“After three days they found him…sitting…listening…asking…Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. ‘Son, why have you treated us like this?’ ‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked…But they did not understand what he was saying to them.” Luke 2:46-50
My heart is extremely heavy for a friend and her family this morning. They have endured a fire in their home which has devastated everything in its path. This family has authentic faith but must still travel through the fear, chaos and emotions of their intruder. I ask for you at this moment to bow your head and life a prayer of unity in the Body of Christ for relief, comfort and deliverance for this family.
Any devastation beckons the question ‘Why’? God expects us to try to gain understanding when something so personal and tragic happens to us. When we ask Him ‘why’, it shows with absolute certainty our belief in Him that He was aware of the impending tragedy and already has the recovery plan. The word ‘astonished’ in the above verse is translated as ‘to be found only in the sense of knocking one out of his senses, to strike out with astonishment, terror, admiration.’ When we are struck with the terror of our circumstances, like Mary and Joseph we franticly search for Christ in the rubble. We find Christ in the lives of others, seeing him in fellowship with them, listening to their prayers and revealing His will through His answers. We feel like Mary on the sideline as a bystander wondering ‘why this?’ and ‘where are you?’
Christ welcomes our questions for it is another way He can show, reveal and fellowship with us. The boy Jesus was just as amazed as His parent’s question and they were with His actions. The Savior Christ answers us the same way when we ask ‘Why and where have you been?” To search is to have something missing…Christ is never missing from our circumstances - He is right there through it all.
While we cannot understand the why’s we can trust the Who. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish…so is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:9-11. Our circumstances will always be followed up with blessings, growth and perfect purpose in Him. He never leaves us in our trials even if we feel He is at a distance. He is never closer than when we feel He is far away. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11
Even the mother of Jesus didn’t understand why her circumstances were happening. Let us continue to pray for this family as they ‘get carried away by the Shepherd.’
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Traveling On...
“Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him…When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him…When his parents saw him, they were astonished. ‘Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you…’ ‘Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?’” Luke 2:46-49
When my sisters and I were little children my mom and dad would take two cars to church each Sunday. My dad would arrive early to make last minute ‘tweaks’ on the Sunday School lessons he would teach. It was not just one time when one of the four girls would be left at church with each parent thinking they were with the other. We have all experienced this scenario if we have been placed in charge of a small child whether our own or someone else’s. There is nothing more gut wrenching than to realize we have been separated by someone for whom we were supposed to care for, watch over and protect. We cannot be too hard on the parents of Jesus as it was common to travel in caravans. They assumed he was walking with others within the same group much like my family’s experience.
We have also experienced this on a spiritual level as we ‘travel on.’ Many times we make decisions about our lives thinking that Jesus is our company but then at some point look around and notice He is not there. We could have sworn we saw Him at certain stops along the way but we realize it was not Him. We desperately and anxiously search for Him as we learn of our blunder and detour from His will. My commentary states, ‘In order to re-establish contact with Him, we must go back to the place where fellowship was broken.” p. 1376.
It is only then when we can be sure that Jesus is traveling on with us in mind, body and spirit. We will know with certainty when we see Him ‘being about His Father’s business’ in bringing us around to the will and purpose of God.
When we discover that Jesus is missing from our caravan of circumstances we can be certain of where to find Him. We can usually retrace our steps and find Jesus.
When my sisters and I were little children my mom and dad would take two cars to church each Sunday. My dad would arrive early to make last minute ‘tweaks’ on the Sunday School lessons he would teach. It was not just one time when one of the four girls would be left at church with each parent thinking they were with the other. We have all experienced this scenario if we have been placed in charge of a small child whether our own or someone else’s. There is nothing more gut wrenching than to realize we have been separated by someone for whom we were supposed to care for, watch over and protect. We cannot be too hard on the parents of Jesus as it was common to travel in caravans. They assumed he was walking with others within the same group much like my family’s experience.
We have also experienced this on a spiritual level as we ‘travel on.’ Many times we make decisions about our lives thinking that Jesus is our company but then at some point look around and notice He is not there. We could have sworn we saw Him at certain stops along the way but we realize it was not Him. We desperately and anxiously search for Him as we learn of our blunder and detour from His will. My commentary states, ‘In order to re-establish contact with Him, we must go back to the place where fellowship was broken.” p. 1376.
It is only then when we can be sure that Jesus is traveling on with us in mind, body and spirit. We will know with certainty when we see Him ‘being about His Father’s business’ in bringing us around to the will and purpose of God.
When we discover that Jesus is missing from our caravan of circumstances we can be certain of where to find Him. We can usually retrace our steps and find Jesus.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
'Amen'
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Co. 1:20
There is nothing better than our wonderful imaginations and there is nothing worse than our dreadful imaginations. The difference is in the brain food. I can get myself so bound up in the ‘what has happened, what is happening and what may happen’ that peace burns off like dew in the morning. We must feed our minds with the promises of God made absolute through Christ.
I find myself basing future circumstances on past behaviors of someone who will be a daily part of my life in the near future. This person is difficult and self-consumed at best requiring everything of me mentally, emotionally and physically. It is very easy to deduce that history will be repeated and energy will be wastefully depleted if I do not stay focused on God. I find myself this morning needing to replace history with God’s history of promise. Through the finished work of Christ all of the promises of God may be mine if I believe and trust in advance.
I love the way in which my commentary describes our ‘Yes’ in Christ. “Christ reaches down and faith stretches up, and every promise of God is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In and through Him we appropriate and take them to ourselves and say, ‘Yes, Lord, I trust You.’ This is the believing ‘yes’. p. 1823. So based on this I am saying Yes, Lord and I will receive the promise of rest for the weary, strength for the weak, ALL things worked out for my good and victory for all of the battles.
Our ‘Amen’ in advance is our active and trusting proclamation to an active and faithful God.
There is nothing better than our wonderful imaginations and there is nothing worse than our dreadful imaginations. The difference is in the brain food. I can get myself so bound up in the ‘what has happened, what is happening and what may happen’ that peace burns off like dew in the morning. We must feed our minds with the promises of God made absolute through Christ.
I find myself basing future circumstances on past behaviors of someone who will be a daily part of my life in the near future. This person is difficult and self-consumed at best requiring everything of me mentally, emotionally and physically. It is very easy to deduce that history will be repeated and energy will be wastefully depleted if I do not stay focused on God. I find myself this morning needing to replace history with God’s history of promise. Through the finished work of Christ all of the promises of God may be mine if I believe and trust in advance.
I love the way in which my commentary describes our ‘Yes’ in Christ. “Christ reaches down and faith stretches up, and every promise of God is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In and through Him we appropriate and take them to ourselves and say, ‘Yes, Lord, I trust You.’ This is the believing ‘yes’. p. 1823. So based on this I am saying Yes, Lord and I will receive the promise of rest for the weary, strength for the weak, ALL things worked out for my good and victory for all of the battles.
Our ‘Amen’ in advance is our active and trusting proclamation to an active and faithful God.
Friday, May 28, 2010
When Faith Demonstrates
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds…Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do…You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:14-26
This passage inspired by God has been misinterpreted in many ways over the years. Many believe that James is saying that our saving faith is not complete without works. If this were true then the work that Christ did on the cross was not enough which contradicts the Bible. James is stating that if we possess true faith then our actions should be the fruit of our faith. Man should be able to look upon our deeds as we walk in faith and see the sacrificial actions of a spirit-filled life. Being justified by what we do apart from our faith means that because of the strength of our faith we walk in deed and action as a result.
My commentary states, ‘James is describing the man who has nothing but a profession of faith. He says he has faith, but there is nothing about his life that indicates it…He is speaking about a say-so faith that is not backed up by good works. Such a faith is worthless. It is all words, and nothing else…In other words, works are not the root of salvation but the fruit; they are not the cause but the effect. True faith and good works are inseparable…The first produces the second, and the second evidences the first.’ p. 2229
We are called upon to live life with a faith that many times mandates sacrificial actions. These are the deeds of faith that will be rewarded and justified by God. These are the actions that will ensure God will credit us with righteousness. We will enter into that wonderful fellowship with others such as Abraham whose faith was justified in the eyes of God. We will be called to sacrifice what means most to us at some point but will inherit the blessings from God for our offering.
