus did for us. By His sacrifice, sins are forgiven for everyone who believes. And by His sacrifice, our relationship with God the Father has changed from enemies of God to friends of God. Take time this week to praise God for this redeemed relationship offered to everyone who by faith believes Jesus is the Messiah.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
In Christ
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
So often we think we can do whatever we set our minds to. And while it's true we can do some pretty amazing things once our minds our set, there's one thing no one can do no matter how determined we are. Yet many insist we have to be able to do this one thing. Some think this way because of pride, while others think this way because that's just the way they've always thought. If I can put my mind to anything I can do it.
This one thing the Bible makes perfectly clear repeatedly is about how we are reconciled with God. Take a few minutes and read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. Paul makes one thing clear - only in Christ is it possible for the world to be reconciled to himself and our sins not counted against us. This isn't something we can do; it's just not possible. But God, in Christ chose to do the work because it was something ONLY he could do.
Listen, God's love is available to everyone. Yet this passage tells us only those who are in Christ are reconciled with God and only those who are in Christ will not have their sins counted against us. This reveals that if anyone is not in Christ then they are not reconciled or in a right relationship with God and their sins will be counted against them. This is why it is so important to first understand what it means to be in Christ and then accept our responsibility for being people who share this good news. In Christ simply means we have accepted God's transfer of His sons righteousness into our lives, not based on our works but based on Jesus'. And because Jesus' righteousness is transferred to all who accept this gift our sins will not be counted against us. This is good news because everyone has the opportunity to receive this gift. Take time this week and pray about God's design that we can be in Christ simply by accepting what we celebrate this week. Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection.
So often we think we can do whatever we set our minds to. And while it's true we can do some pretty amazing things once our minds our set, there's one thing no one can do no matter how determined we are. Yet many insist we have to be able to do this one thing. Some think this way because of pride, while others think this way because that's just the way they've always thought. If I can put my mind to anything I can do it.
This one thing the Bible makes perfectly clear repeatedly is about how we are reconciled with God. Take a few minutes and read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. Paul makes one thing clear - only in Christ is it possible for the world to be reconciled to himself and our sins not counted against us. This isn't something we can do; it's just not possible. But God, in Christ chose to do the work because it was something ONLY he could do.
Listen, God's love is available to everyone. Yet this passage tells us only those who are in Christ are reconciled with God and only those who are in Christ will not have their sins counted against us. This reveals that if anyone is not in Christ then they are not reconciled or in a right relationship with God and their sins will be counted against them. This is why it is so important to first understand what it means to be in Christ and then accept our responsibility for being people who share this good news. In Christ simply means we have accepted God's transfer of His sons righteousness into our lives, not based on our works but based on Jesus'. And because Jesus' righteousness is transferred to all who accept this gift our sins will not be counted against us. This is good news because everyone has the opportunity to receive this gift. Take time this week and pray about God's design that we can be in Christ simply by accepting what we celebrate this week. Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Grace Gospel
Read Galatians 1:6-9
The grace gospel is all about God's grace. Yet here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about turning away from God's grace to another gospel. The question begs to be asked - how can we tell if what's being preached is contrary to what this grace gospel is all about?
It comes down simply to this - know the word of God. You see the gospel is clearly communicated in Scripture. And while it is clear, something else is also very clear. There will be some who teach and preach a false gospel. Jesus warns about it in Matthew 7 and here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about it. One of the problems we face though is this ideology that we don't want to be people who stand up and speak up when what's being taught is not in line with the clear and sound teaching of God's holy word.
Paul proclaims in our passage a curse on anyone who would be so bold as to distort or change the true gospel. What's the true gospel? It's the gospel of grace where God gives us what we don't deserve. Christ made atonement for our sins by suffering in our place as our substitute. This atonement is the price paid to reconcile us to God because left to ourselves we'd always remain as enemies of God. Jesus took care of that when He paid the penalty for our sins. Bottom line is this - "we need this gospel to remind ourselves that our day-to-day standing with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our performance. We need the gospel to motivate us to strive in our daily experience to be what we are in our standing before God. We need it to produce joy in our lives when we encounter the inevitable trials of living in a fallen and sin-cursed world." The Great Exchange
The grace gospel is all about God's grace. Yet here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about turning away from God's grace to another gospel. The question begs to be asked - how can we tell if what's being preached is contrary to what this grace gospel is all about?
