The last few days have been very interesting for me. They have been filled with an intricate weaving of the real and surreal. I have seen many changes come about - both big and small, surprise and expected - that have the feel of "acceptance". My natural tendency is to debate, challenge, and over contemplate anything of the like in order to make sure of the best, or most correct, outcome ensues. But not lately.
It's not that I've given up or given in, but that I've given over.
I trust God. I go to Him with my prayers and concerns and then just go alone for the ride. And sometimes that can be quite a ride! Other times I wonder if the ride has even started I'm so bored. Then point is, I'm finally learning to recognize the sweet blessing in trusting God fully in all things.
No, you can't claim that I've had nothing to really concern myself over- I most certainly have. I'm just not worried. If I believe in God and in His Word, the Bible, then why is it so hard for us to live out what it says?
With God all things are possible. - Mark 10:27
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.- Romans 8:28
I'm posting this to remind you of these things we know. And to remind myself tomorrow when the Chicken Little surfaces in me again....
Showing posts with label Bible-Romans 8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible-Romans 8. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Friday, July 30, 2010
According To Flesh Or Spirit
Join me in getting out the steel-toed shoes today.
We're both going to need them.
For those whose lives are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those whose lives are according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit....Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God.
Romans 8:5, 8
OK. That's tough to digest, but vague enough not to feel too guilty, right? So let's read the next set of verses defining the things of the flesh and of the Spirit:
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar about which I tell you in advance - as I told you before - that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-23
Please take some time on the following, as I am.
I'm going list those again. As you read it, I ask that you first define each one. Then ask the Spirit to help you be completely honest and open with yourself about whether it is something that you "think on". After that, compare what the Spirit has shown you about what you dwell on which is of the flesh and which is of the Spirit.
Of the Flesh:
Sexual Immorality
Moral Impurity
Promiscuity
Idolatry
Sorcery
Hatreds
Strife
Jealousy
Outbursts of Anger
Selfish Ambitions
Dissensions
Factions
Envy
Drunkenness
Carousing
Anything Similar
Of the Spirit:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faith
Gentleness
Self-Control
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
We're both going to need them.
For those whose lives are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those whose lives are according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit....Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God.
Romans 8:5, 8
OK. That's tough to digest, but vague enough not to feel too guilty, right? So let's read the next set of verses defining the things of the flesh and of the Spirit:
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar about which I tell you in advance - as I told you before - that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-23
Please take some time on the following, as I am.
I'm going list those again. As you read it, I ask that you first define each one. Then ask the Spirit to help you be completely honest and open with yourself about whether it is something that you "think on". After that, compare what the Spirit has shown you about what you dwell on which is of the flesh and which is of the Spirit.
Of the Flesh:
Sexual Immorality
Moral Impurity
Promiscuity
Idolatry
Sorcery
Hatreds
Strife
Jealousy
Outbursts of Anger
Selfish Ambitions
Dissensions
Factions
Envy
Drunkenness
Carousing
Anything Similar
Of the Spirit:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faith
Gentleness
Self-Control
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Hurting
Did you really know that you are not the only one hurting?
You are not the only one with a closet full skeletons. Did you know that it doesn't matter if it's one little toy sized skeleton or the closet's jammed packed with monstrous sized ones? Rather like sin, even the smallest, white ones are still dry bones.
The wondrous thing is that we don't have to keep them there. Christ Jesus died to save us from the punishment of our sins and those include every brittle bone we have ever stuffed away. It's funny that we all recognize and accept Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", but when it comes to admitting that we still may have consequences from past sins, we feel so alone and that no other Christian will understand.
But, you are not alone.
What is so amazing and gracious about God is He can take those skeletons and use them to His glory through our lives. We can live victoriously, after all!
We need only open the closet door.
You are not the only one with a closet full skeletons. Did you know that it doesn't matter if it's one little toy sized skeleton or the closet's jammed packed with monstrous sized ones? Rather like sin, even the smallest, white ones are still dry bones.
