"A Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Proverbs 22:1a (Amplified)
I don't know if many of us recognize the power of our names. Some may things it happenstance or coincidence that they were named what they were named, and others may know the significance of their name but really may not totally grasp the responsibility that is required to live up to that name.
Jesus carried with Him the name above all names, and the responsibility of His name led him to the cross. I love how Philippians 2 depicts how Jesus assumed the responsibility of His name and because He did it so well God elevated His name to the status no other name could ever have.
So don't for one moment lessen the importance of your name and how it matters in this world, because if you truly knew who you were, then its easy to live the life your meant to live in Christ.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Be Vigilant
"Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world." 1 Peter 5:8-9
Sun Tzu a great war tactician once said, "In any battle, you must know your enemy and know thyself..." How true do those words ring when it concerns the enemy of mankind (satan). He roams about the earth seeking whom he may devour, in fact, this version emphasizes that He roams about with fierce hunger. He's so anxious to strike us and take us down that he patiently waits for our moment of weakness and attacks. Like any normal lion.
I've heard it said that a lion can sense fear and hesitation, but it can also sense strength and courage. If it senses strength its likely to back down and go away, if by chance it does attack their only way of attack is to pounce... leaving themselves vulnerable to a person eluding them and striking them in the head. In like fashion, Satan has his old tricks be it; pornography, alcohol, drugs, etc... His tricks never change and we know that if we claim the name of Jesus and operate in His strength we can defeat his pounces.
God loves us so much that He gives us a clear warning on how to be overcomers in this world. How not to let the enemy of our soul triumph over us. He tells us to be on alert because this enemy is looking to pounce on us when we least expect it. This passage encourages me to keep my mind and my soul on heavy alert knowing that its just a matter of time before the enemy would want to come after me. I encourage you to live in like fashion.
Sun Tzu a great war tactician once said, "In any battle, you must know your enemy and know thyself..." How true do those words ring when it concerns the enemy of mankind (satan). He roams about the earth seeking whom he may devour, in fact, this version emphasizes that He roams about with fierce hunger. He's so anxious to strike us and take us down that he patiently waits for our moment of weakness and attacks. Like any normal lion.
I've heard it said that a lion can sense fear and hesitation, but it can also sense strength and courage. If it senses strength its likely to back down and go away, if by chance it does attack their only way of attack is to pounce... leaving themselves vulnerable to a person eluding them and striking them in the head. In like fashion, Satan has his old tricks be it; pornography, alcohol, drugs, etc... His tricks never change and we know that if we claim the name of Jesus and operate in His strength we can defeat his pounces.
God loves us so much that He gives us a clear warning on how to be overcomers in this world. How not to let the enemy of our soul triumph over us. He tells us to be on alert because this enemy is looking to pounce on us when we least expect it. This passage encourages me to keep my mind and my soul on heavy alert knowing that its just a matter of time before the enemy would want to come after me. I encourage you to live in like fashion.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Tongue
"And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell...With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God's likeness!" James 3: 6,9 (Amplified)
Ever said anything you wished you took back as soon as it left your mouth? I know I have several times, and perhaps in my lifetime I'll do it again. It's that ragged tongue, it has such a potential to do marvelous things, but can be equally as destructive. James marveled at this paradox, after all how could something praise God and later curse the very perfect creation of God.
This member of our body is guided by emotion more than any other member of our body. Our brain has a direct link to the tongue and when we feel good or bad we respond in kind. However, because it is linked to the brain it is also the hardest to control, because at times subconscious thoughts emerge and we're not wholly (or consciously) aware of what we speak.
Then what to do? The best way to control it is to realize that we can't. Let our flesh lose the battle that the spirit so desperately desires to win. Begin exercises of praise rather than speaking negativity. The more we practice to speak good then it will be rather difficult to speak evil, or we will feel wrong about it. If we allow God to control our lives most assuredly He'll control our tongue, if not then we become victims of our own inherently wicked desires and the flesh triumphs once again. Prevent this at all costs!
Ever said anything you wished you took back as soon as it left your mouth? I know I have several times, and perhaps in my lifetime I'll do it again. It's that ragged tongue, it has such a potential to do marvelous things, but can be equally as destructive. James marveled at this paradox, after all how could something praise God and later curse the very perfect creation of God.
This member of our body is guided by emotion more than any other member of our body. Our brain has a direct link to the tongue and when we feel good or bad we respond in kind. However, because it is linked to the brain it is also the hardest to control, because at times subconscious thoughts emerge and we're not wholly (or consciously) aware of what we speak.