It comes down simply to this - know the word of God. You see the gospel is clearly communicated in Scripture. And while it is clear, something else is also very clear. There will be some who teach and preach a false gospel. Jesus warns about it in Matthew 7 and here in Galatians 1 Paul warns about it. One of the problems we face though is this ideology that we don't want to be people who stand up and speak up when what's being taught is not in line with the clear and sound teaching of God's holy word.
Paul proclaims in our passage a curse on anyone who would be so bold as to distort or change the true gospel. What's the true gospel? It's the gospel of grace where God gives us what we don't deserve. Christ made atonement for our sins by suffering in our place as our substitute. This atonement is the price paid to reconcile us to God because left to ourselves we'd always remain as enemies of God. Jesus took care of that when He paid the penalty for our sins. Bottom line is this - "we need this gospel to remind ourselves that our day-to-day standing with God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our performance. We need the gospel to motivate us to strive in our daily experience to be what we are in our standing before God. We need it to produce joy in our lives when we encounter the inevitable trials of living in a fallen and sin-cursed world." The Great Exchange
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Jesus' Warning
Read Matthew 7:15-20
So much has been written, spoken and sung about in our lifetime that at times we can't separate the ordinary from the extraordinary. God's word has been said to be a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path; God's word has been said to be God-breathed, inspired by the living God; and God's word has been under attack from the beginning of time. Starting with Genesis 3 when the serpent says to Eve, did God really say, there's been this calling into question God's word.
Jesus cautioned his earliest disciples with these words from Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Today we are still in need of taking seriously Jesus' warning. In Acts 17:11 the Bereans and Thessalonians were acknowledged as the people of God who correctly handled the word of God by comparing if what was being taught was correct. On what basis was this comparison made? The teaching was compared with Scripture, God's word.
Friends no matter what is taught, no matter who is teaching it we are called (2 Timothy 2:15) to correctly handle the word of truth. You see God is the author and perfector of our faith and that includes accepting Him as the author and perfector of truth.
One last thought for this weeks Living Hope Devotional - we are to do more than just hear truth, we are to be doers of the word of truth. Seek truth, then live truth. Amen.
So much has been written, spoken and sung about in our lifetime that at times we can't separate the ordinary from the extraordinary. God's word has been said to be a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path; God's word has been said to be God-breathed, inspired by the living God; and God's word has been under attack from the beginning of time. Starting with Genesis 3 when the serpent says to Eve, did God really say, there's been this calling into question God's word.
Jesus cautioned his earliest disciples with these words from Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Today we are still in need of taking seriously Jesus' warning. In Acts 17:11 the Bereans and Thessalonians were acknowledged as the people of God who correctly handled the word of God by comparing if what was being taught was correct. On what basis was this comparison made? The teaching was compared with Scripture, God's word.
Friends no matter what is taught, no matter who is teaching it we are called (2 Timothy 2:15) to correctly handle the word of truth. You see God is the author and perfector of our faith and that includes accepting Him as the author and perfector of truth.
One last thought for this weeks Living Hope Devotional - we are to do more than just hear truth, we are to be doers of the word of truth. Seek truth, then live truth. Amen.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Follow Him Into Eternity
Read Matthew 19:16-26
Jesus talks of a rich young man in Matthew 19. This rich young man asks perhaps one of the most important questions in all of history - what must I do to get eternal life? Jesus simply tells him, obey the commandments. And this begins an incredible dialogue we would all be served well to engage in ourselves.
The man tells Jesus he's kept all the commands Jesus lists, yet Jesus knows what's holding this man back. Remember, he's a rich young man. His wealth it's what's keeping him for complete commitment to Christ. What's in your way? You see some of us misinterpret this passage to read we're all to go and sell everything we have. Jesus' example with this rich young man is about what's in his way of full devotion to God. So if it's wealth that gets in your path so that you're not following Jesus, get rid of it. If it's something else, get rid of it. The point is, whatever is in your way - let it go, because it's not worth eternity separated from God. Hearing this conversation, the disciples asked, "Who then can be saved?" Great question! Jesus gives a great reply - with man this is impossible (meaning we can't save ourselves) but with God all things are possible (that's why we need a Savior).
