Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
I was thinking about this verse this morning as I was thinking back over this week. I have two children and I do desperately hope and pray that I am training them well. I make sure they are in church, youth groups, go to church camps, they have bibles, we pray with them and speak about trusting God with them. We have tried to live by example in front of them. I have tried to do what my parents did. You see, I was raised to love Jesus and know Jesus as my Savior. I want to do the same for my children. I want them to know Jesus for themselves. But, I know there are no guarantees. I pray for them everyday. As a parent, I am concerned for their future, not just in this life, but for eternity.
Yesterday, during the Sunday lesson, the teacher mentioned the little girl who spoke to Naaman about Elisha in 2 Kings chapter 5:2-3
2 And
the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young
girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.”
This little girl was pivotal in the healing of Naaman. She told of the prophet back in Israel who could bring about the healing for Naaman. This little girl was a captive in Syria, taken from her home in Israel. Here she is serving Naaman's wife and family. She has every right to be angry and bitter. She could have even held back the information about Elisha and God's healing power. But, she didn't. She must have been taught to love her enemies. She must have been taught to trust God even in the worst of circumstances. She must have been taught that God can heal. She must have seen or heard Elisha teach and prophecy. She must have had parents that had done their best to train her up in the way she should go.
I cannot imagine being her parents. Here they have this beautiful little girl. They love her as any parent would. They watch her take her first steps and do all those great things babies do. They would tuck her in at night. They may have told her all the wonderful stories of their ancestors from the Torah. They may have told her how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. They may have told her about King David and the mighty victories he won. They may have taken her to the temple. They may have taught her to pray and trust God. Then, the enemy from Syria swept through and began defeating them. The King of Israel was killed. The enemy soldiers swept through. Her father may have died in battle. We know for sure that this little girl was taken to be a servant in Syria and ended up in Naaman's house. He may have been the one who took her. Was her mother taken as well or did this little girl have to see her mother killed as she tried to hang on to her little girl or other children? If her mother was left alive, did she worry over her missing daughter? Did she fear for her safety and imagine all the horrible things she was going through? There was not going to be a rescue. This mother had to trust that God would take care of her child. She had to hope she had taught her enough about God that her daughter would trust in God. She did not know what would become of her, but she knew God could be with her. She taught her child that God would be there.
These parents had instilled in their daughter enough for her to know that God could heal. She was able to move forward and love her masters enough to care about Naaman's health and share about a way he could be healed. She became a witness in a strange land of God Almighty and what He could do. Even when she could have hated them and gave up, she became a light of God. She became instrumental in the healing power of God. She became the missionary. I do not know what happened when Naaman came home and was healed. We know Naaman went home with his servants rejoicing and made perfectly clean. I am sure his family rejoiced to see him healed. I can only imagine that just maybe his family became believers in the God of Israel. They may have put aside the idol worship. Maybe this little girl lead them and taught them more of who the true God is. She was placed in a situation through horrible circumstances that allowed her to be a light of God.
I wonder if her parents ever told her that God would use her someday. I wonder of they ever told her to trust God no matter what happened. I wonder if they told her that God would be glorified even when things didn't go the way we plan. This little girl remembered what she was taught about God and she was used for His glory. Isn't that what every Christian parent wants for their children? I know I do. My husband and I do not know what will happen with our children. But, we can trust God with them. We can trust that He will keep them and be with them even when we cannot. We can teach them all we can now and point them in the way they should go. We can trust God to speak to their hearts when it really matters and help them remember who He is when they need Him. We can pray for them and place them in God's hands. We dedicated them to God after they were born. Yes, they may make different choices than we made. But, I know God is my Savior. I know my children have experienced God for themselves. They have both made that important decision to repent and be baptized. They have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They have witnessed God's healing power and God answering prayers. I can trust they will not forget and God will remind them as they grow up and leave home. If they are not with me, I pray they remember the lessons and remember to trust in God. When they are old, they will not depart from Him and someday, we will all be able to worship God Almighty for eternity. Isn't that really the ultimate goal?
Monday, August 1, 2016
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
where is your security found
Have you ever seen the TV show about people who hoard? They keep EVERYTHING! It is hard to imagine someone keeping everything including trash to the degree that some of these people shown do. It is seen as a mental disorder. One of the biggest things they talk about it a feeling of security. Usually on the show there is a psychologist there to help address the underlying psychological issue. It seems so sad and shocking to see the turmoil and fear it gives the person to let go of even the smallest piece of what we would consider trash. This may all seem to be an extreme, but how many of us hang on to things? I can tell you I have a couple (maybe a few) things I really don't need. I guess in some ways there is a feeling of security that comes from having "stuff."
Growing up, my mom ALWAYS wanted to make sure she had a full cupboard of food. She stockpiled canned goods. She hated to think of running out of food. This turned out to be a good thing when my dad, along with an entire steel mill of people were laid off for about 6 months. There were very few jobs available and we may not have had much, but we had food. Her stockpile dwindled down to near nothing but we did not go hungry. She never let it get low again. When she passed, we all laughed as we were cleaning and found about 20 bottles of flavored extracts, most of which were mint flavored. She had enough cans of beans to feed an army. I think this stockpile created a sense of security for my mom. She felt that as long as there was food in the house, she could provide for her family and those that were hungry.
Security is something we all seek. We want to feel safe and secure. We like to believe we have resources and the ability to provide for our family. That in itself is a good thing. There are times when our security is threatened and this creates great insecurity, turmoil and uneasiness. How many times have I worried about paying a bill or affording something that was necessary? How many times have I tried to figure out how to save up money for something only to have another debt arise? How many times have I heard others discuss financial struggles and woes? Insecurity also comes from other areas as well. Insecurities come from relationships or lack thereof. Insecurities come from inner self-image issues. Insecurities come from beliefs about who you are and what might think or say about you. We all seek security in many areas of our lives.
It really hit me this morning, that we try so hard to find security when God can provide it all along. I always know and believe that God provides and I pray for needs and situations, but how often I allow myself to worry. Worry boils down to feeling insecure. It actually reveals that I may not fully trust in the fact that God provides. He is called Jehovah-Jireh. Jehovah Jireh translates as YHWH will provide. He is my provider. In Genesis chapter 22, we read where Abraham was told by God to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. He willingly obeyed, yet the whole time reassured Isaac that God will provide. He kept saying God will provide the sacrifice. In the end, his faith proved well what God can do. The ram was provided and Isaac was not sacrificed. In Genesis 22:14 it says, "And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”" God tested his faith. God provided for the need.
