As I reflect back on the happenings of the past year (2007) I am constantly reminded of God's grace in countless ways. It is HE who has sustained me, HE who has stretched and challenged me, HE who has graciously provided for me, HE who has refined and continued to mold me, HE who has grown me, HE who has sharpened me, and He who has blessed me far beyond anything I could have planned or imagined. When I think about the things that He has led me in over the past year I am ashamed at my lack of trust and dependence in His sovereign plan and will for my life. It is in these moments that I am humbled before my Maker as I realize the finiteness of my own mind and the pride in my own heart. I so often fail to refocus my mind during moments of distrust on the God who knows no limits, who knows the beginning from the end and who is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.
Thinking back over the past year there have been some painful challenges that I have endured as well as plenty of blessings. I am amazed at how God graciously and divinely appoints experiences within our lives at the point of perfection that we might trust Him more fully and bring more glory to His name. There are countless things that happened this year, but I will talk about three specific things that show the hand of God working in my life. I pray that these things will only draw your hearts and minds back to the Lord and ascribe glory to His HOLY name.
Mexico Missions Trip
In early July I had the privilege of spending a week in Mexico with a small team of high schoolers and a few leaders from Compass and Reverence Bible Churches. Going into the trip I had many hesitations as I noticed a lack of planning. However God wanted us there and there was nothing that was going to stop that from happening. During that trip the students were able to not only grow through the preaching of the Truth but were also stretched and challenged as they learned to humble themselves and serve others as Christ demonstrated throughout Scripture. It was in those moments of service that I saw God's grace manifested. There was one specific example within the trip that stands out to me (some of you may remember it from an older blog).
This particular instance
really magnified His greatness to me was at the local outreach we had. On our way to the location we lost half of the drinks we had needed (we had brought just enough for 150 people and that is one drink each), so one of the Pastors on the trip headed back to pick up some water. I had instructed the students helping me that we should only give ONE drink to each person, after thinking for about two seconds Matthew 10:42 came to mind, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward". It was at that moment that I realized what a small view of God I had! I needed to trust that the Lord would provide and prove Himself faithful, as He ALWAYS has. And He did. About thirty minutes prior to the end of the outreach, one of the students explained concern for lack of water. My response was, "We won't run out!". He looked at me like I was crazy, and again repeated His question, and I again repeated my response. It was at that moment that He too had realized that God provides for His people and that He did! We had plenty of water, the spout seemed to never dry up, it was incredible.
REVIVAL '07
When I was asked to serve as the assistant to the administrative assistant for youth ministries this summer I was so excited and thought "what a blessing". However I soon realized that what the staff was planning for summer camp seemed like an impossible feat. In my prideful and controlling heart there were countless times I wondered in my mind how this event was going to be pulled off. I was often encouraged however by the passionate desire both Pastor Bobby and Lucas shared in making this revival a reality.
Needless to say I was put to shame when the camp exceeded everyone's expectations. That week was life changing for every person involved. Not only were we challenged by the Word of God to re-examine our hearts to see where we truly stand in the Lord's eyes but we were constantly encouraged and spurred on by one another as we sought to bring glory to His name in everything we did. More than a third of the students were saved during that week and even some of the staff!! It truly was a revival, a revival for Jesus Christ and the passionate pursuit of the Lord still continues on in the lives of many of those who attended.
Master's College
After skipping around from Biola to Saddleback and having made a decision to attend CalState Fullerton it was only by God's sovereign control that I ended up at the Master's College this fall. From the moment that the desire was put on my heart doors began swinging open and in a leap of faith I trusted God's faithful character and went and what an experience it has been thus far. I have been amazed at the Christ-focused staff, classes, chapels, and students. I have been challenged, encouraged, and refined by so many. It is so evident that God is working actively at the Master's College for His good pleasure and His glory. It has been a HUGE blessing as I have met some of the most amazing people in my life...ones who are passionately in love with and pursuing Christ with their whole lives and who spur me on to do the same. I am forever grateful for this huge blessing in my life this year.
I could go on for hours and hours with so many more examples of God's working in order to give Him all the credit. He truly deserves it all. I am who I am only by His grace. Where would I be without Him? He truly is an amazing Father, a faithful friend, a Sovereign Lord, and a trustworthy God. Apart from Him I am nothing but with Him I can do all things. Everything good comes from him...Matthew 7:11 says "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" What a privilege it has been this year to serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, to be used by the Creator of the Universe for HIS glory.
2008 will bring its challenges and blessings but through it all God will be glorified and accomplish His purposes. I pray that this year I will be used fully for Christ, that He will be magnified through me and that He will enable me to follow hard after Him as I continue on running the race. Some of Jonathan Edward's resolutions are some of my prayers for 2008:
"Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can."
"Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good."
"Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance"
"Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever."
"Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life."
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Our Great Pursuit: The Practice of True Humility (Part 3)
"Here's a scary thought: It's possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves" (Mahaney). Our hearts are deceitful and often deceive us into believing things that are not true. The only way that true application of humility can take place in our lives, and pride can be restrained is through "purposeful application of the truth--an effort and pursuit on our part that God will use for sanctifying and transformation in our lives". Often times we say we want to change or that we want to apply certain truths to our lives but we fail to put them into practice because of the lack of making things practical. Throughout the majority of Mahaney's book he gives a list and explanations of countless strategies to apply practically on our pursuit towards humility. Here are some of them:
1. Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross: This habit must be put into practice
on a daily basis in order to mortify your pride. Remembering who we are in regards to Christ and what He did in order that we may even have fellowship with God buts things into perspective rightly. Look at the lyrics to this song and it sums it up so well...When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Begin Your Day Acknowledging Your Need For God: How we begin our mornings often determines the outcome of our entire day. When we start our days off reminding ourselves of our dependence on God and our desperate need for Him our pride is put to shame. Sin is active in our lives, and that includes pride. "Sin doesn't wake up tired,because it hasn't been sleeping. When you wake up in the morning, sin is right there, fully awake, ready to attack." When you wake up and all throughout the day make statements...even out loud...declaring your need for God. Do you speak truth to yourself or do you listen to yourself? Speak truth to yourself and declare war on your pride.
3. Begin Your Day Expressing Gratitude to God: Michael Ramsey once said, "Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not grow". When you begin the morning thanking Him for His constant grace and mercies in your life. Be alert for answered prayers in your life and THANK THE ONE who answered those for you. Don't stop in the morning either...throughout the day continue to thank Him for His evidences of grace everywhere...this will refocus your mind and stop pride in its track.
4. Practice Spiritual Disciplines: These include prayer, study of God's Word and worship. If you begin your day with this your day starts out right. By doing this it refocuses your mind to remembering that you NEED God. Some mornings you will feel a real nearness to the Lord and others maybe not as close but as Mahaney points out, "He may be sending you a message, 'I want you to grow more in your trust in Me; therefore I'm withdrawing my sense of My Nearness.' " No matter how hard it might be for you to begin doing this the more you do it the more you desire it, it is your spiritual food.
5. Seize Your Commute: According to the government the average American commutes daily about 25-minutes to and from work. Many in California spend much more time than that. During that time instead of complaining about the traffic you may be in or thinking about the ten million things you have to do that day, seize the time for memorizing and meditating on Scripture...get an audio recording of Scripture and ponder God's truths and be encouraged.
6. Casting Your Cares Upon Him: 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." When we begin our day by humbling ourselves before our Maker and casting all our cares and worries on Him we are able to depend on Him and find peace. ..this also shoots your pride in the heart. "Acknowledge your need for Me! Cast your cares upon Me, and I will transform you...For though I'm opposed to your pride, I'll give grace to you when you humble yourself, and I'll give grace to you when you humble yourself, and I'll make you care free---not responsibility free, but care free. You'll be free from care. You'll instead be characterized by joy and peace" (Mahaney).
7. Staying Charged Up: We need to get charged up in the morning to last us for the entire day. However we need to bring Him into everything throughout our day so that we may stay charged. Throughout the day many cares and worries will be brought to you, you must refocus and spend time with the Lord then so your attitude can be transformed. "Don't be mistaken. God hasn't gone anywhere. He's just as sovereign, just as good, just as faithful when I'm buried under care as He was in those early hours of communion." Get charged and stay charged through HIM!
8. As Each Day Ends: "The end of each day offers a unique opportunity to cultivate humility and weaken pride, as well as to sense God's pleasure." Review your day and assign God the glory due His name. Avoid as Mahaney puts it, "cosmic plagiarism" in which you place yourself as the author of your life and ministry which is truly a gift from above. Any success' you receive are on His behalf not yours. Accept the gift of sleep and realize the purpose that it has. It is a gift and it reminds us of our dependence and trust on Him...when we lay our heads down at night on our pillows we are trusting that God will sustain us through the night. And lastly make your final thought at night, if possible, a reminder of the cross of Christ. "Let the Spirit give you a new perception and appreciation of sleep, so that this seemingly ordinary act might be transformed into an opportunity to cultivate humility and weaken pride".
9. Study the Attributes of God: Study them all but especially is incommunicable ones. I recommend reading A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy...this is a great starting place. "As we investigate such attributes, we become increasingly aware of the indescribably vast distance between ourselves and God". The more you realize the distance and difference between you and God, the more pride is killed.
10. Study the Doctrines of Grace: These include election, calling, justification etc. As you study these doctrines you will no longer be able to congratulate yourself. When you reflect on the truth of salvation and that it was God that called us "sovereignly, graciously, mercifully, and effectively and not because we called him". Our salvation from beginning to end is by His grace. A good book to invest in is Saved By Graceby Anthony Hoekema.
11. Study the Doctrine of Sin: John Owens once said, "There are two things that are suited to humble the souls of men...A due consideration of God, and then of ourselves." We must study sin and become aware of its ways. Sin cause destruction but not always right away and therefore we need to be on guard. We can become hardened to sin as we allow it in our lives and do not stop it as it comes. Not only should you study the doctrine of sin and get rid of the sin in your life but you should begin applying truth from Scripture in order to fully combat that.
12. LAUGH: Laugh often and laugh often at yourself. "Laughter is a divine gift to the human is humble. A proud man cannot laugh because he must watch his dignity; he cannot give himself over to the rocking and rolling of his belly. But a poor and happy man laughs heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego".
13. Identify Evidences of Grace: There are countless examples throughout Scripture like Paul or Job and people in our own lives...in our families or in our churches who are living breathing examples of God's grace. How do you identify these? Be familiar with the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." And be familiar with the gifts of the Spirit. When you become familiar with these you will begin to see these manifested in those around you and you will be humbled and reminded of God's grace often.
14. Remember God is at Work: The call of God of the believer is the exact evidence we need that God has been at work in them all along. Being able to know how God works throughout Scripture enables us to see that working out in the lives of those around us and it reminds us that God is actively working for His glory and in His will.
15. Remember God is Faithful: Philippians 1:6 reminds us that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. Even when it seems like things aren't going the right way remember the God who has never let you down, who has ALWAYS been faithful NEVER changes.
16. Encourage Others: Nothing is more important then our words in regards to others. We have the ability to tear down and to build up in a split second. We need to use appropriate words, ones that are purposeful and not words that decay. Exhort each other daily. We need each other and we need each others help on our pursuit of Christ EVERY day.
17.Invite and Pursue Correction: Remember sin deceives...especially pride. We all need help, we all are blinded often by the sins and weaknesses in our life and we should be asking for and accepting correction from those who love us and desire for us to grow in the Lord. We have what Mahaney calls "pockets of spiritual blindness"...and we all do. It is vital you meet together for accountability and growth but just that doesn't work. You must admit your need for others and ACTIVELY participate in the group. We need help in applying truth CORRECTLY as well. The war against the spirit and flesh never ends, it is a lifelong battle until the day we meet our Maker and therefore we need help in this battle.
18. Respond Humbly To Trials: Suffering is inevitable in this fallen world and in the life of the Christian. Look at Habakkuk's example in Habakkuk 3:17-18 "Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior. "
Our response to trial is in regards to our view of God. Someone who responds rightly is truly humble in that they are prayerful before God (God-centered prayer), that they are waiting on the Lord (focusing on their salvation and not the suffering), and rejoicing in the Lord (and for who HE is and what He has yet to do). Prayerfully depend on the Lord for responding rightly to trials.
19. Leaving a Legacy of Greatness: If you asked your kids would they say they look up to you? We need to be examples in word and deed for our kids teaching them as living examples what a servant of Christ looks like so that they too may pursue true humility in life.
20. Remember who our BEST example is: Remember Christ, remember who He was and who He became so that we might experience eternity with Him. Remember how He lived, how He spoke, how He served, how He suffered, and how today He reigns on High and pursue that, pursue true humility like that modeled in Jesus Christ.
1. Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross: This habit must be put into practice
on a daily basis in order to mortify your pride. Remembering who we are in regards to Christ and what He did in order that we may even have fellowship with God buts things into perspective rightly. Look at the lyrics to this song and it sums it up so well...When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Begin Your Day Acknowledging Your Need For God: How we begin our mornings often determines the outcome of our entire day. When we start our days off reminding ourselves of our dependence on God and our desperate need for Him our pride is put to shame. Sin is active in our lives, and that includes pride. "Sin doesn't wake up tired,because it hasn't been sleeping. When you wake up in the morning, sin is right there, fully awake, ready to attack." When you wake up and all throughout the day make statements...even out loud...declaring your need for God. Do you speak truth to yourself or do you listen to yourself? Speak truth to yourself and declare war on your pride.