“Faith is invisible. The only way others can know you have faith is by a life that demonstrates it.” p. 2229
This passage inspired by God has been misinterpreted in many ways over the years. Many believe that James is saying that our saving faith is not complete without works. If this were true then the work that Christ did on the cross was not enough which contradicts the Bible. James is stating that if we possess true faith then our actions should be the fruit of our faith. Man should be able to look upon our deeds as we walk in faith and see the sacrificial actions of a spirit-filled life. Being justified by what we do apart from our faith means that because of the strength of our faith we walk in deed and action as a result.
My commentary states, ‘James is describing the man who has nothing but a profession of faith. He says he has faith, but there is nothing about his life that indicates it…He is speaking about a say-so faith that is not backed up by good works. Such a faith is worthless. It is all words, and nothing else…In other words, works are not the root of salvation but the fruit; they are not the cause but the effect. True faith and good works are inseparable…The first produces the second, and the second evidences the first.’ p. 2229
We are called upon to live life with a faith that many times mandates sacrificial actions. These are the deeds of faith that will be rewarded and justified by God. These are the actions that will ensure God will credit us with righteousness. We will enter into that wonderful fellowship with others such as Abraham whose faith was justified in the eyes of God. We will be called to sacrifice what means most to us at some point but will inherit the blessings from God for our offering.
“Faith is invisible. The only way others can know you have faith is by a life that demonstrates it.” p. 2229
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Separate From The Linen
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager…When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off…” Luke 2:12, 15, 16
I love studying the Bible with notes, commentaries and organized studies by those who have been inspired by God. You can discover a new gem at every sitting in a treasure box in which you have plundered many times before. This happened to me this morning as I am studying the Book of Luke.
In large part, the New Testament was translated from Greek. The word ‘sign’ as used in the above passage is translated from the Greek word ‘semeion’ which means finger-marks of God. These humble shepherds stood on the hillsides in the dark of the night tending to their flock when this angel appears lighting up the entire sky. I know how bright a full moon is so I cannot imagine how bright this angel’s visit must have been illuminating the hillside. It must have been as God flipped on the overheads and everything became in pristine focus. The message continues…God has left a finger-mark, His creation, His Son and the Lamb who is the Messiah!
Not only did God take those powerful hands and create but He left His mark for humanity through His creation. That small baby was His most precious mark of all, yet He gave it unselfishly and sacrificially to the world only to witness the condemnation, ridicule and murder of man. I think it is more than just a coincidence that God’s ‘finger-mark’ was introduced to this world in cloths and departed this world in cloths. “Then Simon Peter…arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:6-7
Separate from the linen...exact description of Jesus as He lived life on earth. His life exemplified a life of separation from the world in which He walked in a commitment to His Father to accomplish God's will, not His own. A piece of cloth swaddled this precious baby only to be replaced by an empty piece of cloth which swaddled His head upon death on earth. God’s finger-mark, that empty piece of cloth, tucked in our treasure box this morning, is the finger-mark that can carry me through the day with hope, comfort and belief in deliverance from anything.
Praise God for leaving His finger-marks everywhere for everyone who ‘hurries off’ to find Him. Will we live a life 'separate from the linen'?
I love studying the Bible with notes, commentaries and organized studies by those who have been inspired by God. You can discover a new gem at every sitting in a treasure box in which you have plundered many times before. This happened to me this morning as I am studying the Book of Luke.
In large part, the New Testament was translated from Greek. The word ‘sign’ as used in the above passage is translated from the Greek word ‘semeion’ which means finger-marks of God. These humble shepherds stood on the hillsides in the dark of the night tending to their flock when this angel appears lighting up the entire sky. I know how bright a full moon is so I cannot imagine how bright this angel’s visit must have been illuminating the hillside. It must have been as God flipped on the overheads and everything became in pristine focus. The message continues…God has left a finger-mark, His creation, His Son and the Lamb who is the Messiah!
Not only did God take those powerful hands and create but He left His mark for humanity through His creation. That small baby was His most precious mark of all, yet He gave it unselfishly and sacrificially to the world only to witness the condemnation, ridicule and murder of man. I think it is more than just a coincidence that God’s ‘finger-mark’ was introduced to this world in cloths and departed this world in cloths. “Then Simon Peter…arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.” John 20:6-7
Separate from the linen...exact description of Jesus as He lived life on earth. His life exemplified a life of separation from the world in which He walked in a commitment to His Father to accomplish God's will, not His own. A piece of cloth swaddled this precious baby only to be replaced by an empty piece of cloth which swaddled His head upon death on earth. God’s finger-mark, that empty piece of cloth, tucked in our treasure box this morning, is the finger-mark that can carry me through the day with hope, comfort and belief in deliverance from anything.
Praise God for leaving His finger-marks everywhere for everyone who ‘hurries off’ to find Him. Will we live a life 'separate from the linen'?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A Day at Work
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them." Luke 2:8-9
It was just another day at work for the shepherds. We can relate as we face our work days with routine and consistency. We know what needs to be done, the same pleasantries will be exchanged and we wonder if any difference at all is being made. We look at those who have been given authority over us and wonder what guarded knowledge they possess as they make decisions regarding our lives. Usually, these are people who have been privy to precious and valuable information...not the case with the birth of Christ.
God chose to appear to his humble servants who were out in the fields caring for others. God seems to enjoy both choosing and appearing to the simple man with simple duties in life. He could have chosen the king of that time to herald in the Messiah. Word would have certainly gotten out more quickly but God always blesses those who love Him and seek Him. My commentary states that 'And is there not a world of meaning in the fact that it was very ordinary people, busy about very ordinary tasks, whose eyes first saw the glory of the coming of the Lord? It means, first, that the place of duty, however humble, is the place of vision. And it means, secondly, that it is the men who have kept to the deep simple pieties of life and have not lost the child heart to whom the gates of the Kingdom most readily open.'
No matter what we have been chosen to do on any given day, in any given town, it is at the Lord's choosing and we will be recipients of His visions. No task is too small or too unimportant when we are pursuing a life with Christ.
And the glory of the Lord will shine around us!
It was just another day at work for the shepherds. We can relate as we face our work days with routine and consistency. We know what needs to be done, the same pleasantries will be exchanged and we wonder if any difference at all is being made. We look at those who have been given authority over us and wonder what guarded knowledge they possess as they make decisions regarding our lives. Usually, these are people who have been privy to precious and valuable information...not the case with the birth of Christ.
God chose to appear to his humble servants who were out in the fields caring for others. God seems to enjoy both choosing and appearing to the simple man with simple duties in life. He could have chosen the king of that time to herald in the Messiah. Word would have certainly gotten out more quickly but God always blesses those who love Him and seek Him. My commentary states that 'And is there not a world of meaning in the fact that it was very ordinary people, busy about very ordinary tasks, whose eyes first saw the glory of the coming of the Lord? It means, first, that the place of duty, however humble, is the place of vision. And it means, secondly, that it is the men who have kept to the deep simple pieties of life and have not lost the child heart to whom the gates of the Kingdom most readily open.'
No matter what we have been chosen to do on any given day, in any given town, it is at the Lord's choosing and we will be recipients of His visions. No task is too small or too unimportant when we are pursuing a life with Christ.
And the glory of the Lord will shine around us!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Go On...
“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins…And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.” Luke 1:76, 77, 80
This passage is introducing no other than our beloved John the Baptist as he is introduced by his father following the circumcision of his son. My commentary states that “The mission of John was to be the Savior’s herald. John would be the prophet of the Most High, preparing the hearts of the people for the coming of the Lord, and proclaiming salvation to His people through the forgiveness of their sins.” Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1373
The word herald means messenger, bearer of news as a person who has a sense of urgency in his delivery. John’s entire purpose for his life was to be the messenger of a Savior soon to come and mighty to save. John spent the majority of his life living and experiencing the wild ways of the desert. Scripture records that in the desert the Lord’s messenger became strong in spirit and the ‘child grew.’