Praise Him that He gives eternal life to all who by faith follow Him.
Jesus talks of a rich young man in Matthew 19. This rich young man asks perhaps one of the most important questions in all of history - what must I do to get eternal life? Jesus simply tells him, obey the commandments. And this begins an incredible dialogue we would all be served well to engage in ourselves.
The man tells Jesus he's kept all the commands Jesus lists, yet Jesus knows what's holding this man back. Remember, he's a rich young man. His wealth it's what's keeping him for complete commitment to Christ. What's in your way? You see some of us misinterpret this passage to read we're all to go and sell everything we have. Jesus' example with this rich young man is about what's in his way of full devotion to God. So if it's wealth that gets in your path so that you're not following Jesus, get rid of it. If it's something else, get rid of it. The point is, whatever is in your way - let it go, because it's not worth eternity separated from God. Hearing this conversation, the disciples asked, "Who then can be saved?" Great question! Jesus gives a great reply - with man this is impossible (meaning we can't save ourselves) but with God all things are possible (that's why we need a Savior).
Praise Him that He gives eternal life to all who by faith follow Him.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Call My Name
Read Hebrews 12:1-2
Music has such an impact in life and in so many ways. Perhaps none more important than music with lyrics that call us back to our Heavenly Father. Third Day has a song titled Call My Name. It's lyrics and chorus go something like this:
When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there
The pain inside
Has erased your hope for love
Soon you will find
That I'll give you all
That your heart could ever want
And so much more
Scripture gives us a passage that matches well with this song (at least as I see it). Hebrews 12:1-2 reveals a few things. First, there are things that entangle us. Things the author calls sin. And we're told to "throw off" the sin that so easily entangles us. But then it says "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." Whenever life has you, whether in it's sadness or madness, let's focus on Christ who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and all it's suffering because there, in relationship with Jesus God gives us more than our heart could ever want.
Music has such an impact in life and in so many ways. Perhaps none more important than music with lyrics that call us back to our Heavenly Father. Third Day has a song titled Call My Name. It's lyrics and chorus go something like this:
When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
It seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there
The pain inside
Has erased your hope for love
Soon you will find
That I'll give you all
That your heart could ever want
And so much more
Scripture gives us a passage that matches well with this song (at least as I see it). Hebrews 12:1-2 reveals a few things. First, there are things that entangle us. Things the author calls sin. And we're told to "throw off" the sin that so easily entangles us. But then it says "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." Whenever life has you, whether in it's sadness or madness, let's focus on Christ who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and all it's suffering because there, in relationship with Jesus God gives us more than our heart could ever want.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Unplugged Power
Read Acts 1:8
Jesus promises His disciples when they see Him after His death they would receive power. And this power would be power from the Holy Spirit with a specific purpose. You see power can be used and generated for all sorts of things. Yet the power Jesus is talking about is the power of being His witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When we think of this kind of power for this kind of purpose many of us would need to admit that we have an unplugged power within us. It's unplugged because we're uncomfortable sharing our faith with the world we live in. For some of us it's because we're not sure what to say or how to say it. This comes down to knowing how to comfortably and with clarity share the gospel, the good news of Jesus - who He is and what He's done for us in our lives. But for others, it's about not tapping into the power we have, the power of the Holy Spirit to share the message of Christ with the world. And if this is you here's a challenge - God has given us everything we need to live for Him. He's given us everything we need to be clear on what we're to be spending our time doing. All of us, as followers of Jesus, are commissioned to share the power of the gospel because as Jesus said I will build my church.
So if you're unsure what to say or how to say it - there's power in taking Class 401 at Hope. Class 401 is the class where you learn your personal style in sharing your faith; where you learn how to confidently share the message of Christianity with those in your circle of influence who so desperately need salvation. You're encouraged to sign up for this Discovery Class, which by the way is being offered March 27th at Hope.
Jesus desires you and I to go in the power of the Holy Spirit and share the power of the gospel with the world we live in. So let's take this promised power and plug into it so we may be a conduit of God Almighty's power.