The wondrous thing is that we don't have to keep them there. Christ Jesus died to save us from the punishment of our sins and those include every brittle bone we have ever stuffed away. It's funny that we all recognize and accept Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", but when it comes to admitting that we still may have consequences from past sins, we feel so alone and that no other Christian will understand.
But, you are not alone.
What is so amazing and gracious about God is He can take those skeletons and use them to His glory through our lives. We can live victoriously, after all!
We need only open the closet door.
What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
He did not even spare His own Son, but offered Him up for us all;
how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? God is the one who justifies.
Who is the one who condemns?
Christ Jesus is the One who dies, but even more, has been raised;
He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
Because you were being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things
we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing
will have the power to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Romans 8:31-39
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Waiting
Today is a day of waiting.
I'm waiting to meet some friends, waiting to get the internet at my house tomorrow (yea!), waiting for a Dr. appointment Friday, waiting to finish studying for my lesson tomorrow until the kids go to bed, and so on...
Psalm 27:14 tells us, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the Lord."
Romans 8:22-25 instructs with life-long waiting not only for us, but for all creation: "...For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits - we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience."
I love those verses. Honestly, how often to we wait eagerly with patience? Eager and patience almost seem opposite to us. These are a great reminder.
What do you do while waiting? Can you say you have eager patience? I'm learning it- and it is not an easy lesson! But so worth it. What we must realize is that eager waiting does not necessarily mean idleness, but neither does it mean busyness. It is a balance.
What is the right balance? Read Scripture and pray a lot. He'll let you know, for yours will be different from mine. Seek Him and He will direct you: He promises. (Jeremiah 29:14) And He always keeps His promises. (Hebrews 10:23)
I'm waiting to meet some friends, waiting to get the internet at my house tomorrow (yea!), waiting for a Dr. appointment Friday, waiting to finish studying for my lesson tomorrow until the kids go to bed, and so on...
Psalm 27:14 tells us, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the Lord."
Romans 8:22-25 instructs with life-long waiting not only for us, but for all creation: "...For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits - we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience."
I love those verses. Honestly, how often to we wait eagerly with patience? Eager and patience almost seem opposite to us. These are a great reminder.
What do you do while waiting? Can you say you have eager patience? I'm learning it- and it is not an easy lesson! But so worth it. What we must realize is that eager waiting does not necessarily mean idleness, but neither does it mean busyness. It is a balance.
What is the right balance? Read Scripture and pray a lot. He'll let you know, for yours will be different from mine. Seek Him and He will direct you: He promises. (Jeremiah 29:14) And He always keeps His promises. (Hebrews 10:23)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
How Do We Hear God?
My youngest and I had an interesting conversation the other night while putting him to bed. He asked me if it would be OK to take two stuffed animals to class instead of just one while learning about how God created the animals, so I told him to pray about it and see what God says. He then asked me the question we all would love the exact answer for: How do I hear God and know what He's saying?
I told him that the first, and best way, is by seeing if it is in the Bible. Many of our questions can be answered if we search throughout the entire Bible with a thorough concordance, a detailed topical reference, and decent cross referencing. (Don't worry- I just told my six year old to look all through the Bible. I'll save the rest of that for when he's 12...)
However, there are many other things that are not specifically mentioned in there. Which coffee shop should I go to today? Which of my friends needs encouraging most? Should I help with the children's choir or participate in adult choir? Which Beth Moore study should I do next....? Some things have to be discerned, and that concept can be intimidating. If it isn't, remember: You are made of sinful flesh and must stand before the Righteous and Holy God. A little fear and trembling is good for the soul.
So how do we discern? First, go back to the best way: You must be in the Word. Even if the answer is not there, Jesus - the Word made flesh (John 1:14), must be fresh in our hearts and mind. You also must develop your line of communication with Him. That means prayer. Not the wish-list, vending machine with happy pills, kinds of prayer, but honest talking and listening. The more you listen, the better you get at hearing. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray constantly." It is possible, but it takes practice and discipline.