We also can read of the widow who came to Elisha in 2 Kings chapter 4. She had a great need. She knew Elisha was a man of God. She wanted to God to move for her need. She owed a great debt and feared for her sons being taken and sold to pay the debt. Elisha gave her a plan. Collect many pots and use what she had, a small cruse of oil, and start pouring into the many pots. God miraculously caused the oil to flow until she ran out of pots to fill. She was able to sell the oil, pay the debt and had money left over. What an amazing miracle of God's provision. She found security when she turned to God for an answer. Her situation was hopeless and caused great insecurity, but she believed and trusted that God knew what to do.
We cannot find true security without trusting in God. I found a big reminder of that this week. I was concerned about our finances this week. We had some things in mind that are going to take money we don't have to do. They are important things, and really need to be done. Of course, there is no extra money for these things and I had no idea how we would have the money or resources needed. I prayed and talked to God for a couple of days about the situation and I heard Him remind me that He is Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. I heard him tell me that He already had to answer of the way. I figured I better diligently check the mail. That was not where the answer came from. The next day, the money was provided in completely different way than I could ever imagine and is what we need to take care of the issues at hand. My God provides in mighty ways. I look back at the day when God spoke and gave me peace about it. He did tell me that it was on the way. He did tell me not to worry. He did answer in a great an mighty way. God knows our needs and takes care of His children.
Jesus spoke on this very issue in Matthew chapter 6:25-34
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
We have a great big God who loves us and is always ready to provide. Why do we worry? Why do try to stockpile and become fearful of the 'what-ifs?' God does not leave his children and he does not ignore their needs. David said in Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.
We have no reason to allow worry into our hearts when we know God. It actually says we have little faith when we worry. Faith and trust in God should be our attitude and worry should never have a place in our hearts and minds. God is asking us to step out in faith and trust Him to provide all of our needs. Not just a few here and there, but ALL of our needs. He takes care of His children. I need to really trust that and know that God is already meeting my needs. He never fails and He never ignores. He never lets me down. I thank you, God, for your provision. Thank you, God, for your reminder that You are a Good Father who provides for his children. Thank you, God, for all you have provided and will provide. Rather than seeking security in things, we need to find that God is our security. He is the One who holds us, carries us, and provides for us. Our security should be found in Him and in Him alone. There is no reason to fear or worry when we know the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. There is no reason to fear, but every reason to feel secure and safe. He is Jehovah-Jireh.
Growing up, my mom ALWAYS wanted to make sure she had a full cupboard of food. She stockpiled canned goods. She hated to think of running out of food. This turned out to be a good thing when my dad, along with an entire steel mill of people were laid off for about 6 months. There were very few jobs available and we may not have had much, but we had food. Her stockpile dwindled down to near nothing but we did not go hungry. She never let it get low again. When she passed, we all laughed as we were cleaning and found about 20 bottles of flavored extracts, most of which were mint flavored. She had enough cans of beans to feed an army. I think this stockpile created a sense of security for my mom. She felt that as long as there was food in the house, she could provide for her family and those that were hungry.
Security is something we all seek. We want to feel safe and secure. We like to believe we have resources and the ability to provide for our family. That in itself is a good thing. There are times when our security is threatened and this creates great insecurity, turmoil and uneasiness. How many times have I worried about paying a bill or affording something that was necessary? How many times have I tried to figure out how to save up money for something only to have another debt arise? How many times have I heard others discuss financial struggles and woes? Insecurity also comes from other areas as well. Insecurities come from relationships or lack thereof. Insecurities come from inner self-image issues. Insecurities come from beliefs about who you are and what might think or say about you. We all seek security in many areas of our lives.
It really hit me this morning, that we try so hard to find security when God can provide it all along. I always know and believe that God provides and I pray for needs and situations, but how often I allow myself to worry. Worry boils down to feeling insecure. It actually reveals that I may not fully trust in the fact that God provides. He is called Jehovah-Jireh. Jehovah Jireh translates as YHWH will provide. He is my provider. In Genesis chapter 22, we read where Abraham was told by God to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. He willingly obeyed, yet the whole time reassured Isaac that God will provide. He kept saying God will provide the sacrifice. In the end, his faith proved well what God can do. The ram was provided and Isaac was not sacrificed. In Genesis 22:14 it says, "And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”" God tested his faith. God provided for the need.
We also can read of the widow who came to Elisha in 2 Kings chapter 4. She had a great need. She knew Elisha was a man of God. She wanted to God to move for her need. She owed a great debt and feared for her sons being taken and sold to pay the debt. Elisha gave her a plan. Collect many pots and use what she had, a small cruse of oil, and start pouring into the many pots. God miraculously caused the oil to flow until she ran out of pots to fill. She was able to sell the oil, pay the debt and had money left over. What an amazing miracle of God's provision. She found security when she turned to God for an answer. Her situation was hopeless and caused great insecurity, but she believed and trusted that God knew what to do.
We cannot find true security without trusting in God. I found a big reminder of that this week. I was concerned about our finances this week. We had some things in mind that are going to take money we don't have to do. They are important things, and really need to be done. Of course, there is no extra money for these things and I had no idea how we would have the money or resources needed. I prayed and talked to God for a couple of days about the situation and I heard Him remind me that He is Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. I heard him tell me that He already had to answer of the way. I figured I better diligently check the mail. That was not where the answer came from. The next day, the money was provided in completely different way than I could ever imagine and is what we need to take care of the issues at hand. My God provides in mighty ways. I look back at the day when God spoke and gave me peace about it. He did tell me that it was on the way. He did tell me not to worry. He did answer in a great an mighty way. God knows our needs and takes care of His children.
Jesus spoke on this very issue in Matthew chapter 6:25-34
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
We have a great big God who loves us and is always ready to provide. Why do we worry? Why do try to stockpile and become fearful of the 'what-ifs?' God does not leave his children and he does not ignore their needs. David said in Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.
