Where is the line between passionately defending the Truth, and being rude?
Obviously,
I'm sure you realize (or thought), as
Anyone who's rational with
Common sense demands,
That condescending words can hold no love.
14 God, arrogant people have attacked me;
a gang of ruthless men seeks my life.
They have no regard for You.
15 But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger and abundant in faithful love and truth.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me.
Give Your strength to Your servant;
save the son of Your female servant.
17 Show me a sign of Your goodness;
my enemies will see and be put to shame
because You, LORD, have helped and comforted me.
Psalm 86:14-17 (Emphasis Mine)
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head —Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Listening To Doubt
We should always listen to our doubts.
Now, before you get too upset, take a moment and listen to what I mean. When we are assailed by doubts from every corner there are some very specific questions we need to answer: Why am I doubting? What are the reasons I doubt? In what way am I doubting? In other words: Is this doubt Scripture based, or self-worth based? In order to combat or take serious the doubt, we need to recognize their root: The Spirit or the Devil.
Listen to your doubts. Assess their origin. Then deal with them appropriately. If they are a discernment from the Spirit, search the Scriptures to find out why. If they are from the enemy, take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) and cry out to our Savior as a young boy's father once did, "I do believe. Help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)
Now, before you get too upset, take a moment and listen to what I mean. When we are assailed by doubts from every corner there are some very specific questions we need to answer: Why am I doubting? What are the reasons I doubt? In what way am I doubting? In other words: Is this doubt Scripture based, or self-worth based? In order to combat or take serious the doubt, we need to recognize their root: The Spirit or the Devil.
Listen to your doubts. Assess their origin. Then deal with them appropriately. If they are a discernment from the Spirit, search the Scriptures to find out why. If they are from the enemy, take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) and cry out to our Savior as a young boy's father once did, "I do believe. Help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Work - And Word - In Progress
I think many of you would hardily agree that I am a work in progress- and I concur! I get so frustrated with myself and my Christian walk at times, and one of the things which confound me most is my mouth:
There are times I wish I had not spoken, and knew that I was wrong to say something;
...times I could hear myself talking about something that I didn't really want to say, but the Spirit compelled me (Jeremiah 20:9);
...times when I knew I should have said something, but chickened out;
...times when I have should have meditated on a principle longer before sharing;
...times when I meditated too long, and lost an opportunity;
...times when I just can't get the right words out, and the point remains veiled;
...times when the words are chocked by the burden behind them;
...times when the words seem too cold.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
1 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; 2 for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. 4 And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
7 For every creature—animal or bird, reptile or fish—is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
James 3:1-12
Lord, I pray today that my words only produce the fruit consistent with being a child of Yours. May my mouth be a spring of purified water blessing You!
There are times I wish I had not spoken, and knew that I was wrong to say something;
...times I could hear myself talking about something that I didn't really want to say, but the Spirit compelled me (Jeremiah 20:9);
...times when I knew I should have said something, but chickened out;
...times when I have should have meditated on a principle longer before sharing;
...times when I meditated too long, and lost an opportunity;
...times when I just can't get the right words out, and the point remains veiled;
...times when the words are chocked by the burden behind them;
...times when the words seem too cold.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
1 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; 2 for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. 4 And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
7 For every creature—animal or bird, reptile or fish—is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
James 3:1-12
Lord, I pray today that my words only produce the fruit consistent with being a child of Yours. May my mouth be a spring of purified water blessing You!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Always Learning, But...
The apostle Paul says something to his child in the faith, Timothy that is very interesting. The Spirit had him warn us that in the last days of something to be aware of:
1 But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors,reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of religion but denying its power. Avoid these people!
6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and capture idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions, 7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all, as theirs was also. (Emphasis mine)
2 Timothy 3:1-9
This is the information age. We can learn just about anything we want within a few moments of internet searching. There is also a Bible study, or Christian "self-help" book for just about every topic you could imagine and several in the popular topics. Are all of these things bad? No! But be aware that some of them can be.
Are you coming to a knowledge of the Truth? In other words, are you coming to a deeper knowledge, understanding, and relationship with Jesus Christ? "Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 As you learn more and more about the Truth, there will not be the heavy burden of restrictions and duties (law), but there will be a deep love, passion, and devotion to Him. You will be freed! "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Are you free?
1 But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors,reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of religion but denying its power. Avoid these people!