Then what to do? The best way to control it is to realize that we can't. Let our flesh lose the battle that the spirit so desperately desires to win. Begin exercises of praise rather than speaking negativity. The more we practice to speak good then it will be rather difficult to speak evil, or we will feel wrong about it. If we allow God to control our lives most assuredly He'll control our tongue, if not then we become victims of our own inherently wicked desires and the flesh triumphs once again. Prevent this at all costs!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Forgiven to Forgive
“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again." Isaiah 43:25 (NLT)
What a truly profound yet simple message. A message where God says to us in so many words, "I will totally wipe out all your sins from my memory. That compromising situation where you gave into temptation and failed. That time where you spoke harshly against your brother or sister. Those instances for me are totally forgiven and released from My memory."
This truly amazing level of grace serves as an example for us, a model, if you will, on how we ought to be with others. Yet, sometimes the choices we make run counter to this line of thinking. We choose to hold grudges, or bitterness towards others because of the hurtful things they may have said or done. Or when someone fails in the most simple elements of life we become critical of them and totally judge and condemn them. It's as if we feel like we are better than God because we refuse to do the very thing He does for us.
You can tell a person that has true forgiveness in their lives, because they reflect love in all instances not holding grudges against anyone, always forgiving, always loving. This person refuses to give into gossip, or hate of any sort. More than anything this person reflects what God promises He will do for us in this passage. So the question persists... "Are we going to be for God's ways, or are we going to live as if we are better than Him?" If you remember nothing about this passage...remember this simple fact, that you are forgiven to forgive.
What a truly profound yet simple message. A message where God says to us in so many words, "I will totally wipe out all your sins from my memory. That compromising situation where you gave into temptation and failed. That time where you spoke harshly against your brother or sister. Those instances for me are totally forgiven and released from My memory."
This truly amazing level of grace serves as an example for us, a model, if you will, on how we ought to be with others. Yet, sometimes the choices we make run counter to this line of thinking. We choose to hold grudges, or bitterness towards others because of the hurtful things they may have said or done. Or when someone fails in the most simple elements of life we become critical of them and totally judge and condemn them. It's as if we feel like we are better than God because we refuse to do the very thing He does for us.
You can tell a person that has true forgiveness in their lives, because they reflect love in all instances not holding grudges against anyone, always forgiving, always loving. This person refuses to give into gossip, or hate of any sort. More than anything this person reflects what God promises He will do for us in this passage. So the question persists... "Are we going to be for God's ways, or are we going to live as if we are better than Him?" If you remember nothing about this passage...remember this simple fact, that you are forgiven to forgive.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Never
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Moses' final exhortation to the people. It carries with it the spectrum of emotions ranging from melancholy (for he's not the one leading the people to the promised land) to encouragement (because his people are about to embark on a terrific journey with a new regime). Moses is sure of something that this new breed isn't quite familiar with, and he's imparting this wisdom unto them. God will never leave you. Never not ever!
As we that are familiar with this story know, there were several instances in which God could have left this rag tag bunch of wishy washy people, but He never did. Pick your instance; the golden calf, the cursed brook, the rebellion of Korah, and their refusal to enter the land for fear of the giants. Time and again the people that had witnessed the greatest miracles the world has ever known retaliated to a mentality of things being too impossible. I'd imagine the whole time God is shaking His head in disbelief saying, "Really?"
Yet in all this, and in all the anger God had against His people, He never left. Makes me think about all of us who at times really beat ourselves up when we make mistakes. When we stink up the joint with our foul odor of disbelief, especially when we have witnessed great miracles, signs, and wonders in our own lives. I'm sure He sits on his throne and just thinks, "Really?"
However, His love for us is such that He never leaves us. Makes me grateful for a God that doesn't care how many mistakes I make. He'll still love me, and will still deliver me. Oh and by the way, if you didn't know what happened next these people stepped into the promised land and defeated the very giants the generation before feared. That's what happens when never leaving nor forsaking is in the equation.
Moses' final exhortation to the people. It carries with it the spectrum of emotions ranging from melancholy (for he's not the one leading the people to the promised land) to encouragement (because his people are about to embark on a terrific journey with a new regime). Moses is sure of something that this new breed isn't quite familiar with, and he's imparting this wisdom unto them. God will never leave you. Never not ever!
As we that are familiar with this story know, there were several instances in which God could have left this rag tag bunch of wishy washy people, but He never did. Pick your instance; the golden calf, the cursed brook, the rebellion of Korah, and their refusal to enter the land for fear of the giants. Time and again the people that had witnessed the greatest miracles the world has ever known retaliated to a mentality of things being too impossible. I'd imagine the whole time God is shaking His head in disbelief saying, "Really?"
Yet in all this, and in all the anger God had against His people, He never left. Makes me think about all of us who at times really beat ourselves up when we make mistakes. When we stink up the joint with our foul odor of disbelief, especially when we have witnessed great miracles, signs, and wonders in our own lives. I'm sure He sits on his throne and just thinks, "Really?"