3. Begin Your Day Expressing Gratitude to God: Michael Ramsey once said, "Thankfulness is a soil in which pride does not grow". When you begin the morning thanking Him for His constant grace and mercies in your life. Be alert for answered prayers in your life and THANK THE ONE who answered those for you. Don't stop in the morning either...throughout the day continue to thank Him for His evidences of grace everywhere...this will refocus your mind and stop pride in its track.
4. Practice Spiritual Disciplines: These include prayer, study of God's Word and worship. If you begin your day with this your day starts out right. By doing this it refocuses your mind to remembering that you NEED God. Some mornings you will feel a real nearness to the Lord and others maybe not as close but as Mahaney points out, "He may be sending you a message, 'I want you to grow more in your trust in Me; therefore I'm withdrawing my sense of My Nearness.' " No matter how hard it might be for you to begin doing this the more you do it the more you desire it, it is your spiritual food.
5. Seize Your Commute: According to the government the average American commutes daily about 25-minutes to and from work. Many in California spend much more time than that. During that time instead of complaining about the traffic you may be in or thinking about the ten million things you have to do that day, seize the time for memorizing and meditating on Scripture...get an audio recording of Scripture and ponder God's truths and be encouraged.
6. Casting Your Cares Upon Him: 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." When we begin our day by humbling ourselves before our Maker and casting all our cares and worries on Him we are able to depend on Him and find peace. ..this also shoots your pride in the heart. "Acknowledge your need for Me! Cast your cares upon Me, and I will transform you...For though I'm opposed to your pride, I'll give grace to you when you humble yourself, and I'll give grace to you when you humble yourself, and I'll make you care free---not responsibility free, but care free. You'll be free from care. You'll instead be characterized by joy and peace" (Mahaney).
7. Staying Charged Up: We need to get charged up in the morning to last us for the entire day. However we need to bring Him into everything throughout our day so that we may stay charged. Throughout the day many cares and worries will be brought to you, you must refocus and spend time with the Lord then so your attitude can be transformed. "Don't be mistaken. God hasn't gone anywhere. He's just as sovereign, just as good, just as faithful when I'm buried under care as He was in those early hours of communion." Get charged and stay charged through HIM!
8. As Each Day Ends: "The end of each day offers a unique opportunity to cultivate humility and weaken pride, as well as to sense God's pleasure." Review your day and assign God the glory due His name. Avoid as Mahaney puts it, "cosmic plagiarism" in which you place yourself as the author of your life and ministry which is truly a gift from above. Any success' you receive are on His behalf not yours. Accept the gift of sleep and realize the purpose that it has. It is a gift and it reminds us of our dependence and trust on Him...when we lay our heads down at night on our pillows we are trusting that God will sustain us through the night. And lastly make your final thought at night, if possible, a reminder of the cross of Christ. "Let the Spirit give you a new perception and appreciation of sleep, so that this seemingly ordinary act might be transformed into an opportunity to cultivate humility and weaken pride".
9. Study the Attributes of God: Study them all but especially is incommunicable ones. I recommend reading A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy...this is a great starting place. "As we investigate such attributes, we become increasingly aware of the indescribably vast distance between ourselves and God". The more you realize the distance and difference between you and God, the more pride is killed.
10. Study the Doctrines of Grace: These include election, calling, justification etc. As you study these doctrines you will no longer be able to congratulate yourself. When you reflect on the truth of salvation and that it was God that called us "sovereignly, graciously, mercifully, and effectively and not because we called him". Our salvation from beginning to end is by His grace. A good book to invest in is Saved By Graceby Anthony Hoekema.
11. Study the Doctrine of Sin: John Owens once said, "There are two things that are suited to humble the souls of men...A due consideration of God, and then of ourselves." We must study sin and become aware of its ways. Sin cause destruction but not always right away and therefore we need to be on guard. We can become hardened to sin as we allow it in our lives and do not stop it as it comes. Not only should you study the doctrine of sin and get rid of the sin in your life but you should begin applying truth from Scripture in order to fully combat that.
12. LAUGH: Laugh often and laugh often at yourself. "Laughter is a divine gift to the human is humble. A proud man cannot laugh because he must watch his dignity; he cannot give himself over to the rocking and rolling of his belly. But a poor and happy man laughs heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego".
13. Identify Evidences of Grace: There are countless examples throughout Scripture like Paul or Job and people in our own lives...in our families or in our churches who are living breathing examples of God's grace. How do you identify these? Be familiar with the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." And be familiar with the gifts of the Spirit. When you become familiar with these you will begin to see these manifested in those around you and you will be humbled and reminded of God's grace often.
14. Remember God is at Work: The call of God of the believer is the exact evidence we need that God has been at work in them all along. Being able to know how God works throughout Scripture enables us to see that working out in the lives of those around us and it reminds us that God is actively working for His glory and in His will.
15. Remember God is Faithful: Philippians 1:6 reminds us that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. Even when it seems like things aren't going the right way remember the God who has never let you down, who has ALWAYS been faithful NEVER changes.
16. Encourage Others: Nothing is more important then our words in regards to others. We have the ability to tear down and to build up in a split second. We need to use appropriate words, ones that are purposeful and not words that decay. Exhort each other daily. We need each other and we need each others help on our pursuit of Christ EVERY day.
17.Invite and Pursue Correction: Remember sin deceives...especially pride. We all need help, we all are blinded often by the sins and weaknesses in our life and we should be asking for and accepting correction from those who love us and desire for us to grow in the Lord. We have what Mahaney calls "pockets of spiritual blindness"...and we all do. It is vital you meet together for accountability and growth but just that doesn't work. You must admit your need for others and ACTIVELY participate in the group. We need help in applying truth CORRECTLY as well. The war against the spirit and flesh never ends, it is a lifelong battle until the day we meet our Maker and therefore we need help in this battle.
18. Respond Humbly To Trials: Suffering is inevitable in this fallen world and in the life of the Christian. Look at Habakkuk's example in Habakkuk 3:17-18 "Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior. "
Our response to trial is in regards to our view of God. Someone who responds rightly is truly humble in that they are prayerful before God (God-centered prayer), that they are waiting on the Lord (focusing on their salvation and not the suffering), and rejoicing in the Lord (and for who HE is and what He has yet to do). Prayerfully depend on the Lord for responding rightly to trials.
19. Leaving a Legacy of Greatness: If you asked your kids would they say they look up to you? We need to be examples in word and deed for our kids teaching them as living examples what a servant of Christ looks like so that they too may pursue true humility in life.
20. Remember who our BEST example is: Remember Christ, remember who He was and who He became so that we might experience eternity with Him. Remember how He lived, how He spoke, how He served, how He suffered, and how today He reigns on High and pursue that, pursue true humility like that modeled in Jesus Christ.
Friday, December 28, 2007
The Great Reversal: Our Savior and the Secret of Greatness (Part 2)
When we think about pride I think each of us would come to the conclusion that it truly is as Charles Spurgeon once said "a groundless thing". Yet despite that it is displayed in each one of us. Look back to the disciples and see how even they struggled with this distorting sin. In Mark we read about how each of them fought over who was the greatest among them. Jesus soon reminded them that "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." This was a new way of thinking even for His 12. James and John asked Christ for a place next to him when he ruled, this too demonstrates their high view of themselves. Their requests to the Lord could have been one of strength during suffering or comfort during trial but they instead selfishly ask for something that manifests their prideful hearts.
Jesus, in his gentle love redefines true greatness. It isn't what the world would look at as "great" but rater what the God of the universe would be pleased by. "What I find especially fascinating and instructive in His next words is that Jesus does not categorically criticize or forbid the desire and ambition to be great. Instead, He clearly redirects that ambition to be great" (Mahaney). Jesus uses himself as the example for all, that He came not to be served but rather to serve many, in fact he came to give His very life as a ransom.
In the 21st century true greatness comes in the form of personal success, self-sufficiency, achievements in school, on the job, or self-righteousness. The Bible explains it much differently: "true greatness as biblically defined is serving others for the glory of God". What?!! That is definitely not something the world welcomes with open arms. Serving others is not something that is done often unless it is on public display for all to see so that those doing it can receive a pat on the back or a word of praise. Yet Mahaney reminds us that there are examples of true greatness all around us, we need to observe and strive to be like them. Think for a moment and I guarantee you will come up with a couple of people who remarkably display this true greatness in their lives. Thank God for that example and then strive to model it as well.
"To learn true humility, we need more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than Jesus' personal example of humble service. What we need is His death" (Mahaney). Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus is the PERFECT example of true greatness. Our Christian service in ministry is to only draw attention to Him. Picture it for a moment, the Lord of the universe leading His disciples to the very place where He will be taken away to be nailed to a cross. Nobody is leading him or forcing him, he is leading the way. He explains to His disciples His coming death as a ransom in which the payment of the condemned sinner would take place. Think of Him saying, "You're lost. Your situation couldn't be more hopeless. And on your won, your incapable of altering or escaping it" (Mahaney). His death was necessary because ALL of humanity has been corrupted by sin and therefore condemned by God.
It is interesting to look at Mark 10 and find yourself in the "gallery of sinners". Whether you are James or John or the rich young ruler you (before Christ) were stained with sin. It is humanly impossible to free ourselves from sin...from pride, but the Savior's death paid the ransom, paid the price required...the life of God's ONLY Son. "How will God save? He will save by executing His Son--for the sake of the rich young rulers, for the sake of James and John, for the sake of ten indignant disciples, and for the sake of proud sinners like you and me" (Mahaney). "
"We go free! We're ransomed...liberated...forgiven of our sins. What a relief! And then we're transformed throughout our lifetimes into the image of His Son, serving others for the glory of God" (Mahaney). If you look at the life of the disciples after Christ's death you see a radical transformation...you see men who were willing to humble themselves, even to the point of death for the sake of the Gospel. What a radical example of a transformed heart by the cross of Christ.
"Consider your own life for a moment. Where would you be today if He hadn't ransomed you, if He hadn't liberated you? I'll tell you where. You would be self-sufficient, seeking to cultivate self-confidence for the purpose of self-glorification. But what has happened to you? If you've been genuinely converted, you've been forgiven and transformed...The cross ransoms, teh cross liberates, the cross transforms! So make it your aim and lifelong habit, when you see someone who's serving, to be reminded of the sacrifice of the Savior, for apart from His sacrifice there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior's example---and possible only by the Savior's sacrifice" (Mahaney).
Jesus, in his gentle love redefines true greatness. It isn't what the world would look at as "great" but rater what the God of the universe would be pleased by. "What I find especially fascinating and instructive in His next words is that Jesus does not categorically criticize or forbid the desire and ambition to be great. Instead, He clearly redirects that ambition to be great" (Mahaney). Jesus uses himself as the example for all, that He came not to be served but rather to serve many, in fact he came to give His very life as a ransom.
In the 21st century true greatness comes in the form of personal success, self-sufficiency, achievements in school, on the job, or self-righteousness. The Bible explains it much differently: "true greatness as biblically defined is serving others for the glory of God". What?!! That is definitely not something the world welcomes with open arms. Serving others is not something that is done often unless it is on public display for all to see so that those doing it can receive a pat on the back or a word of praise. Yet Mahaney reminds us that there are examples of true greatness all around us, we need to observe and strive to be like them. Think for a moment and I guarantee you will come up with a couple of people who remarkably display this true greatness in their lives. Thank God for that example and then strive to model it as well.
"To learn true humility, we need more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than Jesus' personal example of humble service. What we need is His death" (Mahaney). Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus is the PERFECT example of true greatness. Our Christian service in ministry is to only draw attention to Him. Picture it for a moment, the Lord of the universe leading His disciples to the very place where He will be taken away to be nailed to a cross. Nobody is leading him or forcing him, he is leading the way. He explains to His disciples His coming death as a ransom in which the payment of the condemned sinner would take place. Think of Him saying, "You're lost. Your situation couldn't be more hopeless. And on your won, your incapable of altering or escaping it" (Mahaney). His death was necessary because ALL of humanity has been corrupted by sin and therefore condemned by God.
It is interesting to look at Mark 10 and find yourself in the "gallery of sinners". Whether you are James or John or the rich young ruler you (before Christ) were stained with sin. It is humanly impossible to free ourselves from sin...from pride, but the Savior's death paid the ransom, paid the price required...the life of God's ONLY Son. "How will God save? He will save by executing His Son--for the sake of the rich young rulers, for the sake of James and John, for the sake of ten indignant disciples, and for the sake of proud sinners like you and me" (Mahaney). "
"We go free! We're ransomed...liberated...forgiven of our sins. What a relief! And then we're transformed throughout our lifetimes into the image of His Son, serving others for the glory of God" (Mahaney). If you look at the life of the disciples after Christ's death you see a radical transformation...you see men who were willing to humble themselves, even to the point of death for the sake of the Gospel. What a radical example of a transformed heart by the cross of Christ.