Now comes the hardest thing of all: Just have faith and step out. If you are in the Word and listening to God with the best of your ability, trust Him that He won't let you go astray. Because He won't. Give Him permission to do whatever it takes to stop you from straying from His will, and be honest with Him when your confused. He already knows.
If you've done all the above and still haven't felt that "special feeling", just trust Him! Because most of the time we won't. Oh, we will have a peace, but don't expect the goose-bumpy stuff as the only affirmation. Remember, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) So let's act like we truly believe that.
So did God tell my son he could bring two stuffed animals? There wasn't a yes or a no...
There was a fever.
I told him that the first, and best way, is by seeing if it is in the Bible. Many of our questions can be answered if we search throughout the entire Bible with a thorough concordance, a detailed topical reference, and decent cross referencing. (Don't worry- I just told my six year old to look all through the Bible. I'll save the rest of that for when he's 12...)
However, there are many other things that are not specifically mentioned in there. Which coffee shop should I go to today? Which of my friends needs encouraging most? Should I help with the children's choir or participate in adult choir? Which Beth Moore study should I do next....? Some things have to be discerned, and that concept can be intimidating. If it isn't, remember: You are made of sinful flesh and must stand before the Righteous and Holy God. A little fear and trembling is good for the soul.
So how do we discern? First, go back to the best way: You must be in the Word. Even if the answer is not there, Jesus - the Word made flesh (John 1:14), must be fresh in our hearts and mind. You also must develop your line of communication with Him. That means prayer. Not the wish-list, vending machine with happy pills, kinds of prayer, but honest talking and listening. The more you listen, the better you get at hearing. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray constantly." It is possible, but it takes practice and discipline.
Now comes the hardest thing of all: Just have faith and step out. If you are in the Word and listening to God with the best of your ability, trust Him that He won't let you go astray. Because He won't. Give Him permission to do whatever it takes to stop you from straying from His will, and be honest with Him when your confused. He already knows.
If you've done all the above and still haven't felt that "special feeling", just trust Him! Because most of the time we won't. Oh, we will have a peace, but don't expect the goose-bumpy stuff as the only affirmation. Remember, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) So let's act like we truly believe that.
So did God tell my son he could bring two stuffed animals? There wasn't a yes or a no...
There was a fever.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
It's Impossible Not To Please
I've been talking to several people lately about what it is to please. You know what I mean: To give pleasure or satisfaction; be agreeable. -dictionary.com We get so frustrated when it seems we can't please anyone. However, I've found that pleasing no one is impossible, for there are one of three that you will please:
"But," you might be thinking, "I'm not happy, those around me aren't happy, and I know I didn't make God happy! So who was pleased?" Satan. (And by the way, I consider him victorious in the "other" and "self" category.)
"So," you might ask, "what about the verse in Isaiah 64:6? I was told that we can't please God with even our righteous acts." It's true. Our flesh makes it impossible, but check out Romans 8:8-10, 12-13:
"Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness... So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Emphasis mine)
"So how do I do this by the Spirit when I don't seem to have the strength?" You don't. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and act for His good purpose." All we do is make the choice to allow Him to work in us or not.
Once we make the choice to please God and allow Him to work within us, we are told by Paul what to do next in Ephesians 5: 8-10, "...Walk as children of the light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." (ESV)
So. Those are the options. You must choose one.
"For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still striving to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ." Galatians 1:10
1 - Others
2 - Self
3 - God
"So," you might ask, "what about the verse in Isaiah 64:6? I was told that we can't please God with even our righteous acts." It's true. Our flesh makes it impossible, but check out Romans 8:8-10, 12-13:
"Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness... So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Emphasis mine)
"So how do I do this by the Spirit when I don't seem to have the strength?" You don't. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and act for His good purpose." All we do is make the choice to allow Him to work in us or not.
Once we make the choice to please God and allow Him to work within us, we are told by Paul what to do next in Ephesians 5: 8-10, "...Walk as children of the light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." (ESV)
So. Those are the options. You must choose one.