Jesus promises His disciples when they see Him after His death they would receive power. And this power would be power from the Holy Spirit with a specific purpose. You see power can be used and generated for all sorts of things. Yet the power Jesus is talking about is the power of being His witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When we think of this kind of power for this kind of purpose many of us would need to admit that we have an unplugged power within us. It's unplugged because we're uncomfortable sharing our faith with the world we live in. For some of us it's because we're not sure what to say or how to say it. This comes down to knowing how to comfortably and with clarity share the gospel, the good news of Jesus - who He is and what He's done for us in our lives. But for others, it's about not tapping into the power we have, the power of the Holy Spirit to share the message of Christ with the world. And if this is you here's a challenge - God has given us everything we need to live for Him. He's given us everything we need to be clear on what we're to be spending our time doing. All of us, as followers of Jesus, are commissioned to share the power of the gospel because as Jesus said I will build my church.
So if you're unsure what to say or how to say it - there's power in taking Class 401 at Hope. Class 401 is the class where you learn your personal style in sharing your faith; where you learn how to confidently share the message of Christianity with those in your circle of influence who so desperately need salvation. You're encouraged to sign up for this Discovery Class, which by the way is being offered March 27th at Hope.
Jesus desires you and I to go in the power of the Holy Spirit and share the power of the gospel with the world we live in. So let's take this promised power and plug into it so we may be a conduit of God Almighty's power.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Come Together
Read 1 Timothy 1:1-11
Years ago there was this song entitled Come Together and for some reason after reading this 1 Timothy 1 passage this title came to mind. So often in the church today we see sides drawn over issues that seem to divide us. Looking at 1 Timothy 1 we see Paul encouraging the Christian brothers to stay in Ephesus so they may "command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves" to things that stir up what promote controversies. Instead he writes what's most important to promote, what we're to come together on, is the work of God. So what is the work of God?
The context here is truth AND love. He's warning about heresy in doctrine and life. Today we need to be just as sure about our doctrine and our application of God's word. The two - truth and love - go hand in hand. Leave one out and we are sorely missing God's purpose, His plan for our daily lives where we're called to live completely devoted to the word and way of God.
The challenge this week - be a fan of God's law (His truth) and His love. Then go and be His disciples, giving glory to God as we come together sharing his truth and love wherever we go.
Years ago there was this song entitled Come Together and for some reason after reading this 1 Timothy 1 passage this title came to mind. So often in the church today we see sides drawn over issues that seem to divide us. Looking at 1 Timothy 1 we see Paul encouraging the Christian brothers to stay in Ephesus so they may "command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves" to things that stir up what promote controversies. Instead he writes what's most important to promote, what we're to come together on, is the work of God. So what is the work of God?
The context here is truth AND love. He's warning about heresy in doctrine and life. Today we need to be just as sure about our doctrine and our application of God's word. The two - truth and love - go hand in hand. Leave one out and we are sorely missing God's purpose, His plan for our daily lives where we're called to live completely devoted to the word and way of God.
The challenge this week - be a fan of God's law (His truth) and His love. Then go and be His disciples, giving glory to God as we come together sharing his truth and love wherever we go.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Change
Read Romans 12:1-2
Change is one of those words that conveys so many different concepts to so many different people. Some people love it and some people run from it. But the change the Bible tells us about is necessary, no matter if we love it or run from it.
Romans 12 speaks of the change we're talking about. Change that's real, that's genuine, that makes a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Have you thought about change lately? What kind of change God has made in your life (past tense) and what kind of change God's doing right now (present tense) and what kind of change God has in store for you (future tense)?
The words that jump out at us from Romans 12:1-2 are conformed and transformed. When we are conformed we're allowing the world to change us, influence our attitudes and actions. But the change God desires comes when we're transformed, changed by the Word. There's no substitute for the Word of God because the Word is where we receive our direction and connection with God.
Think of it this way, all of us are going to change over time. Some of us will be changed for the good while others changed for the not so good. And what God wants us to realize is we are transformed when we allow our minds to be influenced by God's words and not the words of this world. Now once we are transformed God calls us to be agents of change in this world we live in.
Consider how God has changed you over time and consider how you might allow God to use you in the transformation process of others. We were meant for so much more than just living for ourselves, so let's live with expectation as God continues to do His work in us and through us and may all the glory be His.