However, His love for us is such that He never leaves us. Makes me grateful for a God that doesn't care how many mistakes I make. He'll still love me, and will still deliver me. Oh and by the way, if you didn't know what happened next these people stepped into the promised land and defeated the very giants the generation before feared. That's what happens when never leaving nor forsaking is in the equation.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Choice
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”- Joshua 24:15 (NIV)
Isn't this a choice we are forced to make everyday? When the world around us presses us for our allegiance who do we choose? Do we choose the temporal pleasures and gain this world affords, or do we choose the invincible, the immeasurable, the eternal?
Joshua was faced with a life-altering mind-numbing choice. But to him the choice was simple. He saw what the world had to offer through the Egyptian experience. He knew what it was like to know when he was getting a meal, and when the workday was over (but the reality of being a slave never changed). Suddenly a man named Moses carrying a word from his God to set His people free rocked his world (a life of freedom away from repressed slavery). Instantly, things that were once certain and predictable changed into the uncertain, and unpredictable. Like never before he was forced to live a life of faith following a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
He would see in his journey terrific triumphs that defied logic or reason, and lots of disappointment centered on a lack of faith. When his time came to lead he saw two choices, serving God or living a life of bondage and slavery to the world. For him the choice was oh so simple, yet extremely difficult in application because it stretched him more than anything in his life. We all know what choice he made and as a result he saw the land flowing with milk and honey.
Isn't this a choice we are forced to make everyday? When the world around us presses us for our allegiance who do we choose? Do we choose the temporal pleasures and gain this world affords, or do we choose the invincible, the immeasurable, the eternal?
Joshua was faced with a life-altering mind-numbing choice. But to him the choice was simple. He saw what the world had to offer through the Egyptian experience. He knew what it was like to know when he was getting a meal, and when the workday was over (but the reality of being a slave never changed). Suddenly a man named Moses carrying a word from his God to set His people free rocked his world (a life of freedom away from repressed slavery). Instantly, things that were once certain and predictable changed into the uncertain, and unpredictable. Like never before he was forced to live a life of faith following a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
He would see in his journey terrific triumphs that defied logic or reason, and lots of disappointment centered on a lack of faith. When his time came to lead he saw two choices, serving God or living a life of bondage and slavery to the world. For him the choice was oh so simple, yet extremely difficult in application because it stretched him more than anything in his life. We all know what choice he made and as a result he saw the land flowing with milk and honey.
I see little difference between what Joshua faced thousands of years ago and what we face today. We are required to walk by faith and not by sight, believing in the eternal which isn't seen rather than the temporal which is seen. We are faced with the choice to choose the Lord or the world. I know which one I'm choosing, I pray you do as well.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Perfection Through Weakness
"Jesus said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
Why is it when trials or adversities come I cower in to a bundle of fear and anxiety? Why is it that I don't see those instances as opportunities to succeed rather than moments to fail? Why is it that my eyes cannot grasp the faith of Paul who says, " I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13) Why O Why, O Why? My needs are always met. He's never early, never late, but ALWAYS on time... So then why do I struggle with my belief system when the measure of difficulty is raised higher and higher? All these questions one simple answer... I can't see Him.
"What! you can't see Him?" People may ask. Yeah I can't see Him, or perhaps I choose not to see Him. I'm choosing to focus on my circumstance instead of the answer to my circumstance. If I choose to see Him, I willfully choose to understand that my circumstance is His, and that He is more than capable of handling it. The reason why we are afraid to see Him is because we are inherently afraid to be weak.
In this world we are conditioned to look out for ourselves and handle our situations on our own. God is desiring to "open His hands and satisfy the desire of EVERY living thing." (Psalm 145:16) It takes an act of the will to be weak. To give up fighting for yourself, and embrace the care of a loving God. It takes a tremendous amount of courage and determination to be weak because you operate solely in the realm of faith. But is it worth it? You bet!
Why is it when trials or adversities come I cower in to a bundle of fear and anxiety? Why is it that I don't see those instances as opportunities to succeed rather than moments to fail? Why is it that my eyes cannot grasp the faith of Paul who says, " I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13) Why O Why, O Why? My needs are always met. He's never early, never late, but ALWAYS on time... So then why do I struggle with my belief system when the measure of difficulty is raised higher and higher? All these questions one simple answer... I can't see Him.
"What! you can't see Him?" People may ask. Yeah I can't see Him, or perhaps I choose not to see Him. I'm choosing to focus on my circumstance instead of the answer to my circumstance. If I choose to see Him, I willfully choose to understand that my circumstance is His, and that He is more than capable of handling it. The reason why we are afraid to see Him is because we are inherently afraid to be weak.
