“…The gravest question before the Church is always God Himself… –Tozer
“A person’s view of God defines them”. We were created as beings made to worship something. Whether a person chooses to worship the one true and living God or a god made of money or false religions, each one pursues something with passion. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we must strive hard to worship God with the glory due His name. Our view of our King is determined by our knowledge of the Holy One.
Gaining an adequate perspective and grasping the nature of who God is required of the Christian passionately pursuing the Lord. In our fleshly nature we tend to mentally draw up an image of a god whom we have created from our own perceptions. Often times our ideas of God are drawn from the beliefs of church leaders, authors, or those we respect. “Without doubt, the mightiest thought the mind can entertain is the thought of God, and the weightiest word in any language is its word for God” (Tozer2). It is crucial that our idea or view of God correspond as closely to reality and truth derived from Scripture as possible. As we continue on in sanctification our view of God will determine much of our growth. Once one establishes a right view of God he or she is able to fully depend on and trust the sovereign God of the universe and live a life that glorifies Him alone.
Triune, divine, omnipresent, self-existent, self-sufficient, eternal, immutable, omniscient, wise, omnipotent, transcendent, faithful, good, just, merciful, grace giving, loving, holy, and sovereign; some of the attributes of the Almighty God we serve. A lifetime could go by and one would never be able to fully take hold and truly comprehend who God is. Yet in our continual growth as believers our study of His character enables us to fall more in love with Him, depend more greatly on Him, and gain the right view of ourselves in regards to who He is. Tozer brilliantly describes each of these attributes in concise yet adequate and scripturally based language that convict and encourages the heart of the believer. “When we say that God is infinite we mean that He knows no bounds. Whatever God is and all that God is, He is without limit” (Tozer 70). In order for us to view God as GOD we must begin our faithful journey of study in regards to the character of who He is, the more you know the more in love with Him you fall.
“To our questions God has provided answers; not all the answers, certainly, but enough to satisfy our intellects and ravish our hearts. These answers He has provided in nature, in Scriptures, and in the person of His Son” (Tozer 22). Studying God is delightful for the one who is thirsty for Him, the believer. As we think more accurately about who God is we come to a realization that we cannot describe this being. It is only by His transformation and grace that we even desire this pursuit. Christians must realize that “an attribute is not a part of God, it is how God is” (Tozer 25). God is who He claims to be throughout Scripture. His character never changes; He never does something to contradict His character or His promises. The sovereign Lord of the universe has always been, continues to be, and will always be; what a comforting thought. We as believers have been given a gift to share…God, “we are left for a season among men; let us faithfully represent Him here” (Tozer 184).
Monday, January 07, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
It is Well..It is Well With My Soul
I remember being ten or eleven and hearing hymns and thinking "how boring". These songs were usually accompanied by very little music and seemed to me to have no beat or rhythm. Looking back on that I realize what naivety I showed. The hymns are chalk full with Scriptural truths and the words pierce the heart. About a year and a half ago I went through a very difficult time in my life in which God taught me more than ever of His faithfulness to those whom He has saved. During that time an old hymn became a prayer of mine on almost a daily basis. The hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" is full of God's promises and humbles the heart as I am reminded of the attitude I should have in all circumstances.
verse 1 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
There will be times in our lives that are full of abundant blessing and good things and times when we are in the pits of despair. But as you fall more in love with your Father in heaven you come to realize that no matter what the circumstance we can find hope and comfort in the God who knows the beginning and the end and who is in control of ALL things.
verse 2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Until we enter into eternity we will be tempted and tried by the enemy. Trials will come and go, but we can rest assure that if we have been saved by the blood of Christ we can look forward to eternal glory and reward and a time when one day Satan can no longer invade our lives.
verse 3 My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Think about that for a moment! Wow! The love of Christ, that He would die for a wretched sinner like me. Every sin was nailed to that cross...PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD O MY SOUL!
verse 4 For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Paul reminds us in Philippians that living and dying means Christ. So no matter what we are with the Lord of Heaven and Earth.
verse 6 But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Looking forward to that blessing coming that we believers so anxiously await...the second coming of Jesus Christ! That should bring rest to our weary hearts and should be the hope that sustains us.
verse 7 And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
This verse is probably my favorite. I cannot wait for this moment. No matter how hard I try to visualize this I will never be able to grasp the grandeur of what it will be like when I get to see my Lord! Oh what a glorious and amazing day that will truly be!!!!
