Friday, March 30, 2012
God's Will
What is God's will for our lives? Most of us at some point have said we want His will to be done in our lives. However, I doubt we have truly grasped the ramifications of making this statement. Are we truly willing to do whatever God tells us to do? While there have been times in my life I could say I have acted based on what He has told me to do, there are many more times when I have not allowed Him to have His way. I know there have been times when God has instructed me to say something to a stranger, but because of my own agenda at the time I ignored His voice.
We can often find ourselves at a loss because we don't know what God's will is for our lives. It can be easy to think the plan of God for us has to be something as big as traveling as a missionary or preaching to crowds of thousands. While this is the call for many people, it may not be the call for you. I came across the following verse this morning and it truly made me pause and reflect on how much we complicate God's will.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Could it be so simple that the will of God for us is to rejoice always, remain in prayer, and always be thankful? One could argue that the will of God is stated in the Great Commission given by Christ to spread the gospel throughout the world. I'm thinking that by rejoicing, praying, and being thankful we would be walking out this commission. Those around us will notice a difference in our attitudes. Our witness to others is the greatest not in what we say, but in how we live our lives. When trials come, and they will, our response can be a testimony to others of our faith and trust in Christ.
So now that you know God's will for your life, are you willing to let His will be done?
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Qualified
Have you ever stopped to think about the people God has chosen to use for His glory? All throughout the Bible we read story after story of God choosing the unlikely people to carry out His will. When I look at the people I know personally who are doing amazing things for God, they too have "unqualified" backgrounds. Have you ever felt God leading you to do or say something, but have felt you were not qualified enough to take action? Then that is EXACTLY why God wants to use you.
God always chooses to use those who are humble. God prefers the least likely person in the crowd. He chooses these people because it's by using these people that we know it is only by the power of God that things happen. To see an addict leave their drugs with no withdrawal symptoms or see an alcoholic walk away from alcohol without any desire for another drink can only be attributed to the power of God. For someone who has been wounded in relationships to be able to believe love still exists can only happen because God's love has been poured into them.
If you doubt the power of God to transform a life, examine the life of Saul/Paul. Saul was one of the biggest persecutors of Christians. His job was to seek them out, humiliate, and kill them. He was the man behind the death of Stephen, the first martyr for Christ. When you think of the most evil person you know, they probably don't compare to Saul. However, on the road one day while traveling Saul encountered Jesus. Imagine his shock as he heard the voice of Christ speaking to him! He was traveling in order to persecute more Christians and instead encountered Christ himself.
"As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? And he said, Who are You, Lord? Then the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads. So he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what do You want me to do? Then the Lord said to him, Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank." Acts 9:3-9
Later in verses 20-22 we read:
"Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests? But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ."
If the same man who was responsible for the murder of Christian could have ONE encounter with Christ and begin preaching, then how can we possibly say we are not qualified? If anything, we need to confound those who know us in the same way Saul confounded the Jews. Those who have known us "before" will come to know Jesus by our living testimony. If you have encountered Jesus, then He wants to use YOU. What is stopping you?
1,000 Days The Ministry of Christ by Jonathan Falwell
The title of the book sums up the whole purpose of the writing. This is a book to examine the time Jesus spent on earth involved in actual ministry. Most of His life was lived in obscurity, but for roughly 1,000 days He lived in a way that we are still examining today.
I found this book to be a good read for anyone from new believers or those seeking to learn more about Jesus to those of us who have been believers for years. I fall into the latter category and found myself challenged by the reminders given by Falwell of how we are called to live just as Jesus did while on earth.
The chapters follow the days of Christ by recapping the few mentions of Him before His baptism and then in depth His journey after baptism. Full of scripture references, this is a great addition to the library of every Christian. Each chapter contains study questions which are good to use either in a personal study or a small group setting. In addition, there is a bible study guide at the end of the book to help facilitate more in-depth discussions of each chapter.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I found this book to be a good read for anyone from new believers or those seeking to learn more about Jesus to those of us who have been believers for years. I fall into the latter category and found myself challenged by the reminders given by Falwell of how we are called to live just as Jesus did while on earth.
