“Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25, AMP.
Yesterday I saw a posting on Facebook that made me laugh but also made me squirm because it hit a little too close to home. The post had two pictures of the same cat. The first picture was labeled ‘Facebook You’ and was a cute picture of the face of a sweet little cat. The picture beside it was labeled ‘Real You’ with the entire picture of the cat shown – that was one big fat cat!
We have all been guilty of this…choosing to post a picture based on how we wish to be seen. We crop out the least attractive parts of the picture and display our favorite parts. So I pose several questions this morning: Do we crop out certain facets of our lives when displaying our spiritual snapshots of ourselves? What kind of Christian image do we project when living within the frames of our lives? Do we choose mental settings that allow certain people to see certain sides of us while others see different sides?
If we are to be protected against the ever-increasingly worldly temptations, we must live totally transparent lives. We cannot live life with alternating masks in our spiritual life. We must consider giving attention to pure and noble activities in our own lives while we encourage and lovingly guide others in their lives to be transparent. ‘This Scripture is talking about deliberately involving ourselves with one another for the specified purpose of aiding and abetting each other’s victories…those who isolate themselves from the involvement of the body of Christ will be at greater risk for personal disaster.’ When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 96.
It is a full time job cropping the ‘unlovelies’ out of our lives when it is much easier to admit to our weaknesses and flaws. Our willingness to be transparent makes us more approachable and relatable to those who are searching for a more meaningful walk with God.
By displaying our entire picture we are posting the reality of our belief in a Father who loves unconditionally and a Savior who accepts our every flaw. He never wants us to crop out any part of who we are for those are the areas He wishes to display and transform into His image.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Alley of Darkness
“I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking in the direction of her house…Then out came the woman to meet him…now in the square, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him…All at once he followed her…to the slaughter…into a noose…darting into a snare…cost him his life.” Prov. 7.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
The Alley of Darkness
“I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking in the direction of her house…Then out came the woman to meet him…now in the square, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him…All at once he followed her…to the slaughter…into a noose…darting into a snare…cost him his life.” Prov. 7.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.
He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.
Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.
Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.
We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Masquerade Balls
“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Co. 11:14-15.
I absolutely adore the story of Phantom of the Opera. One of my favorite scenes is the masquerade ball wherein there is a swell of excitement, happiness and security only to be usurped by the dark appearance of the Phantom. He looked no different from the rest except for having his own version of the mask, but possessed an eerie presence of darkness that fell upon the room. Some of the lines from that song disturbingly resonate in describing our walks as Christians if we follow the world's lead.
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade...
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!
Faces...
Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light...
in the sound...
Masquerade!
Seething shadows,
breathing lies...
Masquerade!
You can fool
any friend who
ever knew you!
We cannot live our lives behind masks if we are to live a life of transparency in Christ. When Christ died upon the cross we are told that the veil was ripped from top to bottom. No more coverings to hide our face or our faith – Christ removed the veil. ‘But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ 2 Co. 3:16-18.
If we allow Satan to lull us into believing we are to all look alike with little variation, we will walk through life dancing the same steps in his masquerade ball. We were called to be courageous and set apart as the light of God, not a version of a world full of masks in the same dance.
Let us all take off our masks and dance individually in the garden with Christ.
I absolutely adore the story of Phantom of the Opera. One of my favorite scenes is the masquerade ball wherein there is a swell of excitement, happiness and security only to be usurped by the dark appearance of the Phantom. He looked no different from the rest except for having his own version of the mask, but possessed an eerie presence of darkness that fell upon the room. Some of the lines from that song disturbingly resonate in describing our walks as Christians if we follow the world's lead.
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade...
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
so the world will
never find you!
Faces...
Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light...
in the sound...
Masquerade!
Seething shadows,
breathing lies...
Masquerade!
You can fool
any friend who
ever knew you!
We cannot live our lives behind masks if we are to live a life of transparency in Christ. When Christ died upon the cross we are told that the veil was ripped from top to bottom. No more coverings to hide our face or our faith – Christ removed the veil. ‘But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces, all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ 2 Co. 3:16-18.
If we allow Satan to lull us into believing we are to all look alike with little variation, we will walk through life dancing the same steps in his masquerade ball. We were called to be courageous and set apart as the light of God, not a version of a world full of masks in the same dance.
Let us all take off our masks and dance individually in the garden with Christ.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sitting on Ledges
“Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and put his arms around him. ‘He’s alive!’ The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.” Acts 20:9-12.