"For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still striving to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Monday, January 18, 2010
Suffering
I hate to say this because I know it's going to come back to bite me - it always does - but, I don't think we tend to recognize the value of suffering. Most of us believe that if we are suffering it needs to be fixed and over with as quickly as possible, and if it isn't, then something is really wrong. What do I mean by that? Really wrong as in believing we are horrible people who have done a heinous and unforgivable sin, that God doesn't care/ listen to us, or that He doesn't really exist at all.
I was reading a Davidic Psalm the other day about the intense suffering of this man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) David does not have a quick hissy-fit one night nor does he question God's righteousness and love. He is in turmoil night after night, but trusts in God to take care of him.
Good can be had from suffering.
Look at Job. He went through intense pain and suffering without ever knowing why. What was the point of it? To prove to those around him, including Satan, that Job was "...a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil." (Job 2:3)
Paul was shown to suffer with a presumably life-long physical pain. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 "...Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me."
So why did God allow a messenger of Satan to follow around and torment His outspoken evangelist? Continue on in verses 9-10 "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Jesus Christ also suffered greatly for us! Acts 17:2-3 tells us concerning the Jewish synagogue that, "As usual, Paul went with them, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying: 'This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you.'"
If our Savior considers suffering worthy, then how can we not? In fact, we are expected to suffer. "For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him" Philippians 1:29
To be honest, none of this really makes sense to us. Yet, that's the point of faith: If it did make sense, we would be following our logic, but it doesn't- so we must follow God.
"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ - seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For we consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revelaed to us." Romans 8:15-18
Amen and Amen!!
I was reading a Davidic Psalm the other day about the intense suffering of this man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) David does not have a quick hissy-fit one night nor does he question God's righteousness and love. He is in turmoil night after night, but trusts in God to take care of him.
I am weary from my groaning;
with my tears I dampen my pillow and drench my bed every night.
My eyes are swollen from grief;
they grow old because of all my enemies.
Depart from me, all evildoers,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea for help;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror;
they will turn back and suddenly be disgraced.
Psalm 6:6-10
Good can be had from suffering.
Look at Job. He went through intense pain and suffering without ever knowing why. What was the point of it? To prove to those around him, including Satan, that Job was "...a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil." (Job 2:3)
Paul was shown to suffer with a presumably life-long physical pain. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 "...Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me."
So why did God allow a messenger of Satan to follow around and torment His outspoken evangelist? Continue on in verses 9-10 "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Jesus Christ also suffered greatly for us! Acts 17:2-3 tells us concerning the Jewish synagogue that, "As usual, Paul went with them, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying: 'This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you.'"
If our Savior considers suffering worthy, then how can we not? In fact, we are expected to suffer. "For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him" Philippians 1:29
To be honest, none of this really makes sense to us. Yet, that's the point of faith: If it did make sense, we would be following our logic, but it doesn't- so we must follow God.
"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ - seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For we consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revelaed to us." Romans 8:15-18
Amen and Amen!!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Reality of Life Here
Often, this is the way life goes...
The question is how do you handle it?
" For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18
The question is how do you handle it?
" For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"What If " Waivers
Is there anything that could make your faith in God waiver?
What if an innocent person you loved died?
What if you saw a ghost?
How about if another planet with life on it were discovered?
What if something you believed about God, but wasn't obvious in the Bible, were proven false?
What if a psychic could tell you very specific things that very few people knew?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths". Proverbs 3:5
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways not My ways.' This is the Lord's declaration." Isaiah 55:8
Having faith in God is perhaps questioning Him as to Why? at times, but never questioning whether He even really exists.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created things will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39
What if an innocent person you loved died?
What if you saw a ghost?
How about if another planet with life on it were discovered?
What if something you believed about God, but wasn't obvious in the Bible, were proven false?
