Do you ever read a passage in Scripture and feel like it will be impossible to master the exhortation (in this life that is)?! Of course there are countless I can think of, but one that has recently been a burden on my heart, and a consistent prayer is that of 1 Corinthians 13- the infamous passage on love. Love is described in detail, in specifics, in character, in a way that brings Christ into better view; because He was and will always be the only would who could perfectly exhibit love.
Unfortunately our culture has taken that passage and distorted its meaning. Culture has taken away the weight of the Truth within it; love has become something wishy-washy, mixed with feelings, and swaying with every circumstance and situation. Conditions are put on every relationship where love is involved, and the word itself has become trite. What a tragedy.
As believers we MUST understand what TRUE love is, and we MUST pursue exemplifying it. Our love will set us apart in this world. Take a look at the characteristics of TRUE, Godly, Bibilical, Christ-like love...
"Love is patient,
love is kind,
and is not jealous;
love does not brag,
and is not arrogant,
does not act unbecomingly;
it does not seek its own,
is not provoked,
does not take into account a wrong suffered,
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
When I take a look at that list I am humbled in a way I cannot even explain. My love, even for the ones whom are closest to me doesn't measure up to this standard. Some areas are easier than others. Each of us has our weaknesses and it is in those areas that we must strive to mortify our flesh and put on Christ, to grow in godliness. It is not am impossible feat. This kind of love is NOT a choice for the believer-it is a command, an exhortation, a charge. This kind of love for the believer is not exemplified in our strength, but only by the Spirit's transforming work in our hearts and lives. This kind of love mirrors Christ's perfect love, and is a picture continually of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to all we love (both the lovely and the unlovely). When we love like Christ, we bring Him much glory. It is our calling, let us walk in it.
It is my prayer that as I pray through 1 Corinthians 13 daily, and seek to grow in areas where I am weak, and to strengthen the areas I am growing in already, that I will truly love more and more like Jesus. I will trust in HIS power and working in my life and pray for Him to glorify Himself through my love. Praise God who works in us to make us more like Christ!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Stop and See
The past two weeks of my life have seemed like a fairy tale; not only did I marry the One my heart loves (and adores more than anything), but I gotto experience bliss in "paradise" with him. I am truly blessed and beyond grateful for the gift of marriage our precious God created and ordained.
And now, it's "back to reality", or so it seems. Life seemed to slow down and almost stand still for those two weeks and taught me an important lesson- to enjoy each moment, every day; from the mundane to the surreal, because each one is a manifestation of the grace of God, a gift, a treasure.
So often we are always looking forward to the next big thing, rather than enjoying and being faithful with the moment, the hear and now. How many opportunities do we miss to see the beauty of God's creation, to speak Truth, to show love, to pray (and the list goes on)...if only we would stop and enjoy. In James 1:17 we read, " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change", what deep and rich encouragement. If we would recognize each day as a gift, each unplanned event, each conversation, each sunset, each and every breath...an ordained treasure and evidence of God's goodness to us.
My prayer is that I would seek to see God's goodness and faithfulness in EVERY moment and in everything. That my heart would fix itself continually on praising and glorifying Him for who He is and for the abundance of blessings He has bestowed upon me. Life won't ever "slow down", but our observation, perception, and perspective can...and because of that I will glorify God for He is good!
And now, it's "back to reality", or so it seems. Life seemed to slow down and almost stand still for those two weeks and taught me an important lesson- to enjoy each moment, every day; from the mundane to the surreal, because each one is a manifestation of the grace of God, a gift, a treasure.
So often we are always looking forward to the next big thing, rather than enjoying and being faithful with the moment, the hear and now. How many opportunities do we miss to see the beauty of God's creation, to speak Truth, to show love, to pray (and the list goes on)...if only we would stop and enjoy. In James 1:17 we read, " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change", what deep and rich encouragement. If we would recognize each day as a gift, each unplanned event, each conversation, each sunset, each and every breath...an ordained treasure and evidence of God's goodness to us.