In this world we are conditioned to look out for ourselves and handle our situations on our own. God is desiring to "open His hands and satisfy the desire of EVERY living thing." (Psalm 145:16) It takes an act of the will to be weak. To give up fighting for yourself, and embrace the care of a loving God. It takes a tremendous amount of courage and determination to be weak because you operate solely in the realm of faith. But is it worth it? You bet!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Take Heart
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (Amplified)
Ever seen a high profile person walk around with his entourage? He walks confidently because he knows that his entourage is well equipped and prepared to handle his protection. For the most part this person has available access to him to do pretty much anything he wants. More importantly, he knows that the reason why he has an entourage in the first place is because there is trouble in the world.
Ever seen a high profile person walk around with his entourage? He walks confidently because he knows that his entourage is well equipped and prepared to handle his protection. For the most part this person has available access to him to do pretty much anything he wants. More importantly, he knows that the reason why he has an entourage in the first place is because there is trouble in the world.
We too have a similar aura of protection around us. Our entourage is God. He watches over us. He leads us beside the still and the troubled waters. He restores our soul. He leads us in paths of righteousness. He has proven over and over again that He has overcome the world. Think Pharaoh, Jericho, Goliath, and the Cross. No obstacle can stand in His way. So take heart, and have peace in Him.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A Better Life
"A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 (The Message)
Far too often we beat ourselves up too much for mistakes we make. The reason why we feel so remorseful and guilty is mainly because we don't understand how truly forgiven we are. In this instance the thief, (which is the devil) is trying to steal your understanding of forgiveness.
At other times you don't have the ability to forgive others, or even tolerate their shortcomings. In this instance the thief, is trying to rob you of the grace you've been given. Lastly, there are times where your hopes and dreams for a better future for yourself has been corrupted by circumstances and trials that cloud your vision for a better tomorrow. This time it is the thief who has come to steal your hope.
The secret to overcoming the thief is to remind yourself of the words Jesus promised to us. The statement, "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of..." Isn't some sort of pipe dream or unattainable goal. It is our purpose, the very destiny we are called to embrace. So don't for one moment accept let the thief rob you of what you're promised. His goal is to make you fall... but God's purpose for your live is to raise you up!
Far too often we beat ourselves up too much for mistakes we make. The reason why we feel so remorseful and guilty is mainly because we don't understand how truly forgiven we are. In this instance the thief, (which is the devil) is trying to steal your understanding of forgiveness.
At other times you don't have the ability to forgive others, or even tolerate their shortcomings. In this instance the thief, is trying to rob you of the grace you've been given. Lastly, there are times where your hopes and dreams for a better future for yourself has been corrupted by circumstances and trials that cloud your vision for a better tomorrow. This time it is the thief who has come to steal your hope.
The secret to overcoming the thief is to remind yourself of the words Jesus promised to us. The statement, "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of..." Isn't some sort of pipe dream or unattainable goal. It is our purpose, the very destiny we are called to embrace. So don't for one moment accept let the thief rob you of what you're promised. His goal is to make you fall... but God's purpose for your live is to raise you up!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Exhortation
"Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (Amplified)
Makes me wonder how many people really buy into this line of thinking, especially in these times? Joshua was really delving into the unknown. A man who was a faithful lieutenant of Moses for years, now is thrust into a position as Captain over the millions of Israeli refugees looking for a home. A daunting task at best. God's pep talk to Joshua didn't pull any punches but reminded him (Joshua) of the word of God. (as an aside, I was thinking of how curious it is when you go back to the word you will find the answer to all your problems. Very Interesting indeed, but I digress)
God didn't tell him to be tepid or afraid... No. He told him to be strong, vigorous, and courageous. Strong, because he will need to have a thick skin to deal with wishy washy people. Vigorous, because there will be tasks ahead that will require him to not relent. Courageous, because there will be times where the impossible (in our mind) will surface and he will need to have the courage to persist in trusting God. All these characteristics would be powerful assets if and only if He understood that the Lord was with Him. Just as He was with Moses.
You know come to think of it, God's exhortation hasn't changed a bit. The promises in His word are still true even for us today, and the challenges that we meet, though they do not have the scope of Joshua's challenges, the solutions to them are still the same. God is telling you today you need to be strong, vigorous, and courageous, but don't for one second hold back or be in despair...because He is with you. What amazing comfort that truth provides.
Friday, October 14, 2011
All or Nothing
"I know your [record of] works and what you are doing; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!" Revelation 3:15-16 (Amplified)
Wouldn't you be the same if it were you? Suppose you had a fiancee, girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse that was just lukewarm in everything that they did. It would drive you crazy, because you'd just hope for a little passion in something, Or you would rather they not give an effort at all. God had the same issue with the church at Laodicea and the Christians that represent that church then and now.