It was through that trial in my life that God taught me that no matter what, good or bad, I can always say it is well with my soul because the King of the Universe has saved me from all that could have destroyed me forever!!! Cling tightly to the eternal hope you have for it is what sustains us through His Word.
verse 1 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
There will be times in our lives that are full of abundant blessing and good things and times when we are in the pits of despair. But as you fall more in love with your Father in heaven you come to realize that no matter what the circumstance we can find hope and comfort in the God who knows the beginning and the end and who is in control of ALL things.
verse 2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Until we enter into eternity we will be tempted and tried by the enemy. Trials will come and go, but we can rest assure that if we have been saved by the blood of Christ we can look forward to eternal glory and reward and a time when one day Satan can no longer invade our lives.
verse 3 My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Think about that for a moment! Wow! The love of Christ, that He would die for a wretched sinner like me. Every sin was nailed to that cross...PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD O MY SOUL!
verse 4 For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Paul reminds us in Philippians that living and dying means Christ. So no matter what we are with the Lord of Heaven and Earth.
verse 6 But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Looking forward to that blessing coming that we believers so anxiously await...the second coming of Jesus Christ! That should bring rest to our weary hearts and should be the hope that sustains us.
verse 7 And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
This verse is probably my favorite. I cannot wait for this moment. No matter how hard I try to visualize this I will never be able to grasp the grandeur of what it will be like when I get to see my Lord! Oh what a glorious and amazing day that will truly be!!!!
It was through that trial in my life that God taught me that no matter what, good or bad, I can always say it is well with my soul because the King of the Universe has saved me from all that could have destroyed me forever!!! Cling tightly to the eternal hope you have for it is what sustains us through His Word.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Finding Joy in God Through Prayer
I am currently reading a book by John Piper titled When I Don't Desire God, How to Fight for Joy. Upon starting the book I was a bit hesitant as I assumed that I found much joy in Christ and didn't need to fight to find it, however as I have come to learn finding joy in Christ is a daily learning process and a battle until the day we die.
Something God has been teaching me lately is the importance of prayer. Throughout my life, pre-salvation and during I have grown in the way I pray but many times my prayers have been repetitive demands with an ungrateful heart. As I continue to study the character of our amazing and awesome God I have begun yearning for constant commune in prayer or talk with Him. Piper dedicates a couple chapters in his book to the power of prayer and some great tips in how to pray. But before we can truly pray we need to understand what prayer is. The Westminster Catechism defines prayer as, "an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies"...or simply put, "an offering up of our desires to God". Prayer therefore reveals the heart. And even deeper what we are praying for reveals our spiritual condition. The desires of our heart reveal what our treasure is and our treasure must be Christ! "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him!"
We must learn to pray for joy and satisfaction in the Lord because we can not get that ourselves. John 14:13 says, "Whatever you ask in my name...this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." The early church knew the vitality of prayer but do we? We must learn as disciples how to truly pray and we will soon find how much joy is found in our fellowship with the God of the universe.