My prayer is that I would seek to see God's goodness and faithfulness in EVERY moment and in everything. That my heart would fix itself continually on praising and glorifying Him for who He is and for the abundance of blessings He has bestowed upon me. Life won't ever "slow down", but our observation, perception, and perspective can...and because of that I will glorify God for He is good!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Called, Loved, Kept
I had the privilege of attending the Resolved Conference once again this year (resolved.org). As I sat and thought about the weekend, and what really impacted my personal growth the most, two thoughts continued to swarm in my mind...
(1) Because of His love He called me before the foundation of time
(2) He will be faithful to keep me until He brings me home in glory
No matter how many times I have studied the doctrines of grace, or how much I can attest to believing in them, I needed this reminder, and often do. The tendency my pride has to usurp the glory of God and to question His faithfulness is quite frightening. Although I KNOW He is the one who called me from before the foundation of time, do I always behave that way? The answer sadly is no. So often I look to myself for personal holiness and think that I can somehow merit more of His love and favor with more of a righteous and obedient life. Now although holiness and obedience are fruits of salvation, they are only by the grace of God through the sanctifying power of the Spirit within us. God's love for us was not, is not, and never will be conditional; based on some obedience we do or do not possess. That is a powerful Truth to lay hold of. To see and know and live reminded of your calling as a child of God is life changing, humbling, awe-inspiring. The holy God of the universe, from BEFORE time even existed, chose me. Not because I was some super amazingly spiritual individual, not because He saw that one day I would choose Him...no, He chose me simply because He chose to love me. Why me? I have no idea, but the reality of this calling leaves me speechless. The weight of this calling leaves me transformed. The power of this calling leaves me purposed to live for Him. You see the Christian brings nothing to their salvation apart from the sin that was nailed to Christ on the cross as His blood was shed for you and for me. How can we not cast our crowns and rejoice.
Back to the "KNOWING" of these Truths versus the actual living them out: you see, the moment I take my eyes off the cross and start looking at myself I am discouraged. Why? Because wretched I am. Apart from the redeemed nature within me, I am still encased in a fleshly body that has yet to be fully glorified, therefore I still sin, and that is heartbreaking. Untrue thoughts of why would God love me if I keep sinning at times flood my heart and mind. But the reality goes back to the cross, it has NOTHING to do with me. Just as He is the one who did the calling, He is the one who has promised to do the keeping until the end. That means that from before the foundation of time, my name was written, and it will never be removed. The hand that plucked me from the pit of hell is the same hand that will guide me in this life and never let me go. He is the one who will call me into glory and perfect me on that Day. The One who called is the one who will keep me, there is nothing to fear because it is not dependent upon me! Praise God for that Truth.
The more I think about it, the more I am amazed. If you are a child of God you should be too. My prayer is that we, as His beloved, would never become numb to these radical Truths but rather that they would transform our worship, our living...all of us. How could I not fall face down in worship realizing that He called ME...a wretched, vile, worm of a sinner, simply because He loved me, and that no matter what He will keep me forever. All I can say is "thank you, Jesus".
(1) Because of His love He called me before the foundation of time
(2) He will be faithful to keep me until He brings me home in glory
No matter how many times I have studied the doctrines of grace, or how much I can attest to believing in them, I needed this reminder, and often do. The tendency my pride has to usurp the glory of God and to question His faithfulness is quite frightening. Although I KNOW He is the one who called me from before the foundation of time, do I always behave that way? The answer sadly is no. So often I look to myself for personal holiness and think that I can somehow merit more of His love and favor with more of a righteous and obedient life. Now although holiness and obedience are fruits of salvation, they are only by the grace of God through the sanctifying power of the Spirit within us. God's love for us was not, is not, and never will be conditional; based on some obedience we do or do not possess. That is a powerful Truth to lay hold of. To see and know and live reminded of your calling as a child of God is life changing, humbling, awe-inspiring. The holy God of the universe, from BEFORE time even existed, chose me. Not because I was some super amazingly spiritual individual, not because He saw that one day I would choose Him...no, He chose me simply because He chose to love me. Why me? I have no idea, but the reality of this calling leaves me speechless. The weight of this calling leaves me transformed. The power of this calling leaves me purposed to live for Him. You see the Christian brings nothing to their salvation apart from the sin that was nailed to Christ on the cross as His blood was shed for you and for me. How can we not cast our crowns and rejoice.