Being lukewarm is a mental condition that tries to appease to two fields. One is the field of complacency, the other is the field of excellence. Those who live in the middle are torn between making a decision and have no idea of what it means to sell out and go for it all. But as Christians selling out and going all the way is our calling. Ask a sports athlete what happens if they don't go all out, more often than not if you hesitate you become high risk for injury.
God wants you to have passion for two reasons. 1) Because He wants all of you and nothing less, and 2) For your own benefit because living in the middle leaves you susceptible to attacks and to injury. Don't be a person that He spews out of His mouth, instead be on fire for Him for it is the purpose for which you have been made.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Our Help
"I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”- Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
December 7th 1941, just like September 11th 2001 are days that will never be forgotten. Why? Because something happened on those days that changed the course of American history. Before those two respective dates there was a sense of security about our daily affairs, and after those days we became more guarded and stood together as one, for at least a moment in time.
When David faced his numerous December 7th's He always did one thing immediately after those tragic events. He looked up. He knew that looking up was the only place where he could find THE solution to his every need. He knew that the Maker of heaven and earth was never taken by surprise by the events that happened, and was always ready to respond in the times of greatest his need.
Those days should serve as constant reminders of what needs to be done in our moments of greatest need. We should always look up for there is where our help comes from.
December 7th 1941, just like September 11th 2001 are days that will never be forgotten. Why? Because something happened on those days that changed the course of American history. Before those two respective dates there was a sense of security about our daily affairs, and after those days we became more guarded and stood together as one, for at least a moment in time.
When David faced his numerous December 7th's He always did one thing immediately after those tragic events. He looked up. He knew that looking up was the only place where he could find THE solution to his every need. He knew that the Maker of heaven and earth was never taken by surprise by the events that happened, and was always ready to respond in the times of greatest his need.
Those days should serve as constant reminders of what needs to be done in our moments of greatest need. We should always look up for there is where our help comes from.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Unshakable Kingdom
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe," Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
God has promised us a kingdom on earth that is immovable, impregnable, a force without equal. We have access to this kingdom! It is a kingdom that this world cannot see with its fleshly eyes, and desires, but it does exist.
The world wages a war daily trying to demean it's existence. the atheist who is so persistent in his/her pursuit will do their level best to convince you there is no God, as there is no Kingdom. The agnostic too will try, as will a host of others. The bible warns us of such people when it tells us in Matthew 11:12, "And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize--a [a]share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]." (Amplified)
Be mindful of these forces that try to vie for the terrain of your souls. Be weary of the lion that lurks to wait and captivate your attention. For in you resides a little piece of this Kingdom, but only if you allow His power inside of you to activate the power to resist the forces that try to assault the Kingdom. Stand your guard and be strong because if God is for us.... then who can be against us?
God has promised us a kingdom on earth that is immovable, impregnable, a force without equal. We have access to this kingdom! It is a kingdom that this world cannot see with its fleshly eyes, and desires, but it does exist.
The world wages a war daily trying to demean it's existence. the atheist who is so persistent in his/her pursuit will do their level best to convince you there is no God, as there is no Kingdom. The agnostic too will try, as will a host of others. The bible warns us of such people when it tells us in Matthew 11:12, "And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize--a [a]share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]." (Amplified)
Be mindful of these forces that try to vie for the terrain of your souls. Be weary of the lion that lurks to wait and captivate your attention. For in you resides a little piece of this Kingdom, but only if you allow His power inside of you to activate the power to resist the forces that try to assault the Kingdom. Stand your guard and be strong because if God is for us.... then who can be against us?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Show Love
"Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (HSBC)
There comes a point in our lives where we will have a choice to extend good to another or evil. It's quite easy to be nice and affable to others when things around us are good. But what about when they turn bad? When the circumstances around us are such where the more good we do the worse it gets?
I love the verse that says, "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21) The bible is transcendent in its ways, but also quite paradoxical. It instructs us to guard against the tendency of treating people how they may deserve, embrace those who do evil to us, and to treat them well despite how we feel. The measuring stick? Jesus. For after all He endured leading to His death on the cross He would show goodness in the highest regard as He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Instead of hurling much deserved insults, He chose to show us love. Let us purpose in life to do the same.
There comes a point in our lives where we will have a choice to extend good to another or evil. It's quite easy to be nice and affable to others when things around us are good. But what about when they turn bad? When the circumstances around us are such where the more good we do the worse it gets?