What if a psychic could tell you very specific things that very few people knew?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths". Proverbs 3:5
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways not My ways.' This is the Lord's declaration." Isaiah 55:8
Having faith in God is perhaps questioning Him as to Why? at times, but never questioning whether He even really exists.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created things will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39
Friday, October 16, 2009
What Would It Take?
Take some time to really think about this question before you go on:
What would it take for you to no longer trust God?
A job loss? Major illness? Loss of a child? Loss of a parent? Loss of a pet? Your dreams, or those for your children shattered? A natural disaster? Pain and suffering for someone you love? Not getting what you feel you deserve? Betrayal from a Christian mentor/pastor/leader?
I'm not talking about a momentary confusion in what God has allowed to happen. I'm talking about, in essence, denying Him.
Now, take it a step further. Do you trust God in everything? That means giving it ALL over to Him. You can't hold back any one thing in your life to be in control of, because you don't think you would like the way God might handle it. Have you given Him control of your job? Have you given Him control over the lives and deaths of your children, spouse, and other family members? Do you allow Him to guide you into friendship with others, or do you pick your own confidants, and then basically tell God live with it.
One of the freedoms we have in Christ Jesus is the assurance of our salvation when we trust fully in Him. We know, without a shadow of a doubt, that nothing He allows to happen can separate us from Him.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angles nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height nor depth,
nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Romans 8:35-39
This passage is not listing things that try to tear God away from us, but to tear us away from God. Go back and read the Scripture again. This time insert "Me" or "I" in place of the pronouns "we, us, our". Make this passage a personal declaration to the Lord of your love and trust for Him and your acceptance of His love and blessings for you.
What would it take for you to no longer trust God?
A job loss? Major illness? Loss of a child? Loss of a parent? Loss of a pet? Your dreams, or those for your children shattered? A natural disaster? Pain and suffering for someone you love? Not getting what you feel you deserve? Betrayal from a Christian mentor/pastor/leader?
I'm not talking about a momentary confusion in what God has allowed to happen. I'm talking about, in essence, denying Him.
Now, take it a step further. Do you trust God in everything? That means giving it ALL over to Him. You can't hold back any one thing in your life to be in control of, because you don't think you would like the way God might handle it. Have you given Him control of your job? Have you given Him control over the lives and deaths of your children, spouse, and other family members? Do you allow Him to guide you into friendship with others, or do you pick your own confidants, and then basically tell God live with it.
One of the freedoms we have in Christ Jesus is the assurance of our salvation when we trust fully in Him. We know, without a shadow of a doubt, that nothing He allows to happen can separate us from Him.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angles nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height nor depth,
nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Romans 8:35-39
This passage is not listing things that try to tear God away from us, but to tear us away from God. Go back and read the Scripture again. This time insert "Me" or "I" in place of the pronouns "we, us, our". Make this passage a personal declaration to the Lord of your love and trust for Him and your acceptance of His love and blessings for you.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
For I Am Persuaded...
Sometimes we just need to hear this again and be reminded of what we know. Read it aloud and let these truths permeate your heart, mind, and soul today.
Romans 8:35-39
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord!
It's difficult comprehend, but we can be separated from everything else, and need to live that way. It's not that we shouldn't care about other things and people: we just need to remember that it all can be taken from us. God's love can't. Much peace comes when we are secure in that knowledge.
Romans 8:35-39
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord!
It's difficult comprehend, but we can be separated from everything else, and need to live that way. It's not that we shouldn't care about other things and people: we just need to remember that it all can be taken from us. God's love can't. Much peace comes when we are secure in that knowledge.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
What Do We Have In Common?
It seems that, for the time being, I'm going to be taking you through part of the book of 1 Kings.
Today, I was reading the beginning of Elijah's ministry in chapter 17. The first we hear of Elijah, he is telling King Ahab of Israel that there will be no rain in the land for years, unless Elijah prays to the Lord for it. Then he runs and hides. God told him to hide out at a wadi, or creek, and that the ravens had been commanded to feed him morning and evening. After the wadi dries up, Elijah is told to go Zarephath, a coastal city north of the tribes of Israel, yet well within reach of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, since that was her father's kingdom (1 Kings 16:31). God uses a widow woman there with a young son to provide for him by miraculously allowing her meager jars of oil and flour to never empty until the day it rains.