Back to the "KNOWING" of these Truths versus the actual living them out: you see, the moment I take my eyes off the cross and start looking at myself I am discouraged. Why? Because wretched I am. Apart from the redeemed nature within me, I am still encased in a fleshly body that has yet to be fully glorified, therefore I still sin, and that is heartbreaking. Untrue thoughts of why would God love me if I keep sinning at times flood my heart and mind. But the reality goes back to the cross, it has NOTHING to do with me. Just as He is the one who did the calling, He is the one who has promised to do the keeping until the end. That means that from before the foundation of time, my name was written, and it will never be removed. The hand that plucked me from the pit of hell is the same hand that will guide me in this life and never let me go. He is the one who will call me into glory and perfect me on that Day. The One who called is the one who will keep me, there is nothing to fear because it is not dependent upon me! Praise God for that Truth.
The more I think about it, the more I am amazed. If you are a child of God you should be too. My prayer is that we, as His beloved, would never become numb to these radical Truths but rather that they would transform our worship, our living...all of us. How could I not fall face down in worship realizing that He called ME...a wretched, vile, worm of a sinner, simply because He loved me, and that no matter what He will keep me forever. All I can say is "thank you, Jesus".
Thursday, June 23, 2011
God's "Good" Gifts
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." -James 1:17
This past weekend Pastor Philip De Courcy (Kindred Community Church) was talking about the goodness of our heavenly Father. I was challenged and encouraged as the Truth was proclaimed from the Word with regards to what His goodness looks like. You see, often we think of "good" or "perfect" from the world's perspective; maybe that means a new career that we've been praying for, a spouse, or an amazingly successful ministry. Each one of these things, good in and of themselves, yes, but maybe not good and perfect for each and every person.
Our heavenly Father is working in our lives with one purpose, our Christlikeness (aka our sanctification). To become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ is not a process that comes without pain, suffering, trial, and tribulation. Without these precious gifts, yes gifts, we cannot become more like Jesus. It is in the darkest moments of our lives, when we truly cling to our Father in heaven, when we see our dependence upon Him for what it truly is, and when we are humbled to the foot of the cross with no where else to turn. How sweet are those times. I know I can look back on my life and see that in those dark moments, God was at work in a way only time would reveal.
When God promises to give His children "GOOD" gifts, he promises just that, gifts that are for our good and of course as a direct result, for His glory. The problem lies within us. In our flesh, we don't see certain "gifts" as being good. We question, wonder, and beg God to bring us to the top of the mountain when we are in the deepest valley. And yet God reminds us in those times to wait, to trust, to hope and to remember that He is working everything, yes even the pain, together for our good. How incredible is that?! Only a Soveriegn God could turn ashes into beauty.
And isn't it true that those valleys prepare us to appreciate the mountain tops? The sweet blessings that come in triumph and happiness are gifts we appreciate so much more once we have experienced the good gifts in trial. We are able to look back and see how those valleys prepared us for the mountain tops.
How truly precious are the GOOD gifts our heavenly Father gives us, no matter in what form or shape they may come.
"How can all things be worked together by God for good? The answer is at hand. It is because God's ultimate purpose is to make us like Christ. His goal is the complete restoration of the image of God in His child! So great a work demands all the resources which God finds throughout the universe, and He ransacks the possibilities of joys and sorrows in order to reproduce in us the character of Jesus." -Sinclair Ferguson
This past weekend Pastor Philip De Courcy (Kindred Community Church) was talking about the goodness of our heavenly Father. I was challenged and encouraged as the Truth was proclaimed from the Word with regards to what His goodness looks like. You see, often we think of "good" or "perfect" from the world's perspective; maybe that means a new career that we've been praying for, a spouse, or an amazingly successful ministry. Each one of these things, good in and of themselves, yes, but maybe not good and perfect for each and every person.