We have no reason to allow worry into our hearts when we know God. It actually says we have little faith when we worry. Faith and trust in God should be our attitude and worry should never have a place in our hearts and minds. God is asking us to step out in faith and trust Him to provide all of our needs. Not just a few here and there, but ALL of our needs. He takes care of His children. I need to really trust that and know that God is already meeting my needs. He never fails and He never ignores. He never lets me down. I thank you, God, for your provision. Thank you, God, for your reminder that You are a Good Father who provides for his children. Thank you, God, for all you have provided and will provide. Rather than seeking security in things, we need to find that God is our security. He is the One who holds us, carries us, and provides for us. Our security should be found in Him and in Him alone. There is no reason to fear or worry when we know the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. There is no reason to fear, but every reason to feel secure and safe. He is Jehovah-Jireh.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
what does God expect....
This week has been one full of horrific events. The news is full of terrible incidents of murder, shootings, and horrific criminal acts. Many people are debating who is at fault and who or what is to blame. It is racism, is it authority figures, is it lack of respect? The list goes on and on. On Facebook, there is post after post of who hates who. There are reports of rallies and protests in many cities. Acts of violence, hatred and fear are obviously making sure we are divided and looking over our shoulders. What are we to do in times like this? Darkness and evil acts are charging forth into our world. Where is the light? As a christian, I turn to the Word of God and find out He had a lot to say about this.
First and foremost, I read Ephesians chapter 4. It is entirely about how we are to live and relate to others. There is a call for unity, for us to apply spiritual gifts and be a new man in Christ. It also speaks of not grieving the Holy Spirit. This is the part of scripture I will use here.
Ephesians 4:30-32
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
That last verse says it all. It tells us us to not hold grudges or be separated, but instead, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. The key, however, is in the statement, "even as God in Christ forgave you." Here is where we find a condition. We first need to understand that we are forgiven by Jesus. He came to seek and to save the lost. He makes a way of escape for all who sin. He does not want us to be bound by sin and given over to our sinful nature. When we accept Jesus and repent of our sins, we are forgiven of our sins. We are supposed to turn around and apply this forgiveness to others.
This shows that we are different and changed by Jesus Christ who is in us. When we are hateful, grudging, spewing forth evil sayings and causing division, we are not acting in accordance to God's will. Galatians 5:19 tells us these acts are works of the flesh. We, as Christians, are to bear the fruit of the Spirit, not works of the flesh. We are to be kind, forgiving and tenderhearted toward one another. All others, not just those we look like, act like, or even just those we like.
Galatians 5: 22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
As we can see here,if we were all bearing the fruit of the Spirit, it would have a completely different affect than works of the flesh. So I can say that this week, much of what we are seeing is works of the flesh. It is evident that Christ would be ashamed of such things as we have witnessed this week. I believe God is grieved by such horrific acts that go completely against His will. The works of the flesh have been evident and displayed in full form. The fruit of the Spirit of God needs to be developed and brought forth.
Now, I know some will say that I am holding non-Christian people to Christian standards here and I shouldn't expect that of people. But here is the way I see it. I am going to do so because God's standards are the ultimate law by which everyone will be judged at some point. We will all face God's judgement whether we believe it or not. We are all held to His standard. Unfortunately, many do not realize this fact or even believe it. Many people have turned their backs of God and on His law. Many have denied He exists and even mock those that do believe. Those that do say they believe have often not really spent time in the Word of God to understand God's law and His standards. They do not understand that their life should reflect the changing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. That the fruit of the flesh should be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit. We have backed down and stepped aside out of fear of offending and out of lack of understanding who God is. We have a lack of faith to take a stand. I feel ashamed to say that there have been many times I have not spoken up or stood up based on the Word of God when I knew I should have. God forgive me. On top of that, most of our laws and morality are based upon the standards of God whether we recognize that fact or not. That is a whole other discussion.
I am going to speak directly to those of us who call ourselves Christians. Are we living the Word of God and meeting His expectations? God is expecting His church to be His light, His hands and feet, His voice to this world. God is expecting His people to shine in the darkness that so permeates this world. To be the light, we must first be in the light. Moses went up on the mountain into the very presence of God and when he returned, the people of Israel made him wear a veil because His face literally shone with the glory of God. There was evidence of Moses spending time with God. That makes me ask: Is there evidence in my life that I have spent time with God? Does His glory shine through me and from me because I have been spending time with my Savior? What about you? Are you spending time in the presence of God so that His glory is shining forth from you?
The church, God's people, have a responsibility to be the light of the world. To be a light, we must be showing evidence of spending time with God. We must be in His Word, spending time in prayer and fasting, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. We must be about our Father's business.
This enemy, Satan is pushing and making great strides as he has caused great division and hatred to reign this week. He laughs with derision and glee at the violence and hateful speech that is spewing forth out of the mouths of even those who call themselves Christians. We need to put aside those things of the flesh that are taking us deeper into darkness and get in the light of God.
We need to drop to our knees and call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to change us and make a change in this world. Prayer and time with God is the only way we are ever going to defeat hatred and fear that is rearing its ugly head.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Are we ready to really fight hatred? Are we ready to really fight violence? Are we ready to really fight evil? The only answer is to live as Jesus Christ has called us to live. We need to be that light that pierces through the darkness. Only then, can true love, forgiveness and kindness permeate into society. Only then, can the words of Jesus take full effect and be evident. Only then, will people find out that God is love and His people live it and represent God's love. Only then, can we truly do what Jesus commanded. Only then, can this dark world experience true hope and true light.
Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Are we ready to really be the light that shines in the darkness?
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Here in these verses in the Word of God, we have the answer for the evil in this world. Here in the Word of God is the Will of God for people to love Him and love one another. Isn't it time for His people to become this answer for the world and shine the light? It is time to apply the Word of God and live it out in this world. Let's work on that individually and corporately. I believe and I know obeying God's word will make all the difference if we really do it. I guess I can come to the conclusion that God expects His people to be the light of the world that shines brightly. He expects His people to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving one another. Lord help us all to meet Your expectations.
First and foremost, I read Ephesians chapter 4. It is entirely about how we are to live and relate to others. There is a call for unity, for us to apply spiritual gifts and be a new man in Christ. It also speaks of not grieving the Holy Spirit. This is the part of scripture I will use here.