"Consider your own life for a moment. Where would you be today if He hadn't ransomed you, if He hadn't liberated you? I'll tell you where. You would be self-sufficient, seeking to cultivate self-confidence for the purpose of self-glorification. But what has happened to you? If you've been genuinely converted, you've been forgiven and transformed...The cross ransoms, teh cross liberates, the cross transforms! So make it your aim and lifelong habit, when you see someone who's serving, to be reminded of the sacrifice of the Savior, for apart from His sacrifice there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior's example---and possible only by the Savior's sacrifice" (Mahaney).
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Our Greatest Friend, Our Greatest Enemy...The Battle of Humility Versus Pride (Part 1)
I just finished reading C.J. Mahaney's book Humility: True Greatness and have been challenged and encouraged in so many vital ways. After finishing I was excited to recommend this book to everyone I know who is passionately pursuing the Lord and decided what better way to share what I learned then to write a couple blogs on the general ideas presented in this book.
We live in a culture that rewards the proud, one that applauds our success' daily and a world that desires to label stars, athletes, politicians, and even ordinary people as "great". As Christians we usually live counter-culturally and it is no different in this instance. Christ does not demand pride and what the world labels "self esteem" but rather humility. Take for example Isaiah 66:2 "This is the one who I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."... A stark contrast to what society would say as honorable. Pride draws the attention of the world but as Mahaney puts, "humility draws the gaze of our Sovereign God". In this passage in Isaiah God is speaking to the Israelites, His chosen nation and people, reminding them that their privilege is not because of their own doing but rather because of God's mercy and choice.
Throughout Scripture God promises to help those that are humble. "He is aware of everything. He's also searching for something in particular, something that acts like a magnet to capture His attention and invite His active involvement. God is decisively drawn to humility. The one who is humble is the one who draws God's attention,and in a sense, drawing His attention means also attracting His grace..." (Mahaney). James 4:6 promises "God...gives grace to the humble!" what a promise. We need to stop with the idea of 'pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps' and realize that we need to humble ourselves and fully rely on the God of the universe.
Many try humility on for size. In fact it is almost like a dress up costume you wore when you were a child...you put it on in public for all to see...for example someone says great job on a play and you quickly remind them that 'anybody could have done it'...however on the inside you know you are only wearing a costume as pride billows beneath in your joy of being called "humble". What is humility? Humility as Mahanaey puts it, "is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfluness". Wow what a reality that truly is. Until we honestly look at the reality of these two things we will never be able to see past our pride. Pride destroys individuals, it destroys families, it destroys friendships, business' and churches.
Think back on one of your many prideful moments in life C.J. Mahaney brings forth one of his own...the time his car broke down and he had no idea what to do but to look "manly" he had to look in the engine and try and fix it himself, which of course came with no success. We need help, we are humans. We cannot do everything, in fact we can't do most things well and on our own. Pride was the first sin and for the most part is the root of all sin thereafter. In Isaiah 14 we read that the reason for Satan's rebellion was because he desired to ascend to heaven and be more beautiful and glorious then God. Pride, from God's view, is extremely serious...in fact it falls in Proverbs 6's list of the abominations to the Lord. He hates it! Why does God hate it? "Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him". God opposes it, in fact he is "actively opposed to it". Because God opposes it you can be sure that the proud will not escape discipline (His kids) and judgement (for the unbeliever).
God in His mercy warns about pride over and over again throughout Scripture. He explains why it is truly our greatest enemy and commands us to humble ourselves time and time again. It is only by His strength that this is possible. "By unmasking pride--as well as introducing us to humility, our greatest friend--God is laying out for us the path to true greatness, a path that we will see most clearly in our Savior's life and death".
We live in a culture that rewards the proud, one that applauds our success' daily and a world that desires to label stars, athletes, politicians, and even ordinary people as "great". As Christians we usually live counter-culturally and it is no different in this instance. Christ does not demand pride and what the world labels "self esteem" but rather humility. Take for example Isaiah 66:2 "This is the one who I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."... A stark contrast to what society would say as honorable. Pride draws the attention of the world but as Mahaney puts, "humility draws the gaze of our Sovereign God". In this passage in Isaiah God is speaking to the Israelites, His chosen nation and people, reminding them that their privilege is not because of their own doing but rather because of God's mercy and choice.
Throughout Scripture God promises to help those that are humble. "He is aware of everything. He's also searching for something in particular, something that acts like a magnet to capture His attention and invite His active involvement. God is decisively drawn to humility. The one who is humble is the one who draws God's attention,and in a sense, drawing His attention means also attracting His grace..." (Mahaney). James 4:6 promises "God...gives grace to the humble!" what a promise. We need to stop with the idea of 'pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps' and realize that we need to humble ourselves and fully rely on the God of the universe.
Many try humility on for size. In fact it is almost like a dress up costume you wore when you were a child...you put it on in public for all to see...for example someone says great job on a play and you quickly remind them that 'anybody could have done it'...however on the inside you know you are only wearing a costume as pride billows beneath in your joy of being called "humble". What is humility? Humility as Mahanaey puts it, "is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfluness". Wow what a reality that truly is. Until we honestly look at the reality of these two things we will never be able to see past our pride. Pride destroys individuals, it destroys families, it destroys friendships, business' and churches.
Think back on one of your many prideful moments in life C.J. Mahaney brings forth one of his own...the time his car broke down and he had no idea what to do but to look "manly" he had to look in the engine and try and fix it himself, which of course came with no success. We need help, we are humans. We cannot do everything, in fact we can't do most things well and on our own. Pride was the first sin and for the most part is the root of all sin thereafter. In Isaiah 14 we read that the reason for Satan's rebellion was because he desired to ascend to heaven and be more beautiful and glorious then God. Pride, from God's view, is extremely serious...in fact it falls in Proverbs 6's list of the abominations to the Lord. He hates it! Why does God hate it? "Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him". God opposes it, in fact he is "actively opposed to it". Because God opposes it you can be sure that the proud will not escape discipline (His kids) and judgement (for the unbeliever).
God in His mercy warns about pride over and over again throughout Scripture. He explains why it is truly our greatest enemy and commands us to humble ourselves time and time again. It is only by His strength that this is possible. "By unmasking pride--as well as introducing us to humility, our greatest friend--God is laying out for us the path to true greatness, a path that we will see most clearly in our Savior's life and death".
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Learning Patience
Lets face it, in this fast paced "microwave" society of the 21st century we live in we aren't used to having to wait around for things...instead we get things when we want them which is pretty much immediately. If we are hungry we eat, if we are thirsty we get a drink, if we are tired we take a nap, if we want a song we download it online if we need a new shirt we go to the mall etc. Having to wait is just well out of the question. God makes me laugh quite often. I once heard a quote that said, if you want to make God laugh, tell God YOUR plans. My life as a disciple has been full of surprises, things I would have never expected but have turned out to be far exceeding anything I could have dreamed. God truly does know best. I sometimes have to take a step back and laugh at myself and wonder why I ever even try to plan...anyways, one lesson God seems to have to teach me over and over and OVER again is patience. My time frame is not God's time frame at all. Sometimes it is quicker and sometimes longer and sometimes He answers it completely differently. Merriam Webster defines patience as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, not hasty or impetuous, steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity, able or willing to bear". As I look at that definition I am again astonished at my sinfulness. The root of my impatience comes from a lack of trust in God's sovereignty which ultimately stems from a desire to be in control which comes from pride. I think I know best...would I ever say that? No, but my actions speak louder then words. Although I am actively striving to gain patience in my life it is a daily struggle and it is only by God's grace that I can withstand during my trials etc.
The following verses have encouraged me in my pursuit of gaining patience:
Samuel 12:16 "Now stand STILL and see the great thing the LORD will do before your eyes."
Psalm 37:7 "Wait and trust the LORD. Don't be upset when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed."
Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 130:5-6 "I wait for the LORD to help me, and I trust his word. I wait for the Lord to help me more than night watchmen wait for the dawn, more than night watchmen wait for the dawn."
Hebrews 6:12 "We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised."
James 1:2-4 "My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. 4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need."
I am definitely learning and seeking Him as I go. It is only by His grace that I am who I am and that I even have the ability to be able to trust Him and have patience. I have realized that patience is another character trait that sets us apart in this fallen world. As I continue to seek the Lord's strength each day and ask Him to enable me to be patience I find comfort in knowing that He is good and faithful and that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.
The following verses have encouraged me in my pursuit of gaining patience:
Samuel 12:16 "Now stand STILL and see the great thing the LORD will do before your eyes."
Psalm 37:7 "Wait and trust the LORD. Don't be upset when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed."
Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 130:5-6 "I wait for the LORD to help me, and I trust his word. I wait for the Lord to help me more than night watchmen wait for the dawn, more than night watchmen wait for the dawn."
Hebrews 6:12 "We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised."
James 1:2-4 "My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. 4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need."
I am definitely learning and seeking Him as I go. It is only by His grace that I am who I am and that I even have the ability to be able to trust Him and have patience. I have realized that patience is another character trait that sets us apart in this fallen world. As I continue to seek the Lord's strength each day and ask Him to enable me to be patience I find comfort in knowing that He is good and faithful and that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Full Time?
This morning at True North (high school ministry at Compass Bible Church), Pastor Bobby preached a deeply challenging message on what it means to be what he called "Full Time for Jesus". Often in our mindsets when we think of full time we think of a 40hr work week that includes breaks for holidays, weekends, and 6-8 hours of free time every evening. However no where in Scripture does it say that you get to take a break from ministry, discipleship, or the life that lives for Christ. Although we would NEVER say that we have the mindset in which we take "breaks" from our Christian walk the way we live would contradict that statement.
1 Corinthians 15:58 says "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
What does that verse mean in the life of the believer? Lets take a brief look at three things...
1. STAY Steadfast in What You Believe
-Day in and day out live the Christian faith
-Stand firm like a rock!
-It is rare to find a Christian you can count on...be that Christian
-1 Peter 5:10 says, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." GOD is the one that will give you the ability to stay steadfast as we are commanded in Scripture
2. Be about your Father's Business
-What would people say you are about? School, Money, Sports or CHRIST and the furthering of the Gospel for His glory?
-What are you not to do?
a. Stop Living For Yourself- Die to yourself every day (Matthew 16:24-28)
b. Stop Sinning- don't be like the world anymore...repentance means CHANGE
-What was Jesus about? Luke 2:41-47 shows us a perfect example that Jesus was about His Father's business
-Ephesians 4:11-13 says, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
-Always means 100% of your time!
-Fully means 100% of your heart
3.Have Confidence that EVERYTHING You Do in Christ Matters
-It matters for God's glory
-It matters for the edification and blessing of others
-It matters for your eternal reward (Mark 9:41 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."
Are you full time for Jesus? Is everything you are about Him and His glory and kingdom? Do you believe that it is better to give than receive? Do you serve others every chance you get? I challenge you to evaluate your life and see how you might be all about your father's business!!!
1 Corinthians 15:58 says "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
What does that verse mean in the life of the believer? Lets take a brief look at three things...
1. STAY Steadfast in What You Believe
-Day in and day out live the Christian faith
-Stand firm like a rock!
-It is rare to find a Christian you can count on...be that Christian
-1 Peter 5:10 says, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." GOD is the one that will give you the ability to stay steadfast as we are commanded in Scripture
2. Be about your Father's Business
-What would people say you are about? School, Money, Sports or CHRIST and the furthering of the Gospel for His glory?
-What are you not to do?
a. Stop Living For Yourself- Die to yourself every day (Matthew 16:24-28)
b. Stop Sinning- don't be like the world anymore...repentance means CHANGE
-What was Jesus about? Luke 2:41-47 shows us a perfect example that Jesus was about His Father's business
-Ephesians 4:11-13 says, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
-Always means 100% of your time!
-Fully means 100% of your heart
3.Have Confidence that EVERYTHING You Do in Christ Matters
-It matters for God's glory
-It matters for the edification and blessing of others
-It matters for your eternal reward (Mark 9:41 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."
Are you full time for Jesus? Is everything you are about Him and His glory and kingdom? Do you believe that it is better to give than receive? Do you serve others every chance you get? I challenge you to evaluate your life and see how you might be all about your father's business!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Wisdom of God
I am currently reading the book The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. So far it has been a theologically challenging book as I have come to better understand the character and attributes of God. One particular attribute that has left me baffled yet encouraged is His wisdom. Tozer explains that we need to hold to the truth of God's infinte wisdom in order to understand God. We cannot only hold to that understanding but in faith and prayer we must bring that into our every day experiences. "To believe actively that our Heavenly Father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everlasting well being brings to the sould a veritable benedication. Most of us go through life praying little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with full repsonsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn to faith to Him."
God constantly encourages us to TRUST Him! Why is it that it is so difficult to trust an all-knowing, all-powerful, never-changing God? In our fleshly nature we fail to realize that the God who was faithful to save us from eternity apart from Him is faithful to guide us in the small things as well as the big. We must cling to God's character and by His Word and through faith trust in His wisdom!
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his."Job 12:13
God constantly encourages us to TRUST Him! Why is it that it is so difficult to trust an all-knowing, all-powerful, never-changing God? In our fleshly nature we fail to realize that the God who was faithful to save us from eternity apart from Him is faithful to guide us in the small things as well as the big. We must cling to God's character and by His Word and through faith trust in His wisdom!