I love the verse that says, "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21) The bible is transcendent in its ways, but also quite paradoxical. It instructs us to guard against the tendency of treating people how they may deserve, embrace those who do evil to us, and to treat them well despite how we feel. The measuring stick? Jesus. For after all He endured leading to His death on the cross He would show goodness in the highest regard as He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Instead of hurling much deserved insults, He chose to show us love. Let us purpose in life to do the same.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Our Identity
"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
Above all things in life, we should never question who we are in Christ. For we are no ordinary people. We are kings and priests. We are royalty and holiness, for it is the designation of Christ. Understand that as royalty we are entitled to recieve the respect, honor, and the abundant bounty of heaven.
Centuries ago Kings were responsible for using their riches and resources not only to create more riches and resources for the people who served them, but also to ensure their safety. The responsibility of priests have always been the spiritual care and nourishment of the people. To ensure their spiritual condition is above reproach and to lead the people out of darkness.
It is apparent that our God given identity though marvelous and beyond compare is still a resource that should not be poisioned by selfishness. We are called to use it to bring light into a dark world. Perhaps you haven't thought yourself as royalty, or a priestly generation. I strongly urge you to begin thinking of yourself as such, because that is your God given seal.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Amazing Love
''Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,...But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says the Lord, I will put My law within them, and on their hearts will I write it; and I will be their God, and they will be My people." Jeremiah 31:31&33 (Amplified)
This passage was written when the story was not yet fully complete. The children of Israel were captives of a foreign land called Babylon, and things looked extremely dire in the existence of this small country. Time and again in the Old Testament we see the Israelits get themselves in a bind, and God come to their rescue. There's the story of Moses, Gideon, Sampson, and the rest of the judges and kings. It is apparent that God's love for His people is so vast that even though they did all they could to show how truly unworthy of this love they were, God still showed that His love can transcend any fault and granted them deliverance.
This passage not only represents their redemption from captivity of the physical nature but even more so captivity of a spiritual nature. No longer would a sacrifice of blood be required from an unblemished lamb because the Lamb of God stepped on the scene and became the deliver Himself. The law of God within us was the promise of the Holy Spirit and the new covenant was the sacrifice of Christ.
God's plan was so masterful in its timing and execution. The only responsibility we have in this is acceptance. God's intent for all mankind was that none would perish anymore but that all would have eternal life (John 3:16). We can see that way before Christ stepped on to the earthly scene God had intentions of redemption for the unworthy, unholy world. What an amazing love! What an amazing God!
This passage was written when the story was not yet fully complete. The children of Israel were captives of a foreign land called Babylon, and things looked extremely dire in the existence of this small country. Time and again in the Old Testament we see the Israelits get themselves in a bind, and God come to their rescue. There's the story of Moses, Gideon, Sampson, and the rest of the judges and kings. It is apparent that God's love for His people is so vast that even though they did all they could to show how truly unworthy of this love they were, God still showed that His love can transcend any fault and granted them deliverance.
This passage not only represents their redemption from captivity of the physical nature but even more so captivity of a spiritual nature. No longer would a sacrifice of blood be required from an unblemished lamb because the Lamb of God stepped on the scene and became the deliver Himself. The law of God within us was the promise of the Holy Spirit and the new covenant was the sacrifice of Christ.
God's plan was so masterful in its timing and execution. The only responsibility we have in this is acceptance. God's intent for all mankind was that none would perish anymore but that all would have eternal life (John 3:16). We can see that way before Christ stepped on to the earthly scene God had intentions of redemption for the unworthy, unholy world. What an amazing love! What an amazing God!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Pray
"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24) "Never stop praying." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I wish we understood the power and importance of prayer. Stop for a moment and go back to the beginning of creation. Understand that it was God's original intent from the very start to have a relationship with us. A pure unadulterated relationship where He could walk among us and talk with us continually. Yet sin tarnished that and a holy God could not walk among unholy people.
In all this there was still a life line. So desirous to communicate with us, God opened up the avenue of prayer whereby we'd have continual access to Him, and share with Him our desires. Before Jesus, this access was through a mediator (the high priest), but after Jesus (the true high priest) we now have access directly to the Father through the Son. If it isn't apparent to you how badly God wanted to communicate with you, He gave His son so that there would no longer be a barrier (mediator) in our relationship with Him. (talk about moving heaven and earth)
Somehow we don't realize this, and we neglect the true essence of prayer. We forget that He longs to be with us, and spend time with us, more than any partner in any relationship could ever want. He desires to satisfy us in the truest deepest level possible, and give us things beyond our wildest imagination, if we only desired the same with Him. I guess the simplest way to break this down is what I said last week to a group of our interns at church, "If we were promised free unlimited minutes, that would give us access to unlimited power wouldn't we take advantage of that offer?" God is waiting for us, it's our choice to move towards Him. Prayer is the tool.
I wish we understood the power and importance of prayer. Stop for a moment and go back to the beginning of creation. Understand that it was God's original intent from the very start to have a relationship with us. A pure unadulterated relationship where He could walk among us and talk with us continually. Yet sin tarnished that and a holy God could not walk among unholy people.