Ephesians 4:30-32
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
That last verse says it all. It tells us us to not hold grudges or be separated, but instead, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. The key, however, is in the statement, "even as God in Christ forgave you." Here is where we find a condition. We first need to understand that we are forgiven by Jesus. He came to seek and to save the lost. He makes a way of escape for all who sin. He does not want us to be bound by sin and given over to our sinful nature. When we accept Jesus and repent of our sins, we are forgiven of our sins. We are supposed to turn around and apply this forgiveness to others.
This shows that we are different and changed by Jesus Christ who is in us. When we are hateful, grudging, spewing forth evil sayings and causing division, we are not acting in accordance to God's will. Galatians 5:19 tells us these acts are works of the flesh. We, as Christians, are to bear the fruit of the Spirit, not works of the flesh. We are to be kind, forgiving and tenderhearted toward one another. All others, not just those we look like, act like, or even just those we like.
Galatians 5: 22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
As we can see here,if we were all bearing the fruit of the Spirit, it would have a completely different affect than works of the flesh. So I can say that this week, much of what we are seeing is works of the flesh. It is evident that Christ would be ashamed of such things as we have witnessed this week. I believe God is grieved by such horrific acts that go completely against His will. The works of the flesh have been evident and displayed in full form. The fruit of the Spirit of God needs to be developed and brought forth.
Now, I know some will say that I am holding non-Christian people to Christian standards here and I shouldn't expect that of people. But here is the way I see it. I am going to do so because God's standards are the ultimate law by which everyone will be judged at some point. We will all face God's judgement whether we believe it or not. We are all held to His standard. Unfortunately, many do not realize this fact or even believe it. Many people have turned their backs of God and on His law. Many have denied He exists and even mock those that do believe. Those that do say they believe have often not really spent time in the Word of God to understand God's law and His standards. They do not understand that their life should reflect the changing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. That the fruit of the flesh should be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit. We have backed down and stepped aside out of fear of offending and out of lack of understanding who God is. We have a lack of faith to take a stand. I feel ashamed to say that there have been many times I have not spoken up or stood up based on the Word of God when I knew I should have. God forgive me. On top of that, most of our laws and morality are based upon the standards of God whether we recognize that fact or not. That is a whole other discussion.
I am going to speak directly to those of us who call ourselves Christians. Are we living the Word of God and meeting His expectations? God is expecting His church to be His light, His hands and feet, His voice to this world. God is expecting His people to shine in the darkness that so permeates this world. To be the light, we must first be in the light. Moses went up on the mountain into the very presence of God and when he returned, the people of Israel made him wear a veil because His face literally shone with the glory of God. There was evidence of Moses spending time with God. That makes me ask: Is there evidence in my life that I have spent time with God? Does His glory shine through me and from me because I have been spending time with my Savior? What about you? Are you spending time in the presence of God so that His glory is shining forth from you?
The church, God's people, have a responsibility to be the light of the world. To be a light, we must be showing evidence of spending time with God. We must be in His Word, spending time in prayer and fasting, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. We must be about our Father's business.
This enemy, Satan is pushing and making great strides as he has caused great division and hatred to reign this week. He laughs with derision and glee at the violence and hateful speech that is spewing forth out of the mouths of even those who call themselves Christians. We need to put aside those things of the flesh that are taking us deeper into darkness and get in the light of God.
We need to drop to our knees and call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to change us and make a change in this world. Prayer and time with God is the only way we are ever going to defeat hatred and fear that is rearing its ugly head.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Are we ready to really fight hatred? Are we ready to really fight violence? Are we ready to really fight evil? The only answer is to live as Jesus Christ has called us to live. We need to be that light that pierces through the darkness. Only then, can true love, forgiveness and kindness permeate into society. Only then, can the words of Jesus take full effect and be evident. Only then, will people find out that God is love and His people live it and represent God's love. Only then, can we truly do what Jesus commanded. Only then, can this dark world experience true hope and true light.
Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Are we ready to really be the light that shines in the darkness?
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Here in these verses in the Word of God, we have the answer for the evil in this world. Here in the Word of God is the Will of God for people to love Him and love one another. Isn't it time for His people to become this answer for the world and shine the light? It is time to apply the Word of God and live it out in this world. Let's work on that individually and corporately. I believe and I know obeying God's word will make all the difference if we really do it. I guess I can come to the conclusion that God expects His people to be the light of the world that shines brightly. He expects His people to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving one another. Lord help us all to meet Your expectations.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
fire, flight and fight
As I was praying yesterday morning, I began to ask God to help me change and be more like him. I want so much to be his representative to those around me. I want God to shine through me.
I began to think about verses with promises. Promises for strength and for the power of the Holy Spirit operating in our lives.
Jeremiah 20: 9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
This was then fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
There is the use of the word fire. Fire burns and destroys, but it also purifies and gives light and energy. God's holy fire comes to purify us and cleanse us (Acts 15:8-9) and it also comes to embolden and empower us to walk in the Spirit. (Acts 1:8). Fire is an important symbol and need for a powerful walk with God. Once the disciples received the 'fire' of the Holy Ghost, they boldly began their ministries preaching the gospel, performing miracles, healing the sick, proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Messiah even unto death. They became powerful in the Spirit of God. If I am afraid and unable to proclaim the power of the Holy Ghost, maybe I am missing something. God did not send His Spirit to us to leave us in the same place He found us in. He wants a powerful church full of powerful, spirit-filled believers willing to step out, speak up and stand boldly with confidence in His Name. (Hebrews 10:35, 1 John 2:28).
There are also many verses that encourage us with references to being in the shadow of His wings. Wings that protect and cover us and wings that lift us up.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 30:1 I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
Wings are used to fly. Birds in flight are beautiful and agile. They can soar, dive, and even rest at times allowing the air current to carry them. They are free up in the heights of the sky. We have a freedom in God to soar in His Spirit, move with intention to fulfill His Will and yes, even find rest allowing His current to carry us for a time. We can fly when we lean on God for strength, protection and guidance.
There also many verses that call us to fight. We are to put on the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Jesus was tempted in Matthew chapter 4 and when he addressed Satan's temptation, he used the word, "It is written...." The Word was his weapon. Ephesians 6:17 says the Word is a sword.
We have a strong weapon when we use His Word.
We have an enemy who is seeking to destroy us. (1 Peter 5:8) We must be strong and ready to face the enemy. We need to be prepared and face the battle head on. My husband has said many times, they armor is all defensive on the front of the body. The back of the body is not meant to be exposed to the enemy because that means you are running away and not fighting. We need to be strong in the Lord to face the adversary and fight. We fight in prayer, on our knees with faith and power in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:20, Philippians 2:10).