Change is one of those words that conveys so many different concepts to so many different people. Some people love it and some people run from it. But the change the Bible tells us about is necessary, no matter if we love it or run from it.
Romans 12 speaks of the change we're talking about. Change that's real, that's genuine, that makes a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Have you thought about change lately? What kind of change God has made in your life (past tense) and what kind of change God's doing right now (present tense) and what kind of change God has in store for you (future tense)?
The words that jump out at us from Romans 12:1-2 are conformed and transformed. When we are conformed we're allowing the world to change us, influence our attitudes and actions. But the change God desires comes when we're transformed, changed by the Word. There's no substitute for the Word of God because the Word is where we receive our direction and connection with God.
Think of it this way, all of us are going to change over time. Some of us will be changed for the good while others changed for the not so good. And what God wants us to realize is we are transformed when we allow our minds to be influenced by God's words and not the words of this world. Now once we are transformed God calls us to be agents of change in this world we live in.
Consider how God has changed you over time and consider how you might allow God to use you in the transformation process of others. We were meant for so much more than just living for ourselves, so let's live with expectation as God continues to do His work in us and through us and may all the glory be His.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
God's Perspective
Read Isaiah 1:1-17
So many times I think we get it wrong. We think God is just like us. Don't get me wrong we probably would never say it out loud but the way we act shows that we think we're better than we are. And the truth be told our perspective is completely different from God's perspective.
In Isaiah 1 we read how God gives the prophet this vision to speak to the people of Judah during the reign of several kings. And what's important to realize is what has God's attention is how God raised this nation as his own, they are His children yet the case against Judah is made - "they have rebelled against me." That's quite an accusation, but God builds on this charge to say the people have "forsaken the LORD" and "spurned the Holy One of Israel." Now these are serious charges, much more than a traffic violation or a misdemeanor in our day. They are serious because whenever the children of God by their words or deeds diminish the name of God there's a serious problem.
Later God reveals that it's their head and heart that are injured and afflicted; their sacrifices are "meaningless" and God simply says about all this - "my soul hates" these things. Wow! Can you imagine God's perspective being this way toward our actions and attitudes? He even says that when these people spread out their hands to pray that He will not listen to their requests.
Friends make no mistake this is God's perspective when we rebel against Him. Yet this isn't how the children of God need to relate to the Lord Almighty. He wants us 100% committed to our relationship with Him. So much so that everything else in life - our relationships, career, health, even our ministry falls into the right perspective when compared to the wisdom and knowledge of knowing our amazing God. You see our God is Holy and worthy of our praise and adoration. Let's remember God's perspective goes beyond this kind of judgment and accusation because He desires to receive our praise and honor and glory given to Him. There is no one like our God, let's make God's perspective our perspective and honor Him with our head, heart and hands.
So many times I think we get it wrong. We think God is just like us. Don't get me wrong we probably would never say it out loud but the way we act shows that we think we're better than we are. And the truth be told our perspective is completely different from God's perspective.
In Isaiah 1 we read how God gives the prophet this vision to speak to the people of Judah during the reign of several kings. And what's important to realize is what has God's attention is how God raised this nation as his own, they are His children yet the case against Judah is made - "they have rebelled against me." That's quite an accusation, but God builds on this charge to say the people have "forsaken the LORD" and "spurned the Holy One of Israel." Now these are serious charges, much more than a traffic violation or a misdemeanor in our day. They are serious because whenever the children of God by their words or deeds diminish the name of God there's a serious problem.
Later God reveals that it's their head and heart that are injured and afflicted; their sacrifices are "meaningless" and God simply says about all this - "my soul hates" these things. Wow! Can you imagine God's perspective being this way toward our actions and attitudes? He even says that when these people spread out their hands to pray that He will not listen to their requests.
Friends make no mistake this is God's perspective when we rebel against Him. Yet this isn't how the children of God need to relate to the Lord Almighty. He wants us 100% committed to our relationship with Him. So much so that everything else in life - our relationships, career, health, even our ministry falls into the right perspective when compared to the wisdom and knowledge of knowing our amazing God. You see our God is Holy and worthy of our praise and adoration. Let's remember God's perspective goes beyond this kind of judgment and accusation because He desires to receive our praise and honor and glory given to Him. There is no one like our God, let's make God's perspective our perspective and honor Him with our head, heart and hands.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Knowing God
Read Psalm 119:105
Everybody has an opinion about how to know God. But the only opinion we should really be concerned about is God's. The Bible tells us to know God, to really understand who He is We need to hear the truth of God.