In all this there was still a life line. So desirous to communicate with us, God opened up the avenue of prayer whereby we'd have continual access to Him, and share with Him our desires. Before Jesus, this access was through a mediator (the high priest), but after Jesus (the true high priest) we now have access directly to the Father through the Son. If it isn't apparent to you how badly God wanted to communicate with you, He gave His son so that there would no longer be a barrier (mediator) in our relationship with Him. (talk about moving heaven and earth)
Somehow we don't realize this, and we neglect the true essence of prayer. We forget that He longs to be with us, and spend time with us, more than any partner in any relationship could ever want. He desires to satisfy us in the truest deepest level possible, and give us things beyond our wildest imagination, if we only desired the same with Him. I guess the simplest way to break this down is what I said last week to a group of our interns at church, "If we were promised free unlimited minutes, that would give us access to unlimited power wouldn't we take advantage of that offer?" God is waiting for us, it's our choice to move towards Him. Prayer is the tool.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Umerited Redemption
"...and you are to name him Jesus,[a] for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)...as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life." (John 3:13-14)
When Adam sinned in the garden he ushered in death for all humanity. It wasn't God's intent for mankind, but since He so graciously afforded to us the ability to choose (free will), we chose to partake of death just to have the knowledge of good and evil instead of life. Those were the two choices back in Genesis, for among all those trees two stood out... the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And because they disregarded God's command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin made its debut into humanity. And the only reward for sin was death. (see Romans 6:23a)
Fortunately for us it doesn't end there. If we were under the law (before Christ) it would have ended there, because there was nothing that could atone for our sin except an unblemished animal. As the ritual went, annually the priest would pray all of our sins and then slaughter the animal and sacrifice it unto God. God saw to it that no more would there be this ritual to atone for all our sins, hence the continuance of Romans 6:23. ("but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord") It costs you nothing to receive this from God, but you must consider what it cost Him?
In Moses' time as He was leading the people into the promised land, they began to complain about an assortment of things and they began to grow very sick. Moses pleaded to God on their behalf and God told Moses to put a bronze snake on a stick and hold it up and whoever saw it would be saved. (Numbers 21) Jesus, became that bronze snake for us. He was lifted up on the cross for all mankind to see, so that whoever looked upon Him and believed would be cleansed and have eternal life.(John 3) Isn't there enough proof to show you that while we were not worthy of any of this... Christ came and set us free? How could one man pay so much and demand so little? Just believe is all He asks. At times I wonder why is it so hard for us to comply with His simplest demand?
When Adam sinned in the garden he ushered in death for all humanity. It wasn't God's intent for mankind, but since He so graciously afforded to us the ability to choose (free will), we chose to partake of death just to have the knowledge of good and evil instead of life. Those were the two choices back in Genesis, for among all those trees two stood out... the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And because they disregarded God's command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin made its debut into humanity. And the only reward for sin was death. (see Romans 6:23a)
Fortunately for us it doesn't end there. If we were under the law (before Christ) it would have ended there, because there was nothing that could atone for our sin except an unblemished animal. As the ritual went, annually the priest would pray all of our sins and then slaughter the animal and sacrifice it unto God. God saw to it that no more would there be this ritual to atone for all our sins, hence the continuance of Romans 6:23. ("but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord") It costs you nothing to receive this from God, but you must consider what it cost Him?
In Moses' time as He was leading the people into the promised land, they began to complain about an assortment of things and they began to grow very sick. Moses pleaded to God on their behalf and God told Moses to put a bronze snake on a stick and hold it up and whoever saw it would be saved. (Numbers 21) Jesus, became that bronze snake for us. He was lifted up on the cross for all mankind to see, so that whoever looked upon Him and believed would be cleansed and have eternal life.(John 3) Isn't there enough proof to show you that while we were not worthy of any of this... Christ came and set us free? How could one man pay so much and demand so little? Just believe is all He asks. At times I wonder why is it so hard for us to comply with His simplest demand?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Fruitful
"I will guard against the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving passionate desire for other things that creep in a choke and suffocate the Word, causing it to become fruitless." Mark 4:19
Jesus is relating a parable to his disciples. In this parable he talks about a farmer who scattered seed, and there were several different types of soil in which the farmer scattered the seed; fertile ground, rocky ground, and a road/sidewalk. In each of these types of grounds, the only ground that yielded good fruit was the fertile ground... obviously. But what's interesting here is the deception some have as to what type of soil their lives produce.
Living a life of excellence requires us to rely fully on God. To disregard the things in this world that many strive to achieve through their own power and ability. God desires to grant us those things and so much more if we only stopped depending on ourselves and devoted to Him the attention He so richly deserves.