I cannot depict a more clear example of spiritual growth than that one simple verse which sums up John’s life. We are all babies in Christ until we face the dangers and fear of the desert. It is not until we are forced out of our comfort zones and into the darkness of uncertainty that we grow from spiritual babies into seasoned heralds for Christ. It is through our times in the desert that we feed off of the provisions of faith in God alone. We put our trust in Him alone since our darkness is unrecognizable and fearful at best. Just as God did with John in the desert He will accomplish the same for us when experiencing our dark times.
Then…one beautiful day, when we emerge from our desert, those people who knew us before will say, ‘My, how she has grown,’ and we will sing our stories of God’s redemptive love and unyielding deliverance.
So…you, my child, go on before the Lord!
This passage is introducing no other than our beloved John the Baptist as he is introduced by his father following the circumcision of his son. My commentary states that “The mission of John was to be the Savior’s herald. John would be the prophet of the Most High, preparing the hearts of the people for the coming of the Lord, and proclaiming salvation to His people through the forgiveness of their sins.” Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1373
The word herald means messenger, bearer of news as a person who has a sense of urgency in his delivery. John’s entire purpose for his life was to be the messenger of a Savior soon to come and mighty to save. John spent the majority of his life living and experiencing the wild ways of the desert. Scripture records that in the desert the Lord’s messenger became strong in spirit and the ‘child grew.’
I cannot depict a more clear example of spiritual growth than that one simple verse which sums up John’s life. We are all babies in Christ until we face the dangers and fear of the desert. It is not until we are forced out of our comfort zones and into the darkness of uncertainty that we grow from spiritual babies into seasoned heralds for Christ. It is through our times in the desert that we feed off of the provisions of faith in God alone. We put our trust in Him alone since our darkness is unrecognizable and fearful at best. Just as God did with John in the desert He will accomplish the same for us when experiencing our dark times.
Then…one beautiful day, when we emerge from our desert, those people who knew us before will say, ‘My, how she has grown,’ and we will sing our stories of God’s redemptive love and unyielding deliverance.
So…you, my child, go on before the Lord!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Blessed Is She Who Believed...
“You will be with child and give birth to a son…The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God…Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished…Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” Luke 1:31-56
I was so blessed this morning by the freshness of this passage. God speaks to His children just as clearly as He did in generations past. The year was 2007 and I had been pursuing God through Bible Studies. I had developed some writings regarding these studies more for the enhancement of my own learning. I had come upon a lull in my writings and one morning was in prayer to God asking for direction. I had this very clear impression upon my heart that I was to finish my Grandmother’s book for which she had started twenty years prior. She was well advanced in years and her cognitive abilities were failing. She had 62 years of journaling which was the basis for her book. Many who knew her had concluded that the book would never be completed as she approached 100 years of age…but, as Luke states, ‘For nothing is impossible with God.’
When I was led by the Holy Spirit to give birth to this project I was so excited to see my grandmother. Only ‘one nap’ passed (that is how my grandson counts down days to something exciting) before I jumped in my car and headed towards her apartment to tell her the good news. She was so overwhelmed at the news but not surprised. She had written in her journal 10 years prior to this visit that God would send someone to edit, manage and have her book published. “Blessed is she who has believed…” Some said it wouldn’t get done, calling the project barren, but God knew that His perfect timing would give birth to this book in the most unusual way. Her book would be the forerunner to birthing a writing ministry in my own life. Over the next few months many visits were made to my grandmother with so many blessings shared over the dual births. For me, the birth was a writing ministry, but for her it was the fulfillment and birth of her long awaited and promised book.
Each of us has been chosen to accomplish spiritual things in season and we must be both surrendered and expectant in our pursuit of accomplishing God’s purposes in our lives.
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”
I was so blessed this morning by the freshness of this passage. God speaks to His children just as clearly as He did in generations past. The year was 2007 and I had been pursuing God through Bible Studies. I had developed some writings regarding these studies more for the enhancement of my own learning. I had come upon a lull in my writings and one morning was in prayer to God asking for direction. I had this very clear impression upon my heart that I was to finish my Grandmother’s book for which she had started twenty years prior. She was well advanced in years and her cognitive abilities were failing. She had 62 years of journaling which was the basis for her book. Many who knew her had concluded that the book would never be completed as she approached 100 years of age…but, as Luke states, ‘For nothing is impossible with God.’
When I was led by the Holy Spirit to give birth to this project I was so excited to see my grandmother. Only ‘one nap’ passed (that is how my grandson counts down days to something exciting) before I jumped in my car and headed towards her apartment to tell her the good news. She was so overwhelmed at the news but not surprised. She had written in her journal 10 years prior to this visit that God would send someone to edit, manage and have her book published. “Blessed is she who has believed…” Some said it wouldn’t get done, calling the project barren, but God knew that His perfect timing would give birth to this book in the most unusual way. Her book would be the forerunner to birthing a writing ministry in my own life. Over the next few months many visits were made to my grandmother with so many blessings shared over the dual births. For me, the birth was a writing ministry, but for her it was the fulfillment and birth of her long awaited and promised book.
Each of us has been chosen to accomplish spiritual things in season and we must be both surrendered and expectant in our pursuit of accomplishing God’s purposes in our lives.
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Who
“’How can this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’” Luke 1:34
Yesterday we saw where poor Zechariah was made mute for the length of his wife’s pregnancy due to the question he asked Gabriel, God’s messenger. Today we find ourselves in the story of Mary who was visited by the same angel with similar news. She, too, asks a question of God’s messenger but with different results. I have always wondered why one question resulted in punishment but the other question resulted in an explanation and blessing. My commentary says it all in one short sentence. “Mary’s question, ‘How can this be?’ was one of wonder but not of doubt.”
This brings up a critical issue regarding our freedom to question God. I have always been a believer in the fact that God gives us freedom to question since we are of human flesh with human responses. The issue is more about the condition of our heart and mind when asking the question. Are we asking God out of curiosity and wonderment or are we requiring proof from Him out of skepticism like Zechariah? Zechariah needed more proof from God before he would believe, whereas Mary believed but was attempting to make something logical out of the illogical.
Our hearts must be rooted in belief and resolve in the One who can do all things. “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
We may question the how but we should never question the Who.
Yesterday we saw where poor Zechariah was made mute for the length of his wife’s pregnancy due to the question he asked Gabriel, God’s messenger. Today we find ourselves in the story of Mary who was visited by the same angel with similar news. She, too, asks a question of God’s messenger but with different results. I have always wondered why one question resulted in punishment but the other question resulted in an explanation and blessing. My commentary says it all in one short sentence. “Mary’s question, ‘How can this be?’ was one of wonder but not of doubt.”
This brings up a critical issue regarding our freedom to question God. I have always been a believer in the fact that God gives us freedom to question since we are of human flesh with human responses. The issue is more about the condition of our heart and mind when asking the question. Are we asking God out of curiosity and wonderment or are we requiring proof from Him out of skepticism like Zechariah? Zechariah needed more proof from God before he would believe, whereas Mary believed but was attempting to make something logical out of the illogical.
Our hearts must be rooted in belief and resolve in the One who can do all things. “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
We may question the how but we should never question the Who.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Unbelief
“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years’…The angel answered, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you…And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.’” Luke 1:18, 20
Is this not typical of human nature? Zechariah and Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s parents) had most likely prayed their entire adult life for a son to no avail. Then, when a messenger of God, His mouthpiece, showed up face to face predicting John’s birth unbelief hung in the air like stale smoke.
Don’t I know this scene? When my daughter was on her self-destructive journey of substance abuse it was eight years before turning back to the face of God and claiming her rightful spot as His child. The prayers had risen hourly with hope and commitment for many years leading up to that, but hope without faith is merely a wish. My faith had diminished along the way and much like our dear priest, Zechariah my belief was lacking. My grandmother, a mighty messenger of God on earth, kept reassuring me that because she had been raised with God she would be saved by God. I became as mute as Zechariah did and didn’t have a testimony and my songs for God were quiet. It wasn’t until ‘the proper time’ of God’s choosing that Kristen was delivered and divine purposes were fulfilled.