And that starts with knowing the word of God. Now many of us dread reading, so we're not only talking about reading here. Reading the word of God is important but if you're not a reader don't fret. Simply find a way to listen to the word of God. Think about it, the earliest disciples and followers of Jesus didn't read the Bible. They listened to the word of God preached. So whatever your preference is, whether it's listening or reading, make sure you are in the word of God because it is living and active and is sharper than any double edged sword. When we are in God's word we are reminded of His great character and love for us as well as all the amazing things He's done throughout history. Truly, to know God is to love God.
Everybody has an opinion about how to know God. But the only opinion we should really be concerned about is God's. The Bible tells us to know God, to really understand who He is We need to hear the truth of God.
And that starts with knowing the word of God. Now many of us dread reading, so we're not only talking about reading here. Reading the word of God is important but if you're not a reader don't fret. Simply find a way to listen to the word of God. Think about it, the earliest disciples and followers of Jesus didn't read the Bible. They listened to the word of God preached. So whatever your preference is, whether it's listening or reading, make sure you are in the word of God because it is living and active and is sharper than any double edged sword. When we are in God's word we are reminded of His great character and love for us as well as all the amazing things He's done throughout history. Truly, to know God is to love God.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Until the Whole World Hears
Listen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc8y0DL8Hr4
Casting Crowns is one of my favorite Christian musical groups today. I enjoy their lyrics which call us to focus our lives completely on Christ and this generation which needs Christ. Until the Whole World Hears tells us it's our responsibility to always be prepared to share our faith. To ready ourselves simply means to share our praises of our Lord and Savior, lifting up His name for all to hear of God's grace and mercy. And we're to do this so that as the day draws near, when Christ returns or calls us home as many as we can positively influence for eternity and for Christ will make a choice to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
So the question to consider this week is this - will we live lives that are impassioned with the vision of this Casting Crowns song? Will we live lives that no matter what the cost we'll do whatever it takes and whatever is necessary so the people in our world will accept Jesus as the forgiver of our sins and leader of our lives. Friends live lives this week where your praises and service reveal that your single purpose for living is sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ Until the Whole World Hears.
Casting Crowns is one of my favorite Christian musical groups today. I enjoy their lyrics which call us to focus our lives completely on Christ and this generation which needs Christ. Until the Whole World Hears tells us it's our responsibility to always be prepared to share our faith. To ready ourselves simply means to share our praises of our Lord and Savior, lifting up His name for all to hear of God's grace and mercy. And we're to do this so that as the day draws near, when Christ returns or calls us home as many as we can positively influence for eternity and for Christ will make a choice to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
So the question to consider this week is this - will we live lives that are impassioned with the vision of this Casting Crowns song? Will we live lives that no matter what the cost we'll do whatever it takes and whatever is necessary so the people in our world will accept Jesus as the forgiver of our sins and leader of our lives. Friends live lives this week where your praises and service reveal that your single purpose for living is sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ Until the Whole World Hears.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Our God Reigns
Read Psalm 47
Listening to a song this morning I couldn't help but focus on the truth we're shown and told over and over in the scriptures that our God reigns. See our God is in control, He is sovereign. Yet how many of us question and doubt this theology? Sure intellectually we'd say we believe God is in control, but how we live our lives often reveals a different story.
Read Psalm 47 and check the examples of God's control and awesome power over all creation. The Psalmist tells how we should respond to God's control - with absolute praise, worship and thanks.
All God wants from us is our devotion; our complete and unrelenting acknowledgement that He alone is God, that He alone is worthy of our praise. Let's be challenged this week to live with this one thought about our great God: that OUR GOD REIGNS!
Listening to a song this morning I couldn't help but focus on the truth we're shown and told over and over in the scriptures that our God reigns. See our God is in control, He is sovereign. Yet how many of us question and doubt this theology? Sure intellectually we'd say we believe God is in control, but how we live our lives often reveals a different story.
Read Psalm 47 and check the examples of God's control and awesome power over all creation. The Psalmist tells how we should respond to God's control - with absolute praise, worship and thanks.