6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and capture idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions, 7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all, as theirs was also. (Emphasis mine)
2 Timothy 3:1-9
This is the information age. We can learn just about anything we want within a few moments of internet searching. There is also a Bible study, or Christian "self-help" book for just about every topic you could imagine and several in the popular topics. Are all of these things bad? No! But be aware that some of them can be.
Are you coming to a knowledge of the Truth? In other words, are you coming to a deeper knowledge, understanding, and relationship with Jesus Christ? "Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 As you learn more and more about the Truth, there will not be the heavy burden of restrictions and duties (law), but there will be a deep love, passion, and devotion to Him. You will be freed! "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Are you free?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tennessee Fall
Though the leaves are beautiful this time of year, this Tennessee weather is driving me crazy! It's 39 degrees in the morning and 83 in the afternoon. Dressing the kids for school and wearing comfortable clothes for the day is near impossible, because we are either freezing in the morning or burning up by midday. So many times I have wished it would make up its mind and stay either hot or cold...
..."The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:14-16
This morning as I was grumping about the temperature in my heart, the Spirit touched me to say that God doesn't really like that hot/cold thing much either. Perhaps He allows it here in the Bible Belt to reminds us just how annoying it can be...
..."The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:14-16
This morning as I was grumping about the temperature in my heart, the Spirit touched me to say that God doesn't really like that hot/cold thing much either. Perhaps He allows it here in the Bible Belt to reminds us just how annoying it can be...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
This Is How We Are Sure
My dear church family near and far, this is my heart's burden: Truth can't be said any better than in Scripture...
This is how we are sure we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6
...16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. 17 But if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I have died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Galatians 2:16-21
This is how we are sure we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6
...16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. 17 But if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker. 19 For through the law I have died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Galatians 2:16-21
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Organic Christianity
I shared with my Facebook friends recently that I had created a monster, and once again, it's my youngest son.
While eating an apple the other day, he asked if it was organic. When I told him no, because they weren't on sale, he told me he guessed that was OK, but organic would be healthier for him.
Ouch.
We have been trying to switch to healthier eating for the last few years, but when he recently discovered what organic food really meant, he has not let me forget the benefits and has been very interested in what is available. The only problem is the initial cost. Organic is expensive! I know that in the long run they say it's about the same as eating the regular food and then paying all the extra medical expenses, but I have to admit that the "now" aspect pinches the pocket a little too hard at times for a family of four on a very tight budget.
"Ah!" the Spirit reminded me, "Isn't that much like Christian life?"
I'm not talking about salvation, but how you live the life which you have already claimed to surrender completely to Him. To follow Him they way we should costs a lot up front. It really pinches the pockets we have budgeted for comfortable Christian existence. And much like the cost of organic food now verses medical expenses later, we can pay the price now and become healthy, vibrant, effective children of God, or we can allow ourselves to become sickly. Then we must go before a just and holy God and live eternally with the few measly crowns we have to toss at our Savior's feet.
I don't know about you, but I believe He's worthy enough for me to spend every penny I have and every thing that I am in order to try and bury Him up to His knees in crowns. The high cost of a sacrificial life is worth every cent.
While eating an apple the other day, he asked if it was organic. When I told him no, because they weren't on sale, he told me he guessed that was OK, but organic would be healthier for him.
Ouch.
We have been trying to switch to healthier eating for the last few years, but when he recently discovered what organic food really meant, he has not let me forget the benefits and has been very interested in what is available. The only problem is the initial cost. Organic is expensive! I know that in the long run they say it's about the same as eating the regular food and then paying all the extra medical expenses, but I have to admit that the "now" aspect pinches the pocket a little too hard at times for a family of four on a very tight budget.
"Ah!" the Spirit reminded me, "Isn't that much like Christian life?"
I'm not talking about salvation, but how you live the life which you have already claimed to surrender completely to Him. To follow Him they way we should costs a lot up front. It really pinches the pockets we have budgeted for comfortable Christian existence. And much like the cost of organic food now verses medical expenses later, we can pay the price now and become healthy, vibrant, effective children of God, or we can allow ourselves to become sickly. Then we must go before a just and holy God and live eternally with the few measly crowns we have to toss at our Savior's feet.
I don't know about you, but I believe He's worthy enough for me to spend every penny I have and every thing that I am in order to try and bury Him up to His knees in crowns. The high cost of a sacrificial life is worth every cent.