“After this, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. His illness became very severe until no breath remained in him. She said to Elijah, 'Man of God, what do we have in common? Have you come to remind me of my guilt and to kill my son?'” 1 Kings 17:17-18
Truth be told, when bad things happen to us, isn't that how we feel with God at times? We want to ask, “What do we have in common? Why are You here with me? Have You come to remind me of the things I've done wrong and punish me more?” Sometimes we are so distraught that we need others to intercede on our behalf before God, as Elijah does for the widow. He pleads to the Lord to restore her son to her. Verse 22 says that “...the Lord listened to Elijah's voice, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived.”
Are you trying to think of some people you lean on in those tough times? I pray that you do have some individuals you are that close to. While it does help, and is greatly appreciated, don't despair if you can't think of anyone. When you become a child of God's, you are given the gift of intercession from two different, very good, sources. Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.” A few verses later in Romans 8:33-34, Paul, the writer of Romans asks the rhetorical questions, “Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? God is the One who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.”
The Spirit pleads for us, and Jesus stands up for us.
Why then do we have to endure some of these seemingly pointless trails? The widow answers that question for us when Elijah hands her back her now living son. “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord's word in your mouth is truth.”
Now I know: For certain.
Sometimes I believe God is allowing us to know – for certain – He IS God. Other times He might want us to know He has put a certain leader, teacher, or mentor in our lives to tell us the hard, loving truth. Whatever the circumstance, we can know, for certain, that if we have the strength to allow it, God can be glorified through it.
Today, I was reading the beginning of Elijah's ministry in chapter 17. The first we hear of Elijah, he is telling King Ahab of Israel that there will be no rain in the land for years, unless Elijah prays to the Lord for it. Then he runs and hides. God told him to hide out at a wadi, or creek, and that the ravens had been commanded to feed him morning and evening. After the wadi dries up, Elijah is told to go Zarephath, a coastal city north of the tribes of Israel, yet well within reach of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, since that was her father's kingdom (1 Kings 16:31). God uses a widow woman there with a young son to provide for him by miraculously allowing her meager jars of oil and flour to never empty until the day it rains.
“After this, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. His illness became very severe until no breath remained in him. She said to Elijah, 'Man of God, what do we have in common? Have you come to remind me of my guilt and to kill my son?'” 1 Kings 17:17-18
Truth be told, when bad things happen to us, isn't that how we feel with God at times? We want to ask, “What do we have in common? Why are You here with me? Have You come to remind me of the things I've done wrong and punish me more?” Sometimes we are so distraught that we need others to intercede on our behalf before God, as Elijah does for the widow. He pleads to the Lord to restore her son to her. Verse 22 says that “...the Lord listened to Elijah's voice, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived.”
Are you trying to think of some people you lean on in those tough times? I pray that you do have some individuals you are that close to. While it does help, and is greatly appreciated, don't despair if you can't think of anyone. When you become a child of God's, you are given the gift of intercession from two different, very good, sources. Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.” A few verses later in Romans 8:33-34, Paul, the writer of Romans asks the rhetorical questions, “Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? God is the One who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.”
The Spirit pleads for us, and Jesus stands up for us.
Why then do we have to endure some of these seemingly pointless trails? The widow answers that question for us when Elijah hands her back her now living son. “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord's word in your mouth is truth.”
Now I know: For certain.
Sometimes I believe God is allowing us to know – for certain – He IS God. Other times He might want us to know He has put a certain leader, teacher, or mentor in our lives to tell us the hard, loving truth. Whatever the circumstance, we can know, for certain, that if we have the strength to allow it, God can be glorified through it.
Monday, June 29, 2009
No Fear
1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.”