Our heavenly Father is working in our lives with one purpose, our Christlikeness (aka our sanctification). To become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ is not a process that comes without pain, suffering, trial, and tribulation. Without these precious gifts, yes gifts, we cannot become more like Jesus. It is in the darkest moments of our lives, when we truly cling to our Father in heaven, when we see our dependence upon Him for what it truly is, and when we are humbled to the foot of the cross with no where else to turn. How sweet are those times. I know I can look back on my life and see that in those dark moments, God was at work in a way only time would reveal.
When God promises to give His children "GOOD" gifts, he promises just that, gifts that are for our good and of course as a direct result, for His glory. The problem lies within us. In our flesh, we don't see certain "gifts" as being good. We question, wonder, and beg God to bring us to the top of the mountain when we are in the deepest valley. And yet God reminds us in those times to wait, to trust, to hope and to remember that He is working everything, yes even the pain, together for our good. How incredible is that?! Only a Soveriegn God could turn ashes into beauty.
And isn't it true that those valleys prepare us to appreciate the mountain tops? The sweet blessings that come in triumph and happiness are gifts we appreciate so much more once we have experienced the good gifts in trial. We are able to look back and see how those valleys prepared us for the mountain tops.
How truly precious are the GOOD gifts our heavenly Father gives us, no matter in what form or shape they may come.
"How can all things be worked together by God for good? The answer is at hand. It is because God's ultimate purpose is to make us like Christ. His goal is the complete restoration of the image of God in His child! So great a work demands all the resources which God finds throughout the universe, and He ransacks the possibilities of joys and sorrows in order to reproduce in us the character of Jesus." -Sinclair Ferguson
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Rest
"If you look at the world you'll be distressed, if you look within you'll be depressed, but if you look to God you'll be at rest!" -Corrie TenBoom
The reality of Corrie's quote above is powerful. When I think about the changing world around us, both here in our backyard we call America, as well as across the rest of the planet, I see despair. A world that is seeking to be self-sufficient, a world that has taken its eyes of its Maker, a world that is experiencing chaos...and why? Because the eyes of its people are fixed on the wrong thing. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to FIX OUR EYES on the author and perfector of our faith. To fix your eyes on something means that they DO NOT move! I looked up the word fixed in the dictionary and loved this definition, "to become stable OR permanent". Think about that for a moment, to fix your eyes on Jesus PERMANENTLY. How radically would our thoughts, our behavior, our very lives change.
Robert McCheyene said, "For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ". I know that I often struggle with this. I so often tend to look at my performance, at how I am doing as a "Christian" and become discouraged and depressed knowing I am far from perfect despite my being redeemed. It is not God's intention for us to scrutinize our every thought and action, instead He wants us to admit to our sin, repent of it and then LOOK AT HIM. Look at who He is, what He has done and rest in the precious grace and mercy that a child of God has. This brings Him ultimate glory.
May our hearts be refreshed by these truths and may it spur us on to looking PERMANENTLY at Jesus so that we may rest.
"Be still (Cease Striving) and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10
The reality of Corrie's quote above is powerful. When I think about the changing world around us, both here in our backyard we call America, as well as across the rest of the planet, I see despair. A world that is seeking to be self-sufficient, a world that has taken its eyes of its Maker, a world that is experiencing chaos...and why? Because the eyes of its people are fixed on the wrong thing. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to FIX OUR EYES on the author and perfector of our faith. To fix your eyes on something means that they DO NOT move! I looked up the word fixed in the dictionary and loved this definition, "to become stable OR permanent". Think about that for a moment, to fix your eyes on Jesus PERMANENTLY. How radically would our thoughts, our behavior, our very lives change.
Robert McCheyene said, "For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ". I know that I often struggle with this. I so often tend to look at my performance, at how I am doing as a "Christian" and become discouraged and depressed knowing I am far from perfect despite my being redeemed. It is not God's intention for us to scrutinize our every thought and action, instead He wants us to admit to our sin, repent of it and then LOOK AT HIM. Look at who He is, what He has done and rest in the precious grace and mercy that a child of God has. This brings Him ultimate glory.
May our hearts be refreshed by these truths and may it spur us on to looking PERMANENTLY at Jesus so that we may rest.
"Be still (Cease Striving) and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10
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