All God wants from us is our devotion; our complete and unrelenting acknowledgement that He alone is God, that He alone is worthy of our praise. Let's be challenged this week to live with this one thought about our great God: that OUR GOD REIGNS!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Bragging Rights
Read 1 Kings 20:1-13
Bragging rights are reserved for those who win, but we all know there are people that boast before the competition. However much bragging is done before the event, time will always tell who has bragging rights.
Reading through 1 Kings I came across something that made me laugh. The King of Israel at the time was Ahab and he was being attacked by Ben-Hadad King of Aram. At one point in the conflict King Ahab sends this message to King Ben-Hadad, "One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off."
I laughed because so often we brag about things we're going to do, yet it doesn't happen. We may make great claims but all too often we come to realize we are not in control of the outcome. See the Lord promised Ahab that if he stood up to Ben-Hadad he would most certainly win the battle. And we're told in verse 13 this would happen so that Israel would know who the LORD is.
Too often we experience times when we want to take things into our hands and sometimes we get all puffed up with what we're going to do, how we're going to handle situations. Truth is we need to take everything to God because in the end only He has bragging rights as LORD of Lords and King of Kings.
Bragging rights are reserved for those who win, but we all know there are people that boast before the competition. However much bragging is done before the event, time will always tell who has bragging rights.
Reading through 1 Kings I came across something that made me laugh. The King of Israel at the time was Ahab and he was being attacked by Ben-Hadad King of Aram. At one point in the conflict King Ahab sends this message to King Ben-Hadad, "One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off."
I laughed because so often we brag about things we're going to do, yet it doesn't happen. We may make great claims but all too often we come to realize we are not in control of the outcome. See the Lord promised Ahab that if he stood up to Ben-Hadad he would most certainly win the battle. And we're told in verse 13 this would happen so that Israel would know who the LORD is.
Too often we experience times when we want to take things into our hands and sometimes we get all puffed up with what we're going to do, how we're going to handle situations. Truth is we need to take everything to God because in the end only He has bragging rights as LORD of Lords and King of Kings.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Time Is Ticking Away
Read Ephesians 5:14-16
It's been said "to waste time is a sin against God." So think about it - how do you spend your time?
Recently I was challenged, actually convicted about this. And I responded by spending time listening to a message by one of my favorite pastors and his message was called - Prayer: Our Time Saver. Ever think of prayer that way? He said God has given us all the time we need every day to pray, study His word, serve and worship Him. But the question is - do we make the best use of our time every day and deepen our relationship with God this way?
Ephesians 5:14-16 tells us to be careful how we live, making the most of every opportunity. Listen time is precious, it's a gift from God. And while God doesn't want us so busy that we miss out on probably what a lot of us do with our time - we keep so busy we neglect to rest. Rest is a wise investment in time. Think of it this way, of the top 10 Commandments God uses one of them to tell us to take a day off.
Yet most of us realize time is ticking away and agree we should make the most of our time. But how? Let's start by asking God in prayer, talking with Him how He wants us spending our time, what He wants us doing. Then believe everything else will fall into it's place because we're spending our valuable time talking and listening to our great and glorious God.
It's been said "to waste time is a sin against God." So think about it - how do you spend your time?
Recently I was challenged, actually convicted about this. And I responded by spending time listening to a message by one of my favorite pastors and his message was called - Prayer: Our Time Saver. Ever think of prayer that way? He said God has given us all the time we need every day to pray, study His word, serve and worship Him. But the question is - do we make the best use of our time every day and deepen our relationship with God this way?
Ephesians 5:14-16 tells us to be careful how we live, making the most of every opportunity. Listen time is precious, it's a gift from God. And while God doesn't want us so busy that we miss out on probably what a lot of us do with our time - we keep so busy we neglect to rest. Rest is a wise investment in time. Think of it this way, of the top 10 Commandments God uses one of them to tell us to take a day off.
Yet most of us realize time is ticking away and agree we should make the most of our time. But how? Let's start by asking God in prayer, talking with Him how He wants us spending our time, what He wants us doing. Then believe everything else will fall into it's place because we're spending our valuable time talking and listening to our great and glorious God.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Prayer of David
Read Psalm 141
Psalm 141 speaks so clearly about the kind of prayer life and relationship with God we all should desire. David writes about wanting his prayers to God being like a fragrant offering, a sacrifice to the God of heaven. Thinking about this should inspire our minds and our hearts because this is how God anticipates our relationship with Him.