I believe that the only kind of love this can be referring to is the love we have for our God. When we have learned to love Him in that way, then that love filters through us, from Him, to all other kinds of love. I know it sounds confusing, but let's think of it through an example:
We love our children deeply. However, we experience fear when they become hurt, or are in danger. It's natural that we feel this way! Yet, as we grow in our relationship with God we begin to trust Him completely. The love we have for Him enables us to understand within our very essence that He is Creator of everything. Not just what was, but what is, and what will be. If we trust “...that all things work together for the good of those who love God...”, like it says in Romans 8:28, and we love Him enough to show that complete trust in Him, then that love casts out all fear. What is there to be afraid of? The Creator of ALL loves us and knows what is best for us. He wants what is best for us. He will not give us bad when we ask for what is good. (Luke 11:11-13)
When we begin to love Him like this, it filters down into every aspect of our lives. This is not to say we will never experience fear. We just don't allow it to hold any sway over us. There is no long lasting fear of a situation. We trust Him, and know that even if it doesn't work out the way we want, it is still for the best. We trust Him completely.
This is the kind of love we are able to experience and have because, as it says, He first loved us in this way.
I'm going to end my study of 1 John here. There is yet another chapter, but a lot of it is what we have already talked about. When you get a chance, please read it though. In fact, reading the entire book of 1 John shouldn't take that long, and it is a real treasure. I pray you've been blessed through this. I may try going through another book sometime because I know I've enjoyed it. Thanks to all of you!
I believe that the only kind of love this can be referring to is the love we have for our God. When we have learned to love Him in that way, then that love filters through us, from Him, to all other kinds of love. I know it sounds confusing, but let's think of it through an example:
We love our children deeply. However, we experience fear when they become hurt, or are in danger. It's natural that we feel this way! Yet, as we grow in our relationship with God we begin to trust Him completely. The love we have for Him enables us to understand within our very essence that He is Creator of everything. Not just what was, but what is, and what will be. If we trust “...that all things work together for the good of those who love God...”, like it says in Romans 8:28, and we love Him enough to show that complete trust in Him, then that love casts out all fear. What is there to be afraid of? The Creator of ALL loves us and knows what is best for us. He wants what is best for us. He will not give us bad when we ask for what is good. (Luke 11:11-13)
When we begin to love Him like this, it filters down into every aspect of our lives. This is not to say we will never experience fear. We just don't allow it to hold any sway over us. There is no long lasting fear of a situation. We trust Him, and know that even if it doesn't work out the way we want, it is still for the best. We trust Him completely.
This is the kind of love we are able to experience and have because, as it says, He first loved us in this way.
I'm going to end my study of 1 John here. There is yet another chapter, but a lot of it is what we have already talked about. When you get a chance, please read it though. In fact, reading the entire book of 1 John shouldn't take that long, and it is a real treasure. I pray you've been blessed through this. I may try going through another book sometime because I know I've enjoyed it. Thanks to all of you!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Tools of Satan- Part 3 of 3: Fear/Anxiety
The Future: Fear/Anxiety
Phobophobia: The fear of phobias/being afraid.
It is absolutely amazing what and how many things we can be afraid of.
When Satan isn't getting much of anywhere with condemning or tempting us, I believe he begins to prey on the “what ifs...”. In fact, the fear of what might happen can become so severe that we miss the blessings and opportunities God has for us. That is exactly what Satan is hoping for- Missed glory for God.
The Cure: Faith
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 These are all future things. We are to just believe it. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He had been telling them not to worry, “...you of little faith” (v.30). This is much easier said than done, I know, but it is the only thing to be done. You don't want to be afraid? You don't want to be overly anxious? Just have faith: Trust completely in God to work all things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Are you still worried or fearful about things? It's OK to pray to God and ask Him to increase your faith. Pray with me today from Mark 9:24 and Luke 17:5 “Immediately the father of the boy cried out, 'I do believe! Help my unbelief.'” and “The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith'”
Phobophobia: The fear of phobias/being afraid.
It is absolutely amazing what and how many things we can be afraid of.