I had to see the ‘baby born’ to believe my answered prayer. My commentary states, ‘Because Zechariah had doubted, he would lose the power of speech until the child was born. Unbelief seals the lips, and they remain sealed until faith returns and bursts forth in praise in worship.” p. 1370-1371. My grandmother had it right all along with her prayers of expectancy which is why she wasn’t surprised at 100 to have her book published as God had promised 20 years previously.
Our prayers do not have expiration dates…just ask Zechariah and Elizabeth!
Is this not typical of human nature? Zechariah and Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s parents) had most likely prayed their entire adult life for a son to no avail. Then, when a messenger of God, His mouthpiece, showed up face to face predicting John’s birth unbelief hung in the air like stale smoke.
Don’t I know this scene? When my daughter was on her self-destructive journey of substance abuse it was eight years before turning back to the face of God and claiming her rightful spot as His child. The prayers had risen hourly with hope and commitment for many years leading up to that, but hope without faith is merely a wish. My faith had diminished along the way and much like our dear priest, Zechariah my belief was lacking. My grandmother, a mighty messenger of God on earth, kept reassuring me that because she had been raised with God she would be saved by God. I became as mute as Zechariah did and didn’t have a testimony and my songs for God were quiet. It wasn’t until ‘the proper time’ of God’s choosing that Kristen was delivered and divine purposes were fulfilled.
I had to see the ‘baby born’ to believe my answered prayer. My commentary states, ‘Because Zechariah had doubted, he would lose the power of speech until the child was born. Unbelief seals the lips, and they remain sealed until faith returns and bursts forth in praise in worship.” p. 1370-1371. My grandmother had it right all along with her prayers of expectancy which is why she wasn’t surprised at 100 to have her book published as God had promised 20 years previously.
Our prayers do not have expiration dates…just ask Zechariah and Elizabeth!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
When...
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
Paul was speaking of his impending death. If anyone has ever suffered for the cause it was this man. We all have different forms of suffering as we walk this temporary life. This verse reminds me of the times in my life when suffering was my travel companion. Whether it was my daughter’s drug addiction, my sister’s whirlwind cancer experience or my dad’s steady cancer walk, suffering walked hand in hand with me.
In somber reflection, I can honestly say the words of Paul but in hindsight. So much of God was witnessed and experienced in each of my painful trials that the suffering that accompanied me is irrelevant compared to the glory shown. These reflections can be drawn upon when the next painful experience arises. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God… Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you.” Isaiah 43:2-4
We all have extremely difficult experiences in our lives. Some of our experiences beckon some of our deepest pain and require everything we have within us to simply exist. Some days the best we can hope for is to simply survive that day alone.
…and some marvelous day in that marvelous place when we are being shown in reverse the substance of our lives we will look into the almighty face of Christ and say, ‘What suffering?’
Paul was speaking of his impending death. If anyone has ever suffered for the cause it was this man. We all have different forms of suffering as we walk this temporary life. This verse reminds me of the times in my life when suffering was my travel companion. Whether it was my daughter’s drug addiction, my sister’s whirlwind cancer experience or my dad’s steady cancer walk, suffering walked hand in hand with me.
In somber reflection, I can honestly say the words of Paul but in hindsight. So much of God was witnessed and experienced in each of my painful trials that the suffering that accompanied me is irrelevant compared to the glory shown. These reflections can be drawn upon when the next painful experience arises. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God… Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you.” Isaiah 43:2-4
We all have extremely difficult experiences in our lives. Some of our experiences beckon some of our deepest pain and require everything we have within us to simply exist. Some days the best we can hope for is to simply survive that day alone.
…and some marvelous day in that marvelous place when we are being shown in reverse the substance of our lives we will look into the almighty face of Christ and say, ‘What suffering?’
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tent Dwellers
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands...For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened.” 2 Co: 1, 4
I don’t know about you but I have stayed in a tent before and I dreadfully missed all of the comforts of home. It never felt right, welcoming or lasting. I knew that it was only temporary and thankful for that fact. I longed for my front door which offered warmth, protection and security.
Paul was a tentmaker by trade and used this analogy as an analogy of something temporary to be replaced with something permanent. Our bodies were never created with the intent of being permanent for our earthly existence is only temporary. When I consider the differences between a tent and a building I am thankful that God has prepared a heavenly building for which we will finally call home. While tents are a good way to experience a small slice of time a building offers the lasting comforts of existence. A tent has no foundation and is unable to sustain long term use. A building with its lasting solid foundation stands up with endurance and permanence.
While we exist in our earthly tents Christ has built an eternal temple within our hearts to give us a deposit of our heavenly structure. “…and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Co. 1:22
There is nothing pleasurable about the earthly tent when stacked against the deposit we are to receive at our departure from earth. Departure from earth is about as far from death as we can get.
An earthly departure from anything ensures an eternal entry into everything.
I don’t know about you but I have stayed in a tent before and I dreadfully missed all of the comforts of home. It never felt right, welcoming or lasting. I knew that it was only temporary and thankful for that fact. I longed for my front door which offered warmth, protection and security.
Paul was a tentmaker by trade and used this analogy as an analogy of something temporary to be replaced with something permanent. Our bodies were never created with the intent of being permanent for our earthly existence is only temporary. When I consider the differences between a tent and a building I am thankful that God has prepared a heavenly building for which we will finally call home. While tents are a good way to experience a small slice of time a building offers the lasting comforts of existence. A tent has no foundation and is unable to sustain long term use. A building with its lasting solid foundation stands up with endurance and permanence.
While we exist in our earthly tents Christ has built an eternal temple within our hearts to give us a deposit of our heavenly structure. “…and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Co. 1:22
There is nothing pleasurable about the earthly tent when stacked against the deposit we are to receive at our departure from earth. Departure from earth is about as far from death as we can get.
An earthly departure from anything ensures an eternal entry into everything.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Chained by Circumstances, Unchained By Grace
“This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” 2 Tim 2:9
The entire chapter of 2 Timothy 4 lends itself to realize Paul’s state of mind during his final captivity. In reading this chapter I find myself describing him as resolved that the season of extreme cold is approaching. I determine that he is lonely and feeling abandoned. Discouragement was his cellmate although Dr. Luke was also imprisoned with him. There was a frantic plea for any of his friends to come and be with him. He was reflective in past times of God’s faithfulness.
I can relate to feeling chained to my circumstances. I will not be ashamed in sharing my feelings with you as I search for relief from what feels like imprisonment. God’s word is active and trustworthy in our times as well as in the times of Paul. I feel you will be able to relate by applying either your past trials, present sufferings or future challenges. I find myself pleading for my old life to return to me. I restate over and over the ways in which God has rescued and delivered me from past deserts as if trying to convince myself. In the Bible, anytime I read ‘but’ which follows one’s dire circumstance I know it is an absolute from God. It is something for which I can depend and stake my life on. It is a truth for which I can chain myself to so tightly in belief and promise.
“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Tim. 1:14. As our circumstances guard over our lives preventing our escape, let us never lose sight of our privilege in guarding something much more important than what guards us – our gift of gospel and testimony that God has entrusted and assigned to us. The good deposit, I believe, is the gift God assigned to us to proclaim His message of love, deliverance and eternal life.
As I am chained by my circumstances I will praise God that I am unchained by His love and grace.
The entire chapter of 2 Timothy 4 lends itself to realize Paul’s state of mind during his final captivity. In reading this chapter I find myself describing him as resolved that the season of extreme cold is approaching. I determine that he is lonely and feeling abandoned. Discouragement was his cellmate although Dr. Luke was also imprisoned with him. There was a frantic plea for any of his friends to come and be with him. He was reflective in past times of God’s faithfulness.
I can relate to feeling chained to my circumstances. I will not be ashamed in sharing my feelings with you as I search for relief from what feels like imprisonment. God’s word is active and trustworthy in our times as well as in the times of Paul. I feel you will be able to relate by applying either your past trials, present sufferings or future challenges. I find myself pleading for my old life to return to me. I restate over and over the ways in which God has rescued and delivered me from past deserts as if trying to convince myself. In the Bible, anytime I read ‘but’ which follows one’s dire circumstance I know it is an absolute from God. It is something for which I can depend and stake my life on. It is a truth for which I can chain myself to so tightly in belief and promise.