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his."Job 12:13
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
God's Beauty
I am in cold and beautiful Colorado spending time with two of my favorite people in the world! Yesterday we went up to the Rockies to find a spot to sled. After a beautiful scenic drive we found our spot. I saw snow that hadn't been touched...by ANYTHING and that is very very tempting to jump in. Little did we know it was about a foot and a half deep and as we tried to walk up what seemed like a tiny hill we were in for an impossible task, but Kendall and I being determined made it up to the top without too many slips and falls and found the perfect spot to sled down! I guess not growing up in the snow didn't prepare me for some things one of which was the fact that fresh powder isn't the best for sledding, in fact it isn't good at all. About five feet down we got buried in the snow which was FREEZING by the way, but it was a memory I will never forget. As I lay there and looked up at the mountains around me and the snow covering everything I was again amazed by God's creation which never ceases to blow my mind. God's handprints are on all of creation and I feel blessed to experience its beauty. What an amazing God...
Monday, December 17, 2007
For I Know The Plans I Have For You...
There are those verses throughout Scripture that Christians pull and cling to throughout their lives. One of those is Jeremiah 29:11 which says, "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope". As Christians this verse resonates deep within our souls and brings a comfort that one can't describe. However we must make sure that as we read Scripture we clearly look at the context and what God was meaning to say. This "future" or "hope" was not promised to you or to me as 21st century Christians but rather to the Jewish nation of Israel. This assured blessings from the Lord to be brought in Israel's future.
I clearly remember taking this verse and applying it to my own life as a promise that was made specifically to me. Yet as I began to study I was shocked to realize that that was not the case. Discouraged for a moment I soon found comfort in this "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)Although Jeremiah 29:11 was not written specifically to me for my life, the God who made that promise to Israel is the same God today and has made a similar promise to me. In Romans 8:28 He promises that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it! God has an amazing plan for each of us 21st century disciples, plans to magnify Himself and bring glory and honor to His name, plans that include earthly and eternal blessings and plans that will keep us confident in the hope that we posses. The plans He has for us have been made before the foundations of the earth and we can do nothing in our sinful nature or power to change that! God is sovereign and in control of all. How comforting and encouraging is that. What an indescribable God we serve today, tomorrow and forevermore into eternity!!!
I clearly remember taking this verse and applying it to my own life as a promise that was made specifically to me. Yet as I began to study I was shocked to realize that that was not the case. Discouraged for a moment I soon found comfort in this "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)Although Jeremiah 29:11 was not written specifically to me for my life, the God who made that promise to Israel is the same God today and has made a similar promise to me. In Romans 8:28 He promises that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it! God has an amazing plan for each of us 21st century disciples, plans to magnify Himself and bring glory and honor to His name, plans that include earthly and eternal blessings and plans that will keep us confident in the hope that we posses. The plans He has for us have been made before the foundations of the earth and we can do nothing in our sinful nature or power to change that! God is sovereign and in control of all. How comforting and encouraging is that. What an indescribable God we serve today, tomorrow and forevermore into eternity!!!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Hard But So Worth It
I recently had a conversation with a friend about the walk of faith that we as disciples have been called to. During our conversation he hit me with a question that struck a chord deep down inside...sometimes it is just so hard...is it really worth it? As disciples of the Lord living in a world that constantly nags at our flesh and tries to motivate us to live for anything but Christ it is easy to fall prey to Satan's lies and schemes of thinking that this race we've been called to just might not be worth it in the end. The persecution we may have to endure from family and friends, the spiritual battle we have to fight on a daily basis as our spirit wages war with our flesh, and so on.
I sat quietly thinking of how to respond. Why is it that I find so much joy in following the Lord I wondered. Is it difficult for me at times? Absolutely! I realized at that very moment that when I try and depend on my own strength to endure in this life I fail miserably and the reward of eternal life seems to pale in the future, but when I depend on Christ alone (Philippians 4:13) for my strength and satisfaction that hope of eternal glory seems closer than ever. Of course this race we are running is hard, the Bible doesn't promise us anything but that. Jesus even reminds us in John 15:20 "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." How true is that. Sometimes reminding ourselves of what the perfect God-man Jesus Christ had to endure puts things into perspective. Our trials should turn into blessings and privileges because of the reward we will inherit, James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Satan tries to lie to us to make us the most ineffective Christians as there is possible. If God has saved us nobody can snatch us from His hands but Satan will do the best he can to make you doubt, struggle, and compromise. We must be on guard putting on the armor of the Lord daily...especially in the Word which is our sword!
This life of faith is HARD...but it is so worth it, because one day we will enter into the kingdom of heaven and hear the precious words of the Creator of the universe, "Welcome Home!"
I sat quietly thinking of how to respond. Why is it that I find so much joy in following the Lord I wondered. Is it difficult for me at times? Absolutely! I realized at that very moment that when I try and depend on my own strength to endure in this life I fail miserably and the reward of eternal life seems to pale in the future, but when I depend on Christ alone (Philippians 4:13) for my strength and satisfaction that hope of eternal glory seems closer than ever. Of course this race we are running is hard, the Bible doesn't promise us anything but that. Jesus even reminds us in John 15:20 "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." How true is that. Sometimes reminding ourselves of what the perfect God-man Jesus Christ had to endure puts things into perspective. Our trials should turn into blessings and privileges because of the reward we will inherit, James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Satan tries to lie to us to make us the most ineffective Christians as there is possible. If God has saved us nobody can snatch us from His hands but Satan will do the best he can to make you doubt, struggle, and compromise. We must be on guard putting on the armor of the Lord daily...especially in the Word which is our sword!
This life of faith is HARD...but it is so worth it, because one day we will enter into the kingdom of heaven and hear the precious words of the Creator of the universe, "Welcome Home!"
Friday, December 07, 2007
Waiting on the Lord
The past week has been one full of much stress, anxiety and anticipation. As Christmas, the end of school, my birthday, and other exciting things roll around it is easy to get overwhelmed and to become anxious. Meditating on Philippians 4:6-7 brought me a sense of peace and joy yet the pressure didn't seem to fade. Added to everything was an onset of emotions and confusion that brought even more chaos to my busy week. Because of all of this going on in daily life and swarming in my own head I have failed to stay faithful to trusting in the Lord and spending adequate time with Him. My desire and passion for Him began to slowly slip into the background as other things came to the forefront of my mind. All that said, as I sat in my room one night this week preaching to myself and seeking the Lord for clarity, wisdom, and discernment I turned to Psalms where I was sure I would find encouragement from the Psalmists who often too cried out to the Lord.
" 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.
2 Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.
5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.
6 You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
the LORD abhors.
7 But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with destruction.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongue they speak deceit.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
My heart began to cry out to the Lord as the Psalmist did here asking for the Lord to listen to my plea, my petition my prayer (as commanded in Philippians 4:6-7). Verse 3 brought so much comfort to my heart as I read the truth of God's Word in being reminded that as I lay my requests before the Lord I can be confident that HE will bring about good from it all and bring glory to Himself (Romans 8:28). Verse 11 reminds us to take refuge in the Lord...He is our shield! And then it hit me, how often I have to be reminded of this, but how awesome to know the TRUTH that the Creator of the Universe desires to have a relationship with me and to use me for His kingdom and glory...that baffles my mind.
I began to wonder why I was fretting, why I was so anxious, why I was so confused. The God of the Universe is holding me in the palm of His hands and He is sovereign over all and has it all under control despite the fact that I feel like it is chaos. It was a great reminder in waiting on the Lord. Psalm 37:7 says, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him". Living in a society that is self centered and instant it is easy to loose heart and to fall prey into not trusting the Lord and His timing. However we must remember God's ways are not our ways and His timing is not our timing. Waiting on Him, no matter how hard it is (and He gives us the strength through His Word and Spirit and prayer etc.), will in the end bring much fruit in our lives and glory to our King...so don't loose heart, just wait!
" 1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.
2 Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil;
with you the wicked cannot dwell.
5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence;
you hate all who do wrong.
6 You destroy those who tell lies;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
the LORD abhors.
7 But I, by your great mercy,
will come into your house;
in reverence will I bow down
toward your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make straight your way before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with destruction.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongue they speak deceit.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
My heart began to cry out to the Lord as the Psalmist did here asking for the Lord to listen to my plea, my petition my prayer (as commanded in Philippians 4:6-7). Verse 3 brought so much comfort to my heart as I read the truth of God's Word in being reminded that as I lay my requests before the Lord I can be confident that HE will bring about good from it all and bring glory to Himself (Romans 8:28). Verse 11 reminds us to take refuge in the Lord...He is our shield! And then it hit me, how often I have to be reminded of this, but how awesome to know the TRUTH that the Creator of the Universe desires to have a relationship with me and to use me for His kingdom and glory...that baffles my mind.
I began to wonder why I was fretting, why I was so anxious, why I was so confused. The God of the Universe is holding me in the palm of His hands and He is sovereign over all and has it all under control despite the fact that I feel like it is chaos. It was a great reminder in waiting on the Lord. Psalm 37:7 says, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him". Living in a society that is self centered and instant it is easy to loose heart and to fall prey into not trusting the Lord and His timing. However we must remember God's ways are not our ways and His timing is not our timing. Waiting on Him, no matter how hard it is (and He gives us the strength through His Word and Spirit and prayer etc.), will in the end bring much fruit in our lives and glory to our King...so don't loose heart, just wait!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Satisfied
At chapel this Wednesday our RD Meredith spoke to the girls in CDUB about being completely satisfied in the Lord. After listening for about five minutes to what she had to say I realized how often I find satisfaction in other things despite how faithful the Lord truly is.
As humans we deserve eternal condemnation, hell, and separation from the living God for all of eternity, but in God's great favor and mercy He chose to redeem us and pluck us from the pit of eternal damnation that we might glory with Him forever in heaven. What a picture of faithfulness and unconditional love. As a fellow believer I often become numb or callous to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of the countless times I have heard it preached, but how could I not hear that message and rejoice in what He has done!
It is a message of undeserving grace to a totally depraved sinner. Anything good is from Him alone and all else comes from the sinfulness of humanity. Why is it that I so quickly expect the Lord to do so many "good" things for me or expect to have countless "blessings" bestowed on my life? I have the most incredible gift, the only gift I could ever need anything else is just an added blessing, all of which I do NOT deserve. Therefore my satisfaction should be found in Him alone, in the cross of Christ! I should be thankful for the gift of grace and realize that anything good, any blessing (which are countless) comes from Him alone. I have more than I ever deserve or could ever need, I pray that He would be my complete satisfaction and that I wouldn't, in my pride, expect more to make me happy or satisfied, but find Him my all consuming passion!!
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." -Psalm 90:14
As humans we deserve eternal condemnation, hell, and separation from the living God for all of eternity, but in God's great favor and mercy He chose to redeem us and pluck us from the pit of eternal damnation that we might glory with Him forever in heaven. What a picture of faithfulness and unconditional love. As a fellow believer I often become numb or callous to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of the countless times I have heard it preached, but how could I not hear that message and rejoice in what He has done!
It is a message of undeserving grace to a totally depraved sinner. Anything good is from Him alone and all else comes from the sinfulness of humanity. Why is it that I so quickly expect the Lord to do so many "good" things for me or expect to have countless "blessings" bestowed on my life? I have the most incredible gift, the only gift I could ever need anything else is just an added blessing, all of which I do NOT deserve. Therefore my satisfaction should be found in Him alone, in the cross of Christ! I should be thankful for the gift of grace and realize that anything good, any blessing (which are countless) comes from Him alone. I have more than I ever deserve or could ever need, I pray that He would be my complete satisfaction and that I wouldn't, in my pride, expect more to make me happy or satisfied, but find Him my all consuming passion!!
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." -Psalm 90:14
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Amazed...
God never ceases to amaze me! Whether it be by the reminder of His love and grace in a message or the beautiful sunrise in the morning, I continually am amazed at who He is and by the fact that He loves me! One thing I have recently come to realize is that the more I learn God and draw nearer to Him the more sinful I become. I started to wonder why I was becoming more of a sinner when it dawned on me that it wasn't that I was becoming a worse sinner so to speak but rather more sensitive to my sinful heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." I often thought that verse was in regards to guarding my heart from things of this world but what it is actually referring to is guarding our hearts from ourselves! Lets face it...we are sinners in desperate need of a Savior. Apart from His strength and grace everything we would do would be of no value and not glorifying or edifying. I have been reminded of how I need to pray Psalm 139:23 which says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." We need to seek purification from the Lord from our deepest sins that He might be honored. Will it be easy? Of course not, but it will be worth it as we continue on this race.
Studying about his attributes whether it be His sovereignty or His justice increases my view of Him and decreases my view of myself. I have never realized how prideful I am and how high I think of myself. What a blow to my ego God has given me as He has begun to really cut away the callousness of my numbness to sin and began to refine me in the fire. Although I know that sanctification and refining are a lifelong process I am excited to watch God work and more importantly to be used by our indescribable God! That He would use me for His purposes amazes me beyond comprehension. What a great God we serve.