I can both relate to this story and laugh at it due to the wonderful ending. We have all been there before…sitting at a religious gathering, our minds wandering, our eyelids heavy and suddenly our heads snap as we realize we have fallen asleep. We look around mortified that someone would notice our lack of interest and our lack of engagement into the message. (Now hopefully we are not sitting on a window ledge when this happens.)
Spiritually speaking, how many of us are sitting on that ledge peering out of the window totally distracted by life. We are neither engaged in the message of God nor interested. We tell ourselves ‘It’s boring in here and look at everything I am missing out on by being here.’ God never intended for us to sit on the window’s ledge like some distant acquaintance invited to some distant and boring speech. He created us to engage, passionately pursue and be His messenger. His word was meant to be thrown around our lives and the love of His arms to be wrapped around every part of every day.
When we are lulled to sleep by life we miss out on the message and the excitement of His delight. We conclude that the excitement outside the window is greater than the stagnant air inside the walls. We have bought into the world’s lies and it is only a matter of time before we fall to our death…death of fellowship with God…death of fellowship with the Body of Christ.
If we are going to fall to our death, let us hope and pray that it is the death of our old self. Then God will run to our dead bodies, throw Himself upon us, put His arms around us and proclaim, ‘She’s alive!’
I can both relate to this story and laugh at it due to the wonderful ending. We have all been there before…sitting at a religious gathering, our minds wandering, our eyelids heavy and suddenly our heads snap as we realize we have fallen asleep. We look around mortified that someone would notice our lack of interest and our lack of engagement into the message. (Now hopefully we are not sitting on a window ledge when this happens.)
Spiritually speaking, how many of us are sitting on that ledge peering out of the window totally distracted by life. We are neither engaged in the message of God nor interested. We tell ourselves ‘It’s boring in here and look at everything I am missing out on by being here.’ God never intended for us to sit on the window’s ledge like some distant acquaintance invited to some distant and boring speech. He created us to engage, passionately pursue and be His messenger. His word was meant to be thrown around our lives and the love of His arms to be wrapped around every part of every day.
When we are lulled to sleep by life we miss out on the message and the excitement of His delight. We conclude that the excitement outside the window is greater than the stagnant air inside the walls. We have bought into the world’s lies and it is only a matter of time before we fall to our death…death of fellowship with God…death of fellowship with the Body of Christ.
If we are going to fall to our death, let us hope and pray that it is the death of our old self. Then God will run to our dead bodies, throw Himself upon us, put His arms around us and proclaim, ‘She’s alive!’
Friday, September 23, 2011
RSVP
“Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgressions.” Psalm 19:12-13. “May your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless.” 1 Thess. 5:23. “He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall.” Prov. 28:18.
Allow me to begin with the definition of blameless. Living a blameless life is not living a perfect life which is humanly impossible. Living a blameless life is living a life where sin does not rule over us. We all will sin on occasion through our hidden flaws or mistakes made through uncontrolled emotions such as impatience, anger, jealously, etc...
In Psalm David asked the Lord to help him understand these hidden faults. He also asked God to keep him from intentionally sinning which we all need God’s help in accomplishing. Blatant and willful sin is all around us and beckons our attention and participation. These sins that can easily rule over us involve a choice we make such as unforgiveness, lies and slander involving someone else.
In order to accomplish being kept sound and blameless, we must invite God to be in every part of our lives. We have all felt the sting of being left out of an event or group. I personally have felt the hurt of not being accepted in a group or a community. Some have been passed over or neglected in their work environment. Some have even felt excluded or ignored in their own family. We cannot do the same to God. He must be invited into all areas of our lives if we are to ask for His protection against perverse ways and live a blameless life. Do we invite God into our hobbies, our viewing of movies or television shows? Is He invited on vacation and during our times of relaxation?
If we are to be kept safe by God we must allow Him access into every part of our mind, heart and body. This involves our relationships and our activities. Any area of our lives that excludes God invites Satan in.
Allow me to begin with the definition of blameless. Living a blameless life is not living a perfect life which is humanly impossible. Living a blameless life is living a life where sin does not rule over us. We all will sin on occasion through our hidden flaws or mistakes made through uncontrolled emotions such as impatience, anger, jealously, etc...
In Psalm David asked the Lord to help him understand these hidden faults. He also asked God to keep him from intentionally sinning which we all need God’s help in accomplishing. Blatant and willful sin is all around us and beckons our attention and participation. These sins that can easily rule over us involve a choice we make such as unforgiveness, lies and slander involving someone else.