“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Tim. 1:14. As our circumstances guard over our lives preventing our escape, let us never lose sight of our privilege in guarding something much more important than what guards us – our gift of gospel and testimony that God has entrusted and assigned to us. The good deposit, I believe, is the gift God assigned to us to proclaim His message of love, deliverance and eternal life.
As I am chained by my circumstances I will praise God that I am unchained by His love and grace.
Monday, May 17, 2010
God's Mother's Day
“Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Titus 2:4
I know that the Mother’s Day we observe has come and gone but when I read this I couldn’t help but to enjoy the thought of my precious mother all over again. We begin as little girls and boys but begin our journey of maturity very early in life. We look to the females in our lives for example, love and leadership. For some of us, we look to our biological mothers or the women for which our dads have chosen. For others, it is that aunt or grandmother who raised us. For my niece God has blessed her with a dad who has always had more of a maternal influence than the traditional dad.
For me, I was trained well! My mother showed me how to love my husband by the manner in which she loved my dad. She showed me how to love my children through the millions of ways in which she loved me. If I wanted to know the way I should act in any situation I only had to look as far as my mother to know what would be pleasing to God.
If someone hurt, she nurtured and comforted. If someone was discouraged, she encouraged and edified. If someone was in need, she provided. Many little eyes were watching her every move with scrutiny and examination. We were taking notice of the walk in which she professed for us and it always matched.
To malign is to criticize somebody in a false or misleading way. Any behavior or attitude that does not line up with the verse listed above will be charged to us as having the intent to harm God’s commands. God does not intend for us to take our role as women lightly and expects us to train the younger women in our lives with intentional attitudes in Christ. It matters not whether these women are our children, parents, friends, or colleagues we have the responsibility to exemplify these commands through our interactions.
To my mother, well done good and faithful servant who continues to serve and exemplify daily. You have lived out this verse in dedication and completion.
I know that the Mother’s Day we observe has come and gone but when I read this I couldn’t help but to enjoy the thought of my precious mother all over again. We begin as little girls and boys but begin our journey of maturity very early in life. We look to the females in our lives for example, love and leadership. For some of us, we look to our biological mothers or the women for which our dads have chosen. For others, it is that aunt or grandmother who raised us. For my niece God has blessed her with a dad who has always had more of a maternal influence than the traditional dad.
For me, I was trained well! My mother showed me how to love my husband by the manner in which she loved my dad. She showed me how to love my children through the millions of ways in which she loved me. If I wanted to know the way I should act in any situation I only had to look as far as my mother to know what would be pleasing to God.
If someone hurt, she nurtured and comforted. If someone was discouraged, she encouraged and edified. If someone was in need, she provided. Many little eyes were watching her every move with scrutiny and examination. We were taking notice of the walk in which she professed for us and it always matched.
To malign is to criticize somebody in a false or misleading way. Any behavior or attitude that does not line up with the verse listed above will be charged to us as having the intent to harm God’s commands. God does not intend for us to take our role as women lightly and expects us to train the younger women in our lives with intentional attitudes in Christ. It matters not whether these women are our children, parents, friends, or colleagues we have the responsibility to exemplify these commands through our interactions.
To my mother, well done good and faithful servant who continues to serve and exemplify daily. You have lived out this verse in dedication and completion.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Even Though...
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 1:12-14
I love the beauty of this passage. Paul was one of the worst persecutors of the Christians in the early church and never lost sight of his past. While he knew he was forgiven the knowledge of his need for repentance and dependence on Christ Jesus was ever before him. It is doubtful that many of us must claim that we were violent and persecutors of the followers of Christ but we can fill in the blank with our own inequities and need for repentance.
I know for myself I could say, ‘Even though I was once deceitful in my spending, I was shown mercy in my marriage.’ Another time in my life I could say, ‘Even though I was once claiming credit for good in my service, I was shown mercy despite my pride.’ Yet another time I could have said, ‘Even though I gossiped and repeated hurtful things, I was shown mercy in my relationships.’
Whatever your ‘even though’ may be it will never be too big for God to forgive. True repentance of all things, both big and small, will always result in the outpouring of God’s best.
Even though I was once…I was shown mercy because…the Lord poured out abundantly.
I love the beauty of this passage. Paul was one of the worst persecutors of the Christians in the early church and never lost sight of his past. While he knew he was forgiven the knowledge of his need for repentance and dependence on Christ Jesus was ever before him. It is doubtful that many of us must claim that we were violent and persecutors of the followers of Christ but we can fill in the blank with our own inequities and need for repentance.
I know for myself I could say, ‘Even though I was once deceitful in my spending, I was shown mercy in my marriage.’ Another time in my life I could say, ‘Even though I was once claiming credit for good in my service, I was shown mercy despite my pride.’ Yet another time I could have said, ‘Even though I gossiped and repeated hurtful things, I was shown mercy in my relationships.’
Whatever your ‘even though’ may be it will never be too big for God to forgive. True repentance of all things, both big and small, will always result in the outpouring of God’s best.
Even though I was once…I was shown mercy because…the Lord poured out abundantly.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Shipwrecked But Not Lost
“…so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 1 Tim 1:18-19
The Books of Timothy were two letters that Paul wrote to his ‘son in faith’, Timothy. Timothy, a preacher whom Paul had mentored through the years, was being encouraged in these letters from his spiritual mentor. Paul was writing to Timothy to encourage him to continue on in the purposes God had laid out before him.
God has a specific and divine purpose for each of us. This letter was included in the Bible since any one of us and all of us could have been the recipient of these letters. We all have a good fight in which to engage as we live our lives. On the sea of life we will have seasons in which we sail flawlessly and other seasons in which we sail aimlessly. There will times of testing our faith and times of enjoying our faith. There will be times of successes and times of failures in our responses.
There have been times in my life when my faith was shipwrecked. I was unprepared for running aground and lacked the provisions to experience this time with full peace and contentment. The wonderful thing about belonging to Christ is while we may be shipwrecked we are never lost. Like any shipwreck on the shore, there is still a chance for rescue. While we may be spiritually shipwrecked from time to time all is not lost. We must send out our S.O.S. (Surrender of Self) and expect our Savior.
…and in the distance on the horizon we will see the silhouette of an approaching ship whose sail is God’s grace and whose wind that powers the voyage is the Holy Spirit.
The Books of Timothy were two letters that Paul wrote to his ‘son in faith’, Timothy. Timothy, a preacher whom Paul had mentored through the years, was being encouraged in these letters from his spiritual mentor. Paul was writing to Timothy to encourage him to continue on in the purposes God had laid out before him.
God has a specific and divine purpose for each of us. This letter was included in the Bible since any one of us and all of us could have been the recipient of these letters. We all have a good fight in which to engage as we live our lives. On the sea of life we will have seasons in which we sail flawlessly and other seasons in which we sail aimlessly. There will times of testing our faith and times of enjoying our faith. There will be times of successes and times of failures in our responses.
There have been times in my life when my faith was shipwrecked. I was unprepared for running aground and lacked the provisions to experience this time with full peace and contentment. The wonderful thing about belonging to Christ is while we may be shipwrecked we are never lost. Like any shipwreck on the shore, there is still a chance for rescue. While we may be spiritually shipwrecked from time to time all is not lost. We must send out our S.O.S. (Surrender of Self) and expect our Savior.
…and in the distance on the horizon we will see the silhouette of an approaching ship whose sail is God’s grace and whose wind that powers the voyage is the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Midnight Mental Mania
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 4:8
Yesterday we discussed ‘the most excellent way’ and this morning we find this word once again being used in the manner in which to live our lives. Paul was discussing the most excellent way being the ability to approach anything with love, thereby helping us stay focused on the higher way of living.
Last night at dinner Bruce and I were laughing at our midnight mental mania that steals our sleep and robs us of our peace. As the light diminishes the anxieties increase! The other night I laid there for two hours accepting how horrible my son’s life will be if he doesn’t apply for this job for which a friend of mine had guaranteed an interview. My mental mania went like this:
He had better apply today! He will never get a job! Months and opportunities are going to pass him by! I am going to be unhappy with this situation!