Studying about his attributes whether it be His sovereignty or His justice increases my view of Him and decreases my view of myself. I have never realized how prideful I am and how high I think of myself. What a blow to my ego God has given me as He has begun to really cut away the callousness of my numbness to sin and began to refine me in the fire. Although I know that sanctification and refining are a lifelong process I am excited to watch God work and more importantly to be used by our indescribable God! That He would use me for His purposes amazes me beyond comprehension. What a great God we serve.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Surrender
I recently stumbled across a song by a female Christian band and was humbled and convicted by the power of the lyrics. The lyrics explained the command we have from Christ to surrender ALL daily to Christ (including all your hopes, dreams, fears etc.) and to trust that in doing so He has your best interest and His glory in store. Being a sinner who is so easily mislead and deceived by the desires and passions of my own heart I am constantly reminded at how often I fail in this area of surrender. I desperately cling to my own fantasies of how my life should and might pan out and in doing so create burdens that I bear as those things are not fulfilled in how I would expect. Although God is sovereign and will do what He wishes I don't always believe that.
I can encourage others about how faithful the Lord is and remind them of His goodness and His promises, but I fail to believe and TRUST in those very things myself. Desperate for change and encouraged by a fellow believer I found practical steps to take in order to tangibly erase my false expectations. I wrote a list down of every dream, false expectation, plan, and goal that "I" wanted for my life and then I ripped it up and threw it away and fell to my knees expressing my only desire which is to pursue and magnify the Lord. Although I know that this struggle is going to continue in my life because of the battle that wages war within, I am confident that as I run hard after Christ these other things will pale in comparison.
I love reading the stories in the Old Testament about God and the Israelites. Although Jeremiah 29 is not written specifically to us, I am confident that because God's character doesn't change the same God who was faithful to give the Jews a future and a hope will do the same for those who He has chosen today.
I know that many, especially girls struggle with having "Dreams" which are really fantasies based on false expectations we gain from the world about how our lives should pan out one day. May your motivation to run the race surpass those desires and even cause them to fade away completely as you seek to magnify Him. God wants to use us as tools for we are His workmanship created to do good works.(Ephesians 2)
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. " -1 Corinthians 9:24
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." -Hebrews 12:1
Here are some of the lyrics to the song "Surrender" by Barlow Girl
My hands hold safly to my dreams
Clutching tightly not one has fallen
So many years I've shaped each one
Reflecting my heart showing who I am
Now you're asking me to show
What I'm holding oh so tightly
Can't open my hands can't let go
Does it matter?
Should I show you?
Can't you let me go?
Surrender, surrender you whisper gently
You say I will be free
I know but can't you see?
My dreams are me. My dreams are me
You say you have a plan for me
And that you want the best for my life
Told me the world had yet to see
What you can do with one
That's committed to Your calling
I know of course what I should do
That I can't hold these dreams forever
If I give them now to You
Will You take them away forever?
Or can I dream again?
I can encourage others about how faithful the Lord is and remind them of His goodness and His promises, but I fail to believe and TRUST in those very things myself. Desperate for change and encouraged by a fellow believer I found practical steps to take in order to tangibly erase my false expectations. I wrote a list down of every dream, false expectation, plan, and goal that "I" wanted for my life and then I ripped it up and threw it away and fell to my knees expressing my only desire which is to pursue and magnify the Lord. Although I know that this struggle is going to continue in my life because of the battle that wages war within, I am confident that as I run hard after Christ these other things will pale in comparison.
I love reading the stories in the Old Testament about God and the Israelites. Although Jeremiah 29 is not written specifically to us, I am confident that because God's character doesn't change the same God who was faithful to give the Jews a future and a hope will do the same for those who He has chosen today.
I know that many, especially girls struggle with having "Dreams" which are really fantasies based on false expectations we gain from the world about how our lives should pan out one day. May your motivation to run the race surpass those desires and even cause them to fade away completely as you seek to magnify Him. God wants to use us as tools for we are His workmanship created to do good works.(Ephesians 2)
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. " -1 Corinthians 9:24
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." -Hebrews 12:1
Here are some of the lyrics to the song "Surrender" by Barlow Girl
My hands hold safly to my dreams
Clutching tightly not one has fallen
So many years I've shaped each one
Reflecting my heart showing who I am
Now you're asking me to show
What I'm holding oh so tightly
Can't open my hands can't let go
Does it matter?
Should I show you?
Can't you let me go?
Surrender, surrender you whisper gently
You say I will be free
I know but can't you see?
My dreams are me. My dreams are me
You say you have a plan for me
And that you want the best for my life
Told me the world had yet to see
What you can do with one
That's committed to Your calling
I know of course what I should do
That I can't hold these dreams forever
If I give them now to You
Will You take them away forever?
Or can I dream again?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
PUT ON WISDOM
Today in chapel Pastor Roger Horning brought a very insightful and eye opening message to the students here about wisdom. We often pray for wisdom as Christians desiring that God reveal to us some lofty purpose or something that we are supposed to fulfill as if we have no part, but in reality wisdom is much more than a prayer request and must be pursued in daily life.
Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible aside from Jesus Christ gives us a powerful real-life example and some great tips so that we might understand how to gain wisdom too.
Proverbs 1:7 says, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Why is it that wisdom is something that is lacking in the body of believers today? Because foolishness is part of our flesh-nature and is much easier to succumb to in daily life. However there is no excuse and we must strive for wisdom.
We can derive three practical principles about gaining wisdom from Solomon's life:
1. Recognize what wisdom is and pursue it!
2. Embrace personal correction
3. Keep in mind the consequences that come from a wise or foolish life.
In 1 Kings 3 the Lord visits Solomon in the night and asks him what he wants and Solomon asks for wisdom...the ability to discern right from wrong. Solomon however although he might receive that and he did, would have to pursue that and act it out in everyday life...something as we know he failed to do as he suffered many repercussions of his foolish living.
In 1 Kings 11:4 we read, As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.
Solomon's consuming passion and desire had wandered from the Lord to things of this world. Solomon failed to apply what he knew about wisdom. Solomon pursued earthly happiness yet as we know and read in Ecclesiastes it was all vanity...worthless!
1. RECOGNIZE WISDOM AND PURSUE IT
-Wisdom is knowing and fearing God
-The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
-Having a relationship with God that leads to fear and worship of Him
-Wisdom is righteousness, truth
-Be committed to obeying God in the small things
-Wisdom is doing the right thing (Proverbs 27:7)
-You have to LIVE out God's Word, like Christ did
2. EMBRACE CORRECTION
-If your attitude toward correction is defensive and unwilling you must check your heart, your attitute toward this says a whole lot about your character
-Proverbs 9:8
-The way you respond to authority says a lot about your character
-The way you respond to wise counsel does too
-Fools hate instruction...are you a fool? Christians do foolish things but cannot be fools
3. CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES
-Proverbs 8:18-21 reminds us of the blessings wisdom brings
-Wisdom is worth far far more than material or earthly blessings
-Wisdom is God's blessing bestowed to you!
What do fools do?
-They are mocked by God
-They are destroyed by their consequences
-They destroy others
-They prey on others
Do you have foolishness in your heart that you need to deal with? Be Honest with yourself as 2 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" We should be dealing with our foolish fleshly hearts and putting on wisdom...don't reject the discipline of the Lord.
Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible aside from Jesus Christ gives us a powerful real-life example and some great tips so that we might understand how to gain wisdom too.
Proverbs 1:7 says, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Why is it that wisdom is something that is lacking in the body of believers today? Because foolishness is part of our flesh-nature and is much easier to succumb to in daily life. However there is no excuse and we must strive for wisdom.
We can derive three practical principles about gaining wisdom from Solomon's life:
1. Recognize what wisdom is and pursue it!
2. Embrace personal correction
3. Keep in mind the consequences that come from a wise or foolish life.
In 1 Kings 3 the Lord visits Solomon in the night and asks him what he wants and Solomon asks for wisdom...the ability to discern right from wrong. Solomon however although he might receive that and he did, would have to pursue that and act it out in everyday life...something as we know he failed to do as he suffered many repercussions of his foolish living.
In 1 Kings 11:4 we read, As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.
Solomon's consuming passion and desire had wandered from the Lord to things of this world. Solomon failed to apply what he knew about wisdom. Solomon pursued earthly happiness yet as we know and read in Ecclesiastes it was all vanity...worthless!
1. RECOGNIZE WISDOM AND PURSUE IT
-Wisdom is knowing and fearing God
-The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
-Having a relationship with God that leads to fear and worship of Him
-Wisdom is righteousness, truth
-Be committed to obeying God in the small things
-Wisdom is doing the right thing (Proverbs 27:7)
-You have to LIVE out God's Word, like Christ did
2. EMBRACE CORRECTION
-If your attitude toward correction is defensive and unwilling you must check your heart, your attitute toward this says a whole lot about your character
-Proverbs 9:8
-The way you respond to authority says a lot about your character
-The way you respond to wise counsel does too
-Fools hate instruction...are you a fool? Christians do foolish things but cannot be fools
3. CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES
-Proverbs 8:18-21 reminds us of the blessings wisdom brings
-Wisdom is worth far far more than material or earthly blessings
-Wisdom is God's blessing bestowed to you!
What do fools do?
-They are mocked by God
-They are destroyed by their consequences
-They destroy others
-They prey on others
Do you have foolishness in your heart that you need to deal with? Be Honest with yourself as 2 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" We should be dealing with our foolish fleshly hearts and putting on wisdom...don't reject the discipline of the Lord.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
What Do You Worship?
Today at True North Billy Blakey brought us a powerful message on idols and helped refocus our minds on the goal!
Ezekiel 14:1-11Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. 2 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 3 "Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? 4 Therefore speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face and then goes to a prophet, I the LORD will answer him myself in keeping with his great idolatry. 5 I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.'
- 6 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: -Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!
7 " 'When any Israelite or any alien living in Israel separates himself from me and sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face and then goes to a prophet to inquire of me, I the LORD will answer him myself. 8 I will set my face against that man and make him an example and a byword. I will cut him off from my people. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
9 " 'And if the prophet is enticed to utter a prophecy, I the LORD have enticed that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel. 10 They will bear their guilt—the prophet will be as guilty as the one who consults him. 11 Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
1. What is idolatry?
2. Are there idols in our life?
3. What do we need to do about it?
1. Idolatry happens in the heart (v 2,4)
-the heart is what drives you
-you are ALWAYS worshiping something
-whatever you worship rules you
-Romans 1:18-25
-An idol of the heart is anything that rules you other than God
2. Idolatry affects your life in deceitful ways (v 2,3,4)
-Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is deceitful above all
-Your heart can BLIND you
-Idolatry has the tendency to consume your life
-you can be deceived into using spiritual things to serve your idols
3. God actively opposes idolatry and calls you to repent (v 6,8)
-the only issue God wants to discuss with an idolater is his idolatry
-repentance is a radical change of heart that results in a radical change in the direction of your life
4. You need to have a God exchange in your heart (v 11)
-You need to turn away from your idols and turn to God!
5. God wants to be YOUR God (v 11)
-He is God, but wants that ruling place in your heart
-It is what you were created for (Isaiah 43:7)
-It is what He sent His Son for (1 Peter 3:18, Romans 3:23--we all fall short)
-Whatever you love you praise!
-He satisfies! (Psalm 37:4, Psalm 16:11)
-We think idols make us happy, but they are emptiness
-He will make you happy in Him! :)
So ask yourself...
Are there idols in my heart?
What do I need to do about it?
Ezekiel 14:1-11Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. 2 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 3 "Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? 4 Therefore speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face and then goes to a prophet, I the LORD will answer him myself in keeping with his great idolatry. 5 I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.'
- 6 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: -Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!
7 " 'When any Israelite or any alien living in Israel separates himself from me and sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face and then goes to a prophet to inquire of me, I the LORD will answer him myself. 8 I will set my face against that man and make him an example and a byword. I will cut him off from my people. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
9 " 'And if the prophet is enticed to utter a prophecy, I the LORD have enticed that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel. 10 They will bear their guilt—the prophet will be as guilty as the one who consults him. 11 Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign LORD.' "
1. What is idolatry?
2. Are there idols in our life?
3. What do we need to do about it?
1. Idolatry happens in the heart (v 2,4)
-the heart is what drives you
-you are ALWAYS worshiping something
-whatever you worship rules you
-Romans 1:18-25
-An idol of the heart is anything that rules you other than God
2. Idolatry affects your life in deceitful ways (v 2,3,4)
-Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is deceitful above all
-Your heart can BLIND you
-Idolatry has the tendency to consume your life
-you can be deceived into using spiritual things to serve your idols
3. God actively opposes idolatry and calls you to repent (v 6,8)
-the only issue God wants to discuss with an idolater is his idolatry
-repentance is a radical change of heart that results in a radical change in the direction of your life
4. You need to have a God exchange in your heart (v 11)
-You need to turn away from your idols and turn to God!
5. God wants to be YOUR God (v 11)
-He is God, but wants that ruling place in your heart
-It is what you were created for (Isaiah 43:7)
-It is what He sent His Son for (1 Peter 3:18, Romans 3:23--we all fall short)
-Whatever you love you praise!
-He satisfies! (Psalm 37:4, Psalm 16:11)
-We think idols make us happy, but they are emptiness
-He will make you happy in Him! :)
So ask yourself...
Are there idols in my heart?
What do I need to do about it?
Monday, November 05, 2007
How To Dress For Spiritual Success!