When Satan isn't getting much of anywhere with condemning or tempting us, I believe he begins to prey on the “what ifs...”. In fact, the fear of what might happen can become so severe that we miss the blessings and opportunities God has for us. That is exactly what Satan is hoping for- Missed glory for God.
The Cure: Faith
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 These are all future things. We are to just believe it. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He had been telling them not to worry, “...you of little faith” (v.30). This is much easier said than done, I know, but it is the only thing to be done. You don't want to be afraid? You don't want to be overly anxious? Just have faith: Trust completely in God to work all things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Are you still worried or fearful about things? It's OK to pray to God and ask Him to increase your faith. Pray with me today from Mark 9:24 and Luke 17:5 “Immediately the father of the boy cried out, 'I do believe! Help my unbelief.'” and “The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith'”
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Tools of Satan- Part 1 of 3: Condemnation
I heard my pastor the other day say that Satan has only two tools he can use against us: Condemnation and Temptation. While I certainly agree with these, I thought of one more our adversary uses. Fear/Anxiety. While these three things can seem monumental, we usually give Satan too much credit. We tend to think of him as the opposite of God or Jesus. C. S. Lewis said it best, that in reality, “Satan, the leader or dictator of devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael.” (C. S. Lewis, The Joyful Christian) Satan is not omnipotent- All powerful; omniscient- All knowing; or omnipresent- In all places at the same time. God has all of these traits and Satan none. The Devil must therefore resort to using tricks, or tools, and I want to focus on how he uses these to try and mock God.
Romans 8:28 tells us “that all things work together for the good of those who love God.” (emphasis mine) God can use our past, present, and future to work for good, so Satan has his three tools to try and combat these. But praise God, He has given us the weapons with which we can stand and defend ourselves.
Our Past: Condemnation
Any little thing we have ever done, our adversary loves to keep shoving in our face. We are constantly reminded of how we have failed in every area of our lives; How a person as messed up as us, who has committed as many sins as we, can never be truly useful to God. He wants nothing more than for us to live as defeated Christians who daily feel the weight of past sins.
The Cure: Grace
Yep. He's right. I HAVE messed up. I HAVE sinned greatly, but you know what's so amazing about our God? David says it beautifully in Psalm 32: 1-2, 5 “How happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How happy is the man the Lord does not charge with sin, and in whose spirit is no deceit!... Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You took away the guilt of my sin.” We've been forgiven! Grace has been given to us. Why keep dwelling on something God forgot as ours? Gratefully hold firm to the grace He has extended. Don't wrap His gift in the stench of our past- display it with joy!
Ask the Lord today to reveal any areas in your life in which you live as though defeated. Then put them behind you for good.
If there are none, praise God for the amazing gift of His grace which is so evident in your life!
Romans 8:28 tells us “that all things work together for the good of those who love God.” (emphasis mine) God can use our past, present, and future to work for good, so Satan has his three tools to try and combat these. But praise God, He has given us the weapons with which we can stand and defend ourselves.
Our Past: Condemnation
Any little thing we have ever done, our adversary loves to keep shoving in our face. We are constantly reminded of how we have failed in every area of our lives; How a person as messed up as us, who has committed as many sins as we, can never be truly useful to God. He wants nothing more than for us to live as defeated Christians who daily feel the weight of past sins.
The Cure: Grace
Yep. He's right. I HAVE messed up. I HAVE sinned greatly, but you know what's so amazing about our God? David says it beautifully in Psalm 32: 1-2, 5 “How happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How happy is the man the Lord does not charge with sin, and in whose spirit is no deceit!... Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You took away the guilt of my sin.” We've been forgiven! Grace has been given to us. Why keep dwelling on something God forgot as ours? Gratefully hold firm to the grace He has extended. Don't wrap His gift in the stench of our past- display it with joy!
Ask the Lord today to reveal any areas in your life in which you live as though defeated. Then put them behind you for good.
If there are none, praise God for the amazing gift of His grace which is so evident in your life!
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