So I think I will pray that God help me be a fire, help be fly and help me fight! We need power and strength and that comes through His Word. His word is like fire, it causes us to take flight and makes us strong to fight. That only comes by knowing and applying the Word of God.
I began to think about verses with promises. Promises for strength and for the power of the Holy Spirit operating in our lives.
Jeremiah 20: 9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
This was then fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
There is the use of the word fire. Fire burns and destroys, but it also purifies and gives light and energy. God's holy fire comes to purify us and cleanse us (Acts 15:8-9) and it also comes to embolden and empower us to walk in the Spirit. (Acts 1:8). Fire is an important symbol and need for a powerful walk with God. Once the disciples received the 'fire' of the Holy Ghost, they boldly began their ministries preaching the gospel, performing miracles, healing the sick, proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Messiah even unto death. They became powerful in the Spirit of God. If I am afraid and unable to proclaim the power of the Holy Ghost, maybe I am missing something. God did not send His Spirit to us to leave us in the same place He found us in. He wants a powerful church full of powerful, spirit-filled believers willing to step out, speak up and stand boldly with confidence in His Name. (Hebrews 10:35, 1 John 2:28).
There are also many verses that encourage us with references to being in the shadow of His wings. Wings that protect and cover us and wings that lift us up.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 30:1 I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
Wings are used to fly. Birds in flight are beautiful and agile. They can soar, dive, and even rest at times allowing the air current to carry them. They are free up in the heights of the sky. We have a freedom in God to soar in His Spirit, move with intention to fulfill His Will and yes, even find rest allowing His current to carry us for a time. We can fly when we lean on God for strength, protection and guidance.
There also many verses that call us to fight. We are to put on the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Jesus was tempted in Matthew chapter 4 and when he addressed Satan's temptation, he used the word, "It is written...." The Word was his weapon. Ephesians 6:17 says the Word is a sword.
We have a strong weapon when we use His Word.
We have an enemy who is seeking to destroy us. (1 Peter 5:8) We must be strong and ready to face the enemy. We need to be prepared and face the battle head on. My husband has said many times, they armor is all defensive on the front of the body. The back of the body is not meant to be exposed to the enemy because that means you are running away and not fighting. We need to be strong in the Lord to face the adversary and fight. We fight in prayer, on our knees with faith and power in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:20, Philippians 2:10).
So I think I will pray that God help me be a fire, help be fly and help me fight! We need power and strength and that comes through His Word. His word is like fire, it causes us to take flight and makes us strong to fight. That only comes by knowing and applying the Word of God.
Monday, June 13, 2016
he didn't leave them the same as when he came
I have heard many people make statements like, “Jesus hung out with sinners,” or “If Jesus were here today, he would be partying with the sinners not with the religious, self-righteous church people.” I have been quite disturbed as I see many people who call themselves Christians, participate in activities that do not speak of a Christ-like life. They use the above statements to justify their own sinful decisions and to make their sin ‘okay.’ The Word of God shows me that, yes, Jesus did spend time around and with sinful people. He even ate with them and went to their homes. He was criticized and accused of breaking the law by doing so. However, in every instance Jesus sat down with a sinner, but when he left them, they were changed.
Take Zacchaeus for instance. In Luke Chapter 19:1-10
1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him,[a] and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
As I read this, I see the perfect example of Jesus loving a sinner. He did not take on the views of those around him and hate Zacchaeus for being a mean, cheating, stealing tax-collector. He saw a man who needed salvation. He called Zacchaeus by name and went to his house. I would love to know what was spoken in that conversation. In that little bit of time over a meal, Jesus spoke to the heart of the matter as evidenced by Zacchaeus’ response. Zacchaeus changed. He changed in his heart. He became a giving, generous, loving man of God. He became a man that wanted to please God rather than gather riches. He turned from his sin and he became a Christian. The presence of Jesus changed a sinful man into a God-fearing man. When Jesus walked out of that house, he did not leave Zacchaeus in the same sinful condition he found him in when he came. Jesus did not participate in the sin, but left a man changed by His very presence.
This story played out over and over in the four gospels. Every person that came to Jesus was given the opportunity to change. The woman at the well, the twelve disciples, the blind man, the leper and the prostitute woman came into the presence of Jesus full of sin and living sinful lives. They were transformed and changed when Jesus spoke to them and addressed the condition of their heart. They were quickly and almost immediately washed and cleansed with new perspectives, new hearts and new minds. He came and changed lives.
He did not force them to change but gave them the message that sin needed to be forsaken and there needed to be a change in their hearts. There were those who did not accept this message even from Jesus. In Mark chapter 10 we read of the rich young ruler.
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[c]
20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
This rich young ruler had a habit of doing what he thought was good, but when challenged to put God first, to truly trust God, and be a sold-out follower, he was unwilling to give up what he thought was his security and salvation. He went away sorrowful and and sad. He did not find the joy in Jesus. He did not realize that a heart change was what Jesus offered. He loved his life and his things more than God. He was unwilling to let the presence of Jesus completely transform him from the inside out.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
This verse tells me that God is interesting changing our hearts. He does not send his presence just to spend time hanging out, but to transform and change the heart of man.
Romans 12:2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
He wants to transform the world, not the other way around.
Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
In college, I had a discussion a few times with a couple of bible study friends about going to frat parties. They would often cite the scriptures of Jesus going to the sinners. They would talk about reaching sinners by hanging out with them. My question was, if you are participating in their sinful acts, are you really going to win them to Christ? What are you showing them that is any different from what they are already doing? Was this christian influencing them to have a change or was this christian really the one being influenced by sin? More often than not, the christian is justifying participation in a sinful act or activity. There is no influence from the christian on the sinner to be different or seek the salvation Jesus is offering. Rather than a heart filled with the presence of God, the Holy Ghost, the things that ended up proceeding from them defiled the testimony they had hoped to have.