Monday, October 18, 2010
What I Want To Do
This morning as my husband and I dropped off the kids at school, he asked me what I wanted to do today. I ran down the list of things I needed to get done today: Read my Bible, write a blog, go over my lesson for Tuesday night, clean the bathrooms, sweep, vacuum.... and so on. He paused for a moment and then said, "But what do you want to do today?" After taking a few moments to ponder it, I realized those things I needed to do today were also the things I wanted to do today. That was the moment I was aware God had answered my prayers.
For years my fleshly desires and nature have been fighting God tooth and nail over what He has called me to do for this season in life. In that time, though I tended to physically obeyed Him, my desires have been elsewhere. Over and over I have prayed that He would change my heart to desire what He wants. I knew God's Word promises that if I took "...delight in the Lord," as the Psalmist says, "He would give me my heart's desires." (Psalm 37:4) The problem is that what we tend to desire is far from Him and His ways. "But as for those whose hearts pursue their desire for detestable things and abominations, I will bring their actions down on their own heads." [This is] the declaration of the Lord GOD . Ezekiel 11:21 For me to get the desires of my heart, I knew it was my heart which had to change.
Today was the first true indication that He has accomplished this in me!! For now... I'm sure He'll stretch me again soon. :)
The funny thing is I have also noticed another change of heart He's put in me recently which I know will lead to much greater challenges of my heart and its desires. But you know what? He is faithful and true. He has proven Himself over and over and over again to me. Why wouldn't I trust Him completely in these future desires of my heart as well?
The Rock—His work is perfect;
all His ways are entirely just.
A faithful God, without prejudice,
He is righteous and true.
Deuteronomy 32:4
For years my fleshly desires and nature have been fighting God tooth and nail over what He has called me to do for this season in life. In that time, though I tended to physically obeyed Him, my desires have been elsewhere. Over and over I have prayed that He would change my heart to desire what He wants. I knew God's Word promises that if I took "...delight in the Lord," as the Psalmist says, "He would give me my heart's desires." (Psalm 37:4) The problem is that what we tend to desire is far from Him and His ways. "But as for those whose hearts pursue their desire for detestable things and abominations, I will bring their actions down on their own heads." [This is] the declaration of the Lord GOD . Ezekiel 11:21 For me to get the desires of my heart, I knew it was my heart which had to change.
Today was the first true indication that He has accomplished this in me!! For now... I'm sure He'll stretch me again soon. :)
The funny thing is I have also noticed another change of heart He's put in me recently which I know will lead to much greater challenges of my heart and its desires. But you know what? He is faithful and true. He has proven Himself over and over and over again to me. Why wouldn't I trust Him completely in these future desires of my heart as well?
The Rock—His work is perfect;
all His ways are entirely just.
A faithful God, without prejudice,
He is righteous and true.
Deuteronomy 32:4
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Encouragement
I would dare to say there isn't a single one of you who would say they never need encouragement. There are times when we feel alone, confused, discouraged, and even a bit lost. That is why we have each other.
Never though, are we told to "encourage" that it's OK we continue to fail, aren't listening to God as we should be, or aren't passionately following and sharing about Jesus Christ. So the questions I ask of you today are: How have you been encouraged? and, Who have you encouraged? according to God's Word?
Encouragement must not always be in word only. There are many avenues of it in Scripture. The following verses are just some of the references to encouragement. See if you can discover some more are you read His Word on your own.
Today, is a day for Scripture: It, of course, says it best. I pray you read these and are encouraged today.
Today, is a day for Scripture: It, of course, says it best. I pray you read these and are encouraged today.
2 Corinthians 7:4
4 I have great confidence in you; I have great pride in you. I am filled with encouragement; I am overcome with joy in all our afflictions.
Ephesians 6:21-22
21 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything so that you also may know how I am and what I'm doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.
Colossians 2:1-3
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. 2 [I want] their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding, and have the knowledge of God's mystery —Christ. 3 In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
11 As you know, like a father with his own children, 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-11
5 For you are all sons of light and sons of the day. We're not of the night or of darkness. 6 So then, we must not sleep, like the rest, but we must stay awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, we must be sober and put the armor of faith and love on our chests, and put on a helmet of the hope of salvation. 9For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
2 Timothy 4:1-3
1 Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: 2 proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new.
Hebrews 3:12-14
12 Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. 13 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today , so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. 14 For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Pictures In Belgium
What a blessed trip!
Over time I hope to share with you how the Lord worked in our lives so actively and amazingly while there. For now, though... enjoy the visuals!