Then I proceeded to list the other things in my life for which are causing me anxiety. The cycle then takes on a life of its own and my brain feels as if it will explode in the dark. This passage is one I need to memorize for it is our armor against negative thinking. If we replace our fears and anxieties with the elements in this passage we will obtain the peace of God mania by mania.
The more excellent way is the Phil. 4:8 way. I will replace my fears with God’s promises. God is good, God is love, God always provides and God never fails. The next time you find yourself in mental mania ask yourself is this based on truth, does it consist of purity, and are my actions of noble character? Is this based in love and would Christ admire me for these thoughts, words and actions? Is He pleased for my level of trust in Him?
We must arm ourselves with everything available to approach life with a higher way of living.
Yesterday we discussed ‘the most excellent way’ and this morning we find this word once again being used in the manner in which to live our lives. Paul was discussing the most excellent way being the ability to approach anything with love, thereby helping us stay focused on the higher way of living.
Last night at dinner Bruce and I were laughing at our midnight mental mania that steals our sleep and robs us of our peace. As the light diminishes the anxieties increase! The other night I laid there for two hours accepting how horrible my son’s life will be if he doesn’t apply for this job for which a friend of mine had guaranteed an interview. My mental mania went like this:
He had better apply today! He will never get a job! Months and opportunities are going to pass him by! I am going to be unhappy with this situation!
Then I proceeded to list the other things in my life for which are causing me anxiety. The cycle then takes on a life of its own and my brain feels as if it will explode in the dark. This passage is one I need to memorize for it is our armor against negative thinking. If we replace our fears and anxieties with the elements in this passage we will obtain the peace of God mania by mania.
The more excellent way is the Phil. 4:8 way. I will replace my fears with God’s promises. God is good, God is love, God always provides and God never fails. The next time you find yourself in mental mania ask yourself is this based on truth, does it consist of purity, and are my actions of noble character? Is this based in love and would Christ admire me for these thoughts, words and actions? Is He pleased for my level of trust in Him?
We must arm ourselves with everything available to approach life with a higher way of living.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Most Excellent Way
“And now I will show you the most excellent way…Love never fails.” 1 Cor. 1a, 8a
With God being love these two little gems in Scripture are the recipe to a successful life. Life presents us with such a confusing and chaotic canvas for which we live our lives it is no wonder we use so many different colors to paint. Instead of covering our canvas with the purity and ‘whiteness of Christ’ we splash red to denote our anger. There are shades of black in our hearts that we try to camouflage with surface colors but the darkness seeps through. There are yellows of bitterness and greens of greed which power many of our actions.
Paul spoke of a better way, a way ordained by God and exemplified by Christ. The Love Chapter, 1 Cor. 13, gives us a measuring stick for our actions. We can stack any thought, word or action against God’s way – LOVE
Paul’s intent is not only to show us how to love but also to explain to us that love must be the power behind all ways of service to God. My commentary states, ‘that the mere possession of gifts is not as important as the exercise of these gifts in love. Love thinks of others, not of self. The aim of love is to help others and not to please self.’ p. 1797
Faith, hope and love are graces accessed through the love of God. These graces are superior to the gifts and must precede these gifts used in service and relationship with others. Any service or treatment of another without the God given grace of love is null and void. It is neither honored by God nor blessed. The commentary states that love is the greatest grace of all because it is most useful to others and not to self.
Today as I approach every situation I will ask myself, ‘Am I showing the most excellent way?’
With God being love these two little gems in Scripture are the recipe to a successful life. Life presents us with such a confusing and chaotic canvas for which we live our lives it is no wonder we use so many different colors to paint. Instead of covering our canvas with the purity and ‘whiteness of Christ’ we splash red to denote our anger. There are shades of black in our hearts that we try to camouflage with surface colors but the darkness seeps through. There are yellows of bitterness and greens of greed which power many of our actions.
Paul spoke of a better way, a way ordained by God and exemplified by Christ. The Love Chapter, 1 Cor. 13, gives us a measuring stick for our actions. We can stack any thought, word or action against God’s way – LOVE
Paul’s intent is not only to show us how to love but also to explain to us that love must be the power behind all ways of service to God. My commentary states, ‘that the mere possession of gifts is not as important as the exercise of these gifts in love. Love thinks of others, not of self. The aim of love is to help others and not to please self.’ p. 1797
Faith, hope and love are graces accessed through the love of God. These graces are superior to the gifts and must precede these gifts used in service and relationship with others. Any service or treatment of another without the God given grace of love is null and void. It is neither honored by God nor blessed. The commentary states that love is the greatest grace of all because it is most useful to others and not to self.
Today as I approach every situation I will ask myself, ‘Am I showing the most excellent way?’
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Streams Running Clear
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
I have been so blessed by purchasing the Believer’s Bible Commentary and would recommend this to all. It takes verses and passages as a whole and translates with the in depth knowledge of its authors. Scholars take the heart and mind of those who penned these wonderful passages inspired by God and apply them to our lives. This simple little verse written by King David after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba is expounded upon in my commentary.
It states, ‘Looking back, I realize that the trouble all started in my mind. My thought-life was polluted. I entertained evil thoughts until at last I committed the sins. So now I ask that You create in me a clean mind. I know that if the fountain is clean, the stream flowing from it will be clean as well. Yes, Lord, renew my entire inner self so it will be steadfast in guarding against future outbreaks of sin.’ p. 630
Notice how he attributes the actual sin to the thought process leading up to sin. We can all relate to this! No sin is carried out without the aforethought in some manner. The thought of having ‘outbreaks of sin’ is an image I never realized. An outbreak of sin refers to a condition of the mind and heart for which we are all susceptible. The Bible states that we are born of a sinful nature so sinful outbreaks are guaranteed. Luckily, Christ died on the cross for us and continues to create a clean canvas each day allowing us to paint over past mistakes through our repentance.
In this world a polluted mind is a given as we live in a spiritually polluted world. By the renewing of our minds through His word, prayer and meditation we can clean up the waters of our mind and heart and have His fountain flow clean.
I know that if the fountain is clean, the stream of my thoughts and action will flow clean also.
I have been so blessed by purchasing the Believer’s Bible Commentary and would recommend this to all. It takes verses and passages as a whole and translates with the in depth knowledge of its authors. Scholars take the heart and mind of those who penned these wonderful passages inspired by God and apply them to our lives. This simple little verse written by King David after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba is expounded upon in my commentary.
It states, ‘Looking back, I realize that the trouble all started in my mind. My thought-life was polluted. I entertained evil thoughts until at last I committed the sins. So now I ask that You create in me a clean mind. I know that if the fountain is clean, the stream flowing from it will be clean as well. Yes, Lord, renew my entire inner self so it will be steadfast in guarding against future outbreaks of sin.’ p. 630
Notice how he attributes the actual sin to the thought process leading up to sin. We can all relate to this! No sin is carried out without the aforethought in some manner. The thought of having ‘outbreaks of sin’ is an image I never realized. An outbreak of sin refers to a condition of the mind and heart for which we are all susceptible. The Bible states that we are born of a sinful nature so sinful outbreaks are guaranteed. Luckily, Christ died on the cross for us and continues to create a clean canvas each day allowing us to paint over past mistakes through our repentance.
In this world a polluted mind is a given as we live in a spiritually polluted world. By the renewing of our minds through His word, prayer and meditation we can clean up the waters of our mind and heart and have His fountain flow clean.
I know that if the fountain is clean, the stream of my thoughts and action will flow clean also.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Walking on Thistles
“Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessings of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned...God is not unjust; he will not forget the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:7-10
Oh, how I love this passage which I am not sure if I have ever received in the past. It is experiences like these that validate the principle of God’s word being served fresh each morning.