The chapters follow the days of Christ by recapping the few mentions of Him before His baptism and then in depth His journey after baptism. Full of scripture references, this is a great addition to the library of every Christian. Each chapter contains study questions which are good to use either in a personal study or a small group setting. In addition, there is a bible study guide at the end of the book to help facilitate more in-depth discussions of each chapter.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Dry Bones
I was thinking tonight about the story in the bible about dry bones. The story is found in Ezekiel 37. This is an amazingly powerful illustration of what can happen in our own lives when we feel all hope is lost. Have you examined the valley of your life and felt there was nothing there except dead things? Not just one or two dead things, but your life was full of them. In these verses the bones are not just described as dry, but as "indeed, very dry."
I love that when asked if the bones can live again, the answer is "Oh Lord, You know." When I think of the dry places in my own life, I read this response with a tone of exasperation or resignation. I have no idea if that is how the author replied, but that would be my response. I would remind God of how He knows every time I've tried to bring life into those dry places, my attempts failed. The difference in my usual attempts and the event described here is the difference of being in the Spirit of the Lord when we speak to the dead places.
When speaking to the dead places in our lives, do we use our own words or do we rely on the word of God? Verse 4 says, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!" The word of the Lord brings life! Even to the places we think are dead beyond repair. Not only will the bones live, but they will grow new flesh. Perhaps the flesh will be even better than what was previously there! The power of God is the power to heal, renew, refresh, and give new life.
This also applies to the dry bones in the lives of others around you. Just as is said in verse 11, there are many around us who would say, "Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’" Each one of us is surrounded daily by people who have lost all hope. They may put on a happy smile and pretend everything is okay, yet inside they are dry and wasting away. It is up to us to speak the words of life, the truth of Christ, into their lives. Our world is full of false hopes and promises, but the the truth of Christ is the only way to bring new life to dead places. It is the word of the Lord that causes the dead to arise from their graves. The graves of hopelessness, shame, condemnation, and guilt are nothing when met with the power of Christ.
Whatever the dry bones are in your life, I pray you allow the power of Jesus to enter and resurrect those long dead places. Once you have spoken to your own dead places you are empowered, and even commanded, to share this gift with others.
Now, go raise some bones.
I love that when asked if the bones can live again, the answer is "Oh Lord, You know." When I think of the dry places in my own life, I read this response with a tone of exasperation or resignation. I have no idea if that is how the author replied, but that would be my response. I would remind God of how He knows every time I've tried to bring life into those dry places, my attempts failed. The difference in my usual attempts and the event described here is the difference of being in the Spirit of the Lord when we speak to the dead places.
When speaking to the dead places in our lives, do we use our own words or do we rely on the word of God? Verse 4 says, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!" The word of the Lord brings life! Even to the places we think are dead beyond repair. Not only will the bones live, but they will grow new flesh. Perhaps the flesh will be even better than what was previously there! The power of God is the power to heal, renew, refresh, and give new life.
This also applies to the dry bones in the lives of others around you. Just as is said in verse 11, there are many around us who would say, "Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’" Each one of us is surrounded daily by people who have lost all hope. They may put on a happy smile and pretend everything is okay, yet inside they are dry and wasting away. It is up to us to speak the words of life, the truth of Christ, into their lives. Our world is full of false hopes and promises, but the the truth of Christ is the only way to bring new life to dead places. It is the word of the Lord that causes the dead to arise from their graves. The graves of hopelessness, shame, condemnation, and guilt are nothing when met with the power of Christ.
Whatever the dry bones are in your life, I pray you allow the power of Jesus to enter and resurrect those long dead places. Once you have spoken to your own dead places you are empowered, and even commanded, to share this gift with others.
Now, go raise some bones.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Hypocrisy
I read something today that intrigued me enough to want to explore the idea more here today. The topic was hypocrisy within the church. When most of us hear this term we immediately think of the people who are quick to acknowledge Jesus in words, but are far from reflecting Him in their actions or in their thoughts. There is another side of this word I would like to examine. What about the hypocrisy of what is in our hearts, but we do not display it on the outside? Just as there can be hypocrisy on the outside (the outside clean, the inside dirty), there can also be hypocrisy on the inside (our inside is clean, yet our actions do not reflect this).
For most of our Christian walk we are told that once Jesus comes to live in us, we begin to change. This is very true. But what about those of us who believe in Jesus and yet never talk about Him. When was the last time you shared your faith with a coworker or friend? Maybe there are family members you know are not in a relationship with Christ, yet you never mention His name when you are around them. Is this not also hypocrisy? It could be you want to share something on Facebook, but because it has such a strong Christian message, you don't share because of what people might think of you.