I see people “partying,” living lives full of hatred and destruction, using foul language, gossiping, back-biting, and down-right unloving to others. I see and hear many participating in sin all the while calling it witnessing, fun, and fellowship. I see arguments and attacks between those who say they are loving Christians on one another. I see Christians participating in the same activities and sinful nature rather than being an influence that causes Jesus’ presence to enter and make heart changes. There is self-righteousness on many sides. There is self-justification and excuses made for actions that are downright against the plan of God. What is truly in the heart is what is coming out and defiling the man not revealing Christ.
Luke 16:15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
I may be stepping on some toes and may even be speaking to myself as I write this, but it is time to examine ourselves through the lens of the scripture. Jesus may have sat down with sinners, but he left them changed. Have we entered a home with the presence of Jesus and left those in that home completely changed by the presence of the Almighty?
Jesus did. Peter did. Paul did. Those in the presence of Paul, even the soldiers guarding him, found the life changing presence of Jesus irresistible. Rather than allowing the influence of sin into our hearts, we need to allow the presence of the Holy Ghost to operate through us to draw all men to the life-changing experience of salvation. We should be leaving a trail of changed hearts and lives in our wake.
We cannot justify sin, participate in sin, and make sin okay even in the name of witnessing and being loving to sinners. Jesus may have sat down and ate with sinners, but He did not participate in their sin, nor did he excuse it. He did not tolerate the sin and He spoke against it. He called out those with sin in their hearts and condemned the sin. He did not allow those to continue in sin when he had a life saving message for them. He loved the sinner and made sure they understood the way of escape. He did not leave them in the same condition in which he found them. Because of the love he had for them, he spoke truth in that love and revealed the sinful nature that must be forgiven.
In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
He did not want to leave sinners in the same condition without addressing the serious condition of their life. He gave them the life giving message of salvation and a way to leave sin behind. We, as Christ-like people, need to do the same. We were told to go preach the gospel in Mark 16:15 and by Jesus several times in his ministry. We are not called to participate in sin and just be friends with sin. Jesus would not have sat and hoped that just by being there and being friendly, the sinner might decide to change. He spoke life and spoke to their sinful nature. He addressed the heart issues and called them to repentance. Those of us that claim to be Christians (meaning: Christ-like) need to examine our own examples, our own hearts and lives. Are we living up to this title? It says in Acts 11:26 And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. They were called Christians. They did not call themselves Christians. Others saw Christ in their deeds, actions, words and lives. Others saw them as Christ-like.
Do others see us as Christ-like? Christians need to quit making excuses, quit playing with sin, quit allowing sin to be manifest in lives, quit being afraid to just be like Christ. If we don’t know what Christ was like, read the Bible and find out. Jesus Christ did not tolerate sin nor did he participate in sin. He was sinless and perfect. While loving others, he indeed spoke against sin and spoke truth. We need to speak truth and speak against sin. We need to declare the life-changing gospel to those who are trapped in sin. We need to be the light that shines in the darkness. We need to offer those around us a transformed life with eternal hope in Jesus. When we sit and talk with those who are controlled by sin, we must love them as Christ loved them and speak truth. We want to leave them changed because the presence of Jesus was evident and active in our lives. No longer should we be influenced by those in sin, but we should be the influence that transforms those who come into contact with Jesus Christ in us.
Be an example of the believers.
Titus 2:7-8 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
Pray that Christians become Christ-like and become the gospel message that changes the world. Pray that we love others enough to be truthful and speak life. Pray that we are strong enough to say no to sinful actions. Pray that our hearts are transformed and represent Christ. Pray that we are no longer tolerant of sin and no longer fearful of speaking the truth of the gospel. Pray that we are no longer afraid of offending and are bold in our declaration that Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life. No man comes unto the Father but through Jesus alone. (John 14:6)
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Let us walk in newness of life and no longer in sin. Let us do the will of the Father and no longer our own sinful will. Let us crucify the flesh (Romans 6:6-7)and walk in the Spirit. Be separate from sin (2 Corinthians 6:17) and be the influence to those who need Christ. We need to be obedient the Word of God and truly represent Christ.
Take Zacchaeus for instance. In Luke Chapter 19:1-10
1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him,[a] and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
As I read this, I see the perfect example of Jesus loving a sinner. He did not take on the views of those around him and hate Zacchaeus for being a mean, cheating, stealing tax-collector. He saw a man who needed salvation. He called Zacchaeus by name and went to his house. I would love to know what was spoken in that conversation. In that little bit of time over a meal, Jesus spoke to the heart of the matter as evidenced by Zacchaeus’ response. Zacchaeus changed. He changed in his heart. He became a giving, generous, loving man of God. He became a man that wanted to please God rather than gather riches. He turned from his sin and he became a Christian. The presence of Jesus changed a sinful man into a God-fearing man. When Jesus walked out of that house, he did not leave Zacchaeus in the same sinful condition he found him in when he came. Jesus did not participate in the sin, but left a man changed by His very presence.
This story played out over and over in the four gospels. Every person that came to Jesus was given the opportunity to change. The woman at the well, the twelve disciples, the blind man, the leper and the prostitute woman came into the presence of Jesus full of sin and living sinful lives. They were transformed and changed when Jesus spoke to them and addressed the condition of their heart. They were quickly and almost immediately washed and cleansed with new perspectives, new hearts and new minds. He came and changed lives.
He did not force them to change but gave them the message that sin needed to be forsaken and there needed to be a change in their hearts. There were those who did not accept this message even from Jesus. In Mark chapter 10 we read of the rich young ruler.
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[c]
20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
This rich young ruler had a habit of doing what he thought was good, but when challenged to put God first, to truly trust God, and be a sold-out follower, he was unwilling to give up what he thought was his security and salvation. He went away sorrowful and and sad. He did not find the joy in Jesus. He did not realize that a heart change was what Jesus offered. He loved his life and his things more than God. He was unwilling to let the presence of Jesus completely transform him from the inside out.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
This verse tells me that God is interesting changing our hearts. He does not send his presence just to spend time hanging out, but to transform and change the heart of man.
Romans 12:2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
He wants to transform the world, not the other way around.
Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
In college, I had a discussion a few times with a couple of bible study friends about going to frat parties. They would often cite the scriptures of Jesus going to the sinners. They would talk about reaching sinners by hanging out with them. My question was, if you are participating in their sinful acts, are you really going to win them to Christ? What are you showing them that is any different from what they are already doing? Was this christian influencing them to have a change or was this christian really the one being influenced by sin? More often than not, the christian is justifying participation in a sinful act or activity. There is no influence from the christian on the sinner to be different or seek the salvation Jesus is offering. Rather than a heart filled with the presence of God, the Holy Ghost, the things that ended up proceeding from them defiled the testimony they had hoped to have.