In each of our lives, God assigns us tracts of land for which we are to plant, harvest and yield. The seeds of circumstance are planted and we are to work the land through our responses. There will be many fellow workers on the same tract for which we are to be useful to each other in traveling through our trials. We are to drink in the rain learning the lessons required in this season and understand that each drop provides the necessary nourishment for growth. The warning comes that IF our land of circumstance produces the thorns and thistles of resentment and bitterness nothing can grow. In the end the land will be useless, the experience will be in vain for the Kingdom and we will not produce the desired purpose for which God intended.
If we produce the crop that God intended He takes it personally as if you have produced that crop just for Him. When we help others based on our own experiences we will be blessed by God as He sees our actions and love to others as love to Him.
We should ask ourselves, ‘Can we walk barefoot on our land or do the thistles stick in our feet’?
Oh, how I love this passage which I am not sure if I have ever received in the past. It is experiences like these that validate the principle of God’s word being served fresh each morning.
In each of our lives, God assigns us tracts of land for which we are to plant, harvest and yield. The seeds of circumstance are planted and we are to work the land through our responses. There will be many fellow workers on the same tract for which we are to be useful to each other in traveling through our trials. We are to drink in the rain learning the lessons required in this season and understand that each drop provides the necessary nourishment for growth. The warning comes that IF our land of circumstance produces the thorns and thistles of resentment and bitterness nothing can grow. In the end the land will be useless, the experience will be in vain for the Kingdom and we will not produce the desired purpose for which God intended.
If we produce the crop that God intended He takes it personally as if you have produced that crop just for Him. When we help others based on our own experiences we will be blessed by God as He sees our actions and love to others as love to Him.
We should ask ourselves, ‘Can we walk barefoot on our land or do the thistles stick in our feet’?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Adoptive Children of God
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. So then, just as you have received Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Col. 2:2-3, 6
This passage has so much spiritual information for us to consider. In reading this passage this morning I was reminded of a family for whom I use to babysit. This family had an extremely comfortable lifestyle financially speaking and seemed to have the nicest of luxuries. A few years into knowing this family they adopted a 13 year girl who lived in a girl’s home for a large part of her life. Once she belonged to that family many luxuries were made to be a part of her life as she had never known before. Because that couple chose her and loved her as their own she inherited their love, position in their family and all the benefits of what they could offer. Through her acceptance in their family she had access to everything they possessed.
This is similar to Paul’s passage in Colossians. The mystery of God for which he refers is the life found in Christ once we accept Christ as the Head of the church, the Christians. He built the Kingdom on earth through his birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection. He alone possesses every treasure we need to ascertain every nugget of truth and resolution for our lives. Through His love for us He chose us and called us to be in His family. By our loving response to accept Him we gain access to everything He has to offer. The more deeply we enter into fellowship with Him the more He reveals His wisdom and knowledge. The Believer’s Bible Commentary states, “It is a well known principle of Scripture that the Lord reveals His secrets to those who are close to Him…Paul wants the saints (us) to use Christ, to utilize His resources, to draw upon Him in every emergency…The treasures in Christ are hidden from unbelief; and even the believer needs to know Christ intimately to enter into them.” p. 2000-2001
We have all been adopted by Christ and have full access to everything the Head of the family desires to give to us. Will we waste our inheritance or will we claim every treasure He intends for us?
This passage has so much spiritual information for us to consider. In reading this passage this morning I was reminded of a family for whom I use to babysit. This family had an extremely comfortable lifestyle financially speaking and seemed to have the nicest of luxuries. A few years into knowing this family they adopted a 13 year girl who lived in a girl’s home for a large part of her life. Once she belonged to that family many luxuries were made to be a part of her life as she had never known before. Because that couple chose her and loved her as their own she inherited their love, position in their family and all the benefits of what they could offer. Through her acceptance in their family she had access to everything they possessed.
This is similar to Paul’s passage in Colossians. The mystery of God for which he refers is the life found in Christ once we accept Christ as the Head of the church, the Christians. He built the Kingdom on earth through his birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection. He alone possesses every treasure we need to ascertain every nugget of truth and resolution for our lives. Through His love for us He chose us and called us to be in His family. By our loving response to accept Him we gain access to everything He has to offer. The more deeply we enter into fellowship with Him the more He reveals His wisdom and knowledge. The Believer’s Bible Commentary states, “It is a well known principle of Scripture that the Lord reveals His secrets to those who are close to Him…Paul wants the saints (us) to use Christ, to utilize His resources, to draw upon Him in every emergency…The treasures in Christ are hidden from unbelief; and even the believer needs to know Christ intimately to enter into them.” p. 2000-2001
We have all been adopted by Christ and have full access to everything the Head of the family desires to give to us. Will we waste our inheritance or will we claim every treasure He intends for us?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Not Of This World
“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” Acts 28:27
These were the words of the prophet Isaiah repeated by Paul to the Jews as they continued to deny the Messiah. The original Greek translation for callous is ‘to make fat’. Isaiah spoke of the hearts of those who would not accept the future Messiah. He foretold how there will be those who hearts would not be healthy enough to receive the understanding of Christ.
Wherever there is fat there also accompanies inactivity and overindulging. Most of us have tried diet after diet to lessen our body fat and obtain a more desired body. God is asking the same of us for our spiritual body. Inactivity in sharpening our spiritual vision and tuning our spiritual ears will result in a callous heart. Overindulging in what the world has to offer verses Christ will also result in the inability to see God working, hear what God is asking of us and understanding His timing and purpose.
The early Christians were described in my commentary as follows: “They lived sacrificially for the spread of the gospel. They did not look upon material possessions as their own, but as a stewardship from God. They were not surprised when they ran into persecution. They had been taught to expect it. Instead of retaliating or even vindicating themselves, they committed their cause to God, who judges righteously. Instead of seeking escape from trials, they prayed for boldness to proclaim Christ to all with whom they came in contact. These early Christians lived in separation from the world. They were in it but not of it.” Believer's Bible Commentary, p.1666
I don’t know about you but I know I need to exercise my heart so I can more closely match these early Christians. Hopefully, at the end of my life I will be described with these same words:
“She was in this world but not of it.”
These were the words of the prophet Isaiah repeated by Paul to the Jews as they continued to deny the Messiah. The original Greek translation for callous is ‘to make fat’. Isaiah spoke of the hearts of those who would not accept the future Messiah. He foretold how there will be those who hearts would not be healthy enough to receive the understanding of Christ.
Wherever there is fat there also accompanies inactivity and overindulging. Most of us have tried diet after diet to lessen our body fat and obtain a more desired body. God is asking the same of us for our spiritual body. Inactivity in sharpening our spiritual vision and tuning our spiritual ears will result in a callous heart. Overindulging in what the world has to offer verses Christ will also result in the inability to see God working, hear what God is asking of us and understanding His timing and purpose.
The early Christians were described in my commentary as follows: “They lived sacrificially for the spread of the gospel. They did not look upon material possessions as their own, but as a stewardship from God. They were not surprised when they ran into persecution. They had been taught to expect it. Instead of retaliating or even vindicating themselves, they committed their cause to God, who judges righteously. Instead of seeking escape from trials, they prayed for boldness to proclaim Christ to all with whom they came in contact. These early Christians lived in separation from the world. They were in it but not of it.” Believer's Bible Commentary, p.1666
I don’t know about you but I know I need to exercise my heart so I can more closely match these early Christians. Hopefully, at the end of my life I will be described with these same words:
“She was in this world but not of it.”
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Who Do You Serve?
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col. 3:23-24
Boy did this passage convict me in church on Sunday. There are things that we do in life that are fueled by our passion and drive us to accomplishment. Then there are things to accomplish that seem to lack any passion at all, but still require our attention.
Whenever something laborious is at hand I seem to lose my focus and procrastinate. We place a value of importance on certain things which is the gas in our engine. If we place a high value on something it will be easier to accomplish. The lower the value we place on a deed the longer it takes to complete.
If we were to approach any task as working at it with all our hearts for the Lord we might be able to find joy in everything. I know for me I become overwhelmed very easily these days caring for my father-in-law who suffers with Alzheimer’s. He is in the moderate to severe stage which creates many challenges for us in caring for him. Our human nature beckons us to think about ourselves and what is or is not happening in our lives. When I picture the face of Christ on this situation it allows me to picture accomplishing every task as if working for the Lord Himself.