This may seem something impossible to do once you have experienced the life changing power of Christ, however Jesus knew we could do just this very thing. If not, then why would He have said:
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus is the light inside of us. If we live a life that does not reflect this, then we live in hypocrisy to our hearts. In Matthew 23 Jesus addresses the hypocrites of His day with several "woe's." I believe the following can be said for those of us with Christ in our hearts, but neglect Him in our actions:
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Matthew 23:23
Perhaps we tithe faithfully, attend church regularly, and even read our Bible daily. These are all things we can do without much fanfare or recognition from the world. We know where are hearts are with God in these matters. However, if we lack justice, mercy, and faithfulness, then we are no different than the Pharisees. Do you know anyone who could use some mercy in their lives?
I pray for each of you (myself included) to have areas of hypocrisy revealed in your life. I pray for each of us to recognize the opportunities we are given to share God's love with someone. I pray for a boldness to conquer the fear of rejection or of public opinion. I would love to hear how you step out and share your faith!
For most of our Christian walk we are told that once Jesus comes to live in us, we begin to change. This is very true. But what about those of us who believe in Jesus and yet never talk about Him. When was the last time you shared your faith with a coworker or friend? Maybe there are family members you know are not in a relationship with Christ, yet you never mention His name when you are around them. Is this not also hypocrisy? It could be you want to share something on Facebook, but because it has such a strong Christian message, you don't share because of what people might think of you.
This may seem something impossible to do once you have experienced the life changing power of Christ, however Jesus knew we could do just this very thing. If not, then why would He have said:
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus is the light inside of us. If we live a life that does not reflect this, then we live in hypocrisy to our hearts. In Matthew 23 Jesus addresses the hypocrites of His day with several "woe's." I believe the following can be said for those of us with Christ in our hearts, but neglect Him in our actions:
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Matthew 23:23
Perhaps we tithe faithfully, attend church regularly, and even read our Bible daily. These are all things we can do without much fanfare or recognition from the world. We know where are hearts are with God in these matters. However, if we lack justice, mercy, and faithfulness, then we are no different than the Pharisees. Do you know anyone who could use some mercy in their lives?
I pray for each of you (myself included) to have areas of hypocrisy revealed in your life. I pray for each of us to recognize the opportunities we are given to share God's love with someone. I pray for a boldness to conquer the fear of rejection or of public opinion. I would love to hear how you step out and share your faith!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Nourishment
Last Friday I did something absolutely shocking. I joined a gym. Not only did I join, but I have been there every day since then except for Saturday. For those of you who know me personally, you know how much of a lifestyle change this has been for me. The ironic thing is that as much as my body is aching right now I am already looking forward to going again tomorrow. I came home yesterday and decided for a snack I would have some broccoli. I am drinking more water in a day than I previously consumed in a week. What in the world is happening to me?
One simple (or not so simple) decision has affected various areas of my life. How true is this statement in our spiritual life as well? Just as our bodies crave physical exercise and things that are good for us, our souls crave spiritual exercise. Just as going to the gym has affected other choices I'm making in my life, reading my Bible affects the choices I make also. When we feed ourselves on the word of God, we are providing divine nourishment. It is easy to look at our physical selves and know we need to exercise more. Our spiritual selves can be harder to assess. How is your attitude? Are your relationships with loved ones thriving or are they strained? Do you battle with depression or feelings of sadness? Are you content in your life, no matter what is happening or is every day a misery to just get though? If the answers to the previous questions are not the answers you desire, spend time in the word of God.
There are several verses of scripture that remind us of the importance of remaining in the Word:
"Don't stop reading this book of the Law, but day and night think of what it says, so you can be careful to do everything written in it; then you will prosper and succeed." Joshua 1:8
"But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' " Matthew 4:4
"And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope." Romans 15:4
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
If you do not have a habit of feeding your spirit with the word, then I challenge you to begin today. I would love to hear of how this changes you! Also, if anyone wants to join me at the gym, just let me know. And also if you know of any good massage deals......
One simple (or not so simple) decision has affected various areas of my life. How true is this statement in our spiritual life as well? Just as our bodies crave physical exercise and things that are good for us, our souls crave spiritual exercise. Just as going to the gym has affected other choices I'm making in my life, reading my Bible affects the choices I make also. When we feed ourselves on the word of God, we are providing divine nourishment. It is easy to look at our physical selves and know we need to exercise more. Our spiritual selves can be harder to assess. How is your attitude? Are your relationships with loved ones thriving or are they strained? Do you battle with depression or feelings of sadness? Are you content in your life, no matter what is happening or is every day a misery to just get though? If the answers to the previous questions are not the answers you desire, spend time in the word of God.