Today in chapel Pastor Tom Patton from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA preached a powerful message on a vital transformation in Christianity often known as the 'put on and put off' sermon. Looking at Ephesians 4:17-24 we were encouraged and exhorted to live lives sold out for our Creator.
EPHESIANS 4:17-24
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Paul exhorts the Christian to put off the old man and the old ways of life, those in the sinful depraved life and put on Christ and those things that come with the life set apart for Him. God has saved us and we therefore are to be DIFFERENT then the world, we shouldn't be going with the flow of the culture but against the grain.
2 Corinthians 5:17 explains that we are NEW creations in Christ. That means that there needs to be a radical transformation in the life of those that claim to be followers of Christ.
If you think about it, the way that you dress sends a message to the world and to those that you come into contact with whether you want to believe it or not. You send out a message and whether you intend to do that or it is done subconsciously it is sent out. Now if the material things you wear send out a message how much more do the spiritual things?
Does the "spiritual image" you put out contradict who you are?? So how then can we dress for spiritual success.
1. Put off your decaying clothes (v 22)
-if you have learned Jesus Christ then take your dirty laundry off and get rid of it...the sinful former ways
-have a dress code for eternal life
-you will then be miraculously transformed by Christ
-you should no longer be wearing your heathen hand-me-downs that was your old self, your old manner of life
-everything else that you pursue apart form Christ is worthless and empty
-when we continue in our former ways our ignorance becomes endemic and our hearts become hard and calloused
-"no man becomes a wretched sinner all at once..." -William Barkley
-Romans 1:32
2. Psych up the Divine Mind (v 23)
-"gear yourself up"
-you need to understand what you have to do with your mind
-this will be a continual and ongoing process until heaven
-renew your attitudes and your minds daily by the grace of God
-think right, fill it up with right thoughts
-Philippians 4, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
3. Put on Designer Clothing (v 24)
-new self is created by God, THE CREATOR, in righteousness, in holiness and in truth
-walk in purity and be who you really are---made renewed in Christ's likeness RIGHTEOUS before the Creator in His clothing!
Don't let the old nature lie to you telling you that sin is unavoidable therefore don't try to fight it off or that the truth of God doesn't apply to you!
May you by the grace and power of God be dressed for spiritual success!!!!
EPHESIANS 4:17-24
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Paul exhorts the Christian to put off the old man and the old ways of life, those in the sinful depraved life and put on Christ and those things that come with the life set apart for Him. God has saved us and we therefore are to be DIFFERENT then the world, we shouldn't be going with the flow of the culture but against the grain.
2 Corinthians 5:17 explains that we are NEW creations in Christ. That means that there needs to be a radical transformation in the life of those that claim to be followers of Christ.
If you think about it, the way that you dress sends a message to the world and to those that you come into contact with whether you want to believe it or not. You send out a message and whether you intend to do that or it is done subconsciously it is sent out. Now if the material things you wear send out a message how much more do the spiritual things?
Does the "spiritual image" you put out contradict who you are?? So how then can we dress for spiritual success.
1. Put off your decaying clothes (v 22)
-if you have learned Jesus Christ then take your dirty laundry off and get rid of it...the sinful former ways
-have a dress code for eternal life
-you will then be miraculously transformed by Christ
-you should no longer be wearing your heathen hand-me-downs that was your old self, your old manner of life
-everything else that you pursue apart form Christ is worthless and empty
-when we continue in our former ways our ignorance becomes endemic and our hearts become hard and calloused
-"no man becomes a wretched sinner all at once..." -William Barkley
-Romans 1:32
2. Psych up the Divine Mind (v 23)
-"gear yourself up"
-you need to understand what you have to do with your mind
-this will be a continual and ongoing process until heaven
-renew your attitudes and your minds daily by the grace of God
-think right, fill it up with right thoughts
-Philippians 4, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
3. Put on Designer Clothing (v 24)
-new self is created by God, THE CREATOR, in righteousness, in holiness and in truth
-walk in purity and be who you really are---made renewed in Christ's likeness RIGHTEOUS before the Creator in His clothing!
Don't let the old nature lie to you telling you that sin is unavoidable therefore don't try to fight it off or that the truth of God doesn't apply to you!
May you by the grace and power of God be dressed for spiritual success!!!!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
A "Reformation Day" Charge
Tonight at Bible Study we celebrated Reformation Day. In 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the doors of a church in Germany which is the document that ultimately gave birth to Protestantism. It is interesting to note that on the same day the world celebrates the most pagan holiday, Halloween, hundreds of years ago a reformation for the church of Christ and the furthering of the Gospel was taking place.
We have heard the names Martin Luther, John Calvin, and so on and quite often miss the priceless examples and legacies these men and women of the Lord provide. These people took their salvation and the Gospel for what it was worth...EVERYTHING. Romans 8 is a key passage in understanding our salvation...here in verses 1-11, we get a glimpse of Paul's "spurring":
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
When God called us to repentance and faith through His Son He became LORD of our lives and commanded us to die to the flesh, to our fallen nature and to live a life that was radically different from what had been. A life that lives the Gospel out day by day. A life that lives on earth to praise and glorify its Creator. A life that is marked by suffering for the name of Christ, by selfless love for others, by humble servitude, and praise and thankfulness for what they've been blessed with. We have the opportunity to live out our faith in a fallen world and we must take it...why else are we here other than to proclaim His Gospel and further the kingdom. Let's get our job done!
Let us learn from our heroes of the faith in the past, those from the time period when reform meant heavy persecution yet much glory to God. Let us take the advice of those who radically changed the world for the cause of Christ and the Gospel. Lets stop focusing on ourselves and on the Gospel.
""This is the mystery of the riches of divine grace for sinners, for by a wonderful exchange our sins are now not ours but Christ's, and Christ's righteousness is not Christ's, but ours." -Martin Luther
We have heard the names Martin Luther, John Calvin, and so on and quite often miss the priceless examples and legacies these men and women of the Lord provide. These people took their salvation and the Gospel for what it was worth...EVERYTHING. Romans 8 is a key passage in understanding our salvation...here in verses 1-11, we get a glimpse of Paul's "spurring":
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
When God called us to repentance and faith through His Son He became LORD of our lives and commanded us to die to the flesh, to our fallen nature and to live a life that was radically different from what had been. A life that lives the Gospel out day by day. A life that lives on earth to praise and glorify its Creator. A life that is marked by suffering for the name of Christ, by selfless love for others, by humble servitude, and praise and thankfulness for what they've been blessed with. We have the opportunity to live out our faith in a fallen world and we must take it...why else are we here other than to proclaim His Gospel and further the kingdom. Let's get our job done!
Let us learn from our heroes of the faith in the past, those from the time period when reform meant heavy persecution yet much glory to God. Let us take the advice of those who radically changed the world for the cause of Christ and the Gospel. Lets stop focusing on ourselves and on the Gospel.
""This is the mystery of the riches of divine grace for sinners, for by a wonderful exchange our sins are now not ours but Christ's, and Christ's righteousness is not Christ's, but ours." -Martin Luther
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
What are you pursuing?
Everyone is pursuing something. Whether that be wealth, image, God, church, etc...whether we realize it or not, we are all striving after a goal. What is your goal? What are you pursuing?
Solomon was a wise man, in fact after Christ he was the wisest man on earth. He was not only wise but had everything he wanted...everything he laid his eyes on he got. "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
"I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my work,
and this was the reward for all my labor." (Ecclesiastes 2:10)
When thinking about Solomon and the way he lived we are quick to judge and make comments like, "How could he live like that?" and we often fail to take the advice he offers...priceless wisdom in fact.
Although we would never admit it we tend, even as Christians, to find satisfaction or contentment in worldly passions and pursuits. Why is it when we put on a new outfit we feel better about ourselves? Or why when we drive a nice car do we want others to see? Why do we dream about having a "perfect" American family or home? Or why do we dream the "American dream"? Although many of these things are not bad in and of themselves there is a problem when these things become consuming and things that we pursue over holiness and the Lord. We should have our hearts set and our minds focused solely on the Lord and glorifying Him and IF He chooses to bless us with earthly blessings then praise Him, but those things should never be our goals or the things that bring happiness. Because the reality is THEY DO NOT. We deceive ourselves in thinking that these material things and this dreams of the future will bring us more joy or contentment because it won't. The only thing that will bring you joy or true satisfaction is the Lord. And the way to pursue Him is through fellowship in His Word.
Getting in the Word will allow you to learn more about the greatness of our King and Creator and cause us to humbly worship and praise! How often do we fail to realize how great our God is. Why do we not pursue Him first and foremost like we should?
We need to really re-evaluate our lives. We need to look at our hearts and be honest with ourselves and find out what we are truly pursuing. If it isn't Christ may we take Solomon's wisdom to heart and radically change our lives.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
"To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind."
So What are you Pursuing?
Solomon was a wise man, in fact after Christ he was the wisest man on earth. He was not only wise but had everything he wanted...everything he laid his eyes on he got. "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
"I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my work,
and this was the reward for all my labor." (Ecclesiastes 2:10)
When thinking about Solomon and the way he lived we are quick to judge and make comments like, "How could he live like that?" and we often fail to take the advice he offers...priceless wisdom in fact.
Although we would never admit it we tend, even as Christians, to find satisfaction or contentment in worldly passions and pursuits. Why is it when we put on a new outfit we feel better about ourselves? Or why when we drive a nice car do we want others to see? Why do we dream about having a "perfect" American family or home? Or why do we dream the "American dream"? Although many of these things are not bad in and of themselves there is a problem when these things become consuming and things that we pursue over holiness and the Lord. We should have our hearts set and our minds focused solely on the Lord and glorifying Him and IF He chooses to bless us with earthly blessings then praise Him, but those things should never be our goals or the things that bring happiness. Because the reality is THEY DO NOT. We deceive ourselves in thinking that these material things and this dreams of the future will bring us more joy or contentment because it won't. The only thing that will bring you joy or true satisfaction is the Lord. And the way to pursue Him is through fellowship in His Word.
Getting in the Word will allow you to learn more about the greatness of our King and Creator and cause us to humbly worship and praise! How often do we fail to realize how great our God is. Why do we not pursue Him first and foremost like we should?
We need to really re-evaluate our lives. We need to look at our hearts and be honest with ourselves and find out what we are truly pursuing. If it isn't Christ may we take Solomon's wisdom to heart and radically change our lives.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
"To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind."
So What are you Pursuing?
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Mark of a True Believer
As Christians, true disciples of the Lord, this constant battle with sin lingers on. Although we learn to ward it off in more creative and effective ways, until we meet our Maker in eternity we will struggle.
This Sunday at Compass, Pastor Mike spoke on a powerful topic: Our Fight With Sin...Recalling Why This Is SO Important"
Hebrews 12:14-17 says, " Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that {there be} no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a {single} meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
1. Realize an All-Out Fight with Sin is REQUIRED
a. Salvation is by grace (v 15)
-To understand sanctification, you must first understand justification by Christ alone
-Titus 3:4-5 saved by grace and not works
-Galatians 5:2
b. Real Grace Fights Sin (v 14)
-Pursue holiness
-if you understand grace you will battle sin
-Ephesians 2:8-10
-Titus 2:11-14
c. Contradictions are Counterfeits (v 16-17)
-Titus 1:16
-1 John 3:6-10
-Don't be led astray
-The Devil's work is in the activity of sin in your life
-cannot interpret Word of God by your experiences only your experiences by the Word of God
-Matthew 7:16- recognized by fruits
2. Fear the Consequences of Ongoing Sin
-bitter bad-fruit will be growing in your life and cause trouble for you and others
a. Church will be hurt (v 15)
-defile-contaminate, little bit of bad makes a lot of impact on the big
-1 Peter 2:12-15
b. Church Goers Aren't Saved (v 14, 16-17)
-Matthew 7
-James 1:22
-you are an overseer and you are your brothers keeper!
3. Evaluate Yourself and CARE about others (v 15, 16a)
-Oversee the people that are around you
-Stop with the excuses
-Obey the passage and oversee the circle of influence put in your life
-Confront one another in love
-Have the Matthew 7 perspective
-2 Corinthians 5:10-11
-Galatians 6:1-3
-You have the Holy Spirit to help you!
-Hebrews 4:11-16, God is our Strength and He wants to help us
What do we take away from this powerful passage of scripture? As TRUE disciples of the Lord we will battle sin in our lives constantly. The Lord will help us in doing this. Although we will never be perfect we will fall less and less easily into those things that once tempted us the most. We need to fight the good fight and run the race of faith!!! :)
This Sunday at Compass, Pastor Mike spoke on a powerful topic: Our Fight With Sin...Recalling Why This Is SO Important"
Hebrews 12:14-17 says, " Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that {there be} no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a {single} meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
1. Realize an All-Out Fight with Sin is REQUIRED
a. Salvation is by grace (v 15)
-To understand sanctification, you must first understand justification by Christ alone
-Titus 3:4-5 saved by grace and not works
-Galatians 5:2
b. Real Grace Fights Sin (v 14)
-Pursue holiness
-if you understand grace you will battle sin
-Ephesians 2:8-10
-Titus 2:11-14
c. Contradictions are Counterfeits (v 16-17)
-Titus 1:16
-1 John 3:6-10
-Don't be led astray
-The Devil's work is in the activity of sin in your life
-cannot interpret Word of God by your experiences only your experiences by the Word of God
-Matthew 7:16- recognized by fruits
2. Fear the Consequences of Ongoing Sin
-bitter bad-fruit will be growing in your life and cause trouble for you and others
a. Church will be hurt (v 15)
-defile-contaminate, little bit of bad makes a lot of impact on the big
-1 Peter 2:12-15
b. Church Goers Aren't Saved (v 14, 16-17)
-Matthew 7
-James 1:22
-you are an overseer and you are your brothers keeper!