I see people “partying,” living lives full of hatred and destruction, using foul language, gossiping, back-biting, and down-right unloving to others. I see and hear many participating in sin all the while calling it witnessing, fun, and fellowship. I see arguments and attacks between those who say they are loving Christians on one another. I see Christians participating in the same activities and sinful nature rather than being an influence that causes Jesus’ presence to enter and make heart changes. There is self-righteousness on many sides. There is self-justification and excuses made for actions that are downright against the plan of God. What is truly in the heart is what is coming out and defiling the man not revealing Christ.
Luke 16:15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
I may be stepping on some toes and may even be speaking to myself as I write this, but it is time to examine ourselves through the lens of the scripture. Jesus may have sat down with sinners, but he left them changed. Have we entered a home with the presence of Jesus and left those in that home completely changed by the presence of the Almighty?
Jesus did. Peter did. Paul did. Those in the presence of Paul, even the soldiers guarding him, found the life changing presence of Jesus irresistible. Rather than allowing the influence of sin into our hearts, we need to allow the presence of the Holy Ghost to operate through us to draw all men to the life-changing experience of salvation. We should be leaving a trail of changed hearts and lives in our wake.
We cannot justify sin, participate in sin, and make sin okay even in the name of witnessing and being loving to sinners. Jesus may have sat down and ate with sinners, but He did not participate in their sin, nor did he excuse it. He did not tolerate the sin and He spoke against it. He called out those with sin in their hearts and condemned the sin. He did not allow those to continue in sin when he had a life saving message for them. He loved the sinner and made sure they understood the way of escape. He did not leave them in the same condition in which he found them. Because of the love he had for them, he spoke truth in that love and revealed the sinful nature that must be forgiven.
In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
He did not want to leave sinners in the same condition without addressing the serious condition of their life. He gave them the life giving message of salvation and a way to leave sin behind. We, as Christ-like people, need to do the same. We were told to go preach the gospel in Mark 16:15 and by Jesus several times in his ministry. We are not called to participate in sin and just be friends with sin. Jesus would not have sat and hoped that just by being there and being friendly, the sinner might decide to change. He spoke life and spoke to their sinful nature. He addressed the heart issues and called them to repentance. Those of us that claim to be Christians (meaning: Christ-like) need to examine our own examples, our own hearts and lives. Are we living up to this title? It says in Acts 11:26 And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. They were called Christians. They did not call themselves Christians. Others saw Christ in their deeds, actions, words and lives. Others saw them as Christ-like.
Do others see us as Christ-like? Christians need to quit making excuses, quit playing with sin, quit allowing sin to be manifest in lives, quit being afraid to just be like Christ. If we don’t know what Christ was like, read the Bible and find out. Jesus Christ did not tolerate sin nor did he participate in sin. He was sinless and perfect. While loving others, he indeed spoke against sin and spoke truth. We need to speak truth and speak against sin. We need to declare the life-changing gospel to those who are trapped in sin. We need to be the light that shines in the darkness. We need to offer those around us a transformed life with eternal hope in Jesus. When we sit and talk with those who are controlled by sin, we must love them as Christ loved them and speak truth. We want to leave them changed because the presence of Jesus was evident and active in our lives. No longer should we be influenced by those in sin, but we should be the influence that transforms those who come into contact with Jesus Christ in us.
Be an example of the believers.
Titus 2:7-8 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
Pray that Christians become Christ-like and become the gospel message that changes the world. Pray that we love others enough to be truthful and speak life. Pray that we are strong enough to say no to sinful actions. Pray that our hearts are transformed and represent Christ. Pray that we are no longer tolerant of sin and no longer fearful of speaking the truth of the gospel. Pray that we are no longer afraid of offending and are bold in our declaration that Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life. No man comes unto the Father but through Jesus alone. (John 14:6)
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Let us walk in newness of life and no longer in sin. Let us do the will of the Father and no longer our own sinful will. Let us crucify the flesh (Romans 6:6-7)and walk in the Spirit. Be separate from sin (2 Corinthians 6:17) and be the influence to those who need Christ. We need to be obedient the Word of God and truly represent Christ.
I shall not want
Today, the assistant pastor taught our Sunday school class using Psalm 23 as his text. My mind was suddenly transported back to when I was around four years old. I distinctly remember sitting beside my mom in a little small town church during the testimony service. I was yanking on her sleeve saying, “Tell them I want to say something!” She stood and testified and then said, “Lori wants to testify.” I quickly stood and blurted out, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want!” and sat down just as quickly. I remember that being the first verse I ever memorized and knew it was a scripture I needed to know. I loved standing and saying that verse at church any chance I got.
Here I am nearly forty years later and that verse still holds significance to me. I can say it is a testament of the importance my parents placed on teaching scriptures to their children. They were firm believers in Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. It is also a testament of the Word of God and how it can be life sustaining.
I am able to say that living in this world comes with ups and downs. I can sit here and say that life can sometimes get the best of us and it can sometimes be amazing. I sat last night in a baseball stadium with family and friends enjoying a great evening of baseball and good Christian music. I sat out on the grass and watched the wonderful people in my life laughing and enjoying each other’s company. I watched two little girls tumbling and somersaulting across the field with great delight. Joy and laughter filled our hearts. At the same time, I could also know there are great stresses of life that can bear down on us: health, finances, struggles, etc. I could list many things that when I walk back in the front door of the house, that flood in and remind me that bills are still waiting to be paid, and there are still the stresses of living.
Bad news comes and when it does, God has given us His word to turn to and hold on to His promises. One of those is Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. As I listened to the lesson this morning, I was reminded that I do not have to worry and fret. I do not have to struggle alone. I do not need to let the daily stresses take away from the joy and peace that God has already given. He is a Good Shepherd and a Good Father. He has already made a way for us. He is our Provider and a present help in time of need. He is our Everything and His is our All. His Word is full of promises. When he gave instructions for parents to teach the commandments, His Word to their children, it wasn’t just to pass along information. It was to instill in the next generation the understanding that God is God. He is strong, powerful and real. He is always there and He reigns supreme. It was about teaching them that God is the provider, the giver of life, the healer and the keeper of our souls. It was about giving them hope for the future and peace in the storm. It was about making sure, they knew who they could turn to and who was their Protector. It was for the Joy of the Lord to be the strength for the next generation.