Think about your life and how it equates to the bottom line. Are you making things happen more on your own than trusting in God? If so, you are standing on unfertile ground, and I strongly urge you to take a step back and let Him take a step forward. Only then, will you be the ground that will produce a harvest that exceeds every expectation in your life. In other words, we'd live a life of supernatural influence, and prosperity.
Jesus is relating a parable to his disciples. In this parable he talks about a farmer who scattered seed, and there were several different types of soil in which the farmer scattered the seed; fertile ground, rocky ground, and a road/sidewalk. In each of these types of grounds, the only ground that yielded good fruit was the fertile ground... obviously. But what's interesting here is the deception some have as to what type of soil their lives produce.
Living a life of excellence requires us to rely fully on God. To disregard the things in this world that many strive to achieve through their own power and ability. God desires to grant us those things and so much more if we only stopped depending on ourselves and devoted to Him the attention He so richly deserves.
Think about your life and how it equates to the bottom line. Are you making things happen more on your own than trusting in God? If so, you are standing on unfertile ground, and I strongly urge you to take a step back and let Him take a step forward. Only then, will you be the ground that will produce a harvest that exceeds every expectation in your life. In other words, we'd live a life of supernatural influence, and prosperity.
Monday, October 3, 2011
I AM
"And Moses said to God, [b]Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?...and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you!" Exodus 3:11,14b (Amplified)
Moses has been stranded in the desert for about 40 years receives the call from God to deliver 3 million people from captivity. I am sure that if we were all in Moses' shoes we'd look at that bush that is speaking to us and say exactly the same thing Moses said. We'd say "I've got no background in public speaking, I stutter a bit, I don't know if I've got any training that would make me suitable for this"... and on and on. Do we think that God doesn't know how inadequate we are when He calls us to do something that is way beyond our level of expertise? He knows, and that's why we are perfect candidates for the call.
Later on when Moses asks God, "then who do I say sends me?" God replies with an answer that is so ingenious it brings awe to the most accomplished bible scholar. "You shall say... I AM sent me to you." Now some people out there are like what does I AM mean? I heard a preacher break it down like this, and I will use myself as an example; To my mother I am her son, to my uncle, I am is nephew, to my grandparents I am their grandson, to my airmen I was their Captain. Though I am one person to others I am many different things. By God saying I AM, He's saying because I AM God, I AM everything my people need me to be.
You are in financial difficulty? He is Jehovah Jireh (my provider). You are sick? He is Jehovah Shammah (my healer). You are in a war? He is Jehovah Nissi (my banner). He's saying to Moses, "tell the Israelites that not only has He heard their cry for 400 years, He's going to bring them out of captivity without raising a banner for war. Incredibly enough, people who were impoverished slaves in a foreign land walked out of the most powerful country in the world (at that time) with an over abundance of finances. "I Am the God of the impossible," He constantly tells us. I wonder why after reading consistently of His vast track record do we doubt? Why do we lose faith in Him after He parted the Red Sea in our life? God is the same yesterday to day and forever more!! (Hebrews 13:8) The I AM that was... still IS.
Moses has been stranded in the desert for about 40 years receives the call from God to deliver 3 million people from captivity. I am sure that if we were all in Moses' shoes we'd look at that bush that is speaking to us and say exactly the same thing Moses said. We'd say "I've got no background in public speaking, I stutter a bit, I don't know if I've got any training that would make me suitable for this"... and on and on. Do we think that God doesn't know how inadequate we are when He calls us to do something that is way beyond our level of expertise? He knows, and that's why we are perfect candidates for the call.
Later on when Moses asks God, "then who do I say sends me?" God replies with an answer that is so ingenious it brings awe to the most accomplished bible scholar. "You shall say... I AM sent me to you." Now some people out there are like what does I AM mean? I heard a preacher break it down like this, and I will use myself as an example; To my mother I am her son, to my uncle, I am is nephew, to my grandparents I am their grandson, to my airmen I was their Captain. Though I am one person to others I am many different things. By God saying I AM, He's saying because I AM God, I AM everything my people need me to be.
You are in financial difficulty? He is Jehovah Jireh (my provider). You are sick? He is Jehovah Shammah (my healer). You are in a war? He is Jehovah Nissi (my banner). He's saying to Moses, "tell the Israelites that not only has He heard their cry for 400 years, He's going to bring them out of captivity without raising a banner for war. Incredibly enough, people who were impoverished slaves in a foreign land walked out of the most powerful country in the world (at that time) with an over abundance of finances. "I Am the God of the impossible," He constantly tells us. I wonder why after reading consistently of His vast track record do we doubt? Why do we lose faith in Him after He parted the Red Sea in our life? God is the same yesterday to day and forever more!! (Hebrews 13:8) The I AM that was... still IS.
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