There are several verses of scripture that remind us of the importance of remaining in the Word:
"Don't stop reading this book of the Law, but day and night think of what it says, so you can be careful to do everything written in it; then you will prosper and succeed." Joshua 1:8
"But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' " Matthew 4:4
"And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope." Romans 15:4
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
If you do not have a habit of feeding your spirit with the word, then I challenge you to begin today. I would love to hear of how this changes you! Also, if anyone wants to join me at the gym, just let me know. And also if you know of any good massage deals......
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
A City of Refuge
Since January I have been reading through the Old Testament. I'm not on a certain reading plan broken down into daily segments, but simply reading as much or sometimes as little as God leads me through each day. Last night I finished reading the book of Joshua. I have always heard people reference the book of Numbers as being difficult to read, however I found Joshua to be even more difficult. To be absolutely honest, I don't care who got what land and where each of the borders were marked. While I saw every word, I am not sure I actually read each one. There were several things in the book of Joshua that really grabbed my attention.
Last night I found myself focusing for several minutes on the phrase "cities of refuge." These cities were put into place in the case of someone accidentally killing someone. It was a place for them to escape the "avenger of blood." The person fleeing was to stand before the city gate and plead their case for the elders to decide if they will allow them to enter. If they are allowed inside and the person looking for vengeance seeks them out, they are not to hand him over. He remains in the city until he stands trial and until the current high priest dies. At that point he can return to his hometown (paraphrased from Joshua 20:2-6).
Have you ever read a scripture and something speaks to you beyond the initial meaning of the words? I first read these verses and thought how great that is, but only if you killed someone. I've never killed anyone. And then it hit me. I have killed someone. It was because of MY sins that Jesus died. All those sins I've committed accidentally or unintentionally are what put Jesus on the cross. My whole life has been worthy of vengeance from the one I've wronged. The most amazing part of this is that the One I wronged is the very same One who provides my refuge.
According to Dictionary.com, refuge is defined as shelter or protection from danger or a storm; a place of shelter, protection, or safety; anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
What Jesus did for us was provide access to refuge in the storms of our lives. He opened the way of escape from the torments of hell into the gates of heaven. I often forget that He didn't HAVE to do that. He could have chosen to run away when He knew His time had come. In the same way many of us know the calling on our lives, so did Jesus. Unlike most of us, He chose to fulfill His purpose on earth rather than run away in order to preserve His own life (like we do in order to pursue our own plan).
My prayer for you today is to seek Jesus as your refuge. Stop running from Him because you think He is out to avenge you over the wrongs you have committed. He has provided a place for you to live not out of the crimes you have committed, but as if you never have.
Last night I found myself focusing for several minutes on the phrase "cities of refuge." These cities were put into place in the case of someone accidentally killing someone. It was a place for them to escape the "avenger of blood." The person fleeing was to stand before the city gate and plead their case for the elders to decide if they will allow them to enter. If they are allowed inside and the person looking for vengeance seeks them out, they are not to hand him over. He remains in the city until he stands trial and until the current high priest dies. At that point he can return to his hometown (paraphrased from Joshua 20:2-6).
Have you ever read a scripture and something speaks to you beyond the initial meaning of the words? I first read these verses and thought how great that is, but only if you killed someone. I've never killed anyone. And then it hit me. I have killed someone. It was because of MY sins that Jesus died. All those sins I've committed accidentally or unintentionally are what put Jesus on the cross. My whole life has been worthy of vengeance from the one I've wronged. The most amazing part of this is that the One I wronged is the very same One who provides my refuge.
According to Dictionary.com, refuge is defined as shelter or protection from danger or a storm; a place of shelter, protection, or safety; anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
What Jesus did for us was provide access to refuge in the storms of our lives. He opened the way of escape from the torments of hell into the gates of heaven. I often forget that He didn't HAVE to do that. He could have chosen to run away when He knew His time had come. In the same way many of us know the calling on our lives, so did Jesus. Unlike most of us, He chose to fulfill His purpose on earth rather than run away in order to preserve His own life (like we do in order to pursue our own plan).
My prayer for you today is to seek Jesus as your refuge. Stop running from Him because you think He is out to avenge you over the wrongs you have committed. He has provided a place for you to live not out of the crimes you have committed, but as if you never have.
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