And when David continues he asks God to guard his mouth so that the words that pour forth from his lips would be pleasing to the Lord. How often do we use our words for God's glory and for inspiring others? David's plea is that God would help him in this area - perhaps it was an area that David wrestled with in his own personal life. Then he says, Lord don't let my heart be drawn to anything that is evil. Now he's going deeper, now he's getting into the heart of the matter: motive.
This is what this psalm is all about. It's about David desiring correction when needed from as he says "a righteous man" who shows "kindness" when he rebukes. And it's about protection from God. You see David sees that when his eyes, our eyes are on the Lord, when we're focused on living for God that we'll walk this life in safety, unharmed by the traps and schemes of the wicked evildoers of our day. Listen there are those who do not want followers of Christ to follow Him. Yet greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.
Psalm 141 speaks so clearly about the kind of prayer life and relationship with God we all should desire. David writes about wanting his prayers to God being like a fragrant offering, a sacrifice to the God of heaven. Thinking about this should inspire our minds and our hearts because this is how God anticipates our relationship with Him.
And when David continues he asks God to guard his mouth so that the words that pour forth from his lips would be pleasing to the Lord. How often do we use our words for God's glory and for inspiring others? David's plea is that God would help him in this area - perhaps it was an area that David wrestled with in his own personal life. Then he says, Lord don't let my heart be drawn to anything that is evil. Now he's going deeper, now he's getting into the heart of the matter: motive.
This is what this psalm is all about. It's about David desiring correction when needed from as he says "a righteous man" who shows "kindness" when he rebukes. And it's about protection from God. You see David sees that when his eyes, our eyes are on the Lord, when we're focused on living for God that we'll walk this life in safety, unharmed by the traps and schemes of the wicked evildoers of our day. Listen there are those who do not want followers of Christ to follow Him. Yet greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Rules or Relationship?
Read Exodus 20:1-21
What's the first thing you think of when you hear the phrase - The Ten Commandments? Is it Charlton Heston? Is it ancient and outdated rules? Or do you think about relationship?
Most think The Ten Commandments are all about rules when the truth is verse one tells us what it's all about. When God spoke these words - I am the LORD your God - He was telling Israel and telling us from the start He is all about desiring a relationship with His people.
When I read the commandments I see something Jesus Himself said. Jesus said, Love God and Love people. And this is the same thing The Ten Commandments tell us. The first four commandments have everything to do with honoring our Father in Heaven. And the last six commandments have everything to do with honoring people.
Ultimately in verse 20 Moses says God has given these commands to test our trust, to test our relationship with Him. And finishes by saying - "so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
Friends, God's always desired to have us in a right relationship with Him. Let's remember The Ten Commandments are all about honoring our Father by having no other gods before Him, by not taking part in idolatry or attributing to His name anything that cuts at the core of His character and finally by keeping the Sabbath, a days rest when we can reflect on the relationship God has established with His children. And let's be His people who also honor others.
What's the first thing you think of when you hear the phrase - The Ten Commandments? Is it Charlton Heston? Is it ancient and outdated rules? Or do you think about relationship?
Most think The Ten Commandments are all about rules when the truth is verse one tells us what it's all about. When God spoke these words - I am the LORD your God - He was telling Israel and telling us from the start He is all about desiring a relationship with His people.
When I read the commandments I see something Jesus Himself said. Jesus said, Love God and Love people. And this is the same thing The Ten Commandments tell us. The first four commandments have everything to do with honoring our Father in Heaven. And the last six commandments have everything to do with honoring people.
Ultimately in verse 20 Moses says God has given these commands to test our trust, to test our relationship with Him. And finishes by saying - "so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
Friends, God's always desired to have us in a right relationship with Him. Let's remember The Ten Commandments are all about honoring our Father by having no other gods before Him, by not taking part in idolatry or attributing to His name anything that cuts at the core of His character and finally by keeping the Sabbath, a days rest when we can reflect on the relationship God has established with His children. And let's be His people who also honor others.
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