Over time I hope to share with you how the Lord worked in our lives so actively and amazingly while there. For now, though... enjoy the visuals!
My very first train ride.
Brussels to Namur
Flag -American Football time.
These we taken at our favorite cafe: Caf Concert.
The food and the owners who were brothers were amazing!
This is one of the Blues performers at the FIFF concert.
(French International Film Festival)
That's our coffee roasting. Mmm...
These guys had fun with the clueless Americans!
This is some of the artwork displayed with school children's thoughts and art attached.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What Do You Do?
How do you deal with something the Lord lays heavily on your heart?
There are two different categories this can fall under:
1. It's something He is calling you to do (now or later), or
2. It is something He wants you to lift up in prayer.
Now I realize that these cross all over each other in that we must pray passionately for anything He calls us to do. I suppose the question I am asking of you today is how do you know if a passion requires action other than prayer?
What are your thoughts?
15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
Ephesians 1:15-19
There are two different categories this can fall under:
1. It's something He is calling you to do (now or later), or
2. It is something He wants you to lift up in prayer.
Now I realize that these cross all over each other in that we must pray passionately for anything He calls us to do. I suppose the question I am asking of you today is how do you know if a passion requires action other than prayer?
What are your thoughts?
15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
Ephesians 1:15-19
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tests and Quizzes
Magazines are full of quizzes to test all manner of things about you from your real personality to your sex life to your inside knowledge of Justin Bieber. We have tests and quizzes for everything! The funny thing is that when you fail one, no matter what the subject, we often feel lacking- like a failure. Even if we didn't even care about the subject.
Did you know, however, there is a good reason for our desire to test ourself? 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you not recognize for yourselves that Jesus Christ is on you?- unless you fail the test." We are to test - quiz - ourselves to make sure we are in the faith.
How do we do this? Read 1 John and James. They will give you a really good indicator. Then, if we pass...rejoice! Live victoriously in Christ Jesus as one who loves Him and spreads the good news of His salvation. If we fail, we need to ask ourself, "Do I really care?" If no- don't pretend to care. If you do care, however, profess Him as your Savior and Lord from now on and act accordingly. Now you are! And you have some great "previously failing" points to start with.
Did you know, however, there is a good reason for our desire to test ourself? 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you not recognize for yourselves that Jesus Christ is on you?- unless you fail the test." We are to test - quiz - ourselves to make sure we are in the faith.
How do we do this? Read 1 John and James. They will give you a really good indicator. Then, if we pass...rejoice! Live victoriously in Christ Jesus as one who loves Him and spreads the good news of His salvation. If we fail, we need to ask ourself, "Do I really care?" If no- don't pretend to care. If you do care, however, profess Him as your Savior and Lord from now on and act accordingly. Now you are! And you have some great "previously failing" points to start with.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Faith Like a Child
My youngest son is one of the best people for stepping on toes. He often calls it like it is and you are left standing there defending, or defenseless.
Here's two recent examples:
1. What we think we know.
Someone in my family just moved into a new house and was telling him excitedly that it was the last house they were ever going to buy. He replied with, "It won't be if God tells you to move."
So often we who call ourselves slaves to Christ Jesus, end up telling Him what we are going to do with the rest of our lives. It's not wrong to make plans. It is, however, wrong to never be prepared to change them at a moments notice if the Spirit moves within us to do so. This not only applies to where we live, but our jobs, schedules, fun activities, and even vacation savings account...
2. We are not called to be coddled.
There were many new houses in this one area where someone lived. They told my son that they were praying for a bunch of nice, Christian families to move in. "But if they are all Christians," he questioned, "how can you teach them about Jesus in the way you live?"
We are not of this world, but we must never forget we are in this world. We are called to be bright lights on a hill. (Matthew 5:14-16) The funny thing about that is, if all us little lights gather together 24/7 not only are there areas left in complete darkness, but each of our lights don't make much of a difference. Take one candle in a dark room full of 100 away and you won't see much change. Take it away when there were only three, two, or none, and the difference is profound. Hebrews 10: 23-24 lets us know that we should regularly meet together for encouragement and the promotion of love and good works, but never once does Scripture tell us to stay there all the time. We are here to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a dark, lost world.
...Teach and encourage these things. 3 If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 4 he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slanders, evil suspicions, 5 and constant disagreement among men whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is a great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.