When anxiety or overwhelming emotions overtake me I must remember to close my eyes, picture Christ and serve Him with all of my heart. There are two people for whom we serve…ourselves or our Lord.
Whom will we choose?
Boy did this passage convict me in church on Sunday. There are things that we do in life that are fueled by our passion and drive us to accomplishment. Then there are things to accomplish that seem to lack any passion at all, but still require our attention.
Whenever something laborious is at hand I seem to lose my focus and procrastinate. We place a value of importance on certain things which is the gas in our engine. If we place a high value on something it will be easier to accomplish. The lower the value we place on a deed the longer it takes to complete.
If we were to approach any task as working at it with all our hearts for the Lord we might be able to find joy in everything. I know for me I become overwhelmed very easily these days caring for my father-in-law who suffers with Alzheimer’s. He is in the moderate to severe stage which creates many challenges for us in caring for him. Our human nature beckons us to think about ourselves and what is or is not happening in our lives. When I picture the face of Christ on this situation it allows me to picture accomplishing every task as if working for the Lord Himself.
When anxiety or overwhelming emotions overtake me I must remember to close my eyes, picture Christ and serve Him with all of my heart. There are two people for whom we serve…ourselves or our Lord.
Whom will we choose?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
His Declaration
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” Col. 3:15
When tough decisions are required of us these decisions must be based upon prayer and meditation to God. He is interested in the small decisions of our lives just as He is in the large decisions. Once we have heard from the Lord on any issue we can move ahead with confidence.
It is easy to base our decisions on the difficulty of the journey. There is nothing in the Bible that supports this thinking. I remember a few years ago when a person I know had asked us to pray for a 90 day miracle in their home sale. They received a comparable offer within the first 19 days on the market, but with a few inconveniences required of them for 8 weeks. They turned down the offer based on the belief that ‘if this was of God He wouldn’t have placed those obstacles in the way.’ They are two years out and are still involved in the ownership of that home which still presents problems for them.
God’s will never guarantees that it will be easy, but many times it could be the hardest thing required of us. It is tough to ‘keep the peace’ for me and my husband during this challenging time in our lives. Thankfully, the peace that we do keep daily is the peace in the decision of bringing Bruce’s dad to our home.
As a child of God, once we determine God’s will He will place in us an unwavering peace in that decision, apart from our daily challenges. When that peace of Christ rules in our hearts, daily peace will be ours as manna was for the Israelites. We cannot store up that peace for we need to seek it daily.
A declaration is a promise and an absolute. “ ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.’” Haggai 2:9b
Whatever ‘this place’ is for you remember His declaration and claim His promise of peace.
When tough decisions are required of us these decisions must be based upon prayer and meditation to God. He is interested in the small decisions of our lives just as He is in the large decisions. Once we have heard from the Lord on any issue we can move ahead with confidence.
It is easy to base our decisions on the difficulty of the journey. There is nothing in the Bible that supports this thinking. I remember a few years ago when a person I know had asked us to pray for a 90 day miracle in their home sale. They received a comparable offer within the first 19 days on the market, but with a few inconveniences required of them for 8 weeks. They turned down the offer based on the belief that ‘if this was of God He wouldn’t have placed those obstacles in the way.’ They are two years out and are still involved in the ownership of that home which still presents problems for them.
God’s will never guarantees that it will be easy, but many times it could be the hardest thing required of us. It is tough to ‘keep the peace’ for me and my husband during this challenging time in our lives. Thankfully, the peace that we do keep daily is the peace in the decision of bringing Bruce’s dad to our home.
As a child of God, once we determine God’s will He will place in us an unwavering peace in that decision, apart from our daily challenges. When that peace of Christ rules in our hearts, daily peace will be ours as manna was for the Israelites. We cannot store up that peace for we need to seek it daily.
A declaration is a promise and an absolute. “ ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.’” Haggai 2:9b
Whatever ‘this place’ is for you remember His declaration and claim His promise of peace.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Bite by Bite
“When he got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 27: 16, 30-31
I am reminded by this passage that it is not the destination that carries all of the riches but also the journey. I needed to hear that this morning as I face the challenging waters of Alzheimer’s. Paul was beaten many times, flogged and shipwrecked several times before ending up at the place of God’s choosing – Rome. God made it clear to Paul that he would take the kingdom of God to the people of Rome. God gave him the destination but spoon fed him the journey bite by bite. The challenge was not in the destination but in the journey to the place where God desired Himself to be known.
We must believe in this concept with all of our hearts or we will abort our God given purpose for our lives. With our eyes focused intently on Jesus we will find the treasures along the way that will never be taken from us. Like Paul, whatever our incarceration may be we will experience the opportunity to not just endure but to conquer and do the higher work of God in all of our situations.
Remember, do great things for God and expect great things from God!
I am reminded by this passage that it is not the destination that carries all of the riches but also the journey. I needed to hear that this morning as I face the challenging waters of Alzheimer’s. Paul was beaten many times, flogged and shipwrecked several times before ending up at the place of God’s choosing – Rome. God made it clear to Paul that he would take the kingdom of God to the people of Rome. God gave him the destination but spoon fed him the journey bite by bite. The challenge was not in the destination but in the journey to the place where God desired Himself to be known.
We must believe in this concept with all of our hearts or we will abort our God given purpose for our lives. With our eyes focused intently on Jesus we will find the treasures along the way that will never be taken from us. Like Paul, whatever our incarceration may be we will experience the opportunity to not just endure but to conquer and do the higher work of God in all of our situations.
Remember, do great things for God and expect great things from God!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Best Way
“The islanders showed an unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.” Acts 28:2
When Paul and his men were shipwrecked from the storm many had to swim through the freezing waters. By the time they reached shore they were drenched from both rain and the sea. We can all relate to the bone chill of being caught in a storm in cold temperatures. The relief that comes from any warmth is something to behold and long for.
The Greek translation of islanders is barbaros which means ‘a barbarian.’ Paul and the men had a predetermined impression of what their situation would offer. For Paul to write that they were shown unusual kindness means that their expectation was the opposite.
Many of our past experiences define our expectations of future outcomes. I found this line in reality this past week. There is a relationship in my life that through the Holy Spirit I was led to point out obvious contradiction in actions that were leading her heart astray. Reasoning with this individual has had its challenges over the years and the repercussions are never pleasant. I was expecting a backlash from her within the days that followed our talk and must admit that my expectations were anything but warm and welcoming.
To my surprise, the islander showed unusual kindness and thanked me for pointing out certain possibilities for her to consider. I was unprepared for this response but sure did enjoy the warmth of the fire. History had left me cold and wet from past experiences with her but God can warm any heart and situation if we truly believe in His power and His workings. The last line of her letter stated, “I shall trust my heart from God to show me the best way.”
What more can anyone ask of another than her closing statement. Our God is bigger than the most unreasonable situations if we only believe.
When Paul and his men were shipwrecked from the storm many had to swim through the freezing waters. By the time they reached shore they were drenched from both rain and the sea. We can all relate to the bone chill of being caught in a storm in cold temperatures. The relief that comes from any warmth is something to behold and long for.
The Greek translation of islanders is barbaros which means ‘a barbarian.’ Paul and the men had a predetermined impression of what their situation would offer. For Paul to write that they were shown unusual kindness means that their expectation was the opposite.
Many of our past experiences define our expectations of future outcomes. I found this line in reality this past week. There is a relationship in my life that through the Holy Spirit I was led to point out obvious contradiction in actions that were leading her heart astray. Reasoning with this individual has had its challenges over the years and the repercussions are never pleasant. I was expecting a backlash from her within the days that followed our talk and must admit that my expectations were anything but warm and welcoming.
To my surprise, the islander showed unusual kindness and thanked me for pointing out certain possibilities for her to consider. I was unprepared for this response but sure did enjoy the warmth of the fire. History had left me cold and wet from past experiences with her but God can warm any heart and situation if we truly believe in His power and His workings. The last line of her letter stated, “I shall trust my heart from God to show me the best way.”
What more can anyone ask of another than her closing statement. Our God is bigger than the most unreasonable situations if we only believe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