I am so grateful that my parents took the time to teach me that The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want. I can trust in God for His promises are true and sure. His Word can be my source for joy and peace. He is truly a Good Shepherd watching out for me. He provides and I shall not want. I have assurance that He will always provide and He will always keep me safe and secure.
Here I am nearly forty years later and that verse still holds significance to me. I can say it is a testament of the importance my parents placed on teaching scriptures to their children. They were firm believers in Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. It is also a testament of the Word of God and how it can be life sustaining.
I am able to say that living in this world comes with ups and downs. I can sit here and say that life can sometimes get the best of us and it can sometimes be amazing. I sat last night in a baseball stadium with family and friends enjoying a great evening of baseball and good Christian music. I sat out on the grass and watched the wonderful people in my life laughing and enjoying each other’s company. I watched two little girls tumbling and somersaulting across the field with great delight. Joy and laughter filled our hearts. At the same time, I could also know there are great stresses of life that can bear down on us: health, finances, struggles, etc. I could list many things that when I walk back in the front door of the house, that flood in and remind me that bills are still waiting to be paid, and there are still the stresses of living.
Bad news comes and when it does, God has given us His word to turn to and hold on to His promises. One of those is Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. As I listened to the lesson this morning, I was reminded that I do not have to worry and fret. I do not have to struggle alone. I do not need to let the daily stresses take away from the joy and peace that God has already given. He is a Good Shepherd and a Good Father. He has already made a way for us. He is our Provider and a present help in time of need. He is our Everything and His is our All. His Word is full of promises. When he gave instructions for parents to teach the commandments, His Word to their children, it wasn’t just to pass along information. It was to instill in the next generation the understanding that God is God. He is strong, powerful and real. He is always there and He reigns supreme. It was about teaching them that God is the provider, the giver of life, the healer and the keeper of our souls. It was about giving them hope for the future and peace in the storm. It was about making sure, they knew who they could turn to and who was their Protector. It was for the Joy of the Lord to be the strength for the next generation.
I am so grateful that my parents took the time to teach me that The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want. I can trust in God for His promises are true and sure. His Word can be my source for joy and peace. He is truly a Good Shepherd watching out for me. He provides and I shall not want. I have assurance that He will always provide and He will always keep me safe and secure.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
His Word
God gave us his Word for us to get to know Him. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
He has a purpose for His Word. Many people today question the value, authenticity, and importance of the Word of God. Many say it is no longer valid, unreliable and unnecessary. The Word of God is held in question be our society at large.
I can tell you without a doubt, that God's Word is absolutely necessary, valid and of the utmost importance. It is valuable, reliable and powerful.
I have been doing much research and reading on the process of how the Bible we now have even came to be. It is held as the most scrutinized and criticized literature, yet proven to be one of the most accurately maintained. It has been painstakingly translated, passed down for generations and held in the highest regard by those who have done so.
The Bible has been carefully preserved. It gives to us the divinely inspired Word of God from the very human eye-witnesses who experienced the supernatural move of God's Spirit. These 40 plus writers across many generations all shared a common inspiration that does not contradict or change. Jeremiah 30:2
“Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.
Writers outside the Bible and archaeological finds construct proofs and support for the writings and stories of the Bible. It would take many pages and volumes to share the proofs of the Word of God.
So I encourage you to search it out for yourself.
One of the greatest proofs for me, is the power of the Word of God as I read it, speak it and apply it to my own life. I see the evidence of the Living Word.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
His Word changes everything when it is given precedence in our lives. I have seen miracles take place at the spoken Word of God. I have felt His presence move and flow as the Words on the pages come to life in my soul. I feel the spark of His Spirit changing me from the deepest parts of my being. His Word is life and His Word is the powerful expression of God's love for His people.
Without His Word, we would be unable to know Him and to know of Him. We would be lost. We would be bound by human frailty and failure: sin. His Word is the most important avenue for understanding our Mighty God, our Savior, Our Father and our Friend. It is the very thing that shows us His plan and purpose, gives us hope for our future and draws us to the very nature of God. It lays out the history and plans of an All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Loving God who seeks to receive back the love He bestows on His children. Find God in His Word. Seek His face in His Word. Fall in love with His Word. Hide it in your heart.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
He has a purpose for His Word. Many people today question the value, authenticity, and importance of the Word of God. Many say it is no longer valid, unreliable and unnecessary. The Word of God is held in question be our society at large.
I can tell you without a doubt, that God's Word is absolutely necessary, valid and of the utmost importance. It is valuable, reliable and powerful.
I have been doing much research and reading on the process of how the Bible we now have even came to be. It is held as the most scrutinized and criticized literature, yet proven to be one of the most accurately maintained. It has been painstakingly translated, passed down for generations and held in the highest regard by those who have done so.
The Bible has been carefully preserved. It gives to us the divinely inspired Word of God from the very human eye-witnesses who experienced the supernatural move of God's Spirit. These 40 plus writers across many generations all shared a common inspiration that does not contradict or change. Jeremiah 30:2
“Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.
Writers outside the Bible and archaeological finds construct proofs and support for the writings and stories of the Bible. It would take many pages and volumes to share the proofs of the Word of God.
So I encourage you to search it out for yourself.
One of the greatest proofs for me, is the power of the Word of God as I read it, speak it and apply it to my own life. I see the evidence of the Living Word.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
His Word changes everything when it is given precedence in our lives. I have seen miracles take place at the spoken Word of God. I have felt His presence move and flow as the Words on the pages come to life in my soul. I feel the spark of His Spirit changing me from the deepest parts of my being. His Word is life and His Word is the powerful expression of God's love for His people.
Without His Word, we would be unable to know Him and to know of Him. We would be lost. We would be bound by human frailty and failure: sin. His Word is the most important avenue for understanding our Mighty God, our Savior, Our Father and our Friend. It is the very thing that shows us His plan and purpose, gives us hope for our future and draws us to the very nature of God. It lays out the history and plans of an All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Loving God who seeks to receive back the love He bestows on His children. Find God in His Word. Seek His face in His Word. Fall in love with His Word. Hide it in your heart.
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