8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
11 Now you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight for the faith;
take hold of eternal life,
to which you were called
and have made a good confession
before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:2b-12
Here's two recent examples:
1. What we think we know.
Someone in my family just moved into a new house and was telling him excitedly that it was the last house they were ever going to buy. He replied with, "It won't be if God tells you to move."
So often we who call ourselves slaves to Christ Jesus, end up telling Him what we are going to do with the rest of our lives. It's not wrong to make plans. It is, however, wrong to never be prepared to change them at a moments notice if the Spirit moves within us to do so. This not only applies to where we live, but our jobs, schedules, fun activities, and even vacation savings account...
2. We are not called to be coddled.
There were many new houses in this one area where someone lived. They told my son that they were praying for a bunch of nice, Christian families to move in. "But if they are all Christians," he questioned, "how can you teach them about Jesus in the way you live?"
We are not of this world, but we must never forget we are in this world. We are called to be bright lights on a hill. (Matthew 5:14-16) The funny thing about that is, if all us little lights gather together 24/7 not only are there areas left in complete darkness, but each of our lights don't make much of a difference. Take one candle in a dark room full of 100 away and you won't see much change. Take it away when there were only three, two, or none, and the difference is profound. Hebrews 10: 23-24 lets us know that we should regularly meet together for encouragement and the promotion of love and good works, but never once does Scripture tell us to stay there all the time. We are here to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a dark, lost world.
...Teach and encourage these things. 3 If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 4 he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slanders, evil suspicions, 5 and constant disagreement among men whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is a great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.
8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
11 Now you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight for the faith;
take hold of eternal life,
to which you were called
and have made a good confession
before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:2b-12
Monday, October 11, 2010
Little Reminders
I absolutely love when God reminds me of lessons in holiness in daily trivialities. Not only do I learn something, but am encouraged by the fact I am finally listening to the Spirit!
Last night as I stood on my back porch looking at the stars, I had two very distinct yet opposite smells accost me: Bounty dryer sheets and a decomposing animal. A neighbor was drying their clothes and with the unusual heat, a deceased animal was attracting the buzzards.
That, He indicated to me, is a modern version of Matthew 23:27-28."Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every impurity. In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." It is a great reminder that the pretty scent of a religious duty doesn't cover the stench of a rotten spirit.
Listen for the little things the Spirit is teaching you. What lessons has He brought to your attention recently? If you don't know, ask Him to reveal one to you. Start by reading the Word everyday and then ask Him to keep your spiritual eyes and ears open.
He wants to teach you. Do you want to be taught?
Last night as I stood on my back porch looking at the stars, I had two very distinct yet opposite smells accost me: Bounty dryer sheets and a decomposing animal. A neighbor was drying their clothes and with the unusual heat, a deceased animal was attracting the buzzards.
That, He indicated to me, is a modern version of Matthew 23:27-28."Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every impurity. In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." It is a great reminder that the pretty scent of a religious duty doesn't cover the stench of a rotten spirit.
Listen for the little things the Spirit is teaching you. What lessons has He brought to your attention recently? If you don't know, ask Him to reveal one to you. Start by reading the Word everyday and then ask Him to keep your spiritual eyes and ears open.
He wants to teach you. Do you want to be taught?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Called
We are all called to evangelism... if you belong to Jesus Christ.
What are you doing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Some who are immobilized have extensive prayer lists. Prayer is essential and they are a great help and blessing. Others are called to help grow and train other brothers and sisters. Then there are those who's calling is to get right into the midst of the lost and love on them while presenting the good news.
Perhaps you were able to pinpoint your area of calling within those, but let me remind you of something: You are called to each and every one of them. Perhaps you have a natural, God-given talent with one and have focused on that. It's natural to do that. However, don't let the rest of your spiritual muscles atrophy. We must exercise each to remain healthy.
Take some time today to pray and discover which areas you need to work on. Then, with the Spirit's prompting, do something about it.
What are you doing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Some who are immobilized have extensive prayer lists. Prayer is essential and they are a great help and blessing. Others are called to help grow and train other brothers and sisters. Then there are those who's calling is to get right into the midst of the lost and love on them while presenting the good news.
Perhaps you were able to pinpoint your area of calling within those, but let me remind you of something: You are called to each and every one of them. Perhaps you have a natural, God-given talent with one and have focused on that. It's natural to do that. However, don't let the rest of your spiritual muscles atrophy. We must exercise each to remain healthy.
Take some time today to pray and discover which areas you need to work on. Then, with the Spirit's prompting, do something about it.
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