In order to accomplish being kept sound and blameless, we must invite God to be in every part of our lives. We have all felt the sting of being left out of an event or group. I personally have felt the hurt of not being accepted in a group or a community. Some have been passed over or neglected in their work environment. Some have even felt excluded or ignored in their own family. We cannot do the same to God. He must be invited into all areas of our lives if we are to ask for His protection against perverse ways and live a blameless life. Do we invite God into our hobbies, our viewing of movies or television shows? Is He invited on vacation and during our times of relaxation?
If we are to be kept safe by God we must allow Him access into every part of our mind, heart and body. This involves our relationships and our activities. Any area of our lives that excludes God invites Satan in.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Permission Granted!
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32.
This is a chilling exchange between Jesus and Peter for sure. This passage confirms two basic truths that can be both disheartening and disturbing. Satan must ask permission to attack us and God allows some attacks. Jesus knew that the plan for Peter was important as the church was going to be built upon Peter’s ministry. He also knew that the stakes were high so the flaws of Simon had to be removed. Simon came with spiritual flaws just like the rest of us. They would never work in the ministry for which he was being called at a later time. Leading up to this passage, Peter was involved in a debate about who among them was the greatest. There was and is no room in any ministry for spiritual pride.
God does not allow Satan to invade unless there is something that needs to be removed from our character. He will use Satan like a puppet allowing Satan to use us as puppets through our weaknesses. It is the spiritual warfare that has existed since the beginning of the relationship between man and God. God could have easily kept Satan out of the Garden of Eden. He allowed Satan entry into the Garden just as He allows Satan entry into our lives. God sets the boundaries around us and determines in what ways Satan can intersect our lives.
I am so humbled this morning when I consider the boundaries that were set around me during the past 5 years. There is no doubt that Satan was chomping at the bit to get to me, but God did not allow this until last year. He waited until I had been through certain experiences and had experienced Him in faithfulness. While God loosened up some boundaries for Satan to attack, He tightened up other areas in my life. He fortified all that was solid in my life and provided entry only into my character that needed sifting. ‘God will never allow the enemy to sift any believer that does not need something sifted.’ When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 53.
2010 was one of the worst years of my life as Satan relentlessly assaulted my character. Satan was determined to reveal and expose anything that wasn’t authentic in my life. He was the tweezers that God used to lift out many thorns. God did not leave me in that season of sifting any longer than necessary. What Satan thought would be used against me God removed as it surfaced. I know the day that God decided the season of sifting was over and that enough was enough! Praise God that the season is over! It was brutal and suffocating but God breathed fresh life into me.
I still have a long way to go but I am closer than I was.
This is a chilling exchange between Jesus and Peter for sure. This passage confirms two basic truths that can be both disheartening and disturbing. Satan must ask permission to attack us and God allows some attacks. Jesus knew that the plan for Peter was important as the church was going to be built upon Peter’s ministry. He also knew that the stakes were high so the flaws of Simon had to be removed. Simon came with spiritual flaws just like the rest of us. They would never work in the ministry for which he was being called at a later time. Leading up to this passage, Peter was involved in a debate about who among them was the greatest. There was and is no room in any ministry for spiritual pride.
God does not allow Satan to invade unless there is something that needs to be removed from our character. He will use Satan like a puppet allowing Satan to use us as puppets through our weaknesses. It is the spiritual warfare that has existed since the beginning of the relationship between man and God. God could have easily kept Satan out of the Garden of Eden. He allowed Satan entry into the Garden just as He allows Satan entry into our lives. God sets the boundaries around us and determines in what ways Satan can intersect our lives.
I am so humbled this morning when I consider the boundaries that were set around me during the past 5 years. There is no doubt that Satan was chomping at the bit to get to me, but God did not allow this until last year. He waited until I had been through certain experiences and had experienced Him in faithfulness. While God loosened up some boundaries for Satan to attack, He tightened up other areas in my life. He fortified all that was solid in my life and provided entry only into my character that needed sifting. ‘God will never allow the enemy to sift any believer that does not need something sifted.’ When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, p. 53.
2010 was one of the worst years of my life as Satan relentlessly assaulted my character. Satan was determined to reveal and expose anything that wasn’t authentic in my life. He was the tweezers that God used to lift out many thorns. God did not leave me in that season of sifting any longer than necessary. What Satan thought would be used against me God removed as it surfaced. I know the day that God decided the season of sifting was over and that enough was enough! Praise God that the season is over! It was brutal and suffocating but God breathed fresh life into me.
I still have a long way to go but I am closer than I was.
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