3. Evaluate Yourself and CARE about others (v 15, 16a)
-Oversee the people that are around you
-Stop with the excuses
-Obey the passage and oversee the circle of influence put in your life
-Confront one another in love
-Have the Matthew 7 perspective
-2 Corinthians 5:10-11
-Galatians 6:1-3
-You have the Holy Spirit to help you!
-Hebrews 4:11-16, God is our Strength and He wants to help us
What do we take away from this powerful passage of scripture? As TRUE disciples of the Lord we will battle sin in our lives constantly. The Lord will help us in doing this. Although we will never be perfect we will fall less and less easily into those things that once tempted us the most. We need to fight the good fight and run the race of faith!!! :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
But God...
I was privileged to grow up in a Christian home where I was blessed with God-fearing parents and the opportunity to attend a church and learn biblical truths at a very young age. I vividly remember "accepting" Jesus into my heart at four because of the fear of hell that I had. Throughout the next ten years of my life I strove to be the "best" and "perfect" Christian I could be. From the outside it appeared I was following the Lord. I did and said all the right things. However I remember "re-dedicating" my life time and time again because of the fear that I had lost my salvation and the fear of hell. My motivations for following the Lord were selfish and purely expressed outwardly. The praise and acclamation I received from those around me puffed up my pride and I gloried in myself and how great everyone thought I was. I had achieved what I thought was spiritual maturity.
It wasn't until I was 14 and doing a bible study with my mom that the Lord softened my calloused heart and opened my eyes to the reality of the Gospel message and what it truly meant to be a disciple of the Lord. IT was at that moment that I understood grace and true salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,not of works, lest anyone should boast." Boy had I boasted before this...and all in myself. This passage resonated in my heart. All along I had wanted a savior, but not a Lord. I believed the Gospel, understood it, and even evangelized it, but I hadn't trusted and committed to it fully. I had asked for forgiveness but hadn't humbly repented of my sin. And my works or good deeds were not merely a by-product of the grace I had been shown as Christ worked within me, but rather had been a means to gain man's empty praise.
I had finally grasped my utter depravity and my desperate need for a Savior and Lord. I realized salvation was a gift and my response of thanks came in the form of Him strengthening me daily to deny myself and follow Him. Matthew 10:38 says, "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." From that moment on God has continued to do a radical work in and through me as I am sanctified daily. The sins I once overlooked, I now despise. Although I am far...far...from completion I see myself slowly changing through Christ's power. My desires have changed and I desire for Christ to be magnified and glorified in my life. As Ephesians 4 says, I pray with Christ's help I will walk worthy of the calling.
I am SO amazed at the gift I have been given and my prayer's that I would be used as a tool for His glory. I won't lie when I say this life as His disciple is difficult. It is a daily battle to deny oneself and follow humbly after Him, but it is so satisfying and fulfilling. The more I surrender and know and learn Him the more content I become. I am SO in love with my Savior and Lord and can truly say He is my everything and apart from Him I am nothing. Ephesians 2:4 says, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us..." That blows my mind!
It wasn't until I was 14 and doing a bible study with my mom that the Lord softened my calloused heart and opened my eyes to the reality of the Gospel message and what it truly meant to be a disciple of the Lord. IT was at that moment that I understood grace and true salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,not of works, lest anyone should boast." Boy had I boasted before this...and all in myself. This passage resonated in my heart. All along I had wanted a savior, but not a Lord. I believed the Gospel, understood it, and even evangelized it, but I hadn't trusted and committed to it fully. I had asked for forgiveness but hadn't humbly repented of my sin. And my works or good deeds were not merely a by-product of the grace I had been shown as Christ worked within me, but rather had been a means to gain man's empty praise.
I had finally grasped my utter depravity and my desperate need for a Savior and Lord. I realized salvation was a gift and my response of thanks came in the form of Him strengthening me daily to deny myself and follow Him. Matthew 10:38 says, "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." From that moment on God has continued to do a radical work in and through me as I am sanctified daily. The sins I once overlooked, I now despise. Although I am far...far...from completion I see myself slowly changing through Christ's power. My desires have changed and I desire for Christ to be magnified and glorified in my life. As Ephesians 4 says, I pray with Christ's help I will walk worthy of the calling.
I am SO amazed at the gift I have been given and my prayer's that I would be used as a tool for His glory. I won't lie when I say this life as His disciple is difficult. It is a daily battle to deny oneself and follow humbly after Him, but it is so satisfying and fulfilling. The more I surrender and know and learn Him the more content I become. I am SO in love with my Savior and Lord and can truly say He is my everything and apart from Him I am nothing. Ephesians 2:4 says, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us..." That blows my mind!
Monday, October 15, 2007
A Precious Reminder
Today in chapel, Pastor Rick Anderson spoke to us from the sixteenth chapter of Judges. For those of you bible students...Samson and Delilah come to the forefront of your mind. A powerful story and reminder are to be found in the depths of the response, behavior, and character of Samson.
Judges 16:4-19 Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. 5 The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, "See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels [a] of silver."
6 So Delilah said to Samson, "Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued."
7 Samson answered her, "If anyone ties me with seven fresh thongs [b] that have not been dried, I'll become as weak as any other man."
8 Then the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh thongs that had not been dried, and she tied him with them. 9 With men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the thongs as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered.
10 Then Delilah said to Samson, "You have made a fool of me; you lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied."
11 He said, "If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I'll become as weak as any other man."
12 So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them. Then, with men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the ropes off his arms as if they were threads.
13 Delilah then said to Samson, "Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied."
He replied, "If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I'll become as weak as any other man." So while he was sleeping, Delilah took the seven braids of his head, wove them into the fabric 14 and [c] tightened it with the pin.
Again she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and pulled up the pin and the loom, with the fabric.
15 Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.
17 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man."
18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, "Come back once more; he has told me everything." So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. 19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. [d] And his strength left him.
As a child we learn about Samson, this strong incredible character of the Bible who had quite "powerful" hair so to speak. However there is much more to the story. We first must realize that the strength and power that Samson had was not from his hair, that was rather a symbol of the strength that came from the Lord alone. (Philippians 4:13)
Samson was an able leader and a strong and courageous fighter, however although he could control armies and the sort he could rule his own body. He lacked self control and had difficulty controlling his own sinful lustful desires.
Samson was weakened in four areas:
1. Weakened by a WRONG Love
-Delilah may have liked Samson but she liked money and riches much more and the bribe from the Philistines was much more appealing than her relationship with him
-His love blinded him to open treachery
-He had an unholy love for her
Practically For Us:
a. Our hearts are TOO small to hold but one love, Jesus Christ
b. If we have a divided heart, we will loose our spiritual strength
c. Don't be surprised if the zeal you and strength you once had in Christ has faded if you love anything more than Him. He must be number 1.
2. Weakened by Worldly Play
-Delilah had asked him multiple times to participate in her scheme, he foolishly agreed
-This was not a harmless diversion
Practically For Us:
a. Familiarity with the world brings a lack of discernment along with contentment in the Lord
b. The more we play with the world, the more we stray from Him
3. Weakened by Ill Regard
-Samson takes that which was a privileged relationship with God and in essence trades it
Practically For Us:
a. What God has given to you is not to be played with
b. Do not play around with the world
c. Do not take your relationship with Him lightly
4. Weakened by Wicked Sympathy with Delilah
-She tricks and deceives him
-He follows along and gives away his heart
Practically For Us:
a. Don't let your relationship with anyone affect yours with God
b. Don't be weakened by the wearying pressures of the world that will last until you go home to heaven
c. Although we wrestle with fleshly temptations, do not ever give up the fight of faith...never say I can't take it anymore
Samson's story, his weakness, is a reminder, an example, encouragement, and warning to us to go on in the consecration of the strength of the Lord and don't let that be zapped as we deceive ourselves in this world. You will then be a sport for the enemies of God because you have fallen and failed. Be like David and pray for the Lord to search you and to know you to see if there are any wicked ways in you and to lead you in the path of righteousness!
Judges 16:4-19 Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. 5 The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, "See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels [a] of silver."
6 So Delilah said to Samson, "Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued."
7 Samson answered her, "If anyone ties me with seven fresh thongs [b] that have not been dried, I'll become as weak as any other man."
8 Then the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh thongs that had not been dried, and she tied him with them. 9 With men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the thongs as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered.
10 Then Delilah said to Samson, "You have made a fool of me; you lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied."
11 He said, "If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I'll become as weak as any other man."
12 So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them. Then, with men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the ropes off his arms as if they were threads.
13 Delilah then said to Samson, "Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied."
He replied, "If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I'll become as weak as any other man." So while he was sleeping, Delilah took the seven braids of his head, wove them into the fabric 14 and [c] tightened it with the pin.
Again she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and pulled up the pin and the loom, with the fabric.
15 Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.
17 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man."
18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, "Come back once more; he has told me everything." So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. 19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. [d] And his strength left him.
As a child we learn about Samson, this strong incredible character of the Bible who had quite "powerful" hair so to speak. However there is much more to the story. We first must realize that the strength and power that Samson had was not from his hair, that was rather a symbol of the strength that came from the Lord alone. (Philippians 4:13)
Samson was an able leader and a strong and courageous fighter, however although he could control armies and the sort he could rule his own body. He lacked self control and had difficulty controlling his own sinful lustful desires.
Samson was weakened in four areas:
1. Weakened by a WRONG Love
-Delilah may have liked Samson but she liked money and riches much more and the bribe from the Philistines was much more appealing than her relationship with him
-His love blinded him to open treachery
-He had an unholy love for her
Practically For Us:
a. Our hearts are TOO small to hold but one love, Jesus Christ
b. If we have a divided heart, we will loose our spiritual strength
c. Don't be surprised if the zeal you and strength you once had in Christ has faded if you love anything more than Him. He must be number 1.
2. Weakened by Worldly Play
-Delilah had asked him multiple times to participate in her scheme, he foolishly agreed
-This was not a harmless diversion
Practically For Us:
a. Familiarity with the world brings a lack of discernment along with contentment in the Lord
b. The more we play with the world, the more we stray from Him
3. Weakened by Ill Regard
-Samson takes that which was a privileged relationship with God and in essence trades it
Practically For Us:
a. What God has given to you is not to be played with
b. Do not play around with the world
c. Do not take your relationship with Him lightly
4. Weakened by Wicked Sympathy with Delilah
-She tricks and deceives him
-He follows along and gives away his heart
Practically For Us:
a. Don't let your relationship with anyone affect yours with God
b. Don't be weakened by the wearying pressures of the world that will last until you go home to heaven
c. Although we wrestle with fleshly temptations, do not ever give up the fight of faith...never say I can't take it anymore
Samson's story, his weakness, is a reminder, an example, encouragement, and warning to us to go on in the consecration of the strength of the Lord and don't let that be zapped as we deceive ourselves in this world. You will then be a sport for the enemies of God because you have fallen and failed. Be like David and pray for the Lord to search you and to know you to see if there are any wicked ways in you and to lead you in the path of righteousness!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Fruitful Growth in the Faith
One of my attempts this month is reading through the second epistle of Peter which has been such an amazing learning experience thus far. Peter sent this letter after he became increasingly concerned with the false teachers who were filtering into the churches throughout Asia Minor. He wrote this epistle to warn the beloved believers of Christ in the church about the dangerous heretical doctrinal teachings they were facing. He wrote this to expose these false teachers as well. Yet on a side note he motivates his readers to continue developing Christian character as John MacArthur writes and the ability the Christian believer has to be assured of his or her salvation.
2 Peter 1:1-11
"Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Making One's Calling and Election Sure
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Peter humbles himself as he defines his standing before the Lord and men as a "bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ". He reminds the believers of the equal gift of salvation that they all have in common because of God's righteousness imputed to them. Verse three brings in one of the most quoted verses in all of Scripture. As we are reminded and taught that HIS, Jesus Christ's, power is the source of the believer's sufficiency and that the genuine or real Christian can be secure in their salvation as they continue to grow in the faith. Not only this but we have all that we need for life in God and in His Word. We also have all we need for godliness or to live holy and reverent lives that obey and honor the Lord. And our knowledge of Him is not facts that we can recite, but rather a learned personal relationship with the Maker. He closes verse three with the reminder that salvation is based on nothing more than the grace of God through the work on the cross and that the sinner was utterly depraved and played no role in this what so ever. Immediately after Peter reminds us that those who are in Christ have been granted a precious promise in being born again.