Piper examines the early church and comes up with great tips on how to radically change your prayer life:
1. The early Christians called on God to exalt his name in the world (Matt 6:9)
2. The early Christians called on God to extend his kingdom in the world (Matt 6:10)
3. The early Christians called on God for the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13)
4. The early Christians called on God to save unbelievers (Romans 10:1)
5. The early Christians called on God for healing (Acts 8:7)
6. The early Christians called on God for strategic wisdom (Col 1:9)
7. The early Christians called on God for unity and harmony in the ranks (John 17:20-21)
8. The early Christians called on God to help them know him better (Ephesians 1:17)
9. The early Christians called on God to help them comprehend the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:14,18)
10. The early Christians called on God for a deeper sense of assured hope (Romans 5:2)
11. The early Christians called on God for strength and endurance (Ephesians 3:16)
12. The early Christians called on God for their faith to be preserved (Luke 22:32)
13. The early Christians called on God that they might not fall into temptation (Matt 6:13)
14. The early Christians called on God to complete their resolves and enable them to do good works (2 Thess. 1:11)
15. The early Christians called on God for forgiveness of their sins (Matt 6:12)
16. The early Christians called on God for protection from the evil one (Matt 6:13)
Meditate on God's Word, pray over it in your fight for joy! Incline your ear to wisdom, pray for that desire. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart to His truth. Ask for unity within your heart and mind as you find joy in some areas and lack of trust or sorrow in others. And ask the Lord to satisfy you fully in Him.
May these lines from the hymn of praise by Robinson "Come Thou Fount" be our prayer as well...
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
Find joy in God through your time spent with Him!!
Something God has been teaching me lately is the importance of prayer. Throughout my life, pre-salvation and during I have grown in the way I pray but many times my prayers have been repetitive demands with an ungrateful heart. As I continue to study the character of our amazing and awesome God I have begun yearning for constant commune in prayer or talk with Him. Piper dedicates a couple chapters in his book to the power of prayer and some great tips in how to pray. But before we can truly pray we need to understand what prayer is. The Westminster Catechism defines prayer as, "an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of His mercies"...or simply put, "an offering up of our desires to God". Prayer therefore reveals the heart. And even deeper what we are praying for reveals our spiritual condition. The desires of our heart reveal what our treasure is and our treasure must be Christ! "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him!"
We must learn to pray for joy and satisfaction in the Lord because we can not get that ourselves. John 14:13 says, "Whatever you ask in my name...this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." The early church knew the vitality of prayer but do we? We must learn as disciples how to truly pray and we will soon find how much joy is found in our fellowship with the God of the universe.
Piper examines the early church and comes up with great tips on how to radically change your prayer life:
1. The early Christians called on God to exalt his name in the world (Matt 6:9)
2. The early Christians called on God to extend his kingdom in the world (Matt 6:10)
3. The early Christians called on God for the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13)
4. The early Christians called on God to save unbelievers (Romans 10:1)
5. The early Christians called on God for healing (Acts 8:7)
6. The early Christians called on God for strategic wisdom (Col 1:9)
7. The early Christians called on God for unity and harmony in the ranks (John 17:20-21)
8. The early Christians called on God to help them know him better (Ephesians 1:17)
9. The early Christians called on God to help them comprehend the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:14,18)
10. The early Christians called on God for a deeper sense of assured hope (Romans 5:2)
11. The early Christians called on God for strength and endurance (Ephesians 3:16)
12. The early Christians called on God for their faith to be preserved (Luke 22:32)
13. The early Christians called on God that they might not fall into temptation (Matt 6:13)
14. The early Christians called on God to complete their resolves and enable them to do good works (2 Thess. 1:11)
15. The early Christians called on God for forgiveness of their sins (Matt 6:12)
16. The early Christians called on God for protection from the evil one (Matt 6:13)
Meditate on God's Word, pray over it in your fight for joy! Incline your ear to wisdom, pray for that desire. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart to His truth. Ask for unity within your heart and mind as you find joy in some areas and lack of trust or sorrow in others. And ask the Lord to satisfy you fully in Him.
May these lines from the hymn of praise by Robinson "Come Thou Fount" be our prayer as well...
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
Find joy in God through your time spent with Him!!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Goodbye 2007...Hello 2008
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."
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."
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