For this reason Peter writes that because of all that God has given us we cannot be indifferent but must diligently with much effort live lives that honor God. The Christian life is not an easy one. Although it yields precious fruit there is pruning and tough work involved. Fruitful growth in the faith requires deepening your knowledge and relationship of and with the Lord. This faith will produce moral excellence (excellence produced in life, performing all deeds to the best of our God-given ability), knowledge (insight and truth understood), self control (the ability to restrain oneself from sin), perseverance (patience and endurance in doing what is right), godliness (live obediently toward God), and brotherly kindness (mutual sacrifice for one another). What a fruitful life the Christian has been called to live. This should motivate and spur us on to be growing in the faith that we might produce an abundance of fruit in our lives.
What happens if there is a lack of these things in ones life? This "Christian" is unable to be sure of his or her salvation. Fruit proves faith. In verse 10 Peter encourages the believers assurance of salvation can be found in the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. And that the Christian who pursues these things he spoke about earlier is not guaranteed to enjoy this present life but can hope in the enjoyment of eternity and the rich reward in that life.
What amazing truths Peter teaches the believers in Asia Minor as well as the Christians today, and the great reminder that he gives of being fruitful in our faith!
2 Peter 1:1-11
"Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Making One's Calling and Election Sure
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Peter humbles himself as he defines his standing before the Lord and men as a "bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ". He reminds the believers of the equal gift of salvation that they all have in common because of God's righteousness imputed to them. Verse three brings in one of the most quoted verses in all of Scripture. As we are reminded and taught that HIS, Jesus Christ's, power is the source of the believer's sufficiency and that the genuine or real Christian can be secure in their salvation as they continue to grow in the faith. Not only this but we have all that we need for life in God and in His Word. We also have all we need for godliness or to live holy and reverent lives that obey and honor the Lord. And our knowledge of Him is not facts that we can recite, but rather a learned personal relationship with the Maker. He closes verse three with the reminder that salvation is based on nothing more than the grace of God through the work on the cross and that the sinner was utterly depraved and played no role in this what so ever. Immediately after Peter reminds us that those who are in Christ have been granted a precious promise in being born again.
For this reason Peter writes that because of all that God has given us we cannot be indifferent but must diligently with much effort live lives that honor God. The Christian life is not an easy one. Although it yields precious fruit there is pruning and tough work involved. Fruitful growth in the faith requires deepening your knowledge and relationship of and with the Lord. This faith will produce moral excellence (excellence produced in life, performing all deeds to the best of our God-given ability), knowledge (insight and truth understood), self control (the ability to restrain oneself from sin), perseverance (patience and endurance in doing what is right), godliness (live obediently toward God), and brotherly kindness (mutual sacrifice for one another). What a fruitful life the Christian has been called to live. This should motivate and spur us on to be growing in the faith that we might produce an abundance of fruit in our lives.
What happens if there is a lack of these things in ones life? This "Christian" is unable to be sure of his or her salvation. Fruit proves faith. In verse 10 Peter encourages the believers assurance of salvation can be found in the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. And that the Christian who pursues these things he spoke about earlier is not guaranteed to enjoy this present life but can hope in the enjoyment of eternity and the rich reward in that life.
What amazing truths Peter teaches the believers in Asia Minor as well as the Christians today, and the great reminder that he gives of being fruitful in our faith!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
"Welcome the Word"
I had the privilege of attending my home church this weekend and hearing a dynamic message from the Word of God. Pastor Bobby Blakey (our high school pastor) took us to 1 Thessalonians where he taught us how to receive biblical preaching and understanding the true honor it is to have the Word of God before us.
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 14For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, 15who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men 16in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
Before I get into the points Bobby laid out for us, we need to examine the way we prepare to hear God's Word. If you knew that God was going to tell you something very important wouldn't you prepare for that? Spend time in prayer and meditate on His Word prior? Obviously the answer is yes...well every time you sit in on a sermon GOD IS SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO YOU!! Prepare your hearts to respond.
1. Don't Just Hear God's Word ABSORB It (v 13)
-It should be the energy of our faith
-It should change us and define who we are
-We need to receive it for what it is...the WORD of God
-Acts 17:1-4 is an example in scripture of Paul and how those under His leadership responded to the Word...they realized it was God speaking DIRECTLY to them and they responded to that
-2 Timothy 3:16-18 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
-1 Peter 1:20-21 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
-2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us that study of the Word of God takes work! But think about that for a moment. We study many things throughout our lives, whether it be in school or for personal knowledge and none of those pertain to eternity except God's WORD...so treat it like that!
-Yet, don't blindly accept everything the pastors teach you either, check it against the Word of God like the Bereans in Acts 17
2. Expect to Be at Odds With People (v 14-15a)
-You will suffer and be persecuted at the hands of those who don't believe
-Be prepared for people to attack you because you know the truth
-God's Word displayed in your life will turn people's worlds around
-2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, reminds us that all will be persecuted when pursuing holiness.
-Rejoice in your persecutions however as they are only present pain for eternal glory. Look at Matthew 5:11
3. Know God's Got YOUR Back (v 15b-16)
-God will judge those who are your enemies, in fact ultimately they are His enemies
-He is in control of it all! Rest assured
-Matthew 23:32-27 promises this judgement
-Knowing this should give you confidence and boldness to preach the Word
-Welcome the Word of God daily and LIVE IT OUT
-Let Him be glorified in You
So what are some practical ways to absorb a message? Especially when you are hearing multiple a week?
1. Take notes, and go over them...study them so that it sinks in
2. Look up the cross references the preacher/pastor throws out. Do your own Bible study of the study
3. Talk about it with others who heard it too whether that be one-on-one or in a small group
YOU SHOULD ALLOW THE WORD TO PENETRATE AND MANIFEST IN YOUR LIFE...WELCOME HIS WORD!
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 14For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, 15who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men 16in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
Before I get into the points Bobby laid out for us, we need to examine the way we prepare to hear God's Word. If you knew that God was going to tell you something very important wouldn't you prepare for that? Spend time in prayer and meditate on His Word prior? Obviously the answer is yes...well every time you sit in on a sermon GOD IS SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO YOU!! Prepare your hearts to respond.
1. Don't Just Hear God's Word ABSORB It (v 13)
-It should be the energy of our faith
-It should change us and define who we are
-We need to receive it for what it is...the WORD of God
-Acts 17:1-4 is an example in scripture of Paul and how those under His leadership responded to the Word...they realized it was God speaking DIRECTLY to them and they responded to that
-2 Timothy 3:16-18 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
-1 Peter 1:20-21 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
-2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us that study of the Word of God takes work! But think about that for a moment. We study many things throughout our lives, whether it be in school or for personal knowledge and none of those pertain to eternity except God's WORD...so treat it like that!
-Yet, don't blindly accept everything the pastors teach you either, check it against the Word of God like the Bereans in Acts 17
2. Expect to Be at Odds With People (v 14-15a)
-You will suffer and be persecuted at the hands of those who don't believe
-Be prepared for people to attack you because you know the truth
-God's Word displayed in your life will turn people's worlds around
-2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, reminds us that all will be persecuted when pursuing holiness.
-Rejoice in your persecutions however as they are only present pain for eternal glory. Look at Matthew 5:11
3. Know God's Got YOUR Back (v 15b-16)
-God will judge those who are your enemies, in fact ultimately they are His enemies
-He is in control of it all! Rest assured
-Matthew 23:32-27 promises this judgement
-Knowing this should give you confidence and boldness to preach the Word
-Welcome the Word of God daily and LIVE IT OUT
-Let Him be glorified in You
So what are some practical ways to absorb a message? Especially when you are hearing multiple a week?
1. Take notes, and go over them...study them so that it sinks in
2. Look up the cross references the preacher/pastor throws out. Do your own Bible study of the study
3. Talk about it with others who heard it too whether that be one-on-one or in a small group
YOU SHOULD ALLOW THE WORD TO PENETRATE AND MANIFEST IN YOUR LIFE...WELCOME HIS WORD!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Battle for Truth
One of the many things God has been teaching me lately is to be a "doer of the Word". I so often am quick to give a gentle rebuke to those I encounter and to admonish them with a passage of scripture in hopes that they may press on and pursue Christ. However, recently I was convicted in my heart by the tendency I have to not follow my own encouragement and rebuke. One such thing I fail miserably in and have been striving at improving is taking every thought obedient to Christ...and what a struggle it truly has been, yet a rewarding one in the process.
2 Corinthians 10:5 says,"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." I am quick to quote this verse yet fail to act it out practically in my own life on a daily basis. I have wrestled with the idea of what that means and how not obeying this command I could be in disobedience to Christ.
I have singled out a specific idea...the idea of "truth" and thinking upon that only. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." It is easy to focus on things that are not reality, whether that be in dreaming or thinking on things that cause you to stumble in your walk with the Lord or whatever it may be. It also is easy to think untrue things about those around us, especially those in the body of Christ. It is easy to believe the things we hear about people or make preconceived judgments about people around us without giving these people the opportunity to show themselves to us.
Thinking about things that are true requires diligence and much strength from the Lord. It is a constant struggle yet something that we as Christians should strive to accomplish. It is something I struggle with daily, but a battle I am willing to fight as it is allowing me to experience God's grace, faithfulness and truth in His Word like never before! God's word is truth and therefore as we think about things,a as girls dream things up, or think things that are not edifying to the body or others we need to stop and meditate on His Word, pray or worship in order to fill our minds with those things that are right, true, lovely and pure...think on HIM!
2 Corinthians 10:5 says,"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." I am quick to quote this verse yet fail to act it out practically in my own life on a daily basis. I have wrestled with the idea of what that means and how not obeying this command I could be in disobedience to Christ.
I have singled out a specific idea...the idea of "truth" and thinking upon that only. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." It is easy to focus on things that are not reality, whether that be in dreaming or thinking on things that cause you to stumble in your walk with the Lord or whatever it may be. It also is easy to think untrue things about those around us, especially those in the body of Christ. It is easy to believe the things we hear about people or make preconceived judgments about people around us without giving these people the opportunity to show themselves to us.
Thinking about things that are true requires diligence and much strength from the Lord. It is a constant struggle yet something that we as Christians should strive to accomplish. It is something I struggle with daily, but a battle I am willing to fight as it is allowing me to experience God's grace, faithfulness and truth in His Word like never before! God's word is truth and therefore as we think about things,a as girls dream things up, or think things that are not edifying to the body or others we need to stop and meditate on His Word, pray or worship in order to fill our minds with those things that are right, true, lovely and pure...think on HIM!
Monday, September 17, 2007
A Love Letter Read For the First Time
Lets face it...sometimes in our fleshly nature we just can't seem to desire to read God's Word or even worse we just read to read and don't process a word we read. As Christians we are given the privilege of having a manual on life! Everything God, our Creator and Lord EVER wanted us to know we have...that is pretty incredible! We must not take advantage of all that God has given us and look at this amazing work as just another thing we have to read but rather we need to realize the privilege it is to GET to read this book. We as Christians in America have the Bible in its entirety as well which many around the world cannot say.
I am reading a book called Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks in which one is instructed on how to read the Bible and live by its truth. After reading a few chapters I got to the chapter entitled "You Must Learn to Read". What I read challenged and motivated me to read the Bible like I never have before! As Hendricks writes, "It is often said that familiarity breeds contempt...or ignorance" (69). This is so true, many times we skip over verses or even entire passages of scripture with the attitude of "I've read this a thousand times". However, it is a discipline to change your mindset about the Word. Sometimes picking up a different version might help as you are unfamiliar with the wording. But in actuality what we really must do is look at it as a treasure that we have just found and behold it as a new found gem each time we open the page. Hard to do? Of course, but a fresh perspective is what we need!
Secondly, Hendricks' notes that we should read the Bible as a love letter. You know when you get a letter from the one you love the anticipation and excitement drives you to read it as fast as you can...not to stop half way through and come back later that day or even later that week! It goes the same with the Bible! God has written us a love letter to behold. If people read the Bible with this mindset we would be a race of "spiritual giants" as Hendricks speaks of.
"If you want to understand the Bible, you've got to learn to read--better and faster, as for the first time and as if you were reading a love letter. Just think of it: God wanted to communicate with you in the twenty-first century--and He wrote His message in a Book."
I am reading a book called Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks in which one is instructed on how to read the Bible and live by its truth. After reading a few chapters I got to the chapter entitled "You Must Learn to Read". What I read challenged and motivated me to read the Bible like I never have before! As Hendricks writes, "It is often said that familiarity breeds contempt...or ignorance" (69). This is so true, many times we skip over verses or even entire passages of scripture with the attitude of "I've read this a thousand times". However, it is a discipline to change your mindset about the Word. Sometimes picking up a different version might help as you are unfamiliar with the wording. But in actuality what we really must do is look at it as a treasure that we have just found and behold it as a new found gem each time we open the page. Hard to do? Of course, but a fresh perspective is what we need!
Secondly, Hendricks' notes that we should read the Bible as a love letter. You know when you get a letter from the one you love the anticipation and excitement drives you to read it as fast as you can...not to stop half way through and come back later that day or even later that week! It goes the same with the Bible! God has written us a love letter to behold. If people read the Bible with this mindset we would be a race of "spiritual giants" as Hendricks speaks of.
"If you want to understand the Bible, you've got to learn to read--better and faster, as for the first time and as if you were reading a love letter. Just think of it: God wanted to communicate with you in the twenty-first century--and He wrote His